Wynn Resorts announces plans for resort expansion

Steve Wynn and Wynn Resorts have discussed plans at an investor conference for a new entertainment destination built around a first-ever recreational lake concept. The development is subject to approval by the company’s Board of Directors and will include a 38 acre lagoon, surrounded by premium meetings and convention space, a 1,000 room hotel tower, a small casino and extensive dining and nightlife. The elaborate water attraction will include both daytime and nighttime entertainment elements.

“We have a chance to reinvent Las Vegas and make the whole venue an entertainment attraction…an idyllic beach paradise surrounded by white sand beaches,” said Steve Wynn chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts. “People come to Las Vegas from all over the world to live large and have a good time and we can dish up an irresistible entertainment attraction.”

Tentatively called Wynn Paradise Park, the expansion will be constructed on approximately 130 acres of real estate that currently houses the Wynn Golf Club. The proposed lagoon will be lined by a pristine white sand beach and boardwalk and feature an array of daytime activities including water skiing, paddle boarding and parasailing. At night, the space will transform with an elaborate fireworks display that is launched from the 120 ft. center island and surrounding areas.

Wynn Paradise Park will add 260,000 square feet of premium meetings space with unobstructed views of the waterfront, spacious guest rooms with a separate bedroom, living room and balcony, and a variety of restaurants, including an expansion of the current Country Club restaurant.

In addition, the resort is also developing Wynn Plaza, an expansive retail complex featuring 75,518 square feet of luxury retail space. Debuting fall 2017, the uniquely designed complex will augment the existing luxury retail collection currently showcased at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore as well as bring the shopping experience to the high traffic area bordering Las Vegas Blvd.

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Karen Hana named General Manager of Alegria in St. Maarten

Veteran Caribbean hotel industry professional Karen Hana has been appointed General Manager of one the newest hotels in the Choice Hotels International Caribbean portfolio on the island of St. Maarten.

Hana, who was most recently Executive Director of the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association, takes charge of the recently renovated Alegria, a distinctive 78-room resort on the southern coast of St. Maarten. Alegria joins Choice Hotels’ Ascend Hotel Collection, a global portfolio of independent boutique-style hotels and resorts.

A graduate of The Hague Hotel Management School in the Netherlands, with 22 years of experience working in the St. Maarten tourism sector, Hana – a Dutch native – grew up and worked in Mexico and the Caribbean. She has extensive experience working at resorts ranging from all-inclusive to timeshare, from boutique hotels to large chain hotels.

“Karen is a consummate professional and we expect her leadership to translate into the positioning of Alegria as a leading hotel and guest experience on the island,” said Fadi Salem, Chief Operations Officer of Alegria.

Hana welcomed the opportunity to make a difference in the island she now calls home. “We look forward to welcoming many more guests to Alegria,” she said, explaining that the hotel has benefited from a thorough refresh.

Hana reported that the response to the hotel has been encouraging. “With new bedding, new amenities and with the Ascend Hotel Collection, guests are just thrilled,” she said.

Overlooking the ocean at Sunset Beach and adjacent to Maho beach, Alegria is an oasis where guests can immerse themselves in world-famous white sand beaches or join the visitors from around the world who flock to Maho Beach to experience the close-up excitement of jets soaring overhead as they approach Princess Juliana International Airport. In contrast, the night skies remain clear, as the airport restricts flights after 9 p.m.

The hotel is a short taxi ride from Philipsburg, capital of the island’s Dutch side, and numerous beaches.

Nearby attractions include the Loterie Farm Nature Reserve nestled in the hillside of Pic Paradis on the French side of St. Martin which offers dining, hiking and zip-lining over the treetop canopy. Guests can also make day-trips to neighboring islands, visit Fort Amsterdam, a historic site that was built by Dutch settlers in 1631 and renowned for its architectural ruins and spectacular views, and enjoy the wide variety of culinary offerings. on an island dubbed the Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean.

Alegria offers several spacious room types that are fully equipped with upscale amenities and balcony views of the gardens or turquoise Caribbean waters. The two-bedroom penthouse features more than 2,000 square feet of space, king beds, two and a half baths, a lounge area with sofa bed, designer kitchen, and a washer and dryer.

The hotel also has two pools with a swim-up bar, and duty-free shopping is just a short walk away. Excellent dining options, casinos, nightclubs and an 18-hole championship golf course are also nearby.

