Latest news with #Marrakech

Travel Weekly
18 hours ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Intrepid Travel acquires hotels in Tasmania and Morocco
Intrepid Travel has acquired boutique properties in Tasmania and Marrakech. The family-run Edge of the Bay, located near the town of Coals Bay in Tasmania, is a 20-room coastal resort that overlooks Wineglass Bay. The property is on 18 acres and close to Freycinet National Park. The hotel offers oceanview studios and secluded chalets. The resort will be refreshed to align with Intrepid's "impact-led ethos," the company said in its announcement. The revamp will include nature-based activities and environmental education programs developed with Greening Australia, an Intrepid Foundation partner and environmental organization founded to restore and conserve Australia's native vegetation. Intrepid also plans to work with the Palawa people, the indigenous inhabitants of the land, to conduct a cultural heritage assessment of the property. Intrepid also bought a 17-room riad in Marrakech, minutes from Medina, the city's old town. The traditional Moroccan guesthouse opened this month and offers culinary experiences with The Amal Association, a nonprofit that trains women in hospitality. Intrepid will fully operate the property beginning in July. "Our approach to accommodation is underpinned by a commitment to preserving culture, fostering connection, supporting communities and boosting travel's economic contribution with the local community," said Intrepid CEO James Thornton. The 20-room Edge of the Bay resort near Coals Bay in Tasmania. Photo Credit: Intrepid Travel Intrepid said last year that it was accelerating its expansion into hotels. It aims to acquire 20 properties by 2027. The brand hopes to acquire properties in Asia, Africa and the Americas, adding to its previous acquisition of Daintree Ecolodge in Australia and its multiyear lease of a Vietnam hotel. Since acquiring Daintree Ecolodge in Queensland, Australia, Intrepid said it has introduced solar power, advanced wastewater treatment, composting and vegetable gardens while eliminating single-use plastics. The lodge is certified as a B Corp, which means it has met high standards of social and environmental performance.


The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Celeb SAS in huge shake-up for new star-studded series as bosses blow the budget
CELEBRITY SAS: Who Dares Wins is set for a major shake-up in its star-studded next series - as bosses blow the budget. The hit Channel 4 show - which launched in 2015 - puts a group of ordinary people through a tough quasi military training course. 3 3 3 Although the civilian version ended in 2023, the celebrity iteration has continued on. The Sun can reveal a shake-up will see the next series take place in a new location. A show insider said: 'Last series, there was a bit of a cash crisis at Channel 4 so the series shunned exotic locales and filmed in Wales. !Bosses made it work but it felt like it wasn't on as big a scale as when they have filmed in foreign climes, so for the next series, execs are blowing the budget and pushing the boat out to film in Marrakech instead. "It's more expensive but will look amazing on camera.' The Sun has contacted a rep for comment. Earlier this year, The Sun revealed how Celebrity SAS had been saved from the axe - after bosses had considered quietly ending the series. But after seeing footage of the upcoming series, execs couldn't let it go. A TV insider revealed: 'Channel 4 never officially announced that Celebrity SAS had been dropped, but behind closed doors, they had decided not to bring it back — at least for the time being. 'It's an expensive show to make, as far as reality shows go, and budgets have been tightened.' Celeb SAS Who Dares Wins winners revealed The most recent series was completed by Love Island star Georgia Harrison and boxer Lani Daniels. It also featured reality star Pete Wicks - while airing concurrently with his stin t in Strictly Come Dancing. The source added: 'They filmed a series in 2024, which will air later in 2025, and that was quietly considered to be the last one they would make. 'However, it's a beloved franchise and they have had a last-minute change of heart after doing the edit for the unaired series that's in the can.' However, the show's future was put back on track with the next course to be filmed later this year and air in 2026. Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins winners Many celebrities have attempted the infamous Channel 4 quasi military training course - but only a select few have successfully passed. Series 2 (2020) - Locksmith and Lauren Steadman Series 3 (2021) - Alexandra Burke, Aled Davies and Wes Nelson Series 4 (2022) - AJ Pritchard, Calum Best, Ferne McCann and Maisie Smith Series 5 (2023) - Gareth Gates The hit series originally featured Ant Middleton as Head Instructor from 2015 to 2021. Since his departure, Mark "Billy" Billingham has taken over that position. Other Directing Staff (DS) includes Jason "Foxy" Fox, Rudy Reyes and Chris Oliver.


Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Morocco Rising Stars to shine spotlight on future talent of Asian Development Tour
The Asian Development Tour (ADT) is set to debut in Morocco in 2025 with two back-to-back events in Marrakech, marking a significant milestone for golf in the Kingdom. Under the effective presidency of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation (RMGF) has entered into a new three-year partnership with the ADT, the satellite tour of the Asian Tour. The agreement will bring two professional tournaments to the country each year. The events, co-sanctioned by the Arab Golf Federation and collectively called 'Morocco Rising Stars -Marrakech', will be held from Thursday, June 19-22 at Samanah Golf Club and from June 26-29 at Al Maaden Golf Resort in 2025. On this occasion, Mustapha Zine, Vice President of the RMGF, stated: 'Hosting the Asian Development Tour for the first time marks a new milestone for professional golf in Morocco. Through the Morocco Rising Stars - Marrakech, we are not only offering an international competition platform but also a real opportunity for growth for our talents. 'Moreover, the inclusion of two of our courses in the tour calendar illustrates the recognition of the quality of our infrastructure and golfing ecosystem.' he added: 'This new initiative is fully aligned with the high Ddirectives of our President, who aims to make Morocco a true global golf hub, capable of hosting major professional tournaments while supporting the rise of a new generation of Moroccan golfers.' These events will give up-and-coming Moroccan players a unique opportunity to test their skills against international competition and to progress toward the highest levels of the sport. The tournaments will also serve as a stepping stone to the International Series Morocco, slated for Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat from July 3-6, 2025. Cho Minn Thant, CEO of the Asian Tour, said: 'In recent years, the Asian Tour has made regular visits to Morocco, and the time has come for the Asian Development Tour to make its first appearance. 'This is a landmark moment, the result of collaboration with key partners such as the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, the Hassan II Golf Trophy Association, and the Arab Golf Federation. We share their vision of strengthening golf in the region to help shape the next generation of professional golfers.' 'We would also like to thank Samanah Golf Club and Al Maaden Golf Resort, two wonderful new venues our members will enjoy in one of the world's most inspiring cities. The Morocco Rising Stars -Marrakech events mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Asian Development Tour, one that will open the door to incredible new opportunities.' With players expected from over 25 nations across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and Oceania, these two summer events promise to be highlighted on the golf calendar - further strengthening Morocco's reputation as a world-renowned destination for golf, while boosting the local economy, tourism, and sporting life.


Zawya
10-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Italy's SITE wins €140mln contracts for Morocco's high-speed rail expansion
Italian engineering company SITE announced on Monday that it has secured two contracts valued at over €140 million from Morocco's national railway operator, Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) for the new high-speed rail line linking Kénitra to Marrakech. SITE has been appointed as the system integrator for the 400-kilometre rail corridor's telecommunications, power supply, and cybersecurity systems, the company said in a press statement. The project is split into two main technology packages: GSM-R mobile telecommunications and rail signaling systems. The signaling package has been awarded to a consortium led by Compagnie des Signaux, and comprising SITE and GCF. As part of its scope, SITE will oversee: • Design and implementation of the GSM-R telecommunications system; • A high-capacity DWDM data transmission network; • Cybersecurity architecture for all systems; • Power systems design and commissioning, along with civil works. SITE said these will be integrated and fully interoperable with the ERTMS Level 2 signaling standard, supporting train speeds of up to 320 km/h. SITE's cybersecurity solutions will span all critical systems, reflecting the company's strategic focus on safeguarding vital infrastructure. The Kénitra–Marrakech line is part of Morocco's national rail development strategy, which aims to: • Build 1,300 km of high-speed rail and 3,800 km of medium-speed lines; • Expand service coverage to 43 cities from the current 23; • Extend rail access to 87 percentt of the population. The new high-speed line will connect strategic intermodal and airport hubs, including Casablanca and Marrakech, as well as stadiums such as Moulay Abdellah and Hassan II, and contribute to the country's infrastructure readiness for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. (Writing by Majda Muhsen; Editing by Anoop Menon) (


Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Georgia Toffolo puts on a leggy display in a chic blue mini dress as she shares snaps from romantic Marrakech getaway with husband James Watt
Georgia Toffolo took to Instagram on Thursday to share a slew of stunning snaps from her romantic Marrakech getaway with husband James Watt. In one snap, the TV personality, 30, looked incredible in a chic blue mini dress that showcased her long, toned legs. She added height with a pair of gold strappy heels and carried a mini blue handbag that perfectly matched her ensemble. Meanwhile, her husband James, 43, who is the former CEO of BrewDog, cut a smart-casual figure in a white linen shirt and cream tailored trousers as he posed alongside Georgia. In another eye-catching snap, Georgia slipped into a skimpy red bikini as she lounged on a sunbed next to her shirtless husband. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The blonde beauty playfully stuck out her tongue for the camera while posing with a plate of food. During their four-day stay, the couple also dressed to the nines for an evening out. In one glamorous photo, Georgia showed off her washboard abs in a stylish black co-ord set, featuring a crop top and a figure-hugging skirt. Meanwhile, James opted for a smart dark blue shirt and beige trousers, smiling broadly for the camera. In another image, Georgia wore a chic white linen co-ord that offered a glimpse of her toned midriff. She completed the look with a brown suede bag, trendy black sunglasses, and a headscarf as she explored the city. For her next outfit of the day, Georgia chose a white pleated mini dress with a delicately embroidered floral hem. Later, she looked effortlessly stylish in a white frilly top paired with blue denim jeans, posing up a storm at the resort. In another image, Georgia wore a chic white linen co-ord that offered a glimpse of her toned midriff Sharing the highlights and challenges of her trip, Georgia captioned the post: 'My honest thoughts on Marrakech… 'It blows my mind that you can hop on a plane and just over 3 hours later land somewhere this magical. No jet lag (an actual dream), just the most amazing culture and people. 'What I LOVED… ♥️ The vibe: It feels like stepping into another world. From the terracotta walls to the scent of spices in the air, pure sensory bliss. We stayed in the most heavenly riad with breathtaking interiors. 'The food: Moroccan cuisine is next level. Tagines, couscous, and sweet mint tea. I basically ate my way through the trip. 'The interiors: Everywhere you look is a dream. Tadelakt walls, handwoven rugs, patterned tiles, lanterns, even the door handles are pretty. 'The souks: Slightly chaotic but so much fun. Ceramics, rugs, cheeky fake designer belts… it's all there. Prepare to haggle and get lost (in every sense lol). 'Hammams: A Moroccan spa is not to be missed! Slightly intense (you'll be scrubbed within an inch of your life) but your skin will thank you. 'The people: Everyone was so warm and welcoming. Not to be dramatic, but everyone says 'with pleasure, Madame' and it's my new fave phrase. WITH PLEASURE XX 'The weather: Perfect in early or late summer. Avoid July/August, it gets HOT. 'No time difference to London: For someone who really suffers with jet lag, a game changer. 'Not-so-amazing (but real) bits (upside down smiley face) 'Riads are beautiful but quite dark inside. We'd 100% stay in one again, but worth noting if you love bright spaces. 'The chaos: The Medina is full on. I went to the souk after a massage… not my best idea (laughing emoji) 'The hidden steps: They're everywhere. I tripped constantly. James found it hilarious. '"Helpful" strangers: Some offer directions then ask for money, not a huge deal just something to be aware of. 'Dress code: More western than I expected, but you'll feel more comfortable covered (shoulders/knees) in the Medina. 'Traffic: Crossing the road is a sport. Hold your breath and go. 'Would we come back? 100% YES. Four days felt like a proper reset. Already planning round two, probably October. She concluded: 'Save this for your next sunshine escape. Send to the group chat, you'll need a souk buddy x' The pair got engaged last October after the millionaire proposed with an exquisite eight-carat triple-diamond studded band estimated to be worth £200,000 during a romantic getaway in Greece for Georgia's 30th birthday The vacation snaps come after Georgia revealed earlier this year that she and James eloped in North East Scotland. The pair got engaged last October after the millionaire proposed with an exquisite eight-carat triple-diamond studded band estimated to be worth £200,000 during a romantic getaway in Greece for Georgia's 30th birthday. And after the BrewDog founder previously insisted that the pair would be tying the knot this year, it appears that the couple were true to their word - though guests only had 48 hours' notice to attend. Taking to Instagram, Georgia shared loved-up snaps of the newlyweds posing on a fishing boat moments after saying 'I Do', captioning her shock post: 'James and I got married today.' '1st March will forever be the best day of my life - the day I became your wife. We eloped! 'Guests: whoever could get here with 48 hours notice!