BTN 9th March 2011 by Breaking Travel News

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ITB Berlin Special Edition

Wednesday 9 March 2011

www.breakingtravelnews.com

Travel Triumphs

World’s Leading All Inclusive Golf Resort

Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort

Europe’s Leading Spa Resort

www.corneliaresort.com

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World’s Leading All Inclusive Golf Resort

Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort

Europe’s Leading Spa Resort

www.corneliaresort.com

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ITB Berlin Special Edition

Wednesday 9 March 2011

www.breakingtravelnews.com

Travel Triumphs

London 2012 Olympic Games Crown Jewel of Sports Tourism With less than 18 months to go until the Opening Ceremony the pieces are beginning to fall into place for the London 2012 Olympics. The Velodrome is the latest venue to open, with the stadium expected to be completed later this year. Breaking Travel News checks on the progress made so far. Just over 500 days remain until the London 2012 Olympic Games, with momentum in the British capital gathering pace as the Opening Ceremony approaches.

Schedule

Nearly six years of work have already gone into the preparations since London beat Paris for the right to host the event, with the opening of the Velodrome just the latest milestone passed.

With venues coming on stream, organisers also whetted appetites recently by releasing the finalised sporting schedule for the Games. Athletes competing in cycling, archery, swimming and judo will be among those to receive the first gold medals, with competitions taking place on the day following the Opening Ceremony - Saturday 28th July.

Nicknamed the Pringle by local residents - in homage to its distinctive design - the venue will host the cycling and BMX competitions during the 2012 Games.

Some eight million tickets will go on sale later this month, with tourists from around the world expected to descend on London for the duration of the event.

Jeremy Hunt, British secretary of state for culture, Olympics, media and sport, said: “The progress on the Velodrome has been phenomenal and it is fitting that it should be the first venue on the Olympic Park to be finished, given the gold medal hopes we have for our British Olympic Track Cycling team at the Games.

LOCOG chair, Sebastian Coe, explained: “On March 15th the application process opens to be part of the greatest show on earth.

“Watching Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton christen the track today was a historic first in the countdown to London 2012.” Outside of the capital events are also developing apace, with the Lee Valley White Water Centre – which will host Canoe Slalom – completed late last year.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world’s greatest athletes going for gold in the UK – a chance for people to see their favourite sport and perhaps try a new one. “Our message today is simple – mark the date in your diary and sign up to our ticketing site at www.tickets.london2012.com to receive all the information you need to help you with the process.” Hotels – reportedly resisting the urge to raise prices so far – have reported a boost to occupancy rates during the games, while airlines are preparing to offer additional airlift ahead of the Games.

The London 2012 Olympic Stadium is expected to be completed later this year

Rio de Janeiro 2016 But London is just the latest city to benefit from this crown jewel of the $600bn a year sports tourism industry. While Qatar 2022 grabbed most of the headlines over the past year, it was largely overlooked that Brazil – and in particular Rio de Janeiro – is set to become the next destination of choice for sports fans from around the world. Rio will take the Olympic mantel from London during the Closing Ceremony on August 12th 2012, when the countdown to the first games in South America will begin. Before that, however, is the small matter of the FIFA World Cup, which will visit the country in 2014 in a remarkable double header. As WSDE Sport Tourism Expo director Sion Rapson explained: “Sports tourism is the fastest growing sector in international travel, with Brazil riding the crest of the wave.” More information on Brazil can be found at Stand Halle 1.1 /203. National, regional and city tourist boards with a sport tourism portfolio as well as hotels and resorts offering sporting facilities – from Brazil and around the world – will also be converging in Thailand later this year for the WSDE Sport Tourism Expo – as Bangkok hosts the annual event from 27th-29th September. Here at ITB Berlin, Bayern Tourism will be hosting a seminar entitled ‘Effects of major sporting events on tourist infrastructure taking the example of Bavaria’ on March 10th at 11:00 in Press Conference Room, Hall 5.3. Meanwhile the ‘Social and Economic Impacts of a Sports Event illustrated by the Schladming 2010 Alpine Race’ will be explored on the same day at 17:15 in Bühne Halle 5.1.

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

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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

Sport Tourism Leads the Field in 2011 The ICC World Cup is gripping crowds across Asia at present

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: Christopher O’Toole Writers: Anton Strack Adam Coulter Chris Whitfield Mike Starling Anna Gouldman Jo McCann

From the ICC Cricket World Cup, through to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later in the year, 2011 promises to be sporting extravaganza. WSDE Sport Destination Expo also returns to examine the trends in this increasingly significant sector, visiting Bangkok in September.

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 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

Sport Tourism – for many years considered to be the sleeping giant of the travel industry – truly came of age in 2010. South Africa announced itself on the global stage with a spectacular FIFA World Cup – an event which truly unified the country, indeed the continent, as never before while the hosts of the next two tournaments – Russia and Qatar - have been generating innumerable headlines many years before they take their turn in the limelight. This year also promises to be just as memorable, with an action-packed calendar taking shape. WSDE Sports Destination Expo – the Global Market Place for Sport Tourism – is also set to return for its second annual incarnation, visiting Bangkok in September.

Sports Tourism Leading analysts predict the fastest growing sector in the industry will post record profits and contribute an astonishing 14 per cent of overall travel and tourism receipts by the end of 2011. Many reasons account for the boom, with the continued sportification of society key among them. The 21st century is witnessing traditional sun and sea vacations – the main stay of the travel and tourism industry – being replaced by activity sport related vacations and a new breed of tourists keen to attend an ever increasing calendar of readily-accessible megasporting events.

India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have come together to host the event, with 49 games scheduled over six weeks. Favorites India have been the centre of attention early on, but strong performances from South Africa, England and Australia have left the field wide open. With the final scheduled for April 2nd in Delhi many more exciting games are sure to fill TV screens around the world over the coming month. Head over to the India Tourism stand - Hall 5.2B/201+202 – for the latest information. Asia, more generally, is also leading the charge toward sports tourism and is geared up to once again lead the field in 2011.

For example, the ICC Cricket World Cup is presently delighting crowds in Asia.

breakingtravelnews.com

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Rugby World Cup The sporting event expected to grab the headlines later in 2011 is the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand – the spiritual home of rugby union. When New Zealand’s All Blacks kick-off against Tonga at Auckland’s Eden Park on September 9th the match will see six years of hard work become a reality for the tournament organisers. Tourism New Zealand, the country’s tourism board, is one of the organisations playing a huge role in the hosting of the year’s mega event. Gregg Anderson, general manager Western long haul markets at Tourism New Zealand, explained the importance of the event: “The Rugby World Cup is absolutely crucial to New Zealand’s tourism industry. “The 2011 World Cup will bring a lot of visitors down to New Zealand and what we are aiming for is to provide not just a sporting experience, but also a spiritual experience for our visitors to enjoy and talk about when they leave.

WSDE Sport Destination Expo will visit Bangkok in September

Sports Tourism in Asia Since Beijing successfully hosted the Olympic Games in 2008, the continent has remained in the sport tourism spotlight and its unrivalled sporting infrastructure and integrated approach to leisure tourism has reaped considerable rewards. This proven track record has resulted in the announcement that the next edition of WSDE Sport Destination Expo will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, between September 27th29th. The event – the first global exhibition and business forum dedicated to showcasing the $600 billion a year sport tourism industry – was successfully launched last year and is set to play a catalytic role in sparking tourism recovery in 2011. Also in Asia this year the FINA World Swimming Championships will be held in Shanghai, China, from July 16th-31st. Following on from its first-ever F1 Grand Prix in October 2010, South Korea will again be under the spotlight when Daegu hosts the IAAF World Athletics Championships later this year. Organisers will also be hoping that Usain Bolt will again be in unbeatable form and attract a full house to Daegu Stadium, one of the host arenas of the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals. In November 2011, Indonesia will be the host nation of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), which will see the 11 countries of Southeast Asia going head-to-head in a multisport event.

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“The second major legacy will be the investment in infrastructure and sporting stadiums.” One of the major projects has been the redevelopment of Auckland’s iconic Eden Park stadium. A three-year, NZ$240million (£114m) refurbishment includes a new six-level, 21,500seat South Stand and a new three-tier East Stand. The capacity of Eden Park has been increased to 60,000 and the stadium will host the finals and the opening and closing ceremonies. The AMI Stadium in Christchurch also has a new stand and the capacity has been increased to around 43,000. The city of Dunedin is getting the only brand new stadium – The Forsyth Barr Stadium The new stadia will be vital as approximately 85,000 fans are expected for the tournament, with Anderson predicting huge numbers travelling from the UK. “New Zealand will see 85,000 visitors come from across all markets,” he added. “We are expecting 32,000-33,000 from across Europe, with the vast majority from the UK. “This will provide a huge injection for the visitor industry and we will get coverage and publicity that we have not seen on a global scale since the Lords of the Rings films and the last British and Irish Lions rugby tour in 2005.”

Some eight million tickets will be available to spectators from around the world from March 15th, with many events expected to sell out in days. With guests from around the world expected in town for the event, City.Mobi has recently launched London.Mobi. This definitive guide provides guests 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

FIFA World Cup The FIFA World Cup has been generating headlines this year, following the election of Russia and Qatar as hosts for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments respectively. Russia – which will also host the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi – has proved to be a relatively uncontroversial choice following its selection, with preparations well underway. However, Qatar has come under closer scrutiny, with concerns over player safety initially raised during the soaring temperatures in the Middle East during the summer. Plans involving moving the tournament to the winter, or sharing it with other Middle Eastern states, were mooted before eventually being shelved, with Qatar insisting the tournament would go ahead as planned. Air conditioning will be employed to cool players during games, while the nation has ample resources to build the eight stadiums required for the tournament. Brazil has also been quietly preparing for the tournament, after being selected as host for 2014 in 2009. Major redevelopments are underway at the world famous Maracanã Stadium in Rio – which will host the final of the tournament – while 11 eleven other stadiums across the country are being upgraded in anticipation of the tournament at a cost of £500 million. Construction of a highspeed rail network is also planned linking Campinas, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro – at a cost of £4.1 billion.

Looking to the Future With the schedule for 2011 now in place, attention is turning to 2012 with the London Olympics set to be the main event. Cyclists were recently treated to a first viewing of the completed Velodrome, while the Lee Valley White Water Centre has also come on stream, giving British competitors time to practice before the main event.

High stakes indeed as the international sports tourism sector continues to go from strength to strength.

To find out more visit City.Mobi

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Jumeirah at Etihad Towers prepares for grand opening Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company, is close to unveiling the highly-anticipated Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi later this year. Scheduled to open in September 2011, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi will represent the Dubai-based group’s first venture into the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The property is located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, 37km from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers was developed under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan’s Projects Department with architects DBI Australia starting work on this unique project in January 2006.

Iconic Design The iconic beachfront project will feature five towers, including a 280m luxury hotel (Jumeirah at Etihad Towers), a prestigious office tower with 46,000m² of leasable office space and an observation deck, and three towers housing 897 apartments. The connecting four-level Podium will feature contemporary restaurants and 30 premium boutiques. Level 2 and 3 of the podium, are connected to the heart of the hotel; home to a sophisticated lobby bar and the Grand Lobby that features panoramic sea views. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is made up of 396 guest rooms and suites, 199 serviced residences and 13 restaurants, bars and lounges. The hotel also offers a 130m private beach, a Talise spa, pool, health club and extensive conference centre with 13 meeting rooms and a grand ballroom. The dramatic sculptural forms of the towers compliment the sophisticated and contemporary

interior design, with a cultural edge. Art works from His Highness’ private collection provide a local Arabian touch in public areas and conference prefunction areas.

Guest Rooms & Suites Jumeirah at Etihad Towers has 66 floors with 396 beautifully appointed guest rooms & suites, each with warm contemporary décor and furnishings. All rooms and suites offer stunning sea views and range from 40m² to 60m² in floor area with the latest fully integrated lifestyle technology. Level 60 is the Royal Etihad Suite which spans 980m² and features four bedrooms and two Majlis areas, with Butler service, as well as exclusive pieces of fine art and a specially-designed grand piano. The exclusive Club Lounge is located on Level 45 and provides complimentary meals and drinks service throughout the day, as well an internet lounge, shower suites, and a business centre with four meeting rooms. Club Executive

privileges can be booked with any room type and include access to the Club Lounge. The 199 fully serviced residences vary from studios of 57m² to spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments of up to 170m². All inspirationally designed residences offer irresistible sea views and share an exclusive reception area.

Fine dining Jumeirah at Etihad Towers offers a choice of 13 restaurants, bars and lounges with a variety of diverse culinary options. The collection of sea view restaurants on The Podium include a chic Lebanese restaurant and a luxurious all day dining restaurant, both with outdoor terrace seating, a classic French brasserie, a stylish Japanese restaurant and lounge, and a casual beach restaurant. The pool bars on the outdoor pool terrace offer a selection of juices, smoothies and other drinks as well as a menu of light bites and snacks.

breakingtravelnews.com

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The hotel offers a beach-inspired casual restaurant in addition to Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, which is located on the water off the beach. A lavishly appointed bar is located on Level 62. The exquisite pan-Asian restaurant of the hotel is housed on Level 63. Both levels have stunning views of the Corniche and the Abu Dhabi cityscape; offering guests a sophisticated dining experience with views to match. Guests can also relax and indulge in the hotel’s Lobby Lounge and bar.

Conference & Banqueting Extensive conference & banqueting facilities are provided through the hotel’s purpose built Conference Centre, located on Podium Level 4. The Conference Centre is among the largest in Abu Dhabi and features 13 meeting rooms and a stunning ballroom. The ballroom can comfortably accommodate up to 1,400 guests for a conference or 1000 guests for dinner, and can be divided into four separate sections. The centre also offers spacious pre-function areas as well as a green room and business centre facilities. One of the more unique designs has provided a service elevator to the ballroom with the capacity to lift cars.

Sports & Leisure Jumeirah at Etihad Towers offers a health club with state of the art TechnoGym equipment on Podium Level 3M, next to Talise Spa as well as a 130m private beach. For guests looking for lower impact recreation, a landscaped oasis of pools and gardens provide a tranquil space. The hotel also houses a selection of high end shopping with over 30 premium boutiques located in the hotel. Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, operates a world-class portfolio of hotels and resorts. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts includes Burj Al Arab, voted “World’s Leading Hotel” and “World’s Leading Presidential Suite” at 2010 World Travel Awards. Other iconic properties include Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Madinat Jumeirah, and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray; Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London; and Jumeirah Essex House in New York. Jumeirah Group also runs the luxury serviced residences brand Jumeirah Living; the spa brand Talise; Jumeirah Restaurants; Wild Wadi Waterpark; The Emirates Academy of Hospitality.

