Hyundai Elantra Wins Prestigious 2021 North American Car of the Year™

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was named winner of the 2021 North American Car of the Year award today by the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) automotive media jury. This is the second time the Hyundai sedan has won Car of the Year (2012). Only two cars have won the award more than once (Chevrolet Corvette and Honda Civic) and this marks Hyundai’s third Car of the Year category win. The winner was announced during a virtual…

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was named winner of the 2021 North American Car of the Year award today by the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) automotive media jury. This is the second time the Hyundai sedan has won Car of the Year (2012). Only two cars have won the award more than once (Chevrolet Corvette and Honda Civic) and this marks Hyundai’s third Car of the Year category win. The winner was announced during a virtual event. Images, b-roll footage, press releases and specifications for the 2021 Elantra can be found at https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/models/hyundai-elantra-2021-elantra.

Elantra is a symbol of Hyundai’s blend of dynamic design, advanced technology and great fuel economy.

«Thank you to all of the jurors. I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the entire company, our Alabama and Ulsan plant employees who build Elantra and our dealers,» said José Muñoz, Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America and Hyundai Motor America. «Elantra is a symbol of our blend of dynamic design, advanced technology and great fuel economy. Elantra customers are going to experience all of the hard work and dedication that went into making this class-leading car.»

The jurors tested and evaluated more than 40 new vehicles before voting the top three cars, utility vehicles and trucks to be 2021 finalists. The Nissan Sentra and Genesis G80 were the other car finalists.

Now in their 28th year, the NACTOY awards are selected through a series of three separate votes by a diverse jury of automotive journalists from numerous outlets in the United States and Canada. Jurors evaluate the finalists based on segment leadership, innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

Founded in 1994, these awards are the longest-running new-vehicle awards not associated with a single publication, website, radio or television station. Because of the jurors’ independence, these awards are among the most respected in the industry. 

Hyundai Motor America
At Hyundai Motor America, we believe everyone deserves better. From the way we design and build our cars to the way we treat the people who drive them, making things better is at the heart of everything we do. Hyundai’s technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assurance—our promise to create a better experience for customers. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide and nearly half of those sold in the U.S. are built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.

Please visit our media website at www.HyundaiNews.com

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

Hozpitality explores positive news coming from the Middle East in 2021

Hozpitality Group is optimistic about the tourism and travel growth in the Middle East in 2021 as the Gulf Nations agreed to open borders with Qatar

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Businesses in the Middle East can now hope to thrive again as the borders with Qatar is now open. Despite the fact that exchange wasn’t hampered in most recent three…

Hozpitality Group is optimistic about the tourism and travel growth in the Middle East in 2021 as the Gulf Nations agreed to open borders with Qatar

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Businesses in the Middle East can now hope to thrive again as the borders with Qatar is now open. Despite the fact that exchange wasn’t hampered in most recent three years yet the availability to open boundaries is sending a note of development in the impending year. The Trade and Travel industry can now be able envision the ascent in tourists from the GCC countries and lower costs. Numerous GCC residents accessed roads for events and holidays previously and we ideally will see a bounce during Eid Holidays this year. The pandemic has enforced shutting down the airports and people are avoiding taking a flight. On that note, maybe GCC countries can fabricate their own travel bubble amidst pandemic and allow the travellers to access the shores of the Arabian Seas instead of boarding a plane.

The UAE will reopen all land, sea and airports with Qatar from Saturday, January 9. According to Arabian Business News, Gulf states expect to open their airspace to Qatar and resume trade with the natural-gas powerhouse within a week of the January 5 signing of an accord ending their rift, a senior UAE minister said Thursday. The agreement signed in Saudi Arabia at a summit of Gulf leaders has «a note about ending measures within a week,» Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said in a virtual media briefing, referring to the air and trade measures. Under the accord, four Arab states including the UAE agreed to fully restore ties with Qatar, ending a three-year dispute that divided the energy-producing region at a time of heightened tensions between the US and its Gulf allies and Iran.

Almost 18 million passengers passed through the Dubai Airports last year even as the world battled the Covid-19 pandemic and countries-imposed lockdowns and border closures to counter its spread. According to the latest figures released by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the emirate’s airports facilitated the travel of 17.88 million passengers in 2020.

Dubai is just getting started, Dubai Shopping Festival is back in the season, and travel and food displays like Gulfood, Arabian Travel Market, and The Hotel Show are back in the diagrams. Firecrackers at Burj Khalifa alongside different areas in Dubai sent an unmistakable message that Covid or something else, Dubai is relentless. As the World Expo-2020 is quick drawing closer in October 2021, there is a promising end to current circumstances.

Hozpitality Group is also finalizing venues of its Chef Excellence Awards and Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards to be held in Dubai in 2021. Last year due to Covid these were held online but we would like to have a grand ceremony once again this year, said Raj Bhatt, CEO, Hozpitality Group.

UAE has additionally begun administering Pfizer and Sinopharm inoculations to the occupants which are effectively open to the inhabitants. Residents of the same emirate will be provided the vaccination in their respective emirate and are required to carry their Emirates ID. Dubai is planning to inoculate 70% of its population with the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech by the end of 2021, in a campaign free of charge for citizens and residents, to reach the herd immunity in the nation, a health official said.

According to Top Hotel News, «2021 will bring 135 new hotels and 36,200 additional keys to the Middle East on current estimates – 80 of these schemes are now in the pre-opening phase. Another 206 properties are scheduled to go live in 2021, bringing 63,719 extra rooms into play. 113 projects are underway for 2022 and will yield 34,334 keys. Only 49 new hotels have been signed off for 2023, but new projects will likely be added in the coming years. 142 more hotels are on the books for 2024 and beyond.»

People are a social element, lockdowns may have kept individuals desiring for the love of movement and outings however once the crowd resistance is achieved, individuals will travel once more. The voyage lines will again swear on the life of seas, the flights will again shake the skies and the lodgings will again be loaded up with movement lovers. Despite the fact that the lodgings have encountered lower ADR and RevPAR, yet these two major occasions could make up for the shortfall made by the pandemic as the inhabitants are required to rise.

