World News

John Mahama, Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group in Kenya and former President of Ghana, has commended Kenyans for their patience in waiting for final election results.  In his interim statement, he asked for continued patience as results continue to be finalised.

“We have followed the whole process and wish to congratulate all on the process thus far. It is my fervent hope and expectation that the positive, peaceful and orderly atmosphere that we all experienced on 8 August 2017 will continue to prevail as we await the conclusion of this electoral process,” he stated.

“Our overall conclusion is that the opening, voting, closing and counting process at the polling stations on 8 August 2017 were credible, transparent and inclusive. We commend and congratulate Kenyan voters, the staff of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, political party agents, candidates’ agents, the media and all security personnel for their commitment to the democratic process,” he concluded.

The complex election for six levels of government, undertaken at a cost that is reported to have made it one of the most expensive per capita elections ever, is still not over.  But it is producing results.  Kenya, for the first time, has a number of women governors. Additional history has been made in the North Eastern district bordering with Somalia, where a woman was elected as MP. Again, it’s a first.

But two days after the polls have closed, all eyes are on the still-contested Presidential race, after the leader of the opposition, Raila Odinga, declared that the transmission system had been hacked and the figures broadcast from the national tallying centre were false.  The tone of his complaint, its public nature and the risk that such statements might cause followers to take to the streets raised immediate alarm. In his western heartland of Kisumu, there were tyre burnings and clashes. A few violent deaths have occurred over the election period although initial reports suggest these may have happened during attempts at looting.

Kenya is not a country where allegations of election fraud can be taken lightly. In his interim statement Mr. Mahama said Mr. Odinga’s claim has been taken seriously.  But, he continued, “we are mindful that the process of collating the results is still on-going. I wish to reiterate my earlier call for leadership, and I therefore call upon all political party leaders and their supporters to show restraint and magnanimity as the results process continues to unfold. It is vital that all political leaders maintain peace and calm, exercise patience and not stampede the process.”

Mr. Mahama emphasised, in common with all other international Observer Groups present for the election, that the electronic transmission is only one part of the process, that the numbers known through that system are provisional, and that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), have been clear that the final result for the Presidency will only be announced after verification using the paper forms. These forms were signed off at polling stations by officials and party agents. More than thirty thousand scans of these documents are now being checked in the presence of party representatives.

Mr. Mahama, who has himself had elections contested in courts and who lost office last year in Ghana, said that the IEBC should be given time by politicians to complete all the established processes. If there are still issues, then candidates can take the issue to the courts. Praising the election process so far, and the patience of the Kenyan people who often experienced long queues and delays, he said an election dispute is not worth the loss of a single life.

President Edgar Lungu and opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema have agreed to engage in a peaceful dialogue to address the country’s political tensions.

This follows extensive consultations with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who arrived in the country on Sunday as part of a peace and relationship building tour of Africa. During her visit she held consultations with President Lungu, church leaders, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Patrick Matibini, cabinet ministers, Mr Hichilema and other senior officials of his party. She also met with the Electoral Commission of Zambia and members of the Commonwealth diplomatic community in Zambia.

A statement issued to the media today by the Secretary-General said the President and the leader of the opposition have agreed to “a process of dialogue”, establishing a roadmap of reforms in preparation of the 2021 elections, working towards a peaceful resolution and boosting “public confidence in their commitment to a constructive, progressive and responsible engagement”.

The dialogue and roadmap to reform, it said, will be facilitated by the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Good Offices and key national stakeholders.

“At the beginning of my tenure as Secretary-General, I decided to establish a new approach to democracy and governance support. So visiting Zambia at this crucial time was a priority for me, because this is where we essentially launched this new integrated approach to supporting peaceful elections and other democratic processes. This approach entails providing support to member states before, during and after elections,” said the Secretary-General.

The Secretary-General appointed Professor Ibrahim Gambari as her envoy before Zambia’s 2016 general elections with a mandate to work with the Electoral Commission of Zambia to help support peaceful dialogue. Secretary-General Scotland also deployed an observer group for the elections and is now pleased to support the government and the opposition to address issues of mutual interest.

