HAL's Amsterdam visits Niue Island

The MS Amsterdam arrived into Alofi, Niue on the 1st of February. This ship has a capacity of 1400 passengers and 600 crew (more than the population of Niue!) so it was certain to make an impact and it did!

The first passengers disembarked at 7am (around 600 in all visited for the day) and the Niue Tourism team were there to greet and guide people to various tours, rental cars and town itself. A traditional drummer also welcomed the dozens of tender boats in as they arrived to get people into the island mood.

The local shopping area had been transformed into a market place for the day with live entertainment, local produce and art for sale. The local Tuesday market was also in full swing. Many of the visitors got into the spirit of the day and got up to dance with the Niuean cultural groups. Shops had record revenue for the day as the tourists descended on Alofi before exploring the entire island where every bus and van and rental car was used to get people around.
A huge success and from talking to the hundreds of people that came off the ship one that they will remember, many were already planning their return particularly during the whale season from July. Lonely plant say it’s on the worlds unmissbale, under the radar destinations and these international visitors certainly found out why.

Niue Tourism’s Hayden Porter said “The cruise market has in the past been a non affair, but a huge community effort this time around saw some massive benefits for local businesses and satisfied tourists.”

With another large ship due in 2 weeks and many cruise operators now making enquiries for the 2012 and beyond seasons Niue is certainly a cruise destination that will be on the must visit while in the Pacific.

Source: Niue Tourism

DESIGN HOTELS LAUNCHES TWO BOOKS FOR 2011

INSPIRING PLACES, SPACES AND STORIES
 
Berlin, February 10, 2011 – Interesting personalities, creative minds and colorful life stories are just some of the qualities found in the hoteliers behind members of Design Hotels™. To celebrate their originality Design Hotels™ is releasing the new Design Hotels™ Made by Originals book containing backstories, surprising anecdotes, and inspiring moments of the driving forces and creative spirits behind the world's most expressive hotels. The book is in addition to the annual publication The Design Hotels™ Book Edition 2011 which showcases 200 member hotels in 120 destinations across the globe. Both can be purchased through www.designhotels.com/shop.

"This is the first year we are dedicating an entire book to the people behind our properties. We want to showcase the Design Hotels™ community of creative people, including hoteliers, architects, artists and designers, and offer the reader a more personal way to get to know our 200 hotels. The book highlights the imaginative spirit that shapes our brand through a series of in-depth portraits of the Design Hotels™ 'Originals' - the people who make our member hotels so extraordinary," says Design Hotels™ Founder and CEO Claus Sendlinger.

The Design Hotels™ Made by Originals book
The Design Hotels™ Made by Originals book features 33 stories on the original people behind the member hotels, written by international journalists and illustrated by renowned photographers and artists. Originals presented include Shahé Kalaidjian, owner of the chic Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez, who gives a glimpse into his world of polo, traveling and life on the Côte d'Azur, and reflects on his long friendship with designer Christoph Pillet. Alessandro Catenacci, owner of the newly-opened Nobis Hotel, talks about his passion for family and food, and gives his tips on discovering the real Stockholm. Also featured are the entrepreneurs behind the Germany-based 25hours Hotel Company, a high-glam-budget-minded group of properties that will have two new additions this year in Vienna and Hamburg. The visionary behind Park Hotel Group, Priya Paul, whose newest hotels include The Park Hyderabad and The Park Pod Chennai, shares her life story about how she took over her father's hotel group at just 23, transforming it from a small collection of properties to a portfolio of modern and experimental boutique hotels. Martin Lee also shares his vision of The Mira Hong Kong, a high-tech luxurious urban retreat partly designed by celebrity lifestyle guru Colin Cowie.

Retail price: EUR 44.00 | ISBN: 978-3-89955-364-2 | Hardcover, 368 pages, 32.5 cm x 23 cm

The Design Hotels™ Book Edition 2011
The Design Hotels Book Edition 2011 includes 200 properties with generous layouts, stunning photography, and descriptions that whet the appetite for real-life experience. These expressive properties act as neighborhood hubs that are part of the fabric of their locations. From urban centers to rural retreats, these meeting places are brought to life thanks to an original hotelier and a team of creative minds behind the hotel, from lighting designers and graphic artists to architects and chefs. The book includes insightful text, arresting imagery and in-depth hotel reviews which are certain to inspire the savvy, design-minded traveler of the 21st century and transport the reader into the Design Hotels™ community.

