BTN // ITB 2013 Day 1

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ITB Berlin Special Edition

Paradise Island: Set to host World Travel Awards Ceremony p18

Wednesday 6 March 2013

www.breakingtravelnews.com

Abu Dhabi: Tourism goes from strength to strength p38

Etihad: Breaks more records p46

World Travel Awards is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the most spectacular Grand Tour yet with seven regional heats in 2013, including events in Peru, Dubai, Antigua, Turkey, Kenya, Singapore and the Maldives.

World Travel Awards prepares for 20th Anniversary Grand Tour The hosts have been selected, the red carpet rolled out and the trophies polished as World Travel Awards prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary with its most ambitious Grand Tour yet. This year will see the “Oscars” of travel industry host a record seven regional heats, including events in Dubai, the Maldives, Turkey, Kenya, Peru, Antigua and Singapore.

Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, Antalya, Turkey, for its Europe Gala Ceremony. Guests will be wowed by its shimmering seashore location, world-class service and exquisite architecture.

Itself recognised as “World’s Leading Integrated Resort”, Cornelia will have a chance to showcase its offerings to the elite of European tourism.

Starting off the anniversary in style, the first Grand Tour event will take place at Dubai’s Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa on May 5th. Located on a pristine stretch of beach overlooking the clear blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, Le Royal Méridien is one of the resorts that helped transform Dubai into a world-class tourist destination.

The Kenyan capital of Nairobi will step up to host its inaugural WTA event when the Africa Gala Ceremony takes place on 15 October.

The WTA team will then head straight to the paradise nation of the Maldives for the Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony. The gala ceremony will take place on the five-star Paradise Island.

The resort’s attraction lies in its first-class service with a variety of strategically located restaurants and the widest possible range of sports both on land and in the water. If you want a tropical island holiday in this land with white sands, clear lagoons and a five-star setting with excellent service, Paradise Island will cater to al l your needs.

Following the overwhelming success of its 2011 Ceremony, WTA returns to Cornelia

Lima, Peru will carry the torch during the Central & South America Gala Ceremony in September. While very much a modern metropolis, Lima will offer WTA delegates a chance to visit flamboyant colonial buildings, pre-Inca pyramids, and the religious buildings which dot its surroundings.

WTA will then head to the incredible Caribbean hideaway of Antigua for a redcarpet Gala Ceremony at Sandals Grand Antigua Resort & Spa, set on the island’s best and most famous beach, Dickenson Bay. Meanwhile Singapore will host WTA’s Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony for the second year in succession.

executives will be welcomed to the glitzy tourism powerhouse for the event, with the best-of-the-best set to be recognised by their peers in the industry.

More Information World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. The Grand Tour of WTA Gala Ceremonies are regarded as milestone events in the tourism calendar, attended by key decision makers, industry figureheads and the leading trade and consumer media.

For more information head over to www.worldtravelawards.com.

With the regional heats completed, Las Vegas will take on responsibility for the Grand Final in November 2013. Hundreds of leading

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News

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All the latest from Breaking Travel News With so much happening here at ITB Berlin, it can be difficult to keep ahead of the curve in this most dynamic of industries.

Here Breaking Travel News brings you the most important headlines to keep you ahead of the competition.

To subscribe to the free daily newsletter subscribe@breakingtravelnews.com or sign up via the website For editorial feedback Christopher O’Toole – Editor editor@breakingtravelnews.com For advertising advertising@breakingtravelnews.com Chairman, CEO Graham Cooke Group Vice President Kevin Taylor Senior Vice President David Falcon Vice President Chris Frost Executive Vice President Manon Han Global Director Sion Rapson Editor Christopher O’Toole Project Manager Kelly Footit Online Media Publishing Ben Roberts Jo McCann Project Manager Sid Thaker Head of Photography Mark Hakansson Video Producer Gareth Morris Design Nomad Graphique 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

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All change at American Airlines It has been a bumpy ride with American Airlines of late, but the carrier seems to be coming good as we move into 2013. Having unveiled a bright new look for the 550 aircraft it has on order, AA also confirmed it would complete the much anticipated merger with US Airways – not bad for a few weeks work!

“Since placing our landmark aircraft order in July of 2011, we have been building anticipation toward a moment in time when the outside of our aircraft reflects the progress we have made to modernise our airline on the inside,” said Tom Horton, American Airlines chairman. “We remain steadfast in each step we take to renew our airline, a step we take with great respect for our name American. This marks important progress in that journey as we unveil a new and updated look for the first time in more than 40 years.”

The unveiling of the new logo and livery is the latest step forward in American's ongoing journey towards building a more modern travel experience for its customers. Every more

significant has been the confirmation of a deal with US Airways to create a new gigantic American carrier.

Operating under the American Airlines name, one of the most recognised brands in the wor ld, the combined airline will have a robust global network and a strong financial foundation. The merger will offer benefits to both airlines’ customers, communities, employees, investors, and creditors. Customers will have access to more choices and increased service across the combined company’s larger worldwide network and through an enhanced oneworld Alliance, of which American Airlines is a founding member. The new carrier will have a value of approximately $11 billion.

“Today, we are proud to launch the new American Airlines – a premier global carrier well equipped to compete and win against the best in the world,” said Horton. “Together, we will be even better positioned to deliver for all of our stakeholders, including our customers, people, investors, partners, and the many communities we serve.”

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News

Overhaul continues at Royal Jet The fourth Boeing Business Jet of Royal Jet, the Abu Dhabi-based international luxury flight services company chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, which is undergoing a US$9 million upgrade, is halfway through its refurbishment programme.

The BBJ named A6-AIN is one of Royal Jet’s six-strong fleet of BBJs.

InterContinental Hotels Group expands Indian horizons

Designed by Edése Doret, the acclaimed New York aircraft interiors consultancy, AIN is slowly taking shape at its temporary home in Bordeaux, France.

“Each of our aircraft has its own personality and we are developing AIN in such a way that

our guests will enjoy one of the most luxurious in-flight experiences ever”, said Shane O’Hare, president, Royal Jet. “The refurbishment programme is similar to that of a luxury boutique hotel and as part of our ongoing investment into fleet refurbishment, we are ensuring that all our guests on-board remain satisfied, and more importantly this reflects our commitment to the market.”

The in-depth cabin refurbishment includes livery painting, aircraft maintenance and Avionic a systems upgrade including state-ofthe-art in-flight entertainment, live TV, SATCOM, Wi-Fi and global mobile systems (GSM) for the ultimate in flight passenger relaxation and connectivity.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced it has signed 13 new hotels in India, boosting its existing pipeline in the country to 47. The announcement was made as Jan Smits, chief executive officer for IHG in Asia, Middle East and Africa. She explained: “India is an extremely important market for IHG. We have our second largest pipeline in Asia Pacific here after China.

With international tourism increasing year on year and the continued strength of domestic tourism, we see incredible opportunities for growth.”

The new hotels will create more than 2,600 new jobs for local people in addition to the 3,400 already working at hotels from the IHG family of brands and corporate offices in India. The expansion will safeguard hundreds of jobs in the UK where the company is headquartered. IHG currently has 13 hotels in ten cities across India including Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai.

IHG first entered India in 1962 when it opened an InterContinental property in Delhi. IHG is expanding in cities including business and tourism destinations such as Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune and Goa. Domestic demand in India is driving growth in IHG’s midscale brands Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express – over 850 millions trips were taken by Indians last year. Over 85 per cent of the hotels the company will open in the next few years are focused on the mid market. Today, only 15 per cent of the 125,000 hotel rooms in India are in this segment.

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Etihad Airways links with Garuda Indonesia Etihad Airways and Garuda Indonesia have announced a number of new codeshare destinations in Indonesia, Europe, the Middle East, Singapore and Australia. The Abu Dhabi-based airline’s EY code is now on Garuda Indonesia flights between Jakarta and Singapore, Denpasar Bali, Manado, Surabaya, Balikpapan and Makassar and between Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam.

Garuda Indonesia has also placed its GA code on Etihad Airways’ flights to five new cities – Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Bahrain and Brussels – bringing the total number of codeshare destinations to ten.

Etihad Airways and Garuda Indonesia customers will benefit further from June 21st this year when Garuda Indonesia increases frequency between Jakarta and Abu Dhabi and onwards to Amsterdam from four to six flights weekly. This will bring to 13 the total number of weekly flights between the capital cities of Indonesia and the UAE. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “The partnership between Etihad Airways and Garuda Indonesia continues to develop in a mutually beneficial way, adding new destinations, improving connectivity, and offering new customer benefits. Connection times to many popular destinations have been reduced to under three hours. We also offer the fastest route from Jakarta to popular destinations like Manchester, Geneva and Brussels.”

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News Lufthansa to modernise fleet with 108 new aircraft The Executive Board of Lufthansa recommended to the Supervisory Board that Lufthansa purchases a total of 108 new aircraft for the Group. In all, eight long-range aircraft would be required. In addition, the Executive Board recommended the purchase of 100 short and medium-range aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.

Lufthansa is engaged in ongoing discussions with the respective manufacturers about the specific aircraft types under consideration.

Following the decision, chairman and chief executive of Lufthansa Christoph Franz commented: “Modern aircraft and state-of-the-art in-flight products are an investment in the customer experience and in the operational efficiency of the fleet. The greater fuel efficiency and lower noise and exhaust emissions of modern aircraft will also make an important contribution towards protecting the environment.”

The order has a total list-price value of approximately nine billion euros. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2015 and will continue until 2025. Altogether, by the end of 2025, the Lufthansa Group expects to take delivery of 239 aircraft with an order volume of 23 billion euros, based on list prices. The new aircraft will meet the Lufthansa Group airlines’ future growth and fleet renewal requirement for this period, particularly with regard to short and medium-range aircraft.

Record profits at airberlin

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel moves for MICE market The recently opened Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, situated on the rugged northwest coast of Mallorca, and already regarded as the island’s most luxurious resort, is to offer a wide range of incentives and attractions to commercial clients in the coming year. With many facilities designed specifically for the meetings and conference market, the hotel is targeting the months of April, October and November with a range of many all-inclusive amenities and services for parties occupying ten rooms or more.

airberlin, the second largest German airline, has returned to profitability. Air Berlin recorded an operating profit before interest and tax of €70.2 million in 2012, reflecting a significant improvement of €317.2 million as compared to 2011. The company’s net income of €6.8 million marks a return to profitability for the first time since 2007 and follows a loss of €420,4 million in 2011. In the past year, airberlin successfully increased its group revenue to €4.31 billion. airberlin chief executive, Wolfgang ProckSchauer, commented: “We were able to conclude the past year with an operating

profit. Moreover, we are also pleased to have returned a net profit. We managed to accomplish this despite increased competition and the continued extremely challenging environment. Nevertheless, we have not yet reached our target and are mindful that non-recurring events also contributed to result of the 2012 financial year.”

He added: “We are confident that our recently launched turnaround programme, Turbine, will enable airberlin to be competitive in the future and achieve sustainable profitability. One of the programme’s key elements is a focus on cost efficiency which involves implementing a range of initiatives, including a staff reduction.”

Room rates start at €185 per night, inclusive of breakfast and taxes, and as part of arrangements for conference organisers and agents, the hotel is offering a selection of complimentary benefits.

These include transfers to and from Palma Airport, welcome drinks on arrival, VIP room amenities, up to two upgrades to the next room category when securing groups of 20 attendees or more, one complimentary room for every 40 secured rooms and access to the hotel’s luxurious Talise Spa. In addition, the hotel can organise a wide selection of outdoor activities. Sporting options include golf, mountain biking, kayaking and sailing while cultural attractions embrace visits to local museums and art galleries, food markets and a historic train journey from Soller to the island’s capital of Palma.

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Your guide to ITB Berlin

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News Relaxing at Gili Lankanfushi

Views over the beach at Gili Lankanfushi

Main Restaurant at Gili Lankanfushi

HPL Hotels & Resorts takes over at Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives HPL Hotels & Resorts has taken over the operation of Soneva Gili in the Maldives, re-branding the property Gili Lankanfushi.

HPL Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Singaporebased Hotel Properties and operator of hospitality establishments throughout the Asia-Pacific region, has confirmed it has taken over management of Soneva Gili, Maldives. Assuring fans of the resort it will be “business as usual”, HPL was quick to emphasise its plans for the resort are restricted to re-branding it as Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives and minor enh ancements going forward.

For ultimate privacy, guests can stay in one of the seven Crusoe Residences or the Private Reserve, accessible only by personal boat. All villas at this luxury island resort offer a private water garden, open air bathroom, and roof-top terrace and over–water sundecks. The interiors recreate a natural habitat, using sustainable woods, natural materials and traditional fabrics, while still offering all the modern amenities and providing the comfort of true luxury.

“Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives will complement the current HPL portfolio of hotels,” said Stephen Lau, chairman, HPL Hotels & Resorts. “We intend to keep the spirit of the resort accordingly; guests booked after the change in management can be assured that the terms and conditions of their reservations will remain unchanged. And the Gili Lankanfushi team looks forward to welcoming them to our island paradise in the Maldives.”

“As an eco-sensitive resort, we are committed to the principles of environmental sustainability, which plays an important part in Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives corporate philosophy,” said Iain McCormack, general manager of Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives. “We’ve tailored the operations of the resort around this philosophy.”

Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives is positioned as an upmarket boutique resort that stands at the forefront of the eco-luxury sector and acts as a benchmark for luxury resorts.

The environmentally-sensitive resort is hidden away on Lankanfushi Island, in a lagoon on the North Malé Atoll. All of its 45 over-water villas, crafted in a traditional style from natural materials, reflect the harmony of life by the water’s edge.

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McCormack added: “We have on staff a marine biologist, who is responsible for several ecological conservation programmes relating to the ocean.

We also maintain our own organic herb and vegetable garden, which provides fresh and local ingredients used in the resort’s kitchens. An active recycling program of using waste for building materials is practiced.”

Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives’ corporate responsibility extends beyond the resort’s perimeter as well, with several programs currently active and will be continued following the name change.

Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives marks the parent company - Hotel Properties - fifth property in the Maldives. The other properties within the group are Four Seasons Resort at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru; Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma; and Rihiveli Beach Resort.

More Information Headquartered in Singapore, HPL Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality management company, operated and wholly-owned by Hotel Properties, a Singapore main-board listed company.

HPL Hotels & Resorts manages the activities of twelve hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific and the Indian Ocean. These include Concorde Hotel Singapore, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Concorde Hotel Shah Alam, Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Hard Rock Hotel Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Casa del Mar – Langkawi, The Lakehouse – Cameron Highlands, Casa del Rio – Melaka, Rihiveli Beach Resort Maldives and Gili Lankanfushi Maldives.

For more information visit www.hplhotels.com or head over to Hall 5.2A/107.

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News

Life in the Maldives

Lets Go Maldives welcomes travellers to paradise Lets Go Maldives gives guests the perfect vision of paradise along with world-class hospitality.

times. The group has recently expanded and now maintains offices in Istanbul, Shanghai and Moscow.

As one of the premier tour operators and wholesales in the Maldives, Lets Go Maldives offers the widest variety of holiday deals anywhere in the destination; be it exotic resort hotels, lavish safaris, excursions of any type or even exclusive private island deals.

Lets Go Maldives also offers infinite possibilities with their own luxury yacht and exclusive private island.

Lets Go Maldives are more than just travel specialists, with the organisation offering services including planning quality custommade packages at best prices, arranging luxury holidays for VIP clients, representing and handling travel agents, providing super-yacht charters and even aviation ground-handling assistance.

Yacht

My Anastasia is a magnificent cruise yacht designed for the ultimate safari experience in the Maldives. Its remarkable design and amenities, combined with excellent crew, will give a unique Maldivian experience. This is a floating island at your command, you need only request, and they will take care of the rest.

The private island ‘Green Island Maldives’ is the ultimate hideaway fantasy - the ultimate private

paradise secluded from the vast public yet sparkling so bright in its exquisite beauty.

Situated on the private owned island of Hibalhidhoo in Baa Atoll, this nature’s haven is one of the largest uninhabited virgin islands of Maldives. Guests are offered a selection of private villas, each designed to capture the very essence of a luxurious hideaway dream.

The Lets Go Maldives name stands as is one of the biggest brands in Maldives, synonymous with reliability, innovation, utmost commitment and beliefs in hospitality, professionalism, sincerity and quality.

There is more information at www.letsgomaldives.com or head over to Hall 5.2A/107.

The company’s strength stems from the fact that it has direct contracts and allotments with over 100 resort hotels and safari yachts across Maldives. Lets Go Maldives has very strong relationships with local authorities, hotels, airlines and the tourism industry in general and there are no doors that will not open for them in the industry. Hence, offer prices like no other and a full range of other services, along with best local expertise, are also included in the deal.

Lets Go Maldives’ team comprises of travel professionals from around the world. More than just experienced, they are thorough, knowledgeable, courteous and available at all

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News

Views over Paradise Island at night

Paradise Island set to host World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony World Travel Awards has chosen the Maldives as its host for the Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2013, with Paradise Island in place as the venue for the event.

Maldives is treasured for its one of a kind white sandy beaches, crystalline lagoons, majestic coral reefs and azure skies. The Maldives is a little slice of paradise in the midst of the Indian Ocean. This year World Travel Awards has chosen Paradise Island Resort Maldives as the host for its 20th anniversary Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony. Paradise Island Resort Maldives was chosen as a host due to its great location, convenience and impeccable service. This beautiful five star property - known locally as Lankanfinolhu - is located just ten kilometres away from the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport - 20 minutes by speedboat.

Paradise Island Resort Maldives is among the most esteemed resorts in Maldives. The resort is managed by Villa Hotels & Resorts Maldives.

Presently Villa Hotels owns and manages five p roperties in the Maldives. Every property owned and managed by Villa Hotels is private, self-contained and offers services at the highest quality.

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The selection of properties of Villa Hotels consist of three to five star ranking products thus, these products have the widest choice of amenities in the Maldives. Villa Hotels represents the largest number of tourist beds in the country and is also considered as the leading local brand in the Maldives. Villa Hotels & Resorts Maldives strives to make Maldives the perfect holiday haven for lovers of the sun, sea and sand.

Paradise Island Resort Paradise Island Resort was opened in 1994.

The island is 931 metres long and 201 metres wide. It is endowed with vegetation blazing with tropical blooms, displaying exotic views of the sea and beaches. The Maldivian Tourism industry has been experiencing rapid growth since its humble beginnings in 1976. Maldives ministry of tourism declared 2.9 per cent growth in tourist arrivals in 2012 compared to 2011.

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Seeking to capture some of these travellers, Paradise Island Resort Maldives has recently undertaken major renovations in its water bungalow room category - at present known as The Haven. The Haven at Paradise Island Resort Maldives literally rises out of the emerald waters. These ultimate luxury accommodation features contemporary décors, equipped with modern comforts and panoramic vista of the breathtakingly beautiful ocean. The Haven in Paradise Island Resort Maldives is a truly heavenly retreat.

While the resort features a wide selection of contemporary-style accommodation, it also provides a variety of strategically located restaurants and a brilliant range of water and land based sport activities. As it is said, no Maldivian island holiday would be complete without experiencing the flora and fauna of the vibrant and majestic underwater world. Paradise Island Resort offers a chance to go and explore its infamous house reef. The reef is well-known for being one of the oldest Manta points, with abundant variety of bio-diversified marine life, and the in-house dive school (Dive Oceanus) in Paradise Island Resort gives a unique opportunity to learn to dive while a client stays at the resort. The diverse courses offered at Dive Oceanus assure a calm and easy start to shallow waters. All instructors at Dive Oceanus are well experienced and fully certified. One can be certain that they are in safe hands.

Maldives is a spectacular destination for thrill seeking tourists. The in-house water sports center (Q-Marine) at Paradise Island Resort offers that adrenaline rush that one has always craved. Q-Marine is equipped with the most modern power sports gear, from jet skiing to water skiing. Q-Marine also offers courses in windsurfing, catamaran sailing in addition to all other excellent selection of water sports activities.

Finding fun ways to exercise is also easy at Paradise Island Resort. At Paradise Island a diverse range of recreation and sports means are available. This means there is something for everyone. The state-of-the-art gym is ideal for both cardio and strength training. If fun is what is on ones mind then there is basketball, volleyball, tennis, big game fishing or even billiards.

After a fun filled day in the sun, sea and sand a great way to unwind will be in the Araamu Spa. “Araamu” in the local language means “soothing” and this is exactly what is expected from Araamu spa. There are few places on earth where one can be in complete harmony with the nature, rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Consider Araamu Spa a sanctuary to pure bliss. Spoil oneself in the hands of expert therapists from a wide selections of massages, scrubs, bathing ceremonies, couple massages, manicure, pedicure… It is your pick!

At Paradise Island Resort Maldives, one can be assured that their stay will definitely be a pleasant one. Paradise Island Maldives is committed in providing guests a unique Maldivian holiday experience. Paradise Island perseveres in improving customer satisfaction, and is also very excited in hosting the WTA 2013. Paradise Island Resort Maldives is looking forward to welcome more guests due to this prestigious event.

A true tropical inspired luxury experience at this alluring Maldivian Island Resort awaits yo u…

For more on Paradise Island head over to the official website at www.villahotels.com or visit Hall 5.2A/107.

Caviar bar Al Majlis at Emirates Palace

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Tel: +960 333 0888

P.O. Box 2118, Malé, Republic of Maldives Fax: +960 333 0777 Email: sales@hih.com.mv

Web: www.hih.com.mv

LUXURIOUS OCEAN-FACING GUEST ROOMS & SUITES FOOD & BEVERAGE OUTLETS Uduvilaa • Seaside Deck • Faru Coffee House • Garden Gazebo • In-room Dining • Champs Bar • Champs Deck • Poolside • Sunset Deck

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Island Hopping • Spa • Beach Volleyball • Tennis Court • Foot & Back Reflexology • Fishing Trips • Swimming Pool • Souvenir Shop • Putting Golf Gymnasium • Badminton Court • Golf Cage • Basketball Practice Court

World Luxury Hotel Awards: ‘Luxury Airport Hotel’ Category: Winner – 2012, 2011, 2010, 2008: Finalist – 2009 International Hotel Awards: ‘Best Airport Hotel’ in Asia Pacific Region 2012-13 & ‘Five Star Rating Award’.

World Travel Awards: Winner – 2012, 2009: Nominee – 2011, 2010 Maldives Travel Awards: ‘Leading Luxury Hotel’ Category: Winner – 2012 Best Culinary Establishment in Maldives: Winner at Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge – 2012, 2011, 2008, 2006 Top & Most Outstanding Chefs: Winner at Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge – 2011, 2009 HACCP and ISO 9001-2008 certified Hotel

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News One&Only Le Saint Géran was recognised as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort by the World Travel Awards in 2012, bookending a remarkable period of growth for the property.

Here Breaking Travel News visits to enjoy the warm welcome, azure seas and world-class service.

Spa Pool at night

La Terrasse Restaurant

One&Only Le Saint Géran brings Mauritius to life Incomparable and distinguished, One&Only Le Saint Géran, on the north-eastern coast of Mauritius, is nestled peacefully in the silver white sands of its own private peninsula. Under the gentle sway of thousands of coconut palms, Mauritian influences reign supreme. Extensively remodeled in 1999, the resort’s friendly calm and easy luxury is complemented by service that is attentive, yet unobtrusive.

The resort is named after the ship Le Saint Géran that was shipwrecked off the shores of Mauritius in the romantic legend of the star-crossed but doomed lovers, ‘Paul et Virginie’.

The resort offers a variety of accommodation, all designed to compliment the surrounding cobalt waters. All of the resort's 162 suites and one villa feature a private terrace or balcony facing either the ocean or cove. Every piece of hand-selected furniture along with the artful colours of Indian Ocean spices contribute to the suites' gentle ambience and all enjoy the latest in state-of-theart technology. The resort’s 76 inter-connecting Junior Suites also provide a perfect solution for families. One two-bedroom private villa is set among lush tropical gardens, offering supreme comfort, relaxed, discrete luxury, a private swimming pool, a separate entrance, total privacy and a team of butlers, a valet and chef to cater to every whim.

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One&Only Le Saint Geran is also an epicurean haven with three stellar restaurants: Rasoi by Vineet, features the multi-award-winning contemporary Indian cuisine of Vineet Bhatia; PRIME Contemporary Grill offers the newest experience on the Mauritian dining scene; while La Terrasse presents both local and international cuisine throughout the day.

was founded on the pillars of – Unwind, Restore and Elevate and can be adapted to suit custom needs through a specialised set of holistic programmes and spa experiences. Expert therapists will guide the mind and body back into harmonious balance while utilising indigenous ingredients and techniques tailored to each individual resort location and personality.

