BTN - ITB 2009 Day 3

ITB Berlin Special Edition Friday 13 March 2009 www.breakingtravelnews.com

Miss World

Joburg gives beautya purpose page 4

And Johannesburg is rapidly becoming one ofthe world’s great cities, for though it may notbe by the sea or in the mountains, it is theembodiment of the new South Africa – a citybuzzing with heart, soul and the thrill thataccompanies the fulfilment of greatness.

With FIFA 2010 now just 15 months away, theeyes of the world are honing in onJohannesburg where the opening and closingmatches will be played. It is a city oozing withdetermination to deliver the greatest World Cupof all time. It is also a city that is ready towelcome the world.

A gold mining town of tin shanties just 115 yearsago, Joburg is now a city bigger than New Yorkand London. It also boasts the biggest stock

exchange in Africa, and is the business capitalof South Africa.

Yet the city is also focussed on building alegacy that will last long past the World Cup,and will benefit every strata of society,especially the poor. It is busy with a range ofdevelopmental projects, from upgrading andrebuilding stadiums and surrounding areas, toexpanding and improving transportinfrastructure through the Rea Vaya Bus RapidTransit system and upgrading roads, togreening projects.

In just three months, Joburg will host the 2009FIFA Confederations Cup, which will prove anexcellent dress rehearsal for FIFA 2010. Thetournament, held every four years by FIFA, iscontested by the winners of each of the six FIFAconfederation championships (CAF,CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC, CONCACAF)along with the FIFA World Cup winner and thehost country of the next World Cup. Thedefending champions are Brazil, who won thelast Confederations Cup in 2005. The openingmatch will be played at the city’s Ellis ParkStadium.

The city proved its ability to organise a world-class event when last year it hosted Miss World2008, the world’s greatest and longest runningbeauty pageant. It was widely heralded as themost successful event in the competition’s 57-year history, a fact made even more impressivegiven that the city stepped in as host at shortnotice. It was also the first time in whichviewers in 180 countries had the opportunity tovote for one of the semi-finalists through theinternet.

As well as the expectation of world-classevents, Joburg has another major tourist draw– it is the gateway to one of the great naturalwonders of the world, the Kruger National Park.Just three to four hours by car from the city,and you step into a whole other world. And thatcombination of nature and culture makesJoburg a truly world-class city.

As Jeremy Clarkson, writing in the SundayTimes this month, aptly put it: “The exchangerate’s good, the food is superb, the weather’slovely and, thanks to some serious economicself-sacrifice, Kruger is still full of animals. Theword, then, I’d choose to describe Jo’burg is“tranquil”.’

Joburg prepares towelcome the world

INSIDE: WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2009 SELF NOMINATION OPEN NOW Turn to Page 9

Casa de CampoBTN meets Dr. ClaudioSilvestri President & CEO page 5

LegendLegend Golf & SafarResort - OfficialOpening page 6

JumeirahBTN meets DerekPicot, Regional GeneralManager page 96

S P E C I A L R E P O R T

Berlin GERMANY

Coastal and mountain citieshave their natural beauty,but it is people, their ideas,their spirit and their dreamsthat transform a good cityinto a great city.

ITB_DAY3_PP1-PP10_V2.qxd 4/3/09 4:37 pm Page 1

Hall 7.1 b, Auditorium LondonITB Aviation Day

10:30 - 11:00Keynote: The Future of GlobalAviation

11:15 - 11:45Keynote: Meeting Today'sChallenges in Global Aviation: TheConsolidation in the Airline Sectorfrom the Perspective of BritishAirways

12:00 - 13:45ITB Aviation Day Hotspot: Fuel andEmissions Panel

14:00 - 14:45Is the Industry Doomed?

15:00 - 15:45Panel of Analysts: Is the FinancialCrisis Driving the Consolidation ofthe Aviation Industry?

16:00 - 16:45Low-Cost, Long-Haul - A Long Shot?

Hall 7.1a Auditorium New York 1

11:00 - 15:30 ITB Tourism and Culture Day

11:00 - 11:10Opening

11:10 - 11:30Introductory presentation 1: Cultureas Tourism Resource

11:40 - 12:00Introductory presentation 2: WhatRole does Culture Play for theGerman Tourists? Results of aRecent Empirical Study (sponsoredby Gebeco)

12:15 - 13:15What Impact do Events in CulturalCapitals have on Tourism?

13:30 - 14:15Culture, Tourism and the Media

14:30 - 15:30Sales of Trips to Cultural Capitals

Hall 7.1 a, Auditorium New York 2

10:30 - 12:15 Carbon Management in Tourism: ASmart Strategy in Response toClimate ChangeHosted by: Experts on ClimateChange and Tourism (ECLAT),University of Applied SciencesEberswalde

In cooperation with: United NationsEnvironment Programme (UNEP),United Nations World TourismOrganization (UNWTO)

12:30 - 14:30 Chinese Inbound Tourism to Europe:Winds of Change Blowing for aFocus on Upmarket Tourism

15:00 - 16:30Culture Tourism in Turkey:Presented by the Association ofTurkish Travel Agencies TURSAB

Hall 7.1 a, Auditorium New York 3

10:30 - 17:00 Business Travel Day for OperationalExcellence

10:30 - 11:00Presentation: Guidelines forsustainable Business Travel

11:15 - 11:45Presentation: More modern thanyou‘d think – Travel & MobilityManagement in Institutions underPublic Law

12:00 - 12:45Speech: "Where does the journey goto - Big challenges for the aviationindustry in 2009"

13:00 - 14:30Presentation: Business TravelManagement 101

14:45 - 15:45Breaking News and Background

16:00 - 17:00Panel Discussion: Air Fares and theCurse of Hidden Costs

1 Northumberland AvenueTrafalgar SquareLondonWC2N 5BWUnited KingdomTel: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000Fax: +44 (0) 20 7925 2552www.breakingtravelnews.com

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Chairman, CEO: Graham CookeExecutive Vice President: Manon HanSenior Vice President: David FalconGroup Vice President: Kevin TaylorGlobal Directors: Sion Rapson, Chris Frost, KhalilEl-Mouelhy, Max MillerEditor: Anton StrackWriters: Mary Aziz, Adam Coulter, Chris Whitfield,Cristina OnodiMarketing Manager: Kate BrewerHead of Photography: Mark HakanssonVideo Producer: Gareth MorrisDesign: Nomad Graphique

View the video interviews on YouTubewww.youtube.com/breakingtravelnews

ITB Schedule – Day3

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What is Africa Fashion Week?African Fashion International isthe owner of strategic fashion-related marketing initiatives inAfrica namely, Cape Town, Joburgand Durban Fashion Weeks and isnow launching the inauguralAfrica Fashion Week.

This will be an eight-day fashioncelebration of Pan-Africancreative talent fromapproximately 15 countries andwill be a unique opportunity topromote African brands and todramatically raise the profile offashion designers to anunprecedented global audience.

The culmination of the event willbe the African Fashion Awards,which will be judged and grantedby renowned fashion industryexperts, in order to recognise thecontributions and efforts ofAfrican fashion designers andthose in the related fashionindustry.

Examples of celebrated Africandesigners who have made theirmark on the world fashion stageare Azzedine Alaia from Tunisia,Oswald Boateng from Ghana,Deola Sagoe from Nigeria andMarc Bouwer from South Africa.

International trends expertsWGSN, predict that globalconsumers will have a greaterinterest in Africa and African-issues, providing motivation topurchase goods that they feelmay benefit Africans specifically.

Fashion transcends all culturesand ethnicities and this eventplatform will continue toperpetuate the positive messageof the African Renaissance andcommemorate the developmentof an African identity and uniquecreative signature.

Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe,Chairperson at African FashionInternational, is passionate aboutfulfilling the company mandate oftaking African fashion to theworld. This major event is anotherstep closer to fulfilling thismandate.

When does it take place?The inaugural event takes place14-21 June 2009 at the same timeas the FIFA Confederations Cup,in order to capitalise on the globalmedia presence in Johannesburg.Next year it will coincide with theFIFA World Cup 2010 – this isafter all Africa’s World Cup.

Considering that soccer playerssuch as Cristiano Ronaldo andDavid Beckham – not to mentiontheir wives and girlfriends – areoften style icons, it has long beenacknowledged that there is astrong link between fashion andfootball off the field.

A football match lasts 90 minutesand fans and media alike will belooking for alternative ways toexperience what Johannesburgand indeed Africa has to offer.African Fashion International willalso be creating a fashion-and-

football themed exhibition withstylish, interactive displays andentertainment that will be open tothe public.

What do you hope to achieve?Africa has long been a source ofinspiration for the arts throughoutthe world, most recently infashion with the world’s topdesigners choosing to lookoutside traditional Western normstowards African techniques,designs & materials for theircollections to appeal to a widerglobal audience. This inspirationhas led to a respect for Africandesign and its contribution toworld design trends.

The inaugural Africa FashionWeek will bring the world to thesource of this inspiration,affording the regions’ creativeeconomy with a world-classopportunity to showcase to aglobal audience. This is the firststep in ensuring that the regionreceives the benefit of their owncreative intellectual property,history & culture.

Africa Fashion Week will gatherthe best designers from thecontinent for an annual showcasebefore the world. The best ofAfrica all under one roof, creatingan international stage for the bestthat Africa has to offer.

It is envisaged that the event willeventually be hosted by differentcountries on the Africancontinent.

Who is the event aimed at?Africa Fashion Week is aimed atthe Pan-African and globalaudience of fashion media, buyersand key industry players.

And how about your tie-upwith Miss World?African Fashion Internationalstaged the Miss World FashionShow in Soweto with theDepartment of Arts & Culture, TheMiss World Swimwear Show forJoburg Tourism and Radio 2000Miss World Jewellery Show in2008. The garments, swimwearand jewellery were all designedand manufactured in SouthAfrica.

Finalists were, for the first timeever, dressed by South Africanfashion designers andaccessorized by local crafters. Inthe finale, which goes out live to aglobal audience of 2 billionviewers, AFI arranged for all 112finalists to be dressed by SAdesigners for the openingsegment.

This was unprecedented globalmedia coverage for South Africanfashion designers and crafterswho dressed the Miss Worldcontestants.

InfoAfrica Fashion Week, 14-21 June2009, Sandton ConventionCentre, Johannesburg, SouthAfrica.

The fashion world is gearing up for the inauguralAfrica Fashion Week, which takes place inJohannesburg in June. BTN asks CEO Paul Jacksonabout this hotly-anticipated fashion extravaganza.

Inaugural AfricaFashion Weekto launch inJoburg



Johannesburg is quickly forgingitself an international reputationfor being a truly worthy host ofsuch worldwide events. Winningthe hosting contract for the FIFAWorld Cup 2010 has set anamazing precedent and paves theway for South Africa andJohannesburg to be consideredthe perfect venue for future globalgatherings.

South Africa has a solid historywith this contest having alreadybeen the host destination fivetimes previously. The host city ofJohannesburg will seeapproximately 110 contestantsdescend upon the city for morethan a month as the variouselimination heats take place atvarious venues across the city andsurrounding areas. Theculmination of this extensiveprocess is the Grand Finale –watched by an estimated globalaudience of more than 1 billionviewers.

A number of cities submitted theirproposals to Miss Julia Morley,chairperson of Miss World Limited,but it was Johannesburg’s visionthat really caught her eye. Shesaid: “The speed with which theyhave implemented their proposaland their professionalism, havealready demonstrated that we canstage a successful Miss World [inJohannesburg].”

Miss Lindiwie Mahlangu, CEO ofthe Johannesburg TourismCompany and spearhead of theJohannesburg hosting bid, said:“By appointing us as the host city,Miss World has confirmed theirconfidence in our logistical andinfrastructural capabilities to hostthe pageant.”

