All Entries Tagged With: "London"

Hotels rethink approach to leisure business in response to corporate cost-cutting

Leisure guests will become increasingly important for hotels in the post-recession years, according to a high-level think tank in London this week.

World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, invited a dozen hotel suppliers and operators from its Meridian Club, which has 24,000 of the travel and tourism industry’s most senior buyers, to the event. The guests – all of whom were at least regional director level – represented all aspects and geographies of the hotel sector.  It took place in the Directors’ Lounge at the Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal Football Club.

In a wide-ranging discussion, which took place under Chatham House rules, one recurring observation was that hotels were looking more closely at leisure business in response to sea changes in the corporate travel environment.

Travel budgets for blue-chips and SMEs were slashed during the global slowdown, and the concern for hoteliers is that even if the world economy picks up, budgets will remain tight. A luxury hotelier said that many companies were now mandating that its travellers could not stay in five-star hotels, while a tour operator with a global reach said that his business was now using video conferencing as a matter of course and that this had now become “learned behaviour”.

A mid-market operator said that some of its properties in France were no longer taking bookings from the MICE sector because of the strong demand from US-based leisure travellers, while another mid-market operator said that it is benefitting from business travellers downgrading.

Responsibility for travel budget is increasingly the responsibility of the procurement department, which appears to be leading to tougher negotiations. “Corporations now want wi-fi access as part of the deal, and they are looking for free transfers, free phone calls and discounts on food and beverage which clearly affects our margins” one hotelier said. “It is possible that leisure travellers might now be more profitable than corporate guests.”

However, leisure guests are also demanding better value for money. A UK-based short break specialist said that customers were still willing to pay a good price for a break, but they wanted more for their money.

Other panellists pointed out that luxury hotels are now expected to offer all-inclusive rates to tour operators, as bigger spending leisure clients are starting to  see the appeal of all-inclusive breaks.

Themes such as emerging markets, foreign exchange rates and distribution were also covered in the ninety-minute minute.

“The idea behind the think tanks is to give senior executives the chance to talk openly with one another about their sector,” said Mark Jacobsen, Marketing Manager, Meridian Club. “We will take on board what was said and use it to make sure Word Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, is able to service the needs of all players in the challenging and dynamic hotel sector.”

TOP ENVIRONMENTALIST TO OPEN WTM WORLD RESPONSIBLE TOURISM DAY

Tony Juniper, one of the world’s best known ecologists and forthright campaigner is opening this year’s WTM World Responsible Tourism Day on Wednesday 10 November at ExCeL, London.

Juniper is the former director of Friends of the Earth UK, campaigning and rallying public opinion and vice chair of the 70-strong network of national organisations of Friends of the Earth International.

Fiona Jeffery, Chairman of World Travel Market said that Tony Juniper would bring a different perspective to WTM World Responsible Tourism Day.

“He is frank and honest about how we need to use the planet to ensure travel and tourism has a tomorrow”, she said.

“Over the past 25 years, Tony has campaigned for a more sustainable society at local, national and international levels. WTM World Responsible Tourism Day is beginning to earn a reputation as straight talking and honest, stripping away the propaganda and the hype.

“In opening WTM World Responsible Tourism Day 2010, Tony Juniper will bring fresh ideas, extensive knowledge and boundless enthusiasm to the cause of responsible tourism.”

A major contributor to many of Friends of the Earth’s most important worldwide achievements, he is also a prolific writer.

Co-Writer of Prince’s Book

Juniper is currently helping HRH Prince of Wales to write a book called ‘Harmony’ about how man has become dangerously disconnected from nature.

As humanity faces the multiple challenges of climate change, ecological destruction, economic instability and continuing human poverty, ‘Harmony’ encourages the world to restore the lost balance between Man and Nature and to follow a more philosophical path which reconnects humankind with ancient wisdom and intuition.

He also writes for two leading UK newspapers – Sunday Times and The Guardian and is editor-in-chief of National Geographic’s ‘Green’ Magazine.

He advises several international companies on their sustainability strategies and frequently speaks and lectures on environmental and sustainability questions throughout the word.

He is an advisory panel member with the UK’s Science Museum, the National Trust and the British Council and a board member of Climate for Ideas, an environmental research organisation.

A former professional ornithologist, Juniper spearheaded a programme with Birdlife International to prevent the extinction of critically endangered parrots.

He wrote the companion volume to the BBC series ‘Saving Planet Earth’ (2007), ‘How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change A Planet? (2007) and ‘Spix’s Macaw:The Race To Save The World’s Rarest Bird ‘(2002).

• The WTM World Responsible Tourism Day opening ceremony will be held at 10.30 am on Wednesday 10 November at Platinum Suite 4, ExCeL London.

MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY AT THE HOME OF THE CHAMPIONS!

For the very best in hospitality, look no further than Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge – with world-class players on the pitch and an unrivalled service and facilities off.

A matchday at Chelsea Football Club is one to be savoured and with a matchday package, everything from arrival to departure is effortless and stress free. Your day at Stamford Bridge begins well before the kick off and doesn’t have to end until you’re ready to leave.

There are four matchday package categories for you to choose from for each matchday.  Click here to check thelatest availability and matchday package prices

Superbreak Report Surge in Demand for Rail Theatre Break Packages

YORK, England, August 31, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Superbreak, the theatre break specialist, has reported a sharp increase in the number of rail inclusive theatre breaks being booked, on the run up to the busiest theatre season of the year.

The Yorkshire based tour operator has secured a number of budget and top price theatre tickets for a host of musicals and performances in London’s West End as the autumn season approaches. What sets Superbreak apart from its competition is the ability for customers to tailor-make their breaks by adding a return rail journey from most UK mainline stations, including Edinburgh, Manchester and Leeds, into London. As with all theatre break packages, customers have a choice of over 250 hotels spanning the capital city, including many in and around Theatreland itself.

Popular theatre shows for autumn 2010 so far include ‘Wicked’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’, with ‘The Lion King’ proving a hot favourite for families during the October half term break. The relationship with rail providers allows Superbreak the ability to offer one night theatre breaks ( http://www.superbreak.com/theatre-breaks.htm) to see ‘Oliver!’, standard return rail travel with East Coast Rail and overnight accommodation at the 3-star Royal National Hotel from just GBP129pp.

Superbreak (http://www.superbreak.com/) has a long standing reputation for selling rail inclusive breaks. Last year, over 200,000 passengers booked a London theatre break with the tour operator and chose to add a rail journey to their booking. The ability to custom-make a theatre break to include a hotel stay, theatre tickets and return rail travel, allows customers both the choice and flexibility no matter what the budget.

Will Dunnett, Director of Marketing at Superbreak, commented: “Rail inclusive breaks (http://www.superbreak.com/promo/rail.htm) continue to be a mainstay of the Superbreak programme and are proving to be a big hit with customers heading to the capital on a theatre break. The ability to select your hotel, length of stay, theatre tickets and rail travel allows us to offer our customers the very best in value and choice.”

Photographer to the Stars to Exhibit in Canary Wharf

Photographic portraits of Sir Anthony Hopkins, Michael Sheen, Stereophonics, Duffy and many others are on display at Canary Wharf from 14 September.

The Talking Pictures exhibition is captured by celebrity photographer Cambridge Jones, described as Britain’s answer to Annie Leibovitz. The portraits include audio recordings of the eminent performers, designers and writers describing the inspiration for their success.

“I shoot celebrities as people rather than people as celebrities,” says Jones.

“I like my portraits to be honest without any veneer. I want a visual connection between the viewer and the subject, often jumping out of the frame. I am pleased when they walk out of a session an hour or so later and comment that they don’t feel they have been photographed. It’s almost incidental that the encounter involved a camera,” he says.

The audio accompanying each portrait is surprisingly revealing, including Michael Sheen admitting his inspiration is not a fellow actor but a controversial and often stinging critic, Kenneth Tynan. The incongruous inspiration for Damian Lewis, dashing star of Band of Brothers, is the traditional Gilbert and Sullivan.

The subjects of Talking Pictures span several generations. The elegant young designer Emma Griffiths, who looks stunning in her monochrome outfit, says that her idol was Alexander McQueen. She adds, “ironically I worked for him later on and it was a little bit surreal.”

Photographer Cambridge Jones and each of the Talking Pictures subjects share a passion for Wales. Talking Pictures is produced in association with The Welsh Assembly Government and with support from Canary Wharf Group plc.

