Tag: Hotel (Page 3 of 7)

Emirates Skywards Marks 20-years With Over 27 Million Members

October 12, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

– Loyalty programme’s strong and active global membership has been built on continuous innovation and value-driven initiatives for members

Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, has marked 20 years of excellence, innovation and unmatched rewards. Over the past two decades, the loyalty programme has continued to grow its membership base by offering value and rich, personalised experiences to its members around the world.

The programme has continually invested to diversify its brand partnerships, and utilise innovative digital technology, so that it can offer its members across the globe with more ways to earn and enjoy rewards, conveniently and via new touchpoints.

From a million members in 2005, to 27 million members in 2020

The loyalty programme has 27 million members worldwide, of which, more than 32,000 are founding members who joined the programme in 2000 and are still active. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Emirates Skywards is offering members double Tier Miles on any flight booked by 10 December, for travel until 31 March 2021,* while founding members can earn double Tier Miles and double Skywards Miles on any flight booked by 10 December, for travel until 31 August 2021*

Emirates Skywards members come from more than 180 countries, including: 3.5 million members in the United Kingdom, 2.7 million in the United States, 2 million in Australia, 1.9 million in India, and 1.9 million in the United Arab Emirates.

Offering more flexibility, choice, and ways to earn on the ground

Emirates Skywards has expanded its range of partners over the past 20 years to create new, exciting and exceptional value offerings for its diverse membership base. The loyalty programme currently has nearly 200 partners, including: 16 airline partners; more than 100 hotel partners; 33 financial partners, 22 retail and lifestyle partners, 7 car rental partners.

Earlier this year, the loyalty programme launched skywardsmilesmall.com – introducing over a thousand new ways to earn Miles while shopping online with popular UK and US brands. Expanding its financial partnerships, the loyalty programme has launched the Emirates Skywards Mastercard® in partnership with Barclays – its first Emirates branded credit card in the U.S allowing customers to accumulate even more Skywards Miles on their everyday spend and travel purchases.

‘My Family’ programme, which launched in 2018, has enhanced its features to now accept family members pooling up to 100% of all Skywards Miles earned, not just on Emirates flights – allowing customers to redeem rewards even faster than before.

Members can also earn thousands of Miles with Emirates Skywards Hotels at over 400,000 hotels, in over 900 destinations worldwide – and up to 2,500 bonus Miles per night, when using a co-branded Emirates Skywards credit card for payment.

Emirates Skywards’ introduction of personalised offers integrated within the booking flow is an industry-first loyalty benefit, whereby logged-in members can avail enhanced Cash+Miles redemption rates and discounted Miles Upgrades when booking flights directly on emirates.com and the Emirates app. These exclusive offers are tailored to suit each member’s preference – offering vast opportunities to save on travel costs.

Reassuring members during COVID-19

With continued travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Emirates Skywards is offering its members reassurance and flexibility during this difficult time.

Emirates Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members have had their tier review dates extended to enable an additional 12 months at their current status.

FILE PHOTO: AirAsia crew members pose for a photograph in front of an Airbus A320-200 plane at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia, July 22, 2019. REUTERS/Lim Huey Teng/File Photo

AirAsia Connects Kuching and Langkawi with 3 Weekly Flights

October 1, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

AirAsia will soon connect two of Malaysia’s most popular destinations with the airline commencing three weekly services between scenic Kuching and idyllic Langkawi from 13 November 2020.

All-in-fares for BIG members start as low as RM59* one way and are available for booking at airasia.com and via the AirAsia mobile app.

SNAP (flight+hotel) combos inclusive of return flight and 3 days/2 nights stay at Pelangi Beach Resort Langkawi or Nadias Hotel Cenang are available from RM269** per person, meanwhile, Tune Hotel – Waterfront Kuching or Regatta Suites Kuching are also available from RM219** per person.

Travellers can also book airport transfers, transport services or activities on airasia.com (through the ‘Activities’ tab). From Kuching, enjoy a day trip to Bako National Park, get up close with the orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or learn about Sarawak multi-ethnic culture at the Sarawak Cultural Village. In Langkawi, indulge in a sunset dinner cruise on the Andaman Sea or challenge yourself with some adrenaline-pumping activities such as Zipline, ATV ride or jet ski ride.

