European visitors to GCC to increase 17% by 2020

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  • 6 million EU residents will travel to the GCC over next three years
  • Additional routes, low airfares and increasing mid-market hotels driving growth
  • ATM participants interested in doing business with Europe increased 147% between 2016 and 2017
Arrivals from Europe to the GCC will increase 17% over the period 2018 to 2020, driven by extra flights, routes, competitive fares, and the rising number of mid-market hotels throughout the region, according to the latest data published ahead of Arabian Travel Market 2018, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 22-25. According to Arabian Travel Market’s research partner, Colliers International, as many as 24.6 million EU residents will travel to the GCC between now and 2020, an additional four million travellers when compared to figures for 2015 – 2017. The UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to be the preferred GCC destinations for European visitors, together they are on track to welcome 81% of the projected business and leisure travellers. The UAE is expected to receive 14.5 million, Saudi Arabia 5.4 million, Oman 2.21 million, Bahrain 1.72 million and Kuwait 738,000, by 2020. Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM, said: “Historically, Europe and the GCC have enjoyed excellent travel and tourism links. Building on this, over the next three years, EU arrivals to the GCC will increase and we will see this in both the leisure and business segments. “While European tourists have previously travelled to the GCC for its luxury resorts, the growing numbers of millennial travelers, middle-class tourists and corporate travellers on a budget, are slowly changing traditional market trends, as is the growth in affordable, mid-market hotels combined with an increase in low-cost flights.” Besides Emirates’ new route to Stansted airport in the UK, flydubai is scheduled to start flying to Krakow in Poland this month, further extending the carrier’s Eastern and Central European network, to 24 destinations, including Belgrade, Bratislava, Bucharest, Prague, Skopje, Sarajevo and Sofia. Furthermore, GCC hotel developers have turned their attention to quality mid-market properties with Dubai and Riyadh now home to a collection of four-star hotels flagged by names such as Aloft, Centro and Studio M. This growth will continue with a 19.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast in four-star development between 2018 and 2020. In terms of the outbound market potential, this year ATM welcomes more than 100 European exhibitors to the show, with names such as Atout France, Hard Rock Hotel London, the Slovenian Tourist Board, Tourist Office of Spain, Austrian National Tourist Office and Czech Tourism Authority participating. Figures from ATM 2017 show the number of delegates, exhibitors and attendees interested in doing business with Europe increased by 147% between the 2017 edition and the previous year, with the number of delegates arriving from Europe, up by 8%. Colliers data indicates GCC travel to Europe will grow 36% over the next three years, with a forecasted 8.5 million GCC residents projected to visit Europe. While part of this growth can be attributed to the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s large expatriate populations, GCC nationals are no strangers to European destinations, its culture, history, as well as its retail and luxury hospitality offerings. Press added: “Travel to Europe will continue to be dominated by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which together will account for 93% of GCC arrivals to the continent. Germany, Italy, the UK, Austria and Switzerland have historically been the top European destinations for GCC nationals to visit. “In the UK, the Brexit announcement has weakened the British Pound providing an additional incentive for Gulf tourists, while travel to Switzerland is dominated by GCC residents’ growing interest in medical tourism aided by the relaxation of tourist visa requirements.” Looking further ahead, ATM 2018 will examine the impact of Brexit on the relationship between the UK and GCC during the Global Stage panel debate Going Solo. The discussion will attempt to address the many unanswered questions about inbound and outbound tourism in a post Brexit-Britain, specifically covering potential changes to aviation rules and other regulatory and economic challenges that could occur. About Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2017 attracted almost 40,000 industry professionals, agreeing deals worth US$2.5bn over the four days. The 24th edition of ATM showcased over 2,500 exhibiting companies across 12 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre, making it the largest ATM in its 24-year history. Arabian Travel Market now in it’s 25th year will take place from Sunday, 22nd April – Wednesday, 25th April 2018  www.arabiantravelmarketwtm

