FINAL CALLS FOR EIBTM 2011 TECHNOLOGY WATCH AWARDS ENTRIES.

Just two weeks left for organisations to enter the EIBTM Technology Watch awards scheme which would close its entry on September 2nd. It acts as a major opportunity for companies to demonstrate new and innovative technology solutions that make a real difference to the meeting and event planner’s.It is free to enter and the most recognised company for technological innovation, voted by the judges, gets a stand within the Technology Village @ EIBTM 2011.  The winner will receive publicity through the EIBTM Show Daily and a chance to do business with the Hosted Buyer, trade visitor community and to meet the global industry media that attend the show. They also get to present their winning technology at the end of a technology hour education session.

The judging will take place on Wednesday 5th October 2011.

Source – EIBTM

IMPORTANCE OF TRAVEL AGENTS.

President Obama recently stated that “… one of the challenges in terms of rebuilding our economy is businesses have got so efficient that – when was the last time somebody went to a bank teller instead of using the ATM, or used a travel agent instead of just going online? A lot of jobs that used to be out there requiring people now have become automated.”

ASTA came out in strong support of the travel agency industry in response to the statement of President Obama regarding how the internet has replaced many jobs among the travel agents.

“While the President’s intention surely was not to disparage the travel agency industry, his statement makes clear the need for greater education and understanding of the important role travel agents play in today’s travel marketplace,” said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar. “ASTA has communicated with the President to ensure he understands the contribution travel agent make to the economy.”

ASTA informed the President how important the U.S. travel agency industry is; it is comprised of nearly 10,000 U.S.-based travel agency firms operating in 15,000 locations with an annual payroll of $6.3 billion. Most importantly this business produces full-time employment for more than 120,000 U.S. taxpayers.

The U.S. travel agency industry processes more than $146 billion in annual travel sales which accounts for more than 50 percent of all travel sold. The travel agents help more than 144 million travellers to travel where they want to go each year.

A study by Forrester Research found that in the first quarter of 2010, 28 percent of U.S leisure travellers who booked their trips online said they would be interested in consulting a good and traditional travel agent. Moreover, an ASTA study released earlier this year found that 51 percent of ASTA leisure-based travel agencies saw increased revenue in 2010 compared to 2009.

Source – ASTA

ATM 2012 PARTNERS WITH MÖVENPICK HOTELS IN DUBAI

Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism showcase, has named three Mövenpick properties as host hotels for its May 2012 event, the Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, the Mövenpick Hotel Deira, and the Royal Amwaj Resort & Spa on Palm Jumeirah which is scheduled to open in 2012.

The three properties will officially accommodate the ‘Hosted Buyers’ programme, which includes top decision-makers from the leisure, golf, cruise, medical and meetings sector, as well as selected international press, attending ATM 2012.

Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, which opened in October 2010, was recently named Best New Business Hotel at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2011. The 293-room Royal Amwaj Resort & Spa, which is due to open in 2012, is situated on the crescent of the Palm Jumeirah. The Mövenpick Hotel Deira, is the latest five-star addition to Dubai’s ‘old town’ skyline which opened in January this year is perfectly located for corporate and leisure visitors alike, in Dubai’s original downtown.

Source – ATM

MICE BUYERS DO LIKE MITM EVENTS

After 17 years in business, MITM Euromed and MITM Americas claim to continue on the top among all the MICE travel trade shows of any size and anywhere in the World.

MITM claims to be the first travel trade show ever to be run on one-to-one pre-arranged meetings on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, back in 1996, as well as being the first one ever to host buyers for three nights and three days with a full networking programme which includes meals, receptions, a quite a novelty in Europe. All of this, topped with post-MITM fam tours, so buyers can experience each year one new destination.

GSAR Marketing ads that the big MICE show were never able to provide all MITM features. So MITM has been present longer than any other MICE show – except EIBTM (under two managements) in cities of 18 countries of three Continents: from Las Vegas to Marrakech.

Next MITM (Americas) will take place in San Salvador, El Salvador, November 16th to 18th, 2011.

Source – MITM Americas

NETWORK RAIL HELPING SMALL BUSINESS IN AREAS AFFECTED BY RIOTS

Network Rail is helping small businesses in areas hit hardest by the riots by offering one month’s free rent and 50% off each subsequent month’s rent on selected commercial properties up until the end of the year.
The special terms have been introduced to help small enterprises get back up and running as soon as possible and will apply to more than 100 Network Rail commercial premises in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Salford and Liverpool.
We have reacted to these unfortunate events and drawn up a list of vacant commercial properties which will be offered on special terms and shorter leases. Most premises will be available to occupy within 24 hours.
Our main aim is to allow business to get back to normal and through our website we will list available premises with contact details.
Many units located in railway arches in key city locations are uniquely placed to help small business and the type, style, quantity and size of use ranges from light industrial storage, to leisure, retail and office space.
Source: Network Rail

THE VALLEY OF SURPRISES- HALONG BAY

Halong Bay considered as an incredibly gorgeous tourist vacation destination is an organic wonder that attracts men and women from round the globe. Halong Bay Vietnam perform hosts to diversity of wonderful ecosystems that can stun your eyes.The excellent selection of ecosystems, supply freshwater lakes, sandy seashores, mangrove forest, swamp forest and significantly more. Working along the bay will make you garner a real existence encounter.
The tale follows that a lot of dragons descended directly from heaven and then spitted furiously thus forming an all-natural fortress in opposition to all these invaders.
Halong Vietnam has earned probably the most coveted title for all those fans who enjoy to find the various mysteries underneath sea. The best portion is the fact that there are lots of valuable stones which can be offered hence generating your eyes and senses Halong Bay Cruise increase wild to visit the spot and dig for an incredible excavation.

