tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced its global powerhouse, Sheraton Hotels, and its owners have invested more than $100 million into upgrading 120 Club Lounges around the world, including flagship properties such as Sheraton Edinburgh, Scotland, Sheraton Waikiki, Hawaii, Sheraton Hong Kong, China, Sheraton Buenos Aires, Argentina.. The enhancement to Sheraton Club Lounges – one of the most popular Sheraton signature amenities – is the final chapter of the brand’s recent $6 billion revitalization effort.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sheraton Invests More than $100 Million to Upgrade Club Lounges
Global Powerhouse Announces Completion of Renovations to more than 120 Sheraton Club Lounges around the World
tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced its global powerhouse, Sheraton Hotels, and its owners have invested more than $100 million into upgrading 120 Club Lounges around the world, including flagship properties such as Sheraton Edinburgh, Scotland, Sheraton Waikiki, Hawaii, Sheraton Hong Kong, China, Sheraton Buenos Aires, Argentina.. The enhancement to Sheraton Club Lounges – one of the most popular Sheraton signature amenities – is the final chapter of the brand’s recent $6 billion revitalization effort.
tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced its global powerhouse, Sheraton Hotels, and its owners have invested more than $100 million into upgrading 120 Club Lounges around the world, including flagship properties such as Sheraton Edinburgh, Scotland, Sheraton Waikiki, Hawaii, Sheraton Hong Kong, China, Sheraton Buenos Aires, Argentina.. The enhancement to Sheraton Club Lounges – one of the most popular Sheraton signature amenities – is the final chapter of the brand’s recent $6 billion revitalization effort.
Mango voted Coolest Domestic Airline for third successive year
A week prior to commencing operations between Lanseria and Cape Town, low cost airline Mango was recognised as the Coolest Domestic Airline for the third successive year in the Sunday Times Generation Next Brand Survey 2011. The annual poll measures brand consciousness and loyalty amongst South African youth.
“We are thrilled to be recognised as the number one brand among young consumers,” says CEO Nico Bezuidenhout. “The youth market not only represents a future market but also, as we have seen, Generation Y’s spending power is significant – thus in present terms being ranked as a favourite brand within this market segment is exceptionally important to us.”
Bezuidenhout believes that the airline’s communication strategy, which includes a large social media component, has paid dividends. “Engagement across all available media channels, in particular through our blog, Facebook and Twitter, empowered the brand to initiate direct two way conversation with our Guests. Social media platforms, in turn, reach a large segment of the youth market.” Much of the airline’s success amongst the youth may be ascribed to this, he says.
Mango’s brand intrinsic encapsulates energy and youthfulness, he adds, a brand character that resonates across generations.
Last year the carrier was awarded Superbrand status and in March awarded Gold PRISM awards for its Corporate Communication and Social Media exercises.
Mango flies between Lanseria and Cape Town from 1 June.
“We are thrilled to be recognised as the number one brand among young consumers,” says CEO Nico Bezuidenhout. “The youth market not only represents a future market but also, as we have seen, Generation Y’s spending power is significant – thus in present terms being ranked as a favourite brand within this market segment is exceptionally important to us.”
Bezuidenhout believes that the airline’s communication strategy, which includes a large social media component, has paid dividends. “Engagement across all available media channels, in particular through our blog, Facebook and Twitter, empowered the brand to initiate direct two way conversation with our Guests. Social media platforms, in turn, reach a large segment of the youth market.” Much of the airline’s success amongst the youth may be ascribed to this, he says.
Mango’s brand intrinsic encapsulates energy and youthfulness, he adds, a brand character that resonates across generations.
Last year the carrier was awarded Superbrand status and in March awarded Gold PRISM awards for its Corporate Communication and Social Media exercises.
Mango flies between Lanseria and Cape Town from 1 June.
Hilton Windhoek Opens As Hilton Worldwide’s 50th Hotel in the Middle East and Africa www.hilton.com
DUBAI, UAE and MCLEAN, VA – May 27, 2011 – Hilton Windhoek opened today as Hilton Worldwide’s 50th hotel in the Middle East and Africa and expanding the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio to 77 countries. Officially opened by the President of Namibia, Mr Hifikepunye Pohamba, the 150-room property is located in the heart of the CBD near Freedom Square, just 20 minutes away from Hosea Kutako International airport. It is operated under a management agreement with the United Africa Group.
“As the global leader in hospitality, it is exciting to mark our entry into a new country with an exceptional hotel. Travellers place great trust in Hilton because our brand’s legacy is one of being the first major hotel brand into emerging markets and Hilton Windhoek continues this tradition,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.
