Author: admin

  • News: Volotea chooses Travelport e-ticket technologies

    Travelport, the business services provider to the worldwide travel industry, today announces a brand new long-term IT services agreement with Volotea, the brand new low-cost European carrier headquartered in Barcelona, Spain. Volotea, which commenced operations in April 2012, is the most recent participant in Travelport’s electronic ticket database hosting service, and has also joined the Travelport E-Ticket Interchange™. The technologies are central to Volotea’s growth and expansion plans through more distribution channels, including global distribution systems (GDS).

    Travelport’s e-ticket database hosting service, the Travelport ETDBase™, is in use by airlines globally to quickly implement e-ticketing, and store and manage e-ticket data for online and interline e-ticketing (IET). The answer makes interline connections a price-effective process, yet allows airlines to preserve control over their very own interline agreements. The Travelport E-Ticket Interchange™, one of the vital largest global e-ticketing facilities for the exchange of interline e-ticket messages between airline partners, including ground handlers, supports nearly 420 participants and over 6,000 interline/codeshare agreements, processing over 55 million messages monthly.

    “Travelport technologies have solved business issues and removed barriers to growth by eliminating IT complexities, yet enabling us to compete in any channel, with any airline, with the aid of the foremost advanced e-ticket and interline solutions,” said Alex de Jesús, Volotea’s CIO.

    “We are pleased to partner with Volotea in providing the easiest tools available for e-ticket database hosting, and simple connections to their chosen industry partners,” said Derek Sharp, Travelport, managing director, Global Distribution Sales & Services, Travelport. “Airlines need rapid deployment and proven tools, but additionally flexibility that clings to unique processes. Travelport IT solutions allow Volotea to stay true to its unique business and fiscal model.”

    Through Travelport’s IT partnership with Navitaire®, Volotea’s host system provider, Volotea is combining connectivity tools and capabilities deployed by top airlines worldwide within the distribution channels of Volotea’s choice.

    Travelport designed the airline industry’s first proven suite of messaging ‘interchanges’ allowing fast, easy connections to airline partners through a rapid deployment methodology. The

    Travelport Interchange Suite™ helps airlines expand partnerships, connectivity and sales by eliminating an airline’s ought to build and maintain its own interline connections to airlines, passenger service systems and travel industry partners. The portfolio complies with industry standards, and existing links are already established with virtually every airline, passenger service system, GDS and ground handler on the planet.

  • News: Ritz Carlton forms alliance with Asprey

    Ritz-Carlton has formed a brand new alliance with Asprey to present guests at their properties around the globe with Asprey Purple Water amenities within the guestrooms.

    The Asprey bath and body range features their signature scent, Purple Water. The fragrance was originally created to be a distillation of the wealthy and inventive past of Asprey, and its exciting and magnificent present; a fresh citrus fragrance blended with spicy undertones to indicate strength and stature. The variability of Asprey Purple Water amenities could be available in
    Ritz-Carlton guest rooms and suites. The striking new number of purple jacquard print tubes was specially designed to feature a last touch of luxury to Ritz-Carlton bathrooms around the globe.

    This alliance between the 2 iconic luxury brands brings a shared dedication to craftsmanship and delivery of the maximum luxury experiences. Both have a legendary commitment to excellence and are steeped in a rich heritage. “

    The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company prides itself on creating experiences so exceptional that the memories of a hotel visit will stick with our guests for a lifetime” expressed Herve Humler, President, C.O.O. and founding member of The Ritz-Carlton.

    “From concierge services to housekeeping, dedication to the art of the craft and far care goes into every moment of a guests’ journey during a trip to our hotels. Our partnership with Asprey is one who will truly enrich a guest’s experience at
    a Ritz-Carlton.” Humler added.

    In addition to experiencing the in-room line of Asprey Purple Water, guests also are capable of purchase Purple Water items from Ritz-Carlton gift boutiques in hotels around the Americas, online at www.ritzcarlton.com from March 12, and on the Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common from the primary Asprey boutique in Boston which has opened within the hotel’s main lobby.

