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  • TCA launches Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau

    The Authority has launched a brand new force to drive its business events ambitions forward because it looks for the emirate to be ranked by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) as a few of the world’s top 50 association meetings destinations in five years.

    Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau – a brand new dedicated, one-stop-support-shop in the Authority – will assist the expansion of exhibitions and conferences inside the emirate by forging closer links with the industry and providing financial and non-financial support.

    The bureau will provide various services to the industry including bid presentation support, delegate generation campaigns, local stakeholder co-ordination and information, on-site destination advice, government support co-ordination and marketing assistance.

  • News: New hotel manager appointments at Madinat Jumeirah

    Azar Saliba was appointed Hotel Manager of Jumeirah’s Al Qasr and Dar Al Masyaf hotels. The Lebanese national has over 18 years of expertise within the hospitality industry, and seven years with the Jumeirah Group within the UAE. In advance of this appointment he worked as hotel manager for Mina A’Salam, where his passion for facing guests and associates was quickly recognised. Saliba takes time to forge relationships with clients and improve customer satisfaction, in addition to developing the commitment of team members to the delivery of “Stay Different” experiences in the course of the Arabian resort. He’s among the many youngest hotel managers in the group today.

    Gisele Clark have been appointed Hotel Manager of Mina A’Salam. Earlier than joining the Jumeirah Group in 2010, she worked for well-known groups akin to Firmdale Hotels and Thistle Hotels in London, The Swiss Grand Hotel in Australia, and Marriott. Clark brings along with her a fine 22 years of expertise spanning 8 countries. Over the last 3 years as General Manager – Operations Support, she provided key support to Jumeirah’s properties within the Maldives, Azerbaijan, and Istanbul during their pre-opening phase, in addition to to new openings worldwide. In her role as interim General Manager for Jumeirah Maldives during 2012, Clark inspired teams to deliver Jumeirah’s hallmarks, and developed culturally connected experiences that gave back to the area people.

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  • Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter opens following $20m refurbishment

    Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter has opened its doors within the bustling Perimeter Center business district. The hotel, owned by RockBridge Capital and managed by Wischermann Partners, is the primary Le Méridien hotel to open within the Atlanta metropolitan area and one in all nine new Le Méridien hotels slated to open inside the next yr.

    Following a comprehensive, 12-month, $20 million renovation, Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter boasts 275 spacious guest rooms and suites together with an outside pool, fitness centre, spacious 12th floor club lounge, and 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space.

    “The opening of Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter is a real milestone as we kick off a year marked by strong growth momentum for Le Méridien,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and Westin Hotels.

    “Since its acquisition by Starwood, Le Méridien has transformed under the corporate right into a contemporary, design-led lifestyle brand, and we’re proud to debut Le Méridien within the Southeast’s capital of economic and culture with such great partners as RockBridge Capital and Wischermann Partners.” Added Povinelli.

    Guests may also enjoy a range of coffees, cocktails and fine wines at Longitude 84, the hotel’s sleek new lounge, and Portico, the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant slated to open this spring, will feature an eclectic menu of worldwide inspired cuisine and a spacious terrace ideal for personal gatherings and special events.

    “The inspiring design featured inside the spacious guest rooms and public areas, the newly created club lounge and the addition of a brand new restaurant with an expansive patio complete the transformation of this property,” said Jim Merkel, President and CEO of RockBridge. “The rebranding coupled with the strength of the Starwood system, will position Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter because the premier hotel out there. We’re occupied with adding this showcase property to our portfolio.”

    Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter features the Le Méridien Hub experience, which re-interprets the standard lobby right into a get together place for creative people to converse, debate, and exchange. Le Méridien Hub offers both guests and locals an artistic atmosphere where contemporary, curated artwork sets our surroundings.

    Le Méridien Hub further builds at the brand’s award-winning arrival experience and low culture, curated by Le Méridien brand’s Cultural Curator Jérôme Sans. Le Méridien arrival contains four elements: large-scale artwork in high impact areas to reset the mind and stimulate dialogue and curiosity; the sensory experience, illustrated through Le Méridien signature scent, sound and use of sunshine, making a unique and distinctive atmosphere; UNLOCK ART™ programme, featuring LM100 ™ artist designed key card collections that not just offer access to the guestroom but additionally to Le Méridien affiliated contemporary cultural centers inside the city; and a 24-hour soundtrack curated by Sans.

    Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter is near to Fortune 500 businesses and the malls and restaurants inside the adjacent Perimeter Mall. The celebrated Buckhead shopping district, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Zoo Atlanta and High Museum of Art are all nearby, and the hotel is found just five miles from DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) and 27 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

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  • News: Drivers ignorant of foreign drink-drive limits as French law shelved

    The French government’s decision to postpone indefinitely plans to fine drivers for failing to hold a breathalyser kit of their car highlights the inability of information British visitors have of drink-drive limits when at the continent, says an organization specialising in French holidays.