She said, “I was able to build on the work of dedicated church leaders, other international representatives and the diplomatic community, and I am delighted that we have been able to come to an agreement to work together to strengthen peace and democracy in Zambia as we move forward.”

Secretary-General Scotland added that she was in the process of assigning a peace envoy to the country to facilitate “the critical and peaceful dialogue and reforms that are necessary for Zambia to preserve its status as a beacon of peace and good governance in Africa.”

During her trip she offered assistance through Commonwealth initiatives such as the recently launched Commonwealth Office for Civil and Criminal Justice Reform, which was described by ministers as timely, necessary and a “brilliant idea” for Zambia. The new programme will assist member countries to deliver access to justice and sustainable development through the creation of fair and effective national laws, and enhance policy-making and legislation.

The Secretary-General also highlighted a project to mobilise partnerships and support to vulnerable small states to achieve their sustainable development goals, and measures to boost trade, empower young people and women and address climate change.

Take inspiration from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's safari holiday together in the beautiful country of Botswana. Often referred to as 'Harry's second home', this magnificent destination offers some of the finest game viewing in the world due to the incredible concentration and diversity of mammals and wildlife.

The Moremi Game Reserve, in the Okavango Delta, is recognised as the predator capital of Africa' and is well known for its outstanding game viewing.  Chief's Island in the Moremi Game Reserve is also home to Sanctuary Retreats' flagship property, Sanctuary Chief's Camp.  This luxurious contemporary safari camp has 10 stylish pavilions and a superb suite - The Geoffrey Kent Luxury Suite which offers a truly luxurious safari experience.

The spacious pavilions have incredible views over the surrounding Okavango Delta, which can be enjoyed from each pavilion's private pool or from the tranquil outdoor seating area.  Bathrooms – complete with floor to ceiling windows -also have a spacious outdoor shower and an indulgent, large bath tub – perfect for soaking in after a day's game viewing.

Falling asleep under the spectacular African night sky after a bush bath in the natural surroundings is a unique and intimate experience.

Sanctuary Retreats offer this truly romantic treat in their five luxurious suites at Sanctuary Baines' Camp in the Okavango Delta, all of which have private viewing decks where a bath for two can be set up.  Two free standing bath tubs “magically” appear on the candlelit private viewing deck of its suites whilst guests are out on an evening game drive.  The zinc “star baths” are filled with warm water and plenty of environmentally-friendly bubbles and mobile canvas screens are placed around them to ensure complete privacy without obstructing the stunning views from the deck.

Each suite also has a four-poster “sky bed” that can also be rolled out onto the candlelit wooden deck for a night under the African star filled night sky.  Fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the sound of the African dawn chorus.

The Sarojin, Thailand's luxurious 56-roomed boutique residence, is celebrating after its mesmerising Waterfall Dinner was named one of the top three experiences for honeymooners in the world by Kuoni's Honeymoon Trends Report 2017, which launched recently.

Couples looking for a truly unique and intimate experience can enjoy the highly-acclaimed candlelit jungle waterfall private dinner, as part of the '3 Nights Luxury Honeymoon Package'. Also included is three nights' accommodation, private return transfer, daily a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine for two people (available all day), one bottle of sparkling wine and flowers in room on arrival, one 90-minute Royal Oriental (Aroma) spa massage per person, as well as a Spirit Lantern release on the beach – all of which is delivered with the highest level of personalised service. Extra nights can be added and are inclusive of the a la carte breakfast for two people.

The Honeymoon Trends Report 2017 also revealed couples are looking for the chance to give back to the local community during their honeymoon through responsible tourism. With a strong, responsible community tourism ethos, The Sarojin's new Responsible Tourism Package creates perfect opportunities for guests to 'touch and feel' Thailand, its people and way of life in a sensitive and co-operative way.

Guests choosing the package can learn a new skill and get closer to ancient Thai customs. The package is valid from now until 10th October 2017 and includes five nights, private return airport transfers to and from Phuket International Airport, daily a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine, as well as three excursions; the Street Food Cook for Kids Cooking Class Experience (Camillian Centre), a Glimpse of Local Life (1/2 day) and a Spiritual Blessing of Love.

