BTN 10th March 2011 by Breaking Travel News

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:31 Page 1

ITB Berlin Special Edition

Thursday 10 March 2011

www.breakingtravelnews.com

Travel Triumphs

Egypt set for swift tourism recovery

Sharm el Sheikh is at the forefront of the recovery in Egypt's tourism sector

World Travel Awards is continuing its support for tourism in Egypt by announcing plans to host its Africa and Indian Ocean Ceremony at The Savoy Sharm el Sheikh on 16 September 2011. In the wake of the recent political upheaval, World Travel Awards is also urging the travel trade and holidaymakers alike to follow suit by supporting Egypt’s tourism industry, and Sharm el Sheikh in particular. Graham E. Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards, predicts that the quality of Egypt’s attractions will lead to the swift recovery of its travel and tourism economy. “World-class destinations have an incredible ability to bounce back from adversity. In the last 18 months alone, you only have to look at how Thailand and Mexico have recovered so quickly from crises. Egypt too is a remarkably resilient destination, boasting an incredible array of attractions from the Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor to the spectacular diving and beaches of the Red Sea.”

“This will be first time that World Travel Awards has hosted an event in Egypt, reflecting the huge strides its hospitality industry has made to compliment its natural wonders. Tourism has become the lifeblood of the Egyptian economy, accounting for one out of every eight jobs, drawing 14.7 million overseas visitors a year, and representing 11 percent of the nation’s output,” he adds. “We hope that our decision to support Egypt by continuing with the scheduled World Travel Awards event will contribute to a fast tourism recovery. We are confident that Sharm el Sheikh will prove an excellent host of our event.” Emad Aziz, Chairman Savoy Sharm el Sheikh says: “I am honoured that World Travel Awards is hosting its 2011 Africa & Indian Ocean Ceremony at The Savoy, Sharm-El-Sheikh. It

will provide a great opportunity to showcase the attractions and facilities of our beautiful region to the travel and tourism world.” “Sharm el Sheikh is called the City of Peace. We remain fully up and running, and welcoming our guests as usual. Our region offers a wealth of incredible attractions on our doorstep, all in a laid-back desert atmosphere. Sharm also serves as an ideal base to discover the ancient treasures of Luxor and Cairo.” World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean Ceremony will take place on 16 September 2011 at The Savoy, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.

To find out more about The Savoy Group at ITB 2010 visit Hall 23.A/101. And for World Travel Awards visit www.worldtravelawards.com

for all the latest travel news: www.breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:31 Page 2

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:31 Page 3

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:31 Page 4

Butch Stewart - Sandals

Momentum House Lower Road, Waterloo London SE1 8SJ United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000 www.breakingtravelnews.com To subscribe to the free daily newsletter: subscribe@breakingtravelnews.com or sign up via the website For editorial feedback: Christopher O’Toole – Editor Anton Strack – Features Editor editor@breakingtravelnews.com For advertising: advertising@breakingtravelnews.com Chairman, CEO: Graham Cooke Executive Vice President: Manon Han Senior Vice President: David Falcon Group Vice President: Kevin Taylor Global Directors: Sion Rapson Chris Frost Khalil El-Mouelhy James AA Khan Max Miller Editor: Anton Strack Writers: Christopher O’Toole Adam Coulter Anna Gouldman Jo McCann Marketing & Publishing Manager: Stuart Gordon Online Marketing Manager: Chris Whitfield Head of Development: Kelly Footit Manager Events Partnerships: Ben Roberts Project Manager: Sid Thaker Head of Photography: Mark Hakansson Video Producer: Gareth Morris Video Reporter: Rebecca Cohen Design: Nomad Graphique We gratefully acknowledge the following for images used: ITB, South African Tourism and Media Club South Africa. Follow us in a reader RSS Feeds: www.breakingtravelnews.com/feeds/ Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/btn_news BTN on your mobile: breakingtravelnews.mobi BTN YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/breakingtravelnews

World Travel Awards News World World Travel Awards prepares for start of 2011 Grand Tour The final preparations are taking place ahead of the start of the World Travel Awards 2011 Grand Tour. The Armani Hotel Dubai will play host to the inaugural event of this year’s tour, the Middle East Ceremony, on 2 May 2011, when leading travel and tourism organisation from across Arabia will battle it out for the “Oscars of the Travel Industry”. Dubai is bouncing back strongly thanks to its insatiable appetite for invention, and the new Armani Hotel epitomises that spirit for breaking new boundaries. The Middle East Ceremony will be followed by the Caribbean & The Americas Ceremony, which will take place at the incredible Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay, Jamaica on 11 May. Antalaya in Turkey has earned the right to host the WTA European Ceremony for the second year running, with the 2011 event being held at Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa on 1 October. Next stop on the world tour will be Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt for the Africa & Indian Ocean Ceremony on 16 September. Thailand’s incredible resilience and forwardthinking attitude has led to capital Bangkok earning hosting rights to the WTA Asia & Australasia Ceremony on 28 September 2011, which will be the final regional leg of the Grand Tour.

and are now spearheading the global travel and tourism recovery. Deputy Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, said: “It is an honour for Thailand to host such an event of international prestige as the World Travel Awards. This is further endorsement that Thailand is truly a world-class leisure and business destination.” Graham Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards, continued: “World Travel Awards is about seeking excellence in travel and tourism. Our hosts represent some of the most innovative and exciting places to visit in 2011 destinations with such a relentless drive to do things better they are now leading the world out of recession.” Established 18 years ago, World Travel Awards has grown into a global search covering six continents, 162 countries and more than 5,000 travel organisations. Manon Han, Executive Vice President, World Travel Awards, said: “Our six events in 2010 generated significant media and industry exposure across the world, reaffirming our reputation as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’. “This growing brand awareness on both a trade and consumer level also provides our host partners with greater exposure and kudos. Senior decision-makers attend our events and experience what each destination has to offer. “Many destinations for 2012 are now being finalised and we are extending tender invitations to those who wish to host the 2013 Grand Tour. 2013 marks our 20th anniversary so we will be finding extra special ways to honour excellence in our industry.”

The choice of WTA hosts for 2011 reflects those destinations that have dug deepest in adversity

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:31 Page 5

Armani Hotel Dubai will welcome the World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony in 2011

Bangkok has earned the hosting rights to the WTA Asia & Australasia Ceremony on 28 September 2011

d Travel Awards News World Travel Awards News Oberoi Gurgaon wins hosting rights to WTA 2012 Ceremony

“The Asia & Australasia Ceremony is the first confirmed event of our 2012 Grand Tour, and we look forward to working with The Oberoi Gurgaon team for what will be a decisive evening for the industry,” Cooke adds.

Following the success of its 2010 event, World Travel Awards will be returning to India in 2012 to host its Asia & Australasia Ceremony at Delhi’s brand new luxury hotel, The Oberoi, Gurgaon.

WTA launches digital consumer title

The organisers of the “Oscars of the travel industry” selected the Indian capital as host due to its continuing evolution as a world-class business and leisure destination, spearheaded by its thriving luxury hospitality sector. Graham E Cooke, President and founder, World Travel Awards, says: “We are delighted to be returning to this beguiling country for what will be our third event there in five years. In this short period alone we have noticed the huge strides its travel and tourism sector has made”. “The Oberoi Gurgaon typifies India’s emergence as a new economic superpower. This brand new property has pushed the luxury bar even higher, and exemplifies World Travel Awards quest for excellence, as well as the unrivalled service standards set by Oberoi Hotels & Resorts,” he adds. Set over nine lush acres of landscaped gardens, The Oberoi Gurgaon offers an urban sanctuary presiding over a quiet resort setting, personalised service and the best of modern amenities, all in the heart of the business and commercial district of Delhi. The luxury property encompasses a 36,000 square foot central water feature surrounded with restaurants and luxury retail space.

breakingtravelnews.com

To find out more about Oberoi Hotels & Resort at ITB Berlin, visit Hall 9/221 Hall20/138 To find out more about World Travel Awards visit www.worldtravelawards.com

Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay, Jamaica

World Travel Awards has teamed up with WeClickMedia to launch “Best in Travel”, a digital magazine aimed at the luxury traveller. An industry first, Best in Travel blends leading interactive technology with unrivalled market knowledge to create the definitive insider’s guide to the world’s most glamorous travel experiences. Featuring online interactivity, Flash content and available on PC, it will be circulated to a global database of 250,000 high-end travel consumers. Manon Han, Executive Vice President, World Travel Awards and Publisher, Best in Travel, explains that “Best in Travel” aims to capture the consumer shift away from print to web as a source of information on travel, and by using video and virtual tours it will bring the travel experience alive.

World Travel Awards will be returning to India in 2012 to host its Asia & Australasia Ceremony at the newly opened The Oberoi, Gurgaon

She says: “We are delighted to be teaming up with WeClickMedia to launch this innovative product. Our team of travel journalists aims to provide consumers with a fully interactive guide to the world’s leading hotels, destinations and travel companies.”

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:31 Page 6

The big interview

John Lynch, Chairman, Jamaica Tourist Board Jamaica has had a busy year so far, having hosted Caribbean Marketplace 2011 in the brand new conference centre that recently opened in Montego Bay, and now has plans underway for JAMEX. Breaking Travel News caught up with Jamaica Tourism’s Chairman, John Lynch, to discuss his views on the APD tax, Jamaica’s new Falmouth Port and the impact that increasing tourism arrivals is having on Jamaican culture.

BTN: With a host of new developments across the Caribbean planned for 2011 how is Jamaica setting itself out? JL: There are several opportunities for the expansion of our room stock for 2011/2012. These include major developments by Excellence Group and Harmony Cove. We also continue to ensure that our attractions are always being refreshed. BTN: How do you envisage the rest of 2011 shaping up? JL: We are working towards an 8 percent growth in 2011 over 2010 figures. We know this will be difficult because of the challenges we face ... challenges like the Middle East situation and increasing oil prices. However, indications are that we are on track to achieve our goal as for the first two months of the year we have achieved a 7 percent increase. BTN: What has been Jamaica’s strategy for coping with the global downturn? JL: We have focused on maintaining our visibility in the marketplace and on securing adequate airlift to the destination. In terms of visibility, we have pursued an aggressive public relations and advertising strategy to ensure that the destination remains top of mind. This past winter for example, we surpassed our previous record levels of air seats into the island.

John Lynch, right, chairman, Jamaica Tourist Board, celebrates at the World Travel Awards with Edmund Bartlett, the Jamaican minister for tourism

BTN: What are some of the key issues facing the Caribbean as a region and what can be done collectively between the islands to foster tourism? JL: Airlift is a major challenge for the region. Maybe the time has come to look at establishing one or two hubs within the Caribbean, especially to service the European and Latin American markets. These could be located in the northern and eastern Caribbean. BTN. What kind of effects have you seen from the launch of the Air Passenger Duty tax so far? What would you like to see going forwards? JL: Perhaps we have been fortunate but arrivals to Jamaica out of the UK have been steady, despite the APD. This speaks to the strength and value of the diverse product we offer on the island coupled with excellent service. We would like the APD to go away but we know that is impossible. So what we would like to see is fairness in the band structure. BTN: What does the merger of Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica mean for Jamaica? What types of improvements do you think we will see from the service? JL: It offers great potential for the destination because Caribbean Airlines has the necessary capital to invest and Air Jamaica has an appropriate route structure.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:31 Page 7

I have also read that there are plans to fly to out of Heathrow. This would be good for Jamaica and the region as Heathrow is a good hub for connecting to mainland Europe. Currently, passengers have to overnight in London if they are travelling via Gatwick. Going forward, the merger of the two airlines will provide greater opportunities for intraregional travel and connectivity. BTN: How do you see the MICE market faring this year following the launch of the new conference centre in Montego Bay and with JAMEX just around the corner? JL: The launch of the Montego Bay Convention Centre augurs well for Jamaica. This new facility is already getting requests for major conferences which we would not have been able to host previously. Part of the attractiveness of the convention centre is its close proximity to the airport as well as to a wide range of accommodation. The JTB plans to intensify our outreach to the MICE market so that we can increase the demand for the facility. BTN: What feedback did you get from the Caribbean Marketplace 2011? JL: The feedback was excellent both from media and from the travel trade. Persons are looking forward to the completed facility being in use. BTN: What will the new port in Falmouth mean for Jamaica? What measures are being put in place to prevent negative connotations associated with mass tourism? JL: The Historic Falmouth Port is a welcome addition to the Jamaican product. It is the largest and most up-to-date port in the region with approximately 60 attractions in very close proximity.

