Raffa Tourism & Culture
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Butler service adds new dimension to Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket » Hotel News
2012-05-13 03:39:04
A new 24-hour butler service has been introduced at the Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket in Thailand adding a new dimension of comfort and indulgence for guests at the five-star resort’s three-bedroomed penthouse villas. From arrival to departure guests can relax, confident in the knowledge that their own personal butler will take care of everything from unpacking luggage and preparing baths or Jacuzzis to organising laundry, sight-seeing tours, restaurant reservations, flight confirmations, baby-sitting and everything in between. “Our butlers are highly attentive and respond efficiently to any request but they are also intuitive, able to instinctively anticipate the needs of individual guests to provide a level of service that makes every stay truly unforgettable,” said the hotel’s general manager Hansruedi Frutiger. “We joke that our butlers can read guests’ minds, but they are people who are highly experienced, exceptionally well trained, have wonderful persona
2012-05-13 03:39:04
A new 24-hour butler service has been introduced at the Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket in Thailand adding a new dimension of comfort and indulgence for guests at the five-star resort’s three-bedroomed penthouse villas. From arrival to departure guests can relax, confident in the knowledge that their own personal butler will take care of everything from unpacking luggage and preparing baths or Jacuzzis to organising laundry, sight-seeing tours, restaurant reservations, flight confirmations, baby-sitting and everything in between. “Our butlers are highly attentive and respond efficiently to any request but they are also intuitive, able to instinctively anticipate the needs of individual guests to provide a level of service that makes every stay truly unforgettable,” said the hotel’s general manager Hansruedi Frutiger. “We joke that our butlers can read guests’ minds, but they are people who are highly experienced, exceptionally well trained, have wonderful persona
Boeing Completes Acquisition of Inmedius » Airline News
2012-05-13 03:35:30
Boeing has announced it has completed the acquisition of Inmedius, a provider of software applications and services for managing and sharing information and learning content. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Inmedius will be integrated into Continental DataGraphics, a subsidiary of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. Inmedius president and chief executive Gary Schaffer will continue to lead the business, reporting to CDG President and chief executive David Malmo. Inmedius has approximately 75 employees and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., with offices in the United Kingdom and India. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, CDG has more than 1,200 employees worldwide, with offices in multiple locations across the US, United Kingdom and India.
2012-05-13 03:35:30
Boeing has announced it has completed the acquisition of Inmedius, a provider of software applications and services for managing and sharing information and learning content. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Inmedius will be integrated into Continental DataGraphics, a subsidiary of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. Inmedius president and chief executive Gary Schaffer will continue to lead the business, reporting to CDG President and chief executive David Malmo. Inmedius has approximately 75 employees and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., with offices in the United Kingdom and India. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, CDG has more than 1,200 employees worldwide, with offices in multiple locations across the US, United Kingdom and India.
INDABA 2012: Simbithi Country Club hosts Green Golf Day » Travel Event News
2012-05-13 03:33:29
Simbithi Country Club has successfully hosted a Green Golf Day for Ilembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (ICCIT), and King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) to raise awareness of the impact that people’s activities have on the environment and to encourage innovative ways to demonstrate responsible business practices. The Green Golf Day concept was initiated as part of the two week campaign ahead of the COP17 conference last year, which was hosted in Durban. This Golf Day formed part of ICCIT and KSIA’s green legacy campaign which highlights their commitment going forward to bringing about sustainable local economic development, driving financial success and sustainable returns on the North Coast, whilst offering ICCIT members and other local businesses the opportunity to display their commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Research indicates that a ‘green’ golf day had never been hosted in South Africa before and according to Stev
2012-05-13 03:33:29
