january 2012 edition

any

Founded in 1997.

January 2012

● 2012, The Year of London.

● The World of Aviation...EUROPE IS LEADING THE WAY AGAIN

● Exhibitions News…ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2012

● An Interview With…AN ITALIAN IN HONG KONG.

● Asian World...LAOS URGED TO ATTRACT ASIANS TRAVELLERS

● Middle East & North Africa News...MIDDLE EASTERN TRAVELLERS

PREFER SINGAPORE

● Market Review...CRUISE, SAILING HIGH

● Tourism News...WORLD’S 193RD COUNTRY

TATW MONTHLY 2012 © Volcan de Izalco, El Salvador. www.tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk

Tourism around the world, on the r ise.

Letter from

the Editor

Dear Colleagues and friends,

Welcome to 2012 and

Happy New year!

Another year is upon us and this

year sees a whole range of new and exciting challenges and

adventures ahead.

With the global economic situation showing little sign of

abating for the West, Asia is most definitely the land of the

rising sun, with the region showing sustainable growth and

providing many new opportunities for tourism and

M.I.C.E. business. They say that as one door closes

another one opens and so at present the great Asian door is

most definitely open for business!

That being said, the door has not shut t ight on the other

side of the world. It is time for Europe takes a step back to

re-assess the situation in order to provide a better, tighter,

more sustainable tourism sector. While in South America

tourism growth is looking better and better. Nothing stays

the same, and it would be boring if it did. The secret is to

make sure you learn from previous events and grow from

them.

2012 marks an Olympic year, with the 30th Summer

Olympiad being hosted in the city of London, UK. It is a

big year for British history too, with the celebration of

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee (60

years on the throne). 2012 is also a big year for the

world’s newest country the Republic of South Sudan, who

finally achieved independence after 55 years. It is the

world’s 193rd nation.

Over the next twelve months, TOURISM AROUND THE

WORLD Monthly will bring you some exciting new

features including dedicated pages on key industry sectors

like ‘Aviation’, ‘Asia’ , ‘Middle East and North Africa

(MENA)’, Latin America and M.I .C.E. news as well as

regular features, market trends, interviews and reports to

bring you up-to-date with the world’s largest industry -

Tourism!

From major global events to the smaller more significant

events that you have planned during the next twelve

months, TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD Monthly,

wishes you a happy, smiley, health and prosperous year

and one where we can all hopefully find further peace and

tolerance on a local, regional and global scale.

With best wishes from all the team at your monthly e-

journal, TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD Monthly.

Caroline Laspas

Editor & Co-Founder

BML International-UK

a marketing & consulting company in tourism, m.i.c.e and exhibitions.

www.bmlinternational.co.uk


part of Laspas Associates

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2012 Ol ympi c Stadium, London, UK

2012 A Year for London

All countries and cities look forward to new ventures and promises in a new year, but for the capital city of the United Kingdom, London, the year of 2012 is

the start of a big year! Following the worldwide spectacle of the Royal wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton, in April 2011, the city of London is already feeling the excitement for the next 12 months which includes the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as well as the city hosting the largest sporting event in the world, the Olympic Games.

As the New Year started, there is something in the air in London that you can almost touch; a sense of excitement at the year to come; a feeling you dont often feel. Since the Royal fever of the wedding, London has not really calmed down much! This year‟s celebrations are just beginning and the next 12 months promise to be as splendid as the Crown jewels themselves as preparations are ahead for one of the most exciting periods in modern British history. HM Queen Elizabeth II has been the British monarch for 60 years and is the longest lived and second longest reigning monarch (Queen Victoria was on the throne for 63 years and 7 months). The official Jubilee Weekend is from June 2-5, 2012, a long weekend that will see celebrations centred around Buckingham Palace spread out across London, all showcasing the best of British tradition.

Six weeks after this event, the final countdown will start for the Olympic Games. The countdown clock in London‟s Trafalgar Square has now really become a big tourist attraction. For residents of Britain, catching sight of the Olympic Torch Relay as it travels around Britain will be one of the highlights of the summer, especially as the torch plans to pass within „a one-hour journey of 95% of the population‟ according to Olympic organisers. The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK on May 18, and then embark on a 70-day journey around the country, with concerts and festivals each night as it makes its way from Land‟s End to London. The 2012 games in London will be the 3rd time the city has hosted the games - more times than any other city. The first games were held in London back in 1908 and then again in post war London in 1948.

The Olympic Park, located in the north east of the city at Stratford, is currently the largest construction site in Europe. By July 2012 it will be the heart of the city with the eyes of the world watching. The stadium and other facilities will be connected to the city by a new „Olympic Javelin‟ line, a high-speed shuttle service from London‟s St. Pancras

Station to Stratford International Station. The journey will take just 7minutes. It is anticipated that 4 billion people will watch the event and it will attract 15,000 athletes, 20,000 members of the media and an estimated 5.5 million visitors, plus 500,000 overnight visitors to the city.

With such unique events taking place in the capital city in the same year, the opportunity to promote Britain in the lead-up to the events has not been overlooked by the country‟s tourism industry. Hotels, tour operators, transport providers and the national tourism board are all heavily promoting the opportunities on offer in London and the rest of the UK.

Whether you are in the city during the Jubilee weekend or for the Olympics, 2012 is the year you should visit London for over the year there will be many events on offer. The Olympic celebrations will be centred around the Cultural Olympiad Festival 2012, a 12-week arts festival featuring some of the world‟s finest artists. The festival takes place throughout the UK and concludes on September 9, the final day of the Paralympics Games.

This celebratory feel, is also spreading across the capital and everyone wants to be involved, with every art gallery, museum and exhibition space in town planning a year of events that highlight British culture. Hotels and conference venues are rushing to finish new properties or refurbishments in time to get them into action.

London „s shops are also doing their bit, with shops already stocking their shelves with red, white and blue designs, official Olympic souvenirs and plenty of colourful Union Flags.

In historically rich cities like London, where many of the most successful hotels are historical institutions that have been welcoming guests for a 100 years or more, you expect things to progress at the same steady pace, with only the odd new hotel opening every few years! Not London! An impressive line up of new 5* hotels have recently opened their doors ready for business this year, with international names like Four Seasons and Corinthia adding to London‟s already accomplished luxury hotel room portfolio, and existing properties like The Savoy and St. Pancras Renaissance completing extensive refurbishments. The latter, a Grade 1 listed building, originally designed by architect Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1873, has undergone an extensive refurbishment and restoration that recaptures the golden age of European rail travel. It is also located close to the Eurostar Terminal at St. Pancras Station.

Other key properties include the former Metropole Hotel which has reopened as Corinthia Hotel London. A UK£300 (EU€363) million 300-room property.

