BTN - ITB 2009 Day 3 by Breaking Travel News

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ITB Berlin Special Edition

Friday 13 March 2009

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

Miss World

Casa de Campo

Legend

Jumeirah

Joburg gives beauty a purpose page 4

BTN meets Dr. Claudio Silvestri President & CEO page 5

Legend Golf & Safar Resort - Official Opening page 6

BTN meets Derek Picot, Regional General Manager page 96

Joburg prepares to welcome the world

Berlin GERMANY Coastal and mountain cities have their natural beauty, but it is people, their ideas, their spirit and their dreams that transform a good city into a great city. And Johannesburg is rapidly becoming one of the world’s great cities, for though it may not be by the sea or in the mountains, it is the embodiment of the new South Africa – a city buzzing with heart, soul and the thrill that accompanies the fulfilment of greatness. With FIFA 2010 now just 15 months away, the eyes of the world are honing in on Johannesburg where the opening and closing matches will be played. It is a city oozing with determination to deliver the greatest World Cup of all time. It is also a city that is ready to welcome the world. A gold mining town of tin shanties just 115 years ago, Joburg is now a city bigger than New York and London. It also boasts the biggest stock

exchange in Africa, and is the business capital of South Africa. Yet the city is also focussed on building a legacy that will last long past the World Cup, and will benefit every strata of society, especially the poor. It is busy with a range of developmental projects, from upgrading and rebuilding stadiums and surrounding areas, to expanding and improving transport infrastructure through the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system and upgrading roads, to greening projects. In just three months, Joburg will host the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, which will prove an excellent dress rehearsal for FIFA 2010. The tournament, held every four years by FIFA, is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships (CAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC, CONCACAF) along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host country of the next World Cup. The defending champions are Brazil, who won the last Confederations Cup in 2005. The opening match will be played at the city’s Ellis Park Stadium.

The city proved its ability to organise a worldclass event when last year it hosted Miss World 2008, the world’s greatest and longest running beauty pageant. It was widely heralded as the most successful event in the competition’s 57year history, a fact made even more impressive given that the city stepped in as host at short notice. It was also the first time in which viewers in 180 countries had the opportunity to vote for one of the semi-finalists through the internet. As well as the expectation of world-class events, Joburg has another major tourist draw – it is the gateway to one of the great natural wonders of the world, the Kruger National Park. Just three to four hours by car from the city, and you step into a whole other world. And that combination of nature and culture makes Joburg a truly world-class city. As Jeremy Clarkson, writing in the Sunday Times this month, aptly put it: “The exchange rate’s good, the food is superb, the weather’s lovely and, thanks to some serious economic self-sacrifice, Kruger is still full of animals. The word, then, I’d choose to describe Jo’burg is “tranquil”.’

INSIDE: WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2009 SELF NOMINATION OPEN NOW Turn to Page 9

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ITB Schedule – Day3 Hall 7.1 b, Auditorium London

Hall 7.1 a, Auditorium New York 2

ITB Aviation Day 10:30 - 11:00 Keynote: The Future of Global Aviation 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

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11:15 - 11:45 Keynote: Meeting Today's Challenges in Global Aviation: The Consolidation in the Airline Sector from the Perspective of British Airways 12:00 - 13:45 ITB Aviation Day Hotspot: Fuel and Emissions Panel

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

14:00 - 14:45 Is the Industry Doomed? 15:00 - 15:45 Panel of Analysts: Is the Financial Crisis Driving the Consolidation of the Aviation Industry?

15:00 - 16:30 Culture Tourism in Turkey: Presented by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies TURSAB

16:00 - 16:45 Low-Cost, Long-Haul - A Long Shot?

Hall 7.1 a, Auditorium New York 3

Hall 7.1a Auditorium New York 1

11:00 - 11:10 Opening

10:30 - 17:00 Business Travel Day for Operational Excellence 10:30 - 11:00 Presentation: Guidelines for sustainable Business Travel

11:10 - 11:30 Introductory presentation 1: Culture as Tourism Resource

11:15 - 11:45 Presentation: More modern than you‘d think – Travel & Mobility Management in Institutions under Public Law

11:40 - 12:00 Introductory presentation 2: What Role does Culture Play for the German Tourists? Results of a Recent Empirical Study (sponsored by Gebeco)

12:00 - 12:45 Speech: "Where does the journey go to - Big challenges for the aviation industry in 2009"

12:15 - 13:15 What Impact do Events in Cultural Capitals have on Tourism? 13:30 - 14:15 Culture, Tourism and the Media 14:30 - 15:30 Sales of Trips to Cultural Capitals

In cooperation with: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) 12:30 - 14:30 Chinese Inbound Tourism to Europe: Winds of Change Blowing for a Focus on Upmarket Tourism

11:00 - 15:30 ITB Tourism and Culture Day 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

10:30 - 12:15 Carbon Management in Tourism: A Smart Strategy in Response to Climate Change Hosted by: Experts on Climate Change and Tourism (ECLAT), University of Applied Sciences Eberswalde

13:00 - 14:30 Presentation: Business Travel Management 101 14:45 - 15:45 Breaking News and Background 16:00 - 17:00 Panel Discussion: Air Fares and the Curse of Hidden Costs

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Inaugural Africa Fashion Week to launch in Joburg

The fashion world is gearing up for the inaugural Africa Fashion Week, which takes place in Johannesburg in June. BTN asks CEO Paul Jackson about this hotly-anticipated fashion extravaganza.

What is Africa Fashion Week? African Fashion International is the owner of strategic fashionrelated marketing initiatives in Africa namely, Cape Town, Joburg and Durban Fashion Weeks and is now launching the inaugural Africa Fashion Week. This will be an eight-day fashion celebration of Pan-African creative talent from approximately 15 countries and will be a unique opportunity to promote African brands and to dramatically raise the profile of fashion designers to an unprecedented global audience.

