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May 17, 2010 Published by Odyssey Media Group Wyndham Hotel Opens In Miami’s South Beach Wyndham Hotels and Resorts continued its expansion in Florida with the opening of the 133-room-and-suite Wyndham Garden Hotel Miami South Beach. The newly-renovated Wyndham Garden Hotel Miami South Beach, located in South Beach’s entertainment district at 1050 Washington Avenue, is just a short drive from Miami International ... page 13 Singapore & Spanair Sign Codeshare From 17 May, customers of Singapore Airlines can enjoy convenient connections from Barcelona’s El Prat Airport to three domestic destinations in Spain, under a with Spanair. The codeshare arrangement allows Singapore Airlines’ customers to travel on Spanair’s services between the following city pairs: Barcelona and Madrid, Barcelona and Palma Mallorca, and Barcelona and Bilbao... page 8 PATA Elects Cooray As New Chairman New PATA Chairman Hiran Cooray is an experienced tourism industry professional with a wealth of experience across the Asia Pacific region. He was appointed Managing Director of Jetwing Hotels in 1987 and quickly developed a reputation for creating specialist boutique properties in his home country of Sri Lanka. Hiran has taken a very active role in the repositioning of tourism in Sri Lanka and was conferred with the honorary title ‘Sri Lanka Sikhamani’ by Her Excellency the President of the Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka...

page 15 ITM Announces Operational Crisis Support Group At the association’s annual conference, the Chairman of The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) UK & Ireland, Jamie Hindhaugh, announced the creation of a key stakeholder group to assist the business travel and meetings sector at future times of crisis. The announcement, made during his welcome speech to over four hundred industry delegates in London, included details of the goals of group...

page 7 TAM Airlines Joins Network TAM Airlines, the leading Brazilian carrier, joined the Star Alliance network, thereby putting the world’s longest serving alliance firmly back on the South American continent. “Our integration into the world’s leading global alliance will allow us to expand our services, offering our customers a smooth and integrated travel experience... page 7

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GTA Hosting ‘Visit North America’ page two Road Show In China HRG Partners With Viajes El Corte Ingles Ctrip Joins The RADIUS Network Voyager Travel Named “Travel Management Services Provider Of The Year” page three CWT Acquires Gateway Travel Management page four Ovation Releases Q2 Business Travel Indexes Carlson Solutions Boost Compliance & Savings Companies Unite In Support of Standards For Ancillary Services page five Travelport and WorldMate Partner page six Air China Adopts Amadeus e-Retail Solution ITM Announces Operational Crisis Support Group page seven TAM Airlines Joins Star Alliance Network Singapore Airlines & Spanair Sign Codeshare Agreement page eight WestJet and Cathay Pacific Forge Interline Agreement Finnair Adds Meal Service & Pre-Seating Delta Adding Flights Between NYC & Key Business Markets page nine Toothbrush Ads On Planes Offset Spirit Airlines’s Costs Multi-flight Porter Pass Program Expanded SAS Adds Africa & US Code-share Destinations Iberia Nearly Triples Seats To South Africa page ten Flexjet & Korean Air Form Marketing Alliance Jet Airways Launches New Mobile Site Red-Shirt Protests Give Bangkok Hotels The Blues page eleven Choice Privileges Program Expands To Three Regions ibis Launches New Operating Model In China Warwick Collection Adds Villa & Palazzo Aminta page twelve Carlson Hotels To Develop First US Radisson Blu Hotel Les Suites Orient To Open In Shanghai Hotusa Hotels Adds Third Hotel In China Opening Planned For Fullerton Bay Hotel, Singapore page thirteen Wyndham Hotel Opens In Miami’s South Beach Carlson Hotels Opens 13th Park Inn page fourteen Chase Offers New Payment Solutions To Mid-sized Clients ITM UK & Ireland Names Clément GM page fifteen Poirot To Continue Tenure As Accor CEO PATA Elects Cooray As New Chairman Al Lenza Joins Farelogix Board Of Directors Mandarin Oriental Appoints Timothy Tan As Regional Director

Publisher & Managing Editor: Colin J. Holden - [email protected] Associate Editor: Brian Menzies - [email protected] Associate Editor: Edward Lambert - [email protected] Technology Editor: Marten Streifel - [email protected] M.I.C.E. Editor: Deborah Ibsen - [email protected] Vancouver, Canada - San Francisco, USA Telephone: (604) 543-7375

www.odysseymediagroup.com page 2 TRAVEL MANAGEMENT GTA Hosting ‘Visit North America’ Road Show In China GTA by Travelport has announced that GTA Americas is hosting a ‘Visit North America Road Show’ in China Ctrip Joins The RADIUS Network this June. The road show, to be held in Shanghai and Beijing between Ctrip, the for online and offline travel volume in China, has joined 21 and 26 June, will bring together the RADIUS global network. RADIUS has also signed H.I.S. Co., Ltd., one of North American representatives of Japan’s top five travel agencies and JJ Tour Service in Brunei. These additions convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), significantly expand the RADIUS network’s access and influence throughout Asia destination marketing organizations Pacific and reinforce RADIUS’ position as a major global travel management (DMOs) and travel suppliers in a single company (TMC). forum. Destination presentations and networking seminars form part of the Ctrip.com International Ltd. (CTRP) has a market capitalization of over $4.5 road show which will be attended by top billion US and more than 10,000 employees servicing both business and leisure sales and operations staff from leading travelers. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company has 13 branch offices in travel agencies and GTA customers in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other major Chinese cities. As one of China’s China . leading travel service enterprises, Ctrip provides over 37 million registered members with comprehensive services including hotel reservations, air ticketing, “North America is an increasingly packaged tours and corporate travel management. popular destination for Chinese tourists and this is the first time a travel Mr. Jonathan Zhuang, Vice President of Ctrip in charge of professional corporate wholesaler has hosted a number of travel management service, said, “Being one of the top TMCs in China, Ctrip is major North American companies in pleased to join the global TMC network of RADIUS to enhance coverage. With a single forum in China ,” says Richie global background, Ctrip offers more to clients in China.” Karaburun, president of GTA Americas Inbound. “This is a great opportunity H.I.S. Co. Ltd (H.I.S) of Japan processed over $3 billion US in total travel and a cost effective means for North expenditure in 2009. H.I.S. is headquartered in Tokyo and employs over 4,100 American CVBs, DMOs and suppliers to people. The company prides itself on bi-lingual service excellence for both gain invaluable inroads to the Chinese fulfillment and account management services for its corporate clients. outbound tourism industry through our established network. In turn, travel “Through our partnership with RADIUS, H.I.S. will be able to offer our existing agents in China will benefit from the and potential clients better optimized multinational services, fully meeting their combined expertise of a variety of travel requirements,” said Mr. Atsushi Yamanobe, General Manager, Corporate North American travel professionals in and Group Travel and Specialized Branches Department, H.I.S. Co. Ltd. “I have no one arena,” explained Karaburun. doubt that RADIUS’ worldwide network will also accelerate the ongoing process of H.I.S.’ globalization by full speed.” Traditionally, road shows in China are organized by a single CVB or airline RADIUS also welcomed the Brunei travel agency, JJ Tour Service, to its global to showcase their particular region or network. Founded in 1971, JJ Tour Service is the country’s fifth ranked professional travel product. The GTA ‘Visit North travel services provider. America Road Show’ also coincides with two other major annual travel events “The Asian region is a key component of RADIUS’s growth strategy. In Ctrip and in China for tourism professionals H.I.S. we are bringing on board two of Asia’s leading corporate travel agencies,” - IFCOT2010 (The 6th International explained Chris Vasiliou, President and CEO of RADIUS. “Ctrip and H.I.S. are both Forum on Chinese Outbound Tourism) progressive businesses that have great teams and sophisticated systems and we and BITE 2010 (The 7th Beijing look forward to offering multinational clients an unmatched level of service and International Tourism Exposition). data reporting in two of the world’s major travel markets.” Presenters and guests of the GTA road show are welcomed in joining GTA as www.radiustravel.com special guests at the BITE 2010 event as well as at IFCOT2010 where Karaburun and Portugal, replacing Empresas has appointed El Corte Ingles as its new will be presenting on long-haul travel Marsans, to provide corporate travel Partner in Spain and Portugal. El Corte to North America . services to HRG’s multinational clients. Ingles is the market leader in corporate travel servicing both international www.gta-travel.com HRG has had a very good relationship and national clients in a wide range of with Empresas Marsans over many sectors including government, financial years, but in light of the financial services, pharmaceuticals, retail, HRG Partners With difficulties experienced recently by technology and utilities. Viajes El Corte Ingles their parent group, HRG has been working towards alternative solutions David Radcliffe, Chief Executive of Hogg Hogg Robinson Group confirmed in Spain and Portugal to ensure its Robinson Group, commented: ‘We that Viajes El Corte Ingles has been clients receive the best and most have been watching