Friday, May 17, 2024
Grand Peaks, a fully integrated real estate investment firm, recently announced the lease of 93 units within their upcoming luxury multifamily community, Skyline at Highlands, to Sonder. Sonder, a leader in short-term rentals, offers apartment-style hotel stays in bustling urban areas. Located at 2501 W 26th Ave in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, Skyline at Highlands is currently pre-leasing the remainder of its 533 units and is set to become a mixed-use destination with hospitality, luxury living, and a full suite of amenities opening in June.
This 93-room hotel will be Sonder’s fourth project in LoHi, offering guests a blend of contemporary design and convenience. Hotel guests will have access to various luxury amenities, including a resort-style pool and hot tub, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and expansive open park spaces.
“We are thrilled to have Sonder at Skyline at Highlands,” said Luke Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, at Grand Peaks. “They share our passion for creating vibrant places where people can connect, explore and enjoy. Together, we’re bringing an exceptional hospitality experience to the heart of LoHi.”
The strategic partnership between Grand Peaks and Sonder raises the standard of hospitality in the region and reinforces the allure of the LoHi neighborhood as a premier destination for residents and travelers seeking sophistication and convenience.
Tags: Denver LoHi neighborhood, Grand Peaks, landscaped gardens, Luxury multifamily community, modern architecture, Resort-style pool, Skyline at Highlands
Friday, May 17, 2024
With Memorial Day weekend fast approaching, travelers still have plenty of options for warm-weather vacations in fantastic destinations. From the quiet nature preserves of Jekyll Island, GA, to the bustling streets of New Orleans, to the white-sand shores of Pensacola Beach and beyond, a stay at an Innisfree Hotels (innisfreehotels.com) property will make your Memorial Day a memorable one. Here are some of the best places in the Southeast to book your last-minute Memorial Day Weekend vacation.
“Whether you’re looking for family-friendly water activities and beachfront relaxation, or you want a weekend filled with good food and good vibes, there’s an Innisfree property waiting for you,” said Rhiannon Reynolds, VP of Operations at Innisfree Hotels. “The best part is, we have something to suit every budget despite the Memorial Day holiday being a popular time to travel.”
Bikini Beach Resort Panama City Beach: Located close to all the best bars, restaurants, and other local attractions.
Beachside Resort Panama City Beach: This newly renovated resort sits on a quiet part of the beach with its own pool and bar, just a short drive to all the local attractions.
Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach: A lazy river, on-site tiki bar and restaurant, and close proximity to local restaurants make this property a must-visit.
Surf and Sand Fernandina Beach at Amelia Island: Located one block from the beach near shops and Fort Clinch State Park, this property offers free breakfast and a pool.
Hampton Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach: Features two Gulf-front pools, free daily breakfast, tiki bar, and a convenient location near great shops and restaurants.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach: Kids will love the lazy river, weekend activities, and free breakfast, while parents can appreciate the on-site tiki bar and other amenities.
Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach: Centrally located close to fun restaurants and concert sites, this Gulf-front property offers free breakfast for guests and an amazing pool deck and tiki bar.
Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach: A pet-friendly property that is close to hiking trails and a state park. It is also conveniently located near concert venues, an amusement park, and great shops and restaurants.
Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach: Guests enjoy free breakfast daily. The hotel also offers daily cabana rentals and features a poolside bar with food and drinks.
Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island: Located within a preserved area, this property offers free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site bar, in addition to a shuttle around the island.
Mercantile Hotel New Orleans: Centrally located in the Warehouse District, this historic all-suite hotel features a record player in every room, free breakfast for guests, and is steps away from top restaurants and shops.
