Latest news with #RenaissanceHotel
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
To market Portsmouth as destination stay and boost tourism, officials leverage grant funds
PORTSMOUTH — With a casino hotel on the way in Portsmouth, city leaders are using grant funding to help market the city as a destination stay in hopes of boosting tourism-related revenue. Portsmouth received two state grants totaling $42,500 to help broaden marketing efforts to areas across North Carolina and Virginia. The grants will help the city build on the success of 2023, when the city saw one of its best years for local tourism numbers thanks to increased bookings at the Renaissance Portsmouth Waterfront Hotel and the opening of Rivers Casino Portsmouth. The Virginia Tourism Corporation reports that Portsmouth saw $138.3 million in direct visitor spending in 2023 — a 118% increase from 2022. Direct local tourism-related taxes totaled $5.6 million. Portsmouth Tourism Director Keith Toler previously said the success highlighted the need for more hotel rooms. Rivers Casino Portsmouth announced this year it would break ground on a new hotel expected to open by 2027 — presenting a new opportunity for a city that struggles to raise local tax revenue due to around 40% of Portsmouth's land that cannot be taxed due to government ownership. Toler said the city has received similar grants in the past few years but that this chunk will help the city boost fall and spring marketing campaigns to draw in more families as well as young adults. Toler said the city typically budgets about $350,000 for tourism efforts, primarily local campaigns to draw in more visitors from across Hampton Roads. Money has also been spent in recent years to target visitors from Raleigh, Washington and Richmond. But Toler said recent data shows a significant number of tourists coming from other areas in North Carolina including Greenville, New Kent, and Washington County — so that area will be included in the targeted marketing efforts. The state Marketing Leverage Tourism grant of $22,500 will be used in the spring to focus on attracting families to Portsmouth's outdoor activities, including the Children's Museum, LeMans Karting, Paradise Creek Nature Park and City Park. The $20,000 Destination Marketing Tourism Organization grant will be used to market Portsmouth's history to adult visitors, particularly for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year, which the entire region is expected to celebrate in some fashion, Toler said. 'We'll use things like TikTok and YouTube to increase awareness and increase our reach for the video messaging,' Toler said. 'And then we'll use the Meta products — Facebook and Instagram — really to try to drive traffic to the website. There'll be a history landing page that focuses on all the historic information that we have.' Toler said the city has also been advertising with streaming services such as Hulu. The goal is to keep people staying overnight or multiple nights to further boost local tax revenue. 'People say, 'Well, why are we spending all this money to bring people in here?' And that's because it creates jobs. It creates payroll and it really helps the tax cooperation,' he said. 'Takes money away from (what) the local taxpayers might have to pay because we're doing a lodging tax and meals tax and other taxes that the tourists are paying.' Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133,
What's On
20-06-2025
- Business
- What's On
The Banc Dubai: New London-born restaurant now open in Business Bay
Business Bay's latest opening is no quiet arrival. The Banc, a popular North London restaurant with a loyal following (and a solid celebrity guest list), has just landed at the Renaissance Hotel in Business Bay – and it's already making itself at home. The space Split over two levels with a terrace, shisha lounge, and regular DJs, The Banc Dubai leans into moody lighting, art-filled walls, and an open-plan layout that feels both modern and lived-in. There's a nod to its origins too: the original London space was housed in a former Barclays Bank, and here, a replica vault door sits behind the bar. The food Expect a mix of Mediterranean and Asian dishes, led by premium ingredients and clean, well-balanced plates. Highlights include the Bluefin Tuna Tataki, Alaskan Crab Leg with herb butter, and the 1.2kg Wagyu Tomahawk, if you're sharing. For dessert, go for the white truffle ice cream with almond crumble or a sharp, light Pavlova with yuzu curd and matcha mascarpone. The drinks The cocktail list includes creative drinks like the Postman Negroni (with a balsamic twist), and Sakemai (a sake-based take on the martini), finished with chestnut honey and parmesan. The team Founders Mazlum and Can Topcu, along with longtime friend Fabio Teixeira, have brought their London DNA to Dubai. The brothers are now based here, running the show daily, and keeping the vibe warm and inviting. The details Location: The Banc, Renaissance Hotel, Business Bay Contact: (0)4 566 2262. @ Images: Instagram/Official website > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
The Independent
10-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Parking garage blaze in downtown Nashville prompts some evacuations, no injuries reported
A fire broke out in a parking garage of Nashville 's main public library early Tuesday, sending a large plume of smoke into the air downtown and forcing evacuations from a nearby hotel. A witness heard explosions from the structure but fire officials said no injuries were reported. 'The fire went all the way across the fourth floor' of the garage, Nashville District Fire Chief Martin Hampton told WKRN-TV. He said vehicles inside were on fire, including ones used by the city for cleaning and maintenance. Guests were evacuated from the nearby Renaissance Hotel, which is connected to the garage by a skybridge. Responding firefighters saw that a ramp between the fourth and fifth floors collapsed and several beams and columns had 'significant structural compromise' from spalling damage, which generally includes pieces of concrete breaking off, said Nashville Fire Department spokesperson Kendra Loney. Fire department investigators and the city's Department of Transportation structural engineering team are now handling the scene. The library was closed Tuesday. Eli Gilmore, a Nashville musician who lives in the apartment building next door, said he heard loud explosions begin around 1:15 a.m. Nashville fire officials said they were dispatched at about 1:22 a.m. 'We were sitting around and I just looked over and saw the black smoke coming out of the garage, and then we just started hearing cars exploding, one after another," Gilmore said. "We saw a floor crack and fall in. It's been shooting sparks across the street.' The library and parking structure are just blocks from Broadway and its bustling bar and music scene. The public library's garage is frequently used late at night by people heading to downtown bars. It is used during the day by commuting workers as well, and offers easy access to the federal courthouse across the street. It's owned by the metro Nashville government and operated by the Nashville Downtown Partnership. On a FaceTime call with The Associated Press, Gilmore showed video of the building with smoke pouring out of it and emergency vehicles surrounding it. He said at least 50 firefighters were visible on the scene.