A sheltered lagoon provides calm waters for an array of complimentary water sports ideal for adults and children alike including waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, pedalo and kayaking, as well as cycling and tennis. The lush Gary Player ninehole golf course, located within the resort's manicured grounds, has its own clubhouse and the One&Only Golf Academy. Guests also have complimentary access to the nearby Bernard Langer-designed course. Further activities include scuba diving, game fishing and kite surfing.

The combination of a dedicated fitness team and exquisite training environment makes the fitness and well-being experience truly special. The Fitness Centre is fully equipped with Technogym Excite and Personal Selection ranges, a mind/body pavilion and an 18 metre lap pool. The resort also offers personal training, yoga, pilates and variety of innovative classes. For the younger guests, One&Only Le Saint Géran provides a healthy foundation of exercise and nutrition to children ages three to 17. The Youth Fitness Programme, run by the fitness team, offers wellbalanced, fun and challenging activities such as Tai Chi, swimming clinics, yoga, golf, tennis, fitness camps, personal training, a variety of water sports, and healthy cooking classes.

One&Only Spa The One&Only Spa offers a sanctuary of quiet pampering nestled among a lush tropical landscape overlooking a reflecting pool with views of the Indian Ocean. In partnership with ESPA, the spa therapies and treatments are designed to nurture and rebalance the body in times of change, pressure and stress. The One&Only Spa

For more information on visiti ng One&Only Le Saint Géran head over to Hall 9/209 or visit www.lesaintgeran.oneandonlyresorts.com.

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News

Datalex: Innovating the travel retail experience A leading provider of product solutions to the world’s leading global airlines and travel suppliers, Datalex continues to drive technology innovation at unrivalled pace, enabling its customers to maximise value from the complete retail travel brand experience.

Datalex, an independent Dublin-based company, provides the most comprehensive and proven portfolio of air and ancillary pricing, shopping, promotions, merchandising and reward features across multiple direct channels. Its patent pending personalisation feature enables airlines to leverage data to tailor relevant and profitable real time offers throughout the travel experience.

Airline retailers leading t he transformation of travel retail are leveraging the Datalex Travel Distribution Platform to de-commoditise, differentiate and personalise their offerings.

Airline retailers know they can depend on the solution’s flexibility and scalability to achieve their business objectives at unrivalled pace.

Unrestricted by technology, airlines are assured active engagement with the traveller at all touchpoints and c an quickly implement relevant, tailored offers and promotions, or react quickly to competitive and market dynamics.

continuing to deliver its award-winning retail innovation and world class traveller experience to new and existing customers.”

Brogan added: “Datalex has always been and will continue to be committed to working with our travel partners to provide ground-breaking merchandising technology, grow their business, and to help our customers to deliver first-class customer service to millions of travellers around the world every day.”

With over 50 airline customers worldwide, Datalex software serves the airline travel retail offering to millions of travellers every day.

Persona

Global Travel Retail Excellence

One of Datalex’s most recent innovations has been the patent-pending TDP Persona feature.

TDP Persona, now a core feature of the Travel Distribution Platform, empowers travel retailers to intuitively identify customer intent and tailor offers uniquely targeted to each shopping experience.

Datalex’s customers are airlines and travel suppliers who lead the industry in travel merchandising, driving the evolution from the traditional air fare transaction to highly developed travel retail strategies. Datalex has worked with leading global airlines to drive the airline’s travel retail business into the future. Its customers represent the highest ancillary revenue earners in industry and the most progressive and innovative airline retailers.

Datalex vice president of strategy and marketing, Ornagh Hoban, explained: “Airlines are travel retailers; where ancillary started with bags, it has grown as an opportunity to service the customer at every p oint of the travel experience. The potential upside in revenue is equalled by the ability to meet the traveller’s expectations. This requires intelligent and highvalue retail which involves creating experiences, not just commodities.”

Most recently, Delta Air Lines, the world’s largest global airline, has leveraged the Datalex Travel Distribution Platform to enhance the digital experience across all touch points. Other innovative Datalex customers such as Aer Lingus, which leveraged TDP for 85 per cent of its distribution, has recently introduced preorder meals available to book online. Also USbased ultra low cost carrier Frontier Airlines has leveraged an extensi ve range of TDP functionality. Most recently Frontier launched TDP Retailer, which dynamically offers a range of low fare promotions to customers based on their chosen origin.

TDP Persona leverages the intelligence it gathers at each engagement with the customer. It monitors shopping behaviour and profile without the need for the customer to log in or complete a profile. Shopping logic permits product, pricing and promotions categorisation for real-time recommendations and promotions that are tailored and relevant.

Award-Winning Retail Innovation For the third consecutive year, Datalex has been awarded the title of World’s Leading Travel Distribution Provider, and also World’s Leading Travel Merchandising Solution Provider at the World Travel Awards Grand Final.

Datalex chief executive Aidan Brogan is in no doubt as to the value that the World Travel Awards recognition has brought to Datalex.

Commenting on the awards, he said: “We are very proud of the multiple World Travel Awards we have received. Last year was fantastic for Datalex, with the Travel Distribution Platform

breakingtravelnews.com

Head over to www.datalex.com for more information on the brand.

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News

La Cigale puts Qatari tourism on the map La Cigale Hotel in Doha has been recognised as a global leader by the World Travel Awards.

Here we visit the property to see just what it is that separates it from its competitors.

La Cigale is one of the most esteemed hotels in Doha, offering an engaging blend of contemporary style and cosmopolitan ambiance. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the property is located in the heart of Doha City, approximately 15 minutes by car from Doha International Airport. Behind its polished 20-story façade, this striking highdesign hotel offers a stylish interior teeming with touches of opulence and indulgence.

Features include tableaux by Carlos Cruiz-Diez, Edra Tatlin sofas infused with Swarovski crystals, Murano chandeliers, custom-made seats by Poltrona Frau, and crystal Baccarat tables designed by Philippe Starck.

Named Qatar’s Leading Hotel by the World Travel Awards in 2010 and 2012, La Cigale, an independent property from a small city in the Gulf region, was able to go beyond the boundaries and snatch the title of World’s Ultimate Service Award in Hospitality in 2012 after competing with prestigious nominees from around the world.

Achievements La Cigale Hotel, a property which first witnessed the light in 2007, was proudly awarded the World’s Ultimate Service Award in Hospitality title by the World Travel Awards during the annual Grand Final. This year taking place in Delhi, the event welcomed global leaders from the tourism industry to a Gala Ceremony. Presenting the award, WTA president Graham Cooke, said: “Our Grand Final winners have all demonstrated their world-class pedigree over this period, and are currently spearheading the global recovery of travel and tourism.”

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The award puts La Cigale Hotel on the tourism map, a landmark that stands for complete service - from luxurious rooms and suites, multi-purpose ballrooms and meeting rooms, business, leisure and recreational facilities, to the 11 world-class food and beverage outlets featuring versatile cuisines.

Features Stylishly appointed, the rooms at the hotel range from 34 to 84 square metres and each of the two royal suites located on the 18th floor is approximately 650 square metres in size. All guestrooms are equipped with signature amenities, including a 40-inch LCD television with RetroVue feature and wireless internet access. For added indulgence, the hotel offers a dedicated pillow menu (with 15 types of pillows on offer), as well as goose-down duvets.

Guests will also enjoy the 11 dining and entertainment outlets on offer at the hotel.

First up, Di Capri serves Italian cuisine, while Le Central offers an extensive menu of Mediterranean favourites. YEN Sushi Bar presents creatively crafted sushi on a rotating belt, while, for international selections, Le Cigalon offers buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Orangery Café Trottoir is a casual dining outlet with both indoor and outing seating and Shisha Garden serves Oriental mezzeh, BBQ grills and a variety of flavorsome shisha.

La Cigale Traiteur offers a selection of homemade food items for takeaway or dine-in, including cakes, pastries, 30 different flavours of ice cream, 70 types of chocolate, and up to 180 types of artisan cheese. The Lobby Lounge

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is an ideal location to relax over a cup of tea or coffee. Guests might also like to take in the panoramic view of the city from the rooftop Sky View, located on the 15th floor. Madison Piano Bar has a resident artiste who performs live in Arabic language, while the fashionable Club 7 entertains with resident DJs. With a private entrance, the 1,370 square metre Al Wajba ballroom is equipped with state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment and can accommodate up to 1,000 people for a banquet or 1,500 people in the theatre set up. Le Crillon Ballroom, located on the 19th floor of the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main building, is adorned with Murano chandeliers and offers a panoramic view of the city. The ballroom can cater to different set ups, including banquet, boardroom, classroom and theatre. Al Ghariyah offers a series of function rooms ranging from 40 square metres to over 300 square metres and is ideal for meetings and events on a smaller scale.

eight treatment rooms and Moroccan bath facilities.

In addition, La Cigale Hotel has a gift shop offering a selection of souvenirs; a flower shop with an array of fresh flowers for any occasion or season; and a cigar shop showcasing a range of finest cigars and accessories.

For more on the Le Cigale Hotel head over to Hall 22.B/206 at ITB Berlin, or visit www.lacigalehotel.com.

Created to cater to bridal events, the Bridal Salon is equipped with a number of shampoo and styling chairs to allow the bride and her entourage to get ready for the important occasion in a cozy environment. The Executive Lounge, with dedicated butlers, serves light snacks and evening cocktails and provides a cozy environment for business meetings.

Ozone Gym & Spa For recreational pursuits, the world-class Ozone Gym & Spa inspires exquisite relaxation and renewal with diverse range of health and wellness activities complemented by a 20metre long daylight indoor swimming pool, a well-equipped 490 square metre gymnasium with certified instructors and a deluxe spa with

breakingtravelnews.com

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News

Rotana moves into Dubai pole position with new opening

Al Ghurair Rayhaan & Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana

Two new properties have seen Rotana become the largest hotel operating in the evergreen Dubai hospitality market. Here Breaking Travel News brings you the latest.

Rotana, the leading hotel management company in the Middle East & Africa, has announced the official opening of Al Ghurair Rayhaan & Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana in the heart of Deira, one of Dubai’s busiest tourism and commercial districts, taking the company’s total number of properties in Dubai to 15 - the highest of any operator in the city.

The two new hotels also represent Rotana’s largest ever room inventory in a single project and will add 620 rooms to Rotana’s Dubai portfolio – 428 rooms at Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana and 192 apartments at Al Ghurair Arjaan

by Rotana – bringing its total room inventory in the emirate to 3,795, its most significant in a single city within Rotana’s extensive portfolio.

Omer Kaddouri, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Rotana, said the two hotels answer the needs of the luxury hospitality market in Deira with two highly sought-after product offerings.

“Many guests seek to reflect their cultural values in their choice of hotel accommodation and Rayhaan by Rotana offers these guests the opportunity to stay in a world-class hotel that respects the culture and beliefs of this region,” said Kaddouri. “Prior to launching the Rayhaan

by Rotana brand in 2010, our market research indicated the category’s huge potential due to

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its inherent appeal and popularity in the Middle East and that has been confirmed by more than 1,800 rooms already operating under the Rayhaan by Rotana brand. With the opening of the Al Ghurair property, Rotana now operates four Rayhaan hotels – three in the UAE and one in Saudi Arabia in Makkah.”

The Al Ghurair Arjaan Hotel takes Rotana’s portfolio of Arjaan Hotel Apartments to ten in total – eight in the UAE, with two more Arjaan properties in the wider Middle East.

“Arjaan by Rotana combines Rotana’s service excellence and deep knowledge of the Middle East market in a first-class residential hospitality product. Arjaan Hotel Apartments are designed to close the gap between hotel and home,” Kaddouri said.

The two hotels feature four food and beverage venues that offer dining choices to satisfy every taste and mood, including an international all day dining restaurant Liwan; Buzz Deli Café for a quick bite, the Yasmine Lounge and the signature Persian restaurant Shayan.

The hotels are also the first in Dubai to include the company’s award-winning Zen the spa by Rotana concept. The spa comprises eight treatment rooms, separate male and female services and a steam sauna. A trained team of

therapists offer a wide treatment menu, including massage treatments, body treatments, facial treatments as well as foot and hand treatments, using high quality product lines that incorporate indigenous ingredients like damask rose and frankincense.

“Al Ghurair Rayhaan and Al Ghurair Arjaan, through their superior product offering, will further boost the luxury hospitality options available to guests looking to stay in Deira,” said Mark McCarthy, property general manager. “Al Ghurair Rayhaan & Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana enjoy excellent connectivity, being just minutes away from Dubai Airport and one of Dubai Metro’s largest stations – Union – which offers access to the city’s two metro lines.”

“With Dubai becoming one of the main global destinations for shopping, the two new hotels are uniquely positioned to provide our guests with a convenient and enhanced leisure experience as they form part of the ongoing expansion of the adjoining Al Ghurair Shopping Center that will enhance the mall’s current portfolio of 200 shops and services to 350 in 2013,” he concluded.many prestigious industry awards.

For more information on Rotana head over to Hall 22.B/209 or visit www.rotana.com.

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News

CruiseMiles makes a splash in rewards market CruiseMiles, the leading reward and incentive programme in the industry, is rapidly achieving one of its major goals.

Incentive travel has grown exponentially over the last decade as companies strive to offer their consumers added value on purchases.

The aspiration of lying on sunny beaches, jetting off to far off climes or relaxing on an exotic cruise is now employed by marketing men to push even the most mundane of consumer goods.

Richard Lester takes control

Richard Lester, president CruiseMiles, stated that the goal of the brand is to “make it so that the annual average online purchases of a typical household can result in the accrual of enough Cruise Miles (reward points) that they can book a cruise for free”.

CruiseMiles typically offers a sign up bonus for new members, sometimes as high as 50,000 Miles. Given that CruiseMiles offers cruises for as low as 20,000 Miles during weekends, a new member might be able to grab one of these amazing deals immediately and get a free cruise just by becoming a CruiseMiles member.

CruiseMiles started as CruiseVoucher in 2007 and Lester envisaged a voucher incentive scheme that, unlike numerous similar schemes, had ‘No Tricks’ and ‘No Hidden costs’ – thus Cruisevoucher was born.

Vouchers could be exchanged for a cruise for two with all taxes and port charges included, no booking fees and a great choice of cruises from big brands like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL and Celebrity.

This unusual incentive and rewards program is attracting more and more offline as well as online retailers. Current big names that miles can be earned at include Amazon, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Priceline and Hotels.com. Lester also notes that soon CruiseMiles members will be able to apply for a CrusieMiles credit card that will allow them to earn Miles with their credit card purchases, on- or offline.

Background In 2008 Cruisevoucher expanded, appointing international and regional offices operated by agents, so by 2009 Cruisevoucher had corporate and private members mostly in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. In Early 2010 Lester launched cruiseformiles.com, a similar system that changed from voucher to a reward points (“Miles”) system.

By early January 2011 Richard successfully acquired the rewards sites cruisemiles.com and cruise4miles.com from seamiles and United Airlines. A full software rewrite then saw all of these sites merged and launched into what is now Cruisemiles.com. Since then membership numbers have grown rapidly as consumers discover this unique incentive and rewards program.

What is on offer?

Richard Lester, group president, CruiseMiles, left, picks up the World Travel Award for Leading Travel Rewards Programme

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Each retailer’s link shows how many Miles can be earned for each unit of currency expended (for example, ten miles for each dollar spent).

CruiseMiles Members have the option to purchase or bid for top-up packages of miles directly from CruiseMiles site.

The concept is simple enough. Consumers earn rewards from online purchases made through the retailers’ links shown on the CruiseMiles website. Members log in to CruiseMiles and then go to the CruiseMiles Rewards site to make their online purchases.

Each time they do they are rewarded with Miles in their account.

While CruiseMiles does not make all cruises of all cruise lines available to their members, there are still a tremendous number of diverse cruises offered all over the world. CruiesMiles makes these cruises available both in their Offers area (fixed price in Miles) and in their Auction area (bids in Miles).

This provides members with even more opportunities to get exactly the cruise they want. CruiseMiles continues along the original cruisevoucher philosophy that all of the cruises they offer are for two people and always include all port and governmental fees.

This inclusive approach to their cruise offerings seems to result in a very dedicated membership, many of whom book several cruises each year.

In 2013 CruiseMiles now has over 80,000 members and last year saw the successful acquisition of cruisemiles.co.uk after fighting off some big name UK operators wanting to get a piece of what has become the cruisemiles phenomenon.

According to Lester, the future of CruiseMiles has as no boundaries.

For more information head over to www.cruisemiles.com.

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Interview

HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority One of the success stories of the previous decade, tourism in Abu Dhabi is set to go from strengthto-strength in 2013. Here we talk to HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan about the latest developments in the United Arab Emirates capital.

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Breaking Travel News: Could you give us an outline as to how the year 2012 was for Abu Dhabi tourism?

HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan: In terms of hotel guest numbers, 2012 was a record year. Abu Dhabi received a total of 2,388,023 hotel guests in its 136 hotels and hotel apartments last year – a 13 per cent rise on its 2011 performance; more than achieving its set target of 2.3 million guests. There was also a 12 per cent year-on-year rise in guest nights – up to 6,996,724. Hotel revenues for the period were also up – this time by six per cent to AED4.6 billion.

During 2012 there was strong growth in the number of guests coming from Africa, which was up by a third on 2011 and was primarily influenced by arrivals from the Seychelles, which now has enhanced air access to the emirate, via Etihad and Air Seychelles, and also from South Africa. Improved GCC arrivals were mainly influenced by an upturn in guest numbers from Saudi Arabia, which rose 16 per

cent year-on-year, from Oman, which turned in a 29 per cent increase and Qatar which delivered 24 per cent more guests. Greater uptake from China, the Philippines and India largely accounted for the enhanced performance from Asia, which rose 28 per cent year-on-year.

During 2012 the UK remained Abu Dhabi’s largest international source market, delivering 140,393 hotel guests – a slight one per cent rise on the previous year. India became the destination’s second largest international source market with 138,768 hotel guests – a rise of 28 per cent on 2011, with Germany taking third place with 96,802 guests representing a 42 per cent increase on the comparative period.

Of course, Abu Dhabi's meeting industry credentials took a major leap forward in 2012 when we hosted the World Ophthalmology Congress at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The congress attracted upwards of 10,000 delegates and was the largest convention staged in the destination to date.

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BTN: What are the hotel guest targets for 2013?

Al Nahyan: Our hotel guest target for 2013 is 2.5 million and we are very optimistic of achieving that due to a number of factors. We have additional Etihad air routes coming on line, for example. The airline has recently begun codeshare services to Hong Kong in partnership with Air Seychelles and will launch a daily service from Washington DC this month, from Amsterdam in May and from Sao Paolo in June.

We also have our latest new power draw open Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi - the largest waterpark in the UAE. This futuristic waterpark spans an area of around 15 football pitches, with 43 rides, slides and attractions, five of which are one-of-a-kind. This significantly adds to the Yas Island proposition as our entertainment destination. We also have major new hospitality names and venues entering the market in 2013, with all the cross-marketing opportunities that entails, including the Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, and the Rosewood Abu Dhabi, both firsts for the brands here, as well as the St Regis Abu Dhabi.

mentioned Abu Dhabi Racing’s three-year partnership with Citroën Racing and TCA Abu Dhabi is also a destination partner of Manchester City Football Club in the English Premier League, providing pitch-side destination brand exposure to television audiences of the world’s most followed football league.

BTN: Could you tell us something about the upcoming projects like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim?

Al Nahyan: Al Nahyan: The Louvre Abu Dhabi is due to open in 2015. Abu Dhabi Tourism Development & Investment Company, master developer of major tourism, cultural and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi, recently awarded the construction of the Louvre Abu Dhabi to an Arabtec-led joint venture with Constructora San Jose and Oger Abu Dhabi following a competitive tendering process.

Arabtec and its partners will begin construction work immediately, with the museum’s concrete

frame to be completed by the first quarter of 2014. Work on the geometric lace dome will be completed by the end of 2014 and result in an enchanting ‘rain of light’ – which Jean Nouvel designed to reflect the sunlight falling through the palm fronds of our oases. The final stage includes marine works and removal of temporary land platforms which will be completed in 2015.

The opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, as well as the other projects in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, will continue to bring Abu Dhabi international recognition and exposure as Arabia’s cultural hub. The Zayed National Museum will open a year after the Louvre Abu Dhabi with the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi due to open in 2017.

There is more information on Abu Dhabi on the official tourism website www.visitabudhabi.ae or visit Hall 22.B/210.

We can also look forward this April to the staging in Abu Dhabi of the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit which will bring 1,000 of the most authoritative travel and tourism leaders in the world to our city.

BTN: What is the percentage of business and leisure tourists to Abu Dhabi?

Al Nahyan: Currently we stand at around 60/40 in favour of business tourism, but with our leisure proposition expanding all the time, we anticipate an eventual evening-out of the equation in a year or two.

BTN: Abu Dhabi hosts an impressive line-up of events which have seen the emirate emerge as a major global events contender.

Can you tell us your thoughts in this area?

Al Nahyan: This year Abu Dhabi has already hosted the annual PGA European-Tour-backed Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which was contested by some of the giants of the game (including Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods) at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. They headed an all-star cast which competed for the Falcon Trophy, and a share of the US $2.7 million prize purse.

Yas Marina Circuit for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Polo at the Palace

This event will be followed later in the year by the headline F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which has become established as one of the most exciting weekends on the motorsport calendar. Later that month will see the return of the elite Coutts Polo at the Palace event, which debuted on a special polo field at the opulent Emirates Palace last year and of the Abu Dhabi Art Fair on Saadiyat Island.

Taking Abu Dhabi’s name abroad, we also have Abu Dhabi Racing’s newly announced threeyear partnership with eight-time World Rally Championship winning manufacturers, Citroën Racing, which will see the team compete in all 13 rounds of this year’s WRC calendar. TCA Abu Dhabi will undertake as many as five on-theground destination promotions in key source markets to leverage the associated interest in Abu Dhabi that will emerge.

Using sport to promote Abu Dhabi will feature prominently in the positioning of the destination throughout 2013 and beyond. In addition to events within the emirate, partnership branding arrangements with high profile sporting teams and personalities is a priority. I have already

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News

World class golf at Adare Manor in Ireland Recognised as the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Boutique Golf Resort by the World Travel Awards, Adare Manor has carved a niche as one of the finest properties in Ireland.

Breaking Travel News tees off for a round on the championship course.

One of most renowned destinations in Ireland, Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort offers an unsurpassed level of accommodation, service, dining, and a range activities that have earned it a list of prestigious awards and accolades almost as long as its history. Located on 840 acres of formal gardens, the resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including the architectural masterpiece that is the Manor House, as well as luxury villas and family-friendly townhouses.

An incredible range of outdoor activities, from golfing on a championship course that is considered one of the finest in Ireland to fishing, horseback riding, archery, clay shooting, and falconry recall the lifestyle and leisure pursuits of the country squire who originally built the Manor House. After a day of vigorous activity, guests can enjoy pampering treatments at the Treatment Rooms and some of the finest dining in Ireland.

Adare Manor was originally built for the Second Earl of Dunraven and his wife, Lady Caroline Wyndham. Begun in 1832, the magnificent structure provided labour for the surrounding villagers during the terrible potato famine that devastated the country during the mid-19th century. Though Lady Caroline went to great lengths to establish the myth that Adare Manor was planned entirely by her husband without an architect, it is fairly certain today that much of the design work was done by James Pain who, along with AW Pugin and PC Hardwick, had been commissioned to design numerous public buildings and country homes. The actual construction was supervised by James Connolly, a local mason. Sadly Lord Dunraven did not live to see his dream Manor finished in 1862.

Golf Holidays Now, however, the property is known around the world as the home of some of the finest golf in Ireland. The resort features an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. that has gained international acclaim as one of his finest creations. The course, which measures 7,453 yards from the championship tees, is a majestic design with rock-walled

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streams and subtle undulating putting surfaces with the Jonesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; signature cloverleaf bunkers. A 14-acre lake dominates the front nine while the back nine is routed through woodland. Adding beauty to all of this, the River Maigue meanders through the course creating a sense of beauty and adding a further challenge.

