Latest news with #ibis
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
I visited the EURO 2025 hosts and was pleasantly surprised by what I saw
I went on a three-day trip to visit Switzerland ahead of EURO 2025 and was surprised by what I saw. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Forget what you think you know about Switzerland. While its mountains, cheese, and chocolate are legendary, the nation is also an unsung sporting powerhouse. This summer, Switzerland will make history as it hosts Women's Euro 2025. England arrive as defending champions, hoping to replicate their famous victory from three years ago, while Wales make their historic debut at an international tournament. It is a country, rich in history and unique multiculturalism, which will have something for everyone to enjoy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It can't be denied that Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but during our tour of the country with the renowned hotel brand ibis, we found that with higher cost, often came higher quality. It is also important to note that those with match tickets can access free public transport for a return journey from any Swiss locality to a stadium, which should offset some of those costs. The stunning streets of Switzerland | Rich Fay The trip started in Geneva, a cosmopolitan city known for its famous Lake and incredible mountains, as well as being the worldwide hub for diplomacy. There is a strong French influence given it is located so close to the border, with French and English both spoken widely, as well as a thriving gastronomical scene that draws inspiration from across the continent. We stayed at the wonderful ibis Styles Genève Carouge, officially a budget hotel, but with the personality of a boutique one. Every property in the ibis Styles range has a unique theme, with this particular branch inspired by comic books, an industry the country has a surprisingly rich history with. Whether you are in your room, the lobby, or the on-site bistro restaurant, you can enjoy excellent service, surrounded by bespoke artwork created by local artists, which makes the hotel so memorable and feel a lot more homely. It was located 10 minutes from the city centre and was easily accessible by a neighbouring tram stop, which ran with all the precision and accuracy you would expect from a country so famous for its timekeeping. It meant transport to the main train station was a simple procedure, which helped when we opted for an afternoon in the stunning city of Lausanne. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The comic book inspired hotel lobby in Geneva | Rich Fay Lausanne sits on the northern tip of the lavish Lake Geneva, surrounded by mountains, forests and even vineyards, with the Swiss wine industry another fantastic, yet surprising, industry the country deserves more credit for. As with Geneva, there is a picturesque old town, with beautiful architecture around every corner, and an iconic gothic cathedral that dramatically rises above the rooftops. As with so many places in Switzerland, it is a wonderful mixture of both the old and the new, with this beautiful city also known as the Olympic Capital, as it is home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters, the Olympic Museum and Olympic Park. The museum is a must visit for anyone who has ever watched a single second of the games, with incredible exhibits and a jaw-dropping collection of memorabilia, such as a running shoe worn by Jesse Owens, a cycling jersey worn by Chris Hoy and an iconic outfit worn by Torvill and Dean. A set of medals from Paris 2024 at the Olympic Museum | Rich Fay Like with any European break, it is highly recommended to get a walking tour of the city. Back in Geneva, we explored the famous waterfront and charming cobbled streets, before we embarked on a train journey across the country to Zurich. Those who arrive for Euro 2025 will find it easy to navigate the country on punctual, clean and modern trains, with plenty of English signage that make it easy to follow. We stayed at the ibis Zurich City West, another affordable hotel in one of the up-and-coming greener districts of the city, that was once again so easily accessible by tram. It is an innovative development, which includes shared facilities with the sister hotel Novotel Zurich City West, meaning pool, sauna and gym access for a small daily fee, the incredible 'The Flave of Zurich' restaurant onsite and there is even access to an escape room that is hidden away in the hotel - perfect for an exciting excursion without even having to leave the premises. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, and it feels distinctly German, so you can swap your 'Merci' for 'Danke'. It is another global hub for banking and finance, yet what was so surprising was just how beautiful it was. With a rich pre-medieval history still visible today, you can get lost in the enchanting lanes of the Old Town, bask in the beauty of the Limmat River or indulge in the luxury shops that adorn almost every street corner. A display from the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France | Rich Fay Perhaps the highlight of the trip was the FIFA museum. It houses a treasure trove of historic football memorabilia, featuring engaging interactive exhibits and vibrant displays that commemorate every World Cup tournament. Upstairs, a dedicated section celebrates the evolution of football video games, offering many retro titles to play. The tour concludes with an interactive football workshop where visitors can participate in five different challenges to earn a spot on the leader board. Having built up an appetite, a visit to the renowned Zeughauskeller is highly recommended. Housed within an impressive 15th-century building featuring dark oak beams, this establishment offers rustic, hearty Swiss cuisine alongside an excellent array of local beers and wines. Traditional Swiss sausage and Rosti in Zurich | Rich Fay With a reliable transfer network, hospitable locals and the perfect blend of modern essentials mixed with historic beauty, Switzerland really has all the makings of a perfect host for a major football tournament. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As any sports fan knows, the only thing that could spoil the experience is the football itself. However, if that happens, you can always take comfort in knowing that in 90 minutes, you'll be able to enjoy the beautiful country again.
