Zhejiang Loong Airlines firms up order for 20 A320 Family aircraft

Zhejiang Loong Airlines, based in Hangzhou, capital city of Zhejiang province in Eastern China, has signed its first purchase agreement with Airbus, for 20 A320 Family aircraft, including 11 A320ceo and nine A320neo, becoming the lastest Airbus customer. The agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September at the Beijing Airshow.
 
In addition Zhejiang Loong Airlines has also become the latest Airbus operator in mainland China, having completed its maiden commercial flight with a leased A320.
 
“Today is a special day for Zhejiang Loong Airlines as we start passenger operation and order 20 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, which demonstrates our ambition to contribute to the economic and social development of Zhejiang province by providing efficient transportation,” said Liu Qihong, Chairman of Zhejiang Loong Airlines. “We are making efforts to play a more important role in building the four-hour transportation circle around Hangzhou, which is advocated by the Zhejiang Government. The Airbus A320 Family aircraft is ideal for us to achieve our goals with advantages in operational reliability, economics, cabin space and its commonality between different types of Airbus aircraft.”
 
“We congratulate Zhejiang Loong Airlines on becoming a new customer and operator of the best-selling Airbus A320 Family” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “The A320 is the most eco-efficient single-aisle aircraft family and a world-class customer support network will provide Zhejiang Loong Airlines with an excellent platform to benefit from the economic growth in the region.”

U.S. Citizen International Travel Grew Two Percent in September 2013

U.S. citizen outbound totaled 4.7 million travelers for the month and 47.4 million YTD
Travel to Europe up Three Percent in September

September 2013/2012 Comparisons

U.S. travel to overseas markets⁽¹⁾ totaled 2.2 million, up one percent in September and one percent for the year (22.4 million). Regional results for the month were as follows:

• Europe, 1.2 million travelers, up three percent
• Caribbean, 317,000 travelers, down four percent
• Asia, 315,000 travelers, down one percent
• Central America, 117,000 travelers, flat
• South America, 111,000 travelers, up two percent
• Middle East, 111,000 travelers, up one percent
• Oceania, 37,000 travelers, down three percent
• Africa, 27,000 travelers, down two percent

U.S. travel to other North American markets totaled 2.5 million and was up three percent compared to September 2012. Travel to Canada and Mexico for the year (25.0 million) was up one percent.

• Mexico, 1.4 million travelers, up nine percent in September. Air travel (335,000) was up 17 percent
• Canada, 1.1 million travelers, down five percent. Air travel (366,000) up seven percent

September 2013 YTD Market Share

U.S. travel to overseas locations accounted for 47 percent of U.S. outbound international travel.

• Europe, a 19 percent share;
• Caribbean, an 11 percentshare;
• Asia, a seven percent share;
• Central America, a four percent share;
• South America, a three percent share;
• Middle East, a three percent share;
• Oceania, a one percent share, and
• Africa, a one percent share

North American markets received 53 percent of all U.S. international outbound travel.

• U.S. travel to Mexico a 32 percent share; and
• Canada a 21 percent share.

Note: An early Easter/Passover in 2012 accounted for shift in traffic; March 31, 2013 vs. April 8, 2012.

For detailed information and data tables please visit: http://travel.trade.gov/view/m-2013-O-001/index.html

Renaissance by Marriott Savery Hotel Sold

DES MOINES, IA—A Southern California-based investment group has sold the historic full-service, 212-room Renaissance by Marriott Savery Hotel to Schulte Hospitality and Starwood Capital’s venture for an undisclosed amount.

Hunter Hotel Advisors exclusively represented the Southern California-based investment group. Hunter Hotel Advisor’s Danny Givertz, SVP in Hunter’s Los Angeles office, brokered the transaction to Schulte Hospitality and Starwood Capital’s venture. “Hunter was pleased to represent this beautiful landmark hotel,” said Givertz. “The buyer is excited to invest in a piece of Des Moines history.”

Built in 1919, the hotel serves as a stately architectural landmark in downtown Des Moines, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 12-story hotel is well known locally as a stately stop for both presidents and generals. The purchaser is planning an extensive renovation of the hotel and all of its amenities to bring an elegantly modern flair to the property.

