25 JULY 2015
ISSUE 18
EUROPE ATTRACTS LONG-HAUL MARKETS THIS SUMMER THE FOUR-STAR FOSSHOTEL REYKJAVIK HAS OPENED IN THE CAPITAL OF ICELAND, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY CENTRE’S BUSINESS DISTRICT.
10 AIRBERLIN CODESHARES WITH SRILANKAN AIRLINES
18 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
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CRUISING
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AGENTS
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TOURISM BOARDS
07
ACCOMMODATION
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AIR
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RENDEZVOUS
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TRAVEL TALK
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
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WHO’S MOVED
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PHOTO ALBUM
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NEWS & EVENTS
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ICELAND WELCOMES FOSSHOTEL REYKJAVIK
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MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS
MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel ASSISTANT EDITOR Maria Kazeli SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba
West Midlands Hotel Market Continues to Shine Once again the UK provinces led the way to growth with positive year-on-year movements during May in gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR), according to the latest data from HotStats.
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est Midlands hoteliers experienced a 4.7 percent increase in the metric, as well as surges of one percentage point to 69.5 percent in occupancy and of 2.5 percent in average room rate (ARR), leading to a RevPAR growth of four percent. Mixed performances were recorded in ancillary departments and total RevPAR levels rose 2.8 percent. On the other hand, London hoteliers registered a decline in GOPPAR.
CONTRIBUTORS Ana Mladenovic Dominique Christou PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Inna Armeanu DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou WEB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Savvas Kammitsis DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670 WEBSITE www.traveltradeeurope.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
Birmingham
Carnival Doubles Quarterly Earnings Carnival Corporation has more than doubled its second quarterly non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) net income from USD73 million (EUR65 million) in 2014 to USD193 million (EUR172 million).
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s Arnold Donald, CEO, Carnival Corporation, noted, the company’s initiatives to create demand and leverage its scale benefitted both cruise ticket prices and onboard revenues contributing to a five percent revenue yield improvement. Looking ahead, Donald said, “Current strength in booking volumes clearly demonstrates strong consumer demand for our brands, leaving less inventory remaining for sale and building confidence in achieving significant revenue yield improvement this year.”
Ryanair Traffic up 14 Percent EXCHANGE RATES
Accurate as of
24/7/2015 COUNTRY
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Ryanair carried 9.5 million customers in June, marking a 14 percent year-on-year surge.
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he increase in demand pushed load factor up by five percentage points to 93 percent, while rolling annual traffic to the month under review soared 14 percent to 94.3 million travellers. Kenny Jacobs, chief marketing officer, Ryanair, attributed the positive performance indicators to lower fares, stronger forward bookings and the success of the company’s Always Getting Better customer experience improvement programme, which includes a range of enhancements from a new website and applications to innovative digital features such as the hold the fare and price comparison services. 25 JULY 2015
CRUISING NEWS
Celebrity Cruises Launches Shore Excursion Website
AmaWaterways Expands European Fleet for 2016
Carnival Corporation to Build Next Generation Ships
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ollowing the unveiling of a newly designed shore excursions programme with special-interest categories and more destination experiences, Celebrity Cruises has relaunched a shore excursion website specifically created for travel partners. The interactive hub provides dedicated professionals with rich content and opportunities to plan their clients' vacations with real tools and solutions for better business. It is a one-stop shop for agents, providing fast and convenient access to all of the latest information on the cruise line’s destination experiences. Among the line-up of features available, the website displays new shore excursions, special offers, group sales information, training materials, videos, downloadable flyers and more.
Celebrity Cruises
25 JULY 2015
maWaterways unveiled details of the latest additions to its rapidly-growing European fleet. Set to make their official debut in 2016, the 158-passenger sister ships AmaViola and AmaStella will accommodate a new category of traveller, with innovative features ideal for the group and family sectors. Both vessels will be equipped with connecting cabins that offer added convenience for groups and families travelling together. “At AmaWaterways, we take great pride in the fact that we build new ships at a careful pace, taking our time to ensure we incorporate the most innovative features possible for our guests,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president, AmaWaterways.
AmaStella
arnival Corporation has signed a multibillion dollar contract with shipbuilding company, Meyer Werft to build four next generation cruise liners with the largest guest capacity in the world. The four new vessels will feature a green cruising design, as they are deemed to be the first in the cruise industry to be powered at sea by liquefied natural gas, the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, representing a major environmental breakthrough. Based on Carnival Corporation’s innovative new ship design, each of the vessels will have a total capacity of 6,600 guests, feature more than 5,000 lower berths and incorporate an extensive number of guest-friendly features.
AIDAstella
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NEWS CRUISING Holland America Line’s New Base Camp Complex
MSC Opera Rejoins the High Seas
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olland America Line has broken ground on a new Base Camp complex at the company’s McKinley Chalet Resort in Alaska, US. Expected to be complete for the 2016 Alaska cruise season, Base Camp is part of the company’s ongoing enhancement programme at the property that also includes room and décor updates, and more. McKinley Chalet Resort provides accommodation for guests on Holland America Line’s Land+Sea Journeys that combine an Alaska cruise with an overland tour to Denali National Park and beyond. Base Camp will be centrally located between the main part of the property, containing the reception hall, dining facilities and guest rooms, and the riverfront units that provide stunning views of the Nenana River.
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SC Cruises’ MSC Opera rejoined the high seas early July, and will homeport in Venice for the entire summer season. To meet guest demand, the vessel’s itineraries feature the most beautiful places the region has to showcase, thus, offering departures from Venice for 14 days with calls in southern Italy and the region of Puglia, mainland Greece as well as its islands, the Black Sea coast of Romania, Sochi and the Russian Riviera, Turkey, and the Dalmatian coast of Croatia before heading back to Venice. New features and amenities include more balcony cabins, spacious common areas, flexible dining options and a new outdoor Spray Park for children and parents alike.