Simbithi Country Club has successfully hosted a Green Golf Day for Ilembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (ICCIT), and King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) to raise awareness of the impact that people’s activities have on the environment and to encourage innovative ways to demonstrate responsible business practices. The Green Golf Day concept was initiated as part of the two week campaign ahead of the COP17 conference last year, which was hosted in Durban. This Golf Day formed part of ICCIT and KSIA’s green legacy campaign which highlights their commitment going forward to bringing about sustainable local economic development, driving financial success and sustainable returns on the North Coast, whilst offering ICCIT members and other local businesses the opportunity to display their commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Research indicates that a ‘green’ golf day had never been hosted in South Africa before and according to Stev
INDABA 2012: UNWTO prepares for Victoria Falls showcase » Travel Event News
2012-05-13 03:31:37
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has given a decisive stamp of approval on how Victoria Falls is shaping up as the signed-and-sealed destination for its August 2013 global General Assembly. UNWTO executive director Zoltan Somogyi led a delegation of three on an appraisal visit to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) in the first week of March 2012. He told a wrap-up meeting that he truly believes the 2013 general assembly will be very successful and that the private sector will play a key role. Blanca Peral, the UNWTO programme chief, called their site visit experience “enchanting” and said the hospitality the UNWTO experienced was “generous and imaginative.” Also on the appraisal team was Helda Tomas, UNWTO deputy regional director for Africa. The team said they were inspired by the unity of purpose between co-hosts Zambia and Zimbabwe and Somogyi said the two countries only needed to smoothen their transport system for inter-venue traf
2012-05-13 03:31:37
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has given a decisive stamp of approval on how Victoria Falls is shaping up as the signed-and-sealed destination for its August 2013 global General Assembly. UNWTO executive director Zoltan Somogyi led a delegation of three on an appraisal visit to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) in the first week of March 2012. He told a wrap-up meeting that he truly believes the 2013 general assembly will be very successful and that the private sector will play a key role. Blanca Peral, the UNWTO programme chief, called their site visit experience “enchanting” and said the hospitality the UNWTO experienced was “generous and imaginative.” Also on the appraisal team was Helda Tomas, UNWTO deputy regional director for Africa. The team said they were inspired by the unity of purpose between co-hosts Zambia and Zimbabwe and Somogyi said the two countries only needed to smoothen their transport system for inter-venue traf
INDABA 2012: Avis showcases offering in South Africa » Travel Event News
2012-05-13 03:29:59
There are numerous reasons why Avis Rent a Car is the leading car rental company in South Africa, not the least being its extensive fleet, the largest in the country offering the widest range of choice. “We are very sensitive to our customers’ requirements,” said chief executive Wayne Duvenage. “And quick to respond to requests which point to changing needs and tastes. This helped lead to the recent introduction of the Toyota Avanza, our new small, people-carrier which transports five people plus luggage.” The Avanza joins two other people carrier vehicles, the Toyota Fortuner, a 5-7-seater vehicle and the Hyundai H1, an eight-seater, both acquired to satisfy the needs of customers. “We ensured that both the Fortuner and the Hyundai H1 are automatic and diesel-powered, since this fulfills the specific preferences of many inbound travellers,” added Duvenage. “We have also noticed that these vehicles are responding to a new trend we have discerned which entails a ma
2012-05-13 03:29:59
There are numerous reasons why Avis Rent a Car is the leading car rental company in South Africa, not the least being its extensive fleet, the largest in the country offering the widest range of choice. “We are very sensitive to our customers’ requirements,” said chief executive Wayne Duvenage. “And quick to respond to requests which point to changing needs and tastes. This helped lead to the recent introduction of the Toyota Avanza, our new small, people-carrier which transports five people plus luggage.” The Avanza joins two other people carrier vehicles, the Toyota Fortuner, a 5-7-seater vehicle and the Hyundai H1, an eight-seater, both acquired to satisfy the needs of customers. “We ensured that both the Fortuner and the Hyundai H1 are automatic and diesel-powered, since this fulfills the specific preferences of many inbound travellers,” added Duvenage. “We have also noticed that these vehicles are responding to a new trend we have discerned which entails a ma
INDABA 2012: New manager for Greenway Woods Resort » Hotel News
2012-05-13 03:28:31
