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Fairmont Golden Prague opens with 320 keys
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of the hospitality group Accor, is pleased to announce the debut of Fairmont Golden Prague, bringing a new chapter to one of the city’s most iconic and historic buildings. Located at the gate of prestigious Pařížská Boulevard on the banks of the Vltava River, the hotel unveils a multi-million euro renovation of the landmark building of brutalist architecture it occupies. With its commitment to preserving cultural and artistic history, the renovation, spearheaded by chief architect Marek Tichý, will honor the architecture of the structure – originally designed by Czech architect Karel Filsak in the brutalist style in 1974 – while introducing an entirely new hospitality approach into the space and the city. All the internal preserved arts and craft elements, including blown glass chandeliers, gilded light fixtures, and ornate ash wood posts, will be restored, seamlessly incorporating Czech influences into an otherwise contemporary design. Guests arriving at the new hotel will find an atmosphere of sophistication and cultural significance alongside modern comfort, heartfelt service, and immersive local experiences. “The opening of Fairmont Golden Prague is a significant milestone for Fairmont as we continue to grow our presence in Europe. Prague is a city with an incredible story to tell, and we are honored to play a part in preserving its great heritage. Blending Fairmont’s celebratory spirit with the property’s architectural grandeur will bring a captivating new luxury hotel experience to the Czech capital, and its innovative restaurant concepts – an exciting new offering to the city’s vibrant culinary scene,” said Omer Acar, Chief Executive Officer, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. The hotel features 320 elegant rooms, suites, and serviced residences, blending modernist aesthetics with warm tones of rich dark wood contrasted against lighter elements. This harmonious design creates a calming sanctuary, where the beauty of the Czech capital takes center stage. Drawing inspiration from the building’s original architecture, the interiors seamlessly integrate traditional Czech glass artistry into structural elements, enhancing room partitions and spatial lighting that create a distinctive, refined touch. Six diverse locations to drink and dine in style will ensure guests have an array of choices. On the rooftop, Zlata Praha will offer a seasonally driven, fine dining experience complemented by breathtaking panoramic views of Prague. For a taste of modern Asian cuisine, Golden Eye will present a sleek cosmopolitan ambiance inspired by the 1970s, featuring stunning skyline views. In the lobby, Coocoo’s Nest—named after the Academy Award-winning film from Czech-American Miloš Forman, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, will serve as a stylish social hub. Connected to the ground-floor art gallery and adorned with a mix of 1970s and contemporary artwork, it will provide the perfect setting for a morning coffee, light meal, or an evening cocktail. Those looking to experience the iconic Czech beer culture should not miss Greenhouse, the hotel’s all-day venue where guests can enjoy Czech pilsner, fine wines, and snacks prepared on the restaurant’s Josper grill while taking in views of the riverbank and the Prague Castle. Renowned as a work of art in and of itself since its construction in the 1970s, the building will now also house one of the country’s most impressive and extensive art collections, driven by its owners’ deep passion for Czech art and film. Pieces from the 1960s and 1970s will seamlessly blend with contemporary works, creating a harmonious dialogue between past and present while complementing the hotel's historical features. Among the treasures awaiting guests are chandeliers by René Roubíček that evoke thistle flowers; Miroslav Hejný’s sculpted wooden colonnades; or Čestmír Kafka’s gilded ceiling sculptures. Guests seeking a respite from exploring the city of Prague can relish in tailored wellness experiences at the property’s signature 1,400 sqm Fairmont Spa & Wellness center which combines luxury, nature, and state-of-the-art technology. Skilled therapists take a holistic approach to healing, blending traditional techniques with modern innovations to create truly personalized treatments. The spa features five serene treatment suites, a tranquil garden, three saunas, a steam bath, and a world-class fitness studio. A one of its kind in central Prague, their L-shaped pool fuses indoor and outdoor spaces for a truly immersive experience. Fairmont Golden Prague will also offer the exclusive Fairmont Gold experience, a ‘hotel within a hotel’ that provides guests with exceptional privacy, personalized service, and access to premium amenities. Benefits will include a private check-in upon arrival and access to the elegant Fairmont Gold Lounge, featuring a complimentary healthy breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapés, a late-night dessert buffet, and an honor bar. Additionally, the hotel will have a 600-square meter column-free ballroom, exemplary event spaces, and three exclusive C-Suite rooftop boardrooms, all offering private terraces, the latest audio-visual equipment, customized catering, and an experienced events team. As part of Accor’s unrivaled luxury portfolio, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts continues to inspire with destinations that celebrate culture, heritage, and timeless elegance. With Fairmont currently operating more than 10 properties across Europe including, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Switzerland, The Savoy in the United Kingdom, and the recently launched Fairmont La Hacienda Costa Del Sol in Spain, Fairmont Golden Prague sets to enhance this portfolio continuing to make special moments happen throughout the region. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has a notable pipeline of more than 30 hotels under development, with openings planned in Udaipur, Bangkok, Tokyo, Hanoi, New Orleans and in the English countryside over the next year.
