Author: Ben Debski

Qatar conventions

Posted on by Ben Debski

The Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, officially opened its doors on 4th December 2011. Already, the Centre has hosted a number of high-profile events, and to date, over 60 events with more than 55,000 visitors have been held at the Centre. The estimated economic impact  from overseas visitors is over QR41m (US11.2 m).

This year, the Centre will play host to a number of prestigious international events including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) from 21st-26th April, the 25th Universal Postal Congress (UPU) in September and October, 2012 and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 18) from 26th November-7th December, 2012.

The Centre was launched in conjunction with the opening of the triennial 20th World Petroleum Congress which saw 5,244 delegates from 95 countries attend the Congress, which is also known as the ‘Olympics’ of the petroleum industry. In addition, the event attracted 674 media representatives, record sponsorship, used 35,000sq m of exhibition space and attracted 21,894 visitors to the exhibition.

Leading up to the official opening, QNCC hosted three major events including the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) 2011 and The Hague International Model United Nations Conference (THIMUN) 2011.

During this period, one of a limited number of Maman sculptures by world-renowned contemporary artist Louise Bourgeois was also unveiled in the Centre. This nine-metre-high steel spider is a permanent feature in the central foyer of QNCC.

Adam Mather-Brown, General Manager said: “There are exciting times ahead for Qatar as a growing destination. While many countries are still recovering from the economic downturn, Qatar’s economy has stabilised. Doha is a highly desirable destination for business investments and tourism and offers world-class facilities and services with an authentic Arabian atmosphere.

He added, “Compared to many other countries, Qatar is undoubtedly one of the safest in the world and consistently ranks high in the Global Peace Index. And we know, today, this is one of the key factors for business travellers and for the Business Tourism industry.”

According to Qatar Tourism Authority, the country recorded a substantial jump in the number of visitors in 2011. Visitors from the Gulf region soared by 50 percent compared to the previous year and an increase of 12 percent for the international visitors. Business tourism accounted for 72 percent of the number of visitors received by Qatar last year.

Transforming the future
In support of Qatar’s transformation to a knowledge-based economy, Qatar Foundation (QF) has made significant achievements in building and developing capacity for creativity and critical thinking through research in education and science. As a member of Qatar Foundation, QNCC advances these objectives as the new global hub for ideas and innovation.

QNCC was designed by renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, who took inspiration from Qatar’s beloved icon, the Sidra tree. The spectacular façade resembles two intertwined trees reaching up to support the exterior canopy. The tree is a beacon of learning and comfort in the desert and a haven for philosophers and scholars to share knowledge under its branches.

QNCC was conceived with a focus on sustainability. The Centre was successfully built according to gold certification standards on Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED), endorsed by the US Green Building Council. The building is designed to operate efficiently with environmentally friendly innovations such as water conservation and energy-efficient fixtures.

The Centre also offers fully flexible and adaptable space options to suit a wide variety of conferences, meetings, exhibitions, full-scale theatrical productions, concerts and gala events. QNCC can host meetings for 10 people to conferences for 10,000 people. Located alongside elite universities and research institutions in Education City, QNCC is furthering Qatar Foundation’s mission to turn Qatar into one of the most vibrant economies in the world. This will be achieved by becoming the convention venue of the future, culminating the value of education, research, and technology into a global hub for ideas and innovation.

QNCC at a glance
– 40,000sq m of exhibition space
– Outdoor exhibition area of 3,100sq m
– 2,300-seat lyric style theatre
– Conference hall for 4,000 delegates
– Three tiered auditoria
– A total of 52 meeting rooms
– Six VIP lounges and seven hospitality lounges

QNCC features
– Built to the highest green building standards of the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
– Five-star international in-house catering
– Wireless conference management system
– Latest presentation technology and production capabilities
– 35,000 sq m of modular mobile rigging grids
– 100 percent fibre optic connections throughout
– Full pit and trench services system throughout the exhibition halls
– Wireless communication and digital voting systems throughout
– Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) for tracking of delegates and building assets.
– Undercover parking for 3,200 vehicles connected by air-conditioned people mover (travelator)

For more information visit: www.qatarconvention.com

Executive travel redefined

Posted on by Ben Debski

Oryx Jet has poured all of its passions into becoming the number one name for executive travel solutions and business aircraft services. It is this unwavering passion and strive for excellence that places it at the pinnacle of charter aviation services and saw it recently recognised as Best Charter Airline in Europe in the Business Destinations 2012 awards.

Located at London, Biggin Hill Airport, Oryx Jet is ideally placed for travel throughout Europe and beyond. Its commercial aviation experience assures strength and depth in all aspects of aircraft operation, ensuring personalised attention and a comprehensive suite of services that guarantee exclusivity, comfort and flexibility – whether for corporate or personal journeys.

Oryx Jet’s affiliated partner, Rizon Jet, one of the world’s premier private aviation service providers, boasts a stunning FBO/VIP terminal – also located at Biggin Hill – offering a seven-star facility for all Oryx Jet customers. Rizon Jet offers the very best in service standards giving travellers access to luxurious lounges, business suites, beautiful restrooms and all of the amenities you’d expect from a superior operator.

