Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Hotel News | "New hotel planned close to Wolf Road"

By: Brian Nearing
Source: http://www.timesunion.com
Category: Hotel News

A local hotel magnate is planning his latest project off Wolf Road near Colonie Center.Michael Hoffman, president of Turf Hotels Inc., which owns four hotels with a total of more than 500 rooms in the Capital Region, envisions an extended-stay hotel on a 3.7-acre lot between the Macy's parking lot and the Court Club on Sand Creek Road.

Hoffman said the project could cost between $15 million and $17 million. He has a purchase contract for the property, which is owned by Macy's and has a listed selling price of $2.5 million."We have not talked to the town yet about this, but we are optimistic," he said Tuesday. "We think it would be great for Colonie Center to have affluent people staying nearby it."

The southern end of Wolf Road near the mall will also contain two new high-end grocery stores. Trader Joe's will open this spring, and Whole Foods is expected to lease part of the Sears store in Colonie Center and open by 2014.

Hoffman said he conceives of a six- or seven-story hotel, with between 100 and 120 rooms, using an extended-stay format like another Turf property, the 133-room Homewood Suites by Hilton on Wolf Road.
Hoffman also owns the franchise for Staybridge Suites, which is a possibility for the new hotel. The Staybridge Suites brand is owned by the InterContinental Hotel Group, whose other brands include Hotel Indigo, which has a location at the north end of Wolf Road, as well as Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Candlewood Suites.

The Crowne Plaza in Albany was recently sold and is being converted by its new owners into a Hilton Hotel.
Turf Hotels also owns the 121-room Holiday Inn Express on Western Avenue in Albany, the 123-room Hampton Inn Suites in Saratoga Springs and the 129-room Holiday Inn Resort in Lake George.
The Hoffman family has owned property on Wolf Road for years, where Michael Hoffman's father and uncle built the Turf Inn in 1975. Michael Hoffman was that property's general manager. It was sold in 2006.

Source: http://www.timesunion.com/business/article/New-hotel-planned-close-to-Wolf-Road-3543981.php


Hotel News | "Hilton Worldwide Partners with Room to Read To Empower and Educate Young People in South and Southeast Asia"

By: Press Release
Source: http://www.financialpost.com
Category: Hotel News

Hilton Worldwide announced today a three-year partnership with Room to Read – a global nonprofit organization focused on improving literacy and gender equality in education. The partnership supports Room to Read’s holistic approach to literacy and girls’ education in South and Southeast Asia -- aiming to reach more than 2,000 young people in the first phase of the program – and it solidifies Hilton Worldwide as the organization’s leading hospitality partner in India. In addition, Hilton Worldwide will leverage its hotels across the Asia Pacific region to engage team members, guests and business partners in its work with Room to Read. During the month of May, Hilton Worldwide will also support Room to Read’s annual spring fundraising campaign promoting the Girls’ Education program by matching donations up to US$150,000 beginning today through May 31. 

“This partnership offers young people the fundamental literacy and life skills to succeed in school and beyond,” said Jennifer Silberman, vice president, corporate responsibility, Hilton Worldwide. “As a leading global hospitality company and employer with more than 3,800 hotels around the world, preparing young people for the future is vital to our success as a company. Room to Read has been recognized by international development experts for its innovative approach to providing quality education, and through its work, millions have the potential to be lifted out of poverty.” 

“Room to Read is thrilled to partner with Hilton Worldwide to ensure that young people in South and Southeast Asia have equal access to education. It is a pleasure to work with a global company that is committed to investing in the enrichment of the local communities where it does business,” said Erin Ganju, Room to Read CEO and Co-founder. 

“It is imperative as we grow our business in Asia Pacific that we remain connected with the communities where we operate. Team members in our corporate offices, and our currently more than 88 operating hotels in the Asia Pacific region, are excited about engaging in and supporting Room to Read, which should garner a significant contribution and impact to the partnership,” said Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide. 

Hilton Worldwide’s support of Room to Read began this past January in India. To date, funding is supporting the establishment of 30 new school libraries over the next three years, the initial participation of more than 75 girls in the Girls’ Education program and the publication of six original, local language children’s books over the next three years and distributed to Room to Read’s network of libraries and NGO partners throughout India. 

The first 10 new libraries will be established in Delhi, India, this year. The sites are in the process of being chosen by Room to Read teams based on school population, test scores, literacy rates and structural integrity. Each library will be filled with English- and local-language books that are organized according to Room to Read’s book leveling guidelines, a process of matching titles to the reading abilities and interests of students, to encourage children’s independence and enable book selections without teacher assistance.
The Room to Read Girls’ Education program ensures that girls have the skills and support needed to complete their secondary school education. For example, in India, the life skills training component promotes physical and mental health education, peer pressure avoidance, and encourages peer-to-peer support through ongoing workshops. Some of the recent activities have included the girls attending an interactive session on how to avoid abusive situations.

Hilton Worldwide is also expanding its partnership with Room to Read to support the Girls’ Education program in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Across these countries, there is a high degree of poverty with a significant percentage of the population surviving on less than US$2 per day. Particularly in rural areas, many children are forced to drop out of school early to find work to support their families. For girls, there are additional obstacles that impede their access to education which increase their risk of sexual and economic exploitation or trafficking. Room to Read’s Girls Education Program addresses these challenges by identifying girls in late primary and secondary school who are at risk of dropping out and ensuring they have the financial, academic and mentoring support to complete school with the skills they need to succeed. 

Source: http://www.financialpost.com/markets/news/Hilton+Worldwide+Partners+with+Room+Read+Empower+Educate+Young+People/6584511/story.html

Monday, May 7, 2012

Hotel News | "Teen arrested for hotel arson lived in Isaac Hayes' former mansion "

By:  Kontji Anthony
Category: Hotel News
Source: http://germantown.wmctv.com

A teen girl is charged with aggravated arson for a hotel fire that happened in Germantown over the weekend. Action News 5 learned the same girl was also living in the former mansion of musician Isaac Hayes when it burned down last week.

Dozens of people were forced to evacuate the Germantown Homewood Suites hotel early Saturday morning because of a fire set in a hotel room.Police charged a minor for setting the fire that responders quickly put out.
"The investigation revealed that the fire was set intentionally, and the female juvenile was arrested and charged with aggravated arson," said Germantown Police Department Captain Mike Griffus.

A hotel employee confirmed to WMC-TV that Doris and Kenneth Peters were staying in the room with the teen, 13, when the fire started. The employee said she set her clothes on fire.The Peters are the custodial parents of the 13-year-old, and they were living at the former home of Isaac Hayes when it burned down last Thursday.

But Shelby County and Germantown city investigations will neither confirm nor deny that connection.
"Due to that fact and that a juvenile is involved, I cannot comment further on evidence or the juvenile's previous addresses."

The Shelby County Fire Department does confirm the family lived in a home that burned down on year ago.
It was after that fire, that the Peters moved down the road to Isaac Hayes' old home where insurance inspectors and fire investigators spent the day Monday scouring through the remains.

People close to the case tell me the young girl charged with setting the fire is crying for help and that she was found cutting herself before Saturday's fire.The investigations into these fires are ongoing.