Wyndham Strengthens Trademark’s U.S. Footprint with Latest Additions

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Raising the sought-after Trademark Hotel Collection flag at nine new U.S. destinations, hospitality giant Wyndham Hotel Group is ushering in more of its soft brand’s unique hospitality flair coast to coast. The latest additions in New York City, California, Ohio, Utah, Louisiana, Nebraska and Vermont more than double the brand’s U.S. portfolio to 15 hotels and more than 2,000 rooms. Launched last year, Trademark is a collection of upper-midscale-and-above hotels with fiercely independent spirit and individuality. It’s the first soft brand geared to independent hoteliers with landmark three- and four-star hotels designed for everyday travelers seeking unique accommodations. Globally, nearly 70 hotels currently don the Trademark banner. “Trademark offers entrepreneurial hoteliers a unique opportunity to tap into a hospitality mega-network without sacrificing their hotels’ distinct character and authenticity, which draws travelers through their doors,” said Chip Ohlsson, executive vice president and Chief Development Officer, North America. “The surge of owners joining the Trademark family is testament to their desire to be part of something greater, as well as to Wyndham’s steadfast commitment and track record of delivering for its owners.” Demand for soft-branded hotels continues gaining momentum in 2018. According to STR, last year’s soft branded occupancies topped 66 to 70 percent – the highest in occupancies – compared to 62 to 67 percent for hard brands and 63 percent for independent properties. The newest Trademark additions offer everything from downtown city escapes to mountain adventures, while delivering authentic experiences at affordable price points. Ravel Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Long Island City, N.Y.: Guests discover the chic side of New York City’s Queens borough at this 113-room hotel featuring a variety of al fresco experiences. Ravel’s Penthouse 808, an eclectic indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant and lounge, features Hawaiian- and Asian-inspired fare from executive Chef Seth Levine and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Additionally, guests can sip on 15 draught beers and imaginative cocktails at the hotel’s elevated beer garden sprawled across a welcoming green lawn, as well as take a dip in its Profundo pool club, opening in May 2018. Lions Gate Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Sacramento, Cali.: Adorned with aero-inspired décor reflective of nearby McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, Lions Gate Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel, sits in the heart of McClellan Park. History meets luxury at this 112-room hotel with easy access to Old Sacramento, a 28-acre National Historic Landmark District, featuring museums, railroad excursions and Sacramento River boat tours. Mulberry Life Inn & Suites, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Moreno Valley, Cali.: Soon to be “Xola, A Trademark Collection Hotel,” this 140-room boutique hotel in California’s Moreno Valley integrates wellness into every guest touchpoint – like soothing eucalyptus bed linens and allergen-free plush pillows. Aksarben Suites, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Omaha, Neb.: Boasting Omaha’s most beautiful sunlit-atrium, the 186 all-suite boutique hotel flexes to host special events or business meetings up to 150 people. Visitors can explore the unique shops, galleries and restaurants of Omaha’s Old Market district and sports fans can catch a University of Omaha team playing at TD Ameritrade Park of Baxter Arena. Quail Hollow Resort, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Painesville, Ohio: Guests at this Ohio gem enjoy easy access to two championship golf courses, Ohio’s growing wine region and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland. The resort’s 21 versatile meeting rooms can host up to 80 conference guests or 350 banquet guests. The Bertram Inn & Conference Center, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Aurora, Ohio: Accommodating up to 1,500 guests for special events, this long-standing Ohio destination is Aurora’s go-to hotel for guests hosting big occasions or simply enjoying the state’s charming countryside. Zermatt Utah, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Midway, Utah: Guests breathe in pure-mountain air at this inviting village resort near Park City, Utah, featuring traditional, Swiss-style architecture and décor, 308 rooms and a multitude of recreational activities. This mountain oasis is near the area’s top attractions including Utah Olympic Park, Park City ski slopes and blue-ribbon fly fishing. Richmond Inn & Suites, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Close to downtown Baton Rouge and just an hour from New Orleans, Richmond Inn & Suites, this all-suite hotel is a prime location for business travelers seeking quick commutes. Designed for extended stay travelers, its 145-spacious suites feature separate living areas, fully-equipped kitchens and complimentary WiFi. A Trademark Collection Hotel in Burlington, Vermont: Formerly the Italian Bove Restaurant on Pearl Street in Burlington, Vermont, the 70-year, family run business will be transformed into a 76-room Trademark hotel. Owned by Rick Bove Jr., the hotel is planning to open in 2019. Trademark hotels participate in Wyndham Rewards®, the simple-to-use, revolutionary loyalty program from Wyndham Hotel Group. Named a best hotel rewards program for the past three consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report, Wyndham Rewards offers members a generous points earning structure along with a flat, free night redemption rate—the first of its kind for a major rewards program. Learn more at www.wyndhamrewards.com. About The Trademark Hotel Collection Part of Wyndham Hotel Group, The Trademark Hotel Collection® is a portfolio of  nearly 70 upper-midscale-and-above hotels across the U.S. and Europe, each with fiercely independent spirit and individuality. Launched in 2017, Trademark is the first soft brand geared to three- and four-star independent hotel owners and is designed for travelers seeking distinctive accommodations, yet lacking the budget for today’s existing luxury soft-branded offerings. Reservations and information are available by visiting www.wyndhamhotels.com/trademark. About Wyndham Hotel Group Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company based on number of hotels, is one of three hospitality business units of Wyndham Worldwide. Driving the democratization of travel, Wyndham Hotel Group is elevating the experience of the everyday traveler.  As both a leading hotel brand franchisor and hotel management services provider, the company’s global network consists of approximately 8,400 hotels and over 728,200 rooms in 80 countries under the following brands: The Trademark Hotel Collection®, Dolce Hotels and Resorts®, Wyndham Grand®, Dazzler® Hotels, Esplendor® Boutique Hotels, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Wyndham Garden® Hotels, TRYP by Wyndham®, Wingate by Wyndham®,Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham®, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham®, Ramada®, Baymont Inn & Suites®, Days Inn®, Super 8®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge®, Knights Inn® and AmericInn®. The Wyndham Rewards® program, named a best hotel rewards program for the past three years by U.S. News and World Report, offers 55 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at more than 30,000 hotels, condos and homes globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.