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London Br i dge , London, UK

2012 A Year for London

←from page 03…

The Dorchester Collection has added a 2nd property in the city, at 45 Park Lane, in the heart of Mayfair overlooking Hyde

Park, just next door to sister hotel The Dorchester. Other new openings are set to continue over the next 2 years, with a new 202-room Shangri-La Hotel set to occupy floors 34 to 52 of the iconic 70-storey Shard building on the south bank of the Thames, and the 36 suite luxury townhouse, The Wellesley, planned for November 2012. The Chuan Spa at The Langham opened earlier this year and is the only spa in the city to incorporate the principles of traditional Chinese medicine into its treatments and décor. Finally, there is one hotel that needs little introduction; The Goring, the 101-year-old property chosen by the Duchess of Cambridge and her family for the night before the Royal Wedding.

Wherever you go in London, one thing is for sure, you can find every cuisine you desire from around the world. Indeed, over the past few years there has been a lot said about the lack of true British cuisine. This is all changing with the revival of many classic English dishes and traditional restaurants opening offering these famous dishes. An increasing number of restaurants are embracing the government‟s „Buy British‟ campaign, which means the food on your plate has been grown or produced within the UK to high organic standards. Britain‟s food renaissance will be celebrated throughout 2012 with a series of festivals showcasing the best of British cuisine. „Feast on the Bridge‟ will see London‟s Southwark Bridge host a 2 day food festival on 10-11September, with food from some of the UK‟s best sustainable producers on show, as well as workshops, baking and live entertainment. The „London Restaurant Festival‟ runs throughout the city in early October, celebrating the diversity of modern British cuisine, and the BBC Good Food Show takes place at London Olympia from 23-27 November, where Britain‟s top chefs put on shows and cooking demonstrations. For a truly British experience, London offers a twinkle of „Threatreland‟ with many well known long running plays operas and musicals as well as new shows to suit all tastes. London‟s West End has been the home of grand theatrical performances since the 16th Century, and the city‟s theatres now attract 14.3 million visitors per year.

Finally, any trip to London would not be complete without a shopping trip to the one store synonymous with London; Harrods. The store started in 1834, when Charles Henry Harrod, a grocer and tea merchant set up his store. Today it is a major London landmark and offers shopping over 7 floors and offers over 300 departments.

Whatever you are looking for - London in 2012 has it all. There has never been a better time to visit this amazing city. by Caroline Laspas - editor @ TATW Monthly. ■

www.tourismaro

undtheworld.co.uk

the global monthly for tourism, m.i.c.e and exhibitions

环球旅游全球电子新闻月刊全球每月为差旅、旅游业、会议、刺激、会议和陈列

TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD Monthly is a global e-journal for the travel & tourism, M.I.C.E and exhibitions industries.

It provides accurate, detailed, informative and useful information and is produced in English. Started in 1997 it has an ever-growing circulation. It is also the official global media support for several key exhibitions within the industry.

环球旅游全球电子新闻月刊是针对旅行与旅游

业、M.I.C.E.行业，在全球范围内发行的英语

版本电子刊物。它提供准确、详尽的行业资讯

，自1997年创刊以来发展迅速，并成为业内几

大卓越展会的官方全球媒体支持方。 TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD Monthly ist ein globales e-journal für Reise und Tourismus, M.I.C.E und Messe und Ausstellungs Industrien.

Es bietet akurate, detailierte, informative und brauchbare Informationen und ist hergestellt in Englisch.

Seit dem Beginn im Jahre 1997 hat es eine kontinuierlich steigende Auflage. Es ist auch die offizielle globale Medium Unterstützung für viele Zielmessen und Ausstellungen inerhalb der Industrie.

TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD MONTHLY

Part of Laspas Associates.

Aegean House, 71 Blandford Road, Teddington TW11 0LG, UK T: +44 208 943 9449 M: +44 7918 103703 E: info (@)

tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk

www.tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk

The World Of Aviation

PASSENGERS MAKE 290 MILLION AIR TRIPS IN CHINA IN 2011 Air passengers made 290 million trips in China in 2011, up 8.2% from last year.

China‟s aviation industry has witnessed a surge in passenger volume in 2011, with total air freight volume also having risen to rise 6.6% year-on-year to 57.4 billion tonnes/kms. Supported by the steady growth in passenger volume, China‟s aviation industry is expected to see a 5.1% growth in net profit to CNY45.6 (EU€5.65, UK£4.65) billion in 2011, offsetting rising fuel costs and the bad global market condition. A total of 76.5% of scheduled flights in China have been on time in the first 11 months of 2011, up 1.9% from the same period last year. Regulators will continue to improve flight punctuality and strive to increase the rate by 2% during 2012. The CAAC expects air passenger volume to continue to grow by 10.3% to top 320 million in 2012, with air cargo volume up 10.1% to 63.2 billion tonnes/kms.

LUFTHANSA TO HIRE TEMPORARY STAFF TO CUT COSTS As of 1st of January 2012, Lufthansa has hired 200

flight attendants as temporary workers and has told passengers to be prepared for higher ticket prices as it finds ways to cut costs. This kind of contract seems to be necessary for Lufthansa to cut costs in order to be more competitive. This move could result in a new working model in Europe.

EMIRATES ADD VIETNAM TO ITS GLOBAL NETWORK Emirates, one of the fastest growing

international airlines continues its expansion in South East Asia with the addition of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to its global network. Flights start from 4th June 2012. The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam has been one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, with Ho Chi Minh City, home to over 7 million people recognised as its commercial capital. The daily non-stop flight, will allocated 27 Business Class seats and 251 Economy Class seats. Emirates will offer tourists and business travellers, particularly from the Middle East, Africa and Europe, a convenient option to access Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City offers tourists the ideal gateway to explore the wonders of Vietnam, be it the shopping options in the city, the various UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hoi An, the islands of Halong Bay, the beaches of Nha Trang or the floating markets and restaurants of the Mekong River Delta. Ho Chi Minh City will be the Emirates‟ 8th route launch in 2012, following on from Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro on 3rd January; Dublin on 9th January; Lusaka and Harare on 1st February; Dallas on 2nd February and Seattle on 1st March.

BEIJING REDUCES DOMESTIC FUEL PRICES The

Chinese government has cut domestic jet fuel prices to CNY7.360 (EU€1,30, UK£1.05) per tonne, down 3.83% from CNY7.653 (EU€0,95, UK£0.80) per tonne in December. This

is the first fuel price reduction this year. Fuel costs comprise more than 40% of Chinese carriers‟ operating expenses. China Southern Airlines, which operates 80% of its flights on domestic routes, could see its fuel costs fall by CNY586 million annually. Air China and China Eastern Airlines, which operate 70% of their flights on domestic routes, could also see their annual fuel costs reduced by CNY535 (EU€66, UK£55) million and CNY484 million, respectively. With the cut in domestic fuel prices, Chinese carriers announced they will decrease fuel surcharges accordingly. China‟s big 3 carriers will reportedly resume fuel hedging.