the situation with appointed as its new partner in Spain appropriate service. As a result, HRG our former partner’s parent group for a www.odysseymediagroup.com page 3 while. The provision of a quality service business totaling US$160 million in to our clients is paramount to HRG so annual air volume, GTM’s client base Ovation Releases Q2 we have spent some time evaluating has been primarily located in the Mid- Business Travel Indexes the best alternative options. Atlantic and Midwestern United States with GTM providing services including Ovation Travel Group announced it has ‘Following discussions with our clients corporate travel management, groups released its second quarterly Business about the most appropriate solutions in and meetings, and leisure travel Travel Indexes. The Financial Services Spain and Portugal, we are delighted that services. Firm Business Travel Index, Law Firm HRG and ECI have reached agreement Business Travel Index, and Corporate where ECI will, with immediate effect, CWT welcomes more than 80 GTM Business Travel Index, which launched handle the corporate travel interests employees via this acquisition, including at the close of 2009, will continue to of HRG’s clients in Spain and Portugal leaders Jim Pekins, president and chief be updated quarterly going forward, ensuring that they continue to receive executive officer, and Jim Harris, vice with each release comparing the past the quality levels of service and support president and chief financial officer, eight quarters travel patterns for each they have rightly come to expect from each of whom in the near term will group. us. El Corte is a powerful ally to have in focus on assisting clients through the these important markets, and we look transition to CWT. Each Business Travel Index illustrates forward to working with them.’ the following statistics for the most Reflecting on GTM’s 26 years in the travel recent eight quarters: industry, Jim Pekins acknowledged the Voyager Travel accelerated pace of change he has - Average airfare price paid by quarter Named “Travel observed specifically over the past - Average hotel rate paid by quarter Management Services decade. “As companies of any size seek - Breakdown of the percentage first, to grow and expand across borders, business, and tickets by Provider Of The Year” increased investment is needed to quarter provide the level of technology and - Breakdown of the percentage At the btTB Travel Management domestic vs. international tickets by service clients and their travelers have quarter Awards dinner sponsored by Qantas, come to expect,” Pekins said. Voyager Travel, the exclusive Australian Partner in GSM, was “Through the Indexes, Ovation will “The GTM management team feels continue to provide a snapshot of what named “Travel Management Services CWT is best suited to deliver those Supplier of the Year” for 2010. The has been happening over the past two capabilities over the long term,” he years in business travel as a whole award was judged by an independent continued, citing CWT’s global footprint, group of corporate travel industry as well as in financial services firm- award-winning service and technology, specific travel and law firm-specific professionals on a combination of and “of particular importance to us, quantitative and qualitative factors, travel,” explained Jennifer Achim, Vice CWT’s proven track record with clients President of Marketing. “Our aim is amongst nominees selected through of all sizes.” input from the corporate travel to provide a benchmarking resource buyer community in Australia. for businesses and travel managers, Harris added, “We were attracted allowing organizations to see where to CWT specifically because of the “We are extremely pleased and they stand in comparison to the long-held respect we’ve had for the averages.” excited about this honour, as it is organization as a competitor. I’m the only corporate-travel focused pleased we now have the opportunity award in the Australian market, The Corporate Business Travel Index to join forces for the mutual benefit of data is culled from a cross-industry- and corporate travel is our focus,” our collective employees and clients.” said Richard Savva, Chief Executive sample of clients, representing over Officer, Voyager Travel. “I would $100,000,000 in annual air spend. With the purchase of Gateway Travel The Financial Services Firm Business like to thank our customers for their Management, CWT not only expands support for nominating Voyager Travel Index data is culled from a cross- its presence in the Pittsburgh area but sample of financial services industry as well as providing the panel their also furthers its established growth input as it demonstrates the strength clients, representing over $50,000,000 strategy, which includes increased in annual air spend. of our customer relationships.” growth in the small and medium enterprise (SME) market and targeted www.voyagertravel.com.au The Law Firm Business Travel Index acquisitions, along with the sale of data is culled from a cross-sample of value-added products and services to The Lawyers’ Travel Service’s (a division CWT Acquires Gateway new and existing clients. of the Ovation Travel Group) law firm clients, representing over $70,000,000 Travel Management GTM’s expertise at serving SME clients in annual air spend. in the Pittsburgh area will benefit CWT Carlson Wagonlit Travel announced even further in this key market, noted it has signed a definitive agreement Sam DeFranco, senior vice president Carlson Solutions Boost whereby CWT has acquired Gateway of National Accounts for CWT North Compliance & Savings Travel Management, a privately held America. “I look forward to blending regional travel management company the Gateway team’s considerable Carlson Wagonlit Travel has integrated based in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania industry expertise and customer focus two of its proprietary solutions to area. with ours,” he added. boost travel policy compliance and drive savings. CWT Policy Messenger, a Gateway Travel Management was “I’m also excited to meet CWT’s newest communications tool that automatically established in 1984 and had grown employees and clients, and to personally sends targeted, trip-specific messages to be the leading travel management welcome them to the organization.” to business travelers now receives CWT company in the region, with offices Agency+Card Reporting data, which in Sewickley and Pittsburgh. With www.carlsonwagonlit.com matches and compares CWT bookings www.odysseymediagroup.com page 4 for air, hotel and ground transportation compliance. they inevitably play a greater part in with actual credit card expenditures the process. The latest integration to underscore non-compliant traveler “At CWT, we believe business travelers of CWT Policy Messenger and CWT behavior. By bringing these two solutions play an essential role in effective travel Agency+Card Reporting demonstrates together, CWT enables companies management. That’s why we work our commitment to bringing all parties who are using each to automatically closely with travel managers to help together in this effort,” Mr. Winterton inform and educate travelers booking bring them in the loop. When travelers said. outside of preferred channels or using understand they too are responsible non-preferred payment methods for for savings, service and security, www.carlsonwagonlit.com business travel. Travel managers can now program Companies Unite In Support of three types of automated messages as a result of the integration of CWT Policy Messenger with CWT Agency+Card Standards For Ancillary Services Reporting: The industry’s leading travel management companies, online agencies, and - Compliance with preferred booking global distribution systems (GDSs) have announced their support for plans channels: travelers are reminded that to implement recently developed, industry-wide technology standards which all bookings must be made through enable shopping, booking, payment, and reporting of ancillary services. These CWT or their company’s corporate standards will also facilitate the use of new capabilities that are being developed online booking tool by the GDSs to help agencies manage the complexity of unbundled offerings, - Compliance with corporate card: while enabling airlines to differentiate through the sale of ancillary services mandatory use of the company’s across all distribution channels. Use of these common and recently launched preferred corporate credit card is technology standards will create the opportunity for airlines and agencies to reiterated sell ancillary services seamlessly, and corporations to optimize their business - Expenditures: charges to the corporate travel programs by better anticipating and tracking their full air spend. credit card that do not comply with the travel policy can be highlighted American Express Business Travel, BCD Travel, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Despegar, Expedia, Egencia, HRG, Opodo, Orbitz, Orbitz for Business, Travelocity, Andrew Winterton, CWT president Travelocity Business, Amadeus, Sabre Travel Network and Travelport have suppliers, products & technology, agreed to support common technology approaches for the merchandising of points out that each of these messaging airline ancillary services. options can be used for compliant traveler behavior as well: “There British Airways, Delta Air Lines, LAN and WestJet support the development is so much emphasis on stemming of this capability as an option for distributing new products and services. non-compliance that we sometimes Additionally, Air New Zealand has confirmed that it is mobilizing OC and EMD overlook the importance of reinforcing projects. positive behavior. CWT Policy Messenger enables travel managers By combining ATPCO’s (Airline Tariff Publishing Company) category for optional to program messages that target services “OC” fare filing capabilities with soon-to-be-enabled Electronic compliant travelers, and encourage Miscellaneous Documents (EMD), airlines will be able to quickly