BTN - ITB 2009 Day 1 by Breaking Travel News

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ITB Berlin Special Edition

Wednesday 11 March 2009

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S P E C I A L R E P O R T

.mobi A Step into the Future page 4

Travel The New Age of Austerity page 7

Fortune Cookie The Perfect Result page 8

One World One World Interview page 92

Tough times create opportunity As well as addressing the challenges that a deteriorating world economy will bring to the travel and tourism industry, the key message in the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer is that times of crisis often lead to the biggest opportunities. The industry is under no illusions that the course of 2009 will enforce widespread strategic re-thinks and many tough decisions will have to be made. But what is just as certain is that the industry is a highly-resilient sector and will eventually return to strong growth. These challenging economic times will only succeed in separating those companies that with fortitude and vision remain unbowed in their commitment to excellence from those that are complacent or average. As the travel industry’s highest accolade, there has never been a more valuable time to demonstrate the pursuit of excellence and to win a World Travel Award. Since 1993, “the Oscars of the travel industry” have stood unrivalled in impartially recognising and rewarding those who set the standards across all sectors of travel and tourism.

This year, all eyes will be on the World Travel Awards Programme where the Winners will show what it truly takes to make a difference and will act as beacons of hope for the industry at large. History will prove that 2009’s World Travel Awards Winners will be those companies that best navigate economic fluctuations and will emerge from these challenging times with exponential growth, augmented market share and galvanised reputations.

Is your Company Exceptional or Average? The industry urges those companies or organisations that consider themselves to be leading examples of travel and tourism excellence to enter the 2009 World Travel Awards Programme. Everyone who is determined to make a change for good should visit www.worldtravelawards.com The simple online process could not be easier. Every successful World Travel Awards Finalist will have their achievements show-cased throughout 2009. They will then be presented before a global voting audience of over 167,000 travel and tourism professionals and media from around the world who will decide the ultimate Winners. This level of transparency and accountability is what has made the World Travel Awards Programme so special.

Around the World in Seven Ceremonies The all important Winners will be unveiled in a series of landmark Gala Ceremonies. World Travel Awards have now announced the dates when the leading industry bodies, government representatives and the world’s media will gather to discover who has been voted the very best of the best. After submitting your company’s nomination, please bookmark the Gala Ceremony of regional appropriateness to you into your diary. There has never been a more important year for positive action. Now is the time for individuals to step forward and demonstrate what can be done to make a difference. Through an unswerving commitment to excellence, through recognising examples of best practise and through collective learning and solidarity, these challenging times present us with the opportunity to re-enforce the overall industry infrastructure. 2009 is a year of positive action for everyone involved in the travel and tourism industry. For more information, visit www.worldtravelawards.com

www.worldtravelawards.com

World Travel Awards 2009 Self Nomination Open Now Turn to Page 9

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ITB Schedule â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Day1 Hall 7.1 b, Auditorium London

ITB Future Day

1 Northumberland Avenue Trafalgar Square London WC2N 5BW United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7925 2552 www.breakingtravelnews.com

11:00 - 11:15 Inauguration of the ITB Berlin Convention

The presentation of the ITB Science Prize from the German Society for Research in Tourism

11:15 - 11:45 Keynote 1: The Future of Travel Hall 7.1a New York 2 12:15 - 12:45 Keynote 2: The Global Online Picture

ITB CSR Day and Workshops

12:45 - 13:45 Digital Lifestyle and Online Travel

16:30-17:00 New Approaches in Marketing and Sales With Hans-Harry Bittner, Chairman of the Management Board, matchpoint gmbh

To subscribe to the free daily newsletter: subscribe@breakingtravelnews.com or sign, via the website

14:00 - 15:15 The Impact of the Oil Price on Recreational Mobility: Can we still Afford to Vacation?

For editorial feedback: anton@breakingtravelnews.com

15:30 - 16:30 ITB World Travel Trends Report: An update on Global and European Tourism Forecast

For advertising: advertising@breakingtravelnews.com

17:30-18:00 Presentation of the ITB Science Prize by DGT e.v.

16:45 - 17:30 Tourism in Times of the Global Financial Crisis

Hall 7.1a New York 3

ITB Business Travel Days Business Travel Junior Day Orientation Day for Young Professionals and Graduates

Hall 7.3 Europe Hall 7.1a New York 1 Chairman, CEO: Graham Cooke Executive Vice President: Manon Han Senior Vice President: David Falcon Group Vice President: Kevin Taylor Global Directors: Sion Rapson, Chris Frost, Khalil El-Mouelhy, Max Miller Editor: Anton Strack Writers: Mary Aziz, Adam Coulter, Chris Whitfield, Cristina Onodi Marketing Manager: Kate Brewer Head of Photography: Mark Hakansson Video Producer: Gareth Morris Design: Nomad Graphique

View the video interviews on YouTube www.youtube.com/breakingtravelnews

ITB Destination Days 12:00-13:00 The WorldÂ´s Most Liveable Cities Featuring Monocle Founder Tyler Brule 13:30-14:30 Best Practice Destination Management: Lessons from the Leaders The results of a comprehensive benchmark study prepared by Tourism Intelligence will be presented. 14:45-17:25 Architecture and Tourism Get an idea of future developments in tourism and find out what role architecture will be playing in the process!

PhoCusWright@ITB Bloggers Summit 10:30-12:00-Welcome Meeting (Approved bloggers only) 12:00-13:00-Lunch (networking) 13:00-14:00-Briefing Meet with Five Minute of Fame and PhoCusWright@ITB speakers. (Approved bloggers only) 15:45-16:45-Workshop: From Theory to Reality, Putting the Trends to Work for your Organization 16:45-17:15-Speaker and Talkbacker Briefing

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Fairmont Zimbali gears up for grand opening South Africa’s breath-taking KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast is set to become home to an incredible new luxury resort, the Fairmont Zimbali, which opens later this year.

The luxury hotel, which is being developed by IFA Hotels & Resorts, is scheduled to open in the last quarter of this year. It is set to be in the jewel in the crown of the magnificent Dolphin Coast on the east coast of Africa, and will feature an ultra-luxurious resort hotel, a championship Gary Player designed golf course with clubhouse plus a host of incredible features. An investment of US$250m by IFA Hotels & Resorts will ensure a property of the highest international standard will be delivered. Zimbali is a breathtaking 700hectare coastal resort situated on a pristine stretch of beach and features architecture inspired by

the magnificent environment. Known for its lush vegetation and abundant indigenous wildlife, it is a spectacularly beautiful destination and a fine example of an environmentally-sensitive South African residential resort. The Fairmont Zimbali will offer an exclusive selection of luxury properties to investors. This exclusive property portfolio includes Signature Beachfront Villas, executive designer Apartments, hillside Villas, Golf Chalets, selected Hotel Suites as well as the Fairmont Heritage Place, Zimbali Private Residence Club – South Africa’s most private residence club. Only a select few spectacular hotel condominium suites will be available for sale within the Fairmont Zimbali Hotel & Resort. All hotel suites will be fully furnished and equipped, generous in their layout and exceptional in their design. Hotel suite owners have usage of their property during the year as well as the opportunity to participate in the exceptional rental yield based on the anticipated success of the Fairmont Zimbali Hotel. The Fairmont Zimbali Signature Villas represent the ultimate in designer coastal living. These master-crafted signature homes will be equipped with every

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conceivable convenience and enjoy every amenity. The eleven Signature Villas each offer extensive designer living space with unrestricted views of the warm Indian Ocean and each boasting its own distinctive signature design determined by its unique site.

Golf is integral to the premium lifestyle, with the keen golfer accommodated by the Tom Weiskopf-designed championship course rated as one of South Africa’s finest golfing experiences. There are also plans for an 18hole par 72 Gary Player Signature Golf Course.

The Fairmont Villas are located high on a ridge overlooking the main Fairmont Hotel and Indian Ocean. These opulent homes provide privacy, luxury and exclusivity as well as their trademark rim-flow pools and lavish entertainment areas.

For the astute investor who wants to own a magnificent holiday home without the downside of maintaining a second property, The Fairmont Heritage Place, Zimbali (South Africa’s most exclusive private residence club) presents the perfect solution. It also offers owners a range of outstanding services and amenities designed to make the experience of each visit incomparably enjoyable.

The designer Fairmont Zimbali Apartments enjoy an elevated ocean-fronting position and are presented as the ultimate lockup-and-go property. They offer full access to the Fairmont Zimbali hotel amenities and management, and can also participate in the rental scheme. The Fairmont Zimbali Golf Chalets are the ideal property for investors, as well as keen golfers wanting a well located home within a five-star management structure. Created to suit the specific needs of visiting golf enthusiasts, these 21 units face the fifth fairway and green of the existing signature Zimbali golf course.

A world of luxury, fine hospitality and special privilege awaits owners of the Fairmont Heritage Place, Zimbali. Reciprocal use of other Fairmont Heritage Place communities, Fairmont and Raffles Hotels & Resorts in some of the world’s most desirable destinations as well as discounts at all Fairmont Hotels & Resorts worldwide are included. Automatic entry into the ultraexclusive, invitation only Fairmont President’s Circle is an added benefit to be enjoyed.

www.fairmontzimbali.com www.ifahotelsresorts.com

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.mobi – a step into the future Mobile information services are bucking the trend in international travel and tourism which is hardly surprising considering that more people in the world have access to a mobile phone with internet facility than a PC.

