Texas REALTORS and Associations Honored at the Texas Association of Realtors Annual Winter Meeting

February 21, 2018

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Texas Association of Realtors recognized its top members and Realtor associations on Feb. 12 during its annual Texas Realtors Winter Meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Austin, Texas.

“A Texas REALTOR is held to the highest of standards service not only from the association, but from their peers and colleagues and thus being honored at the Winter Meeting award ceremony is a testament to those who go above and beyond the call of service,” said Kaki Lybbert, chairman of the Texas Association of Realtors. “Their jobs are not exclusive to connecting people with their dream homes, but to provide a lasting impact in the lives of all Texans.”

The award for 2017 Texas Realtor of the Year, the Texas Association of Realtors’ most prestigious award, was presented to Dan Hatfield of Farmers National Company in Comfort, Texas. This title is bestowed annually to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the industry through involvement in his or her national, state and local Realtor organizations during their career.

The Tom D. Morton Association Executive of the Year award was presented to Ed Moore, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Tyler Association of REALTORS. Awarded only to Realtor association leaders with a long track record of service to their local association and a high level respect among industry peers, the Tom D. Morton award was bestowed to Moore for his extensive Realtor association leadership at the local, state and national levels.

The Texas Realtor Hero Award, which recognizes a Realtor who has demonstrated outstanding community service related to promoting and advancing homeownership, was awarded to Angela Williams of Gann Medford Real Estate in Lufkin. Williams is a longtime advocate for expanding homeownership affordability for the local community. As a strong proponent of financial literacy, Williams is an active member of Junior Achievement; teaching young people about personal finance and home ownership.

Mary Miner of the Williamson County Association of Realtors was named the 2017 Educator of the Year. Miner is instructor for the Graduate REALTOR Institute and teaches the Accredited Buyer Representative Designation Course, the NAR Green designation courses, and the Texas Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards course.

Heather Konopka-Chaves received the 2017 William C. Jennings Award for the outstanding commercial real estate transaction of the year. Konopka-Chaves was honored for her work with the Community Enrichment Center, a nonprofit organization in North Richland Hills whose mission is breaking the cycle of poverty and family violence. The 50 condominium units would provide safe housing to homeless families in Tarrant County while they stabilized their lives and improved their education and job skills

The 2017 Texas Real Estate Awards also honored local Realtor associations that have launched innovative programs and educational courses over the last year that keep Texas Realtors up to date with the latest legal, business marketing and industry trends. The Austin Board of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors and MetroTex Association of Realtors were each recognized as part of the Texas Association of Realtors’ 2017 Education Awards category.

The Governmental Affairs team at the Texas Association of Realtors also honored upstanding members and local associations at the Winter Meeting. The San Antonio Board of Realtors received the Governmental Affairs Outstanding Achievement Award. The Strike Force Awards honored nine Realtor members throughout the state for their dedication to grassroots political advocacy and for supporting local issues campaigns to protect private-property rights:

Liz Braden, San Antonio Board of Realtors
Bobbi Hannon, Kingsville Area Association of Realtors
Mel Harris, Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors
Tena Kirkham, Bee County Board of Realtors
JR Martinez, Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors
Scott Morgan, Nolan County Association of Realtors
Toni Gill, Nolan County Association of Realtors
Kendra Norwood, MetroTex Association of Realtors
Barbara Russell, Greater Denton-Wise County Association of Realtors

Finally, Mel Harris of the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors received Grassroots Advocate of the Year, a brand new award to the program granted to a Strike Force Award winner.

About the Texas Association of REALTORS®
With more than 114,000 members, the Texas Association of REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We advocate on behalf of Texas REALTORS® and private-property owners to keep homeownership affordable, protect private-property rights, and promote public policies that benefit homeowners. Visit TexasRealEstate.com to learn more.

CONTACT: Hunter Dodson
Pierpont Communications
512-448-4950
[email protected]

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SOURCE Texas Association of Realtors

The Home Depot to Present at Raymond James 39th Annual Institutional Investors Conference

February 21, 2018

ATLANTA, Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot^®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today announced that Richard McPhail, senior vice president – Finance Control & Administration, will present at the Raymond James 39th Annual Institutional Investors Conference in Orlando, Florida. The presentation will begin at 9:15 a.m. ET on March 6, 2018.

