The hotel industry has been hugely hit by the economic slowdown and needs some support from the government, essentially in the form of lower taxes.
The luxury tax of 12.5 % levied on the hotels was a big hindrance, not only because it is high but also since it is charged on the card tariff rather than the actual tariff charged.
Dr Palani G Periasamy, chairman, Appu Hotels Ltd, which runs the Le Meridien hotel in Chennai, suggested that both the central and state governments should help in bringing down costs by reducing taxes.
Indian hotel industry had always been looking to the `affluent west` for business. Observing this, Dr Periasamy stressed that there are millions of people elsewhere who want to see India. They also need to stay in good hotels at affordable costs. He said that the governments would only gain in terms of revenue collected if the tax rate was brought down.
Dr Periasamy stated that occupancies in Chennai were normally 70-75%, but now it had come down to 60-65%. He said that Chennai had been less affected than most other cities. Hotels, however, were getting some help in terms of more revenue from food and beverages.
www.jimandaz.com
Monday, March 9, 2009
Britannia to eliminate Trans fats from its biscuits
Britannia, one of the most trusted food brands in India, has decided to remove Trans fats from its range of baked products. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on major vanaspati brands and Trans fat level in packaged food products, has led to this decision.
The company claims to be the first bakery to remove Trans fats from its produce in the country. During the last decade conclusive scientific evidence has linked the consumption of industrially produced Trans fatty acids (TFA`s) with alterations of metabolism of blood lipids, vascular inflammation and the development of cardio-vascular diseases.
A statement issued by the company said that in the last 18 months, Britannia has already removed around 8,500 tonnes of Trans fat from its products and moved around 56,000 tonnes of HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) to vegetable oil usage.
The company wants to meet consumers` needs who like health and taste to co-exist in the food and improvise nutrition through removal of unhealthy content (Trans fats) with addition of nutrients through fortification.
Britannia will be manufacturing the brands like Tiger, Milk Bikis, MarieGold, Treat, 50-50, Good Day regular range, Nutrichoice and Little Hearts without Trans fats. The company said that recommendations of international agencies like WHO (World Health Organisation) and PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation) have urged for the replacement of Trans fatty acids in manufactured food with unsaturated fat in the country.
Britannia has initiated basic Trans fat consumer education on brands like Marie Gold and Nutrichoice, which target adults realising the need for consumer education on Trans fats. The company has also planned to focus its efforts on consumer education through declaration on product labels and media.
www.jimandaz.com
The company claims to be the first bakery to remove Trans fats from its produce in the country. During the last decade conclusive scientific evidence has linked the consumption of industrially produced Trans fatty acids (TFA`s) with alterations of metabolism of blood lipids, vascular inflammation and the development of cardio-vascular diseases.
A statement issued by the company said that in the last 18 months, Britannia has already removed around 8,500 tonnes of Trans fat from its products and moved around 56,000 tonnes of HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) to vegetable oil usage.
The company wants to meet consumers` needs who like health and taste to co-exist in the food and improvise nutrition through removal of unhealthy content (Trans fats) with addition of nutrients through fortification.
Britannia will be manufacturing the brands like Tiger, Milk Bikis, MarieGold, Treat, 50-50, Good Day regular range, Nutrichoice and Little Hearts without Trans fats. The company said that recommendations of international agencies like WHO (World Health Organisation) and PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation) have urged for the replacement of Trans fatty acids in manufactured food with unsaturated fat in the country.
Britannia has initiated basic Trans fat consumer education on brands like Marie Gold and Nutrichoice, which target adults realising the need for consumer education on Trans fats. The company has also planned to focus its efforts on consumer education through declaration on product labels and media.
www.jimandaz.com
Hotel Leelaventure promoters pledge stake
According to a report in The Financial Express, Hotel Leelaventure said three of its promoters have pledged 7.98 Crore shares representing a 21.13 per cent stake in the company with lenders. Hotel Leelaventure said in a filing to the BSE that Leela Lace Holdings, a promoter of the luxury hotel chain operator, has pledged 6.12 Crore shares representing a 16.21 per cent stake in the firm.
SIHRA welcomes luxury tax reduction
An unlikely move that comes as a post budget surprise has been welcomed by the South India Hotel and Restaurant Association (SIHRA). As per the announcement made by the Karnataka state government, 10 per cent luxury tax will be levied on actual tariffs as opposed to published rates and the 12 per cent luxury tax levied earlier. The declaration was made during the state interim budget that was announced recently.
A SIHRA official informed Hospitality Biz that the reduction in luxury tax was highly anticipated by south India's hotel fraternity, but the government needs to address the disparate tax structure problem, especially when the industry business is observing a relative slowdown. Likewise, the announcement also suggests a reduction in luxury tax declared on daily rent; from four per cent (room rate within Rs 500 to Rs 100) and six per cent for rooms priced between Rs 1000 to Rs 2000.
Further, the official also spoke about the issue regarding private membership club owners in Karnataka. Previously the state government had included these players under the hotels umbrella and levied luxury tax to the tune of 12 per cent.
Accor SA's Chairman and five Directors quit
Accor SA's Chairman and five other Directors have abruptly quit the company, apparently in protest over a plan to expand the role of CEO Gilles Pelisson. The majority of Accor's board—led by Colony Capital LLC and Eurazeo, which jointly hold about 30 per cent of Accor—wanted Chairman Serge Weinberg's role merged with Pelisson's. Weinberg quit in response, as did five directors: Baudouin Prot (chief of Accor shareholder BNP Paribas SA, France's biggest bank), Aldo Cardoso, Isabelle Bouillot, Roderic Lyne and Augustin de Romanet.
According to Bloomberg News, Weinberg said he and the other former directors were unable to carry out their duties after Colony and Eurazeo moved to unite Accor's top two roles. Pelisson now holds the title of CEO and Chairman of the board for Europe's largest hotelier.
According to the company's official statement, “The Accor Board of Directors met today to approve the resolutions to be submitted to the Shareholders Meeting on May 13th, in particular those concerning the renewal of the Board whose three─year term is coming to an end.
