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  • News: Hyatt Hotels in technology focus

    Hyatt Hotels has appointed Alex Zoghlin because the company’s first global head of technology. On this role, Zoghlin may be accountable for all aspects of Hyatt’s technology platform and systems.

  • MyCEB: Southeast Asia is decided to witness the wrath of Barca

    For the 1st time, the highly acclaimed FC Barcelona will make its option to the shores of Malaysia as component of the FC Barcelona Asian Tour 2013.

    Organised by B.S.C.S.R.L. DTO. Futbol (M) Sdn Bhd (BSC) and supported by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), the team will battle the Malaysian Tigers on 10 August 2013 at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur. The development is anticipated to host 80,000 spectators and draw over 8,000 fans from around the region to Kuala Lumpur. The anticipated national economic impact generated throughout the event is greater than RM 115 million.

    Mr. Tony Nagamaiah , General Manager of International Events Unit (IEU), Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) said, “We are excited that Malaysia was chosen for FC Barcelona’s debut tour to Southeast Asia. That is indeed a historic moment for the throngs of fans in the region especially fans from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Australia, India, Myanmar and Vietnam who’re expected to make their technique to Kuala Lumpur this August. We’re certainly delighted to bring these heroes to town because Asia represents over 40% of the fan base of this legendary football club. With approximately 145million fans within the region, the anticipation leading as much as the development may be nothing in need of exhilarating.”

    He added, “Malaysia is increasingly recognised as a destination of choice for such major events with the provision of worldwide-class airports, venues, facilities and never to say the nice and cozy, hospitable spirit of Malaysians. With years of hosting major events, Malaysia has certainly caught the world’s attention.”
    “We are constantly in search of avenues to drive tourism into the rustic to support the Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia’s promotional campaign of Visit Malaysia Year 2014. Last year, Malaysia managed to draw RM916million in tourism spend from tourists visiting Malaysia for major events and with our support of FC Barcelona Asian Tour 2013, we are hoping to draw much more this year,” concluded Mr. Nagamaiah.

    MyCEB’s International Events Unit (IEU) is a tender, vibrant division of Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism that aims to successfully attract, stage and sustain exciting major events in Malaysia.

  • News: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal now open

    After much anticipation, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal has opened its doors today. The 532-room luxury resort is the 1st Ritz-Carlton hotel in Abu Dhabi and the ninth property within the Middle East for the luxurious hotel operator.

    Inspired by 15th to early 17th century Renaissance architecture and the urban planning of the town of Venice, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is found on the waterfront and contains ten stately buildings arranged in a crescent formation. Overlooking the 1,600 square meter pool, the backdrop of the luxurious hotel is the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The valuables features 447 luxurious guestrooms and suites, besides 85 private one- and two-bedroom villas.

    “We are delighted to open our first hotel within the United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi, a city we have now waited to be in until finding the absolute right location,” stated Herve Humler President and Chief Operations Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. “Warm Arabian hospitality combined with legendary Ritz-Carlton service will create many unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for visitors from world wide.”

    Abu Dhabi, the most important of UAE’s seven emirates, was a fishing village known regionally for its pearl trade just 50 years ago. Today, luxury and elegance are infused with traditional values of hospitality and culture, and make this dynamic city a draw for over 2 million visitors annually. Made from 200 small islands, Abu Dhabi’s stunning beaches, expansive desert and plush oases provide a venue for exhilarating adventure or tranquil retreat while the old souks and majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – recently named one of the vital world’s top visitor attractions – offer an intimate look at Arabian culture.

    Beautifully manicured lawns, unique water features, and personal beaches over an expansive 57-acres give an instantaneous sense of well-being to guests upon arrivel on the Venetian-designed luxury hotel and resort. Leisure and business travellers alike will benefit from the refined elegance of the 85 one- and two-bedroom villas complete with spacious outdoor terraces, separate arrival palazzo and personal butler service. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level provides a dedicated concierge, private check-in, plus five food and beverage offerings in the course of the day within an exclusive lounge boasting panoramic views of the valuables, canal and town skyline,

    The 1,550 square meter Roma Ballroom is the epitome of elegance on a grand scale. Capable of accommodate as much as 900 guests and divisable by three, the ballroom also provides an exclusive elevator directly from the non-public Bridal Suite into the venue. Two expansive marble foyers with natural daylight, 14 additional meeting rooms, and a normal majlis (literally meaning “a place of sitting” in Arabic) make sure the Ritz-Carlton is an appropriate venue for all special celebrations and events.

