The Ansonborough Charleston to Reopen in September After Extensive Renovation

The Ansonborough Charleston to Reopen in September After Extensive Renovation

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 8, 2024

The Ansonborough Charleston, a historic boutique hotel in Charleston’s downtown district, will celebrate its grand reopening on September 3, 2024, following a multimillion-dollar renovation. Previously known as The Ansonborough Inn, the hotel has been reimagined to blend historic charm with modern luxury, making it a prime destination for travelers seeking an authentic Charleston experience.

Wright Investments, Inc., in partnership with Continental Hospitality Group, oversaw the renovation. The project aimed to preserve the building’s historical significance while introducing contemporary design elements. "This is a momentous occasion as we officially open our doors and introduce dynamic new energy into the property. This building has stood as a cornerstone of the neighbourhood for over a century, and we humbly embraced the responsibility of preserving its rich legacy throughout this renovation," said Larry Wright Jr., president and CEO of Wright Investments, Inc.

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The hotel features 45 spacious guest rooms, with 20 percent of them exceeding 600 square feet. The rooms are designed with unique touches such as exposed brick and timbers, giving them a warm and inviting atmosphere. The largest accommodation, the 871-square-foot Admiral Suite, offers apartment-style amenities, including a walk-in shower, Peloton Bike, dining area, and gas fireplace, making it ideal for special occasions.

New additions to the hotel include the Scarborough & Squirrel Bar, which offers light fare and artisanal cocktails, and a poker room hidden behind a discreet bookcase. The Rooftop Garden, exclusive to hotel guests, provides a tranquil space with fire pits, comfortable seating, and views of Charleston’s iconic church steeples and the Cooper River Bridge.

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The Ansonborough Charleston was originally built around 1901 as a three-story stationer’s warehouse. The recent renovation, led by Studio 11 Design, has enhanced the property with modern elements while retaining its historical character. Design highlights include antique subway tile backsplashes, mosaic tile floors, and Skara Brae quartz countertops, alongside local flora and original artwork that reflect the building’s rich past.

"After a major renovation and repositioning, the Ansonborough is now a special place to be discovered. We are excited to add to Charleston’s incredible and evolving legacy, a truly unique luxury hotel to be discovered and enjoyed for many years to come," said Adam Valente, president of Continental Hospitality Group.

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General Manager Carrie Huston added, "Throughout the renovation process, our goal was to unearth the property’s rich history and distinctive character that resides within its wall. The property now balances historic and timeless charm with elegance and modern comfort. It’s truly gratifying to see this final vision take shape, and we eagerly look forward to extending a warm welcome to guests from around the world."

For more information or to make a reservation, visit theansonborough.com.


Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 21, 2025

Emirates has unveiled 'Emirates First', a new premium check-in zone at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, offering a private and elevated experience exclusively for its First Class travellers and Skywards Platinum members.

Just steps from the dedicated Emirates entrance, the new facility is designed to mirror the airline’s First Class luxury—with interiors featuring marble finishes, gold and bronze accents, and plush seating areas. The space is intentionally free of digital signage to maintain a calm, lounge-like atmosphere. Instead, the check-in process is handled via iPads or at elegantly crafted counters, providing a personalised, tech-enhanced experience.

The zone also includes family-friendly seating, allowing one member to complete formalities while others relax. Luggage is seamlessly routed through dedicated First Class belts for smoother transfers.

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“Emirates First reflects our continued investment in luxury travel,” said Adel al Redha, Deputy President & COO, Emirates. “It offers privacy, efficiency, and comfort at every step of the journey.”

Post check-in, passengers can proceed directly to the First Class lounges for à la carte dining, spa treatments, shopping concierge services, and more.

This initiative is part of Emirates’ broader First Class upgrades, which include Robert Welch caviar bowls, curated wine pairings, and a more refined onboard service. With over 26,800 First Class seats available weekly, Emirates continues to set the standard for top-tier travel experiences.


EU Proposes Tripling Digital Travel Permit Fee to 20 Euros

EU Proposes Tripling Digital Travel Permit Fee to 20 Euros

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2025

Foreign travellers heading to Europe may soon have to pay nearly three times more for the region’s new digital travel permit. The European Union has proposed increasing the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) fee to 20 euros (approx. USD 23), a steep rise from the originally planned 7 euros.

This change, unveiled by the European Commission, comes as the EU aims to adjust for inflation, operational demands, and to better align the permit cost with global equivalents. For instance, the U.S. charges USD 21 for its ESTA, while the UK’s ETA costs 16 pounds (around USD 21).

Expected to roll out in the last quarter of 2026, ETIAS will be mandatory for travellers from visa-exempt countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, entering any of the 27 EU member states (excluding Ireland) as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The permit will be valid for three years.

While travellers aged under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from paying the fee, others will need to apply online before their trip. The system is intended to enhance border safety by identifying security risks, irregular migration, and other concerns in advance, making travel both safer and smoother for eligible visitors.

The European Parliament and member states now have two months to review this fee adjustment. Once approved, it will go into effect with the launch of the ETIAS system, which has already seen multiple delays, largely due to its link with a yet-to-be-implemented automated border control system.

This proposal comes amid the EU’s broader financial plan, including a two-trillion-euro long-term budget (2028–2034), which aims to fund priorities like defence and agriculture. Brussels hopes to raise funds through new revenue tools such as a carbon border tax and an e-waste levy, targeting 58 billion euros annually.

As the EU moves to strengthen both financial sustainability and border security, the updated ETIAS fee stands as a key piece of its evolving travel and economic framework.


Yen Dang Joins Alma Resort Cam Ranh as Director of Sales and Marketing

Yen Dang Joins Alma Resort Cam Ranh as Director of Sales and Marketing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 19, 2025

Alma Resort Cam Ranh has appointed Yen Dang as its new Director of Sales and Marketing (DOSM). With over two decades of experience, Yen is known for her dynamic leadership and creative sales strategies in Vietnam’s hospitality sector.

She steps into the new role at Alma, an award-winning, 30-hectare beachfront resort on Vietnam's Cam Ranh peninsula, after serving as DOSM at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills. Her previous roles include DOSM at Movenpick Resort Cam Ranh, cluster director of sales at Mercure Vung Tau and ibis Styles Vung Tau, and DOSM during the pre-opening phase of Melia Cam Ranh Bay. She also held the position of director of sales (wholesale) at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort.

Yen began her career in 2005 as a sales secretary at MGallery La Veranda Resort and Spa in Phu Quoc Island and climbed the ladder to become assistant sales manager. She later held key roles at Novotel Halong Bay, Novotel Saigon Centre, and Pullman Danang Beach Resort.

A graduate in hospitality and tourism management from Ho Chi Minh City’s Van Lang University, Yen brings a strong background in sales leadership, market understanding, and team development.

In her new role at Alma, she will lead sales and marketing strategies across the resort’s key segments and report directly to Frederic Savoye, Alma’s chief commercial officer.

“Yen is a dynamic and creative professional with a wealth of experience with many leading international hotels from Vietnam's south to north,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler. “Her savvy in leading teams, drawing out each member's strengths, to not only hit but exceed budget places her in excellent stead with our Alma family.”

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