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  • Poland: a brand new player in medical tourism sector

    Is it possible, that during two to 3 years Brits, Germans, Scandinavians and Russians will undergo cancer treatment orthopaedic or cardiac surgery procedures in Polish medical facilities more often

    Treat teeth and get implants in dental clinics, take a cure in Polish sanatoriums Will women fly to central Europe, in place of Thailand, to undergo blepharoplasty, remove access fat or take pleasure in beauty treatments

    Yes, this is possible.

    A Polish government programme – promoting Poland as a rustic worth visiting for health treatment, rehabilitation, diagnosis, and cosmetic surgery is proving surprisingly effective.

    A visible national stand and stands of individual facilities at three consecutive trade fairs: Miami 2012, Moscow and Monaco in March 2013, led to Poland being noticed by experts as a brand new player in this market.

    A country ready to compete with rivals, building their brand for some years, like Turkey or India, even if the european funded campaign under ministry of the economy auspices has lasted for little over a year.

    Polish facilities, participants of the govt. program, are ceaselessly preparing to win patients from Scandinavia, UK, Germany, Russia and the united states, participating in fairs, meetings with foreign press and potential business partners.

    In June more training sessions were held.

    In the autumn, they’re going to start to perform trade missions to individual countries.

    Another boost for the Polish chances on the earth competition on this field, often is the fair in London, on the Health Tourism Show, which runs from July 11th -13th.

    At present the foremost intense preparatory works are conducted within the 12 companies, participating within the London show.

    Among them are hospitals, specialist clinics, sanatoriums, accompanied by medical tourism facilitators.

  • Focus: Eco-retreats at Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

    Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives is an intimate coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties threading around the water out to spacious villa accommodations.

    Everywhere you look, marine life abounds. And the gleaming waters beckon. Formerly generally known as Soneva Gili by Six Senses, Gili Lankanfushi is decided at the private island of Lankanfushi within the North Malé Atoll.

    This luxury resort is simply a 20-minute speedboat ride from the International Airport at Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives. All of its 45 over-water villas, crafted in a conventional style from natural materials, reflect the harmony of life by the water’s edge.

    For ultimate privacy, guests can stay in a single of the seven Crusoe Residences or the personal Reserve, accessible only by personal boat.

    All villas at this luxurious island resort offer an individual water garden, outside bathroom, and roof-top terrace and over-water sundecks.

    The interiors recreate a natural habitat, using sustainable woods, natural materials and standard fabrics, while still offering all of the modern amenities and providing the relaxation of true luxury.

    Luxury dining is available in the shape of an individual dinner in this secluded island.

    The cuisine will whet your appetite with fresh offerings and native produce, while the extreme settings will leave an indelible impression.

    The surroundings are teeming with marine life and the resort has its own fully-equipped PADI diving school plus a number of water sports. This place tops the list of must-do destinations for those within the know.

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    “As an eco-sensitive resort, we’re committed to the rules of environmental sustainability, which plays an ideal part in Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives corporate philosophy,” said Iain McCormack, general manager of Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives. “We’ve tailored the operations of the resort around this philosophy.”

    McCormack added: “We have on staff a marine biologist, who’s liable for several ecological conservation programmes with regards to the sea. We also maintain our own organic herb and vegetable garden, which gives fresh and native ingredients utilized in the resort’s kitchens. An active recycling program of using waste for building materials is practiced.”

    Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives’ corporate responsibility extends beyond the resort’s perimeter in addition, with several programs currently active and may be continued following the name change.

    Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives marks the parent company – Hotel Properties – fifth property within the Maldives. The opposite properties inside the group are Four Seasons Resort at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru; Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma; and Rihiveli Beach Resort.

    More Information

    For additional information visit the official website.

  • New air links to behave as catalyst for trade and tourism

    Seychelles President James Michel received President Mahinda Rajapaksa of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka at State House this morning. The 2 leaders discussed state affairs in a tete-a-tete meeting before joining a bilateral meeting, which was also attended by Vp Danny Faure, Ministers, and other high officials from the Sri Lankan delegation.