    Renowned Ritz-Carlton chefs will please every palate in any of the 10 hotel restaurants and bars including three signature restaurants created by award-winning Japanese designer Super Potato. Li Jiang, meaning “beautiful river” in Chinese, is a fashionable Southeast Asian restaurant with an open kitchen focusing on noodles and dimsum; Mijana, a latest Arabic restaurant, showcases the superior in traditional Lebanese and regional cooking; while The Forge, a signature steak house, serves specialty cuisine in a classy setting paired with the world’s finest wines. The all-day dining restaurant, Giornotte (blending the Italian words for “day” and “night”), has an indoor seating capacity of 358 and serves light Mediterranean fare. Dolce, an Italian gelato and low café; Alba, the lobby lounge serving Afternoon Tea; Sorso, a conventional Ritz-Carlton lobby bar; Al Fresco, the pool restaurant; plus two pool bars round out the remainder food and beverage offerings on the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

    A 1,600 square meter outdoor pool, among the largest in UAE; a completely-equipped gymnasium; and the Ritz Kids Club are only many of the other leisure facilities available for guests to enjoy.

  • Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel now officially open

    Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Majid Al Futtaim Properties have celebrated the outlet of Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel.

    With this opening, Starwood now operates 14 hotels in Dubai, representing the top concentration of Starwood hotels in anybody city outside of recent York.

    Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel is directly connected to Dubai’s leading shopping destination, Mall of the Emirates, which features greater than 560 international retail brands and is additionally home to the enduring Ski Dubai snow dome.

    “Sheraton has a protracted history within the Middle East, spanning over 50 years and it remains to be one of the sought-after hotel brands within the region,” said Hoyt Harper, global brand leader for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.

    “With the outlet of Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel, our brand portfolio within the region is stronger than ever and globally, we’re anticipating record-breaking growth with plans to open our 500th Sheraton hotel by 2015.”

    Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel comprises of 481 guest rooms, including 94 suites, in addition to near to 9,000 square-feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space.

    The hotel offers four restaurants and lounges, including: Sanabel, a Mediterranean restaurant; Sodabox, an American retro 1950s café; Vantage, a modern urban lounge; and Sanctuary Pool Lounge, boasting panoramic views.

    Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel is conveniently located half-hour from the Dubai International Airport and 20 minutes from Dubai World Trade Centre.

    This opening marks Starwood’s 16th Sheraton hotel inside the Middle East because the debut of the corporate within the region with the Sheraton Kuwait in 1966.

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  • South African Tourism unveils landmark What’s Your BIG 5 Campaign

    South African Tourism North America will unveil its ground-breaking campaign, What’s Your BIG 5 on NBC’s hit series, “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice” this Sunday, April 21st at 9/8PM Central.  A year inside the making, the multi-faceted What’s Your BIG 5 platform aims to extend awareness and travel to South Africa by educating travelers in the course of the spectrum of distinct experiences offered only by this destination, beyond its iconic safari. 

    Sunday’s episode will bring to life the colourful culture of South Africa to an astounding six million viewers.  In tandem with the displaying, viewers may also enter to win two exclusive VIP tickets to the show’s finale via Visit South Africa on Facebook, view an advantage video featuring certainly one of this season’s celebrity contestants, and book an “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice” travel package exclusively on www.southafrica.net.

    “South Africa has become a highly sought-after travel destination, breaking tourism records with double-digit growth during the past three years,” said Ms. Sthu Zungu, President of South African Tourism North America.  “High-profile partnerships like ‘All-Star Celebrity Apprentice’ are one of many many driving forces catapulting our destination into mainstream consciousness, fueling conversations and travel to South Africa like never before.” 

    “South Africa is an excellent destination,” said Mr. Donald Trump , executive producer and star of ‘All-Star Celebrity Apprentice.’  “This Sunday’s episode will highlight the magnificence of the rustic, and that i should be going to South Africa soon, it’s one in every of my favorite places.”

    With seven contestants left, watch teams Plan B and gear go head-to-head in this Sunday’s task as they convey South Africa’s rich and numerous travel experiences to millions of houses around the country.  Catch an advantage video of 1 of the All-Stars living the episode’s electrifying task first-hand in South Africa after Sunday’s airing at 11PM EST on www.southafrica.net. Captivated viewers could also learn more about South Africa’s incredible culture, diversity and friendly people at the website, while booking their own “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice & What’s Your BIG 5” travel package.

    Additionally, one lucky viewer participating within the show’s launch of “What’s Your BIG 5” campaign via Visit South Africa on Facebook or @SouthAfrica on Twitter, will win a visit to Ny city on May 19th and two VIP tickets for the live finale taping.  The winner and a guest can also be invited to rub elbows with Mr. Trump and the All-Star cast and crew on the exclusive finale after-party. Sweepstakes starts on April 21st and ends on April 29th.

    The genesis of the What’s Your BIG 5 campaign starts with the proverbial “BIG 5” of South Africa’s safari animals, a well-recognized term coined for the destination’s wildlife. South African Tourism North America is re-defining “BIG 5” to underscore the broad range of authentic and distinct experiences South Africa has to provide for travelers of every age, greater than safari.  The face of the What’s Your BIG 5 story is a loveable giraffe character named Zandi, who’s the embodiment of South Africa—vibrant, colorful, warm, and friendly.  The campaign officially launches on Sunday with a 360-degree platform including advertising, year-round public relations, trade marketing, and consumer-driven events all year long.