Adventure tourism is a growing area for Jamaica

breakingtravelnews.com

The focus is on cultural, heritage and community based tourism which by nature would cater to smaller groups. BTN: In what ways does tourism impact on local cultures and way of life for Jamaicans? JL: Tourism impacts all of us in Jamaica in one way or another. Some of us live and work in the tourism centres and benefit from direct employment. But even those persons who live outside the centres, for example those who live in the farming communities benefit from selling their produce to tourism facilities. Our local culture is also a part of the offering of the destination. BTN: Famed for its upmarket properties such as Island Outpost, will you continue to position Jamaica as a luxury destination going forwards? Which other markets will you look to tap into? JL: Yes, Jamaica does target the luxury market, especially with the opening of our third international airport. However, Jamaica is a diverse destination catering to all tastes and budgets. The JTBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketing strategies include outreach to the different niches including weddings, golf, soft adventure, events, faith based travel and visiting friends and relatives. BTN: What other plans and initiatives are underway in Jamaica? JL: We are always looking to increase investments to the island because we believe investment is key to growing tourism arrivals. So we are looking to complete construction on new rooms and we are getting into new projects to improve and enhance the destination.

Caribbean Awards The 2011 Caribbean & The Americas World Travel Awards ceremony will be held this year at Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay on May 11th. With Jamaica going from strength to strength, City.Mobi has recently launched Jamaica.City.Mobi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this definitive guide provides all you need to know about this incredible destination, from entertainment info to booking hotels and airport transfers. City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory. Key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport. City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.

Visit Jamaica Tourist Board at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.1/208 To find out more about World Travel Awards visit www.worldtravelawards.com For mobile guides to over 800 cities wordwide visit City.Mobi

Jamaica is a key cruise destination in the Caribbean

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:32 Page 8

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:32 Page 9

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:32 Page 10

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:32 Page 11

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:32 Page 12

The Blue Train has become a byword for luxury

Timeless journeys aboard the luxury trains of the world Few experiences capture the bygone romance of travel like a luxury train journey. Luckily, however, the few operators remaining in the market are excelling, presenting passengers with a chance to indulge in a truly unique experience. Luxury trains have long been romanticised as the definite luxury holiday, conjuring images of locomotives powering through rolling terrain under azure skies. While many would argue the golden age of such breaks is past, a few operators have carried the traditions of the great train journey into the new millennium – offering unrivalled opulence in the most engaging of destinations.

Rocky Mountaineer Rocky Mountaineer is perhaps the most famous – having seen its profile skyrocket recently following recognition by the World Travel Awards as offering the World’s Leading Luxury Travel Product. With its Gold Leaf Service already firmly established, the largest privately-owned passenger rail service in North America has introduced a host of exciting destinations for 2011. For example, guests are invited to experience the new Rainforest to Gold Rush itinerary – taking them on a journey between Whistler in British Columbia and Jasper in Alberta through pristine and rarely seen wilderness. The route explores rugged, untouched wilderness and diverse and extreme landscapes like British Columbia’s Coastal Rainforest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world, as well as the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon and the

pastoral ranchlands of the historic Caribou Gold Rush region. A new link with Holland America Line will also see Rocky Mountaineer offer a new cruise product for 2011. Passengers can be whisked through the Canadian Rockies before sailing through icebergs in Alaska as they catch the unfolding natural drama of North America.

Rovos Rail While Rocky Mountaineer has cornered the North American market, Rovos Rail is unrivalled in terms of luxury in Africa. Regarded by many as the epitome of decadence, the steam locomotive Pride of Africa offers guests plush accommodation amid handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features as it takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Everything from Cape Town at the tip of Africa, to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania are on the

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:32 Page 13

Rovos Rail offers trips across the south of Africa

agenda, along with golfing breaks in Pretoria, the casinos of Sun City, Victoria Falls and the desert landscapes of Namibia. Travellers will recapture the romance and atmosphere of a forgotten era as they experience the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.

The Blue Train Finally, The Blue Train – recognised by the World Travel Awards as the World's Leading Luxury Train in 2010 – allows visitors to return to bygone era of luxury travel as they crisscross South Africa. The operator maintains two trains, focusing on several key destinations in the country. Principal routes link Pretoria and Cape Town on a 27-hour journey of 1,600 kilometres. Taking in some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent, with a stopover and excursion in Kimberley, where guests take a step back in time to the days of the diamond rush. With so many holidaymakers expected in town, City.Mobi has recently launched Capetown.Mobi. This definitive guide provides all you need to know about this incredible destination, from entertainment info to booking hotels and airport transfers. City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory. Blue Train stops at Matjiesfontein are also on offer, with the Victorian buildings and original nineteenth century London lampposts imparting to the traveller the uncanny sense of entering a colonial time warp – an oasis suspended in a different age. Outside of its charter services The Blue Train offers accommodation for strategic meetings, product launches, VIP cocktail parties, VIP breakfasts, lunches and dinners, weddings and more – making for a truly memorable event. Guests can also book a charter with a difference – such as a Golfing or Safari charter. Timeless one and all, the future of the great rail journey looks to be in safe hands for many years to come.

For more information at ITB Berlin visit Rocky Mountaineer at Hall 2.1/391 and Rovos Rail at Hall 20./116 For mobile guides to over 800 cities wordwide visit City.Mobi The Rocky Mountaineer Gold Leaf Service is already firmly established

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 18:06 Page 14

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 18:06 Page 15

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:32 Page 16

The rise and rise of travel technology

Goldeneye Flemming Villa

Increasingly sophisticated technology is revolutionising the way that people travel and do business. BTN has highlighted a few recent areas of development and trends. Take a virtual tour of GoldenEye With Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding just around the corner, St James Palace have expressed an interest in broadcasting the ceremony on the couple’s new official wedding website, due to such high levels of interest in the event. With developments such as these enabling people to watch events across the globe at the click of a button, it is not surprising that hotels, airlines and tourism boards are jumping on the bandwagon to truly showcase their offerings online, inviting audiences to experience for themselves what they have to offer. Jamaica’s award winning GoldenEye property remains at the forefront of technology having recently launched an interactive website that enables audiences to step outside their current location and into this amazing property via HD virtual tours. By logging onto www.virtual-goldeneye.com, users can view the property through a

selection of virtual tours that provide a sneak preview of the stunning property; from the spacious Ian Flemming villas where Ian Flemming famously wrote 13 of his James Bond novels, to GoldenEye Beach. Each virtual tour, created by Virtual World Internet, captures different aspects of the award winning resort, which has a celebrity following that includes the likes of Johnny Depp, Naomi Campbell and Pierce Brosnan. Virtual World Internet is a virtual imaging service provider that delivers user-friendly, intuitive, interactive solutions for a wide variety of applications in the travel and tourism sector. Commenting on the benefits of the product, Kelly Footit, Head of Development at Virtual World Internet said: "Virtual World Internet's HD Video and HD Virtual Tours give travellers peace of mind when researching their booking through visual confirmation of the facilities and services offered by the hotelier." Other hotels that will soon be launching virtual tours include Round Hill, Jamaica Inn, Abu Dhabi’s The Yas, and Anantara Resorts.

Mobile travel trends By now, most travellers have come to rely on their smartphones to be smarter than they are, helping them to decide where to eat and how to get there. According to MobiThinking, half a billion people accessed the mobile internet worldwide in 2009. Usage is expected to double within five years as mobile overtakes the PC as the most popular way to get on the web. To reflect this prediction, mobile devices are becoming increasingly popular – not just for texting, but with a huge growth in demand for smartphones, hundreds of new applications are released every day targeting every possible market. Organisations such as British Airways and goHow Airport are increasingly tapping into this market, developing new applications including boarding passes and real-time flight status updates.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:32 Page 17

iPad 2

Other popular travel apps include UK Train Times, which allows travellers to look up the next train home and displays live departure information. Meanwhile Google Earth enables users to look for their own house and with a touchscreen interface, browsing becomes seamless. According to Canalys, Smartphone sales nearly doubled from the same quarter last year with 101.2 million phones sold in Q4 2010. Meanwhile Android-based phones outsold all other operating systems worldwide. The US is the biggest single country for smartphone sales and is twice the size of the Chinese market, whilst the fastest smartphone growth is in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Tablets such as the iPad continue to grow in popularity. Just one year after the launch of the iPad, a sleeker, lighter and faster model – the iPad 2 – has been unveiled and will hit the shops on March 11th. The “iPad 2 effect” led to Apple shares rising by 0.80 per cent following the unveiling of the product. “The new model has a new design and features a new processing chip that makes it dramatically faster,” according to Apple boss, Steve Jobs.

breakingtravelnews.com

One organisation that aims to help other companies grow their business by harnessing the mobile web is World Mobi. According to World.Mobi, the fact that mobile is set to overtake the desktop as the predominant global tool for web access presents an incredible opportunity for destinations to promote themselves to the widest audience possible. Visitors, travel planners and locals on the move are constantly checking their mobiles for information about hotels, attractions, restaurants, shopping or events. These numbers will inc rease as web enabled phones are adopted. World Mobi creates destination guides and directories for the mobile web. These sites are user friendly and easy to navigate. Companies that have tapped into this technology include Legend Lodges at legendlodges.mobi, The Saxon, ‘World’s Leading Boutique Hotel’ at thesaxon.mobi and Sandals Resorts, ‘World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort’ at sandalsresorts.com.

World.Mobi City.Mobi has recently launched world.mobi – this definitive guide provides all you need to know about travel and tourism all over the world, from entertainment info to booking hotels and airport transfers. City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. This also includes Beijing.City, plus a host of other cities across China. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory. Key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport. City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.

Visit the travel technology companies exhibiting at this year’s ITB Berlin to find out the latest developments in Hall 6.1. For mobile guides to over 800 cities wordwide visit City.Mobi and virtualworldinternet.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:32 Page 18

In our humble Canadian way, (weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the best in the world!)

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:33 Page 19

Rocky Mountaineer is a double winner! For the fifth straight time, Rocky Mountaineer has won the World Travel Award as “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train”. This year, we are doubly thrilled, as our renowned GoldLeaf Service has been honoured with the World Travel Award for “World’s Leading Luxury Travel Product of the Year”.

Over one million guests have experienced our acclaimed all daylight journey through the stunning landscapes of British Columbia and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Banff and Jasper, Alberta in the Canadian Rockies. Four spectacular routes highlight the diverse beauty of Canada’s West as guests relax and enjoy our legendary service and gourmet cuisine onboard.

Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service offers panoramic views of the stunning scenery in our custom-designed, bi-level glass-domed coach, which allows guests to take in the dazzling vistas upstairs and enjoy delicious meals downstairs in the exclusive GoldLeaf dining room. The luxury and comfort of GoldLeaf Service is simply beyond compare. No wonder it is an award winning service.

Whether it’s a passion for historical adventure, an appreciation for natural wonders, or a desire to visit world-class destinations, we have a vacation experience to suit everyone’s taste. Perhaps this is why Rocky Mountaineer was named by National Geographic as one of the World’s Greatest Trips and also voted by the Society of American Travel Writers as the Best Train Experience in the World. To explore our spectacular travel

Rocky Mountaineer

experiences, visit rockymountaineer.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:33 Page 20

Having recently been voted “World’s Leading Residential Apartments and Africa’s Leading Apartment Hotel 2010”, 2010” The Regent truly lives up to its celebrated reputation. Located near the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Sandton Convention Centre, Nelson Mandela Square and the impressive Sandton Shopping Centre, The Regent offers an unsurpassed luxurious lifestyle to leisure and business guests, with excellent facilities and amenities of the highest standard. The modern yet comfortable décor style is reflected throughout the grounds of The Regent, including private lifts to your suite, a fully-equipped exclusive gym complete with a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool. The Regent’s personalized VIP treatment, coupled with a high-tech security system, makes The Regent a world class destination in the vibrant Sandton business hub.

Contact Details Landline:

+27 (11) 581 0200

info@theregent.co.za

Fax:

+27 (86) 684 7035

www.theregent.co.za

World’s Leading Residential Aparrttments Africa’s Leading Apartment Hotel 2010

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:33 Page 21

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:17 Page 22

Entrance to Qasr al Sarab

Arabian delights Deluxe Terrace Room, Qasr al Sarab

Anantara has set new heights for luxury with two Abu Dhabi properties, each with their unique take on Arabian hospitality, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort and Desert Islands Resort & Spa. Since opening last year, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort has set a new style precedent in traditional Arabian luxury.

Royal pavilion at sunset, Qasr al Sarab

Born out of the vision of Abu Dhabi’s leaders to celebrate the traditions and roots of the emirate, the resort is situated in one of the most astonishing landscapes in the region, the Liwa desert, which is part of the Empty Quarter – the world’s largest uninterrupted body of sand. As part of the resort’s promotion of local culture it has formed a new partnership with Sharjah Calligraphy Museum that will give guests an opportunity to learn ancient Arabic calligraphy techniques and create their own beautiful works of art. “Calligraphy Meets Art” takes place on 8-9 April 2011. Beginners through to the more experienced artists will enjoy a creative and informative insight into the rich custom of calligraphy in the Arab world that has been an art form in existence for over 1200 years.

