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Category: News

  • News: ITB Berlin 2013: Provides significant impetus for growth

    ITB Berlin 2013 was by far the world’s largest meeting place of international tourism policy decision-makers and business leaders. The German chancellor Angela Merkel, the Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, representatives of the sector Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the area Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in addition to greater than 100 ministers of tourism and state secretaries, met in Berlin to assist shape the long run for growth within the tourism industry.

    Dr. Christian Göke, COO Messe Berlin: “Once again, ITB Berlin has kicked off the travel season worldwide. No other place on the earth gathers such a lot of leading representatives from the non-public and public sector. It is where the tone is determined for the way forward for travel for 1000000000 people. The rise in international buyers is proof that ITB Berlin remains an important market for the worldwide travel industry.“

    From 6 to ten March 2013, 10,086 exhibitors from 188 countries presented their services in display halls that were fully booked up. Overall, some 110,000 trade visitors came to Berlin, of whom 43 per cent were from abroad. This year there has been a slight increase in buyers from the united states and the center East. Exhibitors reported holding quality talks and sealing more business deals.

    The ITB Berlin Convention registered record levels of attendance. a complete of 21,000 took part within the 200 lectures, discussions and workshops, 25 percent greater than in 2012. Social Media and Mobile Travel Services proved to be major visitor attractions. The matchmaking event for bloggers involving exhibitors met with an incredibly positive response.

    Visitors thronged the halls at the Saturday of the show. Greater than 60,000 members of the public came to determine concerning the wide-ranging information on offer from exhibitors and providers of niche market products. For the primary time, visitors on the weekend were ready to book their tours directly at ITB Berlin. A poll among visitors revealed that one in three intended to book a visit.

    Big success for the partner country Indonesia

    The participation of Indonesia, this year’s partner country, at ITB Berlin 2013 was spectacular and featured greater than 300 dancers, musicians and performing artists from Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Papua, Jakarta and Java. Besides showcasing its natural wonders, the world’s largest archipelago shined the spotlight on seven other aspects of the rustic: culture and traditions, nature and eco-tourism, leisure sports, cruises, gastronomy and shopping, spas, wellness and MICE events. International trade visitors and most people were capable of sample the country’s culinary delights and revel in its age-old tradition of spas at the stand of Indonesia on the show.

    Esthy Reko Astuty, Director General of selling, Ministry of Tourism and artistic Economy: “We are extremely satisfied with the way in which ITB Berlin 2013 went and are very proud to were the show’s partner country. We had excellent opportunities here to showcase the range of our country: the assorted cultures, the wonderful thing about our natural landscapes and the special those who live there. The joint appearance of the German chancellor Angela Merkel and our president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, on the opening ceremonies was renewed confirmation of the great relations that exist between Germany and Indonesia. We felt very welcome and honoured by the visits of many official representatives on our stand in addition to by the big interest shown by the international press. We came to Berlin with near to 50 per cent more exhibitors than in 2012 and will say that we’re very satisfied.”

    Márcio Favilla, Executive Director for Competitiveness, External Relations and Partnerships, UNWTO: “I felt very inspired by the fantastic opening ceremonies and the German chancellor Angela Merkel. It was a big moment when Germany’s head of presidency made the relationship between tourism and creating jobs and growth. By contrast backdrop, UNWTO is worked up to be interested by this partnership between Indonesia and Germany. We are hoping to construct on our long-standing and positive relationship with Germany. In my opinion it was the only opening event I actually have ever seen at ITB Berlin. The whole guests were in a position to experience a small portion of the big progress that was made, witness the cultural wealth of Indonesia, and sense how close relations are.“

    Dr. Michael Frenzel, President of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW): “The past few days at ITB Berlin have renewed and boosted our confidence within the months ahead. i’m happy to mention that the mood among exhibitors and visitors at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds was very positive again. The result of numerous surveys and forecasts presented during ITB also gave us cause for optimism. People’s want to travel continues to stay high.

    Once again, ITB Berlin showed that modern strategy of communication can indeed make things easier in lots of ways and will thus benefit our industry. However, there isn’t any substitute for face-to-face meetings. It was precisely these personal meetings and this relation-building that ITB Berlin made possible, at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds and at numerous evening events after the show. Again, ITB Berlin provided the platform for the worldwide tourism industry to interchange information, conclude deals and cultivate business relations. Vast numbers of most people took the chance at the weekend to determine more in regards to the wide-ranging services and products that the worldwide tourism industry has to supply, including ideas for his or her next holidays. For 5 days the halls at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds were again the meeting place of the realm of international tourism.“

    Jürgen Büchy, President of the German Travel Association (DRV): “2013 began well for the travel industry. Proof of which might be present in the positive mood during the last few days and inside the travel bookings over the 1st months of this year. We predict this year’s ITB to again set the tone for a successful year in tourism by stimulating further growth on this sector. The signs are good, because German citizens remain keen to travel. Travel destinations which might be traditionally popular among Germans will benefit especially, among them Greece, which has good possibilities of celebrating a comeback. Yet again, ITB has confirmed its role as an indispensable international meeting place for tourism experts and enthusiasts. Even as it provides a fantastic opportunity to spotlight and debate trends and to set the tone for the long run.“

