Latest news with #Conde
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Historic English seaside hotel forced to close to get £20million renovation and become ‘landmark' destination resort
A HISTORIC English seaside hotel has closed for a £20 million renovation to become a "landmark" destination resort. Developers have revealed plans to redevelop the iconic seafront location into a four-to-five star hotel. Advertisement 3 An historic English seaside hotel has closed for a £20 million renovation Credit: Alamy 3 The Hotel Victoria, Newquay, will be transformed according to the developer's plans Credit: Alamy The landmark Hotel Victoria, Newquay, was bought at the end of last year by new owners, Nicolas James Group. A mainstay on Newquay's East Street since June 1899, the hotel closed suddenly last November following a number of relatively poor trading years. The developers purchased the 19th century landmark alongside various adjacent buildings. This includes Mexican restaurant, Senor Dicks, Bertie's nightclub and The Griffin Inn, the latter of which will continue to trade until the new development gets underway. Advertisement Read more Travel news Key features of the new hotel will include a complete overhaul of all guest rooms, suites and public areas. Developers will also introduce new and upgraded facilities including a luxurious spa and wellness centre, modern fitness facilities, multiple dining and bar options and a new swimming pool. They will also be carefully restoring the hotel's historic architectural features, preserving its unique character. Developers say the ambitious project aims to revitalise the building that will transform it into a new destination, contributing to the local economy and community. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Sixty staff were put under redundancy consultation before the hotel's closure but, unveiling the proposals on Monday, the developers say the new redevelopment could create around 100 jobs. 77 new apartments In addition to the hotel refurbishment, the proposals also include the development of up to 77 high-quality new apartments on the site around the hotel. Inside England Lionesses' luxury Euro 2025 hotel with butler service, stunning pool and 2 Michelin star restaurant The vision is to create a "high-quality development" that honours the hotel's heritage while offering modern amenities and new housing. Speaking to the Advertisement "Viability, when we eventually get the final design of the scheme, will determine whether or not there is any affordable housing - but the properties will not be priced out of regular market range. He added that the money would be put towards the root of the hotel's issues after falling into disrepair. "A truly unique opportunity" The new hotel will be part of the group's award-winning brand "The Nici". The Nici Bournemouth was named The Sunday Times' Best Coastal Hotel in the UK for 2023 and awarded 'Best New Hotel' for 2024 at the Conde Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence. Advertisement Nicolas Roach, chairman of the Nicolas James Group, spoke on the development before the public consultation: "We are incredibly excited to share our vision for the Hotel Victoria and surrounding area. "This is a truly unique opportunity to breathe new life into a landmark building and surrounding area, and we are committed to ensuring the redevelopment benefits everyone." Work could commence in 2026 The property developers have now carried out the public consultation which closed on 7 July. Following the deadline, they will review the community feedback which will help further refine the plans. Advertisement The aim is to then submit a formal planning application to Cornwall Council once the plans are finalised. Subject to planning approval, works will then commence on the site in early 2026. 3 The developers purchased the 19th century landmark alongside various adjacent buildings Credit: Nicolas James Group
Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
One of world's friendliest countries plans to charge tourists more than locals
In 2024, Japan set a new tourism record as visitors from across the globe flocked to the island nation. The rising number of tourists has led to a "new challenge" One of the friendliest countries in the world is planning to charge tourists more than locals in restaurants. Japan is developing a strategy to manage its booming tourist industry. In 2024, the country smashed its previous tourism records as international travellers swarmed the archipelago. The nation was voted Best Country for a second year running in last year's Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, and it secured sixth place as the friendliest country globally with an impressive score of 93.25. Despite these accolades, Japan faces a "new challenge" due to the overwhelming tide of tourists. Hokuto Asano, first secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC, told Fox News Digital of the challenges facing the country. "Overtourism is a new challenge for the Japanese community. So we need to pursue how to create a win-win relationship [between] Japanese local people and foreign tourists." A potential solution cited in the report may involve a "two-tier" pricing model at eateries, theme parks, and attractions, placing a higher price tag on those coming from abroad. READ MORE: Tiny unspoilt Greek island which rivals bustling Santorini and Mykonos Mr Asano remarked: "The price of the restaurant, sushi restaurant in Japan, even hotel - the price is also increasing. So Japanese people sometimes say [that] Japanese people cannot enjoy the domestic tourism. But there should be a difference in the taste or preference between Japan and Japanese people and international tourists. There should be a difference in the price and also product or service toward the international tourists." Mr Asano noted that last year's tourist figures hit 36 million, revealing that Japan aims to almost double its visitor numbers within the next five years, reports the Express. Across the world, a number of countries are grappling with the booming tourism trade and attempting to work out how best to manage demand. Earlier this month, protesters hit the streets in nations across Europe, demanding legislative changes to lessen the impact of tourism on locals. READ MORE: Brits avoid Spain after protests and warn 'we won't go if we're not wanted' While the campaingers in Spain have been grabbing most of the headlines, there is a growing overtourism protest movement in Italy. At the start of June campaigners came out in full force in Venice. The watery city has been at the sharp edge of overtourism issues for years, with locals selling up and moving out of the limited supply of homes on the central island, and holiday let landlords moving in. 'We've been emphasising for a couple of years now that there are more tourist beds than registered residents,' said Remi Wacogne of Ocio, a civic observatory on housing. 'Tourism is physically and practically taking over homes.' In Venice, a couple of dozen protesters unfurled a banner calling for a halt to new hotel beds in the lagoon city in front of two recently completed structures, one in the popular tourist destination's historic centre where activists say the last resident, an elderly woman, was kicked out last year. The upcoming wedding of Amazon founder Jezz Bezos in the city has also become a point of tension among overtourism protesters.