In addition to this, full dressing room facilities with shower along with housekeeping and concierge services give the business traveller complete comfort with all needs catered for from laundry to personal tailoring. This spectacular facility combined with the luxury and service that Oryx Jet can offer gives the most discerning customers a complete portfolio of aviation services, legendary hospitality, luxury and dependability.

Transport solutions
The well-experienced professionals who make up the skilled team at Oryx Jet bring with them many years of private aviation expertise from across the globe and provide round-the-clock Aircraft Management services tailor-made to your requirements.

Oryx Jet is perfectly equipped to support private and business aviation with a rapidly expanding fleet consisting of Falcon 50 EX and Hawker 900XP jets. Its first-class air charter service is also enhanced by offering Eurocopter EC120B and Eurocopter AS355 Twin Squirrel helicopters as an alternative method of transportation and onward carriage for clients.

The hassles and time-consuming responsibilities of Aircraft Management are left entirely to the highly professional Oryx Jet team. Expert solutions, including effective cost management strategies for acquiring, insuring and managing a private executive jet allow you to enjoy the thrill of your own aircraft – whether it be for personal or corporate requirements.

Aircraft management and charter services are accessible to both private and business travellers throughout Europe as well as offering easy access to the Middle East and other destinations further afield. With The London 2012 Olympics only months away Oryx Jet’s location, only seven minutes by helicopter from the centre of London, means it is ideally placed to offer luxury, private aviation and travel services for VIP visitors and guests to the games – making it a truly memorable experience.

With the primary aim of taking personal and executive travel to a whole new level, Oryx Jet is leading the way in safety, security and luxury – giving the absolute best seats in the sky and ensuring that your flight, no matter how long or short, is a true pleasure.

For more information email: sales@oryxjet.com; www.oryxjet.com

London in the summer

Posted on by Ben Debski

Summertime in London is just as delicious year after year, with a palatable buzz emanating city-wide. Beyond its verdant parks that sing the sounds of summer, London gets its game face on this year for what will truly be the summer of a lifetime.

Limited Edition London
Over the next few months London will be more magical than ever before. In addition to annual favourite events like Wimbledon and Royal Ascot, there will be an incredible range of attractions, exhibitions, and events only in 2012.

Unique events around the Olympic and Paralympic Games including the Cultural Olympiad and the London 2012 Festival, the celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee plus a whole host of museums, galleries and shows offering unique events guarantee that as a visitor to London this summer, you will have the best seats on the planet. What better motivation to bring your event to London than a-once-in-a-lifetime experience?

Celebrate in style
Celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be a long-weekend affair, providing ample opportunity for everyone to enter into the pomp and ceremony with the focal point of the festivities a flotilla of 1,000 boats on the River Thames led by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  In addition to this sparkling maritime display, Buckingham Palace will open, ‘Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration’, showing how diamonds have been used by British monarchs over the last 200 years; as well as offering a look behind the scenes with guided tours of the State Rooms.

Throughout the summer, the National Portrait Gallery will stage an innovative exhibition of the most remarkable images of Elizabeth II – some of which have never been seen before. Gastronomic tributes are also appearing across the city including the majestic Royal-Tea at the InterContinental London Park Lane featuring pretty English classics that pay homage to the hotel’s location on the site of the Queen’s former childhood residence.

Getting into the spirit
A nationwide celebration highlighting the best of the country’s talents over the last four years, the Cultural Olympiad will culminate this summer at the London 2012 Festival.  Leading international artists including Jay Z and David Guetta will come together in the UK’s biggest ever festival to celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic Games and to compliment the greatest sporting event on the planet with dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, film and digital innovation to leave a lasting legacy for the arts in the UK. With such a celebratory atmosphere extending throughout the summer and beyond, whatever you’re in the mood to celebrate this year, you’ll fnd it in London to suit every budget.

For more information visit: londonandpartners.com/convention-bureau

Time well spent

Posted on by Ben Debski

Renowned for its excellent service standards and stunning avant-garde design, Hilton Madrid Airport has become the first choice for international and national business travellers alike to visit the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Madrid.

Nowadays business means travel, airlines have shortened the distance between one continent and another, opening a world of possibilities for business to be done on the move. Madrid has direct flights connections with more than 168 cities making the capital of Spain one of Europe’s most important destinations.

Business travellers are running against time, squeezing their agendas to make the most of their days, taking early flights, travelling many miles to the meeting venue, arriving late at night to the hotels, catching a taxi and crossing the city to have business lunch in a renowned restaurant, then going back to the Airport to take the latest flight back home.

Hilton Madrid Airport has been fully designed to ensure comfort and a hassle-free experience to all of its guests offering a wide range of possibilities to business travellers whether is a brief meeting or a large event for 600, Hilton Madrid Airport provides businesses with all the solutions to succeed.

Strategically located only five minutes away from Madrid Barajas International Airport, six kilometres from the IFEMA Exhibition Centre and 15 minutes from the city centre, Hilton Madrid Airport benefits its guest with a complimentary shuttle service. This runs to and from all airport terminals from 5.30am to 1am as well as a scheduled service to Plaza de la Independencia, a minutes’ walk from Cibeles, Prado Musem and the Golden Mile Area.