EUROPE IS LEADING THE WAY AGAIN An aviation

entrepreneur who has plans for a European hypersonic airliner is confident his project could in 2013 demonstrate that technological barriers can be overcome, but that current economic conditions may hold up the project. The European Space Agency's Lapcat programme is working on the A2 aircraft, which aims to carry passengers beyond Mach 5 in long-range flight. The project is funded by both the European Commission and private investors, which have together backed Lapcat for EU€10 (UK£8.30) million. With economic forces working against it, ambition and desire are working for it. The European Commission wants to be an aviation pioneer

that leads the world in innovation. As it is, Lapcat's funding is set to run out by 2013, when the project will be reviewed. It is then that the project's viability will have to be balanced against economic and political realities. The A2 aircraft would be powered by a hybrid engine design. The engine would use a turbojet for takeoff and to accelerate to supersonic speeds. Then a rocket would take the aircraft to Mach 6 or more, running on liquid hydrogen and air. Economic difficulties aside, the A2 is not expected to overcome all the challenges posed by hypersonic passenger flight for decades and is not forecast to fly until 2040.

KOREAN AIR EXPANDS FROM THE UK Korean Air has

confirmed that it will commence flying from London Gatwick Airport as of April 2012. The national carrier of South Korea is to launch 3 weekly flights from London Gatwick Airport (North Terminal) to Seoul. A Boeing 777 aircraft will be used on the route, providing a choice of 225 seats in Economy Class, 28 in Prestige (business) Class and 8 in First Class. Gatwick also recently announced that Hong Kong airlines will be launching all-premium flights to Hong Kong in March and Air China will launch non-stop, 4 weekly services to Beijing beginning 2nd May 2012. ■


Exhibitions

News

IME 2011 The 21st Interna-

tional Meeting Expo (IME 2011), Japan's annual M.I.C.E destination tradeshow was held on 14-15 December 2011 at the Tokyo International Forum.

Participating exhibitors include local cities and bureaus who promote conventions and tourism, convention venues, professional meeting organizers, hotels. It can contribute to the recovery and renaissance of the affected areas of Japan through the promotion of M.I.C.E and conventions. The Chiba Convention Bureau set up a booth again to represent Chiba. Various businesses and organisations from all over the country gather in one building to create a great chance for growth in M.I.C.E industry.

MEETING OF 23 EUROPEAN DIRECTORS OF TOURISM IN VIENNA The annual meeting of European

directors of tourism organised by European Cities Marketing and held in Vienna for the first time, attracted a record number of delegates. 23 destinations including 18 capital cities were represented. For the 5

th time - and after Dublin, Paris, Berlin

and Copenhagen now for the 1st time in Vienna - on 12

December top tourism managers from 23 European metropolises convened at the Sofitel Vienna for the „Annual Meeting of the Chief Executives of Capital and Major Cities‟ to discuss the future perspectives of city tourism with their peers. The meeting organised by European Cities Marketing (ECM) was devoted to the theme of change management in city tourism organisations. The ECM meeting is held in a different European metropolis each year. Only 5 years after it was established, the meeting has become an essential networking platform for decision-makers in the marketing of European city destinations. Next year‟s meeting is scheduled to be held in Oslo on 10 December 2012.

2ND ANNUAL NEW EUROPE TRAVEL MART (NETM ’12), 25-27 APRIL 2012, LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual New Europe Travel Mart (NETM ‟12) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, at the Grand Hotel Union. NETM ‟12 makes it easier for Buyers and Product Managers alike who are looking for new business opportunities to consider a part of the world that now offers great growth and product potential: „New Europe.‟ Why you should attend NETM ‟12:

- NETM ‟12 is „strictly business‟, 2 days of 20 minute pre-scheduled appointments held in Suppliers‟ booth/stand „offices.‟ You see the Suppliers who you want to see. It‟s productive. It‟s personal. It‟s profitable.

-NETM ‟12 helps you meet senior sales executives who can make commitments, and who represent hotels, airlines, cruise companies, receptive operators, car rental firms, attractions, resorts, tourist boards, city and convention bureaus, and

promotional organisations from Slovenia, Albania, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany (New states), Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia.

-Every Buyer receives special „one-on-one‟ personal attention that makes NETM ‟12 unique and productive.

CONVENTA IS GOING LIVE! Interactive CONVENTA TV

is a progressive way to promote your services and to generate additional visits to your website. Conventa invite you to join the active congress community of congress decision makers and from January 2012 on follow its new media, CONVENTA TV. Viewers will be able to access CONVENTA TV through the Conventa web site and the web site of Kongres magazine as well as all supporting social media. It promises intriguing and educational video content all year long. Interactive CONVENTA TV aims to share original stories based on talks with interesting personalities, good practice examples or through different presentations of your destination. For a small fee one can upload videos of a congress facilities or existing ads. Furthermore, with the help of renowned journalist and Kongres magazine collaborator Robert Cotter, Conventa offers destination and congress facilities presentations in the form of interviews and reports. The interactive CONVENTA TV can offer additional support to your basic presentation at Conventa with a less formal story based on values and emotions that it can only display through video. There are different marketing packages for additional video promotions. Top position of the video material is promised to the first to take advantage of the progressive way of promotion.

NEW EDUCATION PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED FOR AIME 2012 Organisers of the Asia-Pacific Incentives &

Meetings Expo (AIME) have released the 2012 Education Programme schedule and speakers, which for the first time,

has been developed in collaboration with major industry association partners, in an effort to make content even more relevant and useful to

attendees. AIME has worked with its new association partners; the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), the Professional Conference Organisers Association Inc (PCO) and the International Special Events Society (ISES) and its existing partners; Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) and International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), who will provide one seminar each. For more information or to pre-register as a visitor for free, visit www.aime.com.au


http://www.eglasnik.si/doc/ktXJkptzDp8QC1tSVUgpwg-3d-3d/www.conventa.info

http://admin.circul8.com.au/ch/26465/2d9k5jp/1127380/45695wc0k.html

Exhibitions

News

ASEAN TOURISM FORUM Pre-TRAVEX Registration Statistics Reveal A Robust ATF 2012 Event The newly

constructed Golden Kawanua Exhibition Hall, venue for ATF

2012 TRAVEX, is geared up to welcome over 1,400 TRAVEX delegates to Manado next week. Pre-TRAVEX registration statistics indicate that close to 1,000 exhibitors, 390 buyers and more than 100 media delegates will fill the exhibition venue during the event. Representing quality travel trade and tourism organisations from across the world, these delegates will avail of business, learning and networking opportunities over the three action-packed days of ATF TRAVEX from 13 to 15 January.

