Category: Resorts

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The Bellwether Beach Resort St Pete Beach.

I had the great pleasure of staying in the Bellwether Beach Resort during my recent Florida Huddle Road trip. Retro-Florida meets modern-chic at the Bellwether Beach Resort, capturing the vintage spirit of its coastal locale, Bellwether’s iconic architecture and nostalgic interiors set the tone for the resort experience: thoughtful, fun, and unexpected. The staff and laid-back atmosphere in the resort was so refreshing as you can just stroll from the pool and bar area straight onto the sugar like sand of St Pete Beach.

 

The Bellwether breaks away from a traditional beach resort vibe, uncovering a setting that brings to life a vintage spirit in a coastal location, just steps from the award-winning St. Pete Beach. Bellwether Beach Resort boasts panoramic views of the pristine coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.

 

There is a nearly endless number of things to see and do at Bellwether Beach Resort. From their award-winning white sand beaches to the popular nearby attractions like the exciting new St. Pete Pier, Clearwater Aquarium, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Not to mention, the visit only-in-St. Pete attractions like The Dali Museum, Chihuly Collection, and the St. Pete Mural Tour.

 

Stay tuned to Travelbiz for more trade partner profile features.

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Prime Minister flags 21 February as the date all international tourists can return.

 

Australia’s borders will soon be open to all international tourists, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealing 21 February as the opening date after close to two years of closure.

 

The PM stressed that inbound travellers must be double vaccinated if they want to enter, and that state-based caps and quarantine arrangements would still continue as state and territory leaders see fit. “If you’re double vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia”, Morrison said.

 

Mr Morrison said those entering Australia when the borders fully reopened would need to provide proof of vaccination. “That’s the rule. Everyone is expected to abide by it”. Unvaccinated travellers who have a medical reason for not being jabbed will still need to apply for a travel exemption and, if successful, will be required to quarantine at a hotel.

 

Since the start of the pandemic, Australia has implemented strict measures to help fight the spread of Covid infections – even banning its own people from leaving the country last year.

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Passengers who enter Portugal with an EU Digital Covid Certificate will now no longer be required to present a negative Covid-19 test on arrival. From today, they are only required to present the Passenger Locator Form and a valid EU Digital Covid Certificate, or other proof of vaccination recognised by Portugal, to gain entry.

 

Previously, it was mandatory for all arrivals to Portugal to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test, even for those who held an EU Digital Covid Certificate, regardless of the point of origin of the flight or the passenger’s nationality.

 

A valid EU Digital Covid Certificate will be required in Portugal for access to tourist or local accommodation establishments, restaurants or similar establishments, gambling establishments, casinos, bingo or similar, events, and for access to gyms and fitness centres.

 

As of Tuesday 1 February, the EU Digital Covid Certificate is only valid with a second vaccination within nine months of the 1 February 2022. Travellers may also provide proof of recovery within the past six months (180 days) or a booster vaccination to travel within the EU.

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Valencia has once again been named the healthiest city in the world according to Money.co.uk. Crowned consecutively for a second year, the study evaluates how cities prioritise the health of its locals and visitors through several key factors.

 

Analysing what contributes to a healthy lifestyle, seven distinct areas were taken into account during the study, including: obesity levels, life expectancy, pollution levels, health care, safety, crime rate and hours of sunlight. New for 2022, the study also looks at other aspects such as: number of toilets per 100,000 inhabitants, health spending, percentage of the population with access to health care and the prevalence of mental and substance use disorders.

 

The light of Valencia

Not just a popular local expression that names the sun and the Valencian climate, the city accumulates 2,696 hours of sunlight per year with an average temperature of 19 degrees. These characteristics, combined with access to acres of parkland and miles of beaches make the city a timeless destination to enjoy in any season.

