Airport Hotel

Due to the outbreak, meetings and conferences that would have taken place in person are now on screens. Plans for at least next week have been frozen.

“Everyone is jostling because the awareness is hitting that this new strain is among us and is very contagious even among people who have been vaccinated,” said Gina Hinojosa, an Austin state representative.

On Tuesday morning, the delegation met by video conference with Representative James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, the third House Democrat. Mr Clyburn, Ms Hinojosa said, remains optimistic that the Senate can pass a federal voting rights overhaul before early August, when the current special session of the Texas Legislature will expire. (Mr Abbott has vowed to call a new one if Democrats don’t return by August 6, at the end of the session.)

Mr Clyburn encouraged Texans, they said, to push for a key measure in John Lewis’s voting rights bill – the Justice Department’s preclearance requirements, under which a certain many mainly southern states had to receive federal approval before changing the vote. laws – transferred to the more comprehensive law for the people, which was passed by the House and remains blocked in the Senate.

A representative for Mr. Clyburn did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Later on Tuesday, the Texas Democratic delegation, whose members now undergo daily virus tests, held a virtual press conference, reiterating the long history of battles for civil rights and voting rights and reaffirming their commitment to push Congress and the White House to pass federal legislation.

But the members were confined to pixelated Zoom boxes, and some of them simply had avatars appearing when they spoke, or black boxes with their names half obscured.

“We have a very strong program in terms of continuing outreach to members of Congress,” said State Representative Ron Reynolds, who represents the Houston area. “We are still working diligently through the Covid protocols that we have already put in place. “

PANAMA CITY BEACH – A new hotel is around the corner for an area of ​​the beach dominated by high rise condos.

Located east of Pier Park on Front Beach Road, is an active construction site for Embassy Suites by Hilton, a 255-room hotel run by the St. Joe Company that will include a swimming pool, meeting space, and gym and restaurant.

It was inaugurated last August and is expected to open next year.

“I think a lot of people find it a little easier to travel to hotels than to condos because all the management is under one roof,” said David Demarest, spokesperson for the hospitality for St. Joe. “Each piece is also uniform and meets the same standards. Instead of going into a scenario where you’re not sure what you’re going to get, in which case you know you’re getting a high-end product.”

Fly high! Hilton Garden Inn opens first dedicated hotel at Bay County Airport

After:St. Joe has undertaken 22 projects, spent over $ 100 million, since Hurricane Michael

He also said St. Joe currently has two hotels open in Bay County – TownePlace Suites and Hilton Garden Inn – with three under construction. They include Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, and Hotel Indigo.

The Hilton Garden Inn opened on July 9 near the intersection of Venture Crossings Boulevard and West Bay Parkway, less than a mile from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Demarest said it was already around 80% busy within a week.

He expected Embassy Suites to experience a similar type of request.

“It gives us a hotel where people want to be,” Demarest said. “It’s installed where people can come on vacation and they don’t have to drive a lot.”

Mayor Mark Sheldon agreed that the hotel is a “great opportunity” for the city as it is within walking distance of Pier Park, arguably in the heart of Panama City Beach.

This will reduce traffic on the roads which become very congested during the peak tourist season.

“We are really excited about the future of this hotel,” said Sheldon. “(It) absolutely fills a need as Panama City Beach continues to be a very busy destination.”

He also said partnerships with private companies like St. Joe, which owns large land in Bay County, are essential to spur the city’s long-term development and success.

One of these developments is Philip Griffitts Sr. Parkway, a limited access highway extending from State 79 to Nautilus Street, which was built on land donated by St. Joe. The road was designed to facilitate traffic on the Panama City Beach Parkway near Pier Park.

It was built through a public-private partnership between PCB, Bay County, the Florida Department of Transportation and St. Joe.

“There are so many developments to come that Panama City Beach will continue to thrive thanks to the excellent partnership from (St. Joe’s),” said Sheldon. “I know that Panama City Beach could not achieve any of the developments that (…) come without the partnerships (with) private entities.”

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The federal government announced Monday that effective August 9, fully immunized U.S. citizens and permanent residents currently residing in the United States can travel to Canada for non-essential purposes.

As of the same date, the government-authorized hotel quarantine requirement will be removed for all travelers, allowing unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers to travel directly to their quarantine location for 14 days.

Pre-departure COVID-19 testing will be required regardless of vaccination status, but on August 9, testing will transition to a mandatory, randomized pattern upon entry to Canada for fully vaccinated travelers.