Talise Spa The Talise Spa at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is located on Podium Level 3M and is comprised of 14 private treatment suites, a hammam and a Rasoul chamber (a traditional Middle Eastern cleansing and exfoliation treatment, using mud, steam and oil).

breakingtravelnews.com

To find out more about Jumeirah at Etihad Towers at ITB Berlin visit Hall 22.B/210

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Emirates Palace has boosted its cultural credentials

New developments in the Middle East Emirates Palace in cultural drive

Coral Hotels opens in Abu Dhabi

Echi nel Tempo – Echoes through Time is a show of artworks by Lisa Mounteer-Watson, presented by Swiss Art Gate UAE at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, Mezzaluna until May 29th 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. In her art, Lisa Mounteer-Watson seeks to reflect the unseen resonance of the environment in which she is painting. 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.”

Coral Hotels and Resorts is planning the softopening of its first hotel in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.

Hilton enters United Arab Emirates Hilton Worldwide's Waldorf-Astoria is scheduled to open in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah at the end of 2011, marking the brand's entry into the UAE, according to reports. The Arabian-themed "palatial" Waldorf-Astoria hotel will have 349 rooms, several outdoor swimming pools, and ten restaurants and bars, including four fine-dining restaurants. Al Hamra Group is developing the hotel which is part of a mixed-use development and includes an 18-hole championship golf course, a 600-metre private beach and a convention centre.

Located next to the City Terminal in downtown Abu Dhabi, Liwa Executive Suites features 18 Coral Club suites and 36 Deluxe suites, fitness centre, male and female saunas and rooftop pool plus a dedicated business centre and three meeting rooms that can cater for seminars or boardroom meetings for up to 50 people.

Regency Group expands in Qatar UAE-based Regency Group Holding is opening its latest hotel property in Qatar. Managed by UK-headquartered Wyndham Hotel Group, the Ramada Encore Hotel Doha features 111 guest rooms, food and beverage facilities, a conference room, heated indoor swimming pool, and free wired internet access in all rooms. Following on from a soft opening, the property has already been receiving customers.

overlooking the city. A 1,500-square metre luxury Six Senses Spa, is set to open to guests and non-residents later in the year. Meanwhile state-of-the-art technology includes iPads for check-in, the latest Bang & Olufsen TVs in guest rooms, and ‘Magic Mirrors’, present in the suite bathrooms which enable guests to convert their bathroom mirror into a television. “Hotel Missoni Kuwait is a fantastic addition to the Rezidor’s growing portfolio across the Middle East. Opening a Hotel Missoni here is a true celebration for our company, as it was in Kuwait where we once opened our first i nternational hotel outside Scandinavia,” said Kurt Ritter, President and CEO of Rezidor.

Qatar stops Gatwick flights Doha-based Qatar Airways will cease flights to Gatwick Airport from June 1st after seven years. The decision to withdraw its daily flight from Gatwick was attributed to commercial reasons.

The Rezidor Hotel Group has opened Hotel Missoni Kuwait in collaboration with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni. The 169-room, all-inclusive property is Rezidor’s second Hotel Missoni – the first opened in June 2009 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways’ commented: “We are extremely sad to be losing London Gatwick from our network after serving the route for the past seven years. But following a thorough review and analysis over the past few months, we have concluded that we could no longer sustain the route for commercial reasons. While we continue to grow our business, developing the network further, we do it prudently, cautiously and carefully.”

The hotel also features extensive meeting space, a modern high-performance aiming gym, a steam room, a sauna and a pool deck

Qatar will continue to operate unchanged services out of Heathrow and has recently announced plans to boost its Manchester

Rezidor in Kuwait expansion

breakingtravelnews.com

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flights to twice daily. As of June, Dubai-based Emirates will become the sole Gulf-based carrier operating from Gatwick.

Egypt is returning to the international tourist trail

UNWTO welcomes tourism recuperation in Egypt and Tunisia As normality returns to Egypt and Tunisia, the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) welcomed efforts by national authorities to restore confidence among tourists and by foreign governments to update travel advisories accordingly. Tourism is a central component of both countries’ economies and, as tourists begin to return, can play an important role in overall economic recovery. “As the situation has evolved over the past few weeks, I have been pleased to see that travel advisories have been kept accurate, confined to the affected areas, and regularly updated,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. Tourism has long been, and will continue to be, an integral part of the Egyptian and Tunisian national economies. International tourism receipts over GDP alone represent around 6% in Egypt and 10% in Tunisia. This share is even higher when the full tourism sector is considered, reaching as much as 11% in the case of Egypt.

Qatar Airways will refocus its operations on Heathrow

Fairmont plans Riyadh hotel Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is to manage a 287room hotel and 4,000sqm convention centre, a spa and fine dining facility in Riyadh, which is due to open late 2012. The convention centre will contain two main ballrooms offering 1,500sqm each and groups will have access to a number of smaller conference and board rooms. Located just north of the city, Fairmont Riyadh Business Gate will be part of a new mixed-use development project comprising the hotel, convention centre and commercial real estate space that will house multinational corporations as well as regional companies. “Riyadh is currently undergoing tremendous development, becoming a key financial and business destination for not only Saudia Arabia, but the Middle East,” said Chris Cahill, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “The influx of both public and private investment is creating a great opportunity for business travel.”

Bavaria adds 2,500 rooms in Mena Bavaria Hotels International (BHI) has a host of new hotels that are presently under construction in the Mena region and scheduled to open over the next 24 months.

Air Liban joins SkyTeam alliance Middle East Airlines – Air Liban (MEA), Lebanon’s flagship carrier has signed an agreement to join the SkyTeam alliance in 2012, making it the second carrier from the Middle East to join the alliance after Saudi Arabian Airlines. Mohamad El-Hout, chairman and director general of MEA, said: “MEA being relatively a small airline, will now be able to provide its customers an extensive global network covering Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. MEA customers will benefit from SkyTeam members‚ loyalty programmes as well as SkyTeam lounges at all airports worldwide.”

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Thomas Gertz CEO of Bavaria explains their group strategy: “Our expansion is based on our established set of competitive edge standards by which we measure all projects. From the very onset of management discussions, a decision is taken whether to proceed with projects based on the ability to apply these standards to the end product. “We work with developers who share the BHI philosophies and passions, and in return offer dynamic management agreements with an underlying minimum performance guarantee.” With the Middle East and UAE going from strength to strength, City.Mobi has recently launched abudhabi.mobi, doha.mobi and

dubai.city.mobi – these definitive guides provide guests with all they need to know about the mysterious Middle East, 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.

To find out more about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com

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Caribbean prepares for unprecedented growth in 2011 From the new Pinewood film studio set to open in the Dominican Republic to the $3.4 billion mega Baha Mar resort that recently broke ground in the Bahamas, all eyes are on the Caribbean in 2011.

The Dominican Republic (DR) Ministry of Tourism welcomed over four million visitors in 2010, a new record for the DR and a 3.3 percent increase over 2009. Meanwhile Jamaica Tourist Board reported an 11 percent increase in UK visitors for November 2010 compared to the previous year. BA revealed that the Caribbean featured heavily in its top ten destinations for 2011, with St Kitts & Nevis, Puerto Rico, and St Lucia amongst most popular destination choices for travellers. A host of brand new resorts, spas and new flight routes are opening up to accommodate this surge in visitors. According to the World Tourism Organization, the Caribbean is more dependent on travel and tourism than almost any other region. Of the ten countries in the world most dependent on tourism, seven are in the Caribbean. BTN has compiled a round up of some of the exciting developments in and around the Caribbean.

New hotels and resorts Work has begun on the $3.4 billion Baha Mar, the largest resort development in the history of the Caribbean, which is slated to open in late 2014. Located on Nassau’s Cable Beach, the development will boast a roster of names in luxury hospitality including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Morgans Hotel Group, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, and a Casino Hotel, creating a total of 2,250 new rooms. Although aimed primarily at the North American market, which makes up the vast

majority of tourist visitors to the Bahamas, the facilities are also expected to attract a global clientele, including emerging markets such as Brazil and China. It is also estimated that Baha Mar will contribute an additional 10 percent growth in the Bahamian GDP, and almost $1 billion to the local economy in its first year in operation. It will employ an estimated 8,000 staff. Baha Mar’s Chairman and CEO, Sarkis Izmirlian, commented: “Baha Mar represents the birth of a new generation of destination resorts that will compete on a world scale.” Coco Reef owner John Jefferis is planning a new five star resort in Panama which will be located on a private island. In a recent interview Jefferis told BTN that 2011 would be even more challenging than 2010 as customers look for bigger discounts on their holidays. He revealed that Coco Reef have increased their marketing budget for 2011 and plan to do more joint promotions with tour operators. Casa de Campo in Dominican Republic is targeting golfers with the introduction of the Jim McClean Golf School. The five-star Buccament Bay in St Vincent and the Grenadines is the ultimate amusement resort for families and couples, boasting a Liverpool FC soccer school and a Pat Cash Tennis Academy, as well as an Island Sanctuary Spa and a Diving and watersports Centre. The newly refurbished Renaissance St Croix Carambola Beach Resort and Spa in the US Virgin Islands has a private beach, spa facilities and plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Five-star boutique hotel, Eden Roc Luxury Beach Resort and Spa in the Dominican Republic is set to be popular with those opting

for a luxurious Caribbean break. It opens in October 2011, and features 37 spa-villas, each with their own swimming pool. Five new villas are opening in Nonsuch Bay, Antigua and they are thought to be among the most affordable in the Caribbean. The resort boasts three infinity pools and the nearby Green Island Reef Marine Reserve makes it perfect for sailing enthusiasts. Located beside the El Yunque National Rainforest, The St Regis Bahia Resort in Puerto Rico offers an exotic escape complete with a golf, course, luxury spa and legendary butler service. On the heels of its 30th anniversary, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is reinvigorating its product with multi-million dollar development projects at its Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort, Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa resort and Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club in Jamaica. Updates are part of a larger enhancement program throughout the Sandals Resorts International portfolio. Set in lush tropical gardens, Goldeneye resort is where Ian Flemming wrote all 13 of his Bond novels. With 11 new luxury cottages, six new lagoon sites and a private beach, Goldeneye offers an idyllic setting for some privacy. The extensively renovated Fairmont Royal Pavilion has benefited from its makeover of upgraded rooms and new junior suites with full butler room service. The Jewel Dunn’s River Resort in Jamaica is a newly furbished luxury all-inclusive resort, featuring a concierge service as well as romantic poolside movies and candlelit dining on the pier.

breakingtravelnews.com

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Sandals is reinvigorating its product with multi-million dollar development

New Flights: Carriers plan new routes to the Caribbean From 27 March 2011, BA will be increasing its flights to the Caribbean, as well as launching a new service from London to Puerto Rico on the 28 March 2011. This will boost BA flights to the Caribbean to 63 a week across 15 destinations. Meanwhile Trinidad & Tobago-based carrier Caribbean Airlines has won approval from the United States Department of Transport for the launch of new routes linking Jamaica to America. The decision allows Caribbean Airlines to operate flights from Jamaica directly to the United States in Caribbean Airlines aircraft. Meanwhile Continental Airlines has inaugurated non-stop flights between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (PLS). The flights are now operating as a daily service.

Caribbean Airlines has seen significant growth since its merger with Air Jamaica

Casa de Campo is targeting travellers with its golf offering

The Caribbean destination will also become JetBlue's 39th destination, with a daily service from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and weekly Saturday service out of Boston's Logan International Airport commencing to Providenciales last month. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is preparing to offer an additional 2,600 seats each week to the Caribbean. The expansion will start when KLM’s winter schedule goes into effect on 30 October 2011.

New Ferry Travel: A new ferry service to connect the Caribbean A new daily ferry service that will connect Barbados, Saint Lucia, Trinidad, Grenada, and St Vincent is currently being developed by BEDY Ocean Line.

New cruise port at Falmouth, Jamaica A new port terminal has been built on Jamaica’s North Coast in Falmouth, which is now open. The port has shops, restaurants and a residential area where fly-cruise visitors can spend time before or after their cruise.

Destination News: Pinewood Studios to open Caribbean branch Pinewood Studios is set to open a new film and TV studios in the Dominican Republic, called Pinewood Indomina Studios. The new studio will comprise of a 5,000 square metres of sound stage space, along with 15,000 square metres of production support facilities.

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 the Caribbean going from strength to strength, City.Mobi has recently launched Jamaica.City.Mobi – this definitive guide provides you need to know about this incredible destination, from entertainment info to booking hotels and airport transfers.

Visit the Caribbean Tourism Organisation at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.1/201. To find out more about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com

breakingtravelnews.com

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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.

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! A proud sponsor of

*at cost ±at selected resorts.

WORLD’S LEADING FAMILY ALL-INCLUSIVE

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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

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“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

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Jamaica sets its sights high for 2011 Jamaica has a lot to be happy about, with visitor figures up, its national carrier back in the skies, a brand new conference centre for its growing MICE market and a new port terminal in Falmouth.

The Jamaica Tourist Board reported an 11 percent increase in UK visitor arrival numbers in November 2010 - equating to 16,441 tourists travelling to the island, compared to 14,806 last year, bringing the total number of visitors since the beginning of 2010 to 167,366. These figures are indicative that Jamaica could hit their target of an 8% growth of visitors in 2011. As visitor figures continue to rise, new developments are popping up all over the island, including the long awaited opening of a brand new Convention Centre in Montego Bay that is already seeing demand for major conferences and recently opened its doors to the Caribbean Marketplace 2011. The Tourist Board hope that JAMEX will further intensify their outreach to the MICE market when it takes place on island in June. In other developments, there have been a number of hotel refurbishments and openings, with new major developments in the pipeline by Excellence Group and Harmony Cove. Meanwhile Jamaica’s popular Goldeneye resort - where Ian Flemming wrote 13 of his Bond novels - has just re-opened with 11 new luxury cottages, six new lagoon sites and a private beach. Jamaica's new "Historic Falmouth" port received its first ship of 3, 000 passengers on February 18th. The port development, a joint venture of Royal Caribbean and the Jamaica Port Authority, is being billed as "the first-ever thematic cruise port".

Whilst airlift continues to be a major challenge for Jamaica, the merger of Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica brings new opportunities to the island. The Air Jamaica brand was recently re-launched, with new livery featuring the airline’s iconic signature colours and Doctor Bird paired with the Caribbean Airlines logo and the Hummingbird, presenting a vibrant demonstration of this new partnership. “As Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines began the transition towards one Caribbean airline, it became clear that even as the outward signs of Air Jamaica were phased out in the marketplace, loyal passengers remained confident in the signature travel experience it delivered,” commented George Michael Nicholas III, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Caribbean Airlines. A free baggage allowance is in effect for all passengers at all times, allowing two checked bags and one carry-on, with a 70lb weight limit for each bag in Lovebird Executive Class and 50lbs each in Lovebird Economy Class. Other benefits to lure travellers back include no additional fees for booking online; tickets can also be purchased at Air Jamaica counters at its destination airports. A solid frequent flyer base will continue to benefit from the 7th Heaven Rewards program offering liberal upgrades, free tickets and more. A new fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft is on the horizon. Scheduled to be in operation by the end of April 2011, the aircraft

will improve the on-time performance of Air Jamaica as well as the overall passenger flight experience. Leaders have outlined ambitious plans for new code share agreements and new routes with London in coming months.

