Site Chicago Educational Event – Queretaro, June 2012

SITE Chicago and QUERETARO, Mexico are pleased to invite you to attend the SITE CHICAGO EDUCATIONAL EVENT – QUERETARO, JUNE 2012

Queretaro is the ideal destination to combine business with pleasure, offers travelers a heritage rich in history, culture and natural beauty.

  • We are pleased to invite you to be our guest in QUERETARO as part of the program Your Best Reward is Mexico.
  • We have carefully designed an event taking place June 27th to July 1st, 2012.
  • Save the date and join us!

Come, Live and Feel Queretaro

TO READ MORE, VISIT THE EVENT PAGE

 

Discover the World Marketing Creates Global Sales Division

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Discover the World Marketing has created a global sales division to respond to strong growth and diversification of its client portfolio. The new division is headed by Vice President of Global Sales David Lee. Lee is responsible for managing client relationships and Discover’s vast global network operations of 85 offices in 60 countries and nearly 500 personnel. Also newly appointed to his team include Director of Global Airline Sales Steve Harrison based in London and Director of Hospitality Sales Lisa Pisaturo, based at Discover’s Scottsdale headquarters.

“These appointees bring crucial experience that enhances our position as the best outsourcing sales and marketing company for the travel industry,” said Jenny Adams, CEO of Discover the World Marketing. “With these appointments we are taking our global business to a new level. David and his global account team work directly with Discover’s offices to ensure continued excellent performance with the goal of maximizing our clients’ revenues and providing direction for our BPO center in Asia.”

Lee has 15 years of global travel industry experience including nine with American Express, where he ran new product development and global airline strategy and was a principal consultant for advisory services, managing global client relationships such as Microsoft and Intel. Lee’s previous experience includes working for Sabre and IExplore.com where he was director of business development. He is an undergraduate in International Business from Washington University in St. Louis and has a Masters from Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Harrison brings a senior level of global airline experience through his varied career with British Airways where he served most recently as general manager for Africa and the Middle East. He gained his international credentials by managing projects and programs in Mexico, Central America, India, the Middle East and Africa. With Discover, Harrison’s focus will be on managing Discover’s global airline portfolio.

Pisaturo recently worked as a marketing and operations consultant for numerous international hotel brands. She gained her hospitality experience from positions at Walt Disney Attractions and Cruise Lines and strong agency perspective at AAA of Northern California, where she was responsible for supplier relations and marketing. Her career started with Certified Vacations where, among other duties, she managed international product development. Pisaturo holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University in Communications.

For more information about Discover the World Marketing, visit discovertheworld.com, or call (480) 707-5566 or +44 207 107 2303.

About Discover the World Marketing

Discover the World Marketing has earned a reputation as a leader in global travel distribution and its success in developing a worldwide network of 85 offices in more than 60 countries capable of exceptional representation performance is unmatched. With a portfolio of 71 clients utilizing its sales, marketing and business process outsourcing services, Discover the World Marketing remains a dominant innovator for the travel industry.

Grenada Improves Booking System

Grenada for Incentives

Grenada Board of Tourism and Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association Launch New and Improved Booking Engine System By Regatta Solutions

ST. GEORGES, Grenada, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT) and the Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association (GHTA) have jointly launched a new, and improved, booking engine on their respective websites www.grenadagrenadines.com and www.gogrenada.gd  which, it is expected, will bolster the island’s tourism industry.

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Hyatt Regency Jinan Opens

CHICAGO (September 29, 2011) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency Jinan in the capital city of Shandong province, introducing the Hyatt Regency brand to the booming Jinan city.

Hyatt Regency Jinan occupies a landmark 28-storey tower adjacent to the Wanda Plaza retail hub, Wanda Office Tower and Luxury Residences in the center of the city. The hotel is in close proximity to train stations and the airport, as well as some of Jinan’s most well-known tourist attractions, including Baotu Spring, Daming Lake and Thousand Buddha Mountain.

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Check out the Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi

Hyatt Abu Dhabi

CHICAGO (December 21, 2011) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) today announced the opening of Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi – located at the city’s premium business address on the top floors of the iconic Capital Gate building, which leans a record-breaking 18 degrees.

The hotel is strategically located adjacent to the thriving Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, within walking distance of the upmarket Embassy District and only 15 minutes from the international airport.

