Madrid offers an abundance of tourist services

No need to worry about traveling to a different country if Madrid, Spain, is your destination. Here visitors will find an abundance of tourist services readily available as they journey through this vibrant city.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTERS

You need a map of the city and someone to recommend the places you cannot miss when you are visiting Madrid. You want to know what exhibitions and shows you can go see. You are planning a tour for your friends who will be in town this weekend… Don't think twice, you have to go by or contact one of the tourist information points.

OFFICIAL GUIDED TOURS

History, art, gastronomy and curious facts are all things you'll find in the program of Official Guided Tours. The Madrid City Council offers guided tours in 8 languages to help visitors from across the globe to get acquainted with the city: Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch and Japanese.

MADRIDCARD

MadridCard is the best way to discover everything the city has to offer. With this sightseeing pass, getting to know the city could not be simpler or more enjoyable. For a very reasonable price, it entitles you to discounts in shops and restaurants, guided tours and free entry to over 50 museums.

TOURIST TRAVEL PASS

The Tourist Travel Pass is the most economical and practical way to get to know Madrid. It can be used on all public transport in the Region as many times as necessary within the valid dates. There are five passes valid for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days.

MADRID CITY TOUR

Madrid City Tour is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways of discovering the city. All you have to do is buy your ticket, hop on the bus, put on your earphones, listen to the recorded commentaries and enjoy the streets, monuments and places of interest that you pass by.

ACCESSIBLE MADRID

Madrid is a very welcoming city, offering numerous accommodations for people with disabilities. Download guides and find out more about more about specially adapted tours and routes designed for people with physical or intellectual disabilities and hearing or visual impairments.

SPANISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Madrid is an ideal place to learn Spanish, a language spoken by more than 400 million people around the world. The city's cultural richness, nightlife and climate will turn your academic stay into an unforgettable holiday. Find out more about studying Spanish in our city.

MADRID ON MOTORCYCLE

If you enjoy getting about by motorbike, check out this guide which is packed with information about all the top places to visit in the city. It also includes a number of tours for covering on two wheels as well as a list of public car parks and a road map.

Sultanate of Oman ranks 26th in the World on economic freedom, Australia ranked 10th.

The Sultanate of Oman has been ranked the 26th most economically free country in the world, according to the 2013 Economic Freedom of the World Report, released by the Fraser Institute, Canada’s leading 
public policy think tank.

The report reveals that the Sultanate has made considerable improvements in the 'sound money' and 'freedom to trade internationally' indexes as it becomes more competitive in global markets and offers attractive incentives to investors.

It further highlights Oman’s efforts to reduce bureaucracy, bypassing outdated regulations and safeguarding property rights while aggressively promoting international trade and investment, a press release said.

The annual Economic Freedom of the World Report is the most objective and accurate measure of economic freedom published by any organisation, using 42 distinct variables to create an index ranking countries around the world based on policies that encourage economic freedom.

Hong Kong and Singapore retain the top two positions, followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Mauritius, Finland, the UK and Chile completing the top ten. Oman was ranked third within the GCC.

“As more countries are surveyed each year and standards improve, Oman’s ranking of 26th out of 152 countries clearly signals we are a leading business destination for investment and a country that is serious about improving its business environment and competitive appeal. In fact, research shows that people living in countries with high levels of economic freedom enjoy higher levels of prosperity, greater individual freedoms and longer life spans,” said His Excellency, Dr Salem al Ismaily, Chairman, Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (PAIPED).

Commenting on Oman’s financial performance, H E Hamood Sangour al Zadjali, Executive President, Central Bank of Oman, said, “Over the past few years, the Sultanate’s financial markets have matured significantly, this has resulted in improved liquidity as well as supported growth in a number of sectors.”

The Sultanate has observed a 71% increase of Australian travellers in the past year, with predictions of further growth in 2014 with the unveiling of two more luxury resorts: Alila Resort in Jabal Akhdar and Missoni in Dhofar.