Caribbean Awards The 2011 Caribbean & The Americas World Travel Awards will be hosted on 11 May at the luxury Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay. With Jamaica going from trength to strength, City.Mobi has recently launched Jamaica.City.Mobi – this definitive guide provides 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 the Caribbean Tourism Organisation at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.1/201. To find out more about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com

breakingtravelnews.com

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Sport in paradise Voted “World’s Leading Golf Resort” at the 2010 World Travel Awards, Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic is blazing a trail in sporting holidays in a paradise setting. New air lift, beautiful private beaches and plenty of world-class sports action, as well as fabulous cuisine are some of the features of the all-new Casa de Campo resort in the Dominican Republic – a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and winner of “World’s Leading Golf Resort” at 2010 World Travel Awards. Casa de Campo is the quintessential tropical paradise destination providing unparalleled choices in sports adventures plus new accommodations, dining, cultural events and more. Nestled alongside the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, Casa de Campo is a refreshed and contemporary resort, where action, relaxation and pampering service combine for an unsurpassed vacation experience. On this resort’s 7,000 acres you can play polo, go shooting, play tennis, golf on the number one courses in the tropics, go on trail rides through the Dominican countryside, go sailing (or even learn to sail), deep sea fishing and more. At this unique destination enjoy a top quality sporting vacation amid a selection of worldclass dining, accommodations and cultural facilities. If you would like to learn a new sport – you can; enhance existing skills – no problem, all this and more is possible at Casa de Campo.

For golfers, Casa de Campo is paradise found. Recognized as the “World’s Leading Golf Resort” at 2010 World Travel Awards, Casa de Campo is also the new home of the only Jim McLean Golf School in the Caribbean and three Pete Dye designed resort courses including the Teeth of the Dog – the number one ranked course in the Caribbean with seven holes right on the Caribbean Sea. But there is more beyond the golf greens for sports enthusiasts. Casa de Campo also offers: La Terraza Tennis Centre; Equestrian Centre; Polo; Shooting Centre; Beaches – the resort’s private Minitas Beach and three island beaches; Fishing; Sailing; Kayaking. Beyond the confines of the resort, excursions for guests include: ziplining, cave adventures, 4-wheel buggie explorations, scuba diving and more. For the resorts’ non-sporting guests, Casa de Campo also features: The Cygalle Healing Spa; Shopping – over 50 boutique shops throughout the resort; Culture – the Altos de Chavon village; and movie theatres at the Marina. There are also Volunteer Vacations – through the resort’s support of two charities, guests may take a half day, or full day to “give back” during their vacation.

Guests also have a choice of accommodations: choose from one of the luxurious new Elite hotel rooms and Elite suites or a spectacular villa home. Re-fueling in between sports adventures is a treat with six spectacular resort restaurants including the renowned Beach Club by Le Cirque and the new La Caña Restaurant by Il Circo. You will also find 14 other independent restaurants throughout the resort in which to dine. Getting to Casa de Campo is easy via the resort’s own international airport just 8minutes from check in, featuring new flights beginning 5 April on American Airlines from Miami with connecting flights from London (Heathrow), Paris and Madrid. Other nearby airports include: Punta Cana, with lift from British Airways, about a 75-minute transfer, and the Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo with non-stop flights from throughout Europe, a 60 minute transfer away.

To find out more about Casa de Campo at ITB Berlin visit Hall 3.1/109 Also visit www.casadecampo.com.do or call +1-809-523-8396. To find out more about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com

breakingtravelnews.com

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BTN Spotlight: Claudio Silvestri, President & CEO, Premier Resorts and Hotels, the management company for Casa de Campo BTN: You were voted “World’s Leading Golf Resort” and “Caribbean’s Leading Golf Resort” at World Travel Awards 2010. Why do you think you won in such a tough category? CS: The quality golf experience found at Casa de Campo can be found nowhere else. This year, our renowned Teeth of the Dog course turns 40 years old – and if you ask any golfer who has played the course, they can’t believe it. This course – like each of our three Pete Dye designed resort courses – Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore and Links – are maintained in top condition year round. And when you combine their unique challenge, the spectacular beauty of each and the value of the golf experience at our resort you can understand why Casa de Campo was voted “World’s Leading Golf Resort” and “Caribbean’s Leading Golf Resort” by World Travel Awards. BTN: How does Sport Tourism fit into your overall strategy? CS: Sports Tourism is valuable component of our overall strategy. For nowhere else can you find the great variety and high quality sports at a single destination: 63 holes of golf on the best courses in the Caribbean; Tennis on 13-har tru courts – 10 floodlit; equestrian centre with English and Western trail riding, jumping, dressage; polo; 245-acres shooting centre with trap, skeet, sporting clays and another 20,000 acres for hunting; sailing and sailing school, deep sea fishing, and kayaking BTN: How do you envisage 2011 up for Casa de Campo? CS: In late 2010, we completed a two-year $40 million hotel transformation featuring all new guestrooms, new main area with a new lobby, pool pavilion, fitness centre and a totally new main kitchen featuring the latest equipment. And since the first of this year, we additionally opened two new restaurants at the Altos de Chavon artists village: the chic OneBurger and Da Ginos Trastevere. 2011 is shaping up to be a very exciting year! BTN: What are you hoping to achieve at this year’s ITB? CS: In addition to our new hotel rooms and main area, in late 2010 Casa de Campo joined The Leading Hotels of the World. At ITB this year, we hope to expose attendees to the all new luxury vacation found in the Dominican Republic at Casa de Campo!

breakingtravelnews.com

Casa de Campo CEO Dr. Claudio Silvestre with John Lynch, Director, Jamaica Tourist Board and Graham Cooke, President and founder, World Travel Awards

BTN: And which aspects of the resort are you most proud of? CS: This is a tough question as there is so much I am proud of. First, the personal dedication and full support given by the owners of Casa de Campo to the employees and facilities of Casa de Campo to optimize our guests’ experiences. BTN: Which markets offer you the greatest growth potential? CS: The luxury markets throughout Europe, China, India, the Middle East and in the Americas: the US, Brazil, and Venezuela. BTN: What in the way of plans, development or initiatives are currently underway at your resort? CS: Our Altos de Chavon artists’ village will continue to be a source of growth and evolution as we continue to explore the culture within the Dominican Republic for our guests to enjoy; our sports – especially our golf, will continue to receive investment funds; and guest servicing throughout Casa de Campo will also receive a continuous flow if attention. BTN: How would you like the resort to evolve? CS: Casa de Campo is fortunate to have a rich history of nearly 40 years of providing luxury vacation experiences in the Caribbean. Over the years, we have been able to observe trends as they come and go, so as we look towards the future, we have found no reason to deviate from our strategic plan that we have been following for decades: to continue to provide our guests: families, couples, wedding parties, groups and incentives – with a high quality, high value luxury vacation experience in the Caribbean. In our guests’ life story of vacation experiences we would like Casa de Campo to stand out as the grandest chapter. BTN: What are the key issues that need addressing for the Caribbean to evolve as a region? CS: Air lift has been and continues to be one of the primary challenges for hoteliers throughout the region

www.casadecampo.com.do

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Parrat Cay, Turks and Caicos

Spa-ing it up in the Caribbean Known for its white sandy beaches, remote hideaways and luxurious spas, the Caribbean spans 2,500 miles with more than 7,000 islands, reefs, and cays. Most leading hotels in the Caribbean now offer full service spa operations which are led by leading spa companies including Shambhala, Aveda, Molton Brown and ESPA. Here Breaking Travel News checks out the latest developments.

Travellers can find a range of treatments available, from a Swedish or hot stones massage through to aromatherapy. In addition, many hotels offer a range of relaxation classes including meditation, yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates, and sometimes a range of complementary therapies – for instance Reiki and acupuncture. The recently opened CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla is truly eco-friendly, using the Xeriscape principles of conserving water and energy through creative landscaping. A hydropanic farm and organic garden on property grow many of the vegetables, flowers and herbs used by both the chefs and the therapists in the Venus Spa, for treatments such as the Hydroponic Cucumber and Aloe Wrap. The Viceroy Resorts & Residences in Anguilla addresses whole-person health through cura ted wellness experiences founded on the fundamental principles of balance, breath and beauty. Featuring individual and couple's treatment rooms, salon services and an outdoor swimming pool. Meditation, cooking,

and healthy lifestyle classes and presentations add additional dimension to the wellness experience. The US$11 million Parrat Cay is a modern and luxurious hotel in Turks and Caicos that is popular with A-listers – including Bruce Willis and Eva Longoria.

Centuries-old healing traditions are put into practise at the Fern Tree Spa at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay. From a massage with heated sea shells and a sugar and allspice body exfoliation to a “Jamaican Bush Bath” steeped in the local healing herb known as “cerasee”, the spa on the sandy crescent dotted with fragrant gardens is relaxation.

The COMO Shambala Retreat offers an outdoor women only Jacuzzi and one-on-one Pilates instruction. An Abhyanga package combines massage, Swedana (herbal steam) and Ubtan (a body mud mask) which enhances circulation and releases impurities through the skin.

Red Lane Spa is a sanctuary for mind, body and soul that reinterprets classic European spa rituals with a distinctive Caribbean flair. Spa treatments utilise botanical products and custom formulations. Red Lane Spas can be found in Sandals properties in Jamaica, Antigua, St Lucia and Bahamas.

Amanyara, also in the Turks and Caicos Islands, recently announced the debut of the Serenity Villa, a 13,000-square foot wellness facility featuring luxurious treatments along with yoga and Pilates classes. A wide range of beauty services are also offered.

The KiYara Spa at Jamaica Inn is a tropical Caribbean Spa, nestled in the coral cliffs of Cutlass Bay, just outside of Ocho Rios.

In other news, the property has rolled out new Pool Pavilions – each featuring a 12-metre (40-foot) infinity-edged swimming pool.

The treatments highlight their philosophy of "In Balance, with Nature" and are drawn from the plants of the island, which are sourced both from local organic farmers and wildgathered, by environmentally-sustainable methods. Their signature treatments, the KiYara Tropical Body Beauty Rituals, are based

breakingtravelnews.com

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Red Lane Spa, Sandals Resorts, Jamaica

on local, herbal traditions, using plants available on the island and consist of three steps: a Scrub, Masque and Finishing. Perched 3,100 feet above sea level in the Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa combines rich Jamaican heritage, with healthy conscious living. The Strawberry Hill Living Spa, one of the highlights of the property, specialises in stress relief and organic healing based on the five elements practiced in Ayurvedic philosophies. Five treatment rooms include a specialised hydrotherapy room, a plunge pool, a sauna and a deck for yoga and other outdoor activities. The property's high altitude captures the seasonal mountain mists that create an ideal climate for lush plant growth and truly healthful living. Treatments range from a personalised elemental massage to a refreshing lemon grass wrap. The Sugar Ridge resort in Antigua recently launched a wellness programme designed for those in need of a health kick. Catering for all levels of fitness, the retreat offers daily activities, specialist treatments and healthy eating cookery classes.

CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla

World Travel Awards

Red Lane Spa, Sandals Resorts, Jamaica

The 2011 Caribbean & The Americas World Travel Awards will be hosted on 11 May at the luxury Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay. Visit www.worldtravelawards.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.

Visit the Caribbean Tourism Organisation at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.1/201. To find out more about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com Red Lane Spa, Sandals Resorts, Jamaica

The Meliá Buenavista All Inclusive Royal Service and Spa recently opened in Cuba, offering a secluded spa experience complete with chalet-style accommodation, full butler service and a private pool jacuzzi. Almond Resorts are re-launching their spas as ‘Praana spa’ across all Barbados resorts, and will be the first authentic destination spas to be introduced on the island. After major renovations, Hotel Guanahani and Spa in St Barts reopened in December. A new luxury suite, ‘The Admiral Suite’ is a villa style with a private beach and lagoon views.

breakingtravelnews.com

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L U X U R Y INCLUDED

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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.

WORLD’S LEADING ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS

*at selected resorts ^at cost

15 YEARS RUNNING

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His Royal Highness Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid voted Middle East Personality of the Year

A History of the Travel Personality of the Year Award The leading personalities of travel and tourism will be keeping a close eye on the soon-to-be-announced shortlist for the 2011 World Travel Awards Travel Personality of the Year.

Each year the World Travel Awards celebrates the career of an outstanding individual from within the industry – a personality whose achievements have led the industry.

His Royal Highness Prince Khalid AlFaisal bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud won World’s Leading Travel Personality at WTA 2010.

Winners in the 2010 Awards programme include “World Travel Personality of the Year” for HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and “Middle East Travel Personality of the Year” which went to His Highness Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid.

On presenting the award, Graham Cooke, president and founder, World Travel Awards, said: “As the World Travel Awards, our goal is to seek out those whose vision, courage and dedication is making tourism a force for good and a force for change.

“Woman of the Year” award went to Regine Sixt of Sixt car rental.

“HRH Prince Khalid Al Faisal is the very embodiment of these qualities and we are honoured that he is the recipient of the ‘World Travel Awards 2010 Personality of the Year’.”

Other renowned faces who have previously won this covered award include Sir Richard Branson, chairman, Virgin Atlantic, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, founder and chairman of Sandals, Akbar Al Baker, chief executive of Qatar Airways and Beaches Resorts, senator the honourable Allen M. Chastanet, minister for tourism & civil aviation for the government of St Lucia. CEO of Johannesburg Tourism Company, Lindiwe Kwele, is a past winner of African Travel Personality of the Year. Under her leadership, she has used tourism a catalyst for social betterment, as well as creating a year-round calendar of exciting social events and activities.

HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdul Aziz AlSaud was born in 1940 – the son of His late Majesty King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. In May 2007 Prince Khalid Al-Faisal was appointed Governor of Makkah Province in western Saudi Arabia. His region includes Islam’s holiest city, Makkah, and Saudi Arabia’s principal commercial hub, main seaport and the Kingdom’s second largest city, Jeddah. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal holds the additional rank of Minister within the Royal Government of Saudi Arabia.

breakingtravelnews.com

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Regine Sixt wins Woman of the Year 2010

His Royal Highness continues to work hard to create the right conditions and atmosphere for artists, poets, writers, composers and musicians to flourish. In 2008 Prince Khalid AlFaisal established the Cultural Council of Makkah which brought together the leading figures of the region. Among activities announced by the new council are a ten-year strategy for the development of the region and an annual prize for excellence in six categories - including two prizes for culture and the arts. From 1971-2007 His Royal Highness served as Governor of Asir Province in south-western Saudi Arabia – a spectacular region which inspired Prince Khalid Al-Faisal both as an artist, a poet and a patron of the arts. Among many projects previously founded by him are the Literary Club of Abha, the Abha Singing Festival, the Abha Prize for cultural excellence, and the Al-Miftaha Visual Arts Village situated in the ancient quarter of Abha. In 1999 Prince Khalid Al-Faisal launched Painting & Patronage and is the Managing Director of the King Faisal Foundation. Prior to his appointment as Governor of Asir Province, His Royal Highness served as Director General of the Presidency of Youth Welfare. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal has a degree in Political Economy from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

breakingtravelnews.com

His Highness Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid voted 2010 Middle East Travel Personality of the Year Born and raised in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Bandar travelled to the United States to study law and diplomacy at Harvard University. Now, as Chairman of Al Khozama Management Company, he is widely credited for setting a new benchmark for excellence in Saudi Arabian hospitality, exemplified by such developments as the ground-breaking Al Faisaliah Centre in Riyadh. He is also a founding member, as well as managing director, of the world-famous King Faisal Foundation – the charitable organisation that aims to ensure the spirit of the late King Faisal’s altruistic ambitions live on. His particular interest within the Foundation lies in elevating the standards of hospitality within his Kingdom, as well as ensuring that the travel and tourism industry serves as a catalyst for social betterment.