Occupying floors 18 to 33 of the Capital Gate building, Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi offers 189 luxury guestrooms and suites featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer sweeping, bird’s eye views of the Arabian Gulf and the city.

“Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi is unique in its forward-thinking design and well-crafted hospitality approach,” said Peter Fulton, Managing Director, Hyatt International, South West Asia. “The hotel was designed to cater to the individual traveler seeking indigenous experiences and the property offers many thoughtful features that executive travelers value today.”

“ADNEC is delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Hyatt to bring this landmark property to the Abu Dhabi market. Hyatt Capital Gate is well on its way to becoming a ‘must-visit’ for tourists and Abu Dhabi residents alike,” said Sanjay Tanna Director of Business Development and Investments of ADNEC. “The opening of the hotel further broadens the destination appeal of ADNEC for the business traveler.”

Design

Owned and developed by ADNEC, the Capital Gate tower, has already earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for its 18 degree lean – more than four times that of the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The impressive architectural feats that define the Capital Gate building are combined with elegant interior design concepts to create a uniquely refined guest experience. While standing at the outer periphery of a guestroom, guests feel as though they are floating in mid-air since they cannot see the ground directly below them. The inner atrium provides a view to the sky and draws natural light into the core of the building.

Guestrooms and Suites

Designed to be stylish, welcoming and a calm retreat in the city, each guestroom is unique with its own configuration and size giving guests the experience of staying in a “new” room each time they check-in to the hotel.

Guestrooms have an open plan with seamless living, sleeping and bathing areas, which help to make the room feel spacious and welcoming. The rooms are designed with a careful selection of muted earth tones and natural textures. Rough, natural stone is contrasted with smooth Cappuccino marble from Turkey, while olive Zebrano wood millwork from Africa is combined with grass effect panels in a soft color palette.

The guestrooms and suites offer features for business travelers, such as high-speed wired and wireless Internet, spacious work areas, easy-to-use clocks, and power outlets at desk level. Rain showers and separate oval bath tubs will make the hectic business day feel a million miles away, while guests who stay in the hotel’s suites can relax and take in the view from luxury infinity baths providing a private, spacious escape.

Dining

The hotel’s signature restaurant, 18˚ (degrees), is an ideal location to experience the intriguing flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean while taking in eagle’s eye views of Abu Dhabi city and its coastline. Using locally sourced produce and simple, fresh flavors, the three show kitchens and interactive counters add to the theatrical “mise en scene” of the restaurant.

The Lounge is a refined destination for the local and international business elite, and discerning residents of the capital. An eclectic spread of premium teas, coffees, fresh pastries and snacks are available in comfortable lounge-style seating or the more intimate library area.

Located on the ground floor, Profiterole caters to the adjacent exhibition center and the executive office floors located within the Capital Gate building. Profiterole offers a unique à la carte menu that revolves around small baked pastries with sweet or savory fillings.

For something more intimate, the sleek, contemporary bar Privé serves premium beverages and gourmet tapas, ideal for the casual meeting or for unwinding after work with business associates.

Meetings & Events

Within the hotel, four exclusive state-of-the-art Salons (boardrooms) are available to host private meetings, while Privé can be used as a breakout venue for refreshments or casual light lunches. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer natural daylight, while the latest technology and experienced associates ensure every event is a resounding success. In addition, the adjacent ADNEC offers 19 meeting rooms, two conference rooms, a large banquet hall and 785,000 square feet of interconnected exhibition space.

Spa and Fitness Center

Rayana Spa, Abu Dhabi’s only “sky spa,” is perched on the 19th floor of the hotel and features unsurpassed views of the city. Rayana Rituals — holistic treatments designed to instil power, beauty and energy – are offered by experienced therapists in suites filled with natural light.

Rayana Spa is complemented by a fitness center equipped with modern cardio and resistance machines, a sun terrace, an outdoor cantilevered swimming pool and a whirlpool.

City Activities

Abu Dhabi is known as the cultural and sporting center of the UAE. Activities in the destination can range from a heart-pounding drive in a F1 car at Yas Marina Circuit and Ferrari World, to a round of golf on one of the world-class championship courses nearby. For a more cultural experience, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is nearby.

The opening of Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi follows the November 1, 2011 opening of Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas. The resort is an exclusive sanctuary of contemporary luxury located on Saadiyat Island.

