A hotel in orbit, lunar sightseeing flights and luxury rides into the cosmos -- all are part of Russia's vision to ensure it is not left behind in the growing space tourism industry. Russian firms unveiled their plans at the country's premiere air show this week at Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, saying the race was on to build a new craft to take people into space following the retirement of NASA's space shuttle in April.
With one year to go until the start of the Games, hoteliers in the capital have begun taking advantage of an anticipated influx in visitors from home and abroad. Although the majority of hotels have not yet released their rates for the period covering the Games – July 27-August 12 – those which have are quoting prices well in excess of what they would usually be at that time of year.
France granted a few top hotels the right to call themselves a "palace" on Thursday, a label which distinguishes them from rivals and is designed to boost the country's profile as a luxury destination. The eight winners of the accolade include Paris hotels Meurice and Plaza-Athenee, both owned by the Sultan of Brunei, as well as the Bristol hotel, owned by Germany's Oetker family.
Check Safety First has joined forces with Diversey -- a leading supplier of hygiene and cleaning systems -- with the aim of supporting the Portuguese hotel industry in managing the issue of health and safety. Diversey has licensed Check Safety First's risk management audit system, E-Cristal, and will target hotels with this solution.
The prestigious Wyndham Grand, London Chelsea Harbour has implemented health and safety expert, Check Safety First's online E-Cristal health and safety risk management system to ensure the wellbeing of its guests.
The British government is pulling back its support of a hotel star rating system, but that doesn’t mean the program is going anywhere. The Independent reported the British government favors a consumer-led system. But VisitEngland, one of the organizers of the national star rating system, said the existing program will be updated and not dissolved. John Penrose, the British minister of tourism, wrote in a 1 February blog that consumer-driven websites are increasingly important, and he advised travelers not to “take any one source as gospel.”
VingCard Elsafe, the global leader in hospitality security and part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, recently completed installation of its Signature RFID by VingCard contactless electronic door locks with NFC cell phone compatibility at the Kyriad Marseille Centre-Rabatou in Marseille, France. Located a few steps from the Congress Palace and the city's Stadium, the 88-room Louvre Hotels property is conveniently located close to the city's main attractions, public transportation stops and superb beaches, making it an attractive location for both leisure and business travelers.
The first Swissôtel Living, a new, exclusive residence concept by Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, was recently unveiled at Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul. Sixty-three elegant apartments in a range of sizes, from studios to 1 – 3 bedrooms, offer the ultimate in style and luxury, and allow guests to enjoy the full range of hotel services within the comfort of their own four walls. More Swissôtel Living residences will follow in the future in other Swissôtel destinations.
NBTA Europe and the German buyer-led business travel association VDR (Verband Deutsches Reisemanagement e.V.) have announced their partnership to build a stronger European buyer-led network. The deal, based on an initial one year partnership commencing in Spring 2011, will see VDR bring their more than 500 members and market intelligence from Germany to the network which started in January 2010. VDR members will join a European network of 2,700 buyers and suppliers and gain access to over 70 resources, research papers and benchmark tools through the network.
Bringing together all the travel industry’s key players from all sectors under one roof, WTM 2010 marked a superb networking and marketing ground for Travco Group to put on show its high- end services and premier products. Travco’s customary participation provided a strong presence at the fair, which took place in London from November 8th till November 11th, 2010.
As the clock continues to tick on the Savoy’s October 10 opening – after a delay that this blog was the first in the world to report – anticipation is growing to see exactly what delights the Old Dame has in store. Most are expecting a certain decadence within the frame of an ultra luxurious hotel – and quite right too, in view of the Savoy’s impressive heritage and longstanding tradition as an Art Deco hotel.
Today Corinthia Hotels released further details of the five-star luxury hotel it is building in central London, which is due to open in early 2011. It will become the world’s ninth Corinthia hotel. Corinthia Hotel London is being built within an imposing Victorian building, on a city block location between Whitehall Place, Northumberland Avenue and Great Scotland Yard, overlooking Trafalgar Square and the River Thames.
The Irish Hotel Federation has claimed 150 hotels are under threat after the announcement that Bank of Scotland Ireland is to close. The bank provides 20% of all loans to the hotel sector in the Irish Republic. Irish Hotel Federation President Paul Gallagher wants an Irish government "guarantee" scheme for the sector.
The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, announces the Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Centre Salzburg, Austria. The former Renaissance Salzburg Congress Center featuring 257 rooms will be re-branded in Q3 2010 and complement Rezidor's 62-room Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, Salzburg.
A hotel chain that promises to offer a power shower and a comfy bed but charge for extras such as room cleaning and air conditioning is marking its arrival on the London hotel scene with 1p-a-night room deals. Tony Fernandes, the man behind low-cost long haul airline AirAsia and a string of budget hotels in Malaysia and Indonesia, is to launch his first UK Tune Hotel in Westminster in August.
The Cypriot hotel is the proud winner of the Check Safety First annual Cristal Awards, which recognise hotels that consistently achieve exceptional levels of health and safety. The Sunwing Sandy Bay was awarded the prize for its immaculate condition and a dedicated approach to the welfare of its guests.
Tourism authorities in France are phasing out the familiar blue octagonal rating sign (top) that greets guests on the facade of more than 17,000 of the country’s hotels. The new classification, still voluntary, evaluates hotels on 240 norms that cover technical aspects of each property and, for the first time, service levels. Hoteliers earn one to five stars instead of the old zero to four stars deluxe.
The hospitality sector in Greece – and in any other country that faces such negative financial and political coverage - is in a position to reverse the negative climate and create a solid foundation for future progress, even in times of crisis. Flexibility and innovation are characteristics that can reverse the negative impressions and lead hospitality businesses to take control of their policy and communications with travellers.
Magnuson Hotels, which represents more than 1,200 properties in North America, is targeting independently-owned hotels with 20-plus bedrooms with its ‘fee-free’ business model which allows the hotelier to retain their independence.
Warwick International Hotels, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is proud to welcome to its Collection two new hotels in Italy: Borgo La Bagnaia Resort & Spa in Siena and Hotel Hermitage in Milan. They join the Hotel d’Inghilterra in Rome and the Hotel Helvetia & Bristol in Florence as part of WIH.