The Choice Hotels International Caribbean portfolio currently includes hotels in the Caribbean destinations of Aruba, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Puerto Rico and St. Maarten.

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Amy Delegal-Fox appointed Director of Sales & Marketing for Hotel Zelos

Benchmark Hospitality International, a U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Amy Delegal-Fox director of sales & marketing for Hotel Zelos, a Personal Luxury property located in San Francisco, California. Sietse Nabben, general manager, made the announcement.

“It is with pleasure that I formally welcome Amy to Hotel Zelos,” said Mr. Nabben. “She has invested much of her hospitality career within our regional market and brings a vast customer sales network to our property. She is a wonderful addition to our leadership team.”

Amy Delegal-Fox was most recently area director of sales and marketing for Evolution Hospitality, responsible for the Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf and Hotel Adagio, both of San Francisco, California. Previous to this, Ms. Delegal-Fox was director of sales and marketing for the San Mateo Marriott of San Mateo, California. Earlier in her career, she was senior convention sales manager for the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Ms. Delegal-Fox is a graduate of the University of South western Louisiana, located in Lafayette, Louisiana, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She resides in Berkeley, California.

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The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa appoints Julie Tainter as Director of Sales and Marketing

Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is proud to announce the appointment of Julie Tainter as director of sales and marketing. With more than 30 years of experience, Tainter will collaborate with the resort’s sales, marketing, and public relations teams to drive sales and exceed revenue goals for the 487 room desert property.

Spearheading The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa’s sales and marketing efforts, Tainter will work with the Starwood field marketing team alongside a national and local public relations firm to oversee creative design, marketing, social media, and PR efforts. Additionally, Tainter will direct and supervise day-to-day sales operations encompassing groups, leisure, catering, convention services, and business development.

“Julie’s multitude of experience coupled with a hunger for results will inevitably propel our meetings and leisure business,” said General Manager, Glenn Sampert. “With Julie at the helm, I am certain our resort will continue to thrive as we celebrate our 30th anniversary.”

Most recently, Tainter served as director of sales and marketing for Tucson-based Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa where she was recognized as the 2014 Woman of Influence – Hotel Champion by Inside Tucson Business. During her time at the resort, Tainter’s responsibilities included overseeing sales, marketing, convention services, and media while directing the creative design process and marketing efforts. Prior to that role, Tainter oversaw a portfolio of hotels and resorts as corporate director of sales and marketing for River Hospitality Management LLC and American Property Management Corporation, in addition to her own hospitality consulting firm – J. Tainter & Company.

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NEW RESTAURANTS FROM SARABETH’S, TAILLEVENT — AND JESSICA BIEL

Jessica Biel is going into the restaurant business. The actress and her business partner Estee Stanley are opening the child-friendly, all-day eatery Au Fudge in West Hollywood, Calif., this month. Children will have a spacious area for activities like fingerprinting T-shirts, and adults can choose from a menu that includes coffees, a full range of alcoholic drinks and salads. Fudge, as the name suggests, will also be served.

Sarabeth’s, the New York-based brand of casual American restaurants and bakeries, is in the midst of an international expansion. Sarabeth Levine, the company’s founder, started the growth in 2012 with a location in Tokyo. She has since opened four more restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan. Last fall, she opened a restaurant and bakery in Pangyo, South Korea, just outside of Seoul, and in mid-March, she’s set to open in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at City Walk 2, a new mall in the city center. More Sarabeth’s restaurants are planned for Japan and Taiwan.

Three new restaurants are opening this year at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Beauty & Essex, the popular small plates eatery on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, will have a location within the next few months; Eggslut, an all-day restaurant in Los Angeles emphasizing eggs, will open in the spring; and later in the year, the contemporary Japanese spot Zuma will open at the resort.

Taillevent Paris, the family-owned hospitality group behind Le Taillevent in Paris, which has earned two Michelin stars, recently introduced Les 110 de Taillevent London, a wine bar and brasserie in Cavendish Square in London. The casual eatery is open from breakfast through dinner, and serves contemporary and seasonal French dishes and 110 wines by the glass.