Most Popular International Destinations in Every State

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A new report from InsureMyTrip ranks the most popular international destinations state by state.  The data shows twenty-six states favor trips to the Caribbean, while other states prefer visiting the United KingdomMexico or Italy. Results are based on all travel insurance purchases for international trips booked in 2017. Summary:
  • Caribbean islands (like Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, St. LuciaAntigua and St. Maarten) dominate the rankings in over half of US states.
  • New YorkVermontMaine and Connecticut report the highest percentage of trips to Italy.
  • Travel insurance customers from Hawaii pick Japan as a favorite destination.
  • Exotic destinations like Thailand and Israel gain popularity.
The list shows the top five international destinations state by state.
US STATE #1 #2 #3 #4 #5
Alabama The Caribbean Mexico United Kingdom Bahamas Italy
Alaska United Kingdom Mexico Canada Thailand Germany
Arizona Mexico United Kingdom Italy The Caribbean Canada
Arkansas The Caribbean Mexico United Kingdom Italy France
California Mexico Italy United Kingdom France Canada
Colorado Mexico United Kingdom Italy The Caribbean France
Connecticut Italy The Caribbean United Kingdom Mexico France
District of Columbia United Kingdom Italy France Mexico Spain
Delaware The Caribbean United Kingdom Spain Mexico Bermuda
Florida The Caribbean Italy United Kingdom Mexico Spain
Georgia The Caribbean Mexico Italy United Kingdom Bahamas
Hawaii Japan Canada United Kingdom Australia Italy
Idaho Mexico United Kingdom The Caribbean France Spain
Illinois The Caribbean Mexico Italy United Kingdom France
Indiana The Caribbean Mexico United Kingdom Italy Bahamas
Iowa Mexico The Caribbean United Kingdom Italy Bahamas
Kansas Mexico The Caribbean United Kingdom France Germany
Kentucky The Caribbean Mexico United Kingdom Italy Bahamas
Louisiana The Caribbean Mexico United Kingdom Italy France
Maine Italy The Caribbean United Kingdom Mexico France
Maryland The Caribbean United Kingdom Italy Bahamas Mexico
Massachusetts United Kingdom The Caribbean Italy Mexico France
Michigan The Caribbean Mexico Italy United Kingdom Spain
Minnesota Mexico Italy The Caribbean United Kingdom Germany
Mississippi The Caribbean Mexico United Kingdom Canada Italy
Missouri The Caribbean Mexico Italy United Kingdom France
Montana United Kingdom Mexico Italy Australia France
Nebraska Mexico The Caribbean Italy United Kingdom Bahamas
Nevada Mexico The Caribbean United Kingdom Italy Canada
New Hampshire The Caribbean United Kingdom Italy Mexico France
New Jersey The Caribbean Italy Mexico United Kingdom Israel
New Mexico Mexico United Kingdom Italy Canada Spain
New York Italy The Caribbean Mexico Israel United Kingdom
North Carolina The Caribbean Italy United Kingdom Mexico Bahamas
North Dakota The Caribbean United Kingdom Italy Canada Australia
Ohio The Caribbean Mexico Italy United Kingdom Bahamas
Oklahoma The Caribbean Mexico United Kingdom Italy Canada
Oregon Mexico United Kingdom Italy France Spain
Pennsylvania The Caribbean Italy Mexico United Kingdom Bahamas
Rhode Island The Caribbean Italy United Kingdom Mexico Ireland
South Carolina The Caribbean Bahamas Italy Mexico United Kingdom
South Dakota Mexico The Caribbean Italy United Kingdom Canada
Tennessee The Caribbean Mexico Bahamas United Kingdom Italy
Texas Mexico The Caribbean Italy United Kingdom France
Utah Mexico The Caribbean United Kingdom France Italy
Vermont Italy United Kingdom France Mexico The Caribbean
Virginia The Caribbean United Kingdom Italy Mexico Bahamas
Washington Mexico United Kingdom Italy Canada France
West Virginia The Caribbean Bahamas United Kingdom Ireland Mexico
Wisconsin The Caribbean Mexico Italy Germany United Kingdom
Wyoming Mexico Italy Canada The Caribbean Israel
Data source: All InsureMyTrip travel insurance purchases in 2017 for trips outside the US. Travel Insurance for International Trips According to InsureMyTrip, 70 percent of customers choose a comprehensive travel insurance policy for trips abroad. This policy provides a variety of benefits including medical coverage, emergency travel services, baggage protection, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. To schedule an interview with an expert or to request specific research data, please contact news@insuremytrip.com. About InsureMyTrip It’s simple. InsureMyTrip finds you the right travel insurance plan, every time. InsureMyTrip is the authority on travel insurance. We are committed to empowering travelers to make the best possible insurance decisions by leveraging our technology, data intelligence, and expertise. SOURCE InsureMyTrip