Lindiwe Kwele, CEO, Joburg Tourism Company – a former winner of African Travel Personality of the Year

With her husband Erich Sixt, the CEO of Sixt AG, she has helped build the company into a global mega-brand, operating more than 230,000 cars across 3,500 locations and 105 countries. Regine Sixt is the driving force behind the Sixt expansion throughout the world. She directs everything from the corporate identity to the performance at the airports. In 2000, she launched her own children’s charity – Drying Little Tears. She supports and finances various projects for children. These include a kindergarten in the townships of Cape Town, an orphanage for kids whose parents died of Aids in Gabon, a school in Jerusalem and a children’s hospital in Ecuador. Among many prestigious awards she has received over the years, she has just been honoured as the “Citizen of the World Award” of Israel, becoming the first German and the first woman ever to do so. She also serves at many global advisory boards including ABTA, ASTA, USTOA, Travel Industry Club and Skal.

Winner of the 2010 Woman of the Year Award, Regine Sixt, Founder, Sixt Regine Sixt is one of the most prolific entrepreneurs in travel and tourism. Born and raised in Germany, she began her career at a local car rental company based in Munich.

To find out the latest news from World Travel Awards, visit www.worldtravelawards.com.

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Shambala Reserve celebrates WTA Victory Shambala Private Game Reserve covers almost 12,000 hectares of natural landscape in the picturesque central region of the Waterberg mountain range in South Africa's Limpopo Province. Here Breaking Travel News calls in to see what separates this majestic resort from its competition. Home to the African Big Five - leopard, lion, elephant, black and white rhino, and buffalo as well as numerous other species including Cape mountain zebra, cheetah, spotted hyena, hippos and a unique population of Nile crocodiles, Shambala is also the home of an abundance of birdlife and wide variety of insect species. Zulu Camp, for example, at Shambala offers guests unforgettable accommodation in the most breathtaking bushveld setting. A river runs through the camp which has been designed along the lines of a traditional African village. Each of the exclusive seven honeycomb-shaped thatched chalets are built with natural materials and separated from each other by the streams from the nearby river. No wonder the property was recognised by the World Travel Awards as the Africa's Leading Luxury Lodge in 2010.

The luxurious bathroom with bath and shower leads out to the refreshing, private outdoor shower. All chalets have a private deck overlooking the surrounding bushveld.

On cooler days guests can enjoy the cosy fireplace in the comfortable lounge setting or spend an evening by the campfire in the open lapa area.

Shambala also boasts a very spacious, private, luxury chalet. The well-appointed bedroom featuring a dressing room and bathroom leading out to the romantic outdoor shower. The doors from the bathroom open out onto a wooden deck with amazing views of the surrounding bush.

The Shambala Spa is situated in a secluded bushveld clearing near the riverside. Walking down a private stone pathway, guests are greeted in the reception area and nail bar furnished by comfortable armchairs.

Main Lodge The main lodge at Zulu Camp is adjacent to the chalets. Within this space is housed a bistro area and bar, as well as an open lapa or traditional gathering place.

But there is more.

Thelodge overlooks the banks of the river where guests can also enjoy a quiet moment of relaxation in the lounge area or choose from the selection of fine wines from the wine menu.

Each chalet at Zulu Camp is decorated in chic Afro-French Provincial style with double bed dressed in the finest linens, French armoire and full length mirror, with direct dial satellite phone.

At Shambala, guests are invited to do whatever they want to do, whenever they wish to; be it an early morning game drive, followed by a leisurely breakfast or a refreshing dip in the plunge pool.

A walkway leads through to a large double or two single treatment suites. The Spa deck overlooks the river bed and the sound of the water adds to the tranquility of the surrounds. The Spa offers all the traditional spa treatments as well as specialised signature treatments for relaxing, revitalising and rejuvenating the senses. Guests to Shambala are treated to unique experiences of the bushveld and close-up game viewing of the Big Five and numerous other species of wildlife by qualified, experienced game rangers and guides. These include elephant safaris, bush picnics, a sundowner cruise on the Douw Steyn Dam or star-gazing under the African Skies. Just two hours’ drive from Johannesburg and completely malaria-free, Shambala Game Reserve truly lives up to its meaning of “Paradise on Earth.”

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A grand hotel with high aspirations Set in the heart of Austrian Alps, Grandhotel Lienz is leading the way in wellness, as well as offering guests sumptuous hospitality in a glorious mountain setting.

The new five-star Grand Hotel Lienz has set a precedent for elegance, flair and class in Austria. A gleaming gem in East Tyrol, this newly-built property mixes the best of modern and traditional, and sits in a glorious setting, framed by Austria’s tallest mountain, the Grossglockner, and the Lienz Dolomites. Guests can enjoy the exclusive atmosphere of this five-star hotel with gourmet cuisine, medical wellness of the highest level, as well as a spacious spa oasis for the soul, and not forgetting top service. The chic and stylish decor, elegant and spacious suites provide the highest of comfort with their lavish furnishings and facilities. The Grand Hotel Lienz offers the perfect starting point for golf, ski, nature and culture. The carefully-planned interior design of the 72 Junior Suites and four individuallydesigned Royal Suites create a luxurious oasis of tranquillity for you to relax in. This grandeur is defined in every part of the hotel, and lends a special stately elegance, ambience and flair. All of the suites offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

The Executive Chef Christian Flaschbergere and Sous-chef Thomas Ebner are both highly decorated, and renowned for producing gourmet specialties with a Mediterranean flair including some well-known Austrian dishes.

Medical Wellness

Spacious romantic terraces along the River Isel, a sleek fireside parlour and an elegant lounge offer the perfect atmosphere for every time of day and preference, and the perfect offer for every food lover!

Under the management of accredited specialist Univ. Prof. Dr. Peter Lechleitner, guests will be counselled and cared for so as to exploit their full potential and activate reserves for the improvement of wellbeing through effective exercise, nutrition and relaxation programmes.

The extensive wine cellar houses a unique selection of wines from around the world and offers the perfect bottle to accompany our culinary highlights.

Spa The spa area is over 1,400m² and offers an indoor and outdoor pool, steam bath, saunas, relaxation room and several special treatment rooms. The spacious spa, and Medical Centre offers everything you need to bring body and soul into complete relaxation. The spa utilizes world leading products such as Cellcosmet, St.Barths and the hotel’s own brand from the region.

The Medical Wellness Centre at Grand Hotel Lienz enables guests to enjoy a maximum of wellbeing and health improvement while enjoying a vacation surrounded by luxury.

The centre’s strength is in its combination of the latest scientific medicine and complimentary medicine as well as medical checks ups, stress tests, targeted therapies and individual health advice. Also offered are numerous professional treatments from the areas of traditional Chinese medicine, beauty, health, nutrition, fitness and “well-aging”. Medically cared for, you can benefit from the quality and professionalism of the qualified personnel in an exclusive and atmospheric treatment rooms; enjoy improving your health at the highest level. Warm colours corresponding to elements of traditional Chinese medicine and original pieces of

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artwork lead you away from the sterile ambiance of a classic doctors practice and serve as the perfect environment to benefit your wellbeing.

New approaches to wellness Grandhotel Lienz is presenting a new concept in health and wellness centres in hotels – SymbioMed, incorporating the symbiosis of the different medical branches. By complimenting conventional medicine with the latest medical advances, the centre is gaining recognition around the world as vacationers flock here for both basic and extended physical checkups at rates generally far below those in the US. Travellers may also seek diagnosis, recuperation, sports examinations, weight loss programmes, heart checkups, nutrition programmes, homeopathy and traditional Chinese medicine, all at reasonable rates. Further programmes for stopping smoking, skin care, and anti-aging are available. In addition to services at the medical centre, guests at the Grandhotel Lienz enjoy a luxury suite overlooking the River Isel and the mountains, extraordinary facilities, including a spa where natural treatments are highlighted, and the many nearby activities.

Austria’s greenest hotel Grandhotel Lienz has been built to meet all eco-tourism standards and is the greenest hotel in Austria. Created by Heinz Simonitsch, who was previously managing director of the legendary Half Moon Club in Jamaica, the first hotel in the Caribbean to become an environmentally friendly hotel, Grandhotel Lienz is a paradigm in energy conservation. The River Isel running past the hotel is a glacial feed and keeps the rooms cool in summer but there is an air exchange system in the bar, restaurant, and conference room. All specifications of efficient energy were carefully examined before the relevant equipment was ordered and no gas or oil are used for energy within the hotel. Waterworks generate the electricity. Hot water is produced through a central plant which serves most of the town and uses wood chips. In addition, solar water heaters on the roof heat the indoor and outdoor swimming pool. Further energy is gained through a very

efficient heat exchange from the largest underground lake in Austria. The water in East Tyrol, where Grandhotel Lienz is located, is chlorine-free and very safe. The hotel serves still or sparkling tap water in carafes, reducing the use of plastic bottles. Simonitsch explained: “Because of my experience in making Half Moon an environmentally friendly hotel, I knew how important energy conservation is. The extra costs in the beginning are minimal with eventual savings enormous. Also, our clients want it and we are proud to let them know we are doing our part to prevent further Global Warming. The hotel contains 76 suites with landscaped terraces, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, lobby bar with open fireplace and a conference center with up-to-the-minute communications facilities. The hotel’s restaurant features international and health-oriented menus. www.grandhotel-lienz.com

Diagnosis processes and practices at Grandhotel Lienz are closely allied with the hospital of Lienz, five minutes away. Any further examinations are made with state-ofthe-art machines, and there are no long waiting times. Nor is there a need to stay overnight at the hospital so the patients return to the hotel. Every guest receives a doctor’s letter with all results and recommendations to ensure a smooth and speedy communication with a primary physician back home.

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Overwater Pool Villa by night, Kihavah, Maldives

Massage room, Xishuangbanna, China

Anantara to open nine new resorts in 2011 Thai luxury hospitality brand Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is expanding its portfolio across Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East to encompass 50 properties within the next four years, including nine new resorts this year.

The group boasts seven resorts in Thailand, two in the Maldives, one in Bali, two recent additions in the Middle East (12 in total), and enthusiastically anticipates the debut of nine new resorts in China, Bali, Thailand, UAE and Vietnam by the end of 2011. Such growth reflects a 75 percent expansion of the portfolio in existing and new markets. “We’ve come a long way since our first resort opening in 2001,” said Mr. Peter Carmichael, Senior Vice President, Anantara. “Now in our tenth anniversary year we will open nine stunning new resorts that offer guests luxury and tranquility in surroundings that are culturally and environmentally uplifting. As we continue to expand, our initial goal of providing a unique and authentic destination experience for all our guests will always remain the same.”

Openings in 2011 Anantara Kihavah, Maldives Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives offers the ultimate in privacy and luxury. Each of the 78 spacious over-water and beach suites are set within the lush tropical nature of the island with private infinity pools, high ceilings, timber interiors and terrazzo floors. The resort boasts five dining options including an underwater dining experience showcasing the idyllic location of the dazzling Indian Ocean. Guests can also enjoy the signature Anantara Spa journey and enjoy a wide range of unique Maldivian cultural experiences. The resort launched in March 2011.

Anantara Bangkok Sathorn, Thailand Anantara Bangkok Sathorn, Thailand is the luxury brands first city hotel and opened its doors in March 2011. Twin towers of 37 floors rise prominently amidst Bangkok's city skyline, offering distinctive short and long term stays in the financial district. The hotels living space comes in a chic choice of 40 square metre studio rooms to a 121 square metre two bedroom suites each benefiting from balconies opening onto city or river views.

Anantara Mui Ne, Vietnam Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa, Vietnam, is located 200 kilometres northeast of Ho Chi Minh City on the South China Sea coast, in the province of Binh Thuan. Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa is named after Mui Ne fishing village, in which it occupies an enviable central shoreline position and is surrounded by the village’s famously long and beautiful beaches, stunning mountains and desert-like sand dunes. The resort’s traditional Vietnamese architecture showcases 90 rooms, suites and pool villas designed in contemporary harmony with local culture creating a luxurious new gateway to the distinctive cultural charms of southeastern Vietnam. Anantara is entering exotic new territory with the opening of its first Vietnamese property in the autumn of 2011.

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Ocean suite with terrace pool, Rasanda, Thailand

Dining by Design, Al Sahel Villas, Abu Dhabi

Anantara Xishuangbanna, China

Al Sahel Villas, Abu Dhabi

Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa, China is located in the midst of the Hengduan Mountains, Xishuangbanna in Yunnan province, an idyllic mountainous setting fringing northern Laos. The resort is set on the banks of the Luosuo River and will feature 103 rooms with Dai characteristics, including 80 deluxe rooms and 23 pool villas. The region is home to the indigenous Dai people who are renowned for their folklore and colourful festivals such as the water splashing celebration. The resort is set to open in September 2011.

Al Sahel Villas by Anantara, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi will be a unique addition to the destination of Abu Dhabi. Thirty luxury villas, each with private plunge pools, will be set in the heart of the Arabian Wildlife Park. Overlooking the rugged landscape and saltdome hilltops, the property will be surrounded by a lush grass savannah, affording guests’ uninterrupted views of grazing sand gazelles, as well as Arabia’s elusive mountain gazelle and Oryx.

Anantara Bangkok Riverside, Thailand Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa, Thailand located on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok offers an idyllic, quiet tropical retreat, yet is conveniently connected to the city’s vibrant cosmopolitan and cultural attractions creating a true destination experience for Anantara guests. The resort includes 413 rooms, including 94 suites, 10 bars and restaurants, fully equipped meeting and conference rooms, Spa and tropical grounds. Anantara’s first city resort is set to open in November 2011.

Al Yamm Villas, Abu Dhabi Anantara Rasananda, Thailand

Anantara Bali Uluwatu, Bali Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa is set to open in Bali, the island of a thousand temples, and the island of paradise. The resort will feature 77 spacious suites and three international dining options in a contemporary and comfortable setting. Perched high on a limestone cliff on Bali's south-western tip, each of the suites at Anantara Uluwatu offers unobstructed views of the ocean and the infamous Balinese sunset. The warmth of local culture and the indigenous natural elements give a unique welcome that is always longed by holiday seekers.

