by Admin | Feb 26, 2024 | News
Constantly searching for new and fresh accommodation options for incentive groups, Wow Incentives is excited 2024 marks the emergence of 24 exceptional hotels from various corners of the globe. Among these hotels is the enchanting Matca in Transylvania which captures attention with its blend of historical charm and modern elegance. Meanwhile, Hotel Maria in Helsinki boasts contemporary design and unrivalled views, while offering a unique Nordic experience.
These are just a few of the new establishments that are redefining hospitality standards by offering guests a diverse range of experiences. The mysterious allure of Transylvania to the vibrant energy of Helsinki, the historical richness of Dublin to the cosmopolitan charm of Milan, all promising a fusion of culture, comfort, and cutting-edge design.
To explore the unique charm and distinctive features of the 24 new hotels, click the link below:
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/best-new-hotels-2024/index.html
by Admin | Feb 6, 2024 | News
Always on the look-out for unique experiences that support sustainable tourism, Wow Incentives loves Hurtigruten’s new energy efficient cruise ship. Hurtigruten cruises appeal to those who value life experiences and personal growth over excessive luxury. They are embarking on a new era of sustainable travel, as the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship is unveiled, the Hurtigruten. This ship offers a glimpse into the future of emission-free voyages. The groundbreaking vessel boasts a variety of eco-friendly features, including wind and solar sails, harnessing natural energy, state-of-the-art battery banks for more efficient power management and an AI-guided bridge for precision navigation.
As the maritime industry charts a course towards environmental responsibility, this zero-emission cruise ship emerges as a beacon of sustainable innovation, promising not only a luxurious voyage but also a commitment to a greener future on the high seas.
https://global.hurtigruten.com/destinations/norway/the-original-norwegian-coastal-express/sea-zero/the-worlds-most-energy-efficient-cruise-ship/
by Admin | Jan 15, 2024 | News
In a world where environmental issues are in the forefront, it is important for event planners to reshape the landscape of how they plan and execute events, by using innovative green ideas. From sustainable décor choices to eco-friendly catering options and zero-waste initiatives, the linked article explores a comprehensive guide for organising events with minimal environmental impact.
The event industry can be both grand and green.
https://eventify.io/blog/sustainable-event-ideas
by Admin | Jun 19, 2023 | News
The pursuit of sleep is big business. According to Statista forecasts, the global sleep industry will be worth $585 billion (R10.7 trillion) by 2024.
This includes mattresses, luxury bedding, pillows, block-out blinds, soundproofing, supplements and apps.
In a world where people are increasingly dissatisfied with both the quantity and quality of the sleep they’re getting, sleep tourism is one of the hottest trends of the year. Sleep tourism covers everything from sleep retreats (where people travel to destinations specifically to rest and catch up on sleep) to hotels investing heavily in a guest’s sleep experience.
But it’s not just tourists hoping to catch up on some much-needed sleep. The concept of sleep tourism is gaining traction in corporate travel too, with “strange bed syndrome“ and erratic sleep patterns no longer accepted as part and parcel of business travel.
According to Corporate Traveller GM Bonnie Smith, business travellers want to make sure they’re well rested too, and many hotels are working hard to give business travellers a comfortable place to sleep and catch their breath. “We’re seeing more and more properties invest in the sleep experience, from soundproof rooms to air filtration and temperature control – and delivering a good night’s sleep can set you apart from your competitors,” said Smith.
Smith said it was particularly important for frequent fliers as you don’t need to be a sleep expert to know that long-haul flights, jet lag and a stressful schedule can throw out one’s sleep schedule. Today’s travellers are more focused on health, well-being and work-life balance than ever before.
Globally, bleisure travel – which blends business and leisure travel – is on the rise, as are longer stays as businesses opt for “quality over quantity” when it comes to their trips. As a result, hotels are rising to the challenge, offering everything from extended stay packages to multi-purpose gathering spaces and tours and excursions to add value to a trip.