TOP 10 Holiday Parks launches Qualmark-standard Top Motel product

For those who like the idea of holidaying in wide-open spaces but camping isn’t their  style, New Zealand’s premier holiday park group TOP 10 Holiday Parks has launched its new Top Motels product.

Of the 49 TOP 10 Holiday Parks throughout New Zealand, 42 of them now have top-quality motel accommodation, offering an alternative to camping and powered sites and appealing to a wider audience and target market.

New Zealand’s accommodation and activities assessment body Qualmark recently assessed and rated all Top Motel properties, with the majority receiving a 4-star rating.

TOP 10 Holiday Parks CEO David Ovendale said recent research showed a lack of awareness of the parks’ motel accommodation, with the majority of people associating the iconic Kiwi institution with tents, motorhome and caravan sites.

“We’ve launched the Top Motels product and achieved Qualmark accreditation for all our motels to encourage a broader range of clientele to enjoy an amazing holiday park experience,” he said.

A Top Motel room at Waihi Beach features a secluded balcony with stunning sea view

“Many who would enthusiastically embrace a traditional Kiwi holiday staying in a park-like setting, but don’t own a tent or motorhome, have perhaps discounted TOP 10 as they may not be aware we offer high-quality, very comfortable motel accommodation.

“Holiday parks have always been, and will continue to be intrinsically-linked to long-term family memories and deep family bonding for generations of Kiwis and now with our motels we’re able to offer fantastic new options to families and indeed other market segments, appealing to a new customer base.”

Top Motels means guests can experience all the benefits of a park environment including “contained freedom” for the kids (translating to full relaxation for Mum and Dad) and access to a broad range of amenities, not available with most motel accommodation elsewhere.

Amenities differ between parks but many include a swimming pool, hot tub, jumping pillow, bikes for hire, games room and basketball or tennis court, and kids’ activities in the school holidays.

The pool and playground at Motueka TOP 10

All the parks have a Qualmark Enviro rating of bronze or greater and provide a unique environment with opportunities to meet others.

“When did you last enjoy the convivial experience of having a beer or glass of wine with your neighbour in the next room in either a hotel or motel?” said Mr Ovendale.

“This sort of camaraderie is common in a holiday park environment and a connection our society doesn’t generally get enough of these days.”

Mr Ovendale said he wanted to emphasise that Kiwis and visitors could now enjoy a TOP 10 holiday year-round, not just in the warmer summer months.

“Families that want to get away and relax year-round can now visit somewhere like Queenstown in spring or even the middle of winter, relax in a motel unit, watching it snow outside, all from an idyllic, warm setting. It’s the perfect break!

”The kids can run about outside as much as they choose in a relaxing, safe environment, meeting other children, all with the added bonus of having self-contained facilities.

“Holiday Parks have always been seen as an iconic Kiwi summer activity and they’ll remain so for years to come. The new motel product simply enhances what’s already a popular Kiwi pastime.”

Further information on all TOP 10 properties is available at www.topmotels.co.nz

Panoramic Highway and Bali’s expanded Airport ready for APEC Summit

One week before the APEC Summit to be held from 1 – 8 October, the island of Bali, Indonesia, is ready to host one of the world’s most prestigious conferences, to be attended by 21 Heads of States, Ministers and delegations, members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Among Heads of State confirmed attending are President Obama of the United States, President Putin of 

Russia, and China’s President Xi Jinping.

On Monday 23 September, Indonesia’s President Yudhoyono will officially declare open Bali’s first, panoramic 12.7 km toll road between the island’s Ngurah Rai Airport and Nusa Dua and Benoa harbour, of which 10 km. sweeps across the beautiful Benoa Bay passing over mangrove forests, confirmed Minister of State Enterprises, Dahlan Iskan. Also officially opened will be Bali’s expanded airport, where its new International Arrival Hall already started operations smoothly on Thursday, 19 September, without glitches.

Also ready are the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center and the Bali International Convention Center in Nusa Dua, as are 22 hotels at Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa, Sawangan, Legian, Kuta and Sanur, and other locations to accommodate heads of state and officials, CEOs and international media.