Source:  http://germantown.wmctv.com/news/news/74295-teen-arrested-hotel-arson-lived-isaac-hayes-former-mansion

Event News | "Key economic events for the week of May 7"

By: Press Release
Category: Event News
Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com

The Federal Reserve Board of Governors starts the week with a release of data on how the amount of consumer credit changed in March. Any growth in consumer credit would suggest that more individuals may be gearing up for larger purchases, stimulating economic activity.
 Analysts expect to see that consumer credit expanded by $9.7 billion in March. In February data, released last month, consumer credit grew by $8.7 billion, slower than analysts had predicted.

Wednesday
 
The National Federation of Independent Businesses releases the latest data from its Small Business Optimism Index, based on a survey of how small businesses feel about the state of the economy. The survey gauges small businesses’ plans to make new hires or increase inventory. Analysts expect the index to come in at 92.9, a slight increase from the 92.5 index reported in April. 

Thursday
 
At 8:30 a.m., the Labor Department plans to release its figures on new jobless claims for the previous week. The consensus forecast is that 370,000 people filed for unemployment during the period — a slight increase over the previous week. 

Friday
 
The Bureau of Labor Statistics issues new data on the Producer Price Index, which measures the average change in prices of goods and services.
Analysts expect the PPI data, which covers April, to show no change over the previous month. Keep in mind, however, that could mask various ups and downs in prices of specific goods. 

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/key-economic-events-for-the-week-of-may-7/2012/05/04/gIQAYKpc6T_story.html

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Hotel News | "Hilton Worldwide and USA TODAY Announce Multi-Year Alliance"

By: Press Release
Source: http://www.hotelinteractive.com
Category: Hotel News

Today, Hilton Worldwide and USA TODAY announced a new multi-year print and digital alliance, offering all guests at Hilton Worldwide brands in the U.S.  complimentary 24-hour access to customized digital content from Gannett publications, including USA TODAY. As an added benefit, members of Hilton HHonors, the loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 10 distinct hotel brands, will also gain exclusive access to online entertainment through the Hilton HHonors Guest Portal, powered by USA TODAY. 

These offerings create a unique online hospitality amenity, providing unmatched global news and local insider information, while also keeping each guest connected to their hometown news.Guests staying at hotels within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio in the U.S. will start to see changes to the digital offerings beginning this summer, with a full rollout scheduled for the fall.

Travelers not only crave news to stay connected while they travel, but they also want to maximize their experience with trusted local insights across multiple sources, according to independent research commissioned by USA TODAY*. The research also revealed that more than 70 percent of frequent U.S. travelers expect and look forward to receiving the national newspaper as part of their hotel experience.

Hilton Worldwide stays at the forefront of the hospitality industry by understanding the needs of our guests,” said Paul Brown, president, brands & commercial services, Hilton Worldwide. “Staying current with emerging trends and technologies is something our guests not only demand, but deserve–and our alliance with USA TODAY helps in that progression.”

Convenience, as well as flexibility, will be at the core of this new print and digital alliance, giving guests a choice on the content they see, as well as how they see it. Copies of USA TODAY, the nation’s top-selling print newspaper, will continue to be available for guests. Additionally, through the high-speed internet homepage on personal laptops, smart phones, tablets or business center computers, guests will have direct and exclusive access to online content throughout their stay to make the most of their travel experience, including:

• Comprehensive regional, national and international news
• Unique local guides, restaurant reviews and insights
• Customized digital content that will keep each guest connected to their hometown news 

Hilton HHonors members will also have access to premium online entertainment through the Hilton HHonors guest portal, powered by USA TODAY. Hilton HHonors tier status will determine the extent and variety of media available to each member, which, upon full launch, will include books, magazines, games, and other entertainment content. 

“This product brings together the best of multi-media news and information with the best of hospitality,” said Dave Hunke, chairman, USA TODAY. “We’re looking forward to launching this first-of-its-kind product, created for a global, multi-brand hotel company, and continuing our long-standing relationship with Hilton Worldwide
 
Source: http://www.hotelinteractive.com/buyer/article.aspx?articleid=25042

Hotel News | "Homewood Suites By Hilton Opens Hotel In University City Philadelphia"

By: Press Release
Category: Hotel News
Source: http://www.hotelinteractive.com


Homewood Suites by Hilton, the international brand of upscale, all-suite, residential-style hotels, today announced the opening of its newest property in University City Philadelphia, PA.  The 11-story, 136-suite hotel is owned by Campus Realty Properties-V, LP and managed by Hersha Hospitality.  General Manager Paul DiNapoli has been in the hotel industry for 23 years, and is supported by Director of Sales, Jonathan Esten who has 12 years of local sales experience.

“In times where travelers are pinching pennies due to increased airline fees, Homewood Suites offers a true bundled value designed to please both business and leisure travelers at reasonable rates,” said DiNapoli.  “Homewood’s standard amenities including fully-equipped kitchens with refrigerators, complimentary high-speed Internet access, and separate living and sleeping areas in each suite, are exactly what travelers are seeking today.”

Homewood Suites by Hilton University City Philadelphia, PA offers studio and one- bedroom suites, with additional guest amenities including a daily complimentary full hot breakfast in the hotel’s hospitality center—the “Lodge”—a full evening meal with drinks* Monday-Thursday, and a 24-hour on-site pantry.  The hotel also offers an indoor pool, fully-equipped fitness center, nearby walking trails and recreational activities, 24-hour executive business center and approximately 800 square feet of flexible meeting space. 
Located at 4109 Walnut Street, the hotel is conveniently located steps from the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.  The property is within minutes from historic landmarks that Philadelphia is well-known for like the Independence Hall and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Source: http://www.hotelinteractive.com/buyer/article.aspx?articleid=25050


Thursday, May 3, 2012

Hotel News | "No Place Like Homewood Suites By Hilton"

By: Homewood Suites by Hilton
Source: http://www.sacbee.com
Category; Hotel News

Chopped All-Stars illustrating how at Homewood Suites life on the road can be more about life and less about the road. The campaign was created by Homewood Suites' agency-of-record, Publicis New York and supported by the brand's media, online and public relations agencies-of-record OMD, iCrossing and rbb Public Relations.

The Campaign
Targeting business travelers with extended-stay trips and family/leisure travelers who appreciate all the extra space and a full kitchen when on vacation, the campaign highlights Homewood Suites' wide range of bundled amenities.

According to Homewood Suites' global head Bill Duncan, Homewood's most loyal guests continue to choose the brand for their longer stays because it delivers the comforts of home. "From the medical sales executive who relies on his smoothie to get him through a long day of training, to the parents of toddlers that like to recharge in the evening with an hour of watching TV while their kids are sleeping in a separate room, our customer research has found that guests choose us over other hotels because at Homewood they can keep their daily routines and continue to live their life, even while on the road," said Duncan.

The TV spots, which began March 4, will air through mid-June on Food Network aligned with the popular Chopped All-Stars series and throughout regular programming on Golf Channel and ESPN.  The print campaign will run nationally in REDBOOK, Food Network Magazine and ESPN The Magazine. Online advertising will appear on FoodNetwork.com, Redbookmag.com and ESPN.com.