Spa Breaks Overlooking the formal gardens and parkland golf course, The Treatment Rooms at Adare Manor were created as a sanctuary for pampering, relaxation and revitalisation. A team of expert therapists provide a full range of massage, body, facial and beauty treatments featuring Elemis spa products. The Fitness Room is fully equipped with free weights, Nautilus equipment, treadmill, Stairmaster and lifecycles. Adjacent to the Fitness Room and overlooking the River Maigue, is a 15-metre heated indoor swimming pool and steam room, with changing rooms and locker facilities.

Where to Stay The Manor House guestrooms offer the most exclusive accommodation on the resort. This architectural masterpiece of towers, turrets, and stonework ornamentation surrounded by breathtaking gardens, majestic trees and ruins dates back over eight hundred years and offers the most elegant castle setting imaginable. The Manor House has 62 rooms in five different categories: one Presidential Suite, four Dunraven Staterooms, eight Staterooms, 34 Deluxe rooms and 15 Standard rooms.

All of the rooms feature unique architectural details, high ceilings, marble bathrooms and are available with either one king sized bed or two queen sized beds. Some of the bedrooms have fireplaces that are works of art in themselves, with hand carved wood and imported tiles and marble from all over the world.

For more information on visiting Adare Manor head over to www.adaremanor.com.

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News

From operating the fastest ferries in the world to doubling passenger numbers, there is a real sense of momentum at National Ferries Company.

National Ferries Company builds a better Oman Owned by the Sultanate of Oman's government, NFC routes connect Khasab to Lima in the northern Musandam peninsula exclave, and Khasab to Muscat and Shinas, as well as a southern route between the Halaniyat islands and Salalah.

For a company that only began in 2008 it has grown quickly. Taking over a government-run a cargo service on the Salalah to the Halaniyat islands route in 2008 using a landing craft, the operator swiftly added the Muscat to Khasab passenger itinerary following the delivery of two 65m high speed catamarans, Shinas and Hormuz, from Australia's Austal Shipyard that same year.

In fact these ships are the fastest dieselpowered vehicle passenger ferries in the world, with Shinas reaching a record 56.6 knots on passage to Muscat in November 2011. The vessels are powered by four MTU 20-cylinder 1163 series diesel engines each producing 6,500kW and driving a RollsRoyce Kamewa waterjet via a Reintjes VLJ 4431 K71 gearbox. The high speed helps to reduce the journey time for passengers on the long 230nm Muscat to Khasab route.

“Passengers can complete a journey on this route in five hours, as opposed to a six to seven-hour journey by car," explained said

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NFC head of marketing and communication, Ghazi Al Zadjali. “It is a direct route without having to go through border checks and formalities.”

Part of the United Arab Emirates sits between the Musandam peninsula and the rest of mainland Oman. Last May, Shinas was redeployed on a new route from Khasab to Shinas, again quite a long voyage at 125nm.

NFC also inaugurated a new terminal at Shinas for the new route. This followed the establishment of a shorter route solely on the Musandam peninsula, between Khasab and Lima, in July 2011. This crossing is served by the 52m wave-piercing catamaran Sawqrah, which was delivered from Italian yard Rodriquez Cantieri Navale. Spear Green Design of Australia designed the vessel, the first in a series of three.

Sisterships Al Hallaniyat and Masirah are due to bolster this service in 2013.

The expansion does not stop there. Next year will see two conventional passenger and car ferries delivered to serve another new route, this time from Masirah Island to Shannah on the central coast. NFC is in the process of contracting Strategic Marine's Vietnam branch to build the double- ended pair. The 45m aluminium ferries will be able to

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transport 150 passengers and 30 cars each.

Once these enter service, NFC will have a total of eight vessels on five routes.

Al Zadjali commented: “The future plan is to provide services from 14 ports along the coastline of Oman and also to establish an international run from northern ports."

On the subject of route conditions he added: “Weather conditions prevalent at certain times of the year are challenging for us.

Sometimes we have to restrict or cancel sailings to ensure comfortable journeys for our passengers.”

Passenger numbers are on a continuous upward trend. In 2010, NFC carried 10,616 people overall, and in 2011 this rose to 19,820.

In 2012 there were 34,782 passengers carried, which represents a 75 per cent increase compared with the last year.

“Commencing vehicle carriage on our fast ferries contributed to the increase in throughput,” added Al Zadjali. “Through better media coverage, adverts and our marketing effort, awareness of our service has increased over time too. The year-on-year increase in passenger numbers is a good indication of our growth since our inception - we have built the concept of Omani citizens using ferries for transportation.”

Passengers have the choice of three different classes of seating: tourist, business and first class. “Our vessels are very convenient and comfortable for our passengers,” said Al Zadjali. “We provide meals and drinks continuously throughout each sailing." NFC uses local shipyards where possible for its vessel maintenance, but also utilises regional shipyards in the Arabian Gulf area. The operator follows a stringent maintenance programme with annual dry dockings.”

NFC is investing in new technologies as well.

Satellite communication services, providing TV and internet, are available on some of the vessels. One ferry has been equipped with Wi-

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Fi services and there are plans to roll this out to the rest of the fleet.

The Sultanate of Oman has specified that the number of native Omanis working in government service should be 84 per cent of the workforce, as part of its 'Omanisation' policy. NFC is working towards this with its crew recruitment programme but currently the figure stands at 58 per cent. Its crews are supplemented with European and Filipino seafarers.

Al Zadjali commented: “Finding qualified seafarers is always a challenge, particularly recruiting those with experience of high speed ferries. At this point in time we outsource most of our training requirements." According to Al Zadjali, NFC is proud to be the national marine transporter of Oman. “Our fast ferry service is unique in the Middle East and North Africa region,” he said.

World Travel Awards The Oman National Ferries Company won the World Travel Awards World’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Award in 2012, recognising its efforts in protecting the marine environment and supporting regional development.

Al Zadjali added: “NFC plays a major role in social responsibility, providing services to remote villages by operating one of the longest non-stop domestic routes in the world, exceeding 320nm. We also implement corporate social responsibility by sponsoring social events or by giving exclusive trips on our ferries for particular organisations. Moreover, we recruit the younger Omani generation to participate in building the country.”

For more information head over to www.nfc.om or visit Hall 22.B/200 here at ITB Berlin.

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Feature Etihad is a sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Etihad Airways has recorded a net profit of US$42 million in 2012, up 200 per cent on 2011, in a year which saw strong improvements in revenues, passengers numbers and cost control.

Etihad net profit jumps following record-breaking year

Revenue at the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates increased 17 per cent to US$4.8 billion, on passenger numbers up 23 per cent to 10.3 million. These numbers were boosted significantly by Etihad Airways' equity partnerships and codeshares, which delivered more than US$600 million in total revenue.

Hogan said Etihad Airways attracted further support from the global financial community in 2012. More than 50 institutions have now provided more than US$6.8 billion in cumulative funding for the airline’s ongoing expansion. “Our bankers understand and trust our business, our vision and our potential,” he said.

outstanding service experience,” Hogan said.

“The customer is at the heart of everything we do. In 2012, it was our commitment to consistently deliver best-in-class service and product, on the ground and in the air, which resulted in such strong passenger growth and financial performance.”

James Hogan, president and chief executive, Etihad Airways, said: “This has been a gamechanging year for Etihad Airways. We have delivered improved net profit, the second consecutive year we have been in the black, a remarkable achievement given the youth, ambitious growth and ongoing investment made by this airline in a challenging global economic environment.”

During the year, growth in revenue passenger kilometres outpaced growth in available seat kilometres for the fourth year running. RPKs were up 23 per cent to 48 billion, on ASKs up 20 per cent to 61 billion, resulting in an impressive lift in seat factor of 2.4 points to 78.2 per cent.

Equity and codeshare partners delivered more than 1.2 million passengers onto the Etihad Airways network. airberlin, in which Etihad Airways holds a 29.21 per cent stake, made a very strong contribution, with more than 300,000 passengers shared between their networks, delivering more than US$130 million in total to the two airlines.

Etihad Airways continues to invest in its awardwinning product across the network. In 2012, the airline unveiled plans for new lounges in Paris (opened in December 2012), Washington, Sydney and Melbourne. It also opened its first European contact centre in Manchester to support customers. The call centre employs more than 190 staff and has answered almost half a million calls in 18 markets in nine languages since opening, bringing in more than US$20 million in revenue.

Hogan continued: “We have taken great strides in building the industry's first 'equity alliance', with our investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus, which are contributing significant value to our business.

And we have met our mandate of contributing to the economic development of Abu Dhabi, growing its aviation sector and building trade and tourism connections across the globe.”

Earnings before interest and tax rose 24 per cent to US$170, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rentals rose to US$753 million, a margin of 16 per cent on total revenue. Since Hogan joined Etihad Airways in 2006, the airline has grown from a US$750 million business to one which now turns over nearly US$5 billion a year.

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Despite the increase in global oil prices during 2012, Etihad Airways minimised the impact through its rigorous fuel hedging policy. The airline hedged 80 per cent of fuel costs during the year, the same level as in 2011. Careful cost management in all other areas of the business saw non-fuel costs per available seat kilometre reduced by five per cent. Etihad Airways' costs were benchmarked as being in the lowest quartile against other major, full-service airlines by independent analysts, Seabury.

“We understand how to manage costs without compromising our innovative product and

Reflecting strong customer loyalty, the airline’s frequent flyer programme, Etihad Guest, passed the 1.8 million member mark during the year. The program was strengthened with the introduction of the PointsPay solution, allowing Etihad Guest members to redeem points for cash to purchase products in 30 million outlets around the world.

Hogan said cargo continued to play an important part in Etihad Airways' success by delivering tonnage growth of 19 per cent on the back of a capacity increase of 14 per cent in available tonnage kilometres. “Etihad Cargo is continuing to outperform the market. We are building strong momentum in international growth markets and through focused

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Etihad Grid Girls

customer and product segmentation,” explained the Etihad chief.

Planned fleet upgrades for 2013 include 14 aircraft, with 11 passenger aircraft deliveries and three freighter deliveries. The orders are for nine wide bodied aircraft (six x Boeing 777-300ER passenger, two x Boeing 777 freighter and one x Airbus 330 Freighter) and five narrow body aircraft (four x Airbus 320 and one x Airbus 321). These will meet Etihad Airways’ immediate growth requirements.

At the end of 2012, the company had 10,656 employees, 18 per cent up on 2011, with more than 125 nationalities represented. The airline’s Emiratisation programme for cadet pilots, engineers and graduate managers continues to be a success with 1,254 Emiratis now employed, representing 22 per cent of the core Head Office workforce.

“I am proud of our success and the enormous effort and achievements of every person working at Etihad Airways,” Hogan said. “I am excited about what the future holds and look forward to working with all our partners to maximise the return for our shareholder, enable the continued growth and evolution of Abu Dhabi, and create a remarkable experience for our passengers.”

Etihad Airways is considered the World’s Leading Airline by the prestigious World Travel Awards.

For more information on the development of the carrier head over to www.etihad.com or visit representatives in Hall 22.B/211.

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James Hogan, left, joins airberlin chief executive Hartmut Mehdorn after the partnership delivers 100 million euros in revenues in the first year

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News

Positive outlook for Johannesburg tourism in 2013

Joburg Fashion Week

Results of the latest Tourism Business Council of South Africa FNB Tourism Business Index have confirmed a return to normal trading levels and an overall positive outlook for the travel and tourism sector in Johannesburg during 2013.

Tourism Business Council of South Africa figures exceeded expected performance at the end of 2012, reaching 104.6, against a score of 100 which is considered normal. This is up on the previous result of 101.1 and is a vast improvement on the index of 87.3 scored at the end of the previous year.

Speaking at the release of the report, board chairman of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Mavuso Msimang, said the latest index results provided relief for a sector that has been through two, very tough years. “This is the second consecutive quarter that TBI has recorded perfor mance levels above the norm and is a clear indication of the extent to which business is recovering from the recessionary impacts and excess of supply it suffered post the 2010 Soccer World Cup.”

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The sector’s resilience and ongoing long-term potential shows through in the business and investor confidence for capacity and employment increases. This result should also be viewed in the context of overall reduced business confidence reported in the fourth quarter reports from both SACCI Business Confidence Index and the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index which dipped slightly in quarter four of 2012.

However, in spite of the return to regular trading levels and the positive outlook, a number of factors remain a concern. “Global economic uncertainty and ongoing recession risk, coupled with the negative profiling of South Africa internationally through labour and community unrest weighs heavily as a constraint for the sector. Input cost increases from rates, electricity and fuel costs were also cited as negative factors affecting business performance,” explained Gillian Saunders, Grant Thornton’s head of advisory services.

Wiza Nyondo FNB head of tourism said: “The results show that the market has begun to recognise South Africa as a sought after destination. Although we’ve seen some instability, we still believe in South Africa's diverse offering of services and products where industry professionals can partner to help transform our country.”

Joburg is a thriving city

The majority of the accommodation sector respondents expect domestic business markets to offer the best potential growth for 2013, followed by foreign leisure and then domestic leisure. Other tourism businesses expect growth to come from the foreign leisure markets, followed by domestic markets. Taken overall it would appear that the industry feels that it’s back to ‘business as usual’, or even slightly better than usual.

More Information Johannesburg is an extraordinary city, born just over 125 years ago – when one of the world’s richest gold-bearing reefs was discovered under the sweeping savannah plains. Ever since, Johannesburg has been a city of prospects, commerce and potential.

Even today Johannesburg continues to attract those looking for opportunity – it’s a city populated by people who have come to realise their dreams.

For more information on visiting head over to www.joburgtourism.com or visit the Johannesburg Tourism Company in Hall 20./138.

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News

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa to open this spring

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa Courtyard

Situated in the same idyllic location, the spirit of the old Messilah Beach Hotel is about to be revived and memories awakened with the opening of the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa this spring.

Almost 40 years ago, the Messilah Beach Hotel opened in Kuwait and quickly became the favourite destination for both locals and visitors alike. The hotel served its clients for decades and created many unforgettable memories. On the same site, the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa will now reinvigorate the resort as Jumeirah Group opens its first property in the Gulf Region outside the United Arab Emirates.

The property features many aspects of Arabic architecture in a contemporary setting.

Traditional oriel windows of Mashrabiya designs are a characteristic throughout the resort and respect Kuwait’s rich heritage. Messilah is inspired by its location and its name derived from the old Kuwaiti word, Massiyalah, where rain water gathers and flows into the sea. Water is a recurring feature throughout this beachfront resort with streams, channels, fountains, pools and many other water features. This theme is also reflected in the prestigious Talise spa which means ‘beautiful waters’ in a Native American language.

Mark Griffiths, general manager of the hotel said: “Kuwait’s new landmark will bring with it an exciting set of new experiences interlaced with heritage and history. Jumeirah Group’s extensive international experience coupled with the highest standards of service will reward the

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guests of Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa with exhilarating experiences unrivalled in Kuwait when it opens later this spring.”

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa is a luxurious beachfront development that will feature 307 rooms and suites, 80 serviced apartments and 12 chalets. Guests of the hotel will also have access to six distinguished restaurants and lounges, a Talise spa, 200metre private beach, swimming pool and children’s play area, in addition to extensive conference and banqueting facilities.

Jumeirah Group became a member of Dubai Holding – a collection of leading Dubai-based businesses and projects – in line with a new phase of growth and development for the Group.

For more information on the brand head over to Hall 22.A/103 or visit www.jumeirah.com.

“Living up to the Jumeirah promise of Stay Different, we are keen on delivering the best of everything from dining to leisure and relaxation.

We look forward to opening our doors soon and welcoming our first guests,” added Griffiths.

More Information Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts are regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The company was founded in 1997 with the aim to become a hospitality industry leader through establishing a world class portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. Building on this success, in 2004

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News

Li Beirut comes to Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Li Beirut, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ signature modern Lebanese restaurant, has launched a programme of live musical entertainment to engage diners on a truly Lebanese sensory journey.

The new entertainment combines authentic Lebanese tastes, mouth watering aromas, evocative ballads, visually sumptuous interiors and luxurious furnishings. As part of the musical line-up an oud player will perform live every weekday evening as well as during lunch and dinner on Fridays and feature Lebanese musical classics, especially from the legendary “Fairouz” collection from which the restaurant “Li Beirut” gets its name.

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Additionally a solo violin session also featuring Arabic musical classics will perform on the same evenings as part of the musical set.

Mahmoud Sleiman, restaurant manager Li Beirut, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers said: “The Lebanese by nature are passionate about food, music and the arts. Hailing from Lebanon myself I want to introduce the world to modern Lebanese cuisine, where it is elevated to a new realm of artistry through the introduction of modern cooking styles and refined arrangements by our Chef de Cuisine Jouni Ibrahim. This is a totally new interpretation of Lebanese fare. Guests must be prepared for a new gastronomic experience that is rooted in style, technique and above all a balance of texture and flavour.

At the same time however, we must stay true to our history and roots and the addition of live traditional music performances to the dining experience adds a beautiful and authentic personal touch that accompanies the cuisine perfectly.”

resorts regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world. The business, social and gourmet hub of Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers offers a relaxed and bespoke urban lifestyle experience based on personalised care, craftsmanship, and a passion for unique culinary experiences.

Located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the five-star luxury city hotel spans 66 floors and includes 382 guest rooms and suites of refined elegance offering the latest technology and stunning Corniche and coastal views.

The hotel features a Club Executive Lounge, 199 serviced residences, ten restaurants and bars including the signature restaurants Li Beirut and Quest, Talise Spa, Six P Gym, and one of the largest and most sophisticated hotel conferencing centres in the capital.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers was developed under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan’s Projects Department.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, operates a world-class portfolio of hotels and

There is more information here at ITB Berlin on Jumeirah at Etihad Towers over at Hall 22.B/210 or visit www.jumeirah.com.

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News

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing will fly the flag in the next Volvo Ocean Race

Yas Waterworld slide

Abu Dhabi to welcome Abu Dhabi city has confirmed it will host the third 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race stopover in December next year as the destination continues to build its international profile.

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, which brought the ‘Everest of Sailing’ to the Arabian Gulf for the first time in 2012 and is behind the return, has also confirmed its Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team will contest the 2014/15 campaign. The outfit will again be skippered

by Britain’s double Olympic medallist, Ian Walker, who led the Arabian entry to a number of Leg and In-Port wins on its maiden title tilt in the last edition.

“Our involvement with the Volvo Ocean Race captured the imagination of our people, who have strong maritime heritage links,” said sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman, TCA Abu Dhabi. “The legacy of the last race is an increase in the breadth of sailing and watersport facilities available, which is something we will build on over this second outing. In 2012 over 120,000 visito rs joined in the stopover celebrations at our dedicated waterfront race village – and we will be looking to build on our reputation of delivering a stand-out stopover experience

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that is talked about long after the fleet has left.”

Abu Dhabi made waves on the global sailing scene with its hosting of the world’s premier offshore sailing race in January 2012. The event galvanised the emirate’s watersports industry with a wealth of sailing centres, yacht charter companies and state-of-the-art marina facilities coming online over the last 12 months, with more expected. TCA Abu Dhabi believes the return of the ‘Everest of Sailing’ and its Emirati development programme, which saw Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s UAE national crew member Adil Khalid become the first Arab to competitively circumnavigate the world, will re-energise the emirate’s credentials as a world-class watersports destination.

“This second campaign will further galvanise the emirate’s grass-roots sailing development and again give us a global platform on which to promote our deep-rooted maritime heritage,” added sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.

Indian Market In other news Abu Dhabi has opened a destination representation office to serve the high potential Indian market. The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture orchestrated move comes as India is identified as holding out huge potential for the destination, being less than three hours flying time from most Indian centres and with 124 flights a week linking nine Indian destinations with Abu Dhabi International Airport.

“This is a natural progression from the work we have done over the past two years when we have been getting the pulse of the Indian market via road shows and participation in trade fairs,” explained Mubarak Al Nuaimi, international promotions manager, TCA Abu Dhabi. “We have reaped dividends from our ‘toe in the water’ approach with India now being our second largest overseas market for hotel guests after the UK. You can gauge our aspirations of the market by the fact that we

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Ben Dinshaw and Mubarak Al Nuaimi mark the opening of the TCA Abu Dhabis India office

Volvo Ocean Race are launching our first international road show for 2013 and we chose to have it in India.”

From January to the end of November last year some 125,180 Indian guests stayed in Abu Dhabi’s hotels and hotel apartments – a 30 per cent increase on the first 11 months of 2011 – and they accounted for 496,581 guest nights, which is a 34 per cent rise on the 2011 comparative period. Indian guests are staying in Abu Dhabi’s hotels for an average of 3.97 nights.

“Should growth trends for the UK and India continue as they have been for the past 12 months, there is every likelihood that India will be Abu Dhabi’s largest overseas source market for hotel guests in 2014,” added Al Nuaimi. “There is absolutely no doubt that India will play a key role in assisting us attain our 2013 target of 2.5 million hotel guests.”

Abu Dhabi has appointed a full team, based in New Delhi but to serve the whole country, including dedicated MICE and PR representations. Veteran Indian travel industry professional Bejan Dinshaw will lead the team as it looks to increase visitor numbers to Abu Dhabi, persuade those already travelling to stay longer and to win major corporate meetings business for the destination.

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“Quite simply there is much mo re to see and do in Abu Dhabi than ever before and much that will entice the Indian traveller from a luxury perspective, for family-oriented vacations, for those wanting to engage with the local culture or looking to visit any one of the many world-class sporting and cultural events and headline concerts staged in the emirate throughout the year,” said Dinshaw.

The UK, however, remains Abu Dhabi’s biggest international source market in terms of hotel guests, accounting for 140,393 guest arrivals in 2012. In 2012 some 2,388,023 guests stayed in Abu Dhabi – beating the emirate’s performance in 2011 by 13 per cent. UK guests accounted for 611,609 guest nights and stayed on average 4.36 nights placing the UK top of Abu Dhabi’s overseas source market league.

hydromagnetic-powered, six-person tornado waterslide. For adrenaline seekers there are three-metre high waves on Bubble’s Barrel, which has the world’s largest surfable sheet wave for flowboards and bodyboards. The Bandit Bomber, a 550-metre coaster, is the first with onboard water and laser effects.

Riders can shoot jets of water at targets, drop water bombs and trigger special effects, while people below can spray them with water as they pass.

Sitting atop Jebel Dana, the towering core of the park’s altitude-defying summit and measuring eight metres in diameter, the park’s gigantic pearl is Yas Island’s newest landmark. The park draws on Abu Dhabi’s heritage and has ‘The Lost Pearl’ as its theme.

Visitors follow the story of a young Emirati girl on a quest to find a legendary pearl as they make their way around the attractions, which include a souk and pearl-diving exhibits.

Waterworld Abu Dhabi is also promoting its latest major power draw – Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi - the largest waterpark in the UAE which opened recently. This futuristic waterpark spans an area of around 15 football pitches, with 43 rides, slides & attractions – five of which are one-of-a-kind. Yas Waterworld visitors can try the 238-metre long, world’s first and largest

Head over to www.visitabudhabi.ae for all the latest on this rapidly developing destination, or visit Hall 22.B/210 here at ITB Berlin 2013.

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2 0 T H Y E A R A N N I V E R S A R Y G R A N D TO U R Middle East Gala Ceremony DUBAI, UAE • 5 MAY 2013

Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony THE MALDIVES • 12 MAY 2013

Europe Gala Ceremony ANTALYA, TURKEY • 31 AUGUST 2013

South & Central America Gala Ceremony LIMA, PERU • SEPTEMBER 2013

Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony ANTIGUA • 28 SEPTEMBER 2013

Africa Gala Ceremony NAIROBI, KENYA • 15 OCTOBER 2013

Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony SINGAPORE • 24 OCTOBER 2013

Grand Final Gala Ceremony LAS VEGAS, USA • 27 NOVEMBER 2013

J O I N U S F O R T H E C E L E B R AT I O N S awards@worldtravelawards.com

w o r l d t ra v e l a w a rd s . c o m How would like to host the ‘Oscar’s’ of the travel industry?

Email us at sponsorship@worldtravelawards.com or call +44 207 925 0000.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;T H E O S C A R S O F T H E T R AV E L I N D U ST RYâ&#x20AC;?

WA L L S T R E E T J O U R N A L

For two decades World Travel Awards has been recognising companies in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.

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Emirates Palace takes top title at World Travel Awards World beating Emirates Palace has claimed the title of World’s Leading Hotel Suite at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2012. Here Breaking Travel news travels to Abu Dhabi to discover what so impressed voters.

