Air Arabia named ‘Best Low-Cost Carrier’ at World Tourism Forum Awards in Istanbul

Air Arabia has been named “Best Low-Cost Carrier” at the World Tourism Forum Awards in Istanbul, Turkey. The World Tourism Forum is an annual gathering of leading business figures and industry experts to discuss the future direction of the global tourism sector. Among the topics discussed were online tourism, destination marketing and the economic benefits of tourism.

Air Arabia took home the award for “Best Low-Cost Carrier” based on its performance over the last year, which has included the opening of two new international hubs in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, and Amman, Jordan, and increasing its global network to 104 destinations.

The airline also reached another major milestone during the period when it became first low-cost carrier from the Middle East and Africa to enter the Chinese market with the start of regular non-stop services to Urumqi, the largest city in Western China.

Adel A. Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: “It is a source of great pride for everyone at Air Arabia that our contribution to the aviation sector continues to be recognised, not only within the Middle East and North Africa, but also by our peers around the world. We thank the organisers of the World Tourism Forum for this accolade and we would like to express our gratitude to the millions of loyal customers who have enabled our success for more than a decade.”

This is the latest in a series of recent accolades won by Air Arabia including “Low Cost Carrier of the Year” from Aviation Business, “Middle East’s Leading Low-Cost Airline 2014” at the 21st World Travel Awards, and the “Airline Business Award” at the Airline Strategy Awards 2014.

Association conferences up a third in Birmingham

Birmingham’s International Convention Centre (ICC) has reported a 30 per cent rise in association conferences held at the venue.

The conference centre has also seen a 75 per cent increase in repeat bookings for 2014-2015 compared to the previous year, along with a seven per cent increase in new bookings for the same period.

In September the ICC struck a deal to host the Conservative Party Conference for three more years, in 2016, 2018 and 2020, bringing an estimated £17 million to the local economy.

Catherine Newhall-Caiger, ICC Birmingham business development director, said the location of the venue, along with its flexibility and customer service, were responsible for the increase in conference numbers.

“The ICC Birmingham is located in the centre of the UK with over 98 per cent of the UK business market within a four-hour travel time and London is just over 1 hour 30 minutes by train,” she said.

“With fantastic transport links to air, road and rail and over 6,200 hotel bedrooms and 200 restaurants, bars and nightclubs within easy walking distance of our venue, it’s perhaps no surprise that many associations report an increase in their delegate numbers when they hold their event with us – therefore contributing to repeat bookings and extensions to contracts.”

Among the ICC’s regular clients is the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) congress, which returned for the 25th time this year with more than 8,000 delegates and exhibitors.

Amanda Stranack, head of congress for BSAVA, said the venue’s flexibility and level of service were among reasons the congress kept returning.

“With a comprehensive scientific-programme, an exhibition and keynote speakers we need a venue that can provide flexible, purpose built space and that’s exactly what the ICC does. It’s always been an easy and obvious choice for us to return – in fact we’ve already booked for the next three years taking us to 2018,” she said.

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre organises the Telangana Food Festival

Commemorating the 1st Formation Day Celebrations of the state of Telangana, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre is proud to ring in the celebrations with a feast that is inspired by the rustic charms of the Telangana cuisine. 

Spread over the duration of a week, starting from the 1st June 2015 and continuing till the 7th June 2015 , guests will be treated to authentic recreations of one the most relished cuisines in the country, including popular dishes like Sarvapindi, Sakinalu, Pachipulusu, Boti, Gatka, Bagaarannam, Korrala payasam and Bhakshyalu etc. Organised at The Square, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, the Telangana Food Festival will be culinary sojourn to the food enthusiasts in the city. The food festival will be on for dinners on weekdays and will conclude with a grand brunch on Sunday, the 7th of June 2015.

Highlighting the rich heritage of the region, Mr. Neil Paterson, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre says, “The Telangana Food Festival is organised to celebrate the Telangana State Formation Day and is our tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the state. Classic Telangana food is a quintessential blend of robust, yet delicate flavours comprising of many textures and is unique from other culinary traditions of India. It’s our constant endeavour to present authentic flavours and aromas to our guests and The Telangana Food Festival is a step to bring forth the distinct, vibrant and traditional heritage of the youngest state of the country ”.

Showcasing the efforts made by the team on recreating a range of archetypal dishes in their most authentic form, Executive Chef Muthu Kumar said, “The Telangana Food Festival is organised to celebrate the Telangana State Formation Day and is our tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the state. Our chefs have blended the spices and have given a perfect touch to the cuisine to suit present day palates. Guests can treat their taste buds to some of the spicy flavors and indulge in mouth-watering food and enjoy the traditional feast at Novotel. We consulted with Ms. Jyothi Valaboju (Food Consultant & an expert at Telangana Cuisine) to ensure that the dishes were authentic and reflect true Telangana flavours and texture. We are confident that our guests will relish the food and the offering.”

Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Telangana’s and India’s largest convention centre has helped put the city and the state on the global map by hosting some of the largest conventions and events in the Asia-Pacific region in recent times, and thus fostered inter-cultural exchanges for over 3,00,000 delegates during the last year alone. With many more such events in the pipeline for 2015, such occasions and fests give an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region to an international audience, who, in turn, help boost the local economy.

Berlin’s Lesbian and Gay Festival offers warm welcome to visitors

Nollendorfplatz square in Berlin will be transformed into a sea of colour for the lesbian and gay street festival on 20 and 21 June 2015, which brings with it a laid-back party vibe.

The festival, now in its 25th year, is open to all, offering a warm welcome to visitors keen to see the many live shows on five different stages.

It’s not without good reason that Germany’s capital is known as the city of endless possibilities. Berlin’s historical monuments stand in contrast with its offbeat, on-trend attractions, meaning everyone will find what they’re looking for. Come and see for yourself!

Muay Thai Live Show wins TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2015

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is delighted to offer its heartfelt congratulations to the producer and organiser of Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives for winning the prestigious TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2015 even as the show has just celebrated its first anniversary.

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Acting Governor of TAT and Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas) said, “Since its debut in January 2014, Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives has been showcasing the time-honoured Thai martial art in such creative and impressive performances that foreigners can understand and Thais can appreciate. The show also complements TAT’s “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign, which encourages both Thais and foreigners to experience ‘Thainess’ through hands-on activities, such as, Muay Thai.”

 

TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence is the highly sought-after distinction from the world’s leading travel review website. To qualify for the award, an attraction must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a constant volume of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

 

Mrs. Viwan Karnasut, Managing Director of Thai Show 2013 said, “The Muay Thai Live team is absolutely delighted to receive such an amazing validation from the leading global travel institution TripAdvisor. We are thrilled to see that our ambition to share Muay Thai, one of Thailand’s cultural treasures, with the world in the form of an exciting live show combining action and culture has been so well received.”

Created by internationally acclaimed director Ekachai Uekrongtham, “Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives” is a spectacular live show that tells the untold story of the origins and heroes of Muay Thai, spanning 300 years, from its origins to the present day. The performance boasts hyper-real Muay Thai fights, breath-taking stunts and jaw-dropping special effects, with the riches of Thai history as its gorgeous backdrop.

 

The show has just unveiled a bonus attraction: Muay Thai Live: Warriors Rising, a high-intensity after-show special featuring live Muay Thai fights. Due to these additional stunts, Muay Thai Live now positions itself as Thailand’s total Muay Thai experience: the only attraction combining entertainment, culture and the sport of Muay Thai in action.

 

Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives performs every night except Mondays, at 20.00 hrs. at The Stage @Asiatique, located in the heart of Asiatique the Riverfront, Bangkok’s leading riverside shopping and lifestyle complex. Standard seats cost 1,200 Baht. Premium seats cost 1,500 Baht. Group deals are available.

Five-Star Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston to celebrate Father’s Day

This June, the Five-Star Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston spoils dad with a new seasonal treatment for Father’s Day and offers a complimentary outdoor yoga session in celebration of Global Wellness Day.

Father’s Day at The Spa

The Five-Star Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston is delighted to announce its new seasonal treatment, Father’s Treat. This relaxing 1 hour 50 minute journey begins with a personalized back, neck and shoulder massage that combines a therapeutic blend of arnica, lavender, rosemary and ginger to stimulate circulation and release muscle tension. The treatment continues with a deep cleansing facial that brightens the complexion and leaves the skin looking revitalized and refreshed. Father’s Treat is available for USD 270 on weekdays and USD 295 on weekends throughout the month of June.

Mandarin Oriental Gift Cards are also available for Father’s Day and can be used towards accommodation, spa or dining experiences at any Mandarin Oriental hotel worldwide.

Global Wellness Day

In celebration of Global Wellness Day on Saturday, June 13, 2015, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston is delighted to announce that it will be offering a complimentary morning yoga session from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Personal Trainer Matt Morin and Yoga Instructor Martha Yong will be leading the class in the beautiful outdoor Sitting Grove located at Mandarin Oriental, Boston.

Sea Cloud Cruises introduces its Sailing Cruises catalogue for 2016

Sea Cloud Cruises, the Hamburg operator of small, exclusive sailing cruises, proudly presents its new program for the 2016 season which in itself marks a very special year for the two windjammers, Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II, as together they will be one hundred years old.