According to A.T. Kearney from University of Cambridge, more than half of mobile handsets are less than a year old and most of them have full internet capabilities. In emerging markets – where fixed line communications are scarce – analysts predict wireless will be the communication channel of choice. It is estimated that there are over 2 billion mobile phones ccompared to 700 million laptops and PCs. Adapting to the future, World Mobi came up with a platform which makes mobile use simple and easy. This portal is designed for the needs of a mobile user, either on a basic mobile or a highend device such as an Apple iPhone or Nokia N96. Viewing a PC site on a small mobile screen is incredibly hard to read and very expensive to download. The strength of City.mobi lies in its simple format which enables a destination to have a mobile presence which otherwise can be problematic, costly, and wasteful of time and energy. Their main targets are the large cities around the world which want their locals and visitors to be always up to date with what’s new in town. The city.mobi portal provides access to over 600 mobile destination sites operated by World Mobi.

The first city to take a step into the future and adopt such a platform is Johannesburg. Johannesburg Tourism recently signed an agreement between city.mobi and for joburg.city.mobi. “Information is valuable currency for tourists”, said Lindiwe Mahlangu, CEO of Johannesburg Tourism Company. “Not only do they need to know the basics, such as where to stay and what to do when they visit Jo’burg, but they also require information about whether their chosen destination is able to cater to their personal interests. “It will undoubtedly play a vital role in helping us to meet the expectations of tourists visiting a world-class city, not only reflecting global trends but offering flawless service and excellent infrastructure.” Joburg.city.mobi is super fast, providing on-the-go information in seconds on everything from bars, shops and attractions to events, entertainment.

www.worldmobi.co.uk

With four times as many mobile phones sold as PCs, the mobile web is a new marketing channel that's predicted to generate $150 billion by 2011. Microsoft predicts most people’s first computing experience will be on a mobile. Brands which are visible during that formative experience, will leave a positive, long-term impression.

www.breakingtravelnews.com

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VLMdirect.com – your window onto the world According to the Travel Industry Association of America, more than 64 million people in the US bought or reserved an airline ticket, hotel room, rental car or package tour online during 2008 – up nearly 20 million from 2007. And each leisure traveller spends more than $1,000 online.

VLMdirect.com is a far-reaching hotel-focused website is with a ground-breaking system for hotel booking – where travellers deal with the hotels directly. Hard work is paying off for the entrepreneurial team that developed the Website, which already provides a catalogue of over 66,000 properties in over 160 countries and territories across the globe. The crew have ambitious plans to grow the business further, with another 40,000 properties earmarked for the site. “Once completed VLMdirect.com will have the biggest accommodation database in the world,” says Kelly Footit, Director VLMdirect.

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“We are not just including the hotel chains but all independent hotels as well, many of which are preferred by individual travellers. New destinations are also constantly being researched and added to the listings.” The VLMdirect.com model is different from its competitors in that it is not involved in any transaction at the point of booking a room. Travellers pay fees directly to the property and they make their own arrangements. The site provides details such as telephone, fax, website, facilities and visuals about hotels so that potential guests can make their own choices and decisions.

The business model involves charging properties who want to put more than just their basic details on the website, such as rich media including streaming video, IPIX 360 visuals and photos. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has stopped doing business with different booking portals due to frequent errors with availability information.As a direct result of this IHG set up their own direct booking system. This has led IHG to see online bookings increase on its websites, including Holiday Inn and other brands, from 78 percent of total online sales to 85 percent. Other major hotel chains are following suit with direct booking systems. Also many hotels have pricing agreements with the travel portal sites, so consumers are not likely to find a lower rate than at the hotel's official site. While others portals now check real-time inventory. It is not just hotels. Booking direct is a trend that has gripped the industry over the last few years. The airlines were first to stop

paying commissions to travel agents and focus on their online offerings allowing clients to book direct. EasyJet was one of the first to pioneer direct booking resulting in cheaper fares for the customer. Most airlines have followed suit proving that this formula works and in turn increases profitability. “We are looking to be the encyclopedia of accommodation on the Internet, the Craig’s List or the Yellow Pages for the travel and hotel industry worldwide. There’s never been anything quite this comprehensive before. It will empower people and give them the choice to book what they want whether it’s an Italian traveller looking for a hotel in Indonesia or a Chinese person booking in Cuba,” says Footit.

www.vlmdirect.com

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New hospitality heights for rustic Tuscany

Forte Village takes traditional Tuscan hospitality to a whole new level with Castel Monastero, an exquisite country house resort in the beautiful Ombrone Valley Tuscany’s beautiful Ombrone Valley provides the setting for the eagerly-awaited Castel Monastero, an incredible Country House Resort, opening June 2009. The exquisite resort stands in this unique corner of the world – a land of Chianti vines, corn fields, chestnut forests and long rows of cypress trees. The resort is located in Monastero dell’Ombrone, a small but intact medieval hill-top village which dates back to the 11th century. Today, within these thousandyear-old walls, which were once the home of the noble Chigi Saracini family of Siena, the 74 suites radiate pure elegance, and pay homage to the harmony of the ancient Tuscany – a land blessed with masterpieces of painting and food and the greatest, unparalleled art of knowing how to live life. You can sense the glorious past of this village in the air, among the four hectares of unspoilt greenery and in the luxury of the most exquisite Italian hospitality. Castel Monastero will feature a gourmet restaurant from which vision and passion for a great culinary tradition will emanate. There will also be a cellar where guests can sample the best Tuscan wines and Chianti produced in the vineyards of

Castel Monastero. Guests can also relax and feel at peace in the spa. This is a wonderfully enticing corner for a holiday in which to discover Italian culture, for a romantic honeymoon or for a wedding in the intimate little church within the walls of the resort.

Location, location, location Castel Monastero stands in the centre of Tuscany, sat atop a beautiful hill. Vineyards, fields and works of art can be seen all around. The Castel Monastero resort is, in fact, just 23 km from Siena where the famous Palio horse race is run annually. There are many attractions, each with their own history and character, as well as villages, rural churches and spectacular countryside to explore very close by.

To the south as soon as the guests step out of the resort they are greeted by the soft waves of the fantastic Siena Clays. These are the very same clays that Ambrogio Lorenzetti used to paint the “Good Government” fresco in Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico in 1337. A few kilometres more to the south, the beautiful Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia and di Bagno Vignoni will take your breath away, not to mention Montalcino where you can take a break in one of the oenological temples of the world.

Castel Monastero Spa – the very definition of calm Nature that instils calm, air that exudes peace, style that invites balance. This is the scene every day in Tuscany and in the

magnificent Castel Monastero Spa. The spa is openly spread over a 1,000 m2 surface within the medieval village. On the first floor are the best weight-loss treatments, designed for gentle but efficient recovery of ideal weight through a set of treatments and personalised diets guided by a highly specialised medical team. Alongside rebalancing and detoxifying programmes, the Castel Monastero Spa offers a wide choice of aesthetic cures and pure relaxation treatments, helping guests to achieve wellbeing and health and take on every task with the right amount of energy and composure. For further info and advance bookings visit: www.castelmonastero.com

www.castelmonastero.com

Further north is Monteriggioni with its walled boundary still in perfect condition, then the medieval jewel of San Gimignano, and Castellina in Chianti, the epicentre of Tuscan gourmet culture. Immediately beyond these are Radda in Chianti, Greve in Chianti and similar places, from hilltop to hilltop, flavour upon flavour, until you reach Florence.

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Well, according to technology provider, Amadeus, which has just launched a new survey on the habits of business travellers, the answer is a resounding ‘’yes’’. The research, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, has found that in 2009 business travellers will take fewer, shorter and cheaper business trips and will opt for basic efficiency and good service over ancillary services. And although the results vary slightly by region – this report polled 354 executives in Asia, Europe and North America – overall the message was the same: Wi-Fi (76%) and a quiet room (56%) beats a good restaurant (13%) and a gym every time (16%). So what does this mean for corporate business at four and five-star hotels? “It’s not the end of the world for four and five star properties,” reassures Jerome Destors, of Amadeus’ hospitality business group. “There will be business, but they are going to have to lower their rates a little. Not out of control, but a little bit. “They also need to adapt what package they offer the business traveller to include such elements as free Wi-Fi.”

The New Age of Austerity With businesses downsizing their travel expenditure budgets, what can those at the top end of the hospitality industry do to lure back the corporate dollar? Adam Coulter investigates…

So are we really entering a new “age of austerity,” where, in the same way shoppers boast about how much they’ve saved at Aldi and Lidl, business travellers will show off at meetings about how little they spent staying at Travelodge and Express by

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Holiday Inn? Are the days of Spas, Executive Floors and small bottles of Molton Brown in the bathroom really over? – to be replaced by anonymous checkin, a pub next door and large, fixed, non-branded products in a shower room?

The danger – and this is what happened after 9/11 – is that the top end of the market could get into a price war. Grant Appleton, Commercial Director UK at HRS, believes it could happen: “We may get into a position where the three and four star market are competing against each other to attract corporate business.” The result could be – and this is the irony – that top-end rates might fall to a par with the budget brands. This is not unprecedented. The so called “Denmark effect” happened in the Scandinavian country when a number of four and five star properties got locked into a bitter price war and the net result was that rates dropped so low that they became cheaper to stay in than a nearby three star. In fact, you can see this happening almost every weekend in the major cities of the world as business-focused hotels scramble to fill their rooms on increasingly quiet Friday and Saturday nights.

encourage the corporate traveller back into the high-end properties: “There will be some bargains but I don’t think a drop in rates is necessarily enough. The traveller is now respecting the policy of the corporate, and most of the time that is about downgrading where they stay.” The big question is: does this new Age of Austerity herald a shift change in the way business travellers travel? Is it here to stay, in other words. Kevin Maguire, president and CEO of the National Business Travel Association, believes it is. And Maguire, who was speaking at last week’s Business Travel Show, should know: he counts 38 years in the business. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” he says. “It’s a perfect storm. The recession, which started in the US, has spread like a wild virus. The global economy is in crisis and nobody knows how much worse it will get.” Maguire also believes we have a long way to go to hit rock bottom and predicted that we would see a huge increase in alternatives to travel such as videoconferencing. So there goes the meetings industry – another crucial lifeblood to the hotels sector. He also predicted airline capacity would drop and that the hotel business would become a buyers’ market – a situation which we are already seeing. But – and here’s the positive bit – he did describe the current situation in business travel as “the strangest but most opportunistic” he had ever witnessed. What he means is it’s a chance for travel management companies to really show their worth. And that’s not necessarily about screwing the best possible price they can out of suppliers, but working in partnership to help make sure we all steer our way out of this crisis. And of course, because those top end hotels are open to rate negotiation, whereas the budget brands are not, if the business traveller is prepared to go out of policy he may find he can benefit from this new Age of Austerity after all.

