ΔΙΕΘΝΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΗ ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΠΟΙΚΙΛΗΣ ΥΛΗΣ - ΕΔΡΑ: ΑΘΗΝΑ

Ει βούλει καλώς ακούειν, μάθε καλώς λέγειν, μαθών δε καλώς λέγειν, πειρώ καλώς πράττειν, και ούτω καρπώση το καλώς ακούειν. (Επίκτητος)

(Αν θέλεις να σε επαινούν, μάθε πρώτα να λες καλά λόγια, και αφού μάθεις να λες καλά λόγια, να κάνεις καλές πράξεις, και τότε θα ακούς καλά λόγια για εσένα).

Τετάρτη 31 Αυγούστου 2016

Cruise executives and industry experts tell how to increase business at FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show Workshops


PEMBROKE PINES, FL - The FCCA announce topics and panelists for workshops during the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico from September 26-30. Led by panels of cruise executives and knowledgeable industry experts, the workshops will focus on key elements-including shore excursions, safety and security best practices, and purchasing-that will help attendees maximize their cruise tourism business, along with insight from cruise line presidents and CEOs.
"We have interacted with our 19 Member Lines and our Platinum Members to create workshops that will help attendees increase their business with cruise lines," said Michele Paige, President, FCCA. "From the private to public sector, the workshops, like the other meetings and networking opportunities at the event, will directly apply to the wide range of attendees."
"This is a valuable opportunity for destinations and operators to learn how they are being affected by and can take advantage of the industry's latest developments," said Micky Arison, Chairman, Carnival Corporation & plc and the FCCA. "I look forward to interacting with attendees and sharing input to help them optimize this opportunity."
Arison will attend the event and participate in the CEO Roundtable, which will grant insight into the latest and upcoming trends, and how it applies to private and public stakeholders, as the high-level panel answers questions tailored to the region and audience, with other participants including Orlando Ashford, President, Holland America LineAdam Goldstein, President and COO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited (RCCL); and Richard Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc.
"Today's Shore Excursions" will tell what is happening in today's shore excursions from those who know it best: executives from representing the major cruise lines and established tour operators. Moderated by Amilcar Cascais, Vice President, Tour Operations, Carnival Cruise Line, it will include panelists like Christine Manjencic, Vice President, Destination Services Operations, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd. (NCLH); Tom Anderson, Director, Global Port Development, RCCL; Arnaldo Zanonato, Senior Manager, Port Adventures, Disney Cruise LineLisa Jensen, Manager, Shore Excursions, Holland America Group; and Valentina Pietropaolo, Manager, Shore Excursions, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc.
The panel will include presentations about their brands and how they approach shore excursions, along with input from tour operators providing excursions to those brands, and discuss matters like fulfilling the needs of larger ships bringing 5,000+ passengers, enticing repeat cruisers to repeat shore excursions, and the importance of a collaborative structure between cruise lines, port operators and tour operators.
The FCCA collaborated with Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) on a workshop that will review best practices for safety and security measures involving destinations and ports, with examples of successful initiatives and ideas on developing protocol from the individual and agency level to an all-encompassing plan. Moderated by Frank Comito, CEO and Director General, CHTA, the panel will includeRick Murrell, CEO, Tropical Shipping, USA; Bud Darr, Sr. Vice President, Technical & Regulatory Affairs, CLIA; Russell Daya, Executive Director, Global Port Operations & Developments, Disney Cruise Line, and FCCA Operations Committee Chairman; Stacy Pallot Shweky, Manager, Care Team, Carnival Cruise Line; and Roberto Levenstone, Port Safety Manager, Port St. Maarten.
There will also be a workshop focusing on supplying the cruise industry as part of the new Purchasing Initiative. The interactive workshop will outline the importance of sourcing in cruise destinations' local markets and how companies can optimize this opportunity. Moderated by Michael Jones, Vice President, Strategic Operations, RCCL, and FCCA Purchasing Committee Chairman, the panel will include Julia Brown, Chief Procurement Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc., and Carl Robie, Sr. Vice President, Supply Chain & Logistics Management, NCLH.
The workshops are just one way that the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show will help attendees learn about the cruise industry and how to maximize its impact. The event, the biggest cruise conference and trade show in the Caribbean and Latin America, will gather around 1,000 cruise industry stakeholders and 100 FCCA Member Line executives for an agenda balancing business sessions with networking, promoting and exhibiting opportunities, including preset one-on-one meetings, evening events to meet cruise executives, and a trade show featuring exclusive executive viewings and events like the FCCA Table Tennis Challenge hosted by Adam Goldstein.