The economic and social benefitthat an international event of thiscalibre has on its host city isimmense. The Miss World pageantis renowned for the significantboost it makes to local tourismand creates a ripple effect

throughout the nation’s economystarting with tourism and going allthe way through to transport, retailand ICT.

It therefore acts as the perfectshowcase. “It effectively reinforcesour capability to handle othermega-events such as the WorldCup and increases the allure of thecity to potential visitors,” saysLindiwie Mahlangu. “This is anincredible boost for Johannesburg,further entrenching our position asthe economic hub of Africa. Webelieve that our positioning as aworld class city will be significantlyelevated, which will in turn help usattract and retain more events ofthis calibre.”

Miss Morley added: “We lookforward to working with the City ofJohannesburg to promote thisworld-class city in over 180countries during our one-monthMiss World Festival. Our goal is tobring more visitors to your vibrantcity, so that they too can enjoy thesights and sounds of Joburg andthe hospitality if its people.”

The reigning Miss World, 21-year-old Siberian student Miss KseniyaSukhinova has an extensiveschedule of fundraising that willtake her all over the world beforeshe relinquishes her crown to thenew winner at the SandtonConvention Centre in December2009. So far Kseniya has spent 3weeks in Vietnam where over 13million US dollars was donatedduring her tour. “This money willprovide essential aid to those mostin need in Vietnam” Ksenia said.“For me, Vietnam was a greatexperience. It was a long hard trip,but we raised so much money forthe people.”

It is the first time Russia haswalked away with the prestigiouscrown since their premiere win in1992.

Building on the outstanding success of the Miss World2008 contest, Johannesburg is once again set to hostthe 2009 event in glittering African style.

Joburg givesbeauty a purpose




BTN: How are preparations forthe grand opening going andwhat still needs to be done?

We are almost there. TheSignature Course looksmagnificent and we have a reallydedicated team working oncreating something very special.Our magnificent gatehouseopened in November when wehosted the Miss Worldcontestants for six days. And ourfirst investment properties arecoming out of the ground.

BTN: What were the highlightsof the preparations?

Hosting Miss World was a realhighlight for me. We put on a veryspecial programme of events forall 112 contestants over six days.We really showed the world whata magnificent resort we havehere. Still, we’re not complacent.We continue to work extremelyhard to make sure everything weoffer our visitors is of a worldclass standard, from the planet’sonly 18 signature golf course tothe highest and longest par threein the world – The Extreme 19th.

BTN: What are your plans forthe brand from a marketingperspective?

We are already making headlinesacross the world because of the

unique product we offer. Eighteenof the world’s greatest golfershave each designed a hole on theSignature Course. We have theExtreme 19th, the world’s mostextreme par three, only accessibleby helicopter. We will be hostingmany events here over thecoming months and have plansfor some very spectacular globalprojects... including the return ofMiss World.

BTN: What and where do yousee as your key markets?

South Africa as well as Europeand America have already provedthemselves to be exceptionalmarkets for us. We already havenumerous bookings for 2010 andforward as people realise just howspecial, different and excitingLegend Golf & Safari Resort is asa unique golf and safari, incentiveand events destination. The homemarket has also proved extremelyfertile in terms of property sales,with most of our current ownersfrom South Africa. As we nearopening we are spreading ourwings and have plans to targetWestern and Northern Europe,and the Far East as well as otherAfrican markets.

BTN: Describe the Legend Golfand Safari experience.

Arriving at the 9-metre high

sandstone red walls of theMonomotapa-style Gatehouse,you can’t help but marvel at theview across to the imposingprofile of Hanglip Mountain. Thismagnificent entrance sets thescene. At each hole on theSignature golf course aninternationally famous golfer setsa stunning golfing challenge. Nextdoor the 22,000 hectare Big 5Entabeni Safari Conservancyboasts a wonder of flora andfauna. The views are spectacularand the overall experience is oneof the best there is in golf andsafari.

BTN: What was the inspirationbehind the resort?

The challenge in resortdevelopment is always to createsomething new and inspiring.Peet Cilliers, his wife Mart,directors of Legend Lodges,Hotels & Resorts, along withdevelopment partners IFA Hotels& Resorts and their team, have avision for this stunning piece ofAfrica which has already createdseveral world firsts. Their passionfor the place and its sustainabledevelopment, along with theassociated social developmentprogrammes they have put inplace, means that here inLimpopo an inspirational projectis being built.

BTN: Describe the SignatureCourse.

Starting with South AfricanMasters Champion TrevorImmleman, each hole boasts afamous name. World number twoSergio Garcia, world numberthree Padraig Harrington, Korea’sKJ Choi, Jim Furyk from the USAand European stars ColinMontgomerie, Ian Woosnam andBernhard Langer have allpersonally designed a hole. Withthe backdrop of Hanglip Mountainand some of Africa’s wild animalson the course, it is a truly uniquegolfing experience on one of theworld’s greatest courses.

BTN: What’s the Extreme 19th?

Something every golfer must tryto play. With a tee set 400 m highon Hanglip Mountain and amassive green the shape of Africasome 400m away, the Extreme19th is only accessible byhelicopter. It is a real golf hole andplayed as such. PadraigHarrington recently gainedbragging rights in the golf worldby becoming the first of ourprofessional designers to make apar three. It’s a unique golfexperience and one of thereasons why Legend Golf & SafariResort is now the talk of Africa.

Legends Golf & Safariannounces officialopening


Africa’s most talked about golf & safari resort,Legend Golf & Safari Resort, officially opens forbusiness on Saturday 18 April 2009. BTN asksPete Richardson why the world’s top golf prosare going crazy about this new world paradise.


The evening gala is set to be awho’s who in Middle East traveland tourism. More than 500companies and organisationsfrom across the region areexpected to attend.

Last year’s event was held atAtlantis, The Palm, and now thefocus shifts to One Sheik ZayedRoad, coveted address of TheMonarch. This palatial hotel lies atthe heart of Dubai’s fashionablenew business district – it is justminutes from the DubaiInternational Finance Centre andonly a short walk away from theDubai World Trade Centre and theDubai International ConventionCentre.

The hotel opened late 2007 andhas quickly established itself asone of the best places for bothbusiness and pleasure. It is, firstand foremost, a distinctivelyluxurious hotel, yet it also offers aboutique, personal service thatmakes you feel at home.

The Monarch comprises of a 33-story hotel linked to a 37-flooroffice tower. The hotel features183 rooms and suites, and 53serviced residences – allsumptuously spacious andfeaturing contemporary designsinfluenced by traditional Arabicelements.

The rooms are cleverly designedto offer three distinctivecomponents – a place to work, aplace to sleep and a place to relax.Business essentials include high-speed wireless broadband andexecutive chair and desk; whileking-size beds, deep cushionedsofas and elegant chaise loungeinvite relaxation. State-of-the-artentertainment is offered by 42-inch plasma TVs.

And with floor to ceiling windows,you can marvel at exceptionalviews of the city’s financialdistricts and Sheik Zayed Road orthe suburb of Jumeirah and theArabian Gulf.

Commanding an elevated locationon the 31st floor, the twoPresidential suites offer premierluxury accommodation, rangingfrom 220 to 227 square metres.Each suite has a king-size masterbedroom as well as a twin guestroom.

Meanwhile the hotel’s crowningglory is the Monarch Suite,located on the 32nd and 33rdfloors, offering classic luxury withan extensive range of state-of-the-art technology, immaculateservice and spectacular views.Traditional Arabic archwaysconnect the various areas of thesuite and an assortment of vibrantcoloured fabrics and drapes areused throughout.

The 53 serviced residences offerdeluxe residential accommodationand are conveniently located forboth business and leisure.

The Dubai Monarch features anexclusive selection of diningoptions. From traditional regionaldishes to specialities from aroundthe world, the hotel’s eightrestaurants and lounges invite aglobal symphony of cuisine in avariety of fashionable settings.

Further informationThe Monarch Dubai, One SheikhZayed Road, PO Box 12511, DubaiT: +971 4 501 8888W: www.themonarchdubai.com

World Travel Awards 2009 MiddleEast Ceremony, 4 May 2009www.worldtravelawards.com

The World Travel Awards has announced it is to hostits Middle East Ceremony at the incredible MonarchDubai. The ceremony on 4th May 2009 will honourthose organisations that have achieved a supremelevel excellence in travel, and have played pivotalrole in developing tourism in the region.

Monarch Dubai to hostWorld Travel AwardsMiddle East Ceremony



BTN: What are you up to at ITB 2009?

CS: Casa de Campo is announcingnew programmess especiallydesigned for the European markets.The resort is also introducing twogreat features: the fifth resortchampionship golf course designedby Pete Dye, and the repositioning ofour unique and picturesque artistvillage, Altos de Chavón, as one ofthe most attractive cultural andentertainment sites in the region.

BTN: Casa de Campo is known asthe “Caribbean’s Most CompleteResort”, and the playground of theworld elite. What initiatives are youdeveloping now that will ensureyou remain leader in this field?

CS: We are presently developing theresort’s fifth golf course. Nine holeshave already been completed, andlike all our courses, it was designedby the incredibly talented Pete Dye,recently inducted into the World GolfHall of Fame. Our courses arerecognized as among the best in theregion; for instance, Teeth of the Dogis No.1 in the Caribbean and No.38in the world. These superb golffacilities have helped us remainleader in the golf market and sportsin general. In his new book, “TheWorld’s Best Shoots”, Alex Brantcatalogues Casa de Campo’sShooting Centre as The World’s BestClay Pigeon Ground.

Our marina, which canaccommodate yachts up to 250ft,was designed to top internationalspecifications, and is completelyequipped to provide a full range ofservices, the best in the Caribbeanas attested by visiting yachtcaptains. It will host the famous andunique Rolex Farr 40 WorldChampionship in 2010.

We are currently working in therepositioning of Altos de Chavón,which is 16th century replica of aMediterranean village perched highabove the Chavón River. The villageboasts a number of quaint shops,exclusive boutiques, restaurants, artgalleries and an archaeologicalmuseum. Chiqui Haddad, aprestigious Dominican artistic

director and choreographer hascreated a special entertainmentprogramme offering visitors typicalfolkloric scenes in various areas ofChavón all day long, includingelements from colonial times andour rhythmic merengue dance.Artisans and young artists exhibittheir craft and creations around themany small piazzas of Chavón.Emilio Robba, the world-renowneddesigner, has recently taken over theceramic, weaving and silkscreen artstudios at Chavón. Working withlocal talent, Mr. Robba is creatingunique new collections that willcombine his masterful experiencewith a distinctive Dominican flavour.

In March, we will open the AteliersD’Art by Emilio Robba, where visitorsto Altos de Chavón will be able topurchase these magnificent newcreations. Also opening at that timeis the new Amber Museum offeringvisitors a true voyage in time withpieces containing samples of localprehistoric fauna and flora. Guestswill be able to purchase unique giftsof this prized fossilized resin ofwhich the Dominican Republiccontains one of the major sourcesworldwide.

We are also proud of the continuedsuccess of La Escuela de Diseño atAltos de Chavón, affiliated with theinternationally renowned Parson’sSchool of Design in New York, whichhas graduated excellent artists anddesigners. The performing arts areshowcased in the village’sspectacular 5,000-seat open-airamphitheatre. Since its inaugurationin 1982 by Frank Sinatra, theamphitheatre has hosted concerts,symphonies, theatrical events, andfestivals featuring such renownedartists as Julio Iglesias, GloriaEstefan, Sergio Mendes, DizzyGillespie, Charles Aznavour, PlacidoDomingo, Air Supply, Pilobulos, andthe Dance Theater of Harlem. In thecoming weeks, we will have concertsby Carlos Santana and EnriqueIglesias.