W Prague opens with 161 keys in central Europe
The first W Hotels location in the Czech capital reinvigorates a storied landmark with a blend of old-world opulence and bold new concepts, capturing Prague’s rich history and furthering the brand’s dynamic expansion across Europe. W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces the highly anticipated unveiling of W Prague, marking the brand’s entry into the Czech Republic and the start of a new chapter for the former Grand Hotel Evropa, a renowned Art Nouveau-style property. With the brand’s signature, unconventional approach to luxury, W Prague joins newly unveiled and celebrated European gems such as W Rome and W Budapest, redefining luxury lifestyle hospitality in the region. The hotel blends Prague’s heritage-filled legacy with contemporary touches through a trifecta of distinct design, elevated service, and dynamic culinary offerings and experiences, making W Prague the new social soul of the city. Located on Wenceslas Square, W Prague revitalizes the former and famed hotel, once a witness to many historical moments and a pioneer of innovation in the 1900s. With its forward-thinking design and progressive spirit, the hotel now presents a modern and sophisticated setting for the next generation of luxury travellers. The hotel offers 161 stylishly appointed guestrooms and suites, including the WOW Bohemia Duplex, the signature W Lounge, and Above Rooftop bar with sweeping cityscape views, all influenced by city’s storied history and culture. “The opening of W Prague promises travellers an unexpected and engaging hotel experience in the heart of one of Europe’s most cultured and lively cities,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury Brands & Communications, EMEA. “We look forward to our guests immersing themselves in this creative city and experiencing its charm through the hotel’s striking design, innovative dining concepts, and exceptional guest service”. Authentic, Impactful Design Internationally acclaimed architects Benoy and award-winning global design firm AvroKO’s London Studio, in collaboration with local designers Chapman Taylor, have reimagined one of the city’s most iconic landmarks drawing inspiration from Prague’s cultural richness and the building’s Art Nouveau roots. The colour palate utilises the original tones of the protected heritage building, including natural earthy hues of yellow, beige, terracotta, dark grey, and a unique green for the stucco decorations. In conjunction with the meticulous restoration, a new chapter has been created with the addition of a 9-storey contemporary elliptical shaped wing, designed by architectural studio DAM. Further inspiration came from the magical concept of the ‘Elixir’, symbolising a blend of tradition and innovation, nature and industry, and reality and fantasy. With Prague often referred to as the ‘City of Gold’, this golden elixir theme is woven throughout the design, from the enchanting façade to the inviting communal areas through to the W Hotels totem, guiding guests between the heritage building and contemporary wing. Adding to this transformative experience is the ‘Fantastical Garden’, inspired by the dreamlike art of Czech artist Alphonse Mucha. The design incorporates whimsical and escapist elements through both the heritage and new wing, inviting guests on a journey of discovery and wonder. Connecting the heritage building and new wing, the corridor is draped with a unique ‘Fantastical Garden’ faux embroidery by London based Studio, Adam Ellis, inspired by elements of a magical garden. Guests are transported through the visually stunning passage by a variety of flora and fauna embellishments including tall grasses, weaving botanicals, hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies enhanced by floral chandeliers created by Preciosa Lighting. Encapsulating the hotel’s vision of both tradition and modernity, the hotel’s 161 distinctive guestrooms, including 23 suites, feature striking colours and reflective textures, creating a refined ambiance. The E-WOW Suite, the brand’s modern interpretation of a Presidential Suite, on the 8th floor echoes the architecture of the new building whilst embracing Art Nouveau styles partitioning the room for guests to recharge, entertain, and work. The WOW Bohemia Duplex in the heritage building features restored beams and decorative arch windows, finished in a deep grenache colour palette. An oversized curtain lends a theatrical air that accentuates the suite’s double height ceilings, while creating a sanctuary on the upper floor. Skylights allow natural light into the