Spokane's National Conventions

Millions in economic impact and priceless exposure in the next two weeks

(Spokane, WA - October 25,2012) - The Society of American Foresters, World Accordion Championships and National Preservation Conference, highlighting two weeks of national and international conventions in Spokane.

With an estimated economic impact of $3.4 million, nearly 1,700 attendees are in Spokane for the Society of American Foresters (SAF) Annual Convention until October 28. As the largest professional society for foresters in the world, the biggest professionals in the forestry industry will be attending this convention. Tom Tidwell, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and Mike Pool, Acting Director of the Bureau of Land Management, will both be in attendance, along with an international contingency that includes groups from Finland, Japan and Korea.

Overlapping with the SAF is the World Accordion Championships. This is a much smaller group (less than 100 attendees), but it brings big international representation. Accordionists from Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, South America and Africa will showcase their talents in this prestigious five-day competition. This is the first time this world-wide competition has been in the United States and Spokane was selected!

The National Preservation Conference unfolds in Spokane October 31-November 3. Spokane will be spotlighted for its historic gems when nearly 1,800 attendees arrive from across the country. The Davenport Hotel, Steam Plant Square, Historic Browne's Addition and our Native American heritage are just a few of the conference highlights. As the smallest city to ever host this convention, Spokane is poised to impress attendees, many of whom are preservation leaders in their own communities. The Preservation Conference will bring $4 million dollars in economic impact to our city.

"For the next two weeks our restaurants will be bustling, registers will ring at our retailers and hotels will be hopping. We told you at our Big Meeting that Spokane is a 'big deal.' Hosting such important conventions proves our point," says Cheryl Kilday, Visit Spokane President and CEO. "You never know who might decide to move a company to Spokane, expand a business to include our area or just book a family vacation, based on visiting Spokane during a convention."

You might see attendees from these three conventions throughout Spokane. Society for American Foresters Convention is based at the Spokane Convention Center but will also include educational sessions in our region's forests. The Accordion Championships will be held at the Martin Woldson Theater at the FOX, The Bing Crosby Theater and River Park Square. The National Preservation Conference will be headquartered at The Davenport Hotel with programs at the Convention Center and field sessions at many dozens of our historic sites throughout the region.

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About Visit Spokane
Visit Spokane generates economic growth for Spokane County by successfully marketing the Spokane Region as the destination for conventions and leisure travelers from around the world. The proof is in: Visitors to Spokane County spent an estimated $856.1 million in 2010, providing jobs for nearly 9,240 residents in the region and generating $56.9 million in non-resident tax dollars collected in Spokane County.*

Discover What's New In Peru

Celebrating Hotel Developments, Airline Expansions, & Peruvian Art and Culture

From all-inclusive resorts focused on family and business travel to exclusive boutique hotels offering unique and personalized luxury experiences, Peru is evolving into an exciting destination for a broad range of travelers. On a recent visit to New York City, Tourism Director for PromPeru, Maria del Carmen de Reparaz, described the vast growth of Peru’s hotel and travel industry, specifically in the ecotourism and luxury market.

“In the past year we have seen tremendous growth in luxury and boutique hotels,” said del Carmen de Reparaz. “We are now able to provide a full range of options, from budget travel to high-end luxury travel.”

In regions all throughout the country, luxury hotels that highlight the stunning natural life of Peru are popping up at a rapid rate—promising to attract a brand new demographic of vacationers and increase the number of international travelers.

“We are excited to see Peru transition from a destination well-known for its historic and cultural offerings, to a destination that is able to offer luxury as well,” del Carmen de Reparaz said.

LATEST PERU NEWS

Peru International Campaign Launches with Hit Reviews
This is a new and exciting time for Peru, as the international went global with two brand new promotional videos. Following the previous campaign, where an ordinary traveler revisits his trip to Peru years and it rekindles his desire to experience Peru; the current campaign invites you to “¡No mires la película, vívela!”  Or “Don’t just watch the movie, LIVE IT!” as quoted by the Minister of Exports and Tourism, José Luis Silva Martinot. The campaign takes on a similar approach as the previous in that it incorporates film spots catered and altered for each particular market. The campaign also reveals the exhaustive work of archeologist, Bruno Alva, who began work 11 years ago on uncovering and interpreting pre-Hispanic Peruvian iconography originating from ancient civilizations that inhabited Peru. The slogan, “Peru, Empire of Hidden Treasures” was significant for Alva’s investigation in that it gave life to the people of all ancient Peruvian cultures. The slogan has been adopted for the current campaign.

