HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN TO NAME QUEEN ELIZABETH

Cunard Line is pleased to confirm that Her Majesty The Queen will name the company’s new Queen Elizabeth, the third Cunard ship to bear the name, at a ceremony to take place in Southampton on Monday 11 October 2010.

The naming will be a milestone in British maritime history and will be a major event of worldwide interest.

Peter Shanks, Cunard President and Managing Director, comments:

“The naming of a Cunard Queen is a very special occasion and this will be an historic event in the true sense of the word. The Queen launched Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1967 and named our current flagship, Queen Mary 2, in 2004. We are both honoured and proud that Her Majesty will name our new liner Queen Elizabeth.”

Her Majesty was also present at the age of 12 at the launch of the first Queen Elizabeth on 27 September 1938 when she accompanied her mother, Queen Elizabeth, to Clydebank for the launch.

The Naming Ceremony will take place in Southampton on Monday 11 October and the ship will set sail on her maiden voyage the following day.

Oceanco Launches its Latest Superyacht, the 86m Y706

ALBLASSERDAM, The Netherlands, September 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Oceanco splashed its latest yacht-hull number Y706-on 27 August 2010. This marks another milestone for Oceanco as the yard once again distinguishes itself as being at the forefront of the international superyacht sector. With this spectacular new launch Oceanco continues to prove its capability of achieving the highest engineering and production standards in terms of performance, styling and quality.

At 86m, Y706 boasts the powerful exterior and interior design work of Nuvolari & Lenard, which includes a trademark Oceanco swimming pool on her aft deck that can be conveniently transformed into a helipad. Y706 is a perfect balance between discretion and distinction. Her size, quality and style will ensure that she is recognized as a true Oceanco, whether cruising the oceans or at anchor.

Oceanco’s Y706 features spacious accommodation and extensive amenities for 12 guests, including a private owner’s deck with a large separate master stateroom with study and private deck area with pool. The yacht is fitted with two 4,680hp / 3,492 kW MTU engines and capable of reaching speeds of 20 knots.

The launching of Y706 is the culmination of research into innovation and attentiveness to the owners’ desires. The contemporary interior will essentially feature walnut, teak and rosewood interspersed with natural materials, fabrics and colors.

Sea trial preparations and final fit-out are on track for a successful delivery before the end of the year.

Rhodes: La Marquise Resort Complex

Even in business, some things only happen thanks to people who realize their dreams. The greatest achievements are based on inspiration, reflecting the great desires of their creators. At “La Marquise”, owners are realizing their dream of creating an exceptional hotel complex. Here, leisure meets this utmost sense of style and luxury, evident in even the minutest details and the application of state-of-the-art technology.

Hotel Plan

The owners’ personal experiences and the unique design and atmosphere of “La Marquise” have blended to create a place of absolute luxury, comfort and tranquility, escaping from the ordinary, in heavenly surroundings that are destined to steal your heart from the very first moment.

Environment

Hotel’s beach is awarded with the Blue Flag eco-label, which represents the cleanness of the beach & sea and their great maintenance. At total of 31 Blue Flags for the island of Rhodes, 26 of them belong to the Municipality of Kallithea.

Unfolding sweet dreams…

With the most attentive service and prompt attention to every detail, the 386 rooms and Suites offers harmonious atmosphere, absolute privacy, tranquility, giving you the opportunity to enjoy dream holidays.

Each room type incorporates the latest modern enhancements such as HOTstream Interactive Flat TV’s, High Speed Wireless Internet Access and Control panel with “Do not disturb” , “In House “, “Room alarm”,” Door open” and “Please make-up my room” buttons.

All room types feature:

Welcome / farewell gifts, daily maid service, turn down service, , Balcony/Terrace, Bath/WC or Bath/Shower/WC, Bathrobes & slippers, Magnifying mirror, Luxury toiletries, Hair dryer, Direct dial telephone, A/C, heating, Mini bar (extra charge), Coffee/Tea making facilities (replenished daily), Electronic Safe.

La Marquise hotel features also 10 exceptionally well adapted rooms for clients with reduced mobility, allocated on the main building, near to all hotel services. With wide doorways and five rooms with wheel-in showers, they have quite superb facilities for ensuring a pleasant, untroubled stay.
Wheelchair accessibility is also excellent all around the hotel and pool areas.

A fine dining experience…

Da Vinci Restaurant

Located on the main building, our main dining room serves Greek, Mediterranean and International specialities. Decorated with thematic paintings, surrounded by waters and waterfalls with mosaic tiles, enlightened with LED lights, Da Vinci main Restaurant offers fine indoor as well as outdoor breakfast and dining experience.

Meal arrangements
Menu based on Mediterranean cuisine & international dishes
Special dinner menus
Wine selection
Attire: Smart Casual (long trousers for men during evening meal)
Smoking (outdoors only)
Half Board: lunch or dinner
Vegetarian Menu
Gluten free menu upon request
Special diet menu upon request

For our small guests
Children’s menu
High chairs.

L’étoile Sea Food Restaurant

You should not leave La Marquise without a visit to our sea food restaurant, L’étoile. Our Chef Executive ensures an unfailing, elegant and excellent dining experience, together with an impeccable service in a romantic and luxurious setting on the top floor of the main building.
Start operating later this year.

In Room Dining

For those who prefer to spend the day in their room, La Marquise hotel offers an extensive menu of excellent dishes, snacks and drinks, catering all your special requests.

An island with a famed Medieval Town

La Marquise complex is located in the outskirts of the city of Rhodes; a city with a 2400-year history and a famed Medieval Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Monument). Situated at the spectacular area of Kallithea, as testified by its name in Greek (Kalli-thea = Beautiful view), it offers a breathtaking view.