White sandy beaches at Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace was first recognised as Abu Dhabi’s Leading Resort by World Travel Awards’ voters in 2006. Since this time the property has move ceaselessly forward, adding host of attractions to impresses the jet-set elite from around the globe.

Built as an iconic landmark showcasing Arabian culture and hospitality at its finest, Emirates Palace, managed by Kempinski, has created an enviable niche in luxury hospitality, welcoming world leaders, celebrities, global business travellers and leisure guests with a truly memorable and unique experience, luxurious contemporary facilities and amenities in comfortable and traditional Arabian surroundings with personalised world class service.

Situated on a 1.3 kilometre stretch of private white pristine beach and on 100 hectares of manicured lawns and lush landscaped gardens, Emirates Palace comprises 394 luxury rooms and suites and a variety of award winning dining options. The resort’s leisure facilities include two intricately landscaped swimming pools one to refresh and relax and one perfectly designed for adventure and family fun, an Anantara spa, tennis courts, and a state of the art fitness centre.

local or a visitor, when you come up along the Corniche to the Emirates Palace for the first time, you can’t help but say “Wow!”. Nothing can compare to our palatial grounds, stunning interiors, and our signature Kempinski personalised service. We welcome thousands of visitors a year from around the world, and pay special attention to every guest and to every detail of their experience in our property.

“The Emirates Palace is the icon of Arabian hospitality in Abu Dhabi and that is something you can’t replicate or even compete with,” he added.

As a world-class leader in the Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Events market, Emirates Palace plays host to a spectacular cultural calendar. With a FIFA standard football pitch and home to Manchester City’s winter training ground, Emirates Palace offers the best in world sports action. Emirates Palace, since its inception, has quickly established an enviable reputation in the industry, winning many prestigious industry awards.

Emirates Palace Marina Emirates Palace houses the most luxurious and technologically advanced meeting facilities in the region which include an auditorium with up to 1,100 seats, the ballroom for up to 2,400 guests, over 40 meeting rooms, a Media Centre and a Business Centre and outdoor venue capacity for up to 20,000 guests.

Caviar bar Al Majlis at Emirates Palace

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Emirates Palace general manager, Bugra Berberoglu, told Breaking Travel News: “The Emirates Palace is the best hotel in the world. No matter who you are, a prince or a president, a

Emirates Palace Marina is the newest and most prestigious marina haven and destination in the Middle East. The 167-berth marina incorporates the additional requirements of the large yacht owner, with a seven-metre deep approach channel and VIP dock for yachts over 120 metres, which combined with the backdrop of the scenic Emirates Palace Hotel makes this ideal berthing location for power and sailing yachts of all sizes. Sheltered by protective breakwaters and flanked by a white-sand beach,

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Le Vendome Brasserie at Emirates Palace

whether staying for a day or a year, our mission is to provide yacht owners with the same services a guest of the Emirates Palace Hotel would expect, from onboard dining to floral arrangements, combined with the expert knowledge and the nautical experience of our trained staff.

The ideal haven for relaxing onboard away from home for the weekend, taking business onboard using our 20 MB streamed wireless internet, or enjoying the delights of Abu Dhabi waterways at the weekend with friends and family, Emirates Palace Marina is your unique destination.

Government support has also played a role in the success of the property.

“We work closely with our partners at Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority to achieve the vision of the Government of Abu Dhabi. Through their efforts, and the expansion of Etihad airways, another great partner, Abu Dhabi is fast becoming the cultural centre of the Middle East and has gained an excellent reputation for hosting worldclass events,” added Berberoglu. “Abu Dhabi already has so much to offer visitors and this is reflected in the continued growth in the number of visitors every year. With the ongoing development along the Corniche, on Sadiyaat and Yas Islands, the opening of Ferrari World, and a growing events calendar that includes Formula One and the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, Abu Dhabi is well on its way to becoming one of the world’s leading destinations.”

For more information visit www.kempinski.com/en/abudhabi or head over to Hall 9/217, Hall 22.B/210 here at ITB Berlin.

Exterior views of Emirates Palace from the beach

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The Caribbean’s most exclusive cruise port Nestled along the northeastern coast of Jamaica, Port Antonio is an intimate and inviting seaport town, which is affectionately recognised by both visitors and locals as Jamaica’s best-kept secret.

The capital of Portland Parish, Port Antonio is the ideal hidden gem for vacationers seeking a getaway to an exclusive paradise. It offers visitors the unique experience of an unmatched natural beauty, with the Blue Mountain range providing a remarkable backdrop and its close coastlines inspiring a feeling of harmony with nature.

A walk through the town reminds us of its rich history, reflected by the narrow streets lined with buildings from a bygone era, including the neo-Romanesque Anglican stone church built in 1840 and the popular guest house DeMontevin Lodge. Reflecting its historical importance as a key trading port during the height of the British Empire, Fort George with its guns now silent stands watch over the harbor channel.

The Port became famous in the 1880’s as a key strategic shipping point for bananas and coconuts, resulting in Port Antonio becoming renowned as the banana capital of the world.

Arguably, Jamaica's tourism was born there when banana boats returning to the United States brought many tou rists to its shores.

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Thus “Portie”, as Portland is often referred, quickly became a thriving economic town booming from the robust banana trade and a reputation as the vacation spot for wealthy Americans and Hollywood alums.

Portland remains a town favoured by the affluent and elite, many who are property owners’ with vacation homes there. A number of intimate tourist facilities exist like Trident Villas and Hotel, Gee Jam, Goblin Hill Hotel, Mocking Bird Hill and natural attractions such as Frenchman’s Cove, Somerset Falls, Navy Island and Rio Grande River. The profusion of natural resources, high-end development, and undisruptive ambience make its suitably attractive to persons wishing to invest in luxurious real estate.

the port. Adjoining the port is the Errol Flynn Marina, which is named after the renowned movie star. Flynn discovered Port Antonio when his Yacht was inadvertently forced into Jamaica during a storm. So mesmerised was he with Port Antonio that he declared it “more beautiful than any woman I have ever seen” and became a significant investor and part time resident.

Port Antonio is a euphoric town that gives visitors a glimpse into the ‘Garden of Eden’. It is framed by mountain ranges, caressed by wild orchids and complimented by rich vegetation, as it is still home to many banana and coconut farms and nurseries. It is surrounded by open seas, enhanced by seductive coves, scenic beaches and glistening waterfalls which add to the romanticism of the town.

Discreet Rural Town Port Antonio has retained its charm as a discreet rural town and is home to one of the most exclusive cruise ports in the Caribbean.

Along with the adjoining Marina this one of a kind cruise port is the ideal stopping point for boutique cruise ships and mega yachts. The port’s main facility is the Ken Wright Cruise Facility, boasting its own private beach club it is able to accommodate a cruise vessel up to 198 metres in length. All of these features along with single vessel accommodation ensure this unique port remains truly exclusive.

Port Antonio is particularly popular with yacht owners, who are attracted to the exclusivity of

Portland boasts many distinctive attractions which contribute to its indomitable appeal and favoritism from tourists. ‘Portie’ is intriguing, primarily to foreigners who are seeking a luxurious resort and a quiet unexplored area.

Visitors have the opportunity to raft serenely along the Rio Grande River which weaves through deep valleys, lush forests and quaint banana plantations.

For more on what Jamaica has to offer visit the tourist board at Hall 3.1/208 of take a look at the official to Port Authority of Jamaica website at www.portjam.com.

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News As the leading tourist destination in the region, Dubai continues to dazzle worldwide visitors. To confirm its glowing reputation, global ports and marine terminal operator DP World is building a new terminal for cruise ship passengers at Mina Rashid. Located at the heart of the city and its vibrant creek, the port is a stone’s throw away from one of the world’s fastest-growing airports, Dubai International.

The new terminal is expected to be completed by the end of 2013 boosting Mina Rashid’s leading position in the cruise market and it will play an active role in the anticipated growth of cruise ship passengers to the emirate.

The complex covers an area of 27,000 square metres in addition to parking lots of up to 50,000 square metres. With its existing cruise ship terminal 1 and the new terminal 2, Mina Rashid will be able to receive five ocean-going cruise vessels simultaneously.

Dubai – home of the largest cruise complex in the Middle East The countdown to the opening of the largest, newest, and most luxurious passenger terminal for cruise ships in the Middle East has begun.

Owned by DP World and managed by Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, the Dubai Cruise Terminal offers state-of-the-art facilities, with efficient reception check-in, an information centre with concierge service, VIP lounge for visiting dignitaries, a relaxation zone and modern cafe.

The grand design is to develop Mina Rashid into a sophisticated, ultra-modern cruise terminal with the aim of turning it into a world class recreational area, reflecting Dubai’s strong cultural heritage and strengthening its position as the leading regional cruise hub.

The development will also integrate the Mina Rashid waterfront back into the local community.

The project builds on a growing cruise business that has already dropped anchor in Dubai. Last year, Mina Rashid received five cruise ships and handled five ocean-going cruise vessels simultaneously for the first time ever. Dubai also received around 420,000 cruise tourists through 110 cruise ship visits and there are already four major international companies in situ that organise regular trips.

One of the flagships is Brilliance of the Seas of the Royal Caribbean fleet which has been coming to Dubai for the past three seasons.

Mina Rashid also received the maiden voyage of the giant Serenade of the Seas in February this year, a sea-going palace that can accommodate 3,360 guests in its 1,073 suites distributed over 12 floors.

The commitment to the cruise passenger business underpins Dubai’s strategic goal of positioning itself as the region’s leading tourist destination. Alongside the wide variety of facilities and entertainment on these luxury floating resorts, passengers can enjoy the fantastic scenery in Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. The world-class hotels and resorts across the region and ultra-modern shopping centres are set against the background of a unique culture and heritage promising a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

For more information on the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing head over to Hall 22.A/103 or visit www.definitelydubai.com.

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News

Norwegian Breakaway prepares to set sail Award-winning Norwegian Cruise Line is preparing for the launch of its latest vessel – Norwegian Breakaway. Set to redefine luxury standards at sea, Breaking Travel News takes a tour of the new vessel.

action-packed decks, as everything is designed to flow seamlessly.”

Norwegian Cruise Line is counting down the days until the arrival of its latest vessel Norwegian Breakaway, with the ship set to depart Southampton on April 30th for her maiden voyage, a seven-night transatlantic crossing to New York City.

The ship will feature a total of 28 dining options and an Ice B ar, which will be kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and feature New York City-inspired specialty cocktails, as well as ice sculptures of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building to pay homage to New York City.

Designed as ‘New York’s ship’, Breakaway will bring the best of NYC to sea when she arrives to her year-round homeport in early May 2013, offering the high-calibre dining and entertainment options that New York is known for. To date, the company has revealed the ship’s ground breaking design, including an open-air boardwalk, The Waterfront, and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean.

Norwegian Breakaway’s entertainment will include three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated Rock of Ages; the dance sensation Burn the Floor; and Cirque Dreams & Dinner Fantasy. The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon duelling pianos, and New York’s own Slam Allen will also perform on the vessel.

Breakaway will feature an exciting fireworks show on every cruise that will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, and will be the grand finale of a decadent 1980sthemed deck party.

“With our newest ship we are continuing our tradition of innovation with a brand new ship design that will provide our guests with a unique experience unlike anything else at sea,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “The heart of Norwegian Breakaway and the elements that truly set it apart are The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place.

Guests will enjoy al fresco dining while admiring the beauty of the ocean, along with the excitement and exhilaration of three expansive

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Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian. Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of the popular TLC television series “Cake Boss” and “Next Great Baker,” will open an extension of his family business, Carlo’s Bake Shop, onboard.

The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five fullsize water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three -story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travellers; the reintroduction of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini- Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.

Breakaway will begin her weekly summer seven-night cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12th with a special guest on board, the line’s chief executive Kevin Sheehan himself.

As part of their role as Godmothers, two Rockettes will sail aboard the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, beginning May 12th, and the first sailing of each month thereafter, taking part in special events for guests to enjoy.

Beginning in October, New York’s ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the southern Caribbean.

For more information on Norwegian Breakaway head over to Hall 25/162 here at ITB Berlin, or visit www.breakaway.ncl.co.uk.

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News

DFDS Seaways introduces new UK passenger organisation

DFDS Seaways has recently introduced a new UK passenger organisation that will be responsible for all passenger sales for DFDS Seaways’ four ferry routes on the English Channel, as well as the passenger routes from Newcastle to Amsterdam and Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark).

The new UK sales organisation will be headed

by Max Foster, who has previously been heading DFDS Seaways’ joint passenger sales organisation in Germany. The new head of UK marketing & strategy will be Pete Akerman who has previously been head of marketing in Newcastle for the passenger routes from Newcastle to Amsterdam and Harwich to Esbjerg.

The management restructure will mean that DFDS Seaways will be represented by one single UK sales organisation for all six UK routes, instead of the two organisations that previously existed.

Foster said: “The purpose of merging the two current organisations into one is to achieve

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stronger visibility and make it easier for our customers to find us, and from a trade perspective, make it easier for trade accounts to book with us and work with us. Trade accounts will now just have one contact point at DFDS Seaways covering all six routes in the UK.” Long serving passenger directors John Crummie (Newcastle) and Chris Newey (Dover) have left the company to pursue opportunities outside the group.

Peder Gellert Pedersen, executive vice president and head of DFDS’ Shipping Division said: “Chris and John’s contribution to DFDS Seaways can hardly be overrated. We are grateful for their extremely important contribution to the success on our Channel and North Sea routes and naturally we respect their decision and wish them all the best in their future careers.”

Max Foster will be based in Dover and Pete Akerman will, in addition to his role as head of UK marketing & strategy, take over responsibility as head of DFDS Seaways’ office in Newcastle.

DFDS Seaways was named the World’s Leading Ferry Operator by the World Travel Awards in late 2012, as well as Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator a few months prior to that. The company also launched a new cross-channel ferry service from Dover-Calais in partnership with LD lines in July last year.

More Information DFDS is Northern Europe’s largest integrated shipping and logistics company. The company operates a network of 30 routes with 60 freight and passenger ships, while DFDS Logistics provides freight solutions in Europe with trailers, containers, and rail.

In the UK, the company operates passenger ferry and cruise services on routes from Dover to Dunkirk, Dover to Calais, Newhaven to Dieppe, Portsmouth to Le Havre, Newcastle to Amsterdam, and Harwich to Esbjerg. DFDS prides itself on offering world-class facilities and services and the widest choice of routes into Northern Europe.

DFDS Seaways operates up to 44 sailings a day between Dover and France on its Dover-Dunkirk and Dover-Calais routes, four daily sailings between Newhaven to Dieppe and two daily services on the Portsmouth to Le Havre crossing as well as two daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam and up to four crossings a week between Harwich and Esbjerg.

For more on DFDS Seaways head over to Hall 18/119 or visit www.dfdsseaways.co.uk.

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Korean Air set for continued expansion in 2013 With nine new aircraft set for delivery in 2013 – including two new Airbus A380s – Korean Air has plenty in store for the coming months. Here Breaking Travel News brings you all the latest.

Korean Air operates more than 400 flights per day to 124 cities in 43 countries and its vast global network and convenient schedule ensures passengers smoother connections to worldwide destinations. New for this year, Korean Air is set to expand its global network with the addition of nine next-generation aircraft to its fleet; two A380s, one A330-200, two B777s-300ERs, two B737-900ERs, one B747-8F and one B7774.

The arrival of the additional two A380s, the superjumbo nicknamed “a hotel in the sky”, in July and October 2013, will bring the number of A380s operated by Korean Air to seven. With just 407 seats in total, the lowest configuration of any A380 operator so far, Korean Air’s A380 model demonstrates the airline’s commitment to creating a truly spacious environment for its passengers.

Having boldly become the first global carrier to devote an entire deck to ‘Prestige’ business class, the aircraft also features a unique and stylish on-board Celestial Bar and a Duty Free Showcase; fitted into all A380 interiors to provide passengers with the ultimate on-board experience.

Korean Air’s pioneering approach with the A380 model was internationally recognised at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2012, when the airline received two prestigious accolades. Korean Air was named the World’s Most Innovative Airline and was also recognised

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with the World’s Excellence in Service Award; a highly competitive category with a nominee shortlist that encompassed high profile luxury brands from across the travel industry, including some very impressive hotels.

Speaking at the Gala Ceremony in Delhi, India, World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke said: “Our Grand Final winners have all demonstrated their world-class pedigree over the past year, and are currently spearheading the global recovery of travel and tourism. In doing so they are also reinforcing our industry’s role as one of the mainstays of the global economy.”

Last year was also the year Korean Air actively expanded its network, including the launch of a direct service to Danang, Vietnam in January; Nairobi, Kenya in June and to Yangon, Myanmar in September. Additionally, Korean Air resumed its service to Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in November, after a 35-year hiatus.

In 2013, Korean Air plans to provide direct services to Colombo, Sri Lanka and Male, Maldives in March. The airline also plans to deploy A380 aircraft on the Incheon-Atlanta route starting in August and the IncheonFrankfurt route starting in February 2014.

For more information on Korean Air head over to Hall 9/102 or visit www.koreanair.com.

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News

Calm culture with Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Le Méridien brings a fresh angle to the always popular Thai island of Koh Samui.

Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa goes beyond the traditional five-star hotel experience and invites guests to discover more than just a new destination. Instead they are asked to experience a new perspective, with a focus on contemporary art and cuisine.

The resort is situated in an idyllic enclave on the exclusive Lamai Beach – on the eastern coast of the island with close proximity to the airport and island attractions. The property offers 63 contemporary and spacious guest suites and 14 stand-alone villas, each exquisitely appointed with the most modern in-room facilities. Also featured are the signature arrival experience program from the Le Méridien brand; an inspiring restaurant concept: Latest Recipe; and the chic lobby lounge bar Latitude 9; as well as the resort’s poolside Plunge Bar. In line with Le Méridien’s commitment to culture and tradition, the Asian philosophy of Feng Shui was integrated throughout the resort’s design. Within this traditional context, each of the different suite categories reflects

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the principle of living by social status and is divided into four stages of life. Every suite conjures an experience unique to its respective stage of life, and is designed to pique the guest’s curiosity of diverse cultures.

Spa Experience Le Méridien Koh Samui also offers the worldclass luxury Le SPA with a customised menu of rejuvenating experiences that combine ancient cultural methods and ingredients to revitalise mind, body and spirit. The door that leads to the treatment suites dates back to the 1700s, with the property having salvaged it from a Chinese Mansion. The doors would lead to the family basement, where the wealth of the family was securely kept, doubling as a place of relaxation, rejuvenation and harmony.

A beautiful oceanfront infinity pool and expansive deck offers a stylish daytime retreat for a refreshing swim with spectacular beach views, or the perfect romantic sunset viewing spot. Guests can stay fit in the state-of-the-art fitness centre, offering the latest exercise equipment and daily yoga and Pilates classes.

Active guests will also appreciate the resort’s range of water sport activities.

global travel community, being voted Asia's Leading New Resort by the World Travel Awards just a few months later. The property also took the title of Asia's Leading Romantic Resort, prompting general manager Tina Liu to remark: “It is a great honour for our new resort to be receiving these prestigious titles from the World Travel Awards; one of the most recognised award programmes in the world.

This would not have been possible without the contribution of our guests and voters, or the dedicated team who will continue to deliver innovative guest experiences for many years to come.”

More Information Koh Samui, Thailand’s third largest island is rich with natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees.

Guests can reach this idyllic island destination in around one and a half hours out of Bangkok, one of the world’s most bustling metropolitan cities and capital of Thailand.

With more than 27 direct flights daily and a commute of only 25 minutes from Koh Samui airport to Lamai Beach, guests of Le Méridien Koh Samui will be able to conveniently choose their arrival time to best fit in with their needs.

World Travel Awards Opened in September 2011, Le Méridien Koh Samui quickly caught the attention of the

For more information on Le Méridien head over to Hall 9/316 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien.

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Lopesan brings Spanish flair to the world multitude of cafes, restaurants and boutiques.

The Meloneras golf course is also in the immediate vicinity. The hotel is a spacious resort with flowery walks, typical plaza style courtyards and fascinating tropical gardens. A total of five restaurants serve international cuisine, of which three are a la carte. The terrace bar, an ale-house, a night bar, and three other bars complete the line up and create the perfect ambience for evenings by the sea.

Generous rooms and suites in elegant African designs with exclusive furnishings complement the fe el.

Located inside the hotel, the luxurious Corallium Thalasso Therapy Centre will make customers feel like a fish in the wide ocean – weightless, free, completely relaxed, and surrounded by healing sea water that tingles on the skin.

The spectacular hotel buildings are magnificently designed in colonial architectural, and offer 1,136 spacious rooms, modern furn ishings, contemplative court yards, typical wooden country style balconies, exclusive fittings and an elegant atmosphere. A gorgeous 76,000 m2 subtropical garden landscape, including 2,000 palm trees, exotic plants and waterfalls complete the look.

Lopesan Baobab Resort, also in the exclusive resort of Meloneras, is set just a few minutes walking distance from the kilometre long dunes.

The famous Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse and an extensive seafront with luxury boutiques are also just a few minutes drive.

Lopesan presently maintains properties in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Germany, Austria and the Dominican Republic, with its three flagship Hotels – Lopesan Costa Meloneras, Lopesan Villa del Conde and, the newest, Lopesan Baobab – being considered among the best in the industry.

Firstly, Lopesan Villa del Conde Resort & Corallium Thalasso is located in the stylish resort of Meloneras on the beautiful Atlantic coast, with access to the seafront and a

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Lopesan Hotel Group is a leading Gran Canaria-based hospitality company, which currently owns and manages 20 hotels around the world. Here Breaking Travel News takes a look at what is on offer at some of the flagship properties.

Upon arrival, visitors are awestruck by the fascinating architecture, with a wooden bridge leading them toward the entrance, passing over an impressive waterway. A new and unique holiday resort in African style, the spectacular architecture, exotic flair and an outstanding atmosphere are all ideal for families with children. The focal point of the complex is the 21 metre high African main building with bars, restaurants, and a café. Soft brown shades submerse the rooms in distinctive light, creating the unique feeling of well-being.

Finally, Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort, Corallium SPA & Casino is the largest resort in Spain. Located at the entrance to Meloneras, the property is ideally situated for seaside walks or exclusive shopping trips, while free transfers takes guests to the local golf courses.

Some five restaurants, with a wide selection of cuisine, welcome holidaymakers, while inside the hotel is one of the biggest wellness centres in Europe. The Corallium Spa Costa Meloneras takes guests into a sensual world where they become enchanted by the interplay between the elements of water, light, colour, sound, and aroma. Fascinating bathing landscapes, grottos and relaxation areas indoors and outdoors are based on the Canaries‘ vulcanic nature.

Head over to www.lopesan.com for more information or visit Lopesan at Hall 4.2/210.

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Primavera superyacht

Fresh lease of life for Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow Reopened after a large-scale renovation with a new name – the Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow – the former “Ukraina” Hotel recently celebrated its 55th anniversary. The rebranded property today incarnates true luxury, combining the latest innovations in design, exquisite facilities, genuine comfort and impeccable world class service.

The Radisson Royal also has the highest number of rooms among the five-star hotels of Moscow: 497 luxury rooms are on offer, while 38 gorgeous, fully equipped suites welcome long staying guests. All the rooms have been newly refurbished and feature exquisite amenities from Frette, Baker, Provasi, Villeroy & Boch, Penhaligon’s, and Etro.

Sensuously elegant, comfortable, spacious and decorated with original paintings of

Radisson Royal Hotel is one of the seven famous historic skyscrapers in Moscow and it is recognised as the World’s Leading Luxury Business Hotel by the World Travel Awards.

Russian artists, some rooms have their own library. Ranging from 25 square meters in the classic rooms to the 370 square meters of the presidential suite, all rooms have satellite television, individual air-conditioning systems and heated bathroom floors. Upon request the room can be equipped with kid’s furniture and kits. The hotel offers non-smoking rooms and specially equipped connecting rooms, providing facilities for the disabled guests.

Location, Location, Location Located in the heart of Moscow, the 35-floor skyscraper stands out among multiple business properties around: the House of Government of the Russian Federation, the Mayoral Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the World Trade Center, the Expocenter, and the British and United States Embassies.

Romantic suite

Being conscious of environmental protection, the building is eco-friendly. It is equipped with high-tech engineering and communication networks, multi-stage water and air filtration systems, modern appliances and multimedia.

