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  • South African Tourism unveils landmark What’s Your BIG 5 Campaign

    South African Tourism North America will unveil its ground-breaking campaign, What’s Your BIG 5 on NBC’s hit series, “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice” this Sunday, April 21st at 9/8PM Central.  A year inside the making, the multi-faceted What’s Your BIG 5 platform aims to extend awareness and travel to South Africa by educating travelers in the course of the spectrum of distinct experiences offered only by this destination, beyond its iconic safari. 

    Sunday’s episode will bring to life the colourful culture of South Africa to an astounding six million viewers.  In tandem with the displaying, viewers may also enter to win two exclusive VIP tickets to the show’s finale via Visit South Africa on Facebook, view an advantage video featuring certainly one of this season’s celebrity contestants, and book an “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice” travel package exclusively on www.southafrica.net.

    “South Africa has become a highly sought-after travel destination, breaking tourism records with double-digit growth during the past three years,” said Ms. Sthu Zungu, President of South African Tourism North America.  “High-profile partnerships like ‘All-Star Celebrity Apprentice’ are one of many many driving forces catapulting our destination into mainstream consciousness, fueling conversations and travel to South Africa like never before.” 

    “South Africa is an excellent destination,” said Mr. Donald Trump , executive producer and star of ‘All-Star Celebrity Apprentice.’  “This Sunday’s episode will highlight the magnificence of the rustic, and that i should be going to South Africa soon, it’s one in every of my favorite places.”

    With seven contestants left, watch teams Plan B and gear go head-to-head in this Sunday’s task as they convey South Africa’s rich and numerous travel experiences to millions of houses around the country.  Catch an advantage video of 1 of the All-Stars living the episode’s electrifying task first-hand in South Africa after Sunday’s airing at 11PM EST on www.southafrica.net. Captivated viewers could also learn more about South Africa’s incredible culture, diversity and friendly people at the website, while booking their own “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice & What’s Your BIG 5” travel package.

    Additionally, one lucky viewer participating within the show’s launch of “What’s Your BIG 5” campaign via Visit South Africa on Facebook or @SouthAfrica on Twitter, will win a visit to Ny city on May 19th and two VIP tickets for the live finale taping.  The winner and a guest can also be invited to rub elbows with Mr. Trump and the All-Star cast and crew on the exclusive finale after-party. Sweepstakes starts on April 21st and ends on April 29th.

    The genesis of the What’s Your BIG 5 campaign starts with the proverbial “BIG 5” of South Africa’s safari animals, a well-recognized term coined for the destination’s wildlife. South African Tourism North America is re-defining “BIG 5” to underscore the broad range of authentic and distinct experiences South Africa has to provide for travelers of every age, greater than safari.  The face of the What’s Your BIG 5 story is a loveable giraffe character named Zandi, who’s the embodiment of South Africa—vibrant, colorful, warm, and friendly.  The campaign officially launches on Sunday with a 360-degree platform including advertising, year-round public relations, trade marketing, and consumer-driven events all year long.

  • News: Rotana opens its first hotel in Bahrain, Majestic Arjaan by Rotana

    Rotana, the leading hotel management company within the Middle East and Africa, has now opened its first property in Bahrain, Majestic Arjaan by Rotana.

    The new property is conveniently located inside the Busaiteen district at the island of Muharraq, just a few minutes from the town of Manama. With the outlet of this hotel, Rotana now operates 11 properties under the ‘Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana’ brand.

    Majestic Arjaan by Rotana is a primary-class property, which was developed with both short and long-term guests in mind. The hotel offers 128 suites, that are designed in a contemporary style,  together with spacious studios, one, two and 3 bedrooms apartments.

    The hotel features the newest high-tech facilities including fully-equipped meeting rooms with the foremost up-to-date audio-visual equipment. It also gives guests of venture to wind down and relax at any of the significant leisure facilities including an outside temperature controlled swimming pool and an absolutely-fledged fitness centre, with steam and sauna rooms.