But according to Jerome, even this may not be enough to

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Understand what success will look like (and how to measure it) Whittle success factors down to three key performance indicators.

Get to know your customers Personas act as a visual and mental model of the different types of customers. Bring these personas to life and use them to test out customer-journey ideas.

User experience is a three-dimensional approach that has to be crafted around content and key customer journeys. It involves site structure, layout and navigation, design, branding, tone of voice, content and functionality. Consider how customers search, browse and interact with your site and ensure that it’s designed for them.

The perfect result Whether the trip is for business or leisure, every customer’s journey begins when they start to plan it. All travel is about pleasure. If you’re in the business of travel, success lies in understanding how to create pleasurable, immersive online experiences for every traveller that reflect your brand values and deliver on their promise.

A perfect result may be acquiring thousands of new customers, or converting more of them from lookers into bookers. It may be increasing the website’s average order value, or giving customers such a great service that they can’t help but return for more. A perfect result can be summed up in three words. Return on Investment. If the brand gets an excellent return on the time and money invested in developing the website and the customer feels that they have been rewarded for the time and money they have spent with the brand then the website is nearing perfection.

Design to delight What customers see must look and feel desirable – always create a website to relish, return and recommend.

Build in evolution Phased delivery validated with user feedback at every step will deliver only what your customers want rather than wasting money on pointless bells and whistles.

Realign don’t redesign Completely redesigning a site can unnecessarily challenge existing customers. Don’t be tempted to change things just for the sake of it.

www.fortunecookie.co.uk

Seek to find, not search Making a website findable is critical to its success – whether that is customers finding the most relevant web page in search engines, or finding what they are looking for within an instant of arriving on your site.

Justin Cooke, Managing Director, Fortune Cookie E: justin.cooke@fortunecookie.co.uk T: +44 (0)20 7843 6753 www.fortunecookie.co.uk

Join Justin when he and other leading online travel experts take part in an Executive Roundtable: ‘From Thought to Finish: Implementation Realities in a Digital World’. As part of ‘PhocusWright@ITB: Expanding E-Travel Across Europe’ the roundtable takes place today at 1pm, Hall 7.3, Auditorium Europe.

Build in a contact strategy A contact strategy can turn a customer’s experience of your website from run-of-the-mill to brilliant. Emailing a customer when they drop out of a process with a personalised message demonstrates customer service excellence as well as making good business sense.

You probably think there is no such thing as a perfect travel website. But at Fortune Cookie perfection is something that we strive for. Over the past 12 years we have worked hard with brands including Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Kuoni, TUI and National Rail Enquiries to define what perfection looks like. For us and the brands we work with it really boils down to results.

Plan your customers’ experience properly

Make time for iteration Test with representative customers – ask them for their feedback and perceptions as well as measuring actual interaction, behaviour and understanding.

10 Do it all over again And when you have achieved perfection? Analyse, improve, test again – so you can do it even better.

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Is your company truly exceptional or merely average?

Stand up and be counted... WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2009 Self Nomination for the 2009 World Travel Awards OPEN NOW

www.worldtravelawards.com

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Around the World in 7 Ceremonies The all important Winners will be unveiled in a series of landmark Gala Ceremonies. World Travel Awards have now announced the dates when the leading industry bodies, government representatives and the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s media will gather to discover who has been voted the very best of the best.

World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony 4th May, Dubai, UAE

World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony 10th May, Durban ICC, South Africa

World Travel Awards North & Central America Ceremony September, Hacienda Tres Rios, Yucatan

World Travel Awards Europe Ceremony â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17th October, Marriott Praia D'El Rey Golf & Beach Resort, Lisbon, Portugal

www.worldtravelawards.com

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“With a host of exciting new partnership deals and a global media campaign reaching in excess of 270 million in place, our 2009 Tour is set to be our best yet. Over the past 15 years, our objective has been to identify and reward excellence, and are honoured to be recognised as 'the Oscars of the travel industry'.” Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

For ticket information, please go to: www.worldtravelawards.com Or contact awards@worldtravelawards.com

World Travel Awards Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean Ceremony October, Singapore

World Travel Awards South America Ceremony October, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

World Travel Awards Grand Final – December, Jamaica

www.worldtravelawards.com

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World Travel Awards 2009 Middle East Ceremony Dubai, UAE – 4th May 2009 "We are seeking inspirational winners who command total respect in everything they do, from customer experience to exceeding business performance. Nothing could therefore be more appropriate this year than taking the awards to Dubai" Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

Dubai will be the extraordinary location of this year's World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony on Monday 4th May 2009. More than 500 Middle East travel and tourism companies and organisations from across the region, representing every industry sector will be fighting for their chance to be recognised by the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry. Dubai epitomises the great Arabian tourist dream. Just twenty years ago it was a sleepy fishing community but under the direction of the ruling Maktoum family it has been transformed into the playground of the Middle East. The scale and ambition of landmark projects currently underway is so breathtaking that you wouldn’t bet against this booming emirate becoming one of the most important places on earth. Dubai is constantly building its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities in the restless and relentless pursuit of a society for tomorrow. The booming emirate is an unbelievably exciting

www.worldtravelawards.com

and rapidly-changing place that has got the travel world talking. It seems everyone who’s anyone now has an interest there. The tourism statistics speak for themselves. Occupancy rates for four and five star hotels almost 90%, and the number of hotel guest trebling over the past decade. A remarkable urban landscape, Dubai is home to iconic structures, with more in the pipeline. The Burj Al Arab – World Travel Awards Leading Hotel 2008 - is possibly the classic symbol of Dubai; an inspiring feat of architecture rising out of the sand, and a sight that should be seen (and stayed in) to be believed. Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always highly in demand therefore early booking is always recommended. To secure your seats for this fantastic event, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Tel: +44 (0)207 925 0000

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"One only has to look at the size of the event, and the calibre of the other award winners, to appreciate how prestigious the World Travel Awards is.â&#x20AC;? Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel

www.worldtravelawards.com

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Is your company truly exceptional or merely average?

Stand up and be counted...

Middle East Nominations “Etihad is proud to be nominated by the World Travel Awards for the second year in a row. Last year’s double win for ‘world’s leading flatbed seat’ and ‘world’s leading travel television commercial’ recognized Etihad’s commitment to excellence and to building greater awareness of our brand across key markets.” James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive

Middle East’s Leading Hotel 2008 – Burj Al Arab, Dubai

"This region is a supreme example of how to hold your nerve and act short term, when necessary, but always with longer-term benefits and a sound business strategy uppermost." Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

www.worldtravelawards.com

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Rotana Winner - Middle East's Leading Hotel Brand 2008

The World Travel Awards serve to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements to be found in all sectors of the global travel industry. As the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest accolade, there has never been a more valuable time to demonstrate the pursuit of excellence and to win a World Travel Award. The industry urges those companies or organisations who consider themselves to be leading examples of travel and tourism excellence to enter 2009â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Travel Awards Programme.

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi Winner - Abu Dhabi's Leading Hotel 2008

The simple online process could not be easier. Every successful World Travel Awards Finalist will have their achievements show-cased throughout 2009. They will then be presented before a global voting audience of over 167,000 travel and tourism professionals and media from around the world who will decide the ultimate Winners.

The Chedi Muscat, Oman Finalist - Middle East's Leading Hotel 2008

This level of transparency and accountability is what has made the World Travel Awards Programme so special. For your opportunity to be recognized in this global area of travel excellence in 2009, simply download an application form and submit via email or post.

Safar Travel & Tourism Finalist - Middle East Leading Travel Agency

A 2009 Nomination Form is available to download from www.worldtravelawards.com Nomination submission deadlines will be approximately one month prior to the regional awards ceremony. The closing date for the Middle East Ceremony being held on 4th May 2009 in Dubai is 3rd April 2009.

www.worldtravelawards.com

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Virtual World Internet designs, develops, hosts, and markets high value visual content for the travel and tourism sector with a proven track record of delivering world class solutions to our clients.

Grosvenor House Dubai www.virtual-grosvenorhouse.com

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Contact Virtual World Internet to discuss how we can help produce and deliver video, virtual tours, and image galleries of your hotel or resort to your online visitors.

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Middle East hotel operator storms ahead with plans to develop 67 properties by 2012

United Arab Emirates, February 2009 - Rotana, the leading hotel management company in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced the expansion of its portfolio to 67 properties to open by 2012.