"The idea of promising consumers a hotel that's just like their home isn't really very credible. But a lot of what Homewood offers means we can help people have an experience on the road that's closer to their regular life. As we like to say, we make life on the road more about life - and less about the road," noted Publicis New York's executive vice president and creative director Jay Williams.

"Building from our strong value proposition, the campaign keeps it simple and lets Homewood's bundled amenities including roomy studio, one- or two-bedroom suites, full kitchens, and outdoor grills and other recreational spaces speak for themselves," added Duncan. 

The campaign also plays homage to Homewood Suites' free daily hot breakfast and evening dinner with drinks,* and complimentary grocery shopping service which allows guests to leave their food wish list for the hotel's staff in the morning and return to a fully-stocked refrigerator.

Bringing a Taste of Homewood to Your Home

To deepen the significance of the paid television spots, Homewood's new campaign features two very unique television integrated custom short forms that will air during Food Network's Chopped All-Stars and ESPN's SportsCenter respectively, something none of the hotels in its competitive set have attempted.
"Not only does Food Network index high among current and target Homewood customers, but the Chopped All-Stars series, where contestants are challenged to create a dish from ingredients within a mystery basket, is akin thematically to life on the road for Homewood's business guests. They have long assignments away from home, often with limited per diem budgets, so have learned to be creative with their meals utilizing the Homewood amenities at their disposal to keep variety in their diet," explained Duncan.
Playing off of this, Homewood partnered with Food Network to create a 60 second Chopped Open Your Basket competition short form integrating Homewood in order to showcase the brand's in-room kitchens with full-size fridge. The vignette was filmed onsite at a local Homewood property, using amateur chefs as competitors, and can be seen airing within Chopped All-Stars episodes.

For ESPN and SportsCenter, programming that also ranks high with the brand's business travel target, Homewood created a mini-mercial that includes a quirky depiction of a business travel guest winding down in his roomy suite with a little snack and SportsCenter, appearing to be in work attire during the first shot with a reveal showing the man in his boxer shorts in the second. The mini-mercial will air during SportsCenter from now through August.

The Chopped All-Stars vignette and ESPN mini-mercial are also available for viewing on Homewood's business travel microsite www.suiteliving.com, as well as the brand's YouTube channel."With a line-up of executions that are quirky, feel-good and even unprecedented for our competitive set, our new campaign makes it easy for the business traveler, leisure guest, or parent traveling with their entire family to picture themselves being at home at Homewood Suites," said Duncan.

About Homewood Suites by Hilton
Launched in 1989, the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand today has more than 300 hotels open with approximately 80 in the development pipeline. Beyond its spacious suites and home-like amenities, additional guest features include an on-site Suite Shop convenience store, complimentary grocery shopping services, a complete business center, and laundry services at most locations.

Source: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/01/4456327/no-place-like-homewood-suites.html






Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/01/4456327/no-place-like-homewood-suites.html#storylink=cpy

Travel News | "Hilton, USA today give guests new content choices"

By: Barbara De Lollis
Source: http://travel.usatoday.com
Category: Travel News

News-hungry travelers this summer will start noticing a new perk in Hilton hotels when they use their laptop, iPad or other devices to go online.Today, Hilton Worldwide and USA TODAY announced that they've agreed to a multiyear deal that will give Hilton customers 24-hour-a-day access to news and local information from Gannett publications including USA TODAY, as well as entertainment, books, magazines, games and other content.

Hilton's most frequent customers - the top-tier members of Hilton HHonors loyalty program - will receive exclusive access to online entertainment."Hilton Worldwide stays at the forefront of the hospitality industry by understanding the needs of our guests," said Paul Brown, president, brands and commercial services for Hilton Worldwide. "Staying current with emerging trends and technologies is something our guests not only demand, but deserve – and our alliance with USA TODAY helps in that progression."

Travelers staying in Hilton, Conrad, Embassy Suites and other Hilton-brand hotels, such as Hilton Garden Inn, will begin to see the new guest portal offerings this summer, although the full roll-out will happen this fall, said Dave Hunke, chairman of USA TODAY.

Source: http://travel.usatoday.com/hotels/post/2012/05/usa-today-hilton-worldwide-deal-online-portal/684741/1



Hotel News | "Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach Introduces Family Value Package, Offering Summer Savings On Multiple Dining, Beach And Recreation Activities"

By: Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach
Source: http://www.sacbee.com
Category: Hotel News

Families dreaming of saving on a California coastal vacation have a unique new choice at Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach, the multi-award-winning ocean-view hotel located directly across from popular Carlsbad State Beach in northern San Diego County.

Ranked one of the top three Hilton Garden Inn properties in the United States, Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach is heralded for its easy beach access; relaxed upscale facilities; complimentary parking, WiFi and local transportation; and a perfect location five minutes from LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad Premium Outlets, the famed Carlsbad Flower Fields, championship golf and more.

The Family Value Package at Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach is available through Labor Day weekend, providing exceptional value to families vacationing in the San Diego area. Rates start from $169 per night until May 24, 2012, and from $199 per night from May 15 through Labor Day. Inclusions are:
  • Deluxe accommodations (many connecting/adjoining rooms available)
  • 15% dining savings at the hotel's popular Carlsbad Beach Bistro
  • 15% food and beverage savings at the hotel's Pavilion Pantry and through room service
  • Complimentary Beach Rental Package (use of two beach chairs, beach umbrella, four beach towels)
  • VIP shopping coupon book for Carlsbad Premium Outlet Mall
  • 15% off at Dawn Patrol Surf, providing nearby surf lessons and surfboard, wetsuit, bodyboard and bicycle rentals
  • 15% off bicycle rentals at Raw Skin Surf Shack
  • 15% off beach/water sport rentals at California Water Sports
  • 15% off at The Crossings at Carlsbad golf course when booked through hotel
  • 15% off LEGOLAND admission when purchased through hotel
  • 15% off SeaWorld admission when purchased through hotel
  • 15% off San Diego Zoo/San Diego Safari Park admission when purchased through hotel
TripAdvisor.com recently ranked Carlsbad, California one of the top ten family destinations in the U.S., with close and convenient access not only to the sand and to LEGOLAND, golf and shopping, but also a short drive to San Diego's SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Seaport Village and Safari Park. To the north, Disneyland is just 45 minutes away, making the hotel an easy-to-reach home base for families visiting greater Southern California.

Source: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/02/4460040/hilton-garden-inn-carlsbad-beach.html

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/02/4460040/hilton-garden-inn-carlsbad-beach.html#storylink=cpy

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Hotel News | "Banks confirms HK hotel discount"

By: David Fisher and Adam Bennett
Source: http://www.nzherald.co.n
Category: Hotel News

After last night denying it, Act leader John Banks this afternoon confirmed he got a discounted deal at Kim Dotcom's favourite Hong Kong hotel during his stay there last year but says he negotiated the discount himself.

Mr Banks last night released a hotel invoice to attack claims he got a discount at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. The invoice showed a room rate about half of the current quoted cost.
The invoice came from a Christmas holiday taken by Mr Banks, who just two weeks before had been sworn in as a minister, and his wife Amanda.

