US dollar slides amid escalating trade tensions

0
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.

0
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

0
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

0

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

SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL MAKES TRAVEL MORE REWARDING FOR SINGAPORE AIRLINESKRISFLYER MEMBERS

0

HONG KONG – Swiss-Belhotel International, the award-winning global hotel chain and hospitality management group, will offer Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles to members who stay at the brand’s hotels, resorts and serviced residences around the world.

Swiss-Belhotel International hotel guests can Stay Happy & Fly Further, earning one KrisFlyer mile for every US Dollar spent during their stay at participating Swiss-Belhotel International hotels.

In addition to KrisFlyer miles earned when booking a stay, the more guests enjoy the restaurant, spa, bar or other hotel services, the more KrisFlyer miles they accrue.

Singapore Airlines flies to more than 60 countries and territories around the world, including many Swiss-Belhotel destinations. Members can accumulate miles through flights, credit card purchases, hotel stays and more.

Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International believes that the new partnership with Singapore Airlines will be a high-flying success because of the way people travel today. “The once-a-year family vacation has been replaced by short getaways, longer holidays and more frequent travel. More affordable and better travel routes with companies such as Singapore Airlines are creating a smaller world, one where people travel and stay in hotels more often. Rewarding guests is a great way for us to give something back, inspire them to stay with us again and perhaps fly even further with their KrisFlyer miles and visit more of our Swiss-Belhotel hotels and resorts around the world.”

It is easy to earn KrisFlyer miles with unique Swiss-Belhotel International stays at high-quality, well-appointed hotels and resorts. Guests can also benefit from a range of tempting offers by booking online. These include last-minute offers; online booking discounts; early bird deals; long weekend, seasonal and sporting event specials; wedding party and special event bookings; hot deals; and weekend, week-long and extended stay promotions.

 To learn more about the offers and points available visit http://www.swiss-belhotel.com/en-gb/krisflyer

For further information or high-resolution photography, please contact: 

Brayna Tolledo

Group Manager – Communication and Loyalty Programme

Swiss-Belhotel International, Group Sales and Marketing Office

Tel: (62 21) 2952 7277, 2952 7278

Fax: (62 21) 2952 7275, 2952 7276

Email: braynatolledo@swiss-belhotel.com

swiss-belhotel.com

Central Hotels to Unveil its Upcoming Properties During ATM 2018

Central Hotels has a number of strategic announcements lined up for the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place in Dubai from 22 to 25 April 2018.

Confirming the group’s presence at the show, Mr Ammar Kanaan, General Manager of Central Hotels, stated, “ATM 2018 will be the perfect platform for us to showcase the widening reach and expansion of Central Hotels by securing new business partners to operate, collaborate and manage existing and upcoming projects. In addition to promoting our current and future properties we are keen to consolidate and strengthen our relationship with travel agents, OTAs, tour operators, DMCs, wholesalers, and other regional and international travel trade professionals. We are also eager to see the latest innovations and trends transforming the whole travel chain – be it the growth of digital technology, mobile media consumption, social media usage or Artificial Intelligence”.

Elaborating on the USPs of Central Hotels, Mr. Abdulla Al Abdulla, Vice President of Central Hotels, said, “Our aim with Central Hotels has been to provide local know-how with modern comforts, creating value for our guests and associates. Though we have just begun our foray into hospitality we have seen an excellent response from both our guests as well as developers. With remarkable new hotels coming up we are strongly positioned in the UAE and well-placed to contribute to the growth of the local hospitality and tourism industry.”

 Visit Central Hotels stand #HC0810 at Arabian Travel Market in Sheikh Saeed Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre from 22 – 25 April 2018.

H.E. Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum’s Carpet Woven by Afghan Women Displayed in Abu Dhabi on International Women’s Day

0

To celebrate International Women’s Day, the beautiful carpet designed by H.E. Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum, and woven by Afghan women, for Artists for Change programme by Fatima bint Mohamed bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI) was recently displayed at the residence in Abu Dhabi supported by Embassy of Canada. The event was attended by top dignitaries and bureaucrats and included many exciting activities such as live weaving.

