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  • Starwood Hotels to open 50 new hotels in Europe in next five years

    Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced plans to open 50 new hotels in Europe over the following five years, increasing its European hotel portfolio by 30%. This year, Starwood will open nine new hotels around the continent, primarily in fast-growing markets, a key focus of Starwood’s long-term development strategy in Europe. Mutually, Starwood and its partners are making significant investments to revive and enhance a number of the company’s most iconic European hotels.

    This year alone, the corporate will open nine new hotels in established in addition to fast-growing markets together with Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Turkey. Highlights include, three new hotels in Turkey, an Aloft and Sheraton in Bursa in addition further new Sheraton hotel within the city of Adana. Further new openings include Sheraton Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport in July and the addition of the prestigious King George Hotel in Athens to Starwood’s Luxury Collection portfolio.

  • News: L. a. Zipsters to get a charge out of driving with new Honda fit EVs

    Zipcar, Inc., the world’s leading car sharing network, with the support of la City Councilmember Eric Garcetti, today announced the introduction of 2013 Honda Fit EV battery electric vehicles (BEV) into the Zipcar L. a. fleet.

    The addition of the recent electric vehicles in La comes as a result program announced by Honda and Zipcar in April 2012, in which Honda became a Zipcar preferred vehicle manufacturer with a focal point on hybrid and electric vehicles. The agreement between Honda and Zipcar gives Zipcar members increased access to Honda’s most technologically advanced, lowest emission vehicles, making an already transformational service much more sustainable. In the course of the program, Zipcar is planning to feature additional Honda EVs into the company’s fleet over the process this year.

    “We are thrilled in an effort to offer Honda Fit EVs to our members inside the L. a. area through Zipcar’s program with Honda,” said Jeff Shields, general manager, Zipcar La. “The new EVs will enhance the sustainable transportation options our Zipcar members have available to them and make allowance La residents and visitors to further reduce their carbon footprint, all while driving probably the most technologically-advanced and fun cars at the road.”

    The new Honda Fit EVs can be found to all Zipcar members ages 21+ for hourly reservations, ranging from $8.75 per hour.

    “Zipcar’s operation in Hollywood is easing parking congestion, reducing pollution and putting people to work,” said Eric Garcetti, who represents Hollywood as a City Councilmember and who supported Zipcar’s opening and expanding locally. “These cleaner, quieter vehicles are an awesome addition to the neighborhood.”

    The first of the brand new Honda Fit EVs can be found at 6464 and 6565 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, in commercial buildings managed by Paramount Contractors & Developers, Inc (PCD). The vehicles can be found in Zipcar branded parking spots with charging stations.

    Owner of Paramount Contractors & Developers, Brian Folb stated, “Paramount Contractor & Developers has long been on the forefront of creating ecofriendly buildings, and was some of the first developers in Hollywood to include solar panels and electric chargers into their properties. Naturally we’re thrilled that now, with the addition of the Honda Fit EVs, we are able to be the primary LA area buildings to provide electric vehicles from Zipcar.”

    To help introduce the brand new Honda Fit EVs to La Zipsters, Zipcar will hold events on Friday, March 29 from 12noon- 4pm inside the lobbies of both 6464 and 6565 Sunset Boulevard. La residents and PCD tenants are invited to forestall by to take a look at the brand new Honda Fit EV vehicles, and Zipcar members can take them for a test spin. The development also will include refreshments and technology demonstrations of ways the EVs work.

    Honda’s 2013 Fit EV, according to its popular five-passenger Fit, earns a combined adjusted Environmental Protection Agency mile-per-gallon-equivalency rating of 118 MPGe, and an unprecedented low consumption rating of just 29 kilowatt hours per 100 miles. The 100-percent electric Honda Fit EV incorporates a 20-kilowatt-hour Lithium-Ion battery and a compact 92-kilowatt AC synchronous electric motor that generates 189 ft-lb of torque. When connected to a 240-volt circuit, the Honda Fit EV battery can also be recharged in below three hours from a low charge indicator illumination point.

    Zipcar is a longstanding pioneer in using advanced vehicle technologies.  It was the primary car sharing company inside the U . s . to introduce electric vehicles, starting in Boston in 2002, and the primary to give hybrid vehicles through a partnership with Honda in Seattle in 2003. Zipcar member surveys show a sturdy interest within the use of advanced technology and alternate fuel vehicles within the program.

