Brussels Airlines increases frequencies to Bristol and Newcastle,Air

Thomson and First Choice
Shops offer holidaymakers
“redundancy cover” as expert
predict a further 250,000 job
losses in 2010
With unemployment figures set to break the three-million
barrier this year, the UK’s leading holiday companies offers a
redundancy-proof money back guarantee exclusive to Thomson
and First Choice Retail.
On 29th December 2009, the Chartered Institute of Personnel
Development (CIPD) warned in its Annual Barometer Forecast
that there would be further job losses this year as the
effects of the recession, heightened inflation and increased
VAT bite. The organisation, which represents many of the
country’s human resources professionals, suggested that a
slower than expected recovery could threaten to raise peak
unemployment to at least three-million by the summer.
Thomson and First Choice, whose holidays are financially
protected under the Government backed ATOL scheme, are only
too aware that in a world of economic uncertainty, customers
will think twice before committing their money to a Summer
holiday. However, with less capacity in the market and some
fantastic holiday deals available for summer 2010, it is never
the less the right time to snap up a bargain.
Therefore, the holiday companies have come together to offer
Redundancy Protection on all holidays booked in their retail
shops up to and including 28th February 2010, which will offer
peace of mind to any customer looking to book a Thomson or
First Choice package holiday this year. In what is
traditionally the busiest month for holiday bookings,
customers who want to make the most of the many early booking
offers available can do so, knowing that if they lose their
job and can no longer afford the holiday, their money will be
refunded without penalty.
The offer is valid on all bookings for Thomson and First
Choice branded summer 2010 package holidays made in Thomson or
First Choice Shops nationwide up until 28th February 2010 for
holidays departing between 1st May 2010 and 30th April 2011.
When claiming a refund, customers need to show proof of two
years employment and that it has been terminated. Those
claiming will be entitled to a refund of their deposit and of
the final balance up to one month before departure.
Among the fantastic holidays currently on offer are:
5T Sensatori Resort, Tenerife – Thomson
Thomson offers seven night holidays in Tenerife staying at the
5T Sensatori Resort, Tenerife with prices starting from £719
per person, based on two people sharing, staying on a full
board plus basis, departing 7th May 2010 from London Gatwick
Airport. For more information or to book this holiday, visit
your local Thomson shop.
5 Sun Holiday Village Rhodes – First Choice
First Choice offers seven nights all-inclusive at the 5
Sun Holiday Village Rhodes from £959 per adult, £279 for the
first child and £419 for the second, based on two adults and
two children sharing, departing on the 22nd May 2010 from
London Gatwick. For more information or to book this holiday,
visit your local First Choice shop.
All holidays are subject to availability and booking terms and
conditions. Prices include flights, fuel charge and air
passenger duty and are correct at the date of issue.
Maleisië
presenteert
échte
Azië
op
Vakantiebeurs
het
de
Amsterdam, januari 2010 – Divers, charmant en ongekend
gastvrij. Redenen genoeg voor Lonely Planet om Maleisië uit te
roepen tot één van de must visit bestemmingen van dit jaar.
Want of je nu graag op het strand ligt, een jungle trekking
doet of liever een moderne stad bezoekt – hier kan het
allemaal. En dan hebben we het nog niet eens over de mensen,
die iedereen van harte welkom heten in hun land én in hun
huis. In Maleisië bestaat namelijk de mogelijkheid bij de
mensen thuis te overnachten. Een onvergetelijke manier om
kennis te maken met de cultuur, het dagelijks leven in de
kampung en de prachtige omgeving. Kan je niet wachten? Ga dan
naar de stand van Tourism Malaysia op de Vakantiebeurs, doe
mee aan de prijsvraag en win twee tickets naar Kuala Lumpur!
