BRUSSELS (September 7, 2011) – A member of the Warwick International Hotels Collections, The Warwick Barsey Hotel, located on the prestigious Avenue Louise, Brussels, announces the creation of a new meeting room accommodating up to 120 guests. The location of the hotel, between the edge of the Bois de la Cambre and luxury shops and close to Place du Chatelain, the “Soho” of Brussels, is an ideal location for both business and leisure.

Meeting & Conference Space

Already equipped with two meeting rooms accommodating 10 or 30 people, the Warwick Barsey Hotel is expanding its offer with “Barsey 3,” a conference space suitable for up to 120 guests in a theater style setting. The Warwick Barsey Hotel, famous in Brussels for quality entertainment within the restaurant and bar where famous DJs play during weekends, is adding one more valuable option for its guests. The hotel has positioned itself as an expert for small to medium size events in the European capital.

Rooms and Suites

The Warwick Barsey Hotel has 99 rooms and suites, all decorated by French designer Jacques Garcia. Each is adorned with colorful tapestries featuring mahogany furnishings, thanks to the inspiration of the French designer, which balances trends and comfort. Moreover, each room is very well prepared by the attentive staff so that you will feel “at home,” cozily located in the heart of the European capital.

http://www.warwickbarsey.com/

About Warwick International Hotels

WIH was founded in 1980 with the purchase of Warwick New York, a hotel originally built by William Randolph Hearst for his Hollywood friends. The WIH Group now includes 50 prestigious Hotels, Resorts & Spas worldwide located in city centres and resort destinations in the United States, Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific and Bali. More details are available at  www.warwickhotels.com.

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Customers will have access to Wi-Fi on more than 250 Delta Connection two-class RJs by early next year; adding to more than 550 mainline Wi-Fi connected aircraft

ATLANTA, Sept. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today became the first airline in the world to provide in-flight Internet service onboard its regional aircraft with the launch flight of a Wi-Fi-equipped Bombardier CRJ700 operated by Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines. Delta had previously announced its plan to expand the number of Delta aircraft – which currently includes its entire domestic fleet of more than 550 aircraft – with onboard Wi-Fi to an additional 250 regional jet aircraft operated by Delta Connection carriers.  Delta will be the first carrier to deploy Wi-Fi across its entire mainline and two-class regional fleet, a total of more than 800 aircraft.

The first regional jet equipped with Wi-Fi departed from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport with scheduled stops in Omaha, Neb., Des Moines, Iowa and White Plains, N.Y. throughout the day. To celebrate the occasion, all passengers on the inaugural flight of the Wi-Fi-equipped regional jet will receive complimentary Gogo access. The first passengers departing Atlanta received complimentary 30-day Wi-Fi service courtesy of Delta and Gogo that can be used for future travel. Passengers will be encouraged to tweet using #DeltaRJWifi on today’s flights to receive randomly selected gifts from Delta and Gogo.

“With the addition of Gogo in-flight Internet service on Delta Connection two-class regional aircraft, more than 81,000 additional customers daily will be able to stay connected just like they do onboard Delta’s mainline fleet,” said Bob Kupbens, Delta’s vice president – eCommerce. “We continue to innovate and lead the industry with customer-centric technology so customers can do things such as track their bags, check the status of their next flight, check email or connect with social networks while in flight.”

Installations of Wi-Fi on Delta Connection jets will be complete by early next year. Once complete, all customers flying on Delta domestic flights with a First Class cabin will enjoy Wi-Fi access, including service on every Delta Shuttle flight between New York-LaGuardia and Boston, Chicago-O’Hare and Washington, D.C.

Delta began installing Wi-Fi on domestic mainline aircraft in 2008, becoming the first airline to announce plans for in-flight Internet service on all domestic aircraft. With its mainline aircraft and the addition of regional jets to the Wi-Fi program, more than 80 percent of Delta’s entire domestic fleet will feature Gogo in-flight Internet access. Customers can stay connected using Gogo in-flight Internet with free access to delta.com or Delta’s mobile applications.

Delta Connection aircraft featuring First Class cabins include Embraer 170, Embraer 175, Bombardier CRJ700 and Bombardier CRJ900 models operated by Delta Connection. The aircraft feature between nine and 12 seats in First Class and between 56 and 64 seats in Economy.

In addition to Wi-Fi, Delta has taken a number of steps to fully align service on Delta Connection and mainline flights. Recent improvements have included adding First Class cabins to 82 additional CRJ700 jets; introducing meal service in First Class on regional jets; and adding china, linen and silverware to Delta Connection First Class cabins.

Delta’s regional jet Wi-Fi investments are the latest in the airline’s previously announced plan to invest more than $2 billion in enhanced global products, services and airport facilities through 2013.  In addition to installing Wi-Fi and upgrading its domestic fleet, Delta will offer full flat-bed seats on more than 140 widebody aircraft, feature personal, in-seat entertainment for both BusinessElite and Economy class customers on all widebody flights, and complete new terminal facilities for international customers at its two largest global gateways – Atlanta and New York-JFK.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year, and was named by Fortune magazine as the most admired airline worldwide in its 2011 World’s Most Admired Companies airline industry list. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 339 destinations in 59 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline’s service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, a world-class airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

Terms and Conditions

Additional restrictions may apply. Offers subject to change. Use of the Gogo Inflight Internet service is subject to terms of use available at gogoinflight.com.

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Adria Airways has been a member of Star Alliance since 2004. In connection with Star Alliance partners Adria Airways offers access to a global network of flights on 27 airlines, which offer more than 21,200 daily flights to 1,185 airports in 185 countries.

Customers travelling on the Star Alliance network now have access to all Alliance related travel information through their iPhone. The Navigator app delivers up to the minute information about flights and enables passengers to make informed travel choices. The new app includes also airport information – comprehensive information including maps, lounges – location and facilities of the more than 970 lounges which eligible Star Alliance customers can access across the globe and city guides.

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Radisson Blu hotel in Krakow has won the “Leaders of Sustainable Development” contest that was organized by Forbes Magazine in Poland. Fulfilling the criteria of eco-certification BS8901 has been revealed as one of the seven most important initiatives in Poland.

