“Lisa has been instrumental in transforming the Celebrity Cruises brand to what it is today,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “From helping us introduce the revolutionary Edge Series of ships to advancing the role of women in maritime careers, Lisa has had an incredible career during her time leading Celebrity Cruises, and multiple parts of our Royal Caribbean International brand. I have had the pleasure of working with Lisa for almost 18 years, and I know her expertise will be invaluable as she transitions to serve as my Vice Chair, External Affairs.”

“It has always been difficult for me to imagine leaving the incredible Celebrity brand, but the time is right for me to start an exciting new chapter and turn the helm over to a new leader,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “It has been my great honor to lead this brand and work alongside the phenomenal Celebrity shoreside team and crew. Together, our accomplishments have been extraordinary. I’m excited to now work closely with Jason on broader initiatives as we sail toward an even brighter future.”

Lutoff-Perlo’s remarkable career with Royal Caribbean Group began in 1985 with her first role as a district sales manager and she went on to trailblaze a legacy of firsts. Along the way, she also led Celebrity Cruises to record growth, revenue, and profit, and she championed the brand’s evolution into the incredible cruise line it is today. Under her leadership, Celebrity Cruises welcomed four new award-winning ships, and underwent the Celebrity Revolution, one of the largest fleet revitalization projects in the industry.

In 2005, Lutoff-Perlo became Celebrity’s first female senior vice president of hotel operations. In 2012, she was named executive vice president of operations for Royal Caribbean International, the first woman in the industry to oversee both hotel and marine operations. Two short years later, she was the first woman appointed to president and CEO of one of Royal Caribbean Group’s brands.

“I would also like to congratulate Laura for her appointment as the next brand president of Celebrity Cruises,” Liberty added. “With her operational experience, business acumen and deep understanding of our company and the cruise industry, I know Laura is the right person to lead Celebrity Cruises to its next phases of growth.”

Most recently serving as executive vice president, shared services operations, Laura Hodges Bethge has been with the company more than 23 years and has held senior positions in many different areas including product development, hotel and marine operations, sales, marketing, product innovation, market development and investor relations.

Hodges Bethge is an exemplary leader with a long history of success at the company. Previously, she was senior vice president of product development for Royal Caribbean International, and led the teams conceptualizing their groundbreaking ships, private island destinations, and new experiences introduced throughout the award-winning fleet, including the first island in Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Island Collection – Perfect Day at CocoCay.

“Now 15 ships strong, this is an exciting time for Celebrity Cruises,” said Laura Hodges Bethge. “This year alone, we’ll be welcoming Celebrity Ascent, and reaching key construction milestones in the yet-to-be-named fifth ship in the revolutionary Edge Series. I look forward to building on the incredible achievements of Lisa and this world class team, as we continue to break boundaries and chart new courses in the industry.”

For more information on Royal Caribbean Group’s executive leadership, please visit https://www.royalcaribbeangroup.com/about/.

About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is one of the leading cruise companies in the world with a global fleet of 64 ships traveling to approximately 1,000 destinations around the world. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner and operator of three award-winning cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, and it is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, the brands have an additional 10 ships on order as of December 31, 2022. Learn more at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

About Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of a fleet of 15 relaxed luxury resorts at sea taking guests to the world’s best places on the world’s best places. Celebrity revolutionized the industry with its cool, contemporary design and accommodation; dining, spa, and entertainment experiences for modern tastes; and culturally rich and diverse destination experiences, all complemented by warm, personalized service. Driven by wanderlust and a passion for opening the world, Celebrity journeys to all seven continents, visiting nearly 300 destinations in more than 70 countries. Celebrity Cruises is one of five cruise brands owned by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL). For more information about Celebrity Cruises, please visit www.celebrity.com.

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With this newly created position, the company will centralize its global and brand marine operations functions under Laursen. He will oversee all marine operations for the company’s entire fleet, as well as strategic oversight of marine operations of its TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, of which it’s a 50% joint-venture owner.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Palle Laursen to the Royal Caribbean Group,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Palle has had a long and distinguished career with Maersk and is a recognized leader in the maritime industry. With more than 25 years of experience, his direct technical and operational knowledge will serve our company well, especially as we continually work to decarbonize our business.”

Most recently, Laursen served as chief fleet and technical officer at A.P. Moller – Maersk and was responsible for its entire fleet of more than 750 container vessels, 400 chartered vessels and 350 owned vessels as well as chartering, technical management, crew management, safety and compliance, newbuilding activities and engineering services. He also led Maersk’s effort to have the entire fleet operating fully carbon neutral by 2040.

Having joined the Maersk Group in early 1998, Laursen has spent his entire professional career at the Danish shipping company. Previously, he was vice president and head of Ship Management and also held several other roles with increasing responsibilities, including head of technical services, ship engineering and technical vessel operations.

“This is an exciting time for the Royal Caribbean Group, and I very much look forward to helping the company deliver the best vacations in the world, responsibly,” said Palle Laursen. “I look forward to joining the most innovative team in the industry at Royal Caribbean Group and lead the marine team alongside a team committed to operational excellence, and environmental stewardship.”

Laursen graduated from the Svendborg International Maritime Academy in Denmark as a marine engineer and has since completed several executive and leadership development programs.