The “Ammoudes” of Faliraki, just 10 km from the city and the port and 15 km from the airport, offer guests the feeling that they are at a central, yet most peaceful spot on the island. The hotel is a contemporary “Marquise”; graceful and hospitable, it is, indeed, the pride of the area.

Exploring

Excursions around the island fill guests with countless beautiful images, emotions and enjoyable experiences. These are the inheritance they will leave with, and share with their friends upon returning back home, when they narrate all they enjoyed. A rich selection of organized excursions as well as various cultural events can be found either in the Tourist Guide programs or by our Guest relations Executive.

The Island of Rhodes is ideal for family getaways! There is so much to explore and see together with your family that you will end up having a very busy holiday schedule. These outings, for children and parents, are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

http://www.lamarquise.gr

Center Parcs announce further investment in accommodation

New accommodation for 2011 will include luxury Treehouses

Center Parcs, has announced further investment in their accommodation with three new luxury Treehouses plus scheduled improvements to restyle existing accommodation to new upgraded Exclusive Lodges.

Available for 2011, the three new Treehouses will take their place in the 400 acres of woodland at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire. The two-storey Treehouses will feature 4 bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies, an open plan kitchen, dining and living area, a separate games and entertainment den and a private hot tub.

In the last 3 years alone, over £150 million has been invested in the unrivalled range of activities, upgraded restaurants and the new luxury accommodation with fresh designs and contemporary interiors.

Ian Linley, Head of Corporate Sales commented. “The exclusiveness of the new Lodges and Treehouses make them very appealing not only for leisure guests but also for corporate bookers, offering a unique delegate experience.”

The next phase of the accommodation upgrade will be completed for April 2011 and will include the addition of new Exclusive Lodges at Longleat Forest in Wiltshire, that will feature four bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms; a spa area comprising a steam room, sauna and hot tub and a dedicated games room, which will be decked out with a plethora of games including a pool table and a games console.

AMARA GROUP MAKES MAIDEN ENTRY INTO THAILAND

Singapore July 20, 2010 – Amara Holdings Limited’s hospitality arm, Amara Hotels & Resorts continues its regional expansion with the upcoming development of a new 272-room hotel in central Bangkok, Thailand.

Foreign yachts will be able to enter Russian waters soon

The yachts which fly the flags of foreign countries will possibly be able to enter the Russian waters in autumn.

Such law has been already endorsed by the Ministries and Agencies and most likely will be adopted during the autumn session, said the Head of the Department of the Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy of the Russian Federation Nadezhda Nazina in the framework of the 2nd International Conference “Maritime Tourism” in St. Petersburg.

However with the adoption of the law the problem of entering Russian waters won’t be completely solved. The major parts of the bodies of water of Russia don’t have necessary infrastructure and are not ready for receiving the yachts of foreign tourists. It’s also necessary to make a schedule of shipping locks and install signs in English. Source: www.atorus.ru

Legendary Superyacht, MY ‘Christina O’ announces ‘La Divina’ The Renaissance of Maria Callas, an exciting programme for Summer 2010 from Cannes & Monaco

• La Divina in summer from Monaco & from Cannes.
• DATES (TBC) : Sptember, October, etc…
• La Divina: A night sailing onboard the legendary Super Yacht MY ‘Christina O’ and enjoy a spectacular opera evening and dining experience.

Summer 2010 will be launched in style onboard MY ‘Christina O’ with the inaugural opera and dining experience ‘La Divina’ The Renaissance of Maria Callas onboard MY ‘Christina O’ on 4th of June from Monaco. La Divina offers a unique luxurious evening on the world’s most famous superyacht. An operatic performance synonymous with La Divina is an hour long recital given by a leading Soprano of international repute interweaving the tragic story of Maria Callas’ life and doomed love affair with Aristotle Onassis, with her signature arias from the great operatic roles for which she was most famous. The evening package also includes a wonderful buffet-style dinner prepared by our ‘Don Alfonso 1890’ experienced chefs and a tour which will give guests a detailed insight into the history of the yacht. The evening cruise departs from Cannes/ Monaco at 1800 and returns to the marina at 2330.

Previous guests onboard included Sir Winston Churchill, the Aga Khan, President John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, Prince Rainier & Princess Grace of Monaco, Greta Garbo, John Wayne, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Eva Peron, John Paul Getty, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and many others who adorned the front pages of magazines and newspapers as they were entertained on the ‘Christina O’. The yacht will cruise along the Cote D’Azur and guests will savour an intimate performance by sopranos Nelly Miricioiu (4 & 5 of June from Monaco) Mary Plazas (27 & 28 of May from Monaco) and Claire Rutter (29 of May from Monaco).

The yacht MY ‘Christina O’ has been completely renovated while preserving all its unique features. As her legendary past blends into the dawning of a new era, ‘Christina O’ brings back the extraordinary lifestyle of the Onassis years.

Five-star Villa Condulmer in Treviso Selects Utell® Hotels & Resorts

Expansive Villa, Golf Club and Riding School Broaden Utell’s Luxury Offering in Italy

SCOTTSDALE, DALLAS and LONDON (July 12, 2010) – The five-star Villa Condulmer in Treviso has become the latest prestigious European property to select Utell Hotels & Resorts for international sales, marketing and representation. Utell has nearly 200 hotels in the country alone, to which the Villa Condulmer is a desirable new attraction for Utell’s global customer base.

Built in 1743 by the Condulmer family, Villa Condulmer captures the area’s historic art, architecture and textures, while presenting the full services and comforts of a modern hotel. Most notably, the expansive property is sought after for its complete and authentic villa experience, including fine dining with the best of the area’s vintage wines, a picturesque swimming pool, an adjacent 18-hole golf course and a riding school.