PromPeru invites all Peruvians to be proud ambassadors of the Peru Brand and spread the video, which can be seen at www.peru.travel and http://youtu.be/7yKBwsN5ZlQ.


Peru’s Amazon Region Becomes New 7 Natural Wonder of the World
The Amazon Rainforest has official be recognized as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. A 120 kilometer (75 miles) plaque, stating that the Amazon is officially one of the wonders of the world, can now be found in Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian rainforest and the capital of the Loreto Region. The Peruvian Amazon is one of the most diverse areas on the Earth. An abyss that disperses into different directions, each region of the Amazon has its own specialty whether it is adventure, cuisine, or nature itself. Tropical and mysterious, the Peruvian Amazon is waiting to be discovered by visitors from near and far.  Cusco, the capital of the old Inca Empire is currently the top contender for 7 Wonder Cities of the World. Peru continues to gain recognition for its natural beauty and is quickly becoming a top competitor in the world of tourism and travel.

Hotel Developments

Arequipa

Sonesta Posada del Inca Arequipa to Expand in 2013
The Sonesta Posada del Inca in Arequipa is expected to expand from its current 58 rooms to 120 rooms by the first half of 2013 with an investment of $100,000 per room. Known as one of the best Arequipa, Peru hotels, for business and leisure travelers, Sonesta Posada del Inca is strategically located in the center of the Arequipa's Main Square.

Aranwa Colca Hotel Resort & Spa to Open in April 2013
In April 2013, Aranwa Hotels Resorts & Spas will open its newest property, a riverside resort and spa in the Colca Canyon and Valley of Arequipa. The mountainside location and natural atmosphere of the 4-star property is designed to provide guests with an experience of pure relaxation while getting in touch with the natural beauty of Peru.

GHL Hotels, Quimera Holding Group Acquires Las Casitas del Colca
Colombian hotel group, GHL Hotels, and Quimera HG of Peru have acquired the luxury property, Las Casitas del Colca, in Arequipa, Peru, formerly owned by Orient-Express. Quimera HG owns 75%, while GHL owns the remaining 25% and is managing the hotel. Hoy el diario Gestión revela que existe un proyecto de ampliación de 60 habitaciones ya aprobado dentro de sus 25 hectáGHL Hotels operates international hotel chains in Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Chile.


Cusco

Exclusive Boutique Hotel to Open in Barranco
The Andean Experience Co. will open a new boutique hotel in January 2013. Located on in the heart of Barranco, Hotel B will continue the tradition of opulence and grandeur of the historic mansion it is housed in, originally designed by famed French architect Claude Sahut. The two-level, 27 room hotel will cater to a mixture of discerning clientele seeking an authentic atmosphere and cultured travelers interested in the location’s rich contemporary art and culture scene.

Hotel Rio Sagrado Adds Wellness & Relaxation Concept
In May 2012, the Hotel Rio Sagrado, located in the city of Cusco, introduced a new concept of Wellness & Relaxation to help guests relax and unwind amidst the scenic Andes Mountains and Urubamba River. A Yoga and Spa Journey featuring reflexology and stress management techniques rejuvenates and energizes, while A Good Night’s Sleep uses an aromatic massage and Yoga Nidra to induce the ultimate state of relaxation and deep sleep. At El Bar del Huerto, traditional, non-alcoholic Peruvian beverages featuring exotic fruits and nutrient rich ingredients cleanse and nourish, leaving guests feeling pure.