Travel Weekly
10-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Calming respite at Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
Suggest a Honolulu vacation to clients, and the response will almost inevitably include a desire to stay in Waikiki, with its gorgeous beaches, exclusive shops, trendy restaurants and buzzy nightlife. But of course, all that buzz adds up to crowds. The Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa bucks that arithmetic, offering the chance to truly get away on a Hawaii vacation getaway. The hotel is the tower on the right, and the Sky Deck can be seen on the 8th floor above Kapiolani Boulevard. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa The 39-story Renaissance opened in 2024, the first newbuild hotel in Honolulu in two decades. It's the brand's first on Oahu. What made the idea of staying there so enticing to me was its location. The luxury hotel is situated on Kapiolani Boulevard about 2 miles outside Waikiki and is a short stroll from the world's largest open-air mall, the Ala Moana Center. I'm familiar with the city and actually prefer that area when I'm in Honolulu. The streets are easier to navigate, it's quicker to get to the highway for some island exploration and, overall, there are fewer traffic jams. That alone takes away some of the stress that comes with visiting the urban island of Oahu. The other great thing about it is that prices for food, gifts and other travel essentials are lower because the stores are outside of Waikiki, where prices tend to get marked up. Walmart and Sam's Club are also within walking distance of the hotel. A Premier King Ocean View residence with floor-to-ceiling windows, some of which can be opened to let in ocean breezes. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa Guestrooms and residences The Renaissance Honolulu is split into two types of accommodations: hotel rooms from floors 15 to 29 and residences from floors 30 to 39. Residences are set up like apartments, with studios and one- and two-bedroom options, in-room washer and dryer and a fully equipped kitchen. I stayed in one of those residences, a corner Premier King Ocean View residence on the 34th floor. It had a large entryway with a full-size mirror. The bathroom featured a soaking tub, and the king bed was plush with white bedding. The kitchen included a stove, oven, sink and a compact Sub-Zero refrigerator that was larger than a typical minifridge. I was ecstatic about the washer and dryer, since I was on an extended Oahu stay. (Guests without an in-room washer and dryer have access to coin-operated laundromat on the 8th floor.) My room's wraparound views of the city and Ala Moana Beach, only about three blocks away, were spectacular. The floor-to-ceiling windows allowed for a full view, and the windows even opened to let in the ocean air. Gazing down on the Ala Moana Center gave me the urge to go shopping. The hotel offers a shuttle service, which takes guests to the mall as well as to Magic Island (a beach near Ala Moana Beach) and the Alohilani Resort in Waikiki, which is a good place to begin a day exploring Waikiki. The shuttle departs every two hours between 10 a.m and 8 p.m., but be sure to check the schedule with the valet. Since the Ala Moana Center is only a block away, I chose to walk there to find gifts for my family back home. The mall has more than 350 shops and restaurants, including Big Island Candies, ABC Stores, Hawaiian Island Creations, Hilo Hattie, Foodland Farms and Honolulu Cookie Company. The food court had a number of options, from mall staples like Chick-fil-A to places that serve poke, ramen and Korean barbecue. When I returned to the hotel two hours later, I stopped by its cafe, Lamill, the first Hawaii location of the Los Angeles-based coffee roaster. I ordered a latte with oat milk, which was handed to me with a design drawn into the foam. It tasted perfect. I spent some time back in my room, eating a bento I picked up from Foodland Farms while watching the day dim as the sun disappeared below the horizon. The hotel's Nami Spa offers Japanese-inspired indoor and outdoor soaking baths. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa Spa time The hotel's 8th floor is where the wellness amenities are located, including a large fitness center, 25-meter lap pool, family pool and whirlpool baths. I spent an afternoon enjoying that retreat, known as the Sky Deck, swimming for a bit before walking over to the Sway Pool Bar & Grill. I had the chicken club sandwich with fries, which was quite good, along with a virgin pina colada and then spent some time by the pool before heading back to my room. The hotel will be announcing another restaurant concept in May. The hotel's Nami Spa is open late, so I liked the idea of visiting it in the evening as a way to unwind. Guests can book massages and facials or pay a $35 fee to access the facility's amenities. There were only two other women there when I entered the spa, which features indoor and outdoor, Japanese-inspired ofuro hot soaking baths, a cold plunge, a Himalayan salt sauna and a steam room. I spent the majority of my time in the indoor and outdoor hot soaking tubs. When sitting, the water in these was neck high. I found it to be a perfect way to ease sore muscles and quiet the mind, just what I needed to end the day.
