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  • News: Rotana opens its first hotel in Bahrain, Majestic Arjaan by Rotana

    Rotana, the leading hotel management company within the Middle East and Africa, has now opened its first property in Bahrain, Majestic Arjaan by Rotana.

    The new property is conveniently located inside the Busaiteen district at the island of Muharraq, just a few minutes from the town of Manama. With the outlet of this hotel, Rotana now operates 11 properties under the ‘Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana’ brand.

    Majestic Arjaan by Rotana is a primary-class property, which was developed with both short and long-term guests in mind. The hotel offers 128 suites, that are designed in a contemporary style,  together with spacious studios, one, two and 3 bedrooms apartments.

    The hotel features the newest high-tech facilities including fully-equipped meeting rooms with the foremost up-to-date audio-visual equipment. It also gives guests of venture to wind down and relax at any of the significant leisure facilities including an outside temperature controlled swimming pool and an absolutely-fledged fitness centre, with steam and sauna rooms.

    Majestic Arjaan by Rotana also boasts three specialised food and beverage venues to fit every guest’s palate and dining needs, such as: Ginger All Day Dining – offering international buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner in addition to á la carte; Ginger Lounge – a lobby café offering a tempting array of mouth-watering delicacies, light snacks and fresh fruit cocktails as well as a good choice of freshly-baked pastry takeaways; and Aquarius – an off-the-cuff dining experience by the pool complemented by hearty refreshments consisting of light snacks and fresh salads.

    Commenting in this announcement, Omer Kaddouri, Executive Vp & Chief Operating Officer of Rotana, said “This opening of Majestic Arjaan by Rotana represents an incredible achievement for Rotana, and a massive milestone in our technique to expand further within the Middle East and African region. It truly is our first property in Bahrain, an engaging city with a ravishing liberal lifestyle, a rich history and culture, with a robust demand for luxury hotels that provide world-class hospitality”.

    A key appointment to the valuables includes Raiz Saban, a well-respected veteran of the hospitality industry with greater than 22 years of expertise within the business, as General Manager. He’ll lead a team of seasoned hotel professionals who’re expected to play strategic roles in leading Majestic Arjaan by Rotana’s bid to capture a wide share of commercial inside the Kingdom of Bahrain.

    “The suites are designed to supply the final experience in modern serviced living,” says Raiz Saban. “The diverse features on this property offer numerous benefits and advantages for brief or long run stays, whether for business, leisure or home relocation. i’m privileged to be a part of the outlet team for this magnificent property and my team and that i might be working hand in hand to verify all areas of the outlet are perfected.”

  • New Istanbul hotel for Fairmont

    Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced a brand new development in Istanbul, Turkey, scheduled to open in 2016. 

    The 210-room hotel would be joined by branded residences and is a part of the Quasar Istanbul complex, a brand new mixed-use development within the Sisli district, a colourful neighbourhood blending commercial, residential and retail yet situated as regards to major attractions within the city.

    The project is being developed through a three way partnership between Viatrans – Meydanbey. 

    Viatrans is a Geneva-based company specialising in shipping logistics and insurance in addition commercial real estate.

    The Quasar Istanbul complex is within the central business district whose showpiece is the previous Mecidiyeköy Liqueur and Cognac Factory. 

    Built within the 1930’s on then undeveloped land, the factory was designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens, who with Le Corbusier was among the many most influential modern French architects of that era.

    Two 41-story towers will sit above a 4-story office podium with fitness facilities and comfort retail stores. 

    The towers will house a Fairmont Hotel and Fairmont Residences in addition to Quasar Residences and offices in an effort to be managed by Fairmont.

    The hotel will feature Fairmont Gold, the brand’s hotel within a hotel lifestyle offering, a large number of lounges and a number of other restaurants, 2,000 square meters of function space, and a Willow Stream Spa.

    The two residences are whole-ownership, private homes and should offer studios, 1 and a couple of-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplexes. 

    While in residence, owners may have access to a personal lounge and quite a lot of services and amenities along with 24-hour concierge, wine cellar, preferred pricing for different hotel offerings including dining, spa and fitness, meeting facilities, hotel guestrooms and more. 

    Owners may also be awarded VIP status and privileges after they travel to any Fairmont hotels or resorts worldwide.

    “Istanbul is an exhilarating, dynamic city with a purpose to attract our business and leisure guests,” said Jennifer Fox, president, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. 

    “As well as complementing our other developments within the region, it’s very exciting to be partnering with Viatrans in this amazing project blending hotel, residential and community space.”