“This change allows us to focus our efforts on unvaccinated travelers, while keeping track of new variants,” Health Minister Patty Hajdu said at a press conference on Monday.

On September 7, fully vaccinated travelers from any country will be allowed to come to Canada for non-essential purposes, with proof of vaccination.

A traveler is considered fully vaccinated after receiving a full set of COVID-19 vaccines authorized by Health Canada at least 14 days before entering the country. Unvaccinated children under 12 and dependent children (due to mental or physical condition) of fully immunized travelers do not need to be quarantined for 14 days, but should avoid groups such as summer camps, daycares and schools for 14 days.

On August 9, Transport Canada will also remove the requirement for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to perform pre-boarding temperature control of passengers on all domestic flights and international departures, as well as airport employees.

As of the same date, international flights will be permitted to land at the following five additional Canadian airports, in addition to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport and Vancouver International Airport:

• Halifax Stanfield International Airport;

• Quebec Jean-Lesage International Airport;

• Ottawa Macdonald – Cartier International Airport;

• Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport; and

• Edmonton International Airport.

Travelers coming to Canada, in addition to the pre-departure testing requirement, must provide their information, including proof of vaccination, prior to departure electronically via ArriveCAN, and must be asymptomatic upon arrival. Each traveler should also have a hard or digital copy of their vaccination documents in English or French (or a certified translation, with the original) to show to the border officer upon request.

The story continues

Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, confirmed that all travelers must present an appropriate quarantine plan, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet all the conditions to be exempted from quarantine.

“Without this proof of vaccination submitted in advance via ArriveCAN, foreign nationals traveling for non-essential purposes will not be allowed to board a flight to Canada,” Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said Monday.

Can Canadians travel to the United States?

Blair pointed out that while Canada will ease restrictions allowing U.S. citizens and permanent residents to travel to Canada for non-essential purposes, the U.S. has not announced reciprocal rules yet.

Blair confirmed that he spoke to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who indicated that current restrictions on inbound Canadian travelers to the United States will “likely be rolled over” on July 21 and that he is not. planned to bring about change.

“The anticipated start date of August 9 for fully immunized US citizens and permanent residents is a recognition and recognition of our shared border and close relationship with the United States,” said Blair. “This will provide an opportunity to test our processes and ensure they are effective in maintaining the health and safety of Canadians.

Ban on flights from India continues

Alghabra also confirmed that the current ban on direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India is extended by 30 days, until August 30.

“This extension is based on advice received from the Public Health Agency of Canada and will best protect Canadians against further introduction of the Delta variant, which is prevalent in India,” he said.

The 12-year-old boy and his mother returned from overseas and quarantined in Sydney before heading to Queensland this month, where they raised fears of a devastating outbreak after testing positive with the same strain of the virus that is currently wreaking havoc in New South Wales.

It was initially revealed by Queensland Public Health Chief Jeannette Young that the couple arrived from the United States on June 21 and left quarantine on July 5, causing confusion as to where they had been. potentially exposed to the virus given they had only arrived north on July 9.

Read more

But Queensland Health told NCA NewsWire early details were incorrect. The mother and son left the United States on June 21 and entered quarantine on June 23 after the long journey to Sydney.

The couple then decided to extend their stay in quarantine at the hotel from the mandatory 14 days to 16 days to avoid the deterioration of the epidemic in Sydney.

The extension meant that mother and son could transit directly from the facility on their flight to Queensland to avoid exposure and also the need to re-enter quarantine upon arrival in the northern state.

They arrived in Queensland on July 9, saw a doctor on July 10, and the 12-year-old boy and his father, who had not traveled to the United States, tested positive on July 11 and infected with the mother was confirmed the next day.

The boy’s father unknowingly worked at a financial services company in Maroochydore while contagious, raising fears of a possible epidemic in the community, but the cluster has so far been limited to three family members.

Health officials confirmed to NCA NewsWire that the couple had been hosted by one of the state’s quarantine facilities and that they were investigating a possible transmission within the site.

NSW Health can confirm that a child, who tested positive for COVID-19 several days after arriving home in Queensland, and his mother stayed in a quarantine hotel and special health accommodation in Sydney after arriving from the United States, “he said in a statement.

“Both tested negative for COVID-19 before departure and transited directly from the hotel to the airport on July 9 on their way to Brisbane.

“Investigations are continuing to find out where possible transmission may have occurred. “

Queensland Health listed high-risk exposure alerts at a medical center and pharmacy in Maroochydore after discovering the case, prompting Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk to extend restrictions and mandatory mask wear until Friday from this week.