“Namibia is a growing market with tourist arrivals increasing every year; it offers travellers an opportunity to explore the best of Africa with its many conservation parks, wildlife reserves and the untouched Namib Desert.”
Hilton Windhoek offers guests a choice of luxurious accommodation including a presidential suite, four diplomatic suites, four king executive guest rooms, eight king deluxe rooms, 22 executive rooms, 12 double rooms and 99 king rooms. The hotel also offers guests an array of onsite leisure facilities and dining options including a heated lap pool with sundeck, wellness centre with two treatment rooms and a 24-hour Hilton Fitness by Precor gym, all of which are located on the rooftop with spectacular views of the city.
Restaurant choices within the hotel include Ekipa – an all-day dining restaurant, Kalabar Bar and Terrace, Centrum Lounge and Terrace, Divine Wine Bar and the Sky Bar also located on the roof top offering guests the ideal spot for cocktails and light snacks at sundown. Corporate travellers can make use of a choice of meeting rooms including a boardroom which can accommodate up to 250 guests as well as breakout areas suitable for tea and coffee breaks.
“We are delighted to open our Hilton property in Namibia. Not only is it providing Windhoek with its first five-star hotel, but it has also given us the chance to become part of the local community,” says Rudi Jagersbacher, area president, Middle East & Africa, Hilton Worldwide. “We have employed more than 200 people locally to work in the hotel and over the last few months these Team Members have undergone training in our Hilton service standards. We look forward to playing an ongoing part in the development of the Namibian tourism sector.”
Hilton Worldwide currently has 31 hotels across the continent of Africa with another nine in the development pipeline. This year, Hilton Worldwide has opened 6 hotels and signed 10 management agreements across the Middle East and Africa.
“As the global leader in hospitality, it is exciting to mark our entry into a new country with an exceptional hotel. Travellers place great trust in Hilton because our brand’s legacy is one of being the first major hotel brand into emerging markets and Hilton Windhoek continues this tradition,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.
“Namibia is a growing market with tourist arrivals increasing every year; it offers travellers an opportunity to explore the best of Africa with its many conservation parks, wildlife reserves and the untouched Namib Desert.”
Hilton Windhoek offers guests a choice of luxurious accommodation including a presidential suite, four diplomatic suites, four king executive guest rooms, eight king deluxe rooms, 22 executive rooms, 12 double rooms and 99 king rooms. The hotel also offers guests an array of onsite leisure facilities and dining options including a heated lap pool with sundeck, wellness centre with two treatment rooms and a 24-hour Hilton Fitness by Precor gym, all of which are located on the rooftop with spectacular views of the city.
Restaurant choices within the hotel include Ekipa – an all-day dining restaurant, Kalabar Bar and Terrace, Centrum Lounge and Terrace, Divine Wine Bar and the Sky Bar also located on the roof top offering guests the ideal spot for cocktails and light snacks at sundown. Corporate travellers can make use of a choice of meeting rooms including a boardroom which can accommodate up to 250 guests as well as breakout areas suitable for tea and coffee breaks.
“We are delighted to open our Hilton property in Namibia. Not only is it providing Windhoek with its first five-star hotel, but it has also given us the chance to become part of the local community,” says Rudi Jagersbacher, area president, Middle East & Africa, Hilton Worldwide. “We have employed more than 200 people locally to work in the hotel and over the last few months these Team Members have undergone training in our Hilton service standards. We look forward to playing an ongoing part in the development of the Namibian tourism sector.”
Hilton Worldwide currently has 31 hotels across the continent of Africa with another nine in the development pipeline. This year, Hilton Worldwide has opened 6 hotels and signed 10 management agreements across the Middle East and Africa.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Southern Sun Elangeni's Lingela Restaurant receives accolades
Southern Sun Elangeni's Lingela Restaurant received the highest accolade from the Chaine de Rotisseurs Committee this week – it’s sought-after Blazon for 2010. This prestigious award, which was flown in specially from France for the occasion, was made to the Hotel by Philip Mostert, the Chaine Vice - Chancelier. This is proudly displayed at the entrance to the restaurant.
Since it is offered only to the finest restaurateurs and hoteliers, the Blazon proclaims excellence in food and service. However, the plaque remains the exclusive property of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and the privilege of using it is limited to those who continue membership and their high standards, and can be displayed only as long as the member remains in good standing.
This Blazon was presented by the Chaine KZN Chapter to Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel General Manager Mike Jackson and Executive Chef Shaun Munro.