Opening Rates & Reservations

Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi is now open and available for reservations. Rates start from AED 1,050 per night plus applicable tax and gratuities. Reservations may be made by visiting www.hyatt.com, calling +1 800 233 1234 or +971 2 596 1234, or contacting a Hyatt Worldwide Reservations Center or travel specialist.

More information on Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi is available at abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The Company’s subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place® and Hyatt Summerfield Suites® brand names and have locations on six continents. Hyatt Summerfield Suites is being rebranded as Hyatt House™. Hyatt Residential Group, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops, operates, markets or licenses Hyatt Residences™ and Hyatt Vacation Club™, which is changing its name to Hyatt Residence Club™. As of September 30, 2011, the Company’s worldwide portfolio consisted of 478 properties in 45 countries. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Cvent and Mexico Meetings Network Partner to Drive Meetings Business to Mexico

Partnership has Raised Awareness of Mexico as a Meetings Destination and Increased the Flow of Group Business to the Country

MCLEAN, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cvent, the world’s largest cloud-based provider of event management, venue selection and web survey solutions, today announced that its one-year-old partnership with Mexico Meetings Network (MMN) has successfully helped to increase the flow of group meetings and events business to destinations in Mexico. Under the partnership, Cvent and MMN are working together to provide Convention & Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) and venues in Mexico with integrated online marketing packages that showcase Mexico cities and properties to highly-qualified meeting and event planners.

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Hyatt Announces Park Hyatt Ningbo

Hyatt Announces Park Hyatt Ningbo

CHICAGO (January 10, 2012) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa in the eastern coastal city of Ningbo. The hotel is the first Park Hyatt-branded resort in China, offering luxury services tailored to leisure travelers and high end meeting groups.

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Things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua New Zealand

For fun, relaxation, adventure, romance, Rotorua New Zealand is an emerging favorite destination among Aucklanders and international tourists.

Jan 10, 2012 – Voted as the most beautiful city in New Zealand for 6 out of the last 11 years. Rotorua is located 3 hours from New Zealand’s commercial capital, the big little city, Auckland.  Rotorua has its own airport and regular bus services from major centres.

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Loews Hotels Announces Appointment of Paul W. Whetsell as President and Chief Executive Officer

NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Jonathan Tisch, the Chairman of Loews Hotels and Co-Chairman of the Board of Loews Corporation, today announced that Paul W. Whetsell will join Loews Hotels as President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 17.  He succeeds Jack Adler, who is retiring from the company.

Whetsell, who holds a Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College, has more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry.  Most recently he served as a member of the Board of Directors of Virgin Hotels, providing strategic guidance in its operations and property acquisition activities.  In 1987 he founded the original CapStar Hotel Company, which became one of the industry’s largest owners with over 110 hotels and $3 billion in assets.

In 1998, CapStar was divided into Meristar Hospitality Corporation and Meristar Hotels and Resorts, which became Interstate Hotels & Resorts in 2002.  Mr. Whetsell served as Chairman and CEO of Meristar Hospitality Corporation until the company was sold in 2006.  He served as Chairman and CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts until 2003, remaining Chairman until 2009.

“With Paul’s tenure and experience in the industry, and now in his role as our new President and CEO, we will continue to operate the unique properties in our portfolio, while also looking for additions to the company through acquisition, development and management,” said Tisch.

“I am extremely excited to be joining Jon and the Loews Hotels team.  Loews has a long tradition of owning and operating high quality hotels and delivering great guest experiences,” said Whetsell.  “Working in partnership with Jon, our objective is to further develop and grow the brand while delivering superior financial operating results.”

Loews Hotels Announces Appointment of Paul W. Whetsell as President and Chief Executive Officer

NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Jonathan Tisch, the Chairman of Loews Hotels and Co-Chairman of the Board of Loews Corporation, today announced that Paul W. Whetsell will join Loews Hotels as President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 17.  He succeeds Jack Adler, who is retiring from the company.

Whetsell, who holds a Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College, has more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry.  Most recently he served as a member of the Board of Directors of Virgin Hotels, providing strategic guidance in its operations and property acquisition activities.  In 1987 he founded the original CapStar Hotel Company, which became one of the industry’s largest owners with over 110 hotels and $3 billion in assets.

In 1998, CapStar was divided into Meristar Hospitality Corporation and Meristar Hotels and Resorts, which became Interstate Hotels & Resorts in 2002.  Mr. Whetsell served as Chairman and CEO of Meristar Hospitality Corporation until the company was sold in 2006.  He served as Chairman and CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts until 2003, remaining Chairman until 2009.