Fashion transcends all cultures and ethnicities and this event platform will continue to perpetuate the positive message of the African Renaissance and commemorate the development of an African identity and unique creative signature. Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Chairperson at African Fashion International, is passionate about fulfilling the company mandate of taking African fashion to the world. This major event is another step closer to fulfilling this mandate.

When does it take place? The culmination of the event will be the African Fashion Awards, which will be judged and granted by renowned fashion industry experts, in order to recognise the contributions and efforts of African fashion designers and those in the related fashion industry.

The inaugural event takes place 14-21 June 2009 at the same time as the FIFA Confederations Cup, in order to capitalise on the global media presence in Johannesburg. Next year it will coincide with the FIFA World Cup 2010 – this is after all Africa’s World Cup.

Examples of celebrated African designers who have made their mark on the world fashion stage are Azzedine Alaia from Tunisia, Oswald Boateng from Ghana, Deola Sagoe from Nigeria and Marc Bouwer from South Africa.

Considering that soccer players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham – not to mention their wives and girlfriends – are often style icons, it has long been acknowledged that there is a strong link between fashion and football off the field.

International trends experts WGSN, predict that global consumers will have a greater interest in Africa and Africanissues, providing motivation to purchase goods that they feel may benefit Africans specifically.

A football match lasts 90 minutes and fans and media alike will be looking for alternative ways to experience what Johannesburg and indeed Africa has to offer. African Fashion International will also be creating a fashion-and-

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football themed exhibition with stylish, interactive displays and entertainment that will be open to the public.

What do you hope to achieve? Africa has long been a source of inspiration for the arts throughout the world, most recently in fashion with the world’s top designers choosing to look outside traditional Western norms towards African techniques, designs & materials for their collections to appeal to a wider global audience. This inspiration has led to a respect for African design and its contribution to world design trends. The inaugural Africa Fashion Week will bring the world to the source of this inspiration, affording the regions’ creative economy with a world-class opportunity to showcase to a global audience. This is the first step in ensuring that the region receives the benefit of their own creative intellectual property, history & culture. Africa Fashion Week will gather the best designers from the continent for an annual showcase before the world. The best of Africa all under one roof, creating an international stage for the best that Africa has to offer. It is envisaged that the event will eventually be hosted by different countries on the African continent.

Who is the event aimed at? Africa Fashion Week is aimed at the Pan-African and global audience of fashion media, buyers and key industry players.

And how about your tie-up with Miss World? African Fashion International staged the Miss World Fashion Show in Soweto with the Department of Arts & Culture, The Miss World Swimwear Show for Joburg Tourism and Radio 2000 Miss World Jewellery Show in 2008. The garments, swimwear and jewellery were all designed and manufactured in South Africa. Finalists were, for the first time ever, dressed by South African fashion designers and accessorized by local crafters. In the finale, which goes out live to a global audience of 2 billion viewers, AFI arranged for all 112 finalists to be dressed by SA designers for the opening segment. This was unprecedented global media coverage for South African fashion designers and crafters who dressed the Miss World contestants. Info Africa Fashion Week, 14-21 June 2009, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.

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Joburg gives beauty a purpose Building on the outstanding success of the Miss World 2008 contest, Johannesburg is once again set to host the 2009 event in glittering African style.

Johannesburg is quickly forging itself an international reputation for being a truly worthy host of such worldwide events. Winning the hosting contract for the FIFA World Cup 2010 has set an amazing precedent and paves the way for South Africa and Johannesburg to be considered the perfect venue for future global gatherings. South Africa has a solid history with this contest having already been the host destination five times previously. The host city of Johannesburg will see approximately 110 contestants descend upon the city for more than a month as the various elimination heats take place at various venues across the city and surrounding areas. The culmination of this extensive process is the Grand Finale – watched by an estimated global audience of more than 1 billion viewers. A number of cities submitted their proposals to Miss Julia Morley, chairperson of Miss World Limited, but it was Johannesburg’s vision that really caught her eye. She said: “The speed with which they have implemented their proposal and their professionalism, have already demonstrated that we can stage a successful Miss World [in Johannesburg].” Miss Lindiwie Mahlangu, CEO of the Johannesburg Tourism Company and spearhead of the Johannesburg hosting bid, said: “By appointing us as the host city, Miss World has confirmed their confidence in our logistical and infrastructural capabilities to host the pageant.” The economic and social benefit that an international event of this calibre has on its host city is immense. The Miss World pageant is renowned for the significant boost it makes to local tourism and creates a ripple effect

throughout the nation’s economy starting with tourism and going all the way through to transport, retail and ICT. It therefore acts as the perfect showcase. “It effectively reinforces our capability to handle other mega-events such as the World Cup and increases the allure of the city to potential visitors,” says Lindiwie Mahlangu. “This is an incredible boost for Johannesburg, further entrenching our position as the economic hub of Africa. We believe that our positioning as a world class city will be significantly elevated, which will in turn help us attract and retain more events of this calibre.” Miss Morley added: “We look forward to working with the City of Johannesburg to promote this world-class city in over 180 countries during our one-month Miss World Festival. Our goal is to bring more visitors to your vibrant city, so that they too can enjoy the sights and sounds of Joburg and the hospitality if its people.” The reigning Miss World, 21-yearold Siberian student Miss Kseniya Sukhinova has an extensive schedule of fundraising that will take her all over the world before she relinquishes her crown to the new winner at the Sandton Convention Centre in December 2009. So far Kseniya has spent 3 weeks in Vietnam where over 13 million US dollars was donated during her tour. “This money will provide essential aid to those most in need in Vietnam” Ksenia said. “For me, Vietnam was a great experience. It was a long hard trip, but we raised so much money for the people.” It is the first time Russia has walked away with the prestigious crown since their premiere win in 1992.