The legendary property can now offer a full scale of five star attributes: omniscient concierges, visa support, fast and free Wi-Fi, cleaning twice a day, room-service with menus of any of the 11 restaurants and bars on site, express laundry, transfer desk, 24 hours security, modern electronic and video supervision systems and the “One Touch Service” Radisson signature assistance.

Its self-sufficient infrastructure also includes various business facilities, library, banqueting halls and meeting rooms. For the most demanding guests, the Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow has dedicated executive floors providing additional privileges: fast checkin/out at a private reception, particular comfort, and individualised approach, not to mention a lounge and cigar room.

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The Radisson Royal Hotel at night

Superior rooms at the Radisson Royal

The property boasts fine-dining restaurants and bars of international cuisine, offering breathtaking panoramic views and unforgettable gastronomic experiences. The historical legacy keeps a unique collection of paintings and sculptures, frescos and diorama of Moscow in miniature for art connoisseurs.

The Royal Wellness club, including spacious SPA and 50-m long swimming pool, will indulge travellers into the health & beauty atmosphere, pampering them with therapeutic treatments and professional care.

Another unparalleled advantage of the hotel is its own flotilla of seven white modern-designed ice-breaking yachts. Restaurants on board offer Mediterranean cuisine while guests cruise daily along the Moskva River from the piers of the Radisson Royal or Gorky Park, passing by the most picturesque city sites.

Totally set up for group excursions, special occasions or business events, invulnerable double-decked crafts are available for rent to host up to 150 people to assure memorable year-round river cruises.

For more information on the Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow, head over to Hall 2.1/107 or visit www.radisson.ru/en/royalhotel-moscow.

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Aerial view of Doha

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels launch in Doha Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

Continuing Qatar’s current period of development in the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels is a new collection of six five-star hotels, recently opened in Qatar’s capital city Doha.

The Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels are situated within the Souq Waqif, the oldest area in Qatar and only traditional Souq remaining in the Gulf.

The Souq offers an authentic Arabian experience, demonstrating traditional architecture, Qatari way-of-life and treasures including local handicrafts, garments and spices waiting to be discovered. A hub for locals, the Souq buzzes with diverse restaurants, art galleries and concerts. Just a stone’s throw away from the action is the rejuvenating five star experience provided by the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels.

Each hotel caters to a different segment of Qatar’s growing tourism industry, from lively hotels for those looking to explore and be in the heart of the action, to independent residences

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for business or long stay guests to unwind at the end of a long day working or sightseeing.

Remaining consistent across the whole collection is the high level of service and traditional Qatari style, allowing guests to relax in an authentic setting away from the city buzz.

The collection of hotels offers a range of services and a choice of quality dining, all designed in a glamorous traditional Arabic style paying homage to Qatar’s history and architecture. At The Al Jasra, guests and visitors alike can dine in the hotel’s stylish seafood restaurant, whilst at The Al Mirqab traditional Arabic cuisine is ready to be sampled. Al Najada offers a slice of traditional Middle Eastern culture within the bustling heart of the Souq, and Arumaila treats visitors to twinkling views across Doha from its lively roof top grill.

The Musheireb is a smaller boutique hotel consisting of nine rooms and five suites, ideal for private family gatherings or a business group. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels has also catered for guests who still want to enjoy a hotel service but remain independent. The Residences offer stylish and comfortable three bedroom serviced residences, perfect for families.

With attractions aplenty, including exhilarating desert ‘dune bashing’, sand boarding and sand skiing, as well as one of the largest collections of art at the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar is rapidly becoming a hot spot for both business and leisure stopovers and longer stays. The

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels collection is well located for exploring Doha, 15 minutes away from Doha International Airport, and with the Doha Corniche, Museum of Islamic Art, and Qatar National Museum nearby.

With 85,000 hotel rooms set to be available by 2022, the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels is the latest in a line of brand names to join Qatar’s hotel scene, further developing options for travellers and demonstrating the long term devel opment in the country.

Qatar Tourism Authority Restructured under the Emiri Decree in 2009, Qatar Tourism Authority was given the mandate to organise, enable, and supervise the tourism industry development and to organise exhibitions in Qatar, as well as represent and promote Qatar as a quality tourism destination for leisure, business, education, culture and sport.

Qatar Tourism Authority gets actively involved in organising events and promotions which positively reflect on the general image of Qatar as an evolving tourism destination combining business with leisure.

For more information on the work of the QTA head over to www.qatartourism.gov.qa or visit Hall 22.B/206.

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A taste of history at Sonesta Posadas del Inca Valle Sagrado - Yucay High quality cuisine in the Inca Valley

Considered one of the finest properties in South America, Sonesta Posadas del Inca Valle Sagrado - Yucay offers travellers a chance to unwind amid the splendour of an ancient civilisation.

Nestled in the heart of the Inca’s Sacred Valley, surrounded by beautiful gardens, Sonesta Posadas del Inca Valle Sagrado - Yucay is a former XVIII century monastery, fully renovated to maintain its original colonial charm. The 87 room hotel is only one hour away by car from the Inca’s antique capital city, situated between Cusco and Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The perfect weather allows guests to rest and enjoy the charm and tranquillity the valley offers to all its visitors. Visit the Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, ideal for a comfortable adaptation to the Andean altitude. Enjoy its exquisite cuisine, high quality service and the warmth of its people.

A welcoming glass of Champagne

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Fine dining is offered at the Inkafé Restaurant, which serves exquisite cuisine to stimulate the senses in the Sacred Valley. Innovative dishes that enhance the quality of native ingredients, tasty desserts and a varied lunch buffet are all on offer, while the restaurant is surrounded by gardens to increase the enjoyment of the marvellous climate

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Views over Sonesta Posadas del Inca Valle Sagrado at night

and special magnetism of this part of Cusco.

Savor the innovative tastes of Novoandean and international cuisine at Inkafé Restaurant Bar, the Sacred Valley’s most bountiful buffet.

For those looking to do business, Yucay, with an ideal climate of warm weather and yearround sunshine, is the perfect location for incentive groups or special events. Enjoy the charm of this old monastery, completed with beautifully landscaped gardens, chapel, handicraft shops and more.

Getting Around Machu Picchu is located just 130 kilometres north-east of Cusco City, and is 2,200 meters above sea level. It is one of the world's most outstanding archaeological sites, the most important in South America and the most visited tourist attraction in Peru. Of course, no visit to Sonesta Peru would be complete without a walk on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – the most famous trekking route in South America, it offers spectacular views of the impressive landscape and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

While less famous, Ollantaytambo is considered to be one of the most impressive architectural complexes in the Inca Empire.

While known as a fortress, due to its magnificent walls, it was actually built as a ‘tambo’ or shelter, and is located in a strategic place in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The

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architectural work, as well as the quality of each individually carved stone, make Ollantaytambo one of the most peculiar and amazing works of art made by the Incas.

World Travel Awards For the second consecutive year, World Travel Awards has chosen Sonesta Posadas del Inca Sacred Valley - Yucay as the winner in the category: Peru's Leading Boutique Hotel. The award ceremony for the Americas & the Caribbean took place in the Turks & Caicos Islands in late 2012.

The prestigious recognition program rewards the best in the tourism industry, as it has done for two decades. The results were obtained after a worldwide online voting process. With this important award – the Oscars equivalent in hospitality according to the press – the hotel's efforts to provide memorable stays were rewarded once again. The award recognises the prestige of Sonesta as a hotel chain, with the most demanding service standards, reflected in guest satisfaction and awards including this newly obtained recognition.

There is more on the Sonesta Collection at Hall 1.1/101 + 110 or on www.sonesta.com.

Welcoming lobby

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Interview

María del Carmen de Reparaz, Director of Tourism Promotion, PromPeru Lima, capital of Peru, will welcome the World Travel Awards South & Central America Gala Ceremony later this year, capping the destination’s rise as a tourism superpower. Here Breaking Travel News chats with María del Carmen de Reparaz, director of tourism Promotion, PromPeru, to discuss the secrets behind the country’s success.

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Breaking Travel News: Many travellers will be familiar with the highlights of Peru, including Machu Picchu, but can you tell us a little about what else the destination has to offer?

María del Carmen de Reparaz: Our wonderful Machu Picchu is definitely a symbol of Peru and Inca Culture for the world’s eyes, but Peru has certainly so much more to offer. We have a unique geography that offers sandy beaches, dunes, of course the Andes, and a wide variety of forests, the Amazon included. We are as well a melting pot of cultures; this is what makes us unique and interesting for travellers.

For example we have the Moche Route that involves Peru’s Mochica culture, ancient Peruvians who lived in the Northern coast of Peru before the time of the Incas. They were the ones that built the most magnificent clay city in the Americas, as well as achieved the highest levels of artistry in pottery and jewellery making. Moche remains can be found in the Trujillo and Chiclayo regions, places where people still keep some of the customs of their ancestors, such as fishing in totora (reed) boats

and pottery. The North coast also has one of the most delicious cuisines in the country.

For the ones that enjoy culture but with a twist of adventure and nature, there is an excellent off-the-beaten-track option, this is Chachapoyas and Kuelap located in the Northern Amazon area. Chachapoyas is also a pre Inca culture, also known as “the people of the clouds” as they constructed stone cities in very high places; this is an excellent trip for trek enthusiasts. The Amazon was selected as one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders not so long ago, so Chachapoyas can perfectly be part of a trip to the Amazon Area.

These are just a couple of options, but the bottom line I would like to focus on is that Peru has an option for every kind of traveller, whether they are coming on a family trip or on a honeymoon, or with friends, Peru has now a wide variety of touristic services available from luxury to standard services, we are not just the mystical and exotic country, which we are proud to be, but also we offer the best travel experience.

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BTN: PromPeru recently launched an advertising campaign under the headline ‘Peru, land of hidden treasures’. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this campaign? How was it received in key international markets?

MCR: Yes, the campaign ‘Peru, land of hidden treasures’ was launched in 2012. The idea behind this spot - that has the format of a movie trailer- is to involve the spectator and provoke emotions on them. Under the slogan “Don´t watch the movie, live it for real” we want to invite potential travellers to come to Peru and let them know that we have many more places to offer besides Machu Picchu, and that we have a solid offer of tourism facilities, that yes: we are an exotic place but we also have top hotels and a luxury offer of services for travellers.

This campaign involved an important investment, both for the creation and production as well as for the communications and marketing actions. So far it has been launched in our key markets, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, EEUU, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

In 2013, we will present it in South Korea, China, Japan, Australia and Mexico.

The campaign has been received wonderfully, for example, in December it was used in our stand at the World Travel Market, and we were surprised to know that there was an award for the best use of video as a marketing tool, which was given to Peru. We received excellent

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feedback, which makes us very happy; this has set a milestone for Peru in terms of what we had ever done to promote our country abroad.

BTN: Which markets to do you see growing in importance for Peru over the next five years?

MCR: Asia and emerging markets such as Russia will gain more importance for us in the next years. So far Japan is already the most important Asian market for us right now, but other countries such as South Korea are gaining presence in the market share for us.

This is a reflection of the world’s economy; the income in Asian markets is increasing which is reflected in a higher demand of luxury products and services. In this sense, we are very interested in spreading to these markets.

This year we will host preliminary activities for the tourism trade in the emerging Asian countries, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and India. We look forward for the results of this first approach.

BTN: Peru is famous as the leading culinary destination in South America. What do you think it is that puts the country on the map in this regard?

MCR: Yes, and not only South America, Peru was chosen as the World’s Leading Culinary Destination at the last edition of the World Travel Awards too. Food is a reason of pride for Peruvians so being recognised for our food is wonderful. What makes us excellent in gastronomy is the variety of native products

combined with a new generation of very committed chefs that work incessantly to put our cuisine in the world’s eyes, opening top restaurants in some of the most important cities. Peruvians are very exigent with food; many say we have a difficult palate when we go abroad. I think this could be another motive too, we do not accept an “ok” food, we expect our food to be perfect, and this reflects on what the rest of the world perceives.

BTN: As you mentioned, Peru was recently recognised by the World Travel Awards. How did it feel to claim this prestigious honour?

How do you feel to be hosting the event later this year?

MCR: The World Travel Awards recognition has been very important for us; it was a reason of joy for Promperú and all Peruvians. This award makes us want to work harder to put Peru in the tourism world map, this is not only a commitment of Promperú as the country´s tourism board but also the commitment of the tourism industry altogether; we work very closely for the same goal and the results are being very positive. In this sense, we are very excited to be the host of the event this year; it is a unique opportunity that will be very beneficial for everybody. We look forward to welcoming you all in a few months.

For more information on visiting Peru head over to Hall 1.1/101 + 110 or take a look at www.peru.travel/en.

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News

WAYN has gone live in its core markets with a fresh new design interface and a complete transformation of the platform to enable its users to better discover where to go, what to do and who to meet.

WAYN unveils vibrant new design The world's largest travel and lifestyle social network has designed its new site to help users on a journey of “destination discovery”, provoking inspiration on where to travel to next as well as what to do when you get there and who to connect with to make the most of your experience.

Peter Ward, chief executive and co-Founder of WAYN, said: “We are extremely proud of the new platform, which while only ten per cent of the vision, is designed to encourage users to share their experiences, meet people and discover the best places to go to as well as what to do once they get there. We have rebuilt parts of the site from the ground up, consulting our users at every stage. A selection of current and new users have had the opportunity to test the site in advance, to ensure that we get the first version of the new vision, absolutely right. Now, engaging with

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locals, experienced travellers who've been and budding jet-setters who want to go to any destination, has never been easier. ” The platform includes a Pinterest-style wall, in the context of every destination around the world, showcasing not only pictures added by users of that destination, but also who lives there, who has been and who wants to go, as well as tips and questions added by users, places to visit and more.

Members of the platform can search or browse any destination and filter it by their WAYN, Facebook and Foursquare networks with a click of a button, so that they can quickly find recommendations on where to go and what to do, based on what others have already experienced. Users can also filter the results by people or content type, making it easy to find what they are looking for, by

destination. Content that they like can be pinned to their profile and eventually they will be able to create customised collections of their favourite things and share them with others.

WAYN currently has over 50 global tourist boards, airlines, hotels and travel operators as partners and has become one of the world’s leading platforms for driving user engagement and influencing travel decisions. With headquarters in London and a team in Poland, WAYN now has a global network of offices in Cape Town; New York and most recently in Delhi, via its partnership with India Today Group. WAYN currently boasts over 21 million members and 15 million visits per month, while 70,000 trips and activities are added each day, establishing the site as the world’s largest travel and lifestyle social media platform.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Up until recently our focus was very much on connecting people on where they are, where they have been and where they are going. I think we have become very successful in doing that. But where we have perhaps lacked the time and resources to develop is to build around the where to go, what to do aspect. The new platform, the new site, while still being ten per cent of the vision of what we intend the site to be, is getting some very positive feedback from our partners, our advertisers.

People want to be involved with the project. It is a lot more aspirational and contextual,â&#x20AC;? Ward concluded.

For more information head over to www.wayn.com.

WAYN chief executive Peter Ward

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News

World Ski Awards set for Kitzbühel launch World Travel Awards, “the Oscars of the travel industry”, is launching a new programme to acknowledge the finest brands in the global ski industry. The inaugural World Ski Awards will take place at A-ROSA Kitzbühel, Austria on 16th November 2013.

World Ski Awards will be the first of its kind to celebrate the pinnacle of the wintersports hospitality industry. The exclusive awards programme will feature five categories: best ski resort, hotel, chalet/lodge, inbound operator and boutique hotel.

The elite organisations from the world’s top 20 ski nations will be nominated in their respective categories, and then enter a public and industry vote.

Countries in the programme are: Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and USA.

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At the ceremony, the national winners with the most votes will be announced as the victors in their respective world category.

Kitzbühel in Austria’s Tyrol will provide the perfect setting for the inaugural red-carpet ceremony. Home to the legendary Hahnenkamm Race, the historic medieval town is synonymous with ski tourism and is one of the world’s most popular wintersports destinations.

The landmark ceremony will be staged at the world-class A-ROSA Kitzbühel, which enjoys a spectacular location overlooking the Hahnenkamm peak.

Sion Rapson, Director, World Ski Awards, highlights the role that the programme will play: “World Ski Awards will serve as the definitive awards programme to reward and celebrate the elite of the wintersports industry. The gala ceremony in Kitzbühel will bring together the leading players and provide a unique forum for exchanging ideas and top-level networking.”

Uwe Schramm, General Manager A-ROSA Kitzbühel underlines the importance of the event: “Hosting World Ski Awards is a great chance to share our services with important key players from different ski destinations world wide. A-ROSA is an incredible resort to experience a charismatic mix of endearing tradition and glamorous cosmopolitan atmosphere.”

Peter Marko, Managing Director Kitzbühel Tourist Board, says: “Kitzbühel is very proud to host the inaugural World Ski Awards 2013. Our great ski history which reaches back to 1892, the Hahnenkamm race and one of the leading ski resorts in the Alps makes Kitzbühel a perfect place to launch the World Ski Awards.”

World Ski Awards is the sister event of World Travel Awards, which is heralded as “the Oscars of the travel industry”.

For more information visit www.a-rosa.de.

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News

A-ROSA Kitzbühel

A-ROSA Kitzbühel to host World Ski Awards in 2013

World Ski Awards has revealed A-ROSA Kitzbühel will play host to its first Gala Ceremony on November 16th this year, as the World Travel Awards spin-off recognises industry leaders from across the ski and mountain tourism sector.

The award-winning 115-room, 35-suite property, which was the first A-ROSA resort to open in Austria, is a stylish meeting place in the Alps for discerning visitors from all around the world.

Rebecca Vey, General Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing, A-ROSA Resorts & Hideaways commented: “We are proud to host the first World Ski Awards in 2013 at our A-ROSA Kitzbühel. This event is great exposure for the whole A-ROSA group and supports our efforts to expand our presence in our source markets beyond Europe. We’re really excited to show our overall concept and excellence to such a discerning audience.”

“The legendary ‘Hahnenkamm Race’ attracts annually 80,000 visitors and is one of the major events in the ski world. A-ROSA Kitzbühel will show its guests the highest level of hospitality and all facets of this vibrant area.” Uwe Schramm continues: “We’re looking forward to a successful event in 2013.”

Guests can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, curling, alpine curling, snow-shoe hiking, sledding, golf, tennis, riding, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, Nordic walking, ballooning, paragliding. The property is surrounded Austria’s most beautiful nine-hole golf course.

Additional features include an indoor and outdoor pool and spa for guests to unwind in complete with seven saunas and a relaxation room, an ice grotto and outdoor terrace, Turkish Haman and sixteen treatment rooms.

The stunning golf and wellness resort also features three exceptional restaurants offering high-class cuisine.

For more information visit www.a-rosa.de.

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News

Kitzbühel, the most legendary sports destination in the Alps

Kitzbühel ‘The Legend’ Kitzbühel, the most legendary sports destination in the Alps: this self-confident slogan stands for a town that effortlessly combines tradition with sophistication. The legendary Hahnenkamm, a long sporting tradition and pioneering ventures in Alpine golf and winter sports have all contributed to Kitzbühel's worldwide reputation.

Today Kitzbühel remains a place of contrasts, where rustic Tyrolean guesthouses rub shoulders with international designer boutiques. Visitors can experience Kitzbühel in many ways, from the alleyways in the medieval old town and the breathtaking pistes to the town's elegant hotels and scenic hiking trails.

Tyrol's most sophisticated resort attracts visitors from all over the world, including celebrities, with its traditional character combined with modern flair. International events like the Snow Polo World Cup, multiaward-winning restaurants serving up creative cuisine, and a state-of-the-art conference centre show how Kitzbühel manages to move with the times while staying true to its roots.

Skiing in Kitzbühel

Skiing in Kitzbühel

sports. The first Hahnenkamm Race took place in 1931. Over the last few decades, this challenging race has become the world’s most important alpine ski event. Kitzbühel is more deeply rooted in skiing history than any other alpine skiing resort.

Kitzbühel has always been a trendsetting city.

Snowboarders and newschool skiers can take full advantage of one premium snow park, bringing high international standards to local youth winter sports.

Alpine skiers have a myriad of options to choose from, thanks to 170 km of ski runs, 52 gondolas and ski lifts, which transport winter sports fans as high as 2,000 m above sea level. Many charming ski huts await your visit.

Powder skiers will find their personal satisfaction in an area as huge as 230 km² including 32 km of ski routes and a wide variety of ski mountaineering opportunities.

Kitzbühel is home to a number of established ski schools, employing more than 600 instructors.

For more information visit www.kitzbuehel.com.

Kitzbühel and winter sports is a truly timeless and legendary combination. Since 1892, the city has been world-renowned for its snow

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MELANIE BIENROTH // SPA-ROSA WELLNESS EXPERT

WRAPPED IN HOSPITALITY. A TOTAL AREA OF OVER 15,0 0 0 M 2 AND MORE THAN 10 0 HIGHLY QUALIFIED SPA-ROSA WELLNESS EXPERTS WITH BUT A SINGLE AIM: YOUR COMPLETE WELL-BEING. GET TO KNOW A-ROSA // e. g. at the A-ROSA Kitzbühel 2 nights in a double room with vitality breakfast & A-ROSA evening buffet sæ 1 relaxing SPA session (40 min.) sæ Free usage of the SPA-ROSA s

Offer available until 21.12.2013 (holidays excluded). Applies to any day of the week. Additional seasonal fees may apply.

Limited number of rooms available.

from € 329 PER PERSON IN A DOUBLE ROOM

For advice and reservations go to www.a-rosa.com or call

+ 49 (0) 40 - 69 63 52 33 - 7

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News

Kitzbühel awarded best skiing area worldwide Highest marks for top quality Kitzbühel is a winter sports destination blessed with bests and firsts. This not only goes back to its unique reputation as a World Cup hotspot and to its world-famous Streif. In addition to the most spectacular downhill-course, Kitzbühel has reached pole position in another international ranking: “Skiresort.de“ – the number one global test-platform for ski areas has awarded Kitzbühel with the highest marks ever. The jury of Skiresort.de, the leading test platform, notes: “Kitzbühel is the first and only skiing area, having reached 4,8 out of 5 stars and consequently can be regarded as the best skiing area worldwide.”

Five-star awards in top categories

Quality and comfort as the main focus

The Skiresort.de-team has undertaken the most comprehensive and detailed overall check of the Kitzbühel skiing area, considering no less than 18 criteria in the evaluation process. The experts have critically examined everything of importance to guest satisfaction, from the quality of the slopes to the service levels of the restaurants. The impressive overall results confirm the outstanding performance of the Kitzbühel skiing area in all the top categories.

The extension of the skiing area, the variety of the slopes, the quality standards of lifts and gondolas, the snow guarantee, the grooming of slopes and the snowparks have been awarded five out of five stars by the test team – the top ranking in the quality scale!

To accomplish these outstandingly high standards, Kitzbühel has massively invested in the improvement of infrastructure and quality levels. In recent years, investments have averaged at around €20 million per anum, with a total investment in excess of €200 million since the year 2000 in increasing comfort levels for more than 1.5 million skiers per year. The Kitzbühel skiing area offers 170 kilometres of well-groomed slopes, covering seven villages and the two provinces of Tirol and Salzburg

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Interview

Uwe Schramm, General Manager, A-ROSA Kitzbühel A-ROSA Kitzbühel has been selected to host the inaugural World Ski Awards later this year. Here Breaking Travel News sits down with general manager Uwe Schramm to discuss just what it is that makes this resort so special.

Breaking Travel News: First off, can you perhaps tell our readers what is on offer at A-ROSA Kitzbühel?

Uwe Schramm: Our A-ROSA resort – built in the style of a Tyrolean castle – sits on the slopes of the majestic Alpine mountains on the sunny side of the Kitzbühel valley. Incorporated into Austria’s most venerable golf club, the resort offers spectacular views of the world’s most famous ski racing slope, the Streif at the Hahnenkamm Mountain. The heart of the resort is the 3,000sqm SPA area, called SPAROSA. It turns new pioneering concepts into reality with innovative wellness tourism. Guests are offered an extensive spa menu combining the very best rituals from around the world.

The three resort restaurants stand for a reinterpretation of Alpine cuisine. With our fine dining options we invite our guests to a discovery trip through culinary indulgence. In addition to the main restaurant Streif, A-ROSA Kitzbühel has two a la carte restaurants: the innovative gourmet restaurant Heimatliebe and the restaurant Monti e Mare, which offers Tyrolean and Mediterranean dishes. The culinary highlight is the award-winning restaurant Heimatliebe with head chef Andreas Senn. Gault Millau 2012, one of the most

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famous gourmet guides, distinguished the restaurant Heimatliebe with 17 points.

