Archive for December, 2011

9th Annual iDate Conference

United States Travel and Tourism Exports: October 2011

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that international visitors spent $13.1 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the month of October – nearly $1.6 billion more (13%) than was spent in October 2010. Travel and tourism-related exports have increased, on average, more than $1.5 billion a month in 2011 and are on pace to break the record previously set in 2008 before the onset of global economic slowdown. The Office of Travel and Tourism Industries expects industry-related exports to surpass $152 billion for 2011.

• Travel Receipts: Purchases of travel and tourism-related goods and services by international visitors traveling in the United States totaled $9.9 billion during October, an increase of nearly 12 percent when compared to last year. These goods and services include food, lodging, recreation, gifts, entertainment, local transportation in the United States, and other items incidental to foreign travel.
• Passenger Fare Receipts: When compared to October 2010, U.S. passenger fare exports – fares received by U.S. carriers (and U.S. vessel operators) from international visitors – increased to $3.2 billion for the month (18%).

International visitors have spent an estimated $126.8 billion on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods and services year to date (January through October), an increase of 14 percent when compared to the same period last year.

Americans have spent nearly $91.9 billion abroad year to date (up 8%) – resulting in a $34.9 billion trade surplus for travel and tourism through the first ten months of 2011.

Victoria Azarenka and John Isner arrive at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort for World Tennis Charity Invitation 2012

Hua Hin/ 29 December 2011 – The world’s number three female Tennis player, Victoria Azarenka; and John Isner, a popular American men’s player, have arrived at the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort in the late morning. Both are to play exhibition matches against their respective counterparts the world’s number one, Caroline Wozniacki; and Thai tennis legend, Paradorn srichapan, on January 1^ST, 2012 in the World Tennis Charity Invitation 2012 at the Centennial Park, Hua Hin, Thailand.

Andreas Pfister, the resort’s General Manager, greeted them upon arrival at the resort with Thai-style jasmine hand garlands.

VANCOUVER NAMED TOP CANADIAN DESTINATION BY U.S. TRAVEL AGENTS

Travel Weekly readers once again identify Vancouver as the best city in Canada

Vancouver, BC (December 28, 2011): For the ninth year in a row, readers of U.S. travel trade publication Travel Weekly have voted Vancouver the best destination in Canada.

Every year, Travel Weekly invites its core readership of accredited U.S. travel agents to take part in the publication’s Readers Choice Awards. During a multi-round voting process, ballots are cast for national and international travel suppliers that include airlines, tour operators, cruises, theme parks and destinations, with winners considered to represent the best the industry has to offer. The awards are widely recognized as reflecting the professional opinion of travel agents who are not only avid travellers themselves, but also hear feedback every day from thousands of American consumers. This year’s winners were announced on December 15 at Travel Weekly’s annual Readers Choice Gala in New York. Vancouver has received the award for “Best in Destinations: Canada” for all nine years the awards have been held.

Tourism Vancouver’s Dayna Miller, director of sales, Travel Trade, accepted the award in New York. “We are honoured that travel agents continue to identify Vancouver as the best destination in Canada,” said Miller. “These front-line agents can be extremely influential in their clients’ buying decision, and it’s gratifying to know they hold our city in such high esteem.”

Tourism Vancouver works closely with travel agents to encourage travel to the city from both long-haul and international destinations. The organization’s sales teams regularly meet agents at trade events in the U.S., Europe and the Asia Pacific region to educate them on what Vancouver has to offer. More than 98 percent of agents polled in a Tourism Vancouver survey said they were “very likely” or “likely” to recommend a destination after experiencing it firsthand, which is why the organization also hosts agents in Vancouver on familiarization trips. Travel professionals who aren’t able to visit the city can take part in Tourism Vancouver’s online Vancouver Specialist Program, a self-paced educational tool whose series of interactive modules helps to educate agents and sell the destination more effectively.

“Travel Weekly’s accolade is a great way for Vancouver to end its 125th birthday celebrations this year,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “The city is already renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, and this award shows that we also have some of the best hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions in Canada. We will continue to build on our world-class reputation in the years to come and ensure that Vancouver remains a favoured destination among travellers worldwide.”

Travel Weekly reaches tens of thousands of readers each week, including agents, suppliers and tour operators across North America. The “Best in Destinations: Canada” award is the latest in a list of honours that Vancouver has received over the years; other recent awards include being named one of the world’s most livable cities (The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2011) and top city in the Americas (Mercer’s annual Quality of Living survey, 2011). For a full list of Vancouver’s accolades, see here.

Tourism Vancouver’s focus is on building exceptional customer relationships with meeting planners, travel influencers, travel media and independent tourists. The organization’s brand essence is about “exceeding expectations”.

Emirates doubles Heathrow A380 services

Airline leads the way with more than 2,000 seats added to Heathrow 

DUBAI, U.A.E.,December 2011: Emirates will become by far London Heathrow’s largest A380 operator in 2012 with four of the double decker aircraft to serve the airport daily.

Following last month’s announcement of a third daily A380 flight from 24th January 2012, Emirates will launch a fourth A380 service from 25th March next year.
The deployment means four of Emirates’ five daily Heathrow flights will be served by the A380 – twice as many as any other carrier.

From 24th January 2012, the A380 will operate flight EK029 to London Heathrow – leaving Dubai at 0940hrs and arriving in London at 1330hrs. From 25th March 2012, the double decker also will operate flight EK005, which departs Dubai at 1545hrs and arrives in Heathrow at 2015hrs. Both services are currently flown by a Boeing 777-300ER.

“This demonstrates the beauty of the A380 – its ability to increase our service to our passengers in style, and without adding traffic to London Heathrow’s busy schedule,” said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation. “We would like to acknowledge the support and cooperation of the Heathrow authorities in bringing a fourth A380 to the British capital.”

The Emirates’ A380 first touched down in the UK in December 2008 when it commenced a daily service to Heathrow. In June 2010, a second A380 was introduced on the route and in September last year, the airline inaugurated an A380 service to Manchester – the first time any airline had scheduled the aircraft from a regional airport.

The Emirates’ A380 offers 14 flat-bed First Class Private Suites with electrically operated doors and 76 fully-flat mini-pods in Business Class – all with aisle access – on the upper deck. Downstairs, there are 427 comfortable contoured seats in Economy Class, spread across four separate cabins.

Passengers in all classes have a choice of over 1200 channels of films, television programmes, music and games carried on the ‘ice’ entertainment system.
A personal satellite phone is fitted to each seat, which also carries a seat-back sms and email service, along with seat to seat calling and a “My USB” personal picture viewing facility.

Wi-Fi in the sky begins on 11 Emirates A380s

DUBAI, U.A.E., December 2011: Customers on a growing number of Emirates A380s can now surf, share, email, or tweet their way across the Emirates network as the airline launches Wi-Fi internet connectivity with leading industry service provider, OnAir.

Customers can access the service of the Wi-Fi in the sky onboard their flight using their Wi Fi enabled devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops. All customers have to do is open up their device’s wireless connections, log on to the OnAir network and follow the simple steps to access the internet. As part of a proving phase, customers onboard many A380 flights have been using the service for many months already as the system was installed and activated on the first few A380s last year.

“Emirates recognises that being connected inflight is increasingly important especially on our longer flights. Adding internet access is going to be a vital and ubiquitous part of any inflight experience, just as it is in everyday life on the ground,” said Patrick Brannelly, Vice President Corporate Communications Product, Publishing, Digital and Events. “As a result of our testing, we were able to learn a lot about what people like to do with the internet inflight and are pleased to be able to launch with very affordable pricing options.”

“Emirates has led the way in mobile phone use onboard with 91 aircraft currently allowing the service,” he added.  “We are obviously delighted to launch OnAir Wi-Fi on our A380 Aircraft and we will continue to invest in additional communications products across our entire fleet.”

Wi-Fi services will initially launch on 11 of 19 Emirates A380s currently in-service, with the system due to be installed both now and in the future across the entire fleet of 71 Emirates A380s on order. In addition to Wi-Fi, from mid-2012 all new Emirates A380s will be delivered with a full range of Wi-Fi, mobile phone and mobile data services.

“Emirates is continuously introducing the latest advanced technology to its customers for use on board out fleet. Making inflight connectivity available is a value added service that Emirates customers will highly enjoy; this is particularly true of our A380 fleet, since the aircraft is the epitome of modern airline technology,” added Adel Al Redha, Emirates Executive Vice President, Engineering and Operations. “With the OnAir product onboard, Emirates ensures our passengers will enjoy being connected in the sky on our most advanced aircraft.”

Price plans start at just US $7.50 for mobile devices and US $15 on laptops for generous data packages that allow plenty of internet at an accessible price. The US $7.50 package should be sufficient for the average Blackberry user to stay connected all the way from Dubai to Paris – a flight of over six and one half hours.

“The fact that Emirates has chosen OnAir connectivity services for its A380 fleet validates our strategy of developing a SwiftBroadband-based consistent global service. With the significant expansion of the Emirates A380 aircraft and global route network, it is important for passengers to access connectivity services anytime and anywhere,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir.

Top 10 Free iPhone/iPad Meeting Apps of 2011

VANCOUVER, CANADA (December 28th, 2011) – Meeting planners are continuously searching for ways their attendees can become more efficient. Mobile meeting apps have proven to be effective tools in increasing productivity and providing greater mobility. With over 500,000 iPhone/iPad apps available, www.MeetingApps.com simplifies the selection process. Here are the top 10 must-have apps of 2011 for meeting attendees to consider. They’re all free, too!

10. Conference CO2 Calculator
http://meetingapps.com/detail/conference-co2-calculator-iphone-ipod-touch-and-ipad-app-571.html
This app allows you to calculate the carbon costs of flying to and from your next international meeting or conference. It will help you work out which locations for your event might be less harmful to the environment than others, depending on where your delegates are travelling from.

9. iTranslate
http://meetingapps.com/detail/itranslate-iphone-ipod-touch-and-ipad-app-131.html
Attending a meeting in a foreign country and need assistance with directions? By combining voice recognition, machine translation and voice output iTranslate can help you get where you need to be. This app translates words, phrases and even whole sentences into over 50 languages.

8. LucyPhone
http://meetingapps.com/detail/lucyphone-iphone-ipod-touch-and-ipad-app-1221.html
Why wait on hold for Customer Service when you have LucyPhone? Just pick a company to call and give LucyPhone a number to call you back on. LucyPhone waits on hold for you and will call you back immediately and connect you both. Never wait on hold again!

7. Skyscanner
http://meetingapps.com/detail/skyscanner-iphone-ipod-touch-and-ipad-app-1127.html
Ideal for finding a cheap flight, fast. Compare over 600 budget and scheduled airlines in seconds with the free Skyscanner iPhone/iPad app Version 2; saves money, saves time. Buy air tickets direct from airlines or travel agents and get the best deals. It’s simple, independent and finds the lowest fares with a few quick taps, wherever you want to fly.

6. iLeads
http://meetingapps.com/detail/ileads-iphone-ipod-touch-and-ipad-app-337.html
The award winning iLeads is the tradeshow industry’s first mobile app for lead retrieval. It’s the most advanced lead capture app available. Now, you can capture sales leads anywhere, any time – on the tradeshow floor or at an event.

5. CardMunch
http://meetingapps.com/detail/cardmunch-iphone-ipod-touch-and-ipad-app-1220.html
CardMunch converts business cards to address book contacts, and then adds them as connections on LinkedIn. Easily see LinkedIn profile information for your new contacts — and connect with them in a single click.

4. Dropbox
http://meetingapps.com/detail/dropbox-iphone-ipod-touch-and-ipad-app-288.html
Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere. After you install Dropbox on your computer, any file you save to your Dropbox will automatically save to all of your computers, your iPhone and iPad and even the Dropbox website! With the Dropbox app, you can take everything that matters to you on the go.

3. TripDeck
http://meetingapps.com/detail/tripdeck-iphone-ipod-touch-and-ipad-app-1.html
TripDeck is considered one of the best itinerary organizers currently available. Manage hotel reservations, car rentals, flights, cruises, restaurants, meetings and more. It automatically syncs with your TripIt itineraries and gets easy access to check-in times, seat number, confirmation numbers, gate info, baggage claim, notes, integrated airline contact info and more.

