Enso Connect, an AI-powered guest experience platform, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Avantio, a premier provider of property management software for vacation rentals. This collaboration aims to streamline operations, drive revenue and elevate the guest experience in the short-term rental market.

The integration between Enso Connect and Avantio will empower property managers with advanced tools to customize workflows, offer personalized upsells, and enhance communication with guests. By combining Enso Connect’s innovative technology with Avantio’s robust management platform, users will benefit from a seamless experience that simplifies property management tasks and maximizes rental potential.

Key Benefits of the Integration Include:

• Centralized Guest Management: Users can now manage all guest interactions in one place, reducing the complexity of juggling multiple platforms.
• Custom Workflows and AI: Condition-based automation and AI messaging enable teams to deliver fast, error-free service in their guests’ preferred languages
• Data-Driven Monetization: Access to guest data allows property managers to boost occupancy rates and revenue with personalized add-on offers.
• Premium Guest Experience: A branded web app guiding guests throughout their stay. Integrates verification, upsells, guidebooks and smart devices for smooth check-ins, checkouts and stays. For enhanced guest satisfaction and more 5-star reviews.

“We’re excited to partner with Avantio, a leader in vacation rental software solutions,” said Francois Gouelo, Co-founder and CEO of Enso Connect. “This integration allows us to provide innovative digital tools that elevate the guest experience, increase revenue, and set new standards for hospitality across the short-term rental industry in Europe. Our mission is to help hospitality professionals turn every guest interaction into an opportunity for 5-star reviews, repeat business, and additional revenue. Avantio is the perfect partner to help us achieve this goal.”

“Avantio is dedicated to empowering property managers with the tools they need to succeed,” said César Augusto Ramos, Head of Partnerships at Avantio. “Our partnership with Enso Connect aligns perfectly with this mission, enabling our clients to streamline their operations, drive revenue and focus on delivering exceptional experiences for their guests.”

The integration has been thoroughly tested, with shared users reporting significant success. “Enso Connect is one of our favorite tools so far!” says Jordan Boissière-Navarro, CEO and Managing Partner of Keytoko. “We didn’t offer upsells before and didn’t expect much, but within the first week of using Enso, we generated far more revenue than the subscription cost.”

He adds,”With the Boarding Pass, our guests receive all the information they need well in advance of their stay. EnsoAI enables us to respond quickly and politely in our guests’ own languages, which has greatly reduced negative interactions and freed up our team’s time to focus on guest and property care”’

The Enso Connect and Avantio integration is now live, and users can access it through their respective dashboards. Vacation rental managers are encouraged to explore the new features and take advantage of the enhanced capabilities, at a special rate. The offer is available until November 30, 2024.

For more information about the integration, its benefits and a special offer for Avantio users please visit: https://ensoconnect.com/avantio-integration/

About Enso Connect

Enso Connect is an AI-powered guest experience platform for vacation rentals and boutique hotels that helps personalize and monetize interactions all along the guest journey.

From upsells, guidebooks, smart lock-connected contactless check-in, white-labeled guest verification, AI-driven multi-channel messaging, and more, Enso Connect navigates guests through an effortless digital journey.

With “If this then that” capabilities, Enso Connect empowers property managers to create personalized guest experience in a way that best meets their business objectives. It links top tools, simplifying management of scaling hospitality operations and boosting revenue per guest.

Find us on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Youtube, or at EnsoConnect.com

Contact: marketing@ensoconnect.com

About Avantio
Avantio offers a comprehensive Vacation Rental Software solution, seamlessly integrating essential tools like our Property Management System (PMS), Channel Manager, booking-engine websites, and digital marketing tools.

Avantio’s award-winning Channel Manager reaches a wider audience and maximizes your exposure by effortlessly connecting your portfolio to top OTAs like Airbnb, Booking.com, Marriott, and Google with no extra commission fees. Connect to guests globally, locally, and through niche portals. Avantio is here to help and support you to grow your business.

Media Contact:
Natalia Janikowska
Public Relations
media@avantio.com

DISNEYLAND’s multi-million renovations have started – transforming one of the main lands.

The Walt Disney Studios Park is set to double in size under the new plans.

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Currently home to rides such as Crush’s Coaster, the land opened in 2002, ten years after Disneyland Paris opened (then called EuroDisney).

Announced at Disney‘s huge D23 event this year, Walt Disney Studios Park will be renamed Disney Adventure World.