    France’s Minister of Interior has announced fines for motorists who don’t carry a kit of their vehicle – previously as a result of come into force on 1 March – had been shelved. All drivers in France are required to hold a breathalyser, and people without would were answerable for an €11 (£9.50) fine. Additionally, drivers in France should also carry a warning triangle and a high-visibility safety vest.

    According to UK-based French holiday cottage specialists gites.co.uk, British drivers should take heed of the breathalyser rule, and pay attention to France’s tougher drink-drive limits.

    “Even though traffic police won’t have the ability to issue fines,” said Duncan Pollard, “you should carry one of the most readily-available disposable kits with you as portion of your in-car safety equipment.

    “Many people don’t realise that the drink-drive limit in France is around half that of the united kingdom, and the kit should function a reminder of the tougher laws at the continent.”

    A typical penalty for drink-driving in France is a €135 (£116) fine plus penalty points. Those guilty of an “aggravated” offence – and that’s with blood/alcohol levels above the present UK limit – can stand up to €4,500 (£3,900) in fines and two years imprisonment.

    “France could be trendy for its wine and café culture,” said Duncan Pollard, “but there’s little tolerance in the event you mix it with driving. British visitors who’re used to our country’s more liberal limit ought to be accustomed to the tighter laws at the continent.

    “In fact, there are some countries which have a 0 tolerance to compelling under the influence, so our advice is to remain off the booze entirely if you’re planning on getting behind the wheel, and revel in your holiday.”

    Current drink-drive limits around Europe include (mg per 100 ml of blood):

    UK 80mg
    France 50mg
    Germany 50mg
    Ireland 50mg
    Belgium 50mg
    Netherlands 50mg
    Poland 20mg
    Norway 20mg
    Sweden 20mg
    Czech Rep 0mg
    Russia 0mg

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  • Discover more about Royal Greenwich during English Tourism Week

    After a year which showcased its riches to a worldwide audience, the Royal Borough of Greenwich is encouraging visitors to ‘Discover More’ in 2013.

    And what better time to return and explore the exciting activities than during English Tourism week from 16 – 24 March.

    From the splendour of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site in Greenwich Town Centre, to the lovely riverfront and memorable architecture of the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich; from the magnificent Eltham Palace to Greenwich Peninsula, one in every of London’s most enjoyable new destinations and residential to the world’s most successful entertainment venue, The O2 Arena. This list barely scratches the skin of a location which boasts probably the most impressive collections of attractions within the UK – the majority of that are totally free to go to. ‘Discover More’ also has a chain of exclusive special offers for visitors available at the Royal Borough of Greenwich website (see notes to editors).

    Some of the highlights in the course of the week include:

    Enjoy free lunchtime recitals from the Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music until the tip of March in a single of London’s finest Jacobean mansions – Charlton House.

    Visitors and native residents may have the chance to explore the hidden gems of Eltham with the yearly ‘Be an area Tourist Day’, hung on Sunday 24 March 2013. From historical adventures at Eltham Palace to free guided tours, it’s to not be missed – whether you’re seeking to discover more in regards to the local area or simply in search of a fun day trip.

    Gaze on the beautiful etchings and drawings using early 20th century watercolours, by Gertrude Ashworth and Daniel Warry, depicting Eltham in all its splendour at ‘This Eltham of Ours’ exhibition, Greenwich Heritage Centre open until mid-May.

    Explore the vital role of girls serving within the British Army during World War II and in today’s Afghanistan at a thrilling new exhibition at Firepower, until mid-April on the Royal Artillery Museum.

    Learn concerning the creator of the fantastic interior of the Painted Hall, Sir James Thornhill, the 1st English artist to receive a knighthood. Hear about his influences, his techniques and his rivals and just why it took 19 years to finish his masterpiece. Saturday 16 March on the Old Royal Naval College.

    Experience a spectacular journey around the Universe on the Peter Harrison Planetarium – London’s only planetarium, with new weekend shows in the course of the day – now better and brighter than ever.

    2013 marks the bicentenary of the publication of Jane Austen’s celebrated Pride and Prejudice. To mark this occasion the National Maritime Museum are hosting a chain of lectures discussing Austen and her links with the Navy. Join them for a desirable in-depth examine Georgian Britain and its dependence on seafaring from March 7.

    Whilst on the Old Royal Naval College, don’t forget to take a look across the historic site which was used because the set for a massive range of movies, including the new box office hit Les Misérables.

    Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Chris Roberts said:

    “Royal Greenwich is recognised as a great spot of culture, its rich mixture of arts and entertainment helping to draw millions of tourists from everywhere in the UK and worldwide each year. From the once a year Royal Greenwich festival to breath-taking attractions just like the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, the Jacobean wonderful thing about Charlton House to the fantastic Eltham Palace, our museums in Woolwich and the breath-taking architecture of the Royal Artillery Barracks. With quite a bit to do within the borough you will need greater than an afternoon to explore what’s on offer.”