Last night, Mr Banks' staff insisted there was no discount attached to the hotel stay. A spokeswoman said she was present when Mr Banks sought and received an assurance there was no discount attached to his bill.She said Mr Banks asked specifically if there was any discount applied to his bill and was told by the hotel manager there was not.

But Mr Banks today said: "I negotiated the price for the hotel room and I paid for everything in Hong Kong.
"I always negotiate prices down, I don't believe in paying the rack rate in a hotel.
"The hotel room was so expensive I even paid for it with my wife's credit card."Mr Banks this afternoon said said his association with Mr Dotcom was not the reason he was able to negotiate a lower charge for the room.

The invoice Mr Banks produced last night showed he and his wife were charged $678 a night.
But staff at the hotel's reservations desk last night said the rate for the room the Banks stayed in was $1303, including a 10 per cent service charge.

Mr Banks has faced questions over his relationship with the internet tycoon - currently facing an extradition hearing on charges of criminal copyright violation after it emerged that his failed 2010 Super City mayoral campaign got $50,000 from him.

The questions intensified after claims by Dotcom that Mr Banks asked him to split the donation into two lots of $25,000 so they could be made anonymously.And Mr Banks faced further challenge after it emerged he had lobbied a government minister on Dotcom's application to buy property.

Opposition MPs have called for Prime Minister John Key to stand Mr Banks down as a minister while police investigate complaints Mr Banks declared the donations anonymous when he in fact knew who made them.

Labour's Trevor Mallard made the claims about Mr Banks' Hong Kong hotel accomodation in Parliament yesterday. saying Dotcom had helped arrange it.This afternoon Mr Mallard was to ask Mr Key further questions about Mr Banks' mayoral campaign finances, this time centred on donations for radio advertising.
The Banks' holiday trip was revealed by the Weekend Herald, which detailed how Mr Banks had telephoned Dotcom's bodyguard to ask for a hotel recommendation.

Dotcom, who has rented the top floor of the Grand Hyatt for seven years, suggested Mr Banks stay at the hotel and helped to make arrangements for the holiday.Mr and Mrs Banks were collected by limo from the airport, taken to the hotel and later used the limo to travel to the ferry terminal for a trip to Macau.Late last night, the minister's office sent the Herald a receipt showing that Mr Banks paid for the limo himself.

Earlier yesterday, Mr Mallard asked if Mr Banks had told the Prime Minister or his office that "Mr Dotcom facilitated a discount for personal accommodation for Mr Banks at the Hyatt in Hong Kong while Mr Banks was a minister?""If so, did he or his office ensure that Mr Banks was properly briefed on the requirement to declare that discount on his Declaration of Pecuniary Interests?"

Mr Key said Mr Banks had not to the best of his knowledge told him about discounted accommodation "but my chief of staff has said to me that Mr Banks has made an assurance that he paid for all expenses on the trip to Hong Kong".Mr Key also said he had still not spoken directly with Mr Banks about the matter. "I don't need to. I've had a cast-iron assurance from him that he complied with the Local Electoral Act and that's good enough for me."

Under Parliament's rules, MPs must declare any gifts with a value of over $500. Any gifts over $500 received in December should be in the next Register of Pecuniary Interests, which should be released this month.Mr Banks would have the opportunity to amend the declaration, if it emerges there was a discount and if it was decided it should be declared.

Source:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10803276

Indianapolis Special Events | "Celebrating Special Events"

By : Hilton Worldwide
Category: Indianapolis Special Events
Source: http://tinyurl.com/IndianapolisSpecialEvents

Special Events - "Indianapolis Motor Speedway"   












Indianapolis Special Events:
  • Allstate Brickyard 400
  • Bands of America
  • Circle City Classic
  • FDIC Convention
  • Indiana Black Expo
  • Indy 500 Race
  • NHRA US Nationals
  • FFA 
Source: http://www.indianapolisairportplainfieldhotel.com/indianapolis-area-info.php

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Event News | "Great Hotels Meeting Forums: New format proves a success"

By: Ozgur Tore  
Source: http://ftnnews.com
Category: Event News

Great Hotels Meeting Forums, the intensive trade shows bringing together meetings and incentives buyers and suppliers from around the world, is pleased to announce a brand new – and successful – format.
Operated by Worldwide Events, the first Great Hotels European Meeting Forums took place between 27 and 31 March 2012 at Boscolo Prague, welcoming two hosted buyer groups over two-day periods. The best of Prague was showcased during dinners and activities, including a gala dinner at the Lobkowice Palace in the Prague Castle. The event was sponsored by Boscolo Prague, AIM Group International, Prague Convention Bureau, Czech Airlines, Ambassador Group and Lobkowicz Events Management.

Previous Meeting Forums targeted one or two countries in a single destination, such as the France and Italy Meeting Forums, which took place in Greece in September 2011. For 2012, Great Hotels Meeting Forums are targeted to buyers from the whole of Europe, resulting in a much higher calibre of buyers. In addition, this format results in more relevant appointments due to buyers being able to choose which properties they want to meet with.

Carla Tarrida, Director of Account Management at Great Hotels of the World explains: “Changing the nature of the Forum from a single-country-focused event to a European-focused event has given us the opportunity to cherry-pick the best buyers in the MICE industry, increasing the value of each meeting for our hoteliers. There has also been an increased number of RFPs for each hotel, reflecting the added value in the change of format for hotels.”

Over the four-day period, an impressive 1,300 meetings took place between 26 exhibitors and 76 buyers from a variety of European countries. Spanish and Portuguese hotels were the largest groups among the 26 exhibitors. The largest groups of buyers came from the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Among those buyers present were representatives from American Express, Samsung, McKinsey & Company and Nike. Each supplier held 50 meetings in total.

Suppliers were asked to complete a questionnaire, giving their opinion on the quality of buyers present at the Forums. The average rate suppliers gave for the quality of buyers present was 5/6. From this data, the European Forums can be seen as extremely useful and successful.

Katerina Skouloudaki, Sales Executive at The Royal Olympic Hotel, says: ''The Great Hotels European Meeting Forum was organised excellently. The team were extremely professional, friendly and efficient.'' Claudia Ribeiro, Group Coordinator at Altis Hotels, says: ''This was my very first Forum and I am pleased to say that I have already gained great feedback from the hosted buyers present.''

Buyers were also highly satisfied with the event: ''The whole event was perfectly organised and the quality of exhibitors was very high. This is an ideal event to meet the suppliers you really want to meet,'' comments Eva Lehrke, owner of Text & Event. Terry Raynsford, Corporate Events Manager at BULL, continues: ''Great Hotels European Forum was a very good, highly interesting and productive event. I would definitely recommend it to any event manager with little time on their hands.''

Following the success of the European Forums in Prague, the next Great Hotels European Forum will take place on 25-29 September 2012 at Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte in Viareggio, Italy. This Forum will follow the new format, scheduled over a four-day period. The Forum will be attended by luxury MICE hotels from Europe and the most influential meetings, events and incentives planners from around the continent.
 