Casa de Campo never stops growingand reinventing itself. At present, theresort has 1,700 villas with new lotsopening around the fifth golf course.We are privileged to have very

prestigious villa owners who are partof our community and favour Casade Campo because we offer themost exclusive environment,incredible infrastructure and thebest sports facilities in this part ofthe world. The property iscompletely debt-free and is backedby Central Romana Corporation, avery strong company financially,which makes Casa de Campo thebest resort development to invest inthis region.

BTN: Which of your achievementsare you most proud of?

Over the years, the positioning ofCasa de Campo in the internationalmarkets as the most exclusive andcomplete resort in the Caribbeanhas been a most rewardingachievement.

Another great accomplishment wasthe construction of the new airport.In the beginning, we had a smallprivate airport right within the resortgrounds, and part of the airstrip ranbetween holes 17 and 18 on Teeth ofthe Dog… sometimes players had towait for the American Airlines jetflying daily from Miami to Casa deCampo to turn around before teeingoff! Golfers grew very fond of it. Andin memory of this, Pete Dye re-designed hole 17 to leave a smallportion of the runway. That smallairport and the American Airlinesflight were the foundation for thenew La Romana-Casa de CampoInternational Airport inaugurated in2000 at a cost of US$48 million,presently serviced by major airlinesfrom the United States and Europe,which has been often been referredto by passengers as the best in thecountry.

In addition, when a strategicdecision was made in our companyto enter the cruise ship business afew years ago, we joined forces withCosta Crociere. They started visitingone of the most beautiful beacheslocated in Catalina Island, just ashort distance from Casa de Campo,and it was such a success that othercompanies started calling as well.This led to the creation of the LaRomana-Casa de CampoInternational Tourist Port, which now

services some of the mostprominent cruise ship lines andlargest vessels cruising theCaribbean. Because of the proximityto the La Romana-Casa de CampoInternational Airport, and our fullcontrol over both the port andairport operations, the embarkationand disembarkation of passengersat our port is seamless. Whilevisiting our port, passengers canenjoy the superb golf and EquestrianCentre at the resort, the beautifulfacilities of Altos de Chavón, Casa deCampo Marina, the quaint city of LaRomana, and other nearbyinteresting archaeological sites.

BTN: You were one of the foundersin developing the region’s cruisebusiness. How is the market now?

The market is now more challengingbecause of the world financial crisis.This is the time to become morecreative, offer exciting newexperiences to passengers, andwork closely with the cruise shiplines to develop new revenueopportunities for both the cruisecompanies and the ground serviceproviders. For example, with CostaCrociere’s top management we areintroducing a cashless conceptwhereby passengers can enjoy ourresort facilities (restaurant, bars,stores, art galleries, etc.) utilizingtheir onboard charge card. This willinsure additional revenueparticipation for the cruise ship line,while passengers will receive specialdiscounts for using the card andmerchandise return guarantee, asendorsed by the cruise company, incase the customer is not fullysatisfied with a particular purchase.

BTN: Which other global brands,both within and outside travel, doyou admire most, and why?

There are so many outstandingglobal brands, but among the oneswe admire the most and we haveenjoyed an excellent businessrelationship over the years isAmerican Express Corporation. Theyprovide superb service, and we havebeen successfully working togetherto handle their discriminatingclientele. We are part of their FineHotels & Resorts programme, and

For over two decades, world leaders, CEOs andHollywood celebs have jetted off to Casa de Campo,Dominican Republic, with their families and friendsto get away from it all. The atmosphere is one ofunpretentious world-class service, infinite choice, setamid a Caribbean paradise. BTN met up with the keydriver in its continuing success, Dr. Claudio Silvestri.

Mi Casa es Tu Casa at Casa de CampoSPECIAL INTERVIEW



we are very proud to be the onlyresort in this part of the world tohave a co-branded AmericanExpress Platinum Card designedespecially for our villa owners.Besides being very much involved inthe Amex Platinum Cardpromotions, Casa de Campo, Casade Campo also handles a substantialamount of clients with the BlackAmerican Express Card.

BTN: Who are your mentors andbiggest influences?

Not only are they successfulbusinessmen, visionaries,trendsetters and philanthropists, butthey are also great gentlemen whomI have the privilege to call personalfriends: Paul Soros, Peter Dolara, AlKelly, Alfy and Pepe Fanjul, EduardoMartínez-Lima and Papo Menéndez.

BTN: Casa de Campo is a keycontributor to the local economy.How do you ensure tourismbenefits the whole communityrather than merely those at the top?

Casa de Campo is located in thetown of La Romana, where most of

its inhabitants work for our parentcompany and leader of the sugarcane industry in the region CentralRomana Corporation, and itssubsidiaries. Our group jointlyemploys over 25,000 people, thusmaking it the largest privateemployer in the Dominican Republic.

Our group has been the economicengine of La Romana for almost 100years, contributing to its sustainedeconomic development. Thecompany is extremely aware of itssocial commitment with thiscommunity and is continuouslyinvolved in finding ways to create apositive impact, from donations ofland and street reconstruction, tothe building and maintenance of thetown’s aqueduct, organizing charitywork for the city and other towns inthe region.

At the same time the company hasbeen a great supporter of education,building and running 64 schoolslocated throughout the Eastern partof the country, reaching anestimated 11,000 students,including a bilingual (English-Spanish) school that goes up to thesecondary level. Our company is

particularly proud of thecontribution we are making to theeducation and future of theDominican Republic.

The company’s social outreachprogrammes also extend to thenourishment of all its employeesand their families, subsidizing thecost of meat and vegetablesproduced by the company. Inaddition, over the last 10 years, thecompany has built over 1,000prefabricated homes, all of whichhave been generously granted to theemployees and labour force of thecompany, sheltering over 4,500families, and it has also created aunique financing plan for theconstruction of homes, in which therecipients receive at no interest,financial aid as well as assistancewith the construction planning oftheir homes. These homes havebeen built through the use of thecompany’s own resources,technology and manufacturingexperience. The company is also thelargest contributor to local charityorganizations, such as Hogar delNiño, the school for Deaf-Mutes andthe MIR Foundation.

BTN: How are you able to run abrand both responsibly andprofitably?

It takes careful planning andinvestment, lots of commitment andpatience. We have developed theCasa de Campo brand over morethan 30 years – I personally joinedthe company as President & CEOover 27 years ago. Our growth wasaccomplished by cautiously andmethodically following a strategicmaster plan and building thenecessary facilities for its successfulimplementation. The number ofprivately owned villas on property isnow approaching 1,700 and over theyears, we have built an incredibleclientele who has discovered ourunique paradise. We continuebuilding new facilities and servicesthat will not only maintain ouroriginal investors happy, but also thegenerations after them.

BTN: How does this “perfectstorm” downturn compare withthose past and what is yourstrategy to see you through it?

I believe there are manyopportunities for Casa de Campo inthese new circumstances. Not onlydid we survive previous downturns,such as the first Gulf War, which

substantially curbed internationaltravel, same as the events of 9/11,and Hurricane Georges in 1998, butwe surfaced stronger and betterthan ever. As part of our strategy, weare orchestrating a shift inmarketing to put even moreemphasis in the international golfmarkets, particularly targeting theUnited States, with 27 milliongolfers, we are extremely well-knownand respected. In addition, we arereinforcing our guest service areas,to provide superlative care to ourclients and an unmatched vacationexperience. Our amazing resortinfrastructure is a very importantfactor but in the end, personalizedservice and taking the mostadvantage out of the legendaryDominican hospitality, will play keyroles in our overall strategy.

BTN: What can the travel industrycollectively do to become moresustainable?

The Caribbean should takeadvantage of its geographicattributes to create an integrateddestination, with easy andinexpensive connections to travelfrom one island to the other, in orderto offer tourists the advantage ofvisiting multiple countries andenhance their Caribbean experience,instead of remaining in only oneisland.

BTN: What and where do you seeas your new markets?

We are more aggressively pursuingthe international golf markets andconcentrating sales and promotionalefforts in other areas that pose greatpotential for us in Latin America,Europe and Russia.

BTN: How would you like the resortto evolve?

We would like for Casa de Campo toevolve into a multi-generationalcommunity resort. We are workingvery hard towards this objective byanticipating the needs, not only ofthe original and loyal villaowners/investors in Casa deCampo, but also of the subsequenttwo generations in their families, bycreating new activities andattractions and catering to theirpreferences and trends. Our goalsare continuity and sustainability,remain very innovative and keeprenewing our clientele fromgeneration to generation.

SPECIAL INTERVIEW


www.casadecampo.com.do



The brief:Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is an unrivalled collection of480+ hotels in 70+ countries. Each hotel offers its own uniqueexperience, from city-centre sanctuaries to idyllic private islands. Thenew website needed to convey that quality of exclusive luxury. Eachmember hotel needed to be able to update and maintain theirinformation. And the SLH brand needed to be beautifully portrayed...

The work:We integrated inspirational imagery with fantastic functionality andnavigation to present users with an experience that would get themexcited about the choice of hotels instantly. The entire site is designedto immerse the user into the experience of booking a small luxuryhotel of the world.

Each member hotel can add up to 25 pages of rich content, roomdescriptions with imagery, location using co-ordinates and Googlemaps technology and virtual tours. The use of music and flash videoare also now possible, adding to the user experience.

The results:“SLH.com emerged as a site that has captured the essence of thebrand – respectable, high-end and exclusive” Judging Panel,Travolution Awards 2008.

As a result, reservations have increased by 45%, there has been a56% growth in room nights and a 15% increase in Average Room Rate.The website also won the award for Best Hotel Website at theTravolution Awards 2008.

Small Luxury Hotelsof the World

The Atlantic Hotel, Jersey, is one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.The site we built at www.theatlantichotel.com was shortlisted in the BestHotels Website category at the Travolution Awards 2008. Thanks to theemotive design and inspirational imagery, 20% of all site visitors nowselect the ‘Book Now’ button’.

The Atlantic Hotel

www.fortunecookie.co.uk

SLH.com has managed tointegrate inspirational imagerywith fantastic functionalityand navigation across all itshotels. There is an incrediblecommon theme runningthrough the site which clearlymotivates but does notdamage the user experience.

Judges comments, Travolution Awards 2008

Case study: how Fortune Cookie created anaward-winning website for Small LuxuryHotels of the World


Is your company truly exceptional or merely average?

Stand up and be counted...

Self Nomination for the 2009 World Travel Awards OPEN NOW

www.worldtravelawards.com

WWOORRLLDD TTRRAAVVEELL AAWWAARRDDSS 22000099

BTN_WTA_COMMON_V2 2/3/09 4:04 pm Page 9

www.worldtravelawards.com www.worldtravelawards.com

The all important Winners will be unveiledin a series of landmark Gala Ceremonies. World Travel Awards have now announced the dates when the leadingindustry bodies, government representatives and the world’s media willgather to discover who has been voted the very best of the best.

World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony10th May, Durban ICC, South Africa

Around the Worldin 7 Ceremonies

World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremony4th May, Dubai, UAE

World Travel Awards Europe Ceremony – 17th October, Marriott Praia D'El Rey Golf & Beach Resort, Lisbon, Portugal

World Travel Awards North & Central America Ceremony September, Hacienda Tres Rios, Yucatan



“With a host of exciting new partnership deals and a global mediacampaign reaching in excess of 270 million in place, our 2009 Touris set to be our best yet. Over the past 15 years, our objective hasbeen to identify and reward excellence, and are honoured to berecognised as 'the Oscars of the travel industry'.”Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards South America Ceremony October, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

World Travel Awards Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean Ceremony October, Singapore

World Travel Awards Grand Final – December, Jamaica

For ticket information, please go to: www.worldtravelawards.comOr contact [email protected]



Dubai, UAE – 4th May 2009

Dubai will be the extraordinary location of thisyear's World Travel Awards Middle East Ceremonyon Monday 4th May 2009.