    The new retail location on the Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common, features an assortment of pieces reminiscent of fine jewelry, leather goods including handbags, briefcases and luggage, silver, watches and cufflinks, china, crystal and games. The boutique is open 10am – 6pm Tuesday through Saturday and by personal appointment.

    “The unrivaled Asprey craftsmanship, fine jewelry and splendid leather items are timeless treasures that our hotel guests and neighboring residents will greatly appreciate” said Humler. Just as over many generations Asprey has developed into one of the most world’s most prestigious luxury retailers, The Ritz-Carlton has long been synonymous with unparalleled service and refined luxury.”

  • South Africa boasts double digit tourism growth

    South Africa has once more announced increasing tourism numbers: The months from January until October 2012 showed a rise of 10,4%, with 7 535 498 tourist arrivals in comparison to 6 823 517 tourist arrivals for a similar period within the previous year. a complete of 204 247 tourists from Germany visited South Africa from January to October 2012. This represents a rise of 12,2% in comparison with the corresponding period in 2011. Germany is probably the key traditional overseas markets for travel to South Africa, with the usa of America and the uk taking the lead.

    Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk explains: “Positive growth from the standard markets ordinarily – and Europe especially – gives us confidence that the work we’re doing to grow tourist arrivals is paying dividends. South Africa has every reason to feel confident concerning the state of its tourism industry going forward.

    “The credit should visit the tourism industry for creatively and constructively working together to grow tourism to South Africa. It’s also extremely important that we make sure that every new tourist who arrives in our country is given the very best experience, as word of mouth remains one in every of our most significant marketing tools,” Minister van Schalkwyk said during his visit to the ITB trade event in Berlin.

    Minister Van Schalkwyk also underlined the significance of the German marketplace for South Africa, and stressed that the expansion of arrivals from Germany ought to be maintained. To inspire and motivate German travellers, South African Tourism continues to accentuate its marketing initiatives with German tour operators, and likewise approaches travel agents individually to teach them in regards to the destination. Media cooperation agreements created for the relevant German target groups in addition to innovative brand partnerships continue to draw German travellers to the Rainbow Nation. 

    The UN World Tourism Organisation’s forecast for international travel growth in 2012 is purely 4%, growth of 10,4% in tourist arrivals to South Africa over the period January-October 2012 exceeded that by far. In response to the Minister, it is a reflection at the destination itself: “South Africa is irresistible and lovely; it’s easy to access and explore, and gives excellent value for money. Notably, our friendly people and the original experiences our country offer make a trip to South Africa extra-special.”

    Minister Van Schalkwyk also reiterated the significance of tourism as an economic growth engine for the rustic. Tourism was identified as considered one of six priority sectors in South Africa to attain economic growth and attract investment. Tourism attracts foreign direct spend and creates jobs. During this regard, the rustic has identified the next targets: to draw 15 million arrivals by 2020; to extend the proportion of tourism in gross domestic product from R189,4 billion in 2009 to R499 billion in 2020, and to create greater than 225 000 new jobs in tourism.

    Recommended

  • Rezidor announces the Radisson Blu Sheremetyevo Airport Hotel, Moscow

    The Rezidor Hotel Group, among the many fastest growing hotel companies worldwide and a member of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, announces the Radisson Blu Sheremetyevo Airport Hotel, Moscow. The primary Class property featuring 379 rooms is scheduled to open in Q2 2014. It’s Rezidor’s second hotel at Sheremetyevo – the crowd already successfully operates a mid market Park Inn by Radisson hotel on the airport.

    The new First-class hotel is owned by the Norwegian company Wenaasgruppen; certainly one of Rezidor’s most vital multi unit owners: In Russia alone, Wenaasgruppen owns 9 hotels with a complete of four,000 rooms operated by Rezidor.