Toegankelijk
Maleisië is misschien wel het meest toegankelijke land van
zuidoost Azië. De infrastructuur is uitstekend, de
mogelijkheden zijn eindeloos en de mensen zijn gastvrij. Meet
the locals is dan ook het thema van Tourism Malaysia op de
Vakantiebeurs. Want niet alleen het land is divers, de
bewoners zijn dat ook. Terwijl een deel van de bevolking
gehoor geeft aan de oproep van de Imam, worden om de hoek voor
een Hindoetempel bloemenkransen verkocht en ruik je even
verderop de wierookgeur van een Boeddhistische klooster. Die
afwisseling zie je overal terug. Zowel in het brede aanbod aan
heerlijke gerechten, van Indische curry’s tot Maleisische
rijstschotels, als in het reisaanbod. Hier kun je moeiteloos
je ideale vakantie samenstellen: een paar dagen in het
hectische leven van Kuala Lumpur, duiken op bountyeiland
Langkawi en dan de jungle van Borneo verkennen. Wat jij wilt!
Thuis
Fruit plukken in de boomgaard, het vee voeren en spelen met de
kinderen die net thuiskomen van school. Wie een homestay
boekt, kiest voor een bijzondere vakantie-ervaring. Er zijn
zo’n 1.200 families die hun huis en hun kampung openstellen en
je met open armen ontvangen. Misschien val je met je neus in
de boter en maak je een traditionele bruiloft, religieuze
ceremonie of offerfeest mee. Hoe het ook zij: voor je het weet
ben je onderdeel van het dagelijks leven, word je begroet door
het dorpshoofd en ken je de geheime ingrediënten van een paar
typisch locale gerechten. Tel daar het ontspannen tempo van de
dag en de rust van de natuurlijke omgeving bij op en je hebt
een topvakantie. Alle kampungs die meedoen aan het homestay
programma zijn zorgvuldig geselecteerd en voldoen aan de hoge
eisen van het Ministerie van Toerisme.
Twee in één
Wie naar Maleisië reist krijgt eigenlijk twee landen in één:
het schiereiland met het moderne Kuala Lumpur en bountyeilandjes Penang en Lankawi aan de ene kant en het tropisch
regenwoud van Maleisisch Borneo met orang-oetangs en inheemse
stammen aan de andere kant. Samen een multiculturele
bestemming vol verschillende volken, religies, landschappen en
vakantiemogelijkheden. Maleisië is één van de veiligste landen
van zuidoost Azië, met een ongekend gastvrije en vriendelijke
bevolking. Van shoppen in moderne shopping malls tot
avontuurlijke jungle trekkings en van rifduiken tot culinair
genieten – voor elke reiziger is er een passend aanbod. Zie
voor meer informatie www.tourism.gov.my.
ITTFA elects new committee
for 2010
The International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA)
recently elected a new executive committee to lead the
Association through the coming year.
Tom Nutley, Chairman and founder of ITTFA, comments “All
appointments were aimed at strengthening the central
administration of ITTFA and providing a firm base for the
continued growth of the association across cultural and
international boundaries. This year we are delighted to
welcome Officers from Italy and the Netherlands, bringing with
them fresh ideas and knowledge from their own markets as well
as industry expertise.”
ITTFA is dedicated to the continual development of the travel
trade show industry, increasing participation and setting high
standards worldwide. Recent changes to entry requirements and
the annual fee structure mean that membership is more
accessible to smaller and developing shows, as well as more
established ones. This underlines the primary goals of the
Association as it strives to improve travel trade exhibition
standards across all markets and help maximize the benefits
and levels of professionalism for both visitors and
exhibitors.
Committee members begin their term of office this month, being
officially sworn in at the AGM in London. They will remain in
their respective roles until the next election in a year’s
time.
Antonio Dell’ Aquilano, Exhibition & Event Manager of TTG
Italia Spa, was elected as president of ITTFA. Nutley
commented on the appointments, “We are confident that
Antonio’s experience and enthusiasm within both the travel and
tourism and exhibition industries will bring new perspective
to the association and steer it through another successful
year. We look forward to working more closely with him on both
new and current projects.”
Mr Dell’ Aquilano commented on the role; “I am delighted to
take on this prestigious role and look forward to a successful
year ahead. We hope to continue to broaden our membership
base, particularly in the area of support and guidance for new
and upcoming shows in less established markets and I
personally look forward to welcoming members from all corners
of the tourism exhibition world. The internationalisation of
ITTFA is of value to all our members as we take on new
challenges and create more opportunities to share ITTFA’s
vision and knowledge with a larger audience.”
Maria Badakh, Event and Sales Director, ITE Group Travel
Division, was elected Vice President.