Base Camp at McKinley Chalet Resort
Quantum of the Seas Sets Sail
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oyal Caribbean International celebrated the arrival of Quantum of the Seas in Shanghai, which is set to sail on three- to eight-night roundtrip itineraries, all year long from the Chinese city to North Asia destinations. The ship completed a 53-night journey across the world from New York to Shanghai via the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean, following its inaugural season at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey. “There is incredible potential in the Chinese market, and bringing our newest and most technologically advanced ship to China will cement our leadership position in the area,” said Michael Bayley, president, Royal Caribbean International.
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Quantum of the Seas
25 JULY 2015
AGENTS NEWS
Outbound Travel Adds EUR39.8 Billion to UK Economy
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he outbound travel sector’s contribution to the UK’s economy reached GBP28.3 billion (EUR39.8 billion), representing 1.8 percent of the national GDP. As a report commissioned by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) showed, this figure includes a direct contribution of GBP11.7 billion (EUR16.4 billion), equivalent to 0.8 percent of the total. Outbound travel also supports 214,000 jobs directly and 435,000 in the wider economy. Interestingly, the study also highlighted that holiday-makers spend in excess GBP34 billion (EUR48.36 billion) in the UK before they travel abroad. As Mark Tanzer, CEO, ABTA, noted, with a new government in place, important decisions are about to be made.
Kuoni UK to Thrive Under New Ownership
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uoni Group’s European tour operating businesses are set to continue to grow from strength to strength under new owner company DER Touristic, the travel division of REWE Group. According to Derek Jones, managing director, Kuoni UK, the two companies share the same ambitions and Kuoni UK is not only in good shape but also in good hands. “We can now celebrate our 50th anniversary in the UK with an added spring in our step [...],” said Jones, thanking the team and the local travel trade for their support.
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25 JULY 2015
Travelove Brings Innovative Holiday Booking to the UK
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ravel company, Travelove, has launched in the UK, offering travellers exciting ideas and a new way to book their holidays. Travelove works with travel enthusiasts worldwide to offer tailor-made trips, allowing holiday-makers explore destinations authentically, efficiently and comfortably, enabling them to see each place through the eyes of a local. Travellers simply have to log onto the company’s website in order to choose their desired destination, date, and the specific experiences they would like to include, and everything else is taken care of by the company, including transport and accommodation if needed. Furthermore, Travelove provides a personalised guidebook containing detailed itinerary, local information, pictures and maps.
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NEWS AIRPORTS
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Installs Beacons
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msterdam Airport Schiphol has installed nearly 2,000 beacons in the Terminal Building, which are set to improve the digital services for its visitors. Beacons are small transmitters that emit a Bluetooth signal, that smartphones can use to determine the distance from the phone to a beacon, enabling mobile apps to offer location-based, relevant information and advice to travellers and visitors. The airport has installed devices in the departure halls, lounges, piers and luggage reclaim areas, as well as in the Plaza shopping mall and the World Trade Center corridor. Albert van Veen, group chief information officer, Schiphol Group, said, “Airlines and other parties can use the beacons to develop new smart applications that will improve the passenger experience at the airport even further.”
UK Government to Be Decisive on Airport Capacity
Brussels South Charleroi Airport: Promising Passenger Numbers
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he UK government will take a crucial decision regarding the proposed airport developments in the South East, stated Robert Goodwill, parliamentary undersecretary of state, transport, UK, at the Association of British Travel Agents’ Travel Matters Conference. Goodwill pledged to resolve the matter, which, as he said, along with other transport issues have been delayed or deferred, following the Airports Commission’s upcoming report on the subject. “If we fail to invest in our transport networks now the growth we have seen [in previous decades] may stall, we cannot afford to stall on making a decision any longer,” said Goodwill. “A thriving travel industry indicates a thriving economy; government policy must support the growth of the travel industry.”
total of 598,368 passengers were recorded at Brussels South Charleroi Airport in June. The number is slightly higher than the 557,500 travellers during the same period in 2014, representing an increase of seven percent. The countries attracting the most visitors were Spain, Italy, France, Morocco and Poland. Overall figures for the first half of the year indicated a nine percent rise for the airport, exceeding three million passengers compared to the 2.96 million recorded in the first six months of 2014. During this period, destinations such as Prague, Bucharest and Istanbul saw a considerable surge in traffic which can be attributed to the improvement in the range of lines available from the airport.
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25 JULY 2015
TOURISM BOARDS NEWS Maltese Institute Takes On Medical Tourism
Belarusian-Polish Tourism Cooperation Talks
Belarus
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he Institute of Tourism Studies in Malta, has launched a new module for medical tourism in its 2015-2016 prospectus. It was introduced in an effort to target the niche market as part of the organisation’s objective to embark on new areas of study, to diversify the hospitality industry and to prepare students for challenges that the sector may face. The module will be offered as part of the diploma in travel and tourism operations. It will provide course participants with a general understanding of the medical tourism industry and train them in different aspects.
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n idea to establish a Belarusian-Polish Tourism Chamber was discussed at a roundtable in Brest, Belarus, with the participation of Belarusian and Polish tour operators. The idea was voiced by Eduard Shvaiko, counselor, Embassy of Belarus, Poland, who noted that certain members of the Polish delegation have working experience in similar chambers with other countries, particularly with Ukraine. “There will be necessary at least 20-30 representatives from every side. It can be representatives of the travel industry, hotels, museums, other cultural establishments. We should hold a foundation meeting later in order to choose the authorities. It can be one of the efficient mechanisms of further development of cooperation in tourism,� Shvaiko posited.