Sofitel Opens Resorts in Dubai and Bali

PARIS, FRANCE—Sofitel Luxury Hotels has expanded its network with the Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, a Polynesian-themed resort, and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. This is the group’s first Indonesian property and is set to open later this month.

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

Nestled within the tranquil groves of the Palm Jumeirah Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is encapsulated by a private 500-meter stretch of pearlescent beach, enabling guests to indulge in breathtaking sea views overlooking the shores of the East Crescent.

The new gem on the Palm, which opened in July 2013, is a precious addition to the growing portfolio of Sofitel Luxury Hotels. Complete with a kid's club, seven signature restaurants, a nightclub, the highly popular SoFit and SoSpa, as well as state-of-the-art conference facilities that accommodate up to 700 guests, the resort is quickly becoming the destination of choice for international, regional and local travelers.

Totaling more than 100,000 square meters (approximately 25 acres), Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa's distinct French luxury offering is styled with rich and iconic elements of Polynesian culture and civilization. An abundance of stunning organic architecture and lush vertical gardens by Patrick Blanc and stunning organic architecture reflect a timeless spirit and tropical allure, while the resort's sense of serenity and calm allows guests to experience the luxuries of the French 'art de vivre' in a tranquil and soothing setting. 

"We are thrilled to receive such a warm response from international and regional visitors as we strive to meet the daily sophisticated needs of our savvy guests, who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence," said Christophe Schnyder, General Manager. "Our team looks forward to continuing to offer each and every guest exceptional service and unique facilities blended with true French hospitality in a one-of-a-kind setting."

The resort's 361 rooms and suites showcase onyx-laden bathroom features, deluxe Frenchamenities such as Lanvin and Hermes, along with Sofitel's MyBed concept - an all-feather bed and extra light down duvet - and private balconies. Guests can treat themselves to a chic Luxury Room, Junior Suite, Prestige Suite, Beach Suite and Opera Suite, as well as the magnificent Beach Villa with rooftop terrace and pool or, for the ultimate experience, the Palm Suite offering 4 bedrooms, top-floor location and its own signature terrace.   

For lengthier stays, guests are invited to settle into one of the 182 fully serviced residences with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms ideal for families with children.  

Sofitel's state-of-the-art 2,500-square meter (approximately 27,000 square feet) SoSpa encompasses28 graceful spa rooms, providing traditional Tahitian spa treatments.  

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort

Sofitel's new Indonesian address welcomes with warm Balinese hospitality, rich culture and fine arts. Fashioned by the internationally acclaimed design firm Wilson Associates, the resort comprises 415 rooms and suites including 17 Private Villas, 22 Prestige Suites, and 376 Luxury Rooms. 

"Sofitel is renowned for French luxury and sophistication. With the opening of Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, we are introducing our signature French elegance and "cousu-main" tailor-made service to Indonesia. This spectacular resort is created as a unique sanctuary for business travellers, couples and families, offering the height of resort living with world-class facilities," said Goran Aleks, General Manager. 

Conceptualized by Blue Plates in Singapore, the resort presents an eclectic set of dining options with three restaurants spanning Pan Asian and Indonesian cuisine, seafood and Italian fare,along with two bars and a club lounge. 

Other offerings include Sofitel Luxury Hotels' signature SoFit and SoSpa concepts; meetings and function facilities to welcome groups of up to 600 guests; a Kids Club packed with learning and entertaining activities ranging from cooking classes to yoga for kids.

Surrounded by swaying palms, white sand beaches and inviting turquoise waters, the much-anticipated Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort Bali brings all the key elements of a premium international beachfront hotel to one of the world's most desirable holiday destinations. 

HB ON THE SCENE: Hard Rock Flag Flies in Riviera Maya

RIVIERIA MAYA, MEXICO—In a ceremony backed by throbbing rock music and followed by a flashy fireworks display, two former Aventura properties here were officially rebranded as the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya as hundreds of revelers looked on.

The newly branded hotel is the fourth Hard Rock property to become part of the All Inclusive Collection, a growing group of hotels owned and operated by Mexico-based RDC Resorts.

