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  • News: WTM Vision Conference – Beijing to host top executives of the biggest tour operators in China

    With the success of WTM Vision Conference in Shanghai in 2012, World Travel Market, the leading global event for the travel industry, will this year be holding WTM Vision Conference – Beijing on Tuesday 8 April 2013.

    Delegates may have the chance to listen to from top executives of the biggest tour operators both in China and worldwide, discussing the Chinese inbound and outbound markets. They’re going to share their visions and expertise on sending visitors to and attracting visitors from China, in addition to the massive spending power of the Chinese tourists.

    The senior panellists will include:

    –      President of CITS Holding (China International Travel Service) – Mrs YU Ning Ning
    –      CEO of leading tour operator TUI China – Marcel Schneider
    –      Chairman of Tour Operators Association of India – Mr S. Goyal
    –      Executive Director of China Tourism Research Institute – Prof. Wolfgang Arlt

    Prior to this session WTM Vision Conference – Beijing attendees will hear from Euromonitor International China’s Research Analyst Ray Li who will reveal the newest findings from the Travel and Tourism 2013 research of their report – Forecast Revisit for the worldwide Travel and Tourism Industry. Delegates will receive the Report, worth 9,700 Yuan (£1,000), FOR FREE after the conference.

    Reed Travel Exhibitions Director World Travel Market Simon Press said: “I am delighted with the road-up for the 1st WTM Vision Conference – Beijing after inclusive of a successful conference last year in Shanghai.

    “The Chinese travel and tourism industry is growing at a ravishing rate, WTM Vision Conference – Beijing have been strategically located this year to extend both governmental and personal sector participation, offering the country’s senior executives the newest research, analysis and opinions so they can help their businesses grow further.”

    WTM Vision Conference – Beijing is the second one of 5 WTM Vision Conferences offering the most recent mid-year research, information and opinion to the worldwide industry’s senior leaders. The conference was organised in association with China Business Network.

    The other WTM Vision events include;

    2 April: WTM Vision Conference – Moscow

    24 April:  WTM Vision Conference – Sao Paulo (going down at fellow Reed Travel Exhibitions’ event WTM Latin America)

    7 May: WTM Vision Conference – Dubai (occurring at fellow Reed Travel Exhibitions’ event Arabian Travel Market)

  • Hotel pipeline growth in Africa accelerates

    Research by W Hospitality Group, the award-winning consultancy and among the founding members of Hotel Partners Africa (HPA), reveals that the selection of planned new hotel rooms inside the Hotel Development Pipeline in Africa has increased by 16 per cent on last year, which was 12 per cent up on 2011.  Here’s in accordance with a sample of 29 international hotel chains, with 59 brands between them, and analyses deals that they’ve signed with owners.

    As in previous years, the detail behind the headline shows a special tale of 2 Africas. In North Africa, the construction pipeline grew by 9 per cent, from 17,217 planned new hotelrooms in 2012 to 18,782 rooms in 77 hotels in 2013.  In sub-Saharan Africa, however, the chains’ pipeline now stands at 21,052 rooms in 130 hotels, up from 17,109 rooms in 100 hotels a year ago – an enormous 23 per cent increase.  This compares to 4 per cent growth in Europe and eight.6 per cent growth in Asia Pacific, in accordance with data produced by STR Global (although the expansion in Africa is from a far lower base).

    Trevor Ward, Managing Director of W Hospitality Group said: “The main reasons for the slower growth in North Africa include the outlet of hotels within the 2012 pipeline, particularly in Algeria, a discounted investment give attention to North Africa as a result of political concerns and a better emphasis on development in sub-Saharan markets.

    “There is a boom in Africa, in all sectors, including hotels.  Economic growth in lots of countries is 6 per cent or higher and global investors are taking a look at the continent in a far more serious and complex way.  We’re being contacted by more and more dedicated investment funds looking to enter the African hotel market.”