Space totalling 1,700sq m is available for meetings, conferences and conventions of all types and magnitude. Fifteen working areas are equipped with state-of-the- art technology including Wi-Fi Internet, video conference equipment and instant translation systems.

The hotel’s largest function room is the “Isabela Ballroom”, with 754.6sq m and a maximum capacity for 580 people. Due to its particular architectural design, the hotel towers can operate completely separately one from the other providing totally independent spaces and exclusive use to larger events. The North Tower (4* Tower) can be privatised offering complete independent access and space for attendees, personalised corporate identity from a company can be placed across the area to achieve a successful event.

The Hotel offers 284 spacious and modern bedrooms, all with a designated work area equipped with multimedia . Guests choosing to stay at Executive rooms can enjoy the advantages of the Executive Lounge, which has its own reception for check-in and check-out, refreshments available throughout the day, open Bar in the evening and all the necessary features to work in peace.

Relaxing rooms, top cuisine
Hilton Madrid Airport also offers an original concept of rooms: the ‘Relaxation Rooms’, designed so the space, light and colours radiate peace and harmony. These spacious rooms have three different areas: a working area located behind the bed, a King size bed to rest and a luxurious marble bathroom with a hydro-massage bathtub and separate shower. One unique feature of these rooms is that the working area is situated behind the King size bed, concealing it from sight and helping guest completely disconnect form their work while they rest.

Between meetings and conferences, Hilton Madrid Airport guests can enjoy the hotel gym equipped with Precor machines, reduce stress in the sauna or relax in the hydrotherapeutic pool. Take advantage of the advices of Personal Trainers who are specialised in work outs for clients who travel on a regular basis. Don’t have time to work out between meetings but want to relax before or after a flight? Hilton Madrid Airport offer tailor-made in room massages and an in-room bath soap menu to unwind and boost your senses.

When the night falls, the Ferrum Bar becomes one of the hotel’s main attractions with its modern interior decoration and its wide selection of exclusive gins and whiskies. In spring and summer time the Ferrum Bar has a new Terrace to enjoy the summer breeze in the gardens while enjoying a relaxing cocktail and on specific evenings to enjoy music and entertainment.

The stylish Reserva Grill Restaurant is the perfect place to savour delicious local specialties for lunch or enjoy fine dining with its specialised grilled cuisine. Spanish meats and fish are carefully prepared and served with delicious side dishes. Select a glass of wine to perfectly accompany your meal in the relaxed and elegant atmosphere of this modern and stylish restaurant.

Last but not least, at Hilton Madrid Airport we know that everyone’s idea of the perfect breakfast is different. Whether you are in for a heavy day or just want to take it easy, choosing the right breakfast for you is the most important thing we do every morning. Hilton Breakfast allows you to choose between low calories, low, cholesterol with high energy and fibre count or the “the big breakfast” with all the enjoyment of an authentic buffet experience. Just go with “how you feel” and choose the right breakfast every day.

Time for sightseeing? Catch the early complimentary shuttle and head to the City centre. Castilian cuisine and delicious Spanish tapas, time for leisure and moments of relaxations; the city offers a wide range of experiences and the Hilton Madrid Airport manages to combine them all.

Hilton Madrid Airport hotel is more than an Airport hotel; it is the place where business travellers can experience the best in class service from highly trained professionals, dedicated to ensuring that all expectations are not just met but exceeded every time!

For more information visit: www.hilton.co.uk/madridairport

A big turn off

Posted on by Ben Debski

Four countries, eight flights, five hotels and fifteen thousand miles in three weeks. No wonder I’m harassed and stressed. But this time it’s not delayed flights, rogue taxi drivers or hostile hotels that have got me seething. It’s light switches. Oh, and taps. I’ve been familiar with the concept of light switches since I was old enough to reach them and with taps since I was of an age to be trusted not to scald myself.

Click on. Click off. H for Hot tap, C for Cold tap. (Except in Spain and South America be warned, where C means caliente which is Spanish for hot.) Oh yes, I was the Albert Einstein of illuminators and shower takers. Put me in a hotel room, and hey presto it was lit before you could say E = MC squared. Abracadabra – a quick twist of the wrist and hot and cold water poured into the bath at just the right temperature.

Notice the past tense? Was? Now I think there should be a seminar for business travellers: “Module One: Discovering how your room lights work. Module Two: How to run a shower. Course length: Four days.” Forgive the sarcasm, but in none of my hotel rooms was the lighting system the same, nor with one exception could I work it without the help of a long-suffering hotel employee.

In Siem Reap, Cambodia I spent a restless night unable to turn off the light in the small corridor adjacent to the bedroom. Exhausted and jet-lagged I flicked this, I flicked that, this off, then on, and then off again. The light stayed resolutely on, taunting me. Later it transpired it had to be done in sequence. First main room light off, then mirror light off, then bedside lights (both) off, only then could you flick the extra bedside switch to turn off the corridor light. Flick it before those actions, or even after, if you’d not followed the right sequence – and it stayed on.

In Malta there was an internal and external switch to turn on the bathroom lights. But if you tried to put the bathroom one on after you had used the external one to turn the light off, then the interior one wouldn’t come on until you’d flicked on the external one again. But the sequence didn’t work in reverse. With me? No. I don’t blame you, I never quite got it.

