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  • Spa trends reveal the necessity to transcend pampering

    With an increased caution towards prescribed pharmaceuticals, Naturopaths which include Sue Davis from the Lifehouse Spa & Hotel have witnessed an upsurge in sophisticated spa-goers seeking alternative health promoting treatments.

    Naturopathy which mixes nature with modern science embraces a wide range of non-invasive techniques and therapies, is growing in popularity as complaints similar to digestive issues can also be quickly and efficiently healed using its techniques.

    The Lifehouse Spa & Hotel is the sole hotel to have a Resident Naturopath – Sue Davis spent a few years treating elite clientele at wellness resort ‘Chiva-Som’ in Thailand, before returning to the united kingdom where a 60 minute consultation together with her costs £65.

    Offering guests the chance to debate symptoms that they’ve been unable to handle all alone or with the aid of other medical practitioners, Sue specializes in holistic prevention together with a comprehensive analysis of a person’s diet and lifestyle. Treatment generally comprises dietary correction, the theorem of ‘food as medicine’, herbs, flower essences, nutritional supplements, detoxification and exercise. 

    In a consultation Sue will compile an assessment, including details of medicines, supplements, family history, digestive health, cardiovascular issues, bones and joints, stress levels, emotional issues, exercise patterns and dietary habits. This helps to choose a root cause instead of simply targeting symptoms. An example of a standard condition successfully treated by Naturopathy is digestive health issues together with IBS, which responds particularly well to naturopathic intervention. Sue advises on practical how one can reduce stress levels including relaxing abdominal breathing techniques and addresses inflammation of the digestive tract is thru ‘healing and sealing’ of the digestive tract with soothing demulcent herbs akin to Slippery Elm and Aloe Vera.

    Sue Davis explains further “Naturopathy is quite empowering as much emphasis is put on education in order that guests have the tools to take control in their health. Once someone understands that health doesn’t just happen accidentally and that this is a life-long process that involves a transparent understanding of the standards that affect their health then they’re in a far stronger position to gain long time health and vitality.”

    Set in 12 acres of English heritage gardens in Thorpe-le-Stoken, Lifehouse Spa & Hotel focuses on the art of wellbeing and is the best backdrop to mix a consultation and stay, offering a latest, award-winning spa experience in a calming environment.

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  • WTTC: Abu Dhabi tourism growth outpacing global average

    New economic research released by the sector Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows tourism within the UAE is growing significantly faster than the area GDP growth average.

    The findings can be discussed intimately as tourism leaders from all over the world meet in Abu Dhabi for WTTC Global Summit, which begins today.

    The tourism industry contributed 14 per cent to the UAE economy in 2012 – well above the worldwide trend of nine per cent.

    Taking account of direct, indirect and induced impacts, AED193.6 billion of the UAE’s GDP came from the industry in 2012 and that contribution is anticipated to rise by 3.2 per cent by the top of the year.

    One in nine of all jobs within the country are on account of the industry, which beats the worldwide average of 1 in eleven jobs.

    A total of 383,500 jobs were supported by travel and tourism within the UAE in 2012 and by the tip of this year, the number is anticipated to further rise by 2.6 per cent to 393,500 jobs, compared with an international expected increase of one.7 per cent.

    Nearly 1 / 4 – 23 per cent – of the country’s total investment in 2012 – AED82.8bn – was directed into the industry last year and investment is determined to extend by an extra 12 per cent this year.

    David Scowsill, president and chief executive of WTTC, said: “As the UAE looks to diversify its economy, it’s fully embracing the social and economic benefits of tourism and reaping the rewards already from its strong investment.

    “This is one reason WTTC selected Abu Dhabi for our Global Summit.
     
    Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), that’s hosting the Summit in addition to Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, says the diversification of career opportunities which the tourism sector holds out for the Emirati workforce is a key element within the emirate’s plans to construct a sustainable tourism industry.

    HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “We are increasingly seeing Emiratis becoming inquisitive about this sector, which have been identified as a key economic diversification driver within the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan.

    “This involvement is taking the shape of Emirati entrepreneurs launching their very own tourism-related SMEs, with assistance from the Khalifa Fund For Enterprise Development, others taking over posts within airlines, the airport, TCA Abu Dhabi, the hospitality sector and within Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.

