Latest news with #culturalimmersion
The Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
What's the secret to a truly stress-free holiday?
High-end cruising has entered a new era. Today's luxury travellers aren't looking for big flashy experiences. They want slow-paced, intimate travel and authentic cultural immersion. More than anything else, they're looking for ease: that feeling of being genuinely cared for, safe in the knowledge that they're experiencing the best of the best. That means excellent quality food and drink, of course – it's got to be restaurant standard and cater to all tastes – but also onboard enrichment experiences of the highest calibre. The great beauty of cruising has always been that not a second is wasted. Savvy travellers get to explore a rich and rewarding variety of exotic, off-the-beaten track locations, but instead of spending half their holiday stuck in motorway traffic, they're honing their swing in the golf net, or sipping on a cocktail on the upper deck as they travel from destination to destination. When they're onshore they want genuinely immersive experiences that get them under the hood of a destination: think cellar tours of local vineyards or speedboat cruises to hidden beaches. Done right, a high-end all-inclusive cruise is the ideal form of slow travel, offering a perfect balance of adventure and indulgence, proper pampering and a thrilling sense of discovery. The world's most luxurious fleet First among equals when it comes to the new era of luxury cruising is Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which offers more than 170 different itineraries visiting over 550 ports of call worldwide. Each of the six ships in their fleet is opulently appointed with beautifully designed communal areas and a huge array of amenities, but none of them has a capacity of more than 746 guests, ensuring space and freedom for all aboard. The all-suite accommodation means that the private spaces are similarly roomy, each having a private balcony and marble bathroom. And service is always impeccable with a crew-to-guest ratio that's nearly one-to-one, meaning that the team can always go that mile extra for all travellers. Across the ships, the food is uniformly excellent. As well as Regent's signature Compass Rose restaurant, with its daily changing menu of bistro classics like lobster bisque and New Zealand lamb chops, the different ships also feature a range of speciality dining venues. These include Prime 7, a New York-style steakhouse, Pacific Rim with its pan-Asian menu (be sure to try the miso black cod), and fine-dining destination, Chartreuse, where the chefs turn out sophisticated plates of upscale French cooking like Beef Tenderloin Rossini and Seared Foie Gras. With a number of long cruises on their roster, Regent has made sure that each of its ships is akin to an ultra-luxury, boutique floating hotel with an incredible variety of things to do during the day and top-level entertainment at night. There are courts for paddle tennis and bocce, and the onboard spa offers a range of exclusive bespoke treatments. The ships host talks by experts in their field and cooking lessons are also available on some of the ships at the culinary arts kitchens where visiting chefs guide guests in how to make wow-factor dishes that relate to the ports of call. In the evening, the Constellation Theatre hosts lavishly staged productions from a team of Broadway choreographers and artists. Destinations that match the onboard luxury Of course, none of this onboard luxury would mean much if the destinations weren't up to scratch, but Regent's superbly curated itineraries are up there with the very best. Its week-long trips include culture-packed European tours like Glories of Iberia which sails from Barcelona to Lisbon, and thrilling frontier explorations such as the Great Alaskan Adventur e from Whittier to Vancouver. Longer trips include four-week Legendary Journeys from Athens to Montreal, and fully immersive explorations of the Arctic. Long or short, these itineraries are all underpinned by a commitment to taking guests right to the heart of a destination with the kind of bespoke onshore activities and expert-led insights that mean on a Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyage, adventure is guaranteed.