She commented, “As
organizer of one of ITTFA’s largest events – MITT (Moscow), we
have always been conscious of the important role that the
Association plays in supporting events like ours.
I am
looking forward to my new role and I hope that I can
contribute to the development of the Association.”
Johan F Lundberg, Exhibition Manager of TUR, who has led the
association previously as President, will take up the post of
Treasurer. Meanwhile, Zeljka Tomljenovic, Events and Sales
Manager ITE Travel Exhibitions, will continue to support the
association via a new role of Industry Liaison.
The Association are also pleased to welcome on board Bart
Strijker of Vakantiebeurs, who will be taking up the role of
Database Officer.
Chairman of ITTFA, Tom Nutley, said that the association had
come a long way in the past decade, recognising the huge
changes in the travel exhibition industry brought about by the
growth in emerging markets, technology and the recognition of
the value of the industry in general. He added that in the
current, challenging times it is even more important that
exhibition organisers work together to promote the benefits
and opportunities they offer for all sectors of the travel
industry.
Wizz Air grew 33% in 2009
Wizz Air, the largest low fare – cost airline in Central and
Eastern Europe carried 7.8 million passengers in 2009
representing 33% growth year over year.‪
In the course of 2009 the Company opened a new base in Prague
adding up to a total of eleven bases in Central and Eastern
Europe; took delivery of 7 additional brand new aircraft
bringing the fleet to 27 Airbus A320; and launched 40 new
routes, resulting in a network of 147 destinations.‪
’Wizz Air’s has been one of the fastest growing airlines in
the world over the recent years. It will continue to be the
case in 2010 when we will be opening new operating bases,
launching new routes, adding more capacity and carrying over
10 million passengers.’ – said József Váradi, Chief executive
Officer of Wizz Air.‪
In order to confirm its commitment to passengers to offer the
most reliable services for the lowest prices, the company
launched its traditional ‘Big New Year Sale’ promotion.
Tickets can be purchased between 7-14 January on wizzair.com.
from as low as EUR 17.49 one way, all inclusive.‪‪
Le Meridien Angkor Launches
‘You Choose’ Promotion for
Meeting Planners
Le Meridien Angkor announced the launch of ‘You Choose’
Promotion of Starwood Hotels & Resorts where meeting planners
get to choose 3 rewards out of 10 based on their meeting needs
when they book meetings in any of the participating 150
Starwood’s hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific between now
and end of February 2010 for stays until end of July 2010.
Plus, meeting planners will receive an extra bonus when they
book their meetings before 31 December 2009. Meeting planners
can find more details on this promotion as well as a list of
destinations and hotels at www.starwoodmeetings.com/youchoose.
“This is a great opportunity for meeting planners to enjoy
savings and earn some extra rewards. Following the success we
enjoyed when we launched SPG® You Choose promotion in 2008, a
similar offer for Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) – Starwood’s
award-winning loyalty program, we developed a similar
promotion for our meeting planners. Many of them are our SPG
members too and they have also feedback to us about their
preferences.” Said Alison Taylor, Vice President Sales for
Starwood Asia Pacific. “‘You Choose’ promotion helps to
stretch the meeting dollars, and at the same time reward them
for their continued support to Starwood Hotels and Resorts,”
added Taylor.
The rewards* include:
1. Double complimentary rooms allocation
2. Double complimentary room upgrade allocation
3. Complimentary suite upgrades
4. Free internet access in guest rooms
5. Free internet access in meeting rooms
6. A 10% saving on the meeting package
7. Free welcome reception
8. Menu upgrades
9. Double Starwood Preferred Planner points
10. A complimentary room prize voucher
Meeting planners get to choose an additional reward for
bookings before 31 December 2009.
In addition, for every 25 room nights booked, meeting planners
enjoy 2500 Starpoints® at time of booking. In the event that
the meeting group size is reduced not less than 3 weeks prior
to the arrival date, meeting planners can reduce the room
block up to 25% without penalty.
‘You Choose’ promotion is available in many popular travel and
meetings destinations including China, Japan, Southeast Asia,
South Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Participating
brands include aloft, Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury
Collection, Four Points by Sheraton, W and Le Méridien.
*
Terms
and
conditions
apply.