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“Year after year, Rotana is gaining strength and positioning itself as a leader in the industry within the region. This is part of our strategic aim to have a property located in every key city in the Middle East and North Africa and this goal is being steadily achieved through careful long-term planning and timely action. The new properties will not only expand our portfolio in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Qatar but will also introduce Rotana into new markets such as Cairo, Oman, Iraq and Saudi Arabia” said Selim El Zyr, President & CEO Rotana. Rotana has already signed management contracts and some of these properties are now under construction or development. For the next four years, Rotana will open 10 hotels per year. The plan is right. The strategy is there. The execution and know-how are there. The objective is clear. Rotana is positive that as long as the company is able to manage growth in an efficient way, then there is

the scope to take up further properties. Rotana has signed a joint venture with Orascom and SHUAA to manage five Centro by Rotana properties in Egypt. Furthermore, a management agreement has been signed with Jiwar Real Estate Management & Marketing Company to manage the first property in Saudi Arabia, Al Marwa Rayhaan in Makkah, which will open in the second quarter of 2009. Most recently, SHUAA Capital Saudi Arabia, cjsc (SCSA), the Saudi Arabian subsidiary of SHUAA Capital psc, announced the signing of a master agreement with Rotana to develop 17 four & five-star hotels and resorts in addition to hotel apartments across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comprising 5,500 rooms. Only this year, Rotana is fortifying its position as Dubai’s leading hotel operator with the opening of

another two properties, including the world’s tallest hotel. Over the next couple of months, opening of Rose Rotana and Amwaj Rotana, along with the newly opened Arjaan Dubai Media City and Media Rotana, will add to the company’s eight existing properties in the emirate.

Beirut

Rotana currently manages more hotels in Dubai & the Northern Emirates than any other single operator and the scheduled openings will increase the company’s stronghold further. As for the rest of the region, hereunder is a breakdown of the upcoming properties which will open in 2009:

Afamia Rotana Resort – 2009

Abu Dhabi Centro Yas Island – 2009 Yas Island Rotana – 2009 Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan – 2009 Park Rotana – 2009 Park Arjaan - 2009 Tourist Club Arjaan – 2009

Raouche Rotana – 2009

Doha City Centre Rotana – 2009

Dubai Rose Rotana – 2009 Amwaj Rotana - 2009

Latakia Makkah Al Marwa Rayhaan – 2009 The Rotana brand is driven by passion, personal warmth, and the delivery of consistent quality standards, combined with a keen understanding of regional markets, commitment to research, and significant investment in systems and people. Development of the brand is rigorously planned and meticulously managed across all operations - simultaneously evoking confidence and trust among property owners, and creating satisfying experiences for corporate and leisure travellers alike.

P.O. Box: 43500, Abu Dhabi, UAE. T: +971 (0)2 644 4412, F: +971 (0)2 644 4413, head.office@rotana.com

rotana.com

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World Travel Awards 2009 Africa Ceremony ICC Durban, South Africa Sunday 10th May 2009 “The ICC is a state-of-the-art world class conference centre and perfect for such a prestigious ceremony for African travel and tourism. We have been delighted with not only the facilities, but also with the wonderful support from the ICC staff. Indaba is the greatest occasion to coincide our event with.” Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

South Africa is set to be in sparkling form as the World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony, in partnership with the International Convention Centre, Durban, is held on Sunday 10th May 2009. Attended by 400 VIP’s and leading industry figures, this event is set to be an outstanding success and a testament to the extraordinary innovation and diversity that is seen in the African tourism industry. The International Convention Centre Durban (ICC) is one of the most advanced conference facilities in the world. Flexibility and versatility are key factors in the design of this state-of-the-art technology-driven centre. It is a purpose-built, fully air-conditioned centre with three convention halls that are interlinked but separate. Moveable walls allow for a number of different venue configurations. Alternatively the halls can be opened up to form one large venue with seating for 5000 delegates or 7000m squared of column free floor space. Together with its sister venue, the Durban Exhibition Centre, the ICC can

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double its capacity to accommodate 10 000 conference delegates. The centres can function independently or as two halves of one whole. This is achieved by closing Walnut Road, a brick-paved concourse between the two centres, to provide easy access for delegates. Little wonder then that ICC Durban is where Africa and the world meet. ICC Durban has been voted Africa's Leading Conference Centre for six consecutive years by World Travel Awards and in 2004 was also ranked as one of the top ten conference centres in the world by AIPC. Its proven track record is unrivalled in Africa. Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always highly in demand therefore early booking is always recommended. To secure your seats for this fantastic event, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Tel: +44 (0)207 925 0000

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"It is very significant and auspicious that the World Travel Awards, 'the Oscars of the Travel Industry', has chosen to host its Africa awards here." His Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill kaBhekuzulu

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Is your company truly exceptional or merely average?

Stand up and be counted...

Africa Nominations “The ICC Durban, its staff and stakeholders are elated by this coup as the event is one of the most illustrious awards events in the industry. This is not just a coup for Durban, but for South Africa and Africa as a continent.” Miller Matola , Chief Executive Officer, ICC

Africa’s Leading Hotel 2008 – Mount Nelson Hotel, South Africa

“We hope that the winners set a supreme standard of professionalism in Africa with excellent examples of creativity and business acumen that can stimulate others to also raise their performance and their profile, not only within the African industry but worldwide.” Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

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Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa, South Africa Winner - Africa's Leading Boutique Hotel 2008

Cape Grace, South Africa Winner - South Africa's Leading Hotel 2008

South African Airways Winner - Africa's Leading Airline 2008

Cape Town Winner - Africa's Leading Destination 2008

A 2009 Nomination Form is available to download from www.worldtravelawards.com Nomination submission deadlines will be approximately one month prior to the regional awards ceremony. The closing date for the Africa Ceremony being held on 10th May 2009 at ICC Durban, South Africa is 10th April 2009.

www.worldtravelawards.com

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Middle Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Hotel Brand

Abu Dhabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Beach Resort

Abu Dhabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Business Hotel

Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Meetings Hotel

Middle Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Family Resort

rotana.com

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World Travel Awards 2009 Europe Ceremony Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort, Lisbon Saturday 17th October 2009 “Recognised as the hallmark of travel excellence, the World Travel Awards acknowledges the leading travel products across the globe. The regional award ceremonies recognise winners in their own territory and celebrate both individuals and companies setting new boundaries in travel and tourism.” Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

This year's star studded Europe Awards Ceremony will be held at the Marriott Praia D'El Rey Golf & Beach Resort on Portugal's gorgeous and rugged Silver Coast just outside of Lisbon on Saturday 17th September. Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort is a multi-award winning resort ranging across 230 hectares (600 acres), on the beautiful shoreline of Portugal’s Silver Coast, less than one hour from Lisbon. Located in the beautiful and historic Oeste (or West) region near Obidos, Marriott Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort sets the standard for accommodation in this region and was the first five-star resort to be built here. Guests can enjoy remarkable views of the ocean and of the 18-hole championship golf course. Be cooled by Atlantic winds as they lounge on a private balcony, or spend a relaxing afternoon in one of the luxury suites.

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Over the last 10 years, Marriott Praia D'El Rey Golf & Beach Resort has established itself as the preeminent resort in the region with facilities including a luxury 5 Star Marriott Hotel with a relaxing and beautiful Spa, award winning golf course and leading sports and children's facilities. Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always highly in demand therefore early booking is always recommended. To secure your seats for this fantastic event, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Tel: +44 (0)207 925 0000

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;A wonderful evening, the attendance was great, the organisation excellent, the momentum perfect.â&#x20AC;? Pierre Ferchaud, President & General Manager, Hotel Le Bristol, Paris

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Is your company truly exceptional or merely average?

Stand up and be counted...

Europe Nominations “We are proud that our strategy is recognised by the Travel Industry. This motivates us to maintain the highest service quality throughout the world.” Jehan de Thé, Global Marketing Director at Europcar International.

Europe’s Leading Hotel 2008 – Hotel Le Bristol Paris, France

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Hotel Ritz Paris, France Finalist - Europe's Leading Hotel 2008

The Dorchester, England Finalist - Europe's Leading Hotel 2008

Hotel Cipriani, Italy Finalist - Europe's Leading Hotel 2008

Europcar Winner - Europe's Leading Car Hire 2008

A 2009 Nomination Form is available to download from www.worldtravelawards.com The deadline for nomination submissions will be Friday 26th June

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Imagine breathtaking views of majestic unspoiled coastline, the challenge of a world ranked award-winning championship golf course and the unbridled luxury, style and elegance of a fabulous five-star hotel. Enter the exclusive world of Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, specifically designed with one purpose in mind - your enjoyment. With stunning and endless views of rolling waves, white sandy beaches and romantic pine forests, the Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort is truly heaven sent. Conveniently located only 45 minutes drive north of the country's capital Lisbon, you will find yourself in beautiful and historic countryside steeped in local tradition.

Praia D'El Rey offers without a doubt one of the most stunning golf courses in Europe. Ranked 80th in the world by Golf World Magazine, the course is set alongside a craggy coastline and amongst extensive pine forests and undulating dunes. The par 72 championship course is a challenging mixture of seaside links and parkland holes offering the golfer a unique playing experience.

The hotel boasts 179 deluxe rooms, including 9 suites, all with private terraces or balconies offering unique views of either the Atlantic Ocean or the beautiful championship golf course. All guest rooms have been designed to the highest specification and are elegantly furnished and spacious.

Whatever your idea of perfect relaxation may be, the Praia D'El Rey Marriott is ideally located to offer you a superb choice of activities and leisure pursuits. During summer you can also enjoy our beach facilities and a wide range of water sports activities.

Praia D'El Rey Marriott is dedicated to providing you with a sense of total wellbeing. A state of the art fitness centre is available for your workout and includes an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi and steam bath. Also available is the Atlantic Coast SPA where you can choose a relaxing or invigorating massage, beauty treatments such as facials, manicures and pedicures, or try exotic body polishing, hydrotherapy and reflexology.