The free exhibition is located in the lobby of the iconic One Canada Square, Britain’s tallest building, in the centre of the famous Canary Wharf business and shopping district.
FREE ENTRY

14 September – 1 October

Lobby, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf
Transport: DLR or Jubilee line tube to Canary Wharf

Co-op MD Mike Greenacre leads stellar line up of speakers at the UNWTO’s Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market

Co-operative Travel Group Managing Director Mike Greenacre will lead a stellar line up of private sector speakers at the annual World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry.

This year’s summit is poised to be the largest-ever with more than 150 ministers and senior aides attending. For the first time, the Summit will conclude with a Statement of Intent outlining the future direction of the travel and tourism industry.  Greenacre’s, and the other private sector leaders’, thoughts and opinions will play a key role in shaping the Statement of Intent.

The 2010 Ministers’ Summit takes place on Tuesday 9^th November and is entitled – Shaping a Stronger Travel and Tourism Industry – Governance and business models for the future – will agree the plan and direction for the industry over the next 12 months.

The well respected Greenacre will share his thoughts during the Summit’s main panel debate on the three key issues challenging the sector, these include:

• Mainstreaming Tourism in the Political and Economic Agendas
• Creating a Competitive Framework for Tourism Development
• Climate Change and the Green Economy

Greenacre follows in the footsteps of other senior Industry leaders including Thomas Cook’s Peter Long and Thomas Cook Group Chief Executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa, who took part in last year’s debate.

Greenacre will share his experiences and best practices on future business models and public policies.

World Travel and Tourism Council President Jean-Claude Baumgarten is also taking part in this key panel debate. Other private sector leaders taking part include Australian travel industry body TTF Managing Director Christopher Brown.

“The Ministers’ Summit is a great vehicle for the public and private travel sector leaders to meet together and debate some of the key issues facing the industry. I am honoured to be a part of the Summit and look forward to sharing my thoughts, opinions and experiences to help shape the industry and move things forward” explains Greenacre.

World Travel Market Chairman Fiona Jeffery said: “I am delighted Mike will be taking part in this year UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market.

“Mike is one of the most well respected leaders in the industry and his input will be invaluable in shaping the direction of the world’s tourism ministers for the next 12 months.”

The fourth annual UNWTO Ministers’ Summit will be held at ExCeL – London, followed by an official Press Conference presenting the main conclusions and outcomes of the Summit.

Also for the first time this year, World Travel Market, supported by the UNWTO, will host the WTM Ministerial Evening at the prestigious St.Paul’s Cathedral, London. The exclusive evening will host Tourism Ministers and Senior Aides from around the world.

For more information on the World Travel Market’s Ministerial Programme 2010 please visit www.wtmlondon.com/ministers

Athletes’ Village to feature new green spaces

The first stage of landscaping work is already underway on the Athletes’ Village site where an extensive wetlands park is being created.

The Village will include 2,000 new trees, parks, play areas and open spaces in addition to the new homes.

The Athletes’ Village is located next to the Olympic Park and will accommodate the athletes and officials during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. After the Games, the Village will provide 2,818 new homes for east London.

The open spaces between the new homes will have play areas, cycling facilities, and picnic and recreation spaces. These new spaces are in addition to the significant landscaping works already taking shape on the Olympic Park.

Olympic Delivery Authority Chairman John Armitt said: ‘The Athletes’ Village will not only deliver essential new homes for Londoners, it will create new parks, trees, play areas and open spaces that can be enjoyed by new and existing communities for generations to come.’

World Travel Market launches Technology and Online Travel Theatre at WTM

First Time a Conference Venue will be on the WTM Exhibition Floor

World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, is expanding its technology seminar programme for 2010 with the introduction of a presentation theatre on the exhibition floor within the technology and online travel section.

It’s the first time a conference venue has been positioned on the World Travel Market exhibition floor in the event’s 31 year history.

The new Technology and Online Travel Theatre at WTM is an exclusive platform for exhibitors to promote their products and services in 45 minute slots to technology and online travel buyers (member of WTM’s Meridian Club), other exhibitors and visitors.

Leading social media site TripAdvisor and travel industry website design and development company ZOLV are two technology also signed up to the Technology and Online Travel Theatre.

The 80-seat theatre is part of a much expanded technology and online travel conference and events programme which also includes presentations  from British Airways, lastminute.com, Tui Travel, Google, Yahoo! and WAYN on a range of topics including social media and mobile.

World Travel Market Exhibition Director Simon Press said: “The new Technology and Online Travel Theatre is a great initiative to help exhibitors communicate the benefits of their products and services to the global travel and tourism industry.

“World Travel Market is a leader in innovation in the exhibition industry, and I’m delighted to be launching such an innovation to the travel and tourism industry in 2010.”

To obtain a 45 minute slots contact Jo Marshall on 020 8910 7982 or jo.marshall@reedexpo.co.uk

World Travel Market announces Technology and Online Travel seminar line up

British Airways, lastminute.com, Google, Yahoo! and Wayn all to speak at WTM 2010

World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, has expanded its Technology and Online Travel  event programme with a number of leading organisations taking part including British Airways, lastminute.com, TUI Travel, Google, Yahoo! and WAYN.

The comprehensive seven-session programme, organised by travel technology consultancy Genesys, takes place over Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 November covering all aspects of technology and online travel including social media, mobile technology and search engine marketing.

British Airways Manager BA.com & Mobile Innovations Chris Carmichael and lastminute.com Head of Innovation Marko Balabanovic will answer the question Does Mobile Matter? on Tuesday 9 November.

They are joined on the panel by user centred design consultancy cxpartners Manager Director Giles Colborne and marketing consultancy Crosscap Chief Marketing Officer Kerry Harris.

Where Are You Now (WAYN) Director Jerome Touze will talk about the social media revolution and how travel companies can capitalise on facebook, twitter, Youtube, blogs and other digital platforms.

On Wednesday 9 November Tui Travel Director Web Strategy & Business Development Sandra Leonhard gives her expert advice on website content in the session Customers Need Content she will be joined by Frommer’s Unlimited, EMEA Director, Giles Longhurst.

Furthermore, Google, Yahoo! and Bing (Microsoft) travel industry bosses Nate Bucholz, Tracey Cheffey and Caroline Mastoras will answer questions on search engine marketing and how best to utilise the search engines.

World Travel Market Exhibition Director Simon Press said:  “The Technology and Online Travel region of World Travel Market is the fastest growing in the exhibition so its event programme has increased in 2010 to reflect this.

“The thought-provoking and practical Technology and Online Travel programme is a great service to our expanding exhibitor and visitor bases.”

WTM Launches New Online Bespoke Accommodation Booking Service

World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, has launched its new online bespoke accommodation booking service which includes exclusive allocations and rates.

The new website (www.world-travel-market-hotels.co.uk), powered by Imaginations, allows users to search more than 50 hotels, suites and apartments based on the proximity to ExCeL, London.

Each accommodation option also shows its location with a variety of maps and directions to ExCeL, London to help inform delegates’ choice of hotel.

Search options also include price, accommodation type and name.

The accommodation booking facility shows its specially contracted rates with a WTM logo while also comparing all prices to other leading London accommodation providers to make sure delegates get the best price available.

World Travel Market Travel Services Manager John Standley said: “World Travel Market’s new accommodation website offers delegates an unparalleled service. Not only does it include exclusive allocations and rates, but compares those rates to other accommodation suppliers prices to make sure WTM delegates get the best deal.

“The bespoke system also shows WTM delegates the accommodations proximity to ExCeL, London giving the most informed choice of hotel accommodation for World Travel Market 2010.”

Imaginations Director John Hill said: “Imaginations Technology Ltd is delighted to have been appointed to provide the online accommodation for such an important and prestigious event as The World Travel Market. For 2010, we are introducing a number of apartments into the availability for the first time. We also have longer-term availability for those involved in constructing the show. If you have some specific requirements, please contact us at info@imaginations.org.uk for a quick response. As Sir Fred Pontin always used to say – Book Early!”

The Institute of Psychoanalysis Announces Special Events to Accompany New Science Museum Exhibition on Psychoanalysis – October 2010 to April 2011

LONDON, August 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Topics ranging from murder, revenge and denial to identity formation, humour and dreams will be explored in a lively and thought-provoking series of public events launched by The Institute of Psychoanalysis – see http://www.beyondthecouch.org.uk The programme complements the Science Museum exhibition, Psychoanalysis: The Unconscious in Everyday Life, (13 October 2010 – April 2011). The exhibition is supported by The Institute of Psychoanalysis and focuses on how the unconscious is manifest in everyday experiences and artefacts, both historical and contemporary.