Post copied from: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/06/travel/hotel-and-restaurant-news-an-ace-is-opening-in-new-orleans.html?_r=0

Indian Hotel Industry revenue to grow 9-10 % in FY 17

MUMBAI: The country's hotel industry revenues are likely to improve by 9-10 per cent in 2016-17, mainly aided by improved occupancy, rating agency ICRABSE 2.75 % said.

It estimates the topline growth for the industry to be 8 per cent during 2015-16.

The pan-India average room rate (ARR) will be flat for 2015-16, but occupancy improvements of 6-7 per cent supports revenue per available room (Rev Par) growth of 7 percent it said in the report.

Room inventory in the premium category is estimated to increase by 8 per cent for 2015-16, compared to 4 per cent during 2014-15.

With deferment in construction, supply addition would be lower than earlier estimates at 7.7-8 per cent for 2016-17.

Domestic travel, going by domestic airline Revenue Passenger Kilometre ( RPKM) trends exhibited strong growth during the past 12 months indicating improving consumer confidence, it said.

However, given the muted global economic outlook, Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) growth for CY2016 is expected to be subdued.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) slowed down to 4.4 per cent during Calendar year 2015 (7.1 per cent during 2014). FTA segment continues to remain far below its true potential, ICRA report pointed out.

Further, it said, the per capita dollar spend by tourists declined shaply in 2015 after remaining stagnant in three years.

Read more at:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/50745617.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

 

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Charles Loop appointed CFO at DHISCO

Charles Loop, an industry distribution veteran has today been appointed CFO at DHISCO, the largest single processor of electronic hotel transactions.

Charles brings more than 20 years of experience at Sabre Corp., a major travel distribution company, including the position of chief financial officer of Sabre Travel Network. His appointment completes DHISCO’s senior leadership team and underscores its investors’ commitment to the company.

“Charles Loop’s vast experience and knowledge of the travel distribution business will help DHISCO and its new leadership team deliver intelligent booking systems that drive our partners’ success,” said Toni Portmann, DHISCO chief executive officer, adding that Loop will be able to “hit the ground running with a focus on profitability, costs, margins and ROI.”

In addition to providing financial oversight, he will play a key role in the company’s strategic product positioning and pricing.

Loop joined Sabre in 1994 as a senior analyst, moving up to vice president of Sabre Travel Network sales and operations. In 2004, he joined Sabre’s Travelocity subsidiary as financial operations controller and led the post-acquisition financial integration of Travelocity Europe and lastminute.com. He was CFO of Travelocity in Europe from 2005 until 2006 and appointed CFO of Sabre Travel Network in 2013.

For more information on DHISCO visit http://www.dhisco.com/

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Arantxa Balson is appointed Chief Human Resources Officer

Arantxa Balson will join Accor as Chief Human Resources Officer. She will be a member of the Group’s Executive Committee and her appointment will be effective as of May 4th 2015.

Evelyne Chabrot, Accor’s current Chief Human Resources Officer, has decided in full agreement with the Group’s senior executives, that after over forty years with Accor, she will now devote her time to personal projects in active retirement. Evelyne Chabrot will accompany this transition to ensure a smooth handover.

Referring to this appointment, Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor declared: “We have been working with Evelyne and the Executive Committee for several months to prepare this change in our organization. Evelyne has played an essential role in accompanying the Group’s transformation, but I would also especially like to pay tribute to her commitment, integrity, thoughtfulness and unfailing attachment to Accor. I know that this transition will be a very emotional one for her. It will also be charged with emotion for the 170,000 Accor employees who I will represent in honoring her. I am very happy that Arantxa has agreed to join Accor, to take up the torch and continue the work undertaken by the Human Resources teams. Her international experience, knowledge of the challenges facing an increasingly digital world, and enthusiasm, will be essential qualities in ensuring that the transformation of our Group is a complete success”.

Arantxa Balson is Spanish and 50 years old. She has a degree in Educational Psychology from the Universidad de Comillas and an MBA from ICADE’s School of Management and Economic Sciences in Madrid. She also has a postgraduate diploma in Human Resources Management and Social Relations from Université Paris IX Dauphine.

Arantxa Balson started her career in 1994 at France Télécom where she was in charge of international training. In 1998, she joined Lucent Technologies (now Alcatel-Lucent) where she held various positions as Human Resources Director in Western Europe, then in Spain and Portugal. Then she joined Lucent Worldwide Services EMEA as HR Director, a position she combined with another role as HR support for the transformation of the Supply Chain and Corporate Centers in the region. In 2004, she joined Endesa, the leading electricity utility in Spain and Latin America, as Director of Development and HR Innovation.