JW Marriot to Open in Cusco
Opening October 2012, the luxury brand JW Marriott will blend past and present with their newest property located among ruins of an ancient Incan village in the Historical Cusco City Center.  The JW Marriott Hotel Cusco will feature all of the luxury trappings of the JW Marriot brand with a focus on Peruvian history and culture, including oxygenated rooms to prevent altitude sickness and an Archeological Exhibition Hall and Exhibition Hall of the Killke Culture.

Palace Turned Convent becomes Newest Cuzco Hotel
After years of tedious restoration, one of Peru’s most eagerly anticipated hotels opened on June 15, 2012. Palacio Nazarenas is an all-suite boutique hotel located in a former 16th century convent that features original Inca walls and colonial frescos. Located at the center of Cuzco in Nazarenas Square, the hotel consists of 55 oxygen-enriched guest suites, 6 interlocking courtyards overlooked by wooden balconies, under-floor heating, freestanding baths, Cuzco's only outdoor infinity-edge pool, a poolside bar, Hypnôze Spa featuring local products and treatments, private dining and meeting rooms, a chapel, children's facilities and a library with archaeological finds from Orient-Express has put together a special opening package that will allow guests of Palacio Nazarenas to discover the gastronomy of Cuzco through the eyes of Chef Director Virgilio Martinez.

Palacio del Inka will Undergo Full Renovation
Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas has begun remodeling its hotel Palacio del Inka, located in the city of Cusco. The hotel will remain open as the project takes place gradually throughout the year. The project consists of completely remodeling the guestrooms, and in some cases enlarging them, to suit the elegance and luxury of the Cuatro Bustos mansion, which has been the site of the hotel for the past 35 years.


Lambayeque

Gran Hotel Chiclayo to Become Casa Andina Select Chiclayo in October
Ongoing renovations on the Gran Hotel Chiclayo are expected to wrap up by October of this year, after which the property will officially become the Casa Andina Select Chiclayo.  Renovations began in March 2011 after Casa Andina began managing the hotel. Since then, the hotel has been redesigned to meet Casa Andina Select’s high quality standards. The hotel is located in the heart of Chiclayo, just 5 minutes from the main square and only 10 minutes from the airport.


Lima
Hilton to Open Before End of Year in Miraflores
Scheduled to open in October 2012, the Hilton Lima Miraflores will feature 207 stylish guest rooms and suites that offer luxury amenities with an authentic Peruvian feel. The hotel will be located just 40 minutes from the Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), and will include an extensive range of meeting facilities perfect for business and social events. Additional facilities include a restaurant, rooftop executive lounge, fitness center by Precor, heated pool and Jacuzzi.

Casa Andina Select Opened New Hotel in Miraflores
In March 2012, Casa Andina Select Miraflores opened for business and leisure travelers looking for excellent service, and comfortable, contemporary styling at reasonable rates. The 11-story construction with 155 rooms is within walking distance of banks and offices, as well as top restaurants, attractions and shopping. A wide range ammenities includes all of the facilities, services and conveniences a business traveler demands, including executive meeting facilities, business center, and secretarial services.


Tumbes

Decameron Opens New Resort, Spa and Convention Center in Punta Sal
On June 15, 2012, the all-inclusive Royal Decameron Punta Sal Beach Resort, Spa & Convention Center opened with 301 rooms, 3 restaurants, 7 bars, entertainment facilities, spa, gym, pool, tennis court and a fully equipped conference room that can host up to 500 people.

Inkaterra to Build Hotel in Cabo Blanco
The Peruvian hotel chain, Inkaterra, will begin construction on a new hotel in Cabo Blanco at the end of this year. La cadena se encuentra hoy en proceso de habilitación urbana y paisajismo de la zona donde levantará su establecimiento. The new property will satisfy the growing demand for hotels that feature an ecotourism concept, and will aim to attract environmentally friendly guests who are interested in nature excursions and outdoor sports.Contará en un comienzo con 12 habitaciones especialmente acondicionadas, y su oferta irá creciendo conforme a la demanda.  The hotel, expected to by complete by the end of 2013, will begin with just 12 rooms, but is expected to grow as the demand increases.

