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  • Rising incomes and internet boost booming Chinese travel market

    The collection of outbound trips made by Chinese travellers is seeing double-digit growth, due to rising disposable incomes and web bookings, reveals exclusive research unveiled today (8 April) on the WTM Vision Conference – Beijing.

    Forecasts by Euromonitor International reveal that outbound trips from China are expected to record a ‘sharp’ 15% rise in CAGR (compound annual growth rate) from 2012-2017.

    Hong Kong and Macau are the preferred destinations but non-Asian countries are rising in importance, delegates have heard today.

    Meanwhile, inbound tourism flows to China are forecast to grow at a 2.3% CAGR over a similar period, reveals the Forecast Revisit for the worldwide Travel and Tourism Industry report.

    Hong Kong is the most important source of arrivals, accounting for 27m, but Western European and US markets are expected to grow, Ray Li Senior Research Analyst at Euromonitor International states.

    He will even reveal how rising disposable incomes are resulting in a ‘sharp’ rise in sales of discretionary goods and services, with travel – along side cars and fashion – especially favoured.

    Also, the changing role of ladies is driving demand for clothing, cosmetics and travel, in line with Euromonitor international.

    Another significant factor within the Chinese travel market is the intensifying competition between China’s online travel agencies, including Ctrip, Qunar and eLong.

    China is the sector leader for choice of internet users and smartphones sold, and web giants akin to Tencent and Baidu are making inroads within the online travel market, delegates on the WTM Vision Conference – Beijing heard.

    Chinese hotels are performing strongly, and although China’s hotel industry is dominated by budget properties, the luxurious segment is anticipated to realize strongest growth between 2012 and 2017.

    Reed Travel Exhibition Director World Travel Market Simon Press, who opened the conference today, said: “WTM is delighted to be returning to China for its second Vision conference inside the country, following the success of last year’s inaugural event which occurred in Shangai.

    “China’s influence at the global travel and tourism continues to grow. WTM has first-hand experience of this with increasingly exhibitors and visitors attending the development from China, alongside increasingly buyers targeting Chinese exhibitors.”

    The conference is in association with China Business Network was held in Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall.

    As well because the report from Euromonitor International, the development will feature high-calibre speakers sharing expert analysis, statistical assessment and interpretations with the industry’s senior leaders.

    Delegates will receive the Euromonitor International report via email at no cost after the conference.

  • 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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  • Starwood Hotels concludes month-long immersion in Dubai

    Marking the belief of Starwood’s month-long relocation to Dubai, company president Frits van Paasschen has shared highlights and insights from the company’s immersion within the Middle East.

    Throughout the month of March, van Paasschen and members of Starwood’s Senior Leadership Team met with 3,000 associates, conducted nearly 50 owner meetings and visited all 14 Starwood hotels in Dubai, that’s the company’s second largest hotel market behind only Ny city.

    The team also took benefit of Dubai’s strategic location to travel to 19 cities across 12 countries, meeting with government officials and potential development partners in fast-growing markets, including Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and India.

    During the five-week relocation, the team travelled 61,000 kilometres (38,000 miles) – the equivalent of circling the globe one and half times.

    Over the process the month, greater than 200 of Starwood’s senior leaders and General Managers travelled to Dubai because the company ran day-to-day operations almost 7,000 miles and an eight-hour time zone difference far from the company’s global headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.

    During the relocation, Starwood executives also met with greater than 150 corporate and leisure customers who drive business to hotels globally.

    The Middle East is an increasingly important outbound travel market, and regional membership in Starwood Preferred Guest, the company’s loyalty program, has increased 140 per cent over the past five years.

    “It is tricky to overstate the opportunity of our business during this region of the arena. By bringing our executives here and spending time with our partners and native teams, we’re uniquely positioned to exploit this once-in-a-lifetime growth opportunity,” said van Paasschen.

    “I haven’t any doubt that our time spent here will drive future hotel contracts within the region, accelerate Starwood’s position because the most global high-end hotel company and additional define our culture.”

    Last month Starwood announced that it’ll increase its Middle East and Africa portfolio by greater than 60 percent with nearly 50 new hotels set to open over the subsequent five years, adding greater than 14,000 guest rooms to the region and creating thousands of local employment opportunities.

    With 82 operating hotels and over 20 hotels expected to open by the top of 2015, Starwood is on course to succeed in a milestone 100 hotels across MEA.

    “With 80 percent of Starwood’s pipeline coming from rapidly growing markets, it’s important for us to stay on the forefront of recent travel demands and changing travel patterns,” said Simon Turner, president, global development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

    “The Middle East is experiencing rapid economic growth, a growing middle class and ever greater global connectivity, and the Dubai relocation might help us expand all of our brands across this crucial region.”

    The company also announced a comprehensive renovation strategy for its Le Méridien brand, for which Starwood and its ownership groups will invest greater than $200 million within the renovations of 13 hotels and resorts within the MEA region over the following three years.

    Following the company’s successful relocation to China in June 2011, this second leadership move reflects Starwood’s innovative management option to cultivating a more global culture by understanding, appreciating and leveraging different societal and associate perspectives and approaches to business and hospitality.