World’s highest sand dunes Qasr Al Sarab is located among the highest sand dunes in the world at the heart of the Liwa Desert; a truly secluded paradise. Not just a scenic retreat located in an astounding, unique environment; the property encompasses authentic aspects of desert life and captures the true heritage and culture of the region. There are 206 rooms on offer at the property, but guests looking for the ultimate in luxury are presented with the chance to enjoy one of the three luxurious three bedroom Villas. Promising the finest five star services – including a personal butler – these private palaces benefit from two bedrooms with king beds, one bedroom with twin beds, a common lounge area, pantry, private pool, sundecks, oversized terrazzo bathtubs and rain showers. Qasr Al Sarab also offers 29 one bedroom Villas, ten two bedroom Villas and a range of comfortable rooms – all exuding sensual Arabian

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:33 Page 23

Arrival by night, Desert Islands Resort

touches. Adorned with hints of Bedouin tradition and exquisite reminders of timeless culture, guests are assured of feeling a million miles away from the fast pace of city life. Venturing out into the desert, guests can traverse the undulating landscape by traditional means atop a camel, or simply gaze at the starry sky from the desert’s natural vantage point of a beautiful ochre red dune. All this just 90 minutes outside Abu Dhabi. But these natural wonders are framed by the most modern of settings. No luxury is spared here. The supremely intimate Anantara Spa includes a Moroccan-style Hammam with double heated marble beds, Jacuzzis, steam rooms and an exclusive Ice Cave – all set to the calming sound of running water echoing from ornately tiled walls. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort also offers a variety of enticing dining choices, with guests able enjoy the finest grills and seafood Suhail or indulge at Al Waha restaurant – where the finest Middle Eastern and international delights await.

Desert Islands Resort & Spa Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort is not the only Anantara option in the Middle East. The Thai based organisation has another luxurious property just off the coast of Abu Dhabi – the Desert Islands Resort & Spa.

Take a look at www.qasralsarab.anantara.com and www.desertislands.anantara.com for more information. To find out more about these resorts, as well as the other incredible resorts in the Anantara Hotels & Resort portfolio at ITB Berlin visit Hall 22.B/210.

Located on Sir Bani Yas Island, the resort offers intrepid travellers an unforgettable island escape in the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf; a real showcase for naturebased tourism and animal welfare in Arabia. The hotel-resort offers 64 luxuriously designed rooms with living quarters decked out in state-of-the-art amenities, each styled with eye-catching Arabian touches like marble bath-fixtures. Here guests can wakeup to the alluring melodies of a thousand bird songs and the spectacular view of the distant sea and surrounding natural reserves; while a personal enclave slowly gets drenched in the warmth of the island’s natural sunlight.

Camel trekking in nomadic tradition

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:33 Page 24

L U X U R Y INCLUDED

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:33 Page 25

JAMAICA

SAINT LUCIA

ANTIGUA

BAHAMAS

QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN ANY OT H E R R E S O R T S O N T H E P L A N E T Scattered across the dreamlike tropical islands of Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia and the Bahamas are 13 Luxury Included® Sandals resorts, each offering MORE luxury, quality and choice than any other resorts on the planet. Designed exclusively for couples, Sandals gives you everything you’d expect from a luxury resort, the only difference is everything is INCLUDED! Savour gourmet dishes in up to 14 speciality restaurants per resort, each with different ambiance and all with top chefs that specialise in each cuisine. Taste premium brand liquors at up to 10 bars per resort, including four varietals of Beringer® wine – the oldest and most respected winery in Napa Valley, California. Enjoy more exciting choices on land and sea, from unlimited golf with complimentary greens fees* to scuba diving with top-of-the-line equipment and motorised water sports*. Alternatively, relax with a massage treatment at the serence Red Lane® Spa^. When it comes to luxury accommodations, enjoy far more choices than anywhere else, with up to 26 different room categories per resort. Unwind in unique and creatively designed suites and be pampered by your personal Butler, trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers.

It’s the Sandals Luxury Included® Diﬀerence that makes all the diﬀerence in the world.

Sie finden Sandals und Beaches Resorts in der Karibikhalle 3.1. am Jamaika Stand 208. Wir freuen uns auf Ihren Besuch! Please visit Sandals and Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean Hall 3.1. at the Jamaica booth 208. We are looking forward to meeting you!

WORLD’S LEADING ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS

*at selected resorts ^at cost

15 YEARS RUNNING

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:33 Page 26

World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2011 Dubai • Montego Bay • Antalya • Sharm el Sheikh • Bangkok

World Travel Awards

Middle East Gala Ceremony 2 011 Armani Hotel, Dubai, UAE 2 May 2011

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:33 Page 27

“The Oscars of the Travel Industry” Wall Street Journal

“The awards have been making a steady and significant, long term effect in the industry” Financial Times

“The travel industry's most high-profile award ceremony” The Independent

“The biggest travel event of the year” Gulf Times

Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always in high demand, therefore early booking is always recommended. To secure your seats for this high-level networking event, please contact our team using the details below. booking@worldtravelawards.com worldtravelawards.com

Global Media Partner

Official Arabic Broadcaster

Media Partners

Event Sponsor

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:33 Page 28

Armani and Emaar redefine hospitality When the world’s first Armani Hotel opened in Dubai on April 27th 2010, it ushered in a new dawn for luxury hospitality, not just in the Middle East but worldwide.

Oozing Armani Casa’s trademark minimalist opulence, the exquisite property marked a distinct separation from the ostentatious excess of other über-luxurious rivals. Its landmark location inside the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, provides the perfect compliment to this polished palace, and reflects the close relationship between Armani and the iconic developer, Emaar Properties. The rooms and suites are breathtakingly beautiful, with every detail bearing the fashion maestro’s design genius. Practicality and elegance, the cornerstones of Armani’s signature style, combine with precious materials and sophisticated finishes to create highly personalised spaces. On opening, the hotel instantly became the most exclusive hospitality destination in the city and set a new benchmark for those pushing the boundaries of hospitality design. Occupying floors concourse to 8 and levels 38 and 39 of Burj Khalifa, the hotel features 160 luxurious guest rooms and suites, eight innovative restaurants, exclusive retail outlets and a serene spa. The sweeping views of Dubai’s futuristic cityscape complemented the harmonious and stylish lifestyle environment. Every aspect of the hotel’s design and service offerings has been calculated and planned by Giorgio Armani himself, from the bespoke furnishings to restaurant menus and in-room amenities.

Based on the philosophy that travel is as much an emotional journey as a physical one, the Armani Hotel assigns each hotel guest a personal Lifestyle Manager who serves as a personal contact and host from the moment they make a reservation to the time they check out and even beyond. At the opening, Giorgio Armani said: “It has long been my dream to have a hotel in which I myself would like to stay and entertain family and friends, where the Armani aesthetic is combined with Italian-style warmth and hospitality. I am thrilled to open the doors of the Armani Hotel Dubai and invite my guests in to experience my world.”

City.Mobi With so many guests expected in Dubai, City.Mobi has recently launched Dubai.City.Mobi. This definitive guide provides visitors with all they need to know about this incredible destination, from entertainment info to booking hotels and airport transfers. City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory. Key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport. City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.

Emaar and Armani – a unique partnership Integral to the success of the Armani Hotel has been the close collaboration between Giorgio Armani S.p.A. and Emaar Properties PJSC. Established in 2005, the objective of the partnership has been to develop, own and operate an exclusive collection of hotels, resorts and residences in the world’s most important cities and holiday destinations. Using the flagship Dubai property as a template, Armani Hotels & Resorts plans to open at least ten hotels and resorts within the next ten years. The second hotel, located in Milan, is still on schedule to open in mid-2011, whilst Paris is tipped to become home to the third. Other properties underway include the first Armani Resort, planned for Marrakech, and the first Armani Residences Villas in Marassi, Egypt. Further Armani hotels, resorts and residences will open in key markets such as New York, Tokyo, Shanghai and London. Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “Armani Hotel Dubai is a true celebration of superior aesthetics and worldclass project development competencies. The hotel will be a referral point for luxury hospitality projects in the future, and brings global attention to Dubai and to Burj Khalifa. He added: “Downtown Dubai is our flagship project, and is regarded as one the most prestigious square kilometres on earth with incredible choices in entertainment, shopping,

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:33 Page 29

Up to ten more Armani hotels are planned, with Milan, Paris and London all being considered as locations

commercial and leisure outlets. The jewel at the centre of this neighbourhood is Burj Khalifa, and Armani Hotel Dubai is a sterling value addition to the world’s tallest building.”

Armani's trademark minimalist opulence is evident throughout the hotel

The Armani Hotel in located in the Burj Khalifa

A world of culinary choices The Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa features eight restaurants offering a myriad of world cuisines ranging from Japanese and Indian to Mediterranean and, of course, authentic finedining Italian. The impressive culinary options reflect the cosmopolitan nature of the city. The hotel’s vast leisure and entertainment options also include the first in-hotel Armani/SPA in the world. The spa embodies the Armani lifestyle and design philosophies where each unique space provides the context for personalised individual treatments, personal fitness, sequential thermal bathing as well as private and social relaxation. The hotel also boasts three exclusive retail outlets: Armani/Galleria a haute couture boutique offering fashion accessories previously available by invitation only – and the first and only place in Dubai where the Armani Prive collection is showcased; Armani/Dolci, a luxurious confectionary offering a sweet selection of biscuits, small savouries and more; and Armani/Fiori, a floral boutique offering exquisite fresh flower arrangements and exclusively designed vases by Giorgio Armani that follow the fluid shapes of the flowers themselves.

World Travel Awards The World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2011 kicks off at the Armani Hotel, with the Middle East Gala Ceremony taking place on May 2nd. For more information on the event visit worldtravelawards.com

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:33 Page 30

Revel in the

Abu D legen

Experienc

Set am ingenious Qasr A harmo Leavin cherish

Experi

Call +971 2 886 2088 or email: salesuae@anantara.com

Thailand

Maldives

Indonesia

United Arab Emirates

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:27 Page 31

he luxury of

Dhabi’s ndary deserts erience Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort amidst the vast, uninterrupted dunes of Liwa, rises an nious icon of Arabian heritage and hospitality. r Al Sarab Desert Resort will embrace you with its monious blend of royal elegance and contemporary luxuries. ving you with unforgettable moments that you can share and rish for a lifetime.

erience Arabia’s untold stories at anantara.com

Middle East’s Leading Desert Resort

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:27 Page 32

World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2011 Dubai • Montego Bay • Antalya • Sharm el Sheikh • Bangkok

World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2 011 Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay, Jamaica 11 May 2011

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:27 Page 33

“The Oscars of the Travel Industry” Wall Street Journal

“The awards have been making a steady and significant, long term effect in the industry” Financial Times

“The travel industry's most high-profile award ceremony” The Independent

“The biggest travel event of the year” Gulf Times

Global Media Partner

Media Partner

Event Sponsors

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:27 Page 34

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:27 Page 35

JAMAICA

TURKS

CAICOS

QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN ANY OTHER RESORTS IN THE WORLD With four spectacular locations on the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica and the Turks & Caicos, Beaches resorts are the ultimate family getaway and the most comprehensive holiday available in the Caribbean. Packed with fun, excitement and adventure for all ages Beaches Resorts welcomes families, couples and singles! A Beaches Luxury Included® Family Holiday means more quality inclusions and more exciting choices than any other in the world, and IT’S ALL INCLUDED! With up to 29 room categories per resort with 1, 2 or 3 bedroom suites and adjoining rooms, Beaches cater to small and large families alike. Kids love our Kids Camps with exciting programmes, such as the exclusive Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street® and Martha Stewart Crafts Studio™*. Teens can do their own thing at XBOX 360® Game Garage, mix and scratch at Scratch DJ Academy®±, relax at Trench Town arcade lounge± or dance at Liquid nightclub±, and more. Unique to Beaches are the non-stop thrills included at the Caribbean’s most exhilarating Pirates Island Waterparks± with up to 9 slides. While the kids are away, adults can enjoy more choices on land and water, including golf, waterskiing± and scuba diving, or try more dining options with up to 16 restaurants per resort and more premium brand liquors at up to 13 bars per resort.

*at cost ±at selected resorts.

WORLD’S LEADING FAMILY ALL-INCLUSIVE

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:27 Page 36

Breaking Travel News is proud to be the oﬃcial media partner of the Global Travel and Tourism Summit

world’s no 1

travel industry news resource

Breaking Travel News (BTN) has over the last 16 years established itself as the world’s leading online news and information service for senior travel industry thought leaders. Everyday BTN’s readers visit the daily feed of market intelligence, trend analysis, exclusive video interviews and breaking news in order to keep their ﬁngers on the travel pulse.

visit www.breakingtravelnews.com for the latest travel industry news or read on your mobile at breakingtravelnews.mobi

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:27 Page 37

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:28 Page 38

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:28 Page 39

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:43 Page 40

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:43 Page 41

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:43 Page 42

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:44 Page 43

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:44 Page 44

World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2011 Dubai • Montego Bay • Antalya • Sharm el Sheikh • Bangkok

World Travel Awards

Europe Gala Ceremony 2 011 Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, Antalya, Turkey 2 September 2011

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:44 Page 45

“The Oscars of the Travel Industry” Wall Street Journal

“The awards have been making a steady and significant, long term effect in the industry” Financial Times

“The travel industry’s most high-profile award ceremony” The Independent

“The biggest travel event of the year” Gulf Times

Global Media Partner

Media Partners

Event Sponsor

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:44 Page 46

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge has been refurbished ahead of the 2011 season

Luxury safaris fine tune offering during downturn The market for luxury travel in Africa has remained resilient throughout the recent slump seen elsewhere, with the well developed, virtually unique products attracting high-flying consumers. Breaking Travel News takes a look to see what travellers can expect as they pack their bags in 2011.