For the latest AirAsia news, activities and promotions, follow AirAsia on Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia), Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia) and Instagram (instagram.com/AirAsia).

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Hyatt Announces Opening of Three New U.S. Hotels

October 1, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of three different distinct hotels across the United States. The new properties include the Grand Hyatt Nashville, Hotel Kansas City, part of The Unbound Collection, and the Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia.

The Grand Hyatt Nashville

“Hyatt remains committed to thoughtfully growing our full-service portfolio of brands across the United States,” said Pete Sears, Americas group president, Hyatt. “Hyatt’s purpose of care and our ability to offer guests a customized experience is at the center of these exciting new openings. We believe there is a strong pent-up demand for travel and these new Hyatt hotels are well positioned to offer locally inspired programming, curated experiences and elevated services which our loyal members and guests expect from Hyatt.”

Hotel Kansas City, part of the Unbound Collection

The Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia is a brand new built 332-room upscale lifestyle hotel that includes 22 suites centrally located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia. The hotel features contemporary guest rooms and amenities, with more than 5,000 square feet worth of meeting space, a lobby bar and restaurant with American cuisine, and a grab and go market.

Located in Philadelphia’s desirable Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, the location is steps away from tree-filled parks, outdoor gardens, splendid architecture, upscale dining, boutique shops, and a robust nightlife. Located eight miles from Philadelphia International Airport, Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia connects travelers with popular Philadelphia historical and cultural attractions in the museum district and Independence National Historic Park.

Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia

MGM Resorts Rolls Out Ultimate Work-From-Vegas Package At Bellagio And ARIA

August 7, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

“Viva Las Office” features luxury accommodations, comfortable workspace, resort perks and air travel partnership with JSX

ARIA (pictured here) and Bellagio unveil “Viva Las Office” packages – the ultimate home-away-from-the home office experience to give employees working remotely a change of scenery.

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As millions of employees continue to work from home for the foreseeable future, MGM Resorts International is unveiling a much-needed change of scenery with “Viva Las Office,” the ultimate home-away-from-the-home office experience at Bellagio and ARIA.

With three tiered packages, “Viva Las Office” offers elevated amenities and benefits to fit every working traveler’s needs. Whether looking for a three-, four- or five-night stay, guests can fully maximize their workdays with flexible check-in and check-out times and a dedicated Executive Assistant who will handle all reservations and experiences throughout their stay. And when it is time for a break, visitors can take advantage of a daily food and beverage credit and a discount to activities around the city including helicopter and jeep tours.

Guests who book any of the “Viva Las Office” packages also will receive special access to discounted airfare through JSX, the revolutionary hop-on jet service, providing working travelers with a seamless experience from wheels up to wheels down.

“We understand that working from home every day can become taxing and monotonous, and we are excited to offer a safe and curated experience here at Bellagio and ARIA that combines work and play,” said Atif Rafiq, President of Commercial and Growth for MGM Resorts. “These packages are designed to offer the best of both worlds. A safe, spacious work setting while still allowing guests to enjoy the amenities and experiences Las Vegas is known for through a single offering.”

“Viva Las Office” requires a three-night stay minimum with packages starting at $100 per night, including the following options:

Click the link below to read the full story!

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mgm-resorts-rolls-ultimate-vegas-133000808.html

More Rewards for Qantas Frequent Flyers as Travel Resumes

July 18, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Qantas is making it easier for Frequent Flyers to use their points on domestic and Trans-Tasman flights, as more travellers look closer to home for their next holiday.

For the rest of 2020, Classic Flight Reward seat availability will be increased by up to 50 per cent to the most popular destinations in Australia and New Zealand including Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Queenstown and Auckland (when flights recommence).

To help regular flyers maintain their travel benefits, Qantas Frequent Flyer will also be giving tiered members Silver and above a one-off Status Credits bonus to compensate for reduced flying activity.

The increased availability and status support are part of a raft of initiatives from the loyalty program designed to give members more value from their upcoming holidays and the broader program.