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Etihad Airways Partners with CultureSummit Abu Dhabi 2018

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Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced that it will be the official airline partner of CultureSummit Abu Dhabi 2018.
The unique cultural event brings together global leaders from the fields of arts, media, public policy and technology to discuss the role of culture in building bridges and promoting positive change in society.  It will be held in Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat from April 8 – 12. CultureSummit Abu Dhabi Steering Committee member HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), said: “As the world’s first high-level summit of leaders across the arts, technology and policy, convening figures from every corner of the world is no small feat. It wouldn’t be possible without the support and global reach of Etihad Airways, which in this case truly lives up to its mission of ‘Bringing the World Together.'” Mohammad Al Bulooki, Executive Vice President Commercial, Etihad Airways, said: “With the recent opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi, in addition to a number of major events held throughout the year, Abu Dhabi is quickly establishing itself as a vibrant hub for the arts and culture. The CultureSummit Abu Dhabi 2018, which is set to welcome approximately 500 participants from 80 countries, is a unique opportunity to showcase Abu Dhabi to the world, and Etihad Airways is honoured to play a role in bringing the world together for this inspiring event.” The theme for the CultureSummit Abu Dhabi 2018 is “Unexpected Collaborations: Forging New Connections Between Heritage and Innovation, Near and Far, Creativity and Purpose.” The programme will consist of workshops, presentations, and performances by leading industry and culture figures from the UAE and across the globe.