President of The Institute of Psychoanalysis, David Bell, said: “The Institute is very proud to be sponsoring this Science Museum exhibition, the fruit of an important partnership. The events we are creating are designed to be of genuine interest to both professionals and the wider public, and the new website will provide full information and a booking facility.”

The opening event, Between Brain and Mind? (15 Oct) will explore the gap between neurological and analytic perceptions of the brain and mind. Other events this year include a conference, Engaging with Climate Change: Psychoanalytic Perspectives (16-17 Oct), a discussion about sports leadership, Bringing the Team Together, with psychoanalyst, philosopher and former captain of the England cricket team, Michael Brearley (17 Nov) and The Cambridge Scientists and Psychoanalysis in the 1920s (24 Nov).

Further events in 2011 will ask what shapes people’s identities, what our dreams mean and how psychoanalysis can help us understand incomprehensible events. There will also be film screenings and the opportunity to find out what it is like to be an analyst or to be the person on the couch. The closing event next spring will discuss Freud’s seminal work, Civilization and its Discontents.

Full details and online booking for all events are available at http://www.beyondthecouch.org.uk

Largest Ever Gay Marketing Survey unveiled at WTM 2010

World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, will unveil results from the largest ever international survey into the travel and leisure patterns of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community at WTM 2010.

Analysis of the findings, by gay marketing specialists Out Now, will form the backbone of the WTM lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seminar, organised and moderated by Out Now Chief Executive Ian Johnson.

European and Latin American countries will feature in the ’2010 Out Now Global LGBT Market Study’. France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK make up the European sample, with the Latin American component featuring Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.

The survey will reveal information on LGBT travel habits including preferred destinations, annual tourism spending, lifestyle leisure preferences, frequency of air travel, overall tourism expenditures, income and gay honeymoons.

TUI Travel – which this year launched its first gay holidays programme Freedom Collection – Senior Innovation Manager Paul Clark will be on the panel to comment on research’s findings.

“WTM is the logical place to release the findings of this new Out Now LGBT market research study,” said World Travel Market Chairman Fiona Jeffery.  “Out Now and WTM have worked together for five years, promoting an understanding of the lesbian and gay tourism market development.”

“We are seeing a lot of interest in this study due to its groundbreaking nature,” Johnson said. “We are pleased to bring a previously unattainable level of market insight into the varied and diverse consumer needs of one of the world’s most important travel and tourism market segments at WTM 2010.”

The European section of the research is sponsored by Berlin Tourism Marketing. In Latin America, Out Now is partnering with LGBT business networking organising GNETWORK 360 for the research, with this section sponsored by Delta Air Lines.

Road to 2012 exhibition reveals stories of London 2012 Games

Rebecca Adlington, Tom Daley, Nathan Stephens and Zaha Hadid are a few of the people featured in an exhibition of striking new photographic portraits which show an intriguing new side to key figures in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Part of the Cultural Olympiad, ‘Road to 2012: Setting Out’ opened at the National Portrait Gallery today. The photographs show Britain’s medal hopefuls and those behind the bid and delivery of the London 2012 Games, in a way they haven’t been seen before.

The first 30 commissioned portraits are on display at the National Portrait Gallery from 20 July – 26 September.

Cultural Olympiad campaign Discovering Places launched at Houses of Parliament

Jonathan Edwards, LOCOG Board member and Olympic Triple Jump gold medallist joined Loyd Grossman, Chair of the Heritage Alliance, at the Houses of Parliament – a World Heritage Site – to launch the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad ‘Discovering Places’ campaign.

Discovering Places will use the power of the Games to inspire communities across the UK to celebrate and discover the hidden gems on their doorstep, from historic castles to contemporary townscapes, woodland trails to local wildlife. Over the launch weekend of 23-25 July 2010, more than 100 exciting, free Discovering Places events will take place throughout the UK. Most of the events will be run on a voluntary basis and all will be free to anyone interested in discovering more about their local environment.

Jonathan Edwards said: ‘The Cultural Olympiad is the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Games, designed to give everyone in the UK a chance to be part of London 2012.

‘It’s great that this campaign is encouraging communities across the UK to celebrate and discover the hidden gems on their doorstep over Open Weekend.

‘These tours at the Houses of Parliament are a really exciting opportunity for people to discover this iconic World Heritage Site, and this is just one of many exciting Discovering Places events taking place this weekend across the UK.’

Business trips to the capital up despite tough economic climate

The number of business visitors to London in the first three months of 2010 grew by 5% over the same period last year. This is the first quarterly rise since the second quarter of 2007. Meanwhile, spending by people on business trips leapt by 21%, up to almost £500m. These strong figures, published by the International Passenger Survey, come despite difficult economic conditions.

The survey also found that overall visitor numbers to London in the first quarter fell by just 1% from the same period in 2009. This compares with a fall of 5% nationally. This drop in numbers is partly a result of severe weather conditions during the quarter that led to travel problems into and out of the UK.

Sally Chatterjee, CEO, Visit London said: “London continues to be a focal point for global business, even in the face of challenging economic conditions. The jump in spending by business visitors is a reflection not just of returning confidence but also of the unrivalled range of restaurants and attractions on offer in the capital.”

The US brought in the most business passengers. Numbers were up 10% and expenditure by 30%. Numbers from France were up 33%, Spain 57% and Germany 13%.

In terms of holiday visitors, France brought in the most people. German numbers spiked by 16%, while the number of Irish visitors climbed by almost a quarter.

Overall visitor numbers for the quarter were 2.96 million.

The Royal Suite Re-Opens At Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

With the leafy landscape of Hyde Park as its back garden, the Royal Suite at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has long been established as an unrivalled London address. Following an extensive renovation by RPW Interior Design, this prestigious suite re-opens in July 2010, setting a new standard in the capital, and providing a home away from home for the world’s travelling elite.

Remaining true to its elegant Victorian architectural heritage but introducing a fresh, contemporary style, the expanded suite of 242 square meters has a distinctly residential feel, and includes a master bedroom and bathroom, separate living room, dining room and kitchen and two adjoining additional bedrooms all of which evoke a feeling of staying in a chic city apartment. Raised ceilings and streamlined furnishings encourage a light and spacious atmosphere, complemented by a sweeping balcony of a further 70 square metres that runs the length of the magnificent suite and is large enough to entertain up to 40 guests in the summer months.

A unique partnership with the Halcyon Gallery allows for original artwork to be showcased throughout The Royal Suite. These pieces, including an Issis Sculpture in the living room which mimics the one in Hyde Park, and tribal African sculpture on the terrace, will be exchanged regularly and guests will also have the opportunity to purchase any desired artwork.

In Mandarin Oriental’s true, signature style, the finest quality is reflected in the detailing of the suite. From the ornate Maya Romanoff wallpaper in deep aubergine in the lobby area to the bespoke, double-tiered rock crystal chandelier in the dining room, a feeling of warmth and opulence resides throughout. A fully catered breakfast, lunch or dinner in the private dining room can be prepared by staff through the discreet use of the adjoining kitchen.  The space is equally equipped to be used as a meeting room with the latest Bang & Olufsen technological sound and audio visual systems, cleverly concealed by antique mirror panels with a crystal rose embossed detailing.

The restored original fireplace in the lounge area is complemented by a reclaimed oak timber floor. Bespoke furniture makers Based Upon have developed a platinum-topped coffee table specially designed for Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, which sits on a hand tufted Veedon Fleece rug in front of a private bar.

The master bedroom includes an extensive walk in wardrobe with separate male and female areas. The female vanity area is framed by Lalique crystal lights, while the pièce de résistance in the master bedroom sits above the bed in the form of a convex mirror, designed to creatively reflect yet distort the park views. A unique collection of original 18th century Chinese paintings illustrating a variety of Chinese junks adorn the remaining wall space.

The master bathroom, with its exquisite use of soft pink Rosa Egeo marble and marble mosaic, is fitted with a bespoke shower and steam room made by Schletterer. Guests have a choice of different shower experiences, including ‘Thunder and Tropic Water’. The large bath in the centre of the room sits below a fibre optic chandelier to evoke the mood of falling water.

Staying at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is an experience to cherish. The hotel is committed to exceeding guests’ expectations on a daily basis, ensuring individual attention and exceptional, unrivalled service from warm and friendly staff. Dedicated Guest Services Managers are also on hand to take care of every need large or small, from unpacking bags and running a bath on arrival to suggesting suitable city excursions.

