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Category: News

  • News: Korean Air signs codeshare do something about Myanmar Airways

    Korean Air has signed a partnership and codeshare memorandum of understanding with Myanmar Airways International.

    Korean Air chief operating officer Chang Hoon Chi was joined by Myanmar Airways managing director Si Thu for a signing ceremony at Korean Air’s headquarters earlier.

    Established in 1992, Myanmar Airways International operates seven international routes.

    The MOU will enable both airlines to advertise bilateral cooperation in all areas including passenger traffic, safety, in-flight services, flight operations and upkeep.

    Under the agreement, MAI will place its “8M” code on Korean Air’s daily flight between Seoul and Yangon.

    Korean Air plans to expand the codeshare agreement on flights operated by MAI.

    The comprehensive codeshare agreement will enable Korean Air to bolster its partnership with MAI, developing air traffic, increasing demand and improving schedules between both countries, for both business and leisure passengers.

  • Positive outlook for Johannesburg tourism in 2013

    Tourism Business Council of South Africa figures exceeded expected performance on the end of 2012, reaching 104.6, against a score of 100 that’s considered normal.

    This is up at the previous results of 101.1 and is an unlimited improvement at the index of 87.3 scored on the end of the former year.

    Speaking on the release of the report, board chairman of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Mavuso Msimang, said the newest index results provided relief for a sector that have been through two, very tough years.

    “This is the second one consecutive quarter that TBI has recorded performance levels above the norm and is a transparent indication of the level to which business is recovering from the recessionary impacts and far more than supply it suffered post the 2010 Soccer World Cup.”

    The sector’s resilience and ongoing long-term potential shows through inside the business and investor confidence for capacity and employment increases.

    This result also needs to be viewed inside the context of overall reduced business confidence reported inside the fourth quarter reports from both SACCI Business Confidence Index and the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index which dipped slightly in quarter four of 2012.

    However, regardless of the return to regular trading levels and the positive outlook, a couple of factors remain a priority.

    “Global economic uncertainty and ongoing recession risk, coupled with the negative profiling of South Africa internationally through labour and community unrest weighs heavily as a constraint for the world.

    Input cost increases from rates, electricity and fuel costs were also cited as negative factors affecting business performance,” explained Gillian Saunders, Grant Thornton’s head of advisory services.

    Wiza Nyondo FNB head of tourism said: “The results show that the market has begun to recognise South Africa as a favourite destination. Although we’ve seen some instability, we still believe in South Africa’s diverse offering of products and services where industry professionals can partner to assist transform our country.”

    The majority of the accommodation sector respondents expect domestic business markets to provide the simplest potential growth for 2013, followed by foreign leisure after which domestic leisure.

    Other tourism businesses expect growth to return from the foreign leisure markets, followed by domestic markets. Taken overall it might appear that the industry feels that it’s back to ‘business as usual’, or perhaps slightly better than usual.

    More Information

    Johannesburg is a unprecedented city, born just over 125 years ago – when one of the most world’s richest gold-bearing reefs was discovered under the sweeping savannah plains. Ever since, Johannesburg was a city of prospects, commerce and potential. Even today Johannesburg continues to draw those in search of opportunity – it’s a city populated by those who have come to understand their dreams.

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  • News: Ritz-Carlton, Dubai inaugurates new expansion

    The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai has celebrated the disclosing of its eagerly anticipated new wing with a sublime event set along the Arabian Gulf.

    Inspired by the original highlights of the resort’s distinguished past and present, the development was inaugurated by Herve Humler, president, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and attended by greater than 400 notable guests from around the globe.

    Guests enjoyed an exclusive taste of the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, with enticing cuisine and world-class service set amid the majestic beachfront view and subtle splendour of the hot wing. 

    “This is a particularly poignant moment for me and for all on the Ritz-Carlton, because the rebirth of this hotel marks our 15th anniversary within the United Arab Emirates and none of this will likely has been fulfilled without sharing an analogous vision with the owners- Mohammed Saeed Almulla & Sons Dubai,” said Humler.

    “The Ritz-Carlton is renowned for setting the benchmark in luxury hospitality, offering true craftsmanship that continues to create indelible memories.

    “Exquisite surroundings and legendary service awaits every guest that passes through our doors, and our award-winning hotels reflect the decades of tradition that stand behind them.

    “We have taken a commanding role within the luxury segment, leading in every measure of guest satisfaction in Index Studies worldwide,” remarked Humler.

    The hotel, which opened in 1998, was one of the most first luxury beachfront resorts in Dubai.

