Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Bonvoy Celebrate NFL

Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Bonvoy Celebrate NFL's Brazil Debut with Fan Activations

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 29, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Bonvoy, official sponsors of the NFL, are gearing up to celebrate the first-ever regular-season NFL game in Brazil. To mark this historic event, the brands are launching a series of fan activations in São Paulo, as part of the league's 2024 International Games. These activities aim to introduce American football to the local audience and enhance the excitement surrounding the sport in Brazil.

The festivities will begin with a Kicking Challenge, a unique event designed to bring the essence of American football to São Paulo. Local fans will have the chance to test their skills by kicking a field goal, an experience quite different from scoring a soccer goal. In a city known for its soccer talent, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Bonvoy are offering a new challenge by encouraging participants to kick an extra point—equivalent to a 33-yard (30-meter) field goal.

In addition to the Kicking Challenge, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Bonvoy® will host the Tailgate Experience at Arena Renaissance in downtown São Paulo. This event will be the first American football tailgate held in the city, featuring classic American pregame traditions. Attendees can enjoy popular dishes like burgers and chicken wings, alongside fun activities such as cornhole, football pong, and throwing the perfect spiral. This event promises to bring the energy and excitement of a U.S. pregame experience to both local Brazilians and visiting fans.

Adding to the excitement, NFL legend Jordy Nelson will make a surprise appearance. Fans participating in the events will have the opportunity to win tickets to the exclusive Tailgate Experience, as well as a chance to attend Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025.

The Kicking Challenge will be held at Ibirapuera Park, across from the Monumento as Bandeiras, from September 3 to September 5, 2024, between 11 AM and 5 PM.

Brian King, President of the Caribbean and Latin America for Marriott International, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "GAME ON! We are excited to celebrate the first-ever regular-season NFL game in South America. For years, we have been the official hotel and hotel loyalty program of the NFL, unlocking experiences and passion for the game for fans around the world. Being able to cross cultures in such an important market as Brazil fills us with great pride."

As part of this celebration, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™ will offer an exclusive pregame tailgate party for Marriott Bonvoy members, followed by a premium viewing experience at Corinthians Arena where they can watch the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles warm up. The day will conclude with a luxurious two-night stay at the Renaissance São Paulo Hotel.

Marriott Bonvoy Moments™ allows members to access once-in-a-lifetime experiences around the globe by redeeming points accumulated from travel and other activities. These experiences, available through fixed-price offers or auctions, include exclusive options like private chef dinners and unique opportunities with global partners such as the NFL.

Courtyard by Marriott is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands. Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program and marketplace of Marriott International, boasts 210 million members who enjoy transformative experiences worldwide. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts and redeem them for future stays or Marriott Bonvoy Moments™.

TOKYO SKYTREE Brings Cherry Blossom Season to New Heights with “THE Sakura SKYTREE”

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

As Japan gears up for its much-awaited cherry blossom season, Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd. has announced a special spring programme titled “THE Sakura SKYTREE – Going to Meet the Cherry Blossoms Above the Clouds” at TOKYO SKYTREE. The limited-period experience will run from February 26 to April 14, 2026, offering visitors a fresh way to enjoy sakura from 350 metres above ground.

Designed as an alternative to traditional park hanami, the event brings cherry blossom viewing into an urban, elevated setting. Located on the Tembo Deck at Floors 350 and 340, the experience blends sakura-inspired installations with wide, uninterrupted views of Tokyo, allowing visitors to enjoy spring scenery from above the city skyline.

Built around the theme “Sky × Sakura,” the Tembo Deck will be transformed with cherry blossom décor and Japanese-style photo installations. The setting reflects the fleeting beauty of sakura while creating striking visual moments for visitors. With the Tokyo skyline as a backdrop, the space offers a modern interpretation of spring that combines tradition with a sense of scale and spectacle.

For evening visitors, a key attraction will be the seasonal showcase at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® on Floor 350. The observatory’s large windows will turn into a panoramic screen for a three-minute visual presentation capturing the delicate and short-lived nature of cherry blossoms. Using 24 projectors and surround sound from 13 speakers, the experience adds a cinematic layer to hanami, bringing together culture, technology, and storytelling.

Adding to the seasonal feel, the SKYTREE CAFE on Floor 350 will launch a limited-edition cherry blossom-themed menu. The offerings will include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with spring-inspired sweets. Highlights include donuts in “Sakura Mochi” and “Sakura Sky Vanilla” flavours, made as 100% plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free options. The menu is designed to be visually appealing and easy to share, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The spring theme will also extend to the W1SH RIBBON monument on the Tembo Deck, where limited-edition pink ribbons will be available during the event period. Visitors can tie their wishes onto the softly lit pink installation, reflecting themes of renewal and fresh beginnings associated with the season. The monument lighting will also shift to pink to match the overall décor.