  • La Tourism launches ‘Car Free LA’

    The car is not any longer king in LA.  With over 120 miles of latest bike ways created in the city of l. a. within the last two years, increased Metro transit options and the expanded frequency and reach of CicLAvia—the nation’s largest open streets event—the city is putting the brakes on its car-centric roots.  Beginning Earth Day, April 22, the la Tourism & Convention Board (LA Tourism) invites travellers to join this green movement with the launch of “Car Free LA,” an eco-friendly initiative designed to showcase the city’s unexpected car-free offerings.

    “Car Free LA” encompasses a series of expertly-tailored itineraries centered around exploring Los Angeles’ various neighborhoods taking walks , bike and public transportation while highlighting the city’s iconic attractions, vibrant music scene, historic architecture, arts and culture, eclectic cuisine and endless entertainment. “Car Free LA” itineraries are available in without cost at: http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/CarFreeLA.

    From taking the Angel’s Flight Railway to the head of Bunker Hill, then commencing strolling to explore MOCA, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Grand Park, to heading out by bike on a scenic beach ride, these self-guided itineraries give visitors the tools they have to navigate town without hoping on a car.  Along with saving money on gas, travelers can add time to their vacations and find a side of la they may otherwise overlook from behind the wheel. Themed itineraries include:

    *  DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD CAR FREE (via foot, bike, and Metro) – Explore old Hollywood gems including the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the TCL   Chinese Theatre strolling; take the Metro Red Line to Universal Studios Hollywood.
    *  DISCOVER WEHO & MUSEUM ROW CAR FREE (via foot and bus) – Get immersed in art and culture at Los Angeles’ Museum Row; bus or walk to The Grove and the unique Farmers Market; explore Fairfax Avenue with a trip to Canter’s Deli and bar hop along Sunset Boulevard.
    *  DISCOVER BEACH CITIES CAR FREE (via foot and bike) – Absorb the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park; bike to Muscle Beach, the Venice Canals and Abbot Kinney Boulevard; walk along Santa Monica’s Main Street and Santa Monica Place for the superior shopping on the town.
    *  DISCOVER DOWNTOWN CAR FREE (via foot and Metro) – Take a car-less tour of bourgeoning Downtown with a ride on Angel’s Flight, the world’s shortest railway; walk to MOCA, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the hot Grand Park; ride the Expo Line to Exposition Park to go to the Natural History Museum and California Science Center, home to the gap Shuttle Endeavor.
    *  DISCOVER LA MUSIC CAR FREE (via foot, bus, and Metro) – Rock and roll along LA’s music scene along the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame, through LA via West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, Hollywood and Downtown, with stops on the Hollywood Bowl, Amoeba Records and the GRAMMY Museum.
    *  DISCOVER SAN PEDRO CAR FREE (via foot and Waterfront Red Line) – Experience LA’s Waterfront with a trip to Downtown San Pedro, Ports o’ Call and the USS Iowa, the world’s greatest Battleship.
    *  DISCOVER MULTICULTURAL DOWNTOWN CAR FREE (via foot and Metro) – Ride the Metro to the ethnic enclaves of Olvera Street, Chinatown and Little Tokyo; stop at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, visit Philippe the unique and explore the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.

    Visitors to the “Car Free LA” site may also find up-to-date information on car-free events together with CicLAvia and popular guided tours from Bikes and Hikes LA, Starline Tours and more.  As well, the location provides details on bike rentals from companies like Pedal or Not and Perry’s Café and Rentals and an inventory of LA’s scenic hiking trails.

    The “Car Free LA” program makes its debut at a time when the city’s give attention to walking, biking, and public transportation is at an all-time high. In January 2013, La adopted a brand new bike rental program with a view to put 4,000 bikes at the road with 400 rental stations through the city inside the coming months, making it the second one-biggest public bike rental program within the U.S.  Newz transit oriented developments will ultimately create 87 miles of rail connecting destinations across LA County, further changing the face of l. a. .  Designed as an extended-term tourism initiative, LA Tourism will add new “Car Free LA” itineraries on an ongoing basis.

  • News: ILTM Japan 2013: first country specific ILTM event proves cultural importance for luxury travel

    Taking place with the support of the town of Kyoto and the Japan Tourism Agency, the launch edition of International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Japan – the primary country specific event inside the ILTM global portfolio – facilitated over 2,500 business meetings when it occurred over the past three days in Kyoto.

    ILTM Japan 2013 welcomed over 100 buyers and exhibitors in an agenda of 1-to-one appointments – pre‐selected by both exhibitor and buyer to maximise business – in this dedicated Japan event. Following the standard ILTM format, both buyers and exhibitors were required to follow a strict accreditation process so that it will participate.

    Alison Gilmore, Exhibition Director, ILTM Portfolio commented: “ILTM Japan is the primary of our market specific events and was launched with two clear objectives: to introduce the international luxury travel agent to the trendy Japan of today – still considered an untapped luxury tourism destination – and to nurture an understanding of the culture of Japanese high-end travelers.”