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  • News: Manston (Kent) goes global with new KLM link

    Special guests and passengers are today celebrating the launch of KLM’s latest regional route – from Manston Airport in Kent to Amsterdam Schiphol, the fourth largest air hub on the earth. The hot service, the sole scheduled passenger flight from the Kent airport, will allow local travellers access to over 190 destinations worldwide via Schiphol with KLM.

    KLM is a part of the AIR FRANCE KLM Group. It currently offers flights from over 17 regional airports, of which Manston is barely the newest. The hot service from Manston will mean that passengers from Kent can now avoid having to travel across London or during the congestion that results in Heathrow or Gatwick.

    The new route will run to and from Manston twice an afternoon, day-to-day of the week. Passengers could be carried in a Fokker 70 aircraft, which seats as much as 80 travellers. To purchase tickets, customers can go browsing to KLM.com where flights come in for as low as £79 return (including tax).
    To mark the launch, KLM and Manston Airport played host to local media and invited guests, including representatives of the local travel trade, local chambers of commerce and from Thanet and Kent Local Authorities. In conjunction with passengers they were ready to witness the ancient aircraft ‘baptism’ performed by the Airport Fire and Rescue Service, who sprayed water over the aircraft, after landing from Amsterdam at 9:15am.
    Henri Hourcade, General Manager AIR FRANCE KLM, UK & Ireland, said on the launch “The new route from Manston offers passengers in Kent and the South East of britain twice daily flights to a key business location, in addition a major connection to a bunch of world destinations. Here’s an exhilarating new chapter in KLM’s long history with the united kingdom and we’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from the area people. Forward bookings look good and we anticipate this service going from strength-to-strength as we become established in Kent.”

    Charles Buchanan, Chief Executive at Manston Airport, said: “The start of the KLM service marks the subsequent exciting chapter within the airport’s history. For the primary time it connects Kent residents and businesses with the realm through a world hub way to a countrywide flag carrier airline. Passengers can leave home without the troubles of road congestion, arrive at Manston, park adjacent to the terminal and revel in a simple check-in. Importantly, being outside London air space means flights aren’t delayed on take-off or landing, this means that a bother-free experience that makes air travel a pleasure. And on arrival back at Manston it’s a quick and straightforward exit from the airport, and a brief drive home.”

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  • Sheldon Adelson honoured at Jerusalem Summit

    image[1] align=’right’ border=’0′ style=’padding-left:10px;’ alt=’Sheldon Adelson honoured at Jerusalem Summit’ border=0 > Chairman of the Jerusalem Development Authority, Moshe Lion, Minister of Tourism of the State of Israel, Dr. Uzi Landau, Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, Dr. Miriam Adelson, Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Mr. Sheldon Adelson, Taglit-Birthright participants,

    Sheldon Adelson has received an honorary award for his efforts to switch the face of tourism around the globe. The business magnet was praised for his contribution to travel and tourism on the second Jerusalem International Tourism Summit 2013 occurring today.

    Adelson’s career spans greater than six decades and includes the creation of over 50 different companies, including the Las Vegas Sands Corporation and the COMDEX tradeshow for the pc industry.

    The Las Vegas Sands Corporation has become the leading global developer of destination properties that feature premium accommodations, world-class gaming and entertainment, convention and exhibition facilities.

    In Las Vegas, Adelson is widely credited for helping transform the town from a gamingcentric regional location into the leading convention and exhibition city within the Country.

    Businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Adelson could be the biggest draw on the two day Summit which opened today, bringing together world-class leaders from travel and tourism.

    Taking place on the Jerusalem International Convention Center the development will feature leaders of the tourism industry, who will discuss the newest groundbreaking technologies and trends introduced by key players within the tourism world.

    “This year, a unique emphasis might be put on urban tourism, in addition to innovative technologies on earth of tourism and travel,” the summit’s organizers said in an announcement.

    “Global leaders, academics and experts within the field of hospitality will conduct panels discussing a variety of issues affecting the tourism industry.”

    Organizers said the summit would talk about innovative technologies that supply a “glimpse into the realm of application technologies and the way they are often used to expand urban tourism.”

    The event will leverage Israel as a Start-Up Nation and Jerusalem as a frontrunner of technology.

    A special panel will specialise in technology in tourism, including tourism-related apps.