The exhibitor delegation will feature some 438 booths represented by 390 companies and properties across the 10 ASEAN countries. Host country Indonesia and Thailand form the two largest national contingents with 112 and 92 exhibition booths respectively. Corporate exhibitors are also participating in a big way with some 65 exhibition booths. Destination ASEAN‟s growing reach and popularity is evidenced by buyer participation from four new countries this year; Bulgaria, Egypt, Kuwait and New Zealand. Asia-Pacific strongly displays its purchasing power, with 48% of buyers hailing from the region. This is followed by 37.6% of the buyers representing Europe. The event continues to draw the attention of international media as well. This year, media from 36 countries across the globe including first-time participants Bahrain and Indonesia, will cover ATF 2012, thus strengthening the event‟s reputation

as the best platform for ASEAN exhibitors to showcase their products and services. The learning component of the event, ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC), continues to stay relevant to the industry with this year‟s theme, „ASEAN Goes Green‟. To be held on 13th January from 0900 to 1200hrs, the conference will feature respected speakers from the industry. They are:- Keynote Speaker: Mr. Taleb D. Rifai, Secretary General of UNWTO Speakers Dr. Andy Nazarechuk, President of Asia-Pacific CHRIE Mr. Martin Craigs, CEO of PATA Mr. Tatsuro Nakamura, Senior Executive Director of the Board of JATA Mr. Jim Boyles, GM of Melia, Bali

The speakers will share the latest information and insights on the region‟s constant efforts towards sustainable and eco-conscious tourism. All ATF TRAVEX delegates can also look forward to a comprehensive array of networking and leisure activities, beginning with the complimentary city tours and friendly golf game on 12th January before official TRAVEX days begin. Hosted lunches, dinners and late night events will commence from 12th January onwards. For more information and programme updates on ATF 2012, visit www.atfindonesia.com ■






Ae ge an Ho use, 7 1 Bl an d f o r d Ro ad , T ed d ing to n , TW 11 0 LG , UK

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an interview with...

An Italian in Hong Kong

Mr. Giovanni Valenti,

Pamela McCourt Francescone spoke with Giovanni Valenti, Ambassador Concierge at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, China.

“A concierge must be what each guest wants him to be,” says Giovanni Valenti with a smile. Valenti, the hotel‟s Head Concierge for 32 years, who proudly wears the crossed keys of the Clefs d‟Or but not his medal as Cavaliere della Repubblica Italiana, is now Ambassador Concierge at “his” Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hong Kong. Valenti is a modern Comte des Cierges - the keeper of the candles whose duty it was in the Middle Ages to open the door of the castle, a candle in his hand, and greet noble visitors - and he says the concierge‟s role has changed very little down the centuries.

“The concierge is still the first and the last person a guest meets arriving and leaving a hotel. A person to whom he can turn to for advice and help. A person he can confide in. In a certain sense a kind of confessor, someone guests can open up their hearts to, counting on the concierge‟s proverbial discretion and understanding.”

When did you decide to become a concierge?

“Actually I did not plan it. It just happened. I was born in Messina and my family moved to Florence which was hit by a terrible flood on 4th November 1966. We lost our home and I lost my job so, as I had already done my military service, I decided to go to England. I was studying French and English and I was young and ambitious.” Valenti spent three and a half years working in restaurants in London and then moved to Cannes where he worked as maître d‟ for eight years. Then, one day, he got a call offering him a job in the Grill in the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. “In those days Hong Kong was another planet and I thought I‟d stay a couple of years. But in 1981 I became Front Office Manager and shortly after, I went for 3 months to the Savoy in London, and became Head Concierge.”

And you are still here. Why?

“Because I love my work and I love people. Whatever I do I do with passion. I‟m lucky because I am patient and I never lose my temper, and then I respect others as I do the people I work with. All the staff here are on the same level, from the

managing director to the boy who cleans the windows, we are here because we are needed.”

What does it take to be a good concierge?

“You must be alert, and a good listener. You must never interrupt a guest. When someone is upset or angry you have to listen to them, and take notes and then you try your best to solve their problem. Only by listening can you understand a person‟s character. I‟m lucky to have a very good visual memory and I never forget a guest. I might not remember the name immediately - I‟m not a computer - but I can recognise a face or a voice, even after 20 years.”

What is the biggest stress in your work?

“People can be impossible sometimes, very demanding. And today they have very little patience, they are under a lot of pressure from work and they tend to want things immediately. For me nothing is impossible, as long as it is not illegal or immoral, but sometimes I have to play games with guests to diffuse situations.”

And what is the most satisfying part of your job?

“When people are happy, when I can make them happy. I love challenges which is why I enjoy playing tennis. The more demanding a guest is the more challenging the moment is.”

Has Internet changed the role of the concierge?

“No, Internet has not changed our job. Of course people know more thanks to Internet, but they still want my human touch, they crave human contact. And they know that we are able to solve their problems faster and better than any computer!”

Tell me something difficult you have been asked?

“A guest who wanted a table the next day in a restaurant on the Cote d‟Azur where you have to book months ahead. I managed to get it for him thanks to networking, through a fellow concierge who is also a member of the international concierge association, the Clefs d‟Or. I called him and he called his friend who was the manager of the restaurant and I was able to tell our guest that he had his table. This is a perfect example of the importance of having the right connections. A concierge is not an island; he has to be the world! He is the person who shares the sorrows and the joys of the guests and my typically Italian happy disposition helps when things get difficult. When necessary I can be cheeky and even sarcastic, but never rude. You must always find just the right words, and never overstep the line.” What makes the Mandarin Oriental unique?

“Our impeccable service”. In 32 years you must have met thousands of celebrities. Who made the biggest impression on you? “Lady Diana. She had incredible class, and she was a real person.” ■


Shanghai, China

ASIA

WORLD

HEILONGJIANG TOURISM ALLIANCE To strengthen regional

cooperation in tourism promotion, Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, Qiqihar, Heihe and western Daxin-ganling major cities; places with

cultural roots, are geographically close, have good travel resources, common ancestry, combined with their distinctive differences to complement each other and to develop the tourism industry. The tourist cities formed the alliance to promote the large industrial oil field, the Great Plains, wetlands, volcanoes, border river, the forest and other natural landscape.