But the state has now gone a number of days without a new locally acquired case.

Read more

A fishing vessel carrying 16 sailors with Covid-19 arrived at Lyttelton port and 13 crew members were taken to managed isolation and quarantine in Christchurch (MIQ).

About three sailors from Lyttelton Port encountered the ship just before 9 a.m. on Sunday, wearing full PPE, including masks and shields.

A tent had been pitched and two buses were waiting at the platform. New Zealand Defense Force personnel and health officials wore masks and gloves.

Of the 18 crew members – believed to be Indonesian nationals – of the Spanish-flagged vessel, 13 were taken to MIQ at the Sudima Hotel near Christchurch Airport on two buses escorted by police.

READ MORE:
* A ship with 16 sailors infected with Covid is now expected to dock in Christchurch on Sunday
* Vessel carrying confirmed cases of Covid-19 docked at Christchurch port
* Covid-19: Confirmation of 15 cases of Covid-19 on Viking Bay, moored in Wellington

The Sudima hotel has a wing dedicated to quarantine with 28 rooms.

The Spanish-flagged vessel was not fishing in New Zealand waters and was heading for Taranaki to change crew. The current crew underwent Covid testing on Tuesday after 15 recent flu-like symptoms were reported.

The ship started heading from Taranaki to Christchurch on Thursday and the Department of Health later confirmed 16 crew members had the Covid-19.

On Friday, the ministry confirmed that three crew members had the highly infectious Delta variant.

Health officials said that after discovering that the virus had spread rapidly through the foreign ship, “we felt this was the best step to take to offer managed isolation and quarantine. [spots]”.

A spokesperson for Environment Canterbury said on Friday that a pilot on a pilot ship would steer the ship alongside, maintaining radio contact, and a second pilot would be on a tug following the ship in case that was necessary.

Normally, a pilot would board the ship to guide them, but this would not happen in this case due to the risk of exposing the pilot to the virus.

All plans for the health, transportation and safety of seafarers were in place “with minimal risk to the public,” ministry officials said.

Due to Article 4 of the Health (Quarantine) Law, seafarers were not responsible for the cost of stay at MIQ.

A spokesperson for Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins said they would discuss with the shipping company a contribution to the costs of stay in quarantine.

Health officials said they were also talking to the shipping company about it.

National Covid-19 response spokesperson Chris Bishop said sailors should pay for their stay, not the government.

The government has released the schedule that Hanimaadhoo International Airport will be developed.

According to the schedule released by the Ministry of Economy, the detailed project report and prequalification process are now complete. The tendering process will begin on July 31 and is expected to be completed by August 30. Contracts will be awarded for the development of the airport on September 29 and the project is expected to be completed by June 29, 2023.

The development of Hanimaadhoo airport is being financed under an $ 800 million line of credit program from India’s EXIM bank. The main components of the project will be carried out by Indian companies. The government has announced that it will expand the current airport boundaries by adding 853,937 square feet of land. However, the island’s council and its residents have expressed concern about this.

Economy Minister Fayyaz Ismail has previously said that if citizens have concerns about the extension of the airport’s boundaries, changes can be made to the airport’s plans. In this regard, the construction of a transit hotel on the additional land may be omitted from the project. The terrain is the most important for extending the track, and the track will be extended by 2,460 meters in the first phase, Fayyaz said. Further extensions are planned in ten years, but if the island’s council does not wish to grant land for the project, the airport will have to be moved to another location, Fayyaz said. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and secure the land in advance, the minister said.

The UK’s traffic light system is set to change again as more countries come under tighter travel restrictions.

Although Freedom Day is fast approaching, some countries have been closed to British travelers.

Currently, the government is forcing Britons to self-isolate for 10 days if traveling from amber countries.

READ MORE: The 12 countries that could be added to the green list, including Italy and Germany

If you are staying in a Red List country, you must be isolated for 10 days before returning to England.

Once in the country, anyone returning from Red List countries must stay in a quarantine hotel for an additional 10 days.

Further changes to the government traffic light system are expected today (Thursday, July 15) and four more countries have been added to the red list – Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sierra Leone – which means that travelers returning to the UK from these destinations will be required to remain in government-approved hotel quarantine for ten days.

The Balearic Islands were removed from the Green List to the Amber List last night just weeks after coming under lighter restrictions.

But popular European destinations such as Italy and Bulgaria could be added to the England travel green list after the next review.