In a Vientiane, Laos there was a light near the room door that shone permanently and no switch seemed to affect it. Given that I like to sleep in complete blackness this light drove me nuts. The next day a long-suffering maid told me it was a “safety light” and burned permanently. But you could switch it off – from a switch in the corridor!

In Phnom Penh I could work the lights but was faced with bathroom fixtures seemingly designed by Torquemada. There was just one tap, a lever, and a round swivelling ring with red and blue crudely painted on it.

Pulling the lever made the shower come on, but switched the water from hot to cold. Sweaty and irritable I tried every combination. Nothing worked. The next morning a concierge showed me how to do it. It involved another sequence that I couldn’t follow and over the next three days I didn’t get one hot shower.

Why aren’t these damned things standardised? It’s like rental cars. On your own car the lighting stalk is on the left – say – with wipers on the right. You drive out of the airport lot as I did at Malta, only to find the controls on whatever heap of junk the car rental company had palmed off on me, are on the opposite side. I couldn’t see through the windscreen for teeming rain and instead of turning on the wipers I’d got my  lights on full beam and was getting angrily hooted at by very cross Maltese.

We business travellers have got enough to worry about what with jet-lag, deadlines and the fight to beat off deep-vein thrombosis without battling on/off switches. But let me end this rant with an irritated note to the ground staff of an airline serving the Far East that I imagine I daren’t name for legal reasons: When you’ve got a 40-strong line of customers including Business and First Class passengers waiting impatiently to check-in, (and yes I know you don’t open until 8am,) don’t all stand there at 7.57am sipping tea in full view discussing boyfriends and the latest episode of EastEnders.

(Note: the airline is Thai International).

Maltese property explained

Posted on by Ben Debski

It’s official – Malta has the best climate on earth. Malta was one of two countries that were tied for first place with the title of Best Climate, according to the Quality of Life Index issued by International Living magazine last year. Sharing top honours was Zimbabwe.

Yet a Mediterranean climate (over five hours of sunshine a day) isn’t all that Malta has to offer. Malta’s many other virtues in the nine categories of the IL index combined to earn it third place overall, pipped to the post by the US and New Zealand. That ranking speaks volumes for the size of Malta’s quality offering relative to the island’s land-mass of just 122 square miles.

How about a stable government, economy and a modern health service? These factors carry a lot of pull for wealthy English and Europeans looking to get away from their frosty climes. In fact, frost and snow are unknown in Malta with shirt sleeve order and temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21oC) in November. Flights to many European capitals are also just three hours away, crime is low, education levels high, the locals hospitable and English-speaking with 48 English language schools available. As a result, homes and apartments here have now attracted the international set. So have the historic harbours, five-star hotels, restaurants and summer nightlife.

But overseas domestic buyers aren’t the only ones to recognise the reputation of the island’s property potential. Malta’s success in attracting City hedge fund managers to re-domicile to the island as a result of a well regulated and cost-competitive jurisdiction has spurred more demand for high-quality homes in the sun.

Back in 2000, it wasn’t like this. Sure, the island had a loyal following of repeat overseas visitors but nothing that one could call gold standard.

Despite its geographic location and abundance of sun and sea, Malta’s lifestyle as an up-market destination had little relevance for the aspiring overseas home buyer. That was until Portomaso was built.

George Fenech, the Tumas Group’s Chairman, pioneered the lifestyle concept in Malta. He had a g140m dream. He wanted to enhance the quality of life for those buyers who could make the right investment decision. His vision of the Portomaso marina would bring Malta to the attention of the international property market with the Oscar of the property world –  the Gold Award in the Best Marina Development Category in the 2005 International Property Awards. As a result, Portomaso was acclaimed the most exclusive address in Malta and became home to the well-heeled, international celebrities and footballers.

Those who bought back in 2000 have seen the value of their property rise by over 400 percent since then. Rental returns too, have risen by 10 percent to 12 percent.

Out of the Portomaso mould has been cast two more luxury developments in the north and south of the island, both a stone’s throw from the Med.

They are already reaching completion, thanks to Tumas Developments, the Group’s property arm. As both properties’ websites rather prosaically state, these two new residencies ‘offer lifestyle choices of the highest standards’. More to the point, poured into these two moulds are all those now-familiar expectations of luxury, safety, tranquillity and, you’ve guessed it, lifestyle.

Tas Sellum and Ta’ Monita have been designed to suit most pockets.

Tas-Sellum offers a one-bedroom apartment of 68sq m starting at h158,000 going up to a million plus for larger apartments whilst Ta’ Monita offers apartments starti-ng at k98,000 going up to a million-plus.

Both residences are termed Specially Designated Area, allowing the buyer to purchase more than one property in Malta and Gozo for private use or for business. Perhaps we should create a Portomaso Quality Index. Zimbabwe wouldn’t stand a chance.