More than 500 Middle East travel and tourismcompanies and organisations from across theregion, representing every industry sector will befighting for their chance to be recognised by the‘Oscars’ of the travel industry.

Dubai epitomises the great Arabian tourist dream.Just twenty years ago it was a sleepy fishingcommunity but under the direction of the rulingMaktoum family it has been transformed into theplayground of the Middle East. The scale andambition of landmark projects currently underwayis so breathtaking that you wouldn’t bet againstthis booming emirate becoming one of the mostimportant places on earth.

Dubai is constantly building its infrastructure oftransport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourismdevelopments and other amenities in the restlessand relentless pursuit of a society for tomorrow.The booming emirate is an unbelievably exciting

and rapidly-changing place that has got the travelworld talking. It seems everyone who’s anyonenow has an interest there. The tourism statisticsspeak for themselves. Occupancy rates for four andfive star hotels almost 90%, and the number ofhotel guest trebling over the past decade.

A remarkable urban landscape, Dubai is home toiconic structures, with more in the pipeline. TheBurj Al Arab – World Travel Awards Leading Hotel2008 - is possibly the classic symbol of Dubai; aninspiring feat of architecture rising out of the sand,and a sight that should be seen (and stayed in) tobe believed.

Tickets to World Travel Awards events are alwayshighly in demand therefore early booking is alwaysrecommended.

To secure your seats for this fantastic event, pleasecontact our events team using the details below:

Email: [email protected]: +44 (0)207 925 0000

World Travel Awards 2009 Middle East Ceremony

"We are seeking inspirational winners who command total respect ineverything they do, from customer experience to exceeding businessperformance. Nothing could therefore be more appropriate this yearthan taking the awards to Dubai"Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards



"One only has to look at the size of the event, and thecalibre of the other award winners, to appreciate howprestigious the World Travel Awards is.”Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel



Middle East Nominations

"This region is asupreme example ofhow to hold your nerveand act short term,when necessary, butalways with longer-termbenefits and a soundbusiness strategyuppermost."Graham E Cooke, President and Founderof World Travel Awards

“Etihad is proud to be nominated by the World Travel Awards for thesecond year in a row. Last year’s double win for ‘world’s leadingflatbed seat’ and ‘world’s leading travel television commercial’recognized Etihad’s commitment to excellence and to building greaterawareness of our brand across key markets.”James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive

Middle East’s Leading Hotel 2008 – Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Is your company truly exceptional or merely average?Stand up and be counted...



The World Travel Awards serve to acknowledge,reward and celebrate the enormous achievementsto be found in all sectors of the global travelindustry. As the industry’s highest accolade, therehas never been a more valuable time todemonstrate the pursuit of excellence and to win aWorld Travel Award. The industry urges thosecompanies or organisations who considerthemselves to be leading examples of travel andtourism excellence to enter 2009’s World TravelAwards Programme.

The simple online process could not be easier.

Every successful World Travel Awards Finalist willhave their achievements show-cased throughout2009.

They will then be presented before a global votingaudience of over 167,000 travel and tourismprofessionals and media from around the worldwho will decide the ultimate Winners.

This level of transparency and accountability iswhat has made the World Travel AwardsProgramme so special.

For your opportunity to be recognized in thisglobal area of travel excellence in 2009, simplydownload an application form and submit viaemail or post.

A 2009 Nomination Form is available to downloadfrom www.worldtravelawards.com

Nomination submission deadlines will beapproximately one month prior to the regionalawards ceremony. The closing date for the MiddleEast Ceremony being held on 4th May 2009 inDubai is 3rd April 2009.

RotanaWinner - Middle East's Leading Hotel Brand 2008

Emirates Palace, Abu DhabiWinner - Abu Dhabi's Leading Hotel 2008

The Chedi Muscat, OmanFinalist - Middle East's Leading Hotel 2008

Safar Travel & Tourism Finalist - Middle East Leading Travel Agency


Email: Web: Phone:+44 (0) 20 7925 0000

But what if they don’t need to?

ask-theworld.com

Visit our featured client Etihad Airways at www.etihadairways.com and click on ‘Ask’ to view one of our Virtual Assistants at work. Email: [email protected]

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000

Contact Virtual World Internet to discuss how we can help produce and deliver video, virtual tours, and image galleries of your hotel or resort to your online visitors.

Virtual World Internet designs, develops, hosts, and markets high value visual content for the travel and tourism sector with a proven track record of delivering world class solutions to our clients.

Swissotel Nai Lert Park Bangkokwww.virtual-nailertpark.com

Grosvenor House Dubaiwww.virtual-grosvenorhouse.com

The Monarch Dubaiwww.virtual-monarch.com


Email: [email protected]: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000

Contact Virtual World Internet to discuss how we can help produce and deliver video, virtual tours, and image galleries of your hotel or resort to your online visitors.

Virtual World Internet designs, develops, hosts, and markets high value visual content for the travel and tourism sector with a proven track record of delivering world class solutions to our clients.

Swissotel Nai Lert Park Bangkokwww.virtual-nailertpark.com

Grosvenor House Dubaiwww.virtual-grosvenorhouse.com

The Monarch Dubaiwww.virtual-monarch.com


Middle Easthotel operatorstorms ahead

with plans to develop 67 properties by 2012

United Arab Emirates, February 2009 - Rotana, theleading hotel management company in the Middle East

and North Africa, has announced the expansion of itsportfolio to 67 properties to open by 2012.


“Year after year, Rotana is gainingstrength and positioning itself as aleader in the industry within theregion. This is part of our strategicaim to have a property located inevery key city in the Middle Eastand North Africa and this goal isbeing steadily achieved throughcareful long-term planning andtimely action. The new propertieswill not only expand our portfolioin the United Arab Emirates, Jordanand Qatar but will also introduceRotana into new markets such asCairo, Oman, Iraq and SaudiArabia” said Selim El Zyr, President& CEO Rotana.

Rotana has already signedmanagement contracts and someof these properties are now underconstruction or development. Forthe next four years, Rotana willopen 10 hotels per year. The planis right. The strategy is there. Theexecution and know-how arethere. The objective is clear. Rotanais positive that as long as thecompany is able to manage growthin an efficient way, then there is

the scope to take up furtherproperties.

Rotana has signed a joint venturewith Orascom and SHUAA tomanage five Centro by Rotanaproperties in Egypt. Furthermore, amanagement agreement has beensigned with Jiwar Real EstateManagement & MarketingCompany to manage the firstproperty in Saudi Arabia, Al MarwaRayhaan in Makkah, which willopen in the second quarter of2009. Most recently, SHUAACapital Saudi Arabia, cjsc (SCSA),the Saudi Arabian subsidiary ofSHUAA Capital psc, announcedthe signing of a master agreementwith Rotana to develop

17 four & five-star hotels andresorts in addition to hotelapartments across the Kingdom ofSaudi Arabia comprising 5,500 rooms.

Only this year, Rotana is fortifyingits position as Dubai’s leadinghotel operator with the opening of

another two properties, includingthe world’s tallest hotel. Over thenext couple of months, opening ofRose Rotana and Amwaj Rotana,along with the newly openedArjaan Dubai Media City andMedia Rotana, will add to thecompany’s eight existing propertiesin the emirate.

Rotana currently manages morehotels in Dubai & the NorthernEmirates than any other singleoperator and the scheduledopenings will increase thecompany’s stronghold further. Asfor the rest of the region,hereunder is a breakdown of theupcoming properties which willopen in 2009:

Abu DhabiCentro Yas Island – 2009Yas Island Rotana – 2009Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan – 2009Park Rotana – 2009Park Arjaan - 2009Tourist Club Arjaan – 2009

BeirutRaouche Rotana – 2009

DohaCity Centre Rotana – 2009

DubaiRose Rotana – 2009Amwaj Rotana - 2009

LatakiaAfamia Rotana Resort – 2009

MakkahAl Marwa Rayhaan – 2009

The Rotana brand is driven bypassion, personal warmth, and thedelivery of consistent qualitystandards, combined with a keenunderstanding of regional markets,commitment to research, andsignificant investment in systemsand people. Development of thebrand is rigorously planned andmeticulously managed across alloperations - simultaneouslyevoking confidence and trustamong property owners, andcreating satisfying experiences for corporate and leisure travellers alike.

P.O. Box: 43500, Abu Dhabi, UAE. T: +971 (0)2 644 4412, F: +971 (0)2 644 4413, [email protected] rotana.com



ICC Durban, South AfricaSunday 10th May 2009

South Africa is set to be in sparkling form as theWorld Travel Awards Africa Ceremony, inpartnership with the International ConventionCentre, Durban, is held on Sunday 10th May 2009.

Attended by 400 VIP’s and leading industryfigures, this event is set to be an outstandingsuccess and a testament to the extraordinaryinnovation and diversity that is seen in the Africantourism industry.

The International Convention Centre Durban (ICC)is one of the most advanced conference facilitiesin the world. Flexibility and versatility are keyfactors in the design of this state-of-the-arttechnology-driven centre.

It is a purpose-built, fully air-conditioned centrewith three convention halls that are interlinked butseparate. Moveable walls allow for a number ofdifferent venue configurations. Alternatively thehalls can be opened up to form one large venuewith seating for 5000 delegates or 7000m squaredof column free floor space. Together with its sistervenue, the Durban Exhibition Centre, the ICC can

double its capacity to accommodate 10 000conference delegates. The centres can functionindependently or as two halves of one whole. Thisis achieved by closing Walnut Road, a brick-pavedconcourse between the two centres, to provideeasy access for delegates. Little wonder then that ICC Durban is where Africaand the world meet.

ICC Durban has been voted Africa's LeadingConference Centre for six consecutive years byWorld Travel Awards and in 2004 was also rankedas one of the top ten conference centres in theworld by AIPC. Its proven track record is unrivalledin Africa.




World Travel Awards 2009 Africa Ceremony

“The ICC is a state-of-the-art world class conference centre and perfectfor such a prestigious ceremony for African travel and tourism. We havebeen delighted with not only the facilities, but also with the wonderfulsupport from the ICC staff. Indaba is the greatest occasion to coincideour event with.”Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards



"It is very significant and auspicious that the World TravelAwards, 'the Oscars of the Travel Industry', has chosen tohost its Africa awards here."His Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill kaBhekuzulu



Africa Nominations“The ICC Durban, its staff and stakeholders are elated by this coup asthe event is one of the most illustrious awards events in the industry.This is not just a coup for Durban, but for South Africa and Africa as acontinent.”Miller Matola , Chief Executive Officer, ICC

“We hope that the winners set a supreme standard of professionalismin Africa with excellent examples of creativity and business acumenthat can stimulate others to also raise their performance and theirprofile, not only within the African industry but worldwide.”Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

Africa’s Leading Hotel 2008 – Mount Nelson Hotel, South Africa











Nomination submission deadlines will beapproximately one month prior to the regionalawards ceremony. The closing date for the AfricaCeremony being held on 10th May 2009 at ICCDurban, South Africa is 10th April 2009.

Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa, South AfricaWinner - Africa's Leading Boutique Hotel 2008

Cape Grace, South AfricaWinner - South Africa's Leading Hotel 2008

South African AirwaysWinner - Africa's Leading Airline 2008

Cape TownWinner - Africa's Leading Destination 2008





rotana.com

Abu Dhabi’s Leading BeachResort

Middle East’s Leading HotelBrand

Middle East’s LeadingFamily Resort

Dubai’s Leading MeetingsHotel

Abu Dhabi’s LeadingBusiness Hotel


www.worldtravelawards.com w

Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort, LisbonSaturday 17th October 2009

This year's star studded Europe Awards Ceremonywill be held at the Marriott Praia D'El Rey Golf &Beach Resort on Portugal's gorgeous and ruggedSilver Coast just outside of Lisbon on Saturday17th September.

Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort is a multi-awardwinning resort ranging across 230 hectares (600acres), on the beautiful shoreline of Portugal’sSilver Coast, less than one hour from Lisbon.

Located in the beautiful and historic Oeste (orWest) region near Obidos, Marriott Praia D’El ReyGolf & Beach Resort sets the standard foraccommodation in this region and was the firstfive-star resort to be built here.

Guests can enjoy remarkable views of the oceanand of the 18-hole championship golf course. Becooled by Atlantic winds as they lounge on aprivate balcony, or spend a relaxing afternoon inone of the luxury suites.

Over the last 10 years, Marriott Praia D'El Rey Golf& Beach Resort has established itself as the pre-eminent resort in the region with facilitiesincluding a luxury 5 Star Marriott Hotel with arelaxing and beautiful Spa, award winning golfcourse and leading sports and children's facilities.




World Travel Awards 2009 Europe Ceremony

“Recognised as the hallmark of travel excellence, the World TravelAwards acknowledges the leading travel products across the globe. Theregional award ceremonies recognise winners in their own territory andcelebrate both individuals and companies setting new boundaries intravel and tourism.”Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards



“A wonderful evening, the attendance was great, theorganisation excellent, the momentum perfect.”Pierre Ferchaud, President & General Manager, Hotel Le Bristol, Paris



Europe Nominations“We are proud that our strategy is recognised by the TravelIndustry. This motivates us to maintain the highest servicequality throughout the world.”Jehan de Thé, Global Marketing Director at Europcar International.

Europe’s Leading Hotel 2008 – Hotel Le Bristol Paris, France











The deadline for nomination submissions will beFriday 26th June

Hotel Ritz Paris, FranceFinalist - Europe's Leading Hotel 2008

The Dorchester, EnglandFinalist - Europe's Leading Hotel 2008

Hotel Cipriani, ItalyFinalist - Europe's Leading Hotel 2008

EuropcarWinner - Europe's Leading Car Hire 2008


With stunning and endless views of rolling waves, white sandybeaches and romantic pine forests, the Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf& Beach Resort is truly heaven sent. Conveniently located only 45minutes drive north of the country's capital Lisbon, you will findyourself in beautiful and historic countryside steeped in localtradition.

The hotel boasts 179 deluxe rooms, including 9 suites, all withprivate terraces or balconies offering unique views of either theAtlantic Ocean or the beautiful championship golf course. All guestrooms have been designed to the highest specification and areelegantly furnished and spacious.

Praia D'El Rey Marriott is dedicated to providing you with a sense oftotal wellbeing. A state of the art fitness centre is available for yourworkout and includes an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi and steambath. Also available is the Atlantic Coast SPA where you can choosea relaxing or invigorating massage, beauty treatments such asfacials, manicures and pedicures, or try exotic body polishing,hydrotherapy and reflexology.

Praia D'El Rey offers without a doubt one of the most stunning golfcourses in Europe. Ranked 80th in the world by Golf WorldMagazine, the course is set alongside a craggy coastline andamongst extensive pine forests and undulating dunes. The par 72championship course is a challenging mixture of seaside links andparkland holes offering the golfer a unique playing experience.

Whatever your idea of perfect relaxation may be, the Praia D'El ReyMarriott is ideally located to offer you a superb choice of activitiesand leisure pursuits. During summer you can also enjoy our beachfacilities and a wide range of water sports activities.

Take advantage of your trip to Praia D'El Rey Marriott to explorenature at its best. Take a hiking trip in the surrounding hills or gocanoeing in the Óbidos lagoon, considered to be the most beautifullagoon in Portugal. Praia D'El Rey is just minutes away from thebeautiful medieval citadel of Óbidos, a World Heritage site.

www.marriott.com/lisdr www.praia-del-rey.comPhone: 351-262-905100 • Fax: 351-262-905101 • Email: [email protected] D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort • Av. D. Inês de Castro, 1 • 2510-451 Óbidos, Portugal

Imagine breathtaking views of majestic unspoiled coastline, the challenge ofa world ranked award-winning championship golf course and the unbridledluxury, style and elegance of a fabulous five-star hotel. Enter the exclusiveworld of Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, specifically designedwith one purpose in mind - your enjoyment.





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Welcome home.Zurich Airport has once again been named Europe’s Leading Airport by the World Travel Awards, making 2008 the fifth year in a row.As the gateway to the European Alps, Zurich offers you the best service: connecting you to 120 destinations, allowing you to quicklyreach the city center, and providing you with convenient connections to all Swiss cities and bordering countries. www.zurich-airport.com






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Rio de Janeiro. 20th October 2009

Rio de Janeiro will be the fantastic location of thisyear's World Travel Awards South AmericaCeremony on 20th October 2009.

Travel and tourism companies and organisationsfrom across the region, representing every industrysector will be fighting for their chance to berecognised by the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry. Rio de Janeiro is the second major city of Brazil,behind Sao Paolo, and is one of the mostspectacular places on the planet. Even well-travelled individuals will love what this destinationhas to offer. Commonly known as just Rio, the cityis nicknamed "The Marvellous City". It is famousfor its spectacular natural setting, its Carnivalcelebrations, samba and other music as well asstunning beaches. The most well known andrecognised landmark of Rio is the giant statue of

Jesus, known as Christ the Redeemer, atopCorcovado Mountain, which has recently beennamed one of the New Seven Wonders of theWorld.Rio is packed with bars and restaurants for everytaste and budget just waiting to be discovered.And the nightlife is as legendary as the city'sCarnival!Tickets to World Travel Awards events are alwayshighly in demand therefore early booking is alwaysrecommended.



World Travel Awards 2009 South America Ceremony

“Congratulations! The event is so fabulous.”Teresa Zhou, Feature Director, World Traveller Media





South America Nominations“The winners named in the World Travel Awards South AmericaCeremony will be companies that take a balanced view, concentratingon customer engagement and on-going product innovation, whilecontinuing to scrutinize costs and yield. We hope that in a small way,World Travel Awards will be able to make a contribution to helping theSouth American industry to continue to develop in a manner that makesthe rest of the world sit up and take notice.”Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

South America’s Leading Hotel 2008 – Copacabana Palace, Brazil






Every successful World Travel Awards Finalist willhave their achievements show-cased throughout 2009.



For your opportunity to be recognized in this globalarea of travel excellence in 2009, simply downloadan application form and submit via email or post.



Grand Hyatt Santiago, ChileFinalist - South America's Leading Hotel 2008

Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil, EcuadorWinner - Ecuador's Leading Hotel 2008

Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort, BrazilWinner - Brazil's Leading Boutique Hotel 2008

Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaWinner - Argentina's Leading Hotel 2008


Gold sponsors

Hotel, Tourism and Leisure


BTN_WTA_COMMON_PRINT 3/3/09 12:29 pm Page 51

rotana.com


PROUD HOSTS OF 2009 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

Nestled in a 326-acre pristine nature park in the Riviera Maya, México, Hacienda Tres Ríos is a brand new eco-luxury 273-suite resort 30 minutes south of Cancún’s airport. Its exclusive Endless Luxury All-inclusive Plan defies expectations with the combination of Nature, Culture and Experience. Visit us at the Riviera Maya Stand: HALL 3.1 / 211www.haciendatresr ios.com

Orlando Arroyo,

CEO ofTres Ríos presents:

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Building and Operating

a Successful Green Hotel”

March 13, 2009, 2:45 pm,

Pavilion 4.1

Yucatan Holidays launches this spring to become one of the leading promoters of the incredible destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula. Its mission is to create unforgettable moments through the combination of sustainable tourism and the promotion of Mexican culture. www.yucatanholidays.com



World Travel Awards are coming to Mexico tounveil who international travel agents and industryprofessionals have voted the region’s topoperators and destinations in the industry.

Recognised by Wall Street Journal as theinternational travel industry "Oscars", the WorldTravel Awards is the world’s only global awards ofits kind, honouring world class products ofexceptional quality and value.

The World Travel Awards North & Central AmericaCeremony is sponsored by Yucatan Holidays, oneof the leading promoters of the incredibledestinations in the Yucatán Peninsula. Its missionis to create unforgettable moments through thecombination of sustainable tourism and thepromotion of Mexican culture.

The prestigious ceremony will be held on Monday7th September at Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa &Nature Park nestled in a 326-acre pristine naturepark in the Riviera Maya, México.

Hacienda Tres Ríos is a luxury Caribbean resort justforty five minutes south of Cancún’s InternationalAirport. Here México’s present joins its past andMexican and Mayan traditions converge to createtruly unique experiences.

Opened in November 2008, Hacienda Tres Ríos isthe first resort of five at Tres Ríos. Hacienda TresRíos Resort boasts 273 suites using nativematerials and featuring breathtaking views of thetranquil turquoise Caribbean Sea. Hacienda TresRíos is at the forefront of sustainable tourismdevelopment, creating amazing guest experienceswhile protecting the region’s natural beauty andculture.




World Travel Awards 2009 North & Central AmericaCeremony

“The World Travel Awards Ceremony is a fantastic event and a greatnetworking opportunity for the travel industry…it makes sense to profilewith a high profile and well-connected event like WTA.”Zina Neophytou, Travel Distribution Account Director, BBC World Group

Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & NaturePark, Yucatan. September 2009. Date TBA



“The over riding objective of the World Travel Awards is to encourageand stimulate business excellence within the international travel andtourism industry. There is no doubt that this will be a glitzy andexciting evening in Yucatan, but at the same time there will be avery serious purpose behind the event with importance to manyNorth & Central American businesses.”Graham E. Cooke, President and Founder of the World Travel Awards



North & Central AmericaNominations

North America’s Leading Hotel 2008 – The St. Regis Hotel New York, USA


“Winners of the World Travel Awards North and Central AmericaCeremony are very special brands, dedicated to being the best in aspectof the customer experience. Their success here at a country-wide andglobal level means they will further improve their international profile aswell as reach out to new customers.”Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards











Trump International Hotel & Tower, New York, USAFinalist - North America’s Leading Hotel 2008

Jumeirah Essex House, New York, USAWinner - New York's Leading Business Hotel 2008

AVISWinner - North America's Leading Car Hire 2008

Mandarin Oriental Miami, Florida, USAWinner - Florida's Leading Spa Resort 2008


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Discover Hilton Beijing Wangfujing. Your door to exciting business opportunities, world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, rejuvenation and culture, delivered with the renowned Hilton service offering bespoke amenities and intimate indulgences.

The best way to embrace the mystique of Beijing, with its bewitching natural beauty, historical sights and the inherent grace and hospitality of its people, is from Hilton Beijing Wangfujing. Situated in the heart of Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing’s most prestigious locations, the hotel is in close proximity to the major corporate, cultural and commercial centers of Beijing and a short walk from many major tourist and shopping attractions. This intimate, lifestyle hotel - featuring 255 of the largest guest rooms in the city, including 58 suites, four distinctively designed restaurants and lounges, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and a tranquil spa - invites you to immerse yourself in the various wonders this fascinating city has to offer.

Combining style with practicality, the guest rooms are amongst the largest in the city, starting at a comfortable 50 square metres, featuring tastefully decorated interiors with thoughtful touches like aquatic in-room companions, spacious walk-in closets, highly sophisticated in-room technology such as iPod® docking stations, 42 inch LCD televisions and DVD players. Enjoy deep soaking tubs to melt away the day before sinking into the pleasure of the best beds in the world.