What has to be mentioned beside the outstanding events such as Hahnenkamm race, Polo on Snow and the ATP Tennis Tournament, is the unique holiday experience our guests have at our resort. All year round we offer our guests exclusive eureka moments by offering several programs and special events in our resort. Weather it is a culinary evening with our head chef Andreas Senn or other famous guest chefs, a private golf experience or an exclusive outing in to the stunning mountain scenery of the Kitzbühel Alps, we always create special treasured moments only our guests can experience.

BTN: A-ROSA recently underwent a rebranding exercise. Can you bring us up to date with the latest developments?

US: With our new advertising campaign, AROSA Resorts & Hideaways focuses on the values and the featured contents of the brand, and replicate the earlier success of the logo with the red rose.

The pictured themes and the slogan "Coated with Hospitality" communicate the warmth and

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professionalism our guests and employees appreciate so much. The realisation of values and the applied A-ROSA culture makes our features – such as the luxury spa, award winning culinary concepts and unique destinations with a high leisure focus - come alive and makes A-ROSA a one of a kind resort concept.

BTN: A-ROSA Kitzbühel will host the World Ski Awards later this year; can you tell us a little about this event? How will it boost the brand?

US: We are very proud to host the World Ski Awards 2013. It is a great chance to share our services with important players from different ski destinations worldwide. Kitzbühel as “sports city of the alps” is an incredible resort to experience a charismatic mix of endearing tradition and a glamorous cosmopolitan atmosphere. The great ski history which reaches back to 1892, the Hahnenkamm race and being one of the leading ski resorts in the Alps makes Kitzbühel a perfect place to launch the World Ski Awards.

The historic medieval town is synonymous with ski tourism and is one of the world’s most

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popular winter sports destinations. The Kitzbühel skiing region was shortly awarded in the highest classification of ‘Skiresort.de’ and therefore fulfils all requirements for a state of the art ski destination.

BTN: How do you differentiate the property from competitors in the region?

US: Our consistently good guest comments concerning our hospitality show we again and again satisfy our guests with a variety of offers and experiences. Weather it is our culinary concept, the spa, or our golf and sports offering, A-ROSA resort is the ideal place for a luxurious wellness holiday at any time of the year.

A-ROSA is a stylish meeting place in the Alps for discerning visitors from all around the world. The characteristic architecture, which includes a mix between modern and Tyrolean Style interiors, fits perfectly into the surrounding mountain scenery and is located on the sunny side of Kitzbühel. And, not to forget, our staff at A-ROSA treat all our guests with friendliness and warmth, m aking the property come to life and turning it into an extra ordinary retreat.

BTN: What do you think is your most important attribute when managing the team at A-ROSA Kitzbühel?

US: I am an absolute team leader and probably one of a kind. To give my employees a lot of responsibility and by that creating a high sense of responsibility and professionalism is essential for me. The team always stands first and social attributes and soft skills such as friendliness, helpfulness, the way to talk with a guest – just to name a few – are in focus. I am happy to work with such a competent and reliable team like mine at A-ROSA Kitzbühel.

For more information on A-ROSA head over to www.a-rosa.de.

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News

Town Hall fireworks celebrate Tour de France success

Ambition pays dividends for Welcome to Yorkshire It is often said that innovation is the key to survival in tough economic times. This adage has certainly been proven right at Welcome to Yorkshire, where constant innovation is the watchword behind every new initiative.

Welcome to Yorkshire has picked up a lot of silverware in recent years, collecting several World Travel Awards. However, the real measures of success for any tourism promoter are the figures. In a period in which many other industries struggle under the recession, Yorkshire has managed to add £1.1 billion to the value of its visitor economy since 2009.

So what’s the formula in a saturated market where the consumer is spoilt for choice? As a tourist the world really is your oyster, and it requires a creative approach to lure visitors away from cheap flights and package deals in foreign climes. For Welcome to Yorkshire the solution has been ambition, in both the scale and variety of marketing endeavours it has undertaken.

Undoubtedly the greatest coup pulled off in the history of the organisation, if not the county, is the snaring of the famous Grand Départ of the Tour de France for Yorkshire in 2014. Since the unprecedented plan was announced there has been a groundswell of talk and enthusiasm for the county’s moment on the international stage. The success of the bid was far from assured, with strong competition from local rivals Edinburgh and international bidders Florence, but the benefits of winning the right to stage it are vast; with

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estimated benefits to the local economy running at over £100 million.

To secure the Tour and all the benefits it would bring with it, the county would therefore need someone to lead the charge and persuade the organisers that Yorkshire would be able to add to the considerable existing legacy of the race.

And it was Welcome to Yorkshire that stood up to the task. Among the many tactics used by the organisation to show Yorkshire off to the Tour was the policy of engagement on a variety of levels. A big feature of the campaign was the stunning promotional video showcasing the dramatic Yorkshire countryside that would hope to host the hundreds of riders and their teams during the two day event. The Hollywood production values of the film showed off the key people, landscapes and sporting heritage that make Yorkshire.

However, the Tour wasn’t won entirely on glitz and glamour. A second thread of the campaign was the demonstration to the Tour committee of the level of local support and interest a Yorkshire Départ would generate in the local public. While the terrain and its vistas can put the icing on the cake of a great Tour, the real magic happens in the welcome and support of the hosts in fostering the French spirit that keeps the race going.

To that end, the Welcome to Yorkshire team made every effort to demonstrate Yorkshire as a destination rather than as a venue; flying the French delegates around the county in a helicopter and entertaining them at Harewood House, one of the region’s most prestigious country houses, to sample Yorkshire lamb and other top local produce. The French were also introduced to the people of Yorkshire during their visit, the same people who hoped to be lining the route in 2014 and participating in the grand tradition of the Tour. This included local council dignitaries whose areas could play host to the race should it come to Yorkshire as well as others form the public and private sector. There was also a face from the Tour’s past involved; Brian Robinson, Huddersfield resident and the first Briton to win a stage of the Tour de France.

It’s not just the Tour de France that has benefitted from Welcome to Yorkshire’s broad minded approach to raising the profile of their county. Another imaginative cultural offering was the Brontës’ Yorkshire Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show, which won the coveted RHS gold award as well as the People’s Choice award chosen by a poll of 11,000.

The piece was part of a series of gardens entered by the organisation that highlighted the literary connection between the Brontë sisters

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Luxury accommodation in Yorkshire

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n National Media Museum, Bradford The Deep Hull

and their home county, but was also a rather more subtle advertisement for Yorkshire attractions. Based on the real world location of Top Withens, the stone locally sourced from a quarry nearby, the layout inspired by the nowfamous Brontë Bridge often visited by the sisters; as a whole the garden relocated an atmospheric corner of Yorkshire to central London and gave those that saw it a taste for more.

This same principle was also applied to art on an international scale. Welcome to Yorkshire’s association with the major Hockney exhibition ‘A Bigger Picture’ saw the Yorkshire artist’s works featuring the Yorkshire Wolds displayed in major galleries including America and Germany. The tour attracted review from major newspapers in several countries and was greeted with fanfare wherever it went. But, most importantly for Yorkshire, a large amount of the focus was directed at Hockney’s vivid depiction of his home landscape over 50 years.

The Tour will be looming large on the horizon for Welcome to Yorkshire, with so much planning and preparation to be done before the big day.

However, the wider tourism work continues apace. They have just launched Yorkshire’s bid to be recognised as the European capital of sculpture, a centre of excellence in both art and research.

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Hepworth Wakefield and the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds, three of the largest and most recognised artistic establishments in the UK, are collaborating with support from Welcome to Yorkshire and Arts Council England in an effort to enhance Yorkshire’s contribution to the country’s artistic heritage.

All in a day’s work.

Find out more on Visit to Yorkshire head over to www.yorkshire.com.

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Feature

Turkish Delight at Cornelia Diamond The luxurious Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa has been named the World’s Leading Integrated Resort by the World Travel Awards. Here Breaking Travel News takes a look around this one of a kind property.

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Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa is a world of sensory experiences. Stepping into this tempting world, where style and soul are entwined, guests will feel the flirtatious chord as lighting, design and music transform the moment. The striking sensation created continue throughout the property as visitors engage with world class restaurants, bars, spa facilities and more. All you need to do is to naturally run with the flow. Trust your senses.

In a beach front oasis where contemporary design is combined with ultimate comfort, Cornelia promises a dazzling scene wherever

you look. The hotel has created a unique and individual expression of ‘the art of good living’.

Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa is the most outspoken and trendy hotel in Belek-Antalya, the unique holiday region of Turkey.

With pools to surround you, the gorgeous Crassula SPA to renew not only your body but also your soul, children’s world, nine à la carte restaurants, the 27 hole Cornelia Golf Club Nick Faldo Golf Course, and unrivalled sports and entertainment facilities, this magic world is designed to make sure you enjoy every moment with pleasure.

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Culinary Desire Within the irresistible alterability of time, life creates opportunities for us to TASTE its numerous delights. It styles occasions for unforgettable moments to be composed. Here we discover new delicacies each and every day.

The hotel has a main restaurant, a snack restaurant and nine à la carte restaurants offering elite tastes from world cuisines.

Discover various specialties from sushi to oriental tastes of the Ottoman cuisine, from seafood to game, from local food of the Anatolian region to Italian classics. The à la carte restaurants are not only ambitious with their unique food service but also with their impressive atmospheres in which you can live a different experience each night. There are also ten different bars, offering a wide range of local and imported drinks in which you can expect 24-hour service.

square metres. Children can participate in creative and entertaining activities in the company of experienced animation team. A babysitting service is also available at the hotel, with staff more than glad to take care of your little one if you want to have some time for yourself.

There are also many facilities such as a mini cinema, lots of playing rooms, indoor and outdoor pools inside the mini club area, aqua park, electronic games, Playstation, a funfair with dodgems, carousel and a train.

Cornelia Golf Club The Cornelia Golf Club Nick Faldo Championship Golf Course, which is one of the best golf courses in the world, is situated only two minutes away from the hotel. This spectacular course is set within pine forests native to the Mediterranean and has been formed by the naturally sandy base beneath it.

The course which is designed on an area of 1,400,000 square metres consists of 27 holes and extensive practice facilities. Explore and express yourself in the aroma of life.

Family Resort The private beach of the hotel is 250 metres long and 50 metres wide and makes it possible for you to enjoy the lucid water of the Mediterranean Sea. Atlantis Children’s World, with children’s pools, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, funfair, and water slides, provides a special service spread over an area of 4,000

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Feature

In the meantime, we are well aware that no blend reveals its real character before it touches the skin of a man or a woman. And the real relaxation is more than skin deep. You will be dazzled away by the smell of happiness within the world of magical scents.

Crassula Spa at Cornelia The Crassula SPA specially designed for you to renew your body and soul, goes beyond the usual spa therapies and uses the opportunities offered by nature to the full extent to help you reach a healthier and higher level of life quality.

On an area of 5,000 square metres the Crassula SPA consists of three separate parts: Spa Relax, Spa Luxury and Spa Private. Steam baths with different temperatures, special showers and traditional Turkish baths are among the services the guests of the Crassula Spa can benefit from.

There are also resting corners with various atmospheres in different areas of the Crassula Spa. Far eastern massages ornamented with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Zen philosophyâ&#x20AC;?, Sultan therapies, luxury therapies such as therapies made of 24 carat gold, holistic therapies, natural essence beauty therapies and Far eastern massages in open-air Bali houses which are located on water are available to guests in the Crassula Spa.

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World Travel Awards Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa is also set to host the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony on August 31st, welcoming the leading lights of the tourism industry to the property. The event will form part of the WTA 20th anniversary Grand Tour, which is set to be the most spectacular Grand Tour yet with seven regional heats, including events in Peru, Antigua, Dubai, and Singapore before the Grand Final in Las Vegas.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. The Grand Tour of WTA Gala Ceremonies are regarded as milestone events in the tourism calendar, attended by key decision makers, industry figureheads and the leading trade and consumer media.

For more information please visit www.corneliaresort.com or www.worldtravelawards.com. Alternatively, head over to Hall 3.2/122 to chat to a representative.

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News

Turkey: Something for everyone Turkey is a holiday destination almost designed to appeal to visitors from around the world, combining fascinating historical and archaeological sites, a delicious cuisine and an active sports scene with great weather, stunning scenery and warm hospitality.

Its awe-inspiring landscapes and contrasting regions, encompassing two Wonders of the Ancient World, 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 352 Blue Flag beaches and 19 Blue Flag Marinas, a diverse plant and animal life and 20 world-class golf courses, to name just a few, mean Turkey can offer many options for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Beyond the obvious attractions of sun and sea, Turkey has many fasc inating ancient sites reflecting its heritage dating back millennia, and there are also a great variety of winter and summer sports, cultural activities and festivals to tempt visitors. Turkey's rich past includes such intriguing cities as Troy and Ephesus and such well-known names in mythology as King Midas and Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) with related artifacts on display at world-class museums across the country.

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Most recently, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, the Neolithic site of Catalhoyuk located in Central Anatolia, became Turkey's 11th UNESCO World Heritage site. UNESCO and Turkey will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Piri Reis World Map in 2013, a rare world map from the 16th century produced by the Ottoman admiral and cartographer of the same name.

Lapped by Turquoise Waters Turkey's Mediterranean region in the south is perfect for both sun-seekers and sports-lovers alike, and is characterised by its pine forests giving the region a beautiful backdrop. Savour its shoreline, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, an incredible 1,600km in length and popular for its pristine golden sands

and secret bays only accessible by the traditional 'gulet' sailing boat.

Set among this drama are the picturesque ruins of ancient cities giving great opportunities for a relaxing break with the chance to explore history, sports such as white-water rafting and treks along the marked Lycian and St Paul Trails.

The three main resorts of the stunning Mediterranean coastline all have a different flavour, with Marmaris having gorgeous beaches, lively nightlife and Turkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busiest yachting port. Alanya, further along to the east, is crowned by a huge medieval fortress setting the scene for its never-ending 22km beach.

Between these cities Antalya is a resort with lively beaches and luxury hotels juxtaposed with its picturesque historic quarter of Ottoman houses.

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Antalya's sophisticated resort of Belek is worth visiting for its world golfing scene alone, with 15 superb courses, including those designed by Sir Nick Faldo and Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie. With over 50 luxury hotels, many of them all-inclusive and competitively priced, it's the perfect choice for golf-lovers. A new Club Med is due to open there in 2013 and the Turkish Open will be held there i n November with the world's most famous golfers in attendance.

Unique Charm Turkey's other holidaying coast, the Aegean, which harbours the well-loved towns of Bodrum, Kusadasi and the Cesme peninsula, has its own special charm being set off by a gentle landscape of vineyards, olive groves and fishing villages.

Those looking for a venue still undiscovered by the global crew should consider the Aegean's sassy village of Alacati renowned for its worldclass water sports and converted windmills.

One of the region's up-and-coming getaways, pleasure-seekers appreciate the charming old stone houses on narrow lanes lined with sidewalk cafes and classy restaurants serving fresh Aegean cuisine. The most eager visitors are the windsurfers who come for the brisk winds, international races and to enjoy the village's lively nightlife scene.

With its incredible lunar-like pale landscapes, ancient rock-carved churches and underground cities, cave hotels, and activities including hotair ballooning and hiking, Cappadocia must be the choice for an alternative travel experience.

Rich in culture and history, it is home to an enchanting open-air museum (Goreme National Park), a UNESCO World Heritage site, which contains hundre ds of rock churches carved and painted with elaborate frescoes by early Christians in the area. The underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu are not to be missed.

In recent years, Cappadocia has become one of Turkey’s top destinations for boutique hotels, many of which are cave hotels carved directly out of natural rock and can be quite luxurious.

Cappadocia is also said to be where winemaking first originated over 6000 years ago thanks to its fertile volcanic soil, and today some of the area’s wineries offer tastings and/or tours.

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City of Sultans The only city in the world to straddle two continents, Turkey's fabled city of Istanbul is the historic crossroads between East and West, a city of minarets and palaces and the perfect choice for a refreshing city break. Istanbul cradles the wonders of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, from the breathtaking Topkapi Palace to the majestic Hagia Sophia – part cathedral, part mosque and totally breathtaking. Other must-see sights include the unique Byzantine frescoes of the Kariye Museum, the Ottoman architect Sinan’s masterpiece the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Genoese Galata Tower with its panoramic views of the whole city. There are plenty of off-beat sites for those who want to leave the tourist crowds behind.

founding of the Turkish Republic by Ataturk, with celebrations including the opening of the Marmaray tunnel under the Bosphorus linking Europe and Asia. For those looking for somewhere special to stay, this year will also see the opening of a new Raffles hotel with one of the largest spas in the city and the ShangriLa Bosphorus with glorious views of the famous waterway.

For more information on visiting Turkey head over to the official tourism website at www.goturkey.com or visit representatives in Hall 3.2/201 or Hall 4.1/240.

As the cultural capital of Turkey, Istanbul will host the Istanbul Biennial in 2013 as well as numerous pop and classical concerts, as well as a wide array of exhibitions at its evergrowing number of galleries and museums.

Don't miss Istanbul Modern, showcasing some of Turkey's best contemporary art, and Orhan Pamuk's recently opened Museum of Innocence.

This year will be a landmark year to visit Istanbul, marking the 90th anniversary of the

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Interview Gordon Stewart, chairman, Sandals Resorts

Gordon Stewart, Chairman, Sandals Resorts With two new properties – in Grenada and Turks & Caicos – scheduled to open in 2013, these are exciting times for Sandals Resorts International. Here Breaking Travel News sits down with chairman Gordon Stewart to catch up with all the latest news.

Breaking Travel News: How is the situation at Sandals at present? Do you feel the worst of the economic storms are past in the United States and other key markets?

Will 2013 be a year of recovery, or growth?

Gordon Stewart: No question the economic climate of the past few years has presented challenges, but also opportunities for Sandals Resorts and we took advantage of them. In the end, 2012 finished as a very positive year for us. Our strategy was to drive longer stays and to focus on our highest room categories.

A refreshed marketing campaign aimed at luxury customers and supported by agents in the marketplace resulted in an increase in the average length of stay and customers opting for our top categories – including butler-level suites at both Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

This year is set to be one of the most exciting years yet for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, as we ended 2012 on such a high with the acquisition of two spectacular hotels in Turks & Caicos and Grenada. Both properties will now undergo enhancements customary to the Sandals and Beaches brands and will open later this year.

BTN: Can you tell us a little bit about the Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa which will open later this year?

GS: After looking to expand in Grenada for more than a decade, we were delighted to confirm the acquisition of our first resort on

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the island and are incredibly proud to have found the perfect location to add to our brand.

The property, which is located on the exclusive Pink Gin Beach and surrounded by the azure waters of the Caribbean on three sides, will become Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa and will open following substantial investment and exciting enhancements. Once complete, the resort will have added 100 rooms to offer a selection of 200 guest rooms, private cottages and bungalows, many of which will be conciergeand butler-level suites, including the brand’s signature Rondoval Suites. Each of the resort’s magnificently-appointed luxury accommodations will be extremely spacious and all will feature room service.

BTN: Sandals has long been associated with the World Travel Awards, where it has been recognised as the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company. What do you think it is that keeps the brand ahead of its competitors?

GS: When we first started, all we had was our desire to do more than people ever expected – regardless of what it took. More than 31 years on, our ethos remains the same. Over the years we have fine-tuned our training and development programme to ensure that our team members provide the best guest service in the business.

We like to use the phrase “We employ the smile, everything else we train” to define our recruitment policy and it’s the main reason so many guests continue to return to our resorts.

We are constantly investing in innovation as well as imagination so that our Luxury Included concept anticipates the needs and desires of our guests.

From a consistent refreshing of current resorts to introducing innovative new hotels, facilities and opportunities, we are determined to ensure that we offer our guests a true ‘luxury’ product. We are quite aware of the nagging perception that 'all-inclusive' can mean to some a compromise on quality, and are set on changing minds. At Sandals and Beaches, we offer a true luxury product, including providing our guests with worldclass accommodations, exemplary standards of service, exceptional cuisine choices, all premium brand drinks including an exclusive partnership with Beringer wines and all land and water sports including PADI scuba diving and golf.

BTN: How do you see Sandals developing over the next five-to-ten years; is this likely to be a period of sustained expansion?

GS: Expansion for the sake of expansion is not our business model. Certainly, we will always be on the lookout for exciting opportunities that not only expand our resort portfolio, but that enhance it – which is why

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Sandals LaSource Grenada

weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re terribly excited about Grenada and Turks, but at the end of the day, keeping standards high is paramount. We would rather have 30 perfect hotels than grow at a pace that does not allow us to maintain the excellence our guests have come to expect and deserve, so our development plan is to continue to invest in our resorts, in our training programs and in creating fresh guest experiences that drive demand.

BTN: Are there any plans to take the Sandals brand out of the Caribbean and look internationally?

GS: Although we have had interest from destinations around the world including the Maldives, Dubai and America, for the timebeing we plan to stay in the Caribbean. This is my home, my first love and an area I know quite well and enjoy sharing with the world.

And you know, there are so many more places in the Caribbean travellers have yet to explore that may well be ripe for our brands.

For more information head over to Hall 3.1/208 or visit www.sandals.co.uk.

Sandals LaSource Grenada will open later this year

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New clubhouse takes Legend to next level

A new state-of-the-art clubhouse at the multi-awardwinning Legend Golf & Safari Resort, in the Waterberg area of Limpopo, is well on schedule to open in July.

Phase two of the R30m (£2.25m) project is underway, which involves putting top-of-therange facilities and fittings in place following the initial building phase, which has already cost R20m. The second – and final – phase of the building project will see the installation of new locker rooms, with a members’ bar above; a pro shop, with executive meeting rooms and office space; a bush dining facility; and a halfway house.

This project follows hot on the heels of a recent substantial R15million investment in new customer vehicles, including 20-seater minibuses, for guest transportation, and 28 tenseater Toyota game viewers at the Entabeni Safari Conservancy.

Legend Golf & Safari Resort’s chief executive, Peet Cilliers, explained: “We are determined not to rest on our laurels despite our numerous recent awards and we are constantly looking to enhance our visitor experience. The new clubhouse will take the golfing experience at the resort to a whole new level and sends out a further message that everything here at Legend Golf & Safari Resort is of the highest standards.

Nothing will be overlooked and all our guests can rest assured they will enjoy the best experience possible.”

The clubhouse build continues the resort’s infrastructure investment which last year saw the opening of the new R10m (approx £713,000) Queen of Sheba Conference Centre, which seats 500 and complements the existing 300-seater Sofala Conference Centre and the 400-seater Monomotapa facility.

Legend Golf & Safari Resort offers world-class sporting facilities and a stunning private game reserve. Its luxurious accommodation offers the very highest standards and the opportunity to see some of the best wildlife Africa has to offer – including free-roaming lions, rhino, hippo, buffalo and herds of wildebeest and zebra.

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The unique 18-hole Signature golf course features holes designed by 18 of the world’s top players and the Extreme 19th – the world’s most spectacular par-three – sits atop Hanglip Mountain with a shot to a green 400m below.

The resort boasts more than 250 luxury resort suites, extensive leisure facilities including swimming pools, tennis, football and basketball, quad-biking, ballooning and helicopter flights.

Safari Legend is not only home to a world-class championship golf course but also one of the finest game safaris in Africa, and just two and half hours by car from Johannesburg.

The 22,000-hectare, malaria-free, Big 5 Entabeni Safari Conservancy is dramatically set against the scenic backdrop of the imposing Hanglip Mountain. The reserve is home to more than 50 mammal species, 300 plant species, 200 species of trees and almost 400 bird species that all co-exist thanks to the diverse eco-systems here that range from grasslands to bushveld and mountains to forested valleys.

The reserve boasts five eco-systems. The upper escarpment offers majestic craggy rock formations and wide open grass plains. This is separated from the lower plateau by 600 metre high cliffs. The lower escarpment is about three degrees warmer and comprises sandy wetlands. Luxury is the name of the game at Legends. Alongside the fantastic golf and safari, guests can enjoy helicopter flights and spa treatments within the conservancy, stargazing in the observatory, and sunset lake cruises.

For more information on visiting this unique location head over to www.legendlodges.co.za.