2. Evernote
http://meetingapps.com/detail/evernote-iphone-ipod-touch-and-ipad-app-291.html
Evernote turns the iPhone and iPad into an extension of your brain, helping you remember anything and everything that happens in your life. From notes to ideas to snapshots to recordings, put it all into Evernote and watch as it instantly synchronizes from your iPhone to your Mac or Windows desktop.

1. Skype
http://meetingapps.com/detail/skype-iphone-ipod-touch-and-ipad-app-392.html
With a very simple and user-friendly interface, call, video call and instant message anyone else on Skype for free with Skype for your iPhone or iPad.

In search of the silk culture at FITUR 2012

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) will be at FITUR 2012 to promote The Silk Route, which opened the first bridge between East and West and began trade between the empires of China, India, Persia and Rome. This is a chance to follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great or Marco Polo, exploring a rich cultural, artistic and natural heritage.

The Silk Route is one of the most mythic journeys in History, both for its importance to commerce between East and West and because it meant a joining of cultures and knowledge. At FITUR 2012, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) invites travellers to rediscover the immense tourist attractions along this route. The program includes Albania, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Croatia, North Korea, South Korea, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. In total, 12,000 kilometres along a road that represented the encounter between peoples and cultures, and inspired the exchange of ideas, art and knowledge.

Greece – Delphi
Located on the edge of the Orient, Greece played a fundamental role in the silk trade. Delphi, built on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, was considered the centre of the world by the ancient Greeks. According to the Legend, the father of the Gods, Zeus released two eagles to fly from opposite sides of the earth and that they met exactly over this place.

Japan – Nara
Nara, the old capital of Japan, still conserves buildings that demonstrate the importance of the city for The Silk Route: the Todaiji Temple with its Buddha, the largest bronze statue in the world.

China – Xian
The city of Xian was the capital of the Chinese empire over the course of 11 dynasties, and is considered the point of departure for The Silk Route from the Orient. Xian has one of the jewels of world archaeology: it contains the famous terracotta army made in the 2nd century BC to protect the mausoleum of the first emperor, Qin.

Kazakhstan – Almaty
In the city of Almaty, whose apples were famous along The Silk Route, is the Central State Museum. A visit is essential so as to learn about the history of Kazakhstan. One of the most outstanding pieces depicts the looting carried out by the feared Mongol army during the 13th century in one of the cities.

Uzbekistan – Bukhara
As they crossed the desert, the caravans of traders were guided toward Bukhara thanks to its brilliantly decorated minaret, which rose above the Poi Kalian complex. Outstanding here are the turquoise mosque of Kalian, the second largest in Central Asia, and the Kalian madrasah, for generations dedicated to the study of the Koran.

Azerbaijan – Baku
The capital of Azerbaijan was a political, cultural and economic forum besides being an important trading point for the merchants of Genoa, Venice, Russia and Central Asia. Inside the walls of its historic centre, Icheri Sher, can be found the palace of Shirvanshakh or the Mohammed Ibn Abu Bakr mosque.

Georgia – Uplitsixe
Uplitsixe, founded in the 1st century BC, is one of the most impressive cities to have been excavated from rock. It was destroyed by Khulagu, the son of Genghis Khan, but today travellers can still walk through its ancient streets, see its theatre and pharmacy, and imagine what daily life might have been like in that period.

Armenia – Etchmiadzin
Armenia was a key point along The Silk Route. The city of Etchmiadzin has monuments like the cathedral, the oldest church in the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion.

Jordan – Petra
The Nabataens made Petra, in Jordan, not only a spectacular treasure excavated from the rock but a key stopping point along The Silk Route that connected China with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Italy.

Italy – Venice

One of the points of departure or return on The Silk Route in Europe, Venice is the commercial hub par excellence of this journey. It is the city of Marco Polo, one of the first Westerners to travel from Europe to Asia to open this passage.

Little Louie Vega to rock Abu Dhabi

Little Louie Vega – one of America’s top DJs and producers – will rock crowds in the UAE capital as part of Abu Dhabi’s two-week hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race – the gruelling 39,000 mile round the world yacht race, known as the ‘Everest of Sailing’.

One half of the critically-acclaimed duo, Master At Work, the Miami-based artist – who has remixed the likes of Jamiroquai, Madonna and Michael Jackson – will dazzle crowds at the Volvo Ocean Race ‘Destination Village’ on January 5^th 2012. The concert, which starts at 9pm, is free to the public.

Spinning his own unique blend of disco classics, obscurities, and Latin dance floor anthems, both and new, Little Louie Vega will wow fans at the Corniche Destination Village for his one-night only show.

For more information on the Abu Dhabi stopover and to book stunning holiday and travel packages, please visitwww.volvooceanraceabudhabi.com

ADTA plans its biggest overseas promotion campaign yet

ADTA will next year stage it largest ever promotions programme with some 16 exhibitions and eight road shows across 18 countries slated. The programme, which will run from February to November, has been designed in consultation with stakeholders and after reviewing the buyer profile of each exhibition.

The dynamic promotions line-up, which includes first-time participation in the IMEX America business tourism and incentive exhibition and the Riyadh Travel Fair, as well as new-to-market stakeholder road shows in Australia, China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia and the Ukraine, is aimed at supporting ADTA’s 2012 hotel guest target of 2.3 million – a 15% rise on 2011’s target.

In a move to stimulate stakeholder participation, the authority has introduced fee discounts for sharers taking part in the majority of shows.

New Hotel Manager at the Hilton Prague Hotel

Mr. Daniel Habersatter has been appointed the Hotel Manager of Hilton Prague. Daniel succeeded Markus Fritz, who has left Prague to pursue his career as General Manager of Hilton Cape Town in South Africa.

Daniel Habersatter, born in Austria, has been with Hilton Worldwide for more than 8 years and has a wide background of the hotel industry. He has joined the team from Hilton Dresden, where he held the position of Director of Operations.

Daniel gained international experience by working in France, Austria, Germany and the US before joining Hilton in 2003 when he opened the Trader Vic`s Restaurant at the Hilton Berlin as Restaurant Manager. As of 2006, Daniel worked as Operations Manager at the Hilton Bremen.

The new Hotel Manager’s goal is to support the Hilton Worldwide values and strategy to ensure that Hilton Prague remains the preferred hotel for business and leisure guests on the market in Prague and Eastern Europe. He wants to continue to improve the quality of the service and support the team with his knowledge and skills, all in order to increase the overall standards and to exceed guest expectations.

Daniel speaks English, German and French. He is fond of cooking and enjoys golf, workout and gathering with friends.

The Kempinski Hotel attracts and manages young talent for a career in the hospitality business

Kempinski Hotels, Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, is delighted to announce that its popular “Essential! (“E!”) Training Programme” has recently been awarded 1st place in the category “Best People & Talent Management Programme” in the prestigious 2011 Worldwide Hospitality Awards.

The E! Training Programme is designed to meet the training needs of specific positions or departments, and provides employees with a tailor-made training that supports the team onsite. The people management strategy of the Kempinski Hotels aims to build a team of professional, well-trained and dedicated employees, and in order to ensure that it is cultivating key people, alongside the E! Training Programme the hotel group also organises its annual Career Day, an event that focuses on finding and developing talented and motivated employees with a view to keeping them as part of the Kempinski family for as long as possible.

The Kempinski Hotels’ Career Day 2012 will take place in the usual Kempinski Hotel Airport Munich on the 10th March, 2012, from 2:00pm till 6:00pm, and plans to welcome more than 1,000 participants who will, like last year, have the opportunity to meet with the Kempinski’s senior management and more than 60 general managers from all around the world.

From the 1st December, 2011, all students, graduates, alumni, current Kempinski employees and everybody interested can register for Career Day 2012 at http://kempinski.eventbrite.com/. The registration is free of charge.

Employees of the Kempinski Hotel Hybernská Prague have the opportunity to discover their future options and join this unique job fair. In the first running of the Career Day, Marie Bínová from the reservation department of the hotel was offered her desired position at the brand new Kempinski Seychelles Resort in Baie Lazare, where she is now part of the opening team.

Talking about the Kempinski Hotels’ HR policy, Peter Knoll, General Manager of the Kempinski Hotel Hybernska said: “With an ambitious growth strategy such as the Kempinski’s, we need to ensure that we are finding and developing the very best people, so that when we open a new hotel we have already identified Kempinski trained people to work as the opening team. This is exactly what happened with Marie who, having proved exceptional during her training with us here in Prague, is now living her dream!’

For more information about the career opportunities at Kempinski Hotels please visit http://www.kempinski-jobs.com/.

Course Revamped for 2012 Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans

• New downtown start line, increased convenience and parking
• 2-person half-marathon relay, ING KiDS ROCK return
• Registration available at Competitor.com

New Orleans, LA –  2011 – It’s a party on the move, and as the Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Marathon & ½ Marathon benefiting the American Cancer Society returns for a third year, it will debut a revamped course that will increase convenience and improve the experience for both runners and neighbors.

More than 20,000 runners will gather in downtown New Orleans on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at a new start line on Poydras Street. The full and half-marathon will run together for over 12 miles, creating an exciting experience for all participants. Both courses will enjoy the sights along beautiful and historic St. Charles Avenue, running out and back before touring the iconic French Quarter and City Park. In 2012, marathon runners will enjoy even more mileage along Lakeshore Drive and breathtaking views of Lake Ponchartrain as they push through the final miles.

Runners will once again finish on Roosevelt Mall behind the New Orleans Museum of Art, where a finish line festival and post-race concert will cap off the race day celebration.

“The downtown start line will be much more convenient for out-of-town visitors staying in hotels and will provide more parking options for all runners,” said Doug Thurston, Operations Director. “We also worked to reduce community impact along the course and more effectively utilize our volunteers and course support.”

A two-person half-marathon relay is also available for runners looking for an introduction to distance running or a chance to share the race with a friend or family member. The first runner will take on approximately 8 miles before exchanging the baton with their partner, who will finish off the final 5 miles. Registration is limited to 500 teams and is available online at Competitor.com.

Kids have the chance to get fit and have fun at ING KiDS ROCK New Orleans on Saturday, March 3^rd. The non-timed, non-competitive  fun run for kids in grades K-7 will take place in City Park and all participants receive a T-shirt, goodie bag and finisher’s medal. Registration and more information can be found online at INGKiDSROCK.com.

Race weekend will kick off with the Health & Fitness Expo at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. The expo is free and open to the public on Friday, March 2^nd and Saturday, March 3rd. More than 60 exhibitors and retailers will feature the latest health and nutrition information with a variety of products for sale and sample as well as free fitness related clinics.

For more information on the Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Marathon & ½ Marathon benefiting the American Cancer Society, please visit Competitor.com.

What’s New in New Orleans’ Hospitality Industry – A QUICK LOOK AHEAD to 2012

2011 has proven to be a prosperous and successful time in New Orleans’ tourism industry, hosting major events and record-breaking festivals and conventions. In the first half of 2011, New Orleans welcomed 4.8 million visitors who spent $3.1 billion. Mardi Gras attendance exceeded one million revelers, French Quarter Festival brought in more visitors than ever before in its 28 year history and several groups, including the International Workboat Show, hit record-breaking attendance levels.

New Orleans landmarks such as the Hotel Monteleone and the New Orleans Museum of Art celebrated monumental anniversaries, and the city welcomed back the Hyatt New Orleans Regency Hotel after a $275 million revitalization.

In June, the RTA officially began construction on New Orleans’ first new streetcar line since 2004, and in November New Orleans welcomed major cruise ships to the city, including Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, the largest cruise ship to call New Orleans its homeport.

The recently-branded Mercedes-Benz Superdome transformed after another $85 million in renovations, and continues to welcome sports fans to the city through Champions Square, club XLIV and the newly-installed LED light system that illuminates New Orleans’ skyline every night.

With these improvements and the recently-opened Concourse D at the Louis Armstrong International Airport, which provides visitors with a fresh and welcoming gateway to the city, New Orleans prepares for major sporting events in 2012, including the BCS National Championship, NCAA Men’s Final Four and culminating with Super Bowl XLVII and the NCAA Women’s Final Four in 2013. This is an unprecedented time in New Orleans city that will bring in more than $1 billion in economic impact over the next two years. In the spring of 2012, New Orleans welcoming the Society of Government Meeting Planners, Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association and celebrating the Louisiana’s Bicentennial.