Edinburgh Live
22-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
World's 'friendliest country' to make tourists pay more than locals in restaurants
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info One of the world's most cordial nations, Japan, is devising a strategy to cope with the burgeoning tourist numbers. In 2024, the country set a record for tourism as international visitors thronged to the archipelago. Japan clinched the title of Best Country for the second year running in last year's Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, also scoring high on the friendliness scale at an impressive 93.25, placing it sixth worldwide. Nevertheless, this tourist boom presents a "new challenge" for authorities grappling with the situation. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Hokuto Asano, first secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D. C., acknowledged: "Overtourism is a new challenge for the Japanese community. So we need to pursue how to create a win-win relationship [between] Japanese local people and foreign tourists." READ MORE - Prince Harry's blunt words of advice from Prince Philip ahead of 'mission' READ MORE - Princess Diana's nickname for Harry and why she thought 'he'd be a better King' A potential "two-tier" pricing system is being considered, posing different charges for tourists versus locals at eateries, theme parks, and attractions, potentially making services pricier for visitors, reports the Express. Mr Asano remarked: "The price of the restaurant, sushi restaurant in Japan, even hotel - the price is also increasing. So Japanese people sometimes say [that] Japanese people cannot enjoy the domestic tourism." He elaborated, "But there should be a difference in the taste or preference between Japan and Japanese people and international tourists. There should be a difference in the price and also product or service toward the international tourists." Mr Asano revealed that last year's visitor numbers hit 36 million and Japan aims to nearly double this figure within five years. He further stated: "In 2030, we want [to reach] the goal of 60 million people. We need to share our manner[s] [with those who] visit tourist destinations." He expressed his wish for visitors: "So we would like [them to] understand [about] bringing back his or her own trash."
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chicago Sky Draft Pick Dealt Bad News Before WNBA Season
The Chicago Sky made a unique choice in the 2019 WNBA Draft. They selected Spanish forward María Conde in the third round, who spent two seasons playing at Florida State in college. Conde never made her way to the United States, however, so it was essentially a wasted pick by the Sky. She chose instead to play professionally in Europe, joining teams in Spain, Poland and the Czech Republic. Advertisement It is rare for a late-round pick to gain any traction in the WNBA anyway, but especially for a player with so little experience. However, there were two players drafted after her that have carved out multi-year careers in the WNBA. Former Chicago Sky draft pick María Conde (22).Kyle Terada-Imagn Images When it came time for the Golden State Valkyries to pick players during the 2024 expansion draft, Chicago still had the rights to Conde. New head coach Natalie Nakase selected Conde in hopes that she would make the trek to the Bay Area. The Valkyries waived several players on Wednesday and announced their final roster. Unfortunately, Cande did not make the team, which means she will likely head back to the Czech Republic and play for ZVVZ USK Praha. Chicago, on the other hand, has hit on several draft picks in recent years under general manager Jeff Pagliocca. Last year's rookie duo of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso looks to be one of the best in the league already. Advertisement The Sky also grabbed Hailey Van Lith and Maddy Westbeld this year, both of whom made the final roster. If Slovenian star Ajša Sivka can join the fold next year, it will be a completely new era for the Sky full of homegrown talent. Related: Hailey Van Lith Turns Heads After Chicago Sky Practice Video Surfaces Related: Angel Reese Gifts Every Sky Teammate Before Caitlin Clark Game
Winnipeg Free Press
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Semi-pro FC Laval looks forward to Canadian Championship test at CPL's York United FC