Tourism Project Promotes Authentic Malta
25 JULY 2015
Valletta
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tefan Buontempo, parliamentary secretary, local government, Malta, inaugurated a tourism project which places the residents of Safi, Qrendi and Kirkop at its centre. Through the initiative, titled Discovering Malta and Gozo Through its People and Culture, two itineraries were devised, which will encourage travellers to visit different places of interest. However, the most important aspect of the tour will be the total immersion in the local way of life. Buontempo praised the project for being innovative in its simplicity as it stirs away from the concept of conventional excursions and is aimed at providing visitors a holistic experience of what it means to be Maltese through food, customs and interaction with locals.
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NEWS
Europe to Receive EUR13.1 Billion in Transport Infrastructure
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urther delivering on its top priority of creating jobs and boosting growth in Europe, the European Commission unveiled a record EUR13.1 billion investment plan in 276 transport projects. The initiative will also unlock additional public and private co-financing for a combined amount of EUR28.8 billion. Selected projects are primarily located in the core trans-European transport network. Among the beneficiaries are flagship initiatives such as Rail Baltica, the Brenner Base Tunnel, the Seine-Escaut waterway, the Caland Bridge and the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link. Smaller-scale initiatives include crossborder projects between Groningen and Bremen, the Iron Rhine rail line, as well as developments enhancing the navigability of the Danube River.
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European Bed Nights on the Rise
Germany Unveils New National Park
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otal bed nights in Europe rose by 5.7 percent, while international bed nights increased by seven percent, according to the European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report 2015. Decreases by Japan and Russia were offset by strong growth from other seven top source markets: China, US, Germany, UK, France, Spain and Italy. In 2014, top performing cities were London, Berlin, Rome, Barcelona and Paris, while in terms of growth rate, Madrid, Istanbul and Amsterdam ranked on top with increases of over 10 percent compared to 2013. Ignasi de Delàs, president, European Cities Marketing, commented, “Despite all economic or political factors, it is proven that the cities’ strategic focus on international visitors is the main reason for the triumph.”
Hunsruck-Hochwald National Park
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hineland-Palatinate and the Saarland have opened their first joint national park, namely HunsruckHochwald National Park. With its mystic moors, colourful flower meadows and rocky landscape, the facility provides a habitat for rare and endangered animal species. The new attraction is yet another example of the biodiversity of Germany’s flora and fauna. Nature has room to flourish in extensive national and nature parks, biosphere reserves and conservation areas.
25 JULY 2015
NEWS Third-country Certifications to Boost Safety in EU
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he European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASE) issued the first single air safety authorisations, that will be valid throughout the European Union (EU), to 22 third-country operators. By 2016, all non-EU carriers wishing to fly to the EU will be required to hold such certifications to prove their compliance with international safety standards. Besides cutting red-tape by using a single document, the new scheme is also expected to enhance aviation safety in Europe. As Patrick Ky, executive director, EASA, revealed, a total of 700 foreign airlines from more than 100 countries have already applied to be authorised to fly in the EU.
Europe Attracts Long-haul Markets this Summer
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atest results of the Long-Haul Travel Sentiment Survey, a joint initiative between European Travel Commission and other parties, indicate strong growth potential from long-haul markets for the European tourism sector for this year’s summer holiday season. Despite continued reports of unstable economic conditions and political tensions, survey data collected in the five key markets of Brazil, China, Japan, Russia and the US highlight the enduring position of European destinations in respondents’ minds. Amongst the key findings were that Europe is on top of the five key markets’ wishlist for this summer, Asian markets are keener on travelling outside the region, long-haul travel sentiment is strongest among the young and middle-aged, and US travel sentiment stays positive in the wake of slowing economic recovery.
Baltic Sea and Black Sea to Reconnect
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xperts of Belarus, Poland and Ukraine posited an idea to possibly restore navigation between the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea by building an artificial waterway between Vistula River and the Dnieper-Bug
Canal. The idea was discussed during a meeting in Lutsk, Ukraine, among a transboundary commission involving representatives of regional government agencies, ministries, research institutes, transport, logistics and nature management organisations of the three concerned countries.
EU Aviation Strategy to Focus on Connectivity and Consumers
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uropean Union (EU) states need to place air connectivity and consumers at the very heart of the forthcoming new EU Aviation Strategy, according to Arnaul Feist, president, Airports Council International. As Feist highlighted together with airlines and other partners, airports in Europe account for 4.1 percent of the continent’s GDP and nearly 12 million jobs. “With the shift under way in the global economy to emerging markets, remaining connected and open for business is an absolute imperative for Europe. This is why open skies should be a no-brainer,” stressed Feist, saying that the policy is bulletproof as consumers love it, and so does the economy.
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25 JULY 2015
NEWS ACCOMMODATION
ICELAND WELCOMES FOSSHOTEL REYKJAVIK kn Did you
asts ik bo ower, a v a j Reyk Peace T ceived con ine ld a Im g k of ar t to wor ry wor beacon legenda as a by the ian and e ic peac ist, mus ocate, ar t ace adv o? pe On Yoko
The four-star Fosshotel Reykjavik has opened in the capital of Iceland, in the middle of the city centre’s business district and just a short walking distance from the main shopping street, Laugavegur.
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he property boasts 320 rooms and seven suites spread across 16 storeys, two conference rooms, 24-hour gym facilities, while a wellness and spa centre will open in 2016. Furthermore, the hotel will also feature the Haust restaurant and the Beer Garden, both of which are created by Icelandic designer, Leifur Welding.
Unprecedented Development for ibis
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ccorHotels has unveiled its new-generation ibis hotel in Lille, France, further signalling the brand’s overall growth and increased market share. In 2014, over 50 percent of the properties which opened under the group belonged to the ibis family, with ibis Styles encompassing 270 hotels. ibis also introduced its Sweet Room by ibis concept this year, which is inspired by upscale projects. Moreover, ibis budget will be introducing services created through the insight of customer wants and needs.