2011 YEAR IN REVIEW

• New Orleans hosted 4.8 million visitors in the first half of 2011, an increase of 7.7% over the same period in 2010. These visitors spent a total of $3.1 billion, a boost of more than 10 percent over January – June 2010.
• Founded in 1886, the historic Hotel Monteleone celebrated 125 years of hospitality in the French Quarter.
• The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) celebrated its centennial in 2011. NOMA, located in City Park, houses more than 30,000 art objects encompassing 4,000 years of world art.
• More than one million revelers, including thousands of Spring Break travelers, celebrated Mardi Gras 2011 in New Orleans. With parades culminating on Fat Tuesday, March 8, New Orleans area hotels and the CVB reported a virtually sold-out Mardi Gras weekend, and one of the largest festivities the city has seen in 25 years.

• On March 11, the New Orleans VooDoo kicked off their season with the Arena Football League at the New Orleans Arena, marking the return of New Orleans’ AFL team.
• New Orleans City Park continues to make massive improvements to the 1,300 acre park. The City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center opened in late March and features 16 hard and 10 clay courts and a clubhouse with a pro shop, showers and a meeting room.
• On April 7-10, French Quarter Festival presented by Capital One Bank celebrated its 28^th anniversary with a record-breaking crowd of nearly 533,000 festival-goers over the four-day weekend.
• The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell showcased seven-days of music April 29-May 1 and May 5-8. More than 400,000 Jazz Fest goers flocked to the Fair Grounds for the internationally renowned festival.
• Chef Stephen Stryjewski of Cochon was named the winner of the 2011 James Beard Awards’ Best Chef: South category on May 9 in New York City. New Orleans Chefs Tory McPhail (Commander’s Palace), Stephen Stryjewski and John Harris (Lilette) were three of five finalists nominated for this award.
• The National World War II Museum achieved another milestone in its ongoing $300 million expansion project when the museum unveiled the $3 million John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion on June 4.
• Grammy Award and Billboard Award-winning trumpeter Irvin Mayfield, in partnership with the JW Marriott, opened the doors to Irvin Mayfield’s I Club in July 2011.
• Stephen Perry, President and CEO of the New Orleans CVB, was appointed by Governor Bobby Jindalto the Louisiana State University (LSU) Board of Supervisors. The goal of the LSU Board of Supervisors is to provide leadership and support for the LSU System.
• The $47 million New Orleans BioInnovation Center opened its doors in September to a new generation of innovators. Situated between the medical district and the downtown business district, the Center offers 66,000 square feet of state of the art wet-lab, office and conference space.
• New Orleans welcomed more than 100 cast and crew members from The Addams Family to prepare for a tour that played in more than 30 cities across the United States and Canada. The musical comedy was the first Broadway production to launch a major, national tour in New Orleans. The Addams Familyshowcased its 10-performance run at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre September 15-24. Broadway Across America continued its season in New Orleans with Rock of Ages (Nov. 1-6) and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific (Nov. 29-Dec. 4). Next up is Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Dec. 20-24), Blue Man Group ( Jan. 31-Feb. 5, 2012) and Disney’s The Lion King (March 14-April 15, 2012).
• On October 4, Governor Bobby Jindal joined Saints Owner Tom Benson and Ernst Leib, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA to announce a 10-year agreement reached between the NFL Saints and Mercedes-Benz USA to name the recently renovated New Orleans Superdome, the “Mercedes-Benz Superdome.”The facility has completed an $85 million renovation; part of an overall $336 million renovation that has been taking place since 2006.
• The Hyatt Regency New Orleans celebrated its grand re-opening on October 19, after a $275 million revitalization. Changes begin at the hotel’s front door, which has been reconfigured and moved to Loyola Avenue. The hotel offers 1,193 contemporary guest rooms, new dining options, and 200,000 square feet of meeting and special event space, including two new 25,000-square-foot ballrooms and Borgne, a restaurant by Chef John Besh. With the opening of the Hyatt, New Orleans’ hotel room count stands at 36,993.
• Prospect.2 New Orleans, the second edition of the international contemporary art biennial held in New Orleans, is showcasing works of artists from nine countries at locations across the city October 22, 2011-January 29, 2012.
• On October 27, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport celebrated the grand opening ofConcourse D. The expansion adds six airline gates, doubling the capacity of the concourse. In total, the project cost an estimated $27 million.
• Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas began docking in New Orleans on November 12, and offers seven-night cruises to the Western Caribbean, accommodating 3,414 guests. This is the largest cruise ship to call New Orleans its homeport. The Carnival Elation began sailing from New Orleans on November 5. The ship is sailing year-round on four- and five-night cruises from New Orleans. As of November 13, the city is also the homeport to the Carnival Conquest.
• The 38^th Annual State Farm Bayou Classic® brought an average 200,000 visitors to New Orleans for the battle between Grambling State University and Southern University. This year’s festivities included a Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Battle of the Bands and Game Day on November 26 when Grambling defeated Southern. It is estimated that Bayou Classic events bring in $30 million to the city.
• New Orleans is preparing for several major bowl games. On December 17, the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl will kick off in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and features the University of Louisiana at Lafayette vs. San Diego State University. Next up, on January 3, Virginia Tech takes on the University of Michigan for the 78^th Annual Allstate® Sugar Bowl followed by the highly-anticipated match-up between Louisiana State University and the University of Alabama for the Allstate® BCS National Championship on January 9.
• Throughout the month of December, locals and visitors are invited to participate in city-wide events as part of Christmas New Orleans Style. The celebration includes Papa Noel Hotel rates, traditional Reveillon Dinners, Caroling in Jackson Square, Celebration in the Oaks and several events from Canal Street: Home for the Holidays.
• Formerly Hotel Le Cirqueon Lee Circle inthe Warehouse-Arts District, the Hotel Modern New Orleansopens its doors on December 16, as European hotelier Klaus Ortlieb brings his home-away-from-home sensibility to the New Orleans hotel scene. With no check-in desk, guests are greeted with complimentary drinks in the lobby lounge and escorted to one of the 135 comfortable rooms, just as if they were staying at a friend’s guesthouse.
• The Joy Theatre on Canal Street will reopen on December 29 as a live music and entertainment venue following a $5 million renovation.

MAJOR 2011 AWARDS

City Awards

• New Orleans scored high in the Travel + Leisure (T+L) magazine 2011 America’s Favorite Cities survey. Frequent travelers voted New Orleans as the number one destination for live music/concerts and bands, wild weekends, cocktail hour, singles/bar scene, fine-dining restaurants, friendliest people, cafés, antique stores, flea markets and people-watching. T+L also found that New Orleanians are most proud of their city compared to residents of the other 34 cities in the survey.
• Under30CEO named New Orleans number one on the list of Top 10 Cities for Young Entrepreneurs 2011, October 2011
• New Orleans was listed asa top food and wine destination in TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, October 10,2011
• Bleacher Report named New Orleans the “Best NFL City to Party In,” October 2011
• New Orleans ranked number three on TripAdvisor’s® inaugural TripIndex, a cost comparison of 15 hotspots in the United States, making the city one of the top domestic deal destinations in the country, July 25, 2011
• AAA South Magazine readers named New Orleans: Best large city for a weekend, Best Guys Getaway, Best Girls’ Getaway, June 2011
• New Orleans ranked seventh in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2011 Best Destinations, May 2011
• Travel + Leisure‘s online report named New Orleans’ Garden District as one of America’s Most Beautiful Landmarks, April 2011
• Forbes named New Orleans the number one city in the country for “Brain Gain,” noting that the city gained roughly 36,666 residents with college degrees within the past two years, February 2011
• AOL Travel named New Orleans a top budget destination for 2011, January 2011

CVB Awards

• The New Orleans CVB was once again recognized by its customers, more than 50,000 meeting planners, as one of the top five CVBs in the world with the prominent Gold Service Elite Award for 2011 fromMeetings and Conventions Magazine (M&C).
• Association Conventions and Facilities Magazine, 2011 Distinctive Achievement Awards
• Corporate & Incentive Travel Magazine, 2011 Award of Excellence
• Winner of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Big Apple Award, Crisis Communications, Non-Profit Organizations, for work to combat misperceptions regarding New Orleans travel following the BP Oil Spill, May 2011
• PR Week Magazine’s Crisis Management Campaign of the Year, One of five national finalists for a 2010 Public Relations Campaign, March 2011
• Winner of Successful Meetings’ 2011 PINNACLE Award. This marks the 20^th time the New Orleans CVB was chosen for this honor, January 2011
• Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Award, Gold, for a 2010 Public Relations Campaign, January 2011
• HSMAI Adrian Award, Silver (2) fortwo 2010 Public Relations Campaigns, January 2011
• New Orleans CVB VP of Communications and Public Relations Kelly Schulz named one of HSMAI’s 2010 “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing”, January 2011

A QUICK LOOK AHEAD to 2012

Hotels

• On January 28, 2012, The Saint Hotel will officially open its doors following a $45 million purchase and transformation. The Saint, located in the historic Audubon Building on Canal Street, will include 166 modern guest rooms; Sweet Olive, a restaurant by Chef Michael Stoltzfus; the Burgundy Bar and the Halo Rooftop Bar.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

• The Historic New Orleans Collection is featuring “The 18^th Star: Treasures from 200 Years of Louisiana Statehood.” The exhibit will be on view through January 29, 2012. To also celebrateLouisiana‘s bicentennial, the US Navy and OpSail will bring the Tall Ships of the world to New Orleans April 17-23 where the public will be invited to view the Tall Ships and Navy Ships.
• New Orleans is home to famous and historical theaters, including the Mahalia Jackson Theatre, which underwent a $27 million renovation and reopened in January 2009. Other major theatre renovations include:
• The lights of the legendary Saenger Theatre marquee shine bright again. The 2,700-seat Canal Street theatre, which originally opened in 1927, will undergo a nearly $40 million restoration and is scheduled for completion in 2012.
• The historic Orpheum Theater began renovations in April and is set to reopen in 2012 following a restoration. The theater, which was home to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Restaurants

• World-renowned chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto have announced their partnership and the formation of Home on the Range: Folse Tramonto Restaurant Development, LLC, in which their first joint venture will be Restaurant R’evolution. The restaurant is scheduled to open in the Royal Sonesta Hotel in 2012 and will offer contemporary Creole cuisine.

Sports

New Orleans will host the following major sporting events from 2011-2013: Allstate Sugar Bowl – Jan. 3, 2012
BCS Championship Game – Jan. 9, 2012
SEC Basketball Championship – March 8-11, 2012
NCAA Men’s Final Four Basketball Championship – March 31 & April 2, 2012
ArenaBowl XXV – Aug. 10, 2012
Super Bowl XLVII – Feb. 3, 2013
NCAA Women’s Final Four – April 7 & 9, 2013

• NOLA Motorsports Park is in the final stages of construction with full operations planned for late winter 2011/early spring 2012. The 640-acre facility houses several world-class driving venues: two road courses of more than 2.7 miles each, a 30-acre kart facility and an autocross pad. Located in Avondale, just 20 minutes from the central business district, the park is unique among major motorsports facilities and is designed as a multi-purpose events facility with motorsports activities. Food services will be provided by local chef Scott Boswell, proprietor of award-winning restaurants Stella! and Stanley.

