Dave

London Gatwick firefighters tackle 110 floors to support vital local charities

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Firefighters from the London Gatwick Airport Fire and Rescue Service successfully completed a challenging stair climb event, raising £2,000 for the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) and the Fire Fighters Charity.

This inspiring initiative saw participants simulate the ascent of 110 floors in a high-rise building by climbing the central staircase in Gatwick’s South Terminal departure lounge, all while carrying a hefty 23kg of full firefighting gear, including breathing apparatus.

As the firefighters ascended and descended, passengers at the airport had the opportunity to learn more about the charities’ vital work and the impact of the funds raised.

Donations are still being accepted through the official fundraising page, underscoring the community’s ongoing support for these essential services.

Melanie Wrightson, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at London Gatwick, expressed pride in the firefighters’ achievement:

We are incredibly proud of our firefighters for completing such a demanding challenge in support of these two remarkable charities. Both KSS and the Fire Fighters Charity provide vital, life-saving services to our community, and the funds raised will help ensure they can continue their invaluable work.

KSS, one of Gatwick’s official charity partners, operates helicopters that respond to over 3,300 emergencies annually across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.

The Fire Fighters Charity supports both active and retired fire service personnel and their families, offering face-to-face assistance at its three centres, including one in Littlehampton.

In addition to the remarkable efforts of the firefighters, Gatwick Airport has demonstrated its commitment to local communities by making a total of £250,000 available for worthy causes through the Gatwick Airport Community Trust this year. Furthermore, the London Gatwick Foundation Fund is set to distribute an additional £100,000 in its third round of grant funding in November, bringing the total available funding for 2024 to an impressive £300,000.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the significance of such initiatives for UK-based business travellers, stating,

Supporting local charities not only strengthens community ties but also highlights the importance of corporate responsibility. Business travellers can take pride in knowing that their travels contribute to positive social impact.

For information about flights from London’s second airport, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Brussels Airlines to enhance long-haul services with new aircraft and cabins

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Brussels Airlines is expanding its fleet, upgrading its cabins and increasing routes to Sub-Saharan Africa to enhance its long-haul services.

Brussels Airlines is set to expand its long-haul fleet with the addition of three Airbus A330 aircraft and a significant investment in new cabin interiors.

This development will bolster the airline’s position as the Lufthansa Group’s African specialist, reinforcing its routes to Sub-Saharan Africa and growing its overall fleet to 13 widebody aircraft in the coming years.

To meet the increasing demand for air travel between Europe and Africa, Brussels Airlines will focus its additional long-haul capacity on strengthening its network to Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to establish Brussels as a European hub for flights to and from the continent.

The expansion will also bring about the recruitment of over 250 new employees, creating opportunities across all areas of the airline, including pilots, cabin crew, maintenance staff, and more.

Dieter Vranckx, Chairman of the Board of Directors at SN Airholding, explained the significance of the move:

The demand for flights to and from Sub-Saharan Africa is developing at a fast pace and it is crucial for Lufthansa Group to grow its footprint in the region. Brussels Airlines is the perfect airline to do just that as its expertise and presence on the continent is unparalleled.

In addition to expanding its fleet, Brussels Airlines is making a substantial investment of over €100 million to introduce brand-new cabin interiors for business class, premium economy, and economy class on its long-haul routes. The new cabins will enhance the inflight experience for passengers, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering premium service. This investment marks a key milestone in Brussels Airlines’ growth strategy.

Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines, commented:

The multi-million investment in cabin interior allows us to offer our customers an even more premium experience. It’s with great pleasure that we will offer more connections to our increasing number of passengers on our growing network.

In addition to the long-haul fleet expansion, Brussels Airlines has signed a three-year wet-lease agreement with Air Baltic. Starting in 2025, the Latvian airline will seasonally operate four Airbus A220 aircraft for Brussels Airlines, catering to regional routes and those with lower demand during the busy summer months.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, highlighted the importance of these developments for UK-based business travellers:

The growth of Brussels Airlines’ fleet and its strengthened network to Sub-Saharan Africa is fantastic news for many business travellers from the UK. These enhancements provide more opportunities for seamless travel between the UK and Africa, with the added benefit of upgraded cabin experiences on long-haul flights.