Frasers Hospitality Acquires UK Hotel Chain
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Hotel du Vin Cambridge
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rasers Hospitality successfully completed the takeover of Malmaison Hotel du Vin group (MHDV) of boutique lifestyle hotels, for a consideration of GBP363.4 million (EUR510 million) from an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners. MHDV owns two upscale brands, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, comprising 29 hotels across 25 cities in the UK. “The purchase [...] gives Frasers Hospitality a platform to expand into the fastest growing hospitality sector, With these two best-in-class lifestyle brands, we are on track to reach our goal of operating 30,000 keys by 2019,” said Choe Peng Sum, CEO, Frasers Hospitality.
Fosshotel Reykjavik
Hyatt Opens Second Hotel in Armenia
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yatt Place Jermuk has opened just steps away from the heart of the Armenian city’s centre. The hotel offers 92 guestrooms, a variety of food and beverage outlets, indoor swimming pool, a gym, six meeting rooms and an open-air terrace. “Having built a strong foundation for the brand in the US, we are delighted to announce the second Hyatt Place hotel to Armenia and the third Hyatt Place hotel to Europe, further growing the brand’s presence in key markets where our guests are increasingly travelling,” said Peter Fulton, group president, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia, Hyatt.
Hyatt Place Jermuk
25 JULY 2015
ACCOMMODATION NEWS
Carlson Rezidor to Boast New German Unit
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he last quarter of the year will see Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group open a new German property, Park Inn by Radisson Neumarkt, in cooperation with Provent Hotels. The new-build hotel will offer 105 rooms and will be part of the 23,000m2 mixeduse development Neuer Markt, also comprising retail and dining outlets, offices, practices and a cinema. It will have an all-day-dining restaurant with a terrace, a bar and bistro, more than 600m2 of meeting space and a prefunction area of 200m2, plus a business centre, gym and a sauna. “Germany is a key market for Park Inn by Radisson and for franchise co-operations,” said Elie Younes, executive vice president, The Rezidor Hotel Group.
25 JULY 2015
Autograph Collection Adds Swiss Property
Hotel Fürstenhof Receives Upgrade
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utograph Collection Hotels welcomed a luxurious new boutique property to its portfolio. The Hotel, in Lucerne, Switzerland is located in a corner building established in 1907. Owner Urs Karli is behind the vision of The Hotel, who worked with French architect Jean Nouvel to transform the building into a unique space. Spread across seven floors, the property incorporates 30 studios and suites. The four penthouse suites all feature roof terraces, whilst the 10 garden and park loft suites come complete with patios. Present at the hotel is also a variety of food and beverage outlets.
The Hotel
Structural Agreement for NH Hotels
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otel Fürstenhof in Bad Pyrmont, Germany has undergone a comprehensive programme of renovation. All 44 rooms have been upgraded to suit the needs of regular hotel guests, and meet the requirements of private patients and healthcare tourists visiting the adjacent Fürstenhof Clinic. All hotel spaces have been fitted with new furniture, carpets and wallpaper, and all rooms now have a minibar and a room safe. Guests will also be able to enjoy the benefits of two conference rooms and a restaurant serving regional specialities.
H Hotels’ board has reinforced its commitment to transparency and exemplary corporate governance, by appointing two new directors. The new structure facilitates more proportionate representation for all stakeholders by means of the addition of an internationally-renowned institutional investor and one new independent director. The two roles were taken over by Alfredo Fernández Agras as proprietary director at the proposal of funds with shares in the group that are managed by Oceanwood and Koro Usarraga Unsain.
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NEWS ACCOMMODATION easyHotel Eyes Manchester for Expansion
Four Seasons Budapest Adds New Restaurant
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KOLLÁZS Brasserie & Bar
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asyHotel announced it has conditionally acquired a freehold building in Manchester which is to be converted into a property of the brand. Built in the 1800s, the edifice is located at the junction of Dale and Newton Street, at the centre of the industrial metropolis. At a total cost of EUR8.5 million, the development is scheduled for a 2016 opening and will feature 114 rooms. “Following so soon after our recent success in securing premises to develop an easyHotel in Liverpool, we are delighted to be investing in another vibrant city. Manchester has substantial international tourism, good economic growth potential, a large population and successful, internationally-renowned universities,” commented Simon Champion, CEO, easyHotel.
OLLÁZS Brasserie & Bar is the Hungarian capital’s newest place to be, where the old and the new, and the luxurious and the simple meet to create a unique dining experience. Located in Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, next to the Danube’s iconic Chain Bridge, the new outlet captures the dynamic spirit of the city: historic yet contemporary, timeless yet fresh, and glamorous yet relaxed. Four distinct areas, the rotisserie, bar, wine cellar and patisserie, along with a convertible, allseason terrace, ensure a hip and laid-back atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Iceland to Welcome Canopy by Hilton
Slovenia More Scandic Lures to Take OverForeign BergenTourists Hotel
Hotel Norge
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candic is taking over one of Norway’s most prestigious properties, Hotel Norge in Bergen. The hotel, which was originally built in 1885, is the city’s oldest accommodation establishment and, from the beginning of autumn 2016, will be undergoing a complete transformation to reclaim its position as a top address in the destination. The project, during which the property will remain open, is scheduled for completion by autumn 2017 and will see the 390-key property become Bergen’s largest hotel.
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anopy by Hilton and Icelandair Hotels unveiled plans for the brand’s first hotel in Iceland’s vibrant capital. Canopy Reykjavik | City Centre is currently under construction on Hverfisgata Street, a thriving neighbourhood in the city centre. The hotel is slated to open early 2016 and will offer 115 guest rooms and suites, and a selection of food and beverage outlets. “Reykjavik has an incredible energy and is a fitting setting in which to introduce our first Canopy by Hilton hotel,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe and Africa, Hilton Worldwide.