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is one of the leading cruise companies in the world with a global fleet of 64 ships traveling to approximately 1,000 destinations around the world. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner and operator of three award winning cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises and it is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, the brands have an additional 10 ships on order as of December 31, 2022. Learn more at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

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]]> https://caribpr.com/royal-caribbean-group-names-palle-laursen-executive-vice-president-head-of-marine/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/the-newest-royalton-chic-resort-will-open-in-antigua/ https://caribpr.com/the-newest-royalton-chic-resort-will-open-in-antigua/#comments Wed, 12 Oct 2022 21:56:34 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=14989 CARIBPR WIRE, TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2022: Following the vibrant success of the Royalton CHIC Resorts concept in Cancun and Punta Cana, Blue Diamond Resorts is proud to announce the opening of Royalton CHIC Antigua in late 2023 on the idyllic Dickenson Bay Beach, Antigua.

This new 227 room five-star beachfront resort will bring a unique adults-only social vacation experience to this Caribbean region where singles, couples, friends and groups can party their way. Conveniently located only eighteen minutes from V. C. Bird International Airport, this completely renovated resort will be full of vivacious offerings making it the ultimate destination for adult getaways.

“Whether for relaxation or a lively luxury beach getaway, the Party Your Way concept that Royalton CHIC Antigua will bring to this region is unique within the All-Inclusive segment,” says Jordi Pelfort, President of Hotels and Resorts at Sunwing Travel Group. “We have been committed in delivering groundbreaking experiences to our guests and Royalton CHIC Antigua will be no exception. We are thrilled about what this new property will mean for Antigua, as well as the Caribbean region.”

Discerning travelers can expect day-to-night activities available such as themed pool parties and DJ sets, as well as a range of gourmet dining experiences including five fascinating bars with mixology and six reservation-free dining restaurants. Should guests choose to experience peak relaxation instead, Royalton CHIC Antigua will present multiple opportunities to satisfy that craving, including lounging beneath the sun, sipping handcrafted cocktails beside the serene beachfront pool, or getting pampered at Royalton CHIC’s world-class spa.

A distinct feature of this property will be an overwater themed restaurant, exclusive to Royalton CHIC Antigua. This restaurant will be constructed over the sea, providing guests with a diningtainment concept, a mix between entertainment and dining.

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 45 properties, exceeding 18,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury^® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity™, DreamBed™, and the Sports Event Guarantee™. To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you’re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing time with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star™ with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while Planet Hollywood Adult Scene will turn your adults-only vacation into the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com/

About Royalton CHIC Resorts

Royalton CHIC Resorts offers adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive experiences to Party Your Way and revel in the unexpected. Located in popular Caribbean destinations such as Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Cancun, Mexico, this new adults-only generation of all-inclusive concept delivers unprecedented experiences in which luxury and fun meet in each idyllic location. Choose between relaxing and treating yourself or partying and having fun, party your way.

Ideal for couples, groups, singles or friends, including modern rooms and suites featuring All-In Luxury™, the premium DreamBed™, a variety of culinary offerings, All-In Connectivity™ and exclusivity through the Diamond Club™ category. Guests can choose between relaxing and treating themselves in the spa or enjoy the resort’s unique events and theme parties at signature locations.

For more information about Royalton CHIC Resorts, visit www.royaltonresorts.com

El nuevo Royalton CHIC Resort abrirá en Antigua

CARIBPR WIRE, TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2022: Tras el vibrante éxito del concepto Royalton CHIC Resorts en Cancún y Punta Cana, Blue Diamond Resorts se enorgullece en anunciar la apertura de Royalton CHIC Antigua a finales de 2023 en la agradable playa de Dickenson Bay, Antigua.

Este nuevo resort de cinco estrellas frente a la playa de 227 habitaciones traerá una experiencia única de vacaciones sólo adultos a esta región del Caribe donde solteros, parejas, amigos y grupos pueden festejar a su manera. Convenientemente ubicado a sólo dieciocho minutos del Aeropuerto Internacional V. C. Bird en Antigua, este complejo completamente renovado estará lleno de opciones vibrantes que lo convertirán en el mejor destino para una escapada sólo para adultos.

“Ya sea para relajarse o para vacaciones llenas de energía en la playa, el concepto Party Your Way que Royalton CHIC Antigua traerá a esta región es único dentro del segmento Todo Incluido”, dice Jordi Pelfort, presidente de Hoteles y Resorts de Sunwing Travel Group. “Nos hemos comprometido a brindar experiencias innovadoras a nuestros huéspedes y Royalton CHIC Antigua no será la excepción. Estamos entusiasmados con lo que significará esta nueva propiedad para Antigua, así como para la región del Caribe”.

Los viajeros más exigentes podrán disfrutar actividades disponibles desde el día hasta la noche, como fiestas temáticas en la piscina y sets de DJ, así como una variedad de experiencias gastronómicas gourmet que incluyen cinco bares fascinantes con mixología de autor y seis restaurantes que combinan la mejor gastronomía local e internacional para cenar sin necesidad de hacer reservaciones. En caso de que los huéspedes elijan experimentar la máxima relajación, Royalton CHIC Antigua presentará múltiples oportunidades para satisfacer ese antojo, que incluyen descansar bajo el sol, saborear cócteles cuidadosamente preparados junto a la piscina frente a la playa o dejarse consentir en el spa de clase mundial de Royalton CHIC Resorts.