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Legends Golf & Safari announces official opening

Africa’s most talked about golf & safari resort, Legend Golf & Safari Resort, officially opens for business on Saturday 18 April 2009. BTN asks Pete Richardson why the world’s top golf pros are going crazy about this new world paradise.

BTN: How are preparations for the grand opening going and what still needs to be done? We are almost there. The Signature Course looks magnificent and we have a really dedicated team working on creating something very special. Our magnificent gatehouse opened in November when we hosted the Miss World contestants for six days. And our first investment properties are coming out of the ground. BTN: What were the highlights of the preparations? Hosting Miss World was a real highlight for me. We put on a very special programme of events for all 112 contestants over six days. We really showed the world what a magnificent resort we have here. Still, we’re not complacent. We continue to work extremely hard to make sure everything we offer our visitors is of a world class standard, from the planet’s only 18 signature golf course to the highest and longest par three in the world – The Extreme 19th. BTN: What are your plans for the brand from a marketing perspective? We are already making headlines across the world because of the

unique product we offer. Eighteen of the world’s greatest golfers have each designed a hole on the Signature Course. We have the Extreme 19th, the world’s most extreme par three, only accessible by helicopter. We will be hosting many events here over the coming months and have plans for some very spectacular global projects... including the return of Miss World. BTN: What and where do you see as your key markets? South Africa as well as Europe and America have already proved themselves to be exceptional markets for us. We already have numerous bookings for 2010 and forward as people realise just how special, different and exciting Legend Golf & Safari Resort is as a unique golf and safari, incentive and events destination. The home market has also proved extremely fertile in terms of property sales, with most of our current owners from South Africa. As we near opening we are spreading our wings and have plans to target Western and Northern Europe, and the Far East as well as other African markets. BTN: Describe the Legend Golf and Safari experience.

sandstone red walls of the Monomotapa-style Gatehouse, you can’t help but marvel at the view across to the imposing profile of Hanglip Mountain. This magnificent entrance sets the scene. At each hole on the Signature golf course an internationally famous golfer sets a stunning golfing challenge. Next door the 22,000 hectare Big 5 Entabeni Safari Conservancy boasts a wonder of flora and fauna. The views are spectacular and the overall experience is one of the best there is in golf and safari. BTN: What was the inspiration behind the resort?

BTN: Describe the Signature Course. Starting with South African Masters Champion Trevor Immleman, each hole boasts a famous name. World number two Sergio Garcia, world number three Padraig Harrington, Korea’s KJ Choi, Jim Furyk from the USA and European stars Colin Montgomerie, Ian Woosnam and Bernhard Langer have all personally designed a hole. With the backdrop of Hanglip Mountain and some of Africa’s wild animals on the course, it is a truly unique golfing experience on one of the world’s greatest courses. BTN: What’s the Extreme 19th?

The challenge in resort development is always to create something new and inspiring. Peet Cilliers, his wife Mart, directors of Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts, along with development partners IFA Hotels & Resorts and their team, have a vision for this stunning piece of Africa which has already created several world firsts. Their passion for the place and its sustainable development, along with the associated social development programmes they have put in place, means that here in Limpopo an inspirational project is being built.

Something every golfer must try to play. With a tee set 400 m high on Hanglip Mountain and a massive green the shape of Africa some 400m away, the Extreme 19th is only accessible by helicopter. It is a real golf hole and played as such. Padraig Harrington recently gained bragging rights in the golf world by becoming the first of our professional designers to make a par three. It’s a unique golf experience and one of the reasons why Legend Golf & Safari Resort is now the talk of Africa.

Arriving at the 9-metre high

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Monarch Dubai to host World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony The World Travel Awards has announced it is to host its Middle East Ceremony at the incredible Monarch Dubai. The ceremony on 4th May 2009 will honour those organisations that have achieved a supreme level excellence in travel, and have played pivotal role in developing tourism in the region.

The evening gala is set to be a who’s who in Middle East travel and tourism. More than 500 companies and organisations from across the region are expected to attend.

And with floor to ceiling windows, you can marvel at exceptional views of the city’s financial districts and Sheik Zayed Road or the suburb of Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf.

Last year’s event was held at Atlantis, The Palm, and now the focus shifts to One Sheik Zayed Road, coveted address of The Monarch. This palatial hotel lies at the heart of Dubai’s fashionable new business district – it is just minutes from the Dubai International Finance Centre and only a short walk away from the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai International Convention Centre.

Commanding an elevated location on the 31st floor, the two Presidential suites offer premier luxury accommodation, ranging from 220 to 227 square metres. Each suite has a king-size master bedroom as well as a twin guest room.

The hotel opened late 2007 and has quickly established itself as one of the best places for both business and pleasure. It is, first and foremost, a distinctively luxurious hotel, yet it also offers a boutique, personal service that makes you feel at home. The Monarch comprises of a 33story hotel linked to a 37-floor office tower. The hotel features 183 rooms and suites, and 53 serviced residences – all sumptuously spacious and featuring contemporary designs influenced by traditional Arabic elements. The rooms are cleverly designed to offer three distinctive components – a place to work, a place to sleep and a place to relax. Business essentials include highspeed wireless broadband and executive chair and desk; while king-size beds, deep cushioned sofas and elegant chaise lounge invite relaxation. State-of-the-art entertainment is offered by 42inch plasma TVs.