Tourism in Africa has remained virtually unscathed during the past two years of economic malaise, with an elite consumer consistently willing to pay for the unique experiences available on the continent. A number of savvy operators have even used the time to enhance their offering, investing in everything from new accommodation, transportation and opportunities to enhance their product.

Mantis Collection Mantis Collection – which offers five star boutique hotels, game reserves, ecoexperiences, and luxury yachts – is one such operator. Based in South Africa the group enters 2011 with a new venture, moving into the luxury serviced apartment segment with the introduction of the Lawhill Luxury Apartments in Cape Town.

Responding to the growing demand for this form of accommodation in excellent locations, the development will allow guests temporary access to over 400 stores and restaurants, including private access to the One & Only Hotel’s Spa and famous Maze and Nobu restaurants. Adrian Gardiner, chief executive of the Mantis Group explained: “We are thrilled to introduce the Lawhill Luxury apartments to our collection; this will afford Mantis the opportunity to have a presence in the iconic V&A Waterfront, adding yet another exclusive experience on offer to our consumers. “Going forward we plan to expand our collection to all seven continents of the world, adding a fresh five star hospitality component to some of the world’s must-see cities.” The exclusive Lawhill Luxury Apartments are designed to offer guests sheer comfort and luxury. Modern décor will make the most discerning of guests feel right at home; all offer

satellite television, under-floor heating and central air-conditioning, while nothing beats the views over looking the iconic V&A Waterfront. All stores and activities are within walking distance of the apartments, ideal for guests who like to have a world of opportunity at their feet. For more information on the Mantis Collection – which was recognised by the World Travel Awards as Africa's Leading Boutique Hotel Brand in 2010 – head over to Hall 20./138.

&Beyond Also new for 2011, &Beyond has reintroduced Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia, with the location completely refurbished with an updated, sophisticated desert-chic look.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:44 Page 47

A cool oasis that contrasts with its rugged surroundings, the lodge offers a luxurious base from which to experience a range of exhilarating desert adventures. “All the interiors were chosen to complement the dramatic Sossusvlei desertscape and we are delighted with the finished product which has totally rejuvenated the villas and guest areas,” explained &Beyond regional director, Jason King. “In addition to the lodge’s makeover, we are also introducing a new seven day package to demonstrate that Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a great longstay destination.” With an exciting selection of desert adventures - from guided quadbiking and nature drives where desert-adapted wildlife such as zebra, giraffe, oryx and other smaller species can be spotted, to hikes in the nearby mountains to view Bushman paintings - guests are likely to be spoilt for choice. The lodge also has a state-of-the-art observatory where guests can explore the starry desert skies under the guidance of a resident astronomer. Designed to capture the solitude of the desert, each of the ten stone and glass desert villas now boasts completely new interiors. Featuring split-level bedrooms and living rooms, elements of bone, slate and stone were used throughout to create a dramatic, yet entirely natural look, while rough timberwork, twiggy chandeliers and wooden sculptures mimic the craggy mountains in the distance. Adventures available at an additional cost include guided tours from the lodge to nearby Sossusvlei where guests can scale some of the world’s tallest dunes, scenic flights and hot-air ballooning over the desert. &Beyond was also recognised by the World Travel Awards in 2010, taking home World's Responsible Tourism Award from the gala ceremony in London. There is more information on the &Beyond stand at Hall 20./120.

upper escarpment offering majestic craggy rock formations and wide open grass plains. Below - separated by 600 metre high cliffs - the lower escarpment is about three degrees warmer and comprises sandy wetlands. Across these environments Entabeni offers game sightings of the Big Five, as well a chance to experience scenic helicopter flights, stargazing in the observatory and sunset lake cruises. More information at Hall 20./138.

Singita Game Reserve

Entabeni Private Game Reserve is just three hours from Johannesburg

Finally, Singita Game Reserves is meeting the ever-increasing global demand for private retreats with a choice of four luxurious, exclusive-use options in three countries on the African continent. This popular mode of safari, still in high demand by affluent travellers seeking a personalised and private bush break, offers exclusive-use of either a complete home/villa, or an entire lodge. Services of a safari guide and game viewing vehicle included, as well as a dedicated butler, chef and staff to anticipate every need.

Entabeni Private Game Reserve offers a chance to truly escape

Lodges on offer include the magnificent Singita Pamushana Lodge in Zimbabwe; romantic Singita Sweni Lodge in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, and the comfortable Singita Castleton Camp in the Sabi Sand Reserve, as well as flagship Singita Sasakwa Lodge in Tanzania.

City.Mobi With so many top destinations on offer City.Mobi has recently launched a range of guides to cities across Africa – including Nairobi.Mobi, Joburg.City.Mobi, and Pretoria.Mobi. These definitive guides provide guests with all they need to know about this incredible destinations, from entertainment info to booking hotels and airport transfers.

Lawhill Luxury Apartments are designed to offer guests sheer comfort and luxury

Legend Lodges Back in South Africa, Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts has also taken the opportunity to redefine its offering during the past two years. The group presently features safari and country lodges, coastal hotels, and cultural villages and shebeens, not just in South Africa but also in Mozambique. Among the most celebrated is the Entabeni Private Game Reserve. Situated in the World Heritage Waterberg Biosphere of the Waterberg region, the location is less than a threehour drive north of Johannesburg. The 22,000 hectare malaria-free reserve boasts five eco-system, with the

breakingtravelnews.com

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory. Key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport. City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.

For mobile guides to over 800 cities wordwide visit City.Mobi

Lawhill Luxury mark an expansion into serviced apartments for Mantis

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:44 Page 48

Avis 360˚: the completely worry-free Package

For the best kilometres of the year. Enjoy your holiday and drive with your worry-free rent-a-car through the best time of the year, your holidays. • 0,– Euro deductible in case of damage • attractive rates • unlimited kilometres • well-balanced mix of famous automobile-manufacturers Book now online:

www.avis360.de

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:44 Page 49

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:44 Page 50

Rooms with a Pyramid view

Fine dining at Mena House Oberoi

Palatial splendour at Mena House Oberoi The Mena House Obeoi is Cairo’s most iconic hotel and located in the shadows of the Great Pyramids of Giza. BTN looks at its timeless appeal. With calm now restored across the country, and all the tourism sites reopened, Egypt’s tourism economy is rapidly showing the green shoots of recovery. After the inevitable slump in occupancy rates during the uprising, Cairo’s most iconic hotels is now experiencing a rapid rebound. Located in the shadows of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Mena House Oberoi oozes a palatial splendour of a bygone era. This unique hotel has played host to countless kings and emperors, heads of state and celebrities, with its palatial rooms overlooking the Pyramids and a lush surrounding of 40 acres of verdant green gardens. The royal history of the hotel is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture, original work of arts and magnificent antiques that are rarely found in luxury hotels. The Mena House Oberoi located 700 meters from one of the wonders of the ancient world offers unmatched views of the Pyramids. You can gaze upon the magnificence of the Pyramids from your room at sunrise and sunset. After dinner at one of the many

restaurants, you can return to see them lit up for your private viewing pleasure. An ideal location for meetings in Cairo, the hotel’s banquets and conference centre offer venues for weddings, receptions and meetings ranging from 50 to 1000 guests. Recreation options at the hotel include a heated swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness centre and spa. Regarded as one of the leading luxury hotels in Cairo, the hotel combines the magical charm of a bygone era with unrivalled service fit for royalty. The Mena House Oberoi Golf Course is set to reopen in the summer of 2011. It is one of the few hotels in Cairo with a golf course. Enthusiasts can tee off at the nine hole golf course which is located in the shadow of the Great Pyramids. The Mena House was originally built as a royal lodge for the ruler of Egypt Khedive Ismail, and used as a rest house for him and his guests when on hunting trips in the desert or while visiting the Pyramids at Giza. In 1885, a wealthy English couple, Locke-King bought and converted the estate into a luxurious hotel, and two years later Mena House hotel received its first guests.

Today, Mena House is operated by the luxury India hospitality chain Oberoi, with its incredible attention detail and personal service coming as standard. The property has 523 rooms and suites in the Palace and Garden wings and Cabana style rooms by the swimming pool. All 13 Suites, 21 Palace Rooms and 140 Garden Rooms have a view of the pyramids. Four Executive Suites have a separate living room and bedroom. Seven Deluxe Suites in the old Palace section of the hotel have separate living room, dining room and bedroom. The regally appointed Presidential Suites, Churchill and Montgomery, each have a large private terrace and a view of the Pyramids. All Suites in the old Palace section feature beautiful traditional detailing, murals, screens, panelling, gilding, fine upholstery, original wooden balustrading and arched windows. Guests in the Suites enjoy the privilege of private butler service and 24 hour in-room dining.

To find out more about Mena House Oberoi at ITB 2011 visit Hall 23.A/101. www.oberoihotels.com

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:44 Page 51

Anantara Bangkok Sathorn opens its doors The ‘luxury experiential’ Anantara hotel brand is poised to launch its first urban hotel with the opening of Anantara Bangkok Sathorn later this month.

Twin towers of 37 floors rise prominently amidst Bangkok's city skyline, offering distinctive short and long term stays. Rooms range from 40 square metre to 121 square metre two bedroom suites, each benefiting from elite amenities and balconies with city or river views. Each one and two bedroom suites offer entertainment areas with oversized bathtubs. Long term residences are available for corporate travellers. Positioned in the heart of the city’s business and entertainment areas, the new Anantara Bangkok Sathorn, resides opposite Bangkok's first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station, and connects guests within minutes to both the BTS sky train and major tourist centre’s of Bangkok.

World.mobi City.Mobi has recently launched world.mobi this definitive guide provides you need to know about travel and tourism all over the world, from entertainment info to booking hotels and airport transfers. City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. This also includes Beijing.City, plus a host of other cities across China. Mobi Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

Key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport. City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.

Visit the Anantara Group at this year’s ITB Berlin in Hall 26.b stand 212. For mobile guides to over 800 cities wordwide visit City.Mobi

The property delivers a comprehensive collection of leisure and business facilities and services for a range of guests, including children, who can enjoy painting lessons. For dining, 100° East is a contemporary allday dining restaurant. While pizza connoisseurs can enjoy a wide selection of gourmet pizzas at the pizzeria restaurant, Crust. Exclusive recreational and spa facilities are available in the Six Senses spa. While a state of the art gym, with personal trainer is available for active guests. The property also boasts one of Bangkok’s longest hotel pools complete with a pool butler to cater to any poolside pampering needs. There are three well equipped meeting venues, enhanced by a specialist conference and events service team. Meanwhile there is complimentary Wi-Fi internet access in all public areas

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:45 Page 52

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:45 Page 53

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:45 Page 54

World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2011 Dubai • Montego Bay • Antalya • Sharm el Sheikh • Bangkok

World Travel Awards

Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2 011 Royal Savoy, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt 16 September 2011

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:45 Page 55

“The Oscars of the Travel Industry” Wall Street Journal

“The awards have been making a steady and significant, long term effect in the industry” Financial Times

“The travel industry’s most high-profile award ceremony” The Independent

“The biggest travel event of the year” Gulf Times

Global Media Partner

Event Sponsor

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:45 Page 56

Joburg Fashion Week

Joburg reigns as Africa’s tourism capital 2010 proved a seminal year for Johannesburg, but the City of Gold is anything but resting on its laurels. This year sees a roster jammed with world-class events and activities that will ensure it continues to reign as Africa’s most exciting city.

The city of Johannesburg comes into ITB 2011 on a high. As well as showcasing its incredible offerings to the world during FIFA 2010 World Cup, it is also building a reputation as Africa’s business capital, and last month hosted the busiest Meetings Africa yet with the who’s who of business travel from around the world in attendance. Chief architect of Joburg’s rise to tourism stardom is the Johannesburg Tourism Company. Its strategy involves creating a diverse range of packages and options around the city’s calendar of signature events and activities. A brand new channel in the marketing process is JTC’s newly launched booking portal on its website www.joburgtourism.com. Lindiwe Kwele, CEO, Johannesburg Tourism Company, said: “We’re very excited about the launch of our booking portal, as it provides a powerful touch-point to connect consumers globally with the variety of products, leisure options and activities available in Joburg. While we’ll always be a long-haul destination, this portal brings the city closer to people through very personal mediums like mobile phones and pc’s. We’re truly just a click away now – anywhere in the world – in your office, home, or in your pocket!” “Joburg Tourism is working hard to capitalize on the positive momentum of the 2010 World Cup, where we enjoyed unprecedented levels of positive attention and international media

exposure – and our Travelport booking portal is one of the tools in our arsenal!” adds Kwele. This sentiment is supported by Bruce Hanna, Travelport vice president commercial, Southern Africa: “The tournament could not have come at a better time. It was an important boost for the travel sector in the midst of winter and as the country was emerging from the economic downturn. More importantly a survey released at the end of the World Cup found that 96 percent of foreign visitors said they’d return to South Africa and 92 percent would recommend the country to friends as a family or holiday destination. And it wasn’t all just talk. Shortly after the tournament the Federated Hospitality Industry of South Africa reported that 15.8 percent of its members had already booked return stays for World Cup visitors.” The JTC booking portal is designed to facilitate this renewed interest, and convert the interest into increased number of visitors, length of stay and spend – while also contributing to improved geographic spread and seasonality patterns.