Since it is offered only to the finest restaurateurs and hoteliers, the Blazon proclaims excellence in food and service. However, the plaque remains the exclusive property of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and the privilege of using it is limited to those who continue membership and their high standards, and can be displayed only as long as the member remains in good standing.
This Blazon was presented by the Chaine KZN Chapter to Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel General Manager Mike Jackson and Executive Chef Shaun Munro.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Egyptair to fly to Johannesburg with their new, high-tech Airbus A330-200 www.egyptair.com
To celebrate Bafana Bafana’s upcoming June clash with Egypt’s seven times Africa football champions, The Pharaohs, Egyptair will fly direct from Johannesburg to Cairo with their high-tech Airbus 330-200.
This aircraft has the newest cabin including fully flat seats in business class, as well as an in-seat massage. All passengers will benefit from in-flight mobile phone services and Wi-Fi internet access as they fly over some African countries.
For bookings and further information, please visit www.egyptair.com, join Egyptair’s Twitter and Facebook pages for more exciting offers
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
SIA to establish new subsidary airline
Singapore Airlines has today announced its intention to establish a new nofrills,
low-fare airline operating widebody aircraft on medium and long-haul
routes.
The new airline is being established following extensive review and
analysis. It will enable the SIA Group to serve a largely untapped new
market and cater to the growing demand among consumers for low-fare
travel.
Operations are expected to begin within one year. The airline will be wholly
owned by Singapore Airlines, but will be operated independently and
managed separately from SIA.
“We are very excited about what our new low-fare subsidiary will offer to
consumers. We are seeing a new market segment being created and this
will provide another growth opportunity for the SIA Group,” said SIA CEO Mr
Goh Choon Phong.
“As we have observed on short-haul routes within Asia, low-fare airlines
help stimulate demand for travel, and we expect this will also prove true for
longer flights.”
Mr Goh added: “At the same time we remain fully committed to the further
growth of SIA, which will continue to offer the highest-quality products and
services to our customers.”
More details will be announced by the new airline’s management team in
due course, including its branding, products and services, and route
network.
Monday, May 23, 2011
British Airways Routes from Lanseria to Gaberone and Maputo scheduled for September Launch
Comair Limited, operator of British Airways in South Africa and kulula.com, confirmed that the imminent commencement of its flights from Lanseria to Maputo in Mozambique and to Gaborone in Botswana on 30 May 2011 has been postponed, pending the finalisation of commercial terms with Lanseria International Airport, and a commitment from Lanseria to commence the building of a new runway and upgrade of the airport infrastructure.
Comair, in partnership with Solenta Aviation recently introduced the first of three ATR turboprop aircraft earmarked for local and regional network growth into its growing fleet. The aircraft originally planned for the regional flights is currently deployed on the Johannesburg-Nelspruit route and performing well, providing the backdrop for Comair to assess the possible increase in capacity into Nelspruit as well as growing their domestic footprint to include other smaller domestic destinations.
Stuart Cochrane, Executive Manager for Network Development and Alliances at Comair says “We regret the decision to suspend the launch of our Gaborone and Maputo flights as our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the new routes reach operational readiness in time, however we are extremely pleased with the current performance of the ATR aircraft and look forward to introducing additional routes utilising this equipment.”
Comair is now set to commence operations on the Maputo and Gaborone routes from 01 September 2011, and bookings for these new destinations are currently open for sale via ba.com, the British Airways Call Centre on 0860 I FLY BA (0860 4 359 22) or through travel agents.
Customers that have already booked and paid for their flights on these routes are being contacted and have been provided with the option for a full refund, or to change their flights to a date on or after 01 September 2011.
Comair, in partnership with Solenta Aviation recently introduced the first of three ATR turboprop aircraft earmarked for local and regional network growth into its growing fleet. The aircraft originally planned for the regional flights is currently deployed on the Johannesburg-Nelspruit route and performing well, providing the backdrop for Comair to assess the possible increase in capacity into Nelspruit as well as growing their domestic footprint to include other smaller domestic destinations.
Stuart Cochrane, Executive Manager for Network Development and Alliances at Comair says “We regret the decision to suspend the launch of our Gaborone and Maputo flights as our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the new routes reach operational readiness in time, however we are extremely pleased with the current performance of the ATR aircraft and look forward to introducing additional routes utilising this equipment.”
Comair is now set to commence operations on the Maputo and Gaborone routes from 01 September 2011, and bookings for these new destinations are currently open for sale via ba.com, the British Airways Call Centre on 0860 I FLY BA (0860 4 359 22) or through travel agents.
Customers that have already booked and paid for their flights on these routes are being contacted and have been provided with the option for a full refund, or to change their flights to a date on or after 01 September 2011.
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