Category: News

  • News: Accor brings Adagio brand to UK with Liverpool opening

    Hotel giant Accor is launching the Adagio aparthotels inside the UK, with the primary property opening in Liverpool today.

    Located within the heart of the town, on the subject of the Albert Dock, the Liverpool Adagio will offer for extended stays, 126 modern and spacious apartments, all with fully equipped kitchens and access to hotel services.

    Thomas Dubaere, managing director, Accor UK & Ireland said: “The launch of Adagio is another significant step for Accor as we keep growing our network and strengthen our brand portfolio within the UK.

    “Accor invests in key strategically located cities. Liverpool is a wonderful city with lots on offer for business and leisure guests and the hole of this aparthotel is proof of Accor’s expansion around the UK and never just within the Capital.”

    Adagio Aparthotels already operates 90 aparthotels in a number European cities including Berlin, Bordeaux, Brussels, Geneva, Marseille, Monaco, Munich, Paris, Rome, Strasbourg and Vienna.

    By 2016 yet another 60 aparthotels will open worldwide.

    Vangelis Porikis, Adagio director Central & Northern Europe, added: “The Adagio network is growing rapidly internationally and we’re excited to open the 1st one within the UK with Accor.

    “Located in Liverpool’s iconic Lewis Building that is on the heart of the town.”

    Adagio Aparthotels is a three way partnership between Accor and Pierre & Vacances, the ecu leader in local tourism and holiday apartment rentals.

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  • News: GIBTM: Annual MICE jamboree involves a detailed in Abu Dhabi

    GIBTM 2013 will close today on a high note having attracted a record choice of buyers from the company meetings sector because the booming Gulf economies attract corporate travellers, trade delegations and other business groups.

    The seventh edition of the show saw triple the selection of corporate meetings buyers in attendance, this year accounting for 35 per cent of all hosted buyers attending the show, in comparison to 11 per cent from the company sector in 2012.

    The total number hosted buyers was evenly split between the center East, Europe and Asia Pacific, with first-timers attending from key growth markets for the center East including Australia, South Africa and Azerbaijan.

    “According to plain & Poor’s latest forecast, GDP growth in the Gulf economies will reach 4.6 per cent in 2013, valuing the GCC economy at $1.5 trillion, which compares very favourably with many flatling western economies, facing prolonged austerity and sluggish growth,” said GIBTM exhibition manager Lois Hall.

    “As a consequence the region is obviously attracting progressively more meetings, incentives and business travellers, especially from key regional and international trading partners.

    “We have also witnessed a pointy increase inside the variety of overseas destinations, seeking to attract meetings and incentive groups from the center East,” added Hall.

    In addition to the hike in corporate meetings buyers on the show, the variety of decision-makers from the possibly-lucrative international associations sector attending GIBTM greater than trebled in size.

    With all eyes on China as a gigantic growth marketplace for meetings business for the center East, GIBTM brought in a delegation of ten influential buyers to the show including first-time visitor to the UAE, Jeffery Huang, vice secretary-general and associate researcher on the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Services.

    “This is an excellent platform for us to discover partners in potential conference destinations,” he said.

    “I will now consider the center East for our world congress in 2017. This typically involves a two-day conference and 3 to 5 days of leisure for our delegates so i’m gazing combining a couple of destinations, including the UAE, Oman and Qatar.”

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  • News: Welsh government announces purchase of Cardiff Airport

    The first minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has today announced the govt has purchased Cardiff Airport for a complete investment of £52 million.

    This follows a period of due diligence and negotiation with TBI, the airport’s previous owner.

    Announcing the acquisition, the primary minister said: “Cardiff Airport is a crucial gateway to Wales for business, tourists and general travellers alike.

    “It is important that its future is secured and that we develop tremendous sustainable services.

    “The Airport is simply not operated by the Welsh government.

    “It may be managed at arm’s length from government on a commercial basis and, over the years, I expect to determine a return to the general public purse at the investment.”

    A chief executive of the airport is anticipated to be announced sooner or later.

    Lord Rowe-Beddoe was lined as much as function chairman of the Airport Board for the time being.

    First minister Jones had previously been critical of the airport after a slump in passenger numbers from a peak of 2 million in 2007 to only over 1000000 in 2012.

    Edwina Hart, Welsh minister for economy, science and transport said: “The airport is a first-rate piece of business infra-structure for Wales.

    “I watch for working in partnership with the workforce on the airport as we develop a top quality service for passengers and create a facility of which Wales may be proud.”

    Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew Davies earlier questioned the government’s decision to purchase the airport.

    “Elsewhere in Wales neo-natal services are being cut since the local health board cannot find £4 million – is that this find out how to spend £52 million of taxpayers’ money” he asked.

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  • Ritz-Carlton Riyadh redefines business travel in Saudi Arabia

    The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh has redefined luxury business travel for global visitors within the Kingdom’s capital with a variety of services and facilities tailored to the high-end international business traveler.