The presentation will be webcast live over the internet at http://ir.homedepot.com/events-and-presentations. A link will be displayed under “Events and Presentations.” The webcast will be archived and available at the same location after the conclusion of the live event and will be available until April 5, 2018.

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,284 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2017, The Home Depot had sales of $100.9 billion and earnings of $8.6 billion. The Company employs more than 400,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

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SOURCE The Home Depot

Prominent Illinois pig farmer Julie Maschhoff to lead panel of judges at this week’s Swine, Wine & Spirits event at SOBEWFF®

February 21, 2018

MIAMI, Feb. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Julie Maschhoff, co-owner of The Maschhoffs LLC and one of the nation’s largest and most successful pork producers, will lead the judging panel at this week’s Swine, Wine & Spirits event as part of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF®) in Miami. The Maschhoff family is the fourth largest pork producer in the United States, marketing 5 million pigs each year.

Maschhoff and the panel will select the best pork dish from about a dozen competing chef entries at Sunday’s Swine, Wine & Spirits event. She will also be available at the various National Pork Board-sponsored events throughout the week to share her insight with consumers and media on all things pork, including pork quality and safety, animal welfare and sustainability.

“Growing up on a livestock farm, we have always focused on providing good animal care – keeping them healthy – and sound environmental stewardship,” said Maschhoff. “Today, as our farm feeds not just our family but other families around the world, it is even more imperative that we share our story of stewardship with consumers. We want consumers to know and have confidence that the pork we produce is a great, safe, healthy choice for their family.”

Through the years, Maschhoff and her husband, Ken, have been strong and consistent voices in educating and informing consumers about the importance of animal agriculture. Maschhoff has been a frequent spokesperson for pig farming through her work with the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance.

The Swine, Wine & Spirits event will take place on Sunday, February 25, at the Biltmore Hotel and will be hosted by local chef and restaurateur, Giorgio Rapicavoli. Additional judges include: National Pork Board Ambassador and celebrity chef, Richard Ingraham; Executive Chef of Goya Foods, Fernando Desa; and Eddie Zamora of The Yum Yum Foodie online fame.

This is the third year the National Pork Board has been the festival’s official pork sponsor, with pork featured as the event’s preferred protein. The five-day festival runs from Wednesday, February 21 through Sunday, February 25, 2018, and features culinary events at a variety of venues throughout Miami and the beaches.

Attendees can find the National Pork Board’s at other signature events: Tacos After Dark on Thursday, February 22; Burger Bash on Friday, February 23; and Swine, Wine & Spirits on Sunday, February 25.

“South Beach Wine & Food Festival® is the perfect setting to engage with consumers who love pork and are looking for additional ways to enjoy it,” said Jose de Jesus, director of multicultural marketing at the National Pork Board. “We know that the word ‘pork’ is synonymous with flavor and we are excited to share everything about pork with festival attendees.”

For more information on the South Beach Wine and Food Festival®, visit sobewff.org. Join the conversation with the National Pork Board via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or by using the hashtag #SabrososMomentos. Visit Pork Te Inspira for more on the National Pork Board.

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SOURCE National Pork Board

Tecate, The Official Beer Of Boxing, Clinches Gennady “GGG” Golovkin’s 2018 Fights

February 21, 2018

Gennady "GGG" Golovkin Signs a Tecate Hat.

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, Tecate, the official beer of boxing, announces its sponsorship of GGG Promotions’ global sensation, reigning unified WBC, WBA (Super), IBF, and IBO world middleweight champion, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, in advance of the most anticipated rematch of 2018 between Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin on May 5, 2018.

As the exclusive beer and presenting sponsor for both the first Canelo vs. Golovkin fight and the rematch, this will be the first time in Tecate’s history of sponsoring boxing where two Tecate fighters will go head-to-head. Tecate first entered the ring in 2007 by sponsoring the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather fight and would go on to activate some of the biggest fights of the last decade including: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao (May 2015); Canelo vs. Khan (May 2016); Canelo vs. Smith (Sep. 2016); Golovkin vs. Jacobs (Mar. 2017); Canelo vs. Chavez Jr (May 2017); and Canelo vs. Golovkin (Sep. 2017).