On selected evenings, TOKYO SKYTREE itself will light up in special spring illumination called “Sakura SKY (Sakura-Sora).” Inspired by cherry blossoms set against a spring sky, gentle pink beams will represent petals floating in the wind, turning the tower into a seasonal highlight visible across the city.

With immersive décor, visual storytelling, seasonal food, and special lighting, “THE Sakura SKYTREE” positions TOKYO SKYTREE as a standout attraction during spring. By presenting the cherry blossom season from 350 metres above ground, the event offers visitors an experience that feels modern, memorable, and uniquely Tokyo.

Chef Bobby Appointed Sous Chef at TIYA in San Francisco

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 25, 2026

TIYA, a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant, has announced the appointment of Chef Bobby as its new Sous Chef. The move underlines the restaurant’s continued focus on quality, innovation, and refined modern Indian cuisine in the heart of San Francisco.

In his new role, Chef Bobby will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations at TIYA. His responsibilities include ensuring smooth service, refined plating presentation, well-balanced flavours, and consistent portion control. Through his leadership, the restaurant aims to further strengthen its position as a premium modern Indian dining destination known for creativity, precision, and memorable guest experiences.

Before joining TIYA, Chef Bobby worked as Sous Chef at Madras Group Inc., located at 1177 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. There, he supported the Executive Chef in running high-performing kitchen operations. His role included supervising and training culinary teams, maintaining HACCP and ServSafe food safety standards, handling inventory and supplier coordination, and contributing to cost control and menu innovation. His involvement in recipe development and tasting menu execution played a key role in maintaining high dining standards.

Earlier in his career, Chef Bobby gained valuable experience as a Demi Chef de Partie at The Quorum, Two Horizon Center, Golf Course Road, and as a Commi at Hotel Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar. He began his professional journey at Aamod Resorts, Kandaghat, District Solan, Himachal Pradesh, where he built a strong foundation in kitchen operations and hospitality discipline.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Bobby said, “Joining TIYA, a Michelin Guide restaurant, as Sous Chef is an exciting milestone in my culinary journey. The brand’s vision of redefining modern Indian cuisine resonates deeply with my passion for innovation and excellence. I look forward to contributing to TIYA’s continued growth and delivering memorable dining experiences to our guests.”

With experience across well-known hospitality brands in both India and the United States, Chef Bobby’s appointment marks a meaningful step forward for TIYA as it continues to raise the bar for modern Indian fine dining in San Francisco.

Unwind in the Sacred Spirit of Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on February 24, 2026

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Novotel Cairo Airport welcomes guests to experience the season in an atmosphere defined by serenity, reflection, and heartfelt hospitality. Designed for both Cairo residents seeking a peaceful retreat within the city and travellers exploring Egypt’s capital, the hotel offers a setting where the spirit of togetherness takes centre stage.

Ramadan at Novotel Cairo Airport focuses on creating meaningful moments. Guests can slow down, reconnect, and embrace the traditions of the holy month while enjoying a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property’s dining venues present thoughtfully curated Iftar and Sohour experiences, blending traditional Ramadan flavours with contemporary touches. Each meal is crafted to bring families, friends, couples, and colleagues together around the table in celebration.

For corporate guests, the hotel provides fully equipped banquet rooms and dedicated facilities suited for Iftars, Sohour gatherings, and Ramadan celebrations. The spaces are designed to encourage connection and appreciation, offering organisations a welcoming environment to host teams and partners during the blessed month.

A highlight of the season is the exclusive Ramadan dessert display, available throughout the day. Guests can indulge in a carefully selected assortment of oriental pastries, featuring both classic favourites and delicately crafted treats that reflect the flavours of Ramadan. Whether enjoyed on-site or taken home to share, the sweet offerings add a festive touch to the experience.

More than a destination to stay or dine, Novotel Cairo Airport positions itself as a place where Cairo’s Ramadan evenings come alive with warmth and community spirit. It is a space to unwind after a long day of fasting, reflect on the blessings of the season, and create lasting memories.

Part of the global Accor portfolio, Novotel operates over 590 hotels across more than 65 countries and participates in the ALL – Accor Live Limitless lifestyle loyalty programme, offering members access to rewards and exclusive experiences worldwide.

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