Benefits of buying property in Malta
– No tax on capital gains arising out of or into Malta
– Relief through 58 double taxation treaties ratified
– No duty on importing household goods or furniture
– Free repatriation of funds
– No inheritance tax (but duty of 5% is payable on the transfer or transmission of immovable property)
– Reduced registration on importing a motor vehicle, subject to certain conditions
– You can take a mortgage to purchase a property as a non-resident of Malta
– You can rent it out to third parties if bought in an SDA

For more information email: info@tumasdevelopments.com; Tel: +356 21 386 802; +356 79 497 504; www.tumasdevelopments.com

Red Sea splendour

Posted on by Ben Debski

Africa’s leading resort, 2011 (World Travel Awards) is certainly maintaining the buzz created by last year’s accolade and is looking forward to the coming year with renewed vigour after being named Best Luxury Hotel in Egypt, 2012 in the Business Destinations Travel Awards.

It is also helping to preserve the natural beauty of the area – situated in a protected area of the Red Sea with rare fossil coral headland – Savoy protects the natural beauty of Sharm El Sheikh by reducing activities that might cause pollution. Super diving and snorkelling, optional 4×4 desert treks including Bedouin dinners are all run through sustainable methods.

Bars & restaurants
Top international chefs offer the finest fish, meat and vegetarian meals at six mouth-watering restaurants. The high-quality restaurants at the Savoy reflect the authenticity of each culinary tradition. Each restaurant has been designed to provide unobtrusive intimacy for those wishing privacy and the flexibility to accommodate family and larger groups. Guests may also choose from the array of international fine cuisine on offer at Soho Square. All reflect dining excellence, with only the best local and imported ingredients, including fish caught locally the same day. It also features bars inside and outside, including the African-themed Safari Bar, a waterall cave bar as well as places to drink at the pool and on the  beach.

Leisure facilities
The Savoy Arabian Spa’s top-notch workout facilities and services overlook the pool and include fitness rooms, saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzis. Qualified therapists are always on hand to help guests unwind and a variety of massage therapy treatments, manicures and pedicures with head-to-toe body treatments available. The grounds also feature two floodlit tennis  courts, two squash courts as well as  table tennis.

The Savoy’s pools are a favourite with guests for sunbathing and swimming, while jetties on the White Knight Beach have boats from which to explore the Red Sea. Volleyball and beach games are encouraged and the hotel’s own dive centre offers courses and training. From here guests can dive and discover the hundreds of wrecks, including the Thistlegorm. One of the most beautiful of all dive sites is Ras Mohamed National Park, where Manta Rays, dolphins and turtles can sometimes be seen. You can book excursions into the desert to Bedouin villages, the Coloured Canyon and St. Catherine’s Monastery close to Mount Sinai.

Rooms and guest services
The Savoy Sharm El Sheikh features 470 superior rooms ranging from singles, doubles and triples as well as a lavish Presidential Suite. Rooms feature Wi-Fi, multi-channel TVs, big balconies with super sofas alongside excellent service. Many also provide great views of the Red Sea and the tropical gardens.

For the morning, a hearty breakfast is provided and guests may drop off the kids at the Kids’ Club and go off to the Red Sea. For lunch, poolside snacks are available and guests are invited to relax by the lagoon pools. For the evening, why not enjoy a cocktail with dinner, or wherever the mood takes you.

Twenty-four-hour guest services include a business centre, concierge, a shuttle bus to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport and to Naama Bay, a bank & ATM machines, car rental, a medical clinic, laundry and dry cleaning. Tourism experts speak English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Arabic. They can also arrange visits locally and to places such as the Giza Pyramids, a boat trip on the River Nile or to Alexandria or Luxor.

SOHO Square
Just a few steps away from the Savoy hotel, consistently voted Sharm El Sheikh’s leading hotel, Soho Square is the most popular place for visitors to eat, drink, have fun, shop on the Red Sea and the best place to eat and drink of all Red Sea resorts according to international restaurant reviewers.

Unique dining, exciting venues
The top-notch restaurants offer a variety and quality of cuisine from Europe to the Far East. Each has a specialised resident chef, with the knowledge and skills to ensure a memorable evening. Meals are prepared from the freshest foods and local fish is caught the same day whilst meats are carefully selected.

The interior decor for each restaurant is stunning, with entire walls decorated by enchanting murals. Screens separate each room, showing a live feed of the beautiful coral reefs of the Red Sea.

Unique, sophisticated, exciting and fun, Soho Square hosts some of the best venues for dancing and socialising in Sharm El-Sheikh. It is a magnet for young and old alike and everyone can enjoy dancing into the early hours, meet friends and enjoy every kind of bar, from the traditional to the latest fads.

Cafe culture
The new El Kahwa traditional Egyptian café is a wonderful, relaxing spot to sit in the shade and watch the world go by. El Kahwa café imbues the atmosphere of an authentic Egyptian café, serving tea and various types of coffee, including Turkish coffee and minerals. The traditional water pipe (shisha) can be taken with a variety of flavoured tobacco whilst play games of chess, dominos and backgammon.

Traditional English afternoon tea is served at the Salon de Thé with finger sandwiches, scones and an assortment of French afternoon tea pastries.

These are accompanied by a wide selection of teas, which include Earl Grey, English breakfast tea, organic Japanese classic, Assam Irish breakfast and others.