Rates start at GBP 9,500 ++ for the three bedroom suite. For reservations, please call +44 (0)20 7201 3773 or email molon-reservations@mohg.com.

The Savoy to reopen Sunday 10th October 2010

The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, will reopen its doors on Sunday 10th October 2010. One of this year’s most eagerly anticipated openings, The Savoy has been undergoing the most ambitious restoration in British history. The hotel closed in December 2007 for a restoration that encompasses the entire building from the iconic entrance and the American Bar to Savoy Grill and the 268 guestrooms and suites.

London nominated for Favourite City Break Destination at the 2010 British Travel Awards!

London has been nominated for Favourite City Break Destination in this year’s British Travel Awards. One of the most coveted prizes in the travel industry, The British Travel Awards are voted for directly by the travelling consumer.

Alongside London’s nomination as Favourite City Break Destination, a number of Visit London Partners have also been recognised as the best in the industry with nominations across a number of award categories.

Tate Modern and The Merlin Entertainments London Eye will both be competing for Best UK Heritage/Leisure Attraction, while ZSL London Zoo has been shortlisted for the Best UK Day Out Experience.

Visit London Partners Kuoni are amongst the Best Small Travel Retailers in the UK, while Superbreak received a number of nominations in various categories, including Best Holiday Attraction Ticket Provider.

In the area of hospitality, top London venues the Dorchester and Sanderson were listed amongst the Best UK Boutique Hotels, while a number of Visit London’s hotel chain partners including Radisson Edwardian, Premier Inn, Travellodge, Hilton, Accor and Marriott were recognised for their excellence across a range of leisure and business categories.

Nominations for the awards were collated via the British Travel Awards media partners, trade associations and the “BTA Consumer Council” made up of previous years’ voters profiled as the most frequent travellers, with the final shortlist compiled by BTA Academy.

Sally Chatterjee, CEO Visit London said:
‘London is the most vibrant, diverse and exciting city in the world and we are pleased to be recognised within the industry as one of the top city break destinations for tourists in the UK and abroad. We’re proud to be joined by so many Visit London Partners also nominated for awards – with so many world-class attractions, hotels and travel resources available for visitors, it’s not hard to see why London remains the most visited international city on earth.’

Consumer voting has now opened online at http://www.britishtravelawards.com/vf_rl.php and will run until the 30th of September 2010. Every consumer who registers their votes is entered into the free prize draw with the opportunity of winning some fantastic holiday prizes.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson Launches Free Sport Project

Mayor of London Boris Johnson Launches Free Sport Project The Mayor of London Boris Johnson is encouraging Londoners of all ages and abilities to take up sport this summer

The Free Sport project, part of a multi-million pound initiative, involves more than 120 ventures spanning the capital. These include mobile swimming pools, Sky Ride cycling events, a Paralympic-style tournament and free table tennis.

Boris Johnson said: “As we build up to the 2012 Games, we want to inspire and encourage more Londoners to get active and have a go for themselves – particularly the youngsters who could be this country’s sporting stars of the future. Whatever your age, ability or proclivity, there’s a sport or activity to suit, so give it a go.”

FreeSport is part of the Mayor’s £30m pledge for a post-Olympic sporting legacy.

For more information on the Free Sport programme visit www.london.gov.uk/priorities/sport

UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at WTM to issue Statement of Intent

Statement of Intent to outline the future direction of the travel and tourism industry

The fourth and largest-ever UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market will for the first time conclude with a Statement of Intent outlining the future direction of the travel and tourism industry.

The country tourism ministers attending this year’s November 9 summit – Shaping a Stronger Travel and Tourism Industry – Governance and business models for the future – will agree their plan and direction for the industry for the next 12 months.

It will be the first time global travel ministers agree a set of actions and principles for the future of the industry.

The UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at WTM is poised to be the largest ever surpassing last year’s record of 147 ministers and aides.

The ministers and aides will be joined by senior business leaders from the industry to help agree the future direction for travel and tourism. Last year, private sector speakers included Thomas Cook Chief Executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa.

World Travel Market Chairman Fiona Jeffery said: “The UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market remains extremely significant for travel and tourism this year.

“This year’s Statement of Intent, agreed by the largest ever meeting of tourism ministers, aides and leading private sector representatives makes the UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at WTM even more central to the future success of the travel industry.

“As WTM is the premiere global event for the travel industry, it is the ideal business environment for this far reaching and critical meeting, the outcome of which will set the agenda for the following 12 months.”

“The 2010 Ministers’ Summit provides a crucial platform for public and private stakeholders to address current global challenges” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “This is a unique opportunity for ministers from around the globe to share experiences and set the outline for the future of the industry” he added.

Also for the first time this year, World Travel Market will host the WTM Ministerial Evening at the prestigious St.Paul’s Cathedral, London. The exclusive evening will host Tourism Ministers and Senior Aides from around the world and will offer entertainment from a leading London West End musical production.

The UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at WTM takes place at ExCeL, London on Tuesday 9 November 2010.

For more information on the World Travel Market’s Ministerial Programme 2010 please visit www.wtmlondon.com/ministers

Old Spitalfields Market unveiled as venue for two of London Restaurant Festival’s key events

Old Spitalfields Market has been announced as the location for two of the highest-profile events at the 2010 London Restaurant Festival (October 4-18). The first is a market hosted by a collection of Festival restaurants. The second is a glamorous awards evening bringing together the best chefs and restaurateurs in the industry.

The London Restaurant Festival Market will run for six days (October 11-13 and October 15-17). It will showcase the diversity of cuisines available in the capital as well as the wonderful produce its restaurants rely on.

Numerous well-known establishments will be represented, while there will also be different zones dedicated to different nations, such as Mexico and Malaysia. Restaurants will highlight their country’s produce and cooking techniques through demonstrations, while visitors will also be able to buy produce and freshly-cooked dishes.

The market format means visitors will be able to learn about the food and cooking styles of many different restaurants and countries in just a few hours. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Old Spitalfields Market, the event looks set to become a Festival regular in the years ahead.

Old Spitalfields Market will also be the location for the glitz and glamour of the London Restaurant Festival Awards, which will take place on the evening of the 18th October. The awards ceremony will bring this year’s fortnight-long celebration of food to an end. In a sign of the Festival’s growing scale, this year’s awards will be four times bigger than in 2009 and will be a celebration of London’s chefs, restaurants and the diverse cuisine which is served up throughout London’s 33 boroughs.

The evening will see a number of London Restaurant Festival sponsors and restaurants creating special food stalls including a bespoke G. H. Mumm champagne bar.

Simon Davis, Festival Director, London Restaurant Festival, said: “It seems only right that one of the capital’s best-loved spaces should play a starring role what is becoming one of the capital’s best-loved events. The second London Restaurant Festival already looks set to outstrip last year’s inaugural event in terms of incredible food, star names and wonderful venues – we’re thrilled that Old Spitalfields Market is going to be right at the heart of proceedings.”

Malcolm Ball, chief executive of Wellington Market Company, the organisation responsible for the day-to-day operation of Old Spitalfields Market, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the London Restaurant Festival’s Suppliers’ Market and Awards Ceremony for 2010. With so many fantastic restaurants and food outlets on site at Old Spitalfields Market, this partnership with the London Restaurant Festival will provide a tremendous showcase of what Old Spitalfields Market has to offer.

“Both events will provide the London Restaurant Festival’s participating restaurants, supporters and consumers with the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of Old Spitalfields Market as an events venue, as well as visiting one of London’s premier visitor attractions.”

Old Spitalfields Market is one of the finest surviving covered Victorian market halls in London. The venue is fast becoming one of London’s most sought-after event venues and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The London Restaurant Festival Awards and the London Restaurant Festival Market are just two of many high-profile events being held at Old Spitalfields Market over the coming months.

The London Restaurant Festival will strengthen the market’s growing reputation as a foodie destination. This aspect of the market’s offering will be further enhanced by the soon-to-open ‘Flavours’ food court, a special area of the market that will be dedicated to showcasing the best in local, regional and international food and drink.

For more information and for tickets to this year’s Festival events go tohttp://www.londonrestaurantfestival.com

Terminal 5 Welcomes Its 50 Millionth Customer

British Airways has welcomed its 50 millionth customer through the doors of Heathrow Terminal 5 as the busy summer holiday season moves into full swing.