Airline Expansions

Copa Airlines Reconnects Iquitos, Panama City with Two New Flights
On July 14, 2012, Copa Airlines began routes connecting Iquitos to Panama City with 2 flights per week, recovering its international connection with Panama city and opening up potential connections with other destination in the United States, Toronto and the Caribbean. Biweekly flights will take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays and will service five thousand people in its first year, including international business travelers and tourists. The newest addition comes after Copa Airlines’ recent expansion of a fifth flight route to Lima.

 

Cultural Celebrations

Maras Voted Top New Restaurant
In July 2012, Maras, located at the Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center was chosen as the Top New Restaurant in the rankings of this year’s Summum Poll, a survey that is given out each year to more than 400 people for the purpose of learning the country’s best restaurants.  The winner was chosen based on food, service, ambience, and quality-price ratio. Maras is a fine-dining restaurant, offering “contemporary Peruvian cuisine” with an emphasis on quality ingredients and the latest avant-garde culinary techniques.

Photographer to the Stars Celebrates Peruvian Art & Culture with Nonprofit
On July 17, 2012, Mario Testino launched a nonprofit in his native Lima, Peru to promote and celebrate Peruvian art and artists. The nonprofit, MATE (Asociación Mario Testino), was born from Testino’s desire to give back to his country while giving Peruvian artists a platform for which to share their work with the world. The organization is housed in a 16th century building in the Barranco district, and will be home to the greatest number of Testino’s works in the world. The first exhibition, titled Todo o Nada, will open July 27, 2012 and feature two key concepts found in Testino’s work—fashion and nudity. Testino is known as one of the most influential and sought after photographers in the world, and has shot countless covers and fashion editorials for top-tier publications such as Vogue and Vanity Fair.  His portfolio also includes campaigns for Dolce & Gabana, Gucci and Versace, as well as numerous commissions for the Royal Family—including Princess Diana of Wales.

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For more information on travel to Peru, please visit: http://www.peru.travel/en/

Renaissance Esmerlada Resort & Spa Announces Completion of Multi-Million Dollar Renovation Program

 Indian Wells, CA (October 18, 2012) — Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa just completed a multi-million dollar guest room and guest corridor renovation, creating special spaces for guests to call home during their stay. The modernly mid-century design was inspired by the beauty and history of the Palm Springs area, incorporating indigenous architectural elements and landscape imagery.

The guest room furnishings, carpeting, wall coverings and lighting were selected in desert serene hues, creating havens of sophisticated relaxation. In addition to the hard-wire and wireless Internet availability, tech savvy amenities were added to each room including lamps with multiple plug-in capability and iHome systems with IPod docking stations.

“The Renaissance brand has done an outstanding job laying out a design foundation with functionality and creativity blended together and we have used this as our framework to design true havens that are welcoming and fun to our group customer,” shares Director of Sales and Marketing Kathy Daw.       

                                                                                                                                                           

About Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, a member of the Marriott group, invites guests to “Live Life to Discover” within a distinctive desert setting. Located in the prestigious community of Indian Wells and nestled into the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the four-star Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa is a highly sought after location for social events and meetings, boasting 560 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites along with more than 100,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor function space, all of which feature breathtaking views of the mountains or pool area. The resort offers award-winning dining and entertainment options, luxurious spa and salon with state-of-the-art fitness center, unique pool experience with sandy beach and waterfalls, Camp Oasis Kids Club and world-class tennis and golf amenities nearby. 

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, 44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA 92210-8708, (760) 773-4444. www.renaissanceesmeralda.com. Follow Renaissance Esmeralda on Facebook at www.facebook.com/renaissanceesmeralda and Twitter at www.twitter.com/RenaissanceEs.

About Renaissance Hotels

Renaissance Hotels is an upscale brand with more than 150 properties in 34 countries that speaks to passionate travelers in search of authentic local discoveries when traveling for business or leisure. Renaissance Hotels has recently welcomed several new “gems” to its global collection — the historic five-star St. Pancras Renaissance in London, the exotic Renaissance Sanya Resort & Spa in burgeoning China, the urban boutique Renaissance Atlanta Midtown and the sexy Renaissance Sao Paulo. These hotels join a rich portfolio defined by distinctive and well-known icons such as the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C., the Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort & Spa and the Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel.

