1. UK Government To Test COVID-19 Passport
The United Kingdom has announced it will test the use of vaccine passports as a way for people to provide proof of protection against COVID-19 as a way to help travel and large events return safely, the Associated Press reports.
The U.K.'s vaccination efforts are ongoing, and the country is moving forward in its lockdown timeline, the article states. The next step begins April 12 with hairdressers, beauty salons, gyms, nonessential shops as well as bar and restaurant patios being allowed to reopen.
2. Travelodge UK Announces New Chairman
Travelodge U.K. announced its new chairman as Martin Robinson, who currently is also on the board of Burger King and Parkdean Resorts. He formerly has been on the boards of restaurant chain Wagamama and leisure-park hotel firm Center Parcs U.K., according to The Scotsman.
The firm has yet to announce a new CEO following the announced departure of Peter Gowers at the end of 2020.
3. Las Vegas Hoteliers Grow Pipeline Amid Signs of Visitor Uptick
Despite the pandemic, hotel companies such as Virgin Hotels and MGM Resorts have added room inventory to their Las Vegas properties against a backdrop of state legislation permitting expanded capacity limits, writes Hotel News Now contributor Danny King. Data for February reveals an increase in the number of guests in the market as well.
Nevadan politicians announced on March 15 that restaurants, bars, gaming floors, racetracks, gyms and arcades could expand their operations from 35% to 50% of capacity, while convention- and meeting-space allowances could be expanded from 25% to 50% of facility capacity.
4. Australia and New Zealand Agree on Travel Bubble
Australia and New Zealand have agreed to form a travel bubble between themselves in which citizens of either country will not have to perform quarantine on arrival or when they return home, according to the BBC.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the program April 6. The BBC, which stated that Australia has recorded 909 total COVID-19 deaths, while New Zealand has recorded 25, added that New Zealanders have been allowed to visit most Australian states without quarantine since October, although that was not reciprocated to Australian travelers to New Zealand.
5. Accor Dual-Brand Hotel Announced for Multimillion Newcastle Project
Accor has announced it will open a dual-branded hotel featuring its Novotel and Ibis brands, at the upcoming, 260 million pound sterling ($360 million) NewcastleGateshead Quays redevelopment program in North England, according to CoStar News’ Tony Wilbert. (CoStar News is a sibling publication of HNN.)
The deal for a 187-room Novotel and 140-room Ibis has been signed with owner Gateshead Council, developer Ask Real Estate and investment manager Patrizia. The dual-brand hotel will be adjacent to an arena and exhibition center able to host up to 12,500 people.
Compiled by Terence Baker.