Now in its third summer of operations, Terminal 5 has become an acclaimed facility by travellers around the world – and is looking forward to the launch of further improvements.

The terminal has helped to transform operations at Heathrow and continues to give customers the best travel experience they have had at the world’s busiest and most congested international airport.

Terminal 5’s efficiency and levels of customer service have helped to raise punctuality to record levels. As measured by industry standards, British Airways has improved its punctuality at Heathrow from an average of around 50 per cent of on time departures each month when it was split located in Terminal 1 and 4, to an average of around 80 per cent since moving to Terminal 5. Many days the airline can achieve 90 per cent of on time departures at Terminal 5.

In addition, thanks to Terminal 5, British Airways now has the best baggage performance of any major European hub based carrier. Arriving bags are also often waiting on the carousels to be collected by customers as they make their way through passport control.

Overall levels of punctuality and baggage operations will improve even further when a new £300 million third part of the terminal campus, known as T5 C, opens for customers in early summer 2011.

Andy Lord, British Airways director of operations, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed our 50 millionth customer into Terminal 5. Although we know how much our customers really love the calm atmosphere and great customer service in the terminal, we are aiming to make even more improvements in the year ahead.

“Terminal 5 ‘C’ will make a real difference when it is fully operational next summer and will mean that more than 95 per cent of our services will be served by an ‘air bridge’. That’s an extra three million customers each year who won’t have to use a bus to get to or from their aircraft.

“We are also going to further enhance the levels of service we can offer to our premium customers.

“Terminal 5 has not only improved the levels of customer service we can offer in what is a very competitive market place, but it also helps to reduce our costs by being able to run a more efficient flying operation at our main home.”

Since Terminal 5 opened in March 2008, customers have also consistently given British Airways its most positive ever feedback scores in a monthly survey of more than 35,000 randomly selected customers.

World Travel Market introduces new Sports Pavilion

World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, is unveiling a new Sports Pavilion at WTM 2010 with some of the most iconic venues in the world exhibiting.

The spiritual home of four of the world’s major sports; Lords (cricket), Wimbledon (tennis), Twickenham (rugby) and Wembley (football) are all exhibiting in the new Sports Pavilion, which is situated in the UK and Ireland region of WTM 2010.

An array of top Premiership football grounds are also exhibiting including Old Trafford (Manchester United), Stamford Bridge (Chelsea) and Emirates Stadium (Arsenal).

The launch of the Sports Pavilion follows hot on the heels of the first Sports Tourism conference programme at World Travel Market last year, which included an array of high profile speakers from the 2010 football World Cup, London 2012 Olympic Committee and the Canadian 2010 Winter Olympics.

World Travel Market Sales Executive Christian Vicente said: “Sports Tourism is worth a staggering $51 billion a year* and World Travel Market is the first exhibition to recognise its growing importance to the industry, with the launch of the Sports Tourism seminar programme and Sports Pavilion.

“The Sports Pavilion is an exciting initiative which allows some of the world’s leading sports stadiums to promote their historic and prestigious venues, stadium tours and museums to the global travel trade for both leisure travellers and conferences and events.”

Lawn Tennis Museum & Tour Commercial Manager Ashley Jones said:  “The Sports Tourism Pavilion is a great initiative as it allows the world’s most prestigious sports venues to promote ourselves to the global travel and tourism industry.

“Sports tourism is growing at a phenomenal rate with holidaymakers not only attending major sporting events but choosing their destination so they visit a famous sporting stadium.”

Wembley Stadium Tour Manager Adam Burrage added: “Wembley Stadium Tours is delighted to be exhibiting with World Travel Market. Wembley Stadium is the most famous stadium in the world and by working closely with WTM, we can extend our outreach to more overseas visitors than ever before’.

New government maintains all-party support for Games as solid progress continues with two years to go

The International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission for the London 2012 Games concluded today its sixth visit to the British capital since the city was awarded the Games in 2005. The meetings, which ran from 6 to 8 July, saw good progress being made across the project, particularly in the area of venue and infrastructure construction. The week’s meetings began with IOC President Jacques Rogge and Coordination Commission Chairman Denis Oswald meeting the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson, as well as the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, at No.10 Downing Street.

“We held very constructive talks with Prime Minister Cameron and Mayor Johnson about the upcoming Games, and we are assured that the government at all levels remains completely behind the project,” said Oswald. “We also realise that we are working in a difficult economic environment at the moment, but we are confident that LOCOG’s early entry into the market and its robust private sector financing will mean that the delivery of top class Games will not be affected.”

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe said, “This week, we have taken the IOC through the progress we are making across both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we are delighted with their very positive report. With two years to go, our focus is very much on working through the details of delivering this large and complex project. There will of course be challenges ahead, but we have an excellent team in place, and we benefit from great partnerships with the government, the Mayor of London, our sponsors and, of course, both the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association. The strength of this team, combined with the tremendous support of the public, will help us work through any challenges and deliver Olympic and Paralympic Games we will all be proud of in 2012.”

During its stay, the Commission visited a number of the Olympic venues, including the Olympic Park, Olympic Village, Broxbourne, Excel, and Royal Holloway, and heard reports from the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) on the progress being made in preparing the services for a number of Games participants, such as the athletes, media, spectators, National Olympic Committees and International Federations, as well as in areas like technology, medical services, commercial, transport, communications, marketing, culture, ceremonies and education. LOCOG also updated the Commission on its plans for the ticketing, volunteer and Olympic Torch Relay programmes, which will be rolled out over the coming two years.

With the Games a little over two years away, London 2012 is now approaching a crucial stage in its development as it shifts from the planning stage into its operational testing phase.

“The staff at LOCOG is top class and has been key to the success of the project so far. And there have been many successes, including the great advances in construction, in particular at the Olympic Park,” Oswald said. “They have done an exemplary job so far, but now is not the time for complacency; they need to continue working diligently and to focus on the details of the project during the up-coming operational testing phase in order to put on great Games in 2012.”

In the next 18 months, LOCOG will run numerous tests to determine that everything is in place to smoothly deliver the Games. It is at this stage that the local organisers will determine where improvements can be made and calibrate their plans accordingly. The Commission said it was impressed with the work completed to date and was looking forward to seeing LOCOG and its partners’ plans put to the test and refined over the coming months.

Big Dance in London

From dance shows to dance classes, exhibitions, talks and film screenings, there’s something for everyone at Big Dance.

In 2008, half a million people took part in 500 Big Dance events, and several records were broken, including the world’s largest Bollywood dance class. This year’s Big Dance is set to be bigger and better than ever!

Big Dance 2010 Highlights

Highlights of this year’s Big Dance include:

• Big Bus Dance: A double-decker bus converted into an interactive dance venue. 21 May-10 Jul
• Big World Dance: A huge celebration in Trafalgar Square featuring 10,000 dancers. 10 Jul
• English National Ballet and Harlequins Rugby League: The unlikely dance partners team up for a performance at Twickenham Stoop Stadium
• Dancing [st]AGE: Hundreds of older people dance at the Royal Festival Hall. 9 Jul
• The Bunker Thing: Hip-hop dance company Avant Garde take over an abandoned underground bunker in Dalston. 4 Jul
• Party at the Enchanted Palace: A weekend of dance at Kensington Palace produced by English National Ballet
• Slow Dancing: the UK premiere of artist David Michalek’s moving-image installation in Trafalgar Square, featuring ultra-slow video portraits of dancers. 6-24 July.

A London-wide Celebration of Dance

Some of London’s top dance organisations are behind Big Dance, so you can expect a world-class celebration. The festival is supported by:

• East London Dance
• English National Ballet
• Greenwich Dance Agency
• Sadler’s Wells
• Siobhan Davies Dance

For More Information

Visit www.bigdance2010.com for more information.

AED900 million extension of ADNEC’s ExCeL London inaugurated by Sultan Bin Tahnoon and Mayor of London

- On-time, on-budget delivery of new phase creates landmark International
Convention Centre for London; cements ADNEC’s credentials as influential
global events industry player -

London, June 2010: ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) has
officially inaugurated the second phase expansion of ExCeL London, signalling
a new chapter in ADNEC’s emergence as a rising star of the global events
industry.
ExCeL London’s AED 900 million (GBP 165 million) expansion was inaugurated
today by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, ADNEC Chairman,
and Boris Johnson, Mayor of London. The ceremony was attended by a VIP
delegation including H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Foreign
Trade; H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Al Bowardi, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi
Executive Council; John Penrose, UK Minister for Tourism; ExCeL and ADNEC
board members, and other leading figures from the UAE and UK public and
private sectors.
ExCeL London’s latest expansion creates a world class ICC (International
Convention Centre) for the UK capital with facilities including a 5,000-seater
auditorium, a breakout area for 2,500 delegates and London’s largest banqueting
hall with a 3,000-seat capacity. Additionally, exhibition space at ExCeL
London, the venue for leading exhibitions including World Travel Market
and DSEi, has grown by 50 percent, to 97,500sqm to become one of Europe’s
largest exhibition centres.