“Utell’s Italian and global hotel portfolio keeps getting more extensive as we welcome distinctive properties like the Villa Condulmer,” said Avelina Iglesias, vice president of sales and account management in EMEA for Utell Hotels & Resorts. “The Villa Condulmer has hosted many notable international figures, including Ronald and Nancy Reagan. In offering a complete hotel experience, it is an ideal standalone destination for an Italian getaway, or as a comfortable home base for experiencing the Veneto region.”

As the newest addition to Utell’s international offering of more than 9,000 hotels in nearly 150 countries, the Villa Condulmer will enjoy the benefits of Utell’s extensive and proven business-generating relationships with the majority of the world’s travel agencies, as well as preferred agreements with major TMCs (travel management companies), online distributors, corporations and consortia groups. The Villa Condulmer will also gain access to a complete range of powerful competitive intelligence tools, award-winning Web services, market-leading reservations and booking technology services, all powered by Pegasus Solutions and provided to Utell members.

“Our focus at Villa Condulmer is on the guest, namely providing the five-star service and amenities expected of a luxury resort in one of the most desirable international destinations,” said Rino Tognato, general manager of the Villa Condulmer. “We chose Utell to serve as an extension of our sales and marketing team to focus on the global travel agent, corporate and online booking communities.”

Villa Condulmer, a member of the Utell Luxury Collection, is now available on the global distribution systems (GDSs) under Utell’s chain code, UI, and at the dedicated travel agent Web site www.UtellAgent.com.

Asia: The New Destination in Luxury Travel

Inaugural Global Industry Survey Highlights Major Growth in Asia Pacific Region

Asia has emerged as a luxury travel powerhouse as consumer confidence increases and the spending power of the Asian elite reaches new heights.

This finding is based on a new initiative that was launched by ALTM (Asia Luxury Travel Market) at this year’s event in Shanghai. The results of a unique trends survey that was carried out in a joint collaboration between ALTM and TTG Asia over a period of 2 months in the first quarter of 2010 were announced at the pre-show conference. Through highly targeted regional and global luxury planner and supplier databases, the survey sought to help clarify how businesses may have changed during the fluctuation in economic conditions and how they have bounced back in recent months.

The survey highlighted preferred destinations, frequency of travel, annual spending, domestic versus international and the buyer/supplier relationship. It also showed the affect of the last year on the choices of high net worth individuals (their clients) when planning their leisure time, how the industry might react to potential influences of change, whether “luxury travel brands” are well placed to entice the region’s wealthy and what these trends could reveal about the habits of this elite group of travellers in the future.

The results of this survey show how the vast majority of luxury travel professionals throughout the region has already seen an increase in business in 2010 and almost all of them expect a significant increase in the luxury travel market in Asia.

Luxury travel buyers and agents have seen considerable improvements in their business this year, with 94% of them expecting an increase in luxury travel within the Asia Pacific region, particularly to China, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia.

Luxury travel operators and suppliers have also seen considerable improvements this year, with 60% experiencing an increase in luxury bookings in Q1 of this year. Furthermore, 88% expect the Asia Pacific luxury travel market to grow significantly within the next 12 months.

Travel trends seem to be changing as well, with travellers putting more emphasis on unique destinations and bespoke experience and the majority of operators growing and changing their offerings to cater to this need.

The results also set the scene at the first ALTM Ultratravel Forum – a unique debate on the topic: “Is China/Asia-Pacific set to become the world’s largest market for luxury travel?” that opened this year’s show.

Some of the major key findings from the survey results include:

Luxury Travel Suppliers:

·     60% of operators have grown/changed their product from last year
·     70% of operators will reinvest in their product in 2010
·     88% of operators expect the Asia-Pacific luxury travel market to grow significantly within the next 12 months to most significantly in markets including China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Singapore and Thailand
·     59% of operators have seen an increase in luxury bookings in Q1 of 2010

Luxury Travel Planners:

·      93% of agents expect an increase in their business for 2010, in particular to the following markets: Asia, Western Europe/Mediterranean, and Australasia
·      94% of agents expect an increase in luxury travel within Asia citing China, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand as the most significant markets
·      71% of agents have noticed a recovery in their business in recent months
·      The key factors that agents deem most important when considering a luxury travel product are unique offerings, reliability, privacy, price point and security
·      The most popular global luxury travel destinations for their customers are Asia, Western Europe/Mediterranean and Australasia
·      Out of Asia, the most popular destinations are Thailand, China, Hong Kong and Australia followed by Japan, Singapore and Malaysia

For more information on this year’s show and the full set of results, please visit: www.altm.com.cn

Ultra-Chic Italian-Style Cruising With Silversea

Silversea caters to the discerning traveller’s love of unusual destinations and authentic cultural experiences. The small-ship agility of the 298-guest Silver Cloud and Silver Wind and the 382-guest Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper allows access into the heart of vibrant cities such as Tokyo, New York or St Petersburg, down the mystical Amazon River, or under London’s Tower Bridge. As the largest of the Silversea fleet, Silver Spirit visits some of the world’s most popular cruise destinations in the Asia Pacific region, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, while Prince Albert II’s strengthened hull and fleet of Zodiacs enable guests to take part in thrilling adventures through the remote wilds of Antarctica and the Arctic.
Life onboard a Silversea cruise is convivial and stylish, with beautifully-appointed all-suite accommodation; butler service across all suites and a dazzling choice of gourmet restaurants and fine wines. There are countless diversions on offer, from indulging in the spa or playing roulette to enjoying a cooking class or attending captivating lectures by an impressive line-up of guest speakers on cuisine, art, history, music and more. There are no hidden extras with Silversea’s all-inclusive style of luxury cruising, with fine dining, complimentary wines, Champagne and spirits, the onboard enrichment programme, and all gratuities included in the fare.
In April, May, September and October 2011, Silver Shadow will visit Japan on six fascinating 10 to 14 day cruises between Tokyo and the Asian cities of Shanghai, Hong Kong or Singapore. The voyages take in destinations such as the capital cities of Beijing, China and Manila in the Philippines; the South Korean ports of Pusan and Cheju; Keelung in Taiwan; Kota Kinabalu and Kuching in Malaysia, and Muara in Brunei. While in Japanese waters, Silver Shadow will call at Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Osaka, Hiroshima, Naha and Kobe.