To make reservations and for more information visit www.renaissancehotels.com. Follow Renaissance on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RenaissanceHotels, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RenHotels and via the RLife blog at www.therenaissancelife.com. 

Royal Caribbean's Three-Day WOW Sale

Vacationers Can Enjoy Up to $200 Onboard Credit on all 2013-14 Royal Caribbean Sailings

MIAMI, Oct. 12, 2012 – Royal Caribbean International today announced that its final WOW Sale of the year will run for three days on October 15, 16 and 17, 2012. For all new individual bookings made for a 2013-14 Royal Caribbean sailing, vacationers can receive $50 onboard credit per stateroom on three- to five-night itineraries; $100 per stateroom for six- to nine-night itineraries; and $200 per stateroom for 10-night itineraries or longer. Guests can apply their onboard credit toward an exhilarating shore excursion or rejuvenating spa session, or celebrate a special occasion during their cruise with a specialty dining experience. Vacationers also can enjoy 50 percent reduced deposits during the three-day WOW Sale to lock in their 2013-14 Royal Caribbean cruise vacation anywhere around the world.
            The WOW Sale onboard credit and 50 percent reduced deposit offers are applicable to all Royal Caribbean International cruises that sail on or after January 1, 2013 including cruisetours. Offer is available only in the U.S. and Canada and applies to new individual bookings with required deposit only and is not applicable to groups. Offer applies to all categories available. All bookings must be made and the required deposit must be paid by October 17, 2012, by 11:59 p.m. local time to qualify for the promotion. Onboard credit is in U.S. dollars, has no cash value, is not redeemable for cash, is not transferable and will expire if not used by 10:00 pm on the last evening of the cruise.
            Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.
            Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for nine consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow Royal Caribbean on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean or on Twitter, @RoyalCaribbean. Travel professionals should visit www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056. Media can find information at www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com.
            Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisières de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture.  Together, these six brands operate a combined total of 40 ships with four under construction.

Royal Caribbean's Culinary Program

Cruise Line Debuts Extensive Dining Room Enhancements Following Multi-Million Dollar Investment

MIAMI, October 11, 2012 – Royal Caribbean International is once again elevating the cruise vacation experience, this time, wowing guests’ taste buds. The cruise line, known for bringing the most innovative feature and amenities to the high seas, has redefined its onboard culinary program with an extensive multi-million dollar investment to its main dining room across the fleet. The culinary enhancements continue Royal Caribbean’s tradition of culinary excellence emphasizing the freshest, highest quality ingredients available – on land or at sea.

The investment to Royal Caribbean’s complimentary dining program focuses on an increased variety of menu options in the main dining room, including dishes infused with regional flavors reflective of the destinations of the world the line’s ships sail to; improved choices for guests with dietary restrictions; and superior presentation.

“In today's food-aware culture, the palettes of our guests have evolved and they have come to expect, not only a variety of choices, but cuisine of the highest quality made with the freshest of ingredients,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Executive Vice President, Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “In recent years, we have introduced many new specialty dining concepts and in this next evolution we are expanding the options in our main dining room with even more variety, allowing us to cater to our international guests while offering them the highest quality dining on land or at sea.”

The cruise line has revamped the menus in the main dining room with added variety and made sure to include classic favorites that guests have long enjoyed, such as aged hand-cut Manhattan steak, escargot bourguignonne, shrimp cocktail and crème brulee, popular selections now available every night. 

Royal Caribbean – sailing to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries around the world – will continue to cater to its growing global clientele by adding international flavors to the dining room experience with a renewed focus on authenticity. Sourcing and understanding flavor profiles has become an essential direction the cruise line has taken in its international menu development. All of the new menu offerings will include upgraded entrees such rack of lamb and surf & turf with new offerings like premium beef sliders and daily entrée dinner salads. There also has been a focus on the desserts with a new “hot from the oven” blueberry peach crumble, sticky bread and butter pudding and sumptuous carrot cake. Guests also will notice a change in the menu with a new fresh design featuring the cruise line’s international culinary team. As part of the investment the cruise line will continue to focus on training which includes a sous chef certification program with the American Culinary Federation and a new wait staff training curriculum targeting the new menus, standards training, and allergen and dietary programs.