We can likewise accept the job market to thrive in the year 2021. UAE organizations are as of now recruiting individuals accessible in the nation as the new visas are not being provided to overseas candidates. This could change once the hazard of COVID-19 variant has passed and herd immunity is accomplished in the nation. The Government is making an excellent showing in containing the infection and holding organizations during these difficult stretches. Things are taking a gander right now and we could expect life in the UAE returning to normalcy before the finish of 2021.

About Hozpitality Group

Hozpitality is an online platform for professionals from Hotels, Restaurants, Airlines, Travel agencies, Clubs, Cruise Lines, Cinemas, Spas, Schools, Suppliers and Retail. Hozpitality offers Branding options, A Community Network for Employers and Job seekers, a directory of Hospitality Suppliers, Latest Hospitality News, Hotel News, Movements and Appointments and Hospitality Announcements Hotel Industry Recruitment, Professional CV designing, Hospitality Courses etc. We provide an effective platform where all hospitality professionals can come together, network and benefit.

Hozpitality.com offers a selection of best Hotel Management Institutes, Schools and Universities and Hotel management Courses. Hospitality Students can search and apply for Hotel management Courses and join the School’s Alumni and network with their colleagues. Hozpitality also offers a Market Place for Hospitality Suppliers where Hospitality Products, Services, Offers and Deals can be listed and sold to millions of Global Hospitality professionals.

Hozpitality reaches out to over 1 million professionals from over 186 countries thru its 2 group websites, www.hozpitality.com and www.hozpitalityplus.com with Registered Members and Social Media from over 186 countries.

The dedicated hospitality Media and News website Hozpitalityplus.com, publishes and shares Latest Hospitality News, Announcements, Hotel openings, Promotions, Events, Hospitality Movements and Appointments and Hospitality announcements, Reviews, Blogs etc.

Hozpitality Consulting is a Global Executive Search consultancy based out of Toronto, Canada. Our success lies in building a long term relationship and delivering results quickly and efficiently for a «much lower cost». We are experts in locating the best possible suitable executive and management candidates for placements in all types of hospitality organizations around the world. Through our matchless database, communication and networking, over the world, we provide our clients with the most skillful candidates.

«Hozpitality Buzz- The inside scoop» is a TV show based on the hospitality industry in Dubai and UAE, is in English and telecast-ed on a premier TV channel in Middle East & North Africa reaching out to approx. 10-12 million viewers. To know more about the TV show, Please log on to:- www.facebook.com/hozpitalitybuzz and https://www.youtube.com/Hozpitality 

Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards are presented to recognize top industry organizations which have shown skill, creativity, ingenuity and success in the Middle East & North Africa’s growing hospitality industry. Logon to www.hozpitalityexcellenceawards.com

To know more about the group, Please log on to:

www.hozpitality.com , www.hozpitalityplus.com , www.hozpitalityexcellenceawards.com  

Contact:-

Raj Bhatt
Founder & CEO
HOZPITALITY GROUP
A SUBSIDIARY OF VR ONLINE GROUP
P.O Box- 119395, Dubai, UAE
Phone:- +971 4 334 31 77, Fax:- +971 4 334 31 78
Email:- email@hozpitality.com 
www.hozpitality.com, www.hozpitalityplus.com

Hozpitality explores positive news coming from the Middle East in 2021

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Businesses in the Middle East can now hope to thrive again as the borders with Qatar is now open. Despite the fact that exchange wasn’t hampered in most recent three years yet the availability to open boundaries is sending a note of development in the impending year. The Trade and Travel industry can now be able envision the ascent in tourists from the GCC countries and lower costs. Numerous…

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Businesses in the Middle East can now hope to thrive again as the borders with Qatar is now open. Despite the fact that exchange wasn’t hampered in most recent three years yet the availability to open boundaries is sending a note of development in the impending year. The Trade and Travel industry can now be able envision the ascent in tourists from the GCC countries and lower costs. Numerous GCC residents accessed roads for events and holidays previously and we ideally will see a bounce during Eid Holidays this year. The pandemic has enforced shutting down the airports and people are avoiding taking a flight. On that note, maybe GCC countries can fabricate their own travel bubble amidst pandemic and allow the travellers to access the shores of the Arabian Seas instead of boarding a plane.

The UAE will reopen all land, sea and airports with Qatar from Saturday, January 9. According to Arabian Business News, Gulf states expect to open their airspace to Qatar and resume trade with the natural-gas powerhouse within a week of the January 5 signing of an accord ending their rift, a senior UAE minister said Thursday. The agreement signed in Saudi Arabia at a summit of Gulf leaders has «a note about ending measures within a week,» Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said in a virtual media briefing, referring to the air and trade measures. Under the accord, four Arab states including the UAE agreed to fully restore ties with Qatar, ending a three-year dispute that divided the energy-producing region at a time of heightened tensions between the US and its Gulf allies and Iran.

Almost 18 million passengers passed through the Dubai Airports last year even as the world battled the Covid-19 pandemic and countries-imposed lockdowns and border closures to counter its spread. According to the latest figures released by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the emirate’s airports facilitated the travel of 17.88 million passengers in 2020.

Dubai is just getting started, Dubai Shopping Festival is back in the season, and travel and food displays like Gulfood, Arabian Travel Market, and The Hotel Show are back in the diagrams. Firecrackers at Burj Khalifa alongside different areas in Dubai sent an unmistakable message that Covid or something else, Dubai is relentless. As the World Expo-2020 is quick drawing closer in October 2021, there is a promising end to current circumstances.

Hozpitality Group is also finalizing venues of its Chef Excellence Awards and Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards to be held in Dubai in 2021. Last year due to Covid these were held online but we would like to have a grand ceremony once again this year, said Raj Bhatt, CEO, Hozpitality Group.

UAE has additionally begun administering Pfizer and Sinopharm inoculations to the occupants which are effectively open to the inhabitants. Residents of the same emirate will be provided the vaccination in their respective emirate and are required to carry their Emirates ID. Dubai is planning to inoculate 70% of its population with the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech by the end of 2021, in a campaign free of charge for citizens and residents, to reach the herd immunity in the nation, a health official said.