“Our ongoing investments in ExCeL reiterate our commitment to the global
events industry. They are also in line with Abu Dhabi’s strong and ongoing
relationship with the UK – a relationship that is decades long and born
out of mutual respect,” said Sheikh Sultan.

The UAE and UK governments aim to boost trade by more than 60 percent by
2015, said H.E. Sheikh Sultan, stating that  successful partnerships such
as ADNEC and ExCeL, will have a significant role in realising this ambition.

“Additional areas of mutual growth for ADNEC and ExCeL are being identified,”
said Sheikh Sultan citing ADNEC’s building of a 252-room Aloft Hotel at
ExCeL London, in time for the London 2012 Olympics. ExCeL is host venue
for seven Olympic and six Paralympics disciplines for the London games.

His Excellency Ali Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, ADNEC’s Managing Director said
ExCeL’s phase two expansion had been completed in two years following ADNEC’s
acquisition of the premier London venue in 2008.

“This expansion catapults ExCeL into one of the world’s leading venues,”
he said. “ExCeL has proved a prestigious addition to ADNEC’s portfolio,
staging a number of global events including last year’s G20 Summit; both
ExCeL and ADNEC have won significant new business and various awards; and
there has been an ongoing exchange of best practices. We will build on
these achievements in coming years”
The ADNEC Group maintains the expansion of ExCeL sends a signal to the
global events industry of its dedication and ability to be true partners
in every sense of the term.
“The experience we have gained with our ExCeL investment will be pivotal
to how we move forward in creating an international network of world class
venues to enable our clients to benefit from global best practices,” commented
Simon Horgan, the Group’s CEO.
The expansion has also demonstrated ADNEC’s ability to respond quickly
to market demand.
“With ADNEC, we listened to what the market wanted and delivered what our
clients have asked. At ExCeL London, we have now created, on-time and within
budget, a world class exhibition and convention centre capable of winning
business from competing cities anywhere. I am grateful for Abu Dhabi and
ADNEC’s unstinting support to a shared vision that has led us through what
has been a challenging time for the events industry. ExCeL is now poised
to maximise gains from an industry upturn,” said Kevin Murphy, CEO, ExCeL
London.
Since last October’s announcement of the new ICC, ExCeL has contracted
AED1.64 billion (GBP300 million) in economic benefits for London, 1,000
new jobs have been created with an additional 2,200 expected to be created
by next year.
“More than half the contracted business is from events with an average
delegate attendance of 5,000. With our key stakeholders, we will continue
to invest in the site to create a world class business destination,” added
Murphy.
Key features of ExCeL’s expanded facilities include:
· Additional 32,500sqm of flat-floor event space – equivalent to 14 football
pitches.
· 9,500sqm of the 32,500sqm will be dropped floor space with 15m high ceilings
· 4,500sqm semi-permanent auditorium with retractable seating for up to
5,000 delegates (equal to the largest ICC in Europe – Berlin)
· Further conference, banqueting & meeting space accommodating up to 2,000
delegates
· 20 conference/meeting rooms bringing total to 65 break out/meeting rooms
· Additional F&B and retail area
· An extra 625 underground car parking spaces bringing the total to 2,225
· Largest production kitchen in the UK
· 25000m3 (cubic metres) of concrete has been used on the new phase – enough
to fill 10 Olympic sized swimming pools
· 7,500 tons of structural steelwork
· 70,000m3 (cubic metres) of excavated soil reused on site
· 75-85 percent recycling rate for materials removed from site

With a spectacular waterside setting near Canary Wharf, the UK capital’s
new financial centre, ExCeL London has staged more than 3,000 events welcoming
5 million visitors from more than 200 countries in the ten years since
it opened.

Wimbledon Records Aced!

UAE delegation to participate in inauguration of new facilities at ADNEC’s London venue

Abu Dhabi, 21st June: Leading government and industry figures from the
UAE will visit the UK capital later this week to participate in the formal
inauguration of new facilities at ExCeL London, the leading events venue
owned by ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company).

ExCeL’s new facilities, earmarked as the Phase Two expansion, have been
developed under a successful two-year construction programme backed by
ADNEC that has led to the creation of significant additional event capacities
at ExCeL.

Kevin Murphy, CEO of ExCeL London, said: “I am absolutely delighted at
the upcoming participation of the UAE delegation in the inauguration of
ExCeL’s second phase development on Thursday 24th June. It is only fitting
that this ceremony will be conducted in the presence of many of our principal
stakeholders who have so strongly endorsed ExCeL’s vision for the UK events
industry”.

The delegation to ExCeL will be led by H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al
Nahyan, ADNEC’s Chairman.

Other key members of the delegation include H E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi,
UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Al Bowardi, General Secretary
of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.E. Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of Aldar
Properties;  H.E. Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman  of Rotana Group; Ali Bin
Harmal Al Dhaheri, Managing Director of ADNEC as well as other ADNEC Board
Members; Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
(ADTA); H.E. Khalifa Nasser Al Mansoori, Executive Director of the Accounts
Department in ADIA; H.E. Mohammed Omar Abdulla, Under Secretary of Abu
Dhabi’s Department of Planning and Economy; and H.E. Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri,
Chairman of Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH).

ExCeL Board members Matar Hamdan Al Ameri and Ralph Shipley, as well as
Simon Horgan, ADNEC Group CEO and Ahmed Hussain, Chief Operating Officer
of the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), are other members
of the delegation.

Since opening in 2000, ExCeL London has staged over 2,000 events welcoming
over five million visitors from 200 countries. Seven of London’s top 10
trade shows are held at the venue. ExCeL also hosts major conferences,
such as last year’s G20 London Summit.

ExCeL was acquired by ADNEC in 2008 as part of (ADNEC’s) strategy to develop
a network of venues. Since the acquisition, ExCeL London has cemented its
status in the events industry by picking up 12 major awards. The addition
of the new facilities to ExCeL is expected to further augment ExCeL’s status
as London’s biggest and most attractive events venue.

High Street Agents back in business, WTM Vision Conference delegates told

Travel industry experts predicted a revival in the fortunes of high street travel agents at last week’s WTM Vision Conference in London.

Euromonitor International exclusively revealed to a packed room of more than 180 delegates figures from its new Forecast Update– Recovery In Sight? report.

The report predicts travel retail sales will grow 2% next year and around 3% for the following three years.

Euromonitor International’s Head of Travel and Tourism Research Caroline Bremner said the recession had seen holidaymakers return to the high street.

“People are looking for advice and piece of mind,” she said. “The high street is in a much better position than it was five years ago.”

The prediction is supported by the news Thomas Cook, Tui and the Co-op all plan to expand their retail estates.

Panellists from the engaging UK Outbound session agreed the future is looking bright for high street travel retail.

TUI UK and Ireland distribution director Nick Longman said:” Well run retail still has an important part to play in the market.”

Low Cost Travel Group chief executive Paul Evans agreed, but warned that the high street needs to reflect customers’ lifestyles and offer extended opening hours.

This sentiment was echoed by Monarch Airlines’ managing director Tim Jeans. “The evening bookings peak is critical,” he said. “If I have 10,000 bookings by 5pm, I know there will be 20,000 by midnight.

“The high street does not get that evening burst when people are prepared to spend money.”

Bremner added high street agents should “innovate more by seeing what other sectors are doing on the high street” such as selling coffee and travel guide books to expand their offering.

P&O Cruise managing director Carol Marlow added 90% of her sales come from travel agents, which had helped give the business a positive start to trading for the current season.

Also at WTM Vision, social media guru Graham Lee, chief executive of Firebrand, said the travel industry is one of the most buoyant sector in terms of embracing social media. He said “in pockets, it is the most advanced”, highlighting campaigns by First Capital Connect and Manchester Airport.

He added in percentage terms Twitter is more used in the UK than in the US.