Gennady will receive Tecate’s immersive 360-degree marketing muscle and 21+ consumer activations ahead of his 2018 fights.

“Boxing remains Tecate’s biggest passion point and we continue to see more opportunity to authentically build the sport with true fans,” said Gustavo Guerra, Tecate brand director. “With Golovkin’s unique style and his global popularity, we can’t wait for him to get back in the ring.”

“Tecate is a partner whose reverence for the sport, the fighters and the fans is truly impressive,” said Tom Loeffler, GGG Promotions Managing Director. “We’re very happy to have signed the 2018 fight contract with Golovkin and GGG Promotions where Tecate will be featured prominently in the center ring, around the mat and throughout future arenas.”

For additional details on Tecate’s boxing sponsorships including GGG Promotions or Golden Boy Promotions, or to speak with a Tecate representative about the brand, please contact BRAYA at [email protected].

About HEINEKEN USA

HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s leading high end beer importer, is a subsidiary of HEINEKEN International NV, the world’s most international brewer. Key brands imported into the U.S. are Heineken^®, the world’s most international beer brand, the Dos Equis Franchise, the Tecate Franchise and Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders. HEINEKEN USA also imports Amstel Light, Amstel Xlight, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands. For the latest information on our company and brands, follow us on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit HEINEKENUSA.com.

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SOURCE HEINEKEN USA Inc.

The Chicago Hispanic Health Coalition Announces Support for CDC’s Televised Línea de Ayuda Smoking Cessation Event

February 20, 2018

Actress Angélica Vale Joins Telemundo Call-in Program to Help Hispanics Quit Smoking on February 22^nd

CHICAGO, Feb. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “With tobacco companies estimated to spend $25 million every day to addict new customers, the CDC’s Línea de Ayuda is a critical tool to make sure our community knows the real costs of tobacco use, nicotine addiction, and how to get help to quit,” said Esther Sciammarella, Executive Director of the Chicago Hispanic Health Coalition, a Chicago-based public health nonprofit established in 1991.

On February 22, 2018, CDC is airing Línea de Ayuda (Helpline), a telethon-style event on Chicago’s Telemundo station WSNS-TV (Channel 44) between 5:00 and 9:00 pm local time. Línea de Ayuda will feature four 90-second spots with Angélica Vale, a Mexican American actress and singer known as “Mexico’s Sweetheart”. Ms. Vale covers critical information during these segments with Dr. Ralph Caraballo, CDC Chief Epidemiologist, about smoking-related illnesses, health benefits from quitting, and accessing free help to quit. Each segment directs callers to the Spanish-language Quitline, 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-800-QUIT-NOW), for support.

The Chicago Hispanic Health Coalition is promoting the Línea de Ayuda television events as a Lead Agency of the Nuestras Voces (Our Voices) Network, which works to reduce tobacco use and cancer incidence in Hispanic communities. Activities to support CDC’s efforts include bilingual social media and individual cessation support through the National Alliance for Hispanic Health’s (the Alliance) Su Familia Helpline.

“The information provided through the Línea de Ayuda campaign gives the tools and encouragement to smokers to make the decision to quit and others not to start. We are proud to support these efforts, including through the Alliance’s Su Familia Helpline at 1-866-783-2645 where callers can get information in Spanish and English on quitting smoking, talking to a loved one about smoking, or connecting to health services in their communities,” emphasized Mrs. Sciammarella.

About Chicago Hispanic Health Coalition. The mission of the Chicago Hispanic Health Coalition is to improve the quality of life for all Hispanics by promoting healthy behaviors and environments. By coalition-building and direct action, we seek to empower the Hispanic community by providing a centralized forum for capacity building, communication, coordination, and networking among health and human service providers and consumers.

About the Nuestras Voces Network. Nuestras Voces is a national network of over 300 members working for a tobacco-free world and to eliminate disparities in cancer prevention and treatment services. You can be part of this effort being led by the National Alliance for Hispanic Health! Join us at www.nuestrasvoces.org/join.

