Programs & Packages
- Hong Kong-based Regal Hotels launched a Green Meetings package at more than 10 participating hotels in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chengdu, Dezhou and Guiyang, China. Green initiatives include recycling stations and reduced use of bottled water, while stress balls and other relaxation tools can also be added. Other perks include room upgrades, cocktail receptions, refreshment breaks and in-house group fitness programs including yoga, belly dancing and tai chi. For more information, visit www.regalhotel.com.
Destination Dispatch
- Reflecting positive economic conditions and the recent growth of the Middle East’s event industry, the Chicago-based board of International Special Events Society (ISES) voted to launch the organization’s Middle East Chapter. The Jumierah Group, which operates 13 luxury venues, including Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, will partner with ISES. For more information, visit www.ises-me.com.
- Qatar National Hotels rebranded as Katara Hospitality as part of the company’s long-term international expansion and diversification plan. Established in 1970 by the government of Qatar, Katara plans to double its portfolio to 60 hotels by 2030. The collection currently includes luxury properties such as the Doha Marriott; The Ritz-Carlton, Doha; Raffles Hotel Singapore; and Paris’ Le Royal Monceau Raffles. The Lusail Marina Towers hotel is scheduled to open in Qatar in 2016 and add approximately 1,000 rooms in time for the 2022 World Cup. For more information, visit www.katarahospitality.com.
- Shanghai Marriott Hotel Luwan unveiled its new YU rooftop bar on the 28th and 29th floors. The Luwan District hotel offers 17,000 square feet of event space for meetings and banquets of up to 680. For more information, visit www.marriott.com.
Kudos
- Turkey’s luxurious Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul operates a number of social initiatives benefitting local women’s shelters, animal shelters and nearby village schools. Kempinski has its own energy consultancy, KREEN, which works to optimize the company’s energy management and establishes environmental protection standards for its properties. Ciragan Palace offers 19 function rooms and a spa with a seasonal outdoor treatment garden. The property’s ballroom can hold up to 1,000 guests and its terrace can accommodate more than 2,000. For more information, call +90.212.326.4646 or visit www.kempinski.com/istanbul.
- Accessible only by boat, New Zealand’s eco-friendly Lochmara Lodge in Marlborough Sounds has reduced the volume of landfill waste that leaves the property by 70 percent over the past 18 months. New glass crushing technology allowed it to convert more than 32,000 glass bottles into sand that is used to restore forest pathways and control weeds. Lochmara can accommodate groups of up to 60 and offers conference facilities and a selection of chalets and small lodging units. For more information, visit www.newzealand.com or www.lochmaralodge.co.nz.
Tech Update
- The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company launched a mobile app offering information about the brand’s 77 hotels worldwide. Users can access special tips and insights from Ritz-Carlton President & COO Herve Humler. In addition to booking services and destination information, the app allows travelers to scan a QR code upon checking into a hotel and access lesser-known property facts and activities, such as at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, where they can follow a cultural art tour, or learn about wine pairings at the Hong Kong property. For more information or to download, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/app.