The Guardian
24-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Bin chickens galore! Why are there so many ibis in Sydney?
Rain slicks the pavement at Sydney's Prince Alfred Park. Commuters hurry under umbrellas, takeaway bags clutched tight. But one group remains unbothered – heads tilted, shoulders hunched, beaks long. It's lunchtime, and the ibis are here to eat. Some call these birds pests. They rule the streets of Sydney with a slow swagger. Hungry for scraps, they know exactly where to find them. The scavengers use their long black beaks to riffle through rubbish bins near Central station, hissing at schoolkids; they loiter at bus stops and nest high in Hyde Park's palm trees – their version of inner-city high-rise living. Dr John Martin, an ibis expert and senior ecologist at Ecosure, says ibis numbers in Sydney are peaking but its unclear how many are wandering the city. Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads Populations boomed in the 1970s, early 2000s and again about 2010 but a lack of national monitoring means there's no official headcount. Once primarily floodplain dwellers, Australian white ibis – AKA Threskiornis moluccus or 'bin chickens' – began moving to coastal cities in search of reliable food, water and shelter. Their shift to urban areas as inland habitats dry up is a climate-driven wildlife migration. Sydney has proved to be fertile ground for the versatile ibis. They flock to parklands in rainy weather, where worms that wriggle to the surface become a tasty snack. Wet days can make it seem as though the birds are multiplying but Martin says the city's ibis population peaks in spring and declines in autumn as chicks die off or birds migrate away from the greater Sydney region. With pesky people indoors, ibis have free range to scavenge human scraps and natural food sources – and maybe even find love. Despite the native birds being protected under Australian law, ibis continue to polarise public opinion. Their increased populations don't pose ecological risks. While older residents remember a time before they became an Australian city staple, younger generations have grown up seeing them in memes and on children's programs including Bluey, where they're affectionately portrayed. Their 'bin chicken' nickname has cemented their cult status. Still, not everyone is a fan. Ibis have been blamed for mess, noise and nuisance behaviour in schools and parks. Complaints to councils are common. 'It really is human-wildlife conflict,' Martin says. Ibis control is authorised by the New South Wales government and councils can apply for permits if intervention is deemed necessary. Sign up to Five Great Reads Each week our editors select five of the most interesting, entertaining and thoughtful reads published by Guardian Australia and our international colleagues. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Saturday morning after newsletter promotion In 2003 the ABC reported that Bankstown council had hired a professional pest exterminator to shoot the birds after striking a deal with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. But lethal control is now rare and strongly discouraged. 'That's certainly not the approach National Parks supports these days,' Martin says. Early in his career Martin volunteered on ibis monitoring projects where nest and egg destruction were routine methods of control. His PhD examined whether such techniques had any real impact. Today management efforts are more creative: redesigned bins that ibis can't access, habitat modifications and public signs asking people not to feed birds. 'Palm trees are a great example,' Martin says. 'I call it the pineapple effect – if you remove the sideways trunks, you remove nesting platforms.' Martin says the rise of urban ibis is a warning sign, as the birds represent many inland species that rely on healthy wetlands. 'Ibis are waving the flag,' he says. Memory of past droughts and water restrictions may have faded in cities but drought, damming, agriculture and water overuse have left wetlands struggling. A spokesperson for the Canterbury-Bankstown council says a unified metropolitan-wide strategy is needed, including public education about bird feeding and better food waste disposal – all while recognising the bird's native status. 'This is a Sydney-wide problem,' the spokesperson says. Despite their ubiquity, ibis remain surprisingly understudied. Martin encourages citizen scientists to log sightings through the Big City Birds platform. For now, the ibis remains a fixture – and reminds us that nature doesn't end at the edge of the suburbs.