Al Yamm Villas by Anantara, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi will offer tranquil sea facing villas on the beautiful eastern shores of Sir Bani Yas Island, surrounded by natural sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The spacious villas will also edge a peaceful lagoon rich with high mangroves, treating guests to stunning views of the elegant flamingos that favour this verdant sanctuary. Al Sahael and Al Yamm will welcome guests as of November 2011.

Anantara Rasananda Resort & Spa, Phangan Island, Thailand. The resort is situated on the north east coast of Koh Phangan in Southern Thailand and offers guests 64 luxurious villas and suites all with their own private plunge pool. Set on a perfect powdery white sand beach against the backdrop of the tropical rainforest, Anantara Rasananda Resort & Spa will offer the perfect retreat for absolute barefoot luxury. Anantara Rasananda will debut in November 2011.

Visit Anantara Resorts at ITB Berlin, Hall 26B/212

Deluxe Room living area, Sathorn, Thailand

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Massage sala, Mui Ne, Vietnam

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Turkey tourism welcomes 2011 at ITB Berlin Home to the vibrant cultural capital of Istanbul, Turkey is emerging as the destination of choice of discerning European travellers. European Union membership remains a realistic, if distant, prospect, ensuring the country will grow further in the coming years. Breaking Travel News looks at the secrets of its success.

As the oft cited gateway between East and West, Turkey has been a county of great significance to travellers for centuries. Millions visit each year, with Turkey drawing from innumerable overseas markets to become one of the fastest growing destinations in the world. The country is seen as a modern nation with a captivating blend of antiquity and contemporary.

Here we examine recent developments in Turkey, and assess what the future holds.

Accommodation in Turkey

While Istanbul relinquished its status as European Capital of Culture – which it held in 2010 – it remains one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the MENA region, not least because of its relative affordability to European visitors.

Visitors to Turkey are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation.

Countless excuses are on offer for a visit. Turkey was the site of the first human settlement; the seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires; the birthplace of Homer and the last home of the Virgin Mary, just to name a few.

The mansion was converted to one of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels in Turkey by the refined taste of its proprietress, remaining faithful to its original design on the outside.

The stable, secular democracy operating in the country also casts Turkey into stark relief when compared to its neighbours in early 2011, while a brief spat with Israel in 2010 also did little to dull visitor interest.

Today Turkey, with its spectacular coastline, majestic mountains, cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

Hotel Les Ottomans, for example, is considered the “World's Leading All Suite Hotel & Spa by the World Travel Awards”.

It was restructured inside as a journey from its origins in the past to the present and presented as a mixture of love and lavish beauty which mankind constantly seek for. A real treat for visitors to Istanbul.

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Over on the coast of Antalya, Mardan Palace opened in 2009 and has already staked its claim to be the best hotel in the county.

Turkish Airlines offers one of the most comprehensive networks of any major international carrier.

Some 546 rooms - including two Royal Suites with private pools – are situated amid architecture created by internationally acclaimed designers to reflect the distinctive landmarks of Istanbul. The main Hotel resembles the Dolmabahce Palace, while the bridges across the main pool are based on original designs of the Da Vinci Bridge.

More information at Hall 3.2/201.

The “World's Leading Design Hotel” – the Adam & Eve Hotel – is also situated in Belek, Antalya, providing a luxurious getaway for discerning travellers. For the all inclusive traveller, Rixos Hotels maintains a series of top qualities across the country, with the Rixos Premium Belek picking up the title of Mediterranean's Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards last year. For other top destinations in Turkey visit the Ministry of Tourism in Hall 3.2/201.

Turkish Airlines Outside of its world class hotels, Turkey also maintains another key advantage over regional rivals - national flag-carrier Turkish Airlines. Recognised by tourism insiders as one of the strongest airlines in the world, the carrier has launched new flights to Accra, Bologna, Dar es Salaam, Sochi - home of the 2014 Winter Olympics – and Washington in the last year alone, building on its already extensive route network. A new codeshare agreement with US Airways will also boost the carrier in 2011, while sponsorship deals with Premier League football club Manchester United FC and FC Barcelona – the first of its kind - will raise its international profile. Presently flying to over 130 international destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, as well as 41 domestic destinations,

breakingtravelnews.com

European Membership In a wider sense, however, challenges remain for Turkey as an international tourist destination. While the European Union may offer baubles – such as the title of European Capital of Culture for Istanbul in 2010 – it has been markedly more reticent in offering Turkey access to the greatest prize of all – membership. Although negotiations have been ongoing for a decade or more – indeed Turkey was a founding member of the European Economic Community in 1959 and has since moved closer through the Ankara Agreement – disagreements over the future of Cyprus, the history of Armenia, political transparency, and the environment have all delayed accession. However, the potential benefits for the tourism industry in the country are huge. European visitors represent the biggest sector for Turkey, and their activities offer huge potential to support economic growth and employment in what is still a relatively developing country. There is also the advantage of stronger social ties between the EU and neighbouring Turkey, with ascension offering a very real opportunity to build a social, cultural and economic bridge between the Christian West and Muslim East. Despite this, the process is likely to be long and arduous. While there is a gathering consensus in favour of Turkey’s eventual membership of the European Union – with France and Germany notably bucking the trend - European Commission president José Manuel Barroso has stated the accession process could take at least until 2021 – at the earliest.

City.Mobi With the country going from strength to strength, City.Mobi has recently launched Istanbul.Mobi. This definitive guide provides visitors will 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.

World Travel Awards Whatever the outcome of the ongoing negotiations with Brussels, Turkey is already fêted among members of the travel and tourism community, having being selected as host of the World Travel Awards (WTA) European Gala Ceremony later this year. Taking place on September 9th, the city of Antalya – the tourism capital of Turkey – will host the elite of the world’s travel industry, all of whom will be eager to discover who will walk away with the coveted prizes.

For more information on the most prestigious prizes in the industry visit worldtravelawards.com To find out more visit City.Mobi

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Welcome to the most luxurious resort in the Mediterranean where the finest Turkish Hospitality is delivered with passion and commitment. The Mardan Palace Antalya marks a long return to the days of experiential luxury, paying homage to the elegance of an enchanting past. An awe inspiring world where the royal splendor of illustrious empires meets today’s modern luxuries. A place recreating the extraordinary palatial architecture of ancient Ottoman days combined with a great passion for service and quality are the prime ingredients to tailor-make oriental fairytales.

World’s Leading Hotel Spa

World’s Leading Luxury Hotel

World’s Leading Royal Suite

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Mardan Palace, the new grand palatial splendour for the modern luxury traveller in Antalya on the Turkish Riviera. Home to the destination’s first real sumptuous resort located on 180.000m² highlighting 560 elegantly decorated rooms & suites, 25 different restaurant/bar concepts brought from around the world, various meeting and conference facilities, the gigantic 7.500m² spa and one of the biggest swimming pools of the world complementing various recreational facilities. Additionally 4 international aquariums, a traditional amphitheatre, tremendous water trick fountains and a unique swim reef are just some special amenities to be featured. The highest expectations of today’s international luxury traveler will be exceeded. A luxury Destination is Born again.

Kundu Köyü Oteller Mevkii, Lara 07110, Antalya • Tel: +90(242) 310 4100 • Fax: +90(242) 310 4200 www.mardanpalace.com

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Europe remains attractive to visitors from around the world

European travel industry back on song despite setbacks Europe has been slower than many regions to recover from the global downturn, but a robust market and a developed offering have seen the continent regain momentum in 2011. Here Breaking Travel News takes a look at what the future might hold.

As the most mature tourist destination in the world it is no surprise to discover Europe has lagged behind global rivals as it continues to recover from the slowdown in trade which has dominated the past two years.

“The challenge now will be to consolidate this growth over the coming years amid a still uncertain global economic environment”.

Usual Suspects Asia, and in particular China, has dominated the news agenda for the past year, in a trend which looks set to continue over the coming decade. But Europe has quietly been rebuilding, with visitors numbers up three per cent to 471 million in 2010 according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO). This comes despite disruption caused by the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano early last year, snow chaos in the run up to the festive season and the continued economic uncertainty affecting the euro zone. Of particular note has been the favourable exchange rates recorded in many European destinations, with arrivals from Russia and Japan growing strongly throughout the year as a result. “The recovery in international tourism is good news, especially for those developing countries that rely on the sector for much-needed revenue and jobs,” said UNWTO secretarygeneral, Taleb Rifai.

In many respects the usual suspects continue to dominate the European tourism sector, with six of the world's top ten tourism destinations by arrivals and seven by receipts located there. France, Spain, Italy, UK, Turkey and Germany were all among the top destinations in terms of visitor numbers last year, while Austria joins the elite when measured by tourism receipts. However, emerging destinations – including Baltic states Latvia and Estonia – have recorded double digit growth in visitor numbers last year, according to the European Travel Commission (ETC). With these destinations in the news City.Mobi has recently launched Tallinn.City.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. 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. “We begin 2011 looking back at a strengthening recovery,” explained European Travel Commission president Petra Hedorfer. “With a full year of data now available for 2010 we observe visitor growth for the vast majority of destinations. “However, we remain in the recovery process with visitor levels still below our 2008 peak.” Turkey has been another success story, with visitor numbers rocketing as the country comes of age as a tourism destination. To find the secret of Turkey’s success, head over to the stand in Hall 3.2/201. Istanbul – recognised by the World Travel Awards as “Europe's Leading Destination” – was also celebrating its roll as European Capital of Culture during 2010.

breakingtravelnews.com

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Beach holidays in Spain continue to be popular with European travellers

Aviation Aviation has also been quick to consolidate meagre gains made in 2009. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveals European carriers saw year-onyear passenger demand increase 5.1 per cent in 2010 - double the capacity increase of 2.6 per cent. International Airlines Group – created by the merger of British Airways and Iberia of Spain – was the story of the year, with initial results suggesting a positive start for the new European super-carrier. Turkish Airlines made headlines, pulling off an audacious sponsorship deal with Manchester United FC and walking away with the coveted World Travel Award for Europe's Leading Airline Business Class in late 2010. KLM, however, continued to dominate the scene. Martinair was incorporated into the carrier is it continued to expand, with passengers numbers and cargo loads also increasing. More information can be found in Hall 9/102.

Challenges Ahead While the general narrative has been one of recovery, a number of significant challengers are still on the horizon for the European tourism sector.

breakingtravelnews.com

Not least is a tendency towards introducing or increasing taxation on travel as a means of balancing public accounts among European governments over the past 12 months. In Great Britain for example significant increases to Air Passenger Duty have hit aviation at a time when a recovery should be top of the agenda. A government policy ruling out the construction of further runways in the southeast of the country has proved a further obstacle at Heathrow continues to creak under excessive demand. “While we fully understand the need for fiscal consolidation, UNWTO will continue to alert governments to the fact that these taxes seriously affect tourism’s proven capacity to stimulate job creation and economic growth, impacting negatively on their own economies and on the development possibilities of emerging economies,” added Rifai. The serious financial crisis which has continued to affect the peripheral countries of the European Union - such as Greece, Portugal, Spain and Ireland – are also a matter for concern. Inter-European travel comprises a major part of arrivals for destinations on the continent, and with sceptical consumers sitting on their wallets any further deterioration in the economic picture could hit business hard.

Brighter 2011 That said, operators are reporting strong increases in booking numbers for 2011, with TUI Travel – Europe's Leading Tour Operator, according to World Travel Awards – seeing robust trading head of the key summer season. Cruise operators across Europe are also seeing holidaymakers return, with Copenhagen in Denmark emerging as the destination of choice for many. Looking forward, the economic recovery is more firmly entrenched and there are some positive signs going forward. On the positive side, solid profits have left corporations with significant cash which typically indicates a coming boost in hiring and investment. Meanwhile, future indices are solid and emerging market economies remain strong. However, the prospects for the global economy are clouded with some uncertainty by the continuing European sovereign debt crisis and a tenuous consumer outlook. Notwithstanding these risks, the ETC baseline forecast scenario anticipates overnight visitor growth to Europe of a further 3 percent in 2011 and 4 percent in 2012.

City.Mobi For the latest news and information on the European tourism sector head over to City.Mobi on your mobile to check out the latest headlines.

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Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki

Turkish Airlines – Europe’s It’s been a couple of tough years for European aviation, as the region’s legacy carriers continue to shrug off the recessionary flu.

But one of the few legacy carriers to buck the European malaise has been Turkish Airlines. Riding on the back of Turkey’s growing popularity as a tourism destination, the national carrier has consistently chalked up rising profits and market share despite a tough market elsewhere. The airline has played a pivotal role in Istanbul’s emergence as a business and cultural hub. This was reflected at the 2010 World Travel Awards when the national carrier was voted “Europe’s Leading Airline Business Class”, following a year in which it grew market share and continued to upgrade its fleet despite a backdrop of one of the harshest downturns in aviation history.

New European frontiers On 27 March Turkish Airlines starts operating its first flight to Valencia, Spain. The flights will take place on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday every week. Turkish Airlines also will start the IstanbulMalaga (Spain) route three times a week on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and the first flight will be operated on 27 April 2011. With the start of flights to Valencia and Malaga, Turkish Airlines passengers will have the opportunity to travel directly to four destinations in Spain after its current services to Barcelona and Madrid.

The airline will continue to expand its network with the launch of Istanbul-Toulouse (France) flights. The flights are set to begin on 16 April and will take place three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The services to Toulouse will be increased to four times a week by July 3. Toulouse is the fourth flight destination in France after Lyon, Nice and Paris. With the addition of its new services, Turkish Airlines will operate flights to 175 destinations worldwide.

Commercial success Turkish Airlines has rapidly expanded its U.S. presence in recent years. This month it began its first non-stop flights to the West Coast, with the four flights per week from Los Angeles’ LAX Airport to Atatürk Airport in Istanbul. The airline has also teamed up with legendary basketball star Kobe Bryant to front its new commercial campaign. The commercial is now running in the U.S., the Far East, and will be aired in more than 80 countries worldwide later. Kobe Bryant was recently named Turkish Airlines’ global brand ambassador and will appear in advertisements as the face of the company over the next two years. The narrative focuses on Kobe’s interaction with Turkish Airlines’ famed “Flying Chef”

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aboard a long-haul flight. In a competitive exchange, Kobe and the chef dare each other to switch roles – Kobe as chef and chef as basketball player. The result is a light-hearted competition in which both realize the skill required of each other’s professions. The commercial is one component of a larger campaign which will include billboards, print and online components. Kobe Bryant has been named Most Valuable Player of the NBA finals for the past two years, and has won five NBA championships in his career. He has twice been the scoring champion of the NBA and was part of the gold medal winning USA Basketball Men’s National Team at the 2008 Olympics. Bryant ranked number fourteen on Forbes Magazine’s “Celebrity 100,” which lists the world’s richest and most powerful celebrities.

Famous sporting face Kobe Bryant follows another sporting superstar who has recently joined the Turkish Airlines stable. World number one tennis player, Caroline Wozniacki was chosen as the new face of Turkish Airlines Business Class. The Danish tennis star of Polish origin is representing Turkish Airlines on commercials

and public relations activities for the next three years. The 20-year-old also holds the title of best young player in world tennis ranking, and was ranked by the International Tennis Federation as the world champion. Expected to receive the grand slam award in 2011, she has won 12 championship so far. Wozniacki was also named as the best tennis player in 2008 by Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). Wozniacki is introducing Turkish Airlines' new Business Class. TV commercials are being broadcast across Europe.