Source: http://ftnnews.com/mice/16637-great-hotels-meeting-forums-new-format-proves-a-success.html

Travel News | "Travel alert as more rain forecast"

By: Press Release
Source: http://www.google.com
Category: Travel News

Motorists have been warned to watch out as further heavy rain is expected across England and Wales with the wet weather set to continue for the next week.The Environment Agency said five flood warnings remained in place in south-west England where some areas saw up to 50mm of rain (2in) on Wednesday. More than 40 flood alerts were also in place across the rest of the country.

Paul Mott, forecaster at MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, warned of localised flooding. He said: "It's going to be another rainy day, although London and the South East are slightly better off. There'll be one or two showers in the morning but it will be better by the afternoon."

He continued: "Otherwise elsewhere across the country it will be mostly unsettled with heavy rain and showers at times. There is already quite a lot of surface water on the roads, particularly in the Midlands, Yorkshire and north-east England so there will be lots of spray."

Temperatures are likely to reach a high of 15C in the south east and 14C across the rest of England and Wales, but could drop down to zero in parts of Scotland, he said.Mr Mott said the rain would continue into the evening. He added: "It's going to stay unsettled over the next seven days with frequent showers and persistent rain. Sunday looks to be a washout with up to an inch of rain falling across England and Wales."
The Met Office also warned of "heavy showers" but said they would quickly blow through due to strong, blustery winds.

On Wednesday, strong gusts of wind brought down scaffolding and seriously damaged at least four cars on Southsea seafront in Hampshire. No one was injured when the structure fell at the Royal Beach Hotel.
The Environment Agency has previously warned that the drought gripping swathes of England could increase the risk of flash flooding as rain is less easily absorbed by dry, compacted soils, instead running off and causing localised floods. And while the rain may be welcome for gardeners and farmers in drought-affected areas, the downpours are not enough to alleviate the drought that stems from two unusually dry winters in a row.

Richard Aylard, from Thames Water, one of seven companies which have brought in hosepipe bans in response to the drought, said "a couple of wet weeks" was not enough to reverse record dry conditions seen in the region in the past two years.

Source:  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iWA9cx5gUBpnwUZRzAKUfI6fT3ww?docId=N0550001335413802920A

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Tourism News | "Tourism can stimulate trade and development, agrees UN Conference"

By: Press Release
Category: Tourism News
Source: http://www.traveldailynews.com


Participants at a major United Nations Conference on Trade and Development(UNCTAD XIII) have underscored the role of tourism as a vital service sector, contributing to GDP and employment in developed and developing countries alike (Doha, Qatar, 21-26 April 2012).

The theme of UNCTAD XIII, Development-Centered Globalization: Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Growth and Development, focuses on how the global economy can spread its benefits more inclusively and sustainably, creating jobs and raising living standards for poor people and nations.

Currently ranking among the top three export sectors for nearly half of the world’s least developed countries (LDCs), tourism has emerged as one of the economic sectors best able to address these concerns. With tourism growth rates in developing countries currently outperforming those in developed countries, tourism today is one of the most promising and viable options for global development.

At two separate events UN officials, high-level policy-makers, representatives of the tourism private sector and other stakeholders, gathered on the sidelines of UNCTAD XIII to deliberate on the critical role of tourism in national development strategies.

The Global Services Forum – organized to discuss developments in the services sector, which currently accounts for 50% of the GDP of developing countries – pointed to the many growth and employment opportunities of tourism as a major internationally traded service.

“Tourism has its place in the green growth agenda, as an important economic sector for many developed and developing countries and an extremely promising development perspective for the coming decades, contributing to a sustainable planet, a growing economy and a better life for all,” 
said UNWTO executive director for Competitiveness, External Relations and Partnerships, Marcio Favilla.

An event organized by the Steering Committee on Tourism for Development(SCTD), Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Growth and Development: What Can the Tourism Sector Contribute, convened countries at different stages of tourism development - including the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia and the Ministers of Tourism of Lesotho and Paraguay - to present the policies and measures needed by developing countries to spur internationally competitive tourism strategies in the framework of the promotion of service exports.

Source: http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/49019-Tourism-can-stimulate-trade-and-development,-agrees-UN-Conference-

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Patent News | "Family Hotels- Homewood Suites by Hilton"

By: Teresa Plowright
Source: http://travelwithkids.about.com
Category: Patent News

Homewood Suites by Hilton is a chain of "residential-style" extended stay properties, with locations in the US, Canada, and Mexico.* At Homewood Suites, all rooms and suites come with kitchens, and the lobby is meant to feel like a living-room with comfy chairs, fireplace, etc.Homewood Suites properties can be booked for any number of nights, but "extended stay" guests who stay five nights or longer get a price break; the longer the stay, the lower the nightly rate. Homewood Suites are part of the Hilton HHonors points/miles program (for free hotel stays and free flights) which includes Hilton hotels, Hampton Inns, Doubletree, and more. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton as Family Hotels:
 
The Homewood Suites brand has a number of features that particularly suit a family hotel:
  • rooms and suites can accommodate families of four or more ( to a maximum of six, in suites)
  • all guestrooms have a fullly equipped kitchen (fridge, stove, cooking utensils, etc.)
  • rooms have a living space that's separate from the bed area; one and two-bedroom suites have an entire separate living room.
  • complimentary breakfast includes waffles, eggs, bacon, juices, coffee and more
  • complimentary dinner is offered Monday to Thursday at a Manager's Reception
  • complimentary grocery service can be a convenience for families with babies, and can help families save money by eating-in
  • book series based on "Lewis the Duck" character is available at Homewood Suites properties.
Another convenience is online room selection, which speeds up the check-in process, and allows families to choose, say, a room close to an elevator, so there's less lugging luggage. Or choose a room with a pool view, to keep tabs on kids old enough to use the pool on their own. 

Source: http://travelwithkids.about.com/od/familyhotels/a/homewood_suites.htm

Monday, April 23, 2012

Travel News | "Gas prices could hurt summer travel"

By: Press Release
Category: Travel News
Source: http://www.volunteertv.com

Businesses in Sevier County say they are bracing for higher gas prices, and hoping that doesn't keep people away this summer.
A survey by the National Travel Association found that rising gas prices will impact business and leisure travel plans for this summer. Vacationers who plan to travel by car this summer, more than half said that an increase in gas prices would affect their summer leisure travel plans. 26% of business travelers said that an increase in gas prices would affect their summer business travel plans.
Christy Woods and her family have plans for a trip to Myrtle Beach this summer. She says gas prices going above $4 a gallon may change those plans and keep her closer to home.
"It's going to be expensive to go to Myrtle Beach," said Woods. "With gas near $4 a gallon now, yeah that's a lot."
Douglas Roberts says he's already at a point where plans will change.
"It hurts, it really hurts," he said while on a trip from Georgia to Gatlinburg on Sunday. "It's too expensive, plus by the time you pay for your room and everything up here, it's just not worth it. Just stay at home."
The number one way people surveyed said they would alter plans was by taking fewer trips this summer. 43.9% said they would spend less money shopping, and 37.4% spend less money at restaurants.
Burl Cook has run hotels in Pigeon Forge for 50 years. He says he's seen how gas prices have hurt travel in past years. He says one of the worst times came just after the price rise after Hurricane Katrina 2005.
"Gas prices went real high, we took a big drop 3 or 4 years ago when gas prices went so high," said Cook. "It dropped business, it hit us hard 3 years ago and dropped a little each year since."
Cooks says he's noticed more people hiring in Piegon Forge, though he says that if people don't travel because of gas this summer, those jobs could go away.
He says he's optimistic that this will be one of the best years in a long time for the Smoky Mountains.
More than half of all travelers, 57%, who plan to travel by car would alter their travel plans if gas prices increased by at least $0.26 - $1.25.