 

Sustainable gastronomy and seasonal produce

Few cities in the world have access to such a variety of rich and natural resources from which locals, markets and restaurants all benefit from. On land, València is surrounded by miles of orchards growing native produce, such as rice from L’Albufera and tomatoes from El Perelló in addition to oranges, persimmons or carob beans. From the sea, the Mediterranean brings a great variety of fish to the city’s fish market daily. Furthermore, in 2022 Valencia will host the Michelin Guide Spain & Portugal meeting in recognition of the city’s cuisine and the excellence of its product.

 

Low contamination rates

Due to Valencia’s proximity to the coast, the Mediterranean sea breeze helps to naturally purify the city’s air, keeping pollution levels well below its European neighbours. In the city centre, five million sq m of green areas, including the Parque de Cabecera, Parque Central, Jardines del Real and Jardín del Turia are just some of the areas where nature is in abundance. In addition, recent projects such as measuring Valencia’s carbon and water footprint, and the announcement of Valencia as 2022 European Smart City, allow visitors to enjoy a more sustainable and healthy travel experience.

 

Excellent health care

Valencia holds a large proportion of industry health care specialists who work in centres equipped with some of the most advanced instruments and technology in the sector. Leaders in Oncology, the city is currently awaiting the opening of the Instituto Valenciano de Oncología (IVO), named for two years as one of the 50 best cancer centres in the world.

 

A long life expectancy

The study indicates that the average life expectancy of a Valencian is 83.5 years. The quiet lifestyle, combined with a healthy Mediterranean diet, low levels of pollution and crime rate, make the quality of life ideal for maintaining good health.

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will open Iron Gwazi, the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster, on March 11. Being North America’s tallest hybrid coaster, this ride takes thrills to new heights, plunging riders from a 206-foot-tall peak down a 91-degree drop and reaching top speeds of 76 miles per hour. Iron Gwazi is Busch Gardens’ tenth coaster and an exhilarating addition to the park’s collection of thrill rides. Riders will experience a dozen airtime moments, including three inversions, while racing along more than 4,000 feet of steel track. With a 48” height requirement, this invigorating attraction is a ride the whole family can conquer together.

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Austria is Ireland’s favourite ski destination, and Soll is one of our favourite destinations within Austria. Every year, Irish skiers return to Soll, in the Ski Weltwilder kaiser-Brixental ski region, with its unique combination of 288 kms of interconnected skiing, and a big gastronomic experience with over 70 family-run restaurants on the mountain alone!

 

The views of over 70 mountains of 3000 metres are tempting too as well as the ALPENIGLU® Igloo Village, 3 fun parks, exhilarating ski runs, 3 floodlit toboggan runs as well as Austria’s largest night time ski resort. 80family-run huts with sun terraces and table service are a great place to call in for refreshments. 

 

Soll is well served also from Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck airports, with short transfers to resort – between 1 hour and 1.75 hours, depending on traffic. Said Gabriel Eder, Manager of the Soll Tourist Board. “Even if the year 2022 is still quite young, it remains challenging. Aren’t we really desperate for some good to great news? Especially when they relate to topics such as vacation, skiing and enjoying life! As a matter of fact, the additional bank holiday in Ireland on Friday, March 18th, which people deserve so much, is good news. So why not plan a spontaneous skiing holiday to Söll? Because one thing is certain: A few days of skiing, with lots of relaxation and culinary delights all around to switch off, will recharge your batteries. Therefore, Söll has two unbeatable options for the perfect holiday for all last-minute holiday-seekers, that’s the great news”.

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Travelbiz Road Trip to the Sunshine State! Let’s Huddle in Florida.

 

“There was a real feeling of retuning back to normality as you can sense this is coming to an end”.

 

Quick update for you all as I arrived on the direct Aer Lingus service from Dublin to Orlando this week. I also want to take the opportunity to dispel some myths, as it could not be easier right now to pick up a great sale fare with Aer Lingus, get your antigen test in Dublin Airport (V1 Medical on the Santry Road 5 mins from Airport), Use the Verifly App and Fly!