According to Top Hotel News, «2021 will bring 135 new hotels and 36,200 additional keys to the Middle East on current estimates – 80 of these schemes are now in the pre-opening phase. Another 206 properties are scheduled to go live in 2021, bringing 63,719 extra rooms into play. 113 projects are underway for 2022 and will yield 34,334 keys. Only 49 new hotels have been signed off for 2023, but new projects will likely be added in the coming years. 142 more hotels are on the books for 2024 and beyond.»

People are a social element, lockdowns may have kept individuals desiring for the love of movement and outings however once the crowd resistance is achieved, individuals will travel once more. The voyage lines will again swear on the life of seas, the flights will again shake the skies and the lodgings will again be loaded up with movement lovers. Despite the fact that the lodgings have encountered lower ADR and RevPAR, yet these two major occasions could make up for the shortfall made by the pandemic as the inhabitants are required to rise.

We can likewise accept the job market to thrive in the year 2021. UAE organizations are as of now recruiting individuals accessible in the nation as the new visas are not being provided to overseas candidates. This could change once the hazard of COVID-19 variant has passed and herd immunity is accomplished in the nation. The Government is making an excellent showing in containing the infection and holding organizations during these difficult stretches. Things are taking a gander right now and we could expect life in the UAE returning to normalcy before the finish of 2021.

About Hozpitality Group

Hozpitality is an online platform for professionals from Hotels, Restaurants, Airlines, Travel agencies, Clubs, Cruise Lines, Cinemas, Spas, Schools, Suppliers and Retail. Hozpitality offers Branding options, A Community Network for Employers and Job seekers, a directory of Hospitality Suppliers, Latest Hospitality News, Hotel News, Movements and Appointments and Hospitality Announcements Hotel Industry Recruitment, Professional CV designing, Hospitality Courses etc. We provide an effective platform where all hospitality professionals can come together, network and benefit.

Hozpitality.com offers a selection of best Hotel Management Institutes, Schools and Universities and Hotel management Courses. Hospitality Students can search and apply for Hotel management Courses and join the School’s Alumni and network with their colleagues. Hozpitality also offers a Market Place for Hospitality Suppliers where Hospitality Products, Services, Offers and Deals can be listed and sold to millions of Global Hospitality professionals.

Hozpitality reaches out to over 1 million professionals from over 186 countries thru its 2 group websites, www.hozpitality.com and www.hozpitalityplus.com with Registered Members and Social Media from over 186 countries.

The dedicated hospitality Media and News website Hozpitalityplus.com, publishes and shares Latest Hospitality News, Announcements, Hotel openings, Promotions, Events, Hospitality Movements and Appointments and Hospitality announcements, Reviews, Blogs etc.

Hozpitality Consulting is a Global Executive Search consultancy based out of Toronto, Canada. Our success lies in building a long term relationship and delivering results quickly and efficiently for a «much lower cost». We are experts in locating the best possible suitable executive and management candidates for placements in all types of hospitality organizations around the world. Through our matchless database, communication and networking, over the world, we provide our clients with the most skillful candidates.

«Hozpitality Buzz- The inside scoop» is a TV show based on the hospitality industry in Dubai and UAE, is in English and telecast-ed on a premier TV channel in Middle East & North Africa reaching out to approx. 10-12 million viewers. To know more about the TV show, Please log on to:- www.facebook.com/hozpitalitybuzz and https://www.youtube.com/Hozpitality 

Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards are presented to recognize top industry organizations which have shown skill, creativity, ingenuity and success in the Middle East & North Africa’s growing hospitality industry. Logon to www.hozpitalityexcellenceawards.com

To know more about the group, Please log on to:

www.hozpitality.com , www.hozpitalityplus.com , www.hozpitalityexcellenceawards.com  

Contact:-

Raj Bhatt
Founder & CEO
HOZPITALITY GROUP
A SUBSIDIARY OF VR ONLINE GROUP
P.O Box- 119395, Dubai, UAE
Phone:- +971 4 334 31 77, Fax:- +971 4 334 31 78
Email:- email@hozpitality.com 
www.hozpitality.com, www.hozpitalityplus.com

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SOURCE Hozpitality Group

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Unveils $30 Million Renovation And Redesign

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated, newly renovated guest rooms, luxury pool and Club Lounge. The $30 million renovation features cohesive,…

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated, newly renovated guest rooms, luxury pool and Club Lounge. The $30 million renovation features cohesive, layered, and refined accommodations, a new luxury pool and cabanas and updated Club Lounge.

Due to be complete February 2021, the 582 guest rooms will feature design inspired by the natural beauty of the property’s lushly landscaped grounds, wildlife-filled water and surrounding habitats. Each room offers guests a sanctuary to relax and unwind with added technology touchpoints for the modern traveler including higher quality internet speed and more user-friendly outlet placements. This new design brings in soft colors, plush textures, and distinctive architectural elements that combine elegant lines and modern details for a cosmopolitan ambience that excites, pleases, and comforts.

Guests are welcomed into the room with a marine-inspired courtesy ledge dotted with nautical details, and curated artwork alluding to the gentle, more refined, and unexpected slices of local life. Inspired design elements continue throughout the guest room with upholstered wall panels, cozy bedside lighting delicately diffused through linen lampshades and globe-shaped cut-glass pendants dangling from the ceiling. Echoing The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes’ grounds and 500 acres of natural beauty, carefully considered artwork is arranged throughout the room, inspiring feelings of motion and repose through framed photographic images of natural movement and stillness on water, sand, and the wide-open skies above Florida.

Continuing with this nature driven theme, the layered stone countertop minibar boasts a distinctive cabinet design resembling a fishing basket stocked for a day of adventure. The room’s custom furniture, including upholstered and wooden chairs, stuffed couch, and chaise lounge, is detailed for attractiveness and comfort, with rich and opulent finishes and warm tones that invite guests to kick back, relax, and linger. Wall-to-wall carpeting is soft and textured, with a custom pattern carefully considered to complement other elements of the room. Meanwhile, guest bathrooms are sleek and richly detailed with a double vanity sink, marble flooring and splashguards, roomy tub with shower, and separate water closet.