    Panel topics on the conference include: “Planning Models for Urban Tourism,” “Tourism as a device for Urban Economic Development,” “The Smartphone Revolution and the Impact on Users and bosses of Urban Tourism,” “New Transportation Paradigms and the way forward for Urban Tourism,” “Follow the Asian Success Story,” “Intangible Heritage and concrete Tourism Development, Sport and concrete Tourism,” and “Hotel Development in Historic Cities.”

    The summit can also be holding a contest for the perfect tourism application, featuring app submissions from over 20 entrepreneurs.

    Take a glance on the list of speaks signed up for the development, here.

  • News: Hilton Garden Inn Milan Malpensa re-opens under new ownership

    Hilton Worldwide today announced the re-opening of Hilton Garden Inn Milan Malpensa, on the subject of Milano Malpensa Airport. Visitors to at least one of Europe’s important transit hubs can over again benefit from the exceptional facilities of a hotel located near the banks of the River Ticino, catering to the desires and requirements of the busy modern traveller.

    Having operated under the Hilton Garden Inn brand between 2008 and 2011, the franchise agreement has since been reestablished with the property’s new owners, Hypo Alpe Adria Leasing, and is being managed by Bierwith & Kluth Hotel Management GmbH. The hotel returns to Hilton Garden Inn’s eight strong Italian portfolio, including locations inclusive of Rome, Florence and Venice.

    Simon Vincent, area president, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide said, “Continued investment in Milano Malpensa Airport has seen capacity increase dramatically and we’re delighted to be complementing the enhanced airport services, with the return of a hotel with a view to further enhance the traveller experience.”

    The 207 guestroom hotel is barely seven miles from the airport, within the nearby town of Somma Lombardo. Access to and from the terminal is straightforward, as a result of a free shuttle bus which makes the quick trip along the primary road, route 336, through the day. Whilst in easy reach of the airport and just 50km from the town of Milan, the hotel’s location retains a way of the Lombardian countryside’s unique rustic charm.

    The glorious nearby Lake Maggiore offers a tranquil escape from the stresses and strains of daily life, while Somma Lombardo’s landmark 15th century Castello Visconti provides visitors with a glimpse back to the age of the renaissance.  The hotel runs a free bike hire scheme, designed to assist guests take advantage of the local scenery during their stay.

    Key Hilton Garden Inn signature features are included, equivalent to; the Garden Sleep System Bedding; Herman Miller Chair; plus complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi internet access.  The hotel also boasts extensive parking facilities, a 24 hour business centre and state-of-the-art fitness complex.  Meetings and events are particularly well catered for with 800sqm of events space available, formed of 7 rooms, the biggest of that’s able to holding as much as 400 people.

    Guests trying to experience the famed Italian cuisine shouldn’t be disappointed with the hotel’s bar and restaurant concept, ‘Atmosphere’, offering the best in local and international flavours.  Ready to seat 180 diners, the venue offers guests an entire a la carte menu plus a lunchtime buffet, including fresh and healthy meals available to eat at the go.  Guests need never stray from the relief of the hotel if attempting to find a handy guide a rough bite, with its Pavilion Pantry open 24 hours an afternoon and providing a number of sweet and savory snacks.

    Mark Nogal, regional head, Hilton Garden Inn, said, “Hilton Garden Inn has tremendous pedigree inside the field of airport hotels, the twin branded Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport opened in late 2011, a posh which has received tremendous acclaim up to now.  We relate to the busy traveller of today and make it our business to cater on to their needs, whether it’s complimentary Wi-Fi access and our 24 hour business zone, or by providing a calming, comfortable, location to aid guests put a tough day’s journey behind them.”

    As portion of the re-opening, former General Manager Lorenzo Zagatti and lots of his team return to the valuables, providing a warm welcome because the hotel open the doors to its first guests.

    This opening means the emblem now operates eight hotels in Italy with Hilton Garden Inn Pistoia also set to affix its portfolio this year.  Across Europe, Hilton Garden Inn now has a complete of 60 hotels trading or in development.  The emblem recently celebrated the outlet of Hilton Garden Inn Davos, prestigiously located in amongst the Swiss Alps and directly opposite Davos Congress Centre, the venue for the yearly Meeting of the realm Economic Forum.  Hilton Garden Inn achieved first place inside the most up-to-date JD Power & Associates’ European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study (2011).

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