Travel News Europe - #89 - December 2008 - (Page 20)

n business/ LUXURY TRAVEL destination/ CITY BREAK 2008 Luxury Travel wHAT’s NEw IN HIGH-END TrAVEL… International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) is the leading annual business-to-business event for the global luxury travel community, which takes place in Cannes (France) in December. The world’s most sought after destinations, ultra luxurious accommodation, elite transportation and unique travel experiences are showcased for discerning international luxury travel buyers via a pre-scheduled appointment system and effective networking and knowledge opportunities. The ILTM Future Forum is new for ILTM 2008 and will take place on 8 December (6pm - 9pm) at the Debussy Theatre, Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Addressing business challenges affecting the industry, the Forum will see real time research conducted amongst all participants, using up-to-the-minute interactive voting technology, creating an up-tothe-minute insight in to the health of the industry. The Keynote Presentation is entitled: ‘Customers in control forever – the consequence’ and will be delivered by Larry Hochman, a former European Business Speaker of the Year. At the ‘Addressing your business challenges’ panel discussion, moderator Liz Barclay will be joined by panelists Matthew Upchurch, CEO Virtuoso, Dominic Speakman, Managing Director Destinology, and Graham Boynton, Group Travel Editor, Daily & Sunday Telegraph. The market agenda: ‘Global down turn - is the luxury travel market susceptible? Impact to date and expectations for 2009’, features guest panelist Guy Gillon, Director, Corporate Finance Hospitality and Leisure, PricewaterhouseCoopers. The business agenda: ‘Marketing through the down turn. Changing strategies and channels’, features guest panelist Piers Bracher, Managing Director, Diamond Advertising. The service agenda: ‘Positive people - instilling a customer service ethos. The future for training and people development’, features guest panelist is Larry Hochman. The evening will end with a Cocktail Reception, allowing delegates to continue their discussions and network. 20 TRAVEL NEWS EUROPE International Luxury Travel Market Luxury in the Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic has often been referred to as ‘paradise on earth’ and boasts some of the Caribbean’s most gorgeous beaches. However in the past it may have had a reputation for being a “cheap”, all-inclusive destination for tourists travelling on a budget. With the opening of the Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa and Luxury Retreats at Cap Cana a new era of luxury tourism has begun, and the Dominican Republic, particularly Cap Cana, has become an in-style, luxury destination attracting high-end travellers from around the world. The PGA Champions Tour in April 2008 showcased and raised Cap Cana’s profile to a worldwide audience, stirring much interest in the destination. Luxury has a new name, Cap Cana, and a new home in Punta Cana. It began with the opening of arguably one of the most spectacular golf course in the world – the Punta Espada golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, followed by the opening of the first phase of the Caribbean’s largest inland marina, with the first 116 boat slips being occupied by million dollar yachts, gorgeous waterfront condos, gourmet restaurants and exclusive boutiques. The first true 5-star, luxury hotel in the Punta Cana area, the Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa, opened in 2007-2008. Located on a small bluff overlooking the ocean, this innovative hotel is composed of different types of buildings which come together elegantly in the style of a romantic, old, Spanish colonial town. The Sanctuary has 176 suites ranging from 800 sq. ft. to 3,700 sq. ft. all overlooking the ocean, with some located directly on the beach. For the ultimate luxury experience, the Sanctuary has two island suites (5,550 sq. ft.), which include 2 bedrooms, living room, dining room, 3 private swimming pools, Jacuzzi and 4 terraces; all located on a private island surrounded by crystal clear Caribbean waters. Facilities at the Sanctuary include 8 gourmet restaurants, 8 bars, 4 swimming pools, private beaches, a casino, a discotheque, boutiques, tennis courts, private boats for excursions, preferred December 2008 tee times and green fee rates at the Punta Espada golf course, access to all of Cap Cana (the marina, the beach clubs, etc.), state-of-the-art convention centre and a Mandara spa. A 24-hour concierge takes care of guests’ every need and offers services including 24hour room service, pillow menus, reservations for golf/spa/water sports/ private yachts/private airport transfers in luxury cars and more. With the establishment of ‘Luxury Retreats at Cap Cana’ in 2008, tourists have a more private option for an exclusive, Caribbean getaway. Luxury Retreats’ first products, The Caletón Club & Villas, are managed as boutique style hotels. Overlooking the Punta Espada golf course and the ocean, these villas (3 - 4 bedrooms with living room, kitchen, swimming pool and Jacuzzi) and bungalows (1 bedroom) are elegant and natural in design and aesthetics. Guests will be only a few steps away from the exotic Caletón Beach Club with a private cove-like beach, a huge swimming pool, children’s swimming pool, spa, indoor and outdoor restaurants, bars and butler service on the beach (membership of the beach club is a US$25K deposit plus an annual membership fee of around US$2.5K for residents of Cap Cana). Staying with Luxury Retreats, guests can enjoy personalised services including airport greeting service, private airport transfers in luxury cars, a 24-hour personal villa host, a personal butler, a concierge, a maid to clean the villa/bungalow twice a day, 24-hour in-room dining with a special chef’s menu, newspaper delivery, excursions and much more. Guests will also have access to all facilities inside Cap Cana including the Punta Espada golf course, the restaurants and bars in the marina, and more. New Royal Club Floors at Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor The 5-star Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor has recently opened its new Royal Club Floors, which comprise of 118 state-of-the-art guest rooms and suites, offering guests exclusive and lavish accommodations entwined with refined comfort and elegance. All Royal Club rooms feature an LCD www.travelnewseurope.com http://www.travelnewseurope.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Travel News Europe - #89 - December 2008

Cover
Contents
NEWS
DESTINATIONS - Cyprus
�- Singapore
BUSINESS - MICE
�- Cyprus MICE
Luxury Travel
Exhibitions

Travel News Europe - #89 - December 2008