  2012 Festivals

• Zulu Lundi Gras Festival/Feb. 20
• 25th Annual Lundi Gras at Spanish Plaza with Rex/Feb. 20
• Mardi Gras Day/Feb. 21
• Soul Fest/March TBD
• Spring Fiesta/March 23-April 1
• Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival/March 21-25
• Congo Square/New World Rhythms Festival/March 24-25
• Louisiana Oyster Jubilee/March 10
• New Orleans Roadfood Festival/March 23-25
• French Quarter Festival/April 12-15
• New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Presented by Shell/April 27-May 6
• Mid City Bayou Boogaloo/May 18-20
• New Orleans Wine and Food Experience/May 22-26
• Greek Festival/May 25-27
• New Orleans Oyster Festival/June TBD
• New Orleans Vieux-to-Do/June 8-10
• ESSENCE Music Festival/July 6-8
• San Fermin in Nueva Orleans/July 13-15
• Tales of the Cocktail/July 25-29
• COOLinary New Orleans/Aug. 1-31
• Satchmo SummerFest/Aug. 2-5
• Whitney White Linen Night/Aug. 4
• Dirty Linen Night/Aug. 11
• New Orleans Red Dress Run/Aug. 11
• Southern Decadence Festival/Aug. 29-Sept. 3
• New Orleans Seafood Festival/Sept. TBD
• New Orleans Burlesque Festival/Sept. TBD
• Gretna Heritage Festival/Oct. TBD
• Art for Arts’ Sake/Oct. 6
• Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival/Oct. 12-14
• New Orleans on Tap/October 2012
• New Orleans Film Festival/Oct. TBD
• Voodoo Music Experience/Oct. 26-28
• Louisiana Swamp Festival/Nov. TBD
• New Orleans Fringe Festival/Nov. TBD
• Words and Music Literary Festival/Nov. TBD
• Oak Street Poboy Festival/Nov. TBD
• Christmas New Orleans Style/December

Meetings and Conventions

• The Great Hall of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center debuts in January 2013. The Convention Center will now feature a 60,300 square foot divisible Great Hall, 25,400 square foot multi-use pre-function space, and includes hotel-like appointments throughout. The impressive 1.1 million square foot Center is now more attractive than ever to groups large and small. Additional features of note will include a 4,660 square foot junior ballroom, complete with a 3,420 square foot rooftop terrace, a 980 square foot indoor balcony and a 5,700 square foot executive club lounge.

Meetings (3,000 or more in attendance) in 2012 include:

• Professional Photographers of America/Jan. 15-17
• SAP Global Marketing, Inc./Jan. 17-20
• American Rental Association/Feb. 5-8
• UBM LLC (Formerly United Business Media)/Feb. 14-17
• Vacuum & Sewing Dealers Association/Feb. 27-29
• Realogy Corporation/Feb. 29-March 6
• American Pharmacists Association/March 9-12
• Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses/March 24-29
• New Orleans Dental Conference/April 12-14
• American College of Physicians/April 17-21
• American Academy of Neurology           /April 21-28
• Oncology Nursing Society/May 3-6
• Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association/May 7-9
• American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine/May 30-June 1
• International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association/June 10-12
• Southern Baptist Convention/June 19-20
• National Association of Black Journalists/June 20-24
• Kiwanis International/June 28-July 1
• Evangelical Free Church of America/July 1-6
• Southern Regional Education Board/July 10-13
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America/July 18-22
• National Medical Association/July 28-Aug. 1
• US Department Of Education/July 31-Aug. 2
• Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith/Aug. 3-8
• Pentecostal Assemblies of the World/Aug. 5-11
• Louisiana Restaurant Association/Aug. 11-13
• Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles/Mystic Shrine/Aug. 17-23
• American Political Science Association/Aug. 30-Sept. 2
• AARP/Sept. 20-22
• Water Environment Federation/Sept. 29-Oct. 3
• International Auto Body Congress and Expo/Oct. 10-13
• Society for Neuroscience            /Oct. 13-17
• American Academy of Pediatrics/Oct. 20-23
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons/Oct. 26-30
• EMS Expo, Inc./Oct. 29-Nov. 2
• International Pool Spa Patio Expo/Nov. 6-8
• American Association for Respiratory Care/Nov. 10-13
• American Assn for the Advancement of Slavic Studies/Nov. 15-18
• Diversified Business Communications/Dec. 5-7

Airport

• In total, $300 million worth of modernization projects are underway at New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport. Following the completion of Concourse D, the Airport is continuing to focusing on the new consolidated rental car facility, which will greatly increase capacity to accommodate current needs and anticipated growth over the next 15 years, increasing capacity from 800 cars to approximately 1,800 cars in a three-story structure, which will include rental car company counters and offices.Additional airport upgrades include free WiFi, refurbished restrooms, a new aircraft rescue and fire fighting station and plans for a storm-proof power and water facility.

Additional flights in 2012 include:

• Southwest Airlines (Additional direct flight to Baltimore-Washington International) beginning February 2012
• Southwest Airlines (Additional direct flight to Chicago-Midway) beginning February 2012
• Southwest Airlines (Additional departure to Las Vegas) beginning February 2012
• Delta Airlines (Additional daily departure to New York JFK) beginning June 2012

  TOURISM INDUSTRY STATISTICS AT A GLANCE

• January-June 2011: 4.8 million visitors/$3.1 billion
• 2010: 8.3 million visitors/$5.3 billion (highest visitor spending in city’s history)
• 2009: 7.5 million visitors/$4.2 billion visitor spending
• 2008: 7.6 million/$5.1 billion
• 2007: 7.1 million/$4.8 billion
• 2006:  3.7 million/$2.8 billion
• 2005: July-December  stats not available
• 2005: January-June: 5.3 million/$2.6 billion
• 2004: 10.1 million/$4.9 billion
• 2003: 8.5 million/$4.5 billion
• Taxes: $250-300 million in tax revenues … more than any other business sector
• Economic impact of tourism: $5 billion
• Employment: Nearly 70,000
• Hotels: 263 and 36,993 hotel rooms
• Restaurants: 1,236 (www.nomenu.com)
• Airport: As of  December 2011; 14,371 daily seats and 116 daily operations serving 37 destinations

New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau Names 2012 Board of Directors

Fred Sawyers of Hilton New Orleans Hotels to serve as Chairman of the Board

NEW ORLEANS (Dec.  2011)- The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has inducted its 2012 Board of Directors. This esteemed group of business leaders provides the strategic direction for New Orleans’ $5 billion tourism industry and advances the interests of the CVB’s 1,000 members. Fred Sawyers, Complex General Manager, Hilton New Orleans Hotels, will serve as Chairman of the Board.

Mr. Sawyers graduated from Stanford University, and then completed the International Institute for Management Development Program. Prior to New Orleans, he spent seven years in Portland, Oregon, managing the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia River/Jantzen Beach. He is Treasurer of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and is past Chairman of the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association. A veteran of more than 26 years in the hotel business, Sawyers is currently the complex general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans in addition to general manager of the 1,622-room Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

The 2012 Board of Directors Executive Committee:

• Fred Sawyers, Complex General Manager, Hilton New Orleans Hotels (Chairman)
• Bill McCreary, Area Managing Director, Starwood Hotels & Resorts (Past Chair)
• Gregory Rusovich, CEO, Transoceanic Trading & Development (Chair Elect)
• Amy Reimer, General Manager, International House Hotel (Secretary)
• Steve Pettus, Managing Partner, Dickie Brennan & Company (Treasurer)
• Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute (Chairman-Strategic Planning Committee)
• Doug Thornton, LSED/SMG-Mercedes-Benz Superdome (Chairman-Audit Committee)

At Large:

• Iftikhar Ahmad, New Orleans International Airport
• Darryl Berger, The Berger Company
• Bob Brown, New Orleans Business Council
• Katy Casbarian, Arnaud’s Restaurant
• Aaron Dirks, Limousine Livery
• Martin Driskell, Hotel & Lodging Association
• Terry Epton, Global Hosts Alliance
• Bonnie Helmker, Freeman Company
• Ronald Markham, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
• Melvin Rodrigue, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
• Michael Smith, Hyatt Regency Hotel
• Steve Woodruff, Commander’s Palace Restaurant
• Bonnie Boyd, BBC Destination Management
• Steve Caputo, Hotel Monteleone
• Susan Taylor, New Orleans Museum of Art
• David Villarrubia, Degas House

Honorary Positions
•· Eric Granderson, Council President, City of New Orleans – Councilmember-at-Large
•· Stacy Head, Councilmember, City of New Orleans – District B
•· Kristin Palmer, Councilmember, City of New Orleans – District C

A nominating committee identified and selected board candidates based on their industry knowledge, experience and diversity. The slate was elected by the CVB’s membership at the Annual Business Meeting held on December 13, 2011. In addition to hotels, restaurants, attractions, transportation and cultural economy-related businesses, the board includes leaders from the New Orleans Business Council, the Convention Center and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Andrew Waller Appointed President Europe, Middle East, Africa and Global Partners Network for Carlson Wagonlit Travel

AMSTERDAM, December 20, 2011 – Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), a global leader specialized in business travel and meetings and events management, announced that Andrew Waller, currently Executive Vice President United Kingdom, Ireland and the Mediterranean (Spain, Italy, Egypt, Greece and Morocco), is appointed President CWT Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and Global Partners Network, effective January 1, 2012. Waller succeeds Håkan Ericsson who is appointed President CWT North America and Latin America.

Waller, a British national, will become a member of the CWT Executive Team and will report to Douglas Anderson, CWT President and CEO.

Waller joined CWT in 2005 as Executive Vice President UK. Responsibility for Ireland was added to his role in 2008 after he led the acquisition of CWT’s Irish partner agency, Executive Travel. He has recently taken responsibility for the Mediterranean region.

“Under Andrew’s leadership, his team has delivered impressive results for our customers and for the business. I am confident that with his experience and drive, he will lead the EMEA region with the same passion,” said Douglas Anderson.

Prior to joining CWT, Waller was Managing Director of Silverstone circuits and led the promotion of the Formula One British Grand Prix. Before that he held senior management positions with Walt Disney Theme Parks and Resorts UK, Norwegian Cruise Lines, British Airways and Hertz.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Announces First Hotel in Austria

CHEVY CHASE, Md.- December 2011 – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., a leader in luxury hospitality, has announced plans to continue its global expansion with the brand’s first hotel in the capital city of Vienna. The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna is owned by an investor represented by Verny Capital. Earlier this year, they also completed the acquisition of The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow.

The 202-room hotel is located on Schubertring, the historic and famous site of numerous monumental buildings built during 1860 to 1890. Home of the Vienna State Opera and the Museum of Fine Arts, Vienna is well known for its essential role as a leading European Classical Music Centre.

The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna is located in two 19th century palaces which are listed as culturally protected properties in Austria. The location is among the most desirable locations in the city for a luxury hotel.

G Adventures reports a 15 per cent increase in Polar Expedition Cruise bookings

G Adventures reports a 15 per cent increase in bookings for its Antarctica programs in 2011-12 in part due to the build up of the 100th anniversary of British Captain Robert F. Scott’s heroic expedition to the South Pole to be commemorated in January. Together with the successful airing in the UK and Australia of Frozen Planet, the nature documentary of Earth’s polar regions co-produced by the BBC, the Discovery Channel and The Open University, demand for these amazing regions has been steadily climbing.

Now the seven-part series, which focuses on life and the environment in both Antarctica and the Arctic, is coming to televisions across North America. Set to premiere on the Discovery Channel on Sunday, March 18th, the tour operator expects already brisk sales to continue their record growth and is encouraging travellers to book early to avoid the disappointment of sold out departure dates in 2012-13.

“The success of Frozen Planet illustrates the high level of interest in seeing some of our planet’s most amazing sights and wildlife and what is being done to protect this fragile environment,” says Bruce Poon Tip, G Adventures’ founder. “The series will spark a desire in many to go beyond HD and see for themselves what few travellers have been fortunate enough to explore. And they will be forever changed by the experience.”

G Adventures presents a diverse portfolio of Polar Expeditions for 2012 aboard the company-owned, small ship M/S Expedition. The company offers a number of different itineraries to suit varied budgets and possible time constraints in both Antarctica (travel November and March) and the Arctic (departures offered June through September) and all G Adventures Polar programs include the Expedition’s expert guides and lecturers who provide their insights and bring these amazing regions to life. For the traveller seeking a unique way to experience the region, G Adventures offers kayaking in both Antarctica and the Arctic and camping in Antarctica. In addition, pre and post-cruise hotel and flight add-ons are tailored to customize your vacation and extend your adventure.

Some highlights to expect on G’s 13-day Antarctica Classic tour include up-close encounters with leopard seals and immense rookeries of penguins. The 8-day Realm of the Polar Bear tour is the place to spot orca and humpback whales; and with G Adventures’ exclusive 100% Bear-antee if clients can’t spot a polar bear, every passenger on board will be credited the value of their cruise to put toward a future M/S Expedition Arctic cruise.

