The Pullman Paris Montparnasse Unveils Its Transformation

Pullman continues to revolutionise the architecture and design of its five Paris establishments in collaboration with eight renowned designers. After the Pullman Paris La Défense in March 2013, the Pullman Paris Bercy in October 2013, and the Pullman Paris Charles de Gaulle in May, the Pullman Paris Montparnasse will now unveil its new look. In July, the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel will complete this unique project: 30 months of renovation work, 2,510 rooms revamped and 26,000 m2 of public

areas redesigned.

A privileged location on the Left Bank

 Ideally located just a stone's throw from Montparnasse train station and at a crossroads between three arrondissements (6th, 14th and 15th), the Pullman Paris Montparnasse unveils its new look after eighteen months of renovations (started on November 14, 2011).

The hotel offers guests a cosmopolitan, vibrant and stylish experience in the heart of Montparnasse, a district steeped in “rive gauche” atmosphere.

A top meetings address with the largest conference center in Europe

The Pullman Paris Montparnasse boasts 4,000 m2 of entirely renovated meeting space.  The hotel's 49 meeting rooms are modular and can be adapted for any circumstances (they can host up to 2,000 people).  

The brand's Co-Meeting concept allows each participant to focus on the essentials, cohesion and commitment through an innovative approach to the organisation of meetings, conventions or incentive events: dedicated spaces, cutting-edge equipment, innovative breaks and a team of specialists (Event Manager, IT Solutions Manager).

Pullman is an expert in event organisation and offers a unique meeting experience with the “Business Playground by Pullman” boardroom created exclusively for the brand by designer Mathieu Lehanneur. This room reflects the brand's “Work hard, Play hard” motto as well as its guests' lifestyle. It combines performance and pleasure with a fresh take on the traditional aspects of a meeting: a meeting table designed like a poker table, a private area for informal conversations or breaks and a cabinet of curiosities…

Gastronomy at the Pullman Paris Montparnasse: an upscale and cosmopolitan culinary experience

The hotel's restaurant Just'in has become one of the Left Bank's business lunch hot spots.  It offers a large and varied buffet lunch combining freshness and diversity.  Behind these colourful and tasty French and international dishes, is Chef Eric Sanchez who manages one of the largest hotel kitchens in Europe (2,000 m2), catering amply for its business and leisure guests.

To perfect the culinary experience, pastry chef Gérard Biscaut revisits the great French pastry classics: Baba au rhum, Saint-Honoré, Paris-Brest, etc.

On Sundays, from September to June, the Baby Brunch served at restaurantJust'in allows parents to enjoy an exceptional buffet while their children are entertained with amusing activities and games.

The Power Lunch by Pullman guarantees business guests a full course lunch served in or under 45 minutes from the moment the order is taken to the moment the bill settled.

The Vinoteca by Pullman offers a genuine wine-tasting experience with a wide selection of international grands crus as well as local wines served by the glass or bottle. The list was put together and signed by Olivier Poussier elected the World's Best Sommelier in 2000.

A stylish, designer hotel

These 2 spaces at the center of the hotel were entirely redone by interior designer Didier Gomez. He created a colourful, bright open space lobby with intimate areas that guests can enjoy to work or unwind.  

The “Café Atlantic” bar plays on transparency to offer a cozy, bright space that is both roomy and intimate. The hushed atmosphere makes this an ideal place to discuss business or enjoy a moment's relaxation.

The lobby is decorated with the monumental globe created by designer Mathieu Lehanneur. This iconic Pullman object symbolises travel and the brand's cosmopolitan personality.

The Pullman Paris Montparnasse offers all the brand's “signature services”: the Welcomer, the Pullman bed, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, the Connectivity by Pullman concept, the Co-Meeting offer for the organisation of business events, Nespresso® services, Vinoteca by Pullman, the Fit Lounge, etc.

Modern, elegant rooms and suites

The Pullman Paris Montparnasse's 957 rooms and suites were created by designers Didier Rey and Mila Stokic, and feature a monochrome atmosphere highlighted with touches of colour. They offer guests the best of the Pullman experience: a large desk and armchair, the Pullman bed with memory foam pillows, a rain shower, etc.

The rooms located on the higher floors carry guests away thanks to their breathtaking view of Paris.

Special offer for the launch of the « Business Playground by Pullman » boardroom

A flat rate of 1,320€ incl. VAT instead of 2,200€*, for a 14-person Business Playground Meeting including meeting room rental and two breaks.

A Daily Workshop flat rate of 129€/person per day, including meeting room rental, buffet lunch and two gourmet breaks.