US dollar slides amid escalating trade tensions

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The US dollar index fell against most other major currencies as escalating trade tensions between China and the US weighed on the market, amid weaker-than-expected March jobs report. In late New York trading on Friday, the euro rose to $1.2285 from $1.2236 in the previous session, and the British pound increased to $1.4085 from $1.4001 in the previous session, Xinhua news agency reported. The Australian dollar was down to $0.7670 from $0.7682. The US dollar bought 106.87 Japanese yen, lower than 107.44 Japanese yen of the previous session. The US dollar fell to 0.9587 Swiss franc from 0.9635 Swiss franc, and it climbed to 1.2778 Canadian dollars from 1.2761 Canadian dollars. US President Donald Trump had threatened to slap tariffs on $100 billion of imports from China, ratcheting up trade tensions and plunging economic growth into uncertainty. China will fight “at any cost” and take “comprehensive countermeasures” if the US continues its unilateral, protectionist practices, a spokesperson with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Friday. The moves came after both sides earlier this week unveiled a list of products worth $50 billion imported from the other side that will be subject to higher tariffs. The disappointing nonfarm jobs report also dented investor sentiment. US total nonfarm payroll employment edged up by 103,000 in March, way below market consensus of an increase of 193,000 jobs, the US Labor Department said on Friday. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1 per cent in March. “Given the Fed’s fear of the Phillip’s curve, March’s modest employment growth is likely to be hailed as good news among the denizens of the Eccles building after February’s outsized gain. Yields are down about 3bp along the entire curve, suggesting the traders are considering the possibility of both a slower pace of tightening and a lower cycle high for fed funds,” said Chris Low, chief economist at FTN Financial. Investors also paid close attention to the latest speech of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who said on Friday that the central bank will likely need to keep raising interest rates to keep inflation under control. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major peers, decreased 0.39 per cent at 90.106 in late trading.

Hellmann’s Makes Ketchup History by Introducing New Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup in the U.S.

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Today, in celebration of National Tomato Day, Hellmann’s is making ketchup history by launching its first ketchup ever available to retailers nationwide, Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup Sweetened only with Honey. Hellmann’s, America’s favorite* mayonnaise brand, believes that real, simple ingredients are all you need to make delicious food, which is why Hellmann’s is thrilled to offer its new ketchup made with only six ingredients. Hellmann’s has reimagined the way ketchup is made by asking what should be in ketchup, and what should not. The result is unsurprisingly simple, a recipe that calls for only six ingredients – tomato puree, honey instead of high fructose corn syrup, white wine vinegar, spices, onion powder and salt. New Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup has no artificial ingredients or preservatives and uses non-GMO sourced ingredients. The result is a rich and flavorful ketchup, that doesn’t compromise on taste. “Over time, food has continued to evolve and it’s time for ketchup to evolve too,” says Russel Lilly, Marketing Director of Hellmann’s. “We saw this as an opportunity to elevate an American staple by stripping it down to only the most essential ingredients. We’re giving people a choice when it comes to feeding themselves and their families with a brand they know and trust.” Free Ketchup (and frites) Today Only! To celebrate National Tomato Day, Hellmann’s is teaming-up with Pommes Frites, a New York City authentic Belgian fry shop, to offer fans a first taste of the new Hellmann’s Ketchup. Today, April 6, from 12pm – 3pm, Pommes Frites will give away free orders of frites paired with Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup Sweetened only with Honey while supplies last. Enjoy free frites on Hellmann’s today! Grab A Bottle Today Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup Sweetened only with Honey will be available at retailers nationwide in the condiment aisle. It’s available in 14 oz., 20 oz. and 32 oz. bottles; and it will be at retail west of the Rocky Mountains as Best Foods. For more information, recipes and tips, visit www.Hellmanns.com or www.BestFoods.com.