Three Cities Exceptional Hotels has announced Ryan Brayshaw from Nelspruit as the newly appointed general manager for the premier family and leisure resort in Mpumalanga, Greenway Woods Resort. The popular resort is situated on the border of the White River Golf Estate and is just 30km from the Numbi Gate, allowing easy and convenient access for guests into the acclaimed Kruger National Park. Ryan commented on his new appointment: “I am delighted to now be part of Greenway Woods Resort. “The place inspires me and I’m confident that I have the experience and work ethic to address the levels of service at the resort, which have been a concern in the past.” Ryan made the move to Greenway Woods Resort from Cradle Hotels, Lodges & Resorts where he was employed since July 2009 as general manager of Ivory Tree Game Lodge, a five-star, 60-roomed safari lodge in the Pilanesberg National Park in Northwest. He was promoted within the group in 2010 as group operations manager wit
2012-05-13 03:28:31
Three Cities Exceptional Hotels has announced Ryan Brayshaw from Nelspruit as the newly appointed general manager for the premier family and leisure resort in Mpumalanga, Greenway Woods Resort. The popular resort is situated on the border of the White River Golf Estate and is just 30km from the Numbi Gate, allowing easy and convenient access for guests into the acclaimed Kruger National Park. Ryan commented on his new appointment: “I am delighted to now be part of Greenway Woods Resort. “The place inspires me and I’m confident that I have the experience and work ethic to address the levels of service at the resort, which have been a concern in the past.” Ryan made the move to Greenway Woods Resort from Cradle Hotels, Lodges & Resorts where he was employed since July 2009 as general manager of Ivory Tree Game Lodge, a five-star, 60-roomed safari lodge in the Pilanesberg National Park in Northwest. He was promoted within the group in 2010 as group operations manager wit
INDABA 2012: Johannesburg Tourism Company confirms INDABA plans » Travel Event News
2012-05-13 03:26:34
Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC) has confirmed it plans for the annual INDABA trade show in Durban, which begins in this weekend. Representatives from the body will be networking with international leisure travel industry and business associates, media and stakeholders at their exhibition stand, as well as a networking breakfast to be held at the Hilton Hotel on May 14th 2012. At this breakfast session, acting chief executive Phelisa Mangcu will also be announcing the winner of the Joburg Tourism Entrepreneur Award. This award is presented by Joburg Tourism in recognition of excellent entrepreneurship and outstanding contribution towards tourism growth. The first time recipient of the award, which was launched at the Tourism Indaba last year, was Jojo Tsheola of Tsheola Dinare Tours. Winter Forecasts As part of its Indaba activities, JTC will be unveiling its winter campaign. “A Hot Winter Forecast for Joburg!” the campaign forms part of JTC’s marketing strategy to en
2012-05-13 03:26:34
Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC) has confirmed it plans for the annual INDABA trade show in Durban, which begins in this weekend. Representatives from the body will be networking with international leisure travel industry and business associates, media and stakeholders at their exhibition stand, as well as a networking breakfast to be held at the Hilton Hotel on May 14th 2012. At this breakfast session, acting chief executive Phelisa Mangcu will also be announcing the winner of the Joburg Tourism Entrepreneur Award. This award is presented by Joburg Tourism in recognition of excellent entrepreneurship and outstanding contribution towards tourism growth. The first time recipient of the award, which was launched at the Tourism Indaba last year, was Jojo Tsheola of Tsheola Dinare Tours. Winter Forecasts As part of its Indaba activities, JTC will be unveiling its winter campaign. “A Hot Winter Forecast for Joburg!” the campaign forms part of JTC’s marketing strategy to en
INDABA 2012: Community based tourism gains momentum » Tourism News
2012-05-13 03:24:42
Community-based eco-tourism where the needs of both the local population and environment are catered for is not an entirely new concept but is one that is gaining momentum in Africa, according to discussions at INDABA 2012. Where implemented well, the benefits are far reaching for the local communities and the natural areas they serve. Ngoma Safari Lodge in Chobe, Botswana was opened in May 2011 and is one such place where the community and environment is reaping the rewards of this type of partnership. Ngoma Safari Lodge is an exclusive luxury safari destination that offers eight suites facing the legendary Chobe River. The lodge falls within the Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust (CECT), a triangle of land bordered by the Chobe National Park and the Linyanti marsh. The local community living within the trust benefits directly from tourism and natural resource management in this concession and has an active hand in all decision making. It has been almost a year since the lodge’
2012-05-13 03:24:42