ABTA Publishes 2012 Travel Trends Report

ABTA – The Travel Association, today released its Travel Trends Report 2012, developed in association with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, predicting that holidaymakers will be seeking value for money but not necessarily the cheapest holiday. While the mid-market is expected to be squeezed, holidays that offer an authentic or specialist experience, and luxury and all-inclusive breaks, are all set to be popular.

Mark Tanzer ABTA Chief Executive said: “2011 has been a challenging year but the British public showed resilience when it came to their holidays and we expect a similar picture in 2012. The squeeze on household spending looks set to continue and this is likely to see holidaymakers become more discerning about where they spend their money and what they get for it. This presents a good opportunity for travel companies to offer tailored, specialist and authentic experiences, as well as all-inclusive packages for the budget conscious, that provide great value for money.”

Some key trends ABTA has identified:

• Growth in demand for specialist holidays. Cruising, adventure, exploration, learning and activity holidays are all expected to do well in 2012 as holidaymakers seek new experiences underpinned by value for money. Holidaymakers are also expected to seek out destinations that have a strong and authentic sense of location, in everything from food and setting to excursions and entertainment.

• Luxury and budget breaks expected to perform well. With the mid-market coming under the greatest pressure from reductions in household spending, strongest demand is expected to come from the budget and luxury markets in 2012,

• Baby boomers set to fuel the market. 10%* of over 55s took more than four foreign holidays in 2011 and this trend is set to continue.

• Changes afoot on the high street. High street bookings had a bit of a comeback in 2011; while consolidation saw overall shop numbers decline, bookings were up, with 25% of the public booking their foreign holiday on the high street compared to 17% in 2010*. In 2012 several major travel companies are expanding their high street presence and we can expect to see companies invest in improving the in-store experience.

• Tried and tested destinations likely to be popular. In times of economic uncertainty many people put their faith where they know best. Early booking figures for summer 2012 suggest that destinations such as France, Greece, Italy, Spain and the USA will all prove popular next year.

• More weddings abroad. One in five couples currently marry overseas with an average saving of £12,500 on a UK wedding; with pressures on budgets and a focus on value for money, many more couples are expected to say ‘I do’ abroad in 2012.

In the report ABTA has also identified its “hot destinations” for 2012. A mixture of long, mid and short haul destinations, they give a taste of both holiday favourites and countries offering something different in 2012, including: Jordan; Colombia; Cape Verde and Poland/Ukraine.

Lynda St Cooke from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said:  “If you’re looking for a truly authentic travel experience then reading up on the local laws and customs before you go will help you get the best out of your trip.  If you want to avoid potential pitfalls such as being arrested for something which isn’t illegal back home, being the victim of a local scam, or unwittingly causing offence to the locals, then checking out Foreign Office travel advice in advance is strongly recommended. Holidaymakers faced a number of issues in 2011 – from natural disasters to significant political events. We can’t always predict when crises will happen which is why British travellers need to be prepared for every eventuality when they go overseas -  taking out travel insurance and telling someone back home exactly where you’re going is a good start.”

*ABTA Consumer Trends survey 2011

World Diabetes Congress breaks records in Dubai

DUBAI, U.A.E., December 2011: The recent World Diabetes Congress held in Dubai has recorded its highest attendance in history. Organized by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) together with Congress Solutions International (CSI) as their local PCO, the Congress which ran from 4 – 8 December at Dubai World Trade Centre, was the largest congress held in Dubai to date, attracting over 15,000 delegates and 300 journalists from over 100 countries around the world, an increase of 25 per cent from the last congress in Montreal.

The mega-congress which was opened by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the Dubai Healthy Authority, also witnessed record exhibition and sponsorship sales and a leading scientific programme.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) organized the event and mandated Congress Solutions International (CSI) as their local PCO, who managed important local logistics items such as housing, social programmes and local MENA exhibition and sponsorship sales as well as production of marketing materials.
“The overwhelming success of the World Diabetes Congress in an ample showcase to the world that Dubai and CSI is ready to take on congresses of any size and irrespective of industry sector, and as a result Dubai has been recognized as one of the world’s leading association meeting destinations. With this stellar example and working with Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Convention Bureau, we will continue to submit bids to leading global associations that have not yet ventured into the region”, commented Alexandre Lolliot, Manager of Congress Solutions International.

The UAE has the second highest prevalence of diabetes globally, with one in five people now living with the disease. Holding the World Diabetes Congress in Dubai provided the perfect opportunity to add a strong political dimension and increase representation of government and civil society from the region, while in a city that has the state of the art infrastructure and facilities to support an event of this scale.
“We have been impressed with the way that Dubai as a destination has responded to our needs and exceeded our expectations in terms of infrastructure and services,” said Luc Hendrickx, Director of Congresses and Governance for IDF. “The World Diabetes Congress in Dubai has been a huge success. The scientific and medical interests of the congress and media exposure have reinforced awareness and understanding of the burden of diabetes in the region. There is every indication that diabetes prevention and care are very much at the centre of the government agenda. The International Diabetes Federation is confident that the congress will leave a lasting legacy and the UAE will join the rest of the world in implementing and monitoring of evidence-based policy and planning emerging from the United Nations Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases..”

Kaliningrad plans to attract the tourists by castles and fortresses

Kaliningrad authorities decided to use old forts, castles, bastions, ravelins and other defensive installation in the territory of the region with tourist purpose.

It’s planning to create an interactive museum in fort Stein and to open hotel, restaurant, craftsmen studio and expo centres in fort of King Friedrich III.

At the same time, the majority of 63 monuments of fortification architecture of XIII-XX centuries are under the threat of collapse. However, many of the buildings will be reconstructed in the nearest future. 166.9 million rubles will be allocated from the federal and regional budgets for restoration of the fortresses, writes Rossiyskaya gazeta.

Besides, it’s planning to reconstruct historical centre of former Koenigsbergand restore some Gothic castles in 10 years. www.atorus.ru

THAI Launches Biofuels Flight and First Biofuels Passenger Flight in Asia through Travel Green Initiative

Thai Airways International (THAI) is set to be the first airline in Asia to fly a commercial passenger flight using biofuels, to support the Company’s Travel Green initiative as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, President of THAI, said that under the Environmental and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, or “Travel Green,” THAI has developed an important project on sustainability, in line with His Majesty the King’s vision on renewable energy.  In raising environmental awareness and the effects of global warming THAI, as the national carrier, has opted to operate a commercial flight using biofuel renewable energy as one way to help in the reduction of carbon dioxide.  THAI hopes that its support and participation in using biofuels will encourage other carriers in the region to choose biofuel renewable energy over fossil fuels.

To reach sustained production of biofuels for aviation in Thailand, THAI will bring together organizations and businesses such as petroleum producers, research firms, educational institutions, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and different government bodies affiliated with the aviation industry to take part in the development.  This project called “Sustainable Biofuels Development for Aviation Industry” aims to create both demand and supply, through clear national policies on biofuels, which can help to generate revenue in the agricultural sector.  An important outcome is the potential for greater cooperation among the different aviation bodies at the national level for sound support and policies on sustained development of biofuels.

In order to boost awareness and support use of aviation biofuels in Thailand, THAI is operating its “THAI First Flight with Biofuels” TG8421 on 21 December 2011.  This inaugural biofuels flight departs from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 14.00 hours on Boeing 777-200 aircraft, carrying members of the press and representatives from organizations and government functions that support the biofuels project, such as PTT Public Company Limited, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Limited, Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, Rolls Royce, and Boeing.

On 22 December 2011, THAI’s flight TG104 from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, will be the “The First Passenger Biofuels Flight in Asia”.  Revenue from this flight will go towards the development of renewable energy in Thailand.  In an effort to promote environmental awareness among youths, THAI is flying 100 students and teachers on flight TG104 called the “Pah Nong Tong Fah”.

Mr. Saran Rangkasiri, Executive Vice President for the Oil Business Unit, PTT Public Company Limited, said that PTT pioneered the use of renewable energy in Thailand and continuously supports the development of environmentally conscious quality products.  PTT has provided support by obtaining eight tons of aviation biofuels, valued at 2.5 million baht, which was imported from Sky NRG, a leading aviation biofuels agent in the Netherlands.  Sky NRG also arranges aviation biofuels for KLM and Finnair for flights flown within Europe.

Biofuels have been tested by international airlines, including Air New Zealand, Continental Airlines, and KLM, which showed it has the same quality as Jet A-1 traditional petroleum-based fossil fuel.  The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) has certified that biofuels combined with Jet A-1 fuel, at a maximum ratio of 50:50, can be used in place of pure Jet A-1 fuel in accordance with the ASTM D7566 standard.  In order that THAI’s special flight may be “Travel Green,” PTT MCC Biochem Co. Ltd. and PTT Polymer Marketing Co. Ltd. cooperated with plastic producers to manufacture laminated paper cups made from 100% recycled glass that will be introduced for the first time to the business sector in Thailand. This cooperation is an important step for the country to build global confidence and is a sign of readiness to become the “Bio hub of Asia,” complementing PTT’s vision and businesses in the energy sector while maintaining Corporate Social Responsibility for the long term.

Mr. Ralph L. “Skip” Boyce, President of Boeing Southeast Asia, Boeing International Corporation, said that this flight which is part of THAI’s “Sustainable Biofuels Development for Aviation Industry” project is an initiative that brings together different players in the industry; from aircraft to engine manufacturers, research companies, fuel producers, education institutions, government bodies, and the media.  As an aircraft manufacturer, Boeing does more than just bring newer, more efficient products to its customers, such as the significantly more fuel efficient 787 which THAI will operate in the future.  Working together with leading researchers and industries, Boeing is pioneering ways to develop biofuels and is committed to working with industry partners to find the means to a quieter, cleaner, and more cost effective flight experience for airline customers and their passengers.

Wing Commander Prajak Sajjasophon, Managing Director of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Public Company Limited, said that AEROTHAI supports THAI’s biofuels efforts through air traffic control, flight operations plan and design, so that the first biofuels flight runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.  Best practices and expertise in aeronautical radio are implemented based AEROTHAI’s experience with the “THAI Aspire Flight” which was conducted as a “perfect flight” to reduce global warming.  During that flight, the best technology, processes, new flight operations techniques, and carbon dioxide emissions reduction were used to reflect THAI’s “Travel Green” concept.  The following special procedures are used for “THAI’s First Flight with Biofuels,” as follows:

1. Use of “surface optimization,” which is optimum ground handling at the airline that is implemented to decrease delays and reduce fuel waste during takeoff.

2. Use of “continuous climb,” which involves gradual and steady climb, instead of change of height level.

3. Flying “direct routes” or by flying a direct flight path that is within closest proximity.

4. Use of “continuous descent operation” (CDO), which is gradual descent at a regular pace while landing at the airport.  This makes the flight more effective, modern, comfortable, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Flight Lieutenant Anirut Thanombutr, Managing Director of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, said that Airports of Thailand (AOT) administers six primary airports in Thailand, with cares for the environment and society. With regards to reduction of carbon dioxide emissions the AOT has implemented “Green Buildings” in its passenger terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport, using natural light and energy originating from heated water transformed into electricity for cooling purposes. This effectively reduces the use of electricity.  AOT plans to implement “green building” at other airports, such as Phuket International Airport.  AOT has also put into action “Clean & Renewable Energy” whereby ground handling vehicles and airport shuttles are electrically powered to avoid air pollution.  In addition, AOT uses “Hybrid Synergy Airport Limousines”.  “Fixed Electrical Ground Power Supply” system is also used to reduce “Aircraft Auxiliary Unit” in the airport parking bay area, which normally releases a substantial amount of carbon dioxide emission.  Furthermore, some stations use solar-powered energy to generate electricity for equipment and communication tools that is used to measure noise pollution.

THAI is cooperating with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in working towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 5% by the year 2020, and equivalent to zero carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2057.  Currently, the aviation industry releases 2 percent of carbon dioxide in the world, which is not much when compared to other industries.  However, if carbon dioxide emissions are not reduced by 5 percent per year, it will result in a carbon dioxide increase in the environment by 3 percent, or up to 20 million tons per year.