 

Make sure you are tested no more than 24 hours pre your departure time. The good news is that you don’t need to repeat the process now when flying back to Ireland from the USA, but you must complete your Passenger Locator forms in advance.

 

Ok, admittedly Dublin airport was quiet, but once again I found the entire process stress free and seamless from start to finish.

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Just Announced: Universal’s Mardi Gras is back, spicier and better than ever. The spectacular parade is back (select nights). The unforgettable concerts are back (select nights) with incredible performers including Khalid, Marshmello, Diana Ross, and other sensational artists.

 

Check out all the details HERE.

 

The parades and beads are back. The concerts are back with incredible performers including Khalid, Marshmello, Jason Derulo and more. And every day and night you can enjoy lip-smacking foods from New Orleans as well as mouth-watering dishes inspired by tastes from around the world. It’s the loudest, wildest, spiciest blowout this side of the Bayou.

 

All the Parade Excitement

It’s an authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras parade complete with dazzling floats, colourful costumes, and beads, beads and more beads. This year’s parade features six brand new floats along with six traditional favourite floats.

 

Float Riding

You haven’t experienced Mardi Gras until you’ve experienced it from atop one of our spectacular floats. Toss beads to the crowd while you make your way through the streets – it’s unforgettable.

 

Mardi Gras float riding details and restrictions to be announced soon.

Note that there is no Mardi Gras parade on April 1, 2 and 8.

 

During the event you’ll find amazing Mard Gras-themed menu items throughout Universal Orlando Resort. And don’t miss the Mardi Gras Tribute Store, a themed experience as well as a shop for all things Mardi Gras.

 

For more click HERE.

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Kenya has continued to cement itself as a global champion in wildlife tourism after being named World’s Leading Safari Destination 2021 by World Travel Awards (WTA).

 

This announcement was made on 16th December during the WTA grand final winners’ day 2021 to celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

 

This is the 8th time in the last 9 years and 7th time in a row that Kenya is being recognised for this prestigious award at the annual global awards. The destination won the award in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and now 2021.

 

Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kenya’s tourism marketing agency – Dr Betty Radier (CEO Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), termed the win as a testament to Kenya’s superior offering of the Safari product and experience.

 

“This recognition is an endorsement of Magical Kenya, known as home of authentic African Safari. Without a doubt this is well-deserved, and I believe that we shall get even better. We shall continue with our commitment towards preserving and showcasing to the world the unique wildlife heritage bestowed to our country for the sake of generations to come”, she said.

 

Despite the challenges the destination has faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Radier underscored the resilience that has positioned Kenya as a preferred destination for tourists from across the world.

 

“Ours is to continue building on this product which has a lot of potential for growth. For example, now with the Magical Kenya Signature Experiences travellers have an opportunity to experience a foot safari or even track wildlife while on foot”, added Dr Radier.

 

Kenya has been steadfast in innovating ways of showcasing its tourism products and making sure that more travellers are able to experience the destination. In 2020, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife launched a virtual live stream campaign to showcase game safaris in parks and reserves across the country. The campaign was broadcasted around the world as part of the Magic Awaits destination marketing campaign. The activity was key in keeping the destination alive at the time when tourism activities were minimal.

 

In August of 2021, Kenya partnered with video sharing platform TikTok to showcase the great wildebeest migration and the Masai Mara. This ensured that people who were not able to travel to Kenya during the time had an opportunity to experience this spectacle.

 

“Kenya is a rich and diverse country, with an incredible wildlife offering which we want to highlight as well as protect. Together with our partners we can now engage the world with content and experiences from any part of the country and drive more awareness of our country and wildlife, especially during this time when travel is limited with the aim of curbing the spread of the virus. Kenya Tourism Board is keen to ensure Magical Kenya remains top of mind among consumers”, commented Dr Radier.

 

Kenya prides itself in having the best wildlife viewing destinations such the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, the Tsavo East and West National Parks, Lake Nakuru National Park, Meru National Park, Aberdare National Park as well as Nairobi National Park- the only national park in the world within a capital city.