Take advantage of your trip to Praia D'El Rey Marriott to explore nature at its best. Take a hiking trip in the surrounding hills or go canoeing in the Óbidos lagoon, considered to be the most beautiful lagoon in Portugal. Praia D'El Rey is just minutes away from the beautiful medieval citadel of Óbidos, a World Heritage site.

www.marriott.com/lisdr www.praia-del-rey.com Phone: 351-262-905100 • Fax: 351-262-905101 • Email: info.pdr@marriott-pdr.com.pt Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort • Av. D. Inês de Castro, 1 • 2510-451 Óbidos, Portugal

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Welcome home. Zurich Airport has once again been named Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Airport by the World Travel Awards, making 2008 the fifth year in a row. As the gateway to the European Alps, Zurich offers you the best service: connecting you to 120 destinations, allowing you to quickly reach the city center, and providing you with convenient connections to all Swiss cities and bordering countries. www.zurich-airport.com

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LET US CAPTURE YOUR IMAGINATION AND INSPIRE YOU TO DISCOVER LE MERIDIEN LAV, SPLIT 41

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Room keys that open more than doors. they can open minds. Cuisine that explores new pairings while expanding your palate. A hotel that can offer you a new perspective on your destination, and on the way that you see the things arround you. We invite you to discovery. Welcome to Le Méridien Lav, Split.

LE MERIDIEN LAV, SPLIT

N 43° 29 E 16° 33 T +385 21 500 500 lemeridien.com/split

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World Travel Awards 2009 South America Ceremony Rio de Janeiro. 20th October 2009 “Congratulations! The event is so fabulous.” Teresa Zhou, Feature Director, World Traveller Media

Rio de Janeiro will be the fantastic location of this year's World Travel Awards South America Ceremony on 20th October 2009. Travel and tourism companies and organisations from across the region, representing every industry sector will be fighting for their chance to be recognised by the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry. Rio de Janeiro is the second major city of Brazil, behind Sao Paolo, and is one of the most spectacular places on the planet. Even welltravelled individuals will love what this destination has to offer. Commonly known as just Rio, the city is nicknamed "The Marvellous City". It is famous for its spectacular natural setting, its Carnival celebrations, samba and other music as well as stunning beaches. The most well known and recognised landmark of Rio is the giant statue of

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Jesus, known as Christ the Redeemer, atop Corcovado Mountain, which has recently been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Rio is packed with bars and restaurants for every taste and budget just waiting to be discovered. And the nightlife is as legendary as the city's Carnival! Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always highly in demand therefore early booking is always recommended. To secure your seats for this fantastic event, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Tel: +44 (0)207 925 0000

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www.worldtravelawards.com

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Is your company truly exceptional or merely average?

Stand up and be counted...

South America Nominations “The winners named in the World Travel Awards South America Ceremony will be companies that take a balanced view, concentrating on customer engagement and on-going product innovation, while continuing to scrutinize costs and yield. We hope that in a small way, World Travel Awards will be able to make a contribution to helping the South American industry to continue to develop in a manner that makes the rest of the world sit up and take notice.” Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

South America’s Leading Hotel 2008 – Copacabana Palace, Brazil

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Grand Hyatt Santiago, Chile Finalist - South America's Leading Hotel 2008

Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil, Ecuador Winner - Ecuador's Leading Hotel 2008

Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort, Brazil Winner - Brazil's Leading Boutique Hotel 2008

Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina Winner - Argentina's Leading Hotel 2008

A 2009 Nomination Form is available to download from www.worldtravelawards.com The deadline for nomination submissions will be Friday 26th June

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Gold sponsors

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P RO U D H O S T S O F 2 0 0 9 WO R L D T R AV E L AWA R D S

Nestled in a 326-acre pristine nature park in the Riviera Maya, México, Hacienda Tres Ríos is a brand new eco-luxury 273-suite resort 30 minutes south of Cancún’s airport. Its exclusive Endless Luxury All-inclusive Plan defies expectations with the combination of Nature, Culture and Experience. Visit us at the Riviera Maya Stand: HALL 3.1 / 211 www.haciendatresrios.com

Yucatan Holidays launches this spring to become one of the leading promoters of the incredible destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula. Its mission is to create unforgettable moments through the combination of sustainable tourism and the promotion of Mexican culture. www.yucatanholidays.com

, rroyo A o d nts: e s e Or lan r íos p R s e r s– of T o i R O s E C da Tre n e i c ating r e “Ha p and O g otel” n i H d l i n u B Gree l u f s pm, s e 5 c 4 c : u 2 , aS 2009 , 3 1 h Marc n 4.1 o i l i v a P

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World Travel Awards 2009 North & Central America Ceremony Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park, Yucatan. September 2009. Date TBA “The World Travel Awards Ceremony is a fantastic event and a great networking opportunity for the travel industry…it makes sense to profile with a high profile and well-connected event like WTA.” Zina Neophytou, Travel Distribution Account Director, BBC World Group

World Travel Awards are coming to Mexico to unveil who international travel agents and industry professionals have voted the region’s top operators and destinations in the industry. Recognised by Wall Street Journal as the international travel industry "Oscars", the World Travel Awards is the world’s only global awards of its kind, honouring world class products of exceptional quality and value. The World Travel Awards North & Central America Ceremony is sponsored by Yucatan Holidays, one of the leading promoters of the incredible destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula. Its mission is to create unforgettable moments through the combination of sustainable tourism and the promotion of Mexican culture. The prestigious ceremony will be held on Monday 7th September at Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park nestled in a 326-acre pristine nature park in the Riviera Maya, México.

Hacienda Tres Ríos is a luxury Caribbean resort just forty five minutes south of Cancún’s International Airport. Here México’s present joins its past and Mexican and Mayan traditions converge to create truly unique experiences. Opened in November 2008, Hacienda Tres Ríos is the first resort of five at Tres Ríos. Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort boasts 273 suites using native materials and featuring breathtaking views of the tranquil turquoise Caribbean Sea. Hacienda Tres Ríos is at the forefront of sustainable tourism development, creating amazing guest experiences while protecting the region’s natural beauty and culture. Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always highly in demand therefore early booking is always recommended. To secure your seats for this fantastic event, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Tel: +44 (0)207 925 0000

www.worldtravelawards.com

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The over riding objective of the World Travel Awards is to encourage and stimulate business excellence within the international travel and tourism industry. There is no doubt that this will be a glitzy and exciting evening in Yucatan, but at the same time there will be a very serious purpose behind the event with importance to many North & Central American businesses.â&#x20AC;? Graham E. Cooke, President and Founder of the World Travel Awards

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Is your company truly exceptional or merely average?

Stand up and be counted...

North & Central America Nominations “Winners of the World Travel Awards North and Central America Ceremony are very special brands, dedicated to being the best in aspect of the customer experience. Their success here at a country-wide and global level means they will further improve their international profile as well as reach out to new customers.” Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

North America’s Leading Hotel 2008 – The St. Regis Hotel New York, USA

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Trump International Hotel & Tower, New York, USA Finalist - North America’s Leading Hotel 2008

The World Travel Awards serve to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements to be found in all sectors of the global travel industry. As the industry’s highest accolade, there has never been a more valuable time to demonstrate the pursuit of excellence and to win a World Travel Award. The industry urges those companies or organisations who consider themselves to be leading examples of travel and tourism excellence to enter 2009’s World Travel Awards Programme.

Jumeirah Essex House, New York, USA Winner - New York's Leading Business Hotel 2008

AVIS Winner - North America's Leading Car Hire 2008

Mandarin Oriental Miami, Florida, USA Winner - Florida's Leading Spa Resort 2008

A 2009 Nomination Form is available to download from www.worldtravelawards.com The deadline for nomination submissions will be Friday 26th June

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Sardinia LOOKING FOR A TREASURE, I FOUND AN ISLAND www.fortevillageresort.com

Forte village SA R D IN IA

Tuscany DREAMING OF A CASTLE, I FOUND A HOME www.castelmonastero.com

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D b e r i

T b g W B p o a l d m y

C t f l s s s p

F i t e u

T e A c i l

W S s o t t b r

R w c c B l r w

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Discover a hint of the forbidden… Discover Hilton Beijing Wangfujing. Your door to exciting business opportunities, world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, rejuvenation and culture, delivered with the renowned Hilton service offering bespoke amenities and intimate indulgences. The best way to embrace the mystique of Beijing, with its bewitching natural beauty, historical sights and the inherent grace and hospitality of its people, is from Hilton Beijing Wangfujing. Situated in the heart of Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing’s most prestigious locations, the hotel is in close proximity to the major corporate, cultural and commercial centers of Beijing and a short walk from many major tourist and shopping attractions. This intimate, lifestyle hotel - featuring 255 of the largest guest rooms in the city, including 58 suites, four distinctively designed restaurants and lounges, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and a tranquil spa - invites you to immerse yourself in the various wonders this fascinating city has to offer. Combining style with practicality, the guest rooms are amongst the largest in the city, starting at a comfortable 50 square metres, featuring tastefully decorated interiors with thoughtful touches like aquatic in-room companions, spacious walk-in closets, highly sophisticated in-room technology such as iPod® docking stations, 42 inch LCD televisions and DVD players. Enjoy deep soaking tubs to melt away the day before sinking into the pleasure of the best beds in the world. For meeting and function venues with an enlightening mix of innovation and comfort, why not think outside of the bulb and turn us on. You are in good hands with our state-of-the-art equipment, delectable selections of international specialties and undivided attention by our professional staff. The artistic touches are profoundly portrayed in the hotel’s dining experience with four dramatically styled restaurants and lounges. And you don’t have to be an epicurean to enjoy the distinctive cuisine accentuating exquisite flavors, unique produce and innovative menus, reflective of the hotel’s desire to bring a new level of experience to the Beijing dining scene. When you are exhausted from the day’s work, why not visit our Spa and let your muscles relax and unwind while you uplift the spirits of your mind and body. Pamper yourself with a wide range of wellness rituals, using the beneficial properties of the traditional Chinese remedies, elixirs and essential oils. Our treatments will help you restore, rejuvenate, and refresh your body, enhance circulation and energy flow, leaving you totally rebalanced, so that you are ready for the next big day! Remember your favorite vacation where you wished the time would come to a halt. Then, imagine the same scenery with cheerful staff who calls you by your name at your service in every corner you turn. It’s all possible here. Everyone here at the Hilton Beijing Wangfujing is delighted to transport you to a life that feels like a continual holiday whether you are here on business, rediscovering Beijing or enjoying a spontaneous getaway, you will love every minute of it.

