voco Hotels Launches Birdie Bean, a Fresh Coffee Brand for Travelers

voco Hotels Launches Birdie Bean, a Fresh Coffee Brand for Travelers

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 29, 2024

voco Hotels, a premium brand within IHG Hotels & Resorts, has introduced Birdie Bean, a new coffee brand crafted to enhance the travel experience through quality, sustainability, and unique local flavors. Officially unveiled at the voco Suites Shanghai Hongqiao CBD during the Shanghai Lujiazui Coffee Festival from October 23–27, Birdie Bean aims to offer a memorable coffee experience to guests, with organic beans sourced from Pu’er in Yunnan and distinctive blends inspired by the rich flavors of the region.

Birdie Bean emphasizes eco-friendly practices by partnering with local farms that prioritize organic cultivation and avoid chemical fertilizers to support environmental preservation and biodiversity. Each cup offers a taste of Yunnan’s unique ingredients, including Pu’er tea and tamarind, which bring a local twist to traditional coffee offerings.

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Rita Jiang, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer for IHG Greater China, remarked, “The rising popularity of coffee culture is driving the integration of ‘coffee+’ as a trend for leisure and socializing. voco Hotels launched the Birdie Bean coffee brand to create a unique space for guests. Here, coffee is not only a drink that awakens the senses, but also a way for people to connect. We hope to attract young travelers by offering a variety of Birdie Bean coffee options, and and inviting them to explore the enchanting fusion of travel and coffee culture.”

The Birdie Bean brand draws on a legend in coffee lore—the tale of Sheikh Omar—to inspire an inviting and vibrant atmosphere. Incorporating the mascots of voco Hotels (finches, owls, and flamingos) as part of its brand identity, Birdie Bean celebrates a lively energy that resonates with the spirit of travel and exploration.

In addition to its unique coffee offerings, Birdie Bean reflects voco Hotels’ three signature tenets: Come on in, Me Time, and voco® life, which embody the welcoming and memorable experience voco Hotels provides. From a warm arrival experience to personalized spaces for relaxation and diverse dining options, voco Hotels creates an immersive stay for each guest.

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IHG’s Chief Operating Officer for Greater China, Jerome Qiu, emphasized the team effort behind the Birdie Bean brand, stating, “IHG’s brand DNA is built on meeting the needs of consumers to craft unique experiences for guests. The birth of the Birdie Bean coffee brand is the result of close collaboration and ingenuity between the F&B department and the brand team. It perfectly integrates coffee culture, fine dining and brand excellence, while enriching the exclusive experience of the voco Hotels. By leading with sustainability and creating diversified coffee offerings, Birdie Bean coffee brand satisfies both soul and taste.”

The Birdie Bean shop, a cozy spot in the voco Suites Shanghai Hongqiao CBD lobby, offers guests a relaxed space to enjoy coffee. voco Hotels also extends this experience to guest rooms with Birdie Bean drip coffee, allowing travelers to enjoy their favorite brew in the comfort of their rooms. Additionally, eco-friendly merchandise like flamingo pillows and owl mugs add a fun, sustainable touch to guests’ journeys.

Future plans include expanding Birdie Bean to voco Guangzhou Shifu, bringing the brand’s unique blend of regional culture and sustainability to new locations. Proceeds from Birdie Bean sales at the coffee festival were donated to Shanghai’s Jiangchun Green Light-Year Environmental Service Center, underscoring voco Hotels’ commitment to environmental stewardship.

As of September 2024, voco Hotels has 17 properties in Greater China, with Birdie Bean marking an innovative step in delivering a unique coffee culture experience to travelers while promoting sustainable practices.


Morocco Outclasses Haiti as FIFA World Cup 2026 Hospitality Sales Hit New Milestone

Morocco Outclasses Haiti as FIFA World Cup 2026 Hospitality Sales Hit New Milestone

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 26, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to deliver exciting action on the pitch, while record-breaking hospitality sales highlighted the tournament's growing commercial success off the field.

In Group C, Morocco registered an impressive 4-2 victory over Haiti in a high-scoring encounter. The win strengthens Morocco's position in the group as the competition moves deeper into the group stage.

In another Group C fixture, Brazil put on a dominant display against Scotland, taking a commanding three-goal lead and underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites.

Group A also witnessed crucial results. South Africa secured a hard-fought victory over South Korea, winning the match by a single goal. Meanwhile, Mexico delivered a strong performance against Czechia, finding the net three times to earn an important result in the group.

Away from the football action, the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to generate unprecedented interest from fans seeking premium experiences. On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, announced that sales for the FIFA World Cup Official Hospitality Program remain exceptionally strong.

According to the company, hospitality sales revenue for the 2026 tournament surpassed the total hospitality sales achieved during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as early as June 2025, a full year before the tournament began.

The momentum has continued into 2026. As of March 31, 2026, hospitality sales revenue for the FIFA World Cup 2026 had more than doubled the revenue generated by any previous FIFA World Cup hospitality programme. The tournament has also exceeded the number of hospitality packages sold during the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, which remains the most attended World Cup from a hospitality perspective.