Opening out into Soho Square, Café Chino is the perfect place for a relaxing drink of coffee or tea, or a soft drink. It’s a very Lebanese style bistro, with a great selection of light meals – perfect to watch the Fountain’s fascinating colour-changing display in the centre of the square or to end a night out at Pangaea. Sandwiches on freshly baked bread are also one  of the hotel’s specialities.

Entertainment
Soho Square ice rink attracts both young and old and there’s always room for fun at the popular state-of-the-art 10-pin bowling alley. For the cutting edge in immersive entertainment, guests are invited to the ‘Culturama Panorama’ – an innovative panoramic display that surrounds the audience. By night Soho Square attracts crowds enjoying top international artistes and the ‘cool club set’ at night. It is increasingly the most popular spot for top-ranking artists from the Middle East and elsewhere. The open air stage beside the Dancing Fountain hosts international artists such as leading Arab singers including Carol Samaha and Wael Gassar and international artists including Boney M, singer songwriter Peter Andre and Ukrainian idol Ani Lorak.

For more information visit: www.savoy-sharm.com; www.soho-sharm.com

Perks of business travel

Posted on by Ben Debski

Club Carlson is the global hotel rewards programme from Carlson Rezidor hotels; a global leader in travel and hospitality. It’s now one year since they launched and redefined the landscape of rewards. Members can earn and redeem points quickly for a free night stay at more than 1,000 participating hotels in nearly 80 countries across Radisson Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson hotels and Country Inns & Suites by Carlson.

The Club Carlson programme has made earning Gold Points easier than ever with your stays. Club Carlson offers faster free award nights starting at 9,000 Gold Points, with no blackout dates on standard rooms, as well as a rich array of first-class redemption options such as pre-paid cards, PayPal and the opportunity to transfer points to miles with more than 20 airline partners.

Members can earn 20 Gold Points per US dollar spent on eligible charges, including meals and beverages charged to their room. Members can choose from participating Carlson Rezidor Hotels anywhere in the world and redeem points for free night awards, including 42 stunning resorts in the Caribbean, Europe, Middle East Latin America and Asia Pacific.

The ‘Points + Cash’ award offers a unique opportunity to combine cash with points to reach your dream vacation even sooner. Starting only at 5,000 points for a category one hotel, members can even earn points on the cash portion paid and also qualify for stays and nights towards their elite status. Other rewards programmes do not earn points for the cash component.

Club Carlson members receive 1,000 bonus points for every online booking made on clubcarlson.com or any one of the branded websites. And it gets better; Silver and Gold elite members earn 2,000 bonus points and Concierge members earn 3,000 bonus points. Once more, online booking bonuses are not given in other hotel loyalty programmes. When dining in hotel restaurants in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, members will receive up to a 15 percent discount based on their elite tier status (not applicable in USA & Canada).

Membership tiers
The more you stay, the more rewards members can gain. Club Carlson offers four levels of membership tiers. Red is the entry level and after just 10 qualifying stays in a year or 15 nights members can enjoy the Silver Elite tier and start earning a 25 percent bonus, a room upgrade and early check in and late check out. Become a Gold Elite member after you stay 20 times or 35 nights and you will earn 50 percent bonus points and receive a 15 percent discount when dining in hotel restaurants.

Concierge elite tier provides members with complimentary room upgrades and continental breakfast; a 75 percent point bonus on eligible stays; and access to a special Concierge Service desk for theatre and sports tickets, and reservations at top-rated restaurants worldwide.

Unique offers
Club Carlson offers the fastest earning standard free nights of any hotel loyalty programme when compared to the rate of base points earned per dollar in hotel spend. Club Carlson has also restructured the programme to maximise the speed at which consumers can earn free nights. Club Carlson Elite members receive elite rollover nights as a standard benefit and all nights above the threshold needed for elite tier qualification at the end of the calendar year roll over to the next calendar year.

Club Carlson app
To expand and optimise the reach to the mobile audience, Club Carlson has launched a new iPhone and Android mobile application, which features express booking for all hotels, personalisation options, GPS mapping and the ability to redeem points the app also links to “Explore Destinations”, a best-in-class feature, which stores more than 4.4 million points of interest from local restaurants to great tourist attractions and points of interest.

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Radisson Hotels (radisson.com) deliver vibrant, contemporary and engaging hospitality characterised by its uniquely forward-thinking service culture. One of the most recognised names in the hotel industry, Radisson is a two-tiered hotel brand offering you a choice of an upscale hospitality experience at Radisson hotels or an upper upscale experience at Radisson Blu hotels.

Park Inn by Radisson (parkinn.com) is a fresh, energetic mid-scale hotel brand that focuses on what really matters: a good comfortable stay in a clean and safe environment; from check-in to the moment of departure, the Park Inn by Radisson experience is committed to being friendly, efficient, uncomplicated and hassle-free.

Country Inns & Suites (countryinns.com) by Carlson is a caring and consistent mid-market hotel brand that offers a touch of home that’s both welcoming and genuine. From unique amenities like our complimentary ‘Be Our Guest Breakfast’ to an atmosphere that is comfortable and ideal for business and pleasure, you’ll love all the great reasons to stay with us.

Park Plaza, (parkplaza.com) with smart, spirited service and trend-setting designs, each hotel captures the energy and style of each individual location. A full-service hotel brand that offers award-winning facilities and dedicated staff who live the brands value proposition.