Following the completion of the guest rooms, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes will also be renovating its beautiful sprawling pool and cabanas and the luxe Ritz-Carton Club Lounge, allowing guests to get together, relax and dine in a new modern space. The pool and lounge will be completed by March 2021.

Guests visiting the property later this month can experience the new weekend-long ‘Curated Experiences‘ at Grande Lakes. Designed for friends, families, couples, and small groups to enjoy truly memorable events, this exciting series of intimate experiences includes master classes, guided workshops, immersive demonstrations, and more, led by an array of award-winning chefs, winemakers, jewelers, artists, and wellness experts. Events taking place from January 29-31, 2021. The cost is $750 per person which includes access to all Package Experiences.

Grande Lakes Orlando is committed to providing guests with a clean environment that aligns with expert protocols aligned with CDC, Florida, and Orlando guidelines.

For more information on Grande Lakes Orlando, renovation, and its new ‘Curated Experiences’ please visit https://www.grandelakes.com/.  

About Grande Lakes Orlando
The 500-acre Grande Lakes Orlando estate features a 582-room Ritz-Carlton and 1,000-room JW Marriott hotel situated at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Guests at both hotels can enjoy all the facilities and services at Grande Lakes Orlando, including an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course and the 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa as well as three pools including the winding lazy river at JW Marriott and the new AquaCourse 360 interactive water feature. Experience a wealth of dining options throughout Grande Lakes Orlando, where the cuisine is as diverse as the resort.

Twelve outlets to choose from featuring a brand new steak and seafood restaurant, Knife & Spoon led by award-winning chef John Tesar, southern-inspired cuisine at Highball & Harvest and Mediterranean Italian at PRIMO led by multiple time James Beard award-winning chef Melissa Kelly, a leader in the city’s farm-to-fork movement. The resort sources ingredients from its on-site apiaries and 18,000-square-foot Whisper Creek Farm. On-property activities include Grande Lakes Sports Experiences offering kayaking, eco-tours on Shingle Creek, falconry, mountain biking and fishing school. Conference and meeting attendees have their pick of a selection of meeting space options located across 150,000 square feet that connects the two properties plus more than 100,000 square feet of outdoor space.

Grande Lakes is located 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, five minutes from the Orange County Convention Center and minutes from the major theme parks. Follow Grande Lakes Orlando on Twitter at @RC_Orlando and @JW_Orlando, Instagram @ritzcarltonorlando and jwmorlando and Facebook ritzcarltonorlando and jwmarriottorlando. For more information about Grande Lakes Orlando, visit www.grandelakes.com.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. The impressive array of award-winning hotels cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers seeking The JW Treatment™ – the brand’s philosophy that true luxury is created by people who are passionate about what they do. These experiences help guests to be fully present, foster connections and feed the soul. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott is a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together, act with intention and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are over 80 JW Marriott hotels in more than 25 countries and territories. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy™, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®(SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, MD., part of Marriott International, Inc., currently operates more than 100 hotels in 30 countries and territories. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

Marriott International, Inc. 
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 132 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world.  The company now offers one travel program, Marriott Bonvoy™, replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®(SPG).  For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contacts:
Megan Trivelli & Maddie Alster
(212) 683 2442
GrandeLakesOrlando@brandmanagency.com

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SOURCE Grande Lakes Orlando

Atlas Ocean Voyages Announces Atlas Ashore, Complimentary Shore Excursion At Every Port For All Guests On All Sailings

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Atlas Ocean Voyages announced today that the all-inclusive, luxe-adventure cruise brand designed for experienced and fun-seeking travelers is including more. All guests on all sailings will enjoy a choice of complimentary shore excursions at every port, known as Atlas Ashore, and is part of the Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ALL Inclusive ALL The Way commitment. Launching in July 2021, Atlas’ first newly constructed, small,…

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Atlas Ocean Voyages announced today that the all-inclusive, luxe-adventure cruise brand designed for experienced and fun-seeking travelers is including more. All guests on all sailings will enjoy a choice of complimentary shore excursions at every port, known as Atlas Ashore, and is part of the Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ALL Inclusive ALL The Way commitment. Launching in July 2021, Atlas’ first newly constructed, small, expedition ship, World Navigator, will bring guests on once-in-a-lifetime, luxury adventures, which includes 285 complimentary Atlas Ashore options in 107 port calls in the Holy Land, the Black, Mediterranean, and Caribbean Seas, and South America. Additionally, travelers who make a new booking between now and Mar. 31, 2021, will enjoy 50 percent-reduced deposits and receive a complimentary one stateroom-category upgrade and an additional $600 per stateroom, based on double-occupancy, to apply toward pre-cruise purchases of additional shore excursions. For more information about Atlas Ashore, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/offers.

«Atlas Ocean Voyages is already one of the industry’s most-inclusive luxury brands and we now deliver even greater value to all of our guests with the new Atlas Ashore program,» said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. «Atlas’ unique itineraries to less-traveled and bucket-list destinations provide travelers the highly anticipated return-to-cruise that they are planning right now. And Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Atlas Ashore augments our already distinctive All Inclusive All The Way experiences, as we continue to add more complimentary Atlas Ashore options.»

«Atlas Ashore was initially conceived as a limited-time offer, but the strong response from travelers and our valued travel advisor partners convinced us that it should be a fundamental part of our product definition,» said Brandon Townsley, Vice President of Sales and Trade Partnerships. «Our All Inclusive All The Way commitment includes most everything and helps make doing business with Atlas easy for travel advisors. And travel advisors who recommend Atlas Ocean Voyages will deliver greater value and peace of mind for their clients with Atlas’ Plan With Confidence flexible travel policy.»

Atlas’ Plan With Confidence flexible travel policy provides travelers a 100 percent refund of deposited funds up to 91 days prior to sailing. Plus, they can change their reservation as many times as they want, up to 15 days before their voyages’ sail date. They can even change their destination and sail with Atlas in another part of the world or choose to cancel at least 15 days or more prior to the departure date and be assured of a 100 percent future cruise credit.

Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All the Way provides guests a complete, seamless and worry-free experience by including complimentary round-trip air travel, shore excursion at every port, prepaid gratuities, polar parkas, emergency medical evacuation insurance, premium wine and spirits, international beers and coffees, Wi-Fi, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, and regionally inspired gourmet dining. In every stateroom, guests enjoy binoculars to use on board, en suite coffee, tea and personalized bar service, and butler service in suites.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a luxe-adventure expedition cruise brand designed for experienced and fun-seeking travelers to immerse in exciting and awe-inspiring moments in less-visited, bucket-list destinations. At 9,930 GRTs, World Navigator fosters a refined and convivial ambience for up to 196 guests and features the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into her state-of-the-art design. 

World Navigator is Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified and her construction is on schedule for delivery in July 2021. World Navigator will be joined by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023.

Atlas welcomes travelers to ‘come back to something new’ in the brand’s new marketing campaign «At Last… Atlas» (www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/itstime.) To learn more, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. Also, please follow Atlas Ocean Voyage on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), Twitter (www.twitter.com/atlascruises), Instagram (www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/atlascruises). Travel Advisors can call 1.844.44.ATLAS (1.844.442.8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable luxe-adventure expedition.

 

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SOURCE Atlas Ocean Voyages

Enterprise, Ranken Launch Innovative Automotive Collision Engineering Program

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Enterprise Holdings today announced the launch of the Automotive Collision Engineering Pilot Program, powered by the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation and <a target="_blank"…

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Enterprise Holdings today announced the launch of the Automotive Collision Engineering Pilot Program, powered by the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation and Ranken Technical College. Designed to attract and develop entry-level talent to fill essential roles within the collision repair industry, and enhance retention and advancement among collision repair technicians, the program is piloting at four schools across the country – Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, Missouri, College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois, Contra Costa College in San Pablo, California, and Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas.

This groundbreaking program has been developed to address a paradigm shift in the transportation industry as it faces a major technician shortage. With nearly 80,000 new collision technicians needed between 2020 and 2024, according to the TechForce Foundation, demand is significantly outpacing a steadily declining supply of postsecondary collision technician entrants. Meanwhile, today’s rapid pace of vehicle innovation and connectivity is adding demands on technicians to have expertise in not only car repair, but also technology and engineering.

«Collision repairers are facing unprecedented challenges in growing their workforce to sustain their businesses. Meanwhile, the opportunity for future technicians to build successful, well-paying careers in this industry is enormous,» said Aaron Schulenburg, Executive Director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). «Collision engineering is an exciting, viable and rewarding career. By increasing awareness of these opportunities and training students to become meaningful entrants to the industry, the Automotive Collision Engineering Program is helping fill both the worker shortage and skills gap that exist. This program represents a strategic and collaborative response from an industry with a great deal to offer new members of the workforce, and a critical investment in the future of automotive repair.»

Schulenburg is one of more than a dozen industry thought leaders serving on the advisory board for the Automotive Collision Engineering Pilot Program. Board members, who provide program guidance, include:

  • Chris Andreoli, Corporate Claims Process Director, Progressive
  • Jen Boyer, Global Collision Business and Strategy Manager, Ford Motor Company
  • Mike Croker, Global Repair & Training Product Manager for Collision, Chief Automotive Technologies
  • Ty Gammill, Senior Vice President Talent Development, Caliber Collision
  • Don Hermanek, President, The Hermanek Group; former Chief Client Officer, Insurance Auto Auctions
  • Sean Huurman, Chief Human Resource Officer, Service King
  • Don Mikrut, Chief Development Officer, Repairify
  • Kim Morin, VP & Chief Human Resource Officer, Gerber Collision and Glass
  • Chris Northup, CEO & Managing General Partner, Professional Parts Group
  • Wendy Scheper, AVP of Claims, American Family Insurance
  • Aaron Schulenburg, Executive Director, SCRS
  • Terry Ticel, Director of Field Sales, I-CAR
  • Ryan West, AVP of Claims – Lakeland Region, GEICO

Shifting Education Approach and Career Perception

The program follows Ranken Technical College’s unique apprenticeship model, which prepares students for success by treating them as professionals from day one. Designed with auto collision industry needs in mind, the program encourages schools and industry to work together to facilitate lifelong learning for the future leaders of the collision industry.

Through this defined two-year apprenticeship model, students receive real-world education by working alongside industry experts while also earning their associate degree. Participating students from Ranken Technical College, College of Lake County, Contra Costa College and Texas State Technical College are matched with an employer partner. A portion of the student’s pay for work completed at the shop is subsidized by the program. Students rotate between eight weeks of classroom/lab experience and eight weeks of full-day work-based learning at a participating collision repair facility.

Several body shops (both multi-shop operators and independents) as well as the Ford Certified Collision Network are participating in the program and promoting the opportunity to host a student apprentice at their shops. Any shops that are interested in participating are encouraged to contact John Helterbrand, National Automotive Collision Engineering Program Director and Automotive Collision Repair Department Chair at Ranken Technical College.

«This program is about changing the approach to educating students for a career in collision repair,» said Helterbrand. «Unlike traditional classroom-based models, our program introduces students to the industry early on – providing opportunities to gain practical collision engineering experience, and ultimately better preparing new technicians to enter the modern workforce.»

The Ranken model, which already operated under a hybrid learning philosophy, easily adapted to new educational challenges that have arisen as a result of COVID-19. A digital learning management system has likewise been developed and rolled out to the other participating schools to facilitate virtual learning.

An initial investment from the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation is funding program expenses for the two-year pilot, as well as an industry-first digital advertising campaign to raise awareness of the career path among prospective students, their parents and school counselors.

With slogans like, «Where Silicon Valley & Motor City Collide,» the campaign aims to update the perception of a career in the collision industry. «The automobile has changed dramatically in recent years. As vehicles continue to grow in complexity, so do the repair processes required of technicians,» Helterbrand added. «Tomorrow’s automotive technician will be much more like an engineer.»

«We’re proud to be spearheading the Automotive Collision Engineering Program through this innovative pilot. As the world’s largest car rental provider and an industry leader in mobility and technology, we have a huge stake in the health of the automotive repair industry and are committed to doing our part to invest in its success,» said Mary Mahoney, Vice President, Insurance Replacement Division at Enterprise Holdings. «We’re encouraging other industry leaders to join us in addressing the industry shortage and shaping the future of automotive repair.»