Ever since 2010, she has been Director of Human Resources at Adeo, Europe’s leading DIY and home improvement retailer. In this capacity, she notably accompanied the digital transformation and equipped the group’s companies with learning and open innovation platforms.

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Matt Taylor appointed as General Manager Marketing for Choice Hotels Australasia

Choice Hotels Australasia has appointed Matt Taylor as General Manager Marketing following his significant contribution to the company during a period of growth.

Trent Fraser, Choice’s CEO, said Taylor has been integral in leading the strategic marketing direction for Choice Hotels across Australasia, and as a result of his management and marketing initiatives, the company has experienced significant increases in brand awareness, consumer engagement and bottom line growth.

“Matt has done a terrific job in leading the business, achieving strong results and implementing innovative initiatives for our franchisee network over the last few years but especially over the past 12 months,” said Fraser.

Having built a career in retail and tourism, Taylor’s experience has provided a solid foundation for Choice Hotels since he joined in 2012.

In his time at Choice, Taylor has led the implementation of many digital, online and social strategies for the brand.  In 2015, the Choice Hotels’ Marketing team launched the local area marketing kit (LAMkit), a cloud-based platform which allows franchisees to create their own marketing collateral and stationery remotely. The portal then links directly to printers and digital advertising systems to make the process easy for franchisees.

Sponsorship has been a significant focus for Taylor, including establishing partnerships with the PGA of Australia, New Zealand Golf, Australian Cricketers Association, New Zealand Cricket Players Association and charity partners Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand and Kids Under Cover.

Before commencing his role with Choice Hotels, Taylor began his career with PETstock, where over a seven year period he built his way up to General Manager Marketing, before holding positions with Crazy Johns as the National Marketing and Communications Manager and Global Retail Brands as the National Marketing Manager.

Choice Hotels Australasia has more than 270 hotels across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. For more information go to www.choicehotels.com.au

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Hilton Durban today announced the appointment of Chris Van Aswegen as Chief Engineer and according to Markus Fritz, General Manager for the Hilton Durban, Chris will be working on the ongoing refurbishment of the hotel.

Fritz added: “This appointment follows the exciting ongoing refurbishment project that Hilton Durban commenced in January 2014, with phase one being the Lobby and Port Cochere rejuvenation.”

“In 2015 and 2016, we will be seeing a new concept restaurant open in the later part of 2015 and then moving onto the full refurbishment of our 324 guest rooms, including our suites and Presidential Suite.”

Van Aswegen brings both local and international experience to his new role at Hilton Durban. In his former role as the Maintenance Manager at Hilton Windhoek, he was responsible for supervising, controlling and overseeing all room, contracts and projects. Prior to Hilton Windhoek, Van Aswegen has been with the Hilton family since 2011, starting at the Hilton Durban as Assistant Chief Engineer.

For more information go to www.hilton.com.

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Vail Resorts to Acquire Perisher, the Largest Mountain Resort in Australia

Vail Resorts, Inc. today announced that the Company has agreed to acquire its first international mountain resort, Perisher Ski Resort (“Perisher”) in New South Wales, Australia, for total cash consideration of AU$176.6 million (approximately US$136 million), subject to certain adjustments.

Perisher is the largest and most visited ski resort in Australia and is well-positioned with access to the country’s largest cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Brisbane. Perisher is also the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 following the satisfaction of certain conditions, including approval by the New South Wales Government under the long-term lease and licence noted below.

The Company is purchasing 100 percent of the stock in the entities that operate Perisher from Murray Publishers Pty Ltd and Transfield Corporate Pty Ltd in Sydney. Perisher holds a long-term lease and licence with the New South Wales Government under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, which expires in 2048 with a 20-year renewal option. The acquisition includes the resort areas known as Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega, along with ski school, lodging, food and beverage, retail/rental and transportation operations, which together comprise Perisher.

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Bill Herman named National Account Manager for Hotel Internet Services

Hotel Internet Services (HIS) has appointed 17-year hospitality industry veteran, Bill Herman, to the role of National Account Manager.

According to Gary Patrick, President of Hotel Internet Services, Herman’s appointment represents a major part of HIS’s expansion plans as he is well experienced in the industry and understands the role technology plays is vital to success.