introduce and instill behavior that supports the their revenue-building ancillaries to the broadest travel audience through both company’s travel program and overall indirect and direct distribution channels. The group of travel industry buyers business objectives.” also endorses the development of common messaging standards for direct API solutions for those airlines that wish to manage the ancillary data directly with The multilingual CWT Policy Messenger a GDS, enabling the easy and efficient shopping, selling, payment and reporting received a 2009 Business Travel of ancillaries. Innovation Award at the London Business Travel Show last year. In Travel agencies are experts at selling airline products to their customers, and addition to automated messages on a they have keen insight into how these groups want to buy airline products. variety of topics from compliance to By using industry technology standards, airlines can quickly deliver the ability security that can be sent to targeted to sell ancillary services. Additional capabilities will emerge throughout the business travelers, their supervisors year to enable corporations, agencies and airlines to complete the sale and and travel arrangers as well, CWT Policy fulfillment of these products within the GDS, enhancing agency efficiency at Messenger offers travel managers the point of sale, and integrating into existing back office systems. statistical reports and graphs indicating the number of emails sent, the individual Over the past year, many airlines have evolved their business model in an recipients and their business unit, and effort to generate incremental revenue by either creating product bundles that the type of travel policy violation. differentiate their offerings or by bundling and unbundling various products and services, such as premium seating or fees. Today’s announcement CWT Agency+Card Reporting was also aligns GDSs, online travel agencies and travel management companies around designed with flexibility in mind. CWT support for the use of recently developed technology standards to help airlines can process data feeds from all major introduce new unbundled fare structures, and demonstrate what is included credit card providers, enabling clients to in bundled fares, while also providing consumers and business travelers full use the corporate card that best meets choice and value in their options. their company’s needs. Furthermore, several metrics, interactive dashboards Many capabilities enabling the sales of ancillary services already exist within and reports, available in multiple the GDS environments. Airlines that adopt industry technology standards are expected to plan how to best leverage it this year. The GDSs plan to provide languages and currencies, provide both corporations and travel agencies the ability to shop, book and fulfill airline high-level and in-depth information to ancillary services to travelers by late 2010. better manage agency and credit card www.odysseymediagroup.com page 5 GDS/CRS Travelport and WorldMate Partner Travelport announced details of a vice president, U.S. Sales, Travelport. their own privately branded premium new multi-year mobile technology “The product features on WorldMate mobile offering,” said Jean Tripier, CEO distribution arrangement with are exceptional. As we listen to our of WorldMate. WorldMate Inc. Through the agreement, customers’ needs, Travelport will Travelport will bring WorldMate’s continue to partner with companies “Teaming up with a travel distribution premiere mobile technology to travel like Worldmate to deliver world-class leader like Travelport will also enable management companies (TMCs), their solutions.” real-time information and transactional corporate customers and business capabilities that were never seen before travelers in the U.S. and Canada. “This collaboration between Travelport on a smartphone.” TMCs will be able to private-label and WorldMate enables TMCs to create the application and provide special features, including direct click-to-call, which offers customers a simple way to connect to their designated travel Air China Adopts representative. WorldMate lets TMCs deliver real-time updates directly to travelers’ smartphones, including flight Amadeus e-Retail Solution plans, hotel arrangements and meeting Amadeus has deployed its online booking engine to Air China’s Small and details. WorldMate’s intelligent travel Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Programme, Air China Rewards. tools let business travelers stay in control of their trips and make the The online booking engine will power reservations and ticketing by SMEs based most of their business travel. Services in China, Australia, Canada, Singapore and the United Kingdom and allow provided include: real-time bookings and an upfront discount of 3-5 percent on air fares upon enrolment to the Programme. The booking engine incorporates Amadeus’ - Comprehensive itinerary e-Retail, Web e-Ticketing and Payment Gateway solutions. management, directly on the smartphone Air China is the first Chinese carrier to adopt the Amadeus’ e-Retail solution to power an online booking engine specifically for SMEs. - Pop-up flight alerts if a flight is delayed or canceled, with suggested Jia Tiesheng, General Manager of Sales, of Air China Limited, said, “We are alternative flights when necessary constantly seeking ways to provide services that will better cater to our customers’ changing needs. Adopting the Amadeus e-commerce platform will - Calendar synchronization of flight and not only provide customers with a more efficient online booking system, but hotel information to Outlook / Notes also benefit them with added incentives such as upfront discounted rates. - Easy sharing of itineraries with “According to Access Markets International (AMI) Partners research, small to coworkers and business contacts medium-sized businesses employ 90 percent of the world’s workforce and account for more than 50 percent of GDP worldwide. - Itinerary integration with mapping and navigation Establishing a world-class e-commerce solution to reach this customer segment is a key priority for us to expand our business. We are pleased to be partnering - Easy connections with LinkedIn with Amadeus and implementing the world’s most widely used airline Internet contacts while on the road Booking Engine.” - One-click access to designated travel John Chapman, Vice President, Airline Group, Amadeus Asia Pacific, said, representative “Amadeus already provides the booking engine that powers the Air China website, and now in addition we will be helping the airline to target the Initially, the private-label capabilities important SME customer group through the Air China Rewards Programme. and certain special features will be available only on Blackberry devices; Air China is one of our first airline customers focusing specifically on delivering but WorldMate also supports iPhone services to meet the needs of the SME market, which we believe will be a very and Nokia devices with their standard successful strategy. offering and will soon offer the special TMC and corporate features on these “China is one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and will play a key role devices. in the growth of the global travel industry. Amadeus is setting new standards for in Asia Pacific and our technology will help Chinese airlines “We’re delighted to bring WorldMate’s compete on a global scale.” industry-leading mobile travel technology to our TMCs and their www.airchina.com corporate customers, which will ultimately enhance the quality of service provided to business travelers, keeping them connected and informed SUBSCRIBE TODAY throughout the trip,” said Scott Hyden, www.odysseymediagroup.com www.odysseymediagroup.com page 6 ASOCIATIONS ITM Announces Operational Crisis Support Group At the association’s annual conference, the Chairman of The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) UK & Ireland,Jamie Hindhaugh, announced the creation of a key stakeholder group to assist the business travel and meetings sector at future times of crisis. The announcement, made during his welcome speech to over four hundred industry delegates in London, included details of the goals of group. The Phoenix Group, born out of a desire to understand lessons learned from buyers, intermediaries and suppliers affected by the Ash Cloud created by the eruption of volcano Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland a few weeks ago, has been created to act as an operational support group to facilitate communication between government, media, suppliers and buyers at times of crisis which affect the business travel and meetings industry. The group will initially establish a squad of industry stakeholders from which appropriate teams can be pulled together at times of need, under the leadership of Mr Hindhaugh, Head of Production L2012 and Head of Sourcing - Logistics for the media organisation. The group will also initially draw on the experiences of buyers and suppliers from the sector during the ash cloud crisis to create a paper with recommendations and lessons learnt as well as examples of innovation by the industry. Mr Hindhaugh has called for interested parties to express their commitment to participate in the group and has already received support from British Airways and Advantage Business Travel Group in the UK before today’s launch. Richard Tams, Head of UK & Ireland Sales & Marketing for British Airways, said, “It is great to hear of the creation of such a group and it will undoubtedly provide a huge benefit to the industry alongside our own operational plans implemented at times of crisis.” Commenting on the airline’s support in particular, Jamie Hindhaugh said, “British Airways’ support is key for us as they were extremely proactive at communicating with the buyer community throughout the crisis and I am sure they can provide us with some valuable insights into the challenges they have faced. We expect the Phoenix Group to encompass a broad range of stakeholders and these will also