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SOURCE Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

Seabourn 2021 Season In Alaska & British Columbia To Offer Highly Immersive Luxury Travel Experiences In «The Great Land»

SEATTLE, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Seabourn, the ultra-luxury resort at sea, has planned an exciting program of exhilarating adventures and immersive experiences in Alaska and British Columbia this summer. Seabourn Odyssey is scheduled to sail on a…

SEATTLE, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Seabourn, the ultra-luxury resort at sea, has planned an exciting program of exhilarating adventures and immersive experiences in Alaska and British Columbia this summer. Seabourn Odyssey is scheduled to sail on a series of newly-revised, seven-day voyages between Juneau, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia, taking travelers to explore the vast wilderness and awe-inspiring beauty of the «The Great Land» in a way that is different from the mainstream.

Seabourn Odyssey‘s itineraries are unique in the marketplace, combining marquee ports such as Sitka and Ketchikan in Alaska with rarely visited gems like the Inian Islands and Alert Bay, a small First Nation village on Cormorant Island in the traditional Kwakwaka’wakw territory of British Columbia. Each voyage will include spectacular glacier experiences in places like Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier or Tracy/Endicott Arm, and will also offer the popular Ventures by Seabourn program of expedition-style experiences led by the onboard expedition team. The line’s entire 2021 Alaska season is now open for sale, and itinerary details with more information on the specific destinations visited on each are available on Seabourn’s website.

«We are always excited to design and offer travel experiences that enable our guests to have up-close access to the amazing wildlife, breathtaking natural scenery, and unique culture of Alaska and British Columbia,» said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn. «Our seven-day ultra-luxury voyages and experiences, combined with the splendor of this region, will provide the ultimate Alaska experience.»

With its intimate size, highly social atmosphere and award-winning amenities, Seabourn is the best way to explore America’s Last Frontier for travelers looking to book a luxury vacation for next summer. The size and maneuverability of Seabourn Odyssey, which carries just 458 guests, all in spacious oceanfront suites, ensures a privileged view of this great and gorgeous land.

Depending on the itinerary, wildlife spotting opportunities are plentiful, both on the ship and off. Destinations such as Cross Sound are one of the main gateways for humpback whales to enter the sheltered waters of Alaska, where guests can get close enough to see everything in this incredibly beautiful environment inhabited by Steller sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles and myriad avian species beyond.

Natural wonders are a key experience planned into every Seabourn itinerary, with Alaska and British Columbia having plenty of craggy mountains, long waterfalls, and stunning vistas, so guests have many choices to consider. The North and South Sawyer Glaciers and Dawes Glacier are extremely active, calving frequently and filling their fjords with icebergs while the vast 650,000-acre-plus wilderness around them is home to brown and black bears, wolves, deer, mountain goats, seals and many seabirds. Misty Fjords, which early explorer John Muir declared one of the most beautiful places he’d seen, offer guided experiences via kayak and scenic Zodiac excursions at the very end of the fjord to take travelers to an area of inspiring beauty too narrow for the ship to enter, with vertical granite cliffs rising 3,000-feet above sea level and descending another 1,000-feet below. Glacier Bay, a U.S. National Park and Preserve, unreachable by automobile, is part of a 25 million-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is dotted with vast waterways, dynamic glaciers, emerald rainforests, wild coastlines, deep sheltered fjords, and snow-capped mountains topped by 15,300-foot Mount Fairweather. 

All 2021 voyages in Alaska and British Columbia will offer optional Ventures by Seabourn expedition-style tours, featuring guided Zodiac and kayak excursions launched directly from the ship, as well as hiking and wildlife viewing. These excursions will be led by Seabourn Odyssey‘s expedition team of naturalists, scientists, and wildlife and historical experts. They will also interact with guests throughout each sailing, including complimentary formal presentations as part of the Seabourn Conversations program, and on deck, pointing out, interpreting, and enhancing desirable locations as well as in more casual conversations over meals or at leisure. The expedition team also spends time on deck with SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars, some of the finest available and highly coveted by wildlife enthusiasts around the world. Guests who can’t get enough can get more insights through team chronicles and photos shared via Seabourn’s Voyage Tracker.

In addition to Ventures by Seabourn, the line will offer a number of exciting, optional shore excursions for guests to explore the destinations, from whale watching outings and nature walks to helicopter and seaplane adventures. One of the offerings is the line’s popular «Enjoy Your Catch» experience, an exclusive culinary excursion available at select ports where guests can spend time fishing in the fresh air, then taking their personal catch of the day back to the ship to be prepared by the onboard culinary team.

Guests can extend their time in Alaska and British Columbia with Seabourn Journeys, pre- and/or post-vacation packages featuring destinations and experiences in treasured locations that cannot be accessed on single-day excursions from Seabourn Odyssey. These include a visit to Banff National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, aboard the Rocky Mountaineer luxury train.  

For reservations or more information about Seabourn, please contact Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

About Seabourn:
Ultra-luxury Seabourn currently operates a fleet of five modern ships with two under construction and is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, AIDA, P&O Cruises UK, and P&O Cruises Australia. Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK). Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage under a multi-year agreement to help promote sustainable tourism at World Heritage sites around the world. Our highest responsibility and top priorities are compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew, shoreside employees, and the people and communities our ships visit. 

Find Seabourn on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.