    “This agreement further strengthens our position as among the leading airport hotel operators in Europe. It also confirms our commitment to the Russian market where we’re the leading international hotel operator” said Wolfgang M. Neumann, President & CEO of Rezidor. The crowd currently has 45 hotels with 11,600 rooms in operation in Russia/CIS & Baltics, and 29 hotels with 6,700 rooms under development. In and around Russia’s Capital City Moscow Rezidor’s portfolio comprises 6 properties with greater than 1,700 rooms.

    The Radisson Blu Sheremetyevo Airport Hotel would be the only hotel featuring a right away walkway link to the international terminals. Besides 379 rooms with Radisson Blu signature services similar to free high speed internet access the valuables will offer two restaurants and two bars including a 600m² bar at the 11th floor with a wide ranging view over the airport. Additional services will comprise greater than 43 meeting rooms including a 200m² multifunctional hall, a crew lounge, gym and sauna areas.

    The recently renovated Sheremetyevo Airport is the hub of Russia’s national carrier Aeroflot providing the perfect transit point for international, regional and domestic travellers. The hot AeroExpress train connects the terminals and downtown Moscow in only 35 minutes. Sheremetyevo serves greater than 22 million passengers annually, and is about to grow further because it now has the most important capacity of any airport in Moscow or Russia.

  • News: Hilton continues Egypt growth

    Hilton Worldwide is adding to its programme of growth in Egypt following a massive joint announcement with prominent investor, Saudi Egyptian Real Estate Development, to introduce the company’s sixth property to Cairo.

    The 257-room Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi may be strategically located within the upscale residential and diplomatic district of Maadi and luxuriate in direct access to the well-liked Corniche El Nile. The 23-storey property, that’s forecast to open early 2016, can even boast views of the legendary River Nile in addition to Egypt’s world famous ancient heritage sites, museums and popular tourist attractions.

    Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa said: “As the longest serving and most recognised hospitality brand in Egypt, we’re committed to offering tangible and sustainable hospitality to the country’s business and leisure industry.

    “Our Egyptian expansion strategy and determined pipeline growth reflects our unwavering faith within the viability of Egypt, it’s people, business and community as we continue the tradition of providing hospitality and luxury to discerning travellers.” Jagersbacher added.

    Designed to attract both the leisure and business traveller, Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi will feature a business centre, a 400-square-metre function room, two boardrooms and 3 meeting rooms. Leisure facilities will include a enormous state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, an out of doors swimming pool, two restaurants, including speciality dining, a lobby lounge and an executive lounge.

    Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts said: “Hilton Hotels & Resorts is immensely pleased with its heritage and primary class reputation in Egypt and we’re delighted to bring another quality property to our growing portfolio of excellence.”

    Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi is a noteworthy addition to Hilton Worldwide’s growing development programme for Egypt and joins a property pipeline such as the 635-room Hilton Heliopolis; the 660-room Hilton Makadi Resort; the 390-room Hilton Giza Pyramids and for Egypt’s second city of Alexandria, the 158-room Hilton Alexandria Corniche and the 195-room Hilton King’s Ranch Resort.

    As the pre-eminent hospitality provider, Hilton Worldwide’s properties in Egypt incorporate many styles and offerings but all share the well-defined, distinctive company hallmarks of high quality facilities and high standards of service. A popular portfolio, Hilton Worldwide properties offer urban luxury and class in cities which include Cairo and Alexandria to stunning resorts and spas in relaxing holiday areas of Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Taba, Nuweiba, Marsa Alam in addition to the traditional city of Luxor.

    Engineer Darwish Ahmed Hassnin, Chief Executive Officer from owners Saudi Egyptian Real Estate Development said: “Hilton Worldwide is a recognised hospitality leader with extensive knowledge and experience of Egypt.

    “Together, we’re committed to making an international-class property with outstanding and alluring facilities and repair.

    “This property is the 1st hotel in Egypt owned by both the Egyptian and Saudi governments and is anticipated to become one of the vital flagships of the joint investments between both countries.” Hassnin concluded.