InterContinental Hong Kong is expected to close for a major renovation in the first quarter of 2019, with the entire renovation taking 12-16 months. The hotel will undergo a spectacular transformation that will position it as one of the top hotels not only in Asia, but also as one of the world's most iconic hotels. The total transformation will span all guest rooms and suites including bathrooms, all public areas, restaurants and event venues, as well as a redesign of the building façade with a contemporary new look.

The hotel's celebrated restaurants and event venues are anticipated to reopen in the evenings from late summer 2019. Yan Toh Heen, InterContinental Hong Kong's 2-Michelin star Cantonese restaurant, will remain open for dinner throughout the renovation.

Curiosity Inc., the Tokyo based studio founded by Lead Designer Gwenael Nicolas, has been appointed to create the stunning redesign and complete transformation of the hotel's guest rooms and suites, as well as the hotel's iconic lobby. Curiosity's client list reads like a “who's who” of the world's most celebrated luxury retail brands – Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Louis Vuitton and Berluti to name a few.

Claus Pedersen, General Manager, InterContinental Hong Kong, says, “For over three decades our hotel has enjoyed a loyal following of guests not only because of our acclaimed dining, accommodations and harbour views, but also because of the outstanding service by our dedicated employees. As such, our employees will be part of our exciting renovation journey, so that we can maintain the exceptionally high service levels of our hotel and Michelin restaurants.”

Kenneth Gaw, President and Managing Principal of Gaw Capital Partners and Managing Director of Pioneer Global Group, says, “InterContinental Hong Kong has always had a special place in the hearts of the local community here as the diamond in the 'Pearl of the Orient'. We are thrilled and committed to return the property back to its glory days as one of the best hotels in the world. Following this exciting transformation, InterContinental Hong Kong will once again become a contemporary, iconic hotel for global travellers and will thrive as a world class destination.” Gaw Capital Partners led the acquisition of this hotel on behalf of a consortium of investors in 2015, including Pioneer Global Group.

Seychelles was represented at the Travel + Leisure’s 2017 World’s Best Awards ceremony held in New York City last Wednesday.

Some 200 guests attended the event hosted by Travel + Leisure’s Publisher, Mr. Joseph Messer, and Editor in Chief, Mr. Nathan Lump.

The ceremony saw the presentation of accolades to top hotels, islands, cities, airlines, cruise lines, spas, among others, as voted by readers of the New York-based travel magazine.

Readers of Travel + Leisure are given the opportunity to rate their travel experiences around the globe on an annual basis.

The Seychelles Tourism Board’s Regional Director for Africa and the Americas, Mr. David Germain was presented with the award designating Seychelles as the best island in Africa and the Middle East.

It’s the second year in a row that Seychelles is rated in the top spot in this category by Travel + Leisure.

Mr. Germain said: “The Award is confirmation that our beautiful islands is becoming more and more popular in North America, topping the list of the most desirable holiday destinations worldwide.”

Visitor arrivals from the Americas to the Seychelles increased by 69 percent from January to June.

Mr. Germain remarked that US consumers choose to visit Africa because of the wildlife, history, geography and people, hence Seychelles is in a unique position to attract visitors from the US thanks to its proximity to Africa.

“Our mission is to promote this message, to a cross-section of US audiences: consumers with a passion for international travel and the travel suppliers who serve them,” said Mr. Germain.

Opportunities to increase arrivals from the North American market lies in the Seychelles Tourism Board’s ability to participate in exhibitions and trade shows in North America. Seychelles needs to be consistently present in the marketplace, in order to be included in travel packages with other destinations in Africa & the Middle East.

As part of efforts to improve connection with North America’s travel trade, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) recently joined the United States Tour Operator Association, USTOA.

The STB Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis, has also highlighted the intention to seek further collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines in the near future, to support twin-center holiday packages targeting specifically the US market.

From Kingston to Kuala Lumpa, MoBay to Torbay, Birmingham, Boston, Toronto, Tottenham, and further afield, Jamaicans the world over celebrate the 55th year of independence of the land they love.

