Balearia | Expansion of Ferry Connections from Spain to Algeria with Algiers and Oran as Destinations

 

Baleària, whose corporate name is Baleària Eurolíneas Marítimas S.A., well known Spanish company dedicated to the maritime transport of passengers,vehicles and goods based in Denia - Alicante, shipping group that connects the Balearic island with the Iberian Peninsula daily through the ports of Barcelona, Denia and Valencia, the only company in the sector that has inter-island connections on the four islands of the archipelago will expand its ferry connections with Algeria with new destinations that will be progressively incorporated over the next few weeks.

The company that already connects the continental ports with the Canary Islands and the Spanish Maghreb territories of Ceuta and Melilla has in fact developed new connections that will allow it to diversify both the ports of departure, Barcelona and Valencia and those of Algeria by disembarking in Algiers, the capital of the Maghreb country and Oran, strategic port in the northwestern area of the country, capital of the province of the same name and second Algerian city.

Baleària has been operating in Algeria since 2016 and currently operates a weekly connection between Valencia and Mostaganem, port city overlooking the Gulf of Arzwew in the Mediterranean Sea and from 18 October it will add a second weekly connection with the North African country with a service that will connect the port of Valencia with the port of Algiers.

Subsequently, at the end of December 2024, the Spanish shipping company will provide three weekly departures, opening a connection between the port hubs of Valencia and Oran.

On 15 january 2025, Baleària will add a new maritime service that will connect for the first time Barcelona to Algiers, in addition to maintaining, due to connections with Valencia, a fixed one to the Algerian capital and another from Oran or Mostaganem that will alternate every week.

The ferry company's ferries to these routes provides accommodation in cabins, seats, as well as services including cafes, bars and restaurants offering halal food, dedicated prayer rooms during the navigation, shops and passenger assistants who speak Arabic and French.

Another relevant highlight is that  Baleària provides a telephone service in Arabic for more information and to be able to resolve doubts.

The general manager of Baleària, Georges Bassoul, has pointed out that with this new schedule, the company will improve maritime connectivity between Algeria and Spain with services based on quality and excellence, offering more route options to adapt to the needs of customers.

Link -  https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/transporte/102816_balearia_amplia_conexiones_argelia_con_servicios_argel_y_oran

FlixBus - Expansion of its Bus Network in Mexico Starting from 2025

FlixBus, German brand owned by Flix SE founded in 2011 and based in Munich that offers low - cost intercity bus services via 400.000 routes in more than 40 countries in Asia, Europe, North America, South America which operates with a collaborative model based on synergy with local bus service companies with a team that organizes network planning, marketing and pricing policy is ready to expand its network bringing its service in Mexico, the third market in the world for bus travel.

The debut of FlixBus service in Mexico is expected in the first half of 2025 and will undoubtedly represent a crucial milestone for the German group in Latin America.

Flixbus will start operations in Mexican territory after Brazil and Chile, markets in which the company based in Munich has had an immediate success and a rapid expansion from the very beginning.

 Mexico is a very attractive market in terms of business, a country with a strong road travel sector that is highly developed with a long tradition, a great opportunity for FlixBus in presenting a unique offer to millions of new customers.

The German company, analyzing in detail and in depth has estimated that the value of the Mexican market is between €6 and 8 billions.

This new expansion project represents a continuation to the first half of 2024 which was characterized by solid performances in important markets such as Europe, India and North America, as well as an extension of the FlixTrain network in Germany with this other product of the company.

With these expansion strategies, FlixBus' goals are aimed at replicating the successful 2023, a period in which the Bavarian group totaled a turnover of €2 billion, transporting 81 million people.

The CEO and Co-Founder of Flixbus André Schwämmlein said that in Mexico there is a deep - rooted culture of bus travel and FlixBus wants to bring its value with a technological infrastructure to the avant-garde with an efficient booking system and certainty of being able to offer Mexican customers a brilliant, travel experience.