For more information about how these changes could benefit your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

UK Business Travel: ETA to become essential for visa-free entry from April

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The UK government has announced that, from April 2025, all visitors who do not require a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. This marks a significant step in the government’s initiative to digitise the UK border and immigration system, ensuring robust security and streamlined travel procedures for millions of visitors.

From 27 November 2024, non-European visitors eligible for an ETA can begin applying, with ETAs becoming mandatory for travel from 8 January 2025. European visitors will need to apply from 5 March 2025, and ETAs will be required for travel from 2 April 2025. These ETAs will be digitally linked to the traveller’s passport, enabling thorough security checks before travel and helping prevent potential abuse of the UK’s immigration system.

Seema Malhotra: enhance security through new technology

The introduction of the ETA system aligns the UK with countries like the US and Australia, which have already implemented similar systems to bolster border security. An ETA will cost £10 and will allow multiple entries into the UK for up to six months at a time over a two-year period, or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, stated:

Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year.

The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.

The ETA system is part of a broader movement towards digital documentation in the UK, including the replacement of physical immigration documents with eVisas.

The government has urged those currently holding biometric residence permits (BRPs) or other physical immigration documents to create an online account and transition to an eVisa before their BRPs expire at the end of December 2024. This move will provide people with digital proof of their immigration status, reducing risks associated with lost or stolen documents and simplifying the process of proving immigration status.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented:

This new ETA system will be a significant benefit to UK-based business travellers, ensuring smoother, more secure travel procedures when welcoming international colleagues and partners to the UK. By digitising the border process, the UK is enhancing security while maintaining ease of access for business travellers.

The UK government is working closely with airlines, maritime, and rail carriers to ensure the smooth implementation of this digital system.

For further information on how the ETA will impact your business travel plans, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Kimpton announces new luxury hotel at Rockefeller Center, ideal for UK business travellers

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Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury portfolio, has announced plans to open a new boutique luxury hotel in New York City. Kimpton Rockefeller Center, set to open in late 2025, will be the brand’s third property in the city, offering business travellers a new stylish option in the heart of Manhattan.

Located steps away from the iconic Rockefeller Center, the 33-storey hotel will feature 529 guest rooms with panoramic views of the New York skyline. Developed in partnership with Extell Development Company, the hotel will be designed by SLCE Architects and INC Architecture & Design. In addition to its prime location, the hotel will boast two full-service restaurants, a rooftop bar, a lobby lounge, and social spaces, perfect for business and leisure travellers alike. The hotel will also cater to corporate needs with two dedicated meeting spaces, a fitness centre, and Kimpton’s well-known pet-friendly policies.

Leanne Harwood, SVP, Managing Director for Luxury & Lifestyle Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed her enthusiasm, saying:

New York City has always been one of the world’s most exciting destinations, and we’re thrilled to be expanding Kimpton’s presence in this important market with Extell Development Company. With its unparalleled location in the centre of the city, Kimpton Rockefeller Center will welcome guests with an inspiring boutique luxury setting while opening the door to the endless expansive experiences the destination has to offer.

Situated on 48th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Kimpton Rockefeller Center will provide an ideal base for business travellers looking to explore New York’s iconic landmarks, such as Radio City Music Hall, Central Park, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. For business visitors, the hotel’s proximity to premier shopping locations on Fifth and Madison Avenues and its easy access to New York’s transportation network make it an ideal choice for seamless travel around the city.

Elysa Goldman, Senior Vice President, Development at Extell Development Company, highlighted the collaboration with Kimpton, stating,

We are thrilled to be working with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants… Extell and IHG are creating what will be one of the finest hotels with a robust food and beverage programme as well as iconic views of Rockefeller Center and the city skyline in one of New York City’s most visited neighbourhoods.

Kimpton’s global expansion continues, with 75 hotels currently open and an additional 57 planned across destinations like Riviera Maya, Lisbon, Riyadh, and Brisbane. Kimpton Rockefeller Center joins Kimpton Hotel Theta and Kimpton Hotel Eventi in offering UK business travellers even more accommodation options in the city.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented:

The announcement of Kimpton Rockefeller Center is great news for UK-based business travellers. Its central location, combined with luxury amenities, will provide a perfect base for corporate travellers visiting New York. We are excited to offer our clients another high-quality option for their business travel needs in this bustling city – one of the most popular destinations for Global Travel Management customers.