    Recognised because the home of economic within the city, the hotel aims to show its guests’ normal work journeys into memorable experiences through personalized touches that guarantee that their every need is catered to even before they ask for it. 

    The experience begins with a warm welcome on the airport by a Ritz-Carlton gentleman member, followed by a limousine transfer to the hotel in a luxury Mercedes S350, BMW 5 or 7 Series, complete with the usage of a Wi-Fi-connected iPad.

    As the limousine enters the palatial driveway that results in the grand entrance of the hotel, guests can see how The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh can truly offer the right of both worlds.

    While the hotel is conveniently located near the busy Diplomatic Quarter and adjacent to the King Abdul Aziz Convention Centre, it still offers a grandiose retreat from the industrial buzz of town.

    Once throughout the hotel, the elegantly-styled rooms and indulgent suites fuse luxury with practicality, and are available equipped with comfortable working desks, iPod docks, high-speed Internet access, flat-screen televisions and DVD players.

    Created especially with business guests in mind, The Ritz-Carlton Club rooms and Executive Club suites provide a raft of added-value extras including complimentary wireless Internet and exclusive 12-hour access to The Club Lounge which offers a ‘hotel within a hotel’ experience.

    Business travelers also are ready to cash in on the on-site expertise available within the hotel’s business center, which offers an A-to-Z of services from document binding to photocopying and printing.

    For more formal appointments, the hotel’s extensive meeting and conference facilities include a suite of flexible-use meeting rooms in addition to two auditorium-styled theatres, both complemented by a dedicated restaurant.

    “Many frequent business travelers the world over are becoming conversant in ‘living out of a suitcase’, and traveling from country to country or forwards and backwards in the same country as portion of their work routine.

    “We try and break that monotony by offering them an experience that they are going to never forget, from their exemplary surroundings and comfort services to the thoughtful extras that guarantee a unbroken stay for them,” said Mikel Ibrahim, director of sales & marketing, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh.

    Dining occasions are always a pleasure on the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh with a decision of six venues that commemorate the appropriate of international cuisine, whether it’s a hearty breakfast at Al Orjouan prior to a morning meeting, a deal-concluding business dinner at fine dining Chinese restaurant Hong or Italian destination Azzurro, or a late night conversation at Turquoise, the Piano Lounge.

    Equal attention is given to leisure downtime, with the hotel’s recreational facilities providing much-needed respite on the end of the business day, and including a whole-service men’s gym, dedicated male-only spa and indoor swimming pool.

    For the frequent business traveler, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards program is a must for guests, offering access to plenty of memorable experiences around the hotel portfolio with members earning points or airline miles for stays at participating locations worldwide, in addition to similar benefits on the Marriott global family of participating hotels.

  • Focus: What Makes Brittany This sort of Holiday Draw

    Whether you’re on a camping trip or you’re within the area for other cultural attractions, Brittany has become one of the popular European holiday destinations, for a considerable number of reasons.

    A multitude of events are held every year within the Brittany region and there’s also an extended and sundry list of resorts, towns, cities and villages there which are enduringly popular. We’ve picked a couple of that will consider if you’re considering Brittany as your next holiday destination.

    Camping in Brittany
    Brittany camping have been an eternal pull for tourists in France; the elements is just perfect for camping in the summertime. It has 800 miles of coastline offering bays, beautiful villages and beautiful beaches that make it perfect for family holidays.

    There also are a number of themed children’s campsites which you could take your children to, if you’re purchasing for something somewhat more fun for them.

    Cycling holidays
    Brittany also is ideal for people who desire to grab a couple of wheels and ride across the gorgeous countryside. All you must do is hire a motorcycle and head over at the ferry from Plymouth, after which begin exploring the rustic.

    You’ll see beautiful farmland and quaint little villages, old churches and cathedrals, lighthouses and naturally, the lovely coastline.

    Parachuting
    If all of the camping and cycling has gotten to you and you’re in search of something with a bit extra kick, parachuting is an exciting option in Brittany. It’s definitely the most effective and most fun way of enjoying the stunning landscape and countryside there.

    You’ll not just be capable to get a bird’s eye view of the region, but you’ll have the ability to kick your adrenalin levels up a variety of notches. It’ll be something you’re unlikely to forget in a rush!

    Motor racing
    If parachuting didn’t quite cut it for you, or you’re scared of heights, motor racing can be more up your alley if you’re seeking thrills in Brittany.

    The motor racing tracks cater to everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a complicated speed-fiend. And so they offer various courses and tutorials, so everyone’s happy in the event you go together with your loved ones.

    Walking trails
    Of course, if parachuting and motor racing is just too intense and all you were in search of was slightly peace and quiet inside the countryside, that is still possible!

    There are numerous walking trail tours that you could take with your complete family, with tree climbing included for the youngsters if they’re shopping for some additional fun along the style.

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