include representatives from NBTA and NBTA Europe, the association’s US and European partners, as most crisis situations naturally extend beyond any single national boundary.” During his conference speech, Mr Hindhaugh advised delegates that the group’s creation sprang from an ITM board discussion about how the association could have assisted during the recent crisis and that it is the perfect vehicle to build on his stated intent as Chairman to facilitate better collaboration between buyers and suppliers in the sector. The Phoenix Group’s first kick-off meeting is planned for the beginning of June, with detailed objectives subsequently issued to the industry and direct links established with government and media organisations. www.itm.org.uk AIRLINES & TAM Airlines Joins Star Alliance Network TAM Airlines, the leading Brazilian and Europe, many of these being Star the official announcement of our carrier, joined the Star Alliance network, Alliance hubs. All in all, the Star Alliance acceptance as a future Star Alliance thereby putting the world’s longest network now counts 27 member member in October of 2008, we started serving firmly back on carriers, offering more than 21,050 to align our operating processes, the South American continent. daily flights to 1,167 destinations in which involved our functional team 181 countries. “With TAM Airlines we at all levels, as well as those of all of “Our integration into the world’s leading gain a carrier based in South America, our partner carriers. This was a great global commercial aviation alliance an important aviation market and learning experience and a fundamental will allow us to expand our services, home to many growing economies. step towards our global expansion.” offering our customers a smooth and Combining TAM Airlines’ network with As a result, TAM Airlines has not only integrated travel experience. There will that of our existing member carriers increased the Star Alliance network always be a partner airline that will treat will allow Star Alliance to offer a very offer, but is now providing a wide range our customers as their own anywhere competitive product to, from and of customer benefits. across the globe,” said Líbano Barroso, within this region,” said Jaan Albrecht, CEO of TAM Airlines. “Our brand is now CEO Star Alliance. TAM’s Fidelidade customers now collect global, and Star Alliance now has a and redeem points when travelling on strong presence in South America.” TAM Airlines’ joining completes a all other Star Alliance member carriers. process which originally began in 2006 By the same token, participants in the TAM Airlines offers more than 40 with the first informal negotiations. “An other member carriers’ Frequent Flyer destinations in Brazil and 10 airports intense information and experience Programmes (FFP) earn points every across South America. Over the past exchange process resulted from the time they fly TAM Airlines and can years, the airline has expanded its first contact,” explained Paulo Castello redeem points on the TAM network. intercontinental network to cover Branco, Vice President, Commercial An added alliance benefit is that travel a variety of destinations in the USA and Planning, TAM Airlines. “After on any Star Alliance member carrier www.odysseymediagroup.com page 7 counts towards achieving status in the selected FFP. One of the Star Alliance Gold membership benefits is Lounge WestJet and Cathay Pacific access; with TAM Airlines the number of designated Gold Lounges across the Forge Interline Agreement network has grown to over 990. WestJet and Cathay Pacific have launched an inbound interline agreement to Corporate customers have long been a connect Cathay Pacific guests into WestJet’s Canadian network. main target group of the Star Alliance network. Through TAM Airlines, our “We are very pleased to make this announcement today,” said Hugh Dunleavy, offer to the vast corporate market in WestJet Executive Vice-President, Strategy and Planning. “This interline Brazil - South America’s largest economy agreement signifies the progression of WestJet’s strategic plans to expand our - has gained in value. Christopher business into international markets, and offer guests the opportunity to travel Korenke, Star Alliance Vice President seamlessly from points in the Cathay Pacific network to cities in our Canadian Commercial: “With TAM Airlines network.” we now have a very comprehensive product in the local market and have The inbound interline agreement allows guests to board a Cathay Pacific flight expanded our reach for those needing and travel on one itinerary to select destinations in WestJet’s network. Initially, to travel to Brazil and South America. connections will be made through the gateways of Vancouver and Toronto, with This is an important selling point when the option to continue via WestJet to Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, dealing with large corporate customers Montréal and Halifax. in Brazil.” WestJet has also entered into a baggage agreement with Dragon Air, Cathay Additionally, flights operated by TAM Pacific’s subsidiary regional carrier. This agreement will allow guests to have Airlines will be included in both Star their bags checked all the way through for journeys that include a combination Alliance Conventions Plus and Meetings of WestJet, Cathay Pacific and Dragon Air flights. Plus, enhancing the value proposition of these products. Convention and meeting All reservations for interline bookings will be handled by Cathay Pacific. organisers based in South America can use the enlarged Star Alliance network Spanair’s customers can travel on products will be expanded. From the to contract their travel requirements. Singapore Airlines’ services from Spain beginning of June, pre-seating will also Furthermore, organisers based in other to Singapore via Barcelona. be available on domestic flights. parts of the world can now rely on Star Alliance to provide delegate transport Singapore Airlines Executive Vice “We have listened to our customers’ from many additional destinations in President Marketing & the Regions, wishes and, as a consequence, we have South America. Mr Huang Cheng Eng said: “The developed our onboard service. On codeshare arrangements with our Star intercontinental flights, for example, Leisure travellers as well will stand to Alliance partner Spanair will improve our meals will be upgraded. On shorter benefit from TAM Airlines’ membership connectivity between Singapore and flights, on the other hand, customers in Star Alliance. The popular Round the another three important cities in Spain. have the possibility to purchase sweet World Fare now offers numerous new It reflects our commitment to offer our or salty delicacies from a wide selection travel combinations throughout Brazil customers convenient connections and of snacks onboard with a drink of their and South America, as well as more greater flexibility when planning their choice,” explains Finnair’s new Senior flights between Brazil and Europe, and travel itineraries by offering them more Vice President, Customer Service, Anssi Brazil and the USA. Moreover, TAM choice of destinations.” Komulainen. will be selling the North America and Europe Airpasses, allowing customers Said Spanair commercial director, Mrs On flights to Asia and the United States, to purchase “value-for-money” air Nuria Tarré: “We are very happy and the Economy Class meal service will be travel on the Star Alliance network in proud to offer our customers a unique improved and the main meal will be these regions in combination with a travel experience connecting Spain and more abundant than before. On longer long-haul ticket from Brazil. Singapore via our hub in Barcelona. Our flights in European Economy Class, partnership with Singapore Airlines will passengers will be offered a substantial www.tamairlines.com.br offer moreconnectivity, more comfort deli-type filled bread or salad with as well as premium benefits like our coffee, tea or a soft drink. In Finnair’s Singapore Airlines & different VIP lounges around Spanair’s short-haul traffic within Finland, the airports.” Nordic countries and the Baltic area Spanair Sign Codeshare as well as on flights to Poland and Agreement Spanair S.A is a major airline in Spain St. Petersburg, coffee, tea and juice based in Barcelona. It has an extensive will be served. This service will be From 17 May 2010, customers of route network of scheduled passenger supplemented with a diverse range of Singapore Airlines can enjoy convenient services within Spain and its islands, snacks for sale. connections from Barcelona’s El Prat Africa, the Mediterranean countries Airport to three domestic destinations and Europe. Its main hubs are at Barajas Finnair’s will focus , Madrid and El on providing fresh, innovative and in Spain, under a codeshare agreement Prat International Airport, Barcelona. with Spanair. delicious meals based on quality Nordic cuisine. The codeshare arrangement allows Finnair Adds Meal Singapore Airlines’ customers to travel Service & Pre-Seating “Our recently presented success factors, on Spanair’s services between the quality, freshness and creativity, can be following city pairs: Barcelona and Finnair will renew its meal service on seen in the renewal. We want to stand Madrid, Barcelona and Palma Mallorca, flights as of June 1, 2010. At the same out from our competitors and offer and Barcelona and Bilbao. Reciprocally, time, the selection of in-flight sales our customers the best of the Nordic www.odysseymediagroup.com page 8 cuisine,” says Komulainen. From the beginning of June, domestic Toothbrush Ads On Planes flights will also have pre-seating. On domestic flights operated by Finnair, Offset Spirit Airlines’s Costs passengers can reserve a seat of their choice in advance on Finnair’s internet Fresh & Go, Inc. is kicking off its latest ad campaign promoting its travel service, at travel agencies or at Finnair toothbrush with Spirit Airlines’ Mile High Media. The company is promoting its offices. travel toothbrush with creative ads displayed on