La característica distintiva de esta propiedad será un restaurante exclusivo de Royalton CHIC Antigua. Este restaurante se construirá sobre el hermoso azul mar caribe, brindando a los huéspedes el concepto de diningtainment, el cual mezcla el entretenimiento y la gastronomía.

Acerca de Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts cuenta con un portafolio de más de 45 propiedades, que superan las 18,000 habitaciones en 8 países ubicados en los destinos vacacionales más populares del Caribe. Sus 9 marcas hoteleras líderes comprenden al galardonado All-In Luxury^® Royalton Luxury Resorts, donde Todos son Familia. Sin importar si son vacaciones entre amigos, padres e hijos, parejas, bodas, retiros corporativos o de incentivos o viajeros solos, todos son familia en estas propiedades que ofrecen servicios personalizados y amenidades exclusivas, tales como All-In Connectivity™, DreamBed™ y Sports Event Guarantee™. Para reenfocarse en relaciones y amistades valiosas, Hideaway at Royalton ofrece una experiencia solo para adultos que incluye una exclusiva gastronomía y alojamiento preferencial para reforzar estar unido bajo el concepto Togetherness entre sus huéspedes. Disfrute a su manera en Royalton CHIC Resorts, una marca todo incluido que bajo su concepto “Party Your Way” brinda una vibrante y efervescente experiencia solo para adultos para deleitarse con lo inesperado. A Millas de lo Ordinario, Mystique by Royalton ofrece a los viajeros la oportunidad de conectarse con su entorno en una moderna colección de resorts estilo boutique que muestran una vibrante belleza infinita. En Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril promete a huéspedes mayores de 21 años, unas vacaciones únicas Completamente al Natural con todo incluido y acceso a una costa exclusiva para máxima privacidad. Memories Resorts & Spa diseña las mejores experiencias para vacaciones familiares, reunión de amigos o simplemente para relajarse en pareja, mientras que Starfish Resorts ofrece un valor increíble, un entorno impresionante y una rica cultura y herencia. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invita a los huéspedes a vacacionar como las estrellas con Vacation Like a Star™, una experiencia atractiva e interactiva con elementos famosos de la cultura pop de películas, música y deportes icónicos, mientras que Planet Hollywood Adult Scene convertirá sus vacaciones solo para adultos en el centro de la fascinación y la atención con glamour y exclusividad.

Para más información acerca de Blue Diamond Resorts, visite www.bluediamondresorts.com

Acerca de Royalton CHIC Resorts

Royalton CHIC Resorts ofrece experiencias vibrantes y efervescentes con todo incluido solo para adultos para festejar a tu manera y deleitarte con lo inesperado. Ubicado en populares destinos del Caribe como Punta Cana, República Dominicana y Cancún, México, esta nueva generación de todo incluido sólo-adultos ofrece experiencias sin precedentes en las que el lujo y la diversión se encuentran en cada lugar idílico. Elija entre relajarse y darse un capricho o salir de fiesta y divertirse, festeje a su manera.
Ideal para parejas, grupos, solteros o amigos, incluyendo las modernas habitaciones y suites All-In Luxury™, la cama premium DreamBed™, una variedad de ofertas culinarias, All-In Connectivity™ y exclusividad a través de la categoría Diamond Club™. Sus huéspedes pueden elegir entre desconectarse por completo y relajarse en el spa o disfrutar de únicos eventos y fiestas temáticas del resort en cada lugar insignia del hotel.

Para más información sobre Royalton CHIC Resorts, visite www.royaltonresorts.com/es

JAKARTA, Indonesia, July 27, 2022 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Southeast Asia’s international hotel management group – Archipelago International has announced the appointment of Sergio Alberto Menéndez as its Director of Sales & Marketing for The Americas region.

“Sergio brings over 20 years of regional sales and marketing expertise and experience to our Group including extensive destination experience of Cuba, which is an important regional market for Archipelago. He joins our team at an exciting time as we implement our ambitious regional expansion strategy. This will see us add 3,500 rooms to our existing regional portfolio of 3,700 rooms across the rest of the Caribbean and Latin America by the end of 2023.” commented Gerard Byrne, Managing Director of Archipelago International.

Archipelago is currently experiencing rapid growth in its hotel portfolio in Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean, with over 30,000 rooms operating and a further 10,000 under development globally. Following significant investment in its technology and digital platforms in recent years, Archipelago is now partnering with and significantly improving the performance of independent hotels and hotel groups with Powered by Archipelago, its plug and play online connectivity, distribution and revenue management vertical, together with its 10 core brands that cover all hotel categories.