Joburg’s endless summer Summer 2011 got off to a busy start with the Joburg Tourism Company’s summer destination activation campaign “Rediscover Joburg”, designed to support and showcase the broad range of lifestyle options available to both visitors and locals.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:45 Page 57

South Africa Tennis Open

On the sporting calendar earlier this year, Joburg successfully hosted both the Joburg Open Golf tournament, the ATP SA Tennis Open and the Cell Cycle Tour in January and February, while there is still the Top Gear Live Prototype World Tour in March to look forward to – and of course, not forgetting the line-up of international performers scheduled to entertain the city during 2011. To date high profile international artists and shows include U2, Faithless, Riverdance and Sean Kingston, to name but a few. During February the city also hosted the prestigious Africa Fashion International, Joburg Fashion Week at a variety of iconic, culturally rich, visually unique and diverse inner-city locations, where the city’s most talented designers showcased their autumn and winter fashion lines. A fitting finale for the Joburg Fashion Week was held on the cable-stayed Nelson Mandela Bridge, featuring 92 modes models representing Madiba’s years. The JFW a precursor to the exciting AFI Africa Fashion Week, which will take place in Joburg in October 2011.

Tourism), maintains that the continued success of Meetings Africa will ensure that South Africa remained well placed to cement its position as one of the most intriguing and dynamic business tourism destinations in the world. Opening Meetings Africa on Monday, 21 February 2011, South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Marthinus van Schalkwyk highlighted the increasingly significant role that business tourism will play in facilitating government's job creation objectives. “Tourism contributed an estimated 7.7 percent to South Africa's Gross Domestic Product in 2010. Business tourism will no doubt play a role in getting more visitors to South Africa. We have always maintained that it is imperative that we leverage the success and learning of the World Cup, especially in the tourism industry in South Africa.” The Minister expects South Africa's inclusion as the fifth country in the powerful Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) partnership to boost business. These countries account for 40 percent of the world's population and annual global GDP and are set to become the global growth engine.

just over seven million in 2009. This compares very well in international terms. Figures from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) show that global tourism arrivals are estimated to have grown by 6.7 percent in 2010, which means that South Africa outperformed the global market by more than 8 percent.

Joburg – the City of Gold Now proudly taking its place as Africa’s second largest city, Joburg is growing at an unprecedented rate – constantly and continuously transforming itself. It’s seen not only as the economic hub of the Continent, but also as offering a plethora of cultural, leisure, sporting, fashion and lifestyle activities that is fast making the leading destination for both leisure and business tourists. Joburg’s legendary shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife is complemented by fabulous weather as well as an astonishing array of facilities like spectacular golf courses, gyms, spas and wellness centres which add to its appeal as a destination.

Africa’s business capital In February, the city also played host to Meetings Africa, the continent’s premier annual business tourism expo, which exceeded expectations. Business tourism is a key driver for tourism growth and development and Meetings Africa therefore remains a top priority for the JTC’s Convention & Events Bureau in its quest to increase Joburg’s market share of global events on the international bid circuit. Over 7,000 official meetings were scheduled during Meetings Africa 2011, breaking previous records and exceeding the expectations of platform owners, SA Tourism. Unaudited attendance numbers for the event were 3,353, up from last year’s 2,899 delegates. South African Tourism hosted 123 international buyers and 32 international media from global core markets and this year’s Association Day was attended by 52 delegates. Nomasonto Ndlovu (Global Business Tourism Manager at SA

breakingtravelnews.com

"Collectively, these countries are expected to outperform major industrialised economies over the next two years. South Africa stands to gain tremendously from our inclusion into the BRIC partnership. Amongst others, we expect that increased levels of trade and investment activity between South Africa and the other partner countries will also lead to increased business travel and business meetings. In addition, South Africa will be able to share and learn from these countries in terms of business tourism success stories and identify opportunities for stronger collaboration in bidding for and staging major business events." The Minister reported that South Africa recorded a 15.1 percent increase in tourist arrivals to the country last year. "In 2010 we saw more than eight million tourist arrivals to the country, compared to

“While our city may have been founded on a nugget of gold, it’s no longer our Stock Exchange or being the business epicenter for a continent alone that make us famous – rather it’s the diversity, vibrancy and warmth of our people, the countless cultures they represent and the infinite choices the city offers its citizens and visitors,” says Kwele. “Jozi has become an eclectic mix of people and cultures that have combined over a century to deliver myriads of talent and services capable of enthralling even the most seasoned of cosmopolitan travelers – we invite visitors to stay, play and discover.

To find out more about Joburg at ITB Berlin, visit the Johannesburg Tourism Company at Hall 20/138. To find out more about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:45 Page 58

WWW.TAUERNSPAKAPRUN.COM

Base Camp für Körper und Seele.

TAUERN SPA Zell am See - Kaprun Base Camp for body and soul 4* Hotel und über 20.000 m2 SPA WasserSaunawelt und Saunawelt:

4* hotel and more than 20.000 m2 SPA Waterand Sauna World:

160 Zimmer und Suiten, alle mit Balkon und herrlichem Weitblick auf das Kitzsteinhorn und die Pinzgauer Bergwelt Beste österreichische und internationale Kulinarik in 6 verschiedenen Bars, Restaurants und Cafés 12 verschieden inszenierte Pools im herrlichen Innen- und Außenbereich mit Blick auf Österreichs höchste Gipfel 13 spektakuläre Saunen und Dampfbäder Einzigartiges Hotel Panorama SPA mit gläsernem Skyline Pool in rund 15 Meter Höhe Wohltuende Body- und Beauty-Treatments im Alpin Vital VitalSPA & Kosmetik, mit 1717 verschiedenen verschiedenen Behandlungsräumen Behandlungsräumen Eigenes Kinder Kinder SPASPA Kidstein, abenteuerliche Wasserwelt für für Kinder Wasserwelt Kinder mit 127 Meter langer Riesenrutsche 127 Meter langer Riesenrutsche Täglich geführte Expeditionsprogramme geführte Expeditionsprogramme aller Art in die Art in unverwechselbare die unverwechselbare Region Zell am See-Kaprun

160 luxury rooms and suites with fantastic views over the region Best Austrian and international culinary specials in 6 different bars, restaurants and cafés 12 magnificent, different designed indoor and outdoor pools with wonderful views of the highest mountains in Austria 13 spectacular saunas and steam baths Unique separate hotel Panorama SPA with the glazed Skyline pool at 15 meters hight Genial body- und beauty-treatments at the Alpin Vital SPA & Kosmetik with 17 different beauty treatment rooms Separate children SPA Kidstein, adventure Water World for children with 127 meter long giant slide Daily guided expedition programmes with trips into the distinctive natural surroundings

TAUERN SPA Zell am See - Kaprun, Tauern Spa Platz 1, A-5710 Kaprun T. +43 6547 2040-0, F. +43 6547 2040-9900, office@tauernspakaprun.com

Ein Reso Resort rt der der

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:45 Page 59

WTTC urges smarter policies to reap tourism rewards By 2021 one in ten people will be employed in the tourism sector according to WTTC

Tourism is a vital stimulus for economies around the world

While economic growth faces many challenges, the travel and tourism industry is still expected to be one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, according to new Economic Impact Research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC research – which examines the likely trends in the sector between for 2011 and 2021 – reveals the power of tourism to boost economic growth and employment. “Travel and tourism creates jobs, generates exports and stimulates investment,” said says WTTC president David Scowsill. “At a time of post-crisis global recovery, the industry is in a unique position to power sustainable growth around the globe, whether in mature economies emerging from recession or young emerging markets in the throes of rapid development. “But it must have the clear support of governments and policy-makers if that potential is to be realised.”

into account the figures rise to a total value of US$6 trillion (9.1 per cent of GDP) and 258 million jobs (8.8 per cent of total employment). “Over the next ten years, tourism’s total contribution to GDP is forecast to rise by 4.2 percent pa to US$9.2 trillion, bringing with it 65 million new jobs. “By 2021, one in ten workers on the planet will be employed as a result of the sector,” continued Scowsill.

Chinese Angle This growth will be largely driven by rising living standards and new consumers – mainly from countries such as China and India – entering the market, boosting international travel and generating increasingly vibrant domestic tourism sectors.

rapid growth in emerging and developing economies. However, economic challenges such as fiscal austerity and rising commodity prices mean that governments will need smarter policies to support the industry as it grows and seize its potential to create jobs, increase exports and stimulate investment. Geoffrey Kent, chairman of WTTC and founder of leading luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent, commented: “WTTC’s annual research proves the direct contribution of travel and tourism is only a fraction of the industry’s true worth. “The research can help governments and business better understand the true power and potential of this industry to boost GDP, employment and exports, helping to drive economic growth.

Sustainability Sustaining last year's recovery, tourism’s contribution to GDP is bouncing back and is set to grow by 4.5 per cent in 2011, creating around three million new jobs this year. Worldwide it will be worth US$1.8 trillion, directly employing just over 99 million people. When the wider impacts of the industry are taken

breakingtravelnews.com

Foreign travellers’ spending will continue to be vital to many nations’ economic fortunes. These visitor exports are expected to grow by 6.6 percent per annum, reaching US$1.8 trillion in 2021.

“For that growth to be sustainable governments must work together with the industry towards smarter policies and legislation that will help the industry to thrive.”

Industry investment – currently estimated at US$652 billion – is forecast to double in real terms over the next decade to reach US$1.5 trillion, with particularly

Government Policy

including efficient and transparent visa processes, taxation reflecting the export value of the industry, and rationalised and uniform security measures. Governments are also encouraged to facilitate investment to maintain and expand capacity in a sustainable way, and also underpin improvements in quality, competitiveness and productivity. Finally, support must be offered to the human capital needs of the industry through appropriate skills development and employment legislation. Undertaken in partnership with Oxford Economics, the world research report is one of a series for 181 countries and 20 country ‘groupings’. Each also charts the value of business versus leisure, and domestic versus international travel.

Head over to the WTTC stand at ITB Berlin Hall 6.3/414 for more information.

To realise sustainable growth, WTTC is calling for policies that minimise barriers to travel;

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:45 Page 60

World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2011 Dubai • Montego Bay • Antalya • Sharm el Sheikh • Bangkok

World Travel Awards

Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony 2 011 Dusit Thani, Bangkok, Thailand 28 September 2011

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:45 Page 61

“The Oscars of the Travel Industry” Wall Street Journal

“The awards have been making a steady and significant, long term effect in the industry” Financial Times

“The travel industry’s most high-profile award ceremony” The Independent

“The biggest travel event of the year” Gulf Times

Global Media Partner

Media Partner

Event Partners

Destination Partner

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:45 Page 62

Saxon South Africa offers unbeatable Johannesburg’s Saxon Hotel remains at the forefront of hospitality, with numerous awards to prove it. Saxon History Previously the private home of insurance giant Douw Steyn, Saxon opened its doors to the public in June 2000, having been transformed into 24 luxury suites in accordance with Steyn’s vision of an exclusive venue that would exceed the expectations of any leisure or business traveller the world over.

Every premium suite features a sumptuous and generously proportioned lounge, a dining room and a guest suite. The main bedroom suite and bathroom, with jacuzzi and steam room is the hotel’s absolute piece de resistance, abounding with African elegance at its most luxurious.

Fine Dining Situated on six acres of lush landscaped gardens in the exclusive suburb of Sandhurst, Johannesburg, Saxon boasts a stately staircase just inside the entrance which sweeps around a central glass dome, where natural light blends with and enhances the contemporary African décor. Leading off from this area is a boutique piano lounge, smoking library and the hotel’s restaurant. The main hotel consists of 20 Egoli suites and four Presidential Suites. Every suite is equipped with HD LCD screen television, a Bluray/DVD player, a full computer gaming interface and the highest quality state-of-the-art surroundsound music systems, as well as access to a full digital TV bouquet, a complete array of radio stations and a digital movie library.