Retail price: EUR 44.00 | ISBN: 978-3-89955-340-6 | Hardcover, 424 pages, 32.5 cm x 23 cm

The Design Hotels™ Books Limited Collector's Edition
Design Hotels™ presents both books in a limited collector's edition, wrapped in a specially designed cardboard carrying case by Berlin-based MaginWulf Studios. This specially-priced set is only available for a limited time.

Retail price: EUR 69.00 | ISBN: 978-3-89955-341-3 | Hardcover, 45.5 cm x 32.8 cm

Where to Buy
The books are available to buy at www.designhotels.com/shop, member hotels and selected book retailers worldwide.

THE OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE HOTEL MAKES HISTORY AT THE 2010 GUERNSEY'S AWARDS FOR ACHIEVEMENT

The Old Government House Hotel and Spa, a member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, has become the first triple winner in the 25 year history of the Guernsey Awards for Achievement 2010 winning 'Excellence in Training', 'Best Large Business' and 'Best Business of the Year' awards.

Celebrated at the annual Gala evening awards ceremony, the Guernsey Awards for Achievement is founded upon the recognition of achievement and excellence to those organisations that can best demonstrate its commitment to the continuous training and professional career development of its staff.

The Commerce and Employment Minister Deputy Carla McNulty Bauer, sponsor of the Best Business of the year award, comments "The Old Government House Hotel and Spa has demonstrated not only excellent all round business performance, in an industry that is facing many challenges, but also a total commitment to delivering world class customer service while simultaneously investing in the training and development of its staff."

Delighted with the Hotel's success, Andrew Chantrell, General Manager of the hotel dedicated the awards to his team saying, "We have achieved this success and recognition solely through hard work and dedication, therefore these awards, and this evening, are very much for my team. As a customer-service-focused business, inspired by the Red Carnation ethos of "No request is too large, no detail too small," the training and development of our staff is absolutely paramount"

Set in the heart of The Channel island, this four star hotel in Guernsey, fondly know as The OGH, commands inspirational views from St Peter Port across the harbour, out to sea and the neighbouring islands. Celebrating over 150 years of hospitality, the hotel retains its timeless charm and elegance whilst combining contemporary comforts and features of a modern hotel. The 63 deluxe bedrooms and suites, outdoor swimming pool, two AA Rosette Governor's Restaurant, and The Spa providing soothing treatments for both men and women, offer the perfect weekend escape, on an island where road side honesty boxes and good old-fashioned values are not a thing of the past. The Old Government House Hotel holds a four star rating from the AA and was the winner of the Visit Guernsey Gold Award 2009.

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is an award-winning collection of five- and four- star family-run boutique hotels in London, Dorset, Guernsey, Geneva and South Africa. Each property has its own individual character and unique location that reflects the local environment, culture and cuisine. They all share the qualities that win Red Carnation so many prestigious awards - splendid luxury, generous hospitality, inventive and traditional cuisine, private art collections, passionate service and loyal staff committed to creating richly rewarding experiences for all their guests.


For more information on The Old Government House Hotel and Spa, please visit www.theoghhotel.com or email ogh@theoghhotel.com.
For more information about these award-winning hotels and the rest of The Red Carnation Collection, please visit www.redcarnationhotels.com

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is a member of The Travel Corporation, which also includes Trafalgar Tours, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Insight Vacations.

World's Largest Cornish Festival on in South Australia's Copper Coast 10-15 May 2011

Organisers have begun gathering the maypoles and Cornish finery, brewing Swanky and are getting ready to crimp thousands of Cornish Pasties as they gear up for one of South Australia's most famous biennial events - the Copper Coast Cornish Festival, locally known as the 'Kernewek Lowender' from 10-15 May 2011.

A celebration of Cornish cultural heritage forms the backbone of the festival, as the Copper Coast was once home to thousands of Cornish miners and their families. Traditional Cornish language, dress, song and foods all make the Kernewek Lowender an experience like none other.