The €2billion (£1.7billion) plans have started at the park, with a new entrance being added.

Replacing the park’s Disney Studio 1 is World Premiere, opening in spring 2025.

Disneyland’s president  Natacha Rafalski told Blooloop: “In spring 2025, that creative vision will reach the park’s entrance when our entrance building reopens as World Premiere, inviting guests into a glamorous film premiere in the heart of Hollywood before arriving in the full splendour of the park.”

And also opening will be the new Frozen land in 2026, along with a word-first Lion King land.

Mr Rafalski added: “Disney Adventure World will be the culmination of an ambitious creative vision, evolving from what we call ‘how it’s done’ soundstages to celebratory theatres and adventures that come to life in immersive areas.”

The new Frozen Land will be the third of its kind in the world, following Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo’s Disneyland.

The Kingdom of Arendelle inside the all-new attraction at Disneyland Paris.

Water-based performances will take place on the central lake with a Frozen Ever After boat ride, similar to the one in Disney World.

New Frozen-themed rooms will open at the Disneyland Hotel too.

Fan will also be able to meet Anna and Elsa, as well as visit immersive shopping and dining experiences.

And the Lion King attraction will be a world first.

Images show a log flume ride down Pride Rock as Rafiki the monkey looks on.

Mufasa, Simba, Timon and Pumba will all feature.

A Tangled ride will also open at the new Adventure Way in Disneyland Paris

Last year, Disney announced they would spend a whopping £47billion over the next ten years.

Other new additions to the Disney theme parks and cruises include

• Encanto-themed ride at Animal Kingdom in Disney World
• New villians land at Disneyland California
• Disney’s biggest cruise ship Disney Adventure
• Spider-man ride at Shanghai Disneyland

Use these tips on your next theme park trip

Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.

1. Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
2. Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
3. Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
4. Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
5. If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.

Here’s how to do an adult-only trip to Disneyland Paris.

And we went inside the new Disneyland Paris hotel which opened last year after a huge renovation.

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Award-winning Bita Interior Design transforms a historic Torquay landmark into a must-visit luxury holiday retreat.

Located in the heart of Torquay, the historic Vane Tower has been renovated to offer luxury holiday accommodation, blending local heritage with Californian-inspired interior design. Known for its commanding presence and scenic views of the bay, the property has been refurbished by internationally recognised designer Bita De Laurentiis of Bita Interior Design.

Devon: A Rising Star in UK Tourism

Domestic tourism in the UK has seen significant growth, with Devon becoming a key destination. In 2023, the UK recorded 38.0 million visits, generating £31.1 billion in tourism spending, and attractions in England saw an 11% rise in visitors. This recovery has further enhanced Devon’s appeal as a tourist hotspot.

Vane Tower: Californian-Inspired Luxury

Vane Tower’s red brick exterior and prominent tower have long been landmarks on the Torquay skyline. The recent renovations incorporate glass, wood, and soft furnishings, set against a backdrop of white and vibrant colours, creating an inviting and modern atmosphere.

“Opening Vane Tower’s grand wooden doors, guests are instantly transported from the English coast to the laid-back luxury of California. Each room is a discovery of beauty and comfort, designed to encourage relaxation and inspire awe” said Fiona Gardner, director of Fresh Escapes. “It’s not just a stay but an immersive experience into a world where every detail reflects passion and excellence.”

Designed by Bita De Laurentiis, whose work has garnered international accolades, the interior of Vane Tower combines aesthetic grace with functional elegance, ensuring every guest’s stay is nothing short of spectacular. The award-winning designer’s influence is evident in the carefully curated spaces that invite guests to indulge in their surroundings while experiencing the best of Torquay’s coastal charm.

Bookings and more

Vane Tower is now available for bookings, appealing to those who seek an extraordinary getaway that promises not just a place to stay, but a journey into a world of unmatched beauty and tranquillity.

For further information about our properties, or to make a reservation at Vane Tower, please visit our website at fresh-escapes.com. Discover the unique blend of luxury and tranquillity that Vane Tower offers, and why it is becoming a top choice for discerning guests in Devon.

Amsterdam, October 2024 – Say goodbye to cramped airplane seats and endless airport lines. Europe’s best cities are just a train ride away, and now, with Traingift, they’re just a gift card away too.

Experiencegift, the company behind the world’s leading travel gifting brands Flightgift, Hotelgift, and Activitygift, is excited to announce the launch of its newest innovation: Traingift. Founded by entrepreneurs Loes Daniels and Jorik Schröder, Experiencegift launches the first gift card for train journeys across Europe.