About Archipelago

Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned and independent hotel management group, operates more than 250 hotels, with a further 100 hotels under development across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean. A trusted hotel company with a long track record and more than 40,000 rooms operating or under development in over 70 destinations with brands including ASTON, Collection by ASTON, The Alana, Huxley, Kamuela, Harper, Quest, NEO, favehotels, Nordic and Powered by Archipelago.

archipelagointernational.com

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Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1765607/ARCHIPELAGO_Logo.jpg ]]> https://caribpr.com/archipelago-appoints-sergio-alberto-menendez-as-its-new-director-of-sales-marketing-%e2%80%93-the-americas/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/six-blue-diamond-resorts-properties-now-open/ https://caribpr.com/six-blue-diamond-resorts-properties-now-open/#comments Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:59:08 +0000 caribpr https://caribpr.com/?p=14263 CaribPR Wire, TALLAHASSEE, Fla., July 17, 2020: After a temporary three-month closure, six of Blue Diamond Resorts’ luxurious properties in Mexico and Jamaica are now open. Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and local ministries of health, Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun, Mystique Holbox by Royalton, Royalton Negril Resort & Spa, Hideaway at Royalton Negril and Grand Lido Negril were pleased to welcome back guests on July 15^th.

In order to keep both guests and staff safe, Blue Diamond Resorts implemented an advanced safety program, approved by the Cristal International Safety Standards. The Safety-Assured Vacations protocols* include new physical distancing guidelines, advanced dining safety standards, amplified staff training programs and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), a 360º Clean Approach to sanitizing all resort common areas and Diamond Clean Guest Rooms, where all touchpoints are thoroughly disinfected.

“We are excited to welcome back guests to our award-winning resorts in Cancun, Isla Holbox and Negril. During our temporary closure we worked tirelessly to implement enhanced safety protocols and cleaning measures to prepare our resorts for reopening and assure guests that their health and safety is our number one priority,” commented Jordi Pelfort, President of Hotels and Resorts at Sunwing Travel Group.

To see a video of the first guests arriving at Royalton Riviera Cancun, please click here.

Guests who book an All-In Luxury™ vacation to Royalton Riviera Cancun, Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun, Royalton Negril or Hideaway at Royalton Negril by August 31^st can take advantage of an exclusive Welcome Back Offer with prices starting at $119 per person per night, up to 2 Kids Stay Free deals at family-friendly resorts, a Flexible Booking Policy and more. Travelers looking for a unique vacation can enjoy an elevated experience at Mystique Holbox by Royalton with a Welcome Back Offer starting at $195 per room, per night, 1 Kid Stays Free deals, complimentary 30-minute kayak rentals, $150 in resort credits and more.

*Click here for a full list of Safety-Assured Vacation protocols

About Blue Diamond Resorts
Since its inception in 2011, Blue Diamond Resorts has curated an impressive portfolio encompassing 47 properties, exceeding 15,500 rooms in ten countries. Taking a proactive approach to differentiating brands under each market’s demands, the resort management company caters to a range of budgets and interests from adult-only elegant getaways to fun-filled family vacations. Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts offers signature amenities including All-In Connectivity™, modern Sports Event Guarantee™ and in-suite wellness elements. Royalton Luxury Resorts’ adults-only sub-brands include Hideaway at Royalton, an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations, plus the stylish lifestyle resorts, Royalton CHIC, located in the Caribbean’s best beachfront locales. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril provides those over 21 with an upscale and luxurious naturist vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed to impress the entire family, featuring a popular kids club with famous themed characters, Toopy & Binoo™, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value for customers in convenient locations. Planet Hollywood Hotels and Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star™ with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music and sports. Mystique by Royalton, a boutique-style resort collection, offers personalized vacations in strikingly beautiful locals full of endless adventures.

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com.

About Royalton Luxury Resorts
Epitomizing modern elegance, award-winning Royalton Luxury Resorts offer All-In Luxury® vacations in some of the world’s most popular tropical destinations including Antigua, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Mexico, Cuba and coming soon the spice island of the Caribbean, Grenada. Boasting an array of world-class all-inclusive features including the premium, handcrafted DreamBed™, unlimited reservation-free luxury dining, a Sports Event Guarantee™ and more. Many of the resorts cater equally to families and couples alike, with industry-leading supervised kids and teen activities offered at no additional cost combined with family-friendly accommodation and dining options.

To learn more about Royalton Luxury Resorts, please visit www.royaltonresorts.com/royalton.

About Mystique by Royalton
Mystique by Royalton is a boutique-style resort collection that offers personalized experiences in strikingly beautiful places. Contemporary, luxurious and exquisite, Mystique by Royalton are firmly rooted in some of the world’s most vibrant destinations and positioned to attract luxury travelers seeking to explore their surroundings. With two stunning resorts located on Mexico’s Isla Holbox Island and Saint Lucia’s beautiful Rodney Bay, Mystique Holbox by Royalton and Mystique St. Lucia by Royalton are ideal for both families and couples alike, with their upscale amenities, unparalleled service and unique beachfront settings.

To learn more about Mystique by Royalton, please visit www.mystiqueresorts.com.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21c1412b-a5fe-4cb5-ad06-ce8705badf52

Advanced sanitation measures, new physical distancing guidelines, a 360º Clean Approach and an International Safety Assurance Team are in place to prioritize well-being across every area and touchpoint of Blue Diamond Resorts properties. To help protect both guests and staff members, the new and enhanced Safety-Assured Vacations protocols will adhere to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the local and national Ministries of Health.

“As the countries which our resorts call home begin to re-open, we want to ensure our guests feel safe and cared for when choosing to stay at a Blue Diamond property,” said Jordi Pelfort, President of Hotels and Resorts at Sunwing Travel Group. “By heightening our industry-leading sanitation practices, we will continue to guarantee luxurious, relaxing and Safety-Assured Vacations for all of our valued guests.”