Link - https://www.ttgitalia.com/agenzie-viaggi/flix-sbarca-in-messico-partira-nel-2025-il-servizio-di-bus-EB21313700

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts | Opening Announcement of the Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina

 Hyatt Hotels Corporation, commonly known and marketed as Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, American multinational hospitality company founded in 1957 in Los Angeles and headquartered in Chicago -Illinois – U.S., group that manages and franchises business and luxury hotels, resorts and several vacation properties has announced the opening of the luxury all-inclusive resort for families, the Dreams Madeira Resort. Spa & Marina.

This accommodation marks the entry in Portugal of Inclusive Collection by Hyatt special range of the group which delivers an immersive, elevated experience where everything is seamlessy included, an array of best - in - class brands providing unlimited experiences, endless hospitality and thoughtful touches that exceed guest expectations on what it truly means to stay inclusive.

The opening of this new resort is part of Hyatt Group's growth plan focused on adding new destinations and hotels that offer more distinctive options for guests and members looking for unique and memorable experiences.

The Dreams Madeira Resort. Spa & Marina, located on the island of Madeira, part of an archipelago comprising four islands off the northwest coast of Africa and autonomous region of Portugal is situated in the splendid Marina da Quinta Grande, a picturesque, small village harbour located by Ponta de São Lourenço near the pier and marina with privileged access to major local attractions.

The resort is characterized by its traditional Madeiran architecture loyal to the traditional style of the island with a bright, warm and fresh décor with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean that beautifully evokes the charm of a coastal village.

All the buildings on the property are painted with different colors to create atmosphere and beautiful color contrasts.

The Dreams Madeira Resort. Spa & Marina provides 366 rooms and suites equipped with all services with terrace or balcony, minibar replenished daily.

Guests can take advantage of Unlimited – Luxury services, including 24-hour reception and concierge, unlimited access to gourmet restaurants and bars and much more.

For all those who are looking for a superior experience Preferred Club offers superior quality accommodation as Preferred Club Townhouse which consists of a terraced house developed on two floors, ideal accommodation for families and groups of friends looking for a more intimate holiday experience having three bedrooms,  two large terraces and a private swimming pool.

All Preferred Club guests also have access to additional services such as personalized check-in and check-out, exclusive concierge services, access to the Preferred Club lounge and superior room services.

The resort offers four distinct swimming pools, including a three-tiered main pool with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, a Splash Park pool designed for children with water slides where the whole family can enjoy fun-filled moments, an adults-only pool that offers a quiet space with a swim-up bar ideal for relaxing,  revitalize and recharge.

A further highlight is a freshwater swimming pool that combines relaxation and fun at the same time and boasts a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Dream Spa with an area of 900 square meters whose opening is scheduled for January 2025 will offer memorable experiences for beauty, body care and wellness sessions.

Designed with a palette of textures and various color combinations designed to convey serenity, relaxation and inner peace, this Spa complex will offer a wide variety of treatments and services such as Turkish bath, diathermic showers cold water immersion, heated indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and seven treatment cabins.

The culinary experience at The Dreams Madeira Resort. Spa & Marina is absolutely excellent with the presence of seven restaurants and five bars offering local and international cuisine.

Among these establishments ready to satisfy the most demanding palates stand out Carvão, a restaurant that invites guests to taste the most delicious meats and grilled specialties and the Clube de Fado, an emblematic restaurant serving regional specialties and highlighting the deep essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

For those looking for a unique gastronomic atmosphere, in november there will be the opening of the Nouvelle Brasserie, a purely French culinary inspired restaurant that will serve a selection of à la carte dishes paired with a careful range of fine wines, a restaurant developed in an old lighthouse on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

The resort has been conceived and designed to offer the opportunity to host events, meetings, conferences and weddings, offering functional and versatile spaces that adapt to the various needs of business and leisure groups thanks to the presence of avant-garde facilities and very flexible spaces that can be adapted to any occasion.

In the immediate vicinity of the resort guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as scuba diving, whale and dolphin watching, sport fishing and luxury yacht charter among others.