Located in the heart of the city, the Radisson Blu hotel Krakow was appreciated by the Forbes magazine for being the world’s first hotel with prestigious BS 8901 Certification. It was worked out by British Standard International in 2007. Today, it is the most demanding certification in the area of sustainable meetings and events management and is based on three priorities:

- Reducing negative impact on natural environment
- Positive impact on local community
- Reduction of production and exploitation costs

Forbes’ jury appreciated the pro-social and pro-ecological aspects of this achievement, and drew attention to the hotel’s competitive advantage, based on CSR actions and integrated business strategy. Attainment of BS8901 inspired Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow to create its unique offer for business – the Green Conference Package. These are the meetings organised according to the rules of sustainability.

Nino D. Rosenlund, General Manager at Radisson Blu hotel in Krakow said: “The Green Conference Package we offer is not only applicable to the companies deeply involved in CSR activities but also for those which just want to start building their responsible business strategy. We organise these meetings in our eight Krakow conference rooms, in luxury restaurants or, for really big groups, in the spacious underground parking area. I think that in a year or two such responsible and sustainable meetings in many countries will be a standard, not the exception.”

Depending on the clients, the hotel organises meetings according to the strict rules. These include responsible waste separating, using recycled materials, responsible transportation and food planning. Additionally, all products are ordered locally, the hotel works with regional suppliers and supports local community. After the meeting, the client receives a “Green Meeting Certification” and the CO2 emissions report. The client has also has the option to plant trees that will quickly eliminate the event’s negative impact on the environment.

These principles help to reduce negative impact on environment and have a positive impact on the local community and reduce costs of production and exploitation costs. They are all included in the client document “Sustainable Meeting Policy”. It applies both parties – the Krakow accommodation and the client – at every stage of the meeting organization.

About The Rezidor Hotel Group

The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world. The group features a portfolio of more than 400 hotels in operation and under development with 88,800 rooms in over 60 countries, including hotels in Krakow, Ankara hotels, an airport hotel Paris and Amsterdam hotel.

Rezidor operates the brands Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts, Park Inn by Radisson and Country Inns & Suites in Europe, Middle East and Africa, along with the Club Carlson loyalty programme for frequent hotel guests. Under a worldwide licence agreement with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, Rezidor also operates and develops the new lifestyle brand Hotel Missoni.

In November 2006, Rezidor was listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, based in Minneapolis (USA), is the majority shareholder.

The Corporate office of the Rezidor Hotel Group is based in Brussels, Belgium.

For more information on Rezidor, visit www.rezidor.com

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Eurostar, the high-speed passenger service linking the UK and mainland Europe has today launched a free mobile application allowing passengers to book journeys on-the-go and receive tickets direct to their phones.

The Eurostar iPhone app, which is available for Android devices as well as iPhone, allows passengers to book and manage journeys between the UK and Paris, Brussels and Lille. Passengers who book journeys using the Eurostar App will immediately receive a mobile ticket with an electronic barcode on their device. The mobile ticket can then be simply scanned at check-in.

Members of Eurostar’s Loyalty Programmes (Eurostar Frequent Traveller and Eurostar Plus Points) can also use the App to earn points when they book and to view their point balances at the touch of a screen. Other functions of the Eurostar mobile app include; live service updates to keep passengers informed of disruptions and a personal profile page, which provides an option to store address details and seating preferences.

In addition, to facilitating booking amendments at the touch of a screen, the Eurostar App’s simple Express Exchange functionality offers Business Premier travellers the flexibility to change their journey details to fit around their busy schedules.

The free Eurostar App helps travellers;

- Make bookings for up to six travellers between Paris, Brussels, Lille and the UK on the go
- Check-in using mobile ticketing (NB: mobile tickets are not yet available for multiple bookings)
- Review booking(s) and journey details
- Amend booking using the Express Exchange functionality for Business Premier tickets
- Collect and review loyalty points on-the-go
- Access service updates and FAQs

Eurostar has also launched a mobile version of eurostar.com, to give its customers an enhanced online experience when using their mobile devices to access the website. The mobile website offers a simplified homepage, the ability to book and manage journeys as well as access to loyalty point balances and service updates.

Nick Mercer, Commercial Director for Eurostar commented: “Our aim is to make using our services as easy and seamless as possible. So with the majority of our customers now owning a smartphone, we are really pleased that we are able to provide a new suite of services that make booking and checking in even easier for them.

“The new Eurostar App and mobile website represent the start of many exciting mobile developments for Eurostar, which will help ensure we become the first choice operator of short haul travel from the UK to Europe.”

The Eurostar App, which was created by Backelite, is available for free from the App Store on iPhone or the Android Market on Android devices.

For more information on the new Eurostar app and to find other Eurostar deals such as cheap Eurostar tickets, interested parties can visit www.eurostar.com or call 08432 186 186.

About Eurostar:

Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International to Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Avignon and the French Alps.

Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR.

The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph. Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 115 million passengers between London and the Continent. Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet, offering convenient London Paris train travel.

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Hong Kong, September, 2011 – Crystal is launching its luxe collection of worldwide 2012 cruises with compelling Book Now fares, available for a limited time.

Until October 31, 2011, all sailings will continue to feature 2-for-1 prices and free round-trip air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways (or generous air credits).  On select sailings, travelers can also enjoy additional Book Now Savings – with as much as HK$ 31,200 (US$4,000)/couple in fare reductions.

While many travel agents and consumers are accustomed to promotion extensions, Crystal promises that every cruise will be reviewed at the end of October.  On November 1, cruise fares will rise for select sailings.

“We are introducing the 2012 travel year on Crystal Cruises with the best pricing on the best itineraries, offering extraordinary service and enrichment on the vacation product that so many discerning luxury travelers regard as the very best experience in the world,” says Jack Anderson, senior vice president, marketing and sales.  “Book now means exactly what it says.  We want to ensure that those who book early enjoy the best pricing.”

In 2012, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will visit 182 ports-of-call in 59 countries on 60 itineraries worldwide.  Destination choices include the western and eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea, North Cape, western Europe, Greek Isles, Baltic & Russia, China, Japan, southeast Asia, Australia, South Pacific, South America, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, British Isles, Canary Islands and Mexican Riviera on itineraries of seven to 94 days.

Crystal Cruises’ ocean resort experience always includes a host of complimentary amenities, from enlightening enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio.  In the spring of 2012, vacations on the award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will also include complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, open bar service in all lounges, and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.  Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.

For additional information or booking, please contact Miramar Express at +852 3960 0388 or email mecruises@miramarexpress.hk; also visit the luxury line’s website at  www.crystalcruises.com.