Source: http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/Gas_prices_could_hurt_summer_travel_148451805.html?ref=805

Friday, April 20, 2012

Travel News | "African Travel, Inc. Supports Earth Day Awareness for Endangered Gorillas and Chimpanzees"

By: Press Release
Category: Travel News
Source: http://www.marketwatch.com


On April 22, more than one billion people around the world will participate in the 42nd annual Earth Day to help raise awareness of global environmental concerns. For Earth Day and every day, African Travel, Inc. works to bring more awareness to the plight of Gorillas and Chimpanzees in the wild; as part of their efforts they offer special packages to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitats while simultaneously working to protect them. 

Mountain gorillas are among the most famous of all endangered animals. These majestic animals are lately finding it very hard to survive, and as recently as 2006, they were at the brink of extinction. Fortunately, recent conservation efforts have been quite successful, the primary factor responsible for this positive trend being an effort by organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda to protect the gorillas and their habitat. Another significant contributor towards protection of the Mountain Gorillas is tourism! When travelers visit Africa using a knowledgeable company such as African Travel, they are making a huge contribution to the conservation of Mountain Gorillas. Despite these positive efforts, Mountain Gorillas are still under threat of extinction, and more conservation efforts will be necessary to remove gorillas from the endangered animals list. Now is an excellent time to visit these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. 

Chimpanzee tracking is even more limited in its opportunities than gorilla tracking, and viewing locations are further to reach. Thus it is a great privilege to observe these engaging creatures in their forest home. Chimps are extremely vocal and quite active, which means treks may continue for quite a while as the chimps continue to move as they feed. Mahale Mountains National Park is home to one of Africa's most studied chimpanzee populations. Mahale has sightings virtually every day and the chimps, accustomed to being watched, continue their daily activities in the company of their human observers. 

According to Jim Holden, President of African Travel, Inc., "By joining an African Travel safari to view Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees, Americans traveling to Africa are directly contributing to the conservation of these magnificent animals, as the income derived from Park and Game Lodge fees goes towards maintaining their habitat and educating the local people as to the inherent value to their livelihoods."
Two African Travel, Inc . safaris where you can see these beautiful animals in the wild: 

Source: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/african-travel-inc-supports-earth-day-awareness-for-endangered-gorillas-and-chimpanzees-2012-04-19

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Travel And Leisure | "Bin Laden family’s deportation delayed"

By: Press Release
Category: Travel And Leisure
Source: http://tribune.com.pk


The 12-member family, including Bin Laden’s three widows, eight children and one grandchild, had originally been due to leave overnight Tuesday. Two of the wives are Saudi nationals and the third is from Yemen.
Lawyer Muhammad Aamir told AFP they were expected to receive their passports later on Wednesday and may be able to leave for Saudi Arabia later in the day.But a Saudi embassy official said they were still waiting for details from authorities in Pakistan.“We are waiting to receive names of the family members from the interior ministry to proceed further in the matter,” the spokesman told AFP.

Meanwhile, Deputy Interior Minister Imtiaz Safdar Warraich said the authorities would complete the legal formalities for their removal “as early as possible” but could not put a timeframe on the deportation.
“We will follow the (court) decision and fulfill all legal procedures in this regard,” Warraich told AFP.“The required documents are being prepared and it is being done swiftly. It is not just an issue of deportation, but also there is an issue of acceptance.”

Some security officials said the matter could linger on for days due to procedural issues.A senior security official meanwhile said Pakistan was awaiting the green light from the Saudi and Yemeni governments for the deportation to proceed.“No timeframe can be given at the moment,” he told AFP, adding that discussions were ongoing. “There is a kind of understanding but things need to be finalised.”

However, the family’s lawyer denied speculation that the authorities in Saudi Arabia and Yemen may be reluctant to accept them.
“This is not correct,” he said.
“They were scheduled to leave Pakistan for Saudi Arabia late Tuesday but the problem in completing their travel documents delayed the departure.”

Earlier this month, a court sentenced the widows and two of Bin Laden’s older daughters to 45 days’ detention on charges of illegal entry and residency in Pakistan and ordered their deportation as soon as possible. They completed the sentence on Tuesday, counting time already served since they were formally arrested on March 3
.
Aamir said on Tuesday that Bin Laden’s youngest and reportedly favourite wife, Amal Abdulfattah, who is Yemeni, may be sent to Yemen with her five children.
Security officials have said that the whole family was initially expected to be flown to Saudi Arabia.
A number of Saudi diplomats have visited Pakistan in recent weeks to work out the details of the deportation, sources say.

Source: http://tribune.com.pk/story/366880/incomplete-travel-documents-bin-laden-familys-deportation-delayed/

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Travel And Leisure | "Luxury Travel reaches new levels of responsibility at ILTM Asia 2012"

By: Ozgur Tore   
Category: Travel And Leisure
Source: http://www.execdigital.com


The increasing demand for a high-end travel product that restores confidence to responsible luxury travellers has prompted a surge of representation at the world’s most important event for luxury travel professionals in Asia.
Taking place in Shanghai, 4 – 7 June ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) Asia profiles the very best the world of luxury travel can offer for the benefit of luxury travel buyers from across the diverse Asia Pacific region.
Affluent travellers from across the Asia Pacific are seeking new horizons, new experiences and unforgettable memories. Increasingly, from Japan to Australia, China to India, Korea to Thailand, luxury travellers also seek a reassurance that their trips are responsible, caring for local communities and culture as well as wildlife conservation and the environment.  

Alison Gilmore, Exhibition Director of ILTM Asia commented, “Luxury suppliers invited to take part in ILTM Asia are committed to their natural environments, be they marine conservation programmes in Borneo or Cambodia, heritage resorts in the Australian outback, wildlife excursions in South Africa, exploration trips to the North Pole or local community projects in India or Thailand. Luxury travellers look to learn from and contribute to their leisure trips and ILTM Asia is delighted to present a range of the very best of environmentally responsible tourism for the benefit of agents from across the diverse Asia-Pacific region.”

Such high-end suppliers taking part in ILTM Asia 2012 include once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to voyage to the North Pole and the Russian Arctic with Poseidon Arctic Voyages. Working to ensure the continent and its wildlife are protected and not eroded by increased visitor activity, Poseidon also welcoming naturalists and scientists on board to conduct investigative research of this ever-changing Arctic land mass.