Understated and private, The Saxon Restaurant takes guests on a journey of discovery, exploring the world's finest cuisines. Regularly the worldclass chefs reinvent the menu afresh, using only the choicest organic and seasonal ingredients to create gastronomic masterpieces designed to delight any discerning palate. The Saxon also has a highly acclaimed and award-winning team of sommeliers who will use their vast knowledge and experience to suggest the perfect wine from the perfect vintage for each and every course. Dinner can be enjoyed either inside the restaurant, or outside on the wooden deck under a canopy of lush African foliage, with just a glimpse of the sky

above. Alternatively, the outside Terrace overlooking the hotel’s infinity pool and rolling lawns creates the perfect setting for an experience second-to-none. For something really special – and really different – guests can enjoy the newly established Chef’s Table in the heart of the hotel’s kitchen. Dressed with crisp white linen and the finest silver, crystal glassware and bone china dinnerware and hosted by the Executive Chef, personal tastes are completely indulged with a bespoke menu created and complemented with the very best from the wine cellar.

Sumptuous Spa The Saxon Spa and Studio is a “Leading Spas of the World” and is designed to reduce stress, detox and to delight. The bouquet of therapies, treatments and massage protocols on offer include innovative Signature Therapies as well as traditional spa treatments and pampering sessions. The Hair Studio set adjacent to the Spa Café offers a wide variety of hair treatments as well

as a manicure and pedicure station. The Saxon Spa and Studio is designed on two levels and opens out onto a sun-kissed outside deck surrounded by beautiful water features including a heated plunge pool and outdoor shower.

The Saxon Villas The three recently opened Saxon Villas are perfect for those who want five-star hotel service with the privacy and freedom of staying in their own space. Villa One offers seven full suites on one level, similar in design to the Hotel’s popular open-plan Egoli Suites. Villas Two and Three are two stories each with the ground level providing seven suites as in Villa One. The upper level of these Villas each contain four one-bedroom Presidential Suites which may be converted into two TwoBedroom Platinum Suites. This floor also houses a Spa Suite for private en-suite spa treatments and therapies.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:46 Page 63

The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa has been voted “Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel”, “Africa’s Leading Suite Hotel”, “South Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel and “World’s Leading Boutique Hotel”, since 2001 and as one of the “Leading Hotels of the World”, provides the perfect mix of world-class service and the best of South African hospitality.

experience Lifts from the newly constructed 170-vehicle capacity parking lot into each of the Villas allow guests an additional element of privacy, by allowing them to check in, in the privacy of their own suite Every piece of furniture housed within the Villas was made bespoke for the Saxon using only South African materials and craftsmen and all the linen on the beds boasts a 1,000-thread count. There are also over 200 original works of art commissioned by established and emerging South African artists, seen throughout the new buildings. Surrounded by lush gardens planted with indigenous species, with water features for complete privacy, the Saxon Villas display the best of contemporary architecture, accentuated with natural stone-clad walls, high ceilings and an abundance of natural light. Woods, silks and sustainable weaves add to the feeling of quiet reflection and each villa has its own private plunge pool, terrace and lounge, satellite kitchen complete with butler service and boardroom which may be converted into a dining room.

City.Mobi With The Saxon and Johannesburg going from strength to strength, City.Mobi has recently launched thesaxon.mobi and joburg.city.mobi. These definitive guides provide guest will all they need to know about these incredible destinations, from entertainment info to booking hotels and airport transfers. City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory. Key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport. City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.

The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa will be exhibiting at ITB Berlin in Hall 9/223 www.saxon.co.za For more information on World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com For mobile guides to over 800 cities wordwide visit City.Mobi

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:46 Page 64

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:46 Page 65

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:46 Page 66

World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2011 Middle East Gala Ceremony Armani Hotel Dubai, UAE • 2 May 2011 Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony Sandals Royal Caribbean Montego Bay, Jamaica • 11 May 2011 Europe Gala Ceremony Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa Antalya, Turkey • 2 September 2011 Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony Royal Savoy Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt • 16 September 2011 Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony Dusit Thani Bangkok, Thailand • 28 September 2011 Grand Final Gala Ceremony November 2011

worldtravelawards.com awards@worldtravelawards.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:46 Page 67

World Travel Awards Grand Tours 2012-2014 2012 Caribbean & Central America Gala Ceremony Nassau, Bahamas • 14 January 2012 Europe Gala Ceremony Berlin, Germany • 6 March 2012 North America Gala Ceremony Los Angeles, USA • 21 April 2012 Middle East Gala Ceremony Dubai, UAE • 30 April 2012 Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony Durban, South Africa • 8 May 2012 South America Gala Ceremony Rio de Janeiro, Brazil • 18 October 2012 Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony New Delhi, India • 28 October 2012 Grand Final Gala Ceremony November 2012

2013

(20th Anniversary Year)

Caribbean & Central America Gala Ceremony Montego Bay, Jamaica • 15 January 2013 Europe Gala Ceremony Berlin, Germany • March 2013 Middle East Gala Ceremony Dubai, UAE • May 2013 Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt • May 2013 North America Gala Ceremony Las Vegas, USA • 8 June 2013 Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony Shanghai, China • 13 June 2013 South America Gala Ceremony Rio de Janeiro, Brazil • 20 October 2013 Grand Final Gala Ceremony November 2013

2014 Caribbean & Central America Gala Ceremony San Juan, Puerto Rico • January 2014 Europe Gala Ceremony Berlin, Germany • March 2014 Middle East Gala Ceremony Dubai, UAE • May 2014 North America Gala Ceremony Orlando, USA • May 2014 Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony Durban, South Africa • May 2014 Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony Singapore • October 2014 South America Gala Ceremony Rio de Janeiro, Brazil • October 2014 Grand Final Gala Ceremony November 2014

worldtravelawards.com awards@worldtravelawards.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:46 Page 68

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:46 Page 69

Best in Travel – the new digital magazine created by World Travel Awards

Join the reading revolution ■ 58% of digital content readers spend more time reading digital content ■ 33% are spending more money on buying things online ■ They watch 25% less television ■ 43% want dynamic advertising – allowing them interact with ads ■ 54% want to be able to purchase the things they see in magazines directly from the magazine Research: Harrison Group

Since we launched in 1993, the World Travel Awards team has had the rather enviable task of scouring the globe in search of the ultimate in luxury travel – those out-of-this-world places and experiences where memories forged will last a lifetime. Best in Travel blends our unrivalled first-hand knowledge with leading-edge interactive technology to create the definitive guide to the world’s most glamorous travel experiences. Opportunities for advertisers include: flash page • embedded video box • giant video box • giant video box advertorial • bespoke page advertorial

Seven-night dream holiday to Europe’s most luxurious resort Best in Travel is offering you and your partner a chance to win a dream holiday to Mardan Palace. And just to make sure it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you’ll also win VIP transfers, breakfast, and return business-class flights. Visit BestinTravelMagazine.com for details.

advertising@bestintravelmagazine.com subscribe@bestintravelmagazine.com bestintravelmagazine.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:50 Page 70

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:50 Page 71

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:50 Page 72

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:51 Page 73

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:20 Page 74

Emirates Palace showcases world-class attractions at ITB Berlin The iconic Emirates Palace is showcasing its strengths at the ITB Berlin 2011 as part of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority exhibition, which is presenting its largest ever pavilion at the show due to the huge expansion of the emirate’s tourism offerings.

The opulent Emirates Palace will use the world’s largest travel trade show, which has more than 180,000 visitors, and over 10,000 exhibitors from 180 countries, as a B2B-Platform to offer its luxury services and products. With the whole world tourism industry gathered in Berlin, Emirates Palace is marketing its spring and summer holiday packages to high-end holidaymakers to Abu Dhabi. The push comes hot on the heels of Emirates Palace picking up an incredible eight titles at the 2010 World Travel Awards including “World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel”, “UAE’s Leading Hotel” and “Abu Dhabi’s Leading Resort”. Meanwhile Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority was voted “World’s Leading Tourist Board” at 2010 World Travel Awards. Janet Abrahams, Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Emirates Palace, said

the role of ITB Berlin as a prime meeting place, a marketplace, and a driving force behind the entire industry, would contribute to stimulating the tourism sector in Abu Dhabi. She confirmed the vital importance of cooperation with ADTA, which is promoting Abu Dhabi as a destination of choice in Germany, Europe’s largest outbound tourism market. “The Emirates Palace is always keen to communicate and interact with major travel tour operators and agencies to familiarise them with Abu Dhabi’s historic culture, and wealth of fascinating tourism attractions and landmarks,” she said. The Emirates Palace team is holding a series of events and meetings with European and international travel, tourism and hospitality organisations and media partners during ITB Berlin to promote luxury services and products it offers to global travellers.

“We have a number of special promotions and ITB is the ideal showcase to speak to a global travel audience,” she added. During the B2B-Platform for trade visitors, the Emirates Palace team has an excellent opportunity to meet business partners and to do business. Abu Dhabi is mounting its largest ever pavilion at ITB Berlin, with 53 companies from the emirate demonstrating the huge expansion of the destination’s tourism proposition. Abu Dhabi’s product line at the pavilion is 10 percent larger than last year and comprises hotels, transport providers and tour operators. The powerful promotion comes as Germany ranks fourth in Abu Dhabi's international hotel guest league with Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority looking to strengthen the destination's hold on Europe's biggest outbound market.

Winner of the ultimate travel accolade Emirates Palace will be hoping to emulate the success of 2010 when it picked up “Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Resort” at the World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony, then progressed to the Grand Final where it was voted “World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel”. Built as an iconic landmark showcasing Arabian culture and hospitality at its finest, Emirates Palace, managed by Kempinski, has created an enviable niche in luxury hospitality, welcoming world leaders, celebrities, global business travellers and leisure guests with a truly memorable and unique experience, luxurious contemporary facilities and amenities in comfortable and traditional Arabian surroundings with personalized world class service. Situated on a 1.3km stretch of private white pristine beach and

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:51 Page 75

on 100 hectares of manicured lawns and lush landscaped gardens, Emirates Palace comprises 394 luxury rooms and suites and a variety of award winning dining options. The resort’s leisure facilities include two intricately landscaped swimming pools one to refresh and relax and one perfectly designed for adventure and family fun, an Anantara spa, tennis courts, and a state of the art fitness centre. Emirates Palace houses the most luxurious and technologically advanced meeting facilities in the region which include an auditorium with up to 1,100 seats, the ballroom for up to 2400 guests, over 40 meeting rooms, a Media Centre and a Business Centre and outdoor venue capacity for up to 20,000 guests. Janet Abrahams, Executive Director Sales & Marketing, Emirates Palace, with James A Khan, Global Sales & Marketing Director, World Travel Awards

breakingtravelnews.com

As a world-class leader in the Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Events market, Emirates Palace plays host to a spectacular cultural calendar including host for the Middle East International Film Festival, the largest Hotel Art Gallery with regular exhibitions, popular and classical music concert programme. With a FIFA standard football pitch and home to Manchester City’s winter training ground, Emirates Palace offers the best in world sports action including the annual Lashings Cricket Festival.

The hotel is currently staging an exhibition of artworks by Lisa Mounteer-Watson, presented by Swiss Art Gate UAE until 29 May 2011 Under the patronage of H.E. Richard Olson, Ambassador of the United States to the United Arab Emirates and H.E. WolfgangAmadeus Bruelhart, Ambassador of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Kees Heuveling, Hotel Manager of Emirates Palace said about the displayed artwork: “At the Emirates Palace we strive to promote efforts to enrich the cultural life and promote cultural tourism to visitors coming to Emirates Palace and with the Mezzaluna restaurant, a good example.”

To find out more about Emirates Palace at ITB Berlin, visit Hall 22.B/210. To find out more about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:51 Page 76

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:51 Page 77

www.tourism-mauritius.mu

Mauritius. Much more than perfect beaches. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for more than just miles of beautiful unspoiled, white sandy beaches and warm turquoise lagoons, Mauritius is for you. Trek in the lush interior with its majestic mountains, pristine forests and breathtaking waterfalls. Tee off on one of our world class golf courses or enjoy the great water sports on offer. Explore the colourful markets for designer fashions and exquisite jewellery or simply relax and be pampered in a luxurious spa at one of our world-class hotels. You will be charmed by the warmth of our

Image courtesy of Beachcomber hotels

welcome and the unrivalled levels of service that brings visitors back year after year.

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:57 Page 78

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 17:58 Page 79

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:51 Page 80

Forte Village ready for a summer of This spring luxury hospitality brand Forte Village Resort, Sardinia is opening a brand new private two-floor villa, Villa Forte. Opening on 1 April, in time for the season, the 211sqm villa is set amongst tropical vegetation in a quiet location just a stone’s throw from the Thermae del Forte Spa and a short walk from the beach. The opening comes hot on the heels of Forte Village picking up “World’s Leading Resort” in 2010 for the 13th year running. The luxury Sardinian resort also picked up “World’s Leading Green Resort” and “Europe’s Leading Resort”.

Villa Forte adds a whole new dimension of privacy to Forte Village. With breakfast service included, guests can really feel like they’re in their own private hideaway.