Please
visit
www.starwoodmeetings.com/youchoose for the full terms and
conditions.
www.starwoodmeetings.com is one of the most robust meetingsrelated websites in the industry. Featuring a variety of
attractive offers, rewards and recognition, and comprehensive
search options, it is an easy-to-use, one-stop resource for
organising events of any scale. An industry-first MICE widget,
which sits on the desktop of event organisers, provides
organisers with the most relevant information on promotions,
meetings packages and updates within the shortest time.
About Le Meridien Angkor
As the closest hotel to the legendary temples of Angkor Wat,
Le Méridien Angkor placidly places guests footsteps from the
sites of ancient Cambodia. It is only 14 kilometres from Siem
Reap International Airport. Our 223 guest room hotel exudes a
dynamic synthesis of Khmer and contemporary décor with rich
timbers and exotic silks, creating a culturally refined,
meaningful, and stimulating atmosphere. At the Le Méridien
Angkor, meeting packages are tailored to suit all your
requirements, held in one of our 2 meeting spaces. The main
room measures 320 square meters, accommodating up to 220
delegates. A separate boardroom is available for smaller
business meetings. A selection of smaller meeting areas is
available, complete with polished wooden floors and natural
daylight. Additionally, our hotel is entirely wireless – with
everything you need to conduct business right at your
fingertips.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the
leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982
properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at
its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully
integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts
and residences with the following internationally renowned
brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le
Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the
recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also
owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier
developers and operators of high quality vacation interval
ownership resorts. For more information, please visit
www.starwoodhotels.com.
Taiwan seeks World Heritage
status
for
traditional
Chinese characters
President Ma Ying-jeou announced on December 26 that he has
asked the Executive Yuan to begin the application process for
placing traditional Chinese characters on the UNESCO World
Heritage list. Speaking at the Ninth International Conference
on Chinese Language Teaching organized by the World Chinese
Language Association, the president referred to traditional
Chinese as the oldest and most beautiful written language in
the world.
As the culture with the longest history, richest content and
widest influence, Chinese culture has been able to survive and
thrive for thousands of years mainly because of its use of a
beautiful writing system to pass down traditions, Ma said. In
recent times, growing economic and cultural exchanges between
Taiwan and mainland China as well as the shifting balance of
power in the world economy have sparked an enormous interest
in Chinese-language learning. Increasing numbers of people
around the world are studying Chinese in order to better
understand the culture.
As President Ma emphasized, language determines culture and
culture determines people’s identity. For instance, mainland
China has also seen a social shift over the past decades,
departing from Marxism-Leninism and returning to Chinese
culture. Although this shift has been largely limited to
linguistics, it still signifies an important development.
More
than 1.3 billion people throughout the world today use
simplified Chinese characters, while only about 40 million
people use the traditional form, mostly in Taiwan, Hong Kong
and overseas communities. This represents a margin of one to
33 users of the simplified system. However, as Taiwan accounts
for more than half of the 40 million users, it occupies a
critical position in the development of traditional Chinese
characters. Therefore, President Ma urged the people of Taiwan
not to discount themselves or overlook this great
responsibility of preserving Chinese culture.
Explanations
on
the
Achievements of the Fourth
Chiang-Chen Talks
The Fourth Chiang-Chen Talks were held in Taichung on December
22, 2009. During the talks, the two sides signed three
agreements, including the “Cross-Strait Agreement on
Cooperation in Agricultural Product Quarantine and
Inspection,” “Cross-Strait Agreement on the Cooperation in
Respect of Fishing Crew Affairs,” and “Cross-Strait Agreement
on Cooperation in Respect of Standards, Metrology, Inspection
and Accreditation.”