“As a frequent traveler myself, I understand the growing appeal of train travel over flying or driving. It’s convenient, flexible, eco-friendly, and you can admire the scenery while staying connected to work or family,” said Loes Daniels, co-founder of Experiencegift. “With Traingift, we’re responding to this rising trend and offering the world a way to gift memorable train journeys. I’ve personally enjoyed the ease of traveling by train between cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and London, and I believe our customers will appreciate this experience as well.”

Traingift provides access to Europe’s largest rail networks, covering over 25,000 destinations in 33+ countries, from high-speed Eurostar trains to scenic Eurail and Interrail passes. Traingift recipients can redeem their cards for one-way trips or unlimited travel passes, opening the door to cities like Paris, Munich, Milan, and more. By partnering with leading rail networks such as Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, and Eurostar, Traingift ensures a wide range of options, whether for business travelers, vacationers, or eco-conscious explorers.

Available in multiple languages and 15 currencies, Traingift is designed to be as flexible as possible, appealing to customers worldwide. Gift cards are available as a premium physical gift voucher, featuring a custom image and text printed in high-quality photo resolution. Alternatively, for a quicker option, the gift can be sent digitally as a PDF or eGift, perfect for last-minute gifting.

“We believe in experiences over things. That’s why we created Traingift, to make gifting train travel as exciting and accessible as possible,” added Loes. “Train travel is sustainable, scenic, and stress-free, and we’re excited to offer this new gift card for people to experience Europe.”

Jorik believes this new gift card perfectly fits the current shift towards more sustainable, experience-focused travel options. “More people are opting for train travel because it’s greener, and it’s more convenient than flying. I have friends who’ve even given up flying entirely in favor of train travel. With Traingift, we’re offering the ultimate gift for the conscious traveler—something that allows people to create unforgettable experiences while reducing their carbon footprint.”

Loes and Jorik’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting with just two people, they have grown Experiencegift to a team of 70 colleagues and offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, and Athens. “Building a company from the ground up is no small feat,” shared Jorik. “We faced numerous hurdles along the way, including the unprecedented challenges to the travel industry posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, we remained committed to innovation and adaptability. During this time, we managed to improve our operations and grow our gift card brands to the successful company we are today.”

The launch of Traingift is a major step forward for Experiencegift, whose other brands have seen rapid global growth. The company is now active in over 50 countries and has earned a reputation for being innovative, with a strong focus on providing a wide range of redemption options and a personalized gift experience.

Traingift is now available for purchase at www.traingift.com.

About Experiencegift

Founded by Loes Daniels and Jorik Schröder, Experiencegift is a global leader in experience gift cards. With brands like Hotelgift, Flightgift, Activitygift, and now Traingift, they empower people to gift meaningful experiences across the world. The company operates in more than 50 countries and has earned multiple awards, including the top prize in the Deloitte Fast 50 and a nomination for EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

In addition to growing Experiencegift, Loes Daniels is passionate about empowering other women to think big and be ambitious. She founded BusinessWomen to inspire and support women in pursuing their professional dreams.

I DITCHED London to move to Norwich years ago – and can see why the region was named one of the must see destinations.

East Anglia has been voted one of Lonely Planet’s top 2025 destinations.

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I’m hoping this official stamp of approval will prompt more of my city
slicker pals to (finally!) make the journey up the M11 to see me and experience the magic of Norfolk.

I get it – prior to moving to Norwich accidentally during lockdown, I was never leaving London, having lived there with my husband and dogs for 15 years.

Despite being my husband’s hometown, we only ever visited fleetingly, making pretentious city folk jokes about coming to the end of the line and nothing working on Sundays.

But four years, 1500sqft, and one wild dog later and here I am, having moved to Norfolk and raving about how amazing it is.

Later today I’ll be headed to Fritton Lake for a sauna on the lake and a bracing wild swim before pitching up in front of one of the log fires for a couple of hours’ work.

Then after ditching my Dryrobe (an important part of Norfolk life – Dryrobes and dogs) I’ll head to Norwich to meet some friends, maybe taking in a HHIP class (the very new and trendy Hot High Intensity Pilates class with James Jackson at Yantra Studio that I don’t think even London has yet).