ACTE reveals the role of traveller centricity in business travel during landmark event in Beijing

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για business travel during landmark event in Beijing
BEIJING - The Association of Corporate Travel Executives released a landmark study titled “The Role of Traveller Centricity In Business Air Travel” during the group’s recent Global Conference in Beijing. This report explores five areas in which increased communication between travel managers and business travellers can generate expanded revenue streams and greater savings, while restoring traveller resources. According to ACTE’s Executive Director Greeley Koch, traveller centricity allows travel managers to pick and choose practices best suited to their travellers and their companies, without compromising existing savings programmes.
“This report redefines traveller centricity as more of a fundamental than an option, especially for mature travel programmes which are exhausting traditional means of discounting and cost savings,” said Koch. “It is a growing concept in the Asia-Pacific region, where policies are less impeded by traditional savings metrics.”
This report asks two key questions: a) How can corporations and their carriers work together to improve traveller experience; and b) where do they need to focus to achieve a real shift in traveller satisfaction? ACTE sought the answers by polling 175 travel managers about the factors that influence their choice of carrier, the extent to which they consider the traveller experience, the methods they use to gather traveller feedback, and the quality of their ongoing communications with airlines.
The report identifies crucial areas in which travel manager focus is in less than perfect alignment with traveller preferences. These areas include baggage allowances, the availability of WIFi and power outlets, seat configurations, and the quality of food. However, this is in the context of savings. The whole point of traveller centricity is to maximise traveller performance and the corporate revenue stream, which is the object of every business trip.
The report concludes with detailed recommendations for bridging the travel manager/business traveller objective gap. These include:
  • Running a reality check
  • Building on productive relationships
  • Investigate potential for corporate loyalty programmes
ACTE’s Executive Director Greeley Koch acknowledged the generous support of Turkish Airlines in the research and development of “The Role of Traveller Centricity In Business Air Travel.

Montage Debuts Montage Palmetto Bluff


Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Montage Debuts Montage Palmetto Bluff
Montage Palmetto Bluff


ORANGE COUNTY, CA—Montage Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Crescent Communities and The Athens Group, is embarking on the final phase of expansion and debuting its first East Coast resort. The $100-million newly expanded resort is set within the 20,000 acre Palmetto Bluff community, in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

Montage Palmetto Bluff now includes a total of 200 guest accommodations, six dining experiences, three distinctive pool venues, Spa Montage, Paintbox children's program, 35 private Montage Residences and over 16,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.

"We are thrilled to debut the complete expansion of Montage Palmetto Bluff and bring our signature style of service and Montage programming to the inspiring and culturally rich destination of Palmetto Bluff," said Alan J. Fuerstman, founder and CEO, Montage Hotels & Resorts.

The largest undertaking of the expansion was the development of a new Inn, which sits along an expanded lagoon waterway and was inspired by the R.T. Wilson, Jr. mansion built on the property in the early 1900s. Developed by The Athens Group and designed by Hart Howerton, HKS Hill Glazier Studio and Wilson & Associates, the Inn includes guest accommodations, a lobby lounge, the new Jessamine restaurant and the Octagon Bar & Gathering Place.

The Inn is also home to Spa Montage, which features outdoor relaxation areas that include both hot tubs and cold plunge pools, eucalyptus steam rooms and redwood saunas. The backyard of the Inn features two new pools and lagoon-side dining at Fore & Aft. The design throughout the Inn is coastally inspired, and the furnishings, art and accessories reflect the subtle colors and natural surroundings of the resort, according to the company.
Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Montage Debuts Montage Palmetto Bluff

Resort accommodations include cottages, guestrooms and suites with waterfront views or views of a maritime forest. All accommodations feature photographs by Eric Horan and paintings by local artist West Fraser, a native of Hilton Head. The resort is accessible to surrounding community amenities such as the May River Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, Wilson Landing Marina, Longfield Stables and the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy.

"Montage Palmetto Bluff authentically represents the heritage of the destination and we are excited to bring it to life as we welcome visitors from both our local community and around the world," said Fuerstman.
The expansion also includes the new Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff. Montage will offer a limited collection of 35 single-family homes ranging in size from 2,200 to 4,200 sq. ft. and two to five bedrooms. 