    High level of media attention and political interest

    Around 6,000 accredited journalists from 80 countries and a few 250 bloggers reported on events at ITB Berlin. 350 politicians and diplomats from Germany and abroad were present on the show. The president of the Republic of Indonesia and the chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany opened the world’s largest travel trade fair. Besides 98 foreign delegations, Thailand’s Princess Ubolratana Mahidol also attended the show. 77 ambassadors from world wide, 47 foreign ministers and diverse foreign state secretaries were also gathered. Federal Minister of Transport, Building and concrete Development Peter Ramsauer, Federal Minister of financial Cooperation and Development Dirk Niebel, State Minister for Economics, the Infrastructure, Transport and Technology Martin Zeil, in addition to Berlin’s Governing Mayor Klaus Wowereit, came to determine what the travel industry needed to offer.

    The UNWTO Silk Road Ministers’ Summit and the Africa Forum at the KAZA beacon project also attracted the notice of international politicians.

    The next ITB Berlin will happen from Wednesday, 5 to Sunday, 9 March 2014.

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  • 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 was appointed by the govt. of Montenegro because the preferred bidder of this mixed-use development Project following a public tender process.

    “As the Minister accountable for tourism, urban planning, real estate and our environment, i’m extremely gratified to have this sort of serious investor like SOCAR and an operator including 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 an awful lot 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 everywhere.

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

    This may be One&Only’s first resort in Europe and is found lower than 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 all for this project and searching forward to designing and managing this new world-class resort.”

    Tivat Bay offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, so that you can 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 various world-class cuisines showcasing regional specialties in restaurants overseen by internationally-acclaimed chefs. 

    The resort can 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 can be available for bespoke gatherings, whether for business or personal pleasure.

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  • News: Spa trends reveal the necessity to transcend pampering

    With an increased caution towards prescribed pharmaceuticals, Naturopaths corresponding to Sue Davis from the Lifehouse Spa & Hotel have witnessed an upsurge in sophisticated spa-goers seeking alternative health promoting treatments.

    Naturopathy which mixes nature with modern science embraces a wide selection of non-invasive techniques and therapies, is growing in popularity as complaints consisting of digestive issues should be would becould very well be quickly and efficiently healed using its techniques.

    The Lifehouse Spa & Hotel is the sole hotel to have a Resident Naturopath – Sue Davis spent a long time treating elite clientele at wellness resort ‘Chiva-Som’ in Thailand, before returning to the united kingdom where a 60 minute consultation along with her costs £65.

    Offering guests the chance to talk about symptoms that they have got been unable to handle all alone or with assistance from other medical practitioners, Sue specializes in holistic prevention together with a comprehensive analysis of a person’s diet and lifestyle. Treatment generally comprises dietary correction, the theory of ‘food as medicine’, herbs, flower essences, nutritional supplements, detoxification and exercise. 

    In a consultation Sue will compile an assessment, including details of medicines, supplements, family history, digestive health, cardiovascular issues, bones and joints, stress levels, emotional issues, exercise patterns and dietary habits. This helps to work out a root cause instead of simply specializing in symptoms. An example of a typical condition successfully treated by Naturopathy is digestive health issues corresponding to IBS, which responds particularly well to naturopathic intervention. Sue advises on practical tips on how to reduce stress levels including relaxing abdominal breathing techniques and addresses inflammation of the digestive tract is thru ‘healing and sealing’ of the digestive tract with soothing demulcent herbs together with Slippery Elm and Aloe Vera.

    Sue Davis explains further “Naturopathy is quite empowering as much emphasis is put on education in order that guests have the tools to take control in their health. Once someone understands that health doesn’t just happen accidentally and that it’s a life-long process that involves a transparent understanding of the standards that affect their health then they’re in a far stronger position to accomplish long time health and vitality.”

    Set in 12 acres of English heritage gardens in Thorpe-le-Stoken, Lifehouse Spa & Hotel focuses on the art of wellbeing and is the precise backdrop to mix a consultation and stay, offering a modern, award-winning spa experience in a chilled environment.

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  • News: Celebrity Cruises announces 2014 sailings from the united kingdom

    Celebrity Cruises has today announced its 2014 sailings from the united kingdom with contemporary itineraries to Spain and the Canary Islands and to the Norwegian Fjords. The recent sailings will go on sale from 21 March 2013.

    Both Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Infinity will return to their summer homeports of Southampton and Harwich respectively. Marking the second one year running of the 2 ships being based from the united kingdom, Celebrity Eclipse, recently voted best large ship by consumers within the 2013 Cruise Critic UK Cruisers’ Choice Awards, returns to Southampton for its fifth season in 2014.