“With Paul’s tenure and experience in the industry, and now in his role as our new President and CEO, we will continue to operate the unique properties in our portfolio, while also looking for additions to the company through acquisition, development and management,” said Tisch.

“I am extremely excited to be joining Jon and the Loews Hotels team.  Loews has a long tradition of owning and operating high quality hotels and delivering great guest experiences,” said Whetsell.  “Working in partnership with Jon, our objective is to further develop and grow the brand while delivering superior financial operating results.”

About Loews Hotels

Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels owns and/or operates 18 hotels and resorts in the U.S. and Canada, including its newest, the 414-room Loews Atlanta Hotel that opened April 1, 2010.  Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with a supremely comfortable, uniquely local and vibrant travel experience. Loews boasts some of the industry’s most innovative and successful travel programs, including Loews Loves Kids for families and Loews Loves Pets for discerning animals on the road. For reservations or more information on Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or check www.loewshotels.com.

Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels owns and/or operates 18 hotels and resorts in the U.S. and Canada, including its newest, the 414-room Loews Atlanta Hotel that opened April 1, 2010.  Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with a supremely comfortable, uniquely local and vibrant travel experience. Loews boasts some of the industry’s most innovative and successful travel programs, including Loews Loves Kids for families and Loews Loves Pets for discerning animals on the road. For reservations or more information on Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or check www.loewshotels.com.

Vail Will Build New State-of-the-Art Gondola

Incentive Travel Vail

Will Replace Existing Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16), Leitner-Poma of America selected to build new high-capacity gondola with heated seats and Wi-Fi. Gondola will open to the public on Nov. 16, 2012

VAIL, Colo., Jan. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –  Vail Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States, has selected Leitner-Poma of America to construct a proposed new, state-of-the-art gondola in Vail Village, the first of its kind in North America.

The gondola cabins will be designed to carry 10 passengers and each will feature heated, cushioned seats and Wi-Fi access for guests. With a speed of 1,200 feet per minute, the gondola will be the fastest gondola of its type in the world, creating a 40 percent increase in uphill capacity. The new gondola will have a ride time of 7.5 minutes versus the 9 minute ride time of the existing Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16), which it will replace.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to continually reinvest in Vail and to offer our guests a truly unique experience as they ride up the mountain,” said Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “This new gondola will establish a whole new standard for comfort in lifts and – combined with speed and uphill capacity increases – will significantly improve the guest experience at Vail Mountain.”

Construction of the gondola is proposed to begin immediately following the closing of the mountain in April and will be operational for opening day of the 2012-2013 ski season – Nov. 16, 2012 – just in time to celebrate Vail’s 50th anniversary.

“We’re thrilled not only to have the opportunity to work with Vail once again, but also to bring such a tremendous advancement in lift technology to the industry in North America,” said Rick Spear, president at Leitner-Poma of America, Inc. The lift manufacturer most recently constructed Vail’s High Noon Express Lift (#5), a high-speed quad, which opened last season.

More than 50 percent of the lift will be manufactured in the United States at Leitner-Poma’s Grand Junction plant. The cabins and other portions will be constructed in Europe.

“Vail’s continuing commitment to invest in a quality future is just another example of Colorado on the rise. This new gondola is exciting news for Vail and the many people from here and throughout the world who will no doubt enjoy this speedier access to the slopes,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper.

The alignment of the new gondola will be very similar to the existing Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16) and will allow for easier guest access at the base, a more functional interface with the Look Ma level of Mid-Vail and an easier downloading location from the top.

The new gondola is subject to Town of Vail and U.S. Forest Service approval.

For more information about Vail Mountain, visit Vail.com or contact the Mountain Information Center at (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8245).

About Vail Mountain

Quickly approaching its 50th anniversary in December 2012 and coveted as the largest ski resort in the United States with more than 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, Vail is an extraordinary winter vacation destination. Spanning seven miles are seven legendary Back Bowls, blanketed last season with more than 40 feet of powder snow. Under blue skies more than 300 days each year and with more groomed terrain than anywhere on the planet, families reconnect and celebrate here from year to year and generation to generation. The vacation experience is world class, from the Vail Ski & Snowboard School to the events, activities and festivals, the shops and spas, abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail’s founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail can still credibly lay claim to being a resort like nothing on earth. www.Vail.com.

Image: Vail Resorts