Program highlights of what is heralded as the world's largest Cornish festival include the Village Green Fair, the Grand Procession, the Fer Kernewek (traditional Cornish fair) and the Classic Cavalcade of Cars, all held during the last three days of the six day event. With ever-popular features such as the Maypole Dance, the Furry Dance, the May Queen crowning, and the Cousin Jack and Jenny traditional costume competition again taking the stage.

In addition to these major events, another 30 affiliated events are held over the week providing visitors with the chance to discover the Cornish culture, immerse themselves in the value of arts and literacy, and enjoy and listen to powerful music and big bands.

There's the Art Prize Soiree, Poetry and Prose Night, Cornish Pasties and Saffron Cake Workshops, Dressing the Graves, Evening of Words and Wine, Blessing of the Waters, Cornish Association Seminar and more.

The Copper Coast community also arranges an array of exhibitions and displays for visitors to wander through including art exhibitions, heritage crafts, quilting displays and Cornish memorabilia.

Regardless of all the events the Star Performer of the Festival is the Cornish pasty with 20,000 pasties consumed during the week of festivities. The Cornish pasty was originally a meal for one person, with savoury in one end, a division in the middle, and fruit in the other. The Cornish pasty is easily identifiable by the distinctive crimp across the top. The Crimp was used by miners as a handle which was thrown away - this was to ensure they did not get any arsenic, an occupational hazard of copper mining, from their hands on the food they consumed. The crimp is now thought of as the best bit! Enjoy one with another favourite festival tradition - a home-style beer called 'Swanky' brewed specially for Kernewek Lowender.

Major sponsors of the festival are the South Australian Tourism Commission, The Dunes at Pt Hughes Residential and Resort Development, and the District Council of the Copper Coast.

Kernewek Lowender is to be held from May 10-15, an estimated 30,000 people are expected to visit the towns of Wallaroo, Moonta and Kadina for this big event.

Kernewek Lowender are words from the traditional Cornish language which translate to 'Cornish Happiness', or actually 'Happiness Cornish', as the founding committee members got the words back to front. The common name 'Copper Coast Cornish Festival' was developed for everyone who has no idea how to say 'Kernewek Lowender'.

The Kernewek Lowender program of events is now out with tickets on sale from February 1. Programs are available online at www.kernewek.org or by contacting the Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre on 08 8821 4500 or free call 1800 654 991.

The Copper Coast has plenty of accommodation available for anyone visiting the area; enquire at the Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre or visit www.yorkepeninsula.com.au.

Year round there are many Cornish visitor attractions around the Yorke Peninsula - from museums, historic cottages, walking trails and a tourist railway in the Moonta Mines State Heritage Area - all conveying the history of the copper mines founded by Cornish immigrants, to many examples of dry stone walls, underground hard hat and miner's lamp tours of the Wheal Hughes copper mine, and the Cornish Kitchen at Moonta.

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Introduces LED TV Wall in the Grand Ballroom

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is proud to be the first hotel in Hong Kong to introduce an LED TV Wall. The high definition full screen LED wall will be installed in the Grand Ballroom offering guests the best visual experience.

As the LED TV Wall is multi-media oriented, it gives events organizers the flexibility to change the background, as well as to display multiple visuals at one time. It also offers a solution for visually altering the size of the room. Another big advantage is to reduce wastes by minimizing the production of structural materials and the cost for preparing the set up. It will contribute to the unique experience of any event.

Featuring 25 highly flexible function rooms, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is known for its expertise and capacity for hosting events and meetings of different sizes. The 680 sq. m (7,319 sq ft) Grand Ballroom has a pillarless design as well as a permanent stage. The space allows accommodation of up to 950 people theatre-style and 1,200 for cocktail parties. Ethernet LAN and wireless connectivity are also available. Most of the hotel's function rooms are located on the lobby and mezzanine levels, making them particularly convenient for breakout and concurrent sections.

For events enquiries, please call +852 2584 7068 or e-mail hongkong.grand@hyatt.com

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family in 45 countries strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The company's subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz™, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place® and Hyatt Summerfield Suites™ brand names, and have locations under development on five continents. Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops and operates vacation ownership properties under the Hyatt Vacation Club® and Hyatt Residence Club® brands. As of 30 September 2010, the company's worldwide portfolio consisted of 447 properties. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com

Jamberoo Cuts Queue times by half using Apple technology

Jamberoo Action Park has taken note of the vast technological benefits the latest Apple Ipad's have brought about, and on the same note ingeniously implemented them at Jamberoo to improve its queuing times by HALF!