    The discussions centered on cooperation projects and agreements between Seychelles and Sri Lanka on matters of trade and investment, air links, cooperation inside the banking sector, fisheries, maritime, defense, education, health, tourism, energy, legal affairs, piracy, and small industries development.

    President Michel noted the significance for Seychelles and Sri Lanka to implement the blue economy concept and unlock the real potential of the Indian Ocean.

    “Your Excellency, it’s with immense pleasure that I welcome you and your delegation to Seychelles. Your visit here in Seychelles is a landmark of friendship and robust collaboration developing within our two countries. We now have made remarkable progress in our bilateral cooperation in lots of areas corresponding to in education and coaching, defense, trade, fisheries, health, judiciary, and renewable energy. Your visit will undoubtedly consolidate our relationships and progress achieved. There isn’t any better method to celebrate the anniversary of the 25 years of multinational of diplomatic relations between our two Indian Ocean states,” said President Michel in his remarks.

    During the meeting, President Rajapaska confirmed that SriLankan Airlines are keen to begin flights to Seychelles this year and that the main points of those new air links may be further discussed within the near future.

    President James Michel welcomed the call, adding that the air links would boost trade and tourism between Sri Lanka and Seychelles.

    “The new flights would certainly open doorways for business, tourism, cooperation, and trade exchanges between Seychelles and Sri Lanka. Seychelles can become a gateway to Africa and other parts of the sector. The air links could be a catalyst to make sure increased cooperation between our two countries,” said President Michel.

    President Rajapaksa thanked President Michel for the nice and cozy welcome and hospitality extended to his delegation, adding: “Is it a very good pleasure and honor to be here in Seychelles. Your visit to Sri Lanka in August 2012 was a landmark event in our relationships. We are hoping for stronger cooperation and avenues for brand spanking new relations in other fields in addition,” remarked President Rajapaksa.

    President Michel has conveyed his gratitude to President Rajapaksa for the contribution Sri Lanka is making within the Seychelles’ sphere of development. He thanked President Rajapaksa for his country’s sincerity and true friendship, adding that this state visit will give more impetus to the 2 countries’ relations.

    “Islands have a critical role to play in reforming and developing the world’s multilateral architecture to be able to build a fairer global order where all voices are heard and might take pleasure in this. Islands are barometers for development and are today demonstrating global leadership in addressing sustainable development challenges and are inspiring other countries around the globe to do an identical. We’re one of the most high-risk areas, which might be prone to suffer disproportionately from the negative impacts of climate change. Sri Lanka and Seychelles must work closely together to make voices of the unheard heard. We are able to influence the shaping of the island countries and be an example to the arena,” said President Michel.

    Following their meeting, both leaders witnessed the signing of 3 cooperation agreements between the federal government of Seychelles and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

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  • Hilton Worldwide adds third brand to Portuguese portfoli

    Following a succession of modern brand introductions within the Iberian Peninsula, Hilton Worldwide has announced that its DoubleTree by Hilton brand is about to reach in Portugal. The signing of a management agreement with Turismadeira SA will see Lisbon’s Fontana Park Hotel convert to DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon – Fontana Park in summer 2013, as Hilton’s first hotel within the Portuguese capital.

    The agreement sees DoubleTree enter its thirteenth European country, having only in the near past opened its first Spanish property, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Emporda. In Portugal itself, the Lisbon property will join Conrad Algarve, which opened in autumn 2012, almost about the present Hilton Vilamoura as Cascatas Golf Resort and Spa, while Hilton Bom Sucesso Obidos Resort opens next winter.

    Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice chairman of development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “This is a main coup. Not just are we bringing certainly one of Europe’s hottest hotel brands to Portugal for the primary time, we’re doing so within the capital city, while also demonstrating the strength of our portfolio with this becoming our third brand within the country.”