Pullman is the upscale international hotel brand of Accor, the world's leading hotel operator, present in 92 countries with over 3,600 hotels and 160,000 employees. Located in the main regional and international cities, Pullman Hotels & Resorts is principally designed to cater for the requirements of cosmopolitan, seasoned travelers travelling alone, in clans or in teams. The brand's establishments offer a new way of experiencing upscale hospitality. The Pullman network features more than 80 hotels in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Our objective is to have 150 hotels around the world by 2015-2020. Pullman, like most of the brands within Accor's portfolio, is proud to offer the advantages of the Le Club Accorhotels® loyalty program.

Further information concerning Pullman hotels is available on www.pullmanhotels.com.

MSC orders two new megaships

MSC Cruises has increased its order for new megaships by signing an agreement with Italian ship-building company Fincantieri for an additional two ships with an option for a third, the value of the project €2.1 billion ($AUD3.2 billion).

The two new ships, to be built at €700 million each, will strengthen the cruise line’s global standing and lead the way for a new generation of cruise ships to be “completely different from an architectural point of view”.

In signing the new deal, Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: "Today, MSC Cruises adds the last piece to its new industrial plan that will allow us to double the capacity of our fleet by 2022. With the arrival of the new ships we will reach a capacity of about 80,000 passengers a day.”

The first of the new megaships will be delivered in November 2017, the second in May 2018.

Measuring 323 metres long by 41 metres wide with a height of 70 metres, each new ship will have a gross tonnage of 154,000 tonnes, catering for up to 5300 passengers in 2070 cabins.

This latest development follows MSC Cruises’ recent signing of a two-ship order with STX France, with deliveries in 2017 and 2019. In addition, Fincantieri has begun work on “stretching” the first of four ships in the Lirica class (MSC Armonia) thus increasing each of these ship’s capacity by 200 cabins.

Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand, said the latest order was further proof of the cruise line’s positive steps towards capturing a larger share of the growing global cruise market.

“This comes as exciting news not only for us but for our Australian and New Zealand customers,” she said. “We are entering a new era in cruising.”

The signing took place at the Palazzo Chigi in Rome between MSC Cruises and Fincantieri.

There for the signing were the Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises Pierfrancesco Vago, the CEO of MSC Cruises Gianni Onorato, and the CEO of Fincantieri, Giuseppe Bono.

"From the moment we started talking with Fincantieri, we had in mind to design and build two completely new ships, revolutionary in their structure, unlike anything that exists on the market today," said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises.

"Seaside is a futuristic prototype because of its structure, shape and versatility. It will be a real revolution in the world’s cruise market, an excellent product for its unique and innovative architectural features and cutting-edge technology.”

The Seaside prototype presents unique features such as a sea-level promenade that circumnavigates the sides of the ship with outdoor spaces, shops and restaurants. In addition, Seaside will also feature a splendid and spacious theatre, a terraced balcony and panoramic lifts with sea views.

Furthermore, the ship will boast numerous technological innovations that will, among other things, further reduce fuel consumption by 25% and advanced safety systems that go beyond what is required by international regulation.

Details: MSC Cruises, phone 1300 028502 or visit www.msccruises.com.au

Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough unveils landmark refurbishment

Last night, TFE Hotels exclusively relaunched its iconic beachside WA property Rendezvous Hotel Perth 
Scarborough with Emma Birdsall, formerly a contestant on The Voice, performing to over 200 guests.

The group’s multi-million dollar refurbishment, in the nation’s hot spot for hotel investment and development, will be a welcome upgrade to more than 20,000guests who walk through the doors of the popular coastal hotel each year.

The relaunch of the landmark hotel, following the redevelopment of the Esplanade street frontage, was officiated with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Premier of Western Australia Hon. Colin Barnett together with Lucas Chow, CEO of Far East Orchard, Allan Vidor Group Managing Director of Toga Group, Arthur Kiong, CEO of Far East Hospitality and Rachel Argaman, CEO of TFE Hotels. To celebrate the occasion, key guests were treated to a cocktail event showcasing WA’s finest produce.

A highlight for chocolate lovers was the revelation of a 1.5 metre high chocolate sculpture made by Sisko Chocolate Founder and Director, Christina Tantsis and celebrity chef Ian Burch, pastry-mastermind behind Melbourne's ‘Burch & Purchese’. The innovative coastal inspired sculpture, representing the sea, was made using French and Spanish couverture chocolate in both moulds and freehand designs.

Overlooking Scarborough Beach and just 20 minutes from Perth CBD, Rachel Argaman CEO of TFE Hotels said: “We’re delighted to have been able to showcase our newly renovated hotel alongside WA’s food and wine, recognised as some of the best in the world.

The relaunch of the hotel alongside the redevelopment of the Esplanade’s frontage will help to re-establish Scarborough as a vibrant destination for visitors and locals alike.”