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

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World Travel Awards 2009 Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean Ceremony Singapore. October 2009. Date TBA. “A wonderful evening, well organized and well run. Congratulations!” Anita Chan MBA, VP Development Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Singapore is set to be in sparkling form as the Winners of the Australasia, Asia & Indian Ocean World Travel Awards are announced on 24th October 2009. Attended by VIP’s and leading industry figures, this event is set to be an outstanding success and a testament to the extraordinary innovation and diversity that is seen in the tourism industry. Singapore is one of the most enjoyable cities in Southeast Asia. As you zoom in from one of the world's best airports along the lushly tree-shaded expressway or on the zippy MRT train line, you'll quickly realise this is no traffic-snarled Bangkok. And as you stroll through the fashion emporiums of Orchard Rd, poke around antique shops in Chinatown or take a walk around one of the dozens of beautiful city parks. Singapore is a popular travel destination, making tourism one of its largest industries. About 9.7 million tourists visited Singapore in 2006. To

www.worldtravelawards.com

attract more tourists, the government decided to legalise gambling and to allow two casino resorts to be developed at Marina South and Sentosa in 2005. To compete with regional rivals like Hong Kong, Tokyo and Shanghai, the government has announced that the city area would be transformed into a more exciting place by lighting up the civic and commercial buildings. Cuisine has also been heavily promoted as an attraction for tourists, with the Singapore Food Festival in July organised annually to celebrate Singapore's cuisine. Singapore's soul is alive and well - and it is unique. Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always highly in demand therefore early booking is always recommended. To secure your seats for this fantastic event, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Tel: +44 (0)207 925 0000

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Is your company truly exceptional or merely average?

Stand up and be counted...

Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean Nominations “The awareness of hospitality through your event has risen here in Shanghai and beyond, which is very beneficial for the tourism industry in China. You have brought top international flair to China, which we are very grateful for and will support to best of our capabilities now and always.” Jan Büttgen, General Manager, Hospitality Services, 88Xintiandi, Shui On Development Limited

Asia's Leading Business Hotel 2008 – Pan Pacific Singapore

“Since the World Travel Awards began 15 years ago, worried consumers have increasingly relied on the winning line-up to give them peace of mind and help them make informed choices from a bewildering choice of products. It means that the winners can benefit commercially as well as seeing an increase in brand profile,” Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

www.worldtravelawards.com

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The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, India Winner - India's Leading Suite 2008

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Winner - Indian Ocean's Leading Hotel Brand 2008

One&Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius Winner - Mauritius' Leading Spa Resort 2008

Cathay Pacific Winner - Asia's Leading Airline 2008

A 2009 Nomination Form is available to download from www.worldtravelawards.com The deadline for nomination submissions will be Friday 26th June

www.worldtravelawards.com

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FVW F

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WHAT ALSO COUNTS IS WHO’S LISTENING... At the foremost gathering of world leaders in Travel & Tourism we focus on who’s listening as well as who’s speaking. The Summit brings Chairs and CEOs of the world’s top Travel & Tourism companies together with leaders of government and journalists from across the world. Global leaders will discuss the theme ‘Real Partnerships – Energising Economies’ in Brazil. For further information on the Summit visit www.globaltraveltourism.com

FVW Full Page 297x420.indd 1

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Is your destination ready for the mobile web? Worldwide there are more digital mobile phones than televisions and PCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and travellers and city goers alike are increasingly using mobile phones to access city information while on the go.

Visit http://world.mobi/city for more information on how World Mobi can help your destination harness the power of the mobile web.

Visit Berlin.mobi on your mobile phone for Berlin mobile city guide. ÂŠ World Mobi Limited info@world.mobi +44 (0) 44 7925 0000

Berlin.mobi powered city.mobi

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numbers@fortunecookie.co.uk

+44 (0)870 736 1000

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World Travel Awards 2009 World & Caribbean Ceremony Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa, Jamaica. 30th October 2009 "This is the big one and the eyes of the world will be on Jamaica to find out exactly who has claimed the travel industry’s highest accolades” Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

The final of the renowned World Travel Awards – described by the Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry – takes place at Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa in Jamaica on 30th October 2009. Senior travel industry management worldwide will be travelling to Jamaica for the star-spangled award presentation, culmination of the 2009 Grand Tour of regional ceremonies stopping in Middle East, South Africa, Yucatan, Portugal, Brazil and Singapore. The newest resort in the Sandals group, Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa is ideally located on the pristine shores of Jamaica’s uncharted south-west coast. Two miles of beaches and secret coves and 50 acres of well-tended gardens enfold the resort, which is itself surrounded by a 500 acre nature reserve. The resort comprises there charming villages, themed in Dutch, French and Italian styles, set around an Italian Piazza. The resort offers stunning beachfront rooms, a choice of à la carte restaurants, from white-glove dining to barefoot elegance; all premium brand wine and spirits, including an exclusive partnership with California's legendary Beringer Vineyards; luxurious

www.worldtravelawards.com

accommodations in a range of categories; unrivalled watersports including the Caribbean's largest PADI certification program; Butler Service for truly indulgent pampering; Preston Bailey Signature WeddingMoons® and signature Red Lane® Spas, with services and treatments inspired by the region. The 360 all-oceanview rooms and suites boast views that will capture your imagination. Even with all the wonderful activities on offer, you’ll be reluctant to tear yourself away! Sandals Resorts has set the industry standard for the luxury included vacation and has been voted the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand at the World Travel Awards for 14 years in a row, and World's Leading All-Inclusive Company for 12 years in a row. Tickets to World Travel Awards events are always highly in demand therefore early booking is always recommended. To secure your seats for this fantastic event, please contact our events team using the details below: Email: booking@worldtravelawards.com Tel: +44 (0)207 925 0000

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“These are very important awards… We look forward to these awards and work hard to make sure that we are here again... We make sure that we stay ahead of the crowd so that nobody takes it away.” Gordon "Butch" Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resort – Bahamas' Leading Resort, Cuba's Leading Resort, World's Most Romantic Resort, World’s Leading Family All Inclusive

www.worldtravelawards.com

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Is your company truly exceptional or merely average?

Stand up and be counted...

World Nominations “The WTA are one of the most prestigious awards for the travel industry and our hotel has been recognized on seven occasions previously, we look forward to another successful year in 2009’” Patrick Griffin. Regional Managing Director Orient-Express Hotels, Australia

World’s Leading Hotel 2008 – Burj Al Arab, Dubai

"Nothing can compare with winning one of the World Travel Awards, it’s quite simply the highest accolade any location or travel company can ever hope to achieve and says more about them than any brochure can communicate, any picture can mirror, any personal testimonial can express." Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

www.worldtravelawards.com

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Etihad Airways Winner - World's Leading First Class 2008

Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa Winner - World's Leading Safari & Game Reserve 2008

Cap Juluca, Anguilla Winner - Anguilla's Leading Resort 2008

Sandals Resorts International Winner Winner - Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand 2008

A 2009 Nomination Form is available to download from www.worldtravelawards.com The deadline for nomination submissions will be Friday 26th June

www.worldtravelawards.com

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J A M A I C A

T U R K S

C A I C O S

LUXURY INCLUDED FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

OS RKS AND CAIC AT BEACHES TU E AG LL VI N IA THE NEW ITAL ANNOUNCING

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LUXURY INCLUDED FOR TWO PEOPLE IN LOVE

JAMAICA

ANTIGUA

Sandals has a long established reputation as a premier resort chain in the Caribbean, dedicated to choice, style, service and uncompromising standards. Champions of innovation and change, Sandalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exclusive resorts set the industry standard for excellence in the Caribbean, and indeed the world. In years gone by, Sandals was the first Caribbean hotel to use jacuzzis, the first to offer satellite

S T. L U C I A

BAHAMAS

television service, the first to introduce swim-up

and indulgence. The latest luxurious unveilings

pool bars and the first to guarantee that every room

include Millionaire Suites with 180 degree

is fitted with a king-size bed and a hair dryer. Now in

uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea, private

our 27 successful year, Sandals luxurious offering

plunge pools and expansive sun decks, as well as

includes up to 11 speciality a la carte restaurants

unique Swim Up River Suites with romantic private

serving gourmet cuisine, coupled with white-

river entrance; and coming soon, the Caribbeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

gloved service and quality pouring wines produced

first overwater bungalows.

exclusively by Beringer vineyards. Inspiring suites continue the theme of opulence, becoming more

At Sandals, more than you ever expected is just

luxurious with each passing year, including a unique

the beginning.

partnership with the Guild of Professional English Butlers that allows guests the ultimate in relaxation

www.sandals.co.uk

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World Travel Expo will for the very first time showcase the pivotal importance of the travel and tourism industry to a global audience at the heart of one of the most important and best attended events that the world will ever stage. The world's most sought after destinations, resorts, specialist tour and event organisers, corporate business planners and elite buyers will meet to conduct business in a unique event co-located alongside the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg South Africa. World Travel Expo is a must attend event for those companies involved in the travel and tourism market-place and those interested in assuming a market share in the US$600 billion a year sports tourism industry.

www.worldtravelexpo2010.com

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Oeste awaits the world Portugal’s Oeste region is hotly tipped for tourism superstardom, and has recently been selected to host the European leg of the prestigious World Travel Awards. Oeste, the Portuguese for west, stretches for over 200km along the ruggedly beautiful Atlantic coastline between Portugal’s two main cities, Lisbon and Oporto. The region’s must-see site is the stunning medieval town of Óbidos.