For more information on how Kimpton Rockefeller Center can enhance your next business trip to New York, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

British Airways increases transatlantic services with 400+ flights per week next Summer

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British Airways will operate a record number of flights from London to the US, Canada and Mexico in Summer 2025, with over 400 direct flights per week during peak weeks, including flights to 26 US cities.

British Airways continues to expand its transatlantic services, solidifying its position as the UK’s leading carrier to North America.

The airline, which operates more flights across the Atlantic than any other European carrier, is also the only European airline to offer a First-class cabin on flights from London to the US.

UK business travellers will benefit from increased connectivity, with the expanded schedule including additional flights to key business destinations. British Airways has added several flights from London Heathrow, all of which are available to book now on ba.com:

  • Miami, Florida (MIA): An additional seven flights per week, increasing the total to 14 flights weekly.
  • Miami will become a twice-daily service year-round. The airline will also open a new lounge in Miami in 2025, showcasing its latest lounge design concept.
  • Austin, Texas (AUS): Six more flights per week, raising the total to 13 weekly services.
  • Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS): An extra three flights per week during peak months, for a total of 10 flights weekly.
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT): The route increases from six to seven flights weekly, becoming a daily service for the first time.
  • Washington DC (IAD): Seven additional flights per week, bringing the total to 21 flights weekly.
  • Vancouver, Canada (YVR): Up to seven more flights weekly from Heathrow, totalling up to 14 flights per week during the peak summer period. With the airline’s daily flight from Gatwick, customers can choose from three flights per day from June to September.

Passengers travelling to the US can also connect to more than 100 destinations within the country, thanks to British Airways’ partnerships with US airlines, providing seamless onward connections for UK business travellers.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, commented:

The US remains a priority market for us, and we know these network changes will be welcomed by both our business and leisure customers, providing more options than ever before to travel between the UK and the USA.

British Airways’ expanded summer schedule comes as interest grows in popular events for 2025, including Rod Stewart’s The Encore Shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and the Miami Grand Prix.

British Icons: Rod Stewart plays at The Colosseum in 2025 and Lando Norris will look to repeat his 2024 Miami GP win in 2025.

In addition to the increased transatlantic services, British Airways has announced enhancements to its global route network:

  • A third daily flight to Delhi (DEL) has been added for Summer 2025, with a total of 63 flights per week across five destinations in India.
  • Flights from Gatwick to Cancun (CUN) will increase from six to seven per week, becoming a daily service next summer.
  • A second daily flight has been added from Heathrow to Florence (FLR).
  • New services to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Jeddah (JED), both launching in November 2024, will continue into the Summer 2025 season, alongside frequency growth in Riyadh (RUH).

Moreover, for the Winter 2024 season, the direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok (BKK) will resume on 28 October 2024, operating three times per week and increasing to up to five times per week between January and March 2025. Customers travelling to Doha (DOH) now have the option to fly in the airline’s First class cabin, with one of the twice-daily flights from Heathrow operated on a Boeing 787-10 aircraft.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, said:

This expanded schedule is great news for UK business travellers. More flights means more flexibility, more choice and more opportunities to connect with key business hubs across the US, Canada and beyond. At Global Travel Management, we’re here to help our customers make the most of these new travel options.

For further information on how these changes could benefit your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Finnair marks 70 years of London-Helsinki flights with increased daily UK departures

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Celebrating 70 years of connecting London and Helsinki, Finnair has marked a significant milestone in its history this September.

On Sunday, 1st September, Finnair commemorated seven decades since launching its London-Helsinki route in 1954.

Originally, the route connected London and Helsinki via Düsseldorf and Copenhagen, with a total journey time of around eight hours. At that time, the flight operated three times per week, and a return ticket cost £67.50, the equivalent of approximately £1,900 today.

Fast forward 70 years, and Finnair is preparing to increase its frequency from four to six daily flights between London Heathrow and Helsinki, with return tickets starting from as little as £160.

Despite all the changes over the years, one thing has remained constant: the importance of London in Finnair’s route network and the significance of the UK market for the airline.