25 JULY 2015
AIR NEWS airBaltic Links Riga and Rhodes
S7 Airlines Flies to Novosibirsk and Nizhnekamsk
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irBaltic has inaugurated services between Riga and Rhodes, adding yet another popular summer destination to the airline’s network. The Latvian carrier operates one weekly flight to the Greek island onboard a Boeing 737-700 aircraft. The itinerary marks the 17th joint route that Tez Tour and airBaltic launched together, noted Konstantins Palgovs, general manager, Baltics, Tez Tour, expressing satisfaction at the two entities close cooperation.
Austrian Airlines Serves Menorca for the Summer
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7 Airlines launched two new routes, connecting Novosibirsk and Blagoveshchensk on a weekly basis. The route is served with an Airbus A320 aircraft, designed to carry 158 passengers in a two-class configuration. Also, the carrier linked Moscow and Nizhnekamsk with daily services. Nizhnekamsk’s Begishevo Airport is located close to three large cities of Tatarstan; Nizhnekamsk, Naberezhnye Chelny and Yelabuga.
Menorca
LOT to Operate to Tokyo from Warsaw
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Wizz Air Connects Scotland and Hungary
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izz Air has launched a new direct flight between Glasgow and the Hungarian capital. It is the first time Budapest is being served from Glasgow Airport and the airline will now operate a year-round, twice weekly service. Paul White, business development manager, Glasgow Airport, said, “This is a fantastic new route for the airport, and it is sure to be incredibly popular – both with our domestic customers, and with Hungarians who are eager to visit Scotland. It is important for Glasgow to have regular, direct links with European markets, and this route further strengthens our connectivity, with the potential to generate significant inbound tourism for Glasgow.”
25 JULY 2015
Tokyo
ustrian Airlines has is expanded its Spanish offering and will be operating one flight a week to Menorca, until September 12. Austria’s biggest airline offers eight destinations and 16 direct weekly connections to Spain, with the schedule including Barcelona, Palma, Ibiza, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Menorca.
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OT Polish Airlines will fly from Warsaw Chopin Airport to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, as of January 13, 2016, establishing the first direct connection from Poland and Central Eastern Europe to Japan. At the beginning, the Polish airline will operate flights from Warsaw to Tokyo three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and from Japan to Poland on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays. This schedule gives to both outbound and inbound passengers short and convenient connections to dozens of other destinations in Europe such as Riga, Prague, Budapest, Geneva, Copenhagen, London or Paris.
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NEWS AIR Onur Air Connects Caucasus to Europe
BrusselsLures Airlines Boosts Operations Slovenia More Foreign Tourists to African Destinations
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nur Air has added Nalchik, the capital city of the KabardinoBalkaria Republic in the Northern Caucasus in the south of Russia, to its scheduled flight network. The airline is the only one operating thrice-weekly scheduled flights to Nalchik from Turkey and Europe. In addition to direct flights between Istanbul and Nalchik, passengers can also fly between Amsterdam, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Paris, Stuttgart, Vienna, Odessa and all domestic flight points and Nalchik, via Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
I Freetown
n a bid to support the countries’ economic recovery, Brussels Airlines will double its flight frequencies to Freetown in Sierra Leone and Monrovia in Liberia. As of September 8, the two West African destinations will be connected to the Belgian capital four times a week, reaffirming the carrier’s commitment to the markets following the Ebola crisis. “This is an important investment of Brussels Airlines in the accessibility of both countries, which is absolutely indispensable now that the region is working hard on its economic revival,” highlighted Lars Redeligx, chief commercial officer, Brussels Airlines.
New Additions to AIRCOM FlightTracker
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Icelandair Connects Portland to Iceland and Beyond
ingapore Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines and Norwegian are the latest carriers to signup for SITA OnAir’s AIRCOM FlightTracker. The product uses existing equipment and re-purposes air traffic control data to provide consistent monitoring throughout the flight. The three airlines will deploy it on their entire fleet starting this month. Several airline customers and SITA OnAir have worked very closely together to define the functions and features of AIRCOM FlightTracker, and validate and test the solution.
Royal Flight Relocates
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ussian charter airline Royal Flight has relocated all of its flights to Sheremetyevo International Airport’s Terminal F. The aircraft fleet of Royal Flight consists of five modern and comfortable Boeing 757-200 that have 224 and 235 seats. Soon Royal Flight will put the sixth Boeing 737-800 into operation. Royal Flight offers services from Moscow and other Russian regions, from where travellers can easily reach holiday destinations.
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celandair has launched its inaugural flight from Reykjavik to its 14th North American gateway, Portland International Airport. With the new service, passengers from the state of Oregon have nonstop access to Iceland with connections to more than 20 destinations in Europe, including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London and Paris. Birkir Holm Gudnason, CEO, Icelandair, noted, “While our Portland service is currently seasonal we hope to see the demand facilitate further growth in the years ahead.”
