Interwest Capital Acquires the Hotel Indigo – Chicago, IL

Interwest Capital Corporation, through its affiliates, are pleased to announce the acquisition of the Hotel Indigo in Chicago, IL. Interwest is excited to have engaged Hersha Hospitality Management, a leader in the hospitality sector, as manager for the hotel.

Originally constructed in 1923 as the historic Claridge Hotel, the property was repositioned to InterContinental Hotel Group’s Hotel Indigo in May 2005. Featuring 165 guestrooms, the 12-story Hotel Indigo is ideally situated in the heart of Chicago’s affluent Gold Coast neighborhood; steps from downtown Chicago’s renowned Magnificent Mile and less than two blocks from the nightlife and entertainment intersection of Rush and Division Streets.

“We are excited about our first acquisition within the greater Chicago area, and more specifically the tightly held Gold Coast market. Interwest as a company has long targeted this submarket of Chicago and this hotel represents a unique opportunity for Interwest to make a long term investment in a capital starved asset, that we feel will only improve through the insertion of Hersha Hospitality Management and the upcoming hotel renovation in 2017” said Chris Meredith, Director of Acquisitions for Interwest Capital Corporation. “The hotel’s strategic location in the heart of the Gold Coast, the upcoming exciting and modern guestroom and public area renovation and easy access to the best of all that Chicago offers, will make this property the most attractive option in the area for corporate accommodations and leisure travel alike,” he added.

The 165-room Hotel offers well-appointed guest rooms, meeting facilities, a fitness studio, a business center, and casual chic eatery. An approximate $6m property wide renovation will be implemented in 2017 with a focus on providing an elegant, unpretentious well-appointed guestroom and public area experience.

About Interwest Capital Corporation

Interwest Capital is a private equity firm specializing in the acquisition, operation, and repositioning of commercial real estate with an emphasis on multifamily and hospitality assets. With a national portfolio of approximately 2.8 million square feet, Interwest has become an industry leader through extensive experience restructuring significantly underperforming assets and has a strong track record of successfully repositioning historic properties. Interwest now owns six hotels with more than 1,000 hotel rooms across the United States.

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Air China magazine apologises over 'racist' article

The publisher of Chinese national carrier Air China's in-flight magazine apologised Thursday for allegedly "racist" travel advice offered to passengers visiting London, as mainland social media users rushed to defend the controversial tips.

The latest issue of "Wings of China" ran an article detailing safety tips for travellers based on the race and nationality of local residents.

"London is generally a safe place to travel, however precautions are needed when entering areas mainly populated by Indians, Pakistanis and black people," the article said in English translation below a Chinese text, according to a photograph published by CNBC.

"We advise tourists not to go out alone at night, and females always to be accompanied by another person when travelling," it added.

The Chinese version was worded slightly differently, stating that such neighbourhoods were "comparatively more chaotic" -- an adjective often used to describe dangerous areas.

The English translation prompted London MP Virendra Sharma, who emigrated from India to Britain in the 1960s, to complain to the Chinese government.

"I am shocked and appalled that even today some people would see it as acceptable to write such blatantly untrue and racist statements," he said in an online statement.

"I have raised this issue with the Chinese ambassador, and requested that he ensures an apology is swiftly forthcoming from Air China, and the magazine is removed from circulation immediately," Sharma said.

In a Chinese-language statement Thursday, the publisher attributed the "inappropriate descriptions" to editorial errors, stating that they were at odds with the "original intention to actively promote the beautiful scenery of London".

It described itself as a third-party organisation, although Air China's own website describes the magazine as "an authoritative information resource of Air China Group and Air China".

The publisher apologised that the text had "misled" a number of media outlets and readers and damaged Air China's brand image.

But on Chinese social media, most commenters expressed bafflement at the backlash.

In a common refrain, one user of China's Twitter-like Weibo platform asked: "This is just stating the truth -- what is there to apologise about?"

Another queried: "There are more rapists and robbers there anyway -- why is saying this discriminatory?"

Many said they felt the advice was valuable.

"We can't satisfy everyone, but we certainly must put Chinese people's safety first," one user stated.