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News Somerset Heping Shenyang

Ascott Raffles Place Singapore

The Ascott launches marketing partnership with AKA The world’s largest international serviced residence owneroperator, The Ascott, is further enhancing its profile in the North American market through the formation of a marketing partnership with AKA, a luxury brand of serviced residences.

Under the terms of the new marketing partnership, AKA, which provides luxury furnished suites in prime metropolitan locations in the United States, will refer its customers to Ascott when they travel out of America. Similarly, Ascott will recommend its United States bound customers stay at properties operated by AKA. The partnership will widen Ascott’s global reach to about 80 cities across the US, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Gulf region.

At the same time, Carol Barron from Serviced Apartments Worldwide has been appointed as Ascott’s sales representative for the United Sta tes and Canada markets. Barron will be responsible for driving sales and promoting Ascott’s three award-winning brands of serviced residences – Ascott The Residence,

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Citadines Apart’hotel and Somerset Serviced Residence.

Tony Soh, Ascott’s chief corporate officer, said: “We see tremendous potential in the North American market. Ascott’s serviced residences are located in key cities where many American multinational corporations have set up operations. Currently, these companies account for more than 30 per cent of our corporate business and we expect this to increase. International outbound business travel from America is projected to rise and travellers are expected to stay longer, creating greater demand for serviced residences.”

He continued: “We look forward to leveraging AKA’s US network and SAW’s market intelligence to expand Ascott’s market share in North America and increase the scale of our business.”

In a recent report by the Global Business Travel Association, US business travel spending is expected to rise by about five per cent year-on-year in 2013 to more than US$260 billion. For 2014, GBTA forecast total US business travel spending to increase by over seven per cent.

“As more individuals are looking for flexible, long-stay living options, the demand for luxury serviced residences has increased worldwide.

Partnering with Ascott was a natural fit for AKA since both brands have similar offerings and a deep understanding of the long-stay traveller needs and expectations. AKA's alliance with Ascott creates an opportunity for us both to expand our global reach and better serve our guests in these new markets," said Larry Korman, president of AKA.

residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984. It currently has more than 31,000 apartment units in over 200 serviced residences worldwide.

Ascott’s three brands of serviced residences cater to the different lifestyle needs of expatriates and travellers. Ascott The Residence brand provides top business executives luxurious living in elegant apartments. Citadines Apart’hotel offers independent travellers the flexibility to choose the services they require. For those travelling with children, Somerset Serviced Residence is ideal as the properties come with amenities such as playground, indoor playroom and children’s swimming pool. Besides spacious apartments with separate living and dining areas and a fully-equipped kitchen, residents will enjoy privacy, comfort of a home and top quality services.

Richard Rowley, owner of SAW, said: “We are delighted to partner with Ascott as their exclusive sales representative in North America to promote their global industryleading serviced residences. We look forward to working closely with international mobility and corporate travel networks to provide the best lodging solution for relocation and business travel needs. With Ascott’s global network and three distinct brands of serviced residences, this partnership will offer our customers more choices in selecting their ideal home away from home wherever they travel to.”

Find out more at www.the-ascott.com or head over to Hall 9/210.

Singapore-based Ascott pioneered Asia Pacific's first international-class serviced

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AUGUST 201 12 2

ISSUE / / 14

A night less ordinar y World s most unusua l five-star hotels

Ultra-b

How to holida ling y like a billionaire

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Hottest new re ts sorts uncovered

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Join the reading revolution ■ ■ ■ ■

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

Since we launched in 1993, the World Travel Awards team has had the rather enviable task of scouring the globe in search of the ultimate in luxury travel – those out-of-this-world places and experiences where memories forged will last a lifetime.

Best in Travel blends our unrivalled first-hand knowledge with leading-edge interactive technology to create the definitive guide to the world’s most glamorous travel experiences.

Opportunities for advertisers include: flash page • embedded video box • giant video box • giant video box advertorial • bespoke page advertorial

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

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News

Le Royal Meridien will host the event

Dubai welcomes World Travel Awards to Middle East Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa in Dubai has been selected to host the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony in May.

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Dubai is a second home to World Travel Awards, with the prestigious programme having visited the destination more than any other. Fitting then, that Dubai will this year host the Middle East Gala Ceremony as WTA celebrates its 20th anniversary. Luminaries from across the region will be in town to participate, with only the very best claiming top prize in their respective fields.

Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa will this year host the event, scheduled for May 5th.

Located on a pristine stretch of beach, overlooking the clear blue water of the Arabian Gulf, the property is the perfect choice for the event. Offering 501 rooms, Le Royal Méridien caters for every type of traveller and, with 14 international restaurants and bars, the hotel offers guests the world on a plate. Whatever, or wherever visitors choose to eat, the food, service and ambience is always the product of passion, care and imagination.

Stimulating Experience Caracalla, the hotel's Roman themed Spa & Health Club, is the ideal retreat for mind and body. The spa also boasts five Hammam pools, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, a state-of-the art gym and an aerobic centre. In turn the pool and beach facilities are quite spectacular; with three temperature controlled swimming pools, tennis, squash, water sports, and daily activities all welcoming guests. The Penguin Club has long been a popular feature of the resort for both guests and club members - as long as they are between the ages of four and twelve years. For your special events, conference and banqueting services provide international expertise to guarantee a truly unforgettable occa sion.

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News conference rooms, business centres, a Timeless Spa, entertainment zones, dedicated smoking areas as well as children’s play areas.

The First Class lounge passengers also have a dedicated duty free shopping area and a Le Clos wine cellar.

Return of Luxury In recent years Dubai has seen a boom in the offering of affordable yet quality accommodation, however demand for highend luxury hotels remains strong with occupancy levels in the five star market at near capacity. Boasting many of the world’s most famous hotels including the Armani, Burj Al Arab and Atlantis the Palm, Dubai has become a popular destination for luxury holidays and over the next four years the emirate will see a number of five luxury hotels added to its portfolio, including the Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah, the Palazzo Versace Dubai and W Hotel Dubai.

Entering the Dubai hotel market for the first time, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah is set to open in 2014, and will bring to the emirate its legendary service and signature details. The 330-room Arabian-themed hotel will boast a 600 metre private beach, spa and range of outdoor pools. There will also be ten restaurants and bars will be available to guests offering a range of fine dining options.

The Palazzo Versace Dubai, the second Versace-branded property in the world is scheduled to open in 2014 offering a ‘personal lifestyle experience’ enhanced with luxury and technology. Boasting light-filled bedrooms and suites, bespoke furnishings and lavish colourful silks, the Palazzo Versace is dressed throughout in Versace style.

Dubai

Cutting Edge

But Le Royal Méridien is just one of the many highlights of Dubai, a world-class destination which has rediscovered its lustre over the past year. Most recently the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commence Marketing announced the destination has seen an overall increase of 6.6 per cent in its UK visitor figures over the past 12 months. The total number of UK visitors at the close of 2012 rose from 643,195 in 2011 to 685,629. The overall number of guest nights throughout the year rose 11.64 per cent to 3,136,348.

Dubai is also a growing force in the aviation sector, with Dubai Airports recently unveiling Concourse A at Dubai International – the home of the A380 and the world’s first purpose-built facility for the aircraft. All 20 A380 capable contact gates and Emirates’ luxurious First Class and Business Class lounges, which comprise 29,000 square metres of the facility, are now fully operational.

Dubai is currently served by 147 direct flights per week from the UK. Some 63 flights depart from Heathrow, 21 from Gatwick and a further 63 from regional airports. As of March 31st 2013, Qantas will also operate a twice daily flight to Dubai from London Heathrow increasing the overall total to 161 flights per week.

Ian Scott, UK & Ireland director, Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, commented: “Last year proved to be a strong year for Dubai in terms of visitor numbers with statistics rising once again for the fourth consecutive quarter. This year will see developments throughout the destination including the addition of 4,000 beds across a range of four and five star hotels, 11,000 beds in planning and additional airlift, making the destination even more accessible to the UK consumer.”

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“The full opening of Concourse A is a significant milestone and achievement in supporting and enabling the continued growth of Emirates, and our focus and commitment to being a leader in offering our customers innovative products and services that provides them with an unsurpassed travel experience,” explains Tim Clark, president, Emirates Airline. “With a current fleet of 31 A380s and a further 59 on order, Emirates is the largest operator of this aircraft in the world, and it is only fitting that we have a world class facility that meets this need and represents our leadership in this regard.”

With 11 floors and a total built-up area of 528,000 sqm, Concourse A is connected to Concourse B and Terminal 3 via an underground train. The First Class and Business Class lounges have dedicated floors that offer direct access to aircraft boarding gates. The lounges, which extend the entire length of the concourse, feature kitchens,

The world’s fastest growing boutique hotel brand, W Hotels is further expanding its presence in the Middle East and will be opening two new hotels in the emirate.

Located on Sheik Zayed Road, the hotel will offer guests a cutting-edge lifestyle experience. Boasting 384 stylish guest rooms including 88 suites, four WOW Suites and one Extreme WOW Suite, guests can take advantage of the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service philosophy, providing guests whatever they want whenever they want it.

Set to open on The Palm Jumeirah in 2016, Starwood will also be opening – W Dubai – The Palm, which will provide a contemporary lifestyle experience with a complete service offer including the brand’s signature W Lounge experience. The hotel will offer eight contemporary dining and lounge concepts, more than 2,500 square metres of ultramodern meeting and event space and a fullservice WIRED business centre.

Take a look at www.worldtravelnews.com for more information on the 20th anniversary Grand Tour, while www.definitelydubai.com has all the latest on the destination.

Head over to chat to Dubai, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing in Hall 22.A/103.

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News

Paradise Island will host the WTA Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony

Maldives to welcome World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony World Travel Awards has confirmed it will host its 20th anniversary Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in the Maldives. Here Breaking Travel News takes a look at what is on offer in this tantalising destination.

paradise - Paradise Island Resort & Spa to be precise, an uncompromising destination of luxury and comfort. A network of paved pathways winds through the lush grounds, connecting the oceanfront accommodation, gourmet dining spots, sports facilities, and an inspiring spa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; each serving to make a Maldives island resort holiday whatever a guest would like it to be. This is true tropical-inspired luxury at and alluring Maldives island hotel, where unforgettable experiences await.

It has been a long journey for World Travel Awards, travelling the globe for 20 years recognising the leading lights of the tourism industry. As the programme moves into its third decade it will host a special event at Paradise Island in the Maldives, a Villa Hotels & Resorts managed property. Hundreds of industry insiders will gather on May 12th to discover who among them has been voted as the best-of-thebest, with only those few truly exceptional organisations walking off with the coveted trophies.

True Love

And what better host for the event? Imagine an island right in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with bright white beaches, a lagoon awash in deep blues and aquamarines, and soaring coconut palms swaying in the breeze. This is

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But away from the glitz of World Travel Awards there is so much to discover on the islands â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perhaps most famously the honeymoon offering. If a honeymoon is meant to be a celebration of love in an intimate, secluded, and most importantly, beautiful setting, then the Maldives is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best backdrop for all these things. There are endless ways to let the magic of the islands dazzle while on holiday as a couple. A dinner under the stars with the occasional flicker of candle light to bring you back into the real world, a daring getaway to a nearby uninhabited island all by yourselves for the whole day, or just lazing around in your private bungalow watching the endless turquoise waters while you are treated to an spa

treatment in the room. You could choose to get to know each other through a swim around a house reef with a mask and fin, or dive among the beautiful, vibrant reefs. It is an experience you will relive for days after you get back home.

Indulge in some light-hearted competition on a night fishing trip by seeing who catches more.

You will not forget the amazing boat trip you make at sunset before anchoring at a suitable fishing spot. It is as if nature plays with the colours of the setting sun just to ensure that you remember this day, this moment, and this love for the rest of your life.

Cultural Breaks The islands of Maldives appear in-between the trading route of the Indian Ocean. Thus settlers and visitors from neighbouring regions and around the world have come in contact with the islands for as long as history has been recorded.

Such is the to-and-fro flow of people and their cultures, that a marked effect has been left in the Maldivian people, the language, beliefs, arts, and attitudes.

The looks of the Maldivian people may differ from one atoll to the other, attributing to the genes passed on by South and Southeast Asians, Africans, and Arabians. The language,

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Dhivehi, differs in dialect in some regions in the south of Maldives, possibly due to the secluded nature and subsistent ways of island life.

Maldivian beliefs have been very much based around religion and superstition, often used together in matters of significance but given separate positions in society. In matters of faith, Islam dominates, but influence of the supernatural still continues to play a major role in most island communities, possibly giving credit to the folklores and Buddhist traditions of the islandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first settlers before conversion to Islam in 1153 AD. The mixing of cultures is very much seen in Maldivian arts. The music played with the local bodu-beru (big-drum) resemble that of African drumming. The dhoni (a unique Maldivian sailboat) is an art form itself built with skilled craftsmanship, with significant similarities to the Arabian dows. The fine artistry of Maldivians, seen in the intricate details on wooden beams in antique mosques, represents what we have gained from Southeast Asian architecture. Then there is the undefined: the distinct geometric designs used in mats woven from local materials, the embroidered neckline of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional dresses and their ornaments too, expose another story brought in from an unknown culture that has seeped in to Maldivian society.

Maldives Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Ghafoor

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Diving Holidays The warm seas of Maldives have high visibility throughout the year, with water clear enough to see the passing fish as far as fifty metres away at times. Add to that the marvellous formation of over 3,000 coral reefs and the free flowing tides of the monsoons. The result of these perfect conditions have created one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s richest diving coral reef areas. Over a thousand species of fish and other underwater creatures inhabit the Maldivian waters. The monsoon tides of the Indian Ocean create a collection of small marine creatures as well as microscopic plant cells. This in turn creates a hub for all kinds of underwater species who gather in these waters lured by the abundance of food. In the Maldives you will get to see everything. From tiny shrimp and groups of colourful swimmers to the magnificent mantas and sharks, a careful eye will give you enough to enrapture you for a lifetime.

For more information on the World Travel Awards head over to www.worldtravelawards.com. There is more on the Maldives at www.visitmaldives.com or visit Hall 5.2A/107 here at ITB Berlin.

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Views over Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa

Antigua to host World Travel Awards in the Caribbean The paradise destination of Antigua has been selected to host the World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony in 2013, with Sandals Grande Antigua lined up to welcome guests.

Sandals will welcome the prestigious awards ceremony in late 2013, with hundreds of leading lights from across the region invited to attend.

The event will form part of the World Travel Awards 20th anniversary Grand Tour, which is scheduled to take in some of the hottest tourism destinations around the world this year, including Dubai, Singapore, Peru and Las Vegas.

Antigua Itself voted World's Leading Honeymoon Resort three years in a row by World Travel Awards, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa offers two extraordinary all-inclusive Caribbean vacations in one. Set on the country's best and most famous beach, Dickenson Bay, cooling trade winds soothe the soul as guests immerse themselves in a seaside garden oasis graced by majestic palms at the authentic Caribbean Grove.

Awaken your most sensual side in an exotic Rondoval with its soaring 20-foot conical roof and spacious circular floor plan; or laze in the luxury of a 1,400 square foot Mediterranean villa - both with private plunge pool and your own butler. Unwind in the East Caribbean's largest pool (one of six). Celebrate the high art of food and drink with world-class faire and intimate settings at nine restaurants and eight bars including an English pub. A night out at Sandals Grande Antigua resort and spa is really like a night out on the town. Whether you're dining on

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classic Italian, sumptuous sushi, or a sizzling steak, Aphrodite presides over every meal as you share the most romantic vacation of a lifetime. Your all-inclusive Antigua resort awaits in two perfect worlds, found in one grand resort â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all designed for love.

All the signs pointed towards Antigua. The island has warm, steady winds, a complex coastline of safe harbours, and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. It would make a perfect place to hide a fleet. And so in 1784 the legendary Admiral Horatio Nelson sailed to Antigua and established Great Britain's most important Caribbean base. Little did he know that over 200 years later the same unique characteristics that attracted the Royal Navy would transform Antigua & Barbuda in one of the Caribbean's premier tourist destinations.

The signs are still there, they just point to different things. The Trade Winds that once blew British men-of-war safely into English Harbour now fuel one of the world's foremost maritime events, Sailing Week. The expansive, winding coastline that made Antigua difficult for outsiders to navigate is where today's trekkers encounter a tremendous wealth of

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News secluded, powdery soft beaches. The coral reefs, once the bane of marauding enemy ships, now attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world. And the fascinating little island of Barbuda - once a scavenger's paradise because so many ships wrecked on its reefs - is now home to one of the region's most significant bird sanctuaries.

Antigua & Barbuda are located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin.

Antigua, the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles.

Its highest point is Boggy Peak (at 1,319 ft), located in the south-western corner of the island. Barbuda, a flat coral island with an area of only 68 square miles, lies approximately 30 miles due north. The nation also includes the tiny (0.6 square mile) uninhabited island of Redonda, now a nature preserve. The current population for the nation is approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John's on Antigua.

Temperatures on the island generally range from the mid-seventies in the winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant, flagging only in September.

Party at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa

Beaches of Antigua There are 365 beaches on Antigua, one for each day of the year. The great majority rest inside the calm, protected waters of the island's Caribbean side. All are open to the public, and so the challenge posed to a visitor is not how to gain access to the best of them but simply how to locate the beach that suits one's taste. Exploring on your own is the best way to do this, although it is wise to bring a companion along to particularly isolated locations. Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay, located along the island's developed northwestern coast, are the place to go for those who want the fully-loaded resort beach experience. The beaches most convenient to St. John's are Fort James, a locally-popular public beach, and Deep Bay. Galley Bay attracts surfers during the winter months and joggers during the evening. The series of four crescent beaches at Hawksbill are also highly regarded, one of which is nudist.

Antigua is famous for its beaches

The beaches of the hilly southwest corner of Antigua are generally less developed than those around St. John's further north. On the road that winds along this coast are Fryes Bay, Darkwood Beach, and the beaches around Johnsons Point. Rendezvous Bay and especially Doigs Beach, both located on the central southern coast at Rendezvous Bay, are especially quiet beaches worth the rough travel necessary to reach them. Pigeon Point, near English Harbour Town, is a convenient balm after a day at Nelson's Dockyard.

For more information on visiting the islands head over to www.antigua-barbuda.org.

All the latest from Sandals can be found at www.sandals.com or in Hall 3.1/208, while the full calendar of World Travel Awards events can be found at www.worldtravelawards.com.

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Magical Kenya welcomes World Travel Awards Long a must-see tourism destination for travellers from around the world, Kenya has been granted the honour of hosting the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony in 2013.

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The leading African destination will welcome the prestigious awards ceremony later in the year as it celebrates its 20th anniversary Grand Tour. Voting will begin later this month, with the leading tourism organisations from across the continent set to be rewarded with this highest of accolades.

Tourism in Kenya The UK continues to account for the largest number of international visitors to Kenya, with the most recent statistics showing a 15.6 per cent share of the overall market. The number of UK tourists visiting Kenya reached over 125,000 between January and August in both 2011 and 2012 with four of the eight months measured showing an increase in visitors in 2012 when compared to the 2011 figures.

Over the last two years KTB has generated impressive results following the successful implementation of the product diversification strategy, adoption of new promotion strategies, ongoing advertising campaigns and partnerships with major tour operators worldwide. Kenya Tourism Board UK & Ireland is working to promote the many niche products that Kenya has to offer from golf, to business travel to weddings and honeymoons in order to widen Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appeal to the UK and Irish markets beyond its status as one of the top destinations for safaris in the world. The tourism board aims to increase awareness of Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luxury accommodation and additional tourism offerings such as health and wellness, voluntourism, homestays and business travel and is focusing promotional activity on the range of offerings available on Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Indian Ocean coastline.

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News Nairobi grows into a world city

Mahali Mzuri One big draw for 2013 is set to be the opening of a new luxury camp operated by Richard Branson – Mahali Mzuri (Beautiful Place). The location is a luxury tented safari camp in western Kenya and is set to open this year.

Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice have already visited the luxury resort ahead of its opening, with the Virgin Limited Edition collection property offering a unique African safari experience. Features include 12 luxury tented suites with spacious bedroom and deck with stunning views, fully inclusive rates from US$580 per person per night, two family tents sleeping two adults and two children, game drives in 13,500 hectares of land, evening game drives and guided bush walks.

Cruise Tourism Cruise tourism is on the increase in Kenya, with over 1,000 tourists entering through the port in December 2012. The Kenya Tourism Board has teamed up with the Kenya Ports Authority to promote and maximise Kenya’s potential as a cruise destination. A record 1,061 tourists arrived at the port of Mombasa at the end of last year, 650 set sail from the USA on MS Nautica and 411 arrived on Germany’s MS. Deutschland. The ships brought passengers from Austria, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Russia who visited various attractions in Kenya including the national parks of Tsavo and Shimba Hills, as well as golf resorts and beaches.

Infrastructure Upgrades

Sports tourism in Kenya

Kenya has seen large-scale international investment in the tourism sector, particularly in the development of tourism facilities and air travel. Direct flights from Nairobi to the recently opened Kisumu international airport on Kenya’s west coast is making the Western Tourism Circuit, an area of great geographic, cultural and natural diversity, more accessible.

The expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is underway, once complete this will enable the facility to receive additional flights and cater for an increasing number of

passengers that are owed to the ever expanding routes and connectivity within Africa and Western countries provided by Kenya Airways. Furthermore, airstrips especially in the Maasai Mara and other national parks within the country have been improved. Roads leading to the Maasai Mara game reserve are under construction while those to the northern tourism circuit such as Isiolo and Samburu have already been developed.

World Travel Awards But it is the World Travel Awards which is causing the most excitement in Kenya. Not content with hosting the event, Kenya itself is a past winner, with the Kenya Tourism Board (Magical Kenya) voted ‘Africa’s Leading Tourism Board’ in 2012. The tourism board was delighted to win the award, having run a series of successful campaigns in the UK market alone in 2012. These campaigns included a Kenyan tea promotion for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the launch of Kenya House during the London 2012 Olympic Games, in which Kenya was the only African country to operate its own independent national house with a dedicated three-day tourism programme.

Muriithi Ndegwa, managing director Kenya Tourism Board said: “It is a great honour to win this award and we are pleased that the hard work, creativity and dedication of the tourism board team in Nairobi and the individual teams in each source market, as well as the support of the various stakeholders, have been recognised by the World Travel Awards organisation. We are optimistic that this compliment will spur greater interest in Kenya as a tourist destination.”

For more information on the World Travel Awards head over to www.worldtravelawards.com.

More on Magical Kenya at www.magicalkenya.com or visit Hall 21.A/128.

Kenya Tourist Board managing director Muriithi Ndegwa picks up the World Travel Award from president Graham Cooke

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Cornelia Diamond Hotel pool

Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa picks up WTA baton in Turkey World Travel Awards is coming to Turkey as part of its 20th anniversary Grand Tour.

Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa will host the Europe Gala Ceremony on August 31st, with hundreds of industry leaders expected to jet in for the event.

This will be the second time World Travel Awards has visited the property, after staging the Europe Gala Ceremony at Cornelia Diamond in 2011. That event was such a roaring success organisers felt it only right to return as part of the anniversary tour. A distinguished line-up of travel industry professionals, senior executives from renowned travel companies and hoteliers representing Europe’s leading hotels are expected to attend the glitzy, red carpet ceremony. Dubbed as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’, the event aims to honour those who have gone beyond what is expe cted in the luxury sector.

The luxurious Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa – which was named World’s Leading Integrated Resort in 2012 – is located next to the beautiful beach of Iskele Mevkii, promising spectacular views from all angles. World Travel Awards guests will be spoiled by a selection of world class restaurants, swanky bars and state of the art spa facilities. Cornelia Diamond boasts more than ni ne à la carte restaurants, offering elite tastes from world cuisines. Food specialties range from sushi to oriental ‘tastes of the Ottoman’ cuisine, seafood, local food of the Anatolian region and Italian classics. For a night tipple, there is a selection of ten different bars, offering a wide range of local and imported drinks. And if that wasn’t enough, guests can take a stroll along the hotel’s private beach which measures 250 metres long and 50 metres wide.

The family friendly property offers a range of activities for children to enjoy, including Atlantis

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Children’s World, with children’s pools, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, funfair, and water slides, spread over an area of 4,000 square metres. Children can participate in creative and entertaining activities in the company of the experienced animation team. There is also a babysitting service for parents who want a little time for themselves. Additional facilities include a mini cinema, playing rooms, indoor and outdoor pools inside the mini club area, aqua park, electronic games, a funfair with dodgems, carousel and a train.