Puri launches new luxury boutique hotel chain
After over three decades in the industry, hotelier MPS Puri has embarked on his latest venture, the development and launch of Nira Hotels & Resorts, a London─based boutique luxury hotel management company. Nira has already signed two projects ── Nira Diwa in Manila, Philippines, and Nira Lahari in Kerala, India ── both of which will open in 2011. Additional projects in the pipeline include existing properties in Brazil, the Maldives and London.
“Nira Hotels & Resorts is a natural progression of my vision of a nomadic, bohemian─chic, hospitality brand. Here, luxury is about your way, a touch of our hand and the passion that binds the two,” says Puri, Chief Executive of Nira.
Nira is looking to expand its portfolio of properties in key global markets. The Nira Diwa in Manila will be located at Fort Bonafacio at the crossroads of business and entertainment in Manila. The hotel will consist of 154─rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, a fully─equipped gym on each floor, and an entire floor of meeting studios. Nira Lahari in Kerala, India, will be a laid─back luxury resort located on Vembanad Lake.
Marriott hotel revenue down 17 per cent : CFO
Room revenue at Marriott International Inc is running 17 per cent below year─ago levels, at the lower end of the hotel operator's recent forecast, according to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Arne Sorenson. The company forecast last month that its revenue per available room would fall by 12 per cent to 17 per cent in 2009. Sorenson said that during the last months of 2008 and heading into 2009, Marriott has seen fewer new commitments for group bookings than in the past.
Marriott, which typically manages hotels instead of owning them, expects to open 30,000 new hotel rooms this year, near the 33,000 opened in 2008. The CFO also said that Marriott still expects this year to sell between USD 250 million and USD 350 million in notes tied to its time─share business.
Kurotel named again most excellent Spa Hotel in South America
Kurotel – Longevity Center and Spa has once again been recognised for excellence by readers, guests and inspectors of Conde Nast Johansens in the guide's 2009 Awards for Excellence. Kurotel was voted Most Excellent Spa Hotel in South America for the third year in succession.
“With an ever─growing list of the world's finest properties in the 2009 Recommended Hotels, Inns, Resorts & Spas – The Americas, Atlantic, Caribbean, & Pacific, the categories now cover 342 hotels, and so were very competitive. Conde Nast Johansens recommends only properties that meet our exacting standards, so the Excellence Awards winners represent the very best of the best,”said Lesley O'Malley─Keyes, Vice President & Publishing Director, The Americas.
Conde Nast Johansens is owned by Conde Nast Publications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Advance Publications and Conde Nast International, which publishes 72 magazines around the world, including Vogue, Conde Nast Traveler, House & Garden, Architectural Digest, The New Yorker, GQ, Tatler, Vanity Fair, Brides, Glamour and Wired.
MakeMyTrip introduces Holiday Homes for rentals for outbound tourists
Online travel agent, MakeMyTrip, now offers travellers the option of booking villas, serviced apartments and holiday homes spread over 60 countries across the world. Both leisure and business travellers can choose from over 110,000 options of vacation house rentals through a few clicks on MakeMyTrip.com. The website carries detailed information on location, property, facilities, activities offered and pictures of the property to enable travellers to make the their decision.
Travellers looking for a unique holiday can log onto the Holiday Homes section of the Hotel Booking section of the website. This option will appeal to vacationers who want to explore alternatives beyond a hotel room when planning their holiday. The serviced apartments will also serve as an option for business travellers who need to stay overseas for an extended period of time. MakeMyTrip offers holiday homes option across categories – ranging from budget properties (USD 70 a night) to luxury accommodations (USD 200 a night).
Millennium to open two hotels in Liverpool
International hotel group Millennium & Copthorne Hotels has completed a deal to open two new hotels in Liverpool's Central Village development. The Millennium and Copthorne hotels will be at the heart of the £160million Central Village joint venture between Merepark and Ballymore. The two establishments, which will create in excess of 360 new hotel rooms in the city, are prominently located within the new development.
The Copthorne Hotel Liverpool, will face onto Newington Square and the Boardwalk public spaces. The four─star deluxe Millennium Hotel Liverpool will be created in the refurbished and extended grade 2 listed Watson Building adjacent to the Lewis's building. The hotels will be aimed at corporate, meetings and leisure customers and will feature conference facilities and function space, a gym/spa, bars and restaurants for both residents and public use and car parking. Both hotels are scheduled to open in 2012 and create more than 200 new jobs in the city.
Goa Tourism Minister joins chorus against offshore casinos
According to a PTI report today, Goa's Tourism Minister Fransisco alias Mickky Pacheco has joined the chorus in protesting against the alleged illegalities by offshore casinos in the state. Pacheco on Monday said that there were gross violations happening on board offshore casinos in Goa.
"The provisions of the Goa Tourism and Trade Act will have to be invoked, if casino owners don't get their act right," stated the Tourism Minister, who is a NCP legislator. The BJP has begun a campaign against offshore casinos with Leader of Opposition, Manohar Parrikar alleging large scale illegalities in granting licenses to these casinos.
Goa has seven offshore casinos, all operating in the Mandovi River adjacent to the capital city of Panaji. "The offshore casinos have to be five nautical miles from the shore. All the casinos are releasing their sewerage in Mandovi River," Pacheco pointed out. The NCP legislator said that the Home Ministry which has given the gambling licenses to these vessels should monitor the operations.
According to a report in The Financial Express, Hotel Leelaventure said three of its promoters have pledged 7.98 Crore shares representing a 21.13 per cent stake in the company with lenders. Hotel Leelaventure said in a filing to the BSE that Leela Lace Holdings, a promoter of the luxury hotel chain operator, has pledged 6.12 Crore shares representing a 16.21 per cent stake in the firm.
SIHRA welcomes luxury tax reduction
An unlikely move that comes as a post budget surprise has been welcomed by the South India Hotel and Restaurant Association (SIHRA). As per the announcement made by the Karnataka state government, 10 per cent luxury tax will be levied on actual tariffs as opposed to published rates and the 12 per cent luxury tax levied earlier. The declaration was made during the state interim budget that was announced recently.