With special parties and services - of varying magnitude – in the highest of offices and most basic of house parties, following Emancipation Day, on August 1, men women and children of the Diaspora mark the occasion today to commemorate its freedom from British colonial occupation in 1962 and the very first raising of the Pan-African coloured flag.

The national anthem, ‘Jamaica, Land We Love,’ will be bellowed out with considerable vigor throughout the day as the country which gave the world Usain and Bob, Grace and Rita, Mary and Marcus, Alexander, Cyndy, Edward, Portia, Shelly-Ann and Chris, plus too many more who have enriched history,

Today is about showing just what you’ve got.

The leading cruise review site has recognized Pure Grenada, Spice of the Caribbean as one of the top five Southern Caribbean destinations for cruise. CruiseCritic.com recently announced the winners of its second annual Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards based entirely on consumer ratings submitted to the website for trips within the last year. The awards name the top cruise destinations across 15 regions worldwide.

Cruise Critic boasts the world’s largest online cruise community, with more than 350,000 cruise reviews, covering approximately 500 cruise ships and over 300 worldwide ports. About Pure Grenada, one consumer wrote, “Very nice island. Enjoyed walking around the downtown area” while another commented, “Beautiful port, took the water taxi to the beach with a number of our family members.”

Speaking of the awards this year, Senior Executive Editor of Cruise Critic Colleen McDaniel explained, “Itineraries are incredibly important to today’s cruisers who are more focused than ever on where they’re going and what they can do while they’re there. Cruise lines have focused on expanding their offerings to quench that thirst for exploration – and this year’s list of winning destinations shows the wide array of adventures cruising offers.”

Ahead, of the upcoming cruise season, Pure Grenada is already buzzing with a number of new onshore excursions to cater to every taste. These attractions include culinary tours that introduce visitors to Grenada’s world famous spices, hiking tours to some of Grenada’s breath-taking ridges in the north and the Grenada High wire canopy obstacle course set in our mystic rain forest. ‘Bean To Bar’ chocolate tours, pristine white sandy beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, underwater adventures and much more are there to be enjoyed.

CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority Patricia Maher says the award is a testament to Pure Grenada’s popularity. She further stated, “ The GTA has been working closely with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), major cruise lines, the Ministry of Tourism and key local stakeholders to improve product offerings and keep Pure Grenada top of mind when planning itineraries.”

At a ceremony held on 25th July 2017, at Royal Palm Golf and Country Club, Lahore, Premval (Pvt) Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of VPL Limited – has delivered 40 Golden Dragon Buses to Daewoo Express. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Jiang Yonghui, President Golden Dragon, Mr. Sheheryar Chishty, CEO Daewoo Express, Mr. Konoz Mohiuddin, Chairman Premval and senior management of Daewoo Express, Golden Dragon and Premval. Distinguished guests included partner banks of Daewoo Express and Premval. Daewoo Express also signed a long-term cooperation agreement with Golden Dragon and Premval for expansion of their fleet.

“We are delighted to add these new buses to our fleet, as this is the largest single order placed by Daewoo Express in the inter-city segment for quite a few years,” said Mr. Sheheryar Chishty, CEO Daewoo Express “They look superb and will go into service straight away — operating from Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and Rawalpindi.” “We aim to stand out amongst luxury bus providers in Pakistan by maintaining highest quality standards and meeting long term requirements of our customers” said Mr. Jiang Yonghui, President Golden Dragon.

“This order reflects Daewoo’s confidence in Premval and we are committed to move forward by providing continued support and quality solutions to Daewoo Express” said Mr. Waqar Asghar, CEO Premval. “We have worked alongside Golden Dragon for a long time and that is clearly demonstrated in the quality of the buses. This is a big delivery for Golden Dragon and hopefully a platform for future growth in this segment. We will only get better from here onwards.” said Mr. Uzair Shahid, Country Manager Buses at Premval.

These buses have been specially manufactured as “Daewoo Dragon” for Daewoo Pakistan Express Bus Service. Developed on a special assembly line for production of Europe-bound buses at Golden Dragon factory in Xiamen. The new buses are powered by 380HP Yuchai 10.5L EURO III compliant diesel engines and connected with ZF gearbox from Germany.