I’ll probably swing by the quirky Book Hive independent book store to find (another) title to add to my TBR pile, and definitely ending up for food at Yarm, a buzzing food hall featuring lots of humans and an exciting mix of food from around the world, including Thai, African, Mexican and Korean.

Because that’s the thing about Norfolk, once you know where to look, you can create your perfect blend of yin and yang, peace and pace, town and country, Dryrobes and dancing shoes.

Moving here during lockdown means that I’m still getting to grips with the best bits of the county, and I love seeking out the cool new stuff as well as the gems I missed on previous visits (Norfolk Uncovered is my go-to for ideas off the beaten track).

And here are some of my favourite spots to date (and being less than two hours from London on the train, there is no excuse….)

Where to eat and drink in Norfolk

• Local bakery Bread Source is a Norfolk institution, with THE BEST sourdough and locations throughout Norwich (the Cathedral Cafe location is really special)
• The Grosvenor Fish Bar is the city’s trendiest chippy (gluten-free available!)
• Eric’s Fish and Chips is a staple for glampers and beach-lovers in North Norfolk
• Head to Meadowsweet in Holt for a special occasion (advance booking 100% needed and you can book one of the bedrooms upstairs for a super special occasion)
• Take your mates and your pup to The Brisley Bell in Dereham for an all-day Sunday roast
• And The Cricketers on the Green in Aldborough is a critics fave for food and atmosphere, also dog-friendly and they host all kinds of fun events
• Back in the city you’re spoiled for choice for dinner; from the tasting menu at Benedicts (owner and TV chef Richard Bainbridge is a local foodie superstar), to handmade pasta at Benoli, an intimate tasting experience at The (teeny) Corkscrew, and cocktails and trendy turkish food at Haggle.
• Also in Norwich we love the cheese room at Jarrolds department store (because… a room full of cheese), brunch at Cafe 33 (two locations, no bookings but worth the queue) and The Ivy Brasserie for a glamorous lunch.
• Cake-lovers need to track down Matilda Rose Bakes (available at various establishments around Norfolk), and cruffins from the the microbakery at Hempnall are a total Saturday morning treat (the only day it’s open!)
• For fun vibes head to Yarm in the Royal Arcade for two-floors of street food, craft beers, self-service wine and the best in mixology or Junkyard Market for more street food and drink and live music events.
• And a Norwich night always seems to end with a nightcap at Gonzo’s Tea Room.

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Norfolk’s best nature and wellbeing activities

• In Norfolk you literally can’t get any further east, meaning we are the BEST place to see the sunrise in the country – the First Light Festival celebrates the summer solstice every year with a free festival on Lowestoft Beach
• Paddle board on the canals and broads (hire your board at The Red Lion in the city or The Rising Sun on the broads – the city waterways get busy but you can find peaceful spots further out)
• Take part in a powerful full moon sauna experience with the Sauna Box crew at Sea Palling beach
• Spend the day getting your om on at the Norwich Yoga Festival (August 2025) try yoga on the beach (May-Sept) with Norwich Yoga Central or steamy hot yoga classes in the city at the glossy new Yantra studio
• Take a well-being class at the serene The Space in Burston
• Spend the day hiking the pine forests and epic beach at Holkham
• Take a more sedate stroll through the East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
• Check out the brilliant Feel Good Norfolk directory for full listings of Norfolk well-being bods you can visit during your stay

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Where to shop in Norfolk

• Visit Upper St Giles Street for stylish pottering (delis, coffee, plants, interiors)
• The Lanes in Norwich is full of independent fashion and beauty boutiques
• Jarrolds is a sumptuous department store experience (with restaurants on each floor for pit stops)
• Aylsham auctions is the place for antique hunters (check the website for auction dates and find a friend with a van)
• And Looses Emporium on Magdalen Street features 60 homeware shops and stalls under one roof (check the FB page for the latest drops)
• Eat, shop AND chill at The Painted Barn in Barnham Broom; interiors inspo with a side of brunch and brilliant fitness classes

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Where to stay in Norfolk

• Fritton Lake (immerse yourself in nature in one of the woodland cabins on a beautiful lake…. with all the comforts of a members club within walking distance)
• Blackwood Norfolk (a chic woodland retreat in North Norfolk)
• Nor-Folk Stays (a stylish water cabin in the heart of the Broads National Park)
• The Gunton Arms (a gastropub + bedrooms in a jaw-dropping setting with the odd celeb spot)
• Get your glamping on in one of the safari lodges at Wild Luxury in North Norfolk

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