The Safety-Assured Vacations program includes:

• Safe Vacation Assurance: In accordance with international health standards, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and local/ national Ministries of Health, a Safety-Assurance Team is in position to ensure the strict adherence of all guidelines and comprehensive implementation of sanitation, physical distancing and cleaning protocols to protect guests and employees alike.
• 360º Clean Approach: All resort common areas including pools, beaches, restaurants, bars, entertainment facilities, lobbies, elevators, hallways and other shared spaces will be cleaned hourly. All high-touch surfaces, including general transportation units like golf carts and luggage trolleys, will continuously be sanitized throughout the day, plus fitness center equipment and spa facilities will be sanitized after each use. Blue Diamond is also increasing the daily frequency of cleaning and disinfection procedures for air-conditioning systems of both common areas and guest rooms.
• Family-First Promise: A superior cleaning and disinfection program for kids and teens club’s facilities and equipment has been implemented, in addition to child-friendly signage and physical distancing measures to ensure a safe environment for little ones, tweens and teens.
• Advanced Dining Safety: All restaurants have reduced capacity and implemented a one-step reservation system to ensure physical distancing guidelines are respected. Further changes include removal of unnecessary items on tables to avoid cross-contamination, elimination of physical menus, the introduction of digital screens to display menu information and physical distancing guidelines at pool bars.
• Diamond Clean Guest Rooms: Each housekeeping team will thoroughly clean guest rooms from the inside out, with advanced-grade disinfection products to eliminate emerging viral pathogens. Each touchpoint in a guests’ room will be deep cleaned including remote controls, doorknobs, hairdryers, closet doors, thermostats, lamps, telephones, water faucets and toilet handles. All non-essential amenities will be removed and new in-room hygiene kits with personal-size hand sanitizers, masks, gloves and other safety essentials will be places in rooms. Room service procedures have been updated to ensure safe and distant delivery, as well as the process to replenish mini-fridges and other guest room items to limit additional entry.
• Physical Distancing and Protection: To provide Safety-Assured Vacations, signage and informative messages will be displayed throughout the common areas and in-room TVs to reinforce the importance of following recommendations. To maintain physical distancing protocols, floor markers will be placed around the resort’s common areas, the furniture will be rearranged in common areas, including restaurants, theaters, pool areas, beaches and lobbies. All indoor guest facilities will reduce the capacity to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for both guests and employees. In addition, hand sanitizer dispensers will be available throughout each resort to encourage guests to sanitize their hands regularly.
• Staff Care, Training and Awareness: Blue Diamond upholds its employees to the highest standards of health and safety. All staff members are trained and empowered to keep safe, take care and be smart while delivering Safety-Assured Vacations. Strict hygiene protocols for resort staff will continue to be enforced, including a thorough cleaning and sanitation process at all staff entrances, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), rigorous and frequent hand cleaning with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, daily health and temperature checks at the beginning of every shift and the practicing of physical distancing rules.
• Clean Supplier Commitment: To safeguard their promise to guests, Blue Diamond has put into place agreements with various suppliers and partners to ensure they operate in accordance with the new regulations for the products or services which they provide.

For more information on Blue Diamond’s Safety-Assured Vacations, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com/covid-19.

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Since its inception in 2011, Blue Diamond Resorts has curated an impressive portfolio encompassing 47 properties, exceeding 15,500 rooms in ten countries. Taking a proactive approach to differentiating brands under each market’s demands, the resort management company caters to a range of budgets and interests from adult-only elegant getaways to fun-filled family vacations. Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts offers signature amenities including All-In Connectivity™, modern Sports Event Guarantee™ and in-suite wellness elements. Royalton Luxury Resorts’ adults-only sub-brands include Hideaway at Royalton, an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations, plus the stylish All Exclusive™ CHIC by Royalton. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril provides those over 21 with an upscale and luxurious naturist vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed to impress the entire family, featuring on-site splash parks and a popular kids club with famous themed characters, Toopy & Binoo™, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value for customers in convenient locations. Planet Hollywood Hotels and Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star™ with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from movies, music and sports. Mystique Resorts, a boutique-style resort collection, offers personalized vacations in strikingly beautiful locals full of endless adventures.

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com.

Blue Diamond Resorts implementa nuevos protocolos para unas Vacaciones con Seguridad Garantizada

CaribPR Wire, TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 13, 2020:  Blue Diamond Resorts se prepara para dar la bienvenida a los huéspedes a sus resorts con nuevos y mejorados programas de salud, seguridad y limpieza en todas sus marcas. Los protocolos para unas Vacaciones con Seguridad Garantizada se implementarán en cada una de las 47 propiedades de Blue Diamond en el Caribe, América Central y México.

Se instaurarán medidas avanzadas de saneamiento, nuevas pautas de distanciamiento social, limpieza con enfoque de 360º y un equipo corporativo internacional que garantizará la seguridad para priorizar el bienestar en todas las áreas y puntos de contacto de las propiedades de Blue Diamond Resorts. Para ayudar a proteger tanto a los huéspedes como a los miembros del personal, los nuevos y mejorados protocolos de Vacaciones con Seguridad Garantizada se adherirán a las pautas de los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades (CDC) y la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), así como a los Ministerios de Salud locales y nacionales.