Gnvgroup Taps Viceroy Hotel Group for Buenos Aires Hotel

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Viceroy Hotel Group for Buenos Aires Hotel
A rendering of Madero Harbour, a mixed-use development project in Buenos Aires, the site of Viceroy Hotel Group's planned hotel.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA—Viceroy Hotel Group has been selected by South America real estate firm Gnvgroup to brand and manage a hotel for Madero Harbour, a mixed-use development project here that Gnvgroup is bringing out of the ground.

The Viceroy Buenos Aires, with 125 guestrooms and 30 residences, is expected to open in 2019. Among planned amenities, it will feature a signature restaurant, bar and lounge, pool and spa.

The hotel will be designed by architect Carlos Ott and will anchor the upscale urban planned community in the Puerto Madero district.

CWI 2 Acquires Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για CWI 2 Acquires Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel

ATLANTA—Lodging REIT Carey Watermark Investors 2 Inc. (CWI 2) has acquired the 304-key Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel.

Constructed in 2009 and converted to a Renaissance in 2011, the 21-story boutique hotel received more than $3 million of capital improvements between 2011 and 2015, including a reconception of the hotel’s restaurant, Community Smith.

The hotel features 8,600 sq. ft. of meeting space; a rooftop bar and lounge; and a 24-hour spa, fitness center and business center.

“The acquisition of the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel represents the opportunity to invest in a newly built, upper-upscale hotel with a strong brand affiliation, located in one of the most significant and growing business districts in the Southeast. In addition to generating attractive initial current cash flow, we believe the property’s ongoing performance and longer-term value can be improved through the implementation of strategic revenue enhancement and operating initiatives,” said Michael Medzigian, CEO of CWI 2.

He noted planned property improvements include a soft goods renovation of the guestrooms along with improvements to public areas and meeting space.

Istanbul and Antalya hotels suffer record falls in occupancy and revenues

istanbul scenic hotel room
Turkey’s hospitality industry statistics shows the effects of tensions with Russia, terror attacks and the failed coup. Istanbul hotels are the most suffered as the occupancy rate drops below 40% in July 2016. Turkish Hotels Association – TUROB said that the average occupancy at Turkish hotels in July 2016 dropped 33.5% to 41.5% compare to same month last year.
Istanbul, which recorded 62.1% occupancy rate in July 2015, registered 36.8% in July 2016; a drop of 40.6%.
Meanwhile in Antalya, occupancy rate is dropped 21.9% to 60.3% in July 2016.
According to STR Turkey Hotel results, Istanbul has the highest drop and lowest occupancy rate in all European destinations. Istanbul’s Average Daily Rate (ADR) also dropped to €89; 31.4% drop compare to July 2015. Istanbul’s ADR in July 2015 was €129.70.
Revenue per available room (RevPAR) also dropped double-digit 59.3% to €32.80. Istanbul’s RevPAR in July 2015 was €80.40.
In the period of the first 7 months,
Occupancy rate dropped from 65.8% in Jan.-July 2015 to 47.3% in Jan.-July 2016
ADR dropped from €122.70 to €96.80, and
RevPAR dropped from €80.60 to €45.80.
At hotels in Antalya and neighbour districts, hotel occupancy rates dropped 21.9% to 60.3% in July 2016. Hotel occupancy rate in July 2015 was 77.3%. ADR recorded €139.40; a drop of 24.6%. ADR was €184.90 last year. RevPAR dropped 41.2% to €84.10. RevPAR in July 2015 was €142.90.
In the period of the first 7 months,
Occupancy rate dropped from 57.2% in Jan.-July 2015 to 51.3% in in Jan.-July 2016
ADR dropped from €106.20 to €77.50, and
RevPAR dropped €60.70 to €39.80