Friday, May 17, 2024
JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire, a luxury resort, proudly presents “The Royal Homecoming,” a unique dining series showcasing globally renowned Indian chefs known for their diverse culinary expertise. The inaugural edition will feature Chef Prabir Banerjee of Chaiwala, a modern Indian cuisine restaurant in Hong Kong. From May 17th to 19th, 2024, Chef Prabir will take over the kitchen at Aaleeshan, the award-winning restaurant at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa. Aaleeshan, celebrated for its North West Frontier Cuisine, has won several accolades, including the title of ‘Best Indian Cuisine,’ underscoring its commitment to quality and authenticity.
Born and raised in India, Chef Prabir Banerjee is acclaimed for his exceptional work at Chaiwala. He has received numerous accolades, including ‘Chef of the Year’ at the Hong Kong Dining Awards 2021: Readers’ Choice. With over 18 years in the culinary world, Chef Prabir specializes in Indian cuisine, inviting patrons on a sensory journey with each plate, showcasing the richness and depth of Indian flavors in a modern, sophisticated setting. His creative ingenuity and culinary skill reflect the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.
During this exclusive event, Aaleeshan will be transformed into a culinary haven featuring Chef Prabir’s signature dishes. His creations will highlight the exquisite spices characteristic of Indian cuisine. Diners can enjoy a selection of tempting appetizers, including Tuna Chaat and Malabar Scallops. The main course will feature Dakshini Prawns, Lamb Chop Masala, and a soul-satisfying Fish Curry, perfectly paired with aromatic Dum Saffron Rice and a variety of Indian breads. The royal feast will conclude with a delectable Mango Sago Coconut Payasam.
Ronan Fearon, General Manager shared, “We are delighted to host Chef Prabir Banerjee, a true
culinary ambassador of India, for this exclusive Royal Homecoming series at Aaleeshan. His exquisite
repertoire, featuring modern interpretations of regional classics, promises to take our guests on a
delightful exploration of Indian flavours. This showcase is a perfect embodiment of Aaleeshan’s
commitment to presenting diners with exceptional culinary experiences. We are confident that this
exquisite event will excite the taste buds and create lasting memories for our discerning guests.”
This event promises a tantalizing opportunity to explore the rich and diverse flavors of India. Chef Prabir’s expertise, combined with Aaleeshan’s regal ambiance, sets the stage for an extraordinary gastronomic adventure. Nestled in the foothills of the Nandi Hills, with breathtaking panoramic views, this experience will delight your senses. Enjoy a luxurious lunch on May 17th and 18th, or savor an equally delightful dinner amidst the stunning scenery on May 18th and 19th.
Friday, May 17, 2024
Visa’s annual Payments Forum in San Francisco revealed revolutionary digital payment solutions, introducing innovations that transform the future of finance.
In the past five years, payment methods have evolved more than in the previous fifty years. Consumers have adapted to new experiences, from digital commerce integration to the widespread use of tap payments. Today at the Visa Payments Forum in San Francisco, Visa (NYSE: V) introduced groundbreaking products and services that will reshape the future for businesses, merchants, consumers, and financial institutions.
Visa’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, Jack Forestell, remarked, “The industry is at a crucial juncture—technologies like Gen AI are transforming how we shop and manage finances. We’re launching the next generation of digital-native payment card experiences, introducing new features and innovations for a more customized, convenient, and secure future.”
Visa’s new offerings, set to launch later this year, include:
Visa Flexible Credential
Visa’s research shows over half of cardholders desire access to multiple accounts via a single credential. The Visa Flexible Credential allows one card to switch between payment methods, enabling users to choose between debit, credit, Buy Now Pay Later, or rewards points. Already active in Asia, it will launch with Affirm in the U.S. this summer.
Tap to Everything
With six billion NFC-enabled mobile devices worldwide, tap payments have become a dominant commerce experience. By the end of 2023, Visa’s global tap-to-pay penetration reached 65%, double that of 2019. New mobile tap features include:
Visa Payment Passkey Service
Online payment fraud rates are seven times higher than in-person fraud. Visa’s Payment Passkey Service, based on FIDO standards, uses biometrics like facial or fingerprint scans to confirm identity and authorize payments, eliminating passwords and one-time codes for streamlined, secure transactions. Jack Forestell noted, “Our passkeys simplify online payments by confirming identity without disrupting the checkout process, enhancing security and reducing friction globally.”