    The five countries of North Africa all appear inside the top ten countries for brand spanking new hotels, led by Egypt (7,644 planned new hotel rooms), Morocco (5,178) and Algeria (3,160).  In sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria has by far the biggest pipeline, with 7,470 planned new rooms.  The businesses leading the best way are Hilton Worldwide with 6,230 rooms in its African pipeline, Carlson Rezidor with 5,947, Accor with 5,165 and Marriott with 3,900.

    Said Ward: “The major international brands are still blazing the path, led by Hilton Worldwide, forging ahead with 6,230 planned new rooms for Hilton, Doubletree and Garden Inn brands, a unprecedented 84% increase on 2012.  And it is very encouraging to peer new brands entering the market, including Campanile, Dusit, easyHotel, Fairmont, Hyatt Place and W.  This shows the boldness of the hotel chains not only within the continent conceptually, but in addition as somewhere where they could diversify their brand footprint.”

    W Hospitality Group and Hotel Partners Africa released the report on the official launch of HPA to focus on its deep understanding of the hotel sector in Africa.  HPA is a brand new consultancy formed by four pre-eminent consultants to the hotel industry in Africa – Trevor Ward and Vernon Page of Lagos-based W Hospitality Group, David Harper of Leisure Property Services (UK) and Mark Martinovic of Hotel Spec (South Africa and Dubai).  Together they’re offering their clients an unparalleled range of services inside the lifecycle of a hotel venture in Africa, from feasibility & market studies, valuations,sourcing funding & finance, development management and procurement, to asset management and sales.

  • British women warned over India travel

    Britain has advised female tourists to be careful while traveling in India within the wake of the rape of a Swiss tourist in Madhya Pradesh last week.

    “Our travel advice states that ladies should use caution if travelling alone in India.

    “Reported cases of sexual assault against women and young girls are increasing; recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas and cities show that foreign women also are in danger,” explained a Foreign & Commonwealth Office spokesperson. 

    Though the recommendation has not been modified following last week’s sexual assault on a foreign tourist, the government’s travel advisory remains under constant review in view of the placement at the ground, it added.

    “British women was the victims of sexual assault in Goa, Delhi, Bangalore and Rajasthan and girls travelers often receive unwanted attention within the type of verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of guys.

    “If you’re a woman traveling in India it’s essential to respect local dress codes and customs and avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone at any time of day,” said the FCO current advisory.

    Six men accused of raping the 39-year-old Swiss tourist, who was camping together with her husband in a forest in Madhya Pradesh, were remanded in custody.

    The woman has since been discharged from hospital.

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  • News: Celeb Chef to open new restaurant on board Norwegian Getaway

    Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that celebrity chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will create and oversee the hole of his seafood restaurant, Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, at the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Getaway, so that you can sail year-round to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami beginning February, 2014. Geoffrey Zakarian’s new restaurant is found within the ship’s hub amongst three expansive, action-packed decks called 678 Ocean Place and includes innovative outdoor spaces along The Waterfront, the ship’s oceanfront promenade, offering guests an unparalleled experience with a special connection to the sea.

    The restaurant, Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, will bring a luxury seafood dining experience to Norwegian Getaway, utilising all the ingredients and methods that Zakarian employs in his land-based establishments to 3 distinct dining locations on board: Ocean Blue, Ocean Blue at the Waterfront, Zakarian’s tackle a boardwalk clam shack, and The Raw Bar, serving crustaceans and wines by the glass. In developing the sea Blue concept for Norwegian’s newest ship, Zakarian is orchestrating every aspect of the restaurants, from the menus to the uniforms and the glassware. On select sailings, Zakarian may even host meet-and-greets with Norwegian Getaway guests, including in-person cooking demonstrations and intimate cooking experiences for smaller groups. The primary location of Ocean Blue will premiere on board Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway’s Ny city-based sister ship in April 2013.

    “I am thrilled to announce that the sea Blue concept we developed for Norwegian Breakaway will even have a house on her Miami-based sister ship, Norwegian Getaway,” said Geoffrey Zakarian. “I am so happy with the idea, menus and décor of this restaurant and am excited to bring my sense of hospitality to guests cruising to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami on Norwegian Getaway.”