Virtuoso survey uncovers latest trends in adventure travel

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Virtuoso survey adventure travel
NEW YORK - A new survey by international luxury travel network Virtuoso has revealed the hottest destinations, activities and trends in the rapidly expanding world of adventure travel. An overwhelming 95 percent of Virtuoso travel specialists say they have seen active, adventure and specialty travel sales rise within the past 12 months. As well, adventure travel's future is looking bright indeed: 95 percent say they see demand for this style of travel increasing in the next two to three years. All survey respondents are advisors and preferred partners taking part in the Virtuoso Active and Specialty Travel (VAST) program.
The top adventure destinations gaining in popularity are:
  • Iceland 
  • Galapagos/Ecuador
  • Costa Rica and Chile/Patagonia (tie)
  • New Zealand 
  • Peru
  • Cuba
  • Antarctica
  • Arctic/North Pole
  • South Africa
  • Australia 
Adventure travelers are broadening their horizons beyond well-known European cities to seek new frontiers off the beaten path. Latin America is especially popular, as active travelers can experience their desired combination of nature and culture there. Remote, unspoiled destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic are also sought after by upscale adventurers. 
The top activities preferred by active and specialty travelers are:
  • Hiking/trekking 
  • Biking
  • Kayaking
  • Small-ship expedition cruising
  • Food and wine
  • Safaris/wildlife viewing
  • Walking
  • Photography
  • Scuba diving
  • Arts and culture
Travelers crave authentic experiences, choosing to immerse themselves in destinations to learn, not merely sightsee. Today's health-conscious travelers want to maintain their lifestyle away from home. As well, a trip where they can indulge personal passions, whether athletic, artistic or gourmet, is a priority.
The survey also revealed that all ages enjoy experiential travel:
  • The largest number – 41 percent – of adventure travelers are between 50 and 65
  • 24 percent are between 35 and 50
  • 21 percent are 65 and over
  • 14 percent are under 35
Couples, including honeymooners, are the most common type of adventure traveler. They are followed by immediate families, friends traveling together, solo travelers and multigenerational family members.
Several factors are driving adventure travel's popularity, as cited by respondents: communing with nature, checking experiences off a bucket list, spending quality time together on family and multigenerational trips, and the ability of today's older travelers to be more active due to improved longevity and health.
Respondents also provided their top tips for adventure travel:
  • Challenge yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone and being open to new activities.
  • Familiarize yourself with the culture of the destination by meeting interesting locals.
  • Look at the world in a new way: gain a fresh perspective and possibly even change an opinion.
  • Travel now, because some of these destinations are changing fast and may not be in this state in just a few years.
  • Don't try to do too much. Keep travel distances manageable and build in rest days and free time.
The survey, conducted between February and April 2016, received input from 125 advisors and partners participating in the Virtuoso Active and Specialty Travel (VAST) program. The industry's best established and longest-running adventure travel program, VAST is a community of travel advisors and partners who want to expand their knowledge, networking and sales in this booming niche.

Ethiopian to launch flights to the Comoros islands


Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Ethiopian to launch flights to the Comoros islands
Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest-growing and the largest African airline, has finalized preparations to launch flights to Moroni, Comoros, with the latest B737-800 New Generation with Sky Interior, as of October 30, 2016. Moroni is the largest city, the federal capital and seat of the government of the Union of the Comoros, a sovereign archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean.
Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said, “We are thrilled to spread our wings farther to the Comoros islands. We believe our flights to Moroni and elsewhere in our beloved continent, Africa, contribute positively to the overall development of the continent and serve as a critically essential vehicle for the flow of investment, trade and tourism. Hence, with the new service, passengers to and from Moroni will find convenient and hassle free connection to destinations in Ethiopian wide route network to 95 cities in five continents with a minimum layover at our main hub, Addis Ababa.”
A representative of the indian Ocean Vanilla islands has said that the organization welcomes this move by Ethiopian Airlines. The Vanilla islands is now being recognized as the new tourism region and this is good for all the six islands Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion and Seychelles.

PATA forges new partnership with Africa Travel Association

Mrs.Violet Rukande,AdministrationHospitality Associationof Zimbabwe,Dale Lawrence,Chif of Staff,Pacific Asia Travel Association,Karikoga Kaseke,Chief Executive Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Mrs.Chipo Mtasa Chairwoman, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

ΒANGKOK - A Memorandum of Understanding between the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Africa Travel Association (ATA), a division of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), is set to strengthen the tourism links between the continent of Africa and the Asia Pacific region.

The two organisations have agreed to cooperate in a number of areas including market intelligence and proprietary research; conferences and events; advocacy themes and grass-roots development through Chapter networks.

ATA will also contribute content for the PATA monthly Visitor Economy Bulletin and for the dedicated PATA website on sustainability. PATA will be seeking to use the good offices of the Africa Travel Association to strengthen further its presence throughout the continent.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority recently became the first government member from Africa to join the Pacific Asia Travel Association.

PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said, “I am very pleased that there is shared determination within our organisations to forge this new Memorandum of Understanding into a worthwhile partnership that produces tangible and mutually beneficial benefits for ATA, PATA and all our members.