the lavatory mirrors of Spirit’s entire fleet of Airbus A319 and A321 aircraft through July. A specific seat can also be selected in connection with check-in. Check-in “It’s about time airlines took advantage of advertising opportunities on airplanes can be completed by text message, on to subsidize the cost of customers flights,” said Adi Mor, CEO Fresh & Go, Inc. the internet, at a self-service check-in “We’re confident advertising fresh&go, America’s Favorite Travel Toothbrush, kiosk or at a check-in desk. Passengers on Spirit Airlines will capture our target audience which is people on the go that travelling only with carry-on baggage are looking for quality with value.” will still be able to check in for domestic flights at the departure . A specific “Mile High Media offers advertisers among the highest efficacy of any media seat cannot, however, be selected at delivering more sales to more people at the lowest cost of sale providing up the departure gate; remaining available to 2,000 times the impact of traditional media,” said Mile High Media Sales seats will be assigned to passengers at Director Michael Pewther. . In response to recent buzz, Pewther goes on to explain that “Spirit has no plans to start charging customers to use the lavatory.” The airline will not charge for Delta Adding Flights things that are necessary during a flight, such as using the lavatory. “We are Between NYC & Key thrilled to provide unsurpassed value for our advertising partners such as Fresh & Go to help cover our lavatory costs and we can pass these savings along to Business Markets our customers by way of the ultra low fares they have come to know and love,” Delta Air Lines announced it is adding adds Pewther. more flights between New York City and key global business markets this year, www.spiritair.com with nearly 30 cities slated for new or expanded service by fall. Expanded demand improve across our network, “After experiencing such a positive routes include: particularly in New York,” said Gail response to Porter Passes on our Grimmett, Delta’s senior vice president Toronto-Ottawa and Toronto-Montreal - International - New York-JFK to - New York. “With the economy routes over the last two years, the same London-Heathrow; Brussels; Shannon; rebounding, our New York customers option is now available across our entire Manchester; Amsterdam; Cairo; can look forward to an expansion network,” said Robert Deluce, president Istanbul; Milan; Moscow; Nice; and of flights to both domestic and and CEO of Porter Airlines. “This is the Athens, in addition to previously international destinations throughout most generous and cost-effective pass announced new service to Copenhagen the remainder of 2010 as we respond program among Canadian airlines.” and Stockholm and expanded capacity to increased demand.” to Tel Aviv and Tokyo-Narita. With a variety of network options and www.delta.com fare classes, small- and medium-sized - Domestic/Canada - New York- businesses, students and other frequent LaGuardia to Nashville, St. Louis, flyers can choose a Porter Pass to meet Norfolk, Richmond and Kansas City; JFK Multi-flight Porter Pass their travel requirements. to San Antonio, Cleveland, Montreal, Program Expanded Charlotte, Toronto, Baltimore and www.flyporter.com Richmond, in addition to the previously Porter Airlines is offering an expanded announced introduction of Delta selection of prepaid multi-flight options SAS Adds Africa Shuttle service between LaGuardia and with its Porter Pass program. Passes Chicago-O’Hare. cover every Porter route or region, & US Code-share offering greater flexibility and price Destinations The expanded service is part of Delta’s predictability for frequent travel. It is ongoing efforts to become the preferred an ideal choice for business or personal SAS Scandinavian Airlines has formed airline in New York City. During the use. code-share agreements with both past four years, Delta has added 40 Continental Airlines and Ethiopian new destinations from LaGuardia and Valid for one year from purchase, Passes Airlines. With the new agreements in JFK combined, expanded BusinessElite are available in denominations of 10, place, SAS can now offer its customers14 service to transcontinental flights from 20, 50, and 100 one-way flights. Three new code-share destinations in the US JFK to Los Angeles and San Francisco and package types allow for travel between with Continental via SAS’ New York reintroduced “Red Coats” as customer Toronto and Ottawa or Montreal, hub. service ambassadors at LaGuardia and within Canada or across Porter’s entire JFK. Canadian and U.S. network. Ten Passes SAS’ new agreement with Ethiopian are reserved for individual use, while Airlines is effective immediately and “We continue to see corporate travel 20, 50, and 100 Passes can be shared includes code-share on Ethiopian among friends and colleagues. Airlines’ flight on the Stockholm-Rome- follow us on Twitter Addis Ababa route. www.Twitter.com/ All Porter Pass flights are eligible for VIPorter frequent flyer program points SAS already today offers some 40 OdysseyMG and complimentary seat selection. code-share destinations in the US www.odysseymediagroup.com page 9 with Star AllianceT partner United Airlines, primarily out of SAS’ Chicago hub, which SAS serves daily from both Copenhagen and Stockholm. With the Flexjet & Korean Air new Continental Airlines agreement, SAS will add a further 19 code-share Form Marketing Alliance destinations across the US, Canada and Latin America, including a large In the first North American alliance between a fractional jet provider and an number of cities in Florida, such as Fort international airline, Flexjet fractional owners who use Korean Air for overseas Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando. The travel will now have access to premium services. As part of the newly created code-share agreement also includes Flexjet Connect* program, operated by U.S. air carrier Jet Solutions, Korean Air Montreal, Quebec and Toronto in passengers can secure private point-to-point travel throughout the U.S. on a Canada, and Lima (Peru) and Mexico fleet of high-performance business jets. City. Continental is SAS’ primary partner out of New York’s Newark airport, which “This first-of-its-kind collaboration with Korean Air adds value to our program SAS serves daily from both Copenhagen offerings, while further expanding our global reach,” said Fred Reid, President, and Stockholm. Flexjet. “For our discerning fractional customers, this strategic partnership between two industry leaders obsessed with excellence ensures they will As of today, members of SAS’ frequent experience the same level of comfort and high-quality travel they have come flyer program EuroBonus will earn to expect from Flexjet.” points on the Ethiopian Airlines code- share flights. Members have earned “Korean Air flies between more cities in North America and more cities in Asia points with Continental Airlines since than any other airline in the world,” said Walter Cho, Senior Vice President, the airline joined Star AllianceT in Passenger Business Division, Korean Air. “Now our customers can fly privately October last year. from a local airport to catch their Korean Air flight, or get closer to their meetings by flying to regional airports, knowing that our partners at Flexjet and Jet Solutions will provide a seamless and convenient travel experience Iberia Nearly Triples with impeccable service.” Seats To South Africa For the past two years, Robb Report has named Flexjet the “Best of Best” for Iberia will substantially increase its customer service, and Flexjet is consistently recognized as an innovator in the offer of seats to Johannesburg during business aviation industry. In addition, Korean Air has won countless awards, the World Football Cup in to be held including the “Best Airline in Asia” for the third straight year by readers of in South Africa this summer. The Business Traveler magazine. For the second year in a row, Korean Air was additional capacity will reach 170% in also awarded the “Global Catering Distinction Award” by PAX International June and July, and 60% in the current magazine, one of the global travel catering industry’s leading publications. month of May. As part of the marketing alliance, Flexjet fractional owners will receive The airline launched its Madrid- incentives to purchase tickets on Korean Air when traveling between Johannesburg route exactly 12 years the Americas and East Asia and a series of benefits, including elite status for a ago today. It currently makes five full year. This generous benefit provides a variety of privileges and exclusive return flights each week, using 260- travel services, including access to Prestige Class Lounges, dedicated check-in seat Airbus A-340/300s. In June and at Korean Air International Flight First Class and an all-around luxury concierge July, there will be one flight each service throughout select airports. Korean Air has 10 gateways in the United day, and in the middle weeks of States and two in Canada. the tournament the number will be raised to 10 per week. For most of www.flexjet.com - www.koreanair.com the flights Iberia will use its largest and newest aircraft, the 342-seat A-340/600. Jet Airways Launches New Mobile Site Under code sharing with local carriers Jet Airways has launched a secure and user friendly mobile site: m.jetairways.com. Iberia passengers can fly on from The mobile site will provide guests access to a range of information and services Johannesburg to three additional on Jet Airways including information on the network, call centre contact details, South African destinations: Cape Jet Privilege programme benefits and privileges and the latest news and special Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth. offers. Soccer fans can book their flights, Moreover, guests can also check for the lowest fares available for a given sector hotels, local transportation, and date through the mobile site. The search facility is available for both one-way excursions and show tickets on and return