A SIHRA official informed Hospitality Biz that the reduction in luxury tax was highly anticipated by south India's hotel fraternity, but the government needs to address the disparate tax structure problem, especially when the industry business is observing a relative slowdown. Likewise, the announcement also suggests a reduction in luxury tax declared on daily rent; from four per cent (room rate within Rs 500 to Rs 100) and six per cent for rooms priced between Rs 1000 to Rs 2000.
Further, the official also spoke about the issue regarding private membership club owners in Karnataka. Previously the state government had included these players under the hotels umbrella and levied luxury tax to the tune of 12 per cent.
Accor SA's Chairman and five Directors quit
Accor SA's Chairman and five other Directors have abruptly quit the company, apparently in protest over a plan to expand the role of CEO Gilles Pelisson. The majority of Accor's board—led by Colony Capital LLC and Eurazeo, which jointly hold about 30 per cent of Accor—wanted Chairman Serge Weinberg's role merged with Pelisson's. Weinberg quit in response, as did five directors: Baudouin Prot (chief of Accor shareholder BNP Paribas SA, France's biggest bank), Aldo Cardoso, Isabelle Bouillot, Roderic Lyne and Augustin de Romanet.
According to Bloomberg News, Weinberg said he and the other former directors were unable to carry out their duties after Colony and Eurazeo moved to unite Accor's top two roles. Pelisson now holds the title of CEO and Chairman of the board for Europe's largest hotelier.
According to the company's official statement, “The Accor Board of Directors met today to approve the resolutions to be submitted to the Shareholders Meeting on May 13th, in particular those concerning the renewal of the Board whose three─year term is coming to an end.
Puri launches new luxury boutique hotel chain
After over three decades in the industry, hotelier MPS Puri has embarked on his latest venture, the development and launch of Nira Hotels & Resorts, a London─based boutique luxury hotel management company. Nira has already signed two projects ── Nira Diwa in Manila, Philippines, and Nira Lahari in Kerala, India ── both of which will open in 2011. Additional projects in the pipeline include existing properties in Brazil, the Maldives and London.
“Nira Hotels & Resorts is a natural progression of my vision of a nomadic, bohemian─chic, hospitality brand. Here, luxury is about your way, a touch of our hand and the passion that binds the two,” says Puri, Chief Executive of Nira.
Nira is looking to expand its portfolio of properties in key global markets. The Nira Diwa in Manila will be located at Fort Bonafacio at the crossroads of business and entertainment in Manila. The hotel will consist of 154─rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, a fully─equipped gym on each floor, and an entire floor of meeting studios. Nira Lahari in Kerala, India, will be a laid─back luxury resort located on Vembanad Lake.
Marriott hotel revenue down 17 per cent : CFO
Room revenue at Marriott International Inc is running 17 per cent below year─ago levels, at the lower end of the hotel operator's recent forecast, according to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Arne Sorenson. The company forecast last month that its revenue per available room would fall by 12 per cent to 17 per cent in 2009. Sorenson said that during the last months of 2008 and heading into 2009, Marriott has seen fewer new commitments for group bookings than in the past.
Marriott, which typically manages hotels instead of owning them, expects to open 30,000 new hotel rooms this year, near the 33,000 opened in 2008. The CFO also said that Marriott still expects this year to sell between USD 250 million and USD 350 million in notes tied to its time─share business.
Kurotel named again most excellent Spa Hotel in South America
Kurotel – Longevity Center and Spa has once again been recognised for excellence by readers, guests and inspectors of Conde Nast Johansens in the guide's 2009 Awards for Excellence. Kurotel was voted Most Excellent Spa Hotel in South America for the third year in succession.
“With an ever─growing list of the world's finest properties in the 2009 Recommended Hotels, Inns, Resorts & Spas – The Americas, Atlantic, Caribbean, & Pacific, the categories now cover 342 hotels, and so were very competitive. Conde Nast Johansens recommends only properties that meet our exacting standards, so the Excellence Awards winners represent the very best of the best,”said Lesley O'Malley─Keyes, Vice President & Publishing Director, The Americas.
Conde Nast Johansens is owned by Conde Nast Publications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Advance Publications and Conde Nast International, which publishes 72 magazines around the world, including Vogue, Conde Nast Traveler, House & Garden, Architectural Digest, The New Yorker, GQ, Tatler, Vanity Fair, Brides, Glamour and Wired.
MakeMyTrip introduces Holiday Homes for rentals for outbound tourists
Online travel agent, MakeMyTrip, now offers travellers the option of booking villas, serviced apartments and holiday homes spread over 60 countries across the world. Both leisure and business travellers can choose from over 110,000 options of vacation house rentals through a few clicks on MakeMyTrip.com. The website carries detailed information on location, property, facilities, activities offered and pictures of the property to enable travellers to make the their decision.
Travellers looking for a unique holiday can log onto the Holiday Homes section of the Hotel Booking section of the website. This option will appeal to vacationers who want to explore alternatives beyond a hotel room when planning their holiday. The serviced apartments will also serve as an option for business travellers who need to stay overseas for an extended period of time. MakeMyTrip offers holiday homes option across categories – ranging from budget properties (USD 70 a night) to luxury accommodations (USD 200 a night).
Millennium to open two hotels in Liverpool
International hotel group Millennium & Copthorne Hotels has completed a deal to open two new hotels in Liverpool's Central Village development. The Millennium and Copthorne hotels will be at the heart of the £160million Central Village joint venture between Merepark and Ballymore. The two establishments, which will create in excess of 360 new hotel rooms in the city, are prominently located within the new development.
The Copthorne Hotel Liverpool, will face onto Newington Square and the Boardwalk public spaces. The four─star deluxe Millennium Hotel Liverpool will be created in the refurbished and extended grade 2 listed Watson Building adjacent to the Lewis's building. The hotels will be aimed at corporate, meetings and leisure customers and will feature conference facilities and function space, a gym/spa, bars and restaurants for both residents and public use and car parking. Both hotels are scheduled to open in 2012 and create more than 200 new jobs in the city.