    Fontana Park Hotel first opened in 2008 and its impressive design quickly won plaudits, including ‘Best Interior Design’ on the European Hotel Design Awards. The hotel has 139 rooms, seven meeting rooms, two restaurants and a bar.

    John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “DoubleTree by Hilton continues its rise as certainly one of Europe’s most well liked conversion brands and we’re thrilled to be entering certainly one of Europe’s most enticing and historic capital cities, with what’s an exquisite property.”

    Located on Rua Engenheiro Vieira da Silva, inside the northern district of town centre, the hotel benefits from excellent public transport links and is barely quarter-hour from Lisbon Portela Airport. Its proximity to 1 of the city’s main roads connects it to the historical tourist and shopping districts of Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Avenida da Liberdade and Alfama.

    As one of several oldest cities on the earth, Lisbon offers quite a number cultural, architectural and historical attractions. The Park of countries, set out along the banks of the Tagus River, is an urban space that brings together contemporary architecture, theme gardens, exhibition centers, and is a venue for diverse shows and events. It also houses Lisbon Oceanarium, among the largest marine mammal parks of its kind in Europe.

    The coast to the west of Lisbon offers further leisure destinations, including the resorts of Estoril and Cascais, plus the historic and cultural town of Sintra.

    Once converted, the hotel will feature the brand’s signature welcome with a warm chocolate chip cookie presented to each guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services, and a special and caring team member commitment to the local people.

    Joaquim Justino, Chairman of Turismadeira SA, said, “This partnership provides a superb opportunity for this wonderful property to profit from the worldwide reach and operational expertise of 1 of the world`s strongest hotel brands. Located in an exhilarating and increasingly vibrant area of Lisbon, the DoubleTree by Hilton Fontana Park is destined for popularity with both corporate and leisure guests alike and we strongly believe that Hilton Worldwide would be capable of make our jewel shine much more in future.”

    Guests of DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon – Fontana Park will benefit from the benefits of the area-class guest reward programme Hilton HHonors®, the single hotel loyalty programme that lets members earn both points and miles together.

    European countries where DoubleTree by Hilton is either trading or has a property under development include; Uk; Ireland; Netherlands; Luxembourg; Spain; Portugal; Italy; Greece; Poland; Romania; Slovakia; Turkey; and Russia.

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  • News: DoubleTree by Hilton moves into South Africa

    Hilton Worldwide has announced the official opening of the 1st DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in South Africa – the 183-room DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside.

    Owned and operated by Upper Eastside Hotel under a franchise license agreement, the newly renovated, upscale full-service property is found in Cape Town’s upcoming district of Woodstock, a dynamic area that is home to an abundance of trendy art galleries, boutiques, music bars and stylish restaurants.

    The hotel becomes the fifth Hilton Worldwide property in South Africa and the third DoubleTree by Hilton in Africa.

    John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton said: “I am delighted we’re making our debut in South Africa in such an inspiring location and with a property that may both impress and pleasure. 

    “The newly upgraded DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside offers superb facilities in a city so that you can help to increase our commitment to welcome the world’s travellers to key destinations.”

    Accommodation ranges from executive rooms and suites to luxury, two-storey duplex loft rooms located at the penthouse floor with panoramic views of the city’s best known landmarks.

    With both business and leisure guests in mind, DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside offers quite a lot of amenities, including nine meeting rooms, a 350 -capacity function room and 24-hour fitness and business centres.

    Discerning guests enjoy Liberty’s Restaurant with its seasonal á la carte fusion-style menu created by executive chef Simon Kemp.

    Kemp is renowned for his professional creativity and a spotlight to detail. Guests and locals who want to unwind can visit the eStreet Bar and Lounge, that is open for cocktails and drinks every evening until 1am, with live entertainment on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

    Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa said: “Today’s opening is a major milestone for Hilton Worldwide as we underline our commitment to tourism development in South Africa and broaden visitor choice by bringing our third brand and our fifth hotel to this growing market. 

    “Cape Town, particularly, is an award winning city of adventure, gastronomy and cultural attractions and currently one of the popular destination resorts in Africa.”

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