journey across all Jet Airways and code share flights. If a guest wants to http://www.iberia.com/ . They can book the flight searched for there is a call option on the mobile site which facilitates also download their boarding passes the user to instantly connect to the call centre and book tickets through the secure from the website and buy vouchers IVR payment gateway. Guests can also access other real-time important services to pay less for excess luggage. such as flight status and Jet Privilege account details. Jet Privilege members can also check-in through the mobile site and earn 250 bonus JP Miles. In addition, tickets purchased on the Iberia website before September According to Mr. Nikos Kardassis, CEO, Jet Airways, “Mobile penetration in India 30th will earn double the normal is constantly growing, with more and more people now accessing information and number of Iberia Plus frequent flyers browsing the web via their mobile phones. The launch of Jet Airways’ new mobile points. site is in keeping with our tradition of constantly innovating and harnessing the www.iberia.com power of technology to make life simpler, while continually adding value to our relationships with our guests.” www.odysseymediagroup.com page 10 HOTELS & RESORTS Red-Shirt Protests Give Bangkok Hotels The Blues The ongoing anti-government protests throughout Bangkok, Thailand, by the United Front for Democracy Against Choice Privileges Program Dictatorship, commonly known as the red shirts, are having a significant Expands To Three Regions negative impact on the city’s hotel performance. Daily data from STR Membership in Choice Privileges, Choice Hotels’ award-winning rewards Global, the leading provider of market program, is now available across the Middle East, Africa and Central America. data to the world’s hotel industry, shows the immediate impact while In addition, all Choice Privileges members will now be able to earn points for monthly trend data shows a marked qualifying hotel stays in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and resilience by hoteliers in the Thai capital Lebanon, meaning travellers can now earn points at the thousands of Choice during the last few years. branded hotel properties in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Mexico, Central America, Australasia and the Caribbean. April daily data performance of occupancy and average daily rate in Originally launched in 1998, the Choice Privileges rewards programme has Bangkok has been a rollercoaster ride. been available in Europe since 2008. One of the fastest growing rewards A dramatic decline in occupancy was programmes, it recently celebrated reaching a milestone of 10 million experienced across the city following members. several disturbance-related fatalities during early April. After a slight “The Choice Privileges programme is growing more rapidly every day,” said rebound, occupancy plummeted again Greg Brown, vice president of loyalty and relationship marketing for Choice as the foreign offices of several key Hotels. “Not only has Choice Privileges proven to be very popular among Thai feeder markets, such as Germany travellers worldwide, it has also proven to add tremendous value for our and the U.K., advised against all but franchise hotel owners, helping to drive more reservations to their hotels.” essential travel to the market. With the safety of both guests and staff in mind, Becoming a Choice Privileges member is free and members also enjoy express some international hotels near areas of check-in, extended check-out, and the opportunity to redeem points for intense violence closed and have yet to free nights at thousands of properties throughout Europe, the U.S., Canada, reopen. Mexico, Australasia and the Caribbean. Members can also redeem points at luxury partner hotels, such as Preferred Hotels & Resorts, through airline These daily performance fluctuations partners including, American, Qantas, Delta and Czech Airlines and car hire mirror the market’s long-term monthly partners Avis Rent a Car and Budget Rent A Car. occupancy trends. Declines in the metric began during 2006 at the onset www.choiceprivileges.eu of military control and bounced around throughout 2007. The 2008 protests reductions do not stimulate demand will open in May 2010, both in city were more significant: Unrest during that just isn’t there”, said Elizabeth centre locations of Shanghai. August result in poor September Randall, managing director of STR occupancy levels; following the Global. “Discounting would only double “China is one of the major growth November airport closures, December the pain for hotels already suffering markets internationally for the ibis also suffered with occupancy of only from falling occupancies”. brand,” said Gilles Larrive, Senior Vice 38.6 percent. The latest protests are a President of ibis Asia. “The launch of real blow given that occupancy, in the ibis Launches this franchise operating model is an light of the improving global situation, important step in the brands growth had begun to trend toward historic New Operating Model strategy. It will allow hotel owners norms during the end of 2009 and into In China seeking a quality three star international early 2010. hotel brand to benefit from a strong ibis, the international economy hotel distribution platform, in market However, ADR has shown resilience in brand of the Accor group, announced infrastructure and a recognized loyalty the face of both fluctuating occupancy plans to deploy a franchise development program through franchising with the and broader ongoing difficulties in the model to support the growth of the ibis ibis hotel brand. With this operating market. April’s ADR of THB3,096 shows brand in China. This new franchising model, 4 franchise ibis hotels will open a less significant drop from February model, together with the existing by the end of this year, with further (THB3,371)and March (THB3,331) ownership and leased model, will grow plans to accelerate the development than the declines in occupancy, which the ibis network into new locations significantly thereafter.” fell 0.2 percent during April 2010 to throughout China. 44 percent, compared to relatively The ibis franchise model is an innovative strong showings during February (71.4 This plan marks the start of an hybrid product developed specifically percent) and March (63.3 percent). unprecedented expansion rate for for expansion in China, providing the brand in the Chinese market. Four flexibility for network expansion and a “In spite of violence and significant initial franchise agreements have been platform to maintain the international recent declines in occupancy this past signed, with up to 15 agreements quality standards that the ibis brand month, Bangkok’s hoteliers have held anticipated to be closed during 2010. worldwide stands for” added Gilles firm with rates, recognising that price The first two of these franchise hotels Larrive. Within the scope of franchise www.odysseymediagroup.com page 11 agreement, the hotel owner holds the and Pudong Lujiazhui Finance District property while ibis provides through a Carlson Hotels and fifteen minutes from the Shanghai 10-year agreement, a broad array of To Develop First World Expo Center. hotel management skills and services. US Radisson Blu Hotel These include assistance during the The Hotel offers 168 guest rooms, conception and construction stages, Carlson Hotels has signed a landmark including 43 suites and rooms for sharp quality control through the agreement to develop the first disabled guests, all decorated in a ISO 9001 Certification, effective cost Radisson Blu hotel in the United States. neat and elegant tone reflecting the management, people development, This USD 125 million development in signature Les Suites luxury. The comfort and its marketing, sales and distribution Chicago is scheduled to open in the fall of guests is the top priority in Les Suites, expertise. of 2011. It marks the company’s most with a host of customized amenities important investment so far as part of and privileges available, including Les The stimulus expansion of the tourism Carlson Hotels’ Ambition 2015 growth Suites Mobile Life, 24-hour multilingual industry and sustainable economic strategy. Concierge service, complimentary growth has and will continue to act as breakfast and free flow of coffee, tea a major demand driver for affordable “Our ambition is to establish flagship and refreshments. Les Suites also hotels in China. By 2015, China is hotels in major cities in the U.S., and offers the latest technology with expected to become the world’s largest the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is a major unlimited wireless internet connection tourist destination as well as the step towards realizing that goal,” throughout the entire hotel. A fitness first international outbound market said Hubert Joly, president and chief center with a Zen platform, business globally; ibis is set to build itself as a executive officer, Carlson. center, and multifunctional meeting brand of choice. rooms are just some of the additional Ambition 2015 is fueled by an facilities guests can enjoy. www.ibis.cn investment program of up to USD 1.5 billion focused on positioning Radisson Warwick Collection in North America as a powerful, globally Hotusa Hotels Adds consistent first-class brand. Recognized Third Hotel In China Adds Villa & around the world for its contemporary Palazzo Aminta design, Radisson Blu delivers upper- Hotusa Hotels, the chain of independent upscale hospitality. hotels in the Hotusa Group, has added Warwick International Hotels, which its third hotel in China. The New celebrates its 30th anniversary this A joint venture between Carlson Hotels Harbour Service Apartments, a modern year, has welcomed into its Collection and Aqua at Lakeshore East LLC owner hotel with 255 suite apartments, is another hotel in Italy: Villa & Palazzo and developer, Magellan Development targeted at business travellers and is Aminta in Stresa - Lake Maggiore. Group, Chicago’s Radisson Blu Aqua located right in the