The Managing Director of the Southern Region of EAME for Hyatt Manuel Melenchón declared that the opening of Dreams Madeira Resort. Spa & Marina strengthens the company's all-inclusive offering in Europe by fully satisfying the growing demand of travelers by providing an authentic all-inclusive experience in the region.

With this exciting opening, Inclusive Collection by Hyatt reinforces its commitment to the strategic growth of the Hyatt Group by offering guests and members an all-inclusive luxury experience in a tranquil destination like Madeira.

Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina General Manager Eric Schumann commented that with a rich heritage combined with a captivating history in an extraordinary setting that complements luxurious all-inclusive accommodation and family-friendly amenities, this resort is set to become a preferred destination and ideal choice for guests and members alike.

The Chief Operating Officer of Okami Hospitality Group Elwin Meijvis has announced that there is great excitement about the first luxury all-inclusive resort on the island of Madeira, a new resort that offers unique all-inclusive services such as world-class culinary options combining local and international cuisine, four swimming pools, a children's water park and a freshwater pool,  all completed by the charm of the picturesque seaside village that surrounds it.

This three-year-old project has turned into something exceptional by expanding the resort from 250 to 366 rooms, adding a wide variety of dining options, creating several entertainment areas for families and adding new swimming pools.

With these enhancements and Hyatt's unrivalled operational excellence, the opening of Dreams Madeira Resort, Spa & Marina will undoubtedly represent and set a new standard for luxury hotels in this fascinating destination named Madeira.

Link -  https://www.expreso.info/noticias/hoteles/102826_hyatt_anuncia_la_apertura_del_dreams_madeira_resort_spa_marina

Paradores, Spain | Record Summer Period for Occupancy and Revenue

Paradores de Turismo de España S.M.E. S.A., branded and marketed as Paradores, founded in 1928 with headquarter in Madrid, Spanish state - owned chain of luxury hotels that are usually located in buildings of great historical and artistic interests such as castles, monasteries, historic palaces, adapted for accommodation use or in nature areas with a special appeal confirms that it closed the summer with record figures.

All that was confirmed with relevant details by The President of the Paradores Network Raquel Sanchez who underlined the data concerning the occupancy in the summer period which was over 85% in all the establishments of the network with an increase of 3.3% compared to the summer of 2023.

The great success, considered a historic exploit for the public company, was also achieved with a record in terms of revenue, although not quantitatively specified by the President, who nevertheless declared that the average income has increased, taking into account in any case the increase in the average price per room.

Further interesting data concern international guests who in the summer period were 41% of the total and the Paradores that showed the best evolution in terms of quantity of occupancy and stays were those of Northern Spain even if the sun and beach destinations continue to function optimally.

Link -  https://www.expreso.info/noticias/hoteles/102757_verano_de_record_en_ocupacion_de_paradores

Accor – World Monuments Fund | Partnerships to Protect Cultural Heritage and Strengthen Local Communities

 

Accor S.A., renowned French multinational hospitality company founded in 1967 and based in Issy - les - Moulineaux, group that owns, manages and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties has entered into an innovative three-year partnership with WMF, World Monuments Fund, well known private, international, non-profit organization focused to the preservation of historic architecture and cultural heritage sites around the world through advocacy,  education, fieldwork, grantmarking and training founded in 1965 and based in New York.

The primary objective of this alliance is to protect cultural heritage by empowering local communities, combining expertise, resources and global networks to improve and enrich destinations by fostering community engagement and promoting long-term resilience.

The travel and tourism sector nowadays plays a fundamental role in the global economy contributing up to 10% of global GDP and some countries rely on tourism for up to 70% their GDP.

The tourism sector also generates 10% of global employment, although climate change and overtourism are phenomena that are threatening many cultural and historical sites that often form the heart of local communities.

Linked to all that, the Accor Group and the World Monument Fund with this initiative are committed to developing innovative travel solutions planned to address these challenges by promoting a process of sustainable progress while avoiding contributing to problems.