Contact: Edith B. Barnes, 312-842-2340
[email protected]

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SOURCE Chicago Hispanic Health Coalition

Sophia The Robot Joins Celebrated Lineup Of Global Tech Industry Leaders And Government Officials At eMerge Americas 2018

February 20, 2018

MIAMI, Feb. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — eMerge Americas, the premier technology event connecting Latin America, North America and Europe, today announced that Sophia, the most advanced and celebrated AI robot developed by Hanson Robotics, will be joining the eMerge Main Stage alongside a wide range of luminaries, including Diego Dzodan, VP of LatAm for Facebook & Instagram; Felipe Millon, GM/Regional Leader, South East US of Amazon Prime; and Sandra Lopez, VP at Intel Sports Group.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Sophia to eMerge Americas, fresh off the heels, quite literally, of receiving her first pair of legs and mesmerizing people worldwide as she took her first steps,” said Xavier Gonzalez, CEO of eMerge Americas. “Sophia joins an already impressive speaking lineup of the brightest minds in business and government and we are looking forward to welcoming her to Miami, the technology hub of the Americas.”

Now in its fifth year, eMerge Americas offers startups, entrepreneurs, VCs, major businesses and government officials an opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with digital’s brightest minds and build powerful partnerships without borders. The two-day conference begins April 23 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

eMerge Americas & Wyncode Academy Bring You an Adrenaline Filled Hackathon
In the days before eMerge Americas 2018 kicks off, teams will convene at Miami Dade College for a mind-stimulating coding competition that continues well into dawn on Sunday. In partnership with Wyncode Academy, and sponsored by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, the Hackathon offers participants the chance to win thousands in prizes, plus a bounty of snacks, drinks and caffeine!

NEW THIS YEAR: eMERGE AMERICAS HEADQUARTER HOTEL
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to stay alongside speakers and other attendees at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, the eMerge Americas 2018 headquarter hotel. Network 24/7 at this South Beach icon with an enviable oceanfront view, all at an exclusive eMerge Americas rate for 2018 attendees. Be sure to book your room today at emergeamericas.com/flights-and-accommodations/.

Registration for eMerge Americas 2018 and the Hackathon is now open, visit emergeamericas.com to register. For the latest eMerge Americas news, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn (@eMergeAmericas) and Instagram (@emergeamericas).

About eMerge Americas
eMerge Americas serves as the preeminent innovative thought exchange transforming Miami into the technological hub of the Americas. By connecting global industry leaders and investors with America’s top business executives, technology decisionmakers, and entrepreneurs, partnerships are forged that spur visionary innovation and technological advancements for the betterment of business and society. The eMerge Americas founding partners include: Medina Capital, A Rod Corporation, Greenberg Traurig, Knight Foundation, Miami-Dade County, and the Miami Herald. For more information about eMerge Americas, please visit: emergeamericas.com.

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SOURCE eMerge Americas

Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Expands Presence in Curaçao

February 20, 2018

MADISON, N.J., Feb. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced its expanding presence on the island of Curaçao with the opening of Curaçao Sotheby’s International Realty.

Curaçao Sotheby’s International Realty is led by Owner Raymond Seijs and will serve the luxury residential real estate markets across the island including Blue Bay Resort, Coral Estate Resort, Jan Thiel Beach, and Santa Barbara Plantation.

“Curaçao has a fast-growing real estate market; the tranquil island life it offers residents makes it an attractive destination to buyers from around the world,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We are proud to welcome Curaçao Sotheby’s International Realty to our global network.”

“Our mission at Curaçao Sotheby’s International Realty is to find the best real estate match for our clients,” said Seijs. “Affiliating with the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand allows us to showcase all that Curaçao has to offer to a global audience.”