FC Laval has had the date circled on its calendar for months now. On Tuesday, the semi-pro Ligue1 Quebec champion visits York United FC of the Canadian Premier League in preliminary-round play in the Telus Canadian Championship. 'We're very very eager to be on the pitch (Tuesday),' said Laval coach Amro Radwan. 'They've been working hard for this. It was an objective last summer. They're really excited about this opportunity.' Laval lost 3-0 at Forge FC in preliminary-round play in 2023 in its only other trip to the cup competition. In the other cup game Tuesday, Pacific FC hosts Vancouver FC in an all-Canadian Premier League matchup. On Wednesday, it's Halifax Wanderers at Forge in another CPL showdown in Hamilton and League1 B.C.'s TSS FC Rovers at Winnipeg's Valour FC. Four teams have already made it to the two-legged quarterfinals, including the MLS-leading Vancouver Whitecaps who received a bye into the final eight as defending champion. CF Montreal dispatched Toronto FC in a penalty shootout, CPL champion Cavalry FC blanked League1 Alberta's Edmonton Scottish 6-0 and CPL-leading Atletico Ottawa downed League1 Ontario's Scrosoppi FC 2-0. The York-Laval winner will face Ottawa in the quarterfinals while the Pacific-Vancouver FC survivor takes on Cavalry. Laval, which topped Ligue1 Quebec last year with a 12-5-3 record, has had just one league outing to date this season — a 3-1 win at CS St-Hubert on April 25. But Radwan says the team has been training since January, 'We've had enough games and training to make sure we're ready for this challenge,' he said. The team, which only has a couple of holdovers from the 2023 squad that played in the cup competition, gets together three or four times a week in advance of matches. The young talent on the Laval squad includes forward Ibrahim Conde, the lone Canadian invited to the MLS College Showcase in San Diego in December. Conde is a good friend and former college teammate of Canadian international defender Moise Bombito at Iowa Western Community College and the University of New Hampshire. 'He's a top talent and we've got a few other players of similar quality to Ibrahim,' said Radwan, who also coached Conde as a youth. 'It's a really talented group — boys who've know each other for a long time so they're familiar with each other on the pitch.' Lava's co-captains are central midfielder Quentin Paumier and centre back Bilal Bouchemella. Radwan's choices in goal are Martin Cantona and 19-year-old Aydan Kancel-Marie. 'We're aware of what they can bring,' said York coach Mauro Eustaquio, whose team is coming off a 2-1 loss to visiting Cavalry on Friday. 'So it won't be an easy game. They have quality players, they're well-coached and they're here to prove a point as well.' York (1-3-1) currently stands sixth in the eight-team CPL and is winless in four games (0-3-1) since the season-opening 2-0 victory at Vancouver FC on April 6. Eustaquio's team, been hit by injuries, is still finding its footing. 'We've shown what we can do with and without the ball … The results haven't been going our way,' said Eustaquio. 'The players understand the way we want to play,' he added. 'We've had really good spells but then we just turn off in certain (moments) and we've been punished by that … Tuesday is another opportunity that we have to show what we can do.' Pacific FC at Vancouver FC The teams drew 1-1 when they met in league play April 26 in Langley, B.C., with French midfielder Aly Ndom scoring the tying goal for Pacific in the 70th minute. Veteran Uruguayan midfielder Nicolas Mezquida, a former Whitecap, had given Vancouver the lead in the 17th minute. The rivalry between the two was shown by the game's seven yellow cards and one red. Vancouver (1-2-2) is fourth in the CPL standings, three places but just one point ahead of Pacific (1-3-1). It is unbeaten in its last three outings (1-0-2) since dropping its first two games of the campaign (against York and Ottawa). 'They have a lot of quality in the higher area of the pitch in (Alejandro) Diaz and Terran Campbell and Mezquida,' said Pacific coach James Merriman. 'This is a very good front three and we need to make sure that we're focused on the detail for 90-plus minutes, because, as you see, they can get one or two chances and they take those chances.' Pacific (1-3-1) has not won since the season-opening 2-0 win over visiting Valour. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Vancouver is looking for its first cup win, losing by 1-0 scores in the preliminary-round at York in 2023 and at Cavalry last year. 'We're growing not only every season but also every match, especially this season,' said Vancouver coach Afshin Ghotbi. 'We're in a very good place. All the players feel very confident. At the same time humble and they're hungry for more.' The Canadian Championship winner hoists the Voyageurs Cup and wins $50,000 and a berth in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the elite club competition in North and Central America and the Caribbean. — This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2025.
