Best Holiday Lettings

Category: News

  • News: Kerzner brings One&Only to Europe with Montenegro property

    Kerzner International has entered into an agreement with Triangle Investment
    & Development, to construct and operate a brand new One&Only resort in Kumbor, Montenegro overlooking Tivat Bay. 

    Triangle is acting as representative for the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan, which have been appointed by the govt of Montenegro because the preferred bidder of this mixed-use development Project following a public tender process.

    “As the Minister liable for tourism, urban planning, real estate and the surroundings, i’m extremely gratified to have the sort of serious investor like SOCAR and an operator equivalent to One&Just for the primary time in Europe in Montenegro.

    “This proves that the sustainable development idea that Montenegro has committed to is becoming a reality,” said Branimir Gvozdenovic, Montenegro minister of sustainable development and tourism. 

    “Projects like this mean lots to Montenegro, bringing world-class standards, new employment opportunities and incredible experiences to the destination.” 

    With approximately 150 luxurious guest rooms and villas, a prestigious One&Only residential component and world-class Marina, tennis academy, health spa, dining and retail options, the valuables is predicted to draw travellers from around the globe.

    Strategically located on the most narrow a part of the doorway to Tivat Bay, the 60-acre project will command an enviable position between mountain and sea and could overlook 1.2 km of pristine coastline of the Adriatic Sea. 

    This could be One&Only’s first resort in Europe and is found not up to an hour from Dubrovnik International Airport. 

    “Montenegro is an ideal location for the primary One&Only experience in Europe. 

    “The location is remarkable and i’m very confident the resort would be well received by our many loyal One&Only guests and new guests alike,” says Sol Kerzner, chairman, Kerzner International.

    “I am fascinated with this project and looking out forward to designing and managing this new world-class resort.”

    Tivat Bay offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, as a way to inform the design of both the private and non-private spaces of the resort.

    True to the brand’s heritage, One&Only Montenegro will offer quite a lot of world-class cuisines showcasing regional specialties in restaurants overseen by internationally-acclaimed chefs. 

    The resort may even house an indulgent One&Only Health Spa, honouring the region’s heritage by utilising ancient Mediterranean traditions and holistic practices fused with modern spa therapies. 

    In addition, event and meeting space would be available for bespoke gatherings, whether for business or personal pleasure.

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  • Focus: FORMIA & Turkish Airlines Business Extension

    FORMIA announces an extra extension to its existing commercial relationship with Turkish Airlines. In 2011, both companies signed a protracted term contract for the availability of a variety of FORMIA’s effective inflight service amenity kits for passengers. Now, as portion of the airline’s drive to deliver a phenomenal world class travel experience for its passengers, FORMIA was awarded to provide specially developed bags for presentation to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims en path to Mecca.

    In a move that’s believed to be unique amongst airlines, through the flight each passenger will receive a bag containing an in depth range of things designed not just to intensify their delight in the flight itself, but additionally to serve them at their end destination.

    The bags had been carefully designed to be worn comfortably either over the shoulder or around the chest for additonal security.

    All products follow the very best standards expected of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and enable them to accomplish their sacred rituals comfortably. Commenting, Roland Grohmann, Managing Director of FORMIA, said: “It gives us particular pride to have developed these special kits for Turkish Airlines. The thoughtfulness of Turkish Airlines in catering for the relaxation and convenience of its pilgrim passengers was matched by the care with which we’ve got designed these kits. We are hoping they are going to add to the benefit and delight of everyone as they undertake their pilgrimage.”

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  • Taj Group launches 100th hotel in India

    The Taj Group has announced the launch of its 100th hotel in India with the outlet of Vivanta by Taj inside the Millennium City of Gurgaon.

    The Group 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 smartest of Siam cuisine, the expansive Latitude and the Tease bar.

    The hotel also offers stylised accommodations with business amenities, a piece and play ‘Rhythm’ lounge, banquet spaces, a Jiva Spa and unique Vivanta motifs.