restored loft-like space and plaster finished walls hark back to building’s illustrious legacy. Transformational Hotel Artworks and Installations The striking art and glass installations at W Prague, curated by Adam Ellis Studio and local artists, are designed to enhance the guest experience and spark meaningful conversations. Highlights include the psychedelic wall art at the bar, Bisou, and a fantastical garden mural by Michael Škapa which is the centrepiece of W Lounge Garden. Additionally, KLIMCHI, will open its first boutique store at W Prague, showcasing elegant Bohemian glassware including a curated collection for W Lounge and Minus One. The restored atrium, with its stucco details from 1905 and illustrations from 1925, now shines with a stunning crystal installation by Preciosa Lighting and Pavla Doležalová. Symbolising Bohemian heritage, the handcrafted crystals come alive in a mesmerising ‘dripping’ effect, beautifully transforming the space. A Fantastical Culinary Journey Transforming Prague’s culinary landscape, extraordinary flavours blend tradition with experimentation, offering an unrivalled journey that caters to every mood, day or night. W Prague invites guests to explore a myriad of venues, each offering a unique and memorable dining experience. Once the epicentre for Prague socialites in the 1920s, the hotel will see the revival of the iconic Grand Café, partnering with Monaco based restaurateur, Riccardo Giraudi. Le Petit Beefbar at Grand Café is an upscale bistro that breaks from the traditional codes of steakhouses and focuses on sharing concepts with premium and local meats, drawing inspiration from global palettes and recipes. Located on the ground floor in the contemporary wing, W Lounge is the social epicentre of the hotel which seamlessly transitions from a tranquil morning retreat to a lively evening hotspot. The inviting and relaxing space with furnishings in soft blues, greens, and terracotta spills out onto a lush interior terrace – W Lounge Garden – which embraces nature and offers a secret escape from the buzzing city. Guests and locals alike can enjoy sharing plates and signature cocktails while the Music Curator, Adriana Mižigárová, sets the tone for the night. In contrast, Bisou offers a sanctuary of tranquillity and is the ideal space to meet friends and sip and enjoy coffee, local wines, and champagne. Set against the striking Prague skyline, the Above Rooftop is a seasonal outdoor terrace which is poised to be the capital’s go-to destination during spring and summer. With refreshing drinks, great food, and curated beats, the Above Rooftop offers a perfect combination of relaxation and energy. Minus One, nestled in the basement, invites guests to discover different immersive experiences as they meander through the space. A premium cocktail scene, curated by award-winning mixologist Jan Šebek, boasts a menu featuring both innovative cocktails and a signature selection of reimagined classics. The ambiance transitions seamlessly into a performance and lounge venue, where a warm glow radiates from the gold-plastered ceiling and terracotta hues, creating an inviting atmosphere for events and social gatherings. Tucked away, a hidden speakeasy enveloped in floor-to-ceiling drapery offers a secluded haven for those seeking a nightcap in a more intimate setting. Finally, a room adorned with lacquered shelves in a deep forest green and the soft shimmer of the golden ceiling provides an enclave for private tastings. Each corner of Minus One presents a distinct design narrative, crafting an anthology of sensory delights for the discerning traveller. An Urban Sanctuary Tucked away, the AWAY Spa provides a serene escape from the lively city. Taking centre stage is the stunning WET pool, offering a tranquil oasis. Guests can indulge in a comprehensive thermal suite experience featuring access to a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and the All Seasons Water Journey, a multisensory immersive experience where guests can encounter environments that replicate the sensations of all four seasons. The AWAY Spa boasts a beauty bar and five treatment rooms, including one couple’s room. Services offered include luxurious treatments such as the brand’s signature De-Stress massage, designed to release tension, soothe tired muscles, and provide deep relaxation with calming aromas. For fitness enthusiasts, the brand’s signature gym, FIT is equipped with state-of-the-art Matrix equipment and Fitness on Demand offerings. Guests can also connect with locals and explore the city at a faster pace by joining the local running club.