    According to a up to date study by the advance Bank of Japan, the choice of tourists visiting Japan from other Asian countries by 2017 is forecast to be 41 percent higher than last year’s total. The Japanese government is targeting an annual total of 25 millions foreign visitors by 2020.

    “ILTM Japan has given us a beautiful opportunity to grow our network: we’ve got met with a major variety of decision makers representing our audience – high-end VIP visitors to Japan,” commented Hideharu Ohta, President of the Daishichi Sake Brewery in Japan.

    Head of latest Product Development of the China International Travel Service at American Express, Benny Wang commented: “Being in Japan is an important experience and being here with ILTM is an additional bonus. I hadn’t realized the fervour Japanese suppliers have for his or her product – it’s a superb opportunity to be here.” 


    Roger Kershaw of Custom Travel Design, Canada added: “No matter how much i assumed I knew the rustic, it’s only at this primary edition of ILTM Japan that i’ve truly understood learn how to sell Japan to my clients. i’ve got learnt concerning the culture, the finesse, and the nuance of the culture, and that i will keep coming to the development in years to come as everybody I meet has something different to share.”

    Veronica Rodriguez, Director of promoting at Turisme Barcelona, observed: “Japan is a gentle and significant market in Barcelona’s luxury sector. ILTM is a really committed and dependable partner in promoting Barcelona as a luxury destination and we were very keen for the exclusive opportunity to be a part of the primary edition of ILTM Japan. Now we have had a very good event, choked with quality meetings with active and attractive buyers.”

    And Japanese buyer Tatsuya Masubuchi of Roots & Partners concluded: “ILTM Japan is astounding for both buyers and exhibitors because it matches us in step with our needs – it fits my business and our high-end clients who’re traveling globally. It’s great to have an ILTM event exclusively desirous about Japan.”

  • News: Silversea Cruises announce partnership with Royal Geographical Society

    The renowned Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers), founded nearly 200 years ago to advance geographical science, is to enrich Silversea voyages even further by providing detailed scientific and historical information to guests embarking on one of the crucial greatest journeys worldwide.

    The Society, whose patron is The Queen, is partnering with leading luxury expedition cruise operator Silversea to share a number of the world’s most necessary geographical research and archive material with guests travelling on Silversea Expedition ships, including Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos.

    There are greater than two million items inside the Society’s historic collection, including over 1,000,000 maps, 500,000 photographs, 250,000 books and journals, manuscripts and iconic artefacts which date back so far as 1472.

    The Society has always been a notable supporter and communicator of the work of geographical explorers and scientists, including that of Charles Darwin, Dr. David Livingstone, Robert Falcon Scott, Sir Ernest Shackleton and Sir Edmund Hillary. Its support for geographical research to know our changing world—its environments, peoples and places—continues actively today, informing issues that range from sea level change to migration.

    Silversea guests will get pleasure from quite a lot of specialist visual and written content from the Society, enabling them to be informed much more about their expeditions to destinations including Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galapagos, South America, Africa and Europe.

    Founded in 1830, the Royal Geographical Society is a respected professional body for geography and geographers and is without doubt one of the largest and most innovative geographical societies on earth, in addition to the largest in Europe. Its objective is to advance geographical science. To take action, it champions and supports field research and scientific expeditions, enhances geographical and environmental education, and raises public understanding of the sector.

    “This is a partnership that will bring incredible historic and current geographical information to our guests, in addition to unite two experts of their respective fields,” said Enzo Visone, CEO of Silversea Cruises. “Silversea Expeditions are known for being the appropriate exploration voyages worldwide—they will retain their world-class position with this valuable partnership with the Royal Geographical Society.”
    “We are delighted to go into into partnership with Silversea, extending the Society’s work to embrace and enthuse Silversea guests with our understanding of the excellent and changing world wherein all of us live and they will experience, enjoy and discover through their travel experiences,” added Dr. Rita Gardner, director of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

    Silversea recently announced the introduction of voyages to Galápagos. Its year-round schedule of seven-day expedition voyages aboard the 100-guest, all-suite Silver Galapagos will begin operating in late September 2013 and have the subsequent options:
    Western Itinerary: Sailing Saturday to Saturday roundtrip from Baltra Island, Silver Galapagos will trace a path around the western, southern and eastern islands, including Santiago, Bartolomé, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, San Cristóbal, and Santa Cruz.
    North Central Itinerary: Sailing Saturday to Saturday roundtrip from Baltra Island, this itinerary encompasses the northeast, central and southeast islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Seymour Norte, San Cristóbal, Española, and Plazas Sur.