The Crystal Difference

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony are the two highest rated ships in the world, ranked #1 and 2, respectively.  Aboard the ultra-luxurious vessels, refined elegance meets casual simplicity.  With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by warm, gracious service, abundant space, extensive choices and superior quality.  Recently celebrating a record 17th year being voted “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, and 16th consecutive year as “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure, Crystal has been recognized as #1 more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history.

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Brussels-Bamako, 7 September 2011 – As from today, Brussels Airlines connects Mali to Brussels Airport. Flights to the capital Bamako are twice weekly.

The inaugural flight from Brussels to Bamako was celebrated this morning in a ceremony attended by Brussels Airlines co-CEOs Bernard Gustin & Michel Meyfroidt, the Ambassador of Mali in Belgium, Brussels Airport CEO Arnaud Feist, as well as numerous other representatives from the Malian community and the travel industry.

As of today, Mali is once again linked to the European capital. Since 2001, there have been no flight connections between Belgium and the large north-western African country. Thus, the launch of a new scheduled service by Brussels Airlines has been warmly welcomed by the Malian government and community. The number of bookings to/from Bamako has been encouraging so far. “This investment in services to Mali illustrates our belief in the economic progress of the country,” said Brussels Airlines co-CEO Bernard Gustin. “With the opening of Bamako, we continue to strengthen our presence on the African continent. As of today, we offer no less than 21 scheduled destinations in Africa.”

Smooth connections via Brussels Airport to Mali

Brussels Airlines passengers from all over Europe can travel easily to Mali via smooth transfers at Brussels Airport. Flights from France (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse), United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Scandinavia and many other countries are well-timed to allow for a smooth connection to this new long-haul destination. Flights to Bamako depart from the Brussels Airlines Africa terminal which is located right next to the Schengen terminal, thus allowing for smooth transfers.

This new route is flown in an Airbus A330-300 aircraft with both a business and economy class configuration, as well as a cargo capacity.

Flights are on Wednesdays and Sundays. The outbound flight departs at 10:40 from Brussels and arrives in Bamako at 14:40 local time. The return flight departs from Bamako at 21:30 local time and arrives at Brussels Airport at 05:30 in the morning.
Just like on any other Brussels Airlines flight, passengers on flights to/from Bamako will be able to accumulate miles with our frequent flyer programme Miles & More.

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Frederic Laplanche, new head of the Taipei-based European Economic and Trade Office, is looking to increase the EU’s profile in Taiwan and boost robust trade relations. (Courtesy of EETO)

The new de facto EU ambassador to Taiwan said raising the region’s profile and boosting trade ties are top priorities during his appointment as head of the Taipei-based European Economic and Trade Office.

“Europe, in my opinion, is not visible enough in Taiwan,” Frederic Laplanche said Aug. 31 at his first official news conference since assuming the post in late July.

As the largest economy, trading partner and market in the world, it makes perfect sense for the EU to boost its standing in Taiwan, Laplanche said. This can be achieved by working closely with the local press, other EU member state offices and organizations such as the European Chamber of Commerce Taipei, he added.

On the subject of Taiwan-EU economic ties, Laplanche described the relationship as “robust” and “healthy,” and sees plenty of room for improvement. Signing an economic cooperation pact would be a step in the right direction, but this cannot be accomplished until outstanding trade issues have been cleared up, he said.

According to Laplanche, these issues include difficulties European companies encounter in bidding for ROC government procurement projects, double testing on automobiles and lifting the ban on ham imports.

The EU is Taiwan’s leading source of foreign direct investment and fourth largest trading partner, with bilateral trade growing 31.4 percent in 2010 to US$4.86 billion.

Concerning Taiwan democracy and human rights, Laplanche said these remain areas of great interest for the EU, and he will continue working to promote the abolition of the death penalty.

Laplanche said other primary objectives during his term include increasing science and technological cooperation and tackling shared global challenges, such as climate change. (JSM)

Write to Rachel Chan at rachelchan@mail.gio.gov.tw

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ROC President Ma Ying-jeou sets forth guidelines for gender equality policies in seven key areas Sept. 2. (CNA)
ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said the government will continue striving to achieve gender equality by making policies in seven key areas more equitable.

Guidelines drawn up by the Ministry of the Interior cover public policies, employment, the family, culture and education, personal safety, health care, technology and the environment, Ma said Sept. 2.

With regard to public policies, the Cabinet is set to establish a new department to promote gender equality and safeguard women’s rights in 2012, and increase the number of seats reserved for women in elections.

On the job front, the government will provide more training and encourage the private sector to create a friendlier working environment with childcare services, maternal leave and family care leave.

Subsidies for child rearing, as well as improvements in preschool education and care for the elderly, to provide for all stages of life, are policy goals related to the family and the nation’s population structure, given Taiwan’s very low birth rate, Ma said.

Measures in other areas, according to the president, include balancing the distribution of female and male students in different fields of study, overcoming traditional gender prejudices in marriage and inheritance customs, and strengthening police and judicial protection of female and child victims of abuse.

In addition, the government is formulating a long-term care law, and will work to reduce gender divisions in technical fields so that women have more input into decision making regarding the environment, energy, engineering, transportation, disaster management and government-sponsored research, Ma said.

“Women’s issues cannot be solved by relying on just one government agency,” the president said. “Every ministry should work toward the goal of gender equality.” (THN)

Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw

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Taiwan recorded its best-ever performance in the Global Competitiveness Report released Sept. 7 by Geneva-based World Economic Forum, reflecting the nation’s improving business and regulatory environment.

With a score of 5.26 points, up 0.05 from last year, Taiwan ranked 13th among 142 economies surveyed by the WEF. Singapore, Switzerland and Sweden took the top three places.

“This result indicates that Taiwan’s global competitiveness remains strong,” Christina Y. Liu, minister of the Council for Economic Planning and Development, said Sept. 7. “We expect the overall ranking to move up next year.”

Taiwan topped eight of the report’s 111 indicators, including patent and industry cluster numbers, as well as local market competitiveness. “This is a remarkable achievement given the scale of Taiwan’s economy,” Liu said.

As the fourth best performer in Asia, Taiwan trails only Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong. South Korea, the island’s arch rival in many key high-tech sectors, fell two spots to 24th in the world.

Taiwan trailed South Korea in 2008 when the pair ranked 17th and 13th, respectively, but gained the upper hand 12 months later and has not looked back since. The gap between the two countries is now 11 places, according to the CEPD.

The WEF ranking is the third vote of confidence in Taiwan’s business competitiveness issued by respected international organizations. In its latest report, U.S.-based Business Environment Risk Intelligence rated Taiwan, along with Norway, as the world’s third best place to invest, following Singapore and Switzerland.