The Star
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
'Calling South-East Asia, Uganda invites you': Thriving African nation showcases investment and trade potential at business expo in KL
KUALA LUMPUR: The 'Uganda the Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025', held at the Renaissance Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, concluded on a high note, spotlighting Uganda's robust yet cautious economic growth across its most dynamic sectors. As one of the fastest-growing nations on the African continent, Uganda used this platform to present a compelling case for investment and collaboration—beginning with Malaysia. The inaugural two-day event drew participation from government officials, industry leaders, business chambers, and investors from both nations. It ended with a firm resolution to chart a stronger course for bilateral trade ties and sustainable economic partnerships between Malaysia and Uganda. Several key ministers were in Kuala Lumpur to reel in investment from Malaysia, offering opportunities for greater collaborations between the two countries. Uganda's Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija was joined by a high-level ministerial delegation including Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development; Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; and Henry Oryem Okello, State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs). Malaysian Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu officiated a gala dinner held to celebrate the two countries' friendship and trade relationship. In his remarks during the forum's official dinner, Mohamad said: 'We are truly honoured to host this significant event—one that lays a solid foundation for deeper economic engagement, enriched people-to-people connections, and enduring collaboration. Let us go beyond the US$358.13 million in trade recorded last year and build on the strengths we share.' Uganda's Minister Kasaija summed up the forum's core message with a direct call to action: 'Come and see Uganda for yourself. Seeing is believing. Too often, Africa is painted with a broad brush. Uganda is a peaceful, vibrant, and fast-growing country. We are here to show you the truth,' said Kasaija. Earlier in the day, at the launching event, Malaysia was represented by Datuk Muhtar Hashim, Executive Director of the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia, who reflected on the opportunities ahead: 'Uganda reminds us of Malaysia's own early industrial journey. There's a clear path—from raw resources to value-added industries. We see significant opportunities, particularly in renewable and sustainable sectors.' Uganda's High Commissioner to Malaysia Her Excellency Dr. Betty Oyella Bigombe, the main proponent of the event, said that Malaysia and Uganda can achieve much with the right framework and support from all stakeholders of common industries. The forum highlighted Uganda's diverse and fast-evolving sectors, ranging from agriculture and agro-processing to mining, manufacturing, and energy. All of these are underpinned by a commitment to long-term sustainability and regulation. Ruth Nankabirwa shared that oil drilling has commenced, with plans for refinery development and announcements of new exploration blocks expected soon. Uganda is also actively opening its energy sector to private sector participation, particularly in solar, geothermal, and nuclear energy. 'We are moving forward on the strength of a regulatory framework that is among the best in Africa,' she said. In the agro-sector, Uganda showcased high-potential commodities such as vanilla, coffee, cocoa, bananas, and even palm oil, positioning itself as a strong trade partner for Malaysia's own agribusiness networks. Datuk Irwin Cheong, Co-founder of the World-One Business Federation and the driving force behind the forum's organization, closed the dinner reception with a note of appreciation: 'This forum and expo is a celebration—not just of shared opportunity, but of shared purpose. We hope the conversations started here will continue, deepen, and take root in tangible collaboration.' The two-day event featured Government-to-Government (G2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions, with meetings with Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Liew Chin Tong and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), as well as industry players from both nations. The forum also touched on logistical and connectivity enhancements, including planned direct flight routes and improved regional access. Another tantalising offer Uganda is offering the world is tourism and Ruth Nankabirwa promised nature lovers that vising their country is an experience no will ever forget and something to cherish all their life. Uganda are also famed for their amazing dedication in preserving their wildlife and in recent times, they have recorded ten fold growth in their efforts, including the big increase in the numbers of lions and rhinoceros once almost reaching extinction at one stage. "Come and see our country. Our economy is rising fast but at the same time we love our wildlife. They have always been our treasure. Tourists are bound to have an amazing and unforgetablleexperience when they visit out country. With strong political will, enthusiastic business participation, and a spirit of mutual respect and trust, the Uganda Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025 has firmly established itself as a launchpad for deeper bilateral collaboration—and a fresh look at East Africa's emerging promise.
