News & Stories
Frankfurt/M. The indirect travel costs for travel planning, booking and invoicing remain a problem for Europe's companies. In 1997, indirect costs made up 8 percent of direct travel costs for flights, accommodation and food/drink; in 2003 this figures was 5.6 percent. Today, the figure stands at 4.6 percent.
Hanover. TUI, the travel giant, expands its portfolio with "Reiseleicht", a new brand for module travels. The brand is to start as early as next week, said TUI's press department confirming initial reports of the "Travel One" tourism magazine.
Zurich. Sleeping in the middle of a cornfield, on hay or in the tree tops? "Wasser und Brot", a specialist for "nature-near" overnight stays in the Swiss Albula valley, has collected over 200 Swiss farmsteads and other unusual rustic retreats including tree hotels and "openair cornfield hotels" for the more adventurous holidaymaker.
Zurich. Kuoni, the tour operator from Switzerland, has completely renewed its brand over the past few months. As in the old days, Kuoni now puts more emphasis on luxury travels. And it will introduce a "concierge".
Hamburg. KAI 10 "The Floating Experience", Germany's first swimming event and conference centre, is now anchored in front of the Mercure Hamburg, just a bridge away from the harbour city and the Deichtor Halls. Conference and social events are now possible both above and below the water surface on 450 sq m of Hamburg's most unique event centre.
Dubai. The Atlantis, with 1,539 rooms the biggest hotel in Dubai and the Middle East, will open its doors on September 24 - as the first resort on Palm Jumeirah and on top of that, four weeks ahead of schedule. Such superlative news indicates one thing: Dubai makes everything possible. The mighty, 22-storey stronghold, which is located at the end of the main trunk of Palm Jumeirah in the middle of the exterior palm leaf, has been accepting reservations since February. The project`s occupancy is considered an indicator for future projects of the same kind. Secluded from the public, the first "inhabitants" have arrived: 28 dolphins that will later on play together with kids in the pools of the Aquaventure theme park. Entire shoals of fish are already swimming behind thick panes of glass, in front of which, young and old will enjoy their meals or shop in future. Exactly one year ago, the Atlantis was an unfinished building shell. Last week, hospitalityInside.com was able to gain a first impression of the interior design, the rooms and the restaurant. A walk around The Atlantis, 75% finished.
Dubai. Speaking on the final day of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference last week, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Chairman of the Board and Secretary General of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities outlined the strategic plan for tourism development in the kingdom.
Dubai. The Islamic hospitality market or Sharia-compliant hotels is pegged to be one of the fastest growing hospitality segments. Projects like the 1,005 room Fairmont Hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, announced at the Arabian Travel Market this week underline the new trend.