Sunny 20th Anniversary of TAP Air Portugal connecting Prague to Lisbon
Nearly 1.4 million passengers and over 13,100 flights; these are the numbers which best describe the twentieth anniversary of TAP Air Portugal’s route between Prague and Lisbon. During the celebrations at Václav Havel Airport Prague, a unique Airbus A321neo in a special retro livery arrived in Prague. The airport firefighters welcomed it with a traditional water salute and there was also an accompanying program at the gate. The first flight on the Prague – Lisbon route was operated on 1 June 2004. TAP originally launched three frequencies per week and gradually increased the service to comprise 11 weekly flights in 2018-2019. Today, the carrier operates the route seven times a week, and from June until the end of the summer season, passengers will be able to choose from as many as eight frequencies. “I am glad that our cooperation with TAP Air Portugal has been working very well in the long term. It is a carrier that provides our passengers with a wide range of connections not only to Portugal, but also on connecting routes, especially to South and North America. I also appreciate the fact that TAP Air Portugal was one of the first airlines to resume connections with Prague after restrictions were relaxed post the Covid-19 pandemic. I personally believe that our cooperation will continue in the same spirit in the future,” Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors, said. Frédéric Gossot, Sales and Distribution Senior Director of TAP Air Portugal, added: “It’s with great satisfaction that we are here, today, celebrating 20 years of success of TAP flights connecting Prague and Lisbon. In the past 20 years, TAP has transported almost 1.4 million passengers between the capital cities of Czechia and Portugal. We cheer all our partners, and especially our host today, Václav Havel Airport Prague; you are part of this success. We bring many tourists, not only from Portugal, but also from Brazil, the United States, and Canada to discover Prague and Czechia, and we offer the Czechs some of the best options to visit Lisbon and all the gems of Portugal and beyond, onboard our all-Airbus fleet, one of the youngest fleets in Europe.” From June until the end of the summer season, TAP Air Portugal operates the Prague-Lisbon route eight times a week. Depending on the aircraft seat occupancy, the flights are operated by either an Airbus A321neo or an A320neo aircraft.
Prague remains among world’s most sought-after ‘Meeting Destinations’
According to the latest data, the Czech capital has improved year-on-year not only in terms of the number of meetings and conferences held here, but also in terms of the number of delegates who arrived for these events. In 2023, almost five thousand professional events were held in Prague, attended by almost 700,000 people. In an international comparison, Prague also landed in the sixth place in the ranking of the most sought-after meeting destinations in the world. It surpassed cities such as Madrid, Seoul, London, Berlin, or Tokyo. The meetings industry in the capital is maintaining its upward trend after an enforced pandemic hiatus. In 2023, according to aggregated data from the Prague Convention Bureau and the Czech Statistical Office, a total of 4,889 meetings and conferences were held in Prague, with 691,103 delegates attending, representing a year-on-year increase of 25% and 12% respectively. However, still not enough to surpass the record year of 2019. "In terms of the number of delegates, we are at almost 97% of 2019's performance, but in terms of the number of events, we are only at 82%," says Roman Muška, Managing Director of the Prague Convention Bureau, the organisation that officially represents Prague's meeting industry, adding: "These data only confirms the trend of recent years, when fewer meetings and conferences are held, but with a much higher turnout of delegates. In our statistics we see that the number of events attended by 500 or more delegates has increased year on year. At the same time, we see an increase in the average length of an event, mainly due to a sharp increase in the number of meetings that last four or more days and a decrease in the segment of shorter, mostly two-day, events." Return of international events and acquisition of creditworthy visitors In its tourism strategy documents, Prague has set out to target a high net-worth clientele, especially the meetings delegates. Not only do they not burden the destination in the main tourist season, as congresses are most often held in spring and autumn months, but they also have on average up to three times higher spending compared to the average tourists. Attracting a sophisticated clientele is also successful thanks to the return of international expert events to Prague. According to the Prague Convention Bureau data, the number of international meetings and conferences in Prague has increased by 54% year-on-year, thus balancing the proportion of international (49.3%) and local events (50.7%). „In the long term, most events have been coming from the European continent (88%). However, if we focus on individual countries, in 2023, the United States of America returned to the top spot of source countries after four years, followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Belgium," Roman Muška explains. Medical sciences, economics, finance and business, and IT and technology have long been among the most frequent topics delegates come to Prague to discuss. Locally, Prague has confirmed its position as a premier city, overtaken by Singapore on the international scene Prague has long been the first choice of international event organisers in the Czech Republic. In 2023, 35.5% of all events held in the Czech Republic headed to the Czech capital, according to data from the Czech Statistical Office. This was followed by the South Moravian Region (18.9%), the Olomouc Region (8.3%) and the Central Bohemian Region (7.4%). In international competition, Prague still holds its position among the most sought-after meeting destinations in the world. In the ranking, compiled annually by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) on the basis of the number of meetings with international rotation and participation of more than 50 delegates, Prague ranked sixth globally this year, and within Europe it defended its fifth place. Although year-on-year, the Czech capital hosted 4% more association events that met the ICCA criteria, Prague was dethroned from the global top five by the Asian meetings champion Singapore, which climbed from 13th to second place in 2022. The tourism industry, as well as the meeting industry, started to take off later in Asia, when compared to the rest of the world, due to longer-lasting pandemic restrictions. We are now seeing the return of Asian destinations in full strength, with Seoul (10th), Tokyo (13th) and Bangkok (15th) completing the top 15 convention destinations. "The increase in the number of association conventions occurs mainly due to the joint efforts of all stakeholders over the past years. In most cases, it takes several years from launching the candidacy process itself to the subsequent implementation of major association meetings. However, to remain at the top of the meetings destinations in the future, we need to continue to develop and invest in the meetings industry. In addition to association congresses, which we have been focusing on for a long time and which are systematically supported by the City of Prague in the form of various incentives, we must not neglect the segment of corporate conferences and incentive events, which have high spending rates in destinations and thus fit in with the City's targeting of creditworthy clients," comments Roman Muška. What will the year 2024 be like? From 2022 onwards, we can observe a revival of the meetings industry not only in Prague, but also in other global destinations. What's more, according to the International Congress Association's recent "ICCA 60 Years Report", the number of congresses has more than doubled in the last 60 years, so the competition Prague faces is immense. The report also predicts that globally in 2023 the number of events will return to 90% of 2019 and the number of delegates to 95%, which the Czech capital has only partially achieved. In 2024, according to expert estimates, the congress industry should surpass 2019 figures by 37% in terms of delegate numbers and 1% in terms of events.