For meeting and function venues with an enlightening mix of innovation and comfort, why not think outside of the bulb and turn us on. You are in good hands with our state-of-the-art equipment, delectable selections of international specialties and undivided attention by our professional staff.

The artistic touches are profoundly portrayed in the hotel’s dining experience with four dramatically styled restaurants and lounges. And you don’t have to be an epicurean to enjoy the distinctive cuisine accentuating exquisite flavors, unique produce and innovative menus, reflective of the hotel’s desire to bring a new level of experience to the Beijing dining scene.

When you are exhausted from the day’s work, why not visit our Spa and let your muscles relax and unwind while you uplift the spirits of your mind and body. Pamper yourself with a wide range of wellness rituals, using the beneficial properties of the traditional Chinese remedies, elixirs and essential oils. Our treatments will help you restore, rejuvenate, and refresh your body, enhance circulation and energy flow, leaving you totally rebalanced, so that you are ready for the next big day!

Remember your favorite vacation where you wished the time would come to a halt. Then, imagine the same scenery with cheerful staff who calls you by your name at your service in every corner you turn. It’s all possible here. Everyone here at the Hilton Beijing Wangfujing is delighted to transport you to a life that feels like a continual holiday whether you are here on business, rediscovering Beijing or enjoying a spontaneous getaway, you will love every minute of it.


Discover a hint of the forbidden…

Hilton Beijing Wangfujing8 Wangfujing East Street, Dongcheng, Beijing, China, 100006Tel: +86(0) 10 5812 8888 Fax: +86(0) 10 5812 8886

Discover Hilton Beijing Wangfujing. Your door to exciting business opportunities, world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, rejuvenation and culture, delivered with the renowned Hilton service offering bespoke amenities and intimate indulgences.

The best way to embrace the mystique of Beijing, with its bewitching natural beauty, historical sights and the inherent grace and hospitality of its people, is from Hilton Beijing Wangfujing. Situated in the heart of Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing’s most prestigious locations, the hotel is in close proximity to the major corporate, cultural and commercial centers of Beijing and a short walk from many major tourist and shopping attractions. This intimate, lifestyle hotel - featuring 255 of the largest guest rooms in the city, including 58 suites, four distinctively designed restaurants and lounges, state-of-the-art meeting facilities and a tranquil spa - invites you to immerse yourself in the various wonders this fascinating city has to offer.

Combining style with practicality, the guest rooms are amongst the largest in the city, starting at a comfortable 50 square metres, featuring tastefully decorated interiors with thoughtful touches like aquatic in-room companions, spacious walk-in closets, highly sophisticated in-room technology such as iPod® docking stations, 42 inch LCD televisions and DVD players. Enjoy deep soaking tubs to melt away the day before sinking into the pleasure of the best beds in the world.

For meeting and function venues with an enlightening mix of innovation and comfort, why not think outside of the bulb and turn us on. You are in good hands with our state-of-the-art equipment, delectable selections of international specialties and undivided attention by our professional staff.

The artistic touches are profoundly portrayed in the hotel’s dining experience with four dramatically styled restaurants and lounges. And you don’t have to be an epicurean to enjoy the distinctive cuisine accentuating exquisite flavors, unique produce and innovative menus, reflective of the hotel’s desire to bring a new level of experience to the Beijing dining scene.

When you are exhausted from the day’s work, why not visit our Spa and let your muscles relax and unwind while you uplift the spirits of your mind and body. Pamper yourself with a wide range of wellness rituals, using the beneficial properties of the traditional Chinese remedies, elixirs and essential oils. Our treatments will help you restore, rejuvenate, and refresh your body, enhance circulation and energy flow, leaving you totally rebalanced, so that you are ready for the next big day!

Remember your favorite vacation where you wished the time would come to a halt. Then, imagine the same scenery with cheerful staff who calls you by your name at your service in every corner you turn. It’s all possible here. Everyone here at the Hilton Beijing Wangfujing is delighted to transport you to a life that feels like a continual holiday whether you are here on business, rediscovering Beijing or enjoying a spontaneous getaway, you will love every minute of it.



Singapore is set to be in sparkling form as theWinners of the Australasia, Asia & Indian OceanWorld Travel Awards are announced on 24thOctober 2009.

Attended by VIP’s and leading industry figures,this event is set to be an outstanding success anda testament to the extraordinary innovation anddiversity that is seen in the tourism industry.

Singapore is one of the most enjoyable cities inSoutheast Asia. As you zoom in from one of theworld's best airports along the lushly tree-shadedexpressway or on the zippy MRT train line, you'llquickly realise this is no traffic-snarled Bangkok.And as you stroll through the fashion emporiumsof Orchard Rd, poke around antique shops inChinatown or take a walk around one of thedozens of beautiful city parks.

Singapore is a popular travel destination, makingtourism one of its largest industries. About 9.7million tourists visited Singapore in 2006. To

attract more tourists, the government decided tolegalise gambling and to allow two casino resortsto be developed at Marina South and Sentosa in2005. To compete with regional rivals like HongKong, Tokyo and Shanghai, the government hasannounced that the city area would betransformed into a more exciting place by lightingup the civic and commercial buildings. Cuisine hasalso been heavily promoted as an attraction fortourists, with the Singapore Food Festival in Julyorganised annually to celebrate Singapore'scuisine.

Singapore's soul is alive and well - and it is unique. Tickets to World Travel Awards events are alwayshighly in demand therefore early booking is alwaysrecommended.



World Travel Awards 2009 Asia, Australasia & IndianOcean Ceremony

“A wonderful evening, well organized and well run. Congratulations!”Anita Chan MBA, VP Development Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Singapore. October 2009. Date TBA.





Asia, Australasia & IndianOcean Nominations


“Since the World TravelAwards began 15 yearsago, worried consumershave increasingly relied onthe winning line-up to givethem peace of mind andhelp them make informedchoices from a bewilderingchoice of products. Itmeans that the winnerscan benefit commerciallyas well as seeing anincrease in brand profile,” Graham E Cooke, President and Founderof World Travel Awards

“The awareness of hospitality through your event has risen here in Shanghaiand beyond, which is very beneficial for the tourism industry in China. Youhave brought top international flair to China, which we are very grateful forand will support to best of our capabilities now and always.”Jan Büttgen, General Manager, Hospitality Services, 88Xintiandi, Shui On Development Limited

Asia's Leading Business Hotel 2008 – Pan Pacific Singapore











The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, IndiaWinner - India's Leading Suite 2008

Banyan Tree Hotels & ResortsWinner - Indian Ocean's Leading Hotel Brand 2008

One&Only Le Saint Geran, MauritiusWinner - Mauritius' Leading Spa Resort 2008

Cathay PacificWinner - Asia's Leading Airline 2008


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WHAT ALSO COUNTSIS WHO’S LISTENING...At the foremost gathering of world leaders in Travel & Tourism we focus on who’s listeningas well as who’s speaking. The Summit brings Chairs and CEOs of the world’s top Travel &Tourism companies together with leaders of government and journalists from across the world.Global leaders will discuss the theme ‘Real Partnerships – Energising Economies’ in Brazil.

For further information on the Summit visit www.globaltraveltourism.com

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WHAT ALSO COUNTSIS WHO’S LISTENING...At the foremost gathering of world leaders in Travel & Tourism we focus on who’s listeningas well as who’s speaking. The Summit brings Chairs and CEOs of the world’s top Travel &Tourism companies together with leaders of government and journalists from across the world.Global leaders will discuss the theme ‘Real Partnerships – Energising Economies’ in Brazil.

For further information on the Summit visit www.globaltraveltourism.com

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Is your destination ready for the mobile web?Worldwide there are more digital mobile phones than televisions and PC’s and travellers and city goers alike are increasingly using mobile phones to access city information while on the go.

Visit Berlin.mobi on your mobile phone for Berlin mobile city guide.© World Mobi [email protected]+44 (0) 44 7925 0000

Berlin.mobi powered city.mobi

Visit http://world.mobi/city for more information on how World Mobi can help your destination harness the power of the mobile web.







[email protected] +44 (0)870 736 1000




The final of the renowned World Travel Awards –described by the Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars’of the travel industry – takes place at SandalsWhitehouse European Village & Spa in Jamaica on30th October 2009.

Senior travel industry management worldwide willbe travelling to Jamaica for the star-spangled awardpresentation, culmination of the 2009 Grand Tourof regional ceremonies stopping in Middle East,South Africa, Yucatan, Portugal, Brazil andSingapore.

The newest resort in the Sandals group, SandalsWhitehouse European Village & Spa is ideallylocated on the pristine shores of Jamaica’suncharted south-west coast. Two miles of beachesand secret coves and 50 acres of well-tendedgardens enfold the resort, which is itself surroundedby a 500 acre nature reserve. The resort comprisesthere charming villages, themed in Dutch, Frenchand Italian styles, set around an Italian Piazza. Theresort offers stunning beachfront rooms, a choice ofà la carte restaurants, from white-glove dining tobarefoot elegance; all premium brand wine andspirits, including an exclusive partnership withCalifornia's legendary Beringer Vineyards; luxurious

accommodations in a range of categories;unrivalled watersports including the Caribbean'slargest PADI certification program; Butler Service fortruly indulgent pampering; Preston Bailey SignatureWeddingMoons® and signature Red Lane® Spas,with services and treatments inspired by the region.The 360 all-oceanview rooms and suites boastviews that will capture your imagination. Even withall the wonderful activities on offer, you’ll bereluctant to tear yourself away!

Sandals Resorts has set the industry standard forthe luxury included vacation and has been votedthe Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand at the WorldTravel Awards for 14 years in a row, and World'sLeading All-Inclusive Company for 12 years in arow.




World Travel Awards 2009 World & CaribbeanCeremony

"This is the big one and the eyes of the world will be on Jamaica to findout exactly who has claimed the travel industry’s highest accolades”Graham E Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards

Sandals Whitehouse European Village &Spa, Jamaica. 30th October 2009



“These are very important awards… We look forward to these awardsand work hard to make sure that we are here again... We make surethat we stay ahead of the crowd so that nobody takes it away.”Gordon "Butch" Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resort – Bahamas' Leading Resort, Cuba's Leading Resort,World's Most Romantic Resort, World’s Leading Family All Inclusive



World Nominations

"Nothing can comparewith winning one of theWorld Travel Awards, it’squite simply the highestaccolade any locationor travel company canever hope to achieveand says more aboutthem than anybrochure cancommunicate, anypicture can mirror, anypersonal testimonialcan express."

Graham E Cooke, President and Founderof World Travel Awards

“The WTA are one of the most prestigious awards for the travelindustry and our hotel has been recognized on seven occasionspreviously, we look forward to another successful year in 2009’”Patrick Griffin. Regional Managing Director Orient-Express Hotels, Australia

World’s Leading Hotel 2008 – Burj Al Arab, Dubai












Etihad AirwaysWinner - World's Leading First Class 2008

Shamwari Game Reserve, South AfricaWinner - World's Leading Safari & Game Reserve 2008

Cap Juluca, AnguillaWinner - Anguilla's Leading Resort 2008

Sandals Resorts International WinnerWinner - Caribbean's Leading Hotel Brand 2008


Crafted for families, no other resorts in the

world offer more than Beaches Luxury

Included® Resorts.