Today, around 2,000 passengers daily either start their journey from London, connect at Heathrow, or return to the UK from global destinations with Finnair.

Anssi Partanen: proud to celebrate

For the upcoming winter season, Finnair is also reinstating its Manchester route to its full capacity, with double daily departures. Additionally, the Edinburgh-Helsinki route will operate seven times a week, with double daily flights on Thursdays and no flights on Saturdays.

Anssi Partanen, UK, Ireland and Benelux Market Director of Finnair said,

I am proud to be able to celebrate the long history of our London route.

You might remember that the direct Manchester-Helsinki flights turned 30 last spring and Finnair celebrated its centenary late last year – so there really is a lot to be proud of!

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented,

Finnair’s increased frequency on the London-Helsinki route offers even greater convenience and flexibility for UK-based business travellers. With more daily departures, business travellers can better tailor their travel plans to meet their specific needs, whether they are attending meetings, conferences, or visiting clients.

For more information on how these changes could benefit your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Aspiring models given a chance to shine as Heathrow becomes a fashion hub

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Aspiring models passing through Heathrow Airport have been given a unique opportunity to launch their careers in the fashion industry, thanks to a new partnership with the inclusive model agency, The MiLK Collective.

In the lead-up to London Fashion Week, Heathrow Airport is playing host to scouts from The MiLK Collective, who are on the lookout for new faces among the record 1.75 million passengers expected to travel through the airport this season.

Successful candidates will have the chance to sign an exclusive contract with the agency for at least a year, joining a prestigious roster of models who have graced the covers of top fashion magazines like Vogue and worked with the most sought-after fashion brands.

Fashion Unveiled: Models walk the runway at Heathrow

The initiative kicked off with a surprise fashion show at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 Arrivals, where four of The MiLK Collective’s models showcased high fashion looks alongside travel essentials such as eye masks and suitcases. Onlookers waiting for their loved ones became an impromptu audience on the ‘front row’, or ‘FROW’, while passengers passing through the terminal joined the spectacle, displaying a variety of styles from casual airport attire to vintage dresses.

The MiLK Collective, known for its focus on diversity and challenging industry conventions, is looking for individuals of any age who have a distinct personality and style.

Talent Search: Model scouts assess arriving travellers

Scouts will return to Terminal 5 on Friday, 13th September, offering more passengers the chance to be discovered during Fashion Week, one of the busiest times for Heathrow, which has already seen over 30 million passengers since June.

Reflecting on the airport’s role in the fashion industry, Fraser Brown, Retail Director at Heathrow, said:

London Fashion Week is one of the UK’s most iconic cultural events, and industry leaders, designers, and models will soon be passing through our doors to attend. But the impact of the UK fashion industry goes far beyond just one week or one city.

It’s a powerhouse for the British economy, driving billions in value and sharing the work of creatives from all over Britain with the world – and we’re proud that Heathrow plays a unique role within this sector.

We’re excited to partner with The MiLK Collective to give aspiring models a chance to ‘take off’ right here at the airport.

The partnership follows a long tradition of models being discovered in airports, such as Kate Moss, who was famously scouted at New York’s JFK airport in 1988.

Anna Shillinglaw, Founder and Managing Director at The MiLK Collective, noted:

You can find a huge mix of people at airports, and so many who would be brilliant models. I’ve personally scouted passengers waiting for a flight or checking in a bag on recent trips abroad. Airport fashion is also a very unique thing.

Every time I’m at the airport I’ll see a mix of wonderful outfits that people choose to travel in, and it’s those individual looks and personalities that we’ll be looking out for as passengers take to the Heathrow runway. We’re expecting to see thousands of people in total and I can’t wait to see who eventually makes it onto our books.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the initiative:

For UK-based business travellers, this partnership between Heathrow and The MiLK Collective presents an exciting opportunity to see fashion and business travel intersect in a unique way. It’s not just a chance to experience the vibrancy of London Fashion Week but also a moment to witness the innovation and diversity that the UK fashion industry brings to the world stage.