Catering to the increasing demand of heart-healthy, gluten-free and lactose-free options for guests, Royal Caribbean also has enlisted a registered and licensed dietitian and nutrition consultant to evaluate existing menus, create new offerings for guests with dietary restrictions, and shape the cruise line’s current gluten-free and lactose-free program into a more guest-friendly experience.  All low calorie, gluten-free and lactose-free options will be clearly identified with respective menu icons as well as menu selections that can be modified to fit these requirements for guests.  The updated menu format also includes a new vegetarian symbol, which is the official symbol of the European Vegetarian Union and considered the most widely used vegetarian symbol worldwide for easy recognition.  In addition to the new menu designations, Royal Caribbean is rolling out new daily gluten-free bread offerings, available on request in all venues, including specialty restaurants.

These new enhancements are yet another example of how Royal Caribbean has continuously evolved the onboard dining experience over the last decade, leading the industry with the most complete and innovative dining options on the high seas including introducing more than 20 new dining concepts onboard the revolutionary Oasis-class ships such as Izumi Asian cuisine, Giovanni’s Table, Park Café and The Cupcake Cupboard. These popular venues are being introduced to all the other ships in the fleet during an extensive revitalization program that will be conducted through 2014 and beyond.  Royal Caribbean has the most extensive selection of dining venues at sea with a total of 100 options across the fleet.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for nine consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow Royal Caribbean on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean or on Twitter, @RoyalCaribbean. Travel professionals should visit www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056. Media can find information at www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisières de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture.  Together, these six brands operate a combined total of 40 ships with four under construction.

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Time To Discover What's New In Dubai

DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW IN DUBAI
Tourism Trends, New Developments and Holiday Experiences

October 9, 2012 (Dubai, UAE) — Dubai has made strides in the tourism and travel industry by positioning itself as a luxurious tourist destination as well as a vibrant international business center. Dubai is expected to attract 8.8 million international visitors in 2012, making it the eighth most visited city in the world.
This summer Dubai International recorded the busiest first half in its history with 27.9 million passengers passing through its three terminals between January and June of this year. According to the latest report from the department of tourism and commerce marketing, hotel and apartment bookings in Dubai were up to 170,452 from 154,180 during the same period of 2011.