“Technology in the guest-room is extremely dynamic and needs to keep pace with the guests’ in-home experience (both TV viewing content and Wi-Fi),” Herman said.

Herman added: “My Company goal is to help make HIS the leader in the Hospitality Industry for both Wi-Fi and IPTV. Our company is positioned to grow very rapidly and I am excited to be part of that expansion.”

“We are very happy to add Bill Herman to our team. He brings many years of outstanding experience to HIS at a very exciting time as the company is just releasing a new entry into the world of in-room entertainment,” said Gary Patrick.

Herman comes to HIS from Lodgenet Interactive where he served as Regional Sales Manager.

HIS is a full solution provider for secure wired and wireless Internet services, IPTV VOD Systems, BeyondTV Wireless Streaming Player, convention services, all supported with 24×7 guest service monitoring and support. HIS provides equipment and services to Casinos, Hotels, Resorts, Military and Student housing, Timeshares, Condos, Conference Centers, Apartments and many other commercial venues.

Michael Fletcher Appointed Director of Sales & Marketing Hilton Atlanta

Michael Fletcher has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing at Hilton Atlanta, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Atlanta’s convention district and home of the legendary Nicholas Roof with outstanding revolving views of downtown Atlanta. Fletcher will be responsible for the coordination of Hilton Atlanta’s sales and marketing functions, developing and implementing sales and marketing strategies for the 1242-room property.  

Strategic and enthusiastic, Fletcher’s background includes more than 17 years of leadership experience overseeing the sales and marketing efforts of full service hotels with up to 1,560 rooms and 160,000 square feet of meeting space.  Prior to his most recent position as director of sales and marketing with Westin Hotels & Resorts, he spent 13 years with Marriott International as director of sales Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

Fletcher attended the business administration and management program at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

An icon for more than three decades, and the third largest hotel in downtown Atlanta, Hilton Atlanta has completed a major transformation and renovation offering guests and meeting planners a fresh new product in one of America’s most affordable cities.

The 30-story tower, located at 225 Courtland Street – in the heart of downtown Atlanta has transformed all 1,242 guestrooms and suites, as well as the lobby and atrium areas, 119,000 square feet of meeting space, food and beverage outlets and fitness facilities.

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Mercure Gold Coast Resort appoints new chef, Darren Clements

Mercure Gold Coast Resort has appointed Darren Clements to the role of Executive Chef, overseeing the Palm Meadows property’s recently re-launched restaurant and bar, in-room dining, and conference and events catering services.

The resort’s General Manage, Jamie O’Donnell, said: “We are delighted to welcome Darren to the team and he heralds a new era of great dining for this resort.”

“He brings 20 years of cooking experience to this role, perfected both here in Australia and overseas, and his sophisticated yet accessible cuisine style will certainly complement the refined new surrounds of Mercure’s restaurant and dining space which was completely renovated at the end of last year,” he added.

Local Brisbane boy

A local Brisbane boy, Darren commenced his career in the kitchens of some of Australia’s best Australia’s most popular restaurants and hotels, including the Sheraton Brisbane, Melbourne’s Oberoi Windsor Hotel, and the Sofitel Melbourne On Collins .

Most notably, Darren has worked extensively in Arabia, involved in the pre-opening of the 867-room Madinat Jumeirah Arabian Resort in Dubai with its 45 restaurant and bars. He was also Executive Chef for the pre-opening of the W Doha Hotel in Qatar, which boasts 445 rooms and restaurants by Michelin star chef Jean Georges Vongrichten.

Describing his food style as eclectic, Darren uses his classic French training and love of Asian and Arabic flavours from his many culinary journeys around the globe to inspire his restaurant menus.

At the Mercure Gold Coast Resort, he says he is looking forward to creating an a la carte menu featuring local produce from the Gold Coast, Tweed Coast and South East Queensland, incorporating indigenous recipes into the resort’s regular restaurant and bar menus.

For more information on the Mercure Gold Coast Resort go to www.mercuregoldcoastresort.com.au.

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Royal Caribbean expands deployment and investment in China vacation market

Furthering the cruise line’s commitment to growing the China vacation market, Royal Caribbean International announced that Tianjin, China, will be the new home for its third Quantum-class ship, Ovation of the Seas. The news was given by Royal Caribbean’s President and CEO, Michael Bayley, in a Beijing press conference of media, travel agents and officials. Launching in April 2016, Ovation of the Seas will be the cruise line’s fifth cruise ship based in the region.