Discussion and public awareness of racism in China is notoriously low -- often resulting in viral scandals that spark global outrage beyond the Great Firewall but cause nary a whimper of concern within the mainland.

In May, an ad by a Chinese detergent maker depicting a black man stuffed into a washing machine and transformed into a fair-skinned Asian stoked outcry abroad, initially dismissed by the company as overly sensitive.

- 'Politically correct' -

China often portrays itself as the victim of discrimination at the hands of foreign media, and many on Weibo expressed indignation at what they saw as hypocritical finger-pointing from those in the West.

"We don't owe black people, Indians or Pakistanis anything; we never trafficked slaves or colonised India and Pakistan," wrote one user, adding: "So go die, all you politically correct people."

The controversy comes during a period of tension between Beijing and London.

British Prime Minister Theresa May returned to London this week from the G20 summit hosted by China, where she defended her decision to delay giving the go-ahead to a nuclear power project in which Beijing has substantial investment.

China has a one-third stake in the plan to build Britain's first nuclear plant in decades at Hinkley Point in southwest England, along with French company EDF.

May unexpectedly delayed the project in July after EDF gave it a green light, saying on Sunday she would make a decision this month.

China's ambassador to Britain, Liu Xiaoming, warned last month relations were at a "crucial historical juncture" between the two countries.

One commenter on the Air China magazine incident had their own solution to the controversy, saying: "In the future, just don't translate this stuff into English. It's enough that we get the message amongst ourselves -- foreigners wouldn't understand."

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Wow Philippines

The Philippines is a cluster of over 7,000 islands full of stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches and friendly people. After seeing these photos, there’s no doubt you’ll wish you were Filipino. While that might be hard to arrange, these shots will also make you want to book a flight to the Philippines, which is actually pretty doable.

Traditional Filipino boat stopped on the beach in El Nido

1 – Throughout the Philippines, you’ll find traditional boats with narrow hulls and outriggers on either side for stability. Whenever you see a boat like this, you know you’re in the Philippines. This one’s pulled up on shore next to an impressive rock formation on one of the many islands around El Nido, Palawan, Philippines.

Sailboats at sunset on the beautiful Island of Boracay

2 – The sunsets are nothing short of spectacular most nights on Boracay, the Philippines most popular domestic and international tourist destination.

Bohol Chocolate Hills – Photo by: Burgermac CC by

3 – With so many islands the Philippines has very diverse landscapes, one of which is the famous Chocolate hills of Bohol. These grass covered brownish hills spring up hundreds of feet from the ground. There are more than 1,000 of these hills on the island and they are thought to be ancient coral reefs from a time where this part of the world was under water.

A plate of tocino and garlic rice served with an egg for a classic Filipino breakfast

4 – The food of the Philippines is a one-of-a-kind mash-up of Asian, Spanish, American and Asian-Indian cuisines. Tocino comes from the Spanish word for bacon and is a sweet and savory take on the cured pork dish that is uniquely Filipino.

Related: Warning – clicking here will cause serious Singapore street food cravings

Kayangan Lake viewpoint – Coron, Philippines

5 – One of the best views in all of the Philippines can be found in the small group of islands around Busuanga island. A short hike up to the Kayangan Lake view point gives you this stunning view and reminds you what an amazing place the Philippines is.

Electric blue water with dramatic rock formations in the Palawan Island, Philippines

6 – Dramatic landscapes seem to be everywhere you look in the Philipines’ outlying Palawan island. Aside from being home to the Subterranean River, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, it also holds the islands of El Nido. Everywhere you look in El Nido seems to be picture worthy with aquamarine waters and jagged rocks popping up from the sea.

A hot skillet of Sisig, a Filipino favorite snack

7 – Filipinos love their food and another favorite is a sizzling skillet full of Sisig. Best as a snack, sisig is crispy fried pork pieces and can be shared with friends alongside some Filipino beers.

Classic Filipino boat tied to shore in the El Nido Archipelago

8 – The best way to get around in the small islands in the Philippines is the beautiful traditional boats.

Related: The world’s most stunning heritage sights – by cruise

Tarsier animal of the Philippines – Photo by: Ian Armstrong CC by

9 – One of your best chances of spotting one of these big eyed cuties is here in the Philippines. He has big eyes and an ever-present smile, most likely because he lives in the Philippines!