Major Results of the Talks
Signing three agreements
During the talks, the two sides signed three agreements,
including the “Cross-Strait Agreement on Cooperation in
Agricultural Product Quarantine and Inspection,” “Cross-Strait
Agreement on Cooperation in Respect of Standards, Metrology,
Inspection and Accreditation,” and “Cross-Strait Agreement on
the Cooperation in Respect of Fishing Crew Affairs.” On the
issue of “Cooperation on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and
Strengthening of Tax Cooperation,” the relevant authorities on
both sides have been communicating and negotiating steadily
during this period and have reached consensus on the main
contents. However, further communications and discussions are
needed between officials of the two sides on the more
technical issues. It is hoped that the negotiations in this
regard can be completed and the agreement promptly signed and
implemented in the near future to help eliminate double
taxation across the Taiwan Strait, improve the competitive
conditions for Taiwanese businesses, and further attract
transnational corporations(INCs) to invest in Taiwan. The
three agreements signed by both sides at the Fourth ChiangChen Talks are directly related to the rights and interests of
the people. The “Cross-Strait Agreement on Cooperation of
Agricultural Product Quarantine and Inspection” and “CrossStrait Agreement on Cooperation in Respect of Standards,
Metrology, Inspection and Accreditation,” in addition to the
“Cross-strait Food Safety Agreement” signed at the second
Chiang-Chen Talks, form a safety net to protect the health and
consumer safety of the people of Taiwan with regards to the
cross-strait trade of various goods (including food,
agriculture and fishery products, animal feedstuffs and
general industrial products). The “Cross-Strait Agreement on
the Cooperation in Respect of Fishing Crew Affairs” leaves the
current “offshore employment” policy unchanged, while,
creating a more institutionalized and secure basis for the
employment of Mainland fishing crews through the negotiation
of a more sound management mechanism.
Reviewing and expanding the implementation achievements of
previous agreements
The two sides also reviewed the implementation of the nine
agreements signed at the previous three Chiang-Chen Talks. In
particular, they exchanged views on Mainland tourist visits to
Taiwan, increasing the number of cross-strait flights,
providing assistance related to the melamine-tainted milk
incident, jointly fighting crime, promoting Mainland
investment in Taiwan, and establishing a renminbi clearance
mechanism. The two sides will continue to discuss improvements
through the established channels and platforms.
Reaching consensus on issues for follow-up negotiations
The fifth talks between the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF)
and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS)
in the first half of next year will focus mainly on the CrossStrait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), as
well as address the issue of protecting intellectual property
rights (IPR).
Significance of the Talks
Benchmark of stability in the Taiwan Strait
Since the resumption of institutionalized liaison channels
between the SEF and the ARATS, the two sides have held four
Chiang-Chen Talks, signed 12 agreements, and reached one
consensus, thus turning a new page in cross-strait relations.
The Fourth Chiang-Chen Talks have made clear that
institutionalized negotiations between the SEF and the ARATS
now have entered a stabilized phase. This signifies that
cross-strait relations are developing orderly towards benign
interactions, which can help establish a secure and stable
environment for national development.
It is also a benchmark for the protecting peace and stability
across the Strait.
Safeguarding the core value of “putting Taiwan first for the
benefit of the people”
“Putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people” is the
highest guiding principle in current cross-strait
interactions. “Putting Taiwan first” means protecting Taiwancentric identity. The four Chiang-Chen Talks have proceeded
under the principle of “equality and dignity” and developed a
new negotiation model for gradually expanding official
interactions. They have not only pragmatically resolved
various issues stemming from cross-strait exchanges, but they
have also highlighted the position of equality and mutual nondenial between the two sides. “For the benefit of the people”
means that the good results of cross-strait negotiations
should be enjoyed by all of the people. The negotiation issues
at the Fourth Chiang-Chen Talks are vital to protecting the
rights and interests of the Taiwan people, strengthening the
international competitiveness of Taiwan’s industries, and
upgrading Taiwan’s position in international division-of-labor
networks. As with the previous three Chiang-Chen Talks, the
fruits of this round of negotiations will be jointly shared by
all of the people.
Prioritizing the economy and livelihood of the people
The three agreements signed at the Fourth Chiang-Chen Talks
all concern economic issues that urgently require priority
handling to respond to the development of cross-strait
economic and trade relations and strengthen the order of
cross-strait economic and trade exchanges. They further
realize the spirit of prioritizing the economy and livelihood
of the people in cross-strait negotiations and facilitate the
normalized and institutionalized development of cross-strait
economic and trade relations.