Delta Air Lines operates its Prague – New York Route again
Delta Air Lines has resumed operation of its regular connection from Prague to New York, which it will service on a daily basis until 6 October 2024. Flights to John F. Kennedy International Airport will be operated by Boeing 767-300ER aircraft for 217 passengers, with the cabin configuration of 181 seats in Economy Class and 36 seats in Business Class. Delta Air Lines has been providing its regular flights between Prague and the American metropolis regularly since 19 June 2009. The route operation was disrupted only in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “I am pleased that Delta Air Lines has been offering direct connections from Prague to New York for as many as 15 years. During the period of running its operations in Prague, the American carrier already serviced 5,900 flights and transported 1,119,000 passengers. The United States is a very important market for us, which generated for us over half a million handled passengers last year, including connecting flights. In the first quarter of this year, we also recorded a growth of 17 percent in this segment, so we hope that Delta will increase the capacity and will also extend the operations of this route.” Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors, said. "We are thrilled to resume this nonstop route from Prague to New York-JFK for the summer season. As the sole direct connection to North America, it holds special significance for both business travelers and those visiting friends and family, or traveling for tourism to America or the Czech Republic.” Thomas Brandt, Regional Manager Sales Central & Eastern Europe, Delta Air Lines, said.
Prague Airport successfully reduces emission through energy saving and green electricity purchases
Prague Airport continues to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Last year, 59.45% of CO₂ emissions were saved compared to 2009, when the airport first calculated its carbon footprint. After a year, the airport defended the Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3, involving third parties, namely airlines, tenants, service providers, and others. The certification process also included verification of the carbon footprint by an independent auditor. Soňa Hykyšová, Prague Airport Environmental Protection and ESG Director, explains the airport’s approach to the reduction of emissions saying: “Last year, for the first time, we adopted a long-term commitment to purchase green electricity in the proportion of 60%, with a gradual increase until 2030. We launched operations of the first photovoltaic power plant at the airport, located at Terminal 3. We purchased Dacia Spring electric cars and will continue purchasing electromobiles. We also continue replacing the existing lights with new energy-saving LED lighting and closely follow the development in the field of alternative fuels – both sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen.” Prague Airport has been reducing emissions by an average of three to five thousand tons of CO2 annually. Prague Airport wants to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 and net carbon neutrality by 2050. However, as many as 85 percent of airport emissions are generated by third parties – that is, suppliers and airlines. Therefore, the airport motivates them to reduce emissions in different ways. Prague Airport organizes the TOP Sustainable Airline contest for carriers, in which, alongside noise and emissions, the entire airline’s approach to sustainability is monitored. Air carriers are thus motivated to deploy new, modern aircraft with lower emission and noise pollution levels on routes to Prague. Emissions are also saved thanks to the change in departure procedures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific approach to reducing CO₂ emissions in the long-term horizon will be published next year in the decarbonisation plan, which is currently being supplemented with planned investment actions and operational measures. Subsidiaries Also Reduce Emissions Prague Airport’s subsidiaries have also taken measures to reduce CO₂ emissions. Czech Airlines Technics has replaced the lamps on Hangar F with LED lighting and at the same time purchases green electricity. The same approach was adopted by Czech Airlines Handling, which also uses electric ground support equipment (GSE) with a commitment of a 40 percent share in 2030. Prague Airport employees are also motivated to reduce their carbon footprint, for example, as part of the Biking to Work initiative. The main goal of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme is to support airport operators in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from various airport activities. The programme brings together hundreds of airports around the world that map their carbon footprint and implement procedures to reduce it.