What’s New

Emirates Launches New Service
As one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, Emirates has added another gateway city in the US as it begins non-stop service from Washington DC to Dubai this month. Washington DC is Emirates’ 11th new route to launch in 2012. “We look forward to connecting DC travelers with the largest number of one-stop flights to Southeast Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East using state-of-the-art American built aircrafts,” said Nigel Page, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations- The Americas. Emirates will operate the American-manufactured Boeing 777-300 ED on its Washington DC tour, providing suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 304 seats in Coach. Emirates is a leading innovator in the airline industry globally and was recognized by Air Transport World as its “2011 Airline of the Year.”
Major World Conferences to be held in Dubai
This year Dubai will be hosting The World Conference on International Telecommunications, the Global Standards Symposium and The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, with a total number of delegates expected to be over 11,000. In 2011 Dubai hosted 34 international association meetings, not taking into account corporate meetings, incentives and exhibitions. The International Convention and Congress Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai as first in the Middle East and as one of the major international meeting destinations globally, with Dubai surfacing as a top contender amongst well established meetings destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Melbourne. In 2013 the Emirate will host the Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Pain, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication Congress & Exhibition, and the International Destination Expo 2013.
Dubai International Dance Festival
Dubai International Dance Festival (DIDF) will take place Wednesday October 17th through October 20th. The event, which is set to be bigger than ever this year, will include more than 400 renowned and professional dancers from 40 countries around the globe preparing to take to the floor. “When the Dance Festival started in 2007, we started with 50 dancers. Now we have over 400 dancers, you can see how we grow every year. This shows the huge appetite of the people for dance in the region,” Chris D., co-founder and co-director of DIDF, said. Guests and participants will enjoy a variety of performances, live entertainment, themed dance parties, dance competitions, workshops, and guest DJs. Main performances will take place at the grand venue in DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates.
International Zouk Flash Mob Day was a hit!
Sunday, September 16th was International Zouk Flash Mob Day, a global event encouraging people around the world to get together to dance the same choreography. Dubai took part in the event at the Savage Garden in the Capital Hotel, Satwa. Zouk Flash Mob Day is a non-commercial initiative originating from Perth Australia to promote this beautiful modern dance all around the world. Several thousand people in over 35 countries participated. View their video here or visit www.zouk-dubai.com
Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre Welcomes New GM as Renovations Continue
Pullman Deira City Centre Dubai, formerly The City Centre Hotel, welcomes their new General Manager Mr. Jean-Phillipe Bittencourt who will spearhead the property's new brand identity. The first stage of the rebranding is slated for completion during the 3rd quarter of 2012 when the hotel will officially become a Pullman Hotel, Accor's upscale brand. The new hotel will include 317 rooms, 4 food and beverage outlets including Le Cafe at the lobby lounge, Medley, the hotel's signature restaurant and La Fabrique, a trendy Sports Bar, a Spa and Fitness Area. The hotel's banqueting and meeting rooms alongside the Business Centre will be integrated during the 2nd phase of its re-branding, marking a turning point for the hotel and its new identity.
Shiba Restaurant introduces a speedy business lunch
Shiba Resturant, located at  The Meydan Hotel, is the home of authentic Asian cuisine. Shiba recently launched a new business lunch with express set menu options. Shiba’s food captures the heritage and vibrancy of Asia together with some of their own innovation and modern cooking techniques.

Winter Events and Upcoming Attractions

Dubai Shopping Festival to Bring Fabulous Prizes and More!
Dubai is known as "the shopping capital of the Middle East.” This year marks the Dubai Shopping Festival’s 18th year. The festival, which takes place between January 3 and February 3, will take over the city with its unique blend of shopping, and entertainment. The festival will kick off with a huge opening night that features light shows and fireworks across the Dubai Creek, which are then continued throughout the entire festival. In addition to the shopping and prizes, hundreds of events and activities await residents and visitors. From international concerts, musicals and shows, to sports, outdoor, and fashion events, Dubai Shopping Festival caters to every age segment.
Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve Fireworks
The firework show that was claimed ‘the best in the world’ last New Year’s returns again to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Last year Dubai set the record for the highest fireworks in the world.  The show can be seen from a distance of 10km and will include sound, lights, laser, music and, of course, the grand finale, the fireworks. To view last year’s spectacular click here. 

InterContinental Dubai Marina set to open in 2013
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has signed an agreement with Dubai-based property developer Select Group to open InterContinental Dubai Marina. The Marina is a wonderland on water providing guests the best of both worlds, an urban lifestyle with a scenic view. The hotel, which is set to open by the end of 2013, will offer 132 hotel rooms and 196 InterContinental Residential Suites for longer staying guests. The hotel will be located within walking distance of the popular Jumeirah Beach Residences’ (JBR) and contain spectacular views overlooking the Marina. The hotel will also be home to eight food and beverage outlets, including restaurants, bars and a 600 meter squared night club. For the business traveler the hotel will offer a suite of facilities, including a boardroom and eight meeting rooms, the largest of which will accommodate 100 people. 
McGettigan’s Irish Pubs expands in Dubai!
Ring in the New Year at McGettigan’s Irish Pub. The authentic Irish pub will be adding two new locations in Dubai.  McGettigans offers guests a traditional Irish experience through food and drink in a modern yet humble environment. The pub first opened its doors in November of 2010 in the Jumeriah Lake Towers. The first new branch, located downtown in the World Trade Centre, will most likely open by the end of the month. The third venue is set to open at The Dubai Airport. http://www.mcgettigansdubai.com/

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For more information on travel to Dubai, please visit: www.definitelydubai.com