Here are the latest tips for traveling to and from the United States, Dubai, Thailand, South Africa, and Japan:

United States

The United States is on the government’s orange list, so we shouldn’t be traveling there.

As of March 16, 2020, Britons are not allowed to travel to the United States if they have been in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Schengen area, Iran, Brazil or China within the 14 days previous ones.

On January 30, 2021, South Africa was added.

If you are traveling to the United States, you must self-isolate for 10 days upon your return.

Dubai

The UAE has now been placed on the government’s red list, which means travelers will face around 40 ten-day hotels.

Previously, visitors to Dubai had to have a Covid-19 PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure and presentation of the certificate at check-in.

Travelers arriving in Dubai were also required to undergo another COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival and will need to self-isolate while awaiting the result of the COVID-19 PCR test.

Upon returning to the UK, travelers to Dubai will be required to self-isolate for ten days.

Due to an increased number of cases in the region, travel to Dubai is not permitted and the rules for the UAE may change depending on the region.

Japan

Unless you’re competing in the Olympics, you probably won’t be going to Japan anytime soon.

But Japan is now on the orange list of travelers from the UK.

But the Japanese government said only Britons in special exceptional circumstances would be allowed to enter Japan.

If they fall into this very rare condition, they will have to self-quarantine in a hotel upon their return to the UK.

Thailand

Most travelers to Thailand, including all UK nationals from the UK, are required to complete a 14-day quarantine in a state quarantine or Alternative State Quarantine Facility (ASQ) .

In these establishments, you will normally not be allowed to leave your room, except for medical treatment or Covid-19 testing.

Thailand is currently on the government’s orange list, so visitors will need to self-quarantine for ten days upon their return to England.

Maldives

Direct flights from the Maldives to England were banned until June 8 and can now only fly to specific locations.

Direct flights can arrive in England from the Maldives, but they must arrive at dedicated terminals at Heathrow and Birmingham airports.

The Maldives are currently on the government’s red list, which means visitors must pay to self-quarantine when they return to England.

Rainy day stay at The Peninsula

AS MANILA slowly drifts into the rainy season, one cannot be blamed for expecting pleasant and peaceful times inside. And there’s probably no better way to experience Manila’s thunderstorms than with The Peninsula Manila’s “Happy Rainy Days at The Pen” room package.

Here is a list of “Happy Rainy Days at The Pen” room package inclusions that will lift your spirits on a cloudy day stay: a rainy-day retreat to a newly refurbished deluxe room (or an upgrade to a suite) ) with personalized service amid beautiful interiors (a maximum of two adults and two children aged five and under are allowed in a room); breakfast at the Lobby with local and international specialties such as pork tocino, daing na bangus, and longganisa or pancakes, birch muesli, and other treats you never really have at home; The classic Peninsula afternoon tea (which can be shared by two), served daily in the lobby, accompanied by Martin Avila who tones the piano keys daily in the upper lobby (the afternoon for two can also be served in the room); and, surprisingly, ice cream on a rainy day, as adult guests who book the room package can choose two pints from The Peninsula Boutique’s new line of alcohol infused ice cream and sorbet (families with children can opt for two pints of ice milk (fruit and nut ice cream creations instead) which can be enjoyed in the room or in the lobby.

Customers can enjoy welcome amenities made in the Philippines for children and adults at Looking for Juan – an online social enterprise store that houses socially relevant and art-infused merchandise that is the result of years of collaborative efforts with Filipino creatives to promote children’s literacy, explore national identity and raise awareness the public to art, culture, and the environment. For each confirmed stay, the hotel and Looking for Juan will donate two books to children in disadvantaged communities.

Rates for this July-August stay start at P9,000 for a deluxe room, excluding taxes. For inquiries or more information on the room package, call 8887-2888 (main line), ext. 6630 (Room reservations), e-mail [email protected], visit the site peninsula.com, or via PenChat, The Peninsula Manila’s 24 hour electronic concierge service using this link: https://bit.ly/PenChatFacebook.

Safe getaways at Lio Beach

LIO ESTATE Resorts presents its e-commerce platform for travelers who wish to visit the resorts of El Nido. The new online program offers convenient booking, flexible modification and cancellation, as well as exclusive discounts on one website. Lio Beach sees digitization as an essential step towards the resumption of tourism in accordance with safety standards, and simplifies the travel planning experience by displaying only the best available deals, available dates and travel requirements.