Turkish Airlines adds new “Comfort Class” Last year Turkish Airlines added a new class on its flights, in addition to the economy and business offerings, and opening doors for new privileges in the sky. Passengers are now able to experience comfort in “Comfort Class” at inexpensive rates. The new class is situated between the Economy Class and Business Class. Its purpose is to combine the convenience of Business Class with the reasonable purchasing rates of Economy Class.

Turkish Airlines introduced the “Comfort Class” on trunk routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Narita, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo and Toronto on its the new B777 aircraft. And as the airline’s new B777s join the fleet the Comfort Class is being rolled out on the flights to New York, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles as well. One of the privileges of Comfort Class is that the knee space and sitting space are kept at a maximum range. The seat pitch measures in at 116cm and seat width at 49cm. Having their own individual display screens with the 10.6“ in-arm screens embedded on each seats the passengers can watch as many films, serials, documentaries and cartoons as they wish while they can access the entire visual archives instantly. Passengers who want to rest their legs will have the apparatus of leg rest stowed beneath the seas. These newly designed seats let passengers access their files by simply using their personal USB devices or iPods.

To find out more about Turkish Airlines at ITB visit Hall 3.2/201. Also visit www.thy.com

new aviation superstar Turkish Airlines ambassador Kobe Bryant

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Turkish Airlines - Europe's Leading Airline

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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

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“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

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Turkey taps into the all-inclusive luxury market In the aftermath of the financial crisis, the all-inclusive sector has flourished, evolved and expanded as travellers from all over the world reap the benefits of this cost efficient holiday segment. Rixos has led the way in Turkish all-inclusive holidays

Travel agents and hoteliers first began to report the rise in demand for all-inclusives in 2008 and the trend has continued into 2011. Offering the ability to control a budget and know from the outset of a trip all of its expenses has become increasingly appealing to many travellers. A recent study by market research firm Mintel revealed UK travellers feel positive about taking an all-inclusive break. Sales have grown by 32 per cent over the past five years and allinclusives now account for 20-25 per cent of all package holidays sold in the UK. Glenn McCool, Hayes & Jarvis’s product and contracts manager for the Indian Ocean, commented: “We’ve seen a big increase in demand for all-inclusive accommodation in the Indian Ocean over the past year, leaving B&B resorts in the Maldives that charge handsomely for other meals struggling to compete.” All inclusive as a concept – which is thought to have originated in Jamaica in 1978 - has since flourished in the region, with well known hotel groups such as Sandals Hotels & Resorts providing rich holiday experiences for their guests who can enjoy activities, meals and alcohol on tap. Adding to this has been the recent rise of experiential travel whereby travellers increasingly demand a more active holiday rather than just lying on the beach. This is a market all-inclusive operators have been able to tap into.

Away from the Beach But all-inclusive holidays are no longer confined to beach resorts. Responding to customer demand, the allinclusive sector has diversified. Luxury travellers, budget travellers, families, group travellers and honeymooners can all enjoy allinclusive experiences right across the globe – even in Antarctica. A number of high end resorts now offer guests the opportunity to stay on a premium allinclusive basis, meaning they are able to enjoy the luxury of a five star holiday, without having to compromise on service or standards, but all at a set rate. The Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, located in Antalya in Belek, is one such property, providing activities to ensure guests have a ‘fascinating holiday experience’ on an optional all-inclusive basis. The property, which has been named ‘Europe’s Leading Spa Resort’, ‘Europe’s Leading Golf Resort’, ‘Turkey’s Leading Golf Resort’, and ‘Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort’ by the World Travel Awards, boasts original architecture restored ‘retro’ style by architect Tuncar Cavdara. Services guests can enjoy include a sports centre and the recently renovated Crassula ECO Spa, which offers a range of natural beauty therapies, holistic therapies, and organic massage treatments. The property also has a golf club and Nick Faldo designed golfing range. Business

travellers can utilise the conference centre. The all-inclusive rates can be integrated according to the guest’s needs. For example, with a dedicated honeymoon service, newly weds can enjoy a special honeymoon all-inclusive package with additional treats such as champagne, flowers in their room and a heart shaped cake. To maximize guest experience, rooms are constantly undergoing upgrades, and have most recently been fitted with new state of the art LCD televisions, wallpaper and showercabins. In other news, this year’s International Golf Travel Market is being held in Belek for the first time and will be hosted at the Cornelia. Described by travellers on Tripadvisor as ‘fantastic’ and ‘a real Turkish delight’, this hotel is doing something right.

Rixos Hotels Another hotel group in Turkey that is appealing to guests looking for an all-inclusive experience with a difference is Rixos Hotels, who aim to respond to guests desires through their ‘Art of the Holiday’ concept. Rixos is now bringing its premium all-inclusive offering to Turkey’s capital city, Istanbul, with the planned openings of the Elysium Suites Taksim and Residences Bomonty. The hotel group, which was recently named ‘Mediterranean's Leading Hotel’, have signed a 20 year operating agreement for three historical buildings, previously known as the Royal hotel, owned by Orjin Grup.

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Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa has been recognised by WTA as the leading golf resort in Europe

The complex – which was built in 1876 and is known as one of the oldest hotels in Istanbul comprises three blocks with a total of 140 rooms. It is set in an area of 1,500sqm and consists of approximately 12,000sqm indoor space. However, the number of rooms is expected to increase after the architectural design work is completed. Rixos plan to re-open the hotel by the end of 2011.

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 Rixos Hotels at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.2, stand 201 Visit Cornelia Hotels at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.1 stand 122 To find out more visit City.Mobi

All-inclusive holidays in Turkey have seen a spike in interest over the past three years

Rixos Hotels Vice President, Başak Erel, commented: “As one of the first hotels in Istanbul, Royal Hotel has a unique and a historical background. “We are very happy as Rixos Hotels, that our first hotel project in Istanbul is being launched in such a historical setting. This hotel project is an extension to the Rixos Elysium Suites Taksim and Rixos Residences Bomonty, already operating in Istanbul.”

City.Mobi With the Istanbul from strength to strength, City.Mobi has recently launched Istanbul.mobi – this definitive guide provides all you need to know about the mysterious Middle East, 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.

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Catherine Palace near St Petersburg

Russia rises for its greatest sporting challenge Having won hosting rights to the 2018 World Cup, Russia is investing billions to bring its infrastructure up to Fifa standards. However the possible legacy gains are unlimited, as BTN finds out. Eastern Europe has never hosted the World Cup, but the decision by the FIFA Executive Committee to award hosting rights to Russia for the 2018 tournament has been heralded as the region’s greatest accomplishment in decades. Russia represents an exciting new horizon for Fifa – a football “white spot” with millions of new hearts and minds, and the potential to create a great legacy after the World Cup, including great new stadiums. Russia’s economy is also large and growing, and its football market is developing rapidly. Hosting the 2018 World Cup marks not only a new football territory but also an untapped tourism destination. For years, the need to obtain a visa, lack of affordable and quality hotels, and poor transport infrastructure has hindered Russia’s inbound tourism market.

However with the 2018 World Cup now in the bag, Russia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity and benchmark to create a lasting legacy from the World Cup. For starters, president Dmitry Medvedev has promised to scrap visas for holders of World Cup tickets, which could also pave the way for smoothing entry restrictions for international visitors in the future. Russia’s tourism ministry said it would promote Intourist, the country’s biggest tour operator acquired by Thomas Cook in a $45m deal in December, as exclusive manager of the event. As part of its bid strategy, the Russian government also promised that football fans would be able to travel for free between host cities – the distance between the western most host (Kaliningrad) and the most eastern (Yekaterinburg) is 2,500 kilometres.

based mobile guides such as city.mobi will be essential. During the South Africa World Cup, city.mobi provided detailed information about accommodation, attractions, dining, city guides, and transport information tailored for users on the go, and includes host cities Durban (durban.city.mobi), Port Elizabeth (portelizabeth.city.mobi), Bloemfontein (bloemfontein.mobi), Johannesburg (joburg.city.mobi), Pretoria (pretoria.mobi), Nelspruit (http://nelspruit.city.mobi), Polokwane (polokwane.city.mobi), and Rustenburg (rustenburg.city.mobi). At Fifa 2018, city.mobi will be providing similar services for key host cities Moscow (moscow.mobi), St Peterburg (stpetersburg.mobi) and Novgorad (novgorad.mobi).

Infrastructure This makes it essential that Russia’s dilapidated transport infrastructure, which remains largely unchanged from the Soviet era, is upgraded. Hotels too need upgrading and building. Many existing properties are outdated and overpriced. So as well as renovating, new hotels must be built to address the bed shortage.

The World Cup will be played in 16 stadiums in 13 cities – all these will need to be either renovated or built from new. This will cost $3.8 billion, according to an official forecast. Some estimates suggest that at least twice that amount could be needed to upgrade most airports, develop high-speed rail services and build roads and hotels.

The language barrier – and different alphabet – will prove a challenge for fans so English-

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Moscow will play host to the final of World Cup 2018

Olympic experience Russia’s progress in preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi will not have gone unnoticed by the Fifa Exco. Since it was awarded the games in 2007, Russia has made impressive infrastructure improvements as it takes on what has been dubbed “the most expensive and challenging project in its history”. Telman Ismailov, chairman of Russia’s biggest property developer AST, is building almost 10 percent of the hotel space needed for the Olympics in Sochi. Plans include Russia’s largest hotel complex. The project will cost Ismailov’s AST Group more than $1 billion. The 24.6 hectare Sodruzhestvo complex will have 5,500 rooms. The group will also build a 150-room hotel in the Imeretinskaya valley near Sochi on a 0.98 hectare site. Ismailov is also the owner of Turkey’s Mardan Palace, voted “World’s Leading Luxury Hotel” at the 2010 World Travel Awards, Europe’s most expensive resort, costing $1.65 billion to build. Other Russian oligarchs have been tapped by the government to fund the Olympics, and Vladimir Putin has said they should also help foot the bill for the World Cup. Roman Abramovich, the billionaire metals tycoon and owner of Chelsea football club, said he was ready to become a partner to the authorities in preparing for the World Cup. To implement all the projects, the government will also need to invest vast amounts of its money and effort. As with the 2014 Winter Olympics, full state guarantees will be given to the World Cup project.

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Like South Africa, Russia’s eventual financial success – or failure – in organising and hosting the tournament might be evident only years after it is over.

Miss World 2009 Ksenia Sukhinova from Russia uses city.mobi to find everything from hotels to restaurants

Sport Tourism The World Cup 2018 prize for Russia is expected to deliver a windfall in travel and tourism receipts. Sport Tourism is the travel industry’s fastest growing sector, contributing an astonishing 14 percent of overall travel and tourism receipts in 2010, according to WSDE Sport Tourism Expo, the only global exhibition and business forum dedicated to showcasing the full spectrum of Sport Tourism related products and services. At a time when some traditional tourism trends are in decline, Sport Tourism continues to flourish and is set to grow exponentially in the next decade. Yet the complex mechanics of Sport Tourism have not yet been fully understood or realised. The annual WSDE Sport Tourism Expo aims to present the future business deals and source new contacts and markets, but also to gain invaluable insights from the advanced knowledge of market leaders. WSDE Sport Tourism Expo will take place in Bangkok, capital city and business hub of Thailand from 27-29 September 2011.

To find out more about WSDE Sport Tourism Expo visit sporttourismexpo.com To find out more visit City.Mobi

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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

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“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

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Savoy Sharm El Sheikh brings a new The Savoy Hotel and Resorts Group International is widely represented in Egypt’s famous holiday destination, Sharm El Sheikh. A true paradise for those who love nature and water sports, there are no less than four different choices of accommodation to suit the varying needs of guests from the vibrant and fun Sierra Hotel to the exclusive Savoy Villas, and a further two hotels currently under construction. The Savoy Sharm El Sheikh is just a short drive from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport and Na’ama Bay. The first of the hotels to be built, it is a perfect retreat for those seeking to explore the majestic deserts of the South Sinai, the wonders of the Red Sea or those who simply want to kick back, relax and enjoy the all year round sunny climate. Truly an amazing location and exciting destination, the Savoy Sharm El Sheikh hotel tailors to every individual taste, and is spread over 200,000 sq m2 of serene surroundings. Laying at the heart of the spectacular White Knight Beach, it is located within the worldfamous national park of Ras Mohammed, South Sinai, Egypt.

Stunning in architectural design, the hotel itself boasts impeccable style. From its marble floors to high ceilings, decadent interiors through to simplistic colour themes, the Savoy Sharm El Sheikh is all about sophistication. Combining luxury in a superb location with an air of relaxation and ‘at-home’ experience, the hotel is unrivalled in the services it provides. With a grand total of 406 superiorly designed rooms, ranging from single, double and triple rooms to the lavish Royal Suite, your every need is catered for. Superbly furnished with the cool elegance of marble and wood, all 406 of the Savoy Sharm El Sheikh Hotel rooms promote a simplistic yet

inviting feel that encapsulates the Savoy’s sumptuous signature look. All rooms come with a view (garden, pool or sea). There are nine exclusive Savoy Villas, and each one is decorated to a different theme. For those who wish for all the comforts of a fine private home, coupled with the benefits of impeccable Savoy service, the Savoy Villas are an excellent option in Sharm El Sheikh Be an exclusive guest at one of the awardwinning Royal Savoy properties which exist within the grounds of the prestigious Savoy Sharm El Sheikh. Offering outstanding views, impeccable service and the added advantages of a five-star hotel, the Royal Savoy Villas cater for each and every individual taste. Inspired by Africa, each villa carries its own unique character and design. A heavenly destination offering an exclusive experience

Meetings The perfect venue for conferences, events and incentives, the Savoy Sharm El Sheikh has ideal facilities to host successful corporate functions, conventions, drinks parties or gala dinners. A variety of rooms complete with state-of-the-art equipment are available on request and our specialized banquet team is on hand to help choose ideal locations

Wining & Dining An array of bars and lounges and restaurants situated around the grounds of the Savoy Sharm El Sheikh offer guests an exquisite culinary experience or alternatively the option to relax and enjoy a drink from our carefully selected beverage menus featuring imports from around the world. The Royal Savoy, the Savoy’s exclusive Boutique hotel that sits very comfortably at number 1 on TripAdvisor, invites its VIP guests to enjoy individual attention and the exclusive privileges of ultimate luxury. The Royal Savoy Lounge is designed for relaxing, light dining, socializing or entertaining. It is where guests can enjoy a variety of food and beverages all-day long as well as continental breakfast, afternoon tea or cocktails and canapés in the evening. Situated within idyllic grounds, embraced by lush tropical foliage and diamond waterfalls, The Royal Savoy offers unparalleled service, guaranteed privacy and peace. Designed to cater for those who prefer to stay in a more intimate and secluded location, this select club wing enjoys a private lounge and an outdoor sun terrace with two magnificent, adjoining swimming pools. An exclusive beach area, reserved solely for the Royal Savoy clientele, overlooks the spectacular sands of White Knight Beach.

breakingtravelnews.com

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w level of luxury From the generous comfort of a standard room to the spacious opulence of the suites all the accommodation at the Royal Savoy offers sophistication and the height of luxury. Aesthetically and elegantly furnished with attention to the finest detail, the mark of every room is the exceptional combination of style and function. Marbled bathrooms, four-poster beds and expansive balconies are just a few of the indulgences awaiting Royal Savoy guests. Breathtaking views of the picturesque hotel gardens or the majestic Red Sea and Tiran Island are a standard feature of every room. Sixteen newly-opened honeymoon suites have been designed to provide a unique, romantic ambience, enhanced by indirect, discreet lighting from the ceiling. Near the bed is a twoperson Jacuzzi. The large marble bathroom includes a bidet, two hand-basins, a big bathroom mirror and a connecting door to the bedroom. International, European and local TV programmes are available on plasma screen TV sets. The honeymoon suites include all the amenities of the Royal Savoy rooms. A high standard of service and consideration of individual needs, gives The Royal Savoy its unique edge. Professional and efficient Service Staff treat every wish, however small, as a priority. Clients can expect private limousine pick-up and a personally assigned butler service for the duration of their stay. Royal Savoy guests are welcome to entertain business associates and friends in the private lounge area where they can enjoy a variety of complimentary food and drink around the clock. A comprehensive list of imported beverages perfectly complements an impressive menu, offering authentically cooked, international cuisine with the exclusive choice of in-room dining. In addition, an extensive array of superb dining locations is set within the grounds of The Savoy.