Unlike more famous and populated regions in the south of the country, here you can discover pretty villages and a real Portuguese way-of-life amongst stunning coastal scenery, including some of the best beaches in Europe. So much of this area has yet to be undiscovered by the mass tourism market, guaranteeing you a beach to yourself. The landscape is indeed rather special, starting off from Castelo de Paiva, all the way down south to Arruda dos Vinhos, you will be amazed by the picturesque fishing towns (Nazaré, Peniche, Ericeira) and the beautiful lagoon of Óbidos that links to the stunning beach of Foz do Arelho. The weather is invariably one of perfect blue skies, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities including water sports, hiking or camping in the lush green surrounding land. The balmy weather and the white sandy beaches offer the choice between practising water sports and enjoying the calm life of the seaside.

Golf with a sea-view While the Algarve is famous the world over for its golf, the lesserknown Oeste region is rapidly earning a reputation too for its world-class fairways. The gentle rolling hills set against the backdrop of huge skies and deep oceans make this a golfer’s paradise. The recent opening of the new Bom Sucesso course near Praia D’El Rey is welcoming more and more golfers from around Europe, as word spreads about the Donald Steel-designed course. The legendary Seve Ballesteros has also designed some courses in the pipeline.

Jewel of the Oeste Set along a beautiful sandy beach less than one hour from Lisbon, in an area of protected rural landscape of rolling sand dunes and pine tree forests, Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort epitomises the charm of the Oeste region. With year-round sunshine, a championship links golf course, luxury accommodation, world-class spa and a vast range of outdoor activities, this is the best holiday location under the sun. The resort will also play host to the World Travel Awards Europe Ceremony this autumn. Its luxury hotel is worthy of a capital city, whilst overlooking a sandy beach on one of Europe’s most serene and natural coastlines. Book into the resort’s spa and health club and get down to some serious relaxation therapy.

www.breakingtravelnews.com

The resort also has much to offer outside its gates. History is to hand, including nearby Peniche, a pretty and unspoilt ancient fishing port, known for the sprawling landmark fortress overlooking its harbour, as well as some of Portugal’s finest surfing. But while the days are hot, the area around Praia D’El Rey is prized by sunbathers for its empty, pristine beaches, especially those near Baleal, a small island village five minutes from the resort. Almost every town near Praia D'El Rey can trace its history back to the 12th century but the most famous is Óbidos, 15 minutes from the resort but a whole world away. Its untouched town centre is medieval in feel and many of its buildings date back to the time of the Conquests, their whitewashed and ochre walls and blue-framed windows and doors crying out to be photographed.

www.rt-oeste.pt www.praia-del-rey.com

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SPECIAL INTERVIEW

Safar pushes the boundaries of travel Operating since 1966 and formerly known as Abdul Jalil Travel Agency, Safar Travel & Tourism is the new, renamed travel company of Alfahim. True to its name, Abu-Dhabibased Safar Travel is always looking beyond the horizon. Its main divisions provide a variety of services for both corporate and individual customers and include: Safar Business Travel Services, Safar Holidays, Safar Adventures, and Safar MICE. Mohammed Hussain Al Amiri - GM Safar Travel

BTN: Safar Travel Started in 1966 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what have been the biggest changes in the region as an inbound tourist destination?

Families in educating and training its nationals overseas at various universities has seen an increase in the outbound market.

Safar: The region has dramatically transformed from a Bedouin outpost that made its livelihood mainly from fishing and pearl diving to a thriving region offering a standard of living which is the envy of many. This part of the world is still the top choice for a large number of people with its malls, theme parks, and opportunities as a MICE destination. With modern airports and infrastructure and its airlines flying to more destinations, there has been a tremendous influx of overseas visitors.

BTN: What are you up to at the ITB 2009?

BTN: And the biggest change in the Outbound market since 1966? Safar: The buying power of the locals as well as working expatriates in this tax-free haven has been the main contributor to the outbound market. Be it for leisure, education or business. Active involvement of the Ruling

Safar: To showcase our products in the travel industry and related fields to the outside world thereby reaching the masses beyond our horizon. BTN: Which are your key markets? Safar: Germany, Russia, Scandinavia and the UK are the main ones. But things have slowed down due to worldwide financial crises. BTN: What are your proudest achievements at Safar Travel? Safar: Achieving accolades from well-known bodies in recognition of our services & products in the shortest possible time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is doing the ordinary in an extraordinary way.

BTN: What do you define as looking beyond the horizon? Safar: Anticipating the unexpected at all times with vigilance.

Safar: For Outbound Latin America (Brazil), Eastern Europe and China. For Inbound western Europe (France, Italy) Australia and New Zealand.

BTN: What is your strategy for the downturn?

BTN: How would you like Safar Travel to evolve?

Safar: The economic crisis threatens every aspect of business and this has now arrived on Gulf shores. However being optimistic in this global downturn helps us keep our seat belts fastened till such times as we over come this turbulence. Our main strategies are: a) Diverting the cliental base to a more secured public enterprises and large potential government departments b) Motivating retaining staff through the crisis c) Innovation and product diversification d) Being competitive in the market and ahead of competition at all times.

Safar: As a major player not only within the region but on the International arena as well.

BTN: What and where do you see your new markets?

More info Abu Dhabi P O Box 507, Liwa Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: +971 (2) 4180888

Al Ain P O Box 17950, Khalifa Street, Emirates Complex, Al Ain, UAE Tel: +971 (3) 7517617

www.safar.ae

www.breakingtravelnews.com

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Take a 360 degrees Virtual Tour with Virtual the World.com

Today more and more hotels are trying to find the most imaginative way of promoting their premises and getting people to sample their offers from miles away.

One of the most creative and ground-breaking method is through a 360 degrees digital tour of the premises. This means that potential clients will get to see what the hotel has to offer in terms of facilities (banquet, conference or hotel rooms, gymnasium, restaurants etc) without having to travel there.

destination marketing. There is a particular emphasis on developing intuitive, easy-to-use solutions for the clients using this service. Virtually sites have played a major role in creating the virtual tours experience worldwide and are leading the development of the next-generation Visual Information.

Founded in 1995, Virtual World Internet is a virtual imaging service provider that delivers interactive solutions for a wide variety of applications in the travel and tourism sector. Virtual World Internet designs, develops, hosts and markets high-value visual content. Just by visiting the website one can notice a proven track record of delivering world class solutions to some of the world leaders in travel and

A good example of the work of Virtual World Internet is almurooj.virtual-rotana.com which is the Virtual website for Al Murooj Rotana or virtualleroyalmeridien.com for Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa.

www.breakingtravelnews.com

Virtual World Internet has many high profile clients including Grosvenor House, Kempinski – Mall of the Emirates, The Monarch and destinations such as Dubai

Virtual sites are tailored for the individual hotel and they take online video, photography, and 360 virtual tours of all aspects of the hotel such as amenities, guest rooms, conference rooms for presentation on the internet. According to Forrester Research “Travel's location-based nature and activity-laden itineraries make it an ideal subject for online video. Consumer data shows that 9% of US online leisure travellers watch travel-related video online, doing so to learn about destinations and get trip ideas and to decide which hotels to book.”

“Now that broadband is replacing dial-up as the most common access method, consumers are spending more time online engaged in dozens of different activities.” Hotelmarketing.com reports in its Oct. 2, 2007 issue that a nationwide survey by Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) for Google and AOL found that more than _ of respondents said online video was as good as television for learning about advertisers, with more than 6 in 10 respondents saying they had taken some action after watching an online video ad.

www.virtualworldinternet.com

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on... October

March 18/03/09 - 21/03/09

30/04/09 - 04/05/09

31/05/09 - 03/05/09

MITT

Mexico Showcase & Travel Expo

IATA/AGM

Moscow International Travel & Tourism (MITT). www.mitt.ru/en

www.iata.org/events/agm

www.mexico-showcase.com June

24/03/09 - 26/03/09

May

11/06/09 - 14/06/09

CATHIE

02/05/09 - 04/05/09

ITEK Hong Kong

Central America Tourism Hotel Investment Exchange (CATHIE) www.cathieconference.com

AHIC

www.itehk.com/ITEHK

26/03/09 - 27/03/09

British Travel Trade Fair The Best of Britain & Ireland Travel Trade Forum (formerly the British Travel Trade Fair www.britainandirelandevent.co.uk 31/03/09 - 02/04/09

The 5th Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) www.arabianconference.com

13/06/09 - 19/06/09

Australian Tourism Exchange www.tourism.australia.com

04/05/09

World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony Dubai, UAE

15/06/09 - 18/06/09

17/10/09

World Travel Awards European Ceremony www.worldtravelawards.com 18/10/09-25/10/09