This is the third office for the Sotheby’s International Realty brand in the ABC Islands; also operating in this region of the Caribbean are Aruba Sotheby’s International Realty, which previously served the luxury real estate market of Curaçao, and Bonaire Sotheby’s International Realty.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 21,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in 930 offices in 69 countries and territories worldwide. In 2016, the brand achieved a record global sales volume of $95 billion USD. Curaçao Sotheby’s International Realty listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

CONTACT

Lindsey Scharf
Director, Public Relations and Communications
Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
175 Park Avenue
Madison, NJ 07940
(973) 407-5596
[email protected]

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SOURCE Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Texas Association of Realtors names Dan Hatfield as Texas Realtor of the Year

February 20, 2018

COMFORT, Texas, Feb. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Bandera County Board of Realtors (BCBOR)® is proud to announce Dan Hatfield of Farmers National Company as the 2017 Texas REALTOR® of the Year. Hatfield was honored by the Texas Association of REALTORS® at the statewide association’s annual Winter Meeting on Feb. 12.

The highest honor bestowed by the Texas Association of REALTORS®, the Texas REALTOR® of the Year award is given annually to a REALTOR® who has made outstanding contributions to the industry through involvement in their national, state and local associations during their career.

A veteran of the Texas real estate industry, Hatfield’s 35 years of industry experience includes serving as Chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS® in 2014, president of the Bandera County Board of Realtors® in 1993 and 1998 and national president of the REALTORS® Land Institute in 2010.

Hatfield has received multiple honors for his long track record of leadership and service throughout his career, including being named Omega Tau Rho by the National Association of Realtors, Land Realtor of America in 2007 and the Realtors Land Institute’s Lifetime Distinguished Service Award.

Kaky Lybbert, 2018 Chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS® commented, “A friend and colleague for many years, Dan has been a paramount figure in the Texas real estate market for years and has dedicated his life’s work to educating and leading Realtors of all ages and points of their careers to enhance and move Texas real estate forward as a positive force in the Texas economy.”

About the Texas Association of REALTORS®

With more than 114,000 members, the Texas Association of REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We advocate on behalf of Texas REALTORS® and private-property owners to keep homeownership affordable, protect private-property rights, and promote public policies that benefit homeowners. Visit TexasRealEstate.com to learn more.

CONTACT: Hunter Dodson
On Behalf of the Texas Association of REALTORS®
512-448-4950
[email protected]

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SOURCE Texas Association of Realtors

Forbes Travel Guide Announces 2018 Star Rating Awards

February 20, 2018

ATLANTA, Feb 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — As it celebrates its landmark 60th anniversary, Forbes Travel Guide today unveiled its 60th list of worldwide Star Rating winners, continuing its exceedingly selective approach for recognizing the world’s finest properties and rewarding gracious, intuitive service.

The 2018 award winners include 27 new Five-Star hotels, 70 new Four-Star hotels and 76 new Recommended hotels. Other first-time recipients include five Five-Star restaurants, 24 Four-Star restaurants and 10 Recommend restaurants. The list also honors five new Five-Star spas and 29 new Four-Star spas. See the complete list of winners here.

Forbes Travel Guide rates properties in 50 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. New destinations for 2018 include: Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Aruba, Chengdu, Dubai, Hokkaido, Jamaica, Kuala Lumpur, Madrid, Marrakech, Okinawa, Panama, Prague, Sanya and Vienna. As Forbes Travel Guide marks its 60th year, it will expand to 60 countries for its 2019 Star Ratings.

“This is a momentous year for Forbes Travel Guide. Our anniversary commemorates 60 impressive years of serving hotels and guests,” said Gerard J. Inzerillo, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “As the most trusted source for travelers, we continue to carry out our mission to verify luxury worldwide. We are delighted to honor the 2018 Star Rating recipients, an outstanding collection of hotels, restaurants and spas with a strong service culture. It’s the largest and most global group of Star-Rated properties in our company’s history. We congratulate these properties for their dedication to service excellence.”

In conjunction with Forbes Travel Guide’s anniversary, the company unveiled its redesigned website, forbestravelguide.com, which beautifully showcases its global collection of Star-Rated properties.