TOURISM ARRIVALS TO NEPAL INCREASE Tourist

arrivals during Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011 surpassed 700,000 thanks to enthusiastic participation by visitors from the neighbouring countries of India and China. Even though inbound figures fell short of the target of 1 million, the rise in arrivals has boosted the confidence of both the government and the travel trade. According to the stats released by the Immigration Office, the volume of travellers to Nepal (by air and land) is up 22.34% year on year. The country welcomed 737,597 international visitors in 2011. Officials of NTY 2011 said that even though the arrival target has not been met, the country reached close to the target which was a big achievement in the context of low investor confidence and political unrest when the campaign was announced in 2008.

LAOS URGED TO ATTRACT ASIANS TRAVELLERS The Laos Association of Travel Agents (LATA) is telling its member agents and tour operators to shift their focus to the Asian market as Europe continues to have a debt and economic crisis and therefore are less likely to travel. LATA felt that this marketing policy change would enable Laos tour operators to secure sustainable growth, though there will be some fallout from the European financial crisis. Travel agents should target Singapore, whose nationals are among the highest income earners in ASEAN, and Lao Airlines has now opened 3 direct weekly flights between Vientiane and Singapore onboard a new Airbus A320. The purchasing power of Asian tourists is improving due to strong economic growth, making it an ideal time to tap into this market.

ASIA’S GOLF ATTRACTS MORE A strong economy,

improving developments in infrastructure and an increased interest in golf as a pastime and a competitive sport have allowed luxury golf course development to flourish in Asia. While Thailand and Japan have long been credited for their abundance of top-rated championship courses, destinations with emerging economies like India and China are enjoying a proliferation of luxury golf course developments, in a bid to keep up with demand from tourists and to cater to a host of new Asia based golf tournaments. With professional courses now opening in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Vietnam, all with an abundance of wide-open spaces, idyllic grass-growing climates and beautiful scenery, it‟s no surprise these destinations are quickly becoming popular golf tourism

markets. Cheaper rates than Europe and the US mean tourists can go for a golfing holiday in Sri Lanka or India for a fraction of the cost they would pay to play on a course in western destinations. Add to that the comparatively inexpensive hotel rates; it is easy to see why Asia is one of the strongest new players in golf tourism. India alone already has 200 courses, with more than 40 currently under construction and additional plans in the pipeline. Developers are also looking to expand the professional course portfolios of Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Cambodia, by bringing in top professional golfers to help in the design and branding of future courses.

CAMBODIA: ANCIENT TEMPLE RESTORED An

ancient temple in Cambodia has been restored to its former glory following an extensive and costly reconstruction project. The 3-tiered Hindu temple Baphuon, located in the Angkor region of Cambodia, has re-opened following 16 years of painstaking work by archaeologists. The EU€10.20 (UK£8.40) million project, dubbed „the world‟s biggest jigsaw puzzle‟, first began in the 1960s, when a French archeologist declared the only way to save the temple was to deconstruct it and then rebuild it again. Over 300,000 blocks were numbered to correspond to a master plan, allowing experts to reconstruct the temple perfectly. However in 1975, when the Khmer Rouge took power in Cambodia, the original master plan was destroyed. In 1995, reconstruction started again, but archeologists were working blind. The original temple was built by placing the blocks on top of each other - no mortar was used and therefore each block had its own specific place. It was a 3 dimensional puzzle with 300,000 pieces but with no picture to follow! However despite the archaeologists‟ hard work, over 10,000 blocks were left out. The Baphuon monument was originally constructed in the 11th century and forms part of the temples in the Angkor region of Cambodia, which currently attract over two million tourists a year.

WALKING THROUGH HO CHI MINH CITY (HCMC) STREETS Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has completed a study

to introduce walking streets in the city‟s downtown districts, but success will depend on whether local communities agree to close busy streets to traffic. HCMC Department of Planning and Architecture‟s Centre for Zoning Information identified the streets around Ben Thanh Market and Saigon Opera House as a popular tourist area with shops and restaurants. The study also looked at projects such as improving public transportation, planting more trees, and initiating clean-up campaigns. City authorities said they would adapt the walking street concept every weekend by allowing only motorcycles onto the walking zones, but cars and delivery vehicles would be prohibited. There is some support from communities that would gain relief from the daily traffic jams and congestion now plaguing the city. The HCMC Association of Architects praised the walking streets idea, but stressed that it needs careful planning and discussion, plus input from locals, before being implemented. ■


Marrakech, Morocco.

Middle East

& North

Africa News

SAUDI ARABIA TO BOOST INTERNAL TOURISM Saudi tourism

officials and hotels in the kingdom have been stepping up their efforts to entice local residents to travel within the country in the hope of capturing

a larger share of the billions of dollars that Saudis spend on vacations overseas each year. The Saudi government is keen to develop its tourism sector as part of an effort to diversity its economy and provide jobs for Saudi nationals. For the most part, government expenditure has focused on developing religious tourism and business travel, but tourism officials have recently stepped up efforts to increase domestic tourism in the kingdom. The main initial challenges in this area include a lack of tourism infrastructure and relatively high room rates compared to popular destinations such as Egypt or Malaysia. Saudi officials recognise that poor infrastructure is curbing their efforts to boost domestic tourism. In June, the head of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities acknowledged that while local tourism demand is on the rise, there is still a lack of proper services which meet the aspirations and requirements of citizens. Another factor curbing domestic tourism in the kingdom is the simple fact that many Saudis are keener to travel outside the country to enjoy amenities such as cinemas and outdoor activities that they cannot get at home. Statistics bear out the challenges that the government faces, as domestic tourism fell 28% last year to 23.9 million trips from 33.5 million in 2009. In contrast, outbound tourism increased 17% in 2010, with 7.55 million Saudis travelling abroad.

MIDDLE EASTERN TRAVELLERS PREFER SINGAPORE Middle East-based travellers have made

Singapore a premier destination in the region with annual visits now close to 150,000, up 50% in just 3 years. Year-on-year, Middle East-based visitor arrival numbers are likely to continue to increase significantly, with holidaymakers and businessmen drawn by the burgeoning range of premier attractions, hotels, and tourist amenities, among them Singapore's iconic integrated resorts - Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa - and world-class events, such as the annual F1 race, Asian Fashion Exchange, and ArtStage Singapore. Singapore continues to evolve and mature with each passing year, and Middle East-based travellers have been quick to be some of the first in the world to experience the 'new Singapore' over the last three years. Singapore is now established as a premier, must-visit destination for the region's discerning holidaymakers and, increasingly, its students and businessmen. In 2012, Singapore Tourism Board will use these as a platform to

realise Singapore's creative and academic vision in the Middle East through developing partnerships with the region's young and vibrant arts and culture scene as well as its globally-renowned executive education sector.