For Smith, the sleep trend is simply going to grow in popularity.
“While it might sound a little ‘kooky’ or out there, hotels are definitely investing in the entire sleep experience. We’re reading about everything from ”sleep menus” designed to help people sleep better at night to room ‘mists’ and enhancers, lavender on the pillow and soundproof windows. But honestly, if a traveller experiences a good night’s sleep while away on business, they’ll keep coming back,” said Smith.
Adapted from https://www.iol.co.za/travel/travel-tips/trend-alert-sleep-tourism-on-the-rise-and-spilling-over-into-business-travel-67bac120-2f90-4152-9351-55f66c8b8432
by Admin | Jun 19, 2023 | News
World-renowned luxury hotel brand, Banyan Tree Group are opening a new ultra-luxury private island, Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira. The opening is planned for 2024. This Sanctuary for the Senses will be situated on the private island of Ilha Caldeira, 11km off the coast of mainland Mozambique. An idyllic tropical sanctuary soon to be the only certified and internationally ultra luxury branded 5-star of its kind in Mozambique.
Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira is committed to sustainability and ensuring that they protect the untouched environment surrounding the resort.
This resort will consist of 40 private pool villas, inspired by the diverse local cultures and nature’s soothing colours, each with uninterrupted views of the pristine Indian Ocean. Outdoor dining, Bali bed, indoor and outdoor showers, private pool and magnificent sunrises and sunsets are sure to stir one’s soul.
If you would like to learn more about the resort please click on the following link URL: https://banyantreeilhacaldeira.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Banya-Tree-Factsheet_Ilha-Caldeira_single-pages-with-link-.pdf
by Admin | Jun 19, 2023 | News
The metaverse and its new version of the internet—the way we will all share an immersive 3D virtual space, using headsets or other technology—is redefining how we might travel and 2023 will be the start of a big decade for metaverse investment.
Whether it’s before you go away, at the travel agent, or maybe it’s checking in your luggage or navigating the airport, companies are leaning into the metaverse to aid and enrich the travel experience.
Before Booking
Imagine that you’re thinking about taking a holiday but aren’t sure where to go. Many pundits predict that travel agents will start offering online virtual experiences so that travelers can test destinations in the metaverse, a sort of ‘try before you buy.’ By using Virtual Reality headsets, travelers could wander through the cityscapes of Asia, experience the rush of bombing down a ski slope or marvel at the big five game animals on a safari.
During Travel
SITA, an IT provider for the air transport industry, predicts that metaverse operations will be one of the defining trends over the next decade for airports—they will become increasingly automated places, using metaverse operations that will optimize processes that take place all over the airport, allowing things to run seamlessly.
For instance, this might include training courses for operational staff so that they can practice what they do using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) simulations—VR requires a headset and users experience a 100% fictional world, while AR does not require a headset, uses a smartphone and lets the user move around in the real world. Many travel companies are already starting to incorporate the metaverse. Qatar Airways is planning the QVerse, where a Metahuman cabin crew member will guide you through departures at the airport.
Upon Arrival
Many companies are thinking about how to combine metaverse experiences with the real world—The Walt Disney Company has a serious metaverse strategy as it is planning a real-world theme park with a parallel 3D virtual-world experience. The implication is that it won’t need to hire actors to play Disney characters when each tourist can be fully immersed with the real sleeping beauty one-on-one.
While many people are excited by the idea of experiencing travel through the metaverse, others think it ultimately detracts from the very essence of travel itself—the random meetings with strangers and the enrichment that travel brings by immersing yourself in real-life cultures and experiences.
There is also an argument that travel in the real-world keeps us in touch with our fragile environment and in tune to its needs, although it could be argued that by using Virtual Reality to experience far-flung destinations, we might be able to save the planet more—by experiencing what places feel like without traveling very far at all.
Adapted from https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexledsom/2022/12/27/2023-the-year-that-tourism-in-the-metaverse-takes-off/?sh=3019f1712f61