heart of Shanghai. Hotel will be located on 18 floors of The hotel is one of 32 establishments “We are very proud of welcoming this the 81-story tower. The mixed-use prestigious resort into our Collection. residential property received the 2009 It joins our four other Italian hotels, Skyscraper of the Year Award for its the Hotel d’Inghilterra in Rome, the fascinating shape, the appearance of Hotel Helvetia & Bristol in Florence, which changes dramatically depending Borgo La Bagnaia Resort & Spa in on the perspective. Siena and the Hotel Hermitage in Milan,” adds Jean-Marie Pebrel, “This venture is part of the moves we Director of Sales & Marketing for are making to align our U.S. brand with France and Corporate Sales for our global standards,” said Thorsten Europe. Kirschke, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Carlson Hotels, Villa & Palazzo Aminta is a privately The Americas. owned luxury resort on Italy’s most romantic lake - Lake Maggiore. It is www.carlson.com a haven of peace and serenity for the discerning guest who wants to enjoy an incredible location on Lake Les Suites Orient Maggiore’s most beautiful area - in To Open In Shanghai the famous town of Stresa. Les Suites Orient, a member of Epoque The 67 rooms & suites evocate true Hotels, is set for soft-opening this Italian style and suggest the feeling month. The uniquely located Les of elegance. Palazzo Aminta Beauty Suites Orient will offer its guests luxury & SPA is the new and luxury temple accommodations in Shanghai. of well-being at Lake Maggiore, coordinated by celebrated Professor Centrally located on the world famous Nicola Sorrentino. A refined Bund, Les Suites Orient offers a environment, with every detail panoramic view of the Huangpu River, attended to, it strives to satisfy the Pudong and the Yu Garden. At twenty- most exacting clientele who wishes to three stories, the Les Suites Orient enjoy an unforgettable experience of is situated within an original Bund the senses in one of the most striking Heritage building, blending art deco and romantic locations of Italy. design with Oriental allure. The Hotel www.warwickhotels.com is only steps away from the Yu Garden and is ten minutes from the city center www.odysseymediagroup.com page 12 that the chain added to its network of associated hotels last April, twenty of which are located internationally. Wyndham Hotel Opens The New Harbour Service Apartments In Miami’s South Beach has apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms, all with fully equipped Wyndham Hotels and Resorts continued its expansion in Florida with the opening kitchens. The hotel also has a business of the 133-room-and-suite Wyndham Garden Hotel Miami South Beach. centre, restaurants featuring Chinese and Western cooking, and a health The newly-renovated Wyndham Garden Hotel Miami South Beach, located club equipped with a heated swimming in South Beach’s entertainment district at 1050 Washington Avenue, is just a pool, sauna and gym. short drive from Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami and walking distance to the Miami Beach Convention Center. For beach-goers, the hotel sits In addition to the new hotel in China, only two blocks from Miami’s white sand beaches. Hotusa Hotels has also added new international hotels in Argentina (3 The historic hotel, preserved by the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board, hotels), Italy (2), France (2), United underwent a $5.5 million renovation before joining the Wyndham family; the States (2), Czech Republic (1), Russia (2), renovation maintained the hotel’s original Art Deco design and architecture. Portugal (2), Morocco (1), Switzerland (1), Ireland (2) and Germany (1). The Wyndham Garden Hotel Miami South beach joins the 405-room Wyndham Miami Airport Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, located on the banks of the Opening Planned For Miami River, less than one-quarter mile from Miami International Airport. Fullerton Bay Hotel, “Miami is an exciting, dynamic city and vibrant hub for business and leisure Singapore travelers around the world,” said Jeff Wagoner, president of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. “With its embodiment of Miami culture, great location, personalized The Fullerton Heritage, Singapore service and unique style, the Wyndham Garden Miami South Beach will be an announced the opening of Marina Bay’s outstanding addition to the growing Wyndham family of hotels.” first waterfront hotel, The Fullerton Bay Hotel on June 1, 2010. Comprising The open, bright and contemporary lobby welcomes guests with vivid contrasting 100 rooms and six individually-themed color, indicative of Miami’s ambiance. Each of the colorful deluxe guest rooms suites, each with marina views, and suites feature modern amenities like free high-speed wireless Internet balconies and sundecks, the hotel access, 32-inch LCD televisions with a stereo system, colorful décor, large work offers a luxury design element to desks and ergonomic chairs, as well as marble countertops, white lacquered travellers visiting Singapore ‘s hottest vanities with contemporary vessel sinks and spa teak benches in all showers. new district. The property also features Wyndham’s signature BeWell bedding, room service LCL Architects, the group behind the concierge services, valet parking and unique, lush gardens surrounding the hotel’s glass facade, is also responsible outdoor pool for guests to relax and take in the South Florida sun. Guests also for the creation of the bedrooms, whilst have access to a state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness facility, meeting rooms and a the public areas and restaurants are the business center with computer kiosks, wireless Internet access and faxing and latest project from design wunderkind, printing capabilities. Guests staying at Wyndham Garden Miami South Beach Andre Fu. Guests will enter the hotel have easy access to some of the city’s top attractions: the hotel is across the through a 56ft wide lobby at the historic street from the Wolfsonian Museum, a short walk to the Lincoln Road Mall and Clifford Pier, an important historic the Versace Mansion on Ocean Drive. site which saw the arrival of many of Singapore ‘s early settlers. This central The historic 1922 Coral House, located on the grounds of Wyndham Garden meeting point is dominated by a 16ft Miami South Beach, is home to Catch 10 Seafood Bistro, offering seafood fare in wide cylindrical chandelier, suspended an outdoor setting, as well as room service and poolside dining. Breakfast, lunch 33ft above the ground. The public areas and dinner is available to guests, as well as Starbucks coffee and the hotel’s are steeped in the city’s history with Fu signature mint lemonade. using vintage nautical maps and local artists to create an atmosphere that www.wyndham.com truly reflects the cultural melting pot that is Singapore . Chinese, Malay, Indian, Pernakan, and urban oasis offers the best sunset views Colonial and are situated on the upper in the city and is the perfect location for Utilising materials and designs such as three stories of the hotel, in prime a tête-à-tête or cocktail party. polished rosewood and latticed screens, corner positions. Each will be adorned as well as leather and chrome, LCL with bespoke artwork and antiques Clifford, which boasts 33ft floor-to- Architects has created an elegant and alongside contemporary pieces that ceiling windows with views out to refined atmosphere in the bedrooms embody the ethnic spirit unique to the Marina Bay and an 800-bottle wine with a predominantly neutral palette suite’s assigned culture. library, serves modern brassiere fare. throughout. This classical look is The restaurant has one semi-private combined with high-spec technology The hotel’s three restaurants, designed dining room for up to 10 guests as to ensure that the hotel’s modern by Andre Fu, include Clifford, The well as an al fresco dining balcony for travellers are never out of touch. Landing Point and Lantern. Lantern is up to 40 guests. The Landing Point a stylish rooftop bar, surrounding the is located alongside the impressive Each of the hotel’s six suites, including hotel’s 25m rooftop swimming pool, internal bespoke marble promenade, the 1636sqft Presidential Suite, are where guests can relax and unwind overlooking the waterfront. With a 43ft individually themed to reflect the whilst watching the world go by with long bar and vast outdoor terrace, The wealth of cultures in Singapore’s 360° views of the Marina Bay waterfront Landing Point is set to become another cosmopolitan population, including and famous Singapore skyline. This favourite for Singaporeans and hotel www.odysseymediagroup.com page 13 guests alike. North America,” said Steve Mogck, “The conversion to Park Inn was executive vice president for Park Inn. seamless and we are looking forward to www.fullertonbayhotel.com providing the best night’s sleep in town “The strong visual identity and for a mid-scale brand,” said Kirk Pfeffer, Carlson Hotels contemporary design of the brand owner of Park Inn Houston North. provide a fresh approach to the mid- Opens 13th Park Inn scale segment.” The 100 percent non-smoking hotel features two outdoor heated pools, Carlson Hotels announced the opening Internationally the brand has achieved a fitness center, complimentary of its 13th Park Inn property in North major milestone recognition. breakfast, free Wi-Fi access and America and the first of two hotels joining the brand this month in Texas. American and Tex-Mex dining at Sam The opening of the Park Inn Houston In 2009, J.D. Power and Associates Houston’s Grill. North Hotel & Conference Center, and rated Park Inn number one in Europe a second hotel scheduled to open later for guest satisfaction in the mid-scale The 220-room hotel has 17,000 square this week in Dallas, are part of Carlson’s segment. With 107 hotels in operation feet of meeting space, audio-visual Ambition 2015 growth strategy. globally and 59 hotels currently in equipment, catering, and a professional development, Park Inn