J A M A I C A T U R K S & C A I C O S

LUXURY INCLUDEDFOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

W W W . B E A C H E S R E S O R T S . C O . U K

Included

ANNOUNCING THE NEW ITALIAN VILLAGE AT BEACHES TURKS AND CAICOS

Sandals has a long established reputation

as a premier resort chain in the Caribbean,

dedicated to choice, style, service and

uncompromising standards. Champions of

innovation and change, Sandals’ exclusive

resorts set the industry standard for excellence

in the Caribbean, and indeed the world.

In years gone by, Sandals was the first Caribbean

hotel to use jacuzzis, the first to offer satellite

television service, the first to introduce swim-up

pool bars and the first to guarantee that every room

is fitted with a king-size bed and a hair dryer. Now in

our 27th successful year, Sandals luxurious offering

includes up to 11 speciality a la carte restaurants

serving gourmet cuisine, coupled with white-

gloved service and quality pouring wines produced

exclusively by Beringer vineyards. Inspiring suites

continue the theme of opulence, becoming more

luxurious with each passing year, including a unique

partnership with the Guild of Professional English

Butlers that allows guests the ultimate in relaxation

and indulgence. The latest luxurious unveilings

include Millionaire Suites with 180 degree

uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea, private

plunge pools and expansive sun decks, as well as

unique Swim Up River Suites with romantic private

river entrance; and coming soon, the Caribbean’s

first overwater bungalows.

At Sandals, more than you ever expected is just

the beginning.

www.sandals.co.uk

JAMAICA ANTIGUA ST.LUCIA BAHAMAS

W W W . S A N D A L S . C O . U K

LUXURY INCLUDEDFOR TWO PEOPLE IN LOVE


Sandals has a long established reputation

as a premier resort chain in the Caribbean,

dedicated to choice, style, service and

uncompromising standards. Champions of

innovation and change, Sandals’ exclusive

resorts set the industry standard for excellence

in the Caribbean, and indeed the world.

In years gone by, Sandals was the first Caribbean

hotel to use jacuzzis, the first to offer satellite

television service, the first to introduce swim-up

pool bars and the first to guarantee that every room

is fitted with a king-size bed and a hair dryer. Now in

our 27th successful year, Sandals luxurious offering

includes up to 11 speciality a la carte restaurants

serving gourmet cuisine, coupled with white-

gloved service and quality pouring wines produced

exclusively by Beringer vineyards. Inspiring suites

continue the theme of opulence, becoming more

luxurious with each passing year, including a unique

partnership with the Guild of Professional English

Butlers that allows guests the ultimate in relaxation

and indulgence. The latest luxurious unveilings

include Millionaire Suites with 180 degree

uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea, private

plunge pools and expansive sun decks, as well as

unique Swim Up River Suites with romantic private

river entrance; and coming soon, the Caribbean’s

first overwater bungalows.

At Sandals, more than you ever expected is just

the beginning.

www.sandals.co.uk

JAMAICA ANTIGUA ST.LUCIA BAHAMAS

W W W . S A N D A L S . C O . U K

LUXURY INCLUDEDFOR TWO PEOPLE IN LOVE




The world's most sought after destinations, resorts, specialist

tour and event organisers, corporate business planners and

elite buyers will meet to conduct business in a unique event

co-located alongside the 2010 FIFA World Cup in

Johannesburg South Africa.

World Travel Expo is a must attend event for those

companies involved in the travel and tourism market-place

and those interested in assuming a market share in the

US$600 billion a year sports tourism industry.

World Travel Expo will for the very firsttime showcase the pivotal importanceof the travel and tourism industry to aglobal audience at the heart of one ofthe most important and best attendedevents that the world will ever stage.

www.worldtravelexpo2010.com


The new brand reflects the shift infocus from European to globalfollowing a major investment dealwith KOP Group, a Singaporebased real estate anddevelopment company, and theappointment of a new CEO,Michael Sagild in November 2008.

Franklyn Hotels and Resorts’ ethosis to pioneer the development ofluxury boutique hotels. The brandboasts an existing portfolio oficonic properties in areas of greatnatural or urban interest. Eachhotel delivers bespoke, individualluxury to guests looking for analternative to large, chain-operated hotels.

The choice of the new brand nameof ‘Franklyn’ derives from a broadrange of positive concepts: itcarries the meaning of a frank orseal and denotes sincerity andauthenticity. The Stein name isindelibly linked with small boutiquehotels in Europe and the namechange signifies a major uplift inscale and ambition for the group.

The Franklyn brand will act as aseal of approval, guaranteeing alevel of quality and luxury, whetherit be in a Franklyn Hotel, Resort,Restaurant or Spa.

Franklyn Hotels and Resorts willcontinue to build on its strengths;endorsed branding, where anindividual property retains its ownname and then is positioned withinthe Franklyn marketing structure,benefiting from being inside thisbroader brand architecture.

The Franklyn brand now opens upthe possibility of having fullybranded hotels within theportfolio, such as Franklyn NewYork, Franklyn Park Lane,alongside individual properties.

CEO Michael Sagild says: “Our newfocus with Franklyn is on strategicgrowth with a global rather thanEurocentric outlook. We will buildon the fundamental work ofFranklyn’s existing portfolio andphilosophy, to roll-out luxuryboutique hotels onto a wider

geographic platform - achievedalongside KOP Group. Whiledeveloping luxury living to newlevels of excellence, Franklyn willfirst become an established brandfirst in Asia, while also researchingUS opportunities and eventuallyexpanding into the Middle Eastand Africa.”

Sagild was appointed CEO of SteinManagement CompanyInternational on 10 November2008 following the recentinvestment by KOP Group,Singapore. A graduate of the EcoleHôtelière de Lausanne inSwitzerland with a degree in hotelmanagement, Sagild also holds adiploma from the AdvancedManagement Program at CornellUniversity’s School of HotelAdministration.

With over 25 years of experience inthe hotel industry across four

continents, Sagild is frequentlyinvolved in international tourismforums and a frequent speaker atindustry events.

Sagild began his hospitality careerin 1985 at the corporateheadquarters for HyattInternational in Chicago and spentthe following 11 years working in avariety of senior level managementpositions for Hyatt InternationalHotels and Shangri-La Hotels inAustralia, Dubai, Saudi Arabia,Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

From January 2006 until hisrecent appointment, Michael wasthe Chief Operating Officer forMinor Hotels and Resorts inBangkok. Prior to this, Michael wasManaging Director for LeMeridien’s Asia Pacific region.

Franklyn Hotels embarkson global expansionStein Hotels and Resorts, the European specialist insmall luxury lifestyle hotels, has rebranded asFranklyn Hotels and Resorts. The new brand nameheralds a global expansion plan with Franklyn Hotelsand Resorts set to open in Asia by 2010 – withparticular interest in developments in Singapore,China, Indonesia and Thailand.


www.franklynhotels.com

ITB_DAY3_PP87-PP96_PRINT.qxd 4/3/09 6:09 pm Page 87


The new three flights a week service toCypus’s main international airport will bringEtihad’s global flight network to 53 cities,supplementing new services to Melbourne inAustralia in March and Istanbul and Athens,which will also start in June.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chiefexecutive, said: “The launch of flights toLarnaca illustrates Etihad’s ambitions tostrengthen our European network and weanticipate strong demand for flights whichwill help open up new commercial andcultural ties between the UAE and Cyprus.”

Etihad Airways continues to defy the aviationdownturn with its aggressive growth strategy.The addition of Larnaca will bring Etihad’sEuropean destinations to 13.

Now in only its sixth year, the Abu Dhabi-based airline carried more than six millionpassengers in 2008, a 34 per cent jump on2007.

Its average seat factor rose from 68 per centto 75 per cent, a feat made even moreimpressive when set against the backdrop ofthe global downturn and the aviation crisis.

The airline took delivery of nine new aircraftboosting its fleet to a total of 42. It alsocapped the year by winning “World’s LeadingFirst Class Airlines” at the World TravelAwards.

Etihad launched six new routes in 2008 –Beijing, Minsk, Almaty, Kozhikode, Chennaiand Moscow – as well as signing a recordorder of USD $43 billion at the FarnboroughInternational Airshow for up to 205 Airbusand Boeing aircraft.

Australia is proving one of Etihad’s strongestmarkets, with traffic increasing 106 percentlast year, as the airline added 1,000 seats aweek and doubled local staff to 70.The Abu Dhabi-based carrier has increasedflights to Australia to 14 a week since startingservice in March 2007, and will rise to 21when it begins its daily Melbourne service.

The airline is also gearing up for the inauguralFormula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi GrandPrix, which takes place later this year on 1November.

The seven-figure, three-year, titlesponsorship deal sees the Formula 1 race inthe UAE’s capital city named the “Formula 1Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix” until2011. It also provides Etihad with a majortrackside advertising package and podiumbranding for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Etihad Airways is strengthening its European network bylaunching a new service to Larnaca, starting in June.

Etihad bolstersEuropean services

www.etihadairways.com

TAP rolls outnew fleet

TAP has taken delivery of thefirst of six new Airbus A320-214aircraft in Toulouse. Withstaggered deliveries throughout2009, four of the new aircraft willprogressively replace the AirbusA320-211 currently in service andmanufactured as far back as1991, with two others designed toenable new flights to Moscow,Warsaw and Helsinki from Lisbonto be offered this coming June.

Compared with the previous model the newaircraft will offer an average energy andenvironmental efficiency increase of around8 percent, enabling a reduction in annualemissions of 2,200 tons of carbon dioxidecorresponding to fuel saving of the order of700 tons.

These gains in efficiency constitute one ofthe priorities of the TAP fleet renewal andmodernization programme that is in linewith the company’s environmental initiatives– “the use of eco-sustainable practices andtechnologies that reconcile growth withprotection of the environment”.

After passing through the company’sMaintenance & Engineering Unit, the newaircraft began medium-haul flights in themiddle of February. Under registrationnumber CS-TNQ, it will carry the name of“Jose Regio” in homage to the famousPortuguese 20th Century writer.

Entry into service of these new aircraft willalso provide considerable benefits both interms of the level of in-flight service andcomfort offered to customers as well asoperational performance, reliability andmaintenance. Moreover, they also fit in withthe strategy pursued by TAP allyingeconomic performance with theresponsibility undertaken by the Companywith regard to Society and the Environment.

www.flytap.com



BTN: What was the inspirationbehind starting the resorts?

JR: The Ramapuram Family,promoters of the resorts, havebeen planters for over 100 years.The enchanting locations, thetraditional planter’s inborn senseof hospitality and the ancientIndian philosophy of Adithi DevoBhava (Guest is God) promptedthe family to diversify intohospitality in 1994 with the launchof Orange County, Coorg.

BTN: What brings you to ITB 2009?

JR: Orange County Resorts hasbeen participating at ITB Berlin forthe last 10 years. This is animportant venue for us to meetnew tour operators and to refreshour relationship with old friendsand partners from the travel trade.It is also a forum for us to sharenew developments from our sideand bounce of future project ideaswith our present and futurepartners.

BTN: Responsible tourism is anintegral part of your offering.What kind of measures do youemploy to minimiseenvironmental impact?

JR: The idea is to have an overallpositive impact on the localenvironment. A few of theimportant steps that we havetaken in this direction includeinstalling a Reverse Osmosis waterpurification system in each room,which cuts out the need for over100,000 plastic bottles every year.

We also owns two wind powergenerators.

BTN: How do you ensure tourismbenefits the whole communityrather than just those at the top?

JR: Orange County Resortsfocuses on two fronts – localeconomy and local society.

It is our endeavour to maximiselocal employment. Local art formsperformed by artists from the localcommunities, village visitsconducted by the villagersthemselves and such otherprogrammes form a good part ofthe activities at the resorts,generating livelihood for locals.Local farmers and traders areencouraged and trained to supplyquality products from theneighbouring villages.