    It is an intimate oasis that completely blends the legendary Ritz-Carlton hospitality with the essence of Middle Eastern traditions, providing an authentic and intuitive service, an area where memorable experiences are crafted.

  • News: Ece Vahapoğlu calls in at Raffles Makkah Palace

    Turkish superstar Ece Vahapoğlu has called in on the Raffles Makkah Palace, visiting the valuables to celebrate its success on the World Travel Awards.

    The property was recognised by the realm Travel Awards on the Middle East’s Leading Luxury Hotel at an event hosted by Vahapoğlu.

    Greeted by Raffles Makkah Palace general manager, Khalil Abouzeid, Vahapoğlu tipped the valuables for fulfillment again this year.

    World Travel Awards will return to the center East for a Gala Ceremony on May 5th on the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa in Dubai.

    Raffles Makkah Palace is that this year nominated at Makkah’s Leading Hotel on the World Travel Awards.

    The property has also previously taken the titles of World’s Leading Luxury All Suite Hotel and Middle East’s Leading Luxury Hotel, both in 2011.

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  • Starwood hotels to debut in Liverpool with the recent Aloft Liverpool

    Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., and its destination sensation brand, Aloft Hotels, today announces the signing of Aloft Liverpool. Created to shake up the staid and standard mid-market hotel sector, Aloft is redefining the class by delivering urban-influenced, modern and colourful design and a social guest experience at an inexpensive price point. Located at the famous North John Street within the city’s heritage centre, Aloft Liverpool will mark the doorway of Starwood into town when it opens in 2014.

    “Together with North John Street Op Co. and Ashall Property we’re delighted to debut our first Starwood hotel in Liverpool,” said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “We see great opportunities to grow our Aloft portfolio in markets reminiscent of the united kingdom where there’s a strong demand for reasonable yet stylish, cutting-edge hotel brands.”

    “Ashall Property is both excited and proud to give you the chance to regenerate and preserve the nice heritage of this Grade II* listed building and supply Liverpool with a colourful, design-led hotel complete with restaurant and meeting space,” said Mark Ashall, Director of Ashall Property. “This signing is the culmination of 2 years of dedication and we remain indebted to Liverpool City Council for assisting with this project from the outset and to English Heritage for his or her continuing support.”

    Pioneering initiatives in music and design, modern comforts and a colourful guest experience have positioned Aloft as a must-have brand for the subsequent generation of travellers. A vision of W Hotels, the Aloft brand consistently garners high guest satisfaction scores since its launch in 2008, with select hotels ranking among Trip Advisor’s 2012 “Top 25 Trendiest Hotels within the US and across the world”, reflecting the success of the brand’s unique positioning.

    “The signing of Aloft Liverpool emphasises Starwood’s commitment to expanding our European portfolio of mid-market brands through franchising and management contracts in addition to adaptive re-use which represents an exhilarating new growth channel for the emblem in Europe,” said Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice chairman, Acquisitions & Development, Europe, Africa and Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Following the signings of latest Aloft hotels in St. Petersburg, Munich, Stuttgart and now Liverpool, Aloft continues to turn out to be a well-liked choice for owners and developers in primary and secondary markets throughout Europe.”

    The 116-room Aloft Liverpool might be within the renovated Royal Insurance Building, a historic Grade II* listed landmark with outstanding architectural value, that is located within the city’s central business district. Guests of the hotel can have easy accessibility to nearby Liverpool ONE, certainly one of UK’s largest shopping centres and a number of offices, retail shops, bars and restaurants within the immediate vicinity.

    Guestrooms will feature the brand’s signature high ceilings, oversized windows and an ultra-comfortable platform bed in addition to large walk-in showers with complimentary Bliss Spa® products. The hotel may even boast the re:mixSM lounge and w xyzSM bar. These atmospheric public spaces provide guests with a spot to combine and mingle, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends. The re:chargeSM fitness centre offers a possibility to re-energise and the original re:fuelSM by Aloft introduces a convenient deli option for guests at the go, with an array of foods and drinks available 24 hours an afternoon. For meetings and presentations, the hotel will offer five creative spaces equipped with the newest audio-visual hardware.
    Aloft Liverpool may be operated by BDL Management.

    Starwood Hotels & Resorts currently has ten hotels in Uk, including eight hotels in London under six of the company’s nine lifestyle brands: The Park Lane Hotel, Sheraton Park Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Sheraton Skyline, Sheraton Heathrow, The Lanesborough – a St. Regis Hotel, Le Méridien Piccadilly, W London – Leicester Square and Aloft London Excel. Starwood also operates the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh and Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scotland.

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