Industry News for January 3, 2025

Venue News

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, a luxury 605-room resort located on 50 immaculately-landscaped oceanfront acres overlooking Keoneloa Bay, has launched a wayfinding mobile app to help guests discover the breathtaking beauty of the resort with ease. The app allows guests to track their exact location on a digital resort map, while highlighting points of interest, hotel amenities, and features. The new app is available for iOS and Android devices and can be accessed in the App Store and through Google Play. 

As one of Aspen’s legendary mainstays, The Gant presents an extraordinary collection of experiences enhanced by premier resort amenities, inviting planners and business leaders alike to embrace the splendor of the Rocky Mountains. Alongside the property’s collection of 140-privately owned professionally designed luxury condominiums, The Gant provides an inspirational environment for meetings, retreats, incentives and festive celebrations with their 5,500 square feet of bespoke indoor and outdoor venues. New features include: Origin by The Farmer & Chef, a restaurant that sources ingredients from regenerative agriculture; new in-residence private chef dinners; crafted group experiences, including heli-snowmobiling, backcountry touring, winter fly-fishing, and more; and winter amenities, such as ski butlers, heated pools, hot tubs, and more. 

People on the Move

Vakkaru Maldives announced the return of Janice Tan as Vice President of Commercial for Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, and Scandinavian countries. With her extensive expertise and impressive track record in luxury hospitality, Janice’s return signifies an exciting chapter for the resort as it continues to strengthen its presence in key global markets. 

Awards & Accolades

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort announced that it has been awarded the prestigious Green Globe Certificate, world's leading certification for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism worldwide. This achievement reflects the resort’s steadfast commitment to environmental conservation, responsible tourism, and sustainability, reinforcing its dedication to protecting the natural beauty of the private island and its surrounding marine ecosystem. 

Hot off the Press

See Monterey is revolutionizing the meetings and events space with the launch of its redesigned website that leverages travel AI alongside a new meetings campaign, “Inspiration Meets Here.” These initiatives position Monterey County as a forward-thinking destination where technology, creativity and natural beauty converge to deliver exceptional meeting experiences. The destination has inspired influential minds, from John Steinbeck penning his famous 1945 book, “Cannery Row,” to Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak conceiving the Apple computer and the first TED Conferences held at the Monterey Conference Center in 1984.