Conclusion
Over the past 19 months, Taiwan has worked hard through
institutionalized negotiations to improve cross-strait
relations and promote cross-strait and regional peace and
stability. These efforts have already won the unanimous
support of the international community. In the future, Taiwan
will continue to adhere to the principle of “economic issues
first and political issues later,” “easy issues first and
difficult issues later,” and “urgent issues first and less
pressing issues later.” Priority will be given to negotiations
on handling issues related to the livelihood of the people and
economic development. This is aimed at making join efforts to
create a win-win outcome for both sides to benefit the people
across the Taiwan Strait. It is also hoped that the two sides
can continue, through institutionalized negotiation mechanism,
to create historic opportunities for the welfare of the people
on both sides and benign cross-strait interactions, jointly
promote the development of cross-strait relations towards
peace and stability, and create lasting peace in the region.
CEPD Approves 2010 National
Development Plan
The Executive Yuan’s Council for Economic Planning and
Development (CEPD) on December 21 approved the Republic of
China 2010 National Development Plan to implement the second
year of the four-year Third-Term Plan for National Development
in the New Century (2009-2012). The 2010 National Development
Plan, once it is submitted to the Cabinet and ratified, is set
to take effect on January 1, 2010.
The CEPD stated that the 2010 plan focuses on creating a highquality and stable investment environment to increase privatesector investment capacity, improving employment to raise the
labor remuneration allocation rate and stimulate private
consumption, promoting import/export diversification and
service industry exports to boost export competitiveness and
providing diversified employment and training opportunities to
create jobs and lower the unemployment rate.
The CEPD indicated that, based on consideration of the global
situation and domestic conditions, the 2010 National
Development Plan parameters are: 4.8 percent national economic
growth, per capita GDP of US$17,541, 4.9 percent unemployment
(a 2.4 percent increase in employment and a 58 percent labor
participation rate) and a less than 1 percent rise in the
consumer price index.
The CEPD also expressed the hope that negotiating and signing
a cross-strait economic cooperation framework agreement,
boosting the number of inbound tourists from the Chinese
mainland and increasing wage subsidies for private businesses
would improve the domestic labor market and reduce
unemployment. Implementation of employment stimulus measures,
such as increased wage subsidies for private businesses and
hiring by government agencies, will add at least 100,000
employment opportunities next year.
Talent will also be cultivated for the six key emerging
industries (tourism, medicine and health care, biotechnology,
green energy, culture and creation, and high-end agriculture),
key service industries and the newly emerging ICT industry,
and government promotion of such large-scale investment
projects as Kuokuang Petrochemical Technology Co. and the
fifth phase of Formosa Petrochemical Corporation’s No. 6
Naptha Cracker will boost economic development. In addition,
legislation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act shall be
completed and the Energy Management Act shall be amended to
achieve clean industries and attain the objective
sustainable development of the environment.
of
Star1 of Lithuania increase
frequency on London Stansted
to Vilnius
From April 29th 2010 „Star1 Airlines“ is increasing the number
of flights it operates each between London Stansted and
Vilnius. By adding an additional flight Thursdays the route
from London Stansted to Vilnius will now be operated six times
per week with no flight on Saturdays.
“The route between London and Vilnius is now well established
with a strong base of regular passengers from both the
business community and London-based Lithuanians.” said Jurate
Rupsiene, Manager Communication at „Star1 Airlines“.
The announcement of increased frequency comes in the week that
a competing airline has cancelled all its regular flights
between Vilnius and London Gatwick as of spring 2010.
As of April 29 „Star1 Airlines“ will fly to London Stansted
airport every day, except Saturday. This is already the second
increase this year – as of January 2nd the company increased
the number of weekly flights to London from 4 to 5. “Star1
Airlines” is a part of “Star Team Group”, which also contains
tour operator “Star1 Holidays”.
Currently the company operates direct scheduled flights from
Vilnius to London and Milan.
For telephone bookings please call UK reservations on 01293
874901 or book on-line at www.star1.aero
WORLDHOTELS Annual Conference
2010 Themed ‘RAISING THE BAR’
to
Confront
Challenging
Economy
Asia Pacific hoteliers gathered in Bali for first of three
regional annual conferences
Hoteliers from 33 cities in 15 Asia Pacific countries convened
in Bali over the past weekend for the first of the WORLDHOTELS
Regional Annual Conference in 2010, themed ‘Raising the Bar’
to highlight new initiatives for success in the face of
challenging economic times.