LEBANON'S LUXURY HOTELS OVER BOOKED… Lebanon's tourism sector did rebound over the holidays with Beirut's premium hotels being overbooked. However, many of the capital's affordable hotels had their rooms available during the high season of Christmas and New Year's Eve. The tourism ministry reported an over-capacity of 105% demand on Beirut hotel rooms. The arrivals from the Middle East and Europe during the festive period were beyond expectation.

ELAF GROUP EXPANDS ITS HOTEL PORTFOLIO The Elaf Group recently held a series of meetings with its key partners - including travel and tourism agencies from Turkey, Egypt and Morocco - to support the Saudi tourism sector particularly in attracting future Hajj and Umrah visitors from Arab and nearby countries. Elaf discussed the KSA's touristic potentials and attractions such as its efficient visa issuance facilities. It has also shared its thoughts and expertise with major regional and international companies and agencies dealing with specialised tourism programmes and providing Hajj and Umrah services. As part of its expansion, Elaf announced that it will provide 5,000 rooms across its new projects offering 3, 4 and 5* tourism services to attract the largest segment of the travel, tourism and hospitality market. Turkey, Egypt and Morocco are three of the most important travel and tourism markets for Saudi Arabia. In the past years these markets have proven themselves as excellent religious, business and leisure travel destinations. By participating in travel and tourism oriented events in Turkey, Egypt and later on in Morocco reaffirms Elaf‟s commitment to providing high levels of service and extending its investment portfolio to include new hotels such as the Elaf Al-Moltaqa Hotel, Elaf Bakkah Hotel by 2012 and Galleria Hotel in 2014. These upcoming projects are in line with Elaf‟s goal of embracing the growing number of tourists visiting landmark destinations across the Kingdom, as well as supporting governmental efforts to promote tourism as part of the drive towards a solid and diverse economy.

QATARI COMPANY TO TAKE ITS DEBUT IN SRI LANKA The Sri Lankan tourism ministry has said Qatar is

planning to open luxury hotels in the island nation, following a visit by the Qatari prime minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani to the country. The Sri Lankan government will provide lands for the hotel projects. As a result of the relationship with Qatar, Sri Lanka feels it will be able to take its tourism to a higher level. ■


Cruising, The Aegean Sea, Greece

Market

Review

CRUISING SAILING HIGH With

two thirds of the world‟s surface covered by water, it is amazing that cruising is not the number one tourism sector in the world, but it is definitely a strong sector seeing many

advancements and changes and still holds huge potential in both established markets as well as with a growing number of new destinations and ports of call involving huge investment; an investment worth the price of the expansion with the sector predicted to continue its rapid growth in years to come.

The industry has seen an average growth rate of 7.38% from 1990-2015. During this time, in order to maintain steady growth the industry has adapted to the needs and demands of passengers as well as adapting to suit the global economic situation. We have seen shorter cruises, more local ports, more destinations and new on-board/on-shore activities.

Internationally, cruising is on the brink of huge expansion, with many destinations building new ports and docks to accommodate the world largest ships. This in turn will support the country‟s tourism sector with excursions, local shopping trips as well as the hospitality industry with restaurants and cafés allowing tourist to sample local cuisines. It is well known that due to the limited time on land, cruise passengers will spend more while on land as they know they will not be coming back another day!

Another feature of this rapidly adapting industry is the cruise lines themselves who see the wider potential for attracting more passengers via larger ships with more facilities on board. With the construction of these „Mega-ships‟ there is the potential too for lowering the cost-of-sailing per passenger, allowing the industry to target an even larger potential passenger market, who would not have considered a cruise before due to the high cost.

The world‟s leading market for passengers is still the US with Alaska being one the world‟s most requested destination for cruises. However, there is still growth potential when you consider that only 52.9% of the targetted North American market (or 23.1% of the whole U.S. population) has ever taken an ocean cruise. Another analogy is that if all the cruise ships in the world, filled at capacity, all year long would still only account to less than ½ of the total number of visitors to Las Vegas! This is the size of the cruise industry potential for future growth. This growth can be achieved with the right marketing to the right markets while continuing brand diversification.

Already in 2012 we will see a total of 7 new ships offering a total passenger capacity of 18,499, including the 3,690 passenger Carnival Breeze, the 3,013 passenger MSC Divina, 3,012 guest Costa Fascinosca and 2,500 berth Disney Fantasy, Oceania Cruises will launch the 1,250-

passenger Riviera and Celebrity Cruises will introduce the 3,000-passenger Celebrity Reflection. It is expected that cruise passenger numbers will reach 20.3 million, an increase of 5.6% on 2011 figures.

From 2005 to 2010 the international cruise industry grew by 35%. In Europe alone, some 6.5 million trips were taken annually, accounting for 2% of all holiday travel. From 2013 to 2014, another 8 new cruise ships will be deployed adding 24,508 lower births, or 5.8% to passenger capacity. The ships from 2013 to 2014 will add EU€1.80 (UK£1.50) billion in annual revenue to the cruise industry. By 2015, 22.3 million cruise passengers are expected to be carried worldwide.

With all this expansion, focus has undoubtedly turned to how sustainable the industry can be. It is hoped that changes in support of environmental and social measures will be seen as an opportunity for the industry rather than a negative necessity. With modern shipbuilding, larger ships cost less to run and are much more environmentally friendly, an aspect that concerns a growing number of cruise passengers.

Cruise experts want the industry to take a new viewpoint on the complete cycle of the industry from the ships construction to how its passenger waste is disposed of, as well as the effects of land excursions have on the local communities they visit, etc. At present the industry has the „Triple E‟ system; comprising Engineering (the deployment of more eco-friendly ships), Education (activities and reports) and Enforcement (legal checks). Today‟s modern technology allows for more innovative mechanical engineering solutions, while a change in procedures and a review of onboard activities and on board practises will be needed to change the environmental impact of a cruise on the environment - environmental protection should be made part of the cruising experience.

There is no doubt a more sustainable cruise industry can and will be achieved if the industry wants to continue its rapid growth over the coming years. Industry players have to date shown resistance to make these necessary changes with a combined front as to why it cannot change, but the environmental issues are growing and so too will the pressure to change from many fronts. In conclusion, a more highly developed awareness of sustainability is needed. by Dimitri Laspas –Publisher @ TATW Monthly. ■


Your Italian

Inbound Tour Operator

Prinsotel & Travel

180 Corso I ta l ia , I -80065 Sant ’ Agnel lo , I ta l y, EU.

T. : ++39 081 807 11 13, F . : ++39 081 807 11 92 E . : in fo@prinsotel .com W.: www.pr insotel .com

Incentive tours.