Goa Tourism Minister joins chorus against offshore casinos
According to a PTI report today, Goa's Tourism Minister Fransisco alias Mickky Pacheco has joined the chorus in protesting against the alleged illegalities by offshore casinos in the state. Pacheco on Monday said that there were gross violations happening on board offshore casinos in Goa.
"The provisions of the Goa Tourism and Trade Act will have to be invoked, if casino owners don't get their act right," stated the Tourism Minister, who is a NCP legislator. The BJP has begun a campaign against offshore casinos with Leader of Opposition, Manohar Parrikar alleging large scale illegalities in granting licenses to these casinos.
Goa has seven offshore casinos, all operating in the Mandovi River adjacent to the capital city of Panaji. "The offshore casinos have to be five nautical miles from the shore. All the casinos are releasing their sewerage in Mandovi River," Pacheco pointed out. The NCP legislator said that the Home Ministry which has given the gambling licenses to these vessels should monitor the operations.
Monday, March 2, 2009
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ARTS WITH MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BOSTON’S ‘MAHJONG’ PACKAGE
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ARTS WITH
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BOSTON’S ‘MAHJONG’ PACKAGE
Celebrating the Peabody Essex Museum’s Exhibition: “Mahjong: Contemporary Chinese Art from the Sigg Collection”
February 2009 - Mandarin Oriental, Boston is delighted to partner with the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) for their upcoming exhibition Mahjong: Contemporary Chinese Art from the Sigg Collection. This exhibition presents 100 works from the famed Uli Sigg Collection – one of the world’s most significant and comprehensive collections of contemporary Chinese art.
This package, which is available from February 21 until May 15, 2009, includes one night’s accommodation, a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel’s signature restaurant Asana, tickets to Mahjong and limo service to and from the Museum. The “Mahjong Package” is priced from USD605 per room for double occupancy and includes:
One night’s luxurious accommodation at Mandarin Oriental, Boston
A Mahjong exhibition catalogue upon arrival
Chinese inspired in-room delicacy upon arrival
Private limo service to PEM and back to Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Two tickets admission to Mahjong with additional admission to the renowned Yin Yu Tang, a Chinese House.
Breakfast in Asana for two guests
This is a rare opportunity to view this exhibition at PEM, which is the exclusive East Coast venue for Mahjong. Encompassing a range of media, from paintings, drawings and photographs to video and installations, this exhibition charts China’s artistic transformation over the last 40 years and offers a unique vantage on its artists’ rapidly evolving contributions to contemporary art. As New England’s leading luxury hotel of Asian heritage, Mandarin Oriental, Boston will provide a unique experience for its participating guests with the “Mahjong Package.”
Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on +1 (617) 535-8880, through Mandarin Oriental’s worldwide sales and reservations offices on +1-866-526-6567, or visit the Group’s direct on-line reservations service at www.mandarinoriental.com. Additional room nights are available at prevailing rates.
About Peabody Essex Museum
The Peabody Essex Museum presents art and culture from New England and around the world. The museum's collections are among the finest of their kind, showcasing an unrivaled spectrum of American art and architecture (including four National Historic Landmark buildings) and outstanding Asian, Asian Export, Native American, African, Oceanic, Maritime and Photography collections. In addition to its vast collections, the museum offers a vibrant schedule of changing exhibitions and a hands-on education center. The museum campus features numerous parks, period gardens and 24 historic properties, including Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old house that is the only example of Chinese domestic architecture on display in the United States.
About Mandarin Oriental, Boston
An intimate, luxurious hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Boston combines classic New England elegance with refined Oriental touches to create one of the most distinctive hospitality experiences in the region. Featuring 148 guestrooms and suites over 14 floors, the hotel delights its guests with the finest facilities and service, innovative dining experiences and an unparalleled holistic spa. A short, 15-minute drive to Logan International Airport, Mandarin Oriental, Boston connects guests to the city’s finest shopping, cultural venues and business institutions from its prime location in the heart of the chic Back Bay on Boylston Street.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 42 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 15 in The Americas and 10 in Europe and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group’s properties.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BOSTON’S ‘MAHJONG’ PACKAGE
Celebrating the Peabody Essex Museum’s Exhibition: “Mahjong: Contemporary Chinese Art from the Sigg Collection”
February 2009 - Mandarin Oriental, Boston is delighted to partner with the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) for their upcoming exhibition Mahjong: Contemporary Chinese Art from the Sigg Collection. This exhibition presents 100 works from the famed Uli Sigg Collection – one of the world’s most significant and comprehensive collections of contemporary Chinese art.
This package, which is available from February 21 until May 15, 2009, includes one night’s accommodation, a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel’s signature restaurant Asana, tickets to Mahjong and limo service to and from the Museum. The “Mahjong Package” is priced from USD605 per room for double occupancy and includes:
One night’s luxurious accommodation at Mandarin Oriental, Boston
A Mahjong exhibition catalogue upon arrival
Chinese inspired in-room delicacy upon arrival
Private limo service to PEM and back to Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Two tickets admission to Mahjong with additional admission to the renowned Yin Yu Tang, a Chinese House.
Breakfast in Asana for two guests
This is a rare opportunity to view this exhibition at PEM, which is the exclusive East Coast venue for Mahjong. Encompassing a range of media, from paintings, drawings and photographs to video and installations, this exhibition charts China’s artistic transformation over the last 40 years and offers a unique vantage on its artists’ rapidly evolving contributions to contemporary art. As New England’s leading luxury hotel of Asian heritage, Mandarin Oriental, Boston will provide a unique experience for its participating guests with the “Mahjong Package.”
Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on +1 (617) 535-8880, through Mandarin Oriental’s worldwide sales and reservations offices on +1-866-526-6567, or visit the Group’s direct on-line reservations service at www.mandarinoriental.com. Additional room nights are available at prevailing rates.