Through this partnership, Accor's primary objective is to play a key role in the conservation of cultural heritage, while supporting the environmental and social progress of these destinations through its action.

Over the next three years, Accor and the World Monument Fund will leverage their global influence and expertise to optimally implement projects focused on enriching destinations by coming into direct contact with communities, strengthening long-term resilience.

The World Monument Fund's conservation efforts are particularly linked to those developed by World Monuments Watch program, a proven tool for raising awareness about heritage places in need of protection and galvanizing action and support for their preservation that often include training local communities and collaborating with authorities to develop sustainable tourism models designed to mitigate the negative effects of mass tourism.

Accor will be instrumental in reshaping these tourism initiatives to ensure that cultural heritage sites are preserved while continuing to attract visitors, thereby supporting the local economy and improving the skills of local populations.

The World Monument Fund and Accor will work together to redistribute tourist flows by highlighting lesser-known monuments and heritage sites and promoting new destinations through sustainable and thoughtful development.

These efforts will ease the pressure on traditional tourist resorts while drawing attention to new areas that can be explored and discovered.

The partnership between Accor and the World Monuments Fund will continue to evolve over the next three years with the first initiatives scheduled for early 2025 to coincide with Earth Day, an event that will be held on 22nd April 2025.

By working together, these two leading organizations are raising the bar for sustainable tourism by ensuring that the world's most important sites are safeguarded and protected for future generations.

Accor Chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin commented that through this important partnership, Accor undoubtedly reinforces its commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage by preserving the world's most iconic and emblematic destinations.

This collaboration with the World Monuments Fund also aims to promote new initiatives relevant to the sustainable and responsible development of the travel industry and the company will continue with its goals of being pioneers of the art of responsible hospitality by connecting cultures with generosity and passion.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/hoteles/102752_nueva_iniciativa_de_accor_para_enriquecer_destinos_y_fortalecer_comunidades

Eurostars Hotels Company | Portfolio Expansion in the United States of America

Eurostars Hotels Company fully owned by the Hotusa Group, the first Spanish chain in terms of number of hotels and the eighth in Europe headquartered in Barcelona, consolidates its international expansion plans with the addition in its portfolio of a new accommodation in the United States of America, the Eurostars Winter Haven located in Miami – Florida.

This four-star hotel is situated on the iconic Ocean Drive, one of the most popular areas in Miami, a long promenade in the part of South Beach highlighted along the seafront by white sandy beaches, Latin music sounds, tropical cocktail bars, trendy clubs, fine restaurants and stylish buildings.

Eurostars Winter Haven housed in a captivating Art Déco Building designed in 1939 by the architect Albert Anis also very active in Chicago in the 1920s, well known to synthesize the austere architectural principles of the international Style architecture with their brand of modernism embracing the ornamentation and exotic lure of the tropical, represents in its essence the development and rebirth of South Beach since its golden age.

With its stylish Art Deco façade of great impact the hotel provides 70 rooms, equipped with all the services highlighted by a sophisticated interior design with bright tones alternate with soft colors, an use of noble wooden materials and geometric shapes that create an exclusive and warm atmosphere even in the common areas.

The gastronomic offer is remarkable where the Il Bolognese Restaurant stands out with its authentic Italian cuisine that offers a sophisticated culinary experience highlighted by a refined and elegant atmosphere distinguishing itself for its traditional dishes and a selection of artisanal liqueurs.

Open from 07.00 to 23.00, the restaurant is hosted in a very welcoming and warm environment in which breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.

The President of Grupo Hotusa, Amancio López, expressed his satisfaction with the momentum of the expansion policy and the growth of the international portfolio, which includes hotels in the main tourist destinations at intercontinental level, although Spain and Europe remain the company's main markets.

This new addition is the result of the desire to strengthen the Eurostars Hotel Company business in the United States of America with projections also in Latin America as well as in other strategic geographical areas such as Africa and the Middle East.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/hoteles/102715_eurostars_hotel_company_amplia_su_cartera_en_estados_unidos