These are specifically designed to achieve high reliability, excellent drivability and low fuel consumption. The buses are the first 12.7 meter buses in Pakistan with 45 seats translating into higher revenue for operators and also allowing extra leg room to make travel experience more comfortable. These buses are expected to change perceptions surrounding Chinese products in Pakistan. Golden Dragon ranks among the top players in China’s coach industry, specialized in developing, manufacturing and selling medium-large sized luxury buses and light vans.

The United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has debuted a new advertising campaign, named "Real Nice".

In partnership with its advertising agency of record, J. Walter Thompson Atlanta (JWT), which is responsible for creative design, and local Virgin Islands company FilmVI, the popular "Virgin Islands Nice" campaign was revised to give consumers insight into Virgin Islanders' lifestyle, while capturing the attention of visitors who seek to experience a unique vacation rich in interactive cultural offerings.

With more than 80 percent of the campaign development budget spent in the Territory, the production resulted in the hiring of more than 100 on-island talent and crew, as well as wardrobe, props and equipment to achieve a new level of authenticity.

The refreshing new phase of the campaign, which involved creating print, television and digital assets, focuses on authentic Virgin Islands experiences, highlighting food, culture and people, along with the natural beauty of the destination. The voice-over talent of Virgin Islands artist Pressure Busspipe is featured in the television anthems, while his music can be heard in some of the digital videos, which will be shared online.

"To a Virgin Islander, 'real nice' is more than a phrase; it's a feeling of positivity that speaks to the way we live and embrace each other as a people," said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, the U.S. Virgin Islands' Commissioner of Tourism. "These advertisements dive deeper into showcasing the authenticity of our destination."

To capture the true essence of the islands visually and emotionally, JWT and FilmVI worked seamlessly to ensure there was a local feel to all aspects of the production - from locations to props to sound design. All lighting was natural and the production team followed local talent for three weeks, capturing genuine responses to Virgin Islands experiences.

Virgin Islands co-director of the project Dwight Winston of D. Winston Media said: "It is an honor to have been selected by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism to direct their 2017 'Real Nice' promotional campaign. I am humbled by this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and appreciate USVI Tourism's commitment to supporting local talent."

The "Real Nice" campaign includes three television spots ("State of Mind," "Live How We Live" and "Free To Explore"), as well as 16 digital videos and more than 10 print ads.

Formentera has launched an initiative aimed at raising funds to conserve the Posidonia, an oceanic marine plant vital to the local ecosystem. Each of the island's 76,500,000 square meters of Posidonia are available to sponsor and name, for just €1 per square metre.

In October (12-15), the 'Save Posidonia Festival' will take place to raise awareness of sustainable tourism and the natural environment. The festival will include a number of watersport events including a stand up paddle boarding (SUP) 'loop' where visitors can travel around the entire coastline of Formentera. There will also be a series of Formentera Blue Round Tables with discussions and presentations focusing on the local environment and the 'Posidonia Project'.

Each morning at 10am during the festival visitors will be able to try a SUP yoga class, a relaxing way to start the day and learn more about Formentera's coastline.

Other events during the festival include the 'Posidonia Boulevard' - taking place in the main square of the small village of Sant Francesc Xavier - where brands and associations linked to the protection of the oceans and the Posidonia can offer their products and services to visitors. There will also be 'live art' exhibitions, including an auction of an exclusive Save Posidonia Project Surf Table by renowned surf artist Sergi Flama, music events, cinema screenings and a public beach clean-up encouraging kids and families to take part and learn about the environment. The 'Save Posidonia Project' coincides with the UN's Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development in 2017. As well as this, all events held in Formentera during 2017 will contribute to the Save Posidonia Project through donations.

Posidonia is a marine plant, endemic in the Mediterranean, and since 1999 the 'meadow of the Natural Park of Ses Salines d'Eivissa and Formentera' has been declared a World Heritage Site. The Posidonia meadows help to protect the beaches from erosion and are the habitat for more than 400 species of marine plants and 1,000 species of marine animals.