THAI is proud be the first airline in Asia to operate the commercial passenger domestic flight using biofuels, based on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy that focuses on “Travel Green”.

More than 3.8 million people spent holidays in Sochi

Sochi received more than 3.8 million people which visited the city with the purpose of the leisure and wellness.

The Mayor of Sochi Anatoly Pakhomov reminded that there were some worries concerning the successful work of the resorts. “Now we can say with confidence that the worries didn’t come true. This year Sochi has received almost 4 million people. The indicator is almost the same as last year,” said Anatoly Pakhomov.

Pakhomov said the the total volume of the wellness services amounted to 17 billion rubles.

“Sochi is able to hold the rates of the growth of tourist flow and economy even on condition of a considerable reduction of rooms’ capacity due to the reconstruction,” specified the Mayor. www.atorus.ru

The Russians choose Hungary for wellness

According to the Tourism Counsellor Bureau of Hungary, the Russians spent 379 thousand nights in the hotels of Hungary during the period from January to October 2011 (+16.7%).

The total number of the nights of the foreign tourists in Hungarian hotels during 10 months amounted to 7.3 million (+5.9%). The number of the tourists in Hungary during the period from January to October 2011 increased by 7.7% and amounted to 2.8 million people.

The indicator of the visits of spa and wellness hotels has been increasing constantly. The number of the nights in balneology hotels amounted to 879 thousand and 755 thousand nights in wellness hotels (+35.3%).
As for the Russians, they prefer western part of Hungary, such cities and resorts as Sopron, Sarvar, Buk, Zalakaros and others. The share of the nights of the Russians amounted to 6.9% of all the number of the nights during the period from January to October 2011. It allowed Russia to take the 4th place in number of the foreign tourists in this region. At the same time, Russia was the leader in the rates of the growth of the tourist flow and the duration of stay (7.9 nights).

It’s interesting to note, that Hungary is getting more and more popular not only for wellness resorts, but for MICE opportunities as well. atorus.ru

ATOR: The tourist flow increases, but the profitability falls

Association of Tour Operators of Russia held a press conference about the results of the year and the prospects for 2012.

The year of 2011 will be a record-breaking in the growth of the number of the tourist trips, assure the experts. However, the profitability of the mass outbound destinations fells with the increase of the tourist flow. Domestic and inbound tourism demonstrate a restrained growth.

According to the tour operators the tourist flow from Russia to Egypt decreased by 40% in 2011 in comparison with 2010. It happened due to the cancelation of the flights and mass media craze, thinks Gennady Borovikov, the Head of ATOR Analytical Service. At the same time he notes that despite the decrease, Egypt is still one of the most popular destinations for the Russians. It takes the first place in the rating of New Year bookings.

Nevertheless, the revolution seriously affected the statistics. One of the alternative destinations for Egypt became Thailand. According to the Federal State Statistics Service, the tourist flow to Thailand increased by 95% during the first 9 months of the year. However, despite the growth, the profitability of the destination falls.

The same situation was noted for Greece. According to ATOR Analytical Service Greece was the most competitive summer destination of the Russian market. A serious dumping affected the destination: it was possible to buy the tours for 170 Euros. According to the Federal State Statistics Service the number of the Russians in Greece grew for 58% in 2011.

Spain demonstrated a growth of 58.8%. Nevertheless, the profitability was low as well.

Italy had a good demand among the Russians. The increase of the number of the tourists amounted to 28.6%.

The tourist flow to Cyprus increased by 40.5%.

The UAE has become a new trend. The number of the tourists increased by 32-35%. A budget segment of the Emirates was a good alternative for those who planned to go to Egypt. Moreover, the number of the flights from Russian regions increased.

Winter Bulgaria has become an unpleasant surprise for the tour operators. The winter tourist flow decreased by 15-20% in comparison with last year. The operators bear the losses almost the whole year round due to the high completion. The price policy of the hoteliers and air carriers affects the situation as well: Bulgaria is not a budget destination anymore.

As for the domestic tourism, not every Russian can afford traveling throughout the country. The price for the tours throughout Russia is often higher than for the trip to foreign country. Perhaps, the highest growth of the demand showed Altayskiy kray (Belokurikha) which can be interested as a wellness resort. The demand for St. Petersburg has grown as well (+20%). “We expect that Moscow will show a good result next year. The city has been the newsmaker of all mass medias for 6 months”, noted Maya Lomidze, ATOR Executive Director. The number of the tourists in the resorts of Krasnodarskiy kray increased by 15% (according to tour operators’ data).

As for the inbound market, according to the tour operators, the increase amounted to 10% in 2011. It’s interesting to note, that the citizens of Iran became frequent tourists in Russia. Almost all the incoming operators have the tourists from this country during summer season. The Iranians turned out to be very generous tourists.

A considerable growth of the tourist flow to Russia was noted from Asia: China (+53%) and Republic of Korea (+15%). The visa abolition agreement with Turkey favoured the increase of tourist flow from this country (43%).

Moscow City Joined Social Networks

Two new pages in English about Moscow have appeared recently in Facebook and VKontakte. The city authorities plan to spend 2 million rubles(52,000 Euro)  for promoting Moscow in social networks.

Facebook’s page Cheap Trip to Moscow has already got more than 15 thousand “like”. The page promotes budget restaurants like Mu Mu, Elki Palki, Grabli, etc. and gives information about hotels, hostels, shops, tickets to the events and etc. The page will appear in Vkontakte as well.

The second page Business Trip To Moscow has already got 15 thousand subscribers. This page is aimed to attract the businessmen. The page gives the information about the restaurants which are suitable for business meetings and excursion services. The page promotes luxury shops.

Moscow city authorities promise to present several social media pages in Russian as well. Besides, it’s planning to open the pages in Twitter and Vkontakte in Russian and in English. atorus.ru

Central America declares 2012 as the Year of Sustainable Tourism throughout the Region

Southwest, JetBlue and United in The Top 10 Most Followed Airlines on Facebook

BARCELONA, Spain, December 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — eDreams [http://edreams.com ] launches Top 50 Most “Liked” on Facebook chart for airlines

Online travel agency eDreams launched a new page on their travel blog today http://blog.edreams.com, a list of the world’s 50 most popular airlines on Facebook: http://blog.edreams.es/facebook-airlines/

The daily self-updating chart counts the total number of likes on the airlines’ Facebook Pages and displays them in decreasing order on the page. The chart links each Airline to their corresponding Facebook Page. By liking or unliking, users can visualise their impact on the ranking of their favourite airlines.

At the time of writing this press release, the top five most “liked” airlines on Facebook were: Southwest Airlines (LUV), with 1.740.155 likes, followed by Air Asia (AIABF) with 1.318.339 likes and KLM (AFRAF) with 631.795 likes. The third and fourth ranking airlines are Air France (AFLYY) and Lufthansa (DLAKF).

See the ranking at: http://blog.edreams.com/facebook-airlines/

The country with the most representatives in the chart is USA, with three airlines in the top 10 most popular airlines on Facebook (Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and United) and nine representatives in the top 50.

38% of the airlines that are listed in the above mentioned top 50 are European, followed by Asian (24%) and North American (20%) companies.

New General Manager for the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bristol

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Bristol,  has appointed Christopher Peach as the General Manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bristol. Christopher brings managerial experience and a range of other hospitality-related skills to the position.

Christopher has an extensive background in the hospitality industry, spanning 23 years. Having started his career in 1987 as Commis Chef aboard the Queen Elizabeth II cruise liner, he has since held various management positions at different international hotel chains in South Africa, China, Bahrain, UAE, Turkey and Russia.

This new appointment has Christopher returning to his native Britain, where he will manage one of only a few waterfront hotels in Bristol city centre. Though this is the first time Christopher will work at the Hotel Bristol, he isn’t new to Rezidor, having joined the hotel company in February 2011 as Executive Assistant Manager of the Park Inn by Radisson Pribaltiyskaya in St. Petersburg. His role at this Russian hotel was Christopher’s most recent position.

In addition to his experience in the hotel industry, Christopher holds a Diploma as Chef from the Bournemouth and Poole College of Further Education in the UK. Acclaimed as a young chef, Christopher won the regional and national Junior Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs Competition, and represented South Africa in the World Finals in Germany. Among his many additional professional qualifications, Christopher holds a Master in Food Services Management from Cornell University. Though Christopher is filling a management role, and not working as part of the hotel’s food service team, his experience in this field will undoubtedly help him in his position as General Manager.

Summit EU-Ukraine: Visa Liberalization Progresses

Both the EU and Ukraine leaders welcomed the progress in implementing the visa liberalization Action Plan, as reported in the Joint Statement made by the parties of the 15th EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv on December 19. The negotiations on simplification of the visa facilitation procedure had been successfully finalized, according to Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

The representatives of the EU and Ukraine reaffirmed their shared commitment towards visa liberalization between Ukraine and the bloc of 27 countries. It was also noted in the Joint Statement of the summit, that the visa free regime could be introduced after creating the conditions provisioned by the Action Plan, specifically, providing well managed and safe environment for people’s movement. As of today, the parties had already amended the Agreement on visa facilitation as to further simplify issuing visas to Ukrainian citizens.

The European Union was eager to support Ukraine in implementing the Action Plan, however, Ukraine had to fulfill all the respective requirements, according to the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso.

Implementation of the visa free regime was among Ukraine’s priorities, according to Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych. “Introduction of the visa free regime with the EU remains our strategic goal. At this stage the key task is to ensure the implementation of the visa liberalization Action Plan for Ukraine,” commented the President of Ukraine. Broadening the human contacts and removing barriers to free communication was integral for further rapprochement between Ukraine and the EU, he added.

Ukraine was granted the visa liberalization Action Plan at the previous Ukraine-EU summit held on November 22, 2010. The Action Plan provisioned two main stages, namely, legislative work and the following implementation of the legal provisions. At the recent Eastern Partnership summit in Warsaw, the European Union agreed to abolish the “long-term perspective” formula for liberalization of the visa regime for Ukrainian citizens. Notably, Ukraine seeks concrete conditions that would stipulate cancellation of the visa regime.

The advocacy of human dialogue promotion between Ukraine and the EU began in 2006 with the inception of the visa liberalization dialogue. The Visa Liberalization Action Plan for Ukraine toward the establishment of a visa-free regime for short-stay travel was adopted in late 2010.

2012 CONCACAF WOMEN’S OLYMPIC QUALIFYING EVENT COMING TO VANCOUVER

This coming year’s 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament will take place in Vancouver, BC from January 19-29 at BC Place. Canada and seven other CONCACAF nations will fight for two available tickets to the London 2012 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Canada, the reigning CONCACAF women’s champion, FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011 finalist USA, Mexico and Costa Rica are the favourites expected to fight for two CONCACAF spots open to the London 2012 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Those four teams finished first to fourth in the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying last November. Also joining the field in 2012 are Guatemala, Haiti, Cuba and Dominican Republic.

Vancouver Resource Investment Conference

Vancouver Resource Investment Conference at the Vancouver Convention Centre is Cambridge House’s largest annual conference.  This year’s conference will surpass previous year’s numbers with approximately 500 booths on the tradeshow floor representing more than 600 junior resource mining companies.

Two speaking halls along with six workshops will run concurrently over the two-day conference providing investors with up to date information from industry experts.  New this year, will be the launch of Cambridge House’s Investor College. The purpose of the college will be to deliver educational information to the junior or senior investor.  A broadcast centre will also be located at the middle of the trade show floor where live onstage media will record and broadcast at various locations around the conference.

Start: Sun, Jan 22, 2012 07:30 GMT
End: Mon, Jan 23, 2012 17:00 GMT

Vancouver Convention Centre West

Price: Free

The Traders Expo London 2012

Attend and learn expert strategies for pulling profits from the markets

Brussels celebrates 150 years of Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables”

In 2012 it will be 150 years since the publication of “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo. Not in Paris, as is often assumed, but in Brussels. Even the very first theatrical performance of “Les Misérables”, an adaptation of the book by his son Charles, took place in Brussels.

Besides these two premieres of “Les Misérables”, Brussels also played a crucial role in the life and career of Victor Hugo as a writer and thinker. Hugo’s plea for a United States of Europe further cements his connection with Brussels. In those days that idea seemed to refer to a Utopia, but, one and a half centuries later, Brussels is the capital of a unified Europe.