“The demand from source markets across the Asia Pacific to visit tourist destinations in Africa is unprecedented. We look forward to helping ATA and the nations of Africa as they bid to maintain a balanced and sustainable approach to managing even greater numbers of visitors to some of the world’s most famous attractions and landmarks.”

Stephen Hayes, President & CEO of CCA, said “We believe an active Memorandum of Understanding with PATA is important to our plans to strengthen tourism to Africa. The potential for tourism in Africa is enormous and it offers very significant opportunities for business as well as environmental awareness. We couldn’t ask for a better partner.”


Preparations set for RESCOM Summit Middle East on 27-29 September in Doha

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για RESCOM Summit Middle East
DOHA, QATAR; DUUBAI, UAE - Despite declines in some performance metrics in Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Market in 2016, there are 960 residential, commercial, healthcare, hospitality, smart buildings and education projects pipelined to be completed across the Middle East Region. 
This statement was revealed by IDE, a leading international organiser of global forums and summits, in connection of its announcement yesterday that preparations are completed to hold the inaugural RESCOM Summit Middle East on 27-29 September in Doha. 
“This summit will connect Key decision makers of the real estate fraternity through structured, positive and specialised networks that aims to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals,” said Ganesh Babu, Director - India & Middle East, IDE.
Being part of the RESCOM Summit series, with Qatar Airways as its Official Airline Partner and having a robust Knowledge Partner such as Colliers International, RESCOM Summit Middle East will address latest development and challenges in the constructional, architectural, interior design, engineering and technology segments of the real estate industry in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
“Choosing right suppliers or catering to the right projects, the right decision always requires careful planning and extensive market research. We understand the business value of such decisions, which is why we work closely to identify and offer the best match for the industry’s requirements and specifications from events such as RESCOM Summit Middle East,” he added.
“Despite the low oil prices impacting the Middle Eastern Region, the construction industry however remains optimistic about its prospects. We see positive market fundamentals in 2017, including infrastructure investment and connectivity, offering potentially good prospects in the real estate market for well-specialised developments to continue its growth path.
“Unlike other peer events which emphasise on panels and presentations, RESCOM Summit Middle East gives more prominence to face to face meetings and knowledge sharing sessions. This summit will provide unparalleled service and dedication, to ensure our attendees get the best return on investment (ROI),” he concluded.

Fall Travel Trends list London and Maui at top


Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Fall Travel Trends list London and Maui at top
According to the findings of a recent nationwide survey of travel agents, American travelers are indeed using the "Brexit Benefit" to their advantage. According to the survey, London claimed the #1 ranking among international destinations.
The Fall Travel Survey of Travel Leaders Group finds out that Maui, Hawaii, also attained its first top ranking as Top U.S. Destination for the remainder of the year – last year it ranked third. Orlando, New York City, Las Vegas, and Alaska cruises rounded out the top five domestic destinations.
mauiThis survey was conducted by Travel Leaders Group from July 28 - August 24, 2016, and includes responses from 1,145 U.S.-based travel agency owners, managers, and frontline travel agents from the flagship Travel Leaders brand, along with those affiliated with Travel Leaders Group's Cruise Specialists, Nexion, Protravel International, Results! Travel, Travel Leaders Corporate, Tzell Travel Group and Vacation.com units.
Travel Leaders Group travel agents from across the U.S. were asked to name up to five of the top domestic and international destinations they're booking for the remainder of the year. The following information and trends are based on actual booking data.

Rank2016 FALL - Top DomesticPercentage2015 Rank
1Maui, HI34.1%3
2Orlando, FL32.4%2
3New York City, NY30.5%1
4Las Vegas, NV28.0%4
5Cruise – Alaska25.5%5
6Los Angeles, CA19.6%6
7Honolulu, HI18.8%8
8San Francisco, CA17.2%7
9Chicago, IL14.2%9
10Washington, D.C.12.4%10
.
Rank2016 FALL - Top InternationalPercentage2015 Rank
1London, England31.0%3
2Cruise – Caribbean30.1%1
3Cancun, Mexico29.1%2
4Rome, Italy23.2%5
5Paris, France17.7%6
6 (tie)CRUISE – Europe (River)17.5%4
6 (tie)Punta Cana, Dominican Republic17.5%8
8CRUISE – Europe (Mediterranean)13.6%7
9Montego Bay, Jamaica10.8%10
10Florence and/or Tuscany, Italy10.0%9

