Latest news with #Ikoma
Travel Weekly
25-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Marriott Autograph Collection is opening its first safari camp
Marriott International has signed an agreement to launch its first Autograph Collection safari camp, extending the luxury brand into experiential, nature-based accommodations. The Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection is scheduled to open in the third quarter along Tanzania's Great Migration route. The property will feature 16 tented suites, including a two-bedroom villa. Each suite will come equipped with outdoor decks, fire pits and retractable roofs that allow for open-air stargazing. The camp's position between Central Serengeti and the western migration corridor places it directly on the path of the annual Great Migration from May to July. The surrounding area hosts year-round wildlife viewing opportunities for the "Big Five" and other iconic African species. • Related: How to sell safaris … and sell them right Planned amenities include a spa, fitness center, swimming pool and multiple dining venues. The main restaurant, The Boma, will draw inspiration from traditional African bonfire gatherings. The camp's design will incorporate elements from the local Ikoma culture while implementing sustainable practices to support conservation efforts. Activities will range from daytime game drives and night safaris to walking excursions, hot air balloon flights, bush dining experiences and cultural interactions with the Ikoma tribe. For travel advisors, the introduction of a major hotel brand into the safari segment offers new options for clients who value both authentic wildlife experiences and the consistency, loyalty benefits and booking familiarity of Marriott's distribution systems.
West Australian
07-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Marriott planning Serengeti safari camp
Marriott is planning to open the world's first Autograph Collection safari camp in Tanzania's Serengeti. Expected to be complete late in 2025, Mapito Safari Camp will be a landmark moment for Marriott. Officially called 'Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection', the camp will be near the Fort Ikoma gate of Serengeti National Park. Between Central Serengeti and the western migration corridor for wildlife, it is on the Great Migration route. Vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope will pass close to the camp between May and July each year. But the spot is full of wildlife all year of course — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and giraffe. 'The Serengeti's scale, beauty, and cultural heritage will make an unforgettable setting for a property that will embody the individuality and character that Autograph Collection is known for,' says Jerome Briet, chief development officer, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. The camp is expected to have 16 tented suites, including a two-bedroom villa. Each suite will have an outdoor deck, fire pit and retractable roof for open-air stargazing, which is a first for the area. The plans for the camp also include a spa, fitness centre and swimming pool. Multiple dining options include The Boma, a communal restaurant inspired by traditional bonfire gatherings. And the design team aims to draw not only from the camp's geographic position, but from the local Ikoma culture. They aim to incorporate sustainable practices that support conservation and minimise impact. It is planned that guests will have meaningful encounters with the Ikoma tribe. There will be daytime game drives, walking safaris, stifling air balloon flights, bush dining and night safaris. The camp developer Rishen Patel says, 'This camp will offer an intimate and immersive experience that reflects both the natural wonder of the region and the timeless storytelling and craftsmanship of the brand.' Autograph Collection's global portfolio currently includes more than 330 hotels selected for their 'vision, passion and unique perspectives on design and hospitality'.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Marriott International Announces Plans to Debut First Autograph Collection Safari Camp in Serengeti, Tanzania
Marriott International ( Inc. has signed an agreement to open the first Autograph Collection safari camp globally. Expected to debut in Q3 2025, Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection will deliver a distinctive and immersive safari experience in Tanzania's world-renowned Serengeti wilderness, marking a milestone expansion for the brand into experiential, nature-based travel. Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection is set in the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem, near the Fort Ikoma gate of Serengeti National Park. Positioned between Central Serengeti and the western migration corridor, the camp lies directly along the Great Migration route, where vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope pass through between May and July each year. The surrounding area teems with wildlife year-round—including lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and giraffe—offering remarkable encounters in every season. 'Mapito Safari Camp will mark a defining moment for Autograph Collection as we introduce the brand's first safari experience in one of the world's most breathtaking wildlife destinations,' said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East&Africa, Marriott International. 'The Serengeti's scale, beauty, and cultural heritage will make an unforgettable setting for a property that will embody the individuality and character that Autograph Collection is known for.' Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection is expected to offer 16 tented suites, including a two-bedroom villa. Each suite will feature an outdoor deck, fire pit and retractable roof for open-air stargazing — a first for the region. Plans for the camp include a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and multiple dining options, such as 'The Boma', a communal restaurant inspired by traditional bonfire gatherings. Design inspiration will be drawn from the surrounding landscape and local Ikoma culture, and the camp will aim to incorporate sustainable practices that support conservation and minimise environmental impact. Guests can anticipate a range of immersive experiences, from spectacular daytime game drives and evocative night safaris that unveil the Serengeti's nocturnal rhythms, to walking safaris, hot air balloon flights, bush dining, and meaningful engagement with the local Ikoma tribe. 