Nearly a hundred delegates representing 80 established
affiliate hotels and 13 new entrants to the Asia Pacific
portfolio of WORLDHOTELS, the leading global hotel group for
independent hotels, gathered at the Ayodya Resort Bali for the
three-day event from 15 – 17 January.
The platform designed primarily for General Managers,
Directors of Sales & Marketing and Revenue Managers was the
first of three regional WORLDHOTELS annual conferences
worldwide.
It enabled fellow hoteliers to get together with WORLDHOTELS
Specialist Teams from around the globe, and was an opportunity
to celebrate successes, share new business initiatives, launch
new technologies and strategic partnerships, and exchange
experiences in the wake of the global downturn.
WORLDHOTELS Managing Director Robert Hornman reviewed
highlights of 2009 before focusing on essential strategies for
success in 2010.
Explaining how the theme ‘Raising the Bar!’ applies to all
areas of business, he said: “In challenging times like these,
the greatest opportunities lie in stretching ourselves and
each other beyond the status quo to achieve more, together.”
WORLDHOTELS Asia Pacific Vice President Roland Jegge reviewed
major developments in Asia over the year – including a
significant expansion of the affiliate portfolio in India and
China – and his prognosis for 2010.
As he noted: “2009 has been an unprecedented year in the light
of the global economic situation not seen since the last Great
Depression! But being armed with the group’s ”IMPACT 2009”
strategies and new initiatives for 2010 can ensure that hotels
emerge stronger ahead of competitors, regardless of any
downturn or unexpected crisis.”
Break-out ‘Knowledge Sessions’ provided insight into critical
strategies, trends and best practices ranging from making the
most out of consortia investment and online platforms,
including WORLDHOTELS.resmaster, to maximising regional sales
& marketing resources and capitalising on growth markets.
Fresh perspectives were presented on staying ahead of the
competition in Meetings & Events amid higher costs and lower
margins, effectively managing the Corporate and TMC segments
and invaluable sales tips in a recession
Industry experts addressing the conference on key issues
included Jonas Ogren, Area Director, Asia, STR Global, and
Malcolm McLeod of Motivation Worldwide, discussing roadmaps to
success.
Joe McCormack, General Manager, Global & Client Hotel
Programmes for FCm Travel Solutions presented his views on how
consortia have evolved their business models in the face of
challenging times – and how to ensure they deliver on
investments.
Anthony Ku, Regional Vice President Asia Pacific for Trust
International, outlined latest trends and enhancements in the
‘distribution highway’.
An E-Commerce panel discussion addressed the thin line between
being social and anti-social on the web – from common sins to
how to win friends and not make enemies to build a brand.
Addressing the topic were Craig Hewit, Founder and Chief
Commercial Officer, Wego; Victoria Chen, Manager, Media Sales
& Partnerships (Zuji) Travelocity; Leonie Ameringer, Director
E-Marketing, WORLDHOTELS; Arnaud Girodon, General Manager,
Indigo Pearl; and Morris Sim, Co-Founder and CEO, Circos.com.
One2One meetings with preferred partners, specialists and
technology experts were arranged to showcase opportunities for
joint collaborations.
A plenary on human resources advised how to best harness
talent; with the essential issue that “the selection process
is king” in recruiting personality types for a winning team.
The conference closed with a spectacular Gala Awards Dinner,
showcasing the unique colour, mystique and charm of Bali, as
WORLDHOTELS saluted the year’s best performers.
Awards in five categories went to: Furama Resort Danang,
Vietnam (Best E-Commerce Impact); Stamford Plaza Adelaide,
Australia (Best Revenue Impact); Indigo Pearl, Phuket,
Thailand (Best Website Impact); Harbour Grand Kowloon, Hong
Kong (Best Cooperation and Sales Engagement); and StarWorld
Hotel & Casino, Macau (Best Marketing Engagement).
The conference is one of three regional WORLDHOTELS Annual
Conferences in 2010.
The EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Conference will be
held in Paris on 29 January to 1 February, followed by The
Americas conference in Dallas, Texas on 8 – 11 February.
The need for three conferences underlines the global nature of
WORLDHOTELS, which currently represents almost 450 affiliate
properties in 250 destinations across 65 countries worldwide.