    Zakarian’s taste, style and keenness for fine cuisine have defined his career, which has spanned greater than 25 years. An accomplished chef who has presided over a number of America’s top kitchens, he currently has two popular restaurants in Ny city – The Lambs Club and The National; one in Atlantic City – The Water Club at Borgata; and a highly acclaimed cookbook “Geoffrey Zakarian’s Town/Country: 150 Recipes for all times Across the Table.” Zakarian emerged victorious inside the recent fourth season of Food Network’s The subsequent Iron Chef, Super Chefs. He appears regularly on Iron Chef America, demonstrating a razor-sharp knowledge of culinary techniques on this fast-paced cooking competition.

    “Geoffrey is a global-renowned chef with an amazing culinary resume and an overall great guy,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.  “Our guests sailing from Miami on Norwegian Getaway will experience his world-class cuisine in three unique dining outlets. We couldn’t be more excited to be working with Geoffrey and that he’s bringing his culinary expertise, creativity and a spotlight to detail to a different one in every of our beautiful ships.”

    Ocean Blue, the Raw Bar and Ocean Blue at the Waterfront are only three of the incredible dining options with the intention to be found amongst three expansive, flowing decks of dining, bars, entertainment, gaming and more as portion of The Waterfront, the ship’s oceanfront boardwalk, and 678 Ocean Place, the central hub of the ship. These two areas, lined with shops, restaurants and bars, represent an important innovation in ship design, offering guests an unparalleled experience with a different connection to the sea.

    Located on Deck 8, The Waterfront is a revolutionary outdoor experience that adds a complete new dimension to the line’s signature Freestyle Cruising, by offering a number seaside venues that feature breath-taking views and a way of reference to the sea. The hub of the ship is 678 Ocean Place, an area that uniquely flows, intertwines and connects three decks of daytime and night-time amusements. There’ll be a complete of 17 dining venues combined on both 678 Ocean Place and The Waterfront, in addition to 12 bars and lounges, including Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian.

    The Waterfront will feature eight outdoor dining and lounging options, including signature Norwegian favourites like Moderno Churrascaria; Cagney’s Steakhouse; La Cucina; Shaker’s Cocktail Bar; Malting’s Beer & Whiskey Bar; and the most recent addition, Ocean Blue at the Waterfront, with outdoor seating and a unique takeaway menu. The Waterfront may even feature a gelato bar serving a variety of flavours. A yet-to-be-announced entertainment venue can even have an out of doors space.

    678 Ocean Place   
    On Deck 8, 678 Ocean Place connects The Waterfront outdoor spaces with interior dining venues for Moderno; Cagney’s; Shaker’s; La Cucina; Malting’s and Ocean Blue.

    La Cucina celebrates the Tuscan countryside and should continue to serve Norwegian’s delicious Italian dishes to guests who choose dine either al fresco at the outdoor patio at the Waterfront, generally restaurant or the internal terrace option, giving guests the chance to dine along the inner walkway beneath twinkling lanterns, exposed wooden beams and greenery.

    Moderno Churrascaria is Norwegian’s signature Brazilian-style steakhouse. Whether guests dine indoors or out, they can feast from an enormous salad bar, followed by a number of grilled and slow-roasted meats which are carved tableside by passadors. Norwegian’s signature establishment Cagney’s Steakhouse will feature succulent grilled steaks, perfectly cooked double cut lamb chops and other steakhouse favourites. Guests will dine well-liked amidst warm wood tones as they enjoy watching the chefs prepare their meals inside the open kitchen. Located between Cagney’s and Moderno, Prime Meridian will offer guests the chance to reserve a signature cocktail and soak within the action happening around them on 678 Ocean Place. Guests may even find shops, the photo gallery, and a Cigar Lounge on Deck 8.  a 3-story open atrium with a wonderful LED chandelier with light changing effects will function the centrepiece of 678 Ocean Place with openings to all three decks and glass staircases connecting the degrees. 