The figures reflect the growing demand for premium sports travel experiences, with fans increasingly seeking exclusive access, enhanced matchday experiences and curated hospitality offerings alongside world-class football.

As the tournament progresses, both the on-field competition and the business of sports hospitality continue to demonstrate the global appeal of the FIFA World Cup, making the 2026 edition one of the most commercially successful tournaments in the event's history.


FIFA 2026: Portugal Register Big Win Over Uzbekistan

FIFA 2026: Portugal Register Big Win Over Uzbekistan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 25, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to deliver action on the field, with Portugal producing one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far by defeating Uzbekistan 5-0 in their Group K clash.

Portugal's attacking display proved too strong for Uzbekistan as they secured a convincing five-goal victory and strengthened their position in the group standings.

In Group L, England and Ghana played out a goalless draw in a tightly contested encounter. Despite several opportunities at both ends, neither side was able to find the breakthrough, resulting in both teams sharing the points.

Another Group L fixture saw Croatia edge past Panama with a 1-0 victory. Croatia's disciplined performance and decisive goal helped them collect all three points and maintain momentum in the competition.

In Group K, Colombia secured a narrow 1-0 win over DR Congo. The South American side delivered a composed performance to claim an important victory and improve their chances of progressing further in the tournament.

Beyond the football action, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is also expected to provide a significant boost to the hospitality sector in the United States. According to a recent report by CoStar and Tourism Economics, lodging demand generated by the tournament is projected to increase U.S. hotel Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) by 1.7% year-on-year during June and July 2026.

The impact is expected to be even stronger in host cities, where RevPAR is forecast to grow by 12.7% during the World Cup months. For the full year, host markets are projected to record a 3.8% increase in RevPAR, highlighting the economic benefits associated with one of the world's largest sporting events.

While industry experts describe the overall growth as modest, the report notes that the tournament will make a meaningful contribution to hotel industry performance in 2026. Increased visitor arrivals, longer stays and higher occupancy levels are expected to support hotels across key host destinations throughout the competition.

As the tournament progresses, both football fans and hospitality businesses continue to benefit from the excitement and global attention surrounding FIFA World Cup 2026.


Emirates Offers Kenyan Travellers More Value on Summer Trips to Dubai

Emirates Offers Kenyan Travellers More Value on Summer Trips to Dubai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

Emirates is encouraging Kenyan travellers to make the most of their summer holidays with a range of exclusive benefits for passengers travelling to or through Dubai.

The airline's latest summer campaign offers added value through complimentary hotel stays, citywide discounts and customised travel itineraries, making Dubai an even more attractive destination for both short stopovers and extended vacations.

Known for its year-round appeal, Dubai offers visitors a diverse mix of attractions, from world-famous landmarks and theme parks to museums, art galleries, shopping destinations and family-friendly experiences. Travellers can explore iconic attractions such as the Burj Khalifa or enjoy indoor activities designed to beat the summer heat.

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said, "Whether visitors are seeking relaxation, adventure, entertainment or a combination of all three, Dubai is the ideal start to any summer vacation. We're inviting passengers to enjoy even more of the city with a complimentary hotel stay to take advantage of the exceptional range of shopping, entertainment, dining and family-friendly experiences that define the Dubai summer experience, when stopping over as part of your journey or visiting Dubai as your final destination."

As part of the offer, Emirates passengers can enjoy a complimentary stay at the five-star JW Marriott Marquis, located in the heart of Dubai. Guests can experience the hotel's award-winning dining venues, wellness facilities, fitness centre, BodyBase studio and outdoor pool overlooking the city's skyline.

Travellers who purchase Emirates return tickets in First Class or Business Class between 22 June and 12 July will receive a complimentary two-night stay, while those travelling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class can enjoy a one-night complimentary stay. The offer applies to return journeys to or through Dubai with a stopover exceeding 24 hours and is valid for travel between 25 June and 30 September.

To help visitors maximise their time in the city, Emirates is also promoting its Dubai Experience platform, which offers personalised 24-hour and 48-hour itineraries tailored to different travel preferences and interests.

The airline's popular My Emirates Pass has also returned for Summer 2026. Available with every Emirates boarding pass, the programme provides access to more than 600 offers across Dubai, including discounts at restaurants, spas, retail outlets and entertainment venues.

Visitors can also enjoy Dubai Summer Surprises 2026, which will run from 2 July to 30 August. The annual citywide festival will feature live entertainment, cultural programmes, wellness activities, shopping promotions and exclusive seasonal experiences.

Emirates currently operates two daily flights between Nairobi and Dubai, offering connections to more than 138 destinations worldwide, including London, Paris, Mumbai, Bangkok and New York.

The airline has also highlighted its flexible booking policy. Customers booking tickets after 2 April 2026 are eligible for one complimentary date change across all cabin classes, while the Hold My Fare option allows travellers to secure fares while finalising their travel plans.

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