Ayala Land’s first sustainable urban development in El Nido, Lio has its own airport which connects it to Manila and other destinations. It has become a self-sustaining seaside town with hotels, resorts, and commercial establishments along a 4.2 km coastline, as well as nature trails and lagoons overseen by certified environmental stewards.

Among the packages that travelers can now take advantage of online are: the Huni Lio Travel Bubble Package (approved by the Ministry of Tourism), which includes end-to-end travel solutions such as pre-arranged RT-PCR swab tests, a dedicated carrier by AirSWIFT, a four-day to three-night stay in Huni Lio and a low density nature activities as part of the “Be Green, Be Clean” enhanced care program; the Casa Kalaw Leisure Travel Package, designed for solo travelers or small groups who prefer to explore at their own pace, it offers accommodation from three days to two nights, daily breakfast, and free access to amenities and activities beach recreation (antigen testing is required for guests coming from Palawan); and, Work From Paradise Long-Term Stays, a special program program which combines a beach setting and being connected to work. He follows a Travel Bubble format and includes accommodation in Balai Adlao, round-trip airport transfers, lounge access, discounts on use of LTE pocket Wi-Fi and use of Seda Lio’s pool and gym.

The estate’s restaurants are open, as is access to ATMs, the estate’s clinic and a wet and dry mobile market. For more information, log on to www.lio.ph or email [email protected].

Park Inn by Radisson opens in Bacolod

THE RADISSON Hotel Group has opened a Park Inn by Radisson hotel in Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental province. The family-run Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod hotel is located in the SM City Bacolod Mall, providing guests with instant access to numerous retail locations, grocery stores, entertainment facilities and the SMX Convention Center .

The establishment has 150 modern rooms ranging from 25 to 49 m², including superior rooms, deluxe rooms and junior suites. All bedrooms come with king-size or twin beds, en-suite bathrooms, and amenities such as bedside USB ports and free Wi-Fi. There are separate outdoor pools for adults and children, in-room spa services, a fitness center, and a jogging track. The hotel offers guests a choice of four restaurants and bars: Arima, an all-day dining destination that serves a wide range of international dishes; DASH, the “Grab & Go” concept on the ground floor; Lobby Lounge, a casual cafe and juice bar; and Marapara Plaza, an outdoor venue specializing in comfort food and cold drinks. Guests can also visit Art Cove, the hotel gallery dedicated to showcasing the work of local artists and photographers with regular exhibitions.

For business travelers and meeting planners, the Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod has three function rooms suitable for a variety of events, including business meetings, training sessions and press briefings, the all supported by audiovisual equipment and professional services.

Radisson Hotel Group now operates five Park Inn by Radisson properties in the Philippines, located in Clark, Davao, Iloilo City, North EDSA (Quezon City) and Bacolod, as well as an upscale Radisson Blu hotel in Cebu City.

Hotel discounts for safe stays

UNIVERSAL bank EastWest makes stays more interesting for its credit card holders thanks to discounts and exclusive advantages with its hotel partners. EastWest credit card holders have access to special benefits at a wide selection of hotels:

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar – Offers 40% off the published rates on all standard rooms and Casas, breakfast for two included, walking tour, kalesa and Tranvia rides, beach and pool access, and Wi-Fi. Groups of four can benefit from Beach Perfect packages which, in addition to their corresponding rooms and standard inclusions, also offer the use of the beach hut with 2,000 P credits at Dapitan Bar, 1,000 meal credits in all major food and drink. points of sale (F&B) and P1 500.00 credits for nautical activities. All guests are also entitled to a free aperitif with an F&B purchase of at least 1,500 P.

Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas and Resort – Offer 30% off its villas with breakfast, welcome refreshments, 24/7 butler service and exclusive access to the resort and its partner facilities. Customers will also benefit from a 15% reduction on their total F&B bill at the Ambassador’s Reception and the Nicci Pool Bar and Lounge.

Discovery Primea (for stays in quarantine) – Offers a free box of Tapenade Pizza for guests who stay in an Executive Suite for a minimum of seven nights, while those who stay in a Primea Suite for a minimum of seven nights will receive two Tapenade pizza boxes.

Taal Vista Hotel – Offers room rates as low as P 4,300 per night with a buffet breakfast for two and a welcome kit with face masks, sanitizer, and alcohol wipes. You can also enjoy a 10% discount at the Veranda and Taza restaurants for à la carte meals, as well as a 20% discount at the Veranda buffet on Saturdays and Sundays.

Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa – Offers 30% off published room rates with breakfast and roundtrip transfers for two people with a minimum stay of two nights, with 10% off the total bill of F&B and 10% reduction on the Narra spa services.

Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel – Offer 30% off published rates for rooms with breakfast for two people, plus 10% off F&B bill total.

Two Seasons Boracay Resort – Offers 30% off published rates for rooms with breakfast for two people, plus 10% off total F&B bill.

Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay – Offers a four-day / three-night all-inclusive vacation package including round-trip private plane travel via AirTaxi.PH. Offer includes stay in Signature Beach Front Villa, daily breakfast for two, P7,000 Resort Credits which can be used for meals, AUM Spa and sports and leisure activities, 15% off sports and leisure activities and the AUM spa, and 50% off a selection of drinks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at J’s Pool Bar.

The District Boracay – Offers a four day / three night stay in a Deluxe Room starting at P4,900 per night and includes breakfast, massage and round trip transfer to and from Caticlan Airport for two . Guests can also enjoy 10% off all F&B outlets for a minimum spend of 1,000 pesos as well as 10% off Upperhouse Spa services.

Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort – Offers 30% off published rates for rooms with breakfast for two people. Guests can also enjoy 15% off meals and breakfast, 5 +1 off day packages and 20% off Amuma spa services, as well as a one-time 15% Amuma Sampler massage. minutes.

Bluewater Sumilon Beach Resort – Offers 30% off published rates for rooms with breakfast and dinner for two as well as round-trip boat transfers. Customers can also take advantage of 15% off F&B packages and 5 + 1 off day packages.

Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort – Offers 30% off published rates on rooms with breakfast for two people. Customers can also take advantage of 15% off F&B and 5 + 1 on day passes.

Acacia Hotel Davao – Offers its deluxe room at P4,500 per night including breakfast for two and offers 10% savings on the total F&B bill.

For more information on these hotel promotions, visit bit.ly/EWBCreditCardPromos.

PANAMA CITY BEACH – Visitors have a new, more convenient place to stay when traveling through Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP).

The Hilton Garden Inn opened on Thursday, near the intersection of Venture Crossings Boulevard and West Bay Parkway. The development was led by the St. Joe Company and is the first hotel to open near the airport.

It has over 140 rooms, meeting space, swimming pool, fitness center and full service restaurant.

“It’s great for our community and great for the airport,” said Parker McClellan, Executive Director of ECP. “This will provide an advantage to our passengers for early morning departures, as well as late evening arrivals. Early morning departures will not be (similar) so early if you stay at the hotel.”

St. Joe Company:inaugurates the first airport hotel

After:St. Joe plans to open Hilton Garden Inn near PCB Airport next summer

While the hotel is convenient for tourists, David Demarest, spokesperson for St. Joe’s hospitality industry, said it would also benefit the local economy by making it easier to visit Bay County on trips to ‘business.

The hotel is located about 12 miles from Pier Park, arguably the heart of the beach, and about 7 miles from Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, a Jimmy-Buffett themed community geared towards those 55 and over.

“The airport is going to be an important aspect of how people visit the area and how people do business in the area,” Demarest said. “No one has a hotel within probably 10 miles.”

According to Katja Chatfield, the hotel’s general manager, the property welcomed its first guest within three hours of opening at 2 p.m. Thursday. That number rose to around 20 later that night.

Chatfield added that the hotel is open to everyone, not just those passing through the airport.

“If you are on a plane or taking family or friends to the airport, you can’t miss us,” she said. “If you’re going to the airport for anything, we’re right here… a nice, shiny new dime.”

Among the first wave of guests to stay at the hotel was Ian Andrzejewski, who came to install the computer software used to manage the hotel’s bar and restaurant.

Andrzejewski said he travels around the country often and virtually every airport has a hotel nearby for guests.

He noted that the airport restaurant, Garden Grille & Bar, is about double the size of restaurants he has visited at other Hilton Garden Inns. It is not only open to guests, but to all members of the community.

“Having an airport a short drive or walk from (a hotel) is very convenient for overnight stays, for layering, for business travelers,” Andrzejewski said. “I think it will be great for the local business community and for anyone who passes by.”

Panama City Beach Mayor Mark Sheldon said the Hilton Garden Inn would be “a launching pad” for the construction of other hotels around the ECP, which continues to experience steady growth and has surpassed the million mark. passengers for the first time in 2019.

Sheldon said he expects more hotels in the area to be announced later this year.

“Having more accommodation options near our busy airport gives more flexibility to everyone in the region,” he wrote in an email. “It also results in more activity for people out of state who have an early morning flight to stay overnight near the airport.”