“A medida que los países a los que nuestros resorts llaman hogar comiencen a reabrir sus fronteras, nos aseguraremos de que nuestros huéspedes se sientan seguros y atendidos al elegir hospedarse en una propiedad de Blue Diamond”, dijo Jordi Pelfort, Presidente de Hoteles y Resorts en Sunwing Travel Group. “Mejorando nuestras prácticas de saneamiento y limpieza seguiremos brindando a todos nuestros apreciados huéspedes unas vacaciones lujosas y relajantes con Seguridad Garantizada”.

Los nuevos procedimientos implementados incluyen las siguientes áreas de acción:

• Vacaciones con seguridad garantizada: Se instauró un equipo especial que se asegurará del estricto cumplimiento de todas las pautas establecidas y la exhaustiva implementación de protocolos de desinfección, distanciamiento social y limpieza para proteger a huéspedes y empleados por igual, conforme a las normas de salud dadas por instituciones internacionales incluyendo los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC), la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y los Ministerios de Salud locales y nacionales de cada uno de los países en los que Blue Diamond opera.
• Limpieza 360°: Todas las zonas comunes de los resorts, incluyendo piscinas, playas, restaurantes, bares, instalaciones de entretenimiento, vestíbulos, ascensores, pasillos y otros espacios comunes alrededor del complejo se limpiarán cada hora. Todas las superficies de alto contacto incluyendo todas las unidades de transporte general, como carritos de golf y carritos para el transporte de maletas, serán desinfectadas continuamente a lo largo del día. Además, el equipamiento tanto en gimnasios como en el spa será desinfectado tras cada uso. Blue Diamond también ha aumentado la frecuencia diaria de limpieza y desinfección en los sistemas de aire acondicionado, tanto de las áreas comunes como de las habitaciones de los huéspedes.
• Promesa “la familia es lo primero” : Se ha instaurado un programa superior de limpieza y desinfección para las instalaciones y equipamiento de los clubes de niños y adolescentes, además de la inclusión de nueva señalización adaptada a niños, incluyendo medidas de distanciamiento social para garantizar un ambiente limpio y seguro para niños pequeños, preadolescentes y adolescentes
• Seguridad culinaria avanzada: se redujeron los aforos de los lugares de consumos y se implementó un sencillo sistema de reserva para garantizar que las normas de distanciamiento social se respeten adecuadamente. Otros cambios incluyen la eliminación de todos los elementos innecesarios en las mesas para evitar contaminación cruzada, eliminación de menús físicos e introducción de pantallas digitales para mostrar la información del menú y las pautas a seguir de distanciamiento social en los bares de piscina.
• Limpieza Diamond en las habitaciones: Los equipos de ama de llaves limpiarán y desinfectarán cada rincón de las habitaciones, trabajando desde adentro hacia afuera, con productos altamente concentrados en desinfectantes que eliminan agentes patógenos víricos emergentes. Todos los potenciales puntos de contacto en las habitaciones de los clientes serán rigurosamente desinfectados incluyendo controles remotos, pomos de puertas, secadores de pelo, puertas de armarios y cajones, termostatos, lámparas, teléfonos, manijas de descarga de los inodoros y manijas de grifo de agua. Se eliminarán todos los elementos no esenciales de las habitaciones y se incluirán nuevos kits de higiene con gel desinfectante para las manos, mascarillas y guantes entre otros elementos esenciales de seguridad y sanidad. Se han mejorado los procesos de servicio de habitaciones para garantizar seguridad y distancia durante la entrega de productos, así como el proceso de reposición de minibares y otros artículos en las habitaciones para limitar las entradas adicionales a la habitación.
• Distanciamiento social y protección: Con el fin de garantizar unas vacaciones seguras, se colocarán nueva señalética y mensajes informativos en las televisiones de las áreas comunes y habitaciones para reforzar la importancia de seguir las recomendaciones.  Para mantener las pautas de distanciamiento social, se colocarán marcadores en el suelo de los resorts, se reorganizarán los muebles en las zonas comunes, incluyendo restaurantes, teatros, áreas de piscinas, playas y vestíbulos. Las instalaciones interiores tendrán capacidades reducidas para mantener un ambiente seguro y agradable tanto para huéspedes como para empleados. Adicionalmente, se agregarán dispensadores de desinfectante para manos alrededor de los resorts para animar a los huéspedes a que se desinfecten las manos con regularidad.
• Cuidado del personal, educación y conciencia: Los empleados de Blue Diamond mantienen los más altos estándares de salud y seguridad. Todos los miembros del personal están entrenados y capacitados para mantener la seguridad y el cuidado de los huéspedes mientras brindan unas experiencias vacacionales con seguridad garantizada. Se seguirán aplicando estrictos protocolos de higiene para el personal del resort, incluyendo la implementación de procesos de limpieza y saneamiento exhaustivos en la entrada del personal desinfectando desde manos hasta calzado, el uso de equipos de protección personal (EPP) como guantes y máscaras, lavado de manos de forma rigurosa y frecuente con desinfectante a base de alcohol, controles de salud diarios al inicio de cada turno, así como el cumplimiento de las reglas de distanciamiento social.
• Proveedores comprometidos: Para mantener su promesa más allá de sus puertas, Blue Diamond ha establecido acuerdos con sus diversos proveedores y socios, asegurándose que operen siguiendo las nuevas regulaciones en su elaboración de productos o brindando sus servicios.