About Peabody Essex Museum
The Peabody Essex Museum presents art and culture from New England and around the world. The museum's collections are among the finest of their kind, showcasing an unrivaled spectrum of American art and architecture (including four National Historic Landmark buildings) and outstanding Asian, Asian Export, Native American, African, Oceanic, Maritime and Photography collections. In addition to its vast collections, the museum offers a vibrant schedule of changing exhibitions and a hands-on education center. The museum campus features numerous parks, period gardens and 24 historic properties, including Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old house that is the only example of Chinese domestic architecture on display in the United States.
About Mandarin Oriental, Boston
An intimate, luxurious hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Boston combines classic New England elegance with refined Oriental touches to create one of the most distinctive hospitality experiences in the region. Featuring 148 guestrooms and suites over 14 floors, the hotel delights its guests with the finest facilities and service, innovative dining experiences and an unparalleled holistic spa. A short, 15-minute drive to Logan International Airport, Mandarin Oriental, Boston connects guests to the city’s finest shopping, cultural venues and business institutions from its prime location in the heart of the chic Back Bay on Boylston Street.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 42 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 15 in The Americas and 10 in Europe and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group’s properties.
EXPERIENCE TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CULTURE AT
EXPERIENCE TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CULTURE AT
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, TOKYO
February 2009 - Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is delighted to introduce the MO Azuma Odori accommodation package, which includes premium seats for the 85th Azuma Odori geisha dance performances at Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre in Ginza, Tokyo.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is located in the prestigious Nihonbashi area, where 400 years of history and traditions mix with modern urban innovation. The hotel offers award-winning hospitality in an environment resonating with old-world elegance and the sophisticated culture of Japan’s Edo era. This cultural accommodation package provides a rare opportunity for guests to experience the country’s rich traditional traditions first hand.
Founded more than 150 years ago, Shinbashi Karyukai has been renowned since the Meiji era as one of the most exclusive groups of geisha in Japan. When the Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre first opened its doors in 1925, there were dance performances of Azuma Odori, performed by the geisha of the Shinbashi Karyukai. The theatre still stages grand events that give geisha a chance to display their traditional dancing, singing, and shamisen playing skills honed over many years of rigorous training.
In addition to premium seats for the matinee performance of the 85th Azuma Odori, the MO Azuma Odori package provides guests: a shokado bento lunch prepared by six prestigious Japanese ryotei restaurants (well-known for accepting customers primarily by referral only), breakfast for two, and a choice of early check-in or late check-out;
Available from 29 May to 1 June 2009, the MO Azuma Odori package starts from
JPY 85,000 and includes:
One night accommodation for two in a Deluxe Room or a Premium Grand Room
Two tickets for the 85th Azuma Odori geisha dance performances held at the Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre in Ginza, Tokyo
Shokado bento lunches for two prepared by six exclusive ryotei restaurants: Tokyo Kiccho, Shinkiraku, Kanetanaka, Matsuyama, Yonemura and Yamane (served at the theatre restaurant prior to the show)
American breakfast for two at K’shiki all-day dining on the 38th floor
A choice of early check-in from 11am or late check-out until 5pm
For reservations or enquiries, please ring 0120-806-825 (toll free) or +81 03-3270-8950 (9 am to 9 pm). The offer is subject to availability.
The package rates assume double occupancy and are inclusive of a 5% consumption tax. A 10% service charge and a daily municipal accommodation tax of JPY 200 per person will be charged separately. A cancellation charge will apply after 29 April 2009. Please confirm our cancellation policy at time of reservation.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, TOKYO
February 2009 - Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is delighted to introduce the MO Azuma Odori accommodation package, which includes premium seats for the 85th Azuma Odori geisha dance performances at Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre in Ginza, Tokyo.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is located in the prestigious Nihonbashi area, where 400 years of history and traditions mix with modern urban innovation. The hotel offers award-winning hospitality in an environment resonating with old-world elegance and the sophisticated culture of Japan’s Edo era. This cultural accommodation package provides a rare opportunity for guests to experience the country’s rich traditional traditions first hand.
Founded more than 150 years ago, Shinbashi Karyukai has been renowned since the Meiji era as one of the most exclusive groups of geisha in Japan. When the Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre first opened its doors in 1925, there were dance performances of Azuma Odori, performed by the geisha of the Shinbashi Karyukai. The theatre still stages grand events that give geisha a chance to display their traditional dancing, singing, and shamisen playing skills honed over many years of rigorous training.
In addition to premium seats for the matinee performance of the 85th Azuma Odori, the MO Azuma Odori package provides guests: a shokado bento lunch prepared by six prestigious Japanese ryotei restaurants (well-known for accepting customers primarily by referral only), breakfast for two, and a choice of early check-in or late check-out;
Available from 29 May to 1 June 2009, the MO Azuma Odori package starts from
JPY 85,000 and includes:
One night accommodation for two in a Deluxe Room or a Premium Grand Room
Two tickets for the 85th Azuma Odori geisha dance performances held at the Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre in Ginza, Tokyo
Shokado bento lunches for two prepared by six exclusive ryotei restaurants: Tokyo Kiccho, Shinkiraku, Kanetanaka, Matsuyama, Yonemura and Yamane (served at the theatre restaurant prior to the show)
American breakfast for two at K’shiki all-day dining on the 38th floor
A choice of early check-in from 11am or late check-out until 5pm
For reservations or enquiries, please ring 0120-806-825 (toll free) or +81 03-3270-8950 (9 am to 9 pm). The offer is subject to availability.
The package rates assume double occupancy and are inclusive of a 5% consumption tax. A 10% service charge and a daily municipal accommodation tax of JPY 200 per person will be charged separately. A cancellation charge will apply after 29 April 2009. Please confirm our cancellation policy at time of reservation.
Tvtrip.com receives USD 9 million in funding
Tvtrip.com, the travel website where travelers get to check out their hotel on video before they book it, announced it has received USD 9 million in Series B financing. The funds were received from its original VC investors Balderton Capital, Partech International and new investor AGF Private Equity. The company has the largest database of professionally filmed hotel videos in the world, currently covering more than 3,000 hotels in over 160 destinations. The website attracted 850,000 unique visitors in January alone.