Sofitel presents Fashion Stills

Sofitel presents “Fashion Stills”, an imaginative exhibition mounted by Polka Galerie, which opens the doors to the fascinating world of Fashion by way of the images created by four famous names in photography: Derek Hudson, Jean-Marie Périer, Cathleen Naundorf, and Gérard Uféras. This is a unique testimony to Haute Couture, featuring the greatest of the fashion houses such as Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Hermès too.

A true international first, “Fashion Stills” will be hosted all year long in 2010 at ten North American and European Sofitel Hotels, so in turn making them true ambassadors of Fashion.
As a worldwide symbol of elegance and French culture in its own right, Sofitel is proud to be associated with this exceptional event.

Bruxelles : avril – juin 2010
Berlin : juin – août 2010
Munich : août – octobre 2010
Rome : octobre 2010 – janvier 2011
New York : février – avril 2010
Washington : avril – juin 2010
Chicago : juin – août 2010
Los Angeles : septembre – octobre 2010
Montreal : novembre – janvier 2011

Jumeirah Expands Presence in the Maldives

Dubai, February 2010: Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, has signed an agreement with Xanadu Holdings Private Limited to manage Jumeirah Meradhoo, a new five star deluxe resort located in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, south of the Malé Atoll. This is the second phase of the Group’s expansion strategy in an area which is recognized as the world’s top luxury resort destination.

The 36-villa resort is located on an uninhabited island of 45,000m², with 16 of the villas forming a unique ‘water village’ separated from the main island by 1km of coral reef, providing guests with an exclusive ‘two resort’ island. Each of the ‘water village’ villas will measure a spacious 240m², while the 20 luxury beach villas on the main island will be approximately 300m² in size. Jumeirah Meradhoo will also feature a dive centre, offering guests access to one of the best reefs in the Maldives; three restaurants and a bar, and a Talise spa.

The resort will complement Jumeirah Maldives, the Group’s other development in the Maldives, which also offers a selection of water and beach villas, three restaurants and a bar, a Talise spa, and a dive centre. With these two distinctive properties, Jumeirah will be able to cater to guests looking for an exclusive retreat over two islands. The proximity of Jumeirah Maldives to Malé International Airport will be beneficial to guests of both resorts as the Group plans to develop innovative combination packages.

Jumeirah Meradhoo is the second management agreement signed by the Group in the Maldives and brings the total number of properties under development or in operation by Jumeirah globally to 42.

Russian Tourism Industry Shows Growth of 10-12% in 2010

The crisis in the Russian tourism industry is ending, and in 2010 the industry will show growth of 10-12%, announced Transaero President Aleksandr Pleshakov at the Tourism Business conference.

“My forecast is generally positive. At the moment we can see a clear end to the decline in the volume of tourism services. And the fall in the cost of air travel that happened this year, of about 25-40%, will provide additional opportunities for growth in the tourism market in the near future,” said Mr Pleshakov. According to him, market growth will be about 10-12% in 2010. At the same time, the price increases for tourism services predicted by the expert will, undoubtedly, affect operators’ revenues, which will require more effective sales management. Next year, travel agents will start to advertise more actively, which they all but stopped in order to save money.

Mr Pleshakov highlighted a number of problems in the tourism market: “Firstly, the fall in prices, which played a positive role in increasing customers, but decreased revenue for the whole tourism industry. Secondly, the reduced access for a number of tourism companies to significant and cheap financial resources, which limited their ambitions and reduced their profitability, and even led to bankruptcy for some. And thirdly, the intensification of the struggle of tour operators in major regional markets, which led to greater losses,” says Mr Pleshakov. From all this it can be concluded that the main problem of the tourism industry remains the complicated economics of tourism and excessive price competition, which has spread from the Moscow market to the regions. The Transaero president identified the situation in the Egyptian market as another challenge for the Russian travel market. “Tourist travel to Egypt is entirely subsidised by all the market participants, both tour operators and air carriers, but not by the Egyptians themselves. And as the Egyptian market has become a year-round tourist destination for Russia, this has further increased our net losses and exacerbated the situation in the industry. This loss-making destination draws in a large number of tourists from other areas,” said Mr Pleshakov.

At the same time, not counting the loss of GTI-travel, tour operators have, in general, survived the crisis, says the head of Transaero. “In our view, all the major and medium-sized market participants have overcome this difficult period and shown their viability. The strong growth demonstrated by Intourist and Pegas Touristik, and the systemic development of Natali Tours and Coral Travel has forced Tez Tour and Capital Tour to regroup their resources before the next stage of their activities. We are seeing a positive new stage in the activities of the travel company Neva. And ‘second tier’ tour operators, which include Yuzhny Krest, Transaero Tour Centre and Biblio-Globus, have shown strong growth and are trying to move closer to the market leaders,” said Aleksandr Pleshakov.

‘Burj Khalifa’ is Unveiled to the World and its Official Height is 828 Metres

DUBAI, UAE, January 4 /PRNewswire/ — The world’s tallest building was unveiled to an estimated crowd of over 400,000 and the world, in a crescendo of fireworks, lasers and fountain displays.

10 Hot Holiday Trends for 2010

LONDON, December 23 /PRNewswire/ — From “pound-stretcher” holidays to girly getaways for “football widows”, 2010 is set to be a year dominated by recession-busting travel deals, big sporting events and “micro” bursts of luxury as Brits seek a quick antidote to frugal living.

