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Holiday Inn Resort Comes to Hilton Head Island |
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Published On: 22/02/2012 |
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 IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announced the latest addition to the growing Holiday Inn Resort portfolio with The Beach House, a Holiday Inn Resort – Hilton Head Island. The property is a conversion from a Holiday Inn® hotel and will officially join the Holiday Inn Resort portfolio in March, after a $5 million renovation.
“This conversion reflects our strategy to bring Holiday Inn Resort hotels to leisure destinations that are convenient for our guests,” said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Brand Management, the Americas, IHG. “As part of the work surrounding the Holiday Inn relaunch, we identified opportunities for existing Holiday Inn hotels in resort markets to convert to the newly-created Holiday Inn Resort brand, paving the way for this renovation. This oceanfront property is in one of the most family-friendly vacation destinations in the world, making it an ideal addition to the Holiday Inn Resort portfolio.”
The Beach House, a Holiday Inn Resort – Hilton Head Island is located directly on the shoreline of the island’s popular Coligny Beach. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a refined island atmosphere, with colorful bicycles suspended overhead. The property features an expanded oceanfront fitness center with new equipment, game room, remodeled restaurant, newly created oceanfront lounge, more than 4,500 square feet of meeting space, and the Tiki Hut, a wildly popular watering hole for locals and tourists alike.
Integrated Capital, a Los Angeles based private equity firm, acquired the Holiday Inn - Hilton Head hotel in July 2011 with the goal of transforming the property into a casually elegant beachfront destination.
“Through our revitalization of this resort, we have embraced Hilton Head’s renowned island culture, incorporating it into every detail of the property,” said Stewart Cushman, Integrated Capital Partner. “This resort offers guests the perfect place for exploration or enjoying a relaxing beach escape,” added Kenneth Fearn, Integrated Capital Managing Partner.
The Beach House, a Holiday Inn Resort – Hilton Head Island is managed by Hospitality Ventures Management Group under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.
Source - IHG
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Preferred Hotel Group Members Recognized Globally |
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Published On: 22/02/2012 |
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 TripAdvisor announced its 10th annual Traveler’s Choice Awards, and six Preferred Hotel Group™ members are among their Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the U.S., while five are among the Top 25 Hotels in the U.S. overall. TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel website, and they select their annual Travelers’ Choice Award winners based on millions of review and opinions from travelers around the word.
Chosen for their excellence in quality and service, the following distinguished members are listed below as ranked by TripAdvisor.
source: Preferred Hotel Group
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UNWTO is packed with activities at ITB 2012 |
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Published On: 22/02/2012 |
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 UNWTO events at this year’s ITB Travel Trade Show include a high-level session on tourism trends in the Mediterranean, the Silk Road Ministers’ meeting, a session on consumer protection and a meeting of the World Tourism Network on Child Protection, among others.
Silk Road Ministers’ Meeting (7 March, 11.00 – 12.30, Hall 7.3, Berlin Room)
Ministers of the Silk Road will meet to discuss how they can work together to capitalize on the revival of the Silk Road. This year’s meeting will include a special session on the importance of route development in strengthening the Silk Road product offer and attracting investment. The Ministers’ Meeting will be followed by the VIP Walk ‘Flavours of the Silk Road’ where UNWTO Secretary-General and ITB management will visit 10 countries showcasing the Silk Road’s most celebrated cuisine.
Tour Operators will convene at the Tour Operators’ Forum on the Silk Road – Creating a stronger business environment for growth (8 March, 11.00 – 13.00, Palais West), to discuss how to overcome the challenges and create opportunities for doing business on the Silk Road.
High-Level Session on Tourism Trends and Outlook in the Mediterranean (7 March, 14.00 – 15.00, Hall 7.1b, Auditorium London)
Destinations around the Mediterranean, the world’s most visited region, face a number of challenges; economic, political and environmental. This session, moderated by UNWTO media partner CNN, with Ministers of Tourism from the region and private sector representatives, will address questions such as: What trends are affecting the region? What challenges and opportunities face these destinations in the long-term and how can they adapt to changing market conditions? In view of the UNWTO forecast Tourism Towards 2030, what is the outlook for the region over the next two decades?