World Travel Market Chairman Fiona Jeffery said: “The second WTM Vision Conference has been a great success. A record number of delegates heard fascinating insights from some of the travel industry’s most senior executives.

“Furthermore, social media expert Graham Lee gave delegates a thought-provoking presentation on how social media can fuel their business out of the recession.

“These insights, alongside the exclusive up-to-date research from Euromonitor International, will give delegates in intelligence they need to shape their business over the next twelve months.”

Visit London sponsors the ‘Take me there Boris’ viral campaign

To show his support for the launch of London’s first ever London International Conference Centre (ICC London ExCeL) Boris Johnson the Mayor of London has taken on the role of a virtual black-cab driver where he shares numerous interesting facts and stories about London’s iconic landmarks. A series of seven viral films have been created with the Mayor which can be viewed on the site entitled ‘Take me there Boris’.http://www.takemethereboris.co.uk
The films see the London Mayor take on the role of a city taxi driver navigating his way through the streets of London ultimately arriving to the site of London’s first convention centre; ICC London ExCeL. The films which have been created by experience marketing agency, George P. Johnson (GPJ) in-house team the films have been sponsored by ICC London ExCeL owners ADNEC group and the London’s official visitor organisation Visit London.

ICC London ExCeL will be launched in a ceremony next Thursday (24th June) which will be attended by the Mayor. The films are part of an overall ‘London as centre of Excellence’ campaign which has been produced to create awareness for the new venue and drive new business for the future.

Kevin Murphy, Chief Executive, ExCeL London said “We are delighted that The Mayor of London and Visit London have fully supported us to deliver London’s first ever International Convention Centre at ExCeL. This is a significant and historic moment for the city and marks a new chapter in London’s offer as a global events and business destination, enabling the capital to compete with other major world and European cities to win more large conferences and association events in the future”

Tracy Halliwell, Director of Business Tourism at Visit London said
“Visit London is very pleased to be involved and supporting the ‘Take me there Boris’ campaign. The launch of London’s first ICC represents a new era in business tourism for London and an ability to generate large event business that London has in the past lacked the facilities to do so. We feel the film is a great way of sharing London’s rich history with leisure and business visitors in a fun and entertaining way.”

“It was great to get Boris involved in the project and I think he really enjoyed being a cabbie for the day,” commented Andy Bass, Head of Creative, George P Johnson. “We’re excited about the ‘Take me there Boris’ campaign, it’s a fun initiative and one we’re confident will bring more people to the ICC London ExCeL both at launch and beyond.”

The viral goes live today and will work on two different levels; firstly driving awareness of the opening event and secondly driving people to the microsite so those unable to attend the exclusive VIP invite only event can watch it online at:
http://www.excel-london.co.uk/icc/launchevent

Create the perfect Father’s Day in the capital

Tired of socks, ties and personalised mugs? Think outside the box and create the perfect present with a truly unique Father’s Day experience in the capital. Visit London has compiled some great father-friendly ideas below to help you find something special!

For dads who like to indulge…
- A Radisson Edwardian gift voucher will allow him to select from an indulgent dining experience, scrumptious afternoon tea or an overnight stay at one of 12 fabulous London locations.
- Visit the award-winning spa at the Chancery Court Hotel for a Gin & Tonic treatment especially tailored for the men.
- Surprise him with a special ‘Hydrating Facial and Dead Sea Back Treatment’ in the Health Club at One Aldwych.
- Spoil dad with the complete package – a NuBo Ultimate Male Performance facial or a Deep Tissue Massage in The Spa at Brown’s Hotel, followed by a three-course lunch in HIX at The Albemarle.

Treat him to a tasty tipple…
- Designed to appeal to whisky novices and lovers alike, the Vinopolis whisky masterclass offers dads a unique insight into the world of Scotch whisky.
- Or combine his love of football and wine with Vinopolis’s South African Wine Tour on Sunday – taking place in honour of the World Cup, the tour is finished off with a screening of the game!
- Book him a room at the Athenaeum hotel and Dad can take part in a bespoke whisky tasting and food pairing experience with the hotel’s renowned whisky sommelier.
- Join Sipsmith Independent Spirits and Master Distiller Jared Brown, as they host a Martini Master Class and intimate tasting session at The Dorchester’s Bar this Father’s Day.

Foodie fun for the fathers…
- Enjoy a steak dinner on Sunday at The Meat & Wine Co and get 50% off Dad’s choice of steak.
- Select the specially crafted exotic Father’s Day dish and cocktail at Chelsea’s celebrated fine-dining Malaysian restaurant Awana.
- Listen to live music from flamenco jazz ensemble Ricardo Garcia as you enjoy a lazy 2-course Sunday brunch in the Royal Albert Hall’s Café Consort.
- Soak up the atmosphere as Dad enjoys a three course lunch aboard The Restaurant Ship Hispaniola – the resident pianist will be providing the perfect accompaniment for the stunning Thames views.
- Visit the Island Restaurant & Bar at the Lancaster London Hotel as it celebrates the special day with free meals for dads, free parking and a complimentary car wash!

World Cup-weary? Take a break and enjoy some other sports-themed activities on offer…
- Surprise cricket-crazy dads with a behind-the-scenes tour of Lord’s – The Home of Cricket and one of the most famous sporting venues in the world.
- Fulham fan? Visit fulhamfc.com for unique gift ideas and a host of discounts created especially for Father’s Day.
- See what’s in store for London 2012 with a Blue Badge Guide walking tour of the Olympic site – find out more at http://www.olympictourguides2012.com

Shopping more his style?
- Visit Fortnum and Mason over the weekend for a roast in the St James’s Restaurant, Jazz Brunch in the Fountain, or “Grill it!” in the demonstration kitchen, where he can learn the tips and tricks of successful barbecuing.
- Grab some discounts at The National Geographic Store as it celebrates with special offers on selected gifts over the weekend.
- Take him shopping in the stunning Burlington Arcade and select from gift sets from the House of Cashmere, ‘Father and Son’ model swimming trunks from Vilebrequin or personalised cufflinks from Susannah Lovis.
- Westfield London is not only the destination to buy the gift but is also the place to spend the day – steal the celeb’s style and turn your dad into a superstar with a day of retail therapy at Europe’s biggest inner city shopping complex.

Seeking some Father’s Day fun for the family? Discover a slice of the capital together…
- Bring your dad ‘face to fin’ with the ocean’s most fascinating fathers at SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
- Join in the celebrations in the heart of Covent Garden as the Market Building celebrates its 180th anniversary. Watch the street performance cabaret, grab some tasty treats at the Real Food Market and enjoy tons of kids entertainment and one enormous birthday cake!
- Take Dad on an urban sightseeing adventure for just £5! Live The City’s Guide to Covent Garden contains step-by-step walks packed with fascinating sightseeing and treasure hunt clues.
- Soak up some culture at the National Gallery, followed by a free lunch for dads at the National Café and a 10% discount in the National Gallery shops!
- Visit the stunning Eltham Palace for the ‘Eltham at War’ event this weekend, and find out what role the palace played during the Second World War.
- Battle enthusiasts, visit Apsley House for Waterloo Weekend – a commemoration of the Duke of Wellington’s famous victory at Waterloo.
- End the day with a gala performance of Bach’s sublime Mass in B minor performed by the Vasari Singers and world-renowned soloists at St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square.

Whatever your Dad’s interests, there are hundreds of events, attractions and gift ideas on offer around the city. Get out and explore or visit http://www.visitlondon.com/fathersday for more inspiration!

Brilliant SAVING for companies

The Travel Club is offering travel companies a great opportunity to save more than £2,000 and sign up five of their key executives as members. Corporate packages are available for companies wishing to enrol three or more members – the more members the greater the discount!

This is what a money-saving corporate package could mean for you and your team to enjoy:

• A stylish ‘home’, totally unlike a hotel, to impress clients

•Offering a unique business atmosphere.

• A place to network with UK and international industry management.

• Relaxing in the quintessentially English way…  swimming pool, sauna, gym and much more.

• A heartbeat from London’s Piccadilly Circus.

• A golden opportunity to entertain in a way that won’t break the bank!

• A magnificent centre for meetings, presentations, press conferences and product launches.

And if one of your corporate members leaves the company during the year, you can nominate another executive to take their place.

Don’t miss out on the latest means of developing business.

Contact Managing Director Tom Nutley on tom.nutley@theclub.travel.

Tom will be happy to agree a package with you that suit your company needs.