“This new round of financing will help us film more hotels and continue expanding in the US and Asia, as well as strengthening the various revenue─generating components of our business model. We already have 2,000 additional hotels lined up to film this year that will allow us to maintain and increase our lead in this market,”says Marc Ruff, founder and CEO of Tvtrip.com. TVtrip's primary revenue comes from affiliation,
Emirates Group opens Marhaba lounge at Terminal 3
The Emirates Group has launched its new Marhaba lounge at Terminal 3 of the Dubai International Airport. Operated by Dnata, the lounge has a capacity of 140 customers and is open to passengers of all airlines. While the terminal is exclusively for Emirates flights, passengers from other airlines can also use the lounge as the other concourses are linked. Apart from lounge use, which offers food, beverage, a business centre, the service includes assistance with check─in, immigration, security and escorts with buggy services through the airport. The minimum fee to use Marhaba lounge facilities is Dirhams150. As reported by Gulfnews.com, the company also offers services for long─stay transit passengers, including Visas for the duration and hotel arrangements. Launched in 1991, the Marhaba service currently has a staff of 260, which started from 29. Last year, over 20,000 customers used the services.
Rezidor adds three new countries to porfolio
The Rezidor Hotel Group will open the Radisson Blu Hotel Lusaka in Zambia (Q3 2009, 142 rooms), the Radisson Blu Hotel Skopje in Macedonia (Q1 2011, 210 rooms), and the Radisson Blu Hotel Luanda in Angola (Q1 2012, 257 rooms). The group is now present in 58 nations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“We are especially proud to add two countries on the African continent to our business. Rezidor is currently featuring 25 hotels with almost 6,000 rooms in operation and under development in Africa,” says Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Lusaka is already under development and located in a prestigious commercial district of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. Besides 142 rooms, the property will offer a Rezidor signature restaurant, a bar, five conference & meeting rooms, a ballroom, a pool with bar and wellness facilities and a casino.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Skopje will be part of a mixed─use development including a 50,000 square meters shopping mall and 16,000 square meters of high─grade offices. Services of the hotel will include 210 rooms,
McG releases report on Indian food processing industry
The Madras Consultancy Group (McG), Chennai, has released its industry profile on 'The Food Processing Industry in India'. McG's report has been added to the list of an Ireland─based international market research and market data agency's offering.
McG claims that the food processing industry has done to the rural India what IT has to the urban India. It has seen rapid development over the years and is a significant contributor to the country's GDP. The increase in demand for processed food in the country is attributed to the increase in disposable incomes and urbanisation. Processed food in India is expected to grow appreciably and keeping this in mind, McG, Chennai, has released its industry profile.
This researched document provides an insight into the Indian food processing market, industry structure, challenges facing the market and growth opportunities. It also includes an overview of different business segments within the food processing industry. The profile is aimed at informing players about strategic planners, current and prospective investors, international marketing executives
Sarovar Hotels signs on ATS Sarovar Premiere in Punjab
Sarovar Hotels and Resorts today announced the signing of ATS Sarovar Premiere in Dera Bassi, a city in Mohali district in the state of Punjab. ATS Sarovar Premiere will be located on the Chandigarh ─ Ambala national highway, at a distance of 12 kms from Chandigarh. Other Sarovar Hotels scheduled to open by 2012 in Punjab include Park Inn, Ludhiana; Hometel Chandigarh and Sarovar Portico, Mohali.
Commenting on the signing, Anil Madhok, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts said, “The business and leisure market in the region is growing by the day and there is a requirement for more hotels and rooms in the state. We are pleased to offer unmatched services and quality accommodation to the people traveling to Punjab and Chandigarh, for both business and leisure.”
Sarovar Premiere hotels are an upscale full service international quality four─five─star hotel brand. The proposed hotel will be built on approximately four acres of land and will form part of a composite township developed by ATS Estates, which is one of the largest realty developers in NCR. The township will include a SEZ,
Pan Pacific Hotels rated the top scorer in MMHI
Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has emerged as the top scorer in terms of customer satisfaction across all hospitality segments and overall winner of the luxury hotel category with the highest score of 92.6, in the 2008 Annual Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI).
“We are honoured that Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has been awarded with this esteemed accolade as the overall top performer in customer satisfaction. This recognition wouldn't have been possible without our associates and their dedication is integral to the success of our business. We believe in creating true value for our guests and for instance, our Preferences by Pan Pacific offer empowers guests to create a personalised stay and thus, making it more memorable when they stay with us,” said A Patrick Imbardelli, President and CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts.
In addition to Pan Pacific's user─friendly and award─winning brand website: panpacific.com, the hotel chain has recently launched 'PANTHER', a central reservations and distribution system with enhanced transactional capabilities across all reservations channels.
Marriott eyes 31 new hotels in Mena
Marriott International has announced its global expansions up to 2014 would include 17 new properties in the UAE, nine in Saudi Arabia, three in Qatar, one in Bahrain, and one in Egypt. The company expects nearly 600,000 rooms by year─end 2009. Other hotels in the pipeline include one in Algeria, 19 in China, 23 in India, eight in Thailand, five in the Caribbean and Latin America, five in France, six in the UK and six in Mexico.
Hospitality Vision─2009 was held on February 27─28, 2009
An international symposium called Hospitality Vision─2009 was conducted at the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal on February 27─ 28, 2009. It focused on 'Challenges & Issues in Hospitality and Tourism Industry' and deliberated upon various contemporary issues.
The first day's key note speaker, Dr Susan Horner, Principal Lecturer anf International Coordinator, Sheffield Hallam University, UK, emphasised that service quality and image are initially linked to customer satisfaction and loyalty. Hotels must unify operations, human resources and marketing through customer service. The technology in relationship marketing allows consumers to join together on an international basis to discuss both positive and negative experiences.