The hotel has a rich history of fame and glamour, and has played host to numerous celebrities including Michael Jackson, Bono, Kylie Minogue, Tina Turner, Robbie Williams and Pearl Jam. Michael Jackson played the hotel’s baby grand piano which was used in the performance from Emma Birdsall who wasdressed by WA designer Aelkemi for the affair.

Taking design inspiration from WA’s coastal lifestyle, architects Tema International created the new look and feel of all 336 spacious rooms and suites, to reflect the stylish elements of the iconic coastline.

A key highlight of the refurbishment is the addition of a new club lounge on the 25^th floor. Exclusively available for guests staying in the premium club rooms and suites, the lounge boasts spectacular views across 32km of Perth’s coastline.

New dining venues include Straits Cafe, serving modern Australian cuisine with brilliant ocean views, and the Lobby Bar, a contemporary lounge style venue with tapas and a comprehensive wine and cocktail menu.

As part of the refurbishment, 24 new event spaces were also created, making the property one of the largest beachside conference and event venues in Western Australia.

To celebrate the grand relaunch a ‘Great Weekends’ opening offer is now available from $159 per room per night* for bookings until 30 September 2014 at www.tfehotels.com

Wellington makes headlines at Australian craft beer event

Wellington is delivering a clear message that it is New Zealand’s number one craft beer destination at 
Australia’s premier beer festival this weekend.

Four top Wellington brewers (Funk Estate, Panhead Custom Ales, ParrotDog and Yeastie Boys) are exhibiting alongside Positively Wellington Tourism staff under a ‘Craft Beer Capital’ banner at the Great Australasian Beer Spectapular (GABS) in Melbourne.

The stand has been provided by the regional economic development agency, Grow Wellington.

Fellow Wellington brewers Garage Project and Tuatara will also have dedicated stands, with the capital making up six of the seven New Zealand exhibitors at the event.

Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT) Chief Executive David Perks says the tourism organisation worked with popular Australian lifestyle publication Time Out to produce a 16-page ‘Craft Capital Post’ newspaper, which would be available for the up to 12,000 attendees at GABS and distributed to more than 50,000 Time Out subscribers across Sydney and Melbourne.

“Craft beer has really captured consumers’ imaginations and palates, and Wellington’s mix of cellar doors, brew bars and creative brewers – all just a wander away from one another – make the city an unmatchable destination for craft beer fans.”

The Craft Capital Post features insights and stories about local brews, brewers, bars, eateries and hotels, along with upcoming culinary events Beervana and Visa Wellington On a Plate, Mr Perks says.

“The Craft Capital Post is designed to connect craft beer fans with Wellington’s stories, people and all the details they need to plan the ultimate short break away.”

Councillor Jo Coughlan, chair of the Council’s Economic Growth and Arts Committee, says Australia is both the first key export market for Wellington brewers and the city’s largest international visitor market.

“This activity at GABS is a fantastic example of how partnership initiatives can deliver both inbound and outbound economic impact for destination Wellington,” Councillor Coughlan says.

“Craft beer sales have grown at an average of 10% per annum over the last five years across the ditch, with Wellington’s brewers well positioned to maximise the opportunity in this thriving market. Meanwhile, Australian visitation into Wellington continues to boom, with a 6.7% increase in trans-Tasman last year.”

The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular runs from 23-25 May.

International hotel investors remain confident in Thailand

Leading hotel investors attending the recent Thailand Hotel Investment Conference in Bangkok have expressed their confidence in the kingdom as a tourist destination, saying the imposition of martial law would have only a minimal impact on tourism in Thailand.

The Royal Thai Army declared martial law shortly before dawn on 20 May, 2014, which coincided with the opening day of the high profile conference, which attracted more than 250 delegates from global hotel investment companies and financial institutions from 26 countries. The conference was held at Bangkok’s Dusit Thani Hotel and concluded on 21 May, 2014.

This imposition of martial law quickly became the main topic of discussion with delegates querying as to whether this latest move by Thailand’s military would have any negative effects on the kingdom’s tourism.

Mr. Robert Naso, Managing Director of Clear Bridge Asia Capital and India Real Estate Partners and Mr. Pote Videt, Managing Director of Lombard Investments, both shared the view that the invocation of martial law in Thailand is likely to have a short-term impact. They also agreed that the current political crisis in the kingdom would end soon, and that the great performance and the future potential of the hotel investment scene in Thailand was secure.

Mr. Ashwani Bajaj, Managing Director of Amburaya Hotels and Resorts said Thailand remained one of the most attractive destinations for tourists from around the world given the kingdom’s natural beauty, the friendliness of the Thai people and the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage. “I believe that the impact from the political situation will merely be a short-term one. Thailand will continue to attract international tourists.”

Agreeing with this, Mr. Andreas Mattmϋller, Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East and Asia of Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts said, “I’ve been living in Phuket for five years and have also personally experienced the many ups and downs of Thailand’s economy and tourism industry since the economic crisis of 1997.”