Notes to Editors:
Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world’s top travel choices by professional critics and the discerning readers of prestigious travel publications such as Departures, Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.  Its stylish, distinctive cruising vacations are renowned for:

  • Intimate ships with a private club atmosphere
  • Intuitive, personalized service provided by staff passionate about exceeding guests expectations
  • Curated voyages to all seven continents delivering award-winning experiences
  • All ocean-front suites, luxuriously appointed
  • Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times
  • Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences
  • Tipping is neither required, nor expected
  • Finest resort at sea that is masterfully designed
  • World-class dining, further enhanced through a culinary partnership with Chef Thomas Keller
  • All dining venues are complimentary, dine where, when and with whom you wish
  • Seabourn Conversations, connecting with visionary experts
  • Ventures by Seabourn™, optional shore excursions, enhance and extend your experience in select destinations*^
  • Select purposeful and sustainable travel experiences as the Official Cruise Partner of UNESCO*
  • Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program*
  • An evening entertainment experience in collaboration with Sir Tim Rice†
  • Committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability

*Optional programs, for additional charge
^Available on Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation
†Not available on board Seabourn Venture

Click-To-Tweet: This year, join @SeabournCruise as the line delivers the ultimate #Alaska experience aboard #SeabournOdyssey, allowing travelers to explore «The Great Land» like never before with exhilarating adventures and immersive experiences. Book your voyage today: bit.ly/SBN-Alaska 

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SOURCE Seabourn

Built In Honors TurnKey Vacation Rentals in 2021 Best Places To Work Awards

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Built In today announced that TurnKey Vacation Rentals was honored with two of its 2021 Best Places to Work Awards: Best Midsize Companies to Work for in Austin and Best Paying Companies in Austin. The…

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Built In today announced that TurnKey Vacation Rentals was honored with two of its 2021 Best Places to Work Awards: Best Midsize Companies to Work for in Austin and Best Paying Companies in Austin. The annual awards include companies of all sizes, from startups to enterprise, and nationally and in the eight largest U.S. tech markets.

«We put a lot of focus on creating a remarkable and inclusive culture at TurnKey Vacation Rentals, one that supports and celebrates our team members while instilling a strong sense of pride in delivering hospitality to private accommodations,» said TurnKey Co-founder and CEO John Banczak. «Employees who feel inspired, challenged and appreciated create the best results for our homeowners, guests and our company overall. We’re thrilled to be recognized by Built In for these efforts.»

Built In determines winners for Best Places to Work based on an algorithm, using company data about compensation, benefits and cultural programs. To reflect the attributes candidates are searching for on Built In today, this year’s program weighted criteria more heavily, like remote opportunities and programs for diversity, equity and inclusion.

«These companies raise the bar for cultural excellence and the ability to adapt to meet changing needs of employees,» said Sheridan Orr, Chief Marketing Officer of Built In. «The 2021 winners show a commitment not just to creating meaningful cultures but to delivering talent needs as they change in a dynamic landscape. We’re thrilled to extend our congratulations to the winners.»

ABOUT TURNKEY VACATION RENTALS
TurnKey Vacation Rentals is a full-service vacation rental property management company for premier vacation rental homes in top U.S. travel destinations. As a leading vacation rental hospitality brand, TurnKey provides guests with the consistency and quality of a fine hotel experience, while optimizing the management, marketing and return on investment for vacation rental homeowners. Our proprietary smart home technology – digital smart locks, housekeeping scheduler, in-home tablet, noise decibel monitors and more – integrates with local, in-market teams to ensure extraordinary vacation rental experiences for every home, every stay, every time. TurnKey is based in Austin, Texas, and venture-backed by Altos Ventures, Adams Street Partners, Silverton Partners and institutional and angel investors. To learn more, visit turnkeyvr.com.

ABOUT BUILT IN
Built In, a revolution in tech recruitment, serves more than 1,800 innovative companies of all sizes, from startups to the enterprise, delivering content and digital recruitment solutions that work. The platform amplifies companies’ brands as national, local or remote employers of choice, as well as leaders in DEI. Monthly, 2.5 million tech professionals rely on Built In to stay up on trends, grow in their roles and discover companies with missions they want to join. The platform publishes stories about companies’ tech, culture and people. This activates sought-after professionals to apply to customers’ open roles. http://www.builtin.com

ABOUT BUILT IN’S BEST PLACES TO WORK
Built In’s esteemed Best Places to Work awards, now in its third year, honor companies across numerous categories: 100 Best Places to Work, 50 Best Small Places to Work, 100 Best Midsize Places to Work, 50 Companies with the Best Benefits and 50 Best Paying Companies. Two new national categories reflect what candidates are searching for, including 100 Best Large Companies to Work For and 50 Best Remote-First Places to Work.

BEST PLACES TO WORK: METHODOLOGY
Built In ranks companies algorithmically based on compensation information, benefits and culture programs. This year, based on data showing tech professionals’ needs, the Best Places to Work algorithm added weight to companies’ commitment to DEI and remote culture. Rank is determined by combining a company’s score in each of these categories.

Media Contact

Adam Pedowitz, TurnKey Vacation Rentals, (512) 387-7918, press@turnkeyvr.com

Twitter, Facebook

 

SOURCE TurnKey Vacation Rentals

Toby Keith, Travis Tritt, Cole Swindell, Lee Brice, Randy Houser & Colt Ford to Perform Live Private Concerts at the 2021 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Diamond Resorts®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, is thrilled to welcome an electrifying lineup of country music’s biggest stars to the stage in a private live concert series during the 2021 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions presented by Insurance Office of America.

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ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Diamond Resorts®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, is thrilled to welcome an electrifying lineup of country music’s biggest stars to the stage in a private live concert series during the 2021 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions presented by Insurance Office of America.

The tournament’s sponsors and invited guests — along with a dream roster of nearly 50 celebrity players — will be treated to three nights of exhilarating, outdoor and socially distanced live shows.

On Saturday, January 23, the concert series will conclude with a highly anticipated performance by worldwide music superstar and Billboard Country Artist of the Decade honoree, Toby Keith. Keith will perform a variety of songs from his extensive library of music, spanning 19 studio albums and five compilation albums. Over his legendary, award-winning career, Keith has amassed an impressive 61 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including 32 No. 1 hits.

The week’s lineup will feature six of country music’s most popular entertainers, including newly announced Diamond Celebrity ambassador and Grammy Award-winning country artist Travis Tritt, Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Cole Swindell, multiple ACM and CMA Musical Event of the Year Award-winning artist Lee Brice, ACM and CMA Award-nominated artist Randy Houser, and former professional golfer turned country rapper Colt Ford.

Night one of the live music series will kick off the tournament on Tuesday, January 19, featuring special performances by  legendary country music chart-toppers Travis Tritt and Lee Brice. Then, on Thursday, January 21, celebrated singer-songwriters Randy Houser and Cole Swindell will ignite the crowd of invited guests. Colt Ford will join Toby Keith for the Saturday night performance, gracing the stage with yet another country music chart-topper.