Touted as the first in the Australian amusement industry, Jamberoo Action Park has implemented a 21st technology to overcome and speed up the dreaded "queuing" by guests to buy tickets upon arrival at the Park.

Using Apple iPad's, Jamberoo Action Park staff now walk amongst guests lining up to purchase tickets; working out what tickets a family or large group require before providing them with a "pre-order" ticket voucher. When the family or group get to the admissions gate they simply hand over the pre-order voucher, pay the amount advised, receive their tickets then enter the Park.

Early results of the trial have been extremely positive with a reduction achieved in queue times of 50% due to the faster pre-order ticket process.

Dax Eddy, General Manager of Jamberoo Action Park says "the trial of this new technology will assist shortening guest queuing times dramatically". On busy days during the Summer School Holidays, the guest queue line can become quite long, with a wait of 30 to 40 minutes expected."

"With the new iPads, up to four staff can interact with guests before they get to the admissions gates, asking guests how many Adults and Children are in the party and what method of payment is to be made", say Mr Eddy.

Our 'In Park' guest surveys show that 38% of respondents indicate that their guest experience would be improved if there was faster processing at our entry gates. This new pre-order ticket process has gone a long way to rectify this.

Mr Eddy says that "guests have really taken well to Jamberoo Action Park staff carrying the iPads, it focuses them on the admissions process long before they get to the actual admissions gate. This means that all the decisions have been made, and all they have left is to make the payment then head straight into the Park".

"Unique software was written that connects the iPad's over Wi-Fi to our Jamberoo servers", says Mr Eddy."

The trial of the iPad's will continue throughout the current 2011 Season.

Mr Eddy reminds all guests coming to Jamberoo Action Park that the quickest and easiest entry is by using 'e-tickets' pre-purchased online. Priority entry through a dedicated gate will see guests on the rides long before those lining up at the gates to purchase tickets at the Park. Visit www.jamberoo.net

Emirates Named Airline of the Year for 2011 by Air Transport World

Emirates, the Dubai-based carrier, was honoured by leading industry title Air Transport World last night as the airline's President Tim Clark received the 'Airline of the Year' award at a gala dinner in Washington, D.C.
 
"The last few years have been among the most demanding in our industry's history but despite the challenges, we have kept our focus on delivering the very highest standards of product, passenger comfort and operational efficiency," said Tim Clark.  "This recognition is testament to our commitment to innovation and service excellence as we continue to grow our global network and offer customers more opportunities to discover the world from Dubai."

"Customers have a choice to fly Emirates, given that more than 125 airlines serve Dubai. The route network appeals to travelers not only in the UAE, but to those in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America who value the efficiency and connectivity of the Dubai hub," said Perry Flint, Editorial Director for ATW. 

"A cornerstone of EK's success has been a relentless drive for cabin innovation not just in premium class but in economy," added Flint.  "The decision to award Emirates 'Airline of the Year' is in recognition for its strong commitment to safety and operational excellence, its trendsetting customer service and its superb financial performance including a 22-year consecutive annual profit streak."

Since launching services in 1985, Emirates has grown into one of the largest and most dynamic airlines in the world, transforming Dubai into a world-class hub for global air travel. The airline is a leader in developing flexible air routings that save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions. These advances, combined with a host of other achievements have resulted in more than 400 international awards recognizing the airline in almost every category.

Some of  Emirates' pioneering innovations include becoming the first airline to introduce individual seat back videos and to enable passengers to make authorized onboard mobile phone calls. Emirates' flagship A380s are the only commercial aircraft to feature onboard shower spas for first class passengers.

The airline has experienced rapid and consistent growth, above 20 per cent a year on average. Financially self-sustained and unprotected, Emirates carried 27.5 million passengers in the 2009-10 financial year – almost 4.7 million more than the previous 12 months.

Emirates currently flies to 110 cities in 66 countries across Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Asia-Pacific. So far this year, the airline has launched a new route to Basra, Iraq on 2 February and will start new services to Geneva on 1 June and Copenhagen on 1 August.