Prague to celebrate 70th Anniversary of winning Nobel Prize by hosting World Chemical Congress
In 2029, it will be exactly 70 years since the first Nobel Prize was awarded to what was then Czechoslovakia. Professor Jaroslav Heyrovský received the award in 1959 for his discovery of polarography, a chemical method used to analyse solutions. Prague will symbolically celebrate this important anniversary by organizing the World Chemical Congress of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), which will take place in the Czech capital in 2029. Prague won the opportunity to host the prestigious international event, which is, every two years, attended by several thousand experts in the field of chemistry. Its importance is accentuated by the meeting of the IUPAC General Assembly and the IUPAC Council as the highest body of the Union. In the Hague, the Netherlands, representatives of the Czech and Slovak Chemical Society and the Prague Convention Bureau, the umbrella organization for the Prague meetings industry, presented he proposal that received the strongest support in a secret ballot of delegates of all national organizations of IUPAC member states. "We ran for the World Chemical Congress two years ago already, unfortunately unsuccessfully. I am very pleased that we successfully presented the winning proposal this year, beating the competing destinations, which were the Asian cities of Chengdu and Taipei, and Düsseldorf in Germany. I believe that in 2029 we will present an interesting congress program, the main topic of which should be "Frontiers in Chemistry: For the Harmony of Civilization with Nature", and which will build on the long and famous scientific research tradition of Czech and Slovak chemistry," says prof. Dr. RNDr. Pavel Matějka, Chairman of the congress and Rector of the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague. "The main topic and title of the congress point to the fact that today's civilization cannot exist without the products of chemical production. However, for the sake of sustainability, it is necessary to diminish the negative effects that production and its outputs have on nature and on the natural processes," adds prof. Jiří Vohlídal from Charles University, currently the Chairman of the Czech Chemical Society, adding: "In addition to this focus, the proposal includes a special symposium on electrochemistry to celebrate symbolically the 70th anniversary of prof. Jaroslav Heyrovský’s Nobel Prize as part of the congress." However, the Prague edition of the congress, which will take place at the Prague Congress Centre, will not only be exceptional for its connection to important personalities of Czech science. For the first time in the history of this event, the winning proposal for organizing the congress was submitted jointly by two national chemical societies – the Czech and the Slovak. "The joint candidacy of the Czech and Slovak Chemical Societies was one of the strengths of the proposal. This uniqueness resulted from the common history and tradition of chemistry in the once unified country. Cooperation between the two countries has been maintained to this day, at various levels, from informal collaboration and national support of joint projects to regular joint conferences in individual fields of chemistry, through organizing umbrella chemistry congresses and, last but not least, organizing such important events as the International Chemistry Olympiad. That is why I am extremely pleased that thanks to winning this prestigious congress, we have the opportunity to jointly present the strong position of chemistry in our countries," adds prof. Igor Lacík from the Institute of Polymers of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava, Vice-Chairman of the Congress and representative of the Slovak Chemical Society. Professor Lacík has been engaged at IUPAC for a long time and will be President of the Union's Polymer Division from 2024 to 2027, and a member of the IUPAC Scientific Council between 2024 and 2025. The organization of this congress will bring the Czech and the international chemical professional public the opportunity to present their recent discoveries, but also to discuss the latest trends in the field. This way, the event will contribute to the further development of chemical research in our country, the results of which will subsequently benefit the public. "At the same time, chemical processes are one of the strategic fields that the City of Prague focuses on in its Regional Innovation Strategy – RIS 3. It identifies sectors in which Prague has a comparative advantage over other destinations and in which it produces results with high added value. Obtaining this congress means not only an immediate economic benefit for Prague in the form of the stay of 4,000 delegates for the entire week of the congress, but especially an influx of global know-how in the field, which in the long term will help to the strategic direction and future development of the metropolis. All this contributes to the internationalization of Czech and Slovak science and the application of research results in practice, which subsequently benefits the general public," adds Ing. Michaela Smetanová, Senior Manager - Business Events at Prague Convention Bureau, who participated in presenting the congress offer of Prague and the overall implementation and organizational aspects of the proposal as part of the candidacy. The candidacy for the World Chemical Congress was carried out with the support of the City of Prague, the CzechTourism / Czech Convention Bureau and C-IN, which, among other things, created a video clip for the candidacy inviting world personalities of chemistry to Prague for the World Chemical Congress in 2029.