On May 17, Lausanne-based International Institute for Management Development awarded Taiwan sixth spot in this year’s World Competitiveness Yearbook. (JSM)

Write to Meg Chang at meg.chang@mail.gio.gov.tw

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CHTA ‘Tourism is Key’ Advocacy Program Continues to Gain Awareness for the Industry

The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Marketplace 2011 had the third largest attendance over the past decade with 1,518 delegates as compared to 1,362 in 2010 and an increase in the number of crucial buyer companies by 22% and buyer delegates by 15%, up from 101 and 268 respectively in 2010. The number of scheduled appointments totaled 11,880 over the two-day event as compared to 11,774 in 2010.

Attendees felt that the 22% increasein the wholesaler buyer companies was an indication that interest in vacations to the Caribbean was returning and Marketplace 2011 would result in an increase in packages, promotions and ultimately bookings to the region.

The overall mood of delegates at Caribbean Marketplace 2011 was high from the very start as delegates listened to CHTA President Josef Forstmayr remind everyone: “All of us have felt the impact of the economic crisis over the past two years, but we have much reason to be optimistic. Right now at Marketplace 2011, we have more buyers that have come to meet with hotels and tourist offices than last year, an indication that business is coming back.”

He also urged all delegates to “recognize that tourism is the key to economic development in the Caribbean. Tourism and its ability to compete globally has in all but a few Caribbean nations become the essential provider of employment and national income; and by extension a principal provider of taxes that pay for voters’ expectations of everything from education to health care to roads.

“This is why CHTA launched the Tourism Is Key advocacy campaign underlining the importance of travel and tourism to our Caribbean economies.

“The campaign targets a broad audience from Caribbean Heads of State across the region to Caribbean citizens in every destination.

“We all need to understand that whether or not anyone works directly in the tourism areas, every tourist dollar brings economic and social benefits to every level of our society. “I urge all of you here today to assist us in our lobbying efforts and to help us to achieve four main goals:

1. Strong advocacy of the tourism industry with government and the general public.
2. Faster regional integration and the removal of barriers such as visas, excessive entry formalities and bureaucracy. This will also enable Caribbean nationals to fuel the tourism growth in neighboring destinations.
3. Better and more affordable airline access with less regulation throughout the region. We know that this is something you all want because it would make your jobs easier to package, promote and sell our island destinations.
4. The creation and launch of a sustainable marketing and promotion fund for the Caribbean. This is more than a decade overdue and we cannot wait any longer.

Forstmayr was followed by an impassioned speech from Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding, who urged the Caribbean region “to continue its united action to fight the decision of the United Kingdom to impose the Air Passenger Duty (APD) tax.” He said “the region was united in its position that this tax is manifestly unjust to the countries of the Caribbean region.”

Varying APD rates are dictated by the classification of worldwide destinations by the UK government, with passengers taking trips to the Caribbean being particularly badly hit.

Mr. Golding said, “several leaders from the region have impressed upon the British government that the tax is not fair and that it needs to be reviewed.”

Mr. Golding said that in handing over the chairmanship of CARICOM to Grenada’s Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, he provided a full brief on all the activities including a detailed update on the efforts that have been made to adjust this increase and he is confident that CARICOM will continue to make representation to the British government.

“Going to London and pleading are not the only options we have,” Mr. Golding noted. He said he had “consulted widely and there are other options that the Caribbean may have to consider in tackling something that is not just unfair and unjust but is in conflict with established global rules of tourism.”

He noted that while he could not speak for other Caribbean countries on the matter and while it would be premature to speak on the position that the Government of Jamaica will take, “there is no option that is off the table. We are going to secure justice in this matter one way or the other,” Mr. Golding added.

Prior to the opening of Caribbean Marketplace 2011, CHTA held vital committee and Board of Directors meetings to discuss crucial issues facing the hospitality and tourism industry in the region and agreed to create a new plan of action for a regional marketing campaign in conjunction with the Caribbean Tourism Organization. There were also meetings with the reconstituted Chain Hotels Forum to secure the involvement of prominent worldwide hotel companies in the region.

Next year, Caribbean Marketplace 2012 will take place Jan. 22 – 24, 2012 at the Atlantis, Paradise Island in The Bahamas.

About The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association | The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) facilitates the full potential of the Caribbean hotel and tourism industry by serving members’ needs and building partnerships in a socially responsible and sustainable manner. CHTA was founded in 1962; it is the voice of the Caribbean hospitality industry for the development of the region in the highly competitive and sophisticated environment of international tourism. Today, tourism is widely recognized as a pivotal industry in the economy of the region – and CHTA functions as the common denominator for this industry in a region of diverse nationalities, languages and styles, identifying mutual problems and marshalling the resources of the active and allied members to devise solutions. CHTA represents all facets of the hospitality industry with more than 725 member hotels and 525 allied members.

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The travel and tourism industry is extremely optimistic 2011 will see it leave the global financial downturn behind, reveals a survey of World Travel Market’s Meridian Club – the industry’s most senior buyers.

Almost eight out of ten (78%) Meridian Club members polled say they are optimistic for the industry’s prospects in 2011.

Furthermore, more than half (54%) of the 330 senior buyers polled say the industry will perform better in 2011 than in 2010, with 37% believing the industry’s performance will be on par with 2010.

“It’s been a great start to the year so far following on from a good finish to last year,” One Meridian Club member revealed.

Another senior travel industry buyer added: “People in general still have a good appetite for travel and London in particular will be boosted by the Royal Wedding.”

A large majority of the Meridian Club members polled revealed more bookings have been made already this year compared to recent years, helping to instil confidence for the rest of 2011.

Meridian Club members are even more confident about their company’s prospects with a massive 89% feeling optimistic for their organisation’s prospects in 2011 – this compares to only seven out of ten members when asked the same question 12 months ago.

Furthermore, nearly 70% of the members believe their company will perform better in 2011 than it did in 2010 with a mere 4% expecting their organisation to perform worse this year than it did last year.

“Having had a growth strategy during the recession the company continues to grow and make positive returns on investments,” one Meridian Club member responded.

Another buyer added: “So far it has been very busy and as long as interest rates do not go up it should stay that way.”

Meridian Club Marketing Manager Ajay Ahluwalia added: “It is great news that the industry’s senior buyers have such a positive outlook for 2011.

“It would appear the industry is leaving the tough times behind and has optimism for the future. Meridian Club members are the industry’s most senior buyers and the people purchasing the tourism product making them the first group to see an uplift in consumer demand.”