Click to Pay + Visa Payment Passkey Service
Visa is integrating the Visa Payment Passkey Service with Click to Pay for a seamless, secure checkout experience. In numerous markets, Visa will collaborate with issuers to enable Click to Pay and Visa Payment Passkey Service on new cards, simplifying card details and password entry.
Pay by Bank
Non-card payments lack the experience, security, and protections of card payments. Visa is digitizing account-to-account (A2A) payments with Pay by Bank, providing more payment options, including A2A transfers and credit card payments. Visa’s acquisition of Tink has expanded innovative financial tools across Europe, and now these advancements are coming to the U.S.
Visa Protect for A2A Payments
Visa processes over 200 billion transactions annually, using AI to detect fraud in real time. Collaborating with Real-Time Payments (RTP) networks globally, Visa Protect for A2A Payments leverages AI to reduce fraud. Already effective in Latin America and piloting in the UK, it identifies 60% of previously undetected RTP fraud.
Data Tokens
For a decade, Visa has secured payments by tokenizing card information. Today, 29% of Visa’s transactions are tokenized. Visa’s new data tokens allow consumers to control their data privacy and enhance shopping experiences through AI-powered insights. Consumers can consent to data sharing for personalized offers, revoke access via their banking app, and receive real-time recommendations based on transaction data.
Friday, May 17, 2024
Allegiant Travel Company has announced seasonal nonstop service to 15 destinations from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.
The first of these flights, to Knoxville, Tennessee, begins Thursday, with additional routes starting later this month and early next month.
The airline’s latest seasonal expansion offers low-cost travel options on 81 routes in 66 cities, including these new routes from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport:
Friday, May 17, 2024
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates screening a record number of travelers this summer season.
The summer travel period, as defined by the TSA, starts on Memorial Day weekend and extends through Labor Day.
The busiest travel day is predicted to be Friday, May 24, with nearly three million passengers expected.
Between May 23 and May 29, over 18 million passengers and crew members are anticipated to pass through checkpoints, reflecting a 6.4% increase in volume compared to the same period last year.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, the TSA offers the following tips:
Tags: summer season, Travel news, TSA News, US Travel News
Friday, May 17, 2024
U.S. travel agencies are rejoicing over an unparalleled $9.1 billion in April air ticket sales, marking a milestone and showcasing strong industry growth.
The Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) has unveiled impressive data indicating that U.S. travel agencies achieved air ticket sales totaling $9.1 billion in April 2024. This figure represents a notable 4% increase compared to April 2023 and stands as the highest April sales record since ARC began tracking this data in 2017.
| ARC Ticketing Metric | Total | Month-Over-Month Variance | Year-Over-Year Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total sales | $9.1 billion | -2% | +4% |
| Total passenger trips | 25.5 million | 0% | +8% |
| U.S. domestic trips | 16.1 million | +2% | +11% |
| International trips | 9.4 million | -4% | +4% |
| Average ticket price | $551 | -4% | 0% |
This table summarizes the key metrics for April, including total sales, passenger trips, and their variances both month-over-month and year-over-year.
In addition to the surge in air ticket sales, April also saw a significant rise in ancillary sales, which climbed by 21% year-over-year, reaching $30 million. The number of ancillary transactions experienced an even more dramatic increase, jumping 46% to a total of 535,345 during the same period.
“April domestic demand broke from seasonal norms with a monthly increase in U.S. passenger trips booked,” said Steve Solomon, chief commercial officer at ARC. “As travel agencies navigate the shifting air travel retailing landscape, their value to both business and leisure travelers continues to be on display.”
These record-breaking figures highlight a robust recovery and growth in the travel industry, suggesting a strong demand for air travel and related services among U.S. consumers.
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Friday, May 17, 2024