    Majestic Arjaan by Rotana also boasts three specialised food and beverage venues to fit every guest’s palate and dining needs, such as: Ginger All Day Dining – offering international buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner in addition to á la carte; Ginger Lounge – a lobby café offering a tempting array of mouth-watering delicacies, light snacks and fresh fruit cocktails as well as a good choice of freshly-baked pastry takeaways; and Aquarius – an off-the-cuff dining experience by the pool complemented by hearty refreshments consisting of light snacks and fresh salads.

    Commenting in this announcement, Omer Kaddouri, Executive Vp & Chief Operating Officer of Rotana, said “This opening of Majestic Arjaan by Rotana represents an incredible achievement for Rotana, and a massive milestone in our technique to expand further within the Middle East and African region. It truly is our first property in Bahrain, an engaging city with a ravishing liberal lifestyle, a rich history and culture, with a robust demand for luxury hotels that provide world-class hospitality”.

    A key appointment to the valuables includes Raiz Saban, a well-respected veteran of the hospitality industry with greater than 22 years of expertise within the business, as General Manager. He’ll lead a team of seasoned hotel professionals who’re expected to play strategic roles in leading Majestic Arjaan by Rotana’s bid to capture a wide share of commercial inside the Kingdom of Bahrain.

    “The suites are designed to supply the final experience in modern serviced living,” says Raiz Saban. “The diverse features on this property offer numerous benefits and advantages for brief or long run stays, whether for business, leisure or home relocation. i’m privileged to be a part of the outlet team for this magnificent property and my team and that i might be working hand in hand to verify all areas of the outlet are perfected.”

  • Holiday Rentals in Spain

    Spain is a very popular destination for holiday makers especially from the UK. With a flight to Spain only taking a few hours it is a great place to rent a villa or apartment for the week. When looking for holiday rentals in Spain, you may want to consider such factors as distance from the beach, local night life, places to eat and drink and surrounding shops. With the majority of Spanish holiday places speaking fluent English it does mean that you will not have to worry about a language barrier and you will find that the locals are extremely friendly and welcoming. Spain offers nice summer weather and beautiful clean beaches for those wishing to top up their tan.

    Spanish apartments can be very reasonably priced with a huge choice, you will always find somewhere to suit the majority of budgets, whether it be a cheap family getaway you are looking for or an all inclusive 5 star resort.

  • New Istanbul hotel for Fairmont

    Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced a brand new development in Istanbul, Turkey, scheduled to open in 2016. 

    The 210-room hotel would be joined by branded residences and is a part of the Quasar Istanbul complex, a brand new mixed-use development within the Sisli district, a colourful neighbourhood blending commercial, residential and retail yet situated as regards to major attractions within the city.

    The project is being developed through a three way partnership between Viatrans – Meydanbey. 

    Viatrans is a Geneva-based company specialising in shipping logistics and insurance in addition commercial real estate.

    The Quasar Istanbul complex is within the central business district whose showpiece is the previous Mecidiyeköy Liqueur and Cognac Factory. 

    Built within the 1930’s on then undeveloped land, the factory was designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens, who with Le Corbusier was among the many most influential modern French architects of that era.

    Two 41-story towers will sit above a 4-story office podium with fitness facilities and comfort retail stores. 

    The towers will house a Fairmont Hotel and Fairmont Residences in addition to Quasar Residences and offices in an effort to be managed by Fairmont.

    The hotel will feature Fairmont Gold, the brand’s hotel within a hotel lifestyle offering, a large number of lounges and a number of other restaurants, 2,000 square meters of function space, and a Willow Stream Spa.

    The two residences are whole-ownership, private homes and should offer studios, 1 and a couple of-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplexes. 

    While in residence, owners may have access to a personal lounge and quite a lot of services and amenities along with 24-hour concierge, wine cellar, preferred pricing for different hotel offerings including dining, spa and fitness, meeting facilities, hotel guestrooms and more. 

    Owners may also be awarded VIP status and privileges after they travel to any Fairmont hotels or resorts worldwide.

    “Istanbul is an exhilarating, dynamic city with a purpose to attract our business and leisure guests,” said Jennifer Fox, president, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. 

    “As well as complementing our other developments within the region, it’s very exciting to be partnering with Viatrans in this amazing project blending hotel, residential and community space.”