Dr John Swarbrooke, Academic Director, Ceasar Ritz Hotel Schools, Switzerland, the key note speaker of the second day, opined that tourism is environmentally sensitive, reducing negative impacts and encouraging positive impacts within destinations. Cultural tourism revolves round historical sites, museums, traditional festivals, religious sites, arts and crafts, gastronomy, sporting events, learning languages,
Accor expands ibis hotels in Singapore
According to AsiaoneBusiness, Accor has officially launched a 538 room ibis Singapore for the country's mid market segment. It has plans to launch an ibis Novena, which is expected to be complete by 2011.
The ibis Singapore, located on Bencoolen Street, targets leisure and corporate clientele. Rates hover around USD 145─150. The 241 room ibis Novena will be owned and developed by Cockpit International. Work on the second property will begin next month. The property will target economy travellers.
Ibis is expanding strongly in China, India, Thailand and Indonesia. Accor might introduce six additional ibis hotels in Singapore and bring its brands, Sofitel and Pullman there, as well.
Gujarat eyes Southern states, West Bengal for increasing domestic tourism
According to a recent report, Gujarat is focusing on domestic tourists, especially in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to aggressively market its destinations, targeting about two crore domestic tourists this year and 2010. Sanatan Pancholi, Resident Manager (Mumbai), Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. (TCGL), who was in Kochi recently to participate at the India International Travel Mart (IITM) said, “Currently our focus is on domestic tourism and effort is to woo more visitors from within the country, especially from Southern states and West Bengal. About five─seven lakh foreign visitors are being targeted during the fiscal.”
He further added that Gujarat is famous for its historical sites, representing 4500 years of ancient and recorded history, holy places, a living tradition of handicrafts that thrive across the state, colourful, fairs and vibrant festivals, including the Navratri and Kite flying festivals. “We are projecting the entire Kutch area as a tourism hub, which is a unique destination.
Tvtrip.com, the travel website where travelers get to check out their hotel on video before they book it, announced it has received USD 9 million in Series B financing. The funds were received from its original VC investors Balderton Capital, Partech International and new investor AGF Private Equity. The company has the largest database of professionally filmed hotel videos in the world, currently covering more than 3,000 hotels in over 160 destinations. The website attracted 850,000 unique visitors in January alone.
“This new round of financing will help us film more hotels and continue expanding in the US and Asia, as well as strengthening the various revenue─generating components of our business model. We already have 2,000 additional hotels lined up to film this year that will allow us to maintain and increase our lead in this market,”says Marc Ruff, founder and CEO of Tvtrip.com. TVtrip's primary revenue comes from affiliation,
Emirates Group opens Marhaba lounge at Terminal 3
The Emirates Group has launched its new Marhaba lounge at Terminal 3 of the Dubai International Airport. Operated by Dnata, the lounge has a capacity of 140 customers and is open to passengers of all airlines. While the terminal is exclusively for Emirates flights, passengers from other airlines can also use the lounge as the other concourses are linked. Apart from lounge use, which offers food, beverage, a business centre, the service includes assistance with check─in, immigration, security and escorts with buggy services through the airport. The minimum fee to use Marhaba lounge facilities is Dirhams150. As reported by Gulfnews.com, the company also offers services for long─stay transit passengers, including Visas for the duration and hotel arrangements. Launched in 1991, the Marhaba service currently has a staff of 260, which started from 29. Last year, over 20,000 customers used the services.
Rezidor adds three new countries to porfolio
The Rezidor Hotel Group will open the Radisson Blu Hotel Lusaka in Zambia (Q3 2009, 142 rooms), the Radisson Blu Hotel Skopje in Macedonia (Q1 2011, 210 rooms), and the Radisson Blu Hotel Luanda in Angola (Q1 2012, 257 rooms). The group is now present in 58 nations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“We are especially proud to add two countries on the African continent to our business. Rezidor is currently featuring 25 hotels with almost 6,000 rooms in operation and under development in Africa,” says Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Lusaka is already under development and located in a prestigious commercial district of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. Besides 142 rooms, the property will offer a Rezidor signature restaurant, a bar, five conference & meeting rooms, a ballroom, a pool with bar and wellness facilities and a casino.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Skopje will be part of a mixed─use development including a 50,000 square meters shopping mall and 16,000 square meters of high─grade offices. Services of the hotel will include 210 rooms,
McG releases report on Indian food processing industry
The Madras Consultancy Group (McG), Chennai, has released its industry profile on 'The Food Processing Industry in India'. McG's report has been added to the list of an Ireland─based international market research and market data agency's offering.
McG claims that the food processing industry has done to the rural India what IT has to the urban India. It has seen rapid development over the years and is a significant contributor to the country's GDP. The increase in demand for processed food in the country is attributed to the increase in disposable incomes and urbanisation. Processed food in India is expected to grow appreciably and keeping this in mind, McG, Chennai, has released its industry profile.
This researched document provides an insight into the Indian food processing market, industry structure, challenges facing the market and growth opportunities. It also includes an overview of different business segments within the food processing industry. The profile is aimed at informing players about strategic planners, current and prospective investors, international marketing executives
Sarovar Hotels signs on ATS Sarovar Premiere in Punjab
Sarovar Hotels and Resorts today announced the signing of ATS Sarovar Premiere in Dera Bassi, a city in Mohali district in the state of Punjab. ATS Sarovar Premiere will be located on the Chandigarh ─ Ambala national highway, at a distance of 12 kms from Chandigarh. Other Sarovar Hotels scheduled to open by 2012 in Punjab include Park Inn, Ludhiana; Hometel Chandigarh and Sarovar Portico, Mohali.
Commenting on the signing, Anil Madhok, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts said, “The business and leisure market in the region is growing by the day and there is a requirement for more hotels and rooms in the state. We are pleased to offer unmatched services and quality accommodation to the people traveling to Punjab and Chandigarh, for both business and leisure.”