Some 5,000 to 7,000 delegates are expected to attend APEC, among whom, 1,000 CEO’s of the world’s corporations, while the Media Center is ready to serve 3,500 to 5,000 of world journalists.

Meantime, even today Bali is already in full swing of operations for APEC, since APEC Finance Ministers have started convening here for their deliberations, as has the APEC High Level Meeting on Health and Economy. On 1-2 October is scheduled the High Level Dialogue on Travel Facilitation. Pinnacle of the Conference will be on 1 – 8 October, when APEC Economic Leaders will have one whole week of discussions and related meetings. Meanwhile, from 2 – 5 October, the 4th APEC Business Advisory Council will hold its own separate meeting.

Bali’s beautiful new toll road

“Everything is according to schedule” confirmed Minister Dahlan Iskan. “Moreover, the completion of the road was even faster than anticipated. The paving and installation of road markers, toll booths and lighting is now completed.”

Safety testing and roadworthiness evaluations were undertaken since mid-July 2013.

Earlier, Minister Dahlan Iskan said that the Airport-Nusa Dua-Benoa toll road has achieved 3 top records. 

These are: 1. The toll road, 12 km. of which is built over the sea is the longest of its kind in Indonesia, longer than the existing bridge between Surabaya and the island of Madura in East Java, and was completed in only 14 months, including preparation time. 2. It is the most beautiful and most panoramic of them all. And 3. The toll road has a special, dedicated lane for motorbikes. “From the airport to Nusa Dua over the toll road will now take only 9 minutes” gushed the Minister. Since it is largely built over the sea, the new toll road is equipped with wind speed monitors and CCTV cameras.

Construction of the road was undertaken by a project consortium comprised of a number State-owned companies: PT Jasa Marga Bali, PT Pelindo III, PT Angkasa Pura I, PT Pengembangan Pariwisata Bali, PT Wijaya Karya, PT Adhi Karya and PT Hutama Karya.

The Bali toll road together with the completion of the Simpang Siur underpass, are expected to reduce heavy traffic congestion that has so far beset this part of Bali.

The Star Introduces New Rooftop Pool

The Star Sydney's Astral Towers, a luxurious 480-room five star hotel, has launched a new rooftop, indoor/outdoor pool for hotel guests.

Perched atop The Star, Sydney's only integrated resort, the pool at Astral Towers was re-designed to take advantage of  the stunning Sydney harbour location providing expansive views of iconic Sydney Harbour, the city skyline and beyond. During the evening, guests can bask in the light offered by the Event Centre's unique back-lit glass shell.

In an Australian first, the pool at Astral Towers has RGB colour changing LED pool lighting, allowing a truly bespoke experience with over 16 different colours that can fade and illuminate in a variety of ways, adding an extra special touch to the stunning pool space atop the city.

The rooftop indoor/outdoor pool is set to a comfortable temperature and has adjoining indoor hot tub and outdoor spa. Keeping the environment in mind was key throughout the entire re-development and the new Astral Pool has seen a 30% reduction in energy consumption since the completion.

Now open from 6am to 9pm, the pool at Astral Towers has previously been closed for two years whilst The Star has been redeveloped to take advantage of its harbourside position.

The Star

After an $870 million redevelopment, The Star has been transformed into Sydney's premium entertainment destination. The Star offers award winning chefs and restaurants, The Darling, a five star boutique lifestyle hotel, a 16 room day spa, a luxury retail collection, and a world class casino.

The Star's new $100 million Event Centre has been designed to host A-list performers from around the world. The state-of-the-art venue fills a void in the Sydney conference, convention and banquet market. www.star.com.au

Pullman Melbourne Albert Park unveils multimillion-dollar renovation

Melbourne's first 5-Star Pullman hotel

 

Pullman Melbourne Albert Park has opened its doors following a multimillion dollar renovation of its 169-guestrooms, executive lounge, meeting spaces and public areas. The hotel is the first of Australia's largest and fastest growing 5-star hotel brand to open in Melbourne.