provides meetings and events team. “Park Inn, a leading, award-winning affordable accommodations that are mid-scale brand in Europe and the efficient, uncomplicated, practical and www.parkinn.com Middle East, has great potential in comfortable. CORPORATE CARDS Chase Offers New Payment Solutions To Mid-sized Clients Chase is offering new commercial card payment solutions and capabilities to its sizable mid-market corporate client base. As part of its continued initiative to enhance the power and scope of its commercial card offerings, Chase is introducing Single-Use Accounts technology to middle market businesses and offering new online reporting and program management capabilities. The bank also has revamped its mid-market corporate rewards program and introduced a streamlined Executive Card program. “These improvements provide payment solutions to help mid-sized businesses control costs, improve working capital, streamline accounts payable processes and improve visibility into spending,” said Eduardo Vergara, Global Commercial Card Executive, JPMorgan Chase Businesses. “As a banking partner, Chase also provides an integrated reporting solution, compelling rebates and strong card acceptance, while ensuring that cardholders are served well.” Chase has developed a Single-Use Accounts or ‘virtual card’ solution that enables mid-market clients to automatically generate one-time-use-only credit card numbers to pay for larger, single purchases. Unlike other Single-Use offerings, Chase has integrated the solution with its own in-house Order-to-Pay network and user interface to enable program administrators to leverage additional value from advanced workflow tools, electronic invoicing and settlement capabilities. Clients also have increased opportunities to capture early payment discounts. Single-Use Accounts provide customers with the flexibility, float and rebate of a purchasing card while delivering powerful security, antifraud and reconciliation features. The solution also helps accounts payable departments eliminate paper-based check payments, lower invoice processing costs and optimize working capital while paying suppliers faster. The solution is available in four currencies. Chase is migrating its middle market commercial card clients to MasterCard’s upgraded smartdata.gen2 reporting platform. This new online program management and reporting tool helps clients seamlessly organize, consolidate, analyze and manage financial data from card transactions. The upgraded platform delivers online billing statements, receipt imaging capabilities, new online card application, and an enhanced expense reporting solution. The platform also will deliver online payment capabilities and improved fraud monitoring tools in the near future. The platform helps businesses better manage expenditures, control costs, boost productivity and improve compliance. They have also revamped their mid-market rewards program with a number of new changes. The Chase Corporate Rewards program enables cardholders to earn points on purchases across all Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) without points cap and points expiration. Clients can start redeeming once they reach 500 points. The awards program has been expanded to more than 2,500 items, including travel and entertainment, dining, merchandise and gift card offerings. Chase’s existing rewards clients have been successfully migrated to the new rewards solution. Lastly, Chase is now offering a new Executive Card Program in which clients can choose from two levels of differentiated service. The Executive Card Program offers concierge service and higher levels of , while the elite service level offers additional perks such as rewards and Priority Pass access to more than 600 airport lounges. Concierge service includes travel and destination help and events, retail and information services to help ease the hectic lives of frequent business travelers. Travel accident, lost luggage and car rental insurance benefits are greater than those offered by competitors. Existing cardholders will migrate to the new program in June. www.chase.com www.odysseymediagroup.com page 14 PEOPLE ITM UK & Ireland Names Clément GM PATA Elects Cooray As New Chairman The Institute of Travel & Meetings UK & New PATA Chairman Hiran Cooray is an experienced tourism industry Ireland has announced the appointment professional with a wealth of experience across the Asia Pacific region. He was of Emmanuelle Clément in the role of appointed Managing Director of Jetwing Hotels in 1987 and quickly developed General Manager. Ms Clément will a reputation for creating specialist boutique properties in his home country of replace Anne Deamer, who joined ITM Sri Lanka. in 2008 in the newly created role but is Hiran has taken a very active role in the repositioning of tourism in Sri Lanka and leaving the association after conference was conferred with the honorary title ‘Sri Lanka Sikhamani’ by Her Excellency to focus on her degree studies. the President of the Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka. He has served Ms Clément has been Alumni Relations with distinction as a Board member of the Sri Lankan Tourism Development Manager at Cranfield School of Authority and also sits on the Board of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Management since 2007. She was responsible for managing the team, He has displayed remarkable commitment to sustainable tourism and has developing an International alumni served as Chairman of the Responsible Tourism Partnership of Sri Lanka. strategy and running five business networks. She holds a Masters degree A Marketing graduate from the University of North Carolina, Hiran Cooray in Tourism and Management from has previously served as Chairman of the PATA Sri Lanka Chapter. He became Lyon’s University in France and an MBA Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association at the PATA annual meeting from Cranfield School of Management. held in Kuching, Sarawak in April 2010. Paul Tilstone, ITM CEO, said of Ms “Phoenix” prototype design, setting a in Travel Distribution”. He served in Clément’s appointment, “We are new standard for the economy lodging various travel company boards as well segment. as advisory boards for GDS and online delighted to welcome Emmanuelle to travel/metasearch sites. Mr. Lenza most the organisation at an incredibly exciting recently left Northwest concurrent time. I have no doubt her management Sophie Stabile has been appointed chief financial officer of Accor Hospitality, with the Delta Airlines acquisition. He of people networks and language skills now runs his own consulting company will prove incredibly useful to ITM’s succeeding Poirot. Stabile began her career with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, focusing on travel distribution and work, both in the UK and Europe. We before joining Accor in 1999 to head the e-commerce consulting for travel, want to wish Anne Deamer all the best consolidation and financial reporting financial and technology companies with her studies and thank her for all departments. involved in this sector. her hard work and commitment to the association.” Al Lenza Joins Farelogix Mandarin Oriental Board Of Directors Appoints Timothy Tan Poirot To Continue As Regional Director Tenure As Accor CEO Farelogix Inc. has added airline industry veteran, Al Lenza to its board of Timothy Tan has been appointed Accor North America announces that directors. Recognized for his extensive Regional Director of Sales - South Olivier Poirot, chief executive officer global airline distribution experience East Asia for Mandarin Oriental Hotel of Accor North America (ANA), Motel and innovation, Mr. Lenza will provide Group, effective, April 2010. 6 and Studio 6, will continue to serve Farelogix with both guidance and as the company’s CEO in Dallas, Texas. a provocative perspective on the Timothy’s responsibilities will cover Poirot was appointed chief financial changing role of distribution in the sales activity in the outbound officer of Accor Hospitality in December travel industry. markets of the South East Asian of 2009, and over the last four months, region, primarily Singapore, Thailand, has helped to lead the process of Accor “Al is very well known and respected in Malaysia, Indonesia and India. “We Hospitality’s transformation plan and the travel industry. He has a history of are delighted to welcome Timothy demerger alongside Gilles Pélisson, pushing the envelope when it comes to the team. His appointment will CEO of Accor. to innovation and that is a perspective provide a cohesive approach to our we value at Farelogix. We expect him regional sales efforts,” said Melanie For personal and family reasons, to continue to challenge the status quo Foo-Tiplady, Mandarin Oriental Poirot has decided to remain in as the newest member of the Farelogix Hotel Group’s Vice President, Sales Dallas and continue his leadership Board,” says Jim Davidson, President and Marketing - Asia Pacific. of Accor North America. Since his and CEO of Farelogix. appointment as CEO of ANA, Motel Prior to joining Mandarin Oriental, 6 and Studio 6 in September of 2007, Mr. Lenza has been a travel distribution Timothy Tan was with Carlson Hotels Poirot has significantly improved brand and electronic commerce industry Worldwide, where he held the consistency and increased market share leader for 30 years. His experience position of Director of Sales - South of Motel 6 brand, leading to a record spans all aspects of distribution for East Asia. His previous experience number of franchised hotels openings airlines, online travel sites, Global includes Business Development for in 2008 and 2009. Most recently, Distribution Systems (GDS) and various HPL Hotels & Resorts in Singapore Poirot has led the brand’s rollout of industry joint ventures. Mr. Lenza was and a Director for Summer Vacations its ambitious renovation project with chosen four times as one of the “Top Pte Ltd. the introduction of the award-winning 25 Most Influential Industry Executives www.odysseymediagroup.com page 15