Sarovar Premiere hotels are an upscale full service international quality four─five─star hotel brand. The proposed hotel will be built on approximately four acres of land and will form part of a composite township developed by ATS Estates, which is one of the largest realty developers in NCR. The township will include a SEZ,
Pan Pacific Hotels rated the top scorer in MMHI
Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has emerged as the top scorer in terms of customer satisfaction across all hospitality segments and overall winner of the luxury hotel category with the highest score of 92.6, in the 2008 Annual Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI).
“We are honoured that Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has been awarded with this esteemed accolade as the overall top performer in customer satisfaction. This recognition wouldn't have been possible without our associates and their dedication is integral to the success of our business. We believe in creating true value for our guests and for instance, our Preferences by Pan Pacific offer empowers guests to create a personalised stay and thus, making it more memorable when they stay with us,” said A Patrick Imbardelli, President and CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts.
In addition to Pan Pacific's user─friendly and award─winning brand website: panpacific.com, the hotel chain has recently launched 'PANTHER', a central reservations and distribution system with enhanced transactional capabilities across all reservations channels.
Marriott eyes 31 new hotels in Mena
Marriott International has announced its global expansions up to 2014 would include 17 new properties in the UAE, nine in Saudi Arabia, three in Qatar, one in Bahrain, and one in Egypt. The company expects nearly 600,000 rooms by year─end 2009. Other hotels in the pipeline include one in Algeria, 19 in China, 23 in India, eight in Thailand, five in the Caribbean and Latin America, five in France, six in the UK and six in Mexico.
Hospitality Vision─2009 was held on February 27─28, 2009
An international symposium called Hospitality Vision─2009 was conducted at the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal on February 27─ 28, 2009. It focused on 'Challenges & Issues in Hospitality and Tourism Industry' and deliberated upon various contemporary issues.
The first day's key note speaker, Dr Susan Horner, Principal Lecturer anf International Coordinator, Sheffield Hallam University, UK, emphasised that service quality and image are initially linked to customer satisfaction and loyalty. Hotels must unify operations, human resources and marketing through customer service. The technology in relationship marketing allows consumers to join together on an international basis to discuss both positive and negative experiences.
Dr John Swarbrooke, Academic Director, Ceasar Ritz Hotel Schools, Switzerland, the key note speaker of the second day, opined that tourism is environmentally sensitive, reducing negative impacts and encouraging positive impacts within destinations. Cultural tourism revolves round historical sites, museums, traditional festivals, religious sites, arts and crafts, gastronomy, sporting events, learning languages,
Accor expands ibis hotels in Singapore
According to AsiaoneBusiness, Accor has officially launched a 538 room ibis Singapore for the country's mid market segment. It has plans to launch an ibis Novena, which is expected to be complete by 2011.
The ibis Singapore, located on Bencoolen Street, targets leisure and corporate clientele. Rates hover around USD 145─150. The 241 room ibis Novena will be owned and developed by Cockpit International. Work on the second property will begin next month. The property will target economy travellers.
Ibis is expanding strongly in China, India, Thailand and Indonesia. Accor might introduce six additional ibis hotels in Singapore and bring its brands, Sofitel and Pullman there, as well.
Gujarat eyes Southern states, West Bengal for increasing domestic tourism
According to a recent report, Gujarat is focusing on domestic tourists, especially in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to aggressively market its destinations, targeting about two crore domestic tourists this year and 2010. Sanatan Pancholi, Resident Manager (Mumbai), Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. (TCGL), who was in Kochi recently to participate at the India International Travel Mart (IITM) said, “Currently our focus is on domestic tourism and effort is to woo more visitors from within the country, especially from Southern states and West Bengal. About five─seven lakh foreign visitors are being targeted during the fiscal.”
He further added that Gujarat is famous for its historical sites, representing 4500 years of ancient and recorded history, holy places, a living tradition of handicrafts that thrive across the state, colourful, fairs and vibrant festivals, including the Navratri and Kite flying festivals. “We are projecting the entire Kutch area as a tourism hub, which is a unique destination.
Travelzoo Announces the 2009 Travelzoo Award Finalists
94 Companies Honored by Travelzoo for Providing the Best Travel Deals
NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Travelzoo (Nasdaq:TZOO), a global Internet media company, today announced the finalists for the 2009 Travelzoo Awards. The Travelzoo Awards, also known as 'The Tzoos', celebrates the companies behind the best deals in travel, including airlines, hotels, vacation companies, cruise agencies, cruise lines, shows & events, car rentals and destinations. Travelzoo's 85 deal experts around the world evaluated more than 80,000 deals to uncover the companies behind the best deals in 23 categories.
"With such incredible deals in the market we are thrilled to be able to honor and celebrate the top 94 travel companies who have surpassed our deal evaluation criteria," said Shirley Tafoya, President, North America, Travelzoo. "These finalists continue to inspire consumers to take their next trip and ultimately help drive demand for travel within the U.S. and abroad."
Travelzoo Award finalists will be recognized and winners will be announced at the 3rd Annual Travelzoo Awards ceremony taking place on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta. The event also coincides with TravelCom 2009, which attracts more than 700 travel industry professionals and media. For more information visit http://www.travelzoo.com/tzoos.
NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Travelzoo (Nasdaq:TZOO), a global Internet media company, today announced the finalists for the 2009 Travelzoo Awards. The Travelzoo Awards, also known as 'The Tzoos', celebrates the companies behind the best deals in travel, including airlines, hotels, vacation companies, cruise agencies, cruise lines, shows & events, car rentals and destinations. Travelzoo's 85 deal experts around the world evaluated more than 80,000 deals to uncover the companies behind the best deals in 23 categories.
"With such incredible deals in the market we are thrilled to be able to honor and celebrate the top 94 travel companies who have surpassed our deal evaluation criteria," said Shirley Tafoya, President, North America, Travelzoo. "These finalists continue to inspire consumers to take their next trip and ultimately help drive demand for travel within the U.S. and abroad."
Travelzoo Award finalists will be recognized and winners will be announced at the 3rd Annual Travelzoo Awards ceremony taking place on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta. The event also coincides with TravelCom 2009, which attracts more than 700 travel industry professionals and media. For more information visit http://www.travelzoo.com/tzoos.
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