    Just 19 miles south of recent Delhi, Vivanta by Taj – Gurgaon, is just about 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 additionally accomplished an important milestone within the group’s journey, by becoming the 100th hotel in India in our portfolio,” said Raymond Bickson, managing director and chief executive officer at Indian Hotels Company, on the launch.

    “It further reinforces our commitment to expand our service offerings to newer destinations inside the country.

    “It also supports the company’s objective of attaining growth through domestic dominance. Vivanta by Taj is a testament to the dynamism and innovation that the Taj is renowned for.”
     
    Singapore-based architecture firm Warner Wong Design | WOW Architects is chargeable 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 in the course of the 189 guest rooms with city and pool views, 18 suites in addition 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.

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  • Focus: Breaking Travel News interview: Jonathan Worsley, chairman, Bench Events

    Over the past decade Bench events has launched the ultimate in hotel investment events across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

    Events in Berlin, Moscow, Dubai, Istanbul and Nairobi are actually the definitive meeting places for the hotel investment community to be informed, network, and most significantly to do deals. Here Breaking Travel News sits down with Bench chairman Jonathan Worsley to talk about the impending Arabian Hotel Investment Conference.

    Breaking Travel News: Preparations are well underway prior to the yearly Arabian Hotel Investment Conference in Dubai. Are you able to let us know what’s new with the convention this year

    Jonathan Worsley: The format for AHIC 2013 has changed slightly; the conference is now over a two day period. We continually take heed to feedback from our delegates and we keep in mind that workloads are increasing and folks have less time to spare. We’re still providing an identical content, it’s now just condensed.

    The programme is asking more closely at demand than previous years with contributions from the WTTC and UNWTO in addition to the exclusive release of an international Travel Intentions survey undertaken by Visa. This year may also address the problem of country risk that is vital for investors and view the all-important profit contribution from hotel food and beverage and trends which can be shaping this area of the industry.

    A collection of confirmed speakers for AHIC 2013 includes: Amr Abdel Ghaffar, regional director, Middle East, UNWTO; Joe Sita, president, IFA Hotel Investments; Paul Griffiths, chief executive, Dubai Airports; Eric Danziger, president, Wyndham Hotel Group; Jennifer Fox, president, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts; Wolfgang Neumann, president, Rezidor Hotel Group; Mark Wynne-Smith, global chief executive, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels; and Gerald Lawless, president, Jumeirah Group.

    BTN: Bench Events was hosting a chain of Regional Briefings within the increase to the development. Are you able to let us know a bit in regards to the objectives behind these and the reception Bench was receiving

    JW: The theme for AHIC 2013 is ‘Connecting People and Creating Knowledge’ which have been our aim with the regional briefings.

    We have organised a sequence of invitation only events bringing together the local investment, development and finance community with our existing conference supporters.

    Through both the briefings and AHIC itself we’re aiming to attach people, provide a tutorial platform and help attendees to grow their business.

    Briefings have taken place in Riyadh and Muscat with an awesome response in each market.

    KSA was a concern marketplace for us as hotel development in Saudi is witnessing a sustained upswing with numerous large scale projects occurring as a result of the religious tourism.

    The tourism industry has consistently been a key contributor to the KSA economy and a pillar of the government’s economic diversification program. Our third briefing will happen in Doha on the end of March.

    BTN: Which markets inside the Middle East do you’re feeling offer most to hospitality investors as we move into 2013 Do you are feeling the shadow has finally lifted

    JW: The Gulf States are of accelerating interest to global investors, and the large story is the resurgence of Dubai with hotels reporting a few of the highest room rates on this planet leading to strong pipeline of recent builds entering the market.

    Alpin Capital in its GCC hospitality industry report confirms that hotels as an asset class have the prospective to offer a great opportunity for investors.

    The report estimates that the GCC hospitality market is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 8.1 per cent to US$28.3 billion through to 2016 when compared with US$19.2 billion in 2011.

    Saudi Arabia is another big growth market and we’ve got included a symposium on KSA at AHIC 2013.