Tru by Hilton Announces Month of Groundbreaking Celebrations


MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) yesterday kicked off a month of groundbreaking celebrations for its youngest and fastest-growing hotel brand in company history, Tru by Hilton. A ceremony in Lancaster, Pa., this week marked the first of 10 groundbreakings Tru by Hilton will host in the next 30 days all over the country. The event series, spanning Pennsylvania, Texas, Mississippi, Iowa, South Carolina, Alabama, New York and Virginia, will demonstrate Tru's commitment to breaking the mold at every occasion and celebrate the one-year anniversary of introducing Hilton Worldwide's new midscale brand to the development community. 
"We launched Tru with the goal of reinventing the midscale segment, and its phenomenal success proves the market was ready for this truly disruptive brand," said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton Worldwide. "Tru has exceeded even our most optimistic growth expectations and we are thrilled to see it on the fast track to becoming our largest brand." Currently, Hilton Worldwide has 120 Tru executed agreements, totaling more than 11,000 rooms, with another 200 hotels in process representing more than 18,000 rooms in process.
Simplified, spirited and grounded in value, Tru by Hilton has attracted unparalleled developer interest since the brand held its first meetings at the Lodging Conference in September 2015. "We could not ask for a more meaningful way to honor the first anniversary of Tru's public debut than to host 10 groundbreakings in 30 days with some of our most valued developers ahead of this year's conference," said Alexandra Jaritz, global head, Tru by Hilton.
When completed, the new Tru by Hilton properties will provide guests with smart and efficiently designed guest rooms and reimagined public spaces, including an open lobby with four zones for lounging, working, eating or playing. Designed to appeal cross-generationally, complimentary amenities will include breakfast; mobile check-in and Digital Key available through the Hilton HHonors mobile app; a multifunctional fitness center; 150+ channels delivered through a partnership with DIRECTV and segment-leading Wi-Fi bandwidth.
Sure to satisfy all taste buds and cravings, a "Build Your Own" breakfast will allow guests to customize their meal by choosing from a variety of bases, like hot oatmeal, and adding any of up to 30 sweet and savory items available at a toppings bar. A centrally located Command Center - a re-envisioned front desk - features a 24/7 market offering fun snacks and refreshments, single-serve wine and beer, healthy light meal options and sundries for purchase.
After kicking off construction in Georgia, Oklahoma and Wyoming earlier this year, the groundbreaking series marks Tru by Hilton's debut in seven more states. Yesterday's celebration of the 112-room, 5-story property owned by Springwood Hospitality and located at 2320 Lincoln Highway East in Lancaster, Pa., is followed by more Tru by Hilton events across the country, including:  
  • York, Pennsylvania: August 31, 2016
  • Meridian, Mississippi: September 7, 2016
  • Auburn, Alabama: September 8, 2016
  • Ridgeland, Mississippi: September 9, 2016
  • Cedar Rapids, Iowa: September 13, 2016
  • Garland, Texas: September 15, 2016
  • San Antonio, Texas: September 20, 2016
  • Farmville, Virginia: September 21, 2016
  • Sumter, South Carolina: September 23, 2016
"With the number of hotels focusing strictly on millennials, we're proud to be different with a hotel designed to attract a broad spectrum of travelers who share a common 'zest for life' mindset, whether they are Millennials, GenXers or Boomers," said Jaritz. The month of groundbreaking celebrations brings the total number of groundbreakings for Tru by Hilton up to 13. Tru by Hilton is believed to be the fastest growing new-build hotel brand in U.S. history. The first Tru by Hilton property is expected to open in summer 2017 in Oklahoma City. 
More information about Tru by Hilton can be found at www.trubyhilton.com. Media may access high-resolution renderings and more by visiting news.hiltonworldwide.com/trubyhilton

DUKES Dubai apartments to headline Seven Tides showcase at Cityscape Global

Εμφάνιση dukes-dubai.jpg
dukes-dubai.

British themed luxury hotel and residential project on track for Q4 handover with just handful of units still available for sale; also on show Anantara The Palm Dubai Residences

Dubai-based luxury property developer Seven Tides returns to Cityscape Global, which takes place from 6-8 September 2016 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC), with an update on construction of the newest addition to its luxury hospitality and residential portfolio, DUKES Dubai.

