In the news: InterContinental’s new traveller app for children, biggest ibis hotel for GCC, Wing On Travel’s extended partnership with Sabre
From digging fossils to train rides – what children want on their holidays
App designed for children to explore their travel destinations. (Image credit: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts)
Standing in two countries at the same time, walking over an inactive volcano, crossing the Equator, draping a snake round their shoulders, eating ice cream in Italy – these are some of the activities that children want as part of their travel experiences.
These findings were from the Top 50 Travel List that InterContinental Hotels & Resorts asked children (up to age 12) from all over the world to compile, based on their most interesting, exciting and memorable travel adventures. Daniel Raven-Ellison, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer and family adventurer, helped curate the list.
Among the children’s ultimate experience are:
- Float in a lagoon
- Feel the rhythm of a traditional dance
- Make new friends who speak a different language
- Learn history in an ancient castle
- Go to the highest point of a city
- Learn to cook a native dish with a local
- Sleep under a mosquito net
- Feel the splash of a waterfall
- Get lost inside a museum
- Go whale watching
The survey was to celebrate the hotel’s recent launch of the Planet Trekkers mobile app. Created in partnership with with National Geographic Kids, the app is designed for children, aged 6-12 to learn about and explore their travel destinations, before, during, and after their holidays.
Based on a treasure hunt style game the app challenges children to discover activities on their vacations, such as taking part in local adventures or tasting native dishes. It allows them to learn more about exciting adventures within four categories – Natural Discoveries, Active Pursuits, Local Culture, and New Flavours. They can also upload photos and details from their adventures.
The app is part of the Planet Trekkers family programme, a club of tailored services, cuisine and activities that are specifically created for families. It allows families to explore the world together, and cultivate a deeper understanding of what are around them.
Simon Scoot, vice president, global brands of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts said the app was developed as part of its commitment to provide enriching and authentic experiences to its guests.
“The launch of the new Planet Trekkers app in partnership with National Geographic Kids helps us do this. It allows families to discover the world together in a very unique and interactive way, whereby even the youngest of travellers can cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around them.”
The Planet Trekkers app is available as a free download free from the iTunes App Store.
Largest ibis hotel in the GCC region opens
Hotel’s Asian fusion restaurant, WOK & Co (Image credit: AccorHotels)
AccorHotels has opened the 588-room ibis One Central in Dubai, the largest ibis hotel in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region.
The hotel boasts a strategic location, next to the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre that is billed as the largest exhibition centre in the Middle East.
ibis One Central, which is part of the Dubai Trade Centre District, is targetting a wide mix of international and regional business, leisure, and MICE travellers coming to the UAE.
“This is our third property at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) complex with the Novotel and ibis WTC,” said Frederic Gitzner, cluster general manager, Novotel & ibis World Trade Centre and ibis One Central.
He added that with the hotel’s close proximity to top attractions and destinations including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai International Financial Centre and Jumeirah Beach, it will attract leisure and business travellers.
The property features an array of amenities including free WiFi, gym access, and five meeting rooms that can cater up to 200 people. Dining options include Asian fusion restaurant WOK & Co, and Cubano-Lito Bar & Grill,
All rooms have the ibis brand’s signature bedding concept, Sweet Bed™ by ibis. For business guests there are five fully-equipped meeting rooms that can cater for up to 200 people.
Hong Kong’s Wing On Travel extends partnership with Sabre
Sabre is Wing On’s primary GDS partner.
Wing On Travel Service, one of Hong Kong’s leading travel agencies, has renewed a long-term technology and content agreement with Sabre Corporation.
Sabre said in a statement the agreement reconfirmed the company as the agency’s primary GDS partner. It also commits a suite of solutions to support Wing On Travel’s online business expansion.
As part of the new agreement Wing On Travel will deploy Sabre’s low-fare search technology, Bargain Finder Max, to meet traveller demands for faster fare pricing comparison and more diverse, lower-priced itineraries displayed in real time.
The full suite of travel solutions deployed by Wing On Travel includes Sabre APIs, Bargain Finder Max, Optimization, New FareX, Ticket Express, Sabre Contract Manager, and Sabre Red Workspace.
• Featured image credit: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