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Etihad Airways has designated 2011 as “the year of Abu Dhabi” with the launch of its “essential abu dhabi” destination marketing campaign. Designed to enhance Abu Dhabi’s place as a top tourist and MICE destination, the campaign will see Etihad unveil a number of exciting promotional activities across the globe.

For the first time, all the major tourism operators in the emirate of Abu Dhabi have come together under one showcase umbrella to promote the very best UAE’s capital has to offer.

Hotels, tour operators, dining outlets, shops, adventure parks, cultural attractions and sports facilties are providing a range of offers, to entice tourists and business travellers alike, to spend time in Abu Dhabi with a wide range of fantastic discount offers and deals.

All are accessible with the Etihad Airways Boarding Pass, using the tagline “the pass to the magic”. Visitors flying into Abu Dhabi on Etihad simply present their Etihad boarding card at participating outlets to redeem the offers within seven days of arriving in Abu Dhabi.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Etihad plays a hugely important role in bringing visitors to Abu Dhabi, and essential abu dhabi will give extra momentum to our efforts to promote the capital as one of the world’s best destinations.

“We have had a fantastic response from Abu Dhabi’s hotels and attractions, and are excited to be working in tandem with people who are as passionate about promoting our home base as we are.

“We will be promoting essential Abu Dhabi in all of our overseas destinations, as well as online and in-flight, and refreshing the program’s special offers regularly so that frequent visitors will always have something new to look forward to.”

A dedicated website, essentialabudahbi.com, launches today, backed with brochures on board all Etihad aircraft featuring the exclusive offers. The program will be also supported with an international marketing campaign co-funded by all the partners; as well as being promoted through all partner outlets and sales channels.

In addition, a new Etihad Airbus A330 aircraft will be painted in a striking “Visit Abu Dhabi in 2011” livery, which will carry the message to many international destinations around the world.

The campaign is being supported by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority as a major partner and demonstrates the commitment of the entire local tourism industry to work effectively together to promote Abu Dhabi as a major global destination.

As well as appealing to visitors planning a trip to the UAE, the programme is also targeting the millions of passengers transiting through the Abu Dhabi hub, to entice them to stopover in the city for a few nights. Free stopover room nights will be made available to such passengers in the near future.

Offers will be updated every two to three months, and the number of participating outlets is expected to grow from the initial 36 to over 100 by the end of the year. Anyone considering visiting the UAE will want to make essentialabudhabi.com an essential read before they travel.

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Paul Coakley has been appointed to lead the management of the airline’s technical and maintenance section as Chief Technical Officer with effect from 24 January 2011. Earlier, the British professional was technical director at Wizz Air. The new senior executive has amassed considerable experience in the field of airline maintenance, repair and overhaul over the past 20 years. Prior to joining Malév, Paul Coakley worked at MyTravel Airways (a Thomas Cook affiliate company) as technical services engineer, and then later in the position of technical manager aircraft leasing. Following this he moved to Wizz Air, and then continued his career as technical director with the prominent aviation consultancy firm IASG Limited.

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Celebration includes christening of Delta Boeing 777 as the “Spirit of Atlanta”

ATLANTA, Jan. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — When Lynda Lloyd boarded her first Delta Air Lines flight in Atlanta as a flight attendant in 1964, the airline had recently become the first commercial carrier to fly across the country in less than three hours and had just launched the industry’s most sophisticated electronic reservations system, all under the watchful eye of company founder and then-chief executive C.E. Woolman.

Today, Lloyd, Delta’s most senior employee who lives and works in Atlanta, will join hundreds of her fellow Atlanta-based employees as well as elected, community and business leaders from across Georgia to mark the airline’s 70th anniversary as Atlanta’s hometown airline.

A Delta Boeing 777-200LR aircraft used to connect Atlanta nonstop to cities such as Tokyo, Dubai, Johannesburg and Tel Aviv, will be christened as the “Spirit of Atlanta” during a celebration at Delta’s massive Technical Operations Center, adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and in the shadow of the $1.4 billion Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal currently under construction.

Delta (NYSE: DAL), today among the largest airlines in the world, was a small carrier focused on the Southeast when it moved its headquarters from Monroe, La., to Atlanta in 1941. In the decades that followed, Delta built the world’s largest connecting hub in Atlanta, and for more than two decades has remained Georgia’s largest private employer and a major economic force in the region.

With 25,000 employees based in Atlanta, Delta is estimated to pump more than $25 billion into the local economy, and is a major contributor to key community organizations, including the Grady Health Foundation, the Woodruff Arts Center, AID Atlanta, Hands On Atlanta, Habitat for Humanity, CARE, the Carter Center and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

“Delta Air Lines and Atlanta have a unique partnership that has been inextricably linked to the success and prosperity of our city and our airport for nearly three quarters of a century,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “The strong relationships among companies such as Delta, state and local elected officials and civic organizations are what make Atlanta not only a global, dynamic city, but a great place to live and do business. Congratulations to Delta Air Lines, Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson and all employees on the company’s 70th anniversary as Atlanta’s hometown airline.”

“Delta is truly an economic force for Georgia,” said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. “It is our biggest employer and its presence here plays a key role in helping us attract new investment and jobs. I look forward to partnering with Delta as it sets out on the next 70 years.” Â

“The success of Delta and the city of Atlanta have been intertwined for seven decades, and it’s hard to argue with the results,” said Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive. “Atlanta has grown into a major international city while Delta built the world’s largest hub at the city’s airport. Central to this success has been the historic partnership between Delta, the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and our thousands of Atlanta-based employees and customers.”

Recognizing one of Atlanta’s longest and most successful business partnerships, the “Spirit of Atlanta” will be christened at the celebration with a bottle of Coke. Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief executive of the Coca-Cola Company, will be honored and make remarks at the celebration.

In addition, Lloyd will be honored as the Delta employee who has lived and worked in Atlanta the longest. The airline also will recognize its most frequent Atlanta flyer, Ed Robinette, who has flown nearly 7 million miles on Delta over the past 30 years, and Cheryll Davis, Delta’s most active Atlanta-based community volunteer, who has dedicated thousands of hours during her 20-year Delta career to the airline’s preferred local charities.

“As a longtime Atlanta resident it’s been so exciting to be part of this airline, which is such a positive force for the community,” Lloyd said. “It was the very best decision of my life, to come to Atlanta, remain here, and be a Delta Flight Attendant. I am still enjoying the very best job in the world. It always makes me proud when I tell people I work for Delta.”