The quality of water is key to future tourism in the Balearic Islands, with the project aiming to conserve the ecosystem and allow the islands to remain a sustainable tourist destination for years to come. The project also aims to bring together locals and tourists, encouraging them to take action to protect the natural ecosystem of the Balearic Islands.

The Acajou Beach Resort has become the latest tourism establishment to be awarded the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label (SSTL), after it was successfully assessed and certified as a resort that is integrating sustainability practices in its business operation.

The Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Maurice Loustau-Lalanne presented the Chairman of Acajou Beach Resort, Hugh Payet with the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label certificate on Tuesday, July 11.

The ceremony was attended by the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Anne Lafortune and the Tourism Department’s Director for Product development, Sinha Levkovic.

Mr. Loustau-Lalanne congratulated Acajou Beach Resort for the hard work displayed in attaining the certification and thanked them for adopting sustainable practices.

“The certificate could not have been awarded in a better year, you are being awarded with this certificate in the year for sustainable tourism for developments. The message is clear,” said Mr. Loustau-Lalanne.

Applicable to hotels of all sizes, the SSTL is a voluntary sustainable tourism management and certification program, designed to encourage more efficient and sustainable ways of doing business.

The SSTL, which was recently recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), works on a point-based system. All hotels have to satisfy 24 “must” criteria, and depending on their size, the hotels have to score additional points in each of eight theme areas – Management, Waste, Water, Energy, Staff, Conservation, Community and Guests. Scoring an additional six points in any area, is the third criteria that has to be fulfilled to obtain certification. The criteria are specifically designed to ensure that minimum standards are met by each establishment.

Acajou Beach Resort is a Seychellois-owned business that labels itself as Praslin’s Green hotel in the Seychelles. The resort has invested heavily in two specific areas in order to push its business model towards a greener approach, which has helped towards accumulating the desired points required for the SSTL certification.

A photovoltaic system (PV) installed at the hotel presently caters for over 50 percent of the energy requirements of the whole establishment, while a new Sewage Treatment Plant is up and running producing recycled water for the hotel’s garden. Further to this, the hotel also has an in-house energy management system.

The Chairman of Acajou Beach Resort, Hugh Payet, said he was happy and proud to join the list of Seychelles hotels that have achieved SSTL certification.

“We are extremely happy and our investment is paying off, considering we invested over 7 million rupees in total to meet our green objectives,” said Payet.

“It’s not only about winning the certificate but now we need to maintain the standard,” he added.

Established in 1996, the Acajou Beach Resort presently has 52 rooms spread across five different room categories. Located at Cote d’Or, Praslin, the hotel is surrounded by lush green tropical vegetation, and offers guests a great view of the nearby sandy shore and clear turquoise ocean.

The resort is known for its eco-friendly initiatives, including tree planting activities involving its employees in conjunction with a Praslin-based non-governmental organization – the Terrestrial Action Society of Seychelles (TRASS).

Commenting on the added benefit of the SSTL certification, Mr. Payet said: “This certificate provides the hotel with a lot more credentials, which we will use in all our marketing efforts.” He has also dedicated the recognition to all the hotel’s staff, clients and the whole of Praslin island.

Gfinity, a global esports company, has announced that it has acquired CEVO Inc., a well-respected American provider of technology and services to the global esports market, for a total of $2.7 million USD payable in cash and shares.

Founded in 2004, CEVO has built an excellent reputation for the operation of its own esports competitions and as a provider of leading edge, world class technology and services to a client base of blue-chip organisations.

CEVO’s own proprietary tournament platform has proved very popular to the esports community and is used for its own tournaments and in partnership with other esports promotors.  Its technology includes a tournament management system, an anti-cheat system and dynamic broadcast software, which will strengthen Gfinity’s position as a leader in the esports sector.

Having already worked with CEVO for three years, the acquisition is part of Gfinity’s strategy of delivering premium esports events to fans across the globe thanks to a superlative team of experienced esports operators. The company has delivered successful events in the UK, Mexico, France and the USA since the beginning of 2017 and has plans to roll out more in the coming years.