'We are excited to collaborate with Marriott International to bring Autograph Collection to the Serengeti,' said Rishen Patel, developer of Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection. 'This camp will offer an intimate, and immersive experience that reflects both the natural wonder of the region and the timeless storytelling and craftsmanship of the brand.' Autograph Collection's global portfolio currently includes over 330 hotels that are carefully selected for their vision, passion, and unique perspectives on design and hospitality. Each property offers immersive moments that are Exactly Like Nothing Else. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc.. Media Contacts: Birgit Deibele Senior Director of Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa at Marriott International Email: Chandan Belani Senior Director of Communications, MEA&Development PR, EMEA at Marriott International Email: About Marriott International: Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of over 9,300 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy ®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at and for the latest company news, visit In addition, connect with us on Facebook ( and @MarriottIntl on X ( and Instagram (
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Man reveals how he earned ₹6 lakh for giving 'emotional support' to 15 women
Image credits: X/@shisyo_ikoma A 31-year-old Japanese man has been going viral for revealing his shocking profession through which he earned ₹6 lakh per month. Takuya Ikoma , works as a full-time " kept man " and is supported by up to 15 rich women. He thus receives about 1 million yen per month from them. Now one must wonder what job he had to earn this kind of money each month? Well, Ikoma provides "emotional support" to his wealthy female clients which includes talking, eating and drinking with them. He also helps them with daily chores around the house such as cleaning, dog keeping and other acts of service. For three hours of housework, Ikoma earned 160,000 yen which is 95,000 rupees. In 2019, he shared that he earned up to 1 million yen per month by working eight days and serving 15 clients. It's incredibly tiring... Image credits: X/@shisyo_ikoma While some might think that being a "kept-man" is probably the easiest job on the planet, Ikoma has completely opposite views. 'Everyone thinks being a 'kept man' means having money and free time, but managing 15 affluent women at once can be enjoyable, yet it's also incredibly tiring,' he said to the South China Morning Post . A young woman told the Chinese media outlet that she paid Ikoma for emotional support without any serious relationship. For her dating is tiring and thus spending money feels easier. For Ikoma, the profession, though tiring, works on his whims. Once, a rich woman offered him 1 million yen monthly for exclusive services. However, he refused it because of the diversity of clients he had as he wanted to stay open to everyone. Over time he has become even more choosy and now only prefers good-looking clients. How did Takuya Ikoma become a 'kept-man'? Well, Ikoma's journey began at 18 when he realised his ability to charm older, affluent women who treated him lavishly and even provided him with extra money to accompany them on shopping trips. It was then he made the decision to make being a 'kept-man' his full-time career. While his earnings did suffer during the Covid-19 pandemic with his clients reducing from 15 to 7, he devised better ways of financial sustainability. Since then he has launched his own Youtube channel where he shares his lifestyle and even has plans of introducing a "Kept Man Training Course" to share his talents among aspiring young men. 'I could never hold a traditional job; it's simply impossible for me. Wealthy women are all talented and beautiful, and their voices are enchanting. I absolutely love being supported by them" he told the South China Morning Post.
Mint
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Man serves wealthy, good-looking women, earns ₹6 lakh for giving ‘emotional support', ‘It's incredibly tiring'
A Japanese man named Takuya Ikoma, 31, became famous online for living as a full-time 'kept man'. He is supported by up to 15 rich women. He earned about 1 million yen (nearly ₹ 6 lakh) in a month. Though people think it's an easy life, he says it's tiring to manage many women. He also prepares carefully, using make-up and dressing well before meeting them. Now, you may wonder what he does for these wealthy clients. Well, he eats and drinks with them, talks, gives emotional support and does daily chores like cleaning and helping around the house. 'Everyone thinks being a 'kept man' means having money and free time, but managing 15 affluent women at once can be enjoyable, yet it's also incredibly tiring,' the South China Morning Post quoted Ikoma as saying. For just three hours of housework, he earned 160,000 yen ( ₹ 95,000). In 2019, he said he made up to 1 million yen a month by working only eight days and serving 15 wealthy clients. The SCMP quoted a young woman who said she paid Takuya Ikoma for emotional support without any serious relationship. She finds dating tiring, so spending money feels easier. Once, a rich woman offered him 1 million yen monthly for exclusive services. However, he refused, wanting to stay open to everyone. Ikoma became choosy as more women wanted his time. Now, he prefers good-looking clients. Blair Richards has become famous online for her unusual job as a 'spoiled brat'. She earns money from 'fin subs', who enjoy letting her control their finances. Blair says in an Instagram video that she has made $700,000 (nearly ₹ 6 crore) in four years by doing this. Her career has surprised and shocked many people.