Other program improvements include:

Extra Status Credits: To help our most frequent flyers maintain their benefits throughout travel restrictions, eligible Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One members will automatically receive 50 per cent of the Status Credits they need annually to keep their tier. Members most impacted, such as those whose membership year started at the peak of travel restrictions, will also be eligible for additional monthly Status Credits support. Loyalty Bonus’ for members will now also count towards reaching or retaining Platinum One until 31 December 2021.

Better value on accommodation: The number of points required for Points Plus Pay Qantas Hotels bookings will decrease by 20 per cent effective immediately. For a limited time only members will also receive 5,000 points back when they book a minimum of 3 nights and on selected Qantas Luxury offers earn up to 125 bonus Status Credits when they book before Monday 31 August 2020.

Greater flexibility: To enable members to plan their holidays with more confidence, bookings made using points on Qantas Group flights will have any change or cancellation fees waived until 31 October 2020.

More Points Planes: Qantas Frequent Flyer will launch more Points Planes – exclusive flights for frequent flyer redemptions – to meet the pent-up travel demand of members and boost Australian tourism. Timings and destinations of the flights will be released over the coming months.

Improved digital experience: Qantas Frequent Flyers will soon have a new way to plan their holidays with points. ‘Dream Planner’, launching on 28 July 2020, uses real time data and notifications to keep members informed on reward seat availability and special offers to their preferred destinations.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the changes were good news for members and for tourism.

“Australia is home to world-class destinations and Qantas is making it easier for frequent flyers to visit them,” Mr Joyce said.

“We’re adding more Points Planes and more reward seats to our most popular domestic destinations, because that’s where people will be holidaying for the rest of the year.

“We’re also helping our most loyal flyers maintain their travel benefits by giving them extra Status Credits in recognition of their long-term loyalty.”

Qantas Loyalty CEO, Olivia Wirth said Qantas Frequent Flyer is one of the most attractive loyalty programs in the world because it’s always evolving and innovating to meet the needs of its 13 million members.

“We’ve been listening to our Frequent Flyers closely over the last few months about how they feel about travel, where they want to go and how they want to use their points,” Ms Wirth said.

“What emerged was that despite what’s going on around the world, the notion of the dream trip is well and truly alive, they’re just looking a little closer to home.

“Qantas Frequent Flyers are some of the country’s biggest advocates for travel and this has been reflected in the number of bookings we’re seeing as travel restrictions ease.

“That’s why we’re continuing to invest in making our members’ travel dreams a reality with more choice, better value and greater flexibility.”

Fast facts:

Intention to travel for Frequent Flyers remains high at 90 per cent.
Majority of Qantas Points in the program are earned on the ground, this hasn’t changed.
Qantas Frequent Flyers typically save points over a long period of time for a big dream trip – travel still remains the number one preference to redeem points.
Qantas’ latest nationwide sale shows that Sydney-Brisbane, Melbourne-Sydney, Perth-Broome, Sydney-Cairns, Brisbane-Cairns as the most popular routes.

Why Shares of Sabre Corporation Were Up Monday

June 1, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh joined travel technology leader Sabre to mark the grand opening of its Boston Innovation Lab, the new headquarters for its research and development team, Sabre Labs. From left to right: Andrew Gasparovic, vice president and chief architect, Sabre Labs; Caroline Wester, director of software engineering, Sabre Labs; Sundar Narasimhan, president of Sabre Labs and product strategy; Sean Menke, president and CEO, Sabre; Larry Kellner, chairman of the board, Sabre.

Shares of Sabre (NASDAQ: SABR) rallied along with airline stocks on Monday on hope that travel patterns might slowly be returning to normal. The airlines were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and with them companies that rely on air travel like Sabre, but investors are seeing signs that the worst might finally be over. Sabre, a former American Airlines Group subsidiary that runs airline ticketing and reservation systems, has lost two-thirds of its value in 2020 on a decline in airline business and regulatory issues that blocked a planned acquisition.