Club Carlson for Business
Club Carlson has designed a reward programme specifically for small and medium sized businesses: Club Carlson for Business. It’s simple, when you become a member of Club Carlson for Business, you receive a Corporate Account ID and for every eligible reservation at one of our hotels with your company ID, you will receive a five percent discount on standard room rates for business travel.

In case your company already has a negotiated rate at a particular hotel (or multiple hotels), you may continue to utilise your negotiated rate at that hotel and take advantage of the five percent discount when you stay at other Carlson hotels. Companies will earn eight Gold Points per US Dollar spent on eligible hotel nights across all brands worldwide.

The programme also offers an additional two Gold Points per US Dollar spent when booked online at clubcarlson.com or any of the brands’ websites. More importantly, travellers continue to earn Gold Points in their individual Club Carlson account (clubcarlson.com/business).

Currently Club Carlson for Business is only valid in the following countries: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Singapore, and Sweden.

For more information and for a full programme of terms and conditions, please visit: www.clubcarlson.com

Qatar’s cultural hub

Posted on by Ben Debski

The Museum of Islamic Art is the flagship project of Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), which under the leadership of its Chairperson, H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa, is transforming Qatar into a cultural hub in the Middle East. Qatar Museums Authority was created in December 2005 with the aim to combine the resources of all museums in the State of Qatar. The governmental organisation is leading plans to develop museums and cultural institutions along with an effective system for collecting, protecting, preserving and interpreting important historic sites, monuments and artefacts.

The Museum of Islamic Art is dedicated to reflecting the full vitality, complexity and diversity of the arts of the Islamic world. It is a world-class collecting institution, which preserves, studies and exhibits masterpieces spanning three continents and 13 centuries. As a centre for information, research and creativity, the museum aims to reach a wide global audience and serve as a hub for dialogue and cultural exchange.

The collection
Representing the full scope of Islamic art, the collection includes manuscripts, ceramics, metal, glass, ivory, textiles, wood and precious stones. Collected from three continents, including countries across the Middle East, and reaching as far as Spain and India, the museum’s artworks date from the seventh through to the 19th century. The pieces represent the diversity found in Islamic heritage and are of the highest quality.

The collection is exhibited on two floors of galleries that encircle the atrium of the museum. Visitors journey in time and across regions, through galleries dedicated to stylistic or historical themes.

Architectural gem
The museum is an architectural masterpiece 60m (195ft) built by I. M. Pei Architect (New York)and located  off Doha’s Corniche. It rises from the sea and is connected to shore by two pedestrian bridges and a vehicular bridge. A C-shaped peninsula which forms the MIA behind the museum offer shelter and a picturesque backdrop. At the end of MIA Park lies ‘7’, a 24-metre-high sculpture by Richard Serra.

The museum is composed of a five-storey main building and the two-storey Education Centre, which are connected across a central courtyard. The main building’s angular volumes step back progressively as they rise around a central domed atrium 50m (164ft) high. The dome is concealed from outside view by the walls of a central tower. A sheet of glass rises to a height of 45m (148ft) on the north side of the museum offering views of the Gulf and West Bay area of Doha from all five floors of the atrium. Ceilings are constructed of intricate cast-in place architectural concrete coffered domes, finished with individual molds.

At the top of the atrium is the circular oculus of a stainless steel dome, which captures facets of patterned light. The form of the dome changes as the structure descends, so its perimeter becomes an octagon and then a square, which in turn is transformed into four triangular column supports.

The Education Centre
The Education Centre allows the public to learn about Islamic art, the Museum of Islamic Art and its collection. It aims to become one of the main learning centres in Qatar. Its programmes, resources, delivery of courses, workshops, talks and activities help local communities play an active and informed role in encouraging new approaches to Islamic art. It also supports a culture of learning to promote the important role museums have in society as centres of knowledge and entertainment.

The Museum of Islamic Art also offers extended outreach programmes and activities to schools, universities and professional institutions to inform them of the essential role the Museum plays in preserving Islamic art and cultural heritage. Additionally, the Museum of Islamic art library has more than 6,000 publications. It will allow the community to have access to a comprehensive lending and borrowing service available to members, researchers and other users.

Inaugurating MIA Park
Officially inaugurated in December 2011, MIA Park is a new 62-acre (25-hectare) public space that has transformed the waterfront of Doha, Qatar. Developed by Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) and located on the grounds of the acclaimed MIA, the Park includes a sculpture plaza featuring a newly commissioned work by Richard Serra titled ‘7’, the artist’s first public work in the Middle East.

Free to the public, MIA Park opened in early January 2012 with a community-wide celebration, including: paddle boats, traditional Qatari folkdance and many other family activities throughout the park.

“MIA Park will be a dynamic place of learning and exploration for children, families and art enthusiasts, with cultural, educational and recreational activities designed to attract one and all”, said QMA Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. “We are especially proud that this new destination will feature an extraordinary work by Richard Serra, one of the leading sculptors of our time. Like the Museum of Islamic Art itself, Richard Serra’s sculpture will serve as a beacon for the arts in Qatar and will further the QMA’s mission to encourage global cultural exchange and introduce the Doha community to art from around the world.”