Harrods spa festival Sardinian in style, Villa Forte sits in a spacious private garden with an exclusive outdoor pool with whirlpool bath and chromotherapy. Split on two levels, the villa can either be taken as one villa or can be divided into two independent suites where the garden and the pool are used by the ground floor suite. On the ground floor, the villa has one bedroom with queen-sized beds. Adjacent is a living room with a dining table and cosy divans, one of which can be transformed into a bed. The wide, sliding glass doors open onto the patio and beautiful garden. On the ground floor, next to the living room, is a small kitchen that also opens onto the patio. The first floor can be accessed by either the stairway or an indoor lift and consists of a spacious bedroom with two beds or a queen size bed and a comfortable living area. The room is extraordinarily sunny and overlooks a magnificent terrace-solarium where guests can admire a fantastic sea view.

Luxury hospitality brand Forte Village is holding a Spa Festival at the world-famous Harrods in London. The Spa extravaganza runs until 27 March 2011 at Urban Retreat, on the fifth floor of the exclusive department store in Knightsbridge, and gives visitors a golden opportunity to discover some of the legendary treatments available at the awardwinning Forte Village. All visitors will also receive a special gift. The team of experts and therapists are renowned leaders in the field, and are constantly thriving to find new treatments and services to ensure that Forte Village Resort in Sardinia remains at the forefront of luxury Spa & Thalasso holidays.

Forte Village – the World’s Leading Resort One of Forte Village’s specialities is its Thalassotherapy, a scientifically proven “wellness medicine” that uses the combined action of climatic and marine elements (seawater, sand and seaweed) to restore wellbeing and inner peace. The legendary Thaermae del Forte houses the Thalassotherapy Centre, under the guidance of Dr. Angelo Cerina, who is considered to be one of the leading international specialists in the sector. Care treatments taken from the marine environment (seawater, sand, seaweed) and integrated with complementary treatments at the Resort’s Spa will allow guest to conserve or regain peak psychophysical balance. The Wellness Centre is just a few kilometres from Cagliari and is surrounded by an incredible garden where beauty of Sardinian nature adds to guests’ pleasure and relaxation. In this paradise of wonder and opportunity, guests can soak up energy from six seawater tubs, all at different temperatures. Each tub produces a different feeling, from intense sea oil to the velvet of aloe. A team of experts will

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:51 Page 81

f sizzling sporting action attend to your every need in a highly sophisticated and luxurious spa. They will skilfully guide you along a personalised path of various treatments.

As well as the outstanding sporting facilities, the resort boasts seven hotels, 44 suites, a stunning thalassotherapy spa and 21 gourmet restaurants, all set within 55 acres of subtropical gardens next to a beautiful white sandy beach.

Forte Village set for a sporty summer Forte Village Tennis Rugby stars Will Greenwood & Austin Healey will be back at Forte Village Resort, Sardinia for a second year running to host the Rugby Academy which will run for five weeks in 2011. The rugby legends will be on hand to offer boys and girls aged 6-15 expert rugby advice and will be joined by rugby stars Jason Leonard and Jason Robinson for the 2011 season. The resort, which boasts the finest selection of sporting facilities in the Mediterranean is also home to the Chelsea Soccer School, in which boys and girls aged 4-13 are trained by some of Chelsea’s world class coaches, and the Five Star Tennis Academy, where stars including Magnus Gustafsson are on hand to improve guests tennis skills at the resorts outstanding tennis facilities. The resort also boasts an onsite driving range and is situated just minutes away from the fabulous Is Molas Golf Club, one of the most famous courses in Italy. Guests can also take advantage of the huge selection of water sports available including the chance to take beginner and advanced scuba diving courses to achieve their PADI licence.

breakingtravelnews.com

Every year Forte Village Resort welcomes a selection of great tennis players, chosen from among the highest-ranked players in the world. Great champions of the past have taught at Forte Village Resort, including Pat Cash, Miroslav Mecir, Magnus Norman, Magnus Larsson and Thomas Enqvist, to name but a few. The resort boasts ten tennis courts and courses are available at all levels: for children, adults, beginners and expert players who wish to improve their style or simply continue training to a high level. Every week Forte Village Resort organises tournaments and events for all tennis lovers. Forte Village is the seat of the extraordinary Five Star Tennis Academy. An opportunity to receive coaching from internationally-ranked tennis stars and to learn effective game tactics is not to be missed. During the season, the alternating teaching staff will be made up of champions including Magnus Gustafsson, who reached No.10 world singles in 1991 and spent 14 years in the top100 world ranking, and also Paul Haaruis, double world champion.

The Academy’s course calendar for 2011 is: June 10 to 20 – Magnus Gustafsson July 1 to 10 – Karol Kucera July 11 to 22 – Paul Haarhuis July 27 to Aug 6 – Jonas Bjorkman Aug 22 to Sept 5 – Thomas Enqvuist

To find out more about Forte Village at ITB Berlin visit Hall 9, 111A. Also visit www.fortevillageresort.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:52 Page 82

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:52 Page 83

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:52 Page 84

45 SECONDS 122 FLOORS 442 METERS AT.MOSPHERE THE HIGHEST RESTAURANT & LOUNGE ON EARTH

Soaring high above Dubai, discover a dining experience that’s, quite literally, on top of the world. Simply prepared, yet stunning dishes are served in the lounge and the grill – with breathtaking views on all sides. THIS IS WHERE IT’S AT.

AT.MOSPHERE T +971 4 888 3828 E reservations@atmosphereburjkhalifa.com W www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:52 Page 85

Interview

Tony Gonchar is optimistic for the future of the US travel industry

Tony Gonchar was recently appointed chief executive of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), bringing with him 25 years of experience including leadership roles at Virtuoso, Expedia and Microsoft. BTN caught up with Tony to find out why he is cautiously optimistic for 2011 and just what it is that keeps him up at night.

BTN: What are your predictions for 2011? TG: I am optimistic about global travel industry growth but am adding some caution due to fuel price instability. On the agency side, our latest survey - the 2011 ASTA Agency Profile — found continued growth in the number of agencies with sales of less than $1 million as well as those with sales of more than $10 million. It is not surprising that large agencies have continued to do well, while smaller agencies are also finding opportunities doing one of two things — downsizing their operations and moving to a home-based office or merging with larger agencies to take advantage of their economies of scale. BTN: What will be the main challenges for travel agencies? TG: Agencies will continue to face pressure from suppliers who are looking to create distribution efficiencies and from informed consumers who are able to seek out the lowest price options over the Internet.

breakingtravelnews.com

ASTA industry update

Of course, these challenges create great opportunities. Agencies can demonstrate their value to travellers by providing specialised guidance on how to maximize the value of their vacation. A trusted travel advisor manages our most precious asset – our time. BTN: What are the main challenges for ASTA?

City.Mobi City.Mobi has recently launched NYC.Mobi to assist visitors to the United States. This definitive guide provides all you need to know about travel and tourism all over the world, from entertainment info to booking hotels and airport transfers.

TG: What keeps me up at night is how we can consistently deliver relevancy and measurable value for our members.

This includes ensuring we have a healthy P&L, a legislative agenda that includes a strong lobbying effort and guidance to our members on the impact of current/pending legislation, and driving consumer awareness on the importance of using an ASTA travel agent.

Key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nig htlife, shopping, and transport. City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.

Visit the ASTA exhibiting at this year’s ITB Berlin to find out the latest on stand 563, Hall 2.1. To find out more visit City.Mobi

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 18:09 Page 86

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 18:09 Page 87

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:52 Page 88

Americas Spotlight New York City enjoyed strong arrivals in 2010

It’s been a busy year for travel and tourism. BTN looks at how North America, Central America and South America have fared over the past 12 months.

North America If last year was a year of belt tightening and budget cuts in the US, 2011 is proving to be a year of cautious optimism. A number of major US hotel brands have announced building programmes across the continent this year. In January, Starwood announced it expects to open more than 20 high quality new-build and conversion hotels in North America in 2011. The hospitality giant will also celebrate several key milestones in North America including the opening of its 60th hotel in Canada and 40th hotel in Florida. “Despite economic woes, and even with unemployment above nine percent, hotel occupancies are back at pre-crisis highs and we’re facing record low new supply here,” said Frits van Paasschen, President

and CEO for Starwood. One of Starwood’s seven brands, St Regis, was named the US’ Leading Ski Resort at the 2010 World Travel Awards. Multi-World Travel Award winner Jumeirah Essex House, in New York, is also celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The iconic property has recently completed a $90 million refurbishment programme that pays homage to its classic Art Deco heritage. All the public spaces and the rooms and suites have been refurbished to capture the glory days of the Golden Age of Travel of the 1920s and 1930s, but with hi-tech touches such as HD LCD flat Panel TVs and a touchscreen control pad with colourchanging LED mood screens. The hotel secured two awards at last year’s WTAs: North America’s Leading Business Hotel and

United States’ Leading Business Hotel. It is the fourth consecutive year that Jumeirah Essex House has picked up an award at the WTAs. New York City was hard hit by the economic downturn, but last year it once again claimed the number one spot in the US in terms of visitor numbers with 45.6m. In 2010 it also saw a number of high-profile hotel openings and multi-million dollar neighbourhood facelifts. The Pier 1 lawns at Brooklyn Bridge Park opened last March, and have transformed the waterfront area beside the bridge into a promenade. It marks the first stage of an 85-acre waterfront park with playing fields, sports courts and playgrounds, as well as running and bike parks. The two newest – and hippest – hotels to open in the city are Andaz Wall Street and Andaz Fifth Avenue. Fashion 26 is a new hotel bang in the heart of the trendy Chelsea neighbourhood and includes a rooftop bar. In recognition of its recovery and rejuvenation it secured two of the most important WTAs for North America’s Leading Destination and North America’s Leading Tourist Board. Four Seasons was another brand that ended 2010 on a high and is predicting a positive 2011 – its 50th anniversary year. In 2010, RevPAR (revenue per available room) rose 13 per cent over 2009, which is 30 per cent ahead of the brand’s competitors.

Occupancy was up almost 15 per cent, compared to a competitive average of 10 percent. In the Americas overall, numbers were also above average with an increase in RevPAR of 15 percent, almost 30 per cent ahead of competitors, and occupancy growth of 15 percent. Last year it secured two awards at the WTAs – North America’s Leading Luxury Resort for the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay and Canada’s Leading Ski Resort for the Four Seasons Whistler. Hilton Worldwide also had a strong 2010 in terms of guest numbers and hotel openings. Last year it became the largest hospitality company in the US by number of rooms and also opened its 600,000th hotel room, becoming only the second hotel company in history to reach that milestone. It also rebranded to Hilton Worldwide, opened 178 hotels with more than 24,000 rooms and signed management agreements or franchise agreements on more than 230 hotels with more than 44,000 rooms – despite the drag from the economic downturn. The group achieved recognition at the WTAs by securing the prestigious award of North America’s Leading Hotel Brand. Travel industry professionals also recognised the best way to get to the US by choosing Virgin Atlantic Airways as the World’s Leading Transatlantic Airline, North America’s Leading Transatlantic Airline and the World’s Leading Business Class.

Jumeirah Essex House enjoyed rich success at World Travel Awards

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:52 Page 89

Hacienda Tres Rios, Mexico is renowned for its green credentials

Mexico & Central America Mexico saw tourist numbers in the first nine months of 2010 reach 16.8 million – a seven percent growth on 2009, according to the Mexico Tourism Report. Steady growth will continue into this year, though it will be tempered by the sluggish economic climate in the US, its biggest source market. As a result, the country is unlikely to see growth return to pre-2007 levels, however, Cancun had a boost last year with the launch of direct flights from London with British Airways in November. The move means the region is now accessible from the UK twice a week in less than 10 hours from Gatwick Airport, rather than via Miami or Dallas Fort Worth. It came just three months after the collapse of Mexicana, which operated the same route Palenque, Mexico

Cancun also secured a clutch of prestigious awards at last year’s WTA including Mexico & Central America’s Leading Tourist Destination, Leading Beach, Leading Tourist Board and Leading Meetings & Conference Centre. South of the city lie some of the region’s most luxurious properties, one of which is Hacienda Tres Rios, which won two awards at the WTA’s last year, for Mexico & Central America’s Leading Green Hotel and Leading All-Inclusive Resort – both for the second year running. Located on 326 pristine acres of jungle, mangrove forest and coastal dunes, Tres Ríos is home to three natural rivers, ten cenotes (freshwater springs) and a sandy white beach. Further south lie two other award winners: Rosewood Mayakoba, which won Mexico & Central America’s Leading Luxury Hotel and

breakingtravelnews.com

Fairmont Mayakoba, which secured the award for the region’s Leading Golf Resort.

recorded number in history, beating the previous record set in 2008 by 10,000.

Both are in the heart of a 1,600-acre mangrove forest which has been sensitively developed and lies along an arc of a kilometre-long white sand beach.

A number of hotels were recognised for excellence including Marriott which secured three accolades for its Costa Rica properties, including Mexico & Central America’s Leading Golf Resort and Costa Rica’s Leading Golf Resort for Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort.