LAS VEGAS FOUR SEASONS CARRIES ON WITH FUND COLLECTION FOR CANCER RESEARCH IN SOUTHERN NEVADA

Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas is gearing up for the 12th Annual Season for a Cure Cancer Run on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at the Summerlin campus of Nevada Cancer Institute. Presented in conjunction with the Las Vegas Running Company, major sponsors include KSNV-TV Ch. 3, MIX 94.1 FM and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. All proceeds will benefit NVCI.
This family-friendly event will include a 5K Run & Fun Walk as well as a 100-yard children’s dash, various children’s activities and a breakfast buffet featuring tantalising items prepared by Four Seasons chefs.
“We are honoured that the Season 4 a Cure event continues to contribute substantially to cancer research efforts here in the Las Vegas Valley,” says Mark Hellrung, Four Seasons general manager.
“This annual run has become a great community tradition, and an important venue for raising both financial support and awareness of Nevada Cancer Institute,” says Phillip J. Manno, NVCI interim director. “We can’t thank Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas and its partners enough for being such strong advocates for NVCI and the patients we work with every day.”
Source: Four Seasons

CROWNE PLAZA HOTELS & RESORTS CELEBRATE ONE OF THE LUCKIEST DAYS OF THE CENTURY.

 

Calendar reading of 11.11.11 is considered as one of the luckiest days of the century and a wedding held on 11.11.11 promises love and good fortune to the couple. IHG’s Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts will celebrate this fanciful date by hosting 11 weddings for 11 couples, with VH1 star and master matchmaker Steve Ward presiding over the ceremony. The hotel brand is asking altar-bound couples across the U.S. why they are lucky in love through the Crowne Plaza “Marry Me 11.11.11” giveaway. The couple who are selected as having the most dedicated relationship and intriguing love story will be whisked away to a once in a lifetime New York City wedding at the Crowne Plaza Times Square- Manhattan.

Sweethearts who wish to marry or renew their vows can enter the Crowne Plaza “Marry Me 11.11.11” giveaway at Facebook.com/crowneplaza and post the reasons why they are lucky in love.

The 11 winning couples will be flown to New York City for three days of wedding bliss. Festivities will commence with a pre-wedding day tour of New York City, including a visit to one of the world’s most romantic settings, the Empire State Building’s observation deck. Couples will hit the streets of the Big Apple with their sweetheart to take in all the thrills that the city has to offer.

With New York City as the ideal backdrop, the 11 newlyweds will toast to their love-filled futures in a post-wedding reception featuring Atlanta’s celebrity DJ, Mike B of B2 Entertainment along with a personalised wedding video from WedIt as well as digital photos.

Source – IHG

THE SAINT HOTEL ANNOUNCES OPENING DATE

24 August 2011

Built in 1909 and located on Canal Street at Burgundy Street in the world famous New Orleans French Quarter, the historic landmark Audubon Building is being totally renovated and re-christened as The Saint Hotel is scheduled to open to the public in mid-December 2011. Reservations will begin from September 1 with room rates beginning at $149.00.

The property will reflect a new and contemporary spirit. The 166-room, 8-story Saint Hotel includes 320 sq. ft. modern guest rooms; 1450 sq. ft. of meeting and special event space; Sweet Olive, a modern American restaurant created by Chef Michael Stoltzfus; the Burgundy Bar offering live jazz; and Halo, a rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic views of downtown New Orleans.

Renowned executive Chef Michael Stoltzfus of the ever-popular Coquette in the Garden District once again lends his modern touch to classic American cooking at Sweet Olive at The Saint Hotel. Sweet Olive will offer a constantly changing seasonal menu focusing on local produce and products.

Ideal for leisure or business, The Saint Hotel is a one-of-a-kind property which will provide memorable experiences and surprises with a spontaneous, haute bohemian eclectic, eccentric and edgy sophistication for even the most sophisticated traveller.

New Brunswick’s Cruise Industry Increasing at Many Ports

The New Brunswick provincial government is welcoming the growth of the cruise ship industry in several locations, including Saint John and Saint Andrews.

New Brunswick Tourism and Parks Minister Trevor Holder said the industry is supporting the growth of tourism throughout the Fundy region.

“We are pleased that the Port of Saint John is seeing increased business and that Saint Andrews has been successful in seeking and landing niche cruise business,” said Holder. ”

New Brunswick’s growing cruise business is attracting a variety of ships. The Port of Saint John is increasing its berthing capacity to accommodate the world’s largest ships. Saint Andrews will begin to welcome smaller ships in 2012.

“Cruise passengers who have visited Saint John have been excited for years now about experiencing the Bay of Fundy and all it has to offer,” said Betty MacMillan, manager, cruise development, Saint John Port Authority.

The cruise industry today looks very different than it did a few decades ago. There is increasing interest in large ships that hold several thousand passengers.