Frank Murano, VP/marketing for the All Inclusive Collection, told the gathered group, “We’re going to experience what we call a reflagging, but in our case, since we’re Hard Rock, we don’t reflag. We re-light and we really rock on.”

To bring home the point, the hotel threw a beach party for those gathered, treating the crowd to traditional Mexican cuisine and beverages, with live entertainment by Boston band, Big Party Orchestra who—in true Hard Rock style—had the crowd dancing for close to three hours.

In advance of the rebranding, RDC Resorts shuttered its two Aventura properties—Aventura Spa Palace and Aventura Cove Palace—in August to begin the multimillion-dollar, four-month transformation to the Hard Rock brand.

The property’s 1,264 guestrooms are spilt between two guest experiences—Hacienda, which is family-oriented, and Heaven, which is adults-only accommodations and features a more-sophisticated assortment of restaurants and amenities than its counterpart. Deluxe guestrooms feature en suite deep-soak hydro-tubs and duplex terrace rooms feature outdoor hydrotubs on the second floor. There is a presidential suite and rock star suites are being conceptualized.

Both hotel sections include Hard Rock’s brand signature: a collection of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia that includes such items as Elvis Presley’s multi-color, multi-square robe, Elton John’s blank-and-white-check suit from his South American tour, a velvet jacket worn by Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones and a military jacket worn by George Harrison of The Beatles, as well as items of significant Mexican artists, such as Molotov and Café Tacvba.

Fronting a private beach with a lagoon, the property features several pools, nine restaurants, eight bars/lounges and offers close to 89,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, including a convention center.—Stefani C. O’Connor                               

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City Uses PACE To Fund $7 Million In Upgrades

LOS ANGELES -In Los Angeles County, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing is available to commercial, industrial and multi-family property owners to pay for building improvements that save energy or create renewable energy onsite.Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City took advantage of this fixed rate, 100 percent financing to fund $7 million worth of sustainable upgrades, Hilton project is the largest commercial PACE project in the United States, more than twice the size of two projects completed this past year at just more than $3 million each.

The Hilton project will result in an annual energy savings of $800,000 and water savings of $28,000, conserving more than 2.8 million gallons of water. This comprehensive retrofit includes energy efficiency glass installations and new LED lighting, which is expected to reduce energy consumption by 50 percent. Additionally, 500 low-flow shower heads will be installed and 250 bathtubs with showers replaced as part of the water conservation upgrade to save the equivalent to one month of the property's existing water usage. Moreover, older HVAC systems were replaced with new energy efficient ones.

"We applaud the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City as leaders in energy efficiency and for demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability," says David Gabrielson, PACENow's executive director. "PACE has now been used by nearly 200 building owners in eight states and the District of Columbia, proving that it overcomes barriers that have kept building owners from doing extensive efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation upgrades. PACENow expects to see as many as 40 programs running throughout the United States within a year."

Travel More In The New Year With The “2014 Travel Resolution Package” At Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort In Phoenix

PHOENIX - Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort(www.squawpeakhilton.com) in Phoenix is making it easier than ever to stick to your New Year's resolution to finally use your vacation days, take your dream trip or simply travel more in 2014 with its "2014 Travel Resolution Package." The package is priced from $164 a night and includes perks and amenities for a seamless trip to explore Phoenix and beyond.

Valid for stays now through Dec. 31, 2014, the "2014 Travel Resolution Package" includes suite accommodations for two, a $50 resort credit, complimentary Arizona travel guidebook, and breakfast for two each morning. The package is available from $164 a night based on double occupancy, excluding taxes and daily resort fee, and requires a two-night stay minimum. For reservations, request rate code "P7" when booking online atwww.hilton.com or by calling +1 800 HILTONS.

A Spanish-Mediterranean-designed resort nestled at the base of the Phoenix Mountain Preserves in Phoenix, Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort offers 563 all-suite accommodations and is home to the famed four-acre River Ranch water park. Open yearround, River Ranch features a flowing lazy river, two large pools, waterslide, 18 holes of mini golf and more. Centrally located within a short drive of Phoenix's top attractions like the Phoenix Zoo, Musical Instrument Museum, and Taliesin West, Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak offers an ideal location for exploring Phoenix and taking quick daytrips to Northern and Southern Arizona.