Located on a coral reef island off the coast of Borneo, Gayana Eco Resort is designed to indulge all the senses. Its overwater villas enhance the sounds of the sea below and each are positioned to capture the views of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon. Taking part in ILTM Asia 2012 for the first time, Gayana is the only property in the world with an on-site Marine Ecology Research Centre for guests to take part in marine ecology programmes such as re-introducing baby clams into the wild and restoring natural coral reefs.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas have pioneered luxury travel experiences that also benefit the environment and local communities for many years and ILTM Asia 2012 will profile their '365 days of good deeds' sustainability programme. From rescuing street elephants in Thailand, protecting marine turtles in Phuket, supporting local farmers in Indonesia or even coral rejuvenation in the Maldives, with at least one good deed taking place every day of 2012, the indigenous surroundings and experiences that Anantara's exotic resorts offer are a compelling reason for luxury travellers to want to help preserve them forever.

The compelling beauty of Australia attracts an ecologically sensitive traveller. Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa in New South Wales boasts a carbon neutral certificate and is committed to actively protecting its surrounding habitat and indigenous wildlife species. Activities range from the established - horse riding, guided walks, fly- fishing, golf, regional food & wine tours - to the specialised: botany, bird watching and wildlife tours.
With a range of geographical locations designed to give Asia Pacific luxury travellers an insight into cultures, communities and environmentally sensitive properties across the world, discerning travel agents should visit www.iltm.net/asia to find out more.
 
Source: http://ftnnews.com/mice/16511-luxury-travel-reaches-new-levels-of-responsibility-at-iltm-asia-2012.html

Travel leisure | "Six cheapest summer vacation destinations"

By: Rick Seaney
Category: Travel leisure
Source: http://travel.usatoday.com


Is any destination cheap this year? 

Yes, but not in the conventional sense. Certainly not like some of the deals we saw in the summer of 2009 such as San Francisco to Honolulu for a round-trip total of $284. This year, your goal is to find the best of the not-so-hot deals.
That said, some destinations are cheaper than others and here are six of the less expensive spots:
•Boston
•Denver
•Florida (panhandle and southern beaches)
•Los Angeles area
•Orlando
•Washington, D.C.
What do these destinations have in common?  

A lot of competition - but somewhat less demand from business travelers (think New York and Chicago). Washington, D.C., makes my list because Reagan National is expected to see a lot more competition for leisure travel now that several discount carriers have applied for slots to that city-close airport including JetBlue, Southwest and Virgin America. All hope to begin flying there later this summer - and don't forget about the competition from nearby Baltimore (BWI). As for Orlando, thank Mickey and Harry Potter (Disney World and Universal, respectively) for making this an automatic tourism-draw, one that several airlines compete fiercely over.

Flying to the Los Angeles area 

There are a bunch of Southern California airports that can be cheap to fly to, depending on your departure city. As a huge hub, Los Angeles International (LAX) will have relatively reasonable fares - often the cheapest - but some of the best deals we've seen recently are in-and-out of Long Beach (LGB) which is just south of LAX and a focus city for discounter JetBlue. We recently saw JetBlue flights in July from San Francisco to Long Beach for just $67 each-way. And don't forget the looming presence of Southwest Airlines at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank (BUR). John Wayne Airport in Orange County (SNA), the nearest airport to Disneyland, offers legacy carrier flights plus Frontier, Canada's WestJet and, starting in June, AirTran.

Flying to the Florida panhandle region 

The upper northwestern part of the state has about 200 miles of beaches - a lot of them covered in picture-perfect white sand - surrounded by hotels to fit any budget. Fly into Pensacola (PNS) which is served by the legacy carriers and AirTran or Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP), a fairly new facility called a 'relocation' of the old Panama City Airport manned by Delta and Southwest.

Anything else I should know? 

I'll say it again: Don't wait until the last minute to buy airfare this year! You should be shopping early - within three months of departure. We do not expect to see last-minute steals. Could some crop up? Anything's possible - but take that gamble only if you're okay with sitting at home in case those last-minute bargains do not materialize.

Source: http://travel.usatoday.com/experts/seaney/story/2012-04-17/Airfare-Expert-Six-cheapest-summer-vacation-destinations/54320258/1

Travel leisure | "China airport tarmac protests prompt service plea"

By: Press Release
Category: Travel leisure
Source: http://www.timescolonist.com


 Chinese regulators have urged better service in the rapidly growing aviation industry following incidents in which angry passengers stormed onto the tarmac at airports, state media said Monday.Last week, 28 passengers travelling on Shenzhen Airlines who were angry about an overnight delay in Shanghai rushed onto the tarmac, disrupting the arrival of an incoming Emirates flight, the official Xinhua news agency said.
Two days later, several Hainan Airlines passengers at the international airport serving the southern city of Guangzhou took to the tarmac in anger over a weather-related delay, it said.
Police had to be called in to bring them back to the Guangzhou terminal, the report added.
Officials have launched probes into the "illegal" incidents, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has urged the industry to improve service to avoid routine delays escalating into such incidents, the Global Times newspaper said.
The CAAC was not immediately available for comment when contacted by AFP.
China’s domestic aviation market has grown exponentially in recent years as rising incomes have put leisure travel in reach for millions.
But flights are frequently delayed as major airports run at almost full capacity, causing exasperation among passengers and leading to sometimes violent brawls.
CAAC chief Li Jiaxiang was quoted by state media in March as saying airlines themselves were responsible for 40 percent of delays by arranging schedules too tightly.

Source: http://www.timescolonist.com/travel/China+airport+tarmac+protests+prompt+service+plea/6465395/story.html

Travel News | "Fewer trips, more spent"


By: Michael McCormick
Category: Travel News
source: http://www.upi.com

The U.S. business traveler is not getting around quite as often as he or she used to, a Global Business Travel Association study indicates.The study said business travelers are traveling less frequently, which has forced them to stay longer on business trips to get more work done.

The group reported Monday that business trips have declined 22.7 percent from 2000 to 2011, but spending on business trips has increased 3.3 percent.In hard numbers, U.S. business travelers spent $242.9 billion on more than 576 million business trips in 2000. By 2011, that became $251 billion spent on 445 million trips.The average amount spent on a trip rose by 33.6 percent, climbing from $422 to $564 during the decade.

"This trend makes sense. We're seeing road warriors taking fewer trips but making the most of them, making more stops and spending more on the road," Michael McCormick, BTA's executive director, said in a statement.

source: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2012/04/16/Business-travel-Fewer-trips-more-spent/UPI-28451334617173/

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Event News | "Indiana Dunes State Park Memories Relived at Historical Society Event"


By: Press Release
Source: http://www.chestertontribune.com
Category: Hotels Event News
 Jim Ton wore his uniform from when he worked at the Indiana Dunes State Park when he joined Mark McKibbon and Brad Baumgardner to reminisce about the park for the Duneland Historical Society on Thursday, March 15 at the Library Service Center.