NEW OCEAN RESORT CASINO IN ATLANTIC CITY TO JOIN THE UNBOUND COLLECTION BY HYATT BRAND

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CHICAGO (April 2, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and AC Ocean Walk today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with AC Ocean Walk for the 1,399-room Ocean Resort Casino located at 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J. The $3 billion landmark property, which was recently acquired by AC Ocean Walk, will join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, Hyatt’s growing collection of unique and independent stay experiences. The resort will be situated on 20 acres on the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk, and at 710 feet and 60 stories tall, will be the tallest structure in Atlantic City. It is expected to open in summer 2018 and will be operated by AC Ocean Walk. “We are excited to be affiliating Ocean Resort Casino with The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, and to be introducing Hyatt to Atlantic City, one of the nation’s most visited resort and casino destinations,” said David Tarr, senior vice president of development, Americas, Hyatt. “AC Ocean Walk’s spectacular resort will establish a new standard on Atlantic City’s storied Boardwalk, making it a fitting addition to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio.” Ocean Resort Casino will be the eighth hotel in North America to open as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio, which launched in 2016, joining the recently opened Holston House Nashville in Nashville, Tenn., The Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia, and Spirit Ridge in Osoyoos, British Columbia. The Eliza Jane in New Orleans is expected to join the portfolio, when it opens this spring. In addition, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt properties include The Driskill in Austin, Texas, Royal Palms Resort & Spa in Phoenix, The Confidante in Miami Beach, Fla., Hotel du Louvre in Paris, and Carmelo Resort & Spa in Uruguay. Whether it is a captivating past, an exclusive, prime location, famous architecture and design or an award-winning dining experience, each property in the collection maintains a distinct character and the freedom to be unique, while still providing guests with the opportunity to earn World of Hyatt points and redeem for free night awards and access to many other benefits at Hyatt locations worldwide. “It is an honor for us to join forces with one of the world’s most renowned hotel brands: Hyatt. Hyatt has an incredible 60-plus-year legacy in the industry, and its loyal global customer base will have access to an authentic way to experience all that makes Atlantic City attractive and popular. We are thrilled and proud to be joining The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio as we prepare for the resort’s opening this summer,” said Bruce Deifik, chairman of AC Ocean Walk. The expansive 6.4 million-square-foot luxury resort will feature a 138,000-square-foot luxury casino, 160,000 square feet of indoor meeting and convention space with another 90,000 square feet of flexible outdoor special event space, five swimming pools, including a salt-water pool, a sun deck with cabanas, and distinctive dining from premiere restaurant groups Garces Group and LDV Hospitality and entertainment experiences that will feature lively day and nightclubs and a best-in-class sports bar. The resort will include a 32,000-square-foot onsite location of exhale, Hyatt’s newly acquired fitness and spa brand, which will feature 32 treatment rooms, a mind body studio and retail boutique. The new spa will be the first exhale experience to open within a Hyatt-branded property. “Now, guests of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand can easily maintain their commitment to mind and body transformation without leaving the resort,” said Marc Ellin, global head of Miraval Group and exhale enterprises. “We’re excited to grow exhale locations with the opening of Ocean Resort Casino, as well as continuing wellbeing programming and services in new ways.” Ocean Resort Casino was purchased by AC Ocean Walk in January 2018, and has started an extensive hiring program which is expected to bring 2,500-3,000 new jobs to Atlantic City. “The unique value Ocean Resort Casino brings to Atlantic City is the overall attention to detail and investment made in its design, fixtures and features, which will be optimized as we develop the overall guest experience,” said Deifik. “The resort’s prime location on Atlantic City’s famed boardwalk will offer guests the best of this vibrant destination.” Recently, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand announced a new hotel development in Hollywood, Calif., slated to open in 2019, and that the iconic Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez in Cannes, France will re-open in spring 2018 under the brand as Hotel Martinez. For more information, visit www.theoceanac.com and unboundcollection.hyatt.com. The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. The Unbound Collection by Hyatt The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand is a portfolio of new and existing upper-upscale and luxury hotel properties, ranging from historic urban gems to contemporary trend-setters, boutique properties to resorts, and private home accommodations. Whether it is a fascinating past, an exclusive location, famous architecture and design, or an award-winning dining experience, the properties in the collection provide guests with “social currency” and allow them the freedom to be unique. Current hotel properties include The Driskill in Austin, Texas, The Royal Palms Resort & Spa in Phoenix, The Confidante in Miami Beach, Fla., The Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia, Holston House in Nashville, Tenn., Spirit Ridge in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Hotel du Louvre in Paris (under renovation) and Carmelo Resort & Spa in Uruguay. For more information, please visit unboundcollection.hyatt.com. Follow @UnboundxHyatt on Facebook and Instagram. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 14 premier brands. As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s portfolio included more than 700 properties in more than 50 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top colleagues, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Andaz®, Hyatt Centric®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Hyatt Residence Club® and exhale® brand names. For more information about Hyatt Hotels Corporation, please visit www.hyatt.com. About Integrated Properties AC Ocean Walk is owned and managed by Integrated properties, a Denver-based commercial and real estate development company, formed by Bruce and Nancy Deifik in 1990. The company manages assets, property, leasing and disposition of the commercial property portfolio of Deifik and his investment partners. Since its inception, the company has acquired more than 103 commercial properties including mixed-use, office, retail, hotel/casino, apartment and warehouses in California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada and Texas. The company’s real estate portfolio encompasses more than 8.5 million square feet and specializes in urban mixed-use development. About exhale Exhale, a leading wellbeing brand, revolutionized the spa + fitness industry in 2003 with a unique business model that addresses both mind and body through spa + fitness. Dedicated to transformation, mindfulness and healing, exhale has 25 locations in the U.S. + Caribbean offering dozens of proprietary boutique fitness class programs and award-winning healing + spa therapies. For more information, please visit www.exhalespa.com. Forward-Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely,” “will,” “would” and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable when made, are inherently uncertain, and are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Hyatt’s control, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date of their initial publication and neither party undertakes an obligation to publicly update any of these forward looking statements as actual events unfold, except to the extent required by applicable law. If one or more forward-looking statements is updated, no inference should be drawn that any additional updates will be made with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. Jorian Weiner Hyatt (312) 780-3004 jorian.weiner@hyatt.com Rachel Wilkinson The Rogich Communications Group for AC Ocean Walk (702) 796-1773 rachel@lasvegaspr.com