25 JULY 2015
RENDEZVOUS TRAVEL TRADE EUROPE: What are the main pillars of Pegasus Airlines’ business strategy? GULIZ OZTURK: As the first airline to pursue the low-cost model in Turkey, we offer three distinct and unchanging pillars to our guests: affordable prices, on-time takeoffs and a fleet of young aircraft. We also offer guests an innovative service with which they can personalise their flying experience; using our ancillary services they can plan their complete travel experience according to their preferences. We are constantly tracking what our guests look for when they fly with us and strive to match their experiences with their expectations. We carried 19.74 million guests in 2014, an increase of 17.3 percent from 16.82 million guests in 2013. We continued our steady growth into the first five months of this year and witnessed a 10 percent year-on-year increase in our guest numbers. These successful figures are partly due to our remarkable expansion in particular on our international network as we expanded in 2014 with new destinations such as Bahrain, Budapest, Geneva, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hurghada, Kuwait, Madrid, Milan Malpensa, Mineralnye Vody, Lyon, Nice, Prague and Sharm El Sheikh. This year saw us adding eight new routes to Western Europe and North Africa. Our new destinations so far include Hurghada, Kutaisi, London Gatwick, Lyon Saint Exupery, Milan Malpensa, Nice, Oslo and Sharm El Sheikh, as well as a new Turkish destination, Kastamonu. We also increased our flight frequencies in many destinations. We now fly a scheduled service to 31 destinations in Turkey and 60 in the rest of the world, bringing our total network to 91 destinations in 37 countries. We can also attribute our success to the fact that Pegasus is well positioned, given Turkey’s strategic geographic location, for operating internationally to both Western and Eastern Europe as well as to Africa, Russia and the Middle East. We are able to offer these regions the combined advantages of the Pegasus business model which includes new aircraft and affordable prices. Our business strategy for growth of passenger numbers also includes providing our guests with a great range of products and services, giving them 25 JULY 2015
Q & A with Guliz Ozturk
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, PEGASUS AIRLINES
IT HAS BEEN A DECADE SINCE TURKEY’S FIRST AIRLINE THAT CHOSE TO PURSUE THE LOW-COST MODEL, LAUNCHED SCHEDULED SERVICES. HERE GULIZ OZTURK, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, PEGASUS AIRLINES, TALKS ABOUT THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS MODEL AND EXPANSION STRATEGY. the ultimate flexibility when planning their journeys. [...] TRAVEL TRADE EUROPE: Today, Pegasus Airlines accounts for 28 percent of the domestic and 12.3 percent of the international market. What are the airline’s long-term ambitions? GULIZ OZTURK: We wish to continue our steady growth further internation-
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THERE IS NO LIMIT TO OUR GROWTH
ally. We will be adding new routes and increasing our frequencies as we obtain bilateral rights from the [Directorate General of Civil Aviation]. There is no limit to our growth as long as the bilaterals are there to support it. Traffic rights agreements are becoming increasingly liberal though and looking back two to three years, and at the difficulties we encountered, we realise how significant the progress has been. So we are really optimistic and anticipate further positive developments in the near future. When we launched our scheduled flights in 2005, we were founded with the mission that everyone has the right to fly and we believe we still have a long way to go to make affordable flights a reality for even more regions. We aim to continue to expand and take a greater market share where we can see that there are opportunities to do so. For example, there are other destinations in Western Europe to which we do not fly yet but which we are seeking to tap into. We ended 2014 with growth in double-digit figures after a year of continuous growth, and this year has been equally as dynamic. In the first three months, we increased our market share of domestic flights from 27.4 percent to 28 percent year-on-year and our share of the international market increased from 11.6 percent to 12.3 percent year-on-year - achieving an average market share of 21.9 percent up from 21.3 percent. According to Turkey’s General Directorate of State Airports Authority there has been an increase of 7.7 percent during the first quarter of the year for the country’s aviation sector in general, a period when we have recorded an increase of 10.8 percent. In the first quarter of the year, as in previous years, we have continued growing faster than the rest of the Turkish aviation sector, achieving a 40 percent faster growth rate than the rest of the sector. As one in the leading players in the country’s expanding aviation sector, we are very happy to be flying even more guests to where they want to go at our greatvalue fares. Our long-term ambitions overall are continuing our steady double-digit growth and further improving our position as a leading regional low-cost carrier through adding more routes and increasing our guest numbers.
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NEWS AIR Brussels Airlines Cargo Partners with Air Logistics Group
Slovenia More Foreign Tourists Airlines airberlinLures Codeshares with SriLankan
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irberlin and NIKI have teamed up with SriLankan Airlines to offer passengers daily codeshare flights between Germany, Austria and Sri Lanka via Abu Dhabi. The European carriers will apply their code to their Asian partner’s daily services between the UAE capital and Colombo. In turn, Sri Lankan travellers are able to book airberlin and NIKI flights between Berlin-Tegel Airport and Abu Dhabi, as well as on the Vienna – Abu Dhabi route. Stefan Pichler, CEO, airberlin, described Sri Lanka as a fascinating tourist destination that is highly popular among German holiday-makers.
Ryanair Introduces New Routes to Israel
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yanair has announced its first Israeli flights, with three new routes from Eilat Ovda Airport to Budapest, Kaunas and Krakow commencing in November, with two flights per week to each destination. The Irish carrier will continue to negotiate with the Israeli authorities over future routes and looks forward to growing the country’s tourism traffic and jobs. “Ryanair is pleased to announce our entry into the Israeli market from November, our 31st country, […], which will deliver 40,000 customers annually,” said David O’Brien, chief commercial officer, Ryanair.
UIA Strengthens Links with European Cities
russels Airlines has developed an ambitious strategic plan to further grow its cargo business. The airline will work with Air Logistics Group as its general sales and service agent for Brussels Airlines Cargo from September 1. The collaboration marks a new era in which Brussels Airlines wishes to get even closer to the customer, also now in its freight activity. New products will be launched in the coming months in order to serve new market segments. Brussels Airlines Cargo has in recent years become an increasingly important activity within the company with over 41,000 tonnes of cargo transported between Europe and Africa, between Europe and US, and within Europe, in 2014.
Aeroflot Boosts Gelendzhik Operations
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n response to growing demand, Aeroflot has increased frequency on its Moscow – Gelendzhik route. The additional service to the resort town will be operated on a daily basis from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport’s Terminal D on a modern Airbus A320 family aircraft. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the flight will depart in the morning and return to the Russian capital in the afternoon up until August 27, while on Saturdays, passengers can take advantage of an afternoon return service. With the introduction of the extra frequency, Aeroflot now offers three daily flights to the popular destinations on the busiest weekdays and weekends.
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or this summer period, Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) is operating nonstop scheduled flights from Odessa to Vilnius, St Petersburg, Moscow, Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Baku and Yerevan. In addition, the carrier has launched summertime services from Lvov to Rome. “As Ukraine’s leading carrier, UIA fully realises the need of developing air traffic from both the capital and the cities of Ukraine. We are constantly working on providing passengers from the cities of Ukraine with more travel opportunities. We are confident our regional flight programme will help establish new […] cultural contacts,” commented Evgeniya Satska, corporate press secretary, UIA.