Swimming in the Large Lagoon in the El Nido archipelago

10 – El Nido’s large lagoon is reason enough to visit this amazing country, but this is just one of the many things to do in El Nido. Take a swim in this pristine natural pool.

Jeepneys of Manila

11 – Leftovers from WWII can still be found on the streets of Manila and all over the Philippines. Jeeps, locally called Jeepneys, left here after the war have been converted into shared taxis and are often highly decorated to attract passengers.

The swim through hole to enter the secret lagoon in El Nido

12 – The Philippines has amazing beaches, but some of the best beaches are those not accessible by boat. Swim through the hole in the rock wall to get to a breathtaking beach.

Related: Secret beaches – less crowded stand ins for your favorites

Sunset over the islands surrounding El Nido town on the Palawan Island

13 – Being an island nation the Philipines has amazing sunsets. Make your way to the westside and watch the colorful show.

The view from the Matinloc Shrine in the El Nido archipelago

14 – Views like the one at Matinloc Shrine seem to be everywhere you look in the Philippines and even more so in the Archipelago of El Nido.

A thin blade of ragged rocks sunk into the aquamarine waters around Simizu Island

15 – Thin slices of jagged limestone seem like a supernatural fence to make a stunning private beach on Simizu Island.

A Filipino boy sitting on the bow of the boat heading into a beautiful lagoon

16 – Massive walls of rock tower over the aquamarine waters while a young Filipino deck hand rides on the bow of the boat looking out for rocks.

The daily colorful sunset in Boracay

17 – Everyday should end like this, and it does in the Philippines. The sun melts into the sea with a swirl of oranges, pinks and purples as the day comes to a close on the island of Boracay.

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Zika virus infection in the Americas - Travel Health Advisory

In 2015, Zika virus was reported for the first time in a number of countries in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean and Mexico. Past outbreaks of Zika virus infection have been reported in Africa, Asia and the Oceanic Pacific region.
There have been travel-related cases of Zika virus reported in Canada in returned travellers from countries where the virus is known to circulate. There have been no reported cases of locally acquired Zika virus in Canada.
For the latest updates on countries affected by Zika virus, please visit the World Health Organization's website. For the latest map of confirmed cases in the Americas visit the  Pan American Health Organization's website.
Zika virus infection is caused by a virus which is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, headache, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and rash, along with joint and muscle pain. The illness is typically mild and lasts only a few days.
In Brazil, there has recently been a significant increase in number of babies born with microcephaly (abnormally small head). The Ministry of Health of Brazil recently identified a possible relationship between Zika virus infection and the increase in the number of microcephaly cases. An investigation to better understand the relationship between Zika virus infection and increased risk for microcephaly is ongoing.
It is recommended that pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant discuss their travel plans with their health care provider to assess their risk and consider postponing travel to areas where the Zika virus is circulating. If travel cannot be postponed then strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed to protect themselves against bites.
An association between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has been observed in both Brazil and El Salvador. A higher than normal number of GBS cases have been identified following the circulation of Zika virus in these two countries. Investigations to better understand the relationship between Zika virus infection and the increase in cases of GBS is ongoing.
On February 1, 2016 the World Health Organization declared that the recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders reported in Brazil, following a similar cluster in French Polynesia in 2014, constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The investigation is ongoing to confirm whether Zika virus may be the cause of these microcephaly cases. and this announcement recommends that actions be taken to standardize and enhance surveillance, as well as to intensify research. No trade or travel restrictions have been implemented.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that all travellers protect themselves from mosquito bites when travelling to areas where Zika virus is circulating. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against Zika virus infection.
This travel health notice will be updated as more information becomes available.