“Two years ago, I moved my business to Atlanta because of the great flights and service offered by Delta, and I’m not the only one, we have so many businesses based in Atlanta solely because of Delta,” said Robinette, who has been a member of the Delta SkyMiles frequent flier program since its inception in 1981. “I’ve flown 7 million miles on Delta, and I can honestly say I don’t remember a single bad experience.”

“Delta has always encouraged its employees to become involved in our communities, and service is a big part of being a member of the Delta family,” said Davis. “As an Atlanta resident, it’s great that Delta is so supportive of our community, and it’s one of the benefits of being Delta’s hometown.”

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Delta on its 70th anniversary as Atlanta’s hometown airline,” said U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga. “Delta Air Lines has come a long way since its beginnings in Monroe, La., to the international commercial airline it is today. For seven decades, Delta has thrived, employing thousands of Georgians and becoming an integral part of our communities. Delta has established itself as an economic engine not only for Georgia, but for the entire Southeast. I am grateful that such a company calls Atlanta its home.”

“As Georgians, we are all proud to be recognizing Delta’s 70th anniversary as our hometown airline,” said U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. “Over the past seven decades, Delta has become an integral part of the community, bringing jobs, businesses and great opportunities to the state of Georgia by connecting us to cities across the country and the world.”

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 357 destinations in 67 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs more than 75,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM andAlitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis,Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline’s service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world’s largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

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Sonia Cheng has been appointed chairman of New World Hospitality, the hotel management arm of Hong Kong－based New World Group conglomerate.

Ms. Cheng joined New World Group in 2008 as principal director － hotel division, concurrently holding the position of executive vice chairman of New World Hospitality.

“Sonia has successfully launched a series of repositioning initiatives for New World Hospitality and its brands while securing ample opportunities for its aggressive expansion,” said Dr Cheng, managing director of New World Development Company Limited.

Before joining New World Hospitality, Ms. Cheng worked with a major international investment bank and a global American private equity firm, specialising in real estate investments. She is currently a member of the Advisory Committee on Hotel and Tourism Management at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Ms. Cheng holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Mathematics with concentration in Economics from Harvard University.

Hong Kong-based New World Hospitality manages the New World Hotels brand of deluxe properties in Dalian, Shanghai, Wuhan, Ho Chi Minh City and Manila, with two affiliated hotels in Shenyang and Shunde, as well as the select service pentahotels brand currently represented in Shanghai and Beijing. The group has more than 20 properties under development. The company is a member of New World Group, a Hong Kong-based leading conglomerate and principal investor in many New World Hospitality properties. For further information, please visit www.newworldhospitality.com.

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Pullman hotels and resorts announced today that the Hyatt Regency Hotel Auckland has recently become Pullman Auckland. The re badging of this hotel to Pullman marks the entry of the one of the regions fastest growing brands to the New Zealand market and will be one of four new countries that the brand will enter in Asia Pacific this year. Beyond New Zealand, the Pullman brand will debut in Vietnam, Indonesia and India in 2011.

The Pullman Asia Pacific network today

The Pullman Hotels and Resorts brand was launched in Asia in January 2008, and has since grown its network of 18 operating hotels. Additionally nine Pullman hotels are committed to open in 2011, which will take the Asia Pacific operating network to around 30 hotels by year end.

Michael Issenberg, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer for Accor Asia Pacific says that “Expansion of the Pullman brand continues apace with significant growth in major markets and led by growth in China where we have nine hotels operating today and a further 16 committed. The brand’s expansion has found traction around the world but nowhere more so than here in Asia Pacific where the response from hotel owners and developers has been very positive.”

2011 Pullman openings include
Earlier this month, Pullman Ocean Bay Sanya Resort and Spa opened and marked Accor’s 100th hotel in China. This 413 room hotel is adjacent Sanya Bay and provides guests access to a private beach and surrounding tropical rainforest. All Asian inspired rooms and suites have ocean views.
Opening in April 2011 and also in China is Pullman Lijiang Resort and Spa. Located next to ShuHe Ancient Town and only ten minutes from the Unesco World Heritage Site DaYan Ancient Town, the hotel experience connects the old with the new with the design a fusion of contemporary architecture and traditional NaXi inspired designs and motifs throughout the public spaces and 129 guest rooms.
Vietnam’s first Pullman hotel is to be Pullman Danang Beach. Located on the white sandy beach, the hotel will feature 207 guest rooms, extensive dining options and event facilities. With the leisure and incentive guest in mind, the hotel will also have 3 swimming pools.
Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana is located adjacent the beach in central Legian. With 351 rooms and suites, Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana is extensively equipped with ballrooms, meeting rooms, swimming pools, fitness centre, tennis courts, and many other recreational activity facilities. The hotel is scheduled to open in mid 2011.

Ideally located by the new metro link in Gurgaon, the corporate satellite city of New Delhi, Pullman Gurgaon Central Park presents a fresh approach to upscale accommodation as the first Pullman hotel in India. Featuring 285 stunning rooms and suites, Pullman Gurgaon Central Park offers an extensive range of food and beverage outlets, a large gymnasium, a designer spa with beauty salon and the state of the art technology, personal IT service and conferencing facilities Pullman is renowned for. This hotel is also schedule to open by second quarter of this year.

Beyond this, during 2011 Pullman hotels and resorts will also open in; Dongguan, Gurgaon, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Phuket.

Innovative services make all the difference

All Pullman Hotels and Resorts have identifiable elements helping Pullman stand out from the crowd. These identifiers include:
‘Pullman Welcomer’ easily identifiable moving throughout the hotel and fully dedicated to fulfilling the requests of guests – a signature role to ensure a guests stay is both efficient and pleasurable.
Co-Meetings combining quality meeting venues with innovative services including online visual booking solutions, dedicated extranet for event organisors, innovative breaks enabling guests to recharge and restore.
‘Pullman Event Manager’ providing a single contact to event organisors and is involved from the beginning of the event planning til the end and is on hand to make suggestions, help create innovative elements and ensure the smooth running of each event at a Pullman ’IT Solutions Manager’ designed to ease the inconvenience of guest technology issues; the role is on hand to help guests stay connected during their stay.
Pullman Bedroom, designed to be a haven of calm. Accommodating travelers who hop between time zones, everything from the bed to the room service menu, connectivity and docking stations help keep guests in touch, recharged and relaxed.

ullman is Accor’s upscale hotel brand designed with the requirements of business women and men in mind.
Located in the main regional and international cities, Pullman hotels provide an extensive range of tailored services, access to groundbreaking technologies, and “Co-Meeting”, a new approach to organizing meetings, seminars and high-end incentives. At Pullman hotels, business travelers can choose between being independent or choosing help from our staff available round the clock.
By the end of 2011, the Pullman network will include 70 hotels across Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. In time, we anticipate a network of over 150 establishments around the world.
Further information concerning Pullman hotels is available on the website www.pullmanhotels.com.

Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is present in 90 countries with 4,100 hotels and close to 500,000 rooms.
Accor’s broad portfolio of hotel brands – Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Adagio, ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1, hotelF1 and Motel 6, and its related activities, Thalassa sea & spa and Lenôtre – provide an extensive offer from luxury to budget. With 145,000 employees worldwide, the Group offers to its clients and partners nearly 45 years of know-how and expertise.

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As the New Year begins, Tourvest Destination Management, a division within Tourvest Holdings (Pty) Limited, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Great Safaris LLC, a Californian, USA based tour operator.  This strategic partnership will embrace brand extension for both Tourvest Destination Management and Great Safaris in South Africa and the USA respectively.

January 2011 will see Great Safaris opening dedicated offices within Tourvest Destination Management with a dedicated hands-on team working their operations.  Spearheaded by two travel industry gurus Dave Herbert and Anne Bellamy, who together combine over 60 years of experience in the tourism industry, this joint partnership will see equal representation in South Africa and the USA.

Says Dave Herbert, CEO Great Safaris, “I have seen a growing demand over several years for a higher level of luxury travel from the USA market.  It is not only our name that aptly defines what we do, but it will be the highly personalized and inspiring, life-changing experience we offer to fit individual clients, that will make us stand out from our competitors”.

“We look forward to providing an already established infrastructure for Great Safaris,” says Martin Wiest, CEO  of Tourvest Destination Management.  “We have proven technology in-place and long standing supplier relationships in Southern Africa who are able to supply excellent service, rates and personalization based on volume for this exciting joint venture.”

For more information contact Tel +27 11 676 3333 ,  info@greatsafaris.co.za or visit www.greatsafaris.co.za

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With more than 4100 hotels in over 850 destinations globally, leading hotel group Accor has released its list of the 11 hottest destinations for 2011, highlighting the destinations and hotels that should be on the itinerary for every world traveller. While some are largely undiscovered destinations, others are cities that deserve to be revisited and that have reinvented or reinvigorated themselves for the new year.

1) THE WILD WEST OF CHINA – Lost Horizon found

While the focus over the past few years has been on China’s major cities – with Beijing hosting the Olympics and Shanghai the World Trade Fair – Australian travelers are renowned for looking beyond the obvious, especially when there is adventure and romance on offer.

China’s north-west Yunnan province is relatively undiscovered by tourism and yet offers history, spectacular scenery and the legend of the Lost Horizon. A new Pullman hotel will open in the historic city of Lijiang – famous for its cobblestone streets, original wooden houses and gushing canals – in March and it will provide the perfect gateway for exploring this remarkable region. Start the exploration in Lijiang and then plan trips to see sites such as Tiger Leaping Gorge and then onto Lost Horizon territory and the town of Shangri-La, or Zhongdian, as the Chinese call it. Set 3300 metres above sea level, there is no better place to read James Hilton’s Lost Horizon than in the atmospheric Songstram Retreat MGallery, which overlooks Shangri-la. The town’s historical Songzanlin Si Monastery dates back to 1679 but it is the natural beauty of the area that really makes this a special destination. With just 24 dry-stone villas spread over two acres, the MGallery showcases the finest Tibetan traditions, with handcrafted furniture, deep timber bath tubs and raised bed platforms above lounge areas complete with private fireplaces – and all overlooking those mesmerising views.

Note: China is the only place in the world where you can stay in an Accor hotel in a place called Shangri-la, written up in a book by Hilton.

2) HANOI – Indochine chic with operatic overtures

With Hanoi’s 1000th birthday celebrations over, this is the time to savour this city rich in history and character. Home to the famed Sofitel Metropole, Accor has just launched a new hotel that might not have the century-old history of the Metropole but has plenty of French style and elegance. In the centre of Hanoi, Hotel de l’Opera MGallery is just a step away from the Opera House, the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. It brings together the best of Hanoi – Colonial accents, theatrical interior design and contemporary public spaces. Each of the 107 rooms is a sanctuary of comfort, with 21st century connections and old-world elegance. Its Le La Fée Verte (The Green Fairy) bar is set to become the hottest nightspot in the city. A metaphor for the decadence of the Belle Epoque era, it takes you back to the bars of 1920s Paris where an evening drink becomes a lavish ritual. MGallery ambassador, Kristin Scott Thomas, opened the hotel in January 2011 and you can live like a movie star, luxuriating in the MGallery in between discovering Hanoi’s lakes, leafy boulevards, colonial heritage and fascinating history. Hanoi blends the exotic chic of old Asia with the modern, in a city where imagination becomes reality.

3) PHNOM PENH – there’s more to Cambodia than just Angkor Wat

Since Pol Pot was forced out of Cambodia, tourists have returned in vast numbers to discover the beauty of Angkor Wat, but the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, is set to stake its claim as a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with its own special attributes. Once known as the “Pearl of Asia” the city was noted for its French colonial architecture and its strategic position at the meeting of four rivers but today it is known as one of the most dynamic cities in Asia, having experienced huge growth in recent years with new hotels, restaurants and bars springing up around the city. One of these new hotels, the USD$50 million Sofitel Phnom Penh opened on 4th January 2011, with eight restaurants and bars, and the city’s first purpose-built day spa of its kind. As Phnom Penh’s first new five-star hotel since the 1990s, the Sofitel will make Phnom Penh a must-visit destination for upscale travellers who have previously not been adequately catered for outside of Siem Reap. The Sofitel’s cityside front nestles against Phnom Penh’s charming old French quarter, itself in the midst of a major make-over, within walking distance of the Royal Palace, the National Museum and Sisowath Quay.