Choice hotels EMEA unveils first hotel to complete brand refresh at the Comfort Hotel Prague City East
Choice Hotels EMEA, the 100% franchise focused hotel company, has unveiled the first property within its portfolio to have undergone a major transformation as part of the group’s regional brand refresh. Situated near Prague’s city centre, the refreshed Comfort Hotel Prague City East, which boasts a pop art theme, is aligned with Choice’s new Comfort brand experience. It stands out by providing value-driven guests offering friendly, warm and vibrant service alongside all-around efficiency at a price point guests want, in the location they want. With franchisees having considerable flexibility in their design choices, the newly refreshed Comfort Hotel Prague City East is aligned with the new design philosophy for Comfort which is focused on the energy of colour. Pop-art decoration underlines the overall impression throughout the hotel, which is seen in bedrooms, corridors, and communal spaces, colourfully enhancing its light, bright and airy spaces. The hotel is also the first in EMEA to showcase the brand’s signature Comfort Hub – a new multi-purpose space which is the first area guests experience on arrival. It’s where they check in and out and go for anything from a morning coffee to an evening drink, with a quiet space for working to a lounge area for socialising. Additionally, visitors to Comfort Hotel Prague City East are now warmly welcomed by the hotel’s Roaming Comfort Crew dedicated to ensuring a memorable and personalised stay. Over the coming year, Comfort hotels in EMEA are expected to reveal their new identities, developed with support from Choice Hotels. They are encouraged to showcase and embrace local, cultural influences since local inspiration is part of the Comfort brand identity through the We Love Local! Programme. As part of the We Love Local! Programme, four bee hives have been installed on the roof terrace of the Comfort Hotel Prague City East resulting in a bountiful harvest of 50 kilograms of honey. The golden nectar harvested graces guests' breakfast tables and also serves as a special token of appreciation for business partners. Plans to add further beehives next year support the hotels’ contribution to sustainable development and fostering biodiversity which is an integral part of the properties' "We love local" concept. Commenting on the unveiling of the new Comfort Hotel Prague City East, Choice Hotels EMEA Director of Marketing, Brand and Loyalty, Nick Bosworth said: “Last year, we embarked on an ambitious journey to re-energise the entire Choice Hotels EMEA portfolio of brands, aiming to bring clarity and definition to our valued franchisees and their guests. “Today, the new brand ethos of our Comfort Hotels comes to life for the very first time, marking an important milestone in our commitment to helping franchisees enhance their asset value and deliver an exceptional guest experience. “We are grateful to the team at CPI Hotels and the hotel itself for the significant work they have undertaken over the past year to achieve this important milestone and know guests will love the refreshed hotel. “As we celebrate the launch of the new Comfort Hotel Prague City East, hundreds of our properties across the region are also working hard to craft their own brand stories and hallmarks with our support. For many, design concepts are well underway and as our franchisees have flexibility within a framework with their design choices we are excited to see Comfort Hotels across EMEA launch. “Just like Comfort Prague City East, they are poised to unveil an elevated brand experience that not only stands the test of time but also caters to the evolving needs of travellers.” Commenting on the unveiling of the newly refreshed Comfort Hotel Prague City East, CPI Hotels CEO, Jan Kratina, said: “We are thrilled to present the vibrant transformation of Comfort Hotel Prague City East, aligning with Choice's exciting new Comfort brand experience. “Our commitment to providing value-driven guests with more than just a comfortable stay is exemplified in every detail of this hotel. From the pop art theme that colours our spaces to the innovative Comfort Hub, and the dedicated Roaming Comfort Crew, we are dedicated to ensuring a memorable and personalised stay for our guests. “This marks a significant milestone in our journey to redefine hospitality, and we are excited to continue embracing and showcasing local influences through our participation in the We Love Local! programme across our hotels.”Easily reachable from Prague's airport, the hotel is well connected to the whole city via tram and metro and with its spacious guest rooms and modern amenities, is the perfect base to explore the region. The Comfort brand refresh responds to independent consumer research conducted in the UK, France and Germany. The findings revealed Comfort customers seek genuine hospitality and personal service. They seek a hotel with a modern design that provides a warm, vibrant and friendly place to stay with energising casual spaces for socialising, relaxing, sleeping and working. while also embracing and supporting local provenance. The Choice Hotels EMEA portfolio now encompasses Comfort, Clarion, Quality, Sleep Inn, and the Ascend Hotel Collection – with a diverse portfolio of properties across the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and The Nordics.