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With easy access to major tourist destinations such as St. Katharine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai, The Royal Savoy is the perfect base for those keen to explore South Sinai’s majestic deserts. Alternatively, guests can take advantage of this excellent opportunity to discover the underwater wonders of the Red Sea or simply to unwind and relax in the idyllic, all year round, Sinai summer. Bordered by swaying palm trees and relaxing sunloungers, it adds to the sociable appeal, enjoyment and fun that the Sierra Sharm El Sheikh Hotel promotes. There are lots of great entertainment and sports activities to hand. Priding itself on high standards, the Sierra Sharm El Sheikh offers fabulous food and drink with excellent all-round service. The Sierra Sharm El Sheikh hotel is the perfect destination for those who want to explore the Red Sea in a more vibrant atmosphere

Superb shopping at Soho Square In between the elegant Savoy and Vibrant Sierra is Sharm entertainment hub, Soho Square, the Red Sea’s pedestrianised square mile of restaurants and bars, shopping and clubs is conveniently situated for all Savoy Group guests. Every member of the family is catered for at Soho Square. Restaurants offer cuisine from all over the world, they range from French fine cuisine to Indian, Chinese, Thai, Midddle East and International. You’ll find everything you need to make your beach holiday Funtastic, as well as plenty of arts, crafts, jewellery and accessories to pack for the journey home in

the newly constructed Hakuna Matata market style shopping area. Other shops offer all the glorious colour and variety of the Egyptian souk, with carpets, aromatic oils, traditional jewellery and shisha water pipes Watch out for Hotels coming soon are the family orientated Sky hotel and the hip Soho hotel.

To find out more about The Savoy Sharm El Sheikh at ITB Berlin visit Hall 23.A/101 www.savoy-sharm.com.

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Namibia Wildlife Resorts strikes a sustainable tourism balance The primary focus of Namibia Wildlife Resorts is tourism development in the prime protected areas of Namibia, its national parks, whilst meeting the principals of environmental sustainability. This crucial strategic position comes with great environmental responsibilities. The team at NWR have successfully turned round a government-owned tourism company that was heavily laden in debt; its service and infrastructure had deteriorated so much that it was hindering the tourism potential of this great nation. Now NWR is a profitable, sustainable business, boasting some of the finest camps not just in Namibia but throughout the world. The company was also voted “Namibia’s Leading Tourism Brand” at 2010 World Travel Awards.

An eye for the future NWR has made great strides over the past two years in implementing a turnaround strategy, aimed at aligning NWR facilities with the market demand of the increasingly environmentally discerning visitor. But NWR sees this as only the first step in its development path and is geared to maintain the momentum to achieve ever increasing heights. The company has just completed the comprehensive upgrade of Ai-Ais, adding value to tourism in the south of the country.

All camps are situated in the heart of Namibia’s National Parks. NWR operates tourist accommodation to suit individual taste, comfort and preference

Eco-Collection NWR has introduced exclusive products that offer ultimate relaxation, superior service and comfort all within the confines of the most pristine wilderness areas of Namibia. Sossus Dune Lodge, the Namibia’s crown jewel, situated inside the Namib Naukluft Park and Onkoshi Camp, on the edge of the Etosha Pan inside Etosha National Park are our premier Camps.

No ordinary tourism company NWR is no ordinary tourism establishment. It offers its guests a memorable journey across Namibia, taking them from the remote and mystic rugged landscape of the Skeleton Coast Park to the wide open plains of Etosha Nationals Park and the exotic woodlands of Pope Falls.

Classic collection The NWR Classic collection includes favourite establishments inside the Parks including the newly renovated /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs Spa at the end of the Fish River Canyon, the majestic Waterberg Camp as well as Halalai, Namutoni

breakingtravelnews.com

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Barefoot luxury at Onkoshi

Sossus Dune Lodge, Namibia Wildlife Resorts

and Okaukuejo camps inside Etosha National Park.

Adventure and Camping collection There is a variety to choose from depending on what type of retreat you are looking for. For a desert retreat, there is Sesriem Campsite and for the more adventurous travellers yearning to tackle mountains and tough dirt tracks there is Naukluft Campsite – both inside the vast Namib Naukluft Park. Terrace Bay Camp and Torra Bay Camp offer great fishing and coastal getaways while you can never go wrong with a camping outing inside Etosha National Park.

This highly anticipated product, which is expected to increase tourism traffic in and around western Etosha, Damaraland and the Great Kunene Region, will be the 3rd new tourism facility built by NWR since the implementation of the Turnaround Strategy. The NWR Board and management, and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism have undertaken a process of comprehensive planning to determine the land-use possibility, tourism value and ecological viability of erecting a Camp in this part of the Park. Particular attention has been paid on ensuring that the building approach follows or closely mirrors the previous ecofriendly design approaches adopted at Sossus Dune Lodge and Onkoshi Camp.

Pioneering new camp Last year construction began on a new lodge inside Namibia’s flagship National Park, Etosha. The new product, Dolomite Camp, situated in the ecologically significant western part of Etosha, an area previously closed off to tourism. This becomes NWR’s fifth establishment inside Etosha and 19th overall – excluding the Camps under the Public Private Partnerships. Nestled in the dolomite outcrops of the pristine western Etosha National Park, Dolomite Camp offers an intimate experience of one of the most scenic areas of the Park, and where previously endangered species like Black Rhino have been successfully bred.

breakingtravelnews.com

To find out more about Namibia Wildlife Resorts at ITB Berlin visit Hall 20./114 or go to www.nwr.com.na.

Watching sundown, Onkoshi, Namibia Wildlife Resorts

To find out more about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com

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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

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“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

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE HEART OF BANGKOK

Set right in the heart of Bangkok we are the only fully integrated 5-star hotel, convention venue and one of the largest shopping and lifestyle centres in Southeast Asia. Here you will find everything that you need, from sumptuous accommodation to hi-tech meeting facilities and unrivalled shopping experience. Centara Grand has nine exciting restaurants and bars including Fifty Five and Red Sky, two unforgettable rooftop venues with views across the city skyline. To keep you feeling and looking good there is an outdoor swimming pool, flood-lit tennis courts, fitness centre and SPA Cenvaree dedicated to easing stress and renewing energy levels. State-of-the-art in every way, Bangkok Convention Centre has everything for hosting events, from a boardroom for 20 persons to an auditorium for 5,000, and is supported by a large and highly experienced team of professionals that will handle an event of any kind and stature. Early Bird promotion! Centara Grand at CentralWorld offers a complimentary 1 hour welcome reception at Red Sky Bar for every booking of 15 rooms or more made before 15 April for completed stays up to and including 30 June, 2011.

Please contact us at: T +66 (0) 2100 1234 Ext. 6109 E cgcwsales@chr.co.th www.centarahotelsresorts.com

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Caribbean spotlight: Josef Forstmayr, President, CHTA Tourism is the economic lifeblood of the Caribbean, a message promoted by CHTA in its “Tourism Is Key” advocacy campaign. BTN talks to Josef Forstmayr, President of the CHTA, as well as Managing Director of Round Hill Hotel and Villas.

Josef Forstmayr

What are you hoping to achieve at this year’s ITB? We will continue our efforts to promote the Caribbean as the most desirable warm weather destination in the Western hemisphere. We will need stronger airlift support from Europe, hence the need to stimulate the German and other European tour operators to help lobby for direct air connections from continental Europe.

How is your Tourism in Key campaign progressing? The CHTA’s advocacy campaign of “Tourism is Key” is progressing very well. We have just concluded a most successful advocacy event in Antigua with the full support of the media and the government there. We have also received support in our efforts to promote better, low cost regional airline connections. Hopefully, within the next six months, we will have several new connections between the Eastern Caribbean and their fellow Lesser Antilles as well as Jamaica.

past three years! The convention was judged to be highly successful by most participants. Jamaica and the many improvements in its physical infrastructure (new airports, new hotels and attractions and improved roadway systems) showed extremely well. All were impressed with the high level of professionalism and the warmth of the Jamaican hospitality.

How do you think the new Montego Bay Convention Centre will help Jamaica, as well the Caribbean, as a business tourism destination? The new Montego Bay Convention Centre will offer a great opportunity to make Montego Bay and Jamaica the perfect venue for medium to large conferences. This beautiful facility, coupled with Jamaica’s great regional and international air access and tourism facilities will make Jamaica and Montego Bay the epicentre of national, regional and international convention business.

How do you envisage 2011 shaping up for Caribbean travel and tourism? Caribbean Marketplace 2011 was hosted in Jamaica. What was your overall impression of how the event was received? Jamaica was a very definite draw to pull in the highest number of suppliers and buyers for the

The Caribbean is presently experiencing a very good winter season. Many of our destinations are gaining back ground lost during the most recent recession. There is also a solid sense of optimism. We hope that this trend will continue through the summer season. Overall, new

product and better airlift will ensure that the region’s tourism arrival will continue to grow.

Which areas of the industry present the best opportunity for growth? We see a solid growth for family travel, the good value all inclusive, as well as the luxury end of the industry. Sports, soft adventure and cultural experiences will continue to provide the attractions for our visitors to choose the region over the competition.

Which nation within Europe offer the most potential for growth? Naturally, the major markets in the Europe, the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain continue to provide the greatest opportunity for further growth. The emergence of the newer members of the European Union as well as Russia will provide us with new and exciting markets. Our region must review the existing visa regimes for any country which could be considered for growth. There will be limited growth as long as restrictive visa requirements remain in place.

Tell us some of the things you’ve learned as president of CHTA. One of the most wonderful experiences for me was that our industry, both in the private sector and the public sector, is totally united.

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Round Hill Aerial View

All the persons I have the pleasure to lead or associate with are truly passionate and committed to do what is necessary to continue to grow tourism for the benefit of our Caribbean people.

Why do you think the Caribbean nations are among the most travel and tourism dependent in the world? The United Nations World Tourism Organisation established that out of 10 countries most dependent on tourism, seven are in the Caribbean. It is our job therefore to lead the advocacy efforts with our policy makers as well as our nationals to ensure that this vital industry continues to receive the support it deserves.

To find out more about Jamaica at ITB Berlin visit Hall 3.1/208 To find out about CHTA visit caribbeanhotelassociation.com www.roundhill.com Round Hill was voted Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Villa at 2010 World Travel Awards Understated elegance at Round Hill

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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

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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

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China Spotlight China with a Swiss twist - Swissỗtel Grand, Shanghai

Exciting things are happening in China’s luxury hospitality market with a raft of new opening scheduled for this year, as BTN find out. The World Expo held in Shanghai last year was the biggest and most successful the world has ever seen. By the end of the expo on October 31, more than 73 million people had visited – a record attendance – and 250 countries and international organizations had taken part. On October 16 the expo set a single-day record of having more than 1.03 million visitors enter the exhibition on that day. More than £30 billion was spent on preparing for the event – more than the cost of cleaning up Beijing for the Olympics in 2008. Six new underground lines were opened between 2008 and 2010 and four thousand new taxis were added in the month before the event opened. The city’s excellence was recognised at last year’s World Travel Awards, where it secured a clutch of awards including “Asia’s Leading Cruise Port” and “Asia’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination”.

provides 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. 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.

New openings A total of seven new hotels opened in the months preceding the fair: The Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Bund, Intercontinental Shanghai Expo, Shanghai Renaissance Putuo, Sheraton Shanghai Hong Kou, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai, Conrad Shanghai and the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, a sister hotel to the winner of China’s Leading Luxury Hotel at last year’s World Travel Awards, the Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai.

cuisine and a Spa with a health club swimming pool, gym, squash and racquetball courts. A number of other hotels were also recognised at the WTAs including 88 Xintiandi, which won “China’s Leading Boutique Hotel”, for the fourth year in a row. The hotel has just 53 rooms and is located in the heart of the French Concession, one of Shanghai’s most evocative and tranquil districts and has lake, park and city views; as well as a fitness centre. The Swissotel Grand secured the accolade of “China’s Leading Business Hotel” and was nominated in a further two categories: “Asia’s Leading City Hotel” and “Asia’s Leading Hotel”. It has previously won two awards in 2008: “China’s Leading City Hotel” and “China’s Leading New Hotel”. The hotel is located next to City Plaza and Jing'an Temple, a few steps to the city terminal and the Metro Stations in the heart of Shanghai. It has 467 rooms in a modern and contemporary design, four restaurants and bars, a health club and spa and extensive conference and banqueting facilities.

The Portman Ritz-Carlton was nominated for three further awards at the WTAs: “Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel”, “China’s Leading Conference Hotel” and “China’s Leading Hotel”, which it won in 2008.

It edged out some of Shanghai’s leading luxury and business brands Four Seasons, Le Royal Meridien, Park Hyatt and the St Regis to secure the award.