Forbes
29-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Google Tools And AI Are The Ultimate Travel Hacks For Summer 2025
Summer is officially here, and Google has all the tools to make your summer travel fun, easy, and efficient! For many Black travelers, the summer is more than a time for vacations; it's about reconnecting with family and culture. Whether it's a pilgrimage to Accra, Ghana, to ride horses on Labadi Beach, or flying to Brazil to attend a Candomblé ceremony, Black travelers are hungry to explore the diaspora in meaningful and personal ways. According to a 2024 YouGov survey around 38% of travelers rely on word of mouth or family recommendations when planning for travel—down from about 55% previously. With 40% of global travelers already using AI to plan their trips this summer Google's tech ecosystem powered by Gemini is the perfect addition to take your summer travels to the next level! For Many Black Millennials and Gen Z travelers, cultural immersion is about "living like the locals". Especially when traveling across the diaspora to places like Cartagena, Dakar, or Lisbon endless TikTok scrolling and sifting through Instagram travel pages for inspiration and recommendations can become draining. Enter Google Maps + AI-powered Search. The latest AI integration in Google Maps helps travelers bypass the tourist traps and get straight to the local hidden gems. All you need to do is ask, "Where do locals eat near me?" while traveling in Lagos, and you are instantly directed to ticked-away food stalls and kitchens only the local aunties would know about. Only 7% of Black American travelers travel abroad while 76% vacation within the US. Regardless of where we travel 86% of Black travelers are willing to pay a premium for travel upgrades and experiences. Making the demographic of travelers the ultimate content creators and influencers. That is where the Google Pixel 9 Pro comes in. It's the ultimate all-in-one device for those who don't just want to experience the world but bring others along for the journey. It captures stunning photos, cinematic portraits, and crisp video without needing a DSLR. Other than mind-blowing photos, the Pixel 9 Pro sports a "Live Translate" feature, making it easy to read menus and street signs and even translate conversations! It's the ultimate travel tool that fits right into your carry-on. With all of the time zone changes, jetlag and general discomfort your body must adapt to while globetrotting, wellness should always be a top priority. Fitbit Charge 6 has quickly become a must-have for travelers who want to prioritize their health while on the go. It's sleek and equipped with heart rate and sleep tracking to detect jetlag and overtraining. The Fitbit Charge 6 is lightweight and works just as hard in Senegal as it does at home. Perhaps the most underrated yet most impactful gem in Google's AI-powered travel toolkit is Gemini, especially when used with the Pixel 9 Pro. Want a 4-day travel itinerary for the ABC Islands focused, including food, music, and historical landmarks? Gemini has got you covered. From "What to eat in Johannesburg" to "How to recover after travel". Gemini turns dreams into plans and plans into adventure! Intentional travel powered by AI is more than a passing trend. Modern Black travelers are more tech-savvy than ever and are willing to invest in new AI tools and technology like the Google ecosystem that allows them to not just explore but connect deeper and make their journeys easier. Google understands for Black travelers that it's not just about the destination, but the transformation.
Hospitality Net
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Shaza Hotels Eyes New Opportunities with Strategic Growth Plans
Amid rising demand for regionally inspired hospitality experiences, Shaza Hotels is emerging as a leading regional brand poised for strategic expansion across the Middle East and key Muslim-friendly markets. With an ethos rooted in Eastern traditions and a progressive vision for the future, Shaza is one of the few brands successfully bridging the gap between regional identity and global appeal. Today, investors and travellers alike are placing greater value on culturally immersive brands that speak to local narratives. The beauty of regional brands like Shaza is our ability to be agile, authentic, and closely aligned with community values. This builds loyalty not only among guests but also among our partners. Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President, Business Development and Growth, Shaza Hotels and Mysk by Shaza Shaza's focus on responsible growth, backed by strong distribution networks, digital transformation, and loyalty programmes tailored for regional travellers, is allowing it to scale sustainably while maintaining its distinct identity. As global markets look to diversify offerings, the success of regional players like Shaza signals a shift in investor and guest confidence - from legacy luxury to meaningful, modern brands. Shaza's growth journey continues on the Silk Route, fuelled by purpose and guided by heritage. About Shaza Hotels Shaza Hotels is a luxury hotel management company renowned for delivering authentic Arabian hospitality. Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions and cultures along the historic Silk Route offering an unparalleled experience defined by exquisite Middle Eastern décor, tranquil ambiances and impeccable service, crafted for the most discerning travelers. With an impressive portfolio of iconic properties, including Shaza Doha in Qatar, The flagship Mysk Al Mouj in Muscat, Mysk Al Balad in Madinah and Mysk Al Fateh, Bahrain. Shaza continues its rapid expansion. Its upcoming openings this year in KSA, UAE and Orlando will further reinforce the brand's position as a leader in luxury hospitality. As a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), Shaza Hotels provides guests with access to an extensive portfolio of upscale and signature hotels worldwide. For more information, please visit About DISCOVERY Loyalty A memorable trip demands more than a comfortable stay. DISCOVERY, an award-winning global loyalty programme, provides 16 million members recognition and perks across over 570 hotels, resorts and palaces in 78 countries. Elite members have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture through Local Experiences, distinctive activities that capture an authentic taste of each destination. For more information, visit