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Gelendzhik
25 JULY 2015
AIR NEWS
S7 Airlines Returns to Dublin
Dublin
Janis Vanags, vice president, corporate communications, airBaltic (middle), celebrates the launch with Riga International Airport officials
airBaltic Launches Direct Riga – Pisa Flights
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irBaltic introduced a new route between Riga and Pisa, adding yet another popular summer destination to its network, with one flight a week. “The Leaning Tower of Pisa, historical heritage, and cultural wealth are known all over the world. We are please to be adding it to our route map, offering Baltic travellers the chance to spend their summer holidays in the heart of Tuscany, enjoying high culture, visit historical cities such as Florence and Siena, and, of course, take a taste of world famous Tuscan wines and food,” commented Christophe Viatte, chief commercial officer, airBaltic.
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7 Airlines has resumed seasonal flights between Moscow and Dublin, becoming the only carrier to operate direct services from Russia to Ireland. The airline deploys an Airbus A319 aircraft in a two class configuration on the route, offering a total of 134 seats in each direction. S7 Airlines has been offering regular services to the Irish capital since 2008 and this year, travellers can take advantage of the direct flights up until September 5.
Icelandair to Boost Seattle-Tacoma Operations
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celandair has revealed plans to operate 11 weekly services from SeattleTacoma International Airport, including the city’s only morning flight to Europe, effective from May 5, 2016. In response to the growing demand, the European airline is adding four weekly frequencies from the US city to complement its current daily operation. “Since Icelandair’s launch of Seattle service in 2009, we have seen significant growth in the Pacific Northwest, including the addition of new gateways in Vancouver, British Columbia and Portland, Oregon,” explained Thorsteinn Egilsson, general manager, the Americas, Icelandair.
Brussels Airlines Adds Accra to Its Network
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s of October 26, Brussels Airlines will be flying four times per week to Accra, Ghana, its 16th destination in West Africa. The flights will be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with a morning departure from Brussels and an evening return from Accra. Philippe Saeys, vice president, sales, Africa, Brussels Airlines, commented, “As well as offering comfortable travel options between Accra, Brussels Airport and Europe, this connection will also contribute to the growing trade relations between Belgium and Ghana.”
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TRAVEL TALK
VIOLETA BULC Transport commissioner, European Commission
The trans-European transport network could create up to 10 million jobs
We remain positive that the changes [...] have set us in good stead
“I am very pleased to propose the largest investment plan ever made by the European Union in the transport area. The projects we selected will serve citizens and businesses alike, by upgrading infrastructure and removing existing bottlenecks. They will also promote sustainable and innovative mobility solutions. This unprecedented investment represents a major contribution to the commission’s agenda of growth and job creations. [It] could create up to 10 million jobs and increase Europe’s GDP by 1.8 percent by 2030.”
“We remain positive that the changes we have made to the structure of the group, the network and our cost base have set us in good stead to achieve the turnaround. It is thanks to the hard work of all 2,800 colleagues employed directly by the company, both on the ground and in the air, that we are focussed on service and safety whilst maintaining a low cost base. These elements will help Monarch to build a sustainably profitable business.”
ANDREW SWAFFIELD CEO, Monarch
We believe he is the perfect person to lead Fiji Airways
There is no greater seal of approval than being recognised by one’s customers
CYRIL MANGUSO General manager, Sofitel Athens Airport
“Being awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence five years in a row and inducted into the Hall of Fame is a true source of pride for the entire team at Sofitel Athens Airport and we would like to thank all of our past guests [...]. There is no greater seal of approval than being recognised by one’s customers. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.”
NALIN PATEL Chairman, Fiji Airways
“Andre [Viljoen, the airline’s new CEO and managing director] is an experienced airline professional with a strong business and customer focus. We believe he is the perfect person to lead Fiji Airways and will have the full support of the board, together with our experienced management and team.”
TRAVEL TALK IS YOUR SPACE – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
Malta to Inspire the Next Great Thriller-Action Books
EU Air Safety List Updated
As part of Malta Tourism Authority’s endeavour to promote the Maltese islands in the discerning American market, three American authors were invited to spend a week in the country.
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hris Kuzneski, Graham Brown and Boyd Morrison, are all well-established authors in their own right with a variety of books and novels under their belt. All three of them are writers in the thrilleraction genre; as such the authority hopes that their stay in Malta will spark their next inspiration. The authors were treated to a wide range of sightseeing across Malta and also took part in a book signing event.
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he European Commission has updated the EU Air Safety List, the inventory of airlines that are subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union (EU). All carriers from the Philippines, banned since 2010, have been removed from the list and are therefore allowed to operate in the European airspace. The updated EU Air Safety List includes all airlines certified in 20 states, for a total of 231 airlines, bringing the overall total of carriers banned from EU skies to 232. Additionally, the document includes eight airlines which are subject to operational restrictions.
Malta
QHotels Supports Recycling
Brussels Airlines Improves Safety
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russels Airlines has streamlined its quality and safety operations by introducing an integrated safety and risk-based performance monitoring management system. The airline has been working with Ideagen Gael implementing its Gael Insight suite of software solutions to transform safety and operational performance. Gael Insight is a suite of products including Q-Pulse, Gael Risk and Performance Monitor which incorporate to help aviation organisations achieve operational excellence through efficient safety and risk management and in depth performance indicators. The suite has allowed Brussels Airlines’ Safety Services Department to improve safety and operations as well as anticipate and manage risks – avoiding safety issues.
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ocal people that live in residential areas around nine QHotels in the UK can now drop off waste packaging that cannot be recycled by the council, to a public collection box at each hotel. Not only will this reduce landfill, but will also raise money for local charities. The nine QHotels included are Ashford International Hotel, Chesford Grange, The Midland, Crewe Hall, Norton Park, The Stratford, The Park Royal, Bridgewood Manor and Oulton Hall. The collected waste is recycled into generic plastic products such as park benches, watering cans and waste bins, slowing the need to extract new resources from the planet.