The hotel is situated on the Nanji ng Xi Lu on the Bund side of the river, and has 610 guest rooms and suites, six restaurants and lounges serving Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Western

To find out more about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com

Shanghai.City.Mobi With the city going from strength to strength, City.Mobi has recently launched Shanghai.City.Mobi – this definitive guide

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To find out more visit City.Mobi

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Amanipur Pool Suites

Asia expands luxury offerings China is the key country for luxury hotel expansion in Asia this year and this is set to continue over the next few years. As Europe’s economy continues to struggle leading hotel groups are targeting China, with its growing middle class, increased airlift and disposable income. Seventeen new hotels from six of the world’s leading luxury chains are opening in China in the next 18 months alone. Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will be opening seven new resorts in 2011 – three of which will be in Asia. The new resorts, two in China and one in Bali, will take the group’s total to 50 properties within the next five years. Anantara currently has 12 properties, including seven in Thailand, two of which have received a nomination in this year’s World Travel Awards as Asia’s Leading Luxury Resort: Anantara Phuket and Anantara Resort Hua Hin. The new resorts this year are: Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa, on the Luhuitou Peninsula and Xiaodonghai, on the southernmost point of Hainan Island in south China. The luxury boutique property will comprise of 128 guestrooms and 20 pool villas flanked by two beaches, Xiaodonghai Bay and Luhuitou Bay, and a coastline that stretches more than 1km.

Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa is located in the heart of the Hengduan Mountains, Xishuangbanna in Yunnan province, an idyllic mountainous setting fringing northern Laos. The resort is set on the banks of the Luosuo River and will feature 103 guestrooms, including 80 deluxe rooms and 23 pool villas. Anantara Uluwatu Resort & Spa will open on Bali’s south-western tip later this year. The resort will feature 77 spacious suites all with ocean views, and three restaurants. “We’ve come a long way since our first resort opening in 2001,” said Peter Carmichael, Senior Vice President, Anantara. “As we move into our tenth anniversary year we will open seven stunning new resorts that will offer guests luxury and tranquillity in surroundings that are culturally and environmentally uplifting.” The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group currently has three properties under development in the Far East, two of which are in China and one in Taiwan. The 401-room Guangzhou hotel will be designed as an elegant, contemporary property, which will include 70 serviced apartments and six dining and cocktail venues and spacious meeting facilities. The hotel will form part of the 450,000 square metre Taikoo Hui mixed-use complex, currently

under construction in the Tianhe Central Business District. The Shanghai hotel will be located in the heart of the Lujiazui Central Financial District and will form part of ‘Harbour City’ a 25 hectare mixed use development. It will include 362 spacious rooms and 210 serviced apartments. All accommodation will feature outstanding views of the city skyline and the Huangpu River. There will be three eclectic restaurants, a lobby lounge and bar, and a Spa which will include a 25 metre indoor swimming pool and fitness centre. The Taipei hotel will be developed in the heart of the city and will have 300 rooms, four restaurants, two bars and a 20,000 square foot spa with fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool. Mandarin Oriental has been nominated in this year’s WTAs as Asia’s Leading Hotel Brand and Asia’s Leading Resort Brand. In addition, the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is in the running for Asia’s Leading Business Hotel, Asia’s Leading Hotel and Asia’s Leading Suite. Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts has predicted that 2011 will be a “challenging year”, due to the continuing unstable situation in Thailand and the weak economy in Europe.

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Mandarin Oriental Shanghai

Aman Spa Treatment Room

Loy Nam pool bar by night

The group added: “However, we are tapping into new growth markets for our guest mix like China to compensate for the weaker European market.” It will be opening five new resorts in the next 12 months, including three in China: in Macau, Shanghai and Angsana Hangzhou. The group also expects to launch an estimated 11 spas under management, and has signed three new hotel management contracts in the past few months in China. Banyan Tree and Angsana Tengchong, Yunnan, in the Tengchong Yumagu Hot Spring International Tourist Resort; Banyan Tree and Angsana Beibei, Chongqing, near the Jialing River and Jinyun Mountain; and Angsana Hong En Si, Chongqing, China, in the Jiangbei district, near the Jialing River and Chongqing’s largest central forest park, Hong En Si Park. The group will take over the management of the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket at the end of June from Starwood and will launch a flagship Angsana Resort. A new Aman Spa has opened on the private island retreat of Amanpulo, in the Philippines, situated on a slope above the treetops with views of the Sulu Sea, and has been nominated as Asia’s Leading Luxury Villa in the WTAs. Amansara in Cambodia has created two new off road biking tours and in Bhutan Amankora Gangtey has launched a rhododendron hike through an old growth rhododendron forest.

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A number of other Aman hotels have been nominated for awards at the WTAs, including Amanusa Bali for the World’s Leading Golf Resort and World’s Leading Luxury Golf Resort; Amanpuri, Thailand, for Asia’s Leading Hotel; Amantaka, Luang Prabang, as Asia’s Leading New Resort and Amandari, Bali and Amanpuri for Asia’s Leading Spa Resort.

“The hotels are contemporary in style and provide a seamless link between business, entertainment and recreation,” said Greg Dogan, president and chief executive officer of ShangriLa International Hotel Management Ltd.

Thailand-based Dusit opened its first property in China last year, Dusit Thani Sanya, on Hainan Island, known as the Hawaii of the East. The hotel, which opened in December, has 160 rooms, 22 villas and one suite, all overlooking the South China Sea. It will also have meeting facilities, a gym and a spa.

They include seven hotels in China: Manzhouli, Haikou, two in Macau, Yangzhou, Shanghai and Lhasa; and one in Iskandar, Malaysia.

Dusit has been nominated as Asia’s Leading Hotel Brand at the WTAs, and the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket has secured a clutch of nominations including Thailand’s Leading Beach Resort, Spa Resort, Golf Resort and Leading Resort. Shangri-La marked its first foray into a business brand with the opening of its first Kerry Hotel in Shanghai on 18 February this year. The 31-storey hotel towers over the Kerry Parkside complex and includes 574 rooms and suites. “Kerry Hotels will appeal to the business traveller who prefers a vibrant and relaxed environment without compromising on service or quality.

The group will opening a number of new hotels this year and next, including nine in Asia.

The chain has been nominated for a number of awards at the WTAs, including China’s Leading Business Hotel, China’s Leading Hotel for the Shangri-La China World Hotel; Hong Kong’s Leading Hotel, Indonesia’s Leading Hotel and Malaysia’s Leading Hotel and Leading Resort.

Have you got what it takes to be a world-class travel brand? To find out more about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com You can find out about other luxury Asian hotels whilst you’re on the move at ITB. Go to City.Mobi on your mobile where you can view all hotels by country.

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Focus

Developments in tourism hotspot Dubai Dubai Cruise Terminal in expansion drive

Jumeirah reveals Aviation Club Hotel

Dubai Cruise Terminal is set for expansion just ten years after it was launched as the sector continues to develop.

Jumeirah has revealed plans to open a contemporary style hotel that projects understated luxury. It will have 293 guestrooms, 2 restaurants, 2 bars and 2 lounges, as well as a spa and health club, and conference and banqueting facilities.

The property – based at Port Rashid – can presently handle up to 7,000 passengers simultaneously, carried on three vessels. However, following the renovations, the terminal will be able to accommodate five vessels at once, with a welcome offered to 8,000 passengers. “Dubai is the ideal hub for cruise liners to do their operations mainly because of our strategic location,” said Hamad M. Bin Mejren, executive director at the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai. “We have one of the best airports with a capacity of over 60 million passengers; we have over 130 airlines serving the airports with direct access to over 200 cities all over the wo rld. “The port is very convenient for cruise operations because it is located right in the city.” Last year Dubai Cruise Terminal handled 390,000 passengers, with visitor numbers expected to rise to 625,000 by 2015. TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI and Royal Caribbean Cruises, recently became the latest cruise line to offer services in the Gulf from Dubai. “In comparison to the rest of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai has the most experience in handling cruise ships, which is why we’ve chosen Dubai as a location,” said Richard J. Vogel, CEO of TUI Cruises. Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean International also call at the port.

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The hotel sits within the grounds of The Aviation Club, the internationally acclaimed sports and leisure complex, home to the Dubai Tennis Championships and the awardwinning Irish Village. Colm McLoughlin, managing director of Dubai Duty Free, said: “We are delighted to sign the management agreement with Jumeirah Group who have a great deal of experience in operating some of the most iconic hotels in Dubai and have expanded considerably in recent years. “We are confident that the new hotel will be a valued addition to the business and leisure facilities in Dubai and compliment the successful Aviation Club.” The hotel’s proximity to the airport and the wide range of sporting and leisure activities in the vicinity is expected to make this latest Hotel in Dubai popular with high-end business and leisure travellers, as well as local residents. Gerald Lawless, executive chairman of Jumeirah Group, commented: “We are honoured to have been invited by Dubai Duty Free to operate this exceptional luxury business hotel. “It gives Jumeirah additional presence in the heart of Dubai and we look forward to delivering our promise of STAY DIFFERENT at the property when it opens.”

The Dubai central hotel is currently under development and is expected to open during 2011. Jumeirah Group expects to open at least six other hotels in 2011, including Jumeirah Zabeel Saray in Dubai, Jumeirah Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai, Jumeirah Dhevanafushi and Jumeirah Vitavelli in the Maldives, Jumeirah Frankfurt as well as potential openings in Azerbaijan and Kuwait.

City.Mobi With the Dubai going from strength to strength, City.Mobi has recently launched dubai.city.mobi – this definitive guide provides all you need to know about the mysterious Middle East, 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.

Dubai will be exhibiting in Hall 22.A/103. To find out more about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com To find out more visit City.Mobi

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Delicious Mauritius Mauritius, which is best known for its azure waters, white beaches and luxury spas, was recently named “World Leading Island Destination” at the World Travel Awards for the second year in succession. Fending off competition from other island nominees in the category including Bali, Barbados, Maldives, Seychelles, Sicily and St Lucia. According to a recent survey by brand consultancy Futurebrand, Mauritius is one of the hottest destinations in 2011. The survey asked over 3,000 people worldwide about their perceptions of destinations in five categories, including tourism, with Mauritius beating the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Rio de Janeiro as the most trusted, offering excellent value-for-money in these times of austerity whilst also being the ultimate exotic getaway. BA passengers were in agreement as they named Mauritius as a top ten destination for 2011. Willie Walsh, BA, CEO commented: We’ve seen destinations in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean becoming even more popular with leisure travellers looking for sun and relaxation.”

Increased Airlift Its popularity is reflected in national carrier Air Mauritius increasing capacity on its route

network by 15 percent in 2010. UK services increased from three per week to five, with six flights per week during the Christmas period. Donald Payen, commercial and communications executive vice-president for Air Mauritius, said: “We are working towards a non-stop daily frequency out of Heathrow. We would like to see that happen in the next three years, but really the sooner the better.” Meanwhile BA has changed its timetable to give customers an extra day in the su n. Silla Maizey, director of Gatwick, said: “We have a strong premium leisure strategy for Gatwick – we want it to be a hub for great high-end holiday destinations. Moving the Mauritius flight here helps us to strengthen this position as it will now sit alongside destinations such as the Maldives and the Caribbean.

The island is home to historic sights, cultural diversity, geographic variation and almost limitless adventure activities. But perhaps its single biggest asset is the relaxed charm of i ts warm and welcoming people. Mauritius is a fusion of Asia, Africa, France and Britain, and blessed with the world’s most breathtaking island locations. Unsurprisingly, Mauritius is perfect territory for honeymooners, with palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear water, coral reef-sheltered lagoons – plus an incredible array of luxury hotels. The stunning coast rings a less-explored but equally spectacular inte rior – forested mountains and gorges, bright tropical flowers and palm trees, meadows and arable land, all interspersed with emerald-green jagged peaks. This includes Black River Gorges National Park’s dramatic virgin forests.

Hotspots In Mauritius Mauritius is a fascinating, world-in-one-island slice of paradise that combines tropical luxury with barefoot extravagance. Unlike other destinations that also boast cobalt-blue seas, sandy beaches and luxury hotels, it offers an incredible array of activities beyond sunbathing and swimming.

The southern interior rises sharply to the island’s highest peak, Mount Piton (828m). The village of Chamarel is surrounded by lush coffee and pineapple plantations, and is best known for its barren volcanic landscape. Here the Black River waterfall falls into a steep gorge, whilst the enchanted forest is inhabited by endangered birds, rare plant species and monkeys.

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With world-class beaches, Mauritius boasts 177km of coastline, the majority of which features beaches of dazzling beauty. The coral reef means that much of the shoreline is protected by translucent, calm lagoons, with the opportunity for snorkelling, diving and watersports out by the reef. Hotels are clustered along the west, north and east coasts; the south is quieter and more rugged. One of the most stunni ng spots is the overwhelmingly romantic Le Morne peninsula, in the south-west. There are few more striking sights than this basalt rock bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun.

Top Stays The new Trou Aux Biches re-opened in November after a top-to-toe refurbishment costing €100 million. The architecture reflects tropical elegance, modernity and comfort in a contemporary 5-star plus village-style resort that is the most luxuriously authentic in Mauritius. It was also awarded “Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination” at World Travel Awards 2010 Indian Ocean Ceremony. The legendary hotel for couples and honeymooners, is set in a palm-shaded grove, on the island’s North-west coast, Trou aux Biches has earned a reputation for true Mauritius hospitality, warmth, friendliness and the highest standards of service.

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With Mauritius going from strength to strength, City.Mobi has recently launched portlouis.mobi - this definitive guide to the largest city in Mauritius and main port, which borders the Indian Ocean, provides 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. 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.

For information about Mauritius visit www.tourism-mauritius.mu Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority will be exhibiting at ITB Berlin Hall 20/128. To find out more about World Travel Awards visit www.worldtravelawards.com

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Magic isâ&#x20AC;Ś is â&#x20AC;Ś experiencing divine perfection. Attention to each intricate detail is our treasured tradition. Heartfelt dedication and devotion, together with gracious and warm hospitality, is our gift to you.

Using the gifts of heaven to create heaven on earth. The Magic of Dusit Visit our stand at Hall 26b Website: dusitthanibangkok.dusit.com www.face www.facebook.com/dusitthani

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SOHO Square is egypt’s latest shopping and entertainment centre and the largest in the Red Sea region conveniently situated near the 5 star savoy hotel. By day it’s a hub for shopping, ice skating and bowling activities and a pleasant place to have a light meal and rest awhile over a drink. At night SOHO Square comes alive, a square mile of fine restaurants, bars and the Pangaea Nightclub where you can dance the night away. . 15 Restaurants . 5 Stylish Bars . Queen Vic Pub . 5 cafes . Pangaea Nightclub . Ice Bar . ice cream parlor . Over 60 Shops . Live Entertainment on the stage . Ice Rink . Bowling Alley. Historical Cinema . Dancing Fountain . Kids Play Zone. Kids Arcade. Conference . Centre . Duty Free Shop

SOHO SQUARE, SHARM EL SHEIKH: Tel.: (+20-69) 360 2752 . Fax: (+20-69) 360 2753 . mail@soho-sharm.com Hotline: (+2) 0100 109 109 (AVIALABLE 24 HOURS) INDEPTH TOURISM MARKETING: Tel.: (+44) 1844 261 271 . Fax: (+44) 1844 217 744 . marketing@indepthtours.com

www.soho-sharm.com

EGYPT

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World’s Leading All Inclusive Golf Resort

Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort

Europe’s Leading Spa Resort

www.corneliaresort.com

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World’s Leading All Inclusive Golf Resort

Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort

Europe’s Leading Spa Resort