First Meeting of the Global National Tourism Organizations (NTO) Think Tank – Creating value through collaboration (7 March, 16.00 – 18.00, Hall 7.3, Berlin Room)
A joint initiative of UNWTO and the European Travel Commission (ETC), the Global NTO Think Tank will provide an opportunity for NTOs from around the world to collaborate on common issues and strategic priorities.
UNWTO Press Conference – International tourism results and World Tourism Day 2012 (8 March, 12.00 – 14.00, ICC, Hall 4/5)
The UNWTO Secretary-General will present the tourism trends and figures for 2011 and outlook for 2012.
UNWTO will also launch the World Tourism Day 2012 official celebrations with the presence of the Secretary of State for Tourism, Isabel Borego Cortés, under the theme: Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development. World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) President & CEO, David Scowsill, will also be present to highlight the joint efforts of WTTC and UNWTO in advancing a common agenda on visa facilitation as a driver of economic growth and job creation.
Meeting on Crisis Management - Information needs in times of crises for the travel and tourism sector (9 March, 09.30 – 11.00, ICC, Salon 21)
UNWTO and members of the Tourism Emergency Response Network (TERN) will meet to discuss their information needs in times of crises to help minimize the negative perception on consumer’s behaviour, while at the same time ensuring safety and well-being and allowing for a fast recovery.
UNWTO Session on Consumer Protection - Accommodation related issues (9 March, 11.00 – 13.00, ICC, Hall 7)
In the absence of international regulations governing the rights and responsibilities of tourists/consumers and tour operators, UNWTO set up a working group to draft a legal instrument for their protection. At ITB 2012, UNWTO will host a special session on accommodation related issues, the conclusions of which will feed into the next meeting of the working group.
27th Meeting of the World Tourism Network on Child Protection (9 March, 14.30 – 17.30, ICC, Hall 7)
The 2012 meeting of the World Tourism Network on Child Protection will focus on “Young Workers in the Tourism Sector: Risks and Opportunities”. The event is jointly organized by UNWTO and the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (ILO–IPEC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The meeting will also feature a reporting session, affording representatives of national tourism administrations, the tourism sector, NGOs and specialized media outlets an opportunity to report on new projects concerning child protection in tourism.
Source - UNWTO
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STR Global reports Central/South America hotel development pipeline |
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Published On: 22/02/2012 |
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 The Central/South America hotel development pipeline comprises 202 hotels totalling 30,002 rooms, according to the January 2012 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report.
In January, the region opened one project with 95 rooms. For the remainder of 2012, the region is expected to open 67 properties with 10,948 rooms. During 2013, the region is projected to open 82 properties with 12,415 rooms.
Three segments are expecting to open more than 2,000 rooms in the remainder of 2012: the Midscale segment (2,897 rooms); the Upscale segment (2,764 rooms); and the Upper Upscale segment (2,491 rooms).
Source: STR
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HRG signs ONE Nordic as new client |
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Published On: 22/02/2012 |
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 Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) has won a contract with ONE Nordic to manage the company’s business travel following a competitive tender. Based in Malmö, ONE Nordic is Scandinavia’s leading turnkey supplier in energy technology and contracting and employs approximately 1,500 people.
“In the current economic climate, organisations are looking for partners who can help successfully manage the complexities of business travel, whilst delivering full transparency of spend to ensure budgets are allocated strategically,” said Christer Nordlund, Managing Director, HRG Nordics. “Our suite of proprietary tools is proven to deliver significant tangible benefits by driving down cost whilst increasing security, management information and process facilities.”
ONE Nordic will benefit from HRG’s tailored suite of reporting tools, including HRG Online, the bespoke online booking solution that simplifies travel and reduces costs. In conjunction with HRG Online, the company will also use HRG’s consolidated reporting functionality to run a range of customised reports that provide complete transparency of travel activity and spend. ONE Nordic will then be able to collect and use the data to increase their negotiating power with suppliers.