LG Begins Global Hunt for LIVE BORDERLESS(TM) Experience

One Winner Will Receive Business Class Round the World Ticket and US$100,000 to LIVE BORDERLESS(TM) for 80 Days

DUBAI, UAE, December 16 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, has launched a global campaign to find what people would consider is the ultimate journey on Earth. The person that suggests what the public and a panel of judges agree is a journey that epitomises LG’s LIVE BORDERLESS(TM) concept will win business class tickets around the world and US$100,000 to spend on their 80-day odyssey.

The campaign marks the launch of LG’s latest design concept LIVE BORDERLESS(TM), a range of flat screen LCD TVs that use new technology to reduce the screen surround or bezel, and use an edge-to-edge glass panel to enhance the screen’s sleek design attributes. The new technology marks a radical departure from traditional LCD panel screen design.

“LIVE BORDERESS(TM) can mean different things to different people and we want to find the person that captures the very essence of the concept. One person may believe that to LIVE BORDERLESS(TM) means to visit every country in the world, another may regard it as being able to travel pole to pole and yet another may determine it means helping people across the world have a better life,” said Mr H.S Paik, President of LG Electronics Gulf FZE.

A dedicated website, http://www.liveborderless.net, has been set up by LG to allow people to enter the search. The online site will ask people to describe what they would do if they won the business class tickets around the world and US$100,000. Entries may be made by either uploading a video or a written essay.

“We want people to explore their imagination and tell us what they would do to LIVE BORDERLESS(TM),” said Mr H.S Paik.

“The public will be asked to vote for their favourite entries and a short-list of six will then be assessed by our judging panel who will consider which entrant epitomises the LIVE BORDERLESS(TM) concept.”

The global hunt for the ultimate journey will conclude in March 2010 when LGE will announce the winner.

Entries for LG Electronics’ LIVE BORDERLESS(TM) campaign can be made either by one minute video or a written entry of up to 300 words on LG Electronics’ dedicated website http://www.liveborderless.net.

Outrigger Serenity Terraces Phuket Now Fully Open

PHUKET, 3 December 2009 – Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort in Phuket is now fully open. Phase II was completed in November with the addition of the rooftop pool suites, each with their own lap pool. The resort soft opened on 2 April.

The 120 square-metre one-bedroom roof top suites offer 360-degree panorama views from the infinity edge pools over the inner Andaman Sea and across the tree tops of southeast Phuket.

Garden landscaping and finishing has also been completed. “All aspects of Outrigger Serenity Terraces are now comfortably in place ahead of the holiday season,” said Albert Chan, General Manager. “We offer sweeping ocean vistas, rooftop sundecks, restful garden retreats, and beachfront lofts with private swimming pools. All have been stylishly designed to meet a diverse range of holiday needs from couples to families.”

Travel agents have welcomed the completion. “Anyone who is looking for a peaceful, calm and beautiful place to stay, this is it!” said Mr Son Sung Soo, Director of Phuket-based Phuket Yoo Han, which specializes in the Korean market.

Apart from overseas visitors, the property has proven popular with Thai families who like to cook. Suite accommodations feature kitchens with premium granite finishes and stainless steel appliances, with dining tables indoors and out.

Outrigger’s Serenity Terraces beachside floating pontoon allows guests to have candlelit dinner surrounded by the sea. Turquoise, the resort’s signature restaurant, features Saturday night seafood grills – “where there’s smoke there’s taste” – and a set Thai dinner on Tuesdays. Music and sports at Balu’s Bar have proven popular with Phuket residents as well as tourists.

The resort’s Navasana spa has also attracted a loyal following since opening in April of this year.

For active holidaymakers, Outrigger Serenity Terraces has a comprehensive list of activities such as island tours, elephant rides, golf, sailing options, cultural and nightlife entertainments. All can be booked from the guest rooms in the resort.

In a special promotion, all Outrigger Serenity Terraces Facebook fans are eligible for a room upgrade between 1 and 20 December 2009 – subject to availability. Reservations must be made directly to serenityterraces@outrigger.com. Or tel (+66) 76 371900.

For further information and bookings, visit www.outrigger.com.

The Grand Hotel Europe is the leading luxury hotel in the world

St Petersburg, November 2009 – The Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg’s oldest luxury hotel, has been named the Leading Luxury Hotel in the world by World Travel Awards – travel industry’s equivalent to the Oscar’s (quote by Wall Street Journal).

The Grand Hotel Europe has added yet another prestigious award to its collection of accolades. World Travel Awards, an international organisation that stimulates innovation and creativity and encourages hotels to strive to provide travellers with the best price-quality ratio, thus facilitating competition in the sphere of tourism all over the world, has declared the Grand Hotel Europe the winner in its key category, “Leading Luxury Hotel in the World.” The awards ceremony took place on 8 November, 2009 in London, on the eve of the World Travel Market.

On 17 October, the Grand Hotel Europe was named “Leading Luxury Hotel in Europe” by the same organisation, as a result of which the hotel was nominated for the world’s top tourism award.

Vise President of Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI) and Director of the North-West regional branch of RUTI has congratulated the Grand Hotel Europe and said: ‘I am delighted that St Petersburg hotel is acknowledged as the leading luxury hotel in the world. The Grand Hotel Europe deserves this award the most. I highly respect the active position of hotel management who is always on the move to improve and advance hotel services at the same time preserving the best. This historic hotel is already a symbol of the city which constantly supports various city projects on tourism development. We are partnering with the hotel since a long time and hope for the further continuous cooperation. Congratulations on this world acknowledgement!’

The World Travel Awards were founded in 1993 and are now considered the top accolade with which a tourism business can be rewarded. The association’s jury is made up of professionals from the travel and tourism industry, including from 183,000 tourism organizations, excursion agencies and transport companies from 160 countries.

The Grand Hotel Europe is the first Russian hotel to receive an award in the top category.