  • La Tourism launches ‘Car Free LA’

    The car is not any longer king in LA.  With over 120 miles of latest bike ways created in the city of l. a. within the last two years, increased Metro transit options and the expanded frequency and reach of CicLAvia—the nation’s largest open streets event—the city is putting the brakes on its car-centric roots.  Beginning Earth Day, April 22, the la Tourism & Convention Board (LA Tourism) invites travellers to join this green movement with the launch of “Car Free LA,” an eco-friendly initiative designed to showcase the city’s unexpected car-free offerings.

    “Car Free LA” encompasses a series of expertly-tailored itineraries centered around exploring Los Angeles’ various neighborhoods taking walks , bike and public transportation while highlighting the city’s iconic attractions, vibrant music scene, historic architecture, arts and culture, eclectic cuisine and endless entertainment. “Car Free LA” itineraries are available in without cost at: http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/CarFreeLA.

    From taking the Angel’s Flight Railway to the head of Bunker Hill, then commencing strolling to explore MOCA, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Grand Park, to heading out by bike on a scenic beach ride, these self-guided itineraries give visitors the tools they have to navigate town without hoping on a car.  Along with saving money on gas, travelers can add time to their vacations and find a side of la they may otherwise overlook from behind the wheel. Themed itineraries include:

    *  DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD CAR FREE (via foot, bike, and Metro) – Explore old Hollywood gems including the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the TCL   Chinese Theatre strolling; take the Metro Red Line to Universal Studios Hollywood.
    *  DISCOVER WEHO & MUSEUM ROW CAR FREE (via foot and bus) – Get immersed in art and culture at Los Angeles’ Museum Row; bus or walk to The Grove and the unique Farmers Market; explore Fairfax Avenue with a trip to Canter’s Deli and bar hop along Sunset Boulevard.
    *  DISCOVER BEACH CITIES CAR FREE (via foot and bike) – Absorb the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park; bike to Muscle Beach, the Venice Canals and Abbot Kinney Boulevard; walk along Santa Monica’s Main Street and Santa Monica Place for the superior shopping on the town.
    *  DISCOVER DOWNTOWN CAR FREE (via foot and Metro) – Take a car-less tour of bourgeoning Downtown with a ride on Angel’s Flight, the world’s shortest railway; walk to MOCA, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the hot Grand Park; ride the Expo Line to Exposition Park to go to the Natural History Museum and California Science Center, home to the gap Shuttle Endeavor.
    *  DISCOVER LA MUSIC CAR FREE (via foot, bus, and Metro) – Rock and roll along LA’s music scene along the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame, through LA via West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, Hollywood and Downtown, with stops on the Hollywood Bowl, Amoeba Records and the GRAMMY Museum.
    *  DISCOVER SAN PEDRO CAR FREE (via foot and Waterfront Red Line) – Experience LA’s Waterfront with a trip to Downtown San Pedro, Ports o’ Call and the USS Iowa, the world’s greatest Battleship.
    *  DISCOVER MULTICULTURAL DOWNTOWN CAR FREE (via foot and Metro) – Ride the Metro to the ethnic enclaves of Olvera Street, Chinatown and Little Tokyo; stop at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, visit Philippe the unique and explore the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.

    Visitors to the “Car Free LA” site may also find up-to-date information on car-free events together with CicLAvia and popular guided tours from Bikes and Hikes LA, Starline Tours and more.  As well, the location provides details on bike rentals from companies like Pedal or Not and Perry’s Café and Rentals and an inventory of LA’s scenic hiking trails.

    The “Car Free LA” program makes its debut at a time when the city’s give attention to walking, biking, and public transportation is at an all-time high. In January 2013, La adopted a brand new bike rental program with a view to put 4,000 bikes at the road with 400 rental stations through the city inside the coming months, making it the second one-biggest public bike rental program within the U.S.  Newz transit oriented developments will ultimately create 87 miles of rail connecting destinations across LA County, further changing the face of l. a. .  Designed as an extended-term tourism initiative, LA Tourism will add new “Car Free LA” itineraries on an ongoing basis.