To celebrate the awards, Star-Rated winners are invited to Verified, The Forbes Travel Guide Luxury Summit at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills February 27 and 28. It will feature an all-star chef lineup, including: Geoffrey Zakarian and Wilfrid Hocquet, Georgie, Beverly Hills; Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Richard Archuleta, Jean-Georges Beverly Hills; William Bradley, Addison Restaurant, San Diego; Samir Roonwal, The Blvd, Beverly Hills; Hilary Henderson, CUT, Beverly Hills; Kaleo Adams, The Polo Lounge, Beverly Hills; Giuseppe Manco, The Restaurant at Mr. C, Beverly Hills; Craig Strong, Studio, Laguna Beach; Hugo Bolanos, Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air, Beverly Hills; and Derek Poirier, Valrhona. Moët & Chandon, Forbes Travel Guide’s Official Champagne of 2018, will help everyone toast the festivities. Diageo will host the spirits, and Luxe Bloom will provide florals.

To highlight Forbes Travel Guide’s 60 years in travel, the popular Pan Am Experience will land at Verified and transport participants back to flying’s heyday with a retro airline-inspired event.

HIGHLIGHTS, TRENDS & FUN FACTS FOR 2018

Among the 1609 Winners

199 Five-Star, 513 Four-Star and 309 Recommended hotels.
64 Five-Star, 171 Four-Star and 83 Recommended restaurants.
60 Five-Star and 210 Four-Star spas.

New and Noteworthy

The Middle East emerged with big wins. It picked up four Five-Star hotels (Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai; Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi; Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre; Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach). It also tallied 21 Four-Star hotels and six Recommended hotels.
South America captured its first Five-Star hotel. Tucked inside Brazil’s Iguacu National Park amid the Iguassu Falls, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas leads the region in service excellence.
Marrakech launched with two Five-Star hotels (Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech; Royal Mansour Marrakech), a pair of Four-Star properties (Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, La Mamounia) and two Recommended hotels (Amanjena, Selman Marrakech).
New York City seized two new Five-Star wins: Baccarat Hotel and Residences and Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown. A new Four-Star hotel was added, too: Archer Hotel New York.
Munich welcomed its inaugural Five-Star hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Munich. It joined Four-Stars The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel; Hotel Bayerischer Hof; and Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, along with Recommended properties Hotel München Palace and Sofitel Munich Bayerpost.
Japan had significant gains. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto brought the city its first Five-Star accolade. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto and Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel snagged Four-Stars awards. Kyoto Hotel Okura earned a Recommended honor. In Tokyo, Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo won a Five-Star award. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu and The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho picked up Four-Star honors.
Independent hotels made a strong showing. First-time Five-Star awards went to Le Richemond Genève; Magee Homestead, Wyoming; Meadowood Napa Valley; Nemacolin Woodlands Resort — Falling Rock, Pennsylvania; and Williamsburg Inn, Virginia.
The new Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is Hilton’s first Five-Star hotel in the Western Hemisphere. The brand also has Five-Star Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund.
Rosewood Beijing achieved a Five-Star rating–a first-time win for the brand in Asia. This was Rosewood’s first property in China, opening in 2014. The Peninsula Beijing also scooped up a new Five-Star distinction.
Trump Hotels earned Five-Star honors for its D.C. and Vancouver outposts, which is unusual for new properties.
New wins help further anchor the Riviera Nayarit as a luxury destination with Five-Star The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort and Four-Star Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.
Forbes Travel Guide made significant strides in its global expansion, bringing its ratings to new destinations such as Amsterdam (Four-Star hotels Conservatorium, De L’Europe Amsterdam and Hotel Okura Amsterdam; as well as Recommended properties Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, The Dylan, Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam, InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, W Amsterdam) and Vienna (Four-Star properties Hotel Sacher Wien, Palais Coburg, Palais Hansen Kempinski and The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna; along with Recommended properties Grand Hotel Wien; Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna; Hotel Imperial, A Luxury Collection Hotel; Hotel Sans Souci Wien; Park Hyatt Vienna; and The Ring Hotel Vienna).

Stars All Around

An elite group of 13 properties earned Five-Star awards for their hotel, restaurant and spa. These triple Five-Star winners include: Banyan Tree Macau; The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs; The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia; Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego; The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong; Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas; Mandarin Oriental, Macau; Meadowood Napa Valley; Montage Laguna Beach; Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island; The Peninsula Hong Kong; Wynn Las Vegas; and Wynn Palace, Macau.
Altira Macau and Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong received four Five-Star awards for the hotel, spa and two restaurants.
Nüwa Macau won five Five-Star awards for the hotel, spa and three restaurants.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and Wynn Macau achieved a remarkable total of six Five-Star awards for the hotel, spa and four restaurants.