Each resort is provided with aResponsible Tourism budgetspecifically meant for enhancingthe quality of life in the localcommunities.

Local culture is showcased atevery resort. In addition togenerating income for the localartisans, this helps in keeping localart forms alive and building prideamong the locals about theirculture and heritage.

BTN: What is your definition of‘responsible tourism’?

JR: Orange County Resorts willendeavour to provide the highestdegree of long-term economicbenefits to the host communities,

preserve and/or improve theenvironment at each destinationand contribute towards the revivaland promotion of traditionalculture and heritage of the region.

BTN: Does sustainability takesecond place during thedownturn as companies fight forsurvival?

JR: Orange County Resortsconsiders ‘Responsible Tourism’ asa crucial part of our product.During a downturn, we believe thatit is not wise to downgrade yourproduct. The high standards thatwe maintain in terms of productand services is not up forcompromise.

BTN: What’s the key to running acompany both responsibly andprofitably?

JR: Our mission statement says‘We believe in our core strength –our people – We will strive todevelop our people followed byproduct and profit’. We trulybelieve that if we care and nurturefor our people and product, profitis a by product that will naturallyfollow. We believe that if your focusis on profits first, it will somehowevade you.

BTN: What can the travelindustry collectively do tobecome more sustainable?

JR: he Tourism industry could playan active role in creating anawareness about the importanceof ‘Responsible Tourism’ among itsown members and its clients so

that every player in this industryand the traveller complies with theprinciples of Responsible Tourism,making the entire tourism trademore sustainable.

BTN: Orange County KabiniResort has been nominated forIndia's Leading Wildlife Resort byWorld Travel Awards – can youdescribe the wildlife experiencestaying there?

JR: Inspired in design by the KaduKuruba Hadis (local tribal villages)and steeped in local lore andculture, Orange County Kabinioffers an unmatched wildlifeexperience.

Kabini serves as home to some ofthe most endangered wildlifespecies of the region. Thisecosystem supports the highestdensity of herbivores in Asiaincluding the largest congregationof Asiatic elephants. Of theseherbivores, the Chital, Sambar,Gaur, Wild pig, Muntjak andCommon Langur are preyed uponby the Tiger, Leopard and WildDog. It is among the few places inthe world where wildlife safaris areconducted both by boat andvehicle.

BTN: How is this year shaping upfor Orange County Resort?

JR: Despite the talk of downturn,we have managed to surpass ourtargets. We are looking forward toclosing the financial year ending 31March with targets surpassed interms of revenue.

India's EnchantingOrange CountyOrange County runssome of India’s mostenchanting resorts,where the experience isall about the beauty ofnature and the serenityof ancient Indianphilosophy. BTN meetsMarketing Director JoseRamapuram to find outmore about his approachto sustainable tourismand the joys of OrangeCounty living




Set in sprawling tropical gardens, right in the heartoff Bangkok, the Swissotel Nai Lert Park provides theunique venue for your unique event.

Our six multi purpose function rooms and grandballroom seating up to 900 guests are able toaccommodate Meetings, Incentives, Conferences,Exhibitions, Banquets, Wedding Receptions andParties,

Set in 8 acres of lush tropical gardens, outdoorfree form pool, fitness center, spa and a choice of8 food & beverage outlets, business can becomea pleasure.

2 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 Thai land Tel: +66 (0)2 253 0123 Fax: +66 (0)2 254 8740Email : reservations@nai lertpark.swissotel.com Website: www.nai lertpark.swissotel.com

Our professional dedicated Event Management team are always onhand to ensure your perfect event.

Where businessbecomes a pleasure







18/03/09 - 21/03/09

MITTMoscow International Travel &Tourism (MITT).www.mitt.ru/en

24/03/09 - 26/03/09

CATHIECentral America Tourism HotelInvestment Exchange (CATHIE) www.cathieconference.com

26/03/09 - 27/03/09

British Travel TradeFairThe Best of Britain & Ireland TravelTrade Forum (formerly the BritishTravel Trade Fairwww.britainandirelandevent.co.uk

31/03/09 - 02/04/09

GIBTMGulf Incentive Business Travel andMeetings Exhibition (GIBTM)www.gibtm.com

01/04/09 - 02/04/09

Travel DistributionSummit Asiahttp://events.eyefortravel.com/tdsasia/conference

09/04/09 - 11/04/09

World Travel Fairwww.worldtravelfair.com.cn

14/04/09 - 16/04/09

The 13th AnnualCaribbean Hotel & TourismInvestmentConferencewww.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com

22/04/09 - 23/04/09

Visit Scotland Expowww.visitscotlandexpo.com

30/04/09 - 04/05/09

Mexico Showcase &Travel Expowww.mexico-showcase.com

02/05/09 - 04/05/09

AHICThe 5th Arabian Hotel InvestmentConference (AHIC) www.arabianconference.com

04/05/09

World Travel AwardsMiddle EastCeremony Dubai,UAEwww.worldtravelawards.com/

05/05/09 - 08/05/09

Arabian TravelMarketwww.arabiantravelmarket.com

09/05/09 - 12/05

Indaba 2009 www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

10/05/09

World Travel AwardsAfrica CeremonyICC Durban, SouthAfricawww.worldtravelawards.com

15/05/09 - 19/05/09

WTTC GlobalTourism Summitwww.globaltraveltourism.com/

16/05/09 - 21/05/09

PowWowwww.tia.org/powwow/index.html

31/05/09 - 03/05/09

IATA/AGMwww.iata.org/events/agm

11/06/09 - 14/06/09

ITEK Hong Kongwww.itehk.com/ITEHK

13/06/09 - 19/06/09Australian TourismExchangewww.tourism.australia.com

15/06/09 - 18/06/09

ALTMAsia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM) www.altm.com.c

Sept- TBA

World Travel AwardsNorth & CentralAmerica Ceremony,Hacienda Tres Rios,Yucatanwww.worldtravelawards.com

08/09/09

CIBTMwww.cibtm.travel

13/09/09-15/09/09

The Trade Showwww.thetradeshow.org

20/09/09-22/09/09

HICAHospitality Investment ConferenceAfrica (HICA)www.hica.co.za

22/09/09-25/09/09

PATA Travel Mart2009www.pata.org

17/10/09

World Travel Awards European Ceremonywww.worldtravelawards.com

18/10/09-25/10/09

ABAVwww.abav.com.br

21/10/09-23/10/09

ITB Asia 2009www.itb-asia.com

October

World Travel AwardsSouth AmericaCeremony, Riowww.worldtravelawards.com

October

World Travel AwardsAsia, Australasia &Indian OceanCeremonywww.worldtravelawards.com

30/10/09

World Travel Awards2009 Grand TourFinal. Jamaicawww.worldtravelawards.com

09/11/09-12/11/09

World Travel Marketwww.wtmlondon.com

07/12/09-10/12/09

ILTMwww.iltm.net


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September

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December

April



The Atlantic Hotel, Jersey, is one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.The site we built at www.theatlantichotel.com was shortlisted in the BestHotels Website category at the Travolution Awards 2008. Thanks to theemotive design and inspirational imagery, 20% of all site visitors nowselect the ‘Book Now’ button’.

BTN: Why did you chooseMallorca as the destination forJumeirah’s first European Spa-Resort? And why Port Soller inparticular?

DC: Jumeirah’s strategy is to havea presence in what we call‘letterhead cities’ and aspirationalresort destinations worldwide.Mallorca, the largest of theBalearic Islands, offers anabundance of landscapes,experiences and attractions. It isbecoming one of the mostdesirable island destinations in theMediterranean. It is also one of thefastest growing five stardestinations in Europe, with thenorthwest of the island being oneof the region’s most sought-afterareas.

Port Soller is considered to be oneof Spain’s most attractive townsand a serious contender in theluxury travel market. It is an idyllicretreat that less than a 45-minutedrive from Palma airport, making itone of Europe’s most convenientdestinations. Jumeirah Port Sollerwill grace a spectacular locationon the cliffs of Port Soller,overlooking the port and theMediterranean Sea.

BTN: Are there other projects in the European MediterraneanSea?

DC: We have identified Europe asone of the key geographicalgrowth areas for Jumeirah Hotels& Resorts. We continue to seekother resort opportunities in theMediterranean region, both in

Europe and Africa. In line with ourexpansion plans of 60 hotels andresorts under development, underconstruction and undermanagement by 2012, projectscurrently under evaluation anddevelopment in Europe count forapproximately 12% of our overallexpansion.

BTN: What products andtreatments will the spa have?

DC: The 2000 m2 prestigious spaand wellness centre will be Talisebranded. The Talise spa concept isdesigned around a person-centricmodel to ensure the selection oftreatments and spa experiencescan be tailored to the guest’sneeds. This means that the spa isdesigned to fit the guest ratherthan the facility. The TaliseWellness Spa at Jumeirah PortSoller, Mallorca, will focus onexceptional wellness withtreatments based on localproducts such as olive oil, orangesand almonds.

BTN: How will the rooms be?

DC: The resort will feature large,contemporary guestrooms,decorated in warm tones with anemphasis on olive wood andleather. The 120 spacious andluxurious guestrooms and suiteswill all be either sea or harbour-facing, have a terrace or balcony,and have indoor and outdoorspaces that flow together.

BTN: Wasn’t there a Five StarsPlus Category or even Six StarsCategory?

DC: Jumeirah Port Soller will be afive-star deluxe resort. Actually, allJumeirah properties are five-starluxury hotels and resorts. EvenBurj Al Arab, the world’s mostluxurious hotel now recognised asthe symbol of Dubai and world-renowned for its high standards ofluxury and personal service, isofficially also a five-star hotel.The worldwide classification forhotel ratings does not go beyondthe five star rating.

BTN: How much is the totalinversion amount?

DC: Jumeirah Group is ahospitality management companyand as such, we are not buildingthe Jumeirah Port Soller resort,nor will we own it. Jumeirah’sinvolvement will be to operate theJumeirah Port Soller, Mallorca,with the high standards we arerenowned for.

BTN: How is the Jumeirah PortSoller different to the otherJumeirah hotels?

DC: All Jumeirah hotels andresorts are distinctive andconnected to the architecture andculture of the community they arebased in. Jumeirah Bab Al ShamsDesert Resort and Spa, forexample, is a reflection of thedesert oasis it is located in; andJumeirah Essex House is a 1931art deco landmark overlookingNew York City’s Central Park.

Jumeirah Port Soller, Mallorca, willbe a five star luxury resort with aspectacular location on the cliffs

of Port Soller, overlooking the portand the Mediterranean Sea.Scheduled to open in early 2010,the hotel amenities will includeunique restaurants and bars, eachwith al fresco dining options. Theresort will reflect Jumeirah’scommitment to quality andinnovation.

BTN: Which kind of customersdo you expect?

DC: Our source/target marketswill come mainly from Germany,UK, Spain, other parts of Europeand the Middle East.

BTN: You promise to redefinethe luxury resort standardthroughout Mallorca and the restof Spain.

DC: True luxury is emotional,memorable and above allpersonal, and this is what webelieve today’s sophisticatedluxury traveller relates andresponds to. And this is what wewill be delivering at the JumeirahPort Soller, Mallorca. Soller islocated in a tranquil valley famousfor its orange groves and olivetrees and surrounded bymountains, and Jumeirah PortSoller, with its spectacular locationon the cliffs of Port Soller, is aperfect luxury holiday getaway.

Jumeirah plans firstEuropean spa resort Jumeirah is expanding into the Mediterranean with its first Europeanresort spa, due to open in Mallorca in early 2010. BTN asked DerekPicot, Regional General Manager, Jumeirah, London about what theluxury brand had planned.

www.jumeirah.com


Documents

BTN - ITB 2009 Day 3