4) AUCKLAND – ready to kick goals

The Ashes may have been lost but there’s always the William Webb Ellis trophy…and surely it’s time to bring back Bill! If that’s to happen, Australia will need to be standing tall in Auckland later this year, probably with the All Blacks crushed into the mud. The eyes of the world will be on Auckland for the Rugby World Cup in October 2011, but Accor says the city will be a hot destination all year round. The prospect of hosting the World Cup has seen the entire city spruced up for the influx of visitors, with new a beautification program that includes transforming Queens Wharf, Aotea Square and Eden Park. As the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand, Auckland has something for every taste, from beautiful beaches to world-class vineyards, and from island retreats to cultural attractions, plus the country’s best shopping and dining. Accor is opening a new Novotel at Auckland Airport in 2011, and last week took over management of the former Hyatt Hotel in the CBD and have transformed it into a Pullman.

5) MAURITIUS – SO Spicy

Mauritius has been on the wish list of many Australians for years, but this year it is even easier to reach thanks to the launch of additional air services. Brimming with historic sights, cultural diversity, virgin rainforests, sand-rimmed lagoons and spectacular beaches, Mauritius boasts one of the world’s most global food scenes, with strong French influences in addition to Chinese, Indian and African. Its laidback, welcoming atmosphere and the infectious party spirit of the locals make it truly a paradise on earth. This year Mauritius is even more tempting, with the launch of Sofitel So Mauritius, a luxury boutique hotel with interior design by Kenzo Takada, food by three Michelin star Chef Frederic Anton, and a radically new architectural style by Thai designer Lek Bunnag. With its blend of French sophistication along with Indian and Creole influences, the So Mauritius is set on 34 acres of pristine beachfront, with just 92 detached villas and suites offering complete privacy (many with their own pool) and a luxurious day spa offering signature treatments such as Hibiscus Therapy or a Golden Needles facelift. Located near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Morne Brabant, this is the first of Sofitel’s signature SO boutique designer hotels.

6) NSW BLUE MOUNTAINS – Cinderella will go to the ball

Tourism to the Blue Mountains in NSW has been down in recent years, but 2011 will see the spotlight firmly on this World Heritage-listed region which boasts some of the most dramatic natural attractions in all of Australia. With endless rainforests, canyons, caves and waterfalls to explore, the Blue Mountains is the perfect destination for adventurers and nature lovers. In 2011 one of the true tourism icons of the region will return to its original splendor as the Fairmont Resort has joined Accor’s upmarket MGallery label and will undergo a major renovation. Works have already begun at the 201-room hotel and it has signaled a return to health for tourism in the area, as once more there is a quality world-class hotel that caters for families, couples and conferences. Set right next to the 18-hole Leura Golf Course, the Fairmont is a destination in itself, with an extensive array of leisure facilities including two restaurants, a lounge bar, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and squash courts, gym, indoor theatre and day spa. This year will see the addition of a new deck overlooking the spectacular Jamison Valley, the return of the famous paddle boats and the addition of a kids club, along with other improvements.

7) BLOOMSBURY, LONDON – Blooming lovely

London is all abuzz with preparations for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton as well as for the 2012 Olympic Games so this is definitely the year to visit, especially with the dollar so strong against the pound. And one area of London, Bloomsbury, will enjoy a special spotlight this year, thanks to its reinvention from fashionable residential area to tourism hotspot. Famous for its beautiful gardens, literary connections (Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf and William Yeats all lived here) and formal squares, Bloomsbury is home to the British Museum, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and now the new Mercure Bloomsbury. The historic property, originally built by relatives of Sir Walter Scott, was formerly the Waverley Hotel, named after one of his novels. Following an extensive renovation program, it has now been relaunched as the Mercure. A new bar and kitchen are to open by March and all guest rooms and public areas have already undergone a major make-over – just like London is doing.

LEGIAN, BALI – Leg it to Paradise

Bali has always been popular but this year the spotlight will be on Legian, which is drawing visitors from the adjacent Kuta and Seminyak beaches as they discover that Legian offers the best of both worlds. Until now the area has lacked a truly international 5-star hotel, but that is set to change with the imminent opening of the brand new Pullman Legian Nirwana. Inspired by the shape of frangipani petals, the Pullman is a brand new beachfront resort, offering Balinese hospitality from a new perspective. In a stylish, chic urban style, the resort features 351 spacious rooms and suites, a rooftop infinity pool and a freeform garden pool. A Kids Club and Teen Club make it perfect for families while an extensive line-up of dining options including a rooftop pool bar mean couples and honeymooners will love it too. In Balinese, the word ‘Legian’ means “delightful to the senses” and the Pullman certainly guarantees to delight your senses on every level.

9) HOBART – Inn like Flynn

The opening of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart has made the world take another look at the Tasmanian capital, with the city enjoying a renewed sense of vitality. The largest private museum in Australia, the MONA is home to the $100 million art collection of David Walsh. Set on the banks of the Derwent River, the controversial museum has taken Australia’s second oldest city by storm. Also blending old and new, the Grand Mercure Hadley’s is about to unveil its $30 million new wing including 128 luxury suites, a grand ballroom and extensive food and beverage outlets. The new wing is adjacent to the historic 71-room National Trust-listed hotel, which was built in 1834 and has played host to some of the most celebrated characters in history including Errol Flynn and Antarctic explorer Roald Amundsen. Hadleys is the oldest continuously operating boutique hotel in Tasmania and provides a unique contrast of old and new on the Hobart landscape – and this is definitely the year to check it out.

10) RIO DE JANEIRO – Shake your marraccas in Rio

Rio made Peter Allen feel like dancing and the city’s legendary party status will be further enhanced with the release of 20th Century Fox’s Film ‘Rio’ later this year. The word Rio conjures up immediate images – of the colourful Carnavale, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, sultry samba rhythms and the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Its people are amongst the most passionate and welcoming in the world and are always ready for a party but it also boasts lush green mountains and waterfalls which allow for quiet moments of contemplation. One of the newest hotels to open in Rio is the Novotel which boasts stylish rooms in the city’s financial and business district, close to the best tourist attractions, cultural and entertainment hot spots.

11) DUBAI – Who said Fire & Ice can’t be mixed together?

While Dubai has been a hot destination for a number of years, 2011 is the year to go with many building projects having been completed in the last 12 months and a renewed sense of vigour to the city following the global financial crisis. In a city renowned for its hot weather, the new five-star Pullman Dubai offers direct access to the Middle East’s only indoor ski field as well as the most glamorous shopping in the region. With spectacular views over the city to the Gulf of Oman, the 24-storey Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates boasts a refined blend of oriental and international inspirations and features two rooftop pools, a Shisha lounge, wine bar, two restaurants, fitness centre and luxurious day spa.

To find out more about these hot destinations and the hot hotels in which to stay go to www.accorhotels.com

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