Voters are obliged to take into consideration not only their personal experience in working with a specific company, but also factors such as consistently good results, whether the company effectively anticipates the needs of travelers, and a high level of feedback from satisfied customers. World Travel Awards are constantly increasing standards inside the industry, which helps the tourism business to develop and exceed tourists’ expectations. As a result, when planning their trip, many travellers make an effort to choose a company that has been awarded a prize by the organisation.

“Our hotel is a truly historic and cultural landmark of St. Petersburg and Russia, and we work hard to ensure that our guests enjoy a level of comfort and service appropriate to a hotel with such a history,” said Thomas Noll, the Managing Director of the Grand Hotel Europe. “I am happy to see that our clients and partners appreciate our efforts and work aimed at improving the hotel’s infrastructure and perfecting our service standards.

The Grand Hotel Europe has had many awards conferred on it, including such prestigious prizes as the annual Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of the 500 best hotels and resorts in the world, on which the hotel has been featured for five consecutive years; Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2008 & 2009 from Wine Spectator magazine, the most respected American publication devoted to wine; Grand Prix of the Best Hotel in Europe 2008 by Prix Villegiature; an honorary place in Forbes Traveler 400, a list of the best hotels in the world 2008/2009; Best Hotel in Russia 2008 by Afisha World magazine; and in October 2009 the hotel was named the Leading Luxury hotel in Europe by World Travel Awards. This award is particularly important for us. The Grand Hotel Europe has been named the leading luxury hotel in the world. For us, luxury means attention to every detail, it means fulfilling all our promises to our guests, and anticipating their every desire. It is above all a general impression, the ambience of the hotel, and we are proud that our efforts have been recognized with such an award.

The Italian Association of Butlers announces and invites you to visit the new website www.maggiordomi.it

The Italian Association of Butlers is pleased to announce the implementation of the new website, where you can now consult the list of butlers available, both men and women, inquire about the course that has just ended and the course in programming.

On the new website www.maggiordomi.it, you can read all press-releases and the best articles published by various media, you can also contact the Italian Association of Butlers to receive promptly all the necessary information.

Who is a butler? Inside of the ‘House of Luxury’ every single visitor is cared for by a personal butler, who also acts as ultra efficient personal assistant. These butlers can become prestigious event planners, booking the best possible restaurants or organizing important meetings. Your butler can get you tickets in advance to that museum or art gallery so that you can avoid tedious queues. As for shopping, there is no request too small for your butler who is happy to take care of any tiresome task. The butler provides delicate and discrete assistance for every guest, serious but never invasive. His services are professional and unique. The butler will respond to any of the most unusual requests and at the same time buy presents or organize theater tickets. The butler will tenderly cherish the guest‘s small dogs and assist in every possible detail of their care. It is the butler who will track down that exclusive helicopter for the all important flight to most fashionable ports for a sailing trip or book the Bentley for a magical jaunt to some heavenly spot. Every butler is chosen for their seriousness, respectful attitude and dedication to each guest with complete discretion.

The Association, formed today by professionals from various sectors, is not profit and aims to promote the figure and the profession of the butler. The Association informs and advises Associates on specific problems, it will promote thematic meetings and courses for updating the members and for the training of new professionals in the fields of high-level hospitality and for private residences. Anyone can ask to be part of this Association created with the promise to re-evaluate the figure of the butler in Italy. A professional figure who is spreading everywhere, and increasingly required in private homes for events, holidays, in ships or in luxury hotels … and now also for weddings

World Travel Awards Grand Final winners unveiled

Virgin Atlantic Airways, Visa, India Tourism, TUI Travel and Silversea Cruises were amongst companies who triumphed during the World Travel Awards Grand Final that was staged at the five-star Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel in London’s Mayfair on November 8th.

The awards, described by the Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars’ of the global travel and tourism industry, revealed who are the ‘best of the best’ in the world. The Grand Final ceremony concludes the 2009 regional tour which has taken the World Travel Awards to Dubai, South Africa, Mexico and Portugal, celebrating the achievements of the leading lights of the travel and tourism industry.

World winners included: Etihad Airways, World’s Leading Airline; InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, World’s Leading Hotel Brand; London, England, World’s Leading Destination; Dnata, World’s Leading Travel Management Company and Regency Travel and Tours, Qatar, World’s Leading Travel Agency.

A number of technology awards were also presented on the night: Expedia.co.uk won World’s Leading Travel Booking Website award and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts scooped World’s Leading Hotel Brand Website award.

The full list of winners for the World Travel Awards can be found by logging on to www.worldtravelawards.com/winners

Increasingly, the awards are known as raising the bar for ultimate customer service and overall business performance. Growing numbers of travel companies, airlines, operators and resorts compete to walk away with one of the coveted titles. According to the organisers, research has shown that winning a World Travel Award increases international brand recognition, building consumer loyalty.

Over 1000 travel companies were nominated in 94 World categories and 14 Travel Technology categories in the Grand Final ceremony.

Nearly 1000 senior management and decision makers from the world’s travel and tourism industry came together to celebrate their achievements at this star-studded event. Some of the thought leaders who were present included: Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President, WTTC; Kumari Selja, Minister of Tourism, India; Steve Ridgway, CEO, Virgin Atlantic Airways; Hon. Ed Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board; His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways.

Also in attendance was Shane O’Hare, President & CEO, Royal Jet Group; Lindiwe Mahlangu, CEO, Johannesburg Tourism Company; Paul White, President & CEO, Orient-Express Hotels; Clive Jacobs, Chairman, TW Group; Fiona Jefferey, Chairman, WTM & Chairman & Founder, Just a Drop; Nigel Turner, CEO, FlyBMI; Antonio Pedro F. de Mello, Secretary of Tourism, State of Rio de Janeiro and Ahmed Abdulla M. Al Muaimi, Chairman, Qatar Tourism Authority.