Designed by Pei Partnership Architects (New York), the crescent-shaped MIA Park curves from the MIA into Doha Bay. C.C. Pei, Partner, Pei Partnership Architects remarked: “Our mission was to work with Richard Serra to create a dramatic sitting for his monumental sculpture. At the same time we are setting the stage for a much larger park that will contain additional commissioned art pieces.”

The Park includes approximately one mile (2km) of lighted pedestrian stone pathways and a formal 2,600-foot (800m) palm-ringed cove promenade connecting the MIA to a 12-acre (5-hectare) man-made peninsula of geometrically shaped abstracted dunes unveiling panoramic views of the West Bay.  Jetting out into Doha Bay is a pier specially created to support Serra’s 7. The nearly 200-foot-long (60m), 79-foot-wide (24m) sculpture plaza on the pier is clad in honed Shanxi Black granite surrounded by water with an elegant set of stairs that rise up from the water’s edge on the south side of the plaza, facing the MIA.

Composed of seven steel plates that are 80ft (24m) high, 8ft (2.4m) wide and four inches (10cm) thick, ‘7’ is Serra’s tallest vertical sculpture to date.

The sculpture is 10 feet (3m) wide at the bottom and nine feet (2.7m) wide at the top.

MIA Park also features a children’s area with an interactive playground and a small cove created in Doha Bay for water activities. Two cafés and a kiosk will offer food, souvenirs and gift items. The Park will be furnished with outdoor furniture designed by Kettal, B+B Italia and Morosso.

Visitors also will enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the park and interactive digital signage will be available with information on various activities taking place around Doha. Year-round public activities at MIA Park will include film screenings, sports events, storytelling programmes and art workshops. MIA Park will be developed in phases, with additional elements and amenities to be announced at future dates.

For further information, please contact: Omar Chaikhouni, Qatar Museums Authority; email: mchaikhouni@qma.org.qa; Tel: +974 4422 4608; http://mia.org.qa

Fine art in Budapest

Posted on by Ben Debski

Budapest’s Museum of Fine Arts is a hidden treasure trove of incomparable masterpieces. Even though the museum has the most significant European art collection anywhere between Vienna and St Petersburg, it is still one of the ‘best kept secrets’ of the European museum map, the wealth of which never fails to impress first-time visitors.

The splendid collection, preserved by the capital on the Danube, includes masterpieces not only by Giorgione, Raphael, Titian, El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, Manet, Monet, Cézanne and Gauguin but by many other world-reknowned masters too. The importance of the collection, which is rich by any European comparison, is clearly demonstrated by the Budapest collection, having been successfully exhibited in recent years at Paris’ prestigious Louvre, the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, the Royal Academy in London and the National Art Center in Tokyo.

In 2007 the Museum of Fine Arts was listed among the 50 most visited museums in the world and in the last few years it has hosted such highly successful shows as El Greco, Velázquez, Goya; Van Gogh in Budapest; The Splendour of the Medici; Turner and Italy; and Botticelli to Titian which included Leonardo’s famous Lady with an Ermine. The success story continues and in autumn 2012 a large-scale Cézanne exhibition will be hosted in the museum, while in 2013 an exhibition will be opened in Budapest titled Caravaggio to Canaletto.

The freedom that ensued in the decades after the end of communism has not brought about a breakthrough for the museums of Central Europe.

Although many of the institutions in the eastern bloc had significant collections, they were unable to exploit their inherent opportunities and thus the contents remained hidden from the public of the western world.

The Museum of Fine Arts achieved a breakthrough at the end of the 2000s and in a short period of time joined the leading museums of Europe thanks to its successful modernisation programme and excellent professional ties. These days it is only natural that thousands of tickets are sold for blockbuster exhibitions and visitors have the opportunity to marvel at masterpieces on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts at big international exhibitions.

The permanent collection
The museum’s rich permanent collection forms the foundations upon which its success is built. The diversity of its holdings, its historical continuity and its wealth of masterpieces ensure it a worthy and prestigious place among the collections of Europe. The Museum of Fine Arts houses the treasures of universal art dating from the ancient world until modern days and its walls, which have stood for over a hundred years, preserve more than one hundred thousand works spanning from ancient Egypt to contemporary art.

The Italian and Spanish collection
The most noteworthy collection can be found in the Old Masters’ Gallery. The three thousand or so paintings preserved in the Old Masters’ Gallery showcase the development of European painting almost without a break from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century. The permanent exhibition of the gallery displays works from the great periods of Italian painting  from the Late Gothic to Rococo, and from Giotto to Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

The abundance of material facilitates a wide selection; thus, the public are able to familiarise themselves with the history of the Italian painting schools through the masterpieces of the most illustrious painters. The Museum of Fine Arts has won outstanding recognition in Europe through the pieces of its Spanish collection. Having received perhaps the most praise of all the collections of the museum, the Spanish section provides a full and comprehensive insight into the history of Spanish painting through masterpieces by El Greco, Velázquez, Ribera, Murillo and Goya.

The Netherlands collection
Similar in size to the museum’s Italian collection, the Netherlands collection spans from the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries. Following the history of Netherlands painting from its