Artists for Change is a collaboration between well-known UAE artists and artisans in Afghanistan. It is aimed to empower underprivileged women by showcasing their talent as well as raise awareness about their cause. As part of the initiative H.E. Sheikha Wafa had taken part in an exclusive exhibition at Dubai Festival City last summer alongside three other prominent Emirati artists.

The theme for International Women’s day this year was ‘Time is now: rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives. H.E. Sheikha Wafa said, “International Women’s Day is a worldwide event that celebrates women’s achievements. I am honoured and delighted to see my carpet take centerstage on the occasion. It was created as part of the FBMI project (Artists for Change) to raise awareness about women empowerment in Afghanistan and is very symbolic being handwoven by Afghan women. The circle has always been an interesting shape for me. It represents the notions of wholeness, perfection, eternity, timelessness and infinity. I had chosen my geometric Camel motif for this project, working with FBMI and developing a design for the carpet. The symbol itself has been deconstructed within the mandala shape and re-constructed anew in the final work.”

#iwd2018 #timeisnow #pressforprogress #artistforchange #uae #mydubai #dubai #wafahmart #wafahasheralmaktoum

SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL ARRIVES IN ITALY

0

Scheduled to welcome its first guests within 24 months, Swiss-Belresort Evergreen Garden Village will be an exclusive adults-only resort located in Vedelago, in the northwest Italian region of Lombardy. This puts guests in a perfect position, just one hour drive from Verona, which was the setting for several Shakespeare plays including “Romeo and Juliet”, and only 50 minutes from the world-famous water-based wonders of Venice.

Swiss-Belresort Evergreen Garden Village will feature 156 spacious rooms and suites, plus a complete range of facilities including two restaurants, two bars, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a gym, tennis court and wellness centre.

From this expansive upscale resort, guests will be able to discover some of northern Italy’s most exquisite heritage, including artistic fairs, operas, botanical gardens and ancient architecture, including the enchanting Villa Emo, which dates from the 16th Century and has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

“We are delighted to be making our debut in Italy, one of the world’s most treasured tourist destinations,” said Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International. “Swiss-Belresort Evergreen Garden Village is a truly beautiful property; nestled among the ancient landscapes of Veneto, it is an idyllic sanctuary where guests can unwind in style and enjoy the extensive facilities.

“Alternatively, curious visitors can use the resort as a luxurious base from which to explore the surrounding region, including the captivating city of Verona, which inspired three Shakespeare plays; the cosmopolitan city of Vicenza, with its UNESCO-listed collection of Palladian Villas; and of course Venice, the breath-taking ancient city of canals and bridges,” Mr Faull added.

Swiss-Belresort Evergreen Garden Village will become Swiss-Belhotel International’s first property not only in Italy, but also in Western Europe. This reflects the Asian hotel group’s continued global expansion strategy.

Apart from this property, GEI Spa Company CEO Dr Luigi Peressotti have agreed to have four other resort projects including a 180-room hotel in Bosa, along the north-western coast of Sardinia, 130-room hotel in Treviso, only 15km from Venice, a 588-rooms & suites in South of Milan Marzano, a small town 15km away from the southern gates of Milan and finally 120-room hotel in in Port-Valais, Switzerland, overlooking lake Genève opposite the city of Montreux be managed by Swiss-Belhotel International.

***

For further information and high-resolution photography, please contact:

Brayna Tolledo

Group Manager – Communication and Loyalty Programme

Swiss-Belhotel International, Group Sales and Marketing Office

Tel: (62 21) 2952 7277, 2952 7278

Fax: (62 21) 2952 7275, 2952 7276

Email: braynatolledo@swiss-belhotel.com

www.swiss-belhotel.com