The three buzzing nights of live country music are part of the tournament’s unique entertainment format. The concerts will be hosted under an open-air tent at Diamond’s Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club, and in accordance with all local safety guidelines. Occupancy will be strictly limited and the spacious stage and venue buildout will allow attendees to maintain safe social distancing while enjoying the performances. Additional safety protocols, including, but not limited to, a mandatory mask policy and temperature checks will be enforced by trained security staff.

The Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions marks the start of the official 2021 LPGA Tour season. The annual event invites top professional competitors from women’s golf to play alongside both entertainment and pro-athlete celebrities. This year’s celebrity guests include former star of ABC’s «The Bachelor» Ben Higgins, NBA champion Ray Allen, World Golf Hall of Famer and Diamond Resorts Celebrity ambassador Annika Sörenstam, MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz, comedian Larry the Cable Guy, actor and comedian Brian Baumgartner and many more.

«We are thrilled to bring a world-class concert lineup to Orlando once again for the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions,» said Diamond Resorts CEO and Tournament Founder Mike Flaskey. «These exclusive performances are a big part of what makes our annual event such a unique and memorable experience, and we look forward to a safe and socially distanced week of private live concerts with some of country music’s biggest stars.»

The tournament has raised nearly $4 million in past years through silent and live auctions. Fans can bid on exciting auction prizes virtually this year from exclusive vacation packages to one-of-a-kind signed sports memorabilia and more. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Diamond Resorts International Foundation, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that benefits underprivileged communities, military veterans and those in need. To browse auction items and make a bid, visit the auction website HERE.

A total of 43 LPGA professionals have qualified to play in this year’s tournament, including Brittany Lincicome, Brooke Henderson, Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie West, Jin Young Ko, Danielle Kang and defending champion Gaby Lopez. LPGA champion commitments will be announced closer to the tournament date. The LPGA champions will play 72 holes of stroke play for $1.2 million in official prize money, while the roster of sports and entertainment celebrities will compete for their own $500,000 purse using a modified Stableford format.

The 4-day tournament will be televised live on Golf Channel from January 21-22 and on Golf Channel and NBC from January 23-24. 

About Diamond Resorts®
Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.

To learn more about Diamond Resorts, visit DiamondResorts.com or follow @DiamondResorts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. To learn more about the tournament and get a behind-the-scenes look, visit DiamondLPGA.com and follow @TheVacationDR on Twitter and Instagram. Join the social conversation with #DiamondLPGA.

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SOURCE Diamond Resorts

CBAK Energy Partners With JAC Motors to Jointly Develop New Battery Cells

DALIAN, China, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) («CBAK Energy», or the «Company»,), a leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer and electric energy solution provider, today announced that it has signed a three-year strategic agreement (the «Agreement») with Anhui Jianghuai Motors Group Co., Ltd (SSE: 600418) («JAC Motors») for joint product development.

JAC Motors is a Chinese state-owned automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer. Founded in 1964,…

DALIAN, China, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) («CBAK Energy», or the «Company»,), a leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer and electric energy solution provider, today announced that it has signed a three-year strategic agreement (the «Agreement») with Anhui Jianghuai Motors Group Co., Ltd (SSE: 600418) («JAC Motors») for joint product development.

JAC Motors is a Chinese state-owned automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturer. Founded in 1964, JAC Motors is among the top four domestic Chinese vehicle brands, has an R&D team of 5,000 people, and is focused on producing energy-saving, environmentally friendly, safe, smart, Web-enabled, and comfortable vehicles. As a pioneer in China’s alternative energy vehicle industry, JAC Motors currently provides an expansive electric vehicle product line encompassing SUVs, sedans, and other passenger vehicles. It owns a world-class battery cooling technology and is the sole producer of such technology in China. By the end of 2019, JAC Motors has exported over 640,000 vehicles to the international market.

The strategic agreement that CBAK Energy has reached with JAC Motors will combine the former’s extensive experience in the research, development, and manufacturing of battery cells with the latter’s technology capabilities and electric vehicle industry leadership. By leveraging their shared expertise in product development and applications of both automotive power batteries and battery pack technologies, the two companies plan to jointly develop cylindrical lithium-ion batteries and battery packs, including the 46800 model.

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company will provide customized implementation solutions for power batteries and battery packs based on the latest technical requirements of JAC Motors. Additionally, the two companies will also establish a joint research and development team to design, test, and enhance the adaptability of their new products in electric vehicles. In addition, JAC Motors has committed to prioritizing the implementation of those batteries and battery pack systems jointly developed by the two companies for its future productions of electric vehicles.

The partnership will leverage the Company’s battery technology leadership and JAC Motors’ world-class automotive R&D capabilities to accelerate the growth of both parties. More broadly, by working together, the two companies plan to advance the technology of automotive power batteries and actively explore the implementation of a partnership model that is both effective and capable of advancing their businesses going forward.

About CBAK Energy

CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. is a leading high-tech enterprise engaged in the development, manufacturing, and sales of new energy high power lithium batteries. The applications of the Company’s products and solutions include electric vehicles, light electric vehicles, electric tools, energy storage, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and other high-power applications. In January 2006, CBAK Energy became the first lithium battery manufacturer in China listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. CBAK Energy has multiple operating subsidiaries in Dalian and Nanjing, as well as a large-scale R&D and production base in Dalian.

For more information, please visit www.cbak.com.cn.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to change. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All «forward-looking statements» relating to the business of CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. and its subsidiary companies, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as «believes», «expects» or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially. These factors include but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to meet its contract or agreement obligations; the uncertain market for the Company’s lithium battery cells; business, macroeconomic, technological, regulatory, or other factors affecting the profitability of battery cells designed for energy storage; and risks related to CBAK Energy’s business and risks related to operating in China. Please refer to CBAK Energy’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as well as other SEC reports that have been filed since the date of such annual report, for specific details on risk factors. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. CBAK Energy’s actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. CBAK Energy undertakes no obligation to revise or update its forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release unless expressly requested by applicable law.

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SOURCE CBAK Energy Technology, Inc.