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🏠 Marriott International expands its branded residence market presence in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) with 70 projects, including 43 signed agreements and 27 opened properties. In the past two years, 26 new agreements were signed, doubling the previous two years' tally. Highlights include St. Regis Residences in Spain and W Residences at Dubai Harbour. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, will feature 200 residences with yacht docking facilities.

🏠 In Fontainebleau, less than an hour from Paris, the Hôtel & Spa Napoléon offers 51 rooms and suites, notably the coveted 111 with a terrace. Historically, 34 kings and 2 emperors chose Fontainebleau Castle as a retreat. The hotel, located on Rue Grande with a neoclassical facade, features an Empire style decoration including portraits of Napoleon, and a central courtyard garden. Its restaurant Empreinte is run by a duo of young chefs.

🚌 Strasbourg's tramway users can now monitor real-time crowd levels thanks to Affluences' 6-month experiment begun after Paris and Lyon initiatives. Using AI and cameras at Etoile Bourse station, the system evaluates tram occupancy across 5 levels and displays it for travelers at Porte de l'Hôpital station. Data privacy is ensured as faces are blurred, with no storage of video during the entire experiment, complying with GDPR.

🏠 The renovated 3 Mazarium, a historical site for coin minting since 1789, now offers 1590 m² of flexible space dedicated to art and exchange, including the Grande Halle, Salle de la Tour, and Auditorium André et Liliane Bettencourt (350 seats). Architect Marc Barani revamped the site in 2014, incorporating eco-responsible event planning. Châteauform’ Event, known for personalized professional events, emphasizes responsible gastronomy with partner NOMAD, awarded for their commitment to creative and sustainable cuisine.

🏖️ Launched in late October, the mobile app Gaided is an AI-powered voice-activated travel assistant. Méric Settembre, co-founder and CEO, aims to make Gaided the ultimate travel companion. Gaided differs from other apps with its ability to provide natural voice information about places of interest without predefined routes, utilizing GPS and generative AI to synthesize information from sources like Wikipedia. With over 2000 downloads in three weeks, the app is available on Apple and Android in 6 languages. Plans for 2025 include a funding round to expand the team and develop new features.

🏡 In a €157.5 million deal, InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace and the Anglo American Hotel Florence have been financed. The 5-star InterContinental Rome, with 160 rooms and suites, reopened in 2023 after a complete renovation. The Anglo American Hotel, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, offers 118 rooms and reopened in April 2024 following a two-year refurbishment. Asset management company Castello SGR manages €4.3 billion, with over 70 funds and more than 400 properties.

📅 The 5th edition of the Grand Live du Voyage d'Affaires, organized by CDS in partnership with IFTM, is set for January 16, 2025. It is an anniversary event celebrating its establishment as a key live event for the Business Travel sector, fostering exchange and sharing among industry decision-makers, experts, and players. The event will address market evolution and offer high-value content for professionals. Topics will include buyer expectations, business hotel barometer, consolidation, TMCs, train competition, RSE, business travel payment costs, and consultant perspectives for 2025.

🎄 Hôtel de Crillon hosts its Christmas Market for the third consecutive year on December 7-8, 2024. Open to the public in its historic Salons, the event showcases a curated selection of brands reflecting French Art de Vivre. Visitors can explore wellness, fashion, accessories, and children’s sections, with elegant, high-quality French-crafted items ideal for Christmas gifts. Chef Pâtissier Matthieu Carlin presents his Christmas collection, featuring exquisite and delicious creations.

💰 On a key Monday, the CFTC validated the signing of three national interprofessional agreements concerning Unemployment Insurance, senior employment, and social dialogue. This occurred almost exactly one year after the CFTC signed the last unemployment insurance agreement, now endorsing not just one but three ANIs. Amidst a one-month express negotiation, to prevent the government from potentially tightening unemployment regulations, the CFTC secured a significant achievement for senior employment: the option for progressive retirement starting at 60 instead of 62. Additionally, employers must provide a written and motivated justification in case of refusal.

🏨 Ginto Hôtels expands with acquisition of 4-star, 53-room boutique hotel Pilgrim in Paris' Latin Quarter (75005), featuring a rooftop, spa, hammam, pool, fitness room, cocktail bar, and patio. Awarded at the 10th "Prix Paris Shop & Design" in October. The second Parisian and 6th overall property for Ginto, Pilgrim aims for a €4.5M turnover in its first year. Founders, Brice de Puymorin, Emmanuelle Pochat, and Julien Kiefer, partner with the Arnaud family for the first time.