Marriott was the big winner across the region, securing four awards at last year’s WTAs. One was in Mexico for Casa Magna Marriott Puerto Vallerta Resort which won Mexico & Central America’s Leading Family Resort; and three in Costa Rica. Costa Rica enjoyed a bumper year for tourism last year, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Board. In 2010, an estimated 2,099,829 tourists came to Costa Rica, the highest

And Costa Rica’s Leading Spa Resort for its premium brand JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa. InterContinental was another big regional winner, securing Costa Rica’s Leading Hotel for the Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower, and also securing the award for the region’s Leading Hotel Brand.

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 18:07 Page 90

Americas Spotlight cont. Rio de Janeiro

South America South America welcomed 23.5 million tourists in 2010, a fifth of the world’s international tourist arrivals. According to a survey conducted by the UNWTO, 2010 was characterised by an upturn in tourist numbers – a trend that will continue during 2011. Brazil had the largest number of tourist arrivals with 23.5 per cent of the total, followed closely by Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Peru. In terms of hotel development throughout South America, according to the survey conducted by STR Global, the existing supply for the Luxury and Upper-Upscale segments for the whole of Central and South America is 28,055 rooms, with a total active pipeline of 7,109, which means an expected 25.3 percent increase in supply for those segments. TAP Portugal will launch non-stop flights to Porto Alegre, capital of Rio Grande do Sul, in June this year. The state has the fourth largest GDP in Brazil and a population of more than 10 million. With four flights a week between Lisbon and Porto Alegre, TAP will be the first European airline to start direct operations to southern Brazil. The new destination also allows TAP to extend its flight offerings to Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Montevideo (Uruguay), with connections to these cities on flights operated by code-share partners beyond Rio Grande do Sul.

Paolo Senise, MD of Rio CVB with Miss World at ITB Berlin

In 2010, the Portuguese airline carried more than 1.4 million passengers between Portugal and the nine Brazilian gateways previously served, a 25 percent increase year on year. TAP also flies to Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Campinas, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Recife, Natal and Fortaleza. With the launch of direct operations to Porto Alegre, TAP will have weekly flights to Brazil, strengthening its position as the largest airline operating between Brazil and Europe. Last year TAP secured the World’s Leading Airline to South America at the WTAs, for the second year in a row. Rio was the biggest draw for tourists to Brazil, securing almost a third of Brazil’s total arrivals and generating R$5 billion or 15 percent of the state’s GDP. The city is preparing for an even bigger influx for the two biggest sporting events in the world – the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 – with a massive infrastructure investment.

Destination, Leading Tourist Board and Leading Conference & Exhibition Centre (for RIOCENTRO). Rio’s hotels were also recognised at the WTA’s, including the Copacabana Palace which won South America’s Leading Hotel for an incredible 12th year in a row and won Brazil’s Leading Business Hotel for the second year running. Rio also participated at the inaugural WSDE Sport Tourism Expo in Johannesburg in the final week of FIFA 2010 World Cup. WSDE Sport Tourism Expo is the only global exhibition and business forum dedicated to showcasing the booming $600 billion a year Sport Tourism market – the most rapidly growing sector in travel and tourism. Now in its 2nd year, WSDE 2011 will take place in Bangkok, Thailand – Asia’s Sport Tourism Gateway, from 27-29 September 2011. In the rest of South America, two hotel chains swept the boards at last year’s WTAs: InterContinental and Marriott, securing nine awards between them. Marriott won five awards, which included the most prestigious:

South America’s Leading Hotel Brand; as well as for individual properties including South America’s Leading Airport Hotel for the Marriott Sao Paulo Airport; two for the JW Marriott Hotel, Lima: Peru’s Leading Hotel and Leading Business Hotel; and Venezuela’s Leading Hotel for the JW Marriott Hotel, Caracas. The InterContinental Group won four awards at the WTAs, including Brazil’s Leading Hotel for the InterContinental Rio, Chile’s Leading Hotel for the InterContinental Santiago, Colombia’s Leading Business Hotel, for the InterContinental Cali and Venezuela’s Leading Business Hotel, for the InterContinental Tamananco Caracas.

To find out more about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com To find out more about WSDE visit sporttourismexpo.com You can find out about other luxury hotel in the Americas whilst you’re on the move. Go to City.Mobi on your mobile where you can view all hotels by country.

More than two thousand rooms will be added this year, taking the city’s total to 22,000; and by 2016 the total increase will be 8,000 rooms, representing R$1 billion in investment. New hotels to be opened in the city include two for the Windsor chain, three Hyatt hotels – new to the city – and one more in the Accor chain. Its pre-eminence as a tourist destination was richly rewarded at last year’s WTAs where the city won five awards: South America’s Leading Cruise Port, Leading Beach (for Copacabana), Leading Brazil stand at ITB

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 18:08 Page 91

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:55 Page 92

Discover verr a hint hin of the forbidden… forbidden…

Hilton Beijing Wangfujing 8 Wangfujing East Street, Dongcheng, Beijing, China 100006 Tel Tel:: +86(0) 10 5812 8888 Fax: +86(0) 10 5812 8886

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:57 Page 93

Discover a hint o of the forbidden… Discover Hilton Beijing Wangfujing. Your door to exciting business opportunities, world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, rejuvenation and culture, delivered with the renowned Hilton service offering bespoke amenities and intimate indulgences. The best way to embrace the mystique of Beijing, with its bewitching natural beauty, historical sights and the inherent grace and hospitality of its people, is from Hilton Beijing Wangfujing. Situated in the heart of Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing’s most prestigious locations, the hotel is in close proximity to the major corporate, cultural and commercial centers of Beijing and a short walk from many major tourist and shopping attractions. This intimate, lifestyle hotel - featuring 255 of the largest guest rooms in the city, including 58 suites, four distinctively designed restaurants and lounges, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and a tranquil spa - invites you to immerse yourself in the various wonders this fascinating city has to offer. Combining style with practicality, the guest rooms are amongst the largest in the city, starting at a comfortable 50 square metres, featuring tastefully decorated interiors with thoughtful touches like aquatic in-room companions, spacious walk-in closets, highly sophisticated in-room technology such as iPod® docking stations, 42 inch LCD televisions and DVD players. Enjoy deep soaking tubs to melt away the day before sinking into the pleasure of the best beds in the world. For meeting and function venues with an enlightening mix of innovation and comfort, why not think outside of the bulb and turn us on. You are in good hands with our state-of-the-art equipment, delectable selections of international specialties and undivided attention by our professional staff.

The artistic touches are profoundly portrayed in the hotel’s dining experience with four dramatically styled restaurants and lounges. And you don’t have to be an epicurean to enjoy the distinctive cuisine accentuating exquisite flavors, unique produce and innovative menus, reflective of the hotel’s desire to bring a new level of experience to the Beijing dining scene. When you are exhausted from the day’s work, why not visit our Spa and let your muscles relax and unwind while you uplift the spirits of your mind and body. Pamper yourself with a wide range of wellness rituals, using the beneficial properties of the traditional Chinese remedies, elixirs and essential oils. Our treatments will help you restore, rejuvenate, and refresh your body, enhance circulation and energy flow, leaving you totally rebalanced, so that you are ready for the next big day! Remember your favorite vacation where you wished the time would come to a halt. Then, imagine the same scenery with cheerful staff who calls you by your name at your service in every corner you turn. It’s all possible here. Everyone here at the Hilton Beijing Wangfujing is delighted to transport you to a life that feels like a continual holiday whether you are here on business, rediscovering Beijing or enjoying a spontaneous getaway, you will love every minute of it.

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:57 Page 94

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:57 Page 95

Interview

Taleb Rifai, UNWTO secretary-general, looks to the future at ITB Berlin Breaking Travel News caught up with Taleb Rifai, secretary-general of UNWTO, to discuss the efforts of the organisation in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, global trends resulting from changing demographics and the great challenge that increasing taxation on travel means for the tourism industry. BTN: What are your predictions for 2011? TR: International tourism is expected to grow in 2011 at between 4-5 percent, following a strong 7 percent growth in 2010, thereby consolidating the recovery of last year. All world regions are forecast to grow in 2011. Emerging destinations, especially in Asia and the Pacific, are expected to continue leading growth, given their booming economies, government support for the sector and growing and active private sectors. In the advanced economies, growth will be more subdued, with projected growth linked to the economic outlook. BTN: What will be the main challenges for the global travel and tourism industry? TR: Unemployment is undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges looking ahead to 2011 and beyond, particularly in advanced economies, which constitute a significant part of the world’s most important tourism source markets. Indeed, the gradual recovery in employment expected for 2011 is still too weak to compensate for the jobs lost during the economic crisis. Accounting directly and indirectly for an estimated 6-7 percent of global jobs, and with a strong capacity to create employment and distribute it across the economy, tourism provides a key opportunity to fight a jobless recovery. Throughout 2011, an expanding tourism market will

breakingtravelnews.com

mean an expanding job market, capable of providing decent work and opportunities for sustainable enterprises. A further challenge is the recent tendency towards introducing and increasing taxation on travel as a means of balancing public accounts. These taxes seriously affect tourism’s capacity to generate jobs and stimulate economic growth, particularly for developing countries which often rely on tourism as one of their major sources of foreign exchange. Rising oil prices may also slow demand. There is also the longer-term sustainability challenge. We must make sure that tourism is leading in the three areas of sustainability – economic, social and environmental. BTN: What are the main challenges for UNWTO? TR: UNWTO is a specialised agency of the United Nations and the leading organisation in the field of tourism. Our challenges are twofold. First, to promote the sustainable and responsible development of tourism so that the sector can contribute fully to socio-economic growth, job creation, development, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment. Second, to support the tourism sector and the millions it employs across the world by sending out a strong message that tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors and that it

needs to be taken seriously if its full potential is to be realised. Unfortunately, there is still a perception of tourism as a ‘standalone’ sector. How often is tourism considered when debating key policies which impact highly on the sector? How often is tourism considered in decision making on issues such as employment, planning, transport, taxation or visas? Yet, tourism’s proven contribution to economic growth, job creation and sustainable development cannot be realised without strong national policies that support travel and tourism and without a legislative framework that responds to the economic and the environmental challenges and contributes to making tourism more competitive. This is why the political positioning of tourism and the overall support to foster sustainable tourism are at the centre UNWTO’s mandate and objectives and of our support to our member countries, within the overall framework as a specialized UN agency.

storm comparatively well. With increasing public awareness of environmental issues, this trend is likely to continue. There is also some anecdotal evidence that special interest travel is gaining momentum. Further global trends resulting from changing demographics present important challenges and opportunities for the tourism sector. The senior population, for example, is a growing segment with specific needs (proximity of services to attractions, safety and access to medical care), which must be catered for. This group also enjoys more free time and is therefore able to travel more frequently and during off-peak seasons of the year. The changes in family structures are also having an impact on global tourism trends. An extended family travelling together, for example, will demand that destinations offer a holiday suitable for several generations.

TR: Consumers are becoming increasingly independent, experienced and have a higher social and environmental conscious. They are looking for enriching experiences.

The emergence of new technologies, in particular the continuous rise in importance of the internet, will also have a significant impact. Potential tourists now enjoy immediate access to textual and visual information on destinations throughout the world, which has encouraged a new breed of tourism consumers who are more independent and prefer to search for holidays themselves online.

Responsible tourism, tourism that maximises the benefits to local communities while minimising social or environmental impacts, has weathered the economic

UNWTO will be exhibiting at ITB Berlin in Hall 20 stand 126

BTN: What trends are we likely to see?

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:58 Page 96

Mobile Solutions for the Travel Industry If your business only has a desktop website then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re probably losing customers... The mobile web is already starting to overtake the PC as the most popular way to access the Internet. Are you ready? Havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t got a mobile site? Need a mobile strategy? Contact us at info@world.mobi or +44 (0)20 7925 0000

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:58 Page 97

Mobile Site Development Mobile Destination Marketing Integrated Mobile and Desktop Solutions Mobile City Guides

The Saxon

Legend Lodges

brussels.mobi

info@world.mobi | www.world.mobi

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:58 Page 98

B U S I N E S S T R AV E L O R W E E K E N D G E TA W AY

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all in The Address

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:58 Page 99

Welcome to The Address Hotels + Resorts. Located in the most vibrant parts of the city, The Address Hotels + Resorts is defining the global standards of luxury hospitality. From business meetings to social rendezvous. From absolute relaxation to luxurious indulgences. It’s where worldclass services have been recreated to suit discerning tastes. It’s where energy surrounds you the minute you walk in. It’s chic. It’s exciting. It’s all in The Address.

www.theaddress.com

T H E A D D R E S S D O W N TO W N D U B A I | THE ADDRESS DUBAI MALL | THE ADDRESS DUBAI MARINA THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE DUBAI | T H E P A L A C E - T H E O L D TO W N CALL +971 4 423 8888 | S TAY @ T H E A D D R E S S . C O M

BTN_March_10_2011_v1_Layout 1 06/03/2011 16:58 Page 100

“The Oscars of the Travel Industry” Wall Street Journal

World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2011 Dubai • Montego Bay • Antalya • Sharm el Sheikh • Bangkok For more information and to book tickets: booking@worldtravelawards.com If you are interested in hosting a WTA event, please contact hosting@worldtravelawards.com

worldtravelawards.com