    “We have activated a variety of initiatives geared toward introducing UAE nationals to the various opportunities that exist in the travel and tourism sector and expect their participation to keep growing.”

    By 2023, international tourist arrivals to the rustic are forecast to total 25.8 million, generating visitor expenditure of AED207.1 billion, a rise of 5 per cent every year.

    Scowsill continued: “It’s clear that the industry goes to be a major driver of growth and employment in Abu Dhabi for a better decade.

    “Its purposeful sustainable tourism approach will see it achieve its full potential of turning into a global class tourism destination within the next ten years.”

  • News: The Taj Group launches its 100th hotel in India

    The Taj Group, India’s largest hospitality group, today announced the launch of its 100th hotel in India with Vivanta by Taj inside the Millennium City of Gurgaon. The crowd now has 117 hotels globally, with 26 within the Vivanta by Taj – Hotels & Resorts portfolio.
     
    An homage to Gurgaon’s ‘bustling’ lifestyle, the brand new Taj is a metropolitan marvel of avante garde design. Iconic features include the Thai Pavilion offering the precise of Siam cuisine, the expansive Latitude and the Tease bar. The hotel also offers stylized accommodations with business amenities, a piece and play ‘Rhythm’ lounge, banquet spaces, a Jiva Spa and unique Vivanta motifs. 19 miles south of recent Delhi, Vivanta by Taj – Gurgaon, is almost the business district and visitor hotspots – Kingdom of Dreams, DLF Golf Course and Gurgaon’s ubiquitous malls.
     
    “With the launch of Vivanta by Taj – Gurgaon, NCR, not just have we expanded the footprint of the emblem into the business district, but in addition accomplished a major milestone within the group’s journey, by becoming the 100th hotel in India in our portfolio,” said Mr. Raymond N Bickson, managing director and chief executive officer at Indian Hotels Company Limited, on the launch. “It further reinforces our commitment to expand our service offerings to newer destinations within the country. It also supports the company’s objective of accomplishing growth through domestic dominance. Vivanta by Taj is a testament to the dynamism and innovation that the Taj is renowned for.”
     
    Ms Deepa Misra Harris, senior vp, sales & marketing at Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces also mentioned, “The occasion marks a definite celebration for the crowd and inspires us to attain even greater milestones. Reaching our 100th hotel milestone in India and a complete of 117 globally reinforces our faith in our guests across geographies, who’ve amplified their preference for our brands across all locations we’re found in. Designed to deliver vibrant experiences to its guests, Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts is a brand with a modern, energetic and vivacious twist.”
     
    Singapore-based architecture firm Warner Wong Design | WOW Architects is answerable for the design and architecture of the hotel. a mixture of glass and stone creates the impression of a pointy, yet beautifully robust structure that’s avant-garde by design. The innovative concept and fine detailing extends throughout the 189 guest rooms with city and pool views, 18 suites in addition to a presidential suite with an executive lounge at the 10th floor. Every room comes equipped with innovative technology like video conferencing facilities, continuous, undisturbed internet access and over 10,000 square feet of meeting spaces.
     
    “The Vivanta brand is growing at a rapid pace. With its strategic location and the Vivanta brand features, Gurgaon is better poised to service the traveler in search of a novel and contemporary experience,” said Mr. Veer Vijay Singh, chief operating officer, Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts.
     
    Latitude, the all-day diner at Vivanta by Taj – Gurgaon, offers a world food theater, showcasing the dramatic play of spices and flavors from six different cuisines. The enduring Thai Pavilion – the country’s first signature Thai cuisine restaurant opens its door for the food connoisseurs visiting Gurgaon. Full of high-octane energy, Tease, the bar is designed to raise the spirits and opens onto a massive alfresco dining space that keeps the vibe alive. For the globetrotting, party hard traveler, Taj provides its signature Jiva Spa.

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  • News: ITB Berlin 2013: Positive interim summary of ITB Berlin 2013

    During the 3 days reserved for trade visitors at ITB Berlin there has been a slight increase in buyer numbers from the united states, Middle East and Africa. That’s the results of an initial analysis of the world’s leading travel trade exhibition, that is currently occurring from 6 to ten March 2013. The collection of trade visitors and buyers from Spain, Italy and Greece was 1.7 per cent below last year’s figures. This trend also reflects the commercial situation in these countries, where citizens currently plan to take less trips abroad. In contrast, there have been more visitors to the show who declared they might be back. ITB Berlin reported a rise in trade visitors authorised to make purchasing decisions, a trend which the ITB Buyers’ Circle confirmed.