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Meanwhile the hotel’s crowning glory is the Monarch Suite, located on the 32nd and 33rd floors, offering classic luxury with an extensive range of state-of-theart technology, immaculate service and spectacular views. Traditional Arabic archways connect the various areas of the suite and an assortment of vibrant coloured fabrics and drapes are used throughout. The 53 serviced residences offer deluxe residential accommodation and are conveniently located for both business and leisure. The Dubai Monarch features an exclusive selection of dining options. From traditional regional dishes to specialities from around the world, the hotel’s eight restaurants and lounges invite a global symphony of cuisine in a variety of fashionable settings. Further information The Monarch Dubai, One Sheikh Zayed Road, PO Box 12511, Dubai T: +971 4 501 8888 W: www.themonarchdubai.com World Travel Awards 2009 Middle East Ceremony, 4 May 2009 www.worldtravelawards.com

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SPECIAL INTERVIEW

Mi Casa es Tu Casa at Casa de Campo For over two decades, world leaders, CEOs and Hollywood celebs have jetted off to Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic, with their families and friends to get away from it all. The atmosphere is one of unpretentious world-class service, infinite choice, set amid a Caribbean paradise. BTN met up with the key driver in its continuing success, Dr. Claudio Silvestri.

BTN: What are you up to at ITB 2009? CS: Casa de Campo is announcing new programmess especially designed for the European markets. The resort is also introducing two great features: the fifth resort championship golf course designed by Pete Dye, and the repositioning of our unique and picturesque artist village, Altos de Chavón, as one of the most attractive cultural and entertainment sites in the region. BTN: Casa de Campo is known as the “Caribbean’s Most Complete Resort”, and the playground of the world elite. What initiatives are you developing now that will ensure you remain leader in this field? CS: We are presently developing the resort’s fifth golf course. Nine holes have already been completed, and like all our courses, it was designed by the incredibly talented Pete Dye, recently inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Our courses are recognized as among the best in the region; for instance, Teeth of the Dog is No.1 in the Caribbean and No.38 in the world. These superb golf facilities have helped us remain leader in the golf market and sports in general. In his new book, “The World’s Best Shoots”, Alex Brant catalogues Casa de Campo’s Shooting Centre as The World’s Best Clay Pigeon Ground. Our marina, which can accommodate yachts up to 250ft, was designed to top international specifications, and is completely equipped to provide a full range of services, the best in the Caribbean as attested by visiting yacht captains. It will host the famous and unique Rolex Farr 40 World Championship in 2010. We are currently working in the repositioning of Altos de Chavón, which is 16th century replica of a Mediterranean village perched high above the Chavón River. The village boasts a number of quaint shops, exclusive boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and an archaeological museum. Chiqui Haddad, a prestigious Dominican artistic

director and choreographer has created a special entertainment programme offering visitors typical folkloric scenes in various areas of Chavón all day long, including elements from colonial times and our rhythmic merengue dance. Artisans and young artists exhibit their craft and creations around the many small piazzas of Chavón. Emilio Robba, the world-renowned designer, has recently taken over the ceramic, weaving and silkscreen art studios at Chavón. Working with local talent, Mr. Robba is creating unique new collections that will combine his masterful experience with a distinctive Dominican flavour. In March, we will open the Ateliers D’Art by Emilio Robba, where visitors to Altos de Chavón will be able to purchase these magnificent new creations. Also opening at that time is the new Amber Museum offering visitors a true voyage in time with pieces containing samples of local prehistoric fauna and flora. Guests will be able to purchase unique gifts of this prized fossilized resin of which the Dominican Republic contains one of the major sources worldwide. We are also proud of the continued success of La Escuela de Diseño at Altos de Chavón, affiliated with the internationally renowned Parson’s School of Design in New York, which has graduated excellent artists and designers. The performing arts are showcased in the village’s spectacular 5,000-seat open-air amphitheatre. Since its inauguration in 1982 by Frank Sinatra, the amphitheatre has hosted concerts, symphonies, theatrical events, and festivals featuring such renowned artists as Julio Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Sergio Mendes, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Aznavour, Placido Domingo, Air Supply, Pilobulos, and the Dance Theater of Harlem. In the coming weeks, we will have concerts by Carlos Santana and Enrique Iglesias. Casa de Campo never stops growing and reinventing itself. At present, the resort has 1,700 villas with new lots opening around the fifth golf course. We are privileged to have very

prestigious villa owners who are part of our community and favour Casa de Campo because we offer the most exclusive environment, incredible infrastructure and the best sports facilities in this part of the world. The property is completely debt-free and is backed by Central Romana Corporation, a very strong company financially, which makes Casa de Campo the best resort development to invest in this region. BTN: Which of your achievements are you most proud of? Over the years, the positioning of Casa de Campo in the international markets as the most exclusive and complete resort in the Caribbean has been a most rewarding achievement. Another great accomplishment was the construction of the new airport. In the beginning, we had a small private airport right within the resort grounds, and part of the airstrip ran between holes 17 and 18 on Teeth of the Dog… sometimes players had to wait for the American Airlines jet flying daily from Miami to Casa de Campo to turn around before teeing off! Golfers grew very fond of it. And in memory of this, Pete Dye redesigned hole 17 to leave a small portion of the runway. That small airport and the American Airlines flight were the foundation for the new La Romana-Casa de Campo International Airport inaugurated in 2000 at a cost of US$48 million, presently serviced by major airlines from the United States and Europe, which has been often been referred to by passengers as the best in the country. In addition, when a strategic decision was made in our company to enter the cruise ship business a few years ago, we joined forces with Costa Crociere. They started visiting one of the most beautiful beaches located in Catalina Island, just a short distance from Casa de Campo, and it was such a success that other companies started calling as well. This led to the creation of the La Romana-Casa de Campo International Tourist Port, which now