Rolph Hey, ONE Nordic’s Head of Purchasing, said: “Throughout the tender process, HRG stood out as being both highly professional and knowledgeable in terms of how to deliver the transparency and efficiency gains we were looking for. We were particularly impressed by HRG’s booking tool, which we believe is currently the best on offer. As a company with multiple divisions, a regular flow of communication and proper implementation is essential; knowing that HRG has the experience and technology to support this is very reassuring.”
Source: HRG
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Benchmark Hospitality International Names Recipient of the Bob Zappatelli Culinary Arts Scholarship |
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Published On: 22/02/2012 |
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 Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the recipient of the Bob Zappatelli Culinary Arts Scholarship. This year's recipient is Kevin McGowan, a student at SAIT Polytechnic School of Hospitality and Tourism in Alberta, Canada. The annual scholarship, launched in 2009 in partnership with The James Beard Foundation in New York City, celebrates the life and legacy of the company's first vice president food & beverage, the late Bob Zappatelli, and serves as a memorial to his unforgettable magnetism and enthusiasm for the advancement of the culinary arts.
"The reason I entered the hospitality and tourism industry, and more specifically the culinary arts," said Kevin McGowan, "is that I love to entertain people with food. All my life I've enjoyed serving people and making them happy with creative, inspired and well-executed food. This is my passion. I'm so grateful for the support of the Bob Zappatelli Culinary Arts Scholarship fund in helping me continue my culinary education."
"This is such a fitting tribute to Bob, and Kevin is an ideal recipient," stated Burt Cabañas, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International. "Kevin is a mature student, furthering his education and developing his career while also managing the responsibilities of supporting his family. Bob would have championed him, as he did so many young chefs who were driven to success while balancing this with the priorities of home."
Source: Benchmark Hospitality
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Sheraton Hotels is Giving Starwood Preferred Guest Members 1,000 More Reasons to Experience Sheraton Club |
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Published On: 22/02/2012 |
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 Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is giving Starwood Preferred Guest members 1,000 reasons to experience Sheraton Club, one of the brand’s most popular signature amenities. Beginning today, Starwood Preferred Guest members can earn 1,000 bonus Starpoints® on every Sheraton Club stay from February 21 through May 31, 2012. Sheraton Club guests enjoy seven-day a week access to the club lounge with complimentary breakfast, all-day snacks and beverages and more.
As business travelers continue to return to the road en masse they will find the newest portfolio of Sheraton Club Lounges in the brand’s history. Recently, Sheraton Hotels and its owners invested more than $100 million into upgrading 120 club lounges around the world, including flagship properties such as Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Denver, Sheraton Centre Toronto, Sheraton Hong Kong, Sheraton Boston, Sheraton Buenos Aires and Sheraton Edinburgh. In addition, Sheraton Club lounges brand-wide are now open seven days a week in response to increased demand from premium corporate and leisure guests.
“At a time when our competitors have scaled back their offerings, Sheraton has done the opposite. We invested more than $100 million to significantly enhance Sheraton Club around the world in order to deliver a superior lounge experience for our guests, “said Hoyt Harper, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “We wanted to introduce an exclusive offer for our Starwood Preferred Guest members so they can experience firsthand the benefits of Sheraton Club.”
Sheraton Club is consistently rated as one of the top two benefits of staying at Sheraton by Starwood Preferred Guest members, who account for half of all Sheraton hotel bookings. SPG Platinum members have automatic access to Sheraton Club as part of their benefits and 50% of Sheraton loyalists like the option of paying a premium for the Sheraton Club experience, which is available for an average of $75extra per night. Sheraton boasts a greater percentage of hotels with club lounges than its rivals and all its club lounges are open 24-hours, seven days a week, with the majority offering spectacular views in addition to amenities like complimentary breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres, beverage service, flat-screen television, Wi-Fi, a selection of daily newspapers and more.
Source - Starwood
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Element Miami International Airport typifies the 'balance' that Starwood' offers to business & leisure travelers |
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Published On: 22/02/2012 |
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 Element Miami International Airport Perfectly Situated Adjacent to Miami Central Stationwith Ease of Access to Airport and Downtown
The Florida sun is shining its light on a smart new lodging option for travelers, with the opening of Element Miami International Airport. Element, the trailblazing eco-wise brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, brings a fresh update to the Miami hotel scene with 209 guest rooms and suites built green from the ground up.