Neville Upton, Chief Executive of Gfinity, said:

“We are delighted to have acquired one of the most reputable esports businesses in the industry, which further strengthens our position as a market leader in esports technology. It is also demonstrative of our ambition to become a global player in the industry having previously delivered events in the UK, France, Mexico and USA since the start of this year.

“CEVO’s combined experience of 50 years in the market supplements our existing team of talented individuals – with some of the most experienced esports operators in the industry – leaving us well positioned to take advantage of a growing number of esports opportunities in future.”

A six year, US$100 million renaissance orchestrated by Parisian interior designer Studio MHNA has brought the age of Morocco's Saadian dynasty to architectural life in the dramatic form of the new landmark Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech. Comprehensively reconfigured as a modern reinterpretation of the traditional architectural hallmarks found in noble Moroccan mansions of the 16th century, the hotel's design features include a central fountain, cloistered gardens and peripheral double gallery, while the iconic interiors feature contemporary variations on traditional Moroccan decorative arts. Inspired by the notional journey of a nomad discovering the refuge of Ahmed Al Mansour Eddahbi, Sultan of the Saadian dynasty from 1578 to 1603, Studio MHNA's innovative design draws guests through a series of differing, complementary spaces, to the majestic central 'oasis' or lobby.

On arrival, guests are plunged into the world of an imaginary oasis, passing through a promenade lined with gardens; various inviting lounges, fountains and water features; an 'airlock' overlooking a monumental door; and finally a majestic lobby with the 'oasis' at its heart.

Crowning the lobby, beneath a cupola, is a magnificent nine metre high chandelier, made using a high-tech stamping technique from the aeronautical industry. Ambient lighting includes a stunning feature wall adorned with 1200 bespoke LED lamps, developed especially over two years by Studio MHNA to recreate the luminous flicker of candlelight – conjuring not just a magical warm atmosphere, but also significant reductions in energy consumption.

With the hotel adjoining the city's largest and most important convention centre, the Palais des Congrès, Studio MHNA also had to ensure its design was suitable to simultaneously accommodate two very different types of guests, providing an equally appropriate and warm welcome for leisure and business clientele. In order to achieve this, two distinct guest journeys were created, each taking its own path to a separate, dedicated lobby. Each type of clientele is thus able to enjoy a tailored, privileged welcome experience: the group lobby is designed to smoothly manage large flows of people, whilst the individual guest lobby offers a more private service.

A new luxury tourist train in Japan has launched on 21st July 2017, offering visitors the chance to ride in style from Yokohama (near Tokyo) to the Izu Peninsula – full of hot springs and picturesque coastlines.

The Royal Express - Japan's latest addition to its ever-growing number of luxury sightseeing trains - has been designed by Eiji Mitooka, designer of the Seven Stars Kyushu sightseeing cruise train, from the smart royal blue of the train's exterior down to the staff uniforms.

The train will offer passengers the chance to enjoy an elegant experience on their way between Yokohama and the Izu Peninsula, featuring opportunities for dining and live musical performances while on board. At around 100 people, it also has one of the highest passenger capacities of any tourist train in Japan.

Passengers can choose from either one-way tickets with a meal included or a selection of three different “cruise plans”, each including a return train journey, meals, overnight accommodation and sightseeing activities in Izu. Meals are curated by chefs Chikara Yamada in the Yokohama-Izu direction and Michiyo Kawano on the way from Izu to Yokohama.

While the Royal Express's “cruise plans” are only open to groups with children aged thirteen and above, its family-friendly Gold Class carriages feature specially designed family seats where parents and small children can sit together, and there is also a ballpond and library of children's books on board.

Passengers will also be available to avail themselves of purpose-built facilities at Yokohama station before boarding: a private waiting room (The Royal Lounge) which is only open to Royal Express passengers and a cafe (The Royal Cafe, business hours: 7am until 10pm) which is also open to members of the public.

The train runs between JR Yokohama station in Yokohama and Itokyu Shimoda station in Shimoda City at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula. The service is being operated jointly by Tokyo Corporation, which manages several lines in the commuter belt around Tokyo, and Izukyu Corporation, which operates the main Izukyu Line down the Izu Peninsula's scenic eastern coast.