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  • DoubleTree by Hilton launches in Australia

    Hilton Worldwide has announced that it’s going to introduce its fastest growing full-service brand, DoubleTree by Hilton, to Australia when it rebrands four Northern Territory hotels on 1 May 2013. The country’s first three DoubleTree by Hilton hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs will open alongside Hilton Darwin within the Territory.

    “We are delighted with the intention to introduce the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Australian market and so as to add another Hilton Hotel & Resort within the region’s most important areas of growth,” said Ashley Spencer, vp, operations, Australasia, Hilton Worldwide. “We were trying to enter into the Northern Territory for a while and are committed to creating these properties the leading full-service hotels available in the market.”

    The Northern Territory hotels are each located at the doorstep of a few of the foremost incredible tourism experiences Australia has to provide, in addition being in prime locations for business travellers within the mining and resources sectors.

    Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and the gateway to legendary outback destinations comparable to the Kakadu National Park and the Katharine Gorge. With a multicultural population of just 129,000, Darwin is famed for its laid-back lifestyle, markets and festivals, Asian cuisine and big natural harbour, that is bigger than Sydney’s.

    Alice Springs is found within the ‘red centre’ of the vast Australian continent and is the departure town for visiting Australia’s famous red rock Uluru, a five-hour drive from town centre.

    “The launch of DoubleTree by Hilton in Australia – our 30th country and sixth continent – marks the start of an exceptionally exciting expansion for our brand,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “We are thrilled to open not one, but three hotels in Australia’s extraordinary Northern Territory and wait for introducing Australian travellers to some of the best level of caring service synonymous with DoubleTree by Hilton – epitomised by our warm chocolate chip cookie welcome for each guest at check-in.”

    DoubleTree by Hilton knows that little things can mean everything relating to a rewarding travel experience, and strives to bring each guest the special comforts and acts of kindness which are unique to the emblem – starting with the nice and cozy chocolate chip cookie welcome and spreading through every stage of the hotel stay. The amenities that guests will enjoy include the invigorating array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn, 24-hour business and fitness centres, outdoor pools, a number of foods and drinks offerings to satisfy every guest’s need, complimentary high-speed internet access in public areas, and an industry-recognised service culture that’s built across the idea of CARE (Create a Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community).

    As participants inside the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme, all four hotels will offer guests the power to earn and redeem Hilton HHonors points. Gold and Diamond HHonors members also will receive complimentary breakfast.

    The 235-room Hilton Darwin, overlooking Darwin Harbour is only some minutes’ walk from downtown within the vibrant Darwin Harbour area, and steps from fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment. Guests can opt to relax on the outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour fitness centre, sample a few of the finest cuisines in central Darwin or sip a cocktail on the lounge. Six meeting rooms, including a Grand Ballroom with a 14-metre ceiling height are designed to deal with a number of conferences and events.

    Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Matt Conlan, said, “We’re delighted to have Hilton Worldwide, an industry leader, establish its brand within the Territory. The Hilton Darwin and 3 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, will enhance the variability of accommodation choices available to visitors in locations which can be ideal for holiday and business travellers alike.”

    Hilton Worlwide’s area general manager for the Northern Territory, Martin Kendall may have overall responsibility for all four hotels, supported by Carey Osborne, hotel manager for both DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in Darwin, and Clinton Farley, general manager for DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs. Selected renovations are planned to start in late 2013.

    With the outlet of the Northern Territory hotels, DoubleTree by Hilton are available in additional than 340 locations in 30 countries on six continents. The 1st DoubleTree by Hilton opened in Arizona in 1969 and because 2008 the emblem have been expanding rapidly worldwide.  Greater than 50 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels will open globally in 2013 alone.

  • News: Avis launches new campaign featuring celebrity professionals

    Building upon last year’s award-winning integrated business plan, Avis Car Rental today launched a brand new campaign — “The Professionals.” The campaign showcases that, with Avis, the rental car becomes a vital portion of successful travel.

    See video at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/pkgid=18118

    The campaign includes four national TV commercials, each of which depicts how Avis provides busy professionals with an area that meets their specialized needs and contributes to the traveler’s success at the road. Featured within the spots are internationally-renowned photographer and host of “The Face,” Nigel Barker; world-champion beach volleyball player, sports announcer, fashion model and fitness advocate, Gabrielle (Gabby) Reece; the world’s eighth-ranked golfer and 2012 Payne Stewart award winner, Steve Stricker; and restaurateur, author and James Beard Foundation award winner for outstanding chef, Thomas Keller.

    “Our continued focus and investment in brand strategy and marketing is increasing rental volumes and driving sustained profitable growth,” said Jeannine Haas, chief marketing officer, Avis Budget Group. “We’re excited to introduce ‘The Professionals’ campaign and demonstrate why Avis is the appropriate choice for busy professionals. When it matters, and it usually matters, busy professionals want control over the travel experience and Avis delivers.”