“Based on this experience, I strongly believe the crisis today means short-term pain but long-term gain. The markets will over-react initially but as for those living here in Thailand, they will know the situation is very normal. Indeed, this is a good time to invest in Thailand.”

Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts is expanding its portfolio in Thailand with plans to operate a total of eight to nine properties in major tourist destinations within the next three years. It currently manages three properties – two in Phuket and one in Samui – and plans to increase its portfolio to five properties in 2015.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is providing a daily situation update of the country’s political developments to its offices and industry partners worldwide. One of the key messages is that the imposition of martial law has had no effect on the daily life of the Thai people. In addition, there is currently no curfew in place in Bangkok or in any other tourist destinations in Thailand.

Mr. Sugree Sithivanich, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications of the TAT said, “Its business as usual in Thailand. All tourist attractions and services, as well as airports, throughout Thailand are open and operating normally. Having said that, TAT is working very closely with all the concerned public and private sectors to ensure that visitors are in no way inconvenienced and can continue to enjoy the exciting offerings of Amazing Thailand.”

Read related story: Thailand Welcomes Global Hoteliers to Investment Conference.

Accor adds new-build Ibis Styles East Perth hotel

Accor will increase the presence of its innovative economy hotel brand, Ibis Styles, in Perth following the signing of a management agreement with Rehawk Property Group, who will develop a new-build hotel in East Perth.

The multi-million dollar hotel development, which commenced in March this year, will be located in a prime location in East Perth and add a fresh economy product to Perth's growing list of hotel projects. Ibis Styles East Perth will be the city's first new-build economy hotel development in over ten years.

Ibis Styles East Perth will reach 15 levels to the city skyline and house 228 guest rooms as well as a restaurant and bar, a meeting room, business corner and gymnasium. The development of Ibis Styles East Perth is expected to be completed in July 2015.

Accor Chief Operating Officer, Simon McGrath, said "The economy sector is rapidly changing in Australia with our economy hotel product becoming vastly different from where it was a decade ago. Accor is leading the way with delivering a premium economy product and Ibis Styles East Perth will be a key development for Perth."

"Ibis Styles East Perth will respond to the growing demand for quality product at a genuine economy price and it will cater to the increasing number of travellers seeking wallet-friendly travel experiences. The hotel will provide visitors to Perth with an affordable accommodation option, leaving more spending money to explore the city's tourist attractions, retail and dining scene."

"The Ibis Styles brand is known around the world and is present in Australia's key Asian markets such as China, Indonesia and Malaysia as well as Europe. A new build Ibis Styles in East Perth will give the brand even greater visibility in the Australian market."

The announcement of Ibis Styles East Perth comes hot on the heels of another new Ibis Styles hotel - Ibis Styles The Entrance – which is currently under construction on the NSW Central Coast, also set to open in 2015.

Ibis Styles is part of Accor's three-tiered Ibis mega-brand portfolio alongside Ibis and Ibis Budget. Ibis Styles East Perth will be the 29th Ibis Styles hotel in Australia, joining the global Ibis Styles network of over 260 hotels.

For more information, please visit www.accorhotels.com

Accor Pacific

www.accor.com | www.facebook.com/Accor | www.accorhotels.com

Myanmar Travel Resources

Ox carts still used as daily transport in Burma (R Eime)

Travel Indochina Launches Burma Resource for Travellers and Agents

In collaboration with leading destination experts and resident journalists, Australia’s Asia travel specialist Travel Indochina has launched a microsite dedicated to Burma; www.travelindochina.com.au/blog-articles/welcome-to-burma/.

Featuring evocative images and information about key cities, the site goes well beyond normal travel resources, providing insights into the enduring complexities of the country with a selection of editorial pieces from well-known journalists and leading travel bloggers, including Burma resident and sub editor of the country’s first English language daily Myanmar Freedom Daily, Jessica Muddit.

Travel Indochina Managing Director Paul Hole said clients have been awestruck by their experiences in Burma.

“The Economist claimed Myanmar’s transformation was the most significant event to have taken place in South East Asia in the past decade,” explained Paul.

“We would agree, and this is one of the reasons we believe it is very important to approach travel in Burma with a philosophy of promoting sustainability and engaging with private operators at a grass roots level. Preservation of the country’s cultural heritage is essential during this period of rapid development that’s seen visitor numbers reach more than 1 million in the past year.”

“This is one of the compelling reasons that inspired us to create the Burma microsite. We see it as a resource for potential travellers and agents to understand the complexity, diversity and beauty inherent in what was until just recently one of the world’s most isolated nations, and we’d encourage travellers to read these independent stories to really gain some insights into the country.”The site also provides information about tour options to Burma and an article providing language lessons for those looking to engage at a deeper level with the locals.