    Jo Rzymowska, associate vice chairman and general manager, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises – UK and Ireland, commented:

    “It is usually a thrilling time once we announce our new sailings and the hot destinations and experiences that our guests can enjoy. The 2014 summer time sees the united kingdom playing host to 2 of the six Celebrity Cruises ships based in Europe plus new additions to the sailings, including more overnight stays, allowing guests to experience the local nightlife and explore the regions more fully. Our 2014 UK departures set the bar high in terms of offering a contemporary luxury holiday without the trouble of flying and we’re pleased to continue to supply our guests new and exciting destinations.”

    Celebrity Infinity will repeat the increasingly popular 12-night European Immersive Wine Cruises for the third consecutive year, taking in a few of Europe’s most famed wine producing regions. New for 2014 is an overnight stay in La Rochelle in France for the arena-famous Bordeaux region. Moreover, the ship will sail a sequence of recent 14-night Iceland and Fjords cruises, in addition to an 11-night British Isles cruise, visiting ports including Waterford (Wales) and Holyhead (Ireland). an extended 14-night British Isles cruise, with an overnight in Dublin (Ireland), also allows guests to benefit from the city’s nightlife.

    When Celebrity Eclipse returns to its summer homeport for the fifth season, it is going to include a brand new 10-night itinerary to Spain & Canary Islands and extra highlights.

    Guests onboard both ships can relax within the onboard Elemis AquaSpa or solarium, head to the fame iLounge internet café to exploit, find out about or buy a number of Apple products, or benefit from the choice of original, contemporary art. Culinary onboard offerings include healthy-eating specialty restaurant Blu, an ice-topped Martini Bar and the award-winning Qsine, the unconventional restaurant first introduced to Celebrity Eclipse to much acclaim.

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  • News: Concur adds advanced mobile communications and messaging platform

    Concur, a worldwide leader in integrated travel and expense management, today announced it acquired privately-held conTgo, a number one cloud-based mobile communications and messaging platform for the worldwide travel industry. conTgo, based within the UK and Australia, provides its communication platform to corporate customers and TMCs.

    conTgo adds comprehensive location-based services with advanced mobile communications and messaging capabilities to Concur’s offerings, extending the price of the Concur T&E Cloud for partners, suppliers and clients alike.

    Concur expects to leverage conTgo’s market-leading technology to offer a number of new services designed to optimize the traveller experience. By itinerary data and placement information with insight and context from past behavior, Concur and Concur T&E Cloud partners may have the technology and capability to deliver applications which can:
    ·      Preserve employees irrespective of where they book – Proactively manage duty of care programs by consolidating and matching booking data with risk intelligence so companies can track, locate and communicate with travelers 24/7 with relevant value-added services.

    ·      Make travel plans around colleagues – Enable travelers to plot a visit using location and hotel data from select colleagues in order that everyone can stay inside the same hotel and/or city.

    ·      Get discounts or offers from favorite merchants – Enable delivery of offers to travelers from frequently-visited merchants in keeping with location and itinerary data.

    ·      Profit from a travel delay – Enable delivery of offers to travelers from airport merchants within the event of a flight delay, turning the inconvenience into a possibility for the traveler and the merchant.

    ·      Carpool with colleagues – Enable travelers who arrive on the same airport and stay on the same hotel to catch a ride together through a service that associates all of them with an available ground transportation provider, saving money and time.

    “We continue to find game-changing technologies that enhance the business travel experience and advance our vision for the ideal Trip,” said Michael Hilton, EVP of Product Strategy at Concur. “The conTgo team developed an award-winning solution for firms to trace, locate and communicate with employees in spite of their location. Working including the Concur ecosystem of application developers, customers, and suppliers, we plan to deliver a number of new location-based applications that benefit companies and their travelers alike.”

    “We are inquisitive about this perfect fit of both technology and culture between our companies,” said conTgo founders Henrik Conradsen and Johnny Thorsen, who join Concur in new senior management roles. “We will continue to deliver duty of care offerings to our customers and partners and plan to take advantage of our award-winning technology for brand spanking new services that support Concur’s vision of The proper Trip.”

    Concur customers worldwide can immediately enhance their existing corporate travel booking and expense management solutions with the addition of conTgo’s award-winning duty of care solutions and the Concur Locate and Alert offering, so one can leverage the conTgo platform.  The combined solutions could be the only duty of care solutions available to buy to watch travel whatever the source of booking – supporting the rage of Open Booking.

    The terms of the purchase weren’t disclosed. Neither the financial terms nor the revenue impact of the conTgo business are material to the Company’s business outlook for fiscal 2013. As a result of increased operating costs concerning acquired headcount, the corporate expects modest dilution to its expected non-GAAP operating margin range for Fiscal 2013 and expects the purchase to be neutral to accretive to non-GAAP operating margin in Fiscal 2014.

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