The Cornelia Golf Club Nick Faldo Championship Golf Course, one of the best golf courses in the world, is situated only two minutes away from the hotel. The spectacular course is set on 1,400,000 square metres of land within pine forests native to the Mediterranean and has been formed by the naturally sandy base beneath it.

Meanwhile, for those guests who need some serious pampering, the Crassula SPA goes beyond typical spa therapies. Spanning 5,000 square metres, the Crassula SPA consists of three separate parts: Spa Relax, Spa Luxury & Spa Private. Steam baths with different temperatures, special showers and traditional Turkish baths are among the services the available. Far eastern massages ornamented with Zen philosophy, Sultan therapies, luxury therapies (such as those featuring 24 carat gold ingredients), holistic therapies, natural essence beauty therapies and Far Eastern massages in open-air Bali houses are all on offer.

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News Travel in Turkey Turkey is a holiday destination to appeal to those from around the world, combining fascinating historical and archaeological sites, a delicious cuisine and an active sports scene with great weather, stunning scenery and warm hospitality for which the country is so famous.

Its awe-inspiring landscapes and contrasting regions, encompassing two Wonders of the Ancient World, 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 352 Blue Flag beaches and 19 Blue Flag Marinas, a diverse plant and animal life and 20 world-class golf courses, to name just a few, offering many options for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Beyond the obvious attractions of sun and sea, Turkey has many fascinating ancient sites reflecting its heritage dating back millennia, and there are also a great variety of winter and summer sp orts, cultural activities and festivals to tempt visitors. Turkey's rich past includes such intriguing cities as Troy and Ephesus and such well-known names in mythology as King Midas and Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) with related artefacts on display at world-class museums across the country.

Most recently, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, the Neolithic site of Catalhoyuk locate d in Central Anatolia, became Turkey's 11th UNESCO World Heritage site. UNESCO and Turkey will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Piri Reis World Map in 2013, a rare world map from the 16th century produced by the Ottoman admiral and cartographer of the same name.

City of the Sultans The only city in the world to straddle two continents, Turkey's fabled city of Istanbul is the historic crossroads between East and West, a city of minarets and palaces and the perfect choice for a refreshing city break. Istanbul

cradles the wonders of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, from the breathtaking Topkapi Palace to the majestic Hagia Sophia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; part cathedral, part mosque and totally breathtaking.

Other must-see sights include the unique Byzantine frescoes of the Kariye Museum, the Ottoman architect Sinanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s masterpiece the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Genoese Galata Tower with its panoramic views of the whole city. There are plenty of off-beat sites for those who want to leave the tourist crowds behind.

As the cultural capital of Turkey, Istanbul hosts will host the Istanbul Biennial in 2013 as well as numerous pop and classical concerts, as well as a wide array of exhibitions at its evergrowing number of galler ies and museums.

Don't miss Istanbul Modern, showcasing some of Turkey's best contemporary art, and Orhan Pamuk's recently opened Museum of Innocence.

This year will be a landmark year to visit Istanbul, marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic by Ataturk, with celebrations including the opening of the Marmaray tunnel under the Bosphorus linking Europe and Asia. For those looking for somewhere special to stay, this year will also see the opening of a new Raffles hotel with one of the largest spas in the city and the ShangriLa Bosphorus with glorious views of the famous waterway.

For more information on World Travel Awards head over to www.worldtravelawards.com or take a look at www.corneliaresort.com for all the latest on Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa. Here at ITB Berlin 2013 Go To Turkey can be found at Hall 3.2/201, Hall 4.1/240, while Cornelia is over in Hall 3.2/122.

Saklikent

Views over the ocean

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World Travel Awards heads for Perú World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. The event will celebrate its historic 20th anniversary in 2013, visiting some of the most exciting tourism destinations around the world. Dubai, Kenya, Maldives, and Turkey are all on the agenda, before the show arrives in Perú. The Grand Tour of WTA Gala Ceremonies are regarded as milestone events in the industry calendar, attended by the industry’s key decision makers, chief figureheads and the leading trade and consumer media.

Peru itself was recognised as the World’s Leading Culinary Destination and World’s Leading Green Destination by the World Travel Awards in 2012.

Holidays in Perú Heir to ancient cultures and a rich colonial tradition, Perú is a magical spot which involves one of the richest biodiversities of Earth, and is a melting pot of different cultures which together are forging the promise of a better future. There is so much on offer there; it is hard to know where to begin.

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Many start with Cuzco, which in the ancient Quechua language means ‘navel of the world’.

The city was an important hub in Inca times, connecting all of South America, from Colombia to the north of Argentina. Today, centuries later, Cuzco continues to be the centre of attention, not only for our neighbouring countries but for the whole world.

In its streets, historical centres, churches, pubs and cafés visitors can hear not only Quechua and Spanish spoken, but such diverse languages as English, French, Japanese and Hebrew. All of them, united by the same experience, found in the charming and fascinating ‘belly button’ of the world.

The most famous sight in Perú is undoubtedly Machu Picchu, an archaeological site hidden for centuries until it came to light in the early 1900s. Situated in the mountains at the end of the Andes, the 15th-century I nca site is located 2,430 metres above sea level. Built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls, its three primary structures are the Intihuatana (Hitching post of the Sun), the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. These are located in what is known by archaeologists as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu. Thousands of visitors climb the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu every year – a true journey of a lifetime.

Perú has been confirmed as the host of the prestigious World Travel Awards South & Central America Gala Ceremony. The event is scheduled to take place in the capital Lima later this year.

In turn, Lima is a sum of colours, textures and sounds. It is a cosmopolitan capital par excellence where the taste is acquired from the flavour offered by its street-side cooks frying anticuchos or soft picarones in syrup against a backdrop of colonial balconies, old houses, and churches with secret tunnels. Situated in the heart of the city are great archaeological monuments such as the Huallamarca Huaca or the Pucllana Huaca. And, on the outskirts of Lima facing the ocean is Pachacamac, the most important pre-Incan sanctuary on the coast, built in the third century A.D. Some of the other great attractions are the beaches where you can do all types of aquatic sports, enjoy the sun, or simply gaze at the mesmerising beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Those with a taste for adventure also consider the Peruvian Andes to provide an incomparable spot for mountaineering, making the country a magnet for lovers of South American mountains. There are many reasons: a unique concentration of mountains and relatively few mountain climbers; mild weather almost all year, and relatively easy access to sites that are nevertheless cut off from hectic city life. It is an ideal combination tha t makes Peru one of the most attractive destinations for mountaineers worldwide. Although the lowest summit of the Huascarán massif, the world's highest tropical

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Lima will welcome the World Travel Awards

New hotels in Lima

mountain, was first climbed in 1908 by US climbers Annie Peck and two Swiss guides, mountain climbing in the Andes only took off in Perú in the early 1930s thanks to the pioneering European expeditions that launched the great Andean travel adventure in search of new climbing challenges.

Perú also features more than a dozen rivers that are more than 600km long. Polish adventurer Yurek Majcherzyck and his friends introduced rafting into Perú, and after several attempts, managed to paddle down the thundering Colca River and its 300 rapids in the heart of Arequipa.

Ever since then, a group of Peruvian rafting enthusiasts have made major efforts to open up new routes around the country. The sport depends on rubber rafts which are powered by paddles and generally steered by the helmsman through the foaming rapids.

Perú, in a bid to conserve its natural surroundings, flora and fauna, has designed a series of mechanisms aimed at conserving the country's biological diversity. These efforts are channelled through the National System of Natural Protected Areas (SINANPE) and the state natural resources entity (INRENA). To date, Perú features a total of 63 nat ural areas or conservation units, covering approximately 14.04 per cent of the country's territory. These areas are in turn split up into a variety of categories governing their use: parks, reserves and national sanctuaries, historic sanctuaries, reserved zones, game preserves, protected forests and communal reserves.

Take a look at www.worldtravelawards.com to find out more about the event once the final preparations are made. For more information on visiting Peru head over to Hall 1.1/101 + 110 or take a look at www.peru.travel/en.

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World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony headed for Singapore

After a successful event in 2012, World Travel Awards has confirmed it will host its annual Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony in Singapore this year. With hundreds of guests expected in town for the ceremony, Breaking Travel News here takes a look at some of the highlights which have made Singapore a ‘must visit’ destination for millions.

If you are accustomed to a life of luxury on every level, you might be hard-pressed finding another experience that lives up to the Marina Bay Sands. A magnificent destination for entertainment, business and shopping, it delivers once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This landmark building is situated in the heart of Singapore’s central business district. With a luxury hotel, state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities, theatres, and some of the best shopping and dining in the region, Marina Bay Sands is an experience that indulges your every fancy.

winning spa offers an array of indulgent massages in 15 uniquely designed rooms, each with spectacular panoramic views, and uses Singapore’s national flower – the fragrant and beautiful orchid – as a key element in its treatments. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is home to over 300 stores and F&B outlets.

Browse the duplex boutiques by Ralph Lauren, Cartier and Prada. Niche designer labels, internationally renowned fashion brands and luxury concept stores create a modern shopping Mecca that rivals the fashion capitals of the world.

as a symbolic gesture of welcome to guests from across the globe. Embracing influences from art and science, media and technology, design and architecture, the ArtScience Museum hosts major international travelling exhibitions from the most renowned collections in the world. If you have a keen sense of aesthetics, make time for a walk along the Marina Bay Sands Art Path, where spectacular large-scale art installations integrate with the extraordinary architecture of the Marina Bay Sands.

Check-in to the Marina Bay Sands hotel and you’ll enter a world of sheer luxury and exclusivity. Be greeted by personalised and intuitive service that seeks to make your stay a truly unforgettable experience. The three hotel towers are crowned by the Sands SkyPark on the 57th storey, which offers a 360-degree view of Singapore’s skyline. There’s no greater feeling like standing at the top of the world. This one-hectare sky oasis features lush greenery, beautifully sculptured gardens, remarkable restaurants like Sky on 57 and KU DÉ TA Restaurant, and an infinity pool that almost lets you swim in the clouds.

Besides astounding retail indulgence, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands includes an eclectic mix of gourmet restaurants and bistros, making Marina Bay Sands the hangout du jour for visitors and locals alike. In between your shopping spree, sit down to a meal at one of 50 dining establishments, including worldrenowned restaurants by Michelin-starred celebrity chefs like Mario Batali, Daniel Boulud, Wolfgang Puck, Guy Savoy and Tetsuya Wakuda.

To wine and dine in style, have the Restaurant Concierge reserve you the best tables at the Marina Bay Sands ’ outstanding restaurants, lounges and bars.

Resorts World Sentosa

Discover the restorative power of touch at the Banyan Tree Spa on the 55th floor. The award-

Just outside the theatres, you’ll find the lotusinspired ArtScience Museum that was designed

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Resorts World Sentosa Singapore is the first ever integrated resort on Sentosa Island Singapore, bringing with it highly anticipated and exciting new attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and FestiveWalk, and the yet to open Marine Life Park.

Live The Movies at the many exclusive attractions found only at the region’s first Hollywood movie theme park, Universal Studios Singapore. Featuring movie-themed rides and attractions, which are unique to Singapore, thrill seekers and families will be the first to experience many new rides and shows based on blockbuster hits. The young and young at heart

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News will be entertained by Shrek and gang on an incredible 4-D adventure in the world’s first Far Far Away Castle. Thrill seekers can face warrior mummies on Revenge of the Mummy, a psychological thrill ride in total darkness. Other highlights include Madagascar: A Crate Adventure and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure.

Feast your senses on a world of non-stop entertainment, signature shopping experiences and culinary adventures at FestiveWalk, and take pleasure in the comfort and luxury of the resort’s unique world-class hotels. This 24/7 pulsating strip sets the stage for some of the world's most spectacular shows and entertainment. Free public attractions available include Lake of Dreams; a unique musical extravaganza and Crane Dance where one can witness the love story of the world’s largest pair of animatronic cranes in a multimedia spectacle of lights, sound, water jets and pyrotechnic effects.

Lovers of underwater life can look forward to the Marine Life Park at the integrated resort when it opens. Expect to marvel at this architectural wonder, which will house the world's largest

oceanarium and the world's longest man-made rainforest river. If you are an avid sea adventurer, you’ll be delighted to visit The Maritime Experiential Museum. Climb aboard the world's first 360° multi-sensory typhoon theatre, where you will find yourself shipwrecked on an Arabiabound cargo ship that runs into a typhoon.

Gardens by the Bay

suspended 128-metre-long walkway between two Supertrees, the OCBC Skyway, is perfect for walks at any hour, offering a bird’s eye view of the Gardens and the Marina Bay urban area. At Bay East, there’re pretty pavilions, lush lawns, tropical palm trees and natural blossoms, ideal for an evening stroll or a picnic with family and friends. Along its two-kilometre waterfront promenade, you can get an amazing view of the skyline.

Spanning 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay is an award-winning horticultural attraction which houses over 250 thousand rare plants and is just a five-minute walk from the city of Singapore. The Gardens comprises three spaces – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central.

From the waterfront promenade, enjoy an amazing view of the Marina Bay financial district skyline. The grounds are perfect for an evening stroll and a picnic with loved ones.

For a reprieve from the tropical heat (and a taste of the Mediterranean climate), head to the cooled conservatory complex. There, you can study plant species from around the world such as baobabs and date palms. After the sun sets, don’t miss the sky show of dazzling lights and sounds in the OCBC Garden Rhapsody, which takes place nightly amidst the Supertrees. It’ll make a wonderful ending to a day out in the Gardens.

Bay South – the largest waterfront garden – is where you’ll find the impressive Supertrees.

These 16-storey-tall vertical gardens collect rainwater, generate solar power and act as venting ducts for the park’s conservatories. A

For more information on what is on offer in Singapore visit www.yoursingapore.com or call in at Hall 26.A/133.

Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

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News

LVCVA senior vice president, marketing, Cathy Tull, collects the World Travel Award from president Graham Cooke

Las Vegas welcomes World Travel Awards Grand Final 2013 Industry leaders from around the world are already writing the date – November 27th – into their diaries after World Travel Awards confirmed it would this year host its annual Grand Final in Las Vegas.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, World Travel Awards will visit some of the most desirable tourism destinations around the globe as it seeks to identify those organisation which have come to define the industry. Dubai will welcome the Middle East Gala Ceremony in May and Maldives the Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony later the same month, while Peru will take on the South & Central America Gala Ceremony later in the year.

But all the events will be staging posts on the route to the Grand Final, where regional winners go head-to-head for the ultimate accolade.

What Happens in Vegas…

But World Travel Awards is only one of many glittering spectacles drawing visitors to the American destination. Indeed, Las Vegas welcomed a record 39.7 million visitors in 2012, approximately a half-million more visitors than the previous high of 39.2 million set in 2007. The

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record visitation generated more than $40 billion in economic impact for the local economy last year. The 2012 year-end statistics, released by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, point to continued recovery for Las Vegas tourism with increases in all of the key core indicators.

“The record visitation is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our resort partners and every employee who works in the industry,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/chief executive of the LVCVA. “Tourism is the economic leader for Southern Nevada and the entire state, so we are encouraged to see positive signs of continued growth for the industry. With more than $2 billion of reinvestment in the destination, Las Vegas is well positioned for continued growth in 2013 and on the threshold of hosting more than 40 million visitors.”

Also noted by the LVCVA in 2012 was the gradual improvement in the meetings and convention industry, with 4.9 million delegates attending a convention, trade show or meeting last year. This reflects a 1.6 per cent increase over the figure from 2011 and is the highest convention attendance in four years. Las Vegas hosted 21,615 meetings, tradeshows or conventions in 2012, up 13.6 per cent from the 2011 total of 19,029. The 2012 total is the highest number of meetings and conventions held in Las Vegas since 2008.

Vegas Showgirls

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News …Stays in Vegas When not winning in the casino, lounging by the pool or savouring delicious cuisine, visitors to Las Vegas will find the city has a variety of mustsee attractions and entertainment options to keep you and the whole family occupied. From thrilling roller coasters to virtual-reality simulator rides and erupting volcanoes to wax museums, Las Vegas' attractions appeal to people of all ages, interests and budgets.

Average citywide occupancy was up 0.6 percentage points to 84.4 percent for 2012. Las Vegas' citywide occupancy is 23 percentage points higher than the national average of 61.4 percent. With industry-leading occupancy of 84.4 percent for its 150,481 rooms, Las Vegas fills more rooms per night on average than any destination in North America. Las Vegas' average daily room rate also increased $3 to $108 in 2012. Clark County gross gaming revenue reached $9.4 billion in 2012, a 1.9 per cent increase over last year. On the Las Vegas Strip, revenues increased 2.3 per cent to $6.2 billion in 2012.

replica of the Grand Canal in Venice. Just down the street, you'll discover another romantic Italian attraction at Bellagio. The world-famous Fountains of Bellagio will speak to your heart as opera, classical and whimsical musical selections are carefully choreographed with the movements of 1,000 water-emitting devices.

Next stop: Paris. Take an elevator ride to the observation deck atop the 50-story replica of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas for a panoramic view of the Las Vegas Valley.

Discover the wild side of Las Vegas at a variety of attractions for animal lovers. Visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at The Flamingo Hotel and see Chilean flamingos, swans, ducks, Koi, goldfish and turtles. Venture over to The Mirage for Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. The Secret Garden is home to royal white tigers, white lions, black panthers, a snow leopard and golden tigers. The Dolphin Habitat, adjacent to the Secret Garden, houses an extended family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

Get up close and personal with endangered and unusual aquatic animals at Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef. Visitors journey through a replica of an ancient temple ruin and a sunken galleon ship surrounded by several varieties of sharks.

Currently under construction at the centre of the Las Vegas Strip is the High-Roller, a 550-foot tall observation wheel. The world's tallest observation wheel is part of Linq, a $550 million outdoor dining, entertainment and retail district

by Caesars Entertainment. Linq is expected to open in late 2013 and the High-Roller will follow in 2014.

For the romantic in you, slow things down a bit with a Gondola Ride at The Venetian.

Accompanied by singing gondoliers, this leisurely tour takes you along the quarter-mile

Those interested in visiting Vegas can find out more on the official website at www.lvcva.com or head over to Hall 2.1/325 here at ITB Berlin 2013.

Las Vegas was itself recognised as North America's Leading Destination in 2012 by the World Travel Awards. For more information on the WTA agenda for 2013 head over to www.worldtravelawards.com.

Las Vegas Convention Centre

Downtown For downtown Las Vegas, 2012 came to be known as the ‘Year of Downtown’ for good reason: at least $754 million in public and private projects came to fruition and an additional $355 million in developments were under construction with most of these scheduled to be completed in 2013. In 2012, downtown Las Vegas - which does not include the famed Las Vegas Strip and is located just a few miles north - became home to a $485 million performing arts centre, a new city hall, two major museums and scores of new businesses. A total of 57 projects were completed, under construction or upgraded in this urban area during the year.

Fremont East

According to Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, redevelopment progress is helping downtown reinvent itself as the region’s true centre of community, culture and commerce.

The new year’s upcoming development highlights include Zappos.com’s $40 million renovations to the former Las Vegas City Hall to accommodate the company’s 1,200 employees, the $56 million Discovery Children’s Museum scheduled to open this spring, the former Lady Luck Hotel & Casino’s $100 million renovation and reopening as Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino in late 2013, and a former Travelodge repurposed into a temporary housing and resource facility for veterans.

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Feature

Guests at World Luxury Expo

World Luxury Expo lights up the Middle East A series of events hosted by World Luxury Group have redefined the possibilities of opulent travel in the Middle East. Breaking Travel News brings you the latest.

The American Express World Luxury Expo was recently welcomed to palatial Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Expo was the result of a new joint venture between World Luxury Group and Nayyara Exhibitions, with American Express exclusively selected as the title sponsor. The highly anticipated three day exhibition showcased many of the world’s leading luxury brands and services, from a broad selection of luxury categories, to a highly discerning and select group of VIP guests from across the Kingdom.

Sami El Natour, chief marketing officer, American Express Saudi Arabia, said: “We are proud to be the title sponsor of The American Express World Luxury Expo, Riyadh. Our sponsorship of this prestigious event will enhance the exclusive benefits we can offer our card members and invited guests who attended the event. The American Express World Luxury Expo, Riyadh compliments American Express’ commitment to service excellence and personalised services for high net worth individuals.”

The American Express World Luxury Expo, Riyadh featured carefully selected exhibitors from luxury categories including fine art, highend jewellery, fashion, hand-crafted time pieces, designer furniture and exquisite table settings, fine dining, luxury executive cars and sports cars, private aviation and luxury travel.

All participating exhibitors are leaders in their respective fields, showcasing superior quality and perfection. Ahmed Al Oraij, executive consultant at Nayyara Exhibitions commented:

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“Nayyara is proud to partner with World Luxury Group to bring The American Express World Luxury Expo to Riyadh. This is an event of true international calibre, one which will continue to grow every year for many years to come, with plans for Riyadh to become one of the world’s most important luxury exhibition centres.”

The world’s most luxurious atlas, Earth Platinum, measuring 6x9 ft wide, is a collector’s piece which featured at The American Express World Luxury Expo. The maps consist of images that are stitched together using as many as 1,000 individual photos and the largest consists of 12,000 photos. Earth Platinum is also the largest-ever atlas and only 31 copies will ever be published.

Graham Cooke, president of World Luxury Group, added: “The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh positions itself among the grandest palace hotels in the world, and our partners Nayyara Exhibitions boast a first-class management team with whom we are proud to work. The American Express World Luxury Expo, Riyadh is the only event of its kind in the Kingdom, showcasing an array of luxury brands available in one select venue – The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh – which provides centre stage for this event of over 5,800 square meters.”

Burj Al Arab The American Express World Luxury Expo, Riyadh followed a Dubai event held at the Burj Al Arab. The inaugural World Luxury Expo, the event saw iconic car brand Aston Martin launch

its global 100th anniversary celebration. As the maker of exceptional high performance cars since 1913, the year 2013 marks a significant milestone for Aston Martin as the brand celebrates their centenary as a leading international luxury automotive brand.

World Luxury Expo showcased the world’s leading luxury brands across a selection of carefully selected categories including fine art, high-end jewellery & fashion, hand-crafted time pieces, designer furniture and exquisite table settings, automobiles, fine dining, private aviation, and luxury travel. The chairman of Agha Group, Rateb Agha, showcased a collection of pieces that have been privately curated over many years from all over the world. A rare glimpse into this collection reveals a sword that dates back to the 16th century; the blade is hand-made from original Jawhar and is covered in pure 22K gold.

In addition to this, a one-off Fabergé Imperial Egg was shown that is part of a museumquality Fabergé collection that captures the very essence of the magnificent and historic Fabergé tradition. Another very special piece in the collection is an origina l Holy Quran, handwritten with gold water with the pages made out of pure gazelle leather, originating from Damascus.

In the Grand Pavilion, located on the Burj Al Arab Marina Garden, invited guests also saw the latest ladieswear collections from acclaimed designers, Alexander McQueen and Alaia, as well as luxury footwear from Charlotte Olympia. An exclusive range of fur pieces was

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presented by J Mendel and exotic skin handbags and leather goods were shown by Asprey and Nancy Gonzalez.

There were also previews of special collections and limited edition pieces from Boucheron, Pomellato & H.Stern – all presented exclusively

by Harvey Nichols, Dubai. The luxury lifestyle fitness brand, Power Plate Pro7 also launched for the first time in the GCC and Middle East during World Luxury Expo. “We are hugely excited about the launch of the Pro7 as there is no other vibration training machine with the same capabilities available on the market today,” commented David Morrell, managing director. “This launch marks a huge technological leap forward for the brand and we can’t wait to introduce the latest member of the Power Plate family to the region.”

ProArt Gallery showcased artwork from renowned artists, Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol. Swiss Art Gate UAE featured selected pieces from the German artist, George Classen.

Jakob Beck Thomsen, chief executive Saxo Bank Dubai, commented: “World Luxury Expo has brought together the most prestigious names in luxury goods to an iconic venue in Dubai, that mirrors the privileged lifestyle that a large part of Saxo Bank clientele enjoy, so it is befitting that we are partner of this event.”

There is more information on upcoming events at www.world-luxury-group.com.

Graham Cooke meets with HRH Prince Khalid bin Abd Rahman bin Abdallah Al Faysal

World Luxury Expo in Riyadh

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