Les Misérables is one of the great classics of world literature. Victor Hugo’s masterpiece is extremely popular to this day, thanks to the musical version and the many film adaptations.

“Les Misérables” has been filmed no less than thirty times, and Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) is currently working on a new film adaptation with a distinguished cast.

On the programme

The 150th birthday of “Les Misérables” will be celebrated with a programme of numerous events, from literary to culinary. One of the first events will be the exhibition ‘Les Misérables 1862-2012’ in the Royal Library of Belgium. Letters, newspapers, caricatures and other valuable historic documents will be exhibited there from 20 January.

From March (the anniversary month), a number of museums will also prominently display documents concerning Victor Hugo. For example, in the Museum of the National Bank of Belgium it can be seen among other things that Victor Hugo was one of the most important shareholders of the National Bank.

A newly set out city walk, which can be taken either individually with the help of a route map, or together with a city guide, follows in the tracks of Victor Hugo through the heart of Brussels. The starting point is the Grote Markt, where Hugo had two residences. It then goes on to some classic locations, such as the cathedral and the Saint Hubert Royal Galleries, but also, for example, to the Belga Queen and some addresses of his lovers.

With Pro Velo you can then follow Victor Hugo by bicycle, for the author of “Les Misérables” has also left traces in Ixelles/Elsene and elsewhere in the city.

Also on the programme: the culinary banquet of “Les Misérables” in the context of Brusselicious, gourmet year. At the time, the publication of “Les Misérables” was such an overwhelming success that Hugo’s publishers in Brussels organised a huge banquet for the city’s most prominent citizens and journalists from all over Europe. True to history, dishes from Hugo’s era will be served up.

In addition, Cinematek will have a special Victor Hugo programme, and Brussels Town Hall will be the backdrop for a large symposium. In the Théâtre Royal du Parc, where Victor Hugo used to attend the theatre and shows, a new version of “Les Misérables” is planned for the autumn.

Numerous other activities are also under preparation.

RYANAIR ANNOUNCES NEW PALMA BASE (NO 49) FOR 2012

Solar Industry’s Future, Trends, Come into Focus at 2012’s Solar Power Generation USA

Las Vegas – Solar Power Generation USA (www.solarpowergenerationusa.com), the award-winning conference on large-scale solar power generation in the US, announced its 2012 lineup of industry-leading speakers, focused streams covering the most critical topics to the industry, and a new emphasis on facilitating networking among attendees.

Named the 2011 “Best American Conference” by the Conference Awards, Solar Power Generation USA (SPG) will feature more than 60 subject matter experts speaking across four dedicated channels: Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), Photovoltaic (PV), Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV), and Operation and Maintenance (O&M). Hundreds of senior-level leaders in project development and finance, solar technologies, policy, utilities and grid connection will decide the future of solar in the US during the SPG event, which runs January 31 through February 2 in Las Vegas.

“We’ve listened to our past attendees and industry experts to create conference streams specifically focused on CSP, PV and CPV, so this year each technology has a forum for discussion, networking, and progress,” said Nadim Chaudhry, Managing Director of Green Power Conferences and Solar Power Generation USA. “Additionally, we recognize the crucial role utility partners play in this industry, which is why we’re once again providing the Utility VIP Pass program to encourage their attendance and drive new projects.”

Agenda highlights include trending topics such as the opportunity for the US to lead the global solar market, the price and value of solar power, working with utilities to meet Renewable Portfolio Standard regulations, and the financial impact of changes to tax incentives. Keynote speakers are from some of the most well-respected organizations in the space, including 8minutenergy, Brightsource Energy, Duke Energy, Element Power, Iberdrola Renewables, La Plata Electric Association, NV Energy, Recurrent Energy, Sempra Generation, Siemens, SOLON, Torresol, and UniSource Energy.

New to the 2012 event, SPG has added a third day to the agenda specifically designed for structured industry networking. The day will feature unique roundtable opportunities during which key stakeholders will meet face to face. Specific topics planned for these sessions range from permitting on federal lands to securing financial investments and closing utility-scale power purchase agreements.

The 2012 Solar Power Generation Awards will also be presented at the show, recognizing outstanding achievement in four categories. Award nominations are now open for Solar Utility of the Year, PV Project of the Year, CSP Project of the Year, and CPV Breakthrough Achievement of the Year. Nominations close January 6, 2012, and can be sent to laura.dinnewell@greenpowerconferences.com.

More information on the 2012 SPG agenda, awards, and registration for utilities and other attendees can be found at www.solarpowergenerationusa.com, by following SPG on Twitter at @SolarPowerGenUS, and by joining the LinkedIn Solar Power Generation USA 2012 group.

Dubai to receive largest cruise ships in the world

Science-2-Business Call now Open

The Call for Proposals for the Science-2-Business programme is now open so don’t miss this opportunity to assume a high-profile role in this innovative programme at ESOF2012.

The Science-2-Business programme will offer delegates the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and contacts necessary to progress along the road from Science to Business.

Whether you are just curious about commercialisation, or deeply committed to transforming your idea into a business innovation, the programme will have something for you. The Science-2-Business Programme will consist of a multi-level set of activities that will include:

• Interactive workshops,
• Advisory booths,
• Business speed-dating opportunities,
• Visits to local incubation centres,
• Vibrant market place buzzing with the anticipation of potential collaboration.

Hilton Worldwide Opens Two New Hotels at Frankfurt Airport

FRANKFURT, Germany – Hilton Worldwide announced the opening of Hilton Frankfurt Airport and Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport, part of the renowned, futuristic THE SQUAIRE complex. The project is a first for Hilton Worldwide in Europe with two individually branded hotels operating beside each other under the same roof.

Simon Vincent, area president, Europe, Hilton Worldwide, said, “THE SQUAIRE is one of the most architecturally impressive buildings in Europe and we are delighted to welcome these two spectacular properties to our portfolio in this iconic, design-led development. With more than 220 hotels now in Europe and more than 110 hotels in our development pipeline, Hilton Worldwide is experiencing phenomenal growth across the continent and this opening marks an exciting milestone for us with two hotels operating alongside each other – a first for our company in Europe.”

Approximately 14 kilometres from the city centre, business and leisure guests have a prime vantage point to the financial capital of Germany and the numerous cultural delights of the city such as the Alte Oper concert hall, the historic city hall Römer and the Goethehaus – birthplace of the famous German writer, Goethe.

The two hotels are located directly above the ICE Railway Station with trains direct to downtown Frankfurt in approximately 15 minutes and across the continent to a variety of exciting locations. Guests are connected to Frankfurt Airport, the second largest airport on the European continent, via pedestrian skywalk and the A3, A5 and Frankfurter Kreuz motorway interchanges also have direct access to the airport with an adjacent junction interchange. .

The internationally renowned interior designer, JOI-Design, has mirrored the mobility theme featured in THE SQUAIRE within both hotels, whilst also creating an oasis of tranquillity for guests seeking rest and relaxation. Natural tones throughout the properties provide a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere, with golden ceilings above the reception and modern features throughout, resulting in contemporary and stylish surroundings.

Hilton Frankfurt Airport offers 249 elegant guest rooms and suites featuring sound-proof windows, an LCD TV and a work area with an ergonomic desk chair. Guests will also be able to enjoy international cuisine and local delicacies at the all-day dining restaurant, Rise, and The FIFTH Lounge & Bar, positioned in the hotel’s light-flooded atrium. World champion pastry chef, Bernd Siefert, also provides a selection of delectable pastries and cakes to the hotel, every day, for guests to enjoy.

The hotel features two executive floors with an exclusive lounge and ten modern meeting rooms with natural lighting. A 24-hour business centre features state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel.

Hilton Frankfurt Airport also offers a spacious 24 hour fitness centre with a steam room and sauna, all of which is also accessible to guests of Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport. Both hotels can also enjoy access to a grand ballroom accommodating up to 570 people and can access the 125 hotel-allocated parking spaces or the 600 parking spaces in THE SQUAIRE.

Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said, “Since 1959, when Hilton Hotels & Resorts pioneered the airport hotel concept in San Francisco, airport hotels have continued to play an important role in our brand’s development. Stylish, forward-looking and innovative, Hilton Frankfurt Airport will offer the signature hospitality that our guests have come to expect in this unique environment.”

Award-winning Hilton Garden Inn recently celebrated a top ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM – in the first year the brand has qualified for the index. The Frankfurt Airport property offers a total of 334 rooms featuring complimentary wireless internet access, a king-size Garden Sleep SystemTM bed, a refrigerator and a spacious working desk with ergonomic Mirra® chairs designed by Herman Miller.

Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt also offers guests a bar and restaurant with show kitchen, The Restaurant, that delivers buffet and grill specialities and a stunning view over the Taunus mountain range. The signature Hilton Garden Inn Pavilion Pantry® also provides guests with healthy snacks and drinks anytime of the day or night. Three contemporary meeting rooms with natural light are also available accommodating up to 28 guests.

Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn, said, “Germany is a special destination for Hilton Garden Inn, having opened our first European hotel in Stuttgart in 2006. To be opening our 21st Hilton Garden Inn in Europe, the second largest Hilton Garden Inn in the world, here in Frankfurt is a momentous occasion and demonstrates the dynamic growth of our brand across the continent. Hilton Garden Inn prides itself on signature architecture and our upscale level of essential service and amenities, all of which are exemplified at Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport.”

The two hotels take up around a quarter of the 140,000 square meter THE SQUAIRE, which hosts an ultra-modern business and conference centre and an array of shops and restaurants, making the development an attracive focal point for the whole region.

Hilton Frankfurt Airport and Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport both participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 3,800 hotels worldwide.

In 2011 Hilton Worldwide has opened more than 20 hotels across Europe with the most recent openings including Hilton Garden Inn Mardin, Turkey and Hilton Baku, the first Hilton Worldwide property in Azerbaijan. In 2012 Hilton Worldwide looks forward to welcoming, amongst many others, Waldorf Astoria Berlin, Germany; and Hilton and Hampton by Hilton Bursa, Turkey, which will open as the second dual-branded hotel from the Hilton Worldwide portfolio in Europe.

Thomson Interactive Weather Map Tells You Where is Hot and When in Europe

Thomson holidays has launched a new interactive graphic which quickly and easily tells you where’s hot when by mapping out most major European cities by their climate.

The map allows users to define which month they would like to travel in, along with a sliding temperature and sunlight filter. The map then displays places within these criteria, along with other details like hours of sunlight, rainfall and humidity levels, when the user holds the mouse over each city.

If someone is looking to fly from the UK between December and March but doesn’t want to go too far, then the best bets for catching some sun is in North Africa or the Canary Islands. As it moves into April, Southern Spain becomes quite attractive. Suddenly the options become much wider by the time May comes around and they remain so right through to October.

The climate data used to build this covers 70 cities and 36 countries in Europe. Sources for it were extracted from BBC Weather and the MET office (the UK’s national weather service).

Thomson says: “It’s the million-dollar question when it comes to booking a holiday – where should I go at this time of year? To help find the answer, we’ve decided to build an interactive tool that makes it quick and easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.”

You can view the map here: http://www.thomson.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/infographic/weathermap-v8/index.html#0MToxMnwtNDA6NDB8SmFu

More details about it can be found here: http://www.thomson.co.uk/blog/2011/12/where-should-i-go-on-holiday-infographic/#.TudcBEOse2A

A MARKET TO WIN

Are you missing out on the £2 billion opportunity?
Free conference on Tuesday 24th January 2012, 10.30 – 15.30
The BT Centre, St Pauls, London EC1A 7AJ

Mark Lewis, Editor of Caterer and Hotelkeeper, chairs a panel of distinguished experts who will share their tips on how to attract a whole new market for your business.
Research by VisitEngland revealed that the demand for travel and leisure products from disabled people is growing rapidly, and worth £2bn a year in domestic travel alone. Combine this with an aging population with many of the same travel needs as the less able and disabled. Are you ready to capitalise on this growing market?
This conference will help you to:
-See how simple and low cost developments in customer service, information provision and marketing can attract a whole new market of the disabled, less able and elderly
-Understand how the long term loyalty of this market can be achieved at relatively low cost Maximise the opportunities offered by the huge interest in the Olympic and Paralympic Games
-Speakers include Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Loyd Grossman and Magnus Berglund of Scandic Hotels
-This free conference is organised by Tourism for All and Open Britain, the new open source website for all disability travel information in the UK, and is sponsored by BT.
-The conference is aimed at senior marketing, sales and business development managers and owner managers in the UK hospitality and tourism industry.