Element Miami International Airport typifies the “balance” that Starwood’s Element brand offers to business and leisure travelers. The hotel’s strategic location puts it at the doorstep of one of the world’s busiest air-travel hubs - Miami International Airport - and just two blocks from the long anticipated Miami Central Station, a world-class transportation hub that will transform options for travelers in several phases starting in spring 2012. The new facility includes Airport Link Metrorail service, providing a direct rail connection to Downtown Miami. For those needing a car during their travels, the transportation hub includes a brand new rental car facility that unites 16 rental car companies in a stunning new 6,500 vehicle facility.
“With its own combination of beautiful natural elements and singular style, Miami is a perfect fit for the Element brand,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “Element offers guests a bright, energizing environment that’s conducive to both work and play, all while affording easy access to the city and to the airport.”
The Element brand made history with its 2008 launch. It is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for high-performance buildings. “We’re very excited to bring Element’s fusion of style, personal wellbeing and sustainability to Miami, and we think guests will appreciate having a fresh option so close to MIA,” said Lew Wiens, President of True North Hotel Group, the hotel’s management company. “Our location adjacent to such a key transportation hub makes Element Miami unbeatable for business and leisure travelers alike.”
Source - Starwood
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Discover the Story Behind Lebanon's Wines with Four Seasons Hotel Beirut |
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Published On: 22/02/2012 |
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 Lebanon is one of the oldest sites of wine production in the world. With a wine making tradition dating back 5,000 years, the Phoenicians, the ancient dwellers of Lebanon, were tending vineyards, making wine and trading with other major cities long before the Greeks and Romans.
For the wine lover, Four Seasons Hotel Beirut has created a special Wine Journey to tell the stories behind three unique wineries in Batroun, in the north of Lebanon. The tour includes a visit to Adyar Winery, Lebanon’s first organic winery, where wine is produced by Christian Maronite monks in eight different monasteries spread across Lebanon. IXSIR Winery – where winemaking and ageing occur in a winery above that rests at the Seigniorial House. Located on the hills of Batroun, this 17th century bastion of regional heritage presides over a contemporary winery with sustainability at its core. It unites the Earth’s resources to give birth to wines that reveal the secret that lies within. The tour will be concluded at Coteaux De Botrys – a boutique winery owned by four sisters with homemade organic lunch prepared by one of the Souk El Tayyeb producers from the north.
With Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, wine lovers will be offered a unique experience to get introduced to Lebanon’s best wine makers when booking the Wine Package available till December 31, 2012. This activity is designed to make guests' experience Lebanon in a different way. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting of each winery’s best selections and can enjoy a tour of the surrounding area with its beautiful landscapes and the city of Batroun. The Wine Journey is available for USD 1,025.00 per room per night in a double room, for a minimum of two nights stay.
Source: Four Seasons
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June Boon Promotion at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives |
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Published On: 22/02/2012 |
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 June brings many blessings to the Maldives, from prime surf at Kuda Huraa to manta season at Landaa Giraavaru. In 2012, it’s also bringing Four Seasons Resorts Maldives June Boon – a mid-year gift of unbeatable value with the added boon of a romantic beach dinner for two, couple’s spa treatment, Champagne on arrival and daily breakfast. Valid June 1-30, 2012 for a minimum seven-night stay at either Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa or Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru, June Boon offers guests unprecedented rates at two of the Maldives most exclusive resorts. This special offer must be booked before March 31, 2012.
“June has tended to be a quieter month for us,” explains Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin, “But there’s no reason why that should be the case. The Maldives is warm year-round, with only the occasional shower in June, generously compensated by ideal water conditions for surfing and sightings of manta rays and whale sharks.” June Boon double occupancy starts from USD 550.00 per night at Kuda Huraa and USD 650.00 per night at Landaa Giraavaru, for a minimum of seven nights. Additional nights can be booked at the time of reservation.
June Boon includes:
* Seven nights in beach or over-water accommodation including breakfast
* One candlelight beach dinner for two (excluding beverages)
* One 60-minute couple’s massage at the Spa
* A bottle of Champagne upon arrival and daily fruit in bungalow
Source: Four Seasons
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