Package tours throughout Italy with full services.

Special Interest Tours: e.g. Battlefield Tours, Pilgrimage Tours, Motor Manufacturer Tours, Glass Producer Tours, Medical Tourism, Architectural old/new, etc.

Concert tours for orchestras & choirs: we arrange all the venues for the performing group in: e.g. halls, senior citizens' homes, churches, Pope’s audience.

Study Tours: e.g. Wine & Cheese Production, Handcrafts & Inlaid Woodwork, Restaurants, Cruise and Steamer bookings.

Accommodation in a variety of categories of hotel, especially in the main Italian art’s cities and for FIT.

Associations of the reference field


Archaeological Site of San Andres, San Salvador, El Salv ador.

Tourism

News

GREEK STYLE LUXURY Beyond

the fascinating history of Athens and the fabulous whitewashed island villages, there is plenty more to see in Greece. Ancient stone buildings with blue shutters nestled into the

countryside of olive groves and cypress trees. For a special experience of all things beautifully Greek, take a trip to the region of Messinia. Amongst the natural rugged beauty, there is luxury to be found at Costa Navarino. Here you will find The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort that opened in May 2010. Located on a sunset-facing stretch of coastline in the southwest Peloponnese, the Romanos is about 3 hours from Athens (or 40 minutes from nearby Kalamata airport). The resort is made up of low-rise stone villas with infinity pools stretching towards the Ionian Sea. Inspired by local Messinian mansions, there are a total of 321 rooms and suites - including the magnificent Royal Villa Koroni and the Presidential Villa - but lush landscaping and arresting views make each villa feel like its own isolated slice of Greek bliss. Set against the backdrop of a peaceful olive grove, the Romanos offers an elegant getaway in a natural setting. There are many wonderful villas in Europe, but what sets the Romanos apart is a distinct Greek stamp. Art adorning villa walls is the unique creation of up and coming Greek photographers and artists. In addition, Costa Navarino is seriously dedicated to eco-awareness. The building footprint will be only 10% of the total area, leaving 90% reserved for that signature Messinian landscape. In addition to preserving the environment, groundbreaking energy initiatives demonstrate Costa Navarino‟s green philosophy. Costa Navarino is also packed with activities including a championship 18-hole golf course, the Dunes Course. There are 2 tennis courts, the Anazoe Spa, with serene treatments, herbal saunas, and an ice-grotto room to fulfil all cravings. Travellers curious about the local culture can engage in the Messinian Authenticity Programme, connecting guests with local traditions such as the annual olive harvest every autumn. The dining philosophy at Costa Navarino is unmistakably Greek as well. A wealth of fresh, organic ingredients forms the foundation of authentic, upscale Greek cooking. Costa Navarino is a destination that delivers the essence of the Greek way of life, one filled with good company, laughter, and plates and glasses that are always more than half full.

CENTRAL AMERICA; 2012 THE YEAR OF

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Central American countries

announced that 2012, will the Year of Sustainable Tourism in the region, an initiative set up by the Heads of State and Government of the countries that make up the Region, namely Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. This measure makes

part of the Region's Plan 2009-2013, whose purpose is to promote sustainable development through tourism. The project will pay close attention to the issue of climate change and ethical tourism practices, as well as securing the participation of local communities and small and medium-sized companies from the industry when it comes to preserving the natural and cultural heritage that exists throughout the Region. Furthermore, in order to boost the benefits offered by this programme, different measures will be strengthened in fields as diverse as the integral management of disasters and climate change, safety and security and the battle against poverty and social exclusion. Support for the establishment of a Central American Customs Union will be maintained, with a view to boosting trade and facilitating migratory movements. This initiative promotes air and land connections, as well as cruise routes, providing a boost for the tourist industry. In 2012, Central America will also mark the new era in the Region's development within the context of Mayan Culture, a project that seeks to strengthen the cultural identity of Central America.

EDINBURGH TO CONSIDER ‘TOURIST TAX’ Edinburgh City Council is considering introducing a „tourist tax‟ on overnight foreign visitors, to raise funds for the city. It is thought that an additional EU€2.42 (UK£2) per night will be added to all accommodation costs in the hope of generating up to EU€12 (UK£10) million per year in tourist tax. Although the council claims the tax will not deter people from visiting the city, hoteliers are putting together a campaign against the tax, as they believe it will put Scotland at a disadvantage against the rest of the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. The United Kingdom is currently experiencing a double recession and hoteliers believe the tax will significantly damage the economy of local business, hotels and consumers. The national tourist board of Scotland has also raised doubts on whether this is the right time to introduce such a tax when people are looking for ways to cut costs on holidays.

JAPANESE TO INVEST IN RESTORATION OF OLD

PYRAMID IN ROME A Japanese businessman has agreed

to invest around EU€1million (UK£82,410) to restore a 2,000-year-old Roman pyramid in the Italian capital. Yuzo Yagi, a fashion business owner from Osaka, will restore the pyramid, which was built in 18-12 B.C., as a tomb for a wealthy Roman, Gaius Cestius. Work is set to start in April 2012. The pyramid is covered in Carrara marble and was built following Rome‟s conquest of Egypt in 31 B.C., which started off a trend for ancient Egypt. The 23sq.m frescoed burial chamber at the heart of the pyramid was sealed when it was built but was raided in the Middle Ages.


Victoria Memorial, Buckingham Palace, London, UK

Tourism

News

WORLD’S 193RD COUNTRY The United Nations has welcomed the world‟s youngest country; the Republic of South Sudan, as its 193rd member. In a huge celebration the declaration of

independence was read out before new president H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit and a crowd of thousands of spectators, including Sudan‟s president Omar Hassan Ahmed Bashir and the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, along with more than 30 African heads of state, as well as foreign ministers and foreign dignitaries. This marked the end of a 55-year struggle for independence, which ended with the lowering of the Sudanese flag and the raising of the new South Sudan flag in the country‟s new capital, Juba. It was an historic occasion for all the country‟s people who have travelled a long and difficult road to the birth of the new nation. The country now faces many challenges ahead, but it will face them united, peaceful and independent in order to build a stable and prosperous nation. The country has been allocated its own dialling code (211) by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the official new currency is the South Sudan pound. The country is blessed with plenty of natural resources in the form of vast oil reserves, but all the pipelines, refineries and ports are in North Sudan; a factor the new country needs to take into consideration when planning its foreign policy. Oil is the main economy, but the new government is quickly focusing on building the agriculture industry, which has huge potential. Tourism was also highlighted as an area for growth, although it is likely to be some time before people start booking tour packages. Juba Grand Hotel, Logali House and the Eastern Pearl Hotel and Business Centre are the main accommodation options at present.