    The television campaign debuts today and can air on network and cable television. The campaign also features engaging iPad advertisements that direct users to a game where the featured celebrities challenge users to drive a mile of their shoes through a red and white world patterned after the landscapes included within the TV spots. Users will test their skill, collecting points and rewards along the way in which. Beginning May 1, the iPad advertisements will run in digital versions of national newspapers and business publications inclusive of Bloomberg Business, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and USA Today in addition to ESPN.

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  • Royal baby fever sees travel to London boom

    The UK is decided to determine visitors flock to the capital this month in anticipation of the birth of the Royal baby. In line with lastminute.com, Europe’s no 1 go-to site for last minute bookings, flight bookings into London have increased by almost a fifth (17%) and hotel bookings within the last week of June have already increased by 13%. lastminute.com has also predicted that the newest addition to the Royal family will boost the capital’s hospitality market, with sales of London hotel rooms set to rise by a minimum of 30% inside the weeks surrounding the birth.

    Since Kate and William’s fairy tale wedding in 2011, a brand new found excitement for the British Royal Family was marked by an uplift in tourist trips to the capital and it kind of feels the Royal baby isn’t any exception.  Interestingly, Italians seem most all for the arriving of the third in line to the throne, with flights from Italy into London up a massive 118% year on year. The French also are keen to be on the town for the birth with flight bookings over the Channel up 12%.

    However, it sort of feels those at home are less fascinated by the Royal arrival. lastminute.com has also revealed a 41% year on year increase in Londoners booking trips out of the capital next week to popular destinations. It kind of feels, residents of London are choosing to flee the newborn hubbub by getting away abroad, with Barcelona and Amsterdam being the head baby-escapes – stays at these destinations for trips starting next week are up 37% and 13% respectively.

    Mark Maddock, Managing Director of lastminute.com UK and Ireland says, “Our booking trends suggest that Royal fever shows no sign of slowing down. Whether jetting in from overseas or escaping the madness of the capital altogether, it isn’t everyday a future King or Queen is born and the ripples are already being felt in travel. London is an implausible city to go to at any time, however the excitement of a Royal baby is providing one other special reason to remain this July.”

  • The Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport Hotel opens

    The Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport Hotel had opened its doors just outside Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). The outlet is a part of the Sheraton brand’s strategic $8 billion expansion effort.

  • News: W Hotels to go into Israel with W Tel Aviv

    Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc today announced that it’s going to debut the W brand in Israel in 2015 with the hole of W Tel Aviv – Jaffa and The Residences at W Tel Aviv – Jaffa. Owned by Manhattan-based RFR Holding, the hotel may be set inside a historic 19th century heritage building within the revitalised ancient port neighbourhood of Jaffa. W Tel Aviv – Jaffa is being designed by acclaimed British architect John Pawson which include Ramy Gill Architects and concrete Designers, who has also designed the hot Jaffa port.

    “We are delighted to expand our relationship with RFR Holding, who also owns W South Beach Hotels & Residences, as we open the primary W Hotel in Israel,” commented Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Tel Aviv is without doubt one of the most fashionable and cosmopolitan cities at the Mediterranean and we’re excited to expand our footprint into Israel.”

    “We are proud and excited to be working with Starwood in this expansion in Tel Aviv with this prestigious project,” added Aby Rosen, Co-Founder and Principal of RFR Holding. “We believe that the W brand, with its exceptional reputation, will further cement Jaffa’s reputation as a different world-class destination.”

    W Tel Aviv – Jaffa will provide a cutting-edge lifestyle experience, featuring 125 stylish guest rooms and suites, including one Extreme WOW Suite (W’s interpretation of the Presidential Suite), in addition to panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast.

    The hotel will offer a signature restaurant, a destination bar and W Lounge (W’s tackle the standard hotel lobby). Other luxury leisure facilities include an Away Spa, SWEAT® state-of-the-art fitness, and a glamorous outdoor WET pool deck. Guests may also expect the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service philosophy, providing guests whatever they need, whenever they need it. The hotel also will offer an entire-service, 24-hour WIRED business centre.

    This project also will feature 38 W-branded Residences at W Tel Aviv – Jaffa, with a purpose to include an individual entrance. Featuring luxurious apartments starting from 70 to 400 square metres, the six-storey Residences at W Tel Aviv – Jaffa shall be built alongside the heritage building within which the hotel is housed. Residents will enjoy access to the facilities at W Tel Aviv – Jaffa, including signature W offerings and services.

    With greater than 4,000 years of history, Jaffa is south of the most important city centre of Tel Aviv and is undergoing a meticulous revitalisation project, including multi-million dollar investments in infrastructure and a long sea promenade. W Tel Aviv – Jaffa and The Residences at W Tel Aviv – Jaffa will function the centrepiece of the redevelopment of the traditional port city. Spanning over 20,000 square metres, this landmark project is found within close proximity to the newly renovated Jaffa port, the pristine beach, in addition to fashionable boutiques, charming sidewalk cafes and elegant nightlife destinations.

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