services some of the most prominent cruise ship lines and largest vessels cruising the Caribbean. Because of the proximity to the La Romana-Casa de Campo International Airport, and our full control over both the port and airport operations, the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers at our port is seamless. While visiting our port, passengers can enjoy the superb golf and Equestrian Centre at the resort, the beautiful facilities of Altos de Chavón, Casa de Campo Marina, the quaint city of La Romana, and other nearby interesting archaeological sites. BTN: You were one of the founders in developing the region’s cruise business. How is the market now? The market is now more challenging because of the world financial crisis. This is the time to become more creative, offer exciting new experiences to passengers, and work closely with the cruise ship lines to develop new revenue opportunities for both the cruise companies and the ground service providers. For example, with Costa Crociere’s top management we are introducing a cashless concept whereby passengers can enjoy our resort facilities (restaurant, bars, stores, art galleries, etc.) utilizing their onboard charge card. This will insure additional revenue participation for the cruise ship line, while passengers will receive special discounts for using the card and merchandise return guarantee, as endorsed by the cruise company, in case the customer is not fully satisfied with a particular purchase. BTN: Which other global brands, both within and outside travel, do you admire most, and why? There are so many outstanding global brands, but among the ones we admire the most and we have enjoyed an excellent business relationship over the years is American Express Corporation. They provide superb service, and we have been successfully working together to handle their discriminating clientele. We are part of their Fine Hotels & Resorts programme, and

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SPECIAL INTERVIEW

particularly proud of the contribution we are making to the education and future of the Dominican Republic. The company’s social outreach programmes also extend to the nourishment of all its employees and their families, subsidizing the cost of meat and vegetables produced by the company. In addition, over the last 10 years, the company has built over 1,000 prefabricated homes, all of which have been generously granted to the employees and labour force of the company, sheltering over 4,500 families, and it has also created a unique financing plan for the construction of homes, in which the recipients receive at no interest, financial aid as well as assistance with the construction planning of their homes. These homes have been built through the use of the company’s own resources, technology and manufacturing experience. The company is also the largest contributor to local charity organizations, such as Hogar del Niño, the school for Deaf-Mutes and the MIR Foundation. BTN: How are you able to run a brand both responsibly and profitably?

we are very proud to be the only resort in this part of the world to have a co-branded American Express Platinum Card designed especially for our villa owners. Besides being very much involved in the Amex Platinum Card promotions, Casa de Campo, Casa de Campo also handles a substantial amount of clients with the Black American Express Card. BTN: Who are your mentors and biggest influences? Not only are they successful businessmen, visionaries, trendsetters and philanthropists, but they are also great gentlemen whom I have the privilege to call personal friends: Paul Soros, Peter Dolara, Al Kelly, Alfy and Pepe Fanjul, Eduardo Martínez-Lima and Papo Menéndez. BTN: Casa de Campo is a key contributor to the local economy. How do you ensure tourism benefits the whole community rather than merely those at the top? Casa de Campo is located in the town of La Romana, where most of

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its inhabitants work for our parent company and leader of the sugar cane industry in the region Central Romana Corporation, and its subsidiaries. Our group jointly employs over 25,000 people, thus making it the largest private employer in the Dominican Republic. Our group has been the economic engine of La Romana for almost 100 years, contributing to its sustained economic development. The company is extremely aware of its social commitment with this community and is continuously involved in finding ways to create a positive impact, from donations of land and street reconstruction, to the building and maintenance of the town’s aqueduct, organizing charity work for the city and other towns in the region. At the same time the company has been a great supporter of education, building and running 64 schools located throughout the Eastern part of the country, reaching an estimated 11,000 students, including a bilingual (EnglishSpanish) school that goes up to the secondary level. Our company is

It takes careful planning and investment, lots of commitment and patience. We have developed the Casa de Campo brand over more than 30 years – I personally joined the company as President & CEO over 27 years ago. Our growth was accomplished by cautiously and methodically following a strategic master plan and building the necessary facilities for its successful implementation. The number of privately owned villas on property is now approaching 1,700 and over the years, we have built an incredible clientele who has discovered our unique paradise. We continue building new facilities and services that will not only maintain our original investors happy, but also the generations after them. BTN: How does this “perfect storm” downturn compare with those past and what is your strategy to see you through it? I believe there are many opportunities for Casa de Campo in these new circumstances. Not only did we survive previous downturns, such as the first Gulf War, which

substantially curbed international travel, same as the events of 9/11, and Hurricane Georges in 1998, but we surfaced stronger and better than ever. As part of our strategy, we are orchestrating a shift in marketing to put even more emphasis in the international golf markets, particularly targeting the United States, with 27 million golfers, we are extremely well-known and respected. In addition, we are reinforcing our guest service areas, to provide superlative care to our clients and an unmatched vacation experience. Our amazing resort infrastructure is a very important factor but in the end, personalized service and taking the most advantage out of the legendary Dominican hospitality, will play key roles in our overall strategy. BTN: What can the travel industry collectively do to become more sustainable? The Caribbean should take advantage of its geographic attributes to create an integrated destination, with easy and inexpensive connections to travel from one island to the other, in order to offer tourists the advantage of visiting multiple countries and enhance their Caribbean experience, instead of remaining in only one island. BTN: What and where do you see as your new markets? We are more aggressively pursuing the international golf markets and concentrating sales and promotional efforts in other areas that pose great potential for us in Latin America, Europe and Russia. BTN: How would you like the resort to evolve? We would like for Casa de Campo to evolve into a multi-generational community resort. We are working very hard towards this objective by anticipating the needs, not only of the original and loyal villa owners/investors in Casa de Campo, but also of the subsequent two generations in their families, by creating new activities and attractions and catering to their preferences and trends. Our goals are continuity and sustainability, remain very innovative and keep renewing our clientele from generation to generation.

www.casadecampo.com.do

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Case study: how Fortune Cookie created an award-winning website for Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Small Luxury Hotels of the World The brief: Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is an unrivalled collection of 480+ hotels in 70+ countries. Each hotel offers its own unique experience, from city-centre sanctuaries to idyllic private islands. The new website needed to convey that quality of exclusive luxury. Each member hotel needed to be able to update and maintain their information. And the SLH brand needed to be beautifully portrayed...