Recommendations

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

• Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times, as the Zika virus is transmitted by a mosquito that can bite in daylight and evening hours. This includes the use of insect repellant and protective clothing.
• Pregnant women, and those considering becoming pregnant, should discuss their risk with their health care provider and consider postponing travel to areas where the Zika virus is circulating. If travel cannot be postponed, strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed due to the possible association between Zika virus infection and increased risk of serious health effects on their unborn baby.
• If you develop symptoms similar to Zika virus infection when you are travelling, or after you return, see a health care provider and tell them where you have been travelling or living.

more info on Health Risks at travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices

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Travel Health Notice

Zika virus infection in the Americas

Updated: January 15, 2016

In 2015, Zika virus was reported for the first time in a number of countries in Central and South America, as well as in Mexico. Past outbreaks of Zika virus infection have been reported in Africa, Asia and the Oceanic Pacific region.
There have been travel-related cases of Zika virus reported in Canada in returned travellers from countries where the virus is known to circulate.  There have been no reported cases of locally acquired Zika virus in Canada.
For the latest updates on countries affected by Zika virus, please visit the World Health Organization's website. For the latest map of confirmed cases in the Americas visit the  Pan American Health Organization's website.
Zika virus infection is caused by a virus which is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, headache, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and rash, along with joint and muscle pain. The illness is typically mild and lasts only a few days.
In Brazil, there has recently been a significant increase in number of babies born with birth defects (congenital malformations), such as infants born with an abnormally small head and microcephaly (an underdeveloped brain). The Ministry of Health of Brazil recently identified a possible relationship between Zika virus infection and the increase in the number of microcephaly cases. An investigation to better understand the relationship between Zika virus infection and increased risk for microcephaly is ongoing.
It is recommended that pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant discuss their travel plans with their health care provider to assess their risk and consider postponing travel to areas where the Zika virus is circulating in the Americas.  If travel cannot be postponed then strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed to protect themselves against bites.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that all travellers protect themselves from mosquito bites when travelling to areas where Zika virus is circulating. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against Zika virus infection.
This travel health notice will be updated as more information becomes available.

Recommendations

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

• Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times, as the Zika virus is transmitted by a mosquito that can bite in daylight and evening hours. This includes the use of insect repellant and protective clothing.
• Pregnant women, and those considering becoming pregnant, should discuss their risk with their health care provider. If travel cannot be postponed, strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed due to the possible association between Zika virus infection and increased risk of serious health effects on their unborn baby.
  • Prevention measures include, using bed nets, and wearing long-sleeved, loose fitting shirts tucked into long pants. For more information go to the webpage on insect bite prevention.
• If you develop symptoms similar to Zika virus infection when you are travelling, or after you return, see a health care provider and tell them where you have been travelling or living.

more info on Health Risks at travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices

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Travel Health Notice

Cholera in Cuba, Dominican Republic and Haiti

Updated: September 28, 2015

In recent years, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Haiti have reported cases of cholera.
Haiti has experienced a cholera epidemic since October 2010, with over 700,000 cases and close to 9000 related deaths since that time.  In 2015, to date, Haiti has reported over 20,000 cases, which is an increase when compared to the same time period in 2014.
The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, has also experienced a cholera epidemic since October 2010, though on a smaller scale, with over 33,000 cases and close to 500 related deaths.  In 2015, to date, the Dominican Republic has reported over 350 cases, which is an increase when compared to the same time period in 2014.
In August 2015, Cuba reported isolated cases of cholera in the province of Holguín. Although these are the first cases reported by Cuba this year, in January 2015, Canada reported a case of cholera in a traveller who returned from a trip to Cuba.
Travellers should note that there may be an increase in the number of cases during seasonal heavy rainfall which occurs during the months of May to July and September to October.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. People usually become infected from drinking or eating contaminated water or food. It is associated with watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration, which can be life-threatening.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends practising safe food and water precautions while in Cuba, Dominican Republic or Haiti.

Recommendations

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

1. Practise safe food and water precautions
2. Consider getting vaccinated
   • Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers at high risk for cholera (travellers visiting areas of high risk with limited access to clean water and food) may benefit from vaccination and should consult with a health care provider to discuss this option.
3. If you develop severe diarrhea and/or vomiting while travelling or after you return to Canada
   • Seek medical attention immediately.
   • Drink fluids and use oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.
     • Infants, young children and the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are at greatest risk of dehydration.
   • If you are still ill upon arrival into Canada, please tell the flight attendant before you land or the border services officer as you exit the flight.

more info on Health Risks at travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices

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