    At the ITB Berlin Convention mobile and social media events were in sensationally high demand and reported a 50 per cent rise in participants compared with 2012. The ITB Hospitality Day and ITB Business Travel Days also registered increased attendance. In 2013 visitor numbers at the first two days of the convention were 25 per cent higher than in 2012. Over the primary three days, participation within the social media and mobile travel services workshops and lectures on the eTravel World was twice last year’s figure. The ITB matchmaking event for bloggers, which this year passed off for the 1st time, was also all right received. Around 100 bloggers from Germany and abroad were ready to meet with exhibitors over a period of 2 days. a complete of 250 bloggers from world wide visited ITB Berlin.

    Commenting, Dr. Martin Buck, Director of the Competence Center Travel & Logistics Messe Berlin, said: “ITB Berlin has once more confirmed its role because the industry meeting place where growing emphasis is being placed on content, informal searches for management positions inside the hotel trade, as an example, and examining the longer term prospects of tourism.” On 9 and 10 March 2013 ITB Berlin opens its doors to the public.

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  • Concur adds advanced mobile communications and messaging platform

    Concur, a world leader in integrated travel and expense management, today announced it acquired privately-held conTgo, a number one cloud-based mobile communications and messaging platform for the worldwide travel industry. conTgo, based inside the UK and Australia, provides its communication platform to corporate customers and TMCs.

    conTgo adds comprehensive location-based services with advanced mobile communications and messaging capabilities to Concur’s offerings, extending the worth of the Concur T&E Cloud for partners, suppliers and clients alike.

    Concur expects to leverage conTgo’s market-leading technology to offer quite a number new services designed to optimize the traveller experience. By utilizing itinerary data and site information with insight and context from past behavior, Concur and Concur T&E Cloud partners could have the technology and capability to deliver applications which can:
    ·      Safeguard employees despite where they book – Proactively manage duty of care programs by consolidating and matching booking data with risk intelligence so companies can track, locate and communicate with travelers 24/7 with relevant value-added services.

    ·      Make travel plans around colleagues – Enable travelers to devise a visit using location and hotel data from select colleagues in order that everyone can stay within the same hotel and/or city.

    ·      Get discounts or offers from favorite merchants – Enable delivery of offers to travelers from frequently-visited merchants in line with location and itinerary data.

    ·      Take advantage of a travel delay – Enable delivery of offers to travelers from airport merchants within the event of a flight delay, turning the inconvenience into a chance for the traveler and the merchant.

    ·      Carpool with colleagues – Enable travelers who arrive on the same airport and stay on the same hotel to catch a ride together through a service that associates all of them with an available ground transportation provider, saving money and time.

    “We continue to find game-changing technologies that enhance the business travel experience and advance our vision for definitely the right Trip,” said Michael Hilton, EVP of Product Strategy at Concur. “The conTgo team developed an award-winning solution for corporations to trace, locate and communicate with employees no matter their location. Working along with the Concur ecosystem of application developers, customers, and suppliers, we plan to deliver numerous new location-based applications that benefit companies and their travelers alike.”

    “We are enthusiastic about this perfect fit of both technology and culture between our companies,” said conTgo founders Henrik Conradsen and Johnny Thorsen, who join Concur in new senior management roles. “We will continue to deliver duty of care offerings to our customers and partners and plan to exploit our award-winning technology for brand new services that support Concur’s vision of The ideal Trip.”

    Concur customers worldwide can immediately enhance their existing corporate travel booking and expense management solutions with the addition of conTgo’s award-winning duty of care solutions and the Concur Locate and Alert offering, that may leverage the conTgo platform.  The combined solutions may be the only duty of care solutions out there to watch travel whatever the source of booking – supporting the rage of Open Booking.

    The terms of the purchase weren’t disclosed. Neither the financial terms nor the revenue impact of the conTgo business are material to the Company’s business outlook for fiscal 2013. As a result of increased operating costs with regards to acquired headcount, the corporate expects modest dilution to its expected non-GAAP operating margin range for Fiscal 2013 and expects the purchase to be neutral to accretive to non-GAAP operating margin in Fiscal 2014.

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