Para obtener más información sobre las Vacaciones con Seguridad Garantizadas de Blue Diamond, visite www.bluediamondresorts.com/covid-19.

Acerca de Blue Diamond Resorts

Desde su inauguración en 2011, Blue Diamond Resorts ha crecido exitosamente hasta convertirse en la empresa de complejos hoteleros de más rápido crecimiento en el Caribe, con 47 propiedades que sobrepasan las 15 500 habitaciones en 10 países. Con un enfoque innovador para diferenciar marcas según las demandas específicas de cada mercado, la cartera de Blue Diamond Resorts es más impresionante que nunca. Los galardonados resorts de lujo Royalton Luxury Resorts rediseñan la experiencia todo incluido al ofrecer comodidades exclusivas que incluyen All-In Connectivity™, el moderno concepto de Sports Event Guarantee™ y elementos de bienestar en la suite. Las submarcas de Royalton solo para adultos incluyen Hideaway at Royalton, el cual ofrece gastronomía exclusiva y alojamiento preferencial con acceso a todos los servicios y comodidades del cercano Royalton; y el elegante All-Exclusive™ CHIC by Royalton, una experiencia vacacional dinámica y social con comodidades de lujo y opciones gastronómicas de alta calidad. En Jamaica, se restauró el Grand Lido Negril para brindar unas vacaciones naturistas lujosas y elegantes a lo largo de una exclusiva playa y ser un refugio privado único. Memories Resorts & Spa brinda una experiencia que complace a toda la familia, y Starfish Resorts ofrece un valor increíble en ubicaciones exóticas con alojamiento cómodo. Planet Hollywood Hotels and Resorts invita a los huéspedes a Vacation Like A Star ™ con una experiencia atractiva e interactiva, además de artículos famosos de la cultura pop de películas, música y deportes. Mystique Resorts, una colección de resort de estilo boutique, ofrece vacaciones personalizadas en lugares sorprendentemente hermosos llenos de aventuras sin fin.

The tallest building in Panama set to rebrand in September 2018

PANAMA CITY, June 28, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Ithaca Capital today announced that the iconic Bahia Grand Panama Hotel in Panama City, housed in the tallest building in Panama and Central America, is set to become a JW Marriott® hotel.

The hotel, which originally opened in 2011, has been operating as an independent property since March 2018. Ithaca Capital, Hotel ToC and Marriott International signed agreements to rebrand the hotel as a JW Marriott, under a long-term management contract with Marriott International.

“We are thrilled that our hotel will operate as a JW Marriott and we believe that this partnership, together with a talented team and spectacular hotel amenities, will be a success. We look forward to welcoming new and returning guests to this iconic property,” said Orestes Fintiklis, managing partner of Ithaca Capital.

At 284 meters height (932 feet), the property’s modern architecture has become emblematic of Panama City and its skyline. Located at the ocean front of Panama City’s prestigious Punta Pacifica neighborhood, close to the banking, commercial and entertainment areas, the hotel offers the seclusion and privacy of an urban oasis.

Guests will be able to enjoy three world-class restaurants, a popular bar (Cava 15), an expansive pool deck and a state-of-the-art conference facility. Averaging 600 square feet each, the hotel’s 369-rooms are the largest in the city with many directly on the oceanfront enjoying open views of the Gulf of Panama and the city’s skyline.

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of superb and distinctive properties at key urban and resort locations around the world. Today, there are more than 80 JW Marriott hotels in over 25 countries and territories.

“Marriott International is proud to partner with Ithaca Capital for the re-launch of this iconic hotel in Panama City, a growing gateway city and a critical hub for Latin America. This hotel will represent the twelfth operating JW Marriott branded hotel in our region, catering to sophisticated travelers, seeking the world-class JW Treatment™,” said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Marriott International, Caribbean & Latin America Region.

About Ithaca Capital
Ithaca Capital is a real estate investment company, founded by Orestes Fintiklis, with a focus on hospitality and residential real estate assets in the East Coast of the United States and northern part of Latin America. Recent investments of Ithaca Capital include the soon-to-be rebranded Bahia Grand Hotel Panama as well as a portfolio of Courtyard by Marriott® hotels in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9025254d-2db9-44d6-9576-11b905dec519

Regional Sales Director at C&W Business, Juan Bailey said, “We are proud supporters of the Caribbean Tourism sector who are catering to the exacting standards of the next generation of “explorers” who have a strong focus on staying connected no matter where they are. Now more than ever, today’s ‘connected guests’ expect no less than world-class technology experiences during their stays. So we have partnered with the Caribbean Tourism Organization and SOTIC in the ongoing dialogue across the region to deliver the necessary technological solutions to enable property owners of all sizes to compete and win.” Click here to view video clip: Juan Bailey discussing new cell tower infrastructure designed to withstand Category 5 Hurricane winds with CTO, Secretary General Hugh Riley at SOTIC 2017.