Stylish Arrival: Model showcases fashion on the runway

With thousands of fashion executives, designers, and brands set to arrive from global destinations like Milan, Paris, New York, Shanghai, and Dubai, the collaboration between Heathrow and The MiLK Collective highlights the airport’s pivotal role in the fashion industry’s global ecosystem.

For information about flights from Heathrow or the best ways to reach the airport, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Wyndham Rewards and credit card triumph again in USA Today awards

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Wyndham Rewards® – ‘the world’s most generous rewards programme’ – has once again been recognised as the top hotel loyalty scheme by USA Today readers, while the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card has been named the best hotel credit card.

This achievement marks the seventh consecutive year that Wyndham Rewards has topped the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for hotel loyalty programmes and the sixth consecutive year its credit card has won the same accolade. The awards are determined by a panel of industry experts, with winners chosen through daily votes cast by USA Today readers.

The recognition from USA Today is just the latest in a series of accolades for Wyndham Rewards, which was recently named the best hotel rewards programme by U.S. News & World Report and the most valuable rewards programme by NerdWallet.

These honours complement an impressive year for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which has also been recognised as one of Newsweek’s Most Loved Workplaces, one of Ethisphere’s Most Ethical Companies, and one of Fair360’s Top 50 Companies for Workplace Fairness.

Scott Strickland, Chief Commercial Officer of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, stated,

Simple and generous—that’s what Wyndham Rewards is all about. Day-in, and day-out, no other hotel rewards programme gives their members more for their money or offers more places to redeem. From seaside escapes to buzzing urban cities, wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do, Wyndham is there to welcome you. Congratulations to our team members, to our franchisees and to our partners—without your hard work and continued dedication, these accolades simply wouldn’t be possible.

Wyndham Rewards boasts approximately 110 million enrolled members globally and remains the only hotel loyalty programme where members earn a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay.

These points can be redeemed for free nights at over 60,000 hotels, vacation club resorts, and vacation rentals worldwide, or exchanged for a variety of rewards, including tours, activities, gift cards, and shopping.

The programme offers three simple redemption tiers, with free nights starting at just 7,500 points per room per night and discounted nights starting at 1,500 points per room per night.

To enhance the value for members, Wyndham Rewards offers a suite of credit cards, including the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card, Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card and the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card, which is designed specifically for small businesses. These cards provide enhanced rewards, such as up to 8x points on gas purchases and Wyndham hotel stays, up to 5x points on marketing, advertising, and utility purchases (for business cardholders), and up to 4x points on restaurant and grocery purchases.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the recognition, saying,

For UK-based business travellers, the benefits of a top-tier loyalty programme like Wyndham Rewards cannot be overstated. Whether travelling for business in the UK or abroad, our clients can now enjoy greater flexibility, more value, and the reassurance of being rewarded generously for every stay.

For more information about how Wyndham Hotels can benefit your business travel, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

‘A Sunflower Sojourn’ transforms Changi Airport with more than 5,000 sunflowers

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Changi Airport has transformed into a floral spectacle with its first-ever flower-themed showcase, ‘A Sunflower Sojourn’, featuring over 5,000 sunflowers in more than 20 locations across all four terminals until 30th September.

The showcase, the largest of its kind ever held in an airport, includes stunning displays of sunflowers from classic bright yellow varieties like ‘Sunrise’ to rare breeds such as the red and yellow ‘Florenza’ and pastel pink ‘Strawberry Blonde’.

These blooms, meticulously cultivated in Changi Airport’s own plant nursery, are exhibited both indoors and outdoors, extending to Hub & Spoke.

Sunflower Display: Vibrant blooms across terminals.
Pics: Changi Airport Group

Visitors can enjoy captivating floral displays at the Departure Halls of Terminals 2 and 3, where sunflower topiary sculptures tower at five and eight metres tall, respectively.

This celebration of sunflowers is particularly significant for Changi Airport, which has been associated with these radiant flowers since the opening of the Sunflower Garden at Terminal 2 in 2002.

Mr Ang Siew Min, Senior Vice President of Airport Operations Development, Changi Airport Group said

Our lush gardens at Changi Airport have always been more than just a feature – they are an experience that embodies the warmth and hospitality of our airport.

We are thrilled to unveil this vibrant Sunflower Sojourn display as an extension of the Sunflower Garden to other parts of the airport.