There were also 120 Miss World 2009 finalists present, supporting their respective destinations.

Graham Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards commented: “The past 12 months have brought several challenges, namely the economic downturn and the outbreak of swine flu, which has impacted travel and tourism worldwide; today’s winners have not only been recognised as the best in their region, but they have proved themselves to be the best in the World and the number one choice of travel professionals and consumers alike.” He added: “Tonight’s winners have remained focused on their long term objectives, and continued to deliver above and beyond the call of duty, setting an industry example.”

Throughout the evening, winners were presented with their prestigious awards by key industry figures, with live entertainment which included performances from Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson, international comedian and actor Bobby Davro and British Socialite Tamara Beckwith.

Cooke explained: “This year’s World winners can display the official World Travel Awards symbol with pride on their sales and marketing literature, offering travellers a cast-iron assurance that what they are buying is a guarantee of travel excellence.”

Just a Drop was the official charity for the evening and guests were invited to make a donation to this important charity that helps provide clean and safe water where it is urgently needed.

Worldwide travel and tourism companies have partnered with the prestigious World Travel Awards including: Mexicana, Safar Travel & Tourism and Illusions. Media partners include: BBC World News, eTurboNews, Travel Daily News, Publituris, Xenios & Xeniosworld, Breaking Travel News and Travel World News.

The World Travel Awards Grand Final, which took place on the eve World Travel Market, concludes the World Travel Awards Grand Tour for 2009. The dates and venues for World Travel Awards 2010 ceremonies will be announced shortly.

World Travel Awards Caribbean, South America, Asia, Australasia, Indian Ocean winners unveiled

Virgin Holidays, Jamaica Tourist Board, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Air Mauritius and Rio de Janeiro were amongst companies who triumphed during the World Travel Awards Caribbean, South America, Asia, Australasia and Indian Ocean regional ceremonies, staged at the five-star Grosvenor House, a JW H

The awards, described by the Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars’ of the global travel and tourism industry, revealed who are the ‘best of the best’ in their respective regions.

In the South America categories, Brazil swept the board: Copacabana Palace won South America’s Leading Hotel; Discover Brazil picked up South America’s Leading Travel Agency; TAM Airlines was named South America’s Leading Airline.

Caribbean winners included: Air Jamaica, Caribbean’s Leading Airline; Trafalgar Travel, Caribbean’s Leading Travel Agency; Virgin Holidays, Caribbean’s Leading Tour Operator; Jamaica, Caribbean’s Leading Destination; Sandals Resorts, Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand.

Asia continent winners included: Diethelm Travel Group, Asia’s Leading Tour Operator; Malaysia Airlines, Asia’s Leading Airline; Trident Gurgaon in India, Asia’s Leading Hotel; India, Asia’s Leading Destination. Meanwhile Indian Ocean winners included: Air Mauritius, Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline; Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel; Maldives, Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination.

Australasia winners included: Air New Zealand, Australasia’s Leading Airline; Sydney, Australia was named Australasia’s Leading Destination; STA Travel scooped Australasia’s Leading Travel Agency award and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts won Australasia’s Leading Hotel Brand award.

The full list of winners for the World Travel Awards Caribbean, South America, Asia, Australasia and Indian Ocean can be found by logging on to www.worldtravelawards.com/winners.

Increasingly, the awards are known as raising the bar for ultimate customer service and overall business performance. Growing numbers of travel companies, airlines, operators and resorts compete to walk away with one of the coveted titles. Organisers say research has shown that winners increase international brand recognition, building consumer loyalty.

Nearly 3000 travel companies were nominated in over 200 categories in the prestigious ceremony.

A total of 750 senior management and decision makers came together to celebrate their achievements during the ceremony. VIPs in attendance included: Kamal Tapossea, Chairman, Air Mauritius; Jesus Almaguer, CEO, Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau; Sek Min Foo, Executive Vice President, Changi Airport Group; Bruce Nobles, President & CEO, Air Jamaica; John Watson, CEO, Diethelm Travel Group, Dato’ Lee Choong Yan, President, Resort World Genting, Sir Vivian Richards and Richie Richardson.

Graham Cooke, President, World Travel Awards commented: “The past 12 months have brought several challenges, namely the economic downturn and the outbreak of swine flu, which has impacted travel and tourism worldwide; today’s winners have remained focused on their long term objectives, and continued to deliver above and beyond the call of duty, setting an industry example.”

Throughout the evening, winners were presented with their prestigious awards by key industry figures, with live entertainment which included performances from the Todd Miller Orchestra, singer songwriter John Scott and comedian Steve Nallon.
These inspirational organisations will continue to reap profile and commercial benefits over the next year.

Cooke explained: “This year’s winners can display the official World Travel Awards symbol with pride on their sales and marketing literature, offering travellers a cast-iron assurance that what they are buying is a guarantee of travel excellence.”
Worldwide travel and tourism companies have partnered with the prestigious World Travel Awards including: Mexicana, Safar Travel & Tourism and Illusions. Media partners include: BBC World News, eTurboNews, Travel Daily News, Publituris, Xenios & Xenios World, Breaking Travel News and Travel World News.
Each winner has automatically been put forward for the spectacular World Travel Awards Grand Final which will take place at the Grosvenor House on November 8th.

World Travel Awards announces line up for London ceremonies

Senior management and decision makers from the World’s travel and tourism industry will gather at the five-star Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel on November 7th and 8th as this year’s World Travel Awards regional and World winners are revealed.

The awards are described by the Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars’ of the global travel and tourism industry. They are recognised as helping to raise levels of supreme customer service, innovation, creativity as well as encouraging high standards of overall business performance.

