Smart mobility: Armenian flying taxi startup raises millions

Want to stay ahead of the curve when choosing a destination for your next meeting? Consider a great new option located in the capital of Armenia. Looking for a unique, nature-filled venue option? Marriott just teamed up with Postcard Lodge to change the game for outdoor meetings. Want your attendees to be able to levitate from the airport to the conference venue? $660 million has just been spent on making that dream a reality. Read the latest travel news brought to you by Smart Travel.

Dubai makes progress on tourism, events and sustainability in 2024

With nearly 15 million overnight visitors as of October 2024, Dubai has become a top international tourism, conference and events destination. The city has also established a balanced appeal, attracting visitors from Western Europe (20%), South Asia (17%) and the GCC (15%).

Dubai has made a concerted effort to emphasize its capacity growth, with an average occupancy rate of 77% across its 152,532 rooms, demonstrating the success of this strategy. Investments have been made in hotels at all levels, offering luxury, mid-range and budget accommodation options, making the city more accessible to many meeting and event professionals.

For those who follow Dubai, these developments come as no surprise. The Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards named it the world’s number one destination for the third time in a row this year, and it won the title of “Leading Shopping Destination 2024” and “World’s Leading Exhibition Destination” at the World Travel Awards.

Sustainability is also at the forefront of Dubai’s development, with projects such as Dubai Can saving more than 25 million single-use plastic bottles, establishing 50 refill stations across the city and converting 220 hotels into plastic bottle alternatives.

Landmark moment for outdoor hospitality industry, Marriott acquires Postcard Lodge brand

Marriott International has acquired the Postcard Lodge brand (formerly known as Getaway). Founded in 2015, the outdoor hospitality brand’s mission is to redefine great outdoor experiences and provide guests with unique opportunities to escape from their everyday lives. They’ve been successful, with visitors spending more than 40 million hours in Postcard Lodge’s more than 1,200 lodges located at 29 outposts.

“Joining Marriott, we’re excited to bring the Postcard Cottage experience to a global audience that truly seeks what we have to offer – a place to slow down, disconnect from everyday life, and invest in the relationships that matter most. Ten years ago, What started as a small group of believers in the power of spending free time in nature has grown into a nationwide movement that we predict will continue to grow as Marriott International expands its reach Going from strength to strength,” said Postcard founder and CEO Jon Staff.

Leeny Oberg, chief financial officer and executive vice president of development for Marriott International, echoed the excitement, saying, “Marriott has a long history of delivering incredible travel experiences for every travel purpose. As guests become more immersive With growing interest in nature-style travel, we’re excited to expand our incredible portfolio and welcome Postcard Lodge to Marriott Bonvoy as we offer even more accommodations and experiences in amazing destinations. “

Flying taxi startup raises $430 million

Archer Aviation’s total funding for 2024 has reached $660 million, after investors including Stellantis, United Airlines and Wellington Management, as well as 2PointZero, a subsidiary of IHP, the UAE’s largest listed company, contributed a total of $430 million. To date, Archer Aviation has completed more than 400 test flights and signed manufacturing contracts worth more than $6 billion.

Conference professors may soon add flying taxis to attendees’ transportation options, as the California-based company unveiled plans to build an air taxi network in Los Angeles for the 2028 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Preparing for the Summer Olympics. Archer is currently developing an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which they call the “Midnight.” With room for a pilot, four passengers and luggage, you may soon find Midnight transporting guests to your event instead of Uber.

Armenia’s capital unveils new five-star, award-winning luxury destination

Seven Visions Resorts & Places, The Dvin opened in Yerevan to thunderous applause, signaling a new era of luxury in Armenia. Filled with the country’s iconic charm and within walking distance of iconic landmarks, The Dvin has been awarded the World’s Leading Hotel Dining and Entertainment Experience Award at the 2024 World Travel Awards, making it the first choice for stylish conference professionals.

Guests can head to Saryan Street, world-famous for its wine shops and art galleries, or visit Republic Square to admire the musical fountains and stunning architecture. Other must-see attractions include the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater and the Sergei Parajanov Museum. The Dvin Hotel also features several specialty restaurants serving Armenian and international cuisine, as well as live jazz, Armenian cultural performances, celebrity appearances and many other entertainment options. With four meeting spaces accommodating 180 to 3,000 guests, The Dvin is quickly becoming a top events destination.

Miami Sonesta Airport celebrates completion of five-month, multi-million dollar renovation

Sonesta Miami Airport celebrated this week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony after a five-month, multi-million-dollar renovation. DiLeonardo’s design team led the project, which included a complete transformation of the hotel’s 309 guest rooms, each decorated with luxurious leathers, neutral tones and modern art.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Miami’s Sonesta Airport,” said Alex Alvarez, hotel general manager. “As an airport hotel, many of our guests are only staying with us briefly, but despite this, we wanted to create a space that felt welcoming and distinctly Miami. From the bright colors and textures in the guest rooms to the authentic dishes on the menu With a local flavor, every detail is designed to immerse guests in the spirit of Miami. Our hotel is more than just a place to rest between flights, it’s a place where you can truly feel the energy and culture of the city. Experience even if you only stay one night.”