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WHO’S MOVED
LOLA DIAZ MARTINEZ
NICOLE KIENZLER
Lola Diaz Martinez is GTA and TravelCube’s new country manager in Ibiza. She will take charge of the sales team building and maintaining relationships with travel businesses in Spain and Portugal. Diaz Martinez has more than six years of experience in working with GTA clients in the Iberian Peninsula and five years of history in Mexican and Latin American sales. Over the years, she played a major role in achieving increases in revenues and established various partnerships with key travel businesses. Prior to joining GTA, she headed the general sales agent team for Mexicana Airlines in London and she also held similar responsibilities for Cathy Matos Mexican Tours.
Nicole Kienzler has been named director of rooms at Jumeirah Frankfurt. Kienzler brings extensive knowledge to the property, gained from her roles at hotels in Germany and the US. Previously she worked as director of rooms in New York, Hamburg and Berlin. With a bachelor degree in business and hotel management from the Duale Hochschule Ravensburg, Kienzler also has several certifications from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. In her new capacity, she is responsible for the entire front office, housekeeping and Talise Spa operations of the hotel.
Kienzler has worked in Germany and the US
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MASSIMILIANO MIO
LAWRENCE SILBER
Massimiliano Mio has joined MSC Cruises’ executive leadership at its global headquarters in Geneva, as the new chief legal officer. Mio has worked in international shipping law for 20 years, covering claims and disputes handling, insurance and liability issues, corporate legal affairs and various other maritime matters. He will now report to Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises. Most recently he served as general counsel for RINA, a global provider of certification, testing, inspection and engineering consulting services in multiple sectors, including marine, transport and the environment. While there, he led legal teams through numerous complex lawsuits, and piloted a project to restructure the company’s insurance programme.
Lawrence Silber has been appointed as the new president and CEO of Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation (HERC). With a wealth of experience, Silber began his career in sales and took on his first profit and loss responsibility as general manager of the Material Handling Division of Ingersoll Rand in 1994. Later, he re-energised Ingersoll Rand's focus on equipment sales to the rental industry sector and ran its company store network, including establishing a remarketing and remanufacturing business unit for used equipment. In his last role at Ingersoll Rand, Silber was president of Utility Equipment Group, later leading the divestiture and transition of this and other related businesses for the company.
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PHOTO ALBUM
Take a Shot! Share with us the latest images of your activities and let your colleagues know what you have been up to. Send your photos to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel Because a picture is worth a thousand words...
Cunard Line marked the 175th anniversary of the day of the inauguration of regular Transatlantic crossings
Robin Kiely, head of communications, Ryanair launched the carrier’s Facebook page and the ’30 Names 30 Planes’ competition
In celebration of the American Independence Day and Thomas Cook’s new flights to the US, Manchester Airport’s The Grill on the Alley served special hamburgers
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Boeing donated the first-ever Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Centrair International Airport in Nagoya
Germania takes the promotion of Cyprus to new heights
Grand reopening of Renaissance Wien Hotel in Vienna
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NEWS & EVENTS Ireland Business Networks with Germany
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total of 12 Irish tourism companies travelled to Germany to take part in a Meet in Ireland workshop and networking event in Hamburg. The programme was organised by Tourism Ireland to highlight the island as a world-class conference and business tourism destination. Zoe Redmond, manager, Central Europe, Tourism Ireland, said, “We are delighted that these influential German business tourism buyers have taken the time to meet with our Irish tourism partners in Hamburg, to hear about the superb facilities on offer right around the island of Ireland.”
Traditional Belarusian Culture Exhibited in Moscow
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Traditional Belarusian clothing
he exhibition of the National History Museum of Belarus opened at the business and culture complex of the Belarusian embassy in Moscow showcasing Belarus’ traditional material culture. Visitors saw the cultural landscape of the country, with particular emphasis on the ethnic and cultural features, including traditional clothes, customs and rites, of six historical and ethnographic regions. To highlight the brightest elements of the Belarusian historical and cultural legacy, the exhibition featured several samples of traditional clothing, as well as items made of straw.
Tallinn to Welcome Circus Tree 2015
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etween August 24 – 29, Circus Tree, the modern circus and street art festival, will take place in Kadriorg Park, Kumu, as well as at the Nordea Concert Hall, in Tallinn. The event focusses on modern circus as an innovative performance art where no animals are used, and where the traditional roles and the structure of the show is completely new. Besides music, dance and other skills, this art form also relies on elements of traditional circus such as balancing, acrobatics and juggling, among more.
EVENTS IBTM CHINA Beijing, China August 05 – 06 www.cibtm.com A place for MICE industry decision-makers to meet for global business adventures.
FUN & BIZ AFRICA Johannesburg, South Africa August 13 – 15 www.fbafrica.net An expo aiming to promote the improvement of entertaining facilities in South Africa.
ICOMEX Mexico City, Mexico August 25 – 26 www.icomex-mexico.com Part of ibtm events, the show focusses on incentives, congresses and conventions in Latin America.
OTDYKH 2015 Moscow, Russia September 15 – 18 www.tourismexpo.ru Fosussing on three distinct segments, the event is a global platform addressing MICE, luxury and leisure travel experts.
WTM Boosts London’s Economy
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orld Travel Market (WTM) London 2014, which ran from November 3 – 6, 2014, attracted a record 51,500 participants from the global travel and tourism industry’s most senior executives, who all came to the UK capital to profile the hottest travel destinations. Business deals worth more than GBP2.5 billion (EUR3.5 billion) were triggered by the event, while GBP244.34 million (EUR345.99 million) have been pumped into the economy through money spent on hotels, restaurants, flights and other services by those visiting the show.
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