C&W Business, who were also gold sponsors of the event also used the opportunity to speak about supporting the region during the hurricane season.  In the “Re-build & Recover” panel discussion at the Conference, Bailey highlighted the resilience of the company’s network which was put to the test during the most recent Category 5 Hurricanes. Our networks proved very resilient during the passage of the storm, and at times we were the only network operating in some of the impacted territories.  In the panel discussion on “Spicing up the Caribbean Brand”, Regional Communications Manager, Sheldon Keens-Douglas identified “three key areas that must form a part of any brand re-vitalization discussion – “Differentiation, Innovation and Creation”. Keens-Douglas who has also held Regional Marketing and Brand positions within Cable & Wireless and was part of the team responsible for rolling out the Company’s new consumer brand – Flow – across the region in 2016 which involved the complex task of retiring our legacy brands while simultaneously introducing a newly refreshed brand that represented the combined corporate entities across 14 markets.

The 2017 SOTIC was held under the theme Super-charging the Brand: Meeting the Needs of the New Explorers, and is the preeminent educational forum for Caribbean hospitality and tourism professionals.

C&W Business is a Gold Sponsor of SOTIC and hosted the Ministerial Luncheon.

About C&W Communications

C&W is a full service communications and entertainment provider and delivers market-leading video, broadband, telephony and mobile services to consumers in 18 countries. Through its business division, C&W provides data center hosting, domestic and international managed network services, and customized IT service solutions, utilizing cloud technology to serve business and government customers. C&W also operates a state-of-the-art submarine fiber network – the most extensive in the region.

Learn more at www.cwc.com, or follow C&W on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

About Liberty Global
Liberty Global is the world’s largest international TV and broadband company, with operations in more than 30 countries across Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. Liberty Global invests in the infrastructure that empowers its customers to make the most of the digital revolution. Liberty Global’s scale and commitment to innovation enables it to develop market-leading products delivered through next-generation networks that connect its 25 million customers who subscribe to 51 million television, broadband internet and telephony services. Liberty Global also serves over 10 million mobile subscribers and offers WiFi service across 10 million access points.

Liberty Global’s businesses are comprised of two stocks: the Liberty Global Group (NASDAQ:LBTYA) (NASDAQ:LBTYB) and (NASDAQ:LBTYK) for its European operations, and the LiLAC Group (NASDAQ:LILA) and (NASDAQ:LILAK) (OTC Link:LILAB), which consists of its operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Liberty Global Group operates in 12 European countries under the consumer brands Virgin Media, Ziggo, Unitymedia, Telenet and UPC. The Liberty Global Group also owns 50% of VodafoneZiggo, a Dutch joint venture, which has 4 million customers, 10 million fixed-line subscribers and 5 million mobile subscribers. The LiLAC Group operates in over 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean under the consumer brands VTR, Flow, Liberty, Mas Movil and BTC. In addition, the LiLAC Group operates a subsea fiber network throughout the region in over 40 markets.

For more information, please visit www.libertyglobal.com

“We are proud to join in the annual pride celebrations that take place all around the world,” said Jordi Pelfort, Managing Director. “It’s the perfect time for us to show the global LGBT community we’re standing alongside them, and we want to give everyone a welcoming and inclusive experience.”

Caribbean Pride 2017 is the first of its kind from resort management company, Blue Diamond Resorts. The vision of the event is to create a welcome experience for members of the LGBT community, complete with luxurious first-class accommodations, premium drinks and gourmet dining. CHIC Punta Cana is the ideal venue for an inaugural celebration with such fearless high energy, as a resort that captures the poolside atmosphere and luxury offerings of famed hot spots such as Vegas and South Beach.

“We can’t think of a better way to show we’re proud than throwing a seven-day celebration!” said Christine Jamieson, Corporate Director of Marketing. “We’re planning a lively event with plenty of special guests from around the world including legendary drag queens, days full of campy fun, exclusive excursions and light-hearted celebration from sunup to sundown.”

Visit CaribbeanPride.com to book your fun, sexy, fearless and PROUD vacation today!

About Blue Diamond Resorts
Since inception in 2011, Blue Diamond Resorts has risen to become the Caribbean’s fastest growing resort company with 32 properties exceeding 13,500 rooms in six countries. Taking an innovative approach to differentiating brands under each market’s demands, Blue Diamond Resorts’ ever-expanding portfolio is more impressive than ever.  Award-winning All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts offer signature amenities including All-In Connectivity™, modern Sports Event Guarantee™ and in-suite wellness elements such as the exclusive handcrafted DreamBed™.  Royalton Luxury Resorts’ adults-only sub-brands include Hideaway at Royalton, an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations with access to the services and facilities at a nearby Royalton Luxury Resort, plus the stylish All Exclusive™ CHIC by Royalton, a social vacation experience with around-the-clock luxury amenities. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril has been revived to provide those over 21 an upscale and elegant naturist vacation along an exclusive shore for the ultimate in privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa is an experience designed to impress the entire family featuring on-site splash parks, a popular kids club with famous themed characters Toopy & Binoo™, and an innovative teen’s lounge. Adults-only concepts from Memories Resorts include Sanctuary inside of Grand Memories and Memories Caribe, a beachfront paradise in Cayo Coco. Starfish Resorts are solely found in Cuba and offer amazing value for customers with convenient locations and comfortable accommodations.