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Shaza Hotels eyes new opportunities with strategic growth plans
Dubai, UAE – Amid rising demand for regionally inspired hospitality experiences, Shaza Hotels is emerging as a leading regional brand poised for strategic expansion across the Middle East and key Muslim-friendly markets. With an ethos rooted in Eastern traditions and a progressive vision for the future, Shaza is one of the few brands successfully bridging the gap between regional identity and global appeal. Shaji Abu Salih, Vice President, Business Development and Growth, Shaza Hotels and Mysk by Shaza, stated, 'Today, investors and travellers alike are placing greater value on culturally immersive brands that speak to local narratives. The beauty of regional brands like Shaza is our ability to be agile, authentic, and closely aligned with community values. This builds loyalty not only among guests but also among our partners.' Shaza's focus on responsible growth, backed by strong distribution networks, digital transformation, and loyalty programmes tailored for regional travellers, is allowing it to scale sustainably while maintaining its distinct identity. As global markets look to diversify offerings, the success of regional players like Shaza signals a shift in investor and guest confidence - from legacy luxury to meaningful, modern brands. Shaza's growth journey continues on the Silk Route, fuelled by purpose and guided by heritage. About Shaza Hotels Shaza Hotels is a luxury hotel management company renowned for delivering authentic Arabian hospitality. Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions and cultures along the historic Silk Route offering an unparalleled experience defined by exquisite Middle Eastern décor, tranquil ambiances and impeccable service, crafted for the most discerning travelers. With an impressive portfolio of iconic properties, including Shaza Doha in Qatar, The flagship Mysk Al Mouj in Muscat, Mysk Al Balad in Madinah and Mysk Al Fateh, Bahrain. Shaza continues its rapid expansion. Its upcoming openings this year in KSA, UAE and Orlando will further reinforce the brand's position as a leader in luxury hospitality. As a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), Shaza Hotels provides guests with access to an extensive portfolio of upscale and signature hotels worldwide. About Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) & Discovery Loyalty Program Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands with GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme leveraging a shared technology platform. GHA represents a collection of 35 brands with over 500 hotels in 85 countries serving 25 million members, including Kempinski, Anantara, Tivoli, Omni, Pan Pacific, Marco Polo, JA Hotels and other reputable brands across the globe. Members enjoy VIP recognition, thoughtful benefits and generous rewards at home or away. Recently the programme has evolved to include an additional tier and flexible paths to upgrade through nights/stays, eligible purchases or the number of brands stayed, making it easier and faster for members to reach elite status. DISCOVERY members earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), an exclusive rewards currency. They also enjoy members-only Experiences curated by each hotel and have access to properties close to home, without a stay, through member-only Local Offers.
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Fresh Juice Creative Agency: Where Cultural Authenticity Meets Commercial Success
Founders of Fresh Juice e Creative Agency Fresh Juice Creative Agency is pioneering a unique approach to storytelling. This approach prioritizes lived experiences where authentic storytelling takes center stage. Founded by cultural heavyweights Che Kothari, Tanisha Scott, and Kieran Khan, this innovative agency is redefining how brands connect with diverse audiences through visual narratives that resonate on a deeper level. The trio's recent Clio Gold Award-winning campaign for Adidas and Toronto Football Club has established Fresh Juice as a primary player in the creative ethos. The agency's commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices while delivering commercial success makes them particularly noteworthy in today's marketplace, where 76% of consumers expect brands to contribute to their well-being and quality of life. I sat down with the Fresh Juice team to discuss their approach to creative work, their commitment to community, and their vision for transforming the industry. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. Stephanie Tharpe: How does Fresh Juice's approach challenge traditional creative agency models, and what unique strategies does the agency employ to ensure authentic cross-cultural storytelling? Tanisha Scott: At Fresh Juice, we believe that creative work should be a reflection of lived experience. Traditional agencies often approach culture from the outside looking in. We live it. Our approach is rooted in deep cultural immersion, collaboration with local creatives, and a commitment to ensuring every project is not only visually compelling but emotionally resonant. We build teams that reflect the stories we're telling and allow space for nuance, honesty, and real voices to shape the creative outcome. Stephanie Tharpe: How does the agency's leadership team leverage their diverse backgrounds to amplify underrepresented voices and drive systemic changes within creative industries? Tanisha Scott: Our diversity isn't a checkbox—it's the fuel for everything we do. Each of us brings a different cultural lens, and that fusion helps us see the bigger picture and bring forward stories that haven't traditionally been prioritized. We believe systemic change begins when leadership reflects the world we want to see. That's what Fresh Juice is built on. Stephanie Tharpe: What creative risks and innovative strategies differentiated this project from traditional sports marketing approaches? Chean Kothari: This campaign was about more than branding—it was about reflecting the soul of a city. We leaned into community, into authenticity, and into the textures that make Toronto what it is. The creative risk wasn't in pushing for flash, but in pulling things back—in letting raw, unfiltered emotion take the lead. We prioritized real people, real environments, and real stories. That choice connected with people on a deeper level and ultimately earned us the Clio Gold. It was a reminder that when culture leads, success follows. Stephanie Tharpe: How does Fresh Juice approach mentorship and community development, and how does this commitment integrate into the agency's broader operational philosophy? Kieran Khan: Mentorship isn't a side conversation—it's central to how we move. At Fresh Juice, we're intentional about creating access points for emerging talent, especially those who don't always see a clear pathway into this industry. Whether it's bringing young creatives on set, collaborating with grassroots organizations, or just being available to offer guidance, we make space for real development. It's not just about passing the mic—it's about building a stage where others can take the lead. That's how we grow the culture and move it forward. Stephanie Tharpe: With backgrounds spanning music, arts, and entertainment, how does the agency maintain artistic authenticity while meeting commercial brand expectations? Tanisha Scott: We always start with the "why." Our goal is to align with brands that understand the value of authentic storytelling and are open to being challenged creatively. Artistic integrity doesn't need to be sacrificed to meet commercial goals—it's about finding that intersection where purpose and impact meet. Stephanie Tharpe: What long-term societal changes does Fresh Juice aim to catalyze through its creative work and community engagement? Tanisha Scott: We want our work to inspire change. Whether it's how brands think about representation or how young creatives see their place in the industry, we hope to open doors and shift perspectives. Community engagement, mentorship, and platform-building are not PR plays for us—they're commitments. According to a recent study by McKinsey, Black consumers have over $1.4 trillion in spending power in the U.S. alone, yet less than 1% of advertising and marketing agencies are Black-owned. Fresh Juice is taking full advantage of the current market opportunity, and has positioned itself as a minority owned agency willing to break the glass ceiling. Aside from industry representation, Fresh Juice is finding its success in a sweet spot where authentic representation yields business results. Research shows that campaigns featuring genuine cultural insights and representation see up to 50% higher engagement rates among diverse audiences. Diverse leadership teams are 33% more likely to outperform their peers on profitability. Fresh Juice embodies this principle, leveraging its founders' varied cultural perspectives to deliver work that resonates across demographics while maintaining the authenticity that today's consumers demand. Born in Toronto to Jamaican parents, Tanisha Scott began her creative career as a freestyle dancer. Today, her creative vision spans high-profile projects, including co-choreographing Disney's upcoming West End musical "Hercules" and choreographing "Hope Road," a Bob Marley-inspired show premiering at Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay this year. She collaborated with acclaimed director Spike Jonze on Apple's mini-film "Someday," starring Pedro Pascal, showing her ability to translate cultural nuance into commercial success. Chetan Kothari is a revered photographer, role model, and leader within his community. He started his career photographic some on our times greatest artists like Damian & Ziggy Marley, Nas, Erykah Badu, Ashanti, Ice Cube of NWA, Chuck D of Public Enemy, Common, Cypress Hill, A Tribe Called Quest, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez and many others as personal work and for covers of magazines. His images have been a part of over 100 exhibitions, from museums to the streets in Toronto, Canada, Kingston, Jamaica, New York, USA, Tokyo, Japan, Bombay, and India. Kieran Khan is a talented video director, editor, and content director based in Toronto, Canada. Kieran has shot music videos, commercials, and content for many renowned artists and brands, including Gwen Stefani, Rick Ross, Buju Banton, Damian Marley, Skip Marley, Nicky Jam, Sean Paul, Adidas, Caribbean Airlines, and Converse becoming one of the world most sought after videography instructors. The combined expertise of the founding team creates a powerhouse agency uniquely equipped to navigate the intersection of culture and commerce. Fresh Juice has all of the necessary ingredients to transform how brands engage with culture. They are not just branding culture for consumption but actively shaping it for the better through authentic storytelling and cultural engagement. For brands looking to connect with increasingly diverse audiences in authentic ways, Fresh Juice offers something increasingly valuable: creative work that honors cultural context while delivering commercial impact—no artificial flavoring, just fresh ideas and global vision.