Seven Tides’ executives will also share details of demand for its high-end collection of Palm Jumeirah apartment developments, with both the Anantara The Palm Dubai Residences and DUKES Dubai hotel apartments almost sold out.
Εμφάνιση anantara-residences.jpg
anantara-residences

The five-star DUKES Dubai marks the first international property for the DUKES Collections brand, the flagship DUKES London has long been a popular destination for GCC travelers. DUKES Dubai will add a distinctly English flavour to the city’s current premium hospitality offering with 279 hotel rooms and 227 hotel-managed studios and one-bedroom apartments.
According to the latest progress report, the project, which is centrally located on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, is now more than 83% complete and on schedule for a Q4 2016 handover.
DEWA and MPOWER services will be connected at the beginning of September with all excavations, shoring, piling and structural works completed, and HVAC, electric, plumbing and fire & safety works 80% complete.
In addition, 90% of block, drywall and cladding works have been finished with 60% of the residence’ balconies completed and overall general finishing works at the halfway mark, and 50% complete.
Εμφάνιση abdulla-bin-sulayem.jpg
abdulla-bin-sulayem
“We are now really seeing the building begin to develop its unique personality, and this is a milestone moment for Seven Tides as we can begin to count down to handover at the end of the year,” said Abdulla bin Sulayem, CEO, Seven Tides.
“The attention to detail and investment into interior design for DUKES Dubai has created a truly unique product, and one that delivers on Seven Tides’ commitment to luxury and quality. Sold as fully furnished freehold residences with round-the-clock management by the DUKES team, our collection of studios and one-bed apartments present an excellent investment opportunity; further compounded by our guaranteed return on investment (ROI) of 10% per annum for the first five years,” he added.
DUKES Dubai’s 185 studios and 42 one-bedroom apartments range in size from 286 to 652 square feet (studios) and 782 to 834 square feet (one-bedroom apartments) and offer generous sized living and bedroom spaces, luxury designer furnishings, expansive walk-in wardrobes and elegant en-suite bathrooms complemented by smart home technology throughout and custom designed kitchens equipped with the latest domestic appliances.
Guests also have access to world-class leisure and entertainment facilities including a stunning private beach, indoor pool, and outdoor infinity pool plus state-of-the-art gym, along with seven dining and entertainment venues encompassing the Great British Restaurant (GBR), which, under the culinary direction of executive chef Martin Cahill, will offer modern British brasserie-style cuisine, and Khyber, a North Indian speciality restaurant.
Demand for the DUKES Dubai apartments has been strong since the project was launched in 2015, with 89% of the 227 studio and one-bedroom managed apartments sold to date, and just 23 units remaining. Prices start from AED 2.04 million.
Seven Tides’ other Palm Jumeirah development, Anantara The Palm Dubai Residences, has enjoyed similar success with 79% of its North and South Tower homes already sold as part of a phased release.
Marketed as primary or secondary residences, or managed lets, investors have a choice of one and two-bedroom apartments as well as two to four-bedroom shell and core penthouses, offering between 7,468 and 13,478-square-feet of space complete with spectacular panoramic views, private pools and extensive terraces for private entertaining.

Unit prices start from AED 2.7 million with footprints ranging from 1,158 up to 9,500 square feet and the adjacent hotel facilities include a 4,000-square foot gym, 110,000-square feet of temperature controlled lagoon pools, six world-class dining and entertainment venues, signature Anantara Spa and a private stretch of white sandy beach.

“Cityscape is the ideal platform at which we can meet face-to-face with prospective investors and clients from around the globe, to walk them through the ROI opportunities and lifestyle benefits that investing in a Seven Tides’ developed residential project can offer.” said Bin Sulayem


Seven Tides will be exhibiting at Cityscape Global in Hall 3, Stand S3F40. 

Nice Airport becomes the first carbon neutral airport in France

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Nice Airport  France

NICE, FRANCE - Building on France’s highly regarded hosting of COP21, where new global targets to limit climate change were agreed during last year’s climate negotiations, the airport of Nice Cote d’Azur - France’s third busiest airport – has now achieved carbon neutral status, certified by the independent carbon management programme Airport Carbon Accreditation.

In parallel, the sister airports of Cannes Mandelieu and Saint-Tropez have become certified at Level 3 ‘Optimisation’ of the programme.

Since 2011, the airport group has been participating in the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. Over time, it has successfully engaged 37 partner companies on its airport sites to work with them to lower their collective carbon footprint - including airlines, freight companies, helicopter companies, retailers, restaurateurs, fuel providers, cleaning companies, security providers and many more.