Meridian Club Think Tank for Senior Buyers proves a great success

World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, last week launched its first executive Think Tank programme for senior buyers in its Meridian Club.

National and regional tourism boards should pay more attention to sports tourism, according to the meeting which was held at The Luxe restaurant in east London on Thursday 3 June.

Around a dozen executives, from small independents to established mainstream operators, agreed that public and private sector tourism bodies needed to be more proactive in identifying events and activities which would attract visitors and promote their destination to a wider audience.

Events such as the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics and Paralympics Games and The Ashes are established travel products. However, there are national and regional championships for all sports and it was felt that the market for hosting specialist and niche events was currently underestimated by governments and tourist boards.

Increasingly, organisers of high-profile events control the supply and pricing for tickets, making it difficult for businesses to offer consumers a competitive price and retain a margin. Commitments on tickets and hotels need to be made upfront, which has a negative effect on cash flow.

Tickets to smaller events, from lawn bowls and netball to wrestling and darts, are easier to access. Operators can package watching the event with other excursions and tourism products, giving travellers’ value for money and a memorable experience while also satisfying their own bottom-line requirements.

A sports marketing specialist said that the return on investment for a country or region hosting and promoting a niche event would be greater than spending the budget on a generic campaign.

The sports tourism sector also covers participation, where visitors take part in their chosen activity rather than watch. This is another area where tourist boards can help the industry while helping their region. A golf breaks specialist felt that regional tourist boards were more supportive than national ones.

Professional coaching was identified as one area where operators can generate margins because it is more difficult for customers to book this type of break themselves. It was pointed out that the overall size of the sports tourism market was difficult to judge because so many people book independently.

Fiona Jeffrey, chairman of World Travel Market, attended the Think Tank. She said; “World Travel Market is the premier global event for business, and this discussion has really opened our eyes to the scale and complexity of the sports tourism market and what we can do to help operators and destinations exploit this vast opportunity.”

The meeting heralded the start of a new initiative from World Travel Market. It is launching a year-round executive Think Tank programme for senior buyers in its Meridian Club.

Mark Jakobsen, Meridian Club Marketing Manager, said: “Meridian Club buyers want the latest product and trends to help inform their purchasing decisions.  We are confident that our Think Tank project will contribute greatly to this.”

OIL DISASTER MUST PROMPT INDUSTRY TO GREATER EFFORTS, SAYS WTM CHIEF

As travel and tourism considers the disastrous impact of the oil slick creeping relentlessly towards the Gulf Coast, it demonstrates just how exposed the industry is to the actions of mankind, Fiona Jeffery, Chairman of World Travel Market said this week.

Launching WTM World Responsible Tourism Day 2010, held in association with the UNWTO, Jeffery explained:” While most of us are powerless to stop such terrible catastrophes potentially wiping out hundreds of wildlife species, it illustrates more vividly than any words the importance of everyone working in travel and tourism making a contribution to responsible tourism where ever they are in the world.

“This is the crucial and increasingly urgent message behind WTM World Responsible Tourism Day”, said Jeffery, pioneer of responsible tourism for the past 16 years.

The world’s most ambitious movement to educate, motivate and inspire the international industry to work towards a more sustainable planet will focus on the actual day – Wednesday 10 November. Thousands of delegates in London and others across the world will mark the day of action with special events, press conferences, trade fairs, sporting fixtures and family entertainment.

“It’s a universal issue which brings us together in a way that nothing else can”, she said.

“The global size of wildlife tourism, for example, is estimated to be around 12 million trips a year, involving almost every out-of-town destination from South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Florida to New Zealand, Germany, Netherlands and Scotland.

“Interest in wildlife continues to grow and forecasters say it will increase another ten per cent in the next decade.”

Yet, said Jeffery, one in four mammals and one in eight birds are in danger of disappearing. Species are becoming extinct a thousand times faster than we would expect naturally.”

WTM World Responsible Tourism Day is an opportunity to show consumers, governments, companies and organistions just what can be done to make a positive contribution.

World-Class Programme

A jam-packed schedule of speeches, debates, interviews, presentations and workshops featuring some of the industry’s most respected private and public sector leaders and global environmental experts is planned. Although there will also be responsible tourism events throughout World Travel Market week, the main events programnme will be on the Wednesday.

The programme includes an Opening Ceremony and presentation of the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, organised by responsibletravel.com and partnered by Metro Newspaper, Geographical and World Travel Market.

A CEO from a major multi-national company will be in the Hot Seat facing Stephen Sackur, presenter of BBC World’s flagship news and current affairs programme HARDtalk.

Keynote debates include Destinations and Climate Change when Government Ministers of countries facing possible serious social and economic challenges will examine what can be done to address the problems. Tourism Business and Climate Change will study what business strategies hotels and airlines should  adopt to change the industry’s heavy reliance on water and fossil fuels.

Other responsible tourism topics during the week (8 – 11 November) include
bio-diversity, management of sacred sites and sustainable excursions.

WTM WRTD Logo Users

Launch of WTM World Responsible Tourism Day also signals the start of a campaign for companies to apply for approval to use the 2010 WTM WRTD logo. Last year, 150 travel operators and organizations worldwide used the logo on marketing and sales materials as well as gained other publicity and profiling benefits.

Participants will be invited to the WTM WRTD networking reception which last year was attended by more than 300 people, as well as listings in the WTM catalogue, WTM WRTD website and WTM Route Planner. Exhibitors at World Travel Market will also be displaying the logo.

For more information or to apply for a WTM World Responsible Tourism logo, log on to the WRTD website or contact Araminta Sugden on the WRTD hotline telephone +44 (0) 1892 535943.

Summer Screen at Canary Wharf

Visit Canada Square Park this summer – the home of the Canary Wharf’s Summer Screen, broadcasting many of the major sporting events this summer plus news and current affairs from BBC News24, interactive games and vintage footage of London’s past.

Highlights include:

ROYAL ASCOT
WIMBLEDON
FORMULA 1
OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE PROMS

Should schedules clash we will endeavor to show what is possible and popular. Information correct at time of posting.

Canada Square Park
Friday 18 June to Friday 3 September

The UK’s Biggest Motoring Event this Summer at Canary Wharf

From Monday 7th to Sunday 13th June 2010 the Motorexpo will transform the Canary Wharf estate in London with a free to visit display of the very latest vehicles from many of the worlds leading motor manufacturers.

The 2010 Canary Wharf London Motorexpo will be the UK’s biggest motor show event this summer, with an estimated audience of over 400,000 visitors. As in previous years the exhibitor line-up covers the full range of the automotive spectrum; with manufacturers including Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Skoda and Triumph just a few of the names set to display their latest vehicle line-ups to the Canary Wharf business community and the event’s wider family and car-loving weekend audience.

New additions for this year will see the Motorexpo offer an increased number of interactive displays and test drive facilities, a dedicated Motor Sport Zone and a showcase of some of the greatest ever Le Mans vehicles in association with BEN – the automotive industry charity and official charity partner of the 2010 Canary Wharf London Motorexpo.

The 15th annual London Motorexpo is entirely free for visitors to attend, with no tickets or queues to enter and boasts the iconic backdrop of Canary Wharf’s towers as its premium urban setting. Easily accessible by road, rail, river and air, visitors to the Motorexpo can also enjoy a range of excellent facilities with over 200 shops, bars and restaurants onsite at Canary Wharf, making the Motorexpo a great day out for all the family.

The unique format of the Motorexpo has proved so successful that organisers are continuing with their international expansion and this May will see them unveil their first Los Angeles event in the heart of the city’s downtown business district at Bank of America Plaza. Following their 2010 London show, they will then deliver their 3rd Annual New York event at the World Financial Center in Lower Manhattan and the future continuing growth of Motorexpo is already confirmed with next year set to see the first Toronto Motorexpo take place.

Graeme Carver, Motorexpo Managing Director said; “The Motorexpo has come through the acid-test of the global economic downturn and is viewed as a viable and steadfast sales platform from which the world’s leading motor manufacturers can meet our location’s car-buying audience. Unlike any other format of motoring event the Motorexpo is truly a modern style of motor show and one that is loved by both our exhibitors and visitors alike. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Canary Wharf this June, for what looks set to be our biggest ever event!”

Further information on the 2010 Canary Wharf London Motorexpo is available at www.motorexpo.com including show videos and images from previous events.

7th-13th June 2010
Canary Wharf, London
10am-6pm Monday to Saturday
11am-5pm Sunday