    The symposium will provide a platform for hotel owners, developers and investors to profit how their business can enjoy the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s phenomenal growth and likewise address the challenges of operating during this market.

    BTN: AHIC is barely the top of the iceberg for Bench, with the Africa Hotel Investment Forum and the Russia & CIS Investment Conference also at the horizon.

    Can you let us know a bit about these events and what Bench Events hopes to reach with its growing portfolio

    JW: The Bench portfolio is constantly growing, after AHIC our next event would be the Turkey & Neighbours Hotel Investment Conference happening May 29th-30th 2013 on the Marmara Taksim, Istanbul.

    The Turkish market provides great potential for both investors and developers with greater than 8,500 rooms set to go into the market by 2015.

    We have recently announced that the Africa Hotel Investment Forum 2013 will return to Nairobi, going down September 24th-25th.

    AHIF have been a powerful success bringing together 750 key individuals to drive growth around the Africa continent inside the last two years.

    Bench Events is proud to be taken with such a thrilling continent and analysts predict that by 2050, Africa’s GDP will equal the combined GDPs of america and the european at current prices (African Business Magazine).

    Now in its ninth year, the Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference will occur October 21st-23rd 2013. RHIC has become the region’s premier gathering bringing together the foremost senior level professionals.

    Development for the 2013 programme is underway and should feature interviews with leading hoteliers, forecasts from top economists and panel discussions at the latest developments, trends and best practice within the hotel and investment industry.

    BTN: How useful do you’re feeling ITB Berlin is when looking to get your message out to industry executives and other stakeholders through the increase to a Bench organised event

    JW: ITB provides an important platform to succeed in all of our key stakeholders, it’s a perfect opportunity to conduct meetings with existing clients and meet new business partners. With ITB and the International Hotel Investment Forum occurring within the same week, Berlin is often a very exciting place to be – it’s every week filled with learning and networking and there’s always a genuine buzz within the air with all the latest market trends and developments.

    It’s really important for Bench to have a presence throughout the industry with a purpose to ensure we’re providing delegates with the main educational content at each event.

    More Information

    For additional information head over to the Bench Events website.

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  • News: Travelocity’s new brand campaign urges consumers to ‘go and smell the roses’

    Travelocity has launched a brand new brand campaign highlighted by five new tv ads featuring the Roaming Gnome and a brand new call to action for consumers: “Go & Smell the Roses.”

    “’Go & Smell the Roses’ is greater than a tagline in an advertising campaign, it’s a rally cry,” said Bradley Wilson, chief marketing officer, Travelocity North America. “With this new campaign we’re using our strongest asset, the long-lasting Roaming Gnome, to inspire and instigate people to get off the couch, to move and smell the roses.”

    The tv ads featuring “Go & Smell the Roses” will begin airing this week during primetime programing on each of the major television networks. Each will showcase a unique a part of the realm, delivering rich appearance. They’re as follows:

    Bulls: The Roaming Gnome is dropped right into a scene from the realm famous running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. He says, “Here’s a thought: You’ll never survive the running of the bulls unless you attend the running of the bulls.”
    Paint: The Roaming Gnome finds himself being handed off from one person to a better on the Holi Festival in India. He says, “Contrary to popular belief, watching paint dry can actually be fun – but you’ve got to be there to enjoy it.”
    Beach: The Roaming Gnome becomes one with a sand sculpture. He says, “Sparkly water and pure white sand might not get you off your couch but there’s not a creature in the world that could resist this.”
    Exotic Couch: The Roaming Gnome takes in an impressive alpine view on a ski lift: He says, “You is probably interested to grasp that other countries have couches exactly like ours.”
    Email: The Roaming Gnome encourages everyone to not be dragged down by the mundane tasks of daily life like checking email, cutting the grass and preparing spreadsheets. He says, “Less couch-y, more beach-y.”

    “’Go’ is the operative word,” Wilson said. “And we mean ‘go’ anywhere whether that could be a weekend road trip, a family event, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure akin to those the Roaming Gnome is fortunate enough to take.”

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