The work: We integrated inspirational imagery with fantastic functionality and navigation to present users with an experience that would get them excited about the choice of hotels instantly. The entire site is designed to immerse the user into the experience of booking a small luxury hotel of the world.

SLH.com has managed to integrate inspirational imagery with fantastic functionality and navigation across all its hotels. There is an incredible common theme running through the site which clearly motivates but does not damage the user experience. Judges comments, Travolution Awards 2008

Each member hotel can add up to 25 pages of rich content, room descriptions with imagery, location using co-ordinates and Google maps technology and virtual tours. The use of music and flash video are also now possible, adding to the user experience.

The results: “SLH.com emerged as a site that has captured the essence of the brand – respectable, high-end and exclusive” Judging Panel, Travolution Awards 2008. As a result, reservations have increased by 45%, there has been a 56% growth in room nights and a 15% increase in Average Room Rate. The website also won the award for Best Hotel Website at the Travolution Awards 2008.

The Atlantic Hotel The Atlantic Hotel, Jersey, is one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The site we built at www.theatlantichotel.com was shortlisted in the Best Hotels Website category at the Travolution Awards 2008. Thanks to the emotive design and inspirational imagery, 20% of all site visitors now select the ‘Book Now’ button’.

www.fortunecookie.co.uk

10 10

www.breakingtravelnews.com

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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

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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

The Monarch Dubai www.virtual-monarch.com

Swissotel Nai Lert Park Bangkok www.virtual-nailertpark.com

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

www.worldtravelawards.com

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

www.worldtravelawards.com

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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

www.worldtravelawards.com

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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.

www.worldtravelawards.com

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

www.worldtravelawards.com

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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

www.worldtravelawards.com

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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

www.worldtravelawards.com

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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

1 41

2 41

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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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

Hotel, Tourism and Leisure

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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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

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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

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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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Franklyn Hotels embarks on global expansion Stein Hotels and Resorts, the European specialist in small luxury lifestyle hotels, has rebranded as Franklyn Hotels and Resorts. The new brand name heralds a global expansion plan with Franklyn Hotels and Resorts set to open in Asia by 2010 – with particular interest in developments in Singapore, China, Indonesia and Thailand.

The new brand reflects the shift in focus from European to global following a major investment deal with KOP Group, a Singapore based real estate and development company, and the appointment of a new CEO, Michael Sagild in November 2008. Franklyn Hotels and Resorts’ ethos is to pioneer the development of luxury boutique hotels. The brand boasts an existing portfolio of iconic properties in areas of great natural or urban interest. Each hotel delivers bespoke, individual luxury to guests looking for an alternative to large, chainoperated hotels. The choice of the new brand name of ‘Franklyn’ derives from a broad range of positive concepts: it carries the meaning of a frank or seal and denotes sincerity and authenticity. The Stein name is indelibly linked with small boutique hotels in Europe and the name change signifies a major uplift in scale and ambition for the group.

www.breakingtravelnews.com

The Franklyn brand will act as a seal of approval, guaranteeing a level of quality and luxury, whether it be in a Franklyn Hotel, Resort, Restaurant or Spa. Franklyn Hotels and Resorts will continue to build on its strengths; endorsed branding, where an individual property retains its own name and then is positioned within the Franklyn marketing structure, benefiting from being inside this broader brand architecture. The Franklyn brand now opens up the possibility of having fully branded hotels within the portfolio, such as Franklyn New York, Franklyn Park Lane, alongside individual properties. CEO Michael Sagild says: “Our new focus with Franklyn is on strategic growth with a global rather than Eurocentric outlook. We will build on the fundamental work of Franklyn’s existing portfolio and philosophy, to roll-out luxury boutique hotels onto a wider

geographic platform - achieved alongside KOP Group. While developing luxury living to new levels of excellence, Franklyn will first become an established brand first in Asia, while also researching US opportunities and eventually expanding into the Middle East and Africa.” Sagild was appointed CEO of Stein Management Company International on 10 November 2008 following the recent investment by KOP Group, Singapore. A graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland with a degree in hotel management, Sagild also holds a diploma from the Advanced Management Program at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.

continents, Sagild is frequently involved in international tourism forums and a frequent speaker at industry events. Sagild began his hospitality career in 1985 at the corporate headquarters for Hyatt International in Chicago and spent the following 11 years working in a variety of senior level management positions for Hyatt International Hotels and Shangri-La Hotels in Australia, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. From January 2006 until his recent appointment, Michael was the Chief Operating Officer for Minor Hotels and Resorts in Bangkok. Prior to this, Michael was Managing Director for Le Meridien’s Asia Pacific region.

With over 25 years of experience in the hotel industry across four

www.franklynhotels.com

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TAP rolls out new fleet

TAP has taken delivery of the first of six new Airbus A320-214 aircraft in Toulouse. With staggered deliveries throughout 2009, four of the new aircraft will progressively replace the Airbus A320-211 currently in service and manufactured as far back as 1991, with two others designed to enable new flights to Moscow, Warsaw and Helsinki from Lisbon to be offered this coming June. Compared with the previous model the new aircraft will offer an average energy and environmental efficiency increase of around 8 percent, enabling a reduction in annual emissions of 2,200 tons of carbon dioxide corresponding to fuel saving of the order of 700 tons. These gains in efficiency constitute one of the priorities of the TAP fleet renewal and modernization programme that is in line with the company’s environmental initiatives – “the use of eco-sustainable practices and technologies that reconcile growth with protection of the environment”. After passing through the company’s Maintenance & Engineering Unit, the new aircraft began medium-haul flights in the middle of February. Under registration number CS-TNQ, it will carry the name of “Jose Regio” in homage to the famous Portuguese 20th Century writer. Entry into service of these new aircraft will also provide considerable benefits both in terms of the level of in-flight service and comfort offered to customers as well as operational performance, reliability and maintenance. Moreover, they also fit in with the strategy pursued by TAP allying economic performance with the responsibility undertaken by the Company with regard to Society and the Environment.

www.flytap.com

Etihad bolsters European services Etihad Airways is strengthening its European network by launching a new service to Larnaca, starting in June.