Click the link below to read the full story!

https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/06/01/why-shares-of-sabre-are-up-today.aspx

Wynn Las Vegas Announces June 4 Reopening Date

May 28, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Five-Star Resort Returns With Full Array of Luxury Amenities and Industry-Leading Health & Safety Plan

LAS VEGAS, May 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Wynn Las Vegas (Nasdaq: WYNN) announced today a reopening date of Thursday, June 4, under phase two of the Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery plan from Governor Steve Sisolak. As the largest five-star resort in the world, Wynn Las Vegas plans to offer guests a complete Las Vegas experience by opening every amenity and outlet available. Both hotel towers and the casino as well as all restaurants will reopen on June 4, followed by the resort’s newest restaurant, Elio, later in the month. Every effort has been made to present Wynn’s complete luxury experience and provide guests with the peace of mind needed to enjoy a fun and relaxing return.

In preparation, the Company has created a comprehensive new Health & Safety Plan that is now considered the gold standard in the hospitality industry.

“We are ready to provide our guests with a full Las Vegas experience with a collection of luxury amenities and unmatched service,” said Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox. “At the same time, our extensive Health & Safety Plan, validated by the nation’s leading public health experts, will enable a safe environment for our guests. The entire Wynn team is looking forward to welcoming our guests back.”

Wynn will reopen withthe full Las Vegas experience guests expect and deserve, with everything conveniently and safely available under one roof, allowing for the perfect getaway. From lounging by pristine pools to lively late-night betting – and most everything in between – the very best of Wynn’s renowned glamour, excitement, and luxury will be available, including:

Both Wynn and Encore hotel towers
Two 24-hour casinos with a variety of table games and slots as well as the Race & Sports Book
The resort’s full portfolio of fine-dining restaurants, lounges, and casual eateries, several with outdoor seating on open verandas and patios
Expansive resort pools with private cabanas
Wynn’s 18-hole championship golf course
Nightly entertainment at the Lake of Dreams
Three retail esplanades
Full-service beauty salons, barber shop, spa treatments and fitness centers

In addition, several thoughtful new measures in social distancing, touchless technologies, and cleaning protocols have been incorporated throughout the resort in a clear and transparent effort to protect the well-being of all guests. Most notable among the enhancements are:

Non-invasive thermal temperature checks and face coverings provided at all entrances
Automatic hand sanitizer stations, UV Technology, and electrostatic sprayers will be utilized throughout the resort
Sealed guest rooms after meticulous sanitization by Wynn’s professional housekeeping staff
Amenity kits including sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, and face coverings in each guest room
Dedicated team of cleaning professionals sanitizing public guest areas 24 hours a day

Wynn employees are required to wear face coverings at all times, and most importantly, have all been tested for COVID-19 before returning to work.

The Wynn Resorts Health & Safety Plan was created in consultation with leading public health medical professionals from Georgetown and Johns Hopkins Universities in addition to recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the Gaming Control Board (GCB). The full plan can be viewed on www.wynnlasvegas.com.

Layoffs in Corporate Australia & New Zealand as Crisis Deepens

April 16, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

(Reuters) – The coronavirus outbreak has virtually shut down corporate Australia and New Zealand, forcing companies to throw out their strategic plans and resulting in thousands of layoffs or staff suspensions.

Listed companies in both the countries have already laid off or began considering laying off more than 100,000 people, temporarily or permanently, highlighting the toll on livelihoods as virtual shutdowns take hold.

Ultimately, economists forecast the crisis will more than double unemployment to more than 11%, the highest in three decades.

AIRLINES

* Qantas Airways to place 20,000 workers on leave until at least the end of May.

* Virgin Australia to stand down 8,000 employees until the end of May.

* Air New Zealand to lay off nearly a third of its employees, about 3,500, in the coming months, and said that was a “conservative” assumption.

CASINOS

* Star Entertainment Group says 90% of its workforce, or 9,000 people, will be placed on leave due to mandated casino closures.

* Crown Resorts Ltd stood down about 95% or more than 11,500 of its employees on a full or temporary basis as gaming and other non-essential services at its resorts in Melbourne and Perth were suspended.

* SkyCity Entertainment Group has laid off or furloughed at least 1,100 of its staff across Australia and New Zealand.