    Spanning greater than 18,000 square feet on Deck 7, the contemporary Getaway Casino will offer guests the chance to attempt their luck on 310 of the newest slot machines; together with 26 gaming tables featuring poker, black jack, roulette and craps. With the main rewarding Casinos At Sea Players Club programme, there’ll be something for everybody, from the novice to the high roller. Bar 21, located adjacent to the Casino, is a beautiful, intimate bar featuring video poker and multiple plasma television screens.

    Due to the recognition of the noodle bar on Norwegian Epic and shortly on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway will feature Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, the biggest noodle bar at sea. This exciting dining concept will offer all counter seating around an open kitchen and may serve traditional Chinese noodles, wok-fried dishes and dim sum.

    Another guest favourite, O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, returns on Norwegian Getaway. This 24-hour an afternoon neighbourhood sports bar and restaurant will serve classic American favourites. This will feature an enormous two-story screen, perfect for watching sports and flicks, together with miniature bowling, pool and air hockey tables and interactive games.

    A popular hotspot on several Norwegian ships, Bliss Ultra Lounge have been re-designed on Norwegian Getaway. Guests will walk in the course of the LED-lit tunnel entrance to the illuminated bar, with LED walls and pulsating dance floor where they could dance the night away.

    Savor, among the many three complimentary main dining options on Norwegian Getaway, will feature cuisine that’s traditional with a up to date flair. Across from Savor, is where guests will find Taste, another complimentary main dining venue. Taste will serve quite a few culinary delights to thrill every palate. Both restaurants feature clean lines and upscale, contemporary décor. Located between Savor and Taste is Mixx Bar, the ideal, pre- or post-dinner gathering place, with a fashionable twist to a classical design.

    Norwegian’s signature Teppanyaki restaurant will continue to dazzle guests on Norwegian Getaway complete with a standard Japanese rock garden, featuring bamboo plants and bonsai trees to advertise a satisfying aesthetic ambiance. With 96 seats surrounding 12 flat top grills, Teppanyaki chefs will showcase their knife-wielding
    skills while cooking exhibition-style Japanese cuisine. Guests may also enjoy numerous a la carte sushi and Japanese dishes at Wasabi Sushi Bar.

    Le Bistro, Norwegian’s signature French restaurant, will feature a chic indoor setting, along side a ecu sidewalk-style dining opportunity as a way to overlook the social hub of the ship, 678 Ocean Place.

    Within the Atrium, located on Deck 6, guests will discover a two-story video wall in conjunction with the Café and Bar on the Atrium. The Café will offer specialty coffees and fresh baked treats. The Bar on the Atrium will feature mixed drinks, together with a self-service wine bar. The Shore Excursion Desk, Internet Café and Art Gallery might be located in close proximity to the Atrium, which includes two meeting rooms, card room and library.

    Currently being built at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Getaway can be 146,600 gross tonnes and offer quite a lot of accommodation. The ship represents a chance for the Norwegian guest to “get away” from the routine of labor, school, and daily stress, and discover a true respite at sea that reflects the energy and culture that Miami is legendary for worldwide.

    The ship will feature a rich mixture of stateroom options, including The Haven by Norwegian, made from 42 Suites on the top of the ship in an exclusive, private key-card enclave and 22 additional Suites located inside the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travellers; quite a lot of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; in conjunction with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa. Norwegian Getaway’s sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will begin sailing from her year-round home port of recent York City in May 2013.

  • FCO warns Britons travelling to Cyprus over banking crisis

    The British Foreign Office has warned tourists travelling to Cyprus to take pounds and euros in addition to credit and debit cards as fears grow the banking crisis within the country will mean they can’t access money.

    The Cypriot government announced plans for a savings levy in a bid to offer protection to its banking sector over the weekend.

    The £8.6 billion bailout agreed by the european and IMF demands all bank customers pay a one-off levy and has caused heavy cash withdrawals.

    The levy shouldn’t take effect until Tuesday but action was taken to govern electronic money transfers over the weekend.

    If the deal is defeated, state media say banks may be closed on Tuesday if you want to avoid mass withdrawals.