For more information on Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort and the "2014 Travel Resolution Package," visit www.squawpeakhilton.com.

U.S. Travel and Tourism Satellite Accounts: Third Quarter 2013

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced that total U.S. travel and tourism-related employment increased at an annual rate of one percent in the third quarter of 2013, following an increase of 2.5 percent (revised) in the second quarter.

Tourism Spending. Real spending on passenger air transportation increased 6.2 percent in the third quarter of 2013 after increasing 14.8 percent in the second quarter. Real spending on traveler accommodations increased 3.3 percent in the third quarter after decreasing 0.2 percent in the second quarter.

Tourism Prices. Prices for passenger air transportation continued to grow, increasing 5.8 percent in the third quarter after decreasing 8.5 percent in the second quarter. Airlines increased fares, especially on international routes, in the third quarter to cover the increased costs of fuel. In contrast, prices for traveler accommodations also dropped 3 percent in the third quarter of 2013 after increasing 5.5 percent in the second quarter.

Tourism Employment. Direct employment in the travel and tourism industries increased 1.3 percent in the third quarter of 2013. All industries except two saw increases in employment with food service and drinking places experiencing the largest growth at 3.1 percent.

 

The Bureau of Economic Analysis, through funding provided by the National Travel and Tourism Office, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, produces the U.S Travel and Tourism Satellite Accounts (TTSAs) from which these estimates were derived.

Travel and Tourism Satellite Accounts form an indispensable statistical instrument that allows the United States to measure the relative size and importance of the travel and tourism industry, along with its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP).

Approved by the United Nations in March 2002 and endorsed by the U.N. Statistical Commission, TTSAs have become the international standard by which travel and tourism is measured. In fact, more than fifty countries around the world have embraced travel and tourism satellite accounting as the only comprehensive, comparable, and credible measure of travel and tourism and its impact on national economies.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts Enters Wuhan

WUHAN, China and MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley. The opening marks the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Hubei Province. The six-story hotel features 520 contemporary guest rooms and suites with scenic views from private balconies, five diverse restaurants and bars, and over 5,000 square meters of flexible meeting space. The Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Wuhan Eco City Biguiyuan Investment Co., Ltd.

"We are delighted to introduce Hilton Hotels & Resorts' first property in Wuhan, a city rich in culture and business potential," said Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "The opening of Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley reinforces the further development success of the Hilton brand throughout China. It also enhances our brand's commitment to offering an unparalleled level of service to travelers visiting this important gateway city in Central China."

Located in Wuhan East Lake High Tech Development Zone, Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley is only 10 kilometers from the Wuhan Railway Station and 50 kilometers from Wuhan Tianhe International Airport. The hotel enjoys close proximity to the dynamic commercial and recreational districts in the Optics Valley and the city's most popular destinations and attractions, including the nearby scenic East Lake and Happy Valley Amusement Park, making it an ideal destination for business and leisure travelers alike.

Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley features a broad range of modern amenities, including generous work surfaces, luxurious Hilton Serenity BedsTM, Peter Thomas Roth bathroom amenities and Wi-Fi access, as well as stunning Yanxi Lake views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests who stay in one of the hotel's magnificent suites or executive rooms can enjoy exclusive access to the 3rd floor Executive Lounge, offering complimentary breakfast, refreshments and a cocktail hour.

Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley presents five tantalizing food and beverage outlets. Guests can enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine in the YUXI Restaurant, premium Italian delicacies in CUCINA, delicious all-day dining at CHINACHOPS restaurant and a refreshing coffee or tea in the Lobby Lounge. In the evening, guests can also enjoy tapas and sip signature cocktails with popular music, or meet friends at the El Valle. 24-hour room service is also available.