RETAIL

* Department store operator Myer Holdings will temporarily lay off 10,000 of its staff without pay.

* Kathmandu Holdings Ltd, the outdoor apparel retailer that owns Rip Curl, said most of its global stores were closed and almost all its staff in Australia will be stood down for four weeks without pay. It has around 4,000 employees globally.

* Home ware retailer Smiths City Group Ltd stands down almost all of its 465 employees on 80% of their salary.

* Retail Food Group will stand down or reduce the working hours of the majority of its 500 employees.

* Premier Investments, owner of Smiggle, Just Jeans and chains, is standing down 9,000 employees, most without pay

* Jeweller Michael Hill International is putting staff on leave in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The company employs about 2,500.

* Fashion retailer Mosaic Brands is standing down 6,800 due to store closures.

* Footwear retailer Accent Group stands down all its retail employees and most support staff for four weeks without pay. The company reportedly employs 5,700.

HOSPITALITY

* Pub and hotel operator Redcape Hotel Group will cut most permanent staff. It employs 800.

* ALH Group, the pubs and hotels group majority-owned by Woolworths, will stand down about 8,000 staff.

TRAVEL AGENTS

* Flight Centre is cutting or putting on leave a third of its 20,000 staff.

* Helloworld Travel lays off 275 people and temporarily stands two-thirds of its 1,800 workforce until the end of May.

HEALTH AND EXERCISE

* Viva Leisure lays off more than 90% of its 2,200 workforce.

* Dental group Abano Healthcare will stand down majority of its 2,300 employees at its operations in Australia and New Zealand.

HIRING:

On the other hand, some companies are hiring under the new circumstances.

* Australia’s biggest supermarket chain Woolworths to hire 20,000 in the next month. Some of the new hires will be those re-deployed from its the pubs and hotels business, ALH Group. Woolworths also plans to offer short-term roles to 5,000 Qantas employees put on leave.

* Coles has added 7,000 people to its ranks, and said it plans to hire another 5,000 to meet increasing demand at its supermarkets and liquor stores.

* Australia’s biggest telecom company Telstra will freeze a 6,000-employee cull and hire 1,000 due to growing volumes at call centres.

* BHP Group, the world’s biggest miner, says it will hire 1,500 temporary workers, some to be offered permanent roles after six months.

(Reporting by Nikhil Kurian Nainan and Anushka Trivedi in Bengaluru; Editing by Byron Kaye, Shounak Dasgupta and Sherry Jacob-Phillips)

Wynn Resorts Extends Benefits for All North American Employees

April 2, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

I always love to read stories about the generosity of great corporations. Especially during times when self-centered politicians love to bash them so that they can profit from the potential graft a pending victory can bring. -WB

PRNewswire/ — Wynn Resorts (Nasdaq: WYNN), the world’s leading resort company based in Las Vegas, Nevada, announced today that the Company will extend paying all salaried, hourly and part-time employees through May 15, for a total of 60 days of payroll continuance. The Company decided to take this action as part of its shared responsibility for the health and safety of its employees, their families and the Las Vegas and Greater Boston communities during this pandemic.

Payroll coverage will include more than 15,000 current Wynn and Encore employees. For tipped employees, it includes the average tip compliance rate or distributed tips/tokes since the beginning of the year.

“It is our shared responsibility to follow the direction of health and safety professionals to stay home, and limit social contact,” said Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox. “We owe it to each other, our families and to our community.”

For more information on Wynn’s health and safety measures, please visit www.WynnInfo.com.

The Encore Boston Harbor Casino in Everett seen from Somerville. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Wynn Resorts to Temporarily Close Wynn Las Vegas

March 15, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

LAS VEGAS (March 15, 2020)– Wynn Resorts has decided to temporarily close Wynn Las Vegas and Encore as part of its continuing effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

The Company has committed to pay all full-time Wynn and Encore employees during the closure.

The closure will be effective Tuesday, March 17 at 6 pm and is expected to be in effect for two weeks, after which time the Company will evaluate the situation. A limited number of employees and management will remain at the resort to secure and maintain the facility. For additional information and updates, please visit www.wynninfo.com.

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