“Cruising has become very popular for Chinese consumers and Royal Caribbean is already capturing their imaginations with our industry-leading cruise ships,” said Bayley. “We are furthering our commitment by bringing two of the world’s newest and most advanced Quantum-class cruise ships to the region. In addition, we are significantly expanding our investment in the training and employment of Chinese talent so they can join us in delivering our amazing and distinctive vacations to Chinese travelers.”

Currently under construction, Ovation of the Seas will join Quantum of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Legend of the Seas in the China seas. The five ships will comprise the largest fleet deployment for any cruise brand in China, homeporting in four metropolitan Chinese cities – Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong and Xiamen – and primarily sailing three- to 12-night itineraries to destinations in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. Royal Caribbean’s summer 2016 Asia adventures will open for booking in August

In addition to committing ships to the region, Royal Caribbean is investing in people shoreside. The cruise line created a curriculum with the Tianjin Maritime College in August 2014 in order to attract, train and employ more Chinese talent. In the 13,000 sq. ft. school, students are instructed in the skills needed for a successful culinary or restaurant service career with Royal Caribbean. The cruise line has already hired more than 3,000 graduates and hopes to expand the program to accept more students and work with colleges in other Chinese

Royal Caribbean also is exploring new ways to engage the Chinese economy and help create more Chinese jobs. The cruise line is investigating potential Chinese drydock facilities to revitalize Legend of the Seas as early as 2018; logistics centers in China to supply its ships deployed in the region; and an inbound-tourism business model to bring thousands of North American vacationers to experience

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Carnival Corporation to add nine cruise ships to its fleet over a four-year period

Carnival Corporation signed two strategic memorandums of agreement that will add a total of nine new cruise ships to the company’s fleet over a four-year period from 2019 – 2022. The shipbuilding agreements, which include options for additional ship builds in the coming years, are subject to several conditions, including satisfactory financing.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri S.p.A and German shipbuilder Meyer Werft will each build new ships based on Carnival Corporation’s next-generation ship designs, which will produce the most efficient ships in the company’s history. The new ships are expected to serve established cruise markets in North America and Europe, as well as newer markets, including China. Each new ship will be specifically designed and developed for the brand and guests it will serve, and support the company’s overall goal of exceeding guest expectations and further elevating every aspect of the guest experience.

“We’re excited to take this next step in our fleet enhancement plan with these two new agreements that are consistent with our long-term strategy of measured capacity growth over time,” said Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation. “Our goal as a company is to exceed the expectations of every guest on every ship every day, and these new ships will further enable us to do just that. These will be the most efficient ships we have ever built and the great guest experience will create even more excitement around cruising – helping new cruisers realize the superior vacation experience and value that cruising offers versus land-based vacations.”

Fincantieri, the world’s largest cruise ship building company, will develop and construct five ships at its shipyards in Monfalcone and Marghera, Italy.

“I am extremely proud on this truly memorable day for us. Today’s announcement provides us with a long-term strategic prospective, and reinforces the extraordinary partnership between us and Carnival Corporation, developed over time thanks to the confidence the group has always shown in us, which we assure will be once again well placed,” said Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri. “This agreement reflects the exceptional business vision of the world’s most important cruise operator, and our readiness and flexibility in interpreting its demands.”

Bono added, “This agreement is the best reward for our hard work over all these years, and in fact, our organizational, design and production skills have allowed us to consolidate our market leadership, confirming us at the top of such an exclusive and complex industry.”

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Four Seasons Hotel Doha Introduces New Kids For All Seasons Activities

For families looking for a relaxing break by the shimmering shores of the Arabian Gulf this spring Four Seasons Hotel Doha offers a fun-filled retreat for the entire family – and most importantly a place where kids can be kids!.

The Hotel’s popular kids programing offering – Kids for All Seasons – is introducing a brand new selection of complimentary themed activities that offers its youngest guests a chance to make holiday memories that last a lifetime.

The Four Seasons’ Kids for All Seasons (KFAS) program captures a distinct sense of place within the destination and incorporates education and fun within three unique activity programs – Kids Club, Too Cool for School and the Young Adult Social (YAS).