Taxi Service at Václav Havel Airport Prague is now provided by Uber
Fixed fares quoted in advance, 24/7 service availability, and a fleet of (at the maximum) up to five-year-old mainly upper middle-class cars – such are the commitments of the new taxi service provider at Václav Havel Airport Prague, Uber, that has launched its operations today and already served its first customers. Uber won the concession procedure entered by two bidders. The launch of the winner’s activities was originally scheduled in the spring. However, the unsuccessful tenderer filed an appeal with the Office for the Protection of Economic Competition of the Czech Republic, which made it impossible for the airport to finalise the tender process, temporarily blocking it. At the beginning of September, the Antimonopoly Office confirmed that Prague Airport had set the parameters of the concession procedure in accordance with the law, just as it performed the selection of the winning bidder, which became Uber. “We are glad that the Antimonopoly Office confirmed Prague Airport proceeded correctly and in accordance with the law. In the concession procedure, we primarily emphasised the requirements of passengers, who above all want to know the price in advance. The new taxi service provider will provide its services under the constant control of the airport, focusing not only on the quality of the service, but also the price regulation compliance. All rides, even those outside of Prague, must adhere to the municipality’s maximum price regulation,” Jakub Puchalský, Member of the Prague Airport Board of Directors, said. Based on the contractual conditions, the service provider is obliged to: Quote the final price before each ride, which will be calculated by their software. The resulting fare must not exceed the agreed price, even when changing the route or waiting in a traffic jam. Ensure 24/7 service availability. Operate a fleet of (at the maximum) up to five-year-old mainly upper middle-class vehicles. Work with drivers who will ensure the required quality of the service provided and traffic safety. Ensure the drivers have all valid permits, speak Czech, and have at least a basic knowledge of English to be able to communicate with the customer. They must also wear job appropriate attire. Always provide the customers with the option of contactless payments. Share data (route, price) regarding each ride with the airport. Simple Booking Process Passengers will be able to order a taxi ride using their phone with downloaded Uber application, via the airport web interface, and at kiosks in the arrival halls at both terminals. Customers needing help or advice with booking a ride will be able to contact Uber staff at the service counters in the arrival halls of both terminals. Dispatchers will be ready to help passengers directly in front of the terminal buildings to facilitate their car finding and boarding. “We are thrilled to officially launch our cooperation with Václav Havel Airport Prague and bring passengers a top-quality service under a brand they know and trust. We have been working intensively on the product over the past months. We believe that we will meet the expectations of passengers who are already looking forward to this service and at the same time provide foreign visitors with the best and most effective transport option from the airport as soon as they arrive in the Czech Republic,” Štěpán Šindelář, Uber Operations Manager for the Czech Republic, said. It will also be possible to pair a ride with a specific car through a PIN code, sent through to the passenger upon ordering their ride. They will then be directed to the first car standing in front of the terminal. The company uses this technology at other airports, where waiting times have been reduced by an average of 50 percent. There will also be an intelligent destination prompter available with the option of entering multiple stops. The app itself supports more than 100 languages. The language of the application follows the language settings in the operating system of the device used. The application automatically translates messages between the driver and the passenger, thereby breaking down language barriers. The taxi service provider is obliged to adjust the number of available cars at the airport based on the current demand to ensure the service readiness and avoid long waits by passengers. At the customer’s request, the taxi dispatcher will make available car seats for families with children. The conditions of cooperation also include the obligation of transportation for persons with reduced mobility and orientation. When drafting the concession procedure conditions, the airport also took into account a considered approach to the environment. The new taxi service provider has committed itself to an increasing share of electric cars in the fleet servicing the airport. In the last year of the contract validity, at least one in ten orders will be handled using an electric car. Passengers will also have the opportunity to rate the service and the driver retrospectively, where a poor rating may prevent the driver from further providing the service at the airport.
The 29th International Congress on Sound and Vibration takes place in Prague
The International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration (IIAV) and the Society of Acoustics (Czech Republic) have organized the 29th International Congress on Sound and Vibration (ICSV29) from 9 to 13 July 2023 at the Hilton Prague hotel in the Czech Republic for scientists, engineers, and academics working in the areas of sound and vibration. This year, there was a total of 727 abstracts submitted from 45 countries. The Scientific Programme was structured into 14 Themes, each containing Structured Sessions and Regular Sessions For the international acoustic-and vibration experts the ICSV29 included an extensive exhibition of sound and vibration measurement instrumentation, equipment and noise and vibration control technologies. Together with its long-standing partner Sinus Messtechnik GmbH, MTG actively participated as exhibitor at the extensive international Congress exhibition of noise and vibration control technologies.
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