Hotels
75% of Sharjah's hotels occupied until Q3 of 2008
The Sharjah Commercial and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has issued its statistical report to the end of the third quarter of 2008, which defined growth rates in the Emirate's tourism sector until the end of September 2008. The report shows that the tourism sector in Sharjah continued its rapid growth and noticeable development over the first nine months of 2008, compared to the same period in 2007.
Aloft hotels makes landmark debut in Asia Pacific
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and its highly anticipated new lifestyle brand, Aloft hotels announce the opening of Aloft Beijing, Haidian. The 186 room, new-build hotel owned by Yong Tai Real Estate Group is the first Aloft in Asia Pacific and the first Aloft to open outside North America.
Kingfisher Bay Resort wins responsible tourism award
A holiday at Kingfisher Bay Resort on Queensland’s World Heritage-listed Fraser Island doesn’t just embrace the Aussie Beach lifestyle; it embraces the principles of responsible tourism – a fact that has helped the eco-tourism resort win ‘Best Large Accommodation Provider’ at the 2008 global Responsible Tourism Awards announced in London last night.
Crown welcomes Gordon Ramsay's Maze to Australia
Crown is excited to announce that Gordon Ramsay’s Maze restaurant will open in Australia’s newest and most exciting hotel in February 2010. An agreement has been reached with Gordon Ramsay Holdings International to open Maze, one of London’s most popular and successful restaurant concepts, within Crown’s new, third hotel in early 2010.
Two AHA Awards for Parmelia Hilton Perth
This week the prestigious AHA Aon Hotel Awards for Excellence (WA) 2008 were presented at a gala ball in Perth. WA’s Best Concierge and Guest Services Provider Award 2008 was won by the Concierge of the Parmelia Hilton. This is the fifth time in six years and the third consecutive year that the team has won this award and places the hotel in the AHA Hall of Fame.
Whitbread PLC invests in training talent
Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel and restaurant group, has announced today that it is launching a new bespoke training and development programme. Named ‘The Whitbread Apprenticeship Programme’ it is the first and largest employer-led programme of its kind in the hospitality industry.
A new bolt-hole for US bound eco-tourists
Innkeepers Sven Rudstrom and Alexandra Grabbe just gave USA-bound eco-tourists an added reason to move Chez Sven Bed & Breakfast, New England, to the top of their travel agenda. In renovating the northern wing of their old Cape Codder, Rudstrom and Grabbe paid particular attention to details, making the new space as green as possible.
Swissôtel opens two new spas in Turkey
Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts has opened two new Amrita Spa & Wellness Centers at Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul and Swissôtel Grand Efes, Izmir, both considered oases of tranquillity and relaxation and honoured with membership in “Leading Spas of the World.”
Swissôtel hosts vertical marathon in Singapore
On 16 November 2008, 1,500 people will climb 1,336 steps up 73 storeys to the pinnacle of Swissôtel The Stamford at the Swissôtel Vertical Marathon, all for a good cause. This signature sports event aims to raise S$35,000 for the Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore through its corporate charity race.
Pedal power at Le Méridien Al Aqah
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah is a key sponsor of the inaugural Spinneys Coast to Coast Challenge on 14 November, which will commence in Mirdif and end at the east coast resort. More than 250 cyclists are expected to reach the resort as the last stop on a grueling, mountainous course that finishes in Le Méridien Al Aqah’s stunning beachside setting.
Simpson Travel launches 2009 Greece programme
Simpson Travel has launched its 2009 Greece brochure featuring hand selected properties throughout Greece and her islands offering tranquil escapes.
Write a best seller in Windermere
This month, the largest writing contest in the world celebrates its ten-year anniversary and in celebration of The National Novel Writing Month, Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel in the Lake District has some exceptional mid-week writing breaks available throughout November which benefit from savings of up to £300 per person!*
Exclusive retreat to open on Phuket’s ‘Millionarie’s Row’
On the Andaman coast of Phuket, Thailand, Kamala is one of the most sought after addresses on the island and has become known as ‘Millionaire’s Row’. It is also home to Phuket’s newest and hottest luxury resort and residential development, Paresa, scheduled to open in early 2009.
A new jewel in Tasmania’s crown
A new world-class coastal sanctuary located at Coles Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula in Tasmania has been named “Saffire”. The inspiration for “Saffire” is drawn from fire and water and is uniquely associated with Freycinet Peninsula as the location has one of the only deposits of natural sapphires in this area.
Something for everyone with Fairmont’s golf getaways
With many families looking to make the most of their getaway this winter, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is ready to help golfers plan a memorable vacation experience the entire family will appreciate, leaving them plenty of time hit the links. This includes experientially inspired family golf getaways that are sure to please golf enthusiasts like dad, but also get the thumbs up from the rest of the clan as well.