ABAV www.abav.com.br 21/10/09-23/10/09

ITB Asia 2009 www.itb-asia.com

ALTM Asia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM) www.altm.com.c

October

September

World Travel Awards South America Ceremony, Rio

GIBTM

www.worldtravelawards.com/

Gulf Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) www.gibtm.com

05/05/09 - 08/05/09

Sept- TBA

www.worldtravelawards.com

Arabian Travel Market

October

Indaba 2009

World Travel Awards North & Central America Ceremony, Hacienda Tres Rios, Yucatan

www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

www.worldtravelawards.com

April

www.arabiantravelmarket.com

01/04/09 - 02/04/09

Travel Distribution Summit Asia

09/05/09 - 12/05

http://events.eyefortravel.com/td sasia/conference 09/04/09 - 11/04/09

World Travel Fair www.worldtravelfair.com.cn 14/04/09 - 16/04/09

The 13th Annual Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com

08/09/09 10/05/09

World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony ICC Durban, South Africa

World Travel Awards Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean Ceremony www.worldtravelawards.com

CIBTM www.cibtm.travel 13/09/09-15/09/09

The Trade Show www.thetradeshow.org

30/10/09

World Travel Awards 2009 Grand Tour Final. Jamaica www.worldtravelawards.com

www.worldtravelawards.com

20/09/09-22/09/09

15/05/09 - 19/05/09

HICA

WTTC Global Tourism Summit

Hospitality Investment Conference Africa (HICA) www.hica.co.za

November 09/11/09-12/11/09

World Travel Market www.wtmlondon.com

www.globaltraveltourism.com/ 22/09/09-25/09/09

PowWow

PATA Travel Mart 2009

www.tia.org/powwow/index.html

www.pata.org

16/05/09 - 21/05/09 22/04/09 - 23/04/09

Visit Scotland Expo www.visitscotlandexpo.com

December 07/12/09-10/12/09

ILTM www.iltm.net

www.breakingtravelnews.com

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head this year; ministers and officials from some 192 countries will gather in Copenhagen to renew the Kyoto Agreement. WTTC aims to use this report to help guide policy-leaders in Copenhagen towards a supportive framework that can unlock travel & tourism’s potential to create economic and social prosperity, at the same time as decoupling growth from carbon emissions.

WTTC tackles climate change head on Sustainability fears taking a back seat in the grip of the global downturn. However the route to generating economic wealth and making tourism a force for good is to tackle climate change full on, as the latest report from the WTTC argues. Climate change is one of the single biggest threats to the world as we know it. However, according to the latest report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), immediate action can reduce current levels of GHG emissions and redesign a sustainable global economy, at the same time as helping to minimise the threat of climate change. WTTC is the global forum for the Travel & Tourism industry. Members of the Council are chairs and CEOs of the industry’s foremost 100 travel & tourism organisations. In its report entitled “Leading the Challenge on Climate Change” industry leaders set out a vision for, and commitment to, tackling GHG emissions. The report underlines the important role of partnership in attaining the vision defined by WTTC and calls for an alignment of goals and efforts among leaders of industry, employees, customers and policy-makers – whether in the commercial or public domain. “The publication reflects WTTC’s commitment to the critical issue of

www.breakingtravelnews.com

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President & CEO

climate change,” said WTTC President & CEO Jean-Claude Baumgarten said. “But, even more importantly, it demonstrates that our members – all travel & tourism leaders – have taken a significant step towards ensuring that the progressive voice of the industry joins that of other influential constituents of the global business community, in order to help ensure that the challenge of climate change is rapidly addressed.” The report was the culmination of a joint effort, led by WTTC and facilitated by experts from the University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership. A group of management executives specialising in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the environment from 30 travel & tourism companies across the world formed a “soundboard” committee, helping to guide the vision, commitment and action plan which has since been adopted by more than 40 CEOs from the industry. WTTC now plans to use this report – actively – to drive progressive commercial and public policy at local, national and international levels. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process comes to a

So what differentiates this report from the numerous other initiatives surrounding the industry at this time? First, the report features a commitment – which has been endorsed by more than 40 of the world’s largest Travel & Tourism companies – to cut carbon emission levels of 2005 down by half (50% reduction) by 2035. An interim target has also been set to achieve 30% reduction by 2020 – in the presence of an international agreement – or 25% by the same year in the absence of such an agreement. Second, the report identifies priority areas for action by industry which, if managed effectively, can help attain the targets defined. These actions are framed around themes including, accountability and responsibility; local community growth and capacity building; educating customers and stakeholders; the greening of supply chains; and innovation, capital investment and infrastructure within the industry.

detailed case studies with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the world. The Council plans to launch a web portal that will provide information, links and facilitate dialogue across the global industry and governments. “Achieving an international climate policy under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is vital to set out the vision for tackling climate change. Business can then gain confidence to implement bold actions such as those outlined in this report and play their part in delivering a low climate risk economy,” explained Dr. Aled Jones, Deputy Director of University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership. For more information about WTTC visit:

The WTTC Global Travel & Tourism Summit (www.globaltraveltourism.com) takes place 15-16 May 2009 in Florianópolis Brazil. BTN will be providing the Official Publication.

www.wttc.org

Furthermore, WTTC sets out a series of commitments which the Council itself will use to track and measure the success of its own efforts towards leading the challenge on Climate Change. These commitments are set out in WTTC's implementation plan, which can be summarised as follows: Working with governments and intergovernmental institutions to align frameworks designed to measure progress against GHG emission targets. Guiding industry efforts towards common aims. WTTC makes particular reference to the role it will play in sharing information, best practice examples and

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SPECIAL INTERVIEW

The oneworld alliance is currently celebrating its 10th birthday. BTN spoke to Michael Blunt, oneworld’s Vice-President Corporate Communications, to gain his thoughts on the past, present and future of aviation. BTN: What do you consider as the biggest changes in aviation since you started, and how do they affect you? MB: It’s been a real rollercoaster in many ways – 9/11 and the different security environment in its aftermath, the SARS crisis, record high fuel prices, USEuropean open skies, the current global economic crisis…. All this has made the past 10 years more turbulent financially for the airline industry than, perhaps, any other industry has faced in history. So alliances, like oneworld, are now more relevant than ever, with airlines needing like never before the additional revenue and cost saving opportunities which we can generate for them. BTN: oneworld is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Do you have anything special planned? MB: oneworld has a present for all our customers to mark our 10th birthday – 10 per cent off all oneworld alliance fares for the 10 weeks from our birthday. It’s a great way to try out our last new fare – Circle Atlantic, offering travel through and between North and South America, Europe and the Middle East. It’s also a great incentive to try out our new on-line booking tool for our oneworld Explorer roundthe-world tool. Also, all our member airlines are adopting a standard oneworld livery on a portion of their fleets.

Later in our 10th birthday year, we will welcome on board our latest new recruit – Central America’s leading airline Mexicana. We’ll also complete the biggest airport co-location project to date at Heathrow, consolidating operations from five terminals into just two. It’s a similar story in Barcelona, where all of our member airlines will co-locate later this year into the new Terminal Sur. BTN: What’s your role at this year’s ITB? MB: Most of our member airlines will be manning stands at ITB as usual, keeping visitors up to date with their own latest developments at those at oneworld. BTN: You’ve been voted World’s Leading Airline Alliance at the World Travel Awards for the past six years. What is it that makes you a cut above the opposition? MB: We are very proud to be the only alliance to receive this prestigious award. We believe it is a reflection of our constant focus on the quality rather than quantity of our members. Quality airlines have strong brands, are more profitable and can invest more in services that customers actually value. We believe this is the key differentiator between oneworld and the competition. BTN: What innovations in aviation excite you most? MB: Those that make it easier and more rewarding for our customers to reach more places around the world – the self-

Michael Blunt, Vice-President Corporate Communications, oneworld service, user-friendly technology, and the new products in which our member airlines are investing to make travel more comfortable and relaxing. BTN: How is the transfer of alliance members to Heathrow T3 progressing? MB: Very well indeed. Heathrow is oneworld’s most important European gateway and our on-line carriers are consolidating their operations from across all five of its terminals into just two – T5 and the closest of the existing facilities, T3, which is currently undergoing a £1 billion up-grade programme to bring its standards up to those offered in T5. BTN: What do you consider as your new markets? MB: Mexico will be oneworld’s big new market in 2009, with the addition of Mexicana. BTN: Which airlines would you consider as becoming members in the near future? And also in the long term? MB: With our focus on quality, and the extensive global network reach provided by our existing member airlines, oneworld is very selective about which airlines we regard as potential recruits. Excluding member elect Mexicana in Mexico, there are just a few strategic regions of the world where we believe we could benefit from new members. These include, over time, Mainland China, India, Russia and Brazil. BTN: Consolidation within aviation appears an inevitable outcome of the downturn. How do you see that effecting oneworld? MB: Consolidation is beginning to happen – and most of it along

alliance lines. Within oneworld, British Airways and Iberia are currently discussing a merger. But, with the complex regulation surrounding this industry, it will take a long time for single airlines to emerge that can offer what alliances like oneworld are in business to provide – truly global networks. Take BA and Iberia, for example. Combined, they serve around 200 destinations. But as part of oneworld, they can offer a network serving almost 700 cities in nearly 150 countries. BTN: What can the aviation industry collectively do to pull through these tough times? MB: The great English author Charles Dickens created a character called Wilkins Micawber in his book David Copperfield who uttered this famous saying: “Annual income 20 pounds, annual expenditure 19 pounds and six pennies - result happiness. Annual income 20 pounds, annual expenditure 20 pounds and six pennies – result misery.” So, in these tough times – as in any times – airlines, and all businesses, have to ensure that their costs do not exceed their revenues. BTN: How do you see your market evolving over the next five years? MB: Gazing into the crystal ball is always risky, particularly in the airline industry, but here are some sweepingly general predictions – more consolidation, more airlines going bust, the global economy eventually improving, continuing growing demand for better value and service, competition increasing between the alliances.