Birthday Year:

Since its launch in 1931 Sea Cloud boasts 85 years of travelling the world’s oceans. Sea Cloud II has also cruised in the most beautiful sailing areas for the last 15 years. To mark the occasion Sea Cloud Cruises has compiled a series of jubilee voyages:

Sea Cloud will celebrate her 85th birthday on the southern coast of Spain; she will then sail together with Sea Cloud II for five days on a common course. In Malaga Sea Cloud II will invite Sea Cloud`s guests aboard to visit her. The crowning glory of the trip is an exclusive evening for guests in Barcelona in the Gaudi’s footsteps, including a concert and cocktail reception.

Sailing dates: Lisbon – Barcelona, 20th to 27th April 2016, from USD 4,595 p. p. in a twin bedded outside cabin. There is an early booking incentive of USD 300 per person until 30th November 2015.

Sea Cloud II will celebrate her fifteenth anniversary with a new route along Norway’s southern coasts to the Shetland and Orkney Islands and Scotland. In Bergen, the hometown of the famous composer Edvard Grieg, there will be an exclusive evening concert for guests at the Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen.

Sailing dates: Travemünde – Edinburgh, 13th to 23rd July 2016, from USD 5,895 p. P. in a twin bedded outside cabin. There is an early booking incentive of USD 430 per person until 30th November 2015.

The Windjammer’s joint “100th” birthday voyage will start in the port of Valletta / Malta on October 23rd 2016. The itinerary is via Taormina, Palermo and Cagliari to Palma de Mallorca with six common days of sailing, mutual ship visits and special events. In Palermo, a private residence will open its doors exclusively for the guests of Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II affording an insight into the once lush lifestyle of its aristocrats. On Mallorca a special atmosphere awaits with an evening at a country ‘Finca’ with Spanish specialties.

Sailing dates: Sea Cloud: Malta – Palma de Mallorca, 23rd to 30th October 2016, seven nights from USD 5,095 p. p. or Sea Cloud II: Malta – Malaga, 23rd October to 2nd November 2016, ten nights from USD 6,595 p. p., both in twin bedded outside cabins. There are early booking incentives of USD 300 (Sea Cloud) and USD 430 (Sea Cloud II) per person until 30th November 2015.

Culinary Journeys:

Sea Cloud Cruises once again provides guests with culinary surprises in 2016 with special highlights. Star chef Harald Rüssel and wine expert Nik Weis will accompany Sea Cloud on a multifaceted journey from the Basque Region to Normandy. In Pauillac / France the soils characterize the outstanding wines of the Médoc appellation. In La Rochelle and on the Belle-Ile-en-Mer guests are enticed by Atlantic seafood, in Brest by sweet temptations and Guernsey by lush green nature. While Harald Rüssel garnishes his starred cuisine with regional specialties of the Atlantic coast, Nik Weis will introduce guests to the tradition of French wine culture and wines of the region. For real gourmets an evening is planned in the gourmet region of San Sebastian with a dinner prepared by the famous celebrity chef Martin Berasategui (extra charge on request).

Sailing dates: Bilbao – Honfleur, 28th May to 4th June 2016, from USD 4,155 p. p. in a twin bedded outside cabin. There is an early booking incentive of USD 300 per person until 30th November 2015.

Sailing Galore:

Sailing, sailing, sailing: For the die-hard sailing enthusiasts, Sea Cloud Cruises presents a sailing trip with Sea Cloud through the Cyclades and Sporades where only the embarkation and disembarkation ports are specified and the winds determine the course.

Sailing dates: Istanbul – Athens, 11th to 18th July 2016, from USD 4,595 p. p. in a twin bedded outside cabin. There is an early booking incentive of USD 300 per person until 30th November 2015.

Sail during the day, tie-up overnight in Port: in late autumn the trade winds are responsible for the perfect sailing conditions in the Canary Islands. During the day guests can enjoy the windjammer-feeling around Gran Canaria, Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera. And when Sea Cloud II arrives in port in the late afternoon, there will be plenty of time to explore the surrounding area.

Sailing dates: Las Palmas – Las Palmas, 14th to 22nd November 2016, from USD 4,185 p. p. in a twin bedded outside cabin. There is an early booking incentive of USD 340 per person until 30th November 2015.

Winter destinations 2015/16:

The winter programs for Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II have again this year something to suit all tastes. For a relaxed beach and Caribbean feeling the ‘slopes’ of the Lesser Antilles, British Virgin Islands and the Grenadines are ideal. Cuba beckons with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful beaches and hot rhythms. Those who prefer something cultural can go on a tour of discovery to colonial cities in Central America and Mayan sites in Belize and Mexico. For nature lovers there are three special trips with Sea Cloud II: In addition to visiting the various national parks in Panama and Costa Rica there is a daytime passage through the Panama Canal on the program.

Since 1979 Sea Cloud Cruises remains one of the top names in the world of cruising. The 84-year-old four-mast barque Sea Cloud and her younger sister Sea Cloud II are regularly chosen among the top five boutique ships by the Berlitz Cruise Guide.