Emirates brings the flavours of Chile to the Dubai World Cup

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Dubai, UAE – 2 April 2018 – Emirates, the Title Sponsor of the US$10 million Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest day in racing, entertained guests off the track at the airline’s hospitality suite located in the Meydan Grandstand.

Celebrating the airline’s upcoming launch to Santiago de Chile– the suite brought to life all of the country’s best-known elements including its historic beauty, local charm and delectable foods. Inspiring guests to get a glimpse of Chile’s food culture, Emirates’ hospitality offered a taste of the country’s distinct regions through a selection of live food stations showcasing some popular Chilean culinary delights.

Emirates will start a five times a week service from Dubai to Santiago de Chile, via Sao Paulo from 5 July 2018.

DUAL WIN FOR SWISS-BELHOTEL SEEF AT BAHRAIN 2018 FOOD & TRAVEL AWARDS

Bahrain – Swiss-Belhotel Seef was voted the winner of the ‘Best 4-Star Hotel’ and the ‘Best Hotel of the Year’ titles at the prestigious Bahrain 2018 Food & Travel Awards held in the Kingdom last week. The award celebrates excellence in Bahrain’s hospitality industry and is only given to establishments that consistently deliver outstanding quality.

Congratulating the team, Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “Swiss-Belhotel Seef is one of our flagship hotels in the region that has established a fabulous reputation in Bahrain in terms of its distinctive service standards and high quality of product. We are thrilled to receive these awards that are considered a benchmark of excellence. There is nothing more gratifying than to see guests appreciate our product and service. I take this opportunity to congratulate all our team whose passion and hard work has contributed to this exceptional success.”

Competing with leading hotels in the country, Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain’s recognition came on the strength of various factors including product excellence and high quality of service, management, food, atmosphere and customer care all of which translate into excellent value for money.

Herve Peyre, General Manager, Swiss-Belhotel Seef and Area General Manager, Bahrain, said, “To be recognized as the ‘Best 4-Star Hotel’ for the third consecutive year as well as receive the coveted trophy of the ‘Best Hotel of the Year’ is a great honour. We are extremely proud of this achievement and attribute it to the hard work and dedication of our team who have been tirelessly delivering the most memorable experiences and excellent value to our guests at every step of their journey. Awards such as these motivate us to do better and we are truly grateful to both the organizers as well as our guests who have recognized and appreciated our efforts”.

Located in Bahrain’s central business and commercial district only 20 minutes’ drive from Bahrain International Airport, Swiss-Belhotel Seef provides guests with superior facilities and standards of service. The 28-storeys tall hotel boasts a superb choice of 144 contemporary and spacious guestrooms and suites offering breath-taking sea and city views. The hotel is fully equipped to meet the needs of modern business and leisure travellers with an array of facilities and unique features including specialty dining venues, extensive banquet and conference facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology, a fabulous fitness centre as well as outdoor swimming pool and spa.

For further information visit http://www.swiss-belhotel.com