Where the Hotel Stars Shine Brightly

U.S. cities with the most Five-Star hotels: New York (10), Beverly Hills (6), Las Vegas (5) and Miami (5).
Globally, Macau reclaimed its spot as the city with the most Five-Star hotels (12). Last year, it tied Paris (10). Other cities with the largest number of Five-Stars include: Paris (10), London (9) and Hong Kong (8).

Where the Restaurant Stars Shine Brightly

U.S. cities with the most Five-Star restaurants are New York (7) and Las Vegas (6).
Worldwide, cities with the highest number of Five-Star restaurants are Macau (12) and Hong Kong (9).
Disney gets its first Five-Star restaurant. Victoria & Albert’s makes fine dining an attraction in Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

Where the Spa Stars Shine Brightly

In the U.S., the greatest number of Five-Star spas is in: California (9), Florida (5) and Nevada (5). California’s new Five-Star spa is The Spa at Rancho Valencia in San Diego.
Luna y Mar in Los Cabos and The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou mark the first Five-Star spas in their respective destinations.
Globally, cities with the most Five-Star spas include: Macau (8), Hong Kong (5), Las Vegas (5) and Shanghai (4).

ABOUT FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE

How Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings
Complete list of 2018 Forbes Travel Guide award winners

Forbes Travel Guide is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Started as Mobil Travel Guide in 1958, the company created the first Five-Star rating system in the U.S. Today, Forbes Travel Guide’s incognito inspectors travel the world, evaluating properties based on up to 900 rigorous, objective standards. The company’s annual Star Ratings and daily travel stories help travelers select the world’s best luxury experiences. Visit forbestravelguide.com.

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PRESS CONTACTS:

USA OR JERRY INZERILLO
Key Group Worldwide
keygroup.tv
Jaret Keller [email protected]
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INTERNATIONAL
Ruder Finn
ruderfinnasia.com
Tripti Gusain [email protected]
Manali Pattnaik [email protected] +65-91269831

SOURCE Forbes Travel Guide

Upliftv Offers a Chance to Win an All-Inclusive Trip to the Holy Land with the Experience Israel Sweepstakes

February 20, 2018

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Feb. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Upliftv, the leading faith-based network offering inspirational movies, captivating series and documentaries, as well as a variety of TV ministries, is inviting its viewers to enter the Experience Israel Sweepstakes for a chance to win a 7-night all-inclusive tour for two of Jesus’ footsteps through the Holy Land, Israel.

Participating is simple. To enter, all potential candidates must text the word ISRAEL to 94253 or complete the online entry form and accept the official terms and conditions by visiting upliftv.com/Israel. All eligible participants are offered the chance to win a once in a lifetime opportunity of exploring the promised land with a guest of their choosing.

“We are excited to offer to our viewers, and the general public, such an amazing opportunity. Israel has always held a significant importance to Christians from every denomination across the globe. Christianity traces its origins to Jerusalem, it’s where Jesus ministered, and most importantly, where he died for our sins and resurrected,” stated Bob Higley, CEO of Upliftv.

All entries must be submitted by March 31, 2018, at 11:59:59 p.m. EST. The potential prize winner will be selected in a random drawing on April 1, 2018, in accordance with the official rules sponsored by Olympusat, Inc. The Experience Israel Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and Puerto Rico; must be 18 years old or older to participate.

Upliftv is owned and operated by Olympusat, Inc., a leader in the Hispanic television and media space through its 100+ SD and HD Spanish and English-language television networks, and it’s currently available in over 20 million U.S. households on DIRECTV, Buckeye Broadband, Consolidated Communications, Frontier Communications and Hotwire Communications.

For more information on Upliftv’s programming, including tune in dates and times, please visit upliftv.com.

To learn more about Olympusat’s industry-leading efforts, please visit olympusat.com.

Olympusat – Editorial Contact:
Jesús Piñango
561-249-5228
[email protected]

SOURCE Upliftv

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