Enjoy Port Stephens Without the Summer Crowds

More than 200 self-contained holiday properties in Port Stephens are now available from just $20 for the third night when you pay for the first two nights as part of a new ‘Love Nature. Love Port Stephens’ campaign to promote the appeal of the region in the cooler months.

The special offer from Port Stephens Accommodation, means that until September 17, 2015, apartments, holiday homes, units and villas area are available from only $275 per property for three nights or from $595 for seven nights, including the discount.

Port Stephens Accommodation offers more than 200 properties to choose from to suit all budgets, including houses, villas and apartments with water views or near some of Port Stephens’ 26 beaches.

During the quieter, cooler months in autumn and winter, visitors to Port Stephens, 2½ hours north of Sydney, can enjoy bushwalks, whale and dolphin cruises, cycling, fishing, camel, horseriding and sand duning and quad biking on Australia’s biggest sand dunes.

Port Stephens Accommodation boasts friendly staff whose well-honed match-making skills sees visitors find the right accommodation for the best price.

Step into virtual reality with Wild Wadi Waterpark™

Wild Wadi Waterpark™ has teamed up with Gear VR and Samsung Galaxy Note 4 phablet, to offer the ultimate virtual reality experience and a chance to win an annual pass to the waterpark.

Wild Wadi Waterpark™ is constantly looking to implement innovative ideas and strategies to align with today’s technological world and maintain a competitive edge.

With this new technology and with the help of computer-assisted marketing, consumers can now view the waterpark in a 3D environment.

Now the general public has the chance to experience the 30 exhilarating rides from a virtual reality stand at Dubai mall. Every detail of the waterpark will be visible, from ‘Wadi Wash water splash’ to the big waves of the ‘Wipeout Flowrider.’

Spectators visiting the stands will be handed a Gear VR virtual reality headset with a removable front cover. Within this nestles a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 phablet with an adjustable lens, the only current compatible phone. With the headset on, spectators will be able to view the waterpark in a 360-degree angle.

Easy to navigate, all areas of the virtual tour can be accessed by small movements of the head. Afraid of heights? Take a virtual tour of the ‘Jumeirah Sceirah’ and conquer your fear, or feel your heart beat faster at ‘Burj Surj’ or on the ‘Tantrum Alley ride’. For the younger ones, more child-friendly experiences are available with exciting journeys from ‘Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon’ to the gravity-defying rides such as ‘Master Blaster.’

Two lucky winners will be announced at the end of the two week trial, and will win an annual pass to the Wild Wadi Waterpark™, with unlimited access all year round. Participants can enter by simply sharing images taken on the stand and uploading with the official hashtag #ExperienceWildWadi on any of the waterparks social media pages.  Also available at the Wild Wadi Waterpark™ stand will be a portable version of the headset which guests can use with their mobile device at home. With an easy to use phone compartment, the cardboard gear headset will work once guests set up an account and install the app, available on the Apple iTunes store.

Courtyard by Marriott Announces Seventh Hotel for the Caribbean: The Courtyard by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica

Marriott International  announced plans to open the first Courtyard by Marriott brand hotel in Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica. The project is being developed by Caribe Hospitality Jamaica.

The property has a practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions, allowing it to seek a LEED Silver Certification. This building will be 30% more energy-efficient than a standard building with a 16% reduction in water consumption, a 30% use of regional materials and will produce 5% of its energy on-site through solar panels.

The 129-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel, scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2015, will be located 19km from the Norman Manley International Airport and close to the city’s best dining and shopping.

“The changing economic climate across the world and today’s technology has changed how people travel,” said Andrew Houghton, Area Vice President of the Caribbean at Marriott International. “Our guests want a room that has purpose and flexibility that enables a seamless transition between relaxing and working. Courtyard is designed to offer them a relaxing and functional space to work the way they want to, when they want to.”

“With the success of the brand across the region, the Courtyard by Marriott brand has become a favorite amongst regional travelers”, Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Caribbean & Latin America, Marriott International. “The new hotel in Jamaica will be a significant milestone in our rapid expansion across the Caribbean and our company crossing borders into new and exciting markets.”

The hotel will feature the brand’s refreshing business lobby, lobby bar, a casual dining restaurant, flexible meeting space and recreational facilities including a swimming pool and fitness center. Additionally, it will include the brand’s new modern guestroom design which is intuitive and thoughtful, offering flexible yet comfortable spaces that enable technology. Signature furniture and architectural elements will replace traditional art in the new guestroom design.

The Courtyard by Marriott brand features hotels with a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced while traveling. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ desire for choice and control and allow them to use the public space and guest rooms to meet all of their needs while on the road. With more than 1000 locations in 39 countries, Courtyard has more locations than any other Marriott International brand.