Christmas TV Inspires Wanderlust

As several holiday companies start their TV advertising campaigns on Boxing Day in advance of peak booking season in January and February,  many holidaymakers’ choices will be inspired by the films and TV programmes they watch over the festive period.

Frozen Planet – the Epic Journey has already prompted a surge in demand for expedition cruises to the Antarctic and Artic.  The Christmas highlights show is likely to boost this trend further as will Earthflight, a documentary set in the USA that follows the path of snow geese on their journey from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic.

Miranda Hart and Bear Grylls are trekking across the Swiss Alps in Bear’s Wild Weekend with Miranda.

Top Gear’s annual expedition sees them travel across India, showcasing the country’s major cities, culture and countryside.

In Three Men Go to New England, Rory McGrath, Griff Rhys Jones and Dara O’Briain are in search of a boat for a parade celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty.

Parents may find themselves booking holidays to Paris, New York and Madagascar after their children watch films such as: Ratatouille, in which a rat travels to Paris to realise his dream to be the best chef in France, and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, where animals escape Central Park Zoo to fly back to Madagascar.

Closer to home the Downton Abbey Christmas special is likely to increase demand for packages to visit stately and manor homes used in the popular costume drama.

Harry Potter fans at home and abroad will also be inspired to visits locations such as Alnwick Castle and Gloucester Cathedral.

Victoria Bacon, ABTA Head of Communications says: “Film and television programmes have a huge influence on British holidaymakers’ travel plans. It is clear destinations benefit enormously when used as film locations, which is why many are delighted to be chosen.”

The cinema also has a huge influence on booking habits. Next year destinations such as New Zealand and the USA stand to benefit in particular from high profile releases on the silver screen.

New Zealand’s stunning scenery will provide the backdrop to The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and New York provides the setting for The Great Gatsby. A host of beatnik inspired road trips are expected following the release of On the Road, based on the Jack Kerouac novel, written about the writer’s travels and featuring San Francisco, Argentina and Chile. Meanwhile, Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance looks set to give a boost to Bulgaria and Cappodocia, Turkey.

Happiness is…a Camping Holiday, Research Reports as Park Resorts Confirm Massive 2012 Family Holiday Savings

LONDON, December 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ –

As David Cameron announces plans to measure the nation’s happiness, a recent study has revealed that the simple joys of camping can help to ward off stress and improve well-being. Indeed, caravan sales and UK holidays experts, Park Resorts, can confirm a continual rise in the number of their holiday bookings and static caravan sales.

In the ‘Real Richness’ study carried out by Liverpool John Moores University on behalf of The Camping and Caravanning Club, people who camp were found to be healthier, happier and less stressed, and reported feeling more socially connected while benefiting from closer family relationships.

The University’s leading academics reviewed over 60 research studies and carried out an online survey polling 2,000 campers and non-campers, finding:

77% of campers are satisfied with their quality of life compared to 59% of non-campers
21% of campers feel stressed on an average day compared to 33% of non-campers
93% of campers say that camping can make you happier
91% of all children say spending time exploring the outdoors with their families makes them happy
84% of campers think camping can make you healthier
Almost 50% of campers think the pastime should be prescribed on the NHS

Caroline Doyle at Park Resorts, commenting on the study’s findings, adds:

“Here at Park Resorts we are always overwhelmed by the buoyant atmosphere our parks generate among adults and kids alike. Our parks are full of cheer, there’s a real sense of community spirit and our smiles really are contagious! In the current climate, where understanding family values should be at the top of the agenda, I believe that our industry is at the forefront of something quite remarkable in terms of family cohesion, connection and quality of life.”

Park Resorts, the first choice for UK holidays and static caravan sales, have seen sales figures of their parks rise this year despite the gloomy economic climate. As financial strains lead more UK families to staycation at home, Park Resorts offer affordable camping and caravanning holidays that are designed to help families spend more quality time together.

Lady Gaga’s Top Holiday Picks From GAGA’S WORKSHOP at Barneys New York

In true Lady Gaga fashion, GAGA’S WORKSHOP is not a traditional holiday destination, but rather a unique celebration of the universality of gift giving and charity. With so many gifts to choose from in the Workshop, Lady Gaga has shared her personal favorites which are sure to include something for every Little Monster on your list.

Best of all, 25% of sales from all items featured in GAGA’S WORKSHOP will be donated to the Born This Way Foundation, recently founded and announced by Lady Gaga and her mother. The Born This Way Foundation focuses on youth empowerment and equality by addressing issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development and will utilize digital mobilization as one of the means to create positive change.

Lady Gaga’s Top Holiday Picks from GAGA’S WORKSHOP:

Magnetic Gaga Dress-Up Set, $65
Lady Gaga “Telephone” Face Cookie by Eleni’s, $15
Composition Books, (Available in Orange, Green and Yellow), $20
Ronald Dahl Special Edition Book, (Available in Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach), $75
Hair Bows, (Available in Headband and Barrette in assorted colors), $85
“Diamond” Tea Cup, $65
Gaga Press-On Nails, $45
Little Monster Set, (Set of Four Plush Little Monsters), $58
Gaga Motorcycle Ornament $25
Gaga Workshop T-Shirt, Women’s Tee, $48 (Also available for Children & Men $38-58)
Gaga Tote, $38

In addition to being sold in GAGA’S WORKSHOP at the Madison Avenue flagship store, a selection of GAGA’S WORKSHOP products will also be available at Barneys New York locations nationwide and online at Barneys.com.

About GAGA’S WORKSHOP

A multi-faceted celebration, GAGA’S WORKSHOP includes: a fantastically transformed retail environment, holiday windows, a dedicated Gaga interactive website, and limited-edition, exclusive products created in collaboration with Lady Gaga under the creative direction of Nicola Formichetti with artists Eli Sudbrack and Christophe Hamaide Pierson of assume vivid astro focus (avaf), in collaboration with Barneys’ creative director Dennis Freedman.

From elaborate art installations, vivid colors and bold patterns designed by avaf, to exclusive one of-a-kind products created specially for the Workshop by Barneys New York, GAGA’S WORKSHOP will be a holiday treat for shoppers of all ages.

About Barneys New York

BARNEYS NEW YORK (Barneys) is a luxury specialty retailer with flagship stores in New York City, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Seattle, Boston, Dallas, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Scottsdale. Founded as a men’s retailer in 1923 in downtown Manhattan it turned into an international arbiter of high style for both women and men in the 1970s and became renowned for discovering and developing new and innovative design talent. Barneys is famous for selling the most intriguing edit from the world’s top designers including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, and gifts for the home. Barneys’ signature sense of wit and style is manifested in its creative advertising campaigns, original holiday themes, and celebrated window displays. Barneys’ innovative CO-OP, a mecca for young and emerging designers, was launched in 1985 and has since expanded into a freestanding store concept. Barneys operates more than a dozen CO-OP stores in eight states across the U.S. For more information about Barneys New York please visit http://www.Barneys.com.

Cruise industry increases its efforts to protect the environment

Integrated approach all the way from ship construction to operation and the involvement of passengers – ITB World Travel Trends Report presents the latest trends and developments – Distinguished Cruise Executive Panel at ITB Berlin Convention 2012

Berlin, 22 December 2011 – With the dynamic expansion of the worldwide cruise industry attention is focusing increasingly on the subject of sustainability. International shipping lines have been introducing a whole range of ecological and social measures. Environmentalists and cruise experts are also calling for greater corporate social responsibility in the cruise sector. That is why Dr. Alexis Papathanassis, Professor for Cruise Management at the Hochschule (Institute of Higher Education) Bremerhaven, spoke out in favour of a more pro-active approach to sustainability at the recent World Travel Trends Forum in Pisa: “The industry should see sustainability as an opportunity and not as a threat.”

Between 2005 and 2010 the international cruise industry expanded by some 35 per cent. According to the ITB World Travel Trends Report, with a total of 6.5 million trips annually, cruise passengers in Europe already account for two per cent of all vacation travel. One consequence of this development is the need for increased responsibility in all matters of sustainability, and this has led, for example, to the introduction of sustainability reports, documenting the ecological and social measures being undertaken. Dr. Alexis Papathanassis wants to see a more integrated approach, covering the entire cycle from the construction of a ship to its deployment and also incorporating aspects such as socio-cultural sustainability: “More supervision is required instead of a patchwork of rules and regulations.” At present the cruise industry is applying a “Triple E” approach, comprising Engineering (the deployment of more eco-friendly ships), Education (activities and reports) and Enforcement (legal checks).

However, Papathanassis believes that new technical solutions and more innovative mechanical engineering are needed if the ecological impact of cruises is to be reduced. Furthermore environmental protection should be made part of the cruising experience, for example in the form of on-board activities or excursions on land, so that passengers can support local communities.

The cruise industry has, until now, shown a lack of sustainable responsibility, uniting all the various aspects and all those involved in this market, in order to create a combined approach. This requires a whole catalogue of measures such as legally based monitoring, technological innovations, initiatives aimed a clarifying various aspects, and a more highly developed awareness of sustainability issues. “The industry should see sustainability as an opportunity and not as a threat”, concluded Dr. Alexis Papathanassis.

An acknowledged expert on the cruise market, he will be chairing an Executive Cruise Panel on the subject of “The worldwide cruise industry today and tomorrow” at the ITB Berlin Convention on Wednesday, 7 March 2012. The speakers taking part in this panel discussion will be: Larry Pimentel, President & CEO Azamara Club Cruises; Peter Shanks, President & Managing Director Cunard Line; Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman Costa Cruise Lines; Michael Bayley, Executive Vice President International Operations Royal Caribbean International; Enzo Visone, CEO, Silversea Cruises.

Eight Major Congresses Have Been Won for Melbourne

 New Business Events Generate $23.5 Million for Victoria

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher today announced that eight major congresses have been won for Melbourne, worth an estimated $23.5 million to the Victorian economy.

The one national and seven international business events are expected to attract approximately 7,150 delegates from across the globe over five years and include:

• International Conference on Care and Housing for the Ageing (IAHSA) 2013;
• IEEE International Conference on Power Electronics (ICPE) – ECCE ASIA 2013;
• Inaugural Broadband World Congress 2013;
• The MHS 2013 (The Mental Health Services Conference);
• International Symposium on Information Theory and its Applications – ISITA 2014;
• International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (INTERNOISE) 2014;
• Congress of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Coloproctology 2015; and
• AFMC International Medicinal Chemistry Symposium (AIMECS) 2017.

Ms Asher said the wins followed the recent announcement that Melbourne will host the prestigious International AIDS Conference in 2014, the largest medical conference ever to be held in Australia.

“These events highlight that major national and international businesses and associations continue to choose Melbourne for their events, bringing new visitors to the state with each meeting and presenting us with an invaluable opportunity to showcase the city and regional Victoria,” Ms Asher said.

“They also provide an opportunity for experts from around the world to come together to share their research and to network in an Australian setting. The events also draw international recognition of the research and findings of the many Australians, and in particular Victorians, working in a variety of fields.

“Victoria has so many areas of speciality – from science and technology to health and medicine – which is why the state continues to attract such a high calibre of events.

“I congratulate the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau for securing these business events for Victoria and for all their hard work throughout 2011.”

Ms Karen Bolinger, Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau

(MCVB) said the wins were an outstanding way to end the year.

“All of these wins relate directly to the excellent standard of Melbourne’s conferencing facilities and also demonstrate the appeal of our city to major associations,” Ms Bolinger said.

“Melbourne has developed a reputation as a world-class business events destination as a result of the city’s accessibility and state-of-the-art infrastructure, in particular the award-winning Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre where these events are scheduled to be held.

“I would like to thank the Victorian Coalition Government and our industry partners for their assistance and support in winning these events, and of course throughout the entire year.”

Acting Chief Executive of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Leighton Wood said they look forward to welcoming the delegates for each of these conferences to the Centre over the next five years.