Enjoying a spectacular location overlooking Albert Park Lake and the Formula 1 Grand Prix track, Pullman Melbourne Albert Park will be a front row seat to the popular racing event taking in more corners than any other view in Melbourne from the top floor suites.

Having long held the reputation as Melbourne's premier business and events hotel, the former Sebel has received the 5-Star Pullman treatment of its business facilities and meeting spaces making it a luxurious yet functional experience for travelling executives.

The new look lobby features a spiral staircase and a striking light feature creating an impressive sense of arrival for guests complemented by a personalised and friendly check-in process.

The Pullman Executive Lounge, a hallmark of every Pullman hotel, has been designed to create a serene space to do business or simply relax. Available exclusively to guests staying on executive floors of the Pullman Tower, access to the Lounge adds value and convenience to any stay.  With a stunning new marble refreshment station, plush sofas and LED televisions, the Lounge is a comfortable and stylish home-away-from-home for discerning business and leisure travellers.

As part of the hotel's dramatic transformation, the guestrooms have been updated with a contemporary colour palette of gold, red and chocolate. Each guest room features an iPod and iPad docking station, a multimedia connectivity panel, glass work table, lounge chair and well-appointed Roger&Gallet bathroom amenities, meeting the needs of both business and leisure guests.

Gillian Millar, General Manager of the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park said: "As Pullman is now Australia's largest and fastest growing 5-star hotel brand it was only a matter of time before Melbourne was home to a world-class Pullman."

"Being such an iconic business and events hotel, particularly with the Grand Prix racetrack directly opposite the hotel, we're excited to see the hotel flourish under its new internationally revered banner and mixing business with leisure – a key Pullman identifier, certainly prevails here."

With 28 event spaces under the one roof, Pullman Melbourne Albert Park is one of the largest and most comprehensive hotel event venues in Melbourne. Hosting functions for up to 1600 people, the ballroom completed an extensive renovation earlier this year and new LED colour control lighting and pin-spot technology was installed, as well as new curtains, operable walls and carpets.

Other facilities on offer at Pullman Melbourne Albert Park include Windows restaurant, Atrium Bar, Espresso Bar in the hotel lobby, a fully equipped gymnasium, indoor heated swimming pool, spa and sauna.

Experience the new Pullman Melbourne Albert Park with an opening special Bed & Breakfast package, for two people, with rates starting from $260 per night. To book, call (03) 9529 4300 or head to www.accorhotels.com.au or www.pullmanhotels.com

Gourmet Weekend, Laucala Island, Fiji

Enjoy the tropical magic of Laucala Island with Quay's executive chef, Peter Gilmore. 

This premier South Seas escape has just 25 exquisite villas with interiors by leading London-based designer Lynne Hunt, plus a choice of dining venues with menus by leading European and Asian chefs.

The array of diversions includes swimming, snorkelling, diving, spa treatments, beachside horseback riding, sailing and cruising, and golf on an 18-hole championship course created by premier designer David McLay Kidd.

Over this long weekend, Peter Gilmore 
will collaborate with two of the resort's chefs,
French-born Martin Klein and Thai chef Kun Santi, to produce a series of spectacular culinary events.

Highlights will include:

FRIDAY - 1. A traditional Fijian evening at Laucala's Cultural Village. 2. Cocktails followed by dinner prepared in a lovo, and a spectacular dance performance.

SATURDAY - 1. An exploration of the island's organic farms with chefs Martin Klein and Peter Gilmore  2. An informal lunch around Laucala's spectacular pool 3. An elegant, seasonal seven-course dégustation dinner at Plantation House Restaurant by Quay's Peter Gilmore, showcasing Laucala's home-grown wagyu beef

SUNDAY - 1. An afternoon masterclass with Peter Gilmore at Seagrass Restaurant 2. An informal seafood dinner by Laucala chefs together with the kitchen team from Quay at Seagrass Restaurant.