Hospitality Net
20-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
ibis Bolsters European Foothold with New Addresses across the Region, Including the First ibis Styles in Estonia
ibis, the pioneer of accessible high-quality affordable accommodation with over 2,500 hotels throughout nearly 80 countries around the world, continues its growth trajectory across Europe, with new properties under its ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget brands. Recent openings span Germany (Berlin and Neckarsulm), Spain (Madrid) and Belgium (Hasselt), with upcoming additions in Hungary (Debrecen), Poland (Katowice) and the United Kingdom (York). The latest growth milestone also marks the debut of the ibis Styles brand in Estonia with a stylish hotel in the heart of Tallinn. Since its launch in 1974, ibis has been at the forefront of democratising travel, offering comfort, reliability and great design at an accessible price. Over the past fifty years, the brand has evolved into three sub-brands – ibis, ibis Styles, and ibis budget. With its unique and adaptable designs, fresh food and drink concepts and heartfelt service, ibis continues to attract new generations of travellers, bringing its original vision of hospitality to life. True to the ibis' spirit of 'Go get it', we welcome guests at our 2,500+ hotels so they can discover the world with purpose and intent. ibis continues to demonstrate its promise of reliability of what matters for the value-minded traveller. These latest additions show the attractiveness of ibis to our guests and partners, who value and trust the forward-thinking spirit of a leading economy brand. Florence Liger-Tourres, Vice President Marketing Economy Brands, Accor Europe & North Africa Opened earlier this month after an extensive renovation of the former L'Ermitage Hotel Tallinn, ibis Styles Tallinn is located closed to the city's medieval Old Town and its creative district, allowing guests to experience both the historic charm and the moder buzz of the capital. The hotel's 122 guest rooms and communal areas feature black and white tones and wall art that celebrate the art of photography throughout. Guests of the new hotel as well as locals can visit the on-site FOCUS restaurant, which serves seasonal Estonian recipes in colourful settings. Other amenities include a breakfast area and a conference room for up to 70 guests. Other ibis branded additions in Europe include: ibis Styles Madrid Airport Valdebas (Spain) – Opening in June, the hotel is the biggest ibis-branded family hotel in Iberia, offering 260 rooms, a restaurant, 24-hours snack bar, pool and rooftop with a lounge bar. Located in the heart of Valdebebas, the hotel is just a few minutes from IFEMA, as well as Real Madrid's training ground, the Alfredo di Stéfano stadium, as well as the Atlético de Madrid's Metropolitano stadium. ibis budget Madrid Albasanz (Spain) – Just a few minutes from the city centre, guests of this new hotel will enjoy the easy connection to Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport, IFEMA fairgrounds and Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. Slated to open in June, the hotel will offer 99 rooms featuring the new REBOOST design, as well as full buffet breakfast and a snack bar. ibis and ibis budget Berlin Airport (Germany) – Just a few minutes from Berlin Brandenburg Airport Terminal 1, the sister hotels ibis and ibis budget Berlin Airport offer guests 114 rooms each, featuring the latest design concepts of both brands and equipped with the comfortable Sweet Bed by ibis™. Perfectly tailored to the needs of airport guests, the dual hotel provides a shared lobby with extra-early hours breakfast service and café, as well as convenient Park&Fly options for travellers. ibis Styles Neckarsulm (Germany) – Following an extensive renovation project, the latest ibis Styles address in Germany features a unique design that blends the world of motorsport with regional winemaking history. The hotel includes 97 rooms, a breakfast area and bar, a fitness studio, in addition to a meeting room for up to ten guests. Located in northern Baden-Württemberg, Neckarsulm, is known for its rich winemaking tradition and is home to some of the oldest winegrowers in the country. ibis budget La Rochelle Puilboreau (France) – Perfectly suited for both leisure and business travellers, this new hotel offers guests 76 modern rooms featuring the latest brand's design concept for a comfortable stay. The hotel is the perfect gateway to explore the historic city of La Rochelle, known for its picturesque harbour and rich maritime heritage, as well as the beautiful beaches and charming villages of the Île de Ré. ibis Styles York Centre (UK) – Themed around brewing and distilling as nod to the history of its building, the hotel is located in one of the UK's most historic cities with a thriving cultural scene. It offers 110 comfortable rooms, as well as a restaurant and bar that reflects the property's storytelling with beloved British classics. ibis budget Arlon Porte du Luxembourg (Belgium) – Located in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes in the quaint historical town of Arlon, the hotel is ideal for relaxing and taking in nature with several picturesque trails within walking distance. It offers 70 modern keys including several family rooms equipped with the brand's popular bunk bed concept. ibis Styles Hasselt (Belgium) – This newly opened hotel offers guests 91 well-appointed