The hotel's 5,000 square meters of meeting space is fully equipped to handle the most elaborate of conventions, corporate meetings and banquet events. The 1,818 square meter pillar-free Grand Ballroom features a 10-meter high ceiling and can accommodate up to 1,600 people in style. The hotel's business center provides full corporate facilities and services to meet guests' business needs, including computers, copy machines, printers, printing services, telephones and postal services.

"Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley is designed to bring a world-class experience to all guests, enabling them to enjoy the cosmopolitan design and state-of-the-art amenities at the property, not to mention some of the most stunning views of the Yanxi Lake. We look forward to providing our world renowned Hilton hospitality to guests from around the world," said Bruce McKenzie, senior vice president of operations, Greater China & Mongolia, Hilton Worldwide.

Hilton HHonors members will be able to earn and redeem points for their stay. This new hotel is offering 1,000 Hilton HHonors points per night from today to April 30, 2014.

Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley is located at No. 9 Chunhe Road, Huashan Eco City, East Lake High Tech Development Zone, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.  

New Year’s Day 2014 marks 100 Years of Commercial Aviation

Geneva – 1 January 2014 marks exactly 100 years since the birth of commercial aviation. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) invites everyone with an interest in aviation to join a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary and take part in a conversation about what needs to happen to make the next 100 years even more momentous.

From a pioneering beginning to a global force for good

• On 1 January 1914, a team of four visionaries combined efforts in the first scheduled commercial airline flight.
• Percival Fansler organised the funding for the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line which provided the first scheduled air service across Tampa Bay, Florida.
• Thomas Benoist’s airboat conducted the first flight, piloted by Tony Jannus.
• Abram Pheil, then mayor of St. Petersburg, paid $400 at auction for the 23-minute flight.

These pioneers could not have envisioned the transformational changes that would follow. The industry began with only one passenger on one route on 1 January 1914. Today the global aviation industry provides unprecedented connectivity and positively impacts—directly and indirectly—people in all corners of the world. Some key statistics include:

• On average, every day more than 8 million people fly. In 2013 total passenger numbers were 3.1 billion—surpassing the 3 billion mark for the first time ever. That number is expected to grow to 3.3 billion in 2014 (equivalent to 44% of the world’s population).
• About 50 million tonnes of cargo is transported by air each year (about 140,000 tonnes daily). The annual value of these goods is some $6.4 trillion—or 35% of the value of goods traded internationally.
• Aviation supports over 57 million jobs and generates $2.2 trillion in economic activity. The industry’s direct economic contribution of around $540 billion would, if translated into the GDP ranking of countries, place the industry in 19th position.
• Global airline industry turnover is expected to be $743 billion in 2014, with an average industry net profit margin of 2.6%.

"Over the last century, commercial aviation has transformed the world in ways unimaginable in 1914. The first flight provided a short-cut across Tampa Bay. Today the aviation industry re-unites loved ones, connects cultures, expands minds, opens markets, and fosters development. Aviation provides people around the globe with the freedom to make connections that can change their lives and the world," said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

"Aviation is a force for good. And the potential of commercial flight to keep changing the world for the better is almost unlimited. Aviation has always been a team effort. Growing and sustainably spreading the benefits of connectivity will require the industry, governments, regulators and local communities keep true to the ‘all-in-it-together’ ethos that was the bedrock of that pioneering first flight. And we should be guided by the long-term interests of all whose lives are positively transformed by commercial aviation every day. A hundred years is something worth celebrating. And we look forward to creating an equally remarkable legacy for commercial aviation’s second century," said Tyler.

Commemorative Activities

• A website ( www.flying100years.com) will be launched in 1 January 2014 to host the centennial celebration. Along with historical and economic reference materials, the website will also be an interactive information hub depicting the value that commercial aviation provides from personal, economic and other perspectives.
• Twitter conversations about aviation’s first century can be linked through #flying100
• IATA is one of the sponsors of Flight 2014 which is planning to re-enact the first commercial passenger flight using a Hoffman X-4 "Mullet Skiff" amphibious flying boat, similar in many respects to the original Benoist airboat which performed the first flight. The Hoffman will take off from St Petersburg, Florida and fly across the bay to Tampa at 10:00am US Eastern Standard Time, re-tracing the exact path taken by Jannus and Pheil 100 years ago.