The new three flights a week service to Cypus’s main international airport will bring Etihad’s global flight network to 53 cities, supplementing new services to Melbourne in Australia in March and Istanbul and Athens, which will also start in June. James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “The launch of flights to Larnaca illustrates Etihad’s ambitions to strengthen our European network and we anticipate strong demand for flights which will help open up new commercial and cultural ties between the UAE and Cyprus.” Etihad Airways continues to defy the aviation downturn with its aggressive growth strategy. The addition of Larnaca will bring Etihad’s European destinations to 13. Now in only its sixth year, the Abu Dhabibased airline carried more than six million passengers in 2008, a 34 per cent jump on 2007. Its average seat factor rose from 68 per cent to 75 per cent, a feat made even more impressive when set against the backdrop of the global downturn and the aviation crisis. The airline took delivery of nine new aircraft boosting its fleet to a total of 42. It also capped the year by winning “World’s Leading First Class Airlines” at the World Travel Awards.

Etihad launched six new routes in 2008 – Beijing, Minsk, Almaty, Kozhikode, Chennai and Moscow – as well as signing a record order of USD $43 billion at the Farnborough International Airshow for up to 205 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Australia is proving one of Etihad’s strongest markets, with traffic increasing 106 percent last year, as the airline added 1,000 seats a week and doubled local staff to 70. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier has increased flights to Australia to 14 a week since starting service in March 2007, and will rise to 21 when it begins its daily Melbourne service. The airline is also gearing up for the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which takes place later this year on 1 November. The seven-figure, three-year, title sponsorship deal sees the Formula 1 race in the UAE’s capital city named the “Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix” until 2011. It also provides Etihad with a major trackside advertising package and podium branding for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

www.etihadairways.com

www.breakingtravelnews.com

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India's Enchanting Orange County Orange County runs some of India’s most enchanting resorts, where the experience is all about the beauty of nature and the serenity of ancient Indian philosophy. BTN meets Marketing Director Jose Ramapuram to find out more about his approach to sustainable tourism and the joys of Orange County living

BTN: What was the inspiration behind starting the resorts?

We also owns two wind power generators.

JR: The Ramapuram Family, promoters of the resorts, have been planters for over 100 years. The enchanting locations, the traditional planter’s inborn sense of hospitality and the ancient Indian philosophy of Adithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God) prompted the family to diversify into hospitality in 1994 with the launch of Orange County, Coorg.

BTN: How do you ensure tourism benefits the whole community rather than just those at the top?

BTN: What brings you to ITB 2009? JR: Orange County Resorts has been participating at ITB Berlin for the last 10 years. This is an important venue for us to meet new tour operators and to refresh our relationship with old friends and partners from the travel trade. It is also a forum for us to share new developments from our side and bounce of future project ideas with our present and future partners. BTN: Responsible tourism is an integral part of your offering. What kind of measures do you employ to minimise environmental impact? JR: The idea is to have an overall positive impact on the local environment. A few of the important steps that we have taken in this direction include installing a Reverse Osmosis water purification system in each room, which cuts out the need for over 100,000 plastic bottles every year.

www.breakingtravelnews.com

JR: Orange County Resorts focuses on two fronts – local economy and local society.

preserve and/or improve the environment at each destination and contribute towards the revival and promotion of traditional culture and heritage of the region.

that every player in this industry and the traveller complies with the principles of Responsible Tourism, making the entire tourism trade more sustainable.

BTN: Does sustainability take second place during the downturn as companies fight for survival?

BTN: Orange County Kabini Resort has been nominated for India's Leading Wildlife Resort by World Travel Awards – can you describe the wildlife experience staying there?

It is our endeavour to maximise local employment. Local art forms performed by artists from the local communities, village visits conducted by the villagers themselves and such other programmes form a good part of the activities at the resorts, generating livelihood for locals. Local farmers and traders are encouraged and trained to supply quality products from the neighbouring villages.

JR: Orange County Resorts considers ‘Responsible Tourism’ as a crucial part of our product. During a downturn, we believe that it is not wise to downgrade your product. The high standards that we maintain in terms of product and services is not up for compromise.

Each resort is provided with a Responsible Tourism budget specifically meant for enhancing the quality of life in the local communities.

JR: Our mission statement says ‘We believe in our core strength – our people – We will strive to develop our people followed by product and profit’. We truly believe that if we care and nurture for our people and product, profit is a by product that will naturally follow. We believe that if your focus is on profits first, it will somehow evade you.

Local culture is showcased at every resort. In addition to generating income for the local artisans, this helps in keeping local art forms alive and building pride among the locals about their culture and heritage. BTN: What is your definition of ‘responsible tourism’? JR: Orange County Resorts will endeavour to provide the highest degree of long-term economic benefits to the host communities,

BTN: What’s the key to running a company both responsibly and profitably?

BTN: What can the travel industry collectively do to become more sustainable? JR: he Tourism industry could play an active role in creating an awareness about the importance of ‘Responsible Tourism’ among its own members and its clients so

JR: Inspired in design by the Kadu Kuruba Hadis (local tribal villages) and steeped in local lore and culture, Orange County Kabini offers an unmatched wildlife experience. Kabini serves as home to some of the most endangered wildlife species of the region. This ecosystem supports the highest density of herbivores in Asia including the largest congregation of Asiatic elephants. Of these herbivores, the Chital, Sambar, Gaur, Wild pig, Muntjak and Common Langur are preyed upon by the Tiger, Leopard and Wild Dog. It is among the few places in the world where wildlife safaris are conducted both by boat and vehicle. BTN: How is this year shaping up for Orange County Resort? JR: Despite the talk of downturn, we have managed to surpass our targets. We are looking forward to closing the financial year ending 31 March with targets surpassed in terms of revenue.