CRUISE TOURISM EXPECTED TO GROW IN 2012 Following a challenging year cruise lines have already taken steps to protect their 2012 business. They do not want to be forced to undertake costly redeployments of ships away from areas where geopolitical unrest spooks potential passengers, as it did in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa regions during the Arab Spring in 2011. For 2012, some major lines have reduced their capacity in that part of the world in favour of areas such as the Western Mediterranean, the Baltics and other cruising grounds in Northern Europe. Royal Caribbean Cruises for example, has cut its brands' deployments in the Eastern Mediterranean by 17%. In addition consumer spending is predicted to be reduced. In anticipation there are considerable deep early-booking discounts for 2012 among the upmarket and luxury segments. For most, this is a new strategy to build a more solid foundation of advance bookings, coupled with the hope

that they will not have to discount again close to departure dates. The deals include incentives such as 50% or higher discounts on published fares, free airfare, thousands in bonus savings per cabin and hefty onboard spending credits. Azamara Club Cruises, for example, is trying to entice prospective passengers with 50% off published rates, air credits and pre-booked shore excursions. The uncertainty in global markets, the ongoing sovereign debt crisis in Europe and the potential for more civil unrest in certain destinations have led to most cruise lines not wanting to predict the path of the industry in 2012. However, positive news comes from the 2012 Alaska cruise season. Following a very successful 2011 season, Alaskan cruises for summer 2012 are good but with more budget-conscious clients. Other encouraging signs for 2012 can be seen in the ambitious renovation projects that both Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Lines are undertaking. Royal Caribbean embarked on the Royal Advantage, an EU€236 (UK£194) million project to bring Oasis-class innovations to more of the line's fleet. The plan which began with upgrades to the Radiance of the Seas last spring and the Splendour of the Seas in November will extend to the Rhapsody of the Seas next March, the Grandeur of the Seas in May and the Serenade of the Seas in November. The revamps will continue in 2013 and 2014, when revitalisations will take place aboard 7 more of the line's vessels. Carnival in 2012 will continue to expand its Fun Ship 2.0 project, an EU€393 (UK£324) million programme to enhance 16 ships. Intended to „transform the Carnival vacation experience‟ through partnerships and new branded spaces, the line partnered with several big names for onboard branding.

TORONTO DESTINED FOR LUXURY Toronto is quickly

becoming the capital of luxury travel in Canada, bolstered by the opening of a string of 5* hotels. The city has traditionally attracted a business-orientated tourism market, but with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto and the Hotel Le Germain Toronto in 2011, tourism officials are confident that the city is becoming a top destination for leisure travellers as well. The city will also receive an injection of new luxury hotels next year, with the Trump International Hotel & Tower, Toronto scheduled to open in 2012, as well as the Shangri-La Toronto. Toronto has been enjoying an average occupancy of 89% in its hotels this year. Toronto is often a stopover city, but to combat this Toronto Tourism are promoting Toronto and Niagara Falls as a dual trip. Other tourist attractions have also been planned like the famous CN Tower with its EdgeWalk - a hands-free, harnessed walk encircling the tower‟s dome at a height of 1,168 feet. It will be among Toronto‟s - if not the world‟s - greatest attractions.


Frankfurt, Germany

Tourism

News

RUSSIA UNVEILS PLANS FOR

SPACE TRAVEL Russian companies

have revealed ambitious plans for space travel within the next few years that includes a space hotel, sightseeing flights and luxury tours

to the dark side of the moon. At the annual air show MAKS-2011 International Aviation and Space Show in Zhukovsky, near Moscow, Russia-based companies revealed their plans. Orbital Technologies showed plans for a new space hotel that will accommodate up to 7 people in 4 cabins. RKK Energia continued with its plans to replace the current NASA space shuttle, while other companies at the show unveiled plans to fly travellers to the dark side of the moon by 2016 and by 2030, to Mars. Space tourism is a real and fast-growing business. Whoever builds the first new spaceship will reap big dividends. Orbital Technologies‟ space hotel is expected to be up and running in as little as 5 years. Passengers will be flown to the hotel via Russian Soyuz rockets; the journey itself will take 2 days. Once aboard the orbiting hotel, or commercial space station as it is known, guests will enjoy spectacular intergalactic views. Each cabin will be kitted out with binoculars, water filters, a kitchen complete with microwave and, due to weightlessness in space guests will sleep in vertical beds attached to the wall. Each cabin will also contain a shower cubical, toilet and washroom. The company has also replaced the freeze-dried packet foods synonymous with past space travel and replaced it with microwavable dinners prepared on Earth. The hotel will be aimed at wealthy individuals and people working for private companies who want to do research in space. The 5-day trip will cost in the region of EU€79,000 (UK£65,000) for hotel accommodation and EU€393,000 (UK£324,000) for the journey.

ROCCO FORTE HOTELS MAKES MIDDLE EASTERN

DEBUT IN ABU DHABI Situated close to Al Bateen

private jet airport and a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, the Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi will cater to all types of traveller. The property offers 7 food and beverage outlets including Blue Bar, a suspended, glass-encased bar with views to the Grand Mosque and overlooking the private jet runway, and the art deco-style Italian restaurant Oro, with an elegant central bar and private dining room. The 2,000sq.m state-of-the-art spa features 15 private treatment rooms and separate men‟s and women‟s indoor pools, and the fitness centre includes separate yoga and Pilates studios. A 25m outdoor pool has a separate child‟s pool area, and Noche, a South American poolside bar. The 281 rooms and suites are a contemporary blend of European and Middle Eastern styles that achieves a warm

and inviting atmosphere, with special extra touches like flat-screen TVs over the bathtubs. The 235sq.m Royal Suite contains a walk-in wardrobe, 2 private terraces, bar, dining/meeting room and library/study. The Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi is the 14th property to join the Rocco Forte Hotels group, which has a strong presence in Europe. The next 4 Rocco Forte hotels will expand the brand‟s presence in the Middle East/Africa region, with properties opening in Jeddah (2013), Cairo (2014), Luxor (2014) and Marrakech (2014).

BRAZIL AND CHILE AIRLINE MERGER TO GO

AHEAD Two of South America‟s largest airlines are to

merge after a year of discussions, creating the largest passenger air service in the region. Chile‟s LAN and Brazil‟s TAM airlines will merge at the beginning of 2012, making the newly created Lantam Airline Group the largest carrier in South America and 10th largest in the world. Within the agreement, the two airlines have been given 11 conditions to which they must conform, ensuring the South American market will stay competitive after the merger. The conditions include allowing other airlines to fly the same routes that are currently dominated by the two airlines. ■






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january 2012 edition

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