Starting with the Kids Club program for 5-12 year olds, young children are encouraged to immerse themselves in educational and interactive learning through Arts and Crafts, Treasure Hunts and various sports all within the immaculate grounds of the Hotel.

For kids who are a little more independent and adventurous, the Hotel has designed the “Too Cool for School” program.  Like its namesake, kids are invited to express their independence and meet other like-minded 7-12 year olds and have fun socially whilst being challenged with an array of activities tailored for their specific age group.

Young adults (teenagers) staying at the Hotel have their own group program designed to encourage socializing and mingling with other guests of their age. The Young Adult Social (YAS) program takes participants through the Hotel with various sporting activities and team competitions, building trust and friendship along the way. The program includes activities such as volleyball, mini golf and swimming contests, mocktail socials and movie nights to feed the team – or teen – spirit.

JW MARRIOTT AND RITZ-CARLTON SOON-TO-OPEN IN GALAXY MACAU

With both the JW Marriott Hotel Macau and The Ritz-Carlton, Macau set to open on May 27, 2015, Marriott International, Inc. has announced the official launch of bookings on www.jwmarriottmacau.com and www.ritzcarlton.com/macau. Set within one of the world’s most spectacular entertainment and leisure destinations – Galaxy Macau™ – guests have the option of embarking on an urban escape at Asia’s largest JW Marriott – JW Marriott Hotel Macau, or reveling in the finest personal service and best of Asian luxury at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, the brand’s first All-Suite hotel.

“The opening of these two new hotels at the Galaxy Macau™ integrated resort will redefine the standard of luxury in Macau,” said Rauf Malik, Vice President of Operations at JW Marriott Hotel Macau and The Ritz-Carlton, Macau. “Through this carefully crafted range of opening offers, we will give our first guests a holistic taste of the truly exceptional experiences that these hotels will provide. Our guests can choose to indulge in the simple elegance of the JW Marriott Hotel Macau or immerse themselves in the legendary experience that defines The Ritz-Carlton, Macau.”

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NOTHER U HOTEL COMING TO CHIANG MAI

Absolute Hotel Services Group CEO Jonathan Wigley has announced the second member of U Hotels & Resorts in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The hotel will consist of 140 rooms and suites and set to open in late 2016.

U Nimman Chiang Mai is located on Nimmanhemin Road and just minutes away from the shopping and entertainment area, the most hip and trendy area to visit when in Chiang Mai. The hotel will have a total of 140 rooms and suites, which will be well equipped with deluxe amenities. The overall design of the hotel will be industrial modern with a twist of Lanna influences throughout its interiors. Facilities include an all day dining restaurant with terrace bar, a library, a spa with five treatment rooms, a swimming pool, a gym and large garden area. For meeting and events the hotel will also provide a 720 sqm banquet space plus additional 300 sqm function lawn.

Guests can enjoy and experience the U’s unique concept of service including the 24 hour room which will allow guests to enjoy their room for 24 hours from check in as well as breakfast whenever/wherever during the stay, international and local calls at cost, pre-select amenities such as pillow, tea and soap that guests can select from our online U Choose programme and more.

Jonathan Wigley said “We are very excited to add another U hotel in Chiang Mai in such location as Nimman which is quickly become the social hub of Chiang Mai.”

Post copied from: http://ehotelier.com/news/properties/2015/03/25/another-u-hotel-coming-to-chiang-mai/

DUSIT THANI LAUNCHES IN KRABI

Dusit International and MBK Hotel and Resort have announced the launch of the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort.



Central garden at Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort

At a signing ceremony jointly presided over by Khun Chanin Donavanik, Dusit International’s Managing Director and CEO, and Khun Suvait Theeravachirakul, MBK Group’s Director and CEO, it was announced Dusit will rebrand the property from 1 July 2015.

The Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort, located on a secluded stretch of the beautiful Klong Muang Beach, will boast a fresh, modern-Thai design that capitalises on the surrounding lush, tropical landscape. The resort will offer 240 spacious and inviting guest rooms, 3 restaurants, 1 bar, 2 beachfront swimming pools, meeting facilities, a Spa, a gym, a club lounge and a kid’s club, making it an excellent choice for leisure travelers and bespoke events.

Post copied from: http://ehotelier.com/news/properties/2015/03/25/dusit-thani-launches-in-krabi/