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Where business

becomes a pleasure Set in sprawling tropical gardens, right in the heart off Bangkok, the Swissotel Nai Lert Park provides the unique venue for your unique event. Our six multi purpose function rooms and grand ballroom seating up to 900 guests are able to accommodate Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions, Banquets, Wedding Receptions and Parties,

Set in 8 acres of lush tropical gardens, outdoor free form pool, fitness center, spa and a choice of 8 food & beverage outlets, business can become a pleasure.

Our professional dedicated Event Management team are always on hand to ensure your perfect event. 2 Wir el es s Ro ad, B angko k 10330 T ha ila nd T el: +66 (0)2 253 0123 Fa x: +66 (0)2 254 8740 Email: reservations@nailertpark.swissotel.com Website: www.nailertpark.swissotel.com

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

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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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Jumeirah plans first European spa resort Jumeirah is expanding into the Mediterranean with its first European resort spa, due to open in Mallorca in early 2010. BTN asked Derek Picot, Regional General Manager, Jumeirah, London about what the luxury brand had planned. BTN: Why did you choose Mallorca as the destination for Jumeirah’s first European SpaResort? And why Port Soller in particular? DC: Jumeirah’s strategy is to have a presence in what we call ‘letterhead cities’ and aspirational resort destinations worldwide. Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, offers an abundance of landscapes, experiences and attractions. It is becoming one of the most desirable island destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also one of the fastest growing five star destinations in Europe, with the northwest of the island being one of the region’s most sought-after areas. Port Soller is considered to be one of Spain’s most attractive towns and a serious contender in the luxury travel market. It is an idyllic retreat that less than a 45-minute drive from Palma airport, making it one of Europe’s most convenient destinations. Jumeirah Port Soller will grace a spectacular location on the cliffs of Port Soller, overlooking the port and the Mediterranean Sea. BTN: Are there other projects in the European Mediterranean Sea? DC: We have identified Europe as one of the key geographical growth areas for Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts. We continue to seek other resort opportunities in the Mediterranean region, both in

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Europe and Africa. In line with our expansion plans of 60 hotels and resorts under development, under construction and under management by 2012, projects currently under evaluation and development in Europe count for approximately 12% of our overall expansion. BTN: What products and treatments will the spa have? DC: The 2000 m2 prestigious spa and wellness centre will be Talise branded. The Talise spa concept is designed around a person-centric model to ensure the selection of treatments and spa experiences can be tailored to the guest’s needs. This means that the spa is designed to fit the guest rather than the facility. The Talise Wellness Spa at Jumeirah Port Soller, Mallorca, will focus on exceptional wellness with treatments based on local products such as olive oil, oranges and almonds.

DC: Jumeirah Port Soller will be a five-star deluxe resort. Actually, all Jumeirah properties are five-star luxury hotels and resorts. Even Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel now recognised as the symbol of Dubai and worldrenowned for its high standards of luxury and personal service, is officially also a five-star hotel. The worldwide classification for hotel ratings does not go beyond the five star rating. BTN: How much is the total inversion amount? DC: Jumeirah Group is a hospitality management company and as such, we are not building the Jumeirah Port Soller resort, nor will we own it. Jumeirah’s involvement will be to operate the Jumeirah Port Soller, Mallorca, with the high standards we are renowned for.

of Port Soller, overlooking the port and the Mediterranean Sea. Scheduled to open in early 2010, the hotel amenities will include unique restaurants and bars, each with al fresco dining options. The resort will reflect Jumeirah’s commitment to quality and innovation. BTN: Which kind of customers do you expect? DC: Our source/target markets will come mainly from Germany, UK, Spain, other parts of Europe and the Middle East. BTN: You promise to redefine the luxury resort standard throughout Mallorca and the rest of Spain.

DC: The resort will feature large, contemporary guestrooms, decorated in warm tones with an emphasis on olive wood and leather. The 120 spacious and luxurious guestrooms and suites will all be either sea or harbourfacing, have a terrace or balcony, and have indoor and outdoor spaces that flow together.

DC: True luxury is emotional, memorable and above all personal, and this is what we believe today’s sophisticated BTN: How is the Jumeirah Port luxury traveller relates and Soller different to the other responds to. And this is what we Jumeirah hotels? will be delivering at the Jumeirah Port Soller, Mallorca. Soller is located in a tranquil valley famous DC: All Jumeirah hotels and for its orange groves and olive resorts are distinctive and trees and Luxury surrounded byof the World. connected to theHotel, architecture and The Atlantic Jersey, is one of the Small Hotels andshortlisted Jumeirah Port the they are mountains,was culture wecommunity built at www.theatlantichotel.com in the Best The of site with its spectacular location in. Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Soller, based to the Hotels Website category at the Travolution Awards 2008. Thanks on the cliffs of Port Soller, is Desert Resort and Spa, for emotive design and inspirational imagery, 20% of all site visitorsanow perfect luxury holiday getaway. example, a reflection of button’ the selectisthe ‘Book Now’ . desert oasis it is located in; and Jumeirah Essex House is a 1931 www.jumeirah.com art deco landmark overlooking New York City’s Central Park.

BTN: Wasn’t there a Five Stars Plus Category or even Six Stars Category?

Jumeirah Port Soller, Mallorca, will be a five star luxury resort with a spectacular location on the cliffs

BTN: How will the rooms be?