Beyond their bright and cheerful appeal, sunflowers have been significant in various cultural, artistic, and ecological contexts. Visitors can learn about their influence on art, from poetry and painting to their vital role in the ecosystem and their diverse human uses, such as in agriculture, where sunflower seeds are an essential crop. Used for animal feed, snacks and the production of sunflower oil, sunflowers have remained a valuable resource for over 3,000 years.

Additionally, Changi Airport offers exclusive sunflower-themed merchandise, including the limited-edition Buddy bear in a sunflower outfit, pens, coasters, and more, available at Terminal 3’s Main Event Outpost and themed vending machines. Transit passengers can also participate in sunflower-themed activities, such as paper sunflower-making workshops and temporary tattoo stickers, scheduled over select weekends in Terminals 1 and 3.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented,

This unique showcase at Changi Airport offers UK-based business travellers a refreshing and memorable experience during their journey. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy something extraordinary while travelling, reflecting Changi’s commitment to customer delight.

For those visiting Hub & Spoke, sunflower-inspired dishes, including sunflower-flavoured soft-serve yoghurt and sunflower butter toast, are also available, offering a delightful treat to complement the floral displays.

If you plan to experience ‘A Sunflower Sojourn’ at Changi Airport, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

IHG Hotels & Resorts opens first Hotel Indigo Resort in the Middle East at Oman’s Jabal Akhdar

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IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched its first Hotel Indigo resort in the Middle East with the opening of the Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa in Oman, offering UK-based business travellers a unique destination for combining business with leisure in an extraordinary setting.

Situated 2,000 metres above sea level in the majestic Jabal Akhdar range, the new resort promises a perfect blend of modern luxury and authentic Omani experiences, just a two-hour drive from Muscat or a six-hour drive from Dubai.

Green Mountain: the hotel’s range of rejuvenating treatments draw inspiration from ancient Omani traditions and contemporary techniques

Jabal Akhdar, or the “Green Mountain” in Arabic, is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, terraced gardens, ancient villages, and dramatic canyons.

The Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa boasts 173 tastefully designed rooms, suites, and chalets, each providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

This new property is more than just a place to stay; it is a gateway for business travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture, reconnect with nature, and rejuvenate in a serene environment.

James Reeves, General Manager of Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa, highlights the essence of the hotel’s appeal:

Our team has poured their heart and soul into creating a place that captures the very essence of Jabal Akhdar. Every detail and every experience have been carefully curated to immerse guests in the story of this remarkable destination, connect with the local culture and create memories that will stay long after you leave. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the magic of this place. We can’t wait to welcome guests to our neighbourhood and share the wonders of Jabal Akhdar.

The design of the resort reflects the colours and textures of the surrounding mountains and incorporates elements of Omani heritage, creating a unique environment that brings to life the stories of the local communities.

Business travellers can enjoy a range of activities, from hiking in the terraced gardens and exploring historic villages to savouring authentic Omani cuisine at the resort’s three distinctive dining venues. These include the Vue Rooftop & Lounge, the highest rooftop in the Middle East, offering panoramic canyon views and a selection of craft cocktails and signature dishes; Wadi Habib, which serves traditional Omani dishes in a warm setting; and Zaatar, an all-day dining option perfect for socialising with fellow travellers.

For those looking to unwind, the resort’s Jala Spa & Wellness offers a range of rejuvenating treatments inspired by ancient Omani traditions, featuring Himalayan salt rooms, thermal zones, and vitality pools. This wellness sanctuary provides an ideal escape for business travellers to recharge, surrounded by the pure air and natural beauty of the Green Mountain.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented:

The Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa is a fantastic new option for UK-based business travellers looking to extend their business trips with some leisure time. With its stunning location, unique design, and exceptional wellness facilities, it offers an opportunity to combine work with relaxation in one of the Middle East’s most captivating destinations.

The Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa is part of IHG’s Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio and is the group’s first Hotel Indigo property in the region. Known globally for capturing the spirit of local neighbourhoods, Hotel Indigo has over 158 hotels worldwide and a further 133 in the pipeline. The Jabal Akhdar property begins welcoming guests in September 2024.

For more information about incorporating the Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa into your next business trip, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.