rooms and easy access to the vibrant city of Hasselt, known for its rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere. The storytelling of this hotel is based on the first expedition that wintered in the Antarctic in human history, led by a Belgian naval officer. Guests can enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel's restaurant before exploring the city's attractions, including a great mix of parks, museums and shopping districts. ibis Styles Debrecen Airport (Hungary) – Set to open this summer, the newly built hotel will be conveniently located in Debrecen International Airport, the second biggest airport in Hungary, and in close proximity to major highways. The hotel will offer 72 comfortable rooms and 16 apartments, a restaurant and bar, as well as a meeting room for up to 25 persons. The new hotel will feature an aviation theme and even a real airplane wing. ibis Styles Katowice Airport (Poland) – This hotel is slated to open next month and will offer 75 stylish rooms and a range of amenities, all located within the city's international airport. Guests will be able to unwind at the hotel's bar and restaurant and access a well-equipped fitness centre to stay active during their travels. Guests staying at ibis branded hotels can enjoy a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences as part of ALL, Accor's renowned booking platform and loyalty programme that enhances the experience during and beyond each hotel stay. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Tamara Schwarz-Speckbacher Media Relations & PR DACH, Nordics, and Baltic States Accor View source
Trade Arabia
20-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
ibis Dubai Al Rigga appoints new GM
Accor Shared services has promoted Emmanuel Uddin to the position of General Manager of ibis Dubai Al Rigga. With over 18 years of experience in hospitality, Uddin brings operational and strategic expertise to the role. He previously served as Hotel Manager at ibis Dubai Al Rigga, contributing to commercial initiatives and mentoring upcoming leaders. Prior to joining ibis Al Rigga, Uddin worked as Director of Revenue Management at Novotel and Adagio Abu Dhabi Al Bustan. A graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria, Uddin has built his career through dedication, innovation, and a results-driven mindset. Under his leadership, ibis Dubai Al Rigga has increased guest satisfaction and improved overall profitability through strategic initiatives. Reflecting on his promotion, Uddin said, " It is a privilege to lead ibis Dubai Al Rigga, and I am committed to achieving the hotel's strategic objectives with the support of the team. Nishan Silva, Regional General Manager – Dubai & Emirates North at Accor, added, " Uddin's passion for excellence and proven leadership make him a tremendous asset. We are confident he will continue to drive strong performance and inspire success at ibis Al Rigga." -TradeArabia News Service
Web Release
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
IBIS MUSIC RETURNS TO DUBAI FOR SECOND EDITION, BRINGING TWO NIGHTS OF FREE LIVE PERFORMANCES FROM SOUL AND R&B ARTISTS
By Editor_wr Last updated May 8, 2025 ibis MUSIC, the global live music platform by ibis, is returning to Dubai this May for its second local edition. As part of a worldwide series of over 40 mini concerts across 17 countries, ibis MUSIC continues its mission to shine a spotlight on emerging local talent while turning everyday hotel stays into immersive cultural experiences. This quarter's edition will feature two back-to-back performances by genre-blending artists, free and open to the public. On 13 May, old-school soul artist Boye' Henry will take the stage at ibis One Central. With over 15 years of experience across regional stages, Henry is known for his emotionally grounded, musically expansive performances that draw from rock, soul, and indie influences. The following evening, 14 May, Eybi, a Caribbean-Argentinean singer-songwriter, will perform at ibis World Trade Centre. Eybi's alternative pop and R&B sound offers a compelling exploration of identity, rhythm, and personal evolution, delivered with a magnetic presence and effortless tone. 'We're proud to bring ibis MUSIC back to Dubai for a second edition. As a brand, we've always believed in creating spaces beyond just accommodation, where culture, creativity, and community come together,' said Anoop Dhondoo, Regional General Manager at Accor WTC. 'These events allow us to support emerging artists while offering our guests and the local community something meaningful, memorable, and uniquely ibis.' Launched initially as a global program to support rising musicians, ibis MUSIC has hosted artists across five continents, from Paris rooftops to São Paulo bars. In Dubai, it continues to grow into a platform that bridges hotel hospitality with real cultural value, creating shared experiences through the universal language of music. WHAT: ibis MUSIC ibis MUSIC WHEN: 13 May 2025 at 6:30 PM – Boye' Henry at ibis One Central 14 May 2025 at 6:30 PM – Eybi at ibis World Trade Centre PRICE: Free to attend. Interested attendees need to RSVP by contacting +971 56 404 811 Ibis World Trade Centre and ibis One Central are located in the Trade Centre District, Dubai. For more information about ibis Music, visit for ibis One Central and for ibis World Trade Centre. Next Post Pearson Redefines its Brand to Embrace the Future of Learning Comments are closed.