Community-based eco-tourism where the needs of both the local population and environment are catered for is not an entirely new concept but is one that is gaining momentum in Africa, according to discussions at INDABA 2012. Where implemented well, the benefits are far reaching for the local communities and the natural areas they serve. Ngoma Safari Lodge in Chobe, Botswana was opened in May 2011 and is one such place where the community and environment is reaping the rewards of this type of partnership. Ngoma Safari Lodge is an exclusive luxury safari destination that offers eight suites facing the legendary Chobe River. The lodge falls within the Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust (CECT), a triangle of land bordered by the Chobe National Park and the Linyanti marsh. The local community living within the trust benefits directly from tourism and natural resource management in this concession and has an active hand in all decision making. It has been almost a year since the lodge’
Iberostar Hotels reclassifies global portfolio » Hotel News
2012-05-13 03:22:36
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has revealed its new segmentation plan, dividing it’s collection of more than 100 hotels, in 15 countries around the world, into four distinctive categories. The chain’s objective is to segment the hotels into categories with similar characteristics to guarantee the best experience for guests - no matter which one they choose. The new segmentation classifies the hotels into the following four categories: Iberostar The Grand Collection: The most premium category of hotels on offer from Iberostar caters for those looking for the ultimate in luxury. In an exclusive setting, visitors can enjoy gourmet dining, indulgent spas and the best views from their room. All Grand Collection hotels are for adults only, except Iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey (Tenerife, Spain) and Iberostar Grand Hotel Budapest (Hungary). Iberostar Premium Gold: This category is for Iberostar’s top quality hotels. Visitors to the fivr-star hotels will discover one of the most co
2012-05-13 03:22:36
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has revealed its new segmentation plan, dividing it’s collection of more than 100 hotels, in 15 countries around the world, into four distinctive categories. The chain’s objective is to segment the hotels into categories with similar characteristics to guarantee the best experience for guests - no matter which one they choose. The new segmentation classifies the hotels into the following four categories: Iberostar The Grand Collection: The most premium category of hotels on offer from Iberostar caters for those looking for the ultimate in luxury. In an exclusive setting, visitors can enjoy gourmet dining, indulgent spas and the best views from their room. All Grand Collection hotels are for adults only, except Iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey (Tenerife, Spain) and Iberostar Grand Hotel Budapest (Hungary). Iberostar Premium Gold: This category is for Iberostar’s top quality hotels. Visitors to the fivr-star hotels will discover one of the most co
EarthCheck awards Sandals two Platinum level certifications » Hotel News
2012-05-13 03:13:22
Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa and Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort have been recognised for their environmental efforts by EarthCheck, a leading certification and benchmarking organisation, which has awarded both resorts with a Platinum level certification. As a result of having consistently demonstrated their commitment to host communities and high standards of environmental care, over a period of ten years or more, Sandals Negril and Sandals Grande Riviera have joined an elite number of organisations around the world in achieving the highest level of EarthCheck Certification, making Sandals Resorts the only hotel company in the world to receive two platinum certifications. Sandals Negril first earned Platinum certification in 2008 and earned its Platinum re-certification this year. This is the inaugural Platinum certification for Sandals Grande Riviera, which recently completed a nearly $60 million expansion and renovation project. “This achievem
2012-05-13 03:13:22
Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa and Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort have been recognised for their environmental efforts by EarthCheck, a leading certification and benchmarking organisation, which has awarded both resorts with a Platinum level certification. As a result of having consistently demonstrated their commitment to host communities and high standards of environmental care, over a period of ten years or more, Sandals Negril and Sandals Grande Riviera have joined an elite number of organisations around the world in achieving the highest level of EarthCheck Certification, making Sandals Resorts the only hotel company in the world to receive two platinum certifications. Sandals Negril first earned Platinum certification in 2008 and earned its Platinum re-certification this year. This is the inaugural Platinum certification for Sandals Grande Riviera, which recently completed a nearly $60 million expansion and renovation project. “This achievem