Ton worked summers from 1968 until 1973 at jobs which included gate attendant, park patrolman and campground manager. McKibbon first worked at IDSP as a seasonal naturalist and lived in the back of the closed grocery store. He was later hired as the youngest-ever assistant property manager and after eight years at Clifty Falls State Park became the property manager of the IDSP from 1985 until 1989. Baumgardner is the current Park Naturalist.
The park was about forty years old when Ton worked there and there have been about forty years since. He spoke of many changes taking place, the biggest being the removal of politics from the parks. Prior to that employees including the superintendent were appointed by the party in power.
During his time as a gate attendant admissions went from $1.00 per car to $1.25. Patrolmen carried flashlights and firearms and had arrest powers, but no radios, phones or bulletproof vests. They had to check the parking lots each night at 11 p.m. and often had to break up beer parties on the beach. An unsolved case concerned three girls whose car was found but no clues as to their disappearance.
The Dunes Park Patrol was replaced in 1972 by conservation officers and Ton became campground manager. He remembers many buildings in the park being torn down with some of the work done by Chesterton High School football players.
Uniforms for park employees were changed in 1969 to avoid confusion with uniforms worn by Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore rangers. Many employees lived in the park and lifeguards lived in the pavilion penthouses.
Baumgardner showed pictures including a park map from 1932, an early photo of a pageant in the dunes which took place before the park became a reality, people such as Governor Jackson for whom Mount Jackson is named, the pavilion and hotel. One picture showed the elegant dining room in the pavilion where guests at the hotel were served meals.
The Dunes Arcade Hotel built in 1931 was designed by John Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright, and had 88 rooms. Bathrooms were at the ends of the halls and rooms were small. The arcade was on the first floor. It was torn down in 1971.
During McKibbon’s tenure as property manager the Dune Park South Shore Station opened, the park hired its first full-time naturalist, a bird tower was constructed, a new camp store was built and inmates from Westville worked in the park. He said that ended soon after one of the inmates escaped only to be captured in Fort Wayne.
He reported a good relationship with the National Lakeshore.
Gang fights in the park led to an alcohol ban and the park was closed when the parking lots filled up. In earlier years cars were often parked along the road outside the park as far back as U.S. 12.
The speakers and members of the audience recalled the Tremont entrance to the park and the nearby Duneside Inn, Prairie Club Beach House, Wilson Shelter built by the Wilson Meat Company as a retreat for employees, the Jens Jensen Fountain, the large boulder at the entrance from Turkey Run State Park which has been moved twice, work done by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) during the depression and the Governor’s Cottage.
Ton and Baumgardner are working on locating the footprints of the cottages and other buildings from the past.
Duneland Historical Society will next meet April 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Library Service Center when the program will be presented by author Harry Mark Petrakis.

source: http://www.chestertontribune.com/Local%20History/320123%20indiana_dunes_state_park_memorie.htm

Hotels Patent News | "The UK’s oldest tour operator is still stuck in the past"

By: David Crow
Source: http://www.cityam.com
Category: Hotels Patent News



DISASTER has been averted. Just a few months ago, many thought that Thomas Cook was not long for this world. It is clear the firm will live to fight another day. The imminent sale of its Indian business, which is expected to net £130m, along with a stabilisation in trading, means its debt repayments no longer seem so onerous.
As far as the good news goes, that’s about it. Thomas Cook holds the title of Britain’s oldest tour operator – and it is hopelessly stuck in the past. It specialises in the kind of travel that is dying out, what the Association of British Travel Agents describes as “bucket and spade in Spain-type holidays”.
Yesterday, management were keen to trumpet a 14 per cent rise in bookings at its specialist and independent division, which sells individual components like flights and hotel rooms rather than package holidays. Anyone who has observed the huge success of Expedia or lastminute.com in recent years will know that this is the way the travel sector has been going for some time.
Nobody seems to have told Thomas Cook. Summer bookings might be up, but sales in this division accounted for just a quarter of revenue last year. The firm is still far too reliant on bland package holidays to Costa Del Somewhere, which generated three quarters of revenue and yet hardly a single penny of underlying profit in 2011.
The digital revolution also seems to have passed it by. According to Ipsos Mori, 68 per cent of Britons now book their holidays on the internet, yet online bookings accounted for just 25 per cent of Thomas Cook’s sales in 2011. That puts it well behind its closest rival Tui Travel, which takes around 40 per cent of its bookings in this way.
Instead of investing in a better website, former chief executive Manny Fontenla Novoa brokered an ill-judged merger with Co-operative Travel last year, landing the firm with 1,200 old-fashioned shops.
Whoever ends up occupying the empty chief executive’s office has an awful lot of work to do.


source: http://www.cityam.com/latest-news/bottom-line/the-uk-s-oldest-tour-operator-still-stuck-the-past

Friday, April 6, 2012

Plainfield Indiana Hotels | Powered by Youtube Video

By: Press release
Category: Plainfield Indiana Hotels






 The Homewood Suites by Hilton® Indianapolis-Airport/Plainfield hotel is the ideal place to stay for business travelers, leisure guests or anyone looking for temporary housing in the Indianapolis Metropolitan area. Conveniently located just four miles from the Indianapolis International Airport, and 15 minutes away from the vibrant downtown, our prime location and abundant amenities will make you feel so comfortable, you may never want to leave!

Source: youtube.com

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Indianapolis Airport Hotel


By: MR.Madhu
Source: http://www.hiexpress.com
Category: Indianapolis Airport Hotel




Park, Stay and Fly near the Indianapolis Airport (IND)

The Holiday Inn Express® Indianapolis Airport hotel's location is conveniently nestled off exit 66 on I-70 at SR-267 and only six miles west of Indianapolis International Airport (IND).
Plainfeild Indiana Hotel
The hotel's corporate travelers can relax knowing we have free high-speed Internet access, a 24-hour Business Center and a 672-sq-ft meeting room that can seat up to 40 people. In addition, the nearby Ameriplex Business Park and AirTech Business Park host offices for Amazon.com, Belkin, Electrolux and PepsiCo right here in Plainfield, Indiana.
When the hotel's leisure guests arrive, they soon realize they're in a fantastic location. The award-winning Chateau Thomas Winery is located only a few steps away, and we are central to attractions, such as Avon Gardens, Eagle Creek Park and downtown Indianapolis. So, while you stay in Plainfield, Indiana, this hotel's friendly staff can help you find things to do and the best way to get to there.
Relax in our spacious lobby, grab a delectable cinnamon roll from the free, hot Express Start Breakfast Bar and watch the news on the 46-inch LCD TV before heading out on the day's business. As always, the Holiday Inn Express Indianapolis Airport hotel's free shuttle service is ready for all of our arriving and departing guests. When you book a room, don't forget to ask about our Park, Stay and Fly rates if you are an Indianapolis airport traveler!


Source: http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/plainfield/indsw/hoteldetail

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Hotel Services | Plainfeild Indiana

By:Mr. Madhu

Source: http://www.comfortinn.com

Category: Hotel  Services

Posted by: http://www.cpmfortinn.com 

Hotel Services and Amenities:

    • Bus Parking
    • Courtesy Transportation
    • Elevator(s)
    • Fitness Center
    • Government Travelers: FEMA Approved
    • Guest Use Copy Machine
    • Guest Use Fax Machine
    • Guest Laundry
    • Hotel has Safe
    • Indoor Heated Pool
    • Interior Corridors
    • News Stand
    • No Pets Allowed
    • Outdoor Parking
    • Free Hot Breakfast
Source : http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-plainfield-indiana-IN082/Hotel-Services?sid=xqs3Ig.O0pG9gYJb.6&&sarea=&sname=&slon=-86.368988&slat=39.673828&schain=&scountry=&sstate=&type=&sradius=&sstate_country=&scity=