During the two day celebrations in London, which take place immediately before World Travel Market, there will be a rich variety of comedy, music, song and dance. The UK’s top television programme Britain’s Got Talent star George Sampson will take to the stage to wow the audience with some of his funky street dance moves. International comedian and actor Bobby Davro will play host with British Socialite Tamara Beckwith. The Todd Miller Orchestra, constituting some of Britain’s best musicians and performers will be playing some all time greats.

Over 1600 senior management and decision makers from the world’s travel and tourism industry will be in attendance, including: Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President, WTTC; Steve Ridgway, CEO, Virgin Atlantic Airways; His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways. All 120 Miss World 2009 contestants will also be present as they stand behind the tourism leaders of their respective countries to lend their support.

The true stars of the weekend, however, will be those travel professionals and organisations collecting their World Travel Awards. Competing for the coveted title of World’s Leading Airline are: Air Jamaica, Air Mauritius, British Airways, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, LAN Airlines, Lufthansa Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Mexicana Airlines, Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss International Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, TAM Brazil and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

A total of twenty of the very best hotels in the world are in the running for the title of World’s Leading Hotel. They are: Ascott Auckland Metropolis, New Zealand; Burj Al Arab, Dubai; Coco Reef Resort, Tobago; Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island; Copacabana Palace, Brazil; Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi; Four Seasons Sydney, Australia; Grande Roche Hotel, South Africa; Hotel Le Bristol Paris, France; Hotel Parador Boutique Resort & Spa, Costa Rica; Jumeirah Essex House, New York; Mount Nelson Hotel, South Africa; Park Hyatt Melbourne, Melbourne; Radisson Decapolis Hotel Panama City, Panama; The Imperial New Delhi, India; The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas; The Oberoi, Mauritus; The Observatory Hotel, Australia; The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower and Trident Gurgaon, India.

Graham Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards, commented: “The World Travel Awards is planning its most spectacular final in its 16 year history with all 120 Miss World 2009 contestants in attendance and some fantastic live entertainment over the course of the weekend”.

Log on to www.worldtravelawards.com for the complete list of nominations for the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2009. The weekend’s events will conclude the World Travel Awards Grand Tour for 2009, which has searched the world for the best of the best in travel and tourism.

World Travel Awards is supporting Just a Drop and will invite guests to make a donation to this important charity which helps children and families by providing clean and safe water where it is urgently needed.

Worldwide travel and tourism companies and media have partnered with the prestigious World Travel Awards including: Mexicana, BBC World News, Safar Travel & Tourism, Illusions, Eurostar, TAP Portugal, Turismo do Oeste, Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort, ICC Durban, Yucatan Holidays, Hacienda Tres Rios, Thanda Private Game Reserve, The Claridges Hotels & Resorts, eTurboNews, Travel Daily News, Publituris, Xenios, Breaking Travel News, Khaleej Times and Travel World News.

KEEPING LUXURY RELEVANT – SHAPING THE FUTURE OF LUXURY TRAVEL

A who’s who of the luxury travel market join ILTM in Cannes

Keynote address by Apollo astronaut Dr Buzz Aldrin

New initiatives in ILTM Ultratravel Forum and ILTM ultra.travel Awards

‘Keeping Luxury Relevant’ and ‘The Future of Luxury Travel’ are the key themes the world of luxury travel will be tackling at this year’s ILTM in Cannes 7-10 December 2009.

Now in its eighth year, ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market – www.iltm.net) has attracted a who’s who of the industry.

ILTM Ultratravel Forum
The event, having assembled the world’s definitive collection of luxury experiences and prestigious luxury travel products, has brought together a heavyweight panel of the industry’s movers and shakers to discuss the event’s two key themes.

Sitting on the two panels at the ILTM Ultratravel Forum will be:

Paul Jones, President One & Only Hotels and Resorts
Katie Taylor, President and COO Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Brett Butcher, CEO Langham Hotels
John Gianquitto, Chairman and Chief Executive The Appointment Group
Sonu Shivdasani, CEO Six Senses Resort and Spa
Amerigo Perasso, President and COO Silversea Cruises
Glen Pushelberg, YabuPushelberg
Tom Storey, President Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
Tom Shelley, Vice President Marketing Space Adventures
Tom Marchant, Director & Co Founder Black Tomato
Melissa Biggs Bradley, Founder and CEO Indagare Travel Inc.
Andrés Ergas, President Nomads of the Seas
Guy Crawford, CEO Jumeirah Group
Kristi Jones, President Virtuoso,
Daniel Levine, Founder & Executive Director The Avant-Guide Institute
Jennifer Fox, Chief Operating Officer – Europe InterContinental Hotels Group.
Keynote address: Apollo 11 Astronaut, Dr Buzz Aldrin – together with Neil Armstrong the first humans to set foot on the Moon in 1969 – will be delivering ILTM’s keynote address at the Forum.

“We are absolutely delighted that Dr Buzz Aldrin, an icon of the golden age of space travel, will be reminiscing on his experiences with Apollo and his moonwalk whilst looking ahead to the future of space travel.

“It is also particularly pleasing that ILTM has attracted such a prestigious panel that represents a cross section of the international luxury travel market. It is rare to bring together in one place on one stage such a distinguished group of industry leaders,” said Debbie Joslin, Group Exhibition Director ILTM.

Inaugural ILTM ultra.travel Awards
The ILTM Ultratravel Forum will be followed by the inaugural ILTM ultra.travel Awards recognising the best luxury travel experiences from around the world, as voted for by the users of luxury travel community www.ultra.travel and the participants of International Luxury Travel Market www.iltm.net. Voting for the five awards is still open at www.iltm.com/ultratravelawards and will close on 30th October.

The event looks forward to once again showcasing a variety of the most prestigious luxury travel products and services to the most discerning international luxury travel buyers – confirming the importance the event plays in the luxury travel market calendar.

For further information on ILTM visit www.iltm.net