In the intervening 5 years, Aeroport Nice Cote D’Azur has successfully reduced its carbon footprint, lowering its carbon emissions by 75% per passenger kilogram and has now taken the additional step of purchasing recognised carbon offsets for the remainder of the carbon emissions under its direct control.

The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme - launched by the airport association ACI Europe in 2009 - certifies airports at 4 different levels of accreditation covering all stages of carbon management (1. Mapping, 2. Reduction, 3. Optimisation and 3+. Neutrality). It is independently administered, institutionally-endorsed and has the support of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC ), United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the European Union (EU) and others.

Reacting to the news of Nice Cote d’Azur’s achievement, Olivier Jankovec, Director General, ACI Europe commented "I would like to warmly congratulate all of the team at Aeroports de la Cote d’Azur for their work and this historic achievement that sees Aeroport Nice Cote d’Azur become carbon neutral – the first in France. The demands of the 4 levels of certification of Airport Carbon Accreditation are rigorous, requiring strategic engagement and diligent work from the airport operator. Aeroport Nice Cote d’Azur today becomes the 25th carbon neutral airport in the world. During COP21, our industry formally committed to having 50 carbon neutral airports in Europe by 2030. With the good example of innovative airports like Nice Cote d’Azur, we are on the right track."

Dominique Thillaud, Chairman of the Management Board of the Aeroports de la Cote d’Azur (ACA) Group said "Our group committed to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of its daily activities. Today we are proud that the Nice platform is the first French airport to make it all the way to carbon neutrality - 2 years ahead of our initial target - and this in spite of increased capacity due to growing traffic. This reflects our strong dedication to emissions reductions across all the ACA Group, including the airports of Cannes Mandelieu and Saint-Tropez and demonstrates that we are doing our part to achieve the goals set at the COP21, joining several other European airports already certified at Level 3+."

"Today’s announcement that Aeroport Nice Cote d’Azur has achieved carbon neutrality through Airport Carbon Accreditation is excellent news. We are very encouraged by the growing number of carbon neutral airports here in Europe, all the more so when it is one as prominent as Nice, in the country that hosted COP21,” said Niclas Svenningsen, who heads the Climate Neutral Now initiative at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat in Bonn, Germany.

The full results for Year 7 of the programme (June 2015 to May 2016) including the carbon reduction achieved, will be released at this year’s ACI NA & ACI World Annual General Assembly in Montreal from 25 to 28 September.


Ουρανοξύστης 130 ετών μετατράπηκε σε πολυτελές ξενοδοχείο στο Manhattan

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Ουρανοξύστης 130 ετών μετατράπηκε σε πολυτελές ξενοδοχείο στο Manhattan
Ένας ουρανοξύστης 130 ετών άνοιξε τις πύλες του ως ξενοδοχείο πλέον την προηγούμενη εβδομάδα, μετά από δύο χρόνια ανακατασκευών, στο Manhattan, στην περιοχή Financial District. Το όνομα του ξενοδοχείου είναι Beekman Hotel.

Το κτίριο έχει κτιστεί από το 1883 και είναι ένας από τους πρώτους ουρανοξύστες που κατασκευάστηκαν στο Manhattan. Αποτελείται από έναν φεγγίτη σε σχήμα πυραμίδας στην κορυφή και ένα ανοιχτό αίθριο στη μέση του κτιρίου. Επίσης, είναι συνδεδεμένο με μία προσθήκη, που είναι και αυτή κατασκευασμένη το 1890. 

Κατά τη Βικτωριανή εποχή, το κτίριο ονομαζόταν “Temple Court”. Επίσης, την εποχή εκείνη αποτέλεσε στέγη για πολλά δικηγορικά γραφεία. Για πολλά χρόνια υπήρξαν διάφορα σχέδια για ανακατασκευή του κτιρίου, μέχρι που το 2014 ξεκίνησαν οι διαδικασίες από έναν ενδιαφερόμενο.
Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Ουρανοξύστης 130 ετών μετατράπηκε σε πολυτελές ξενοδοχείο στο Manhattan

Πλέον, το κτίριο έχει μεταμορφωθεί σε ένα υψηλού κύρους ξενοδοχείο, με καινούρια δωμάτια, εστιατόριο και μπαρ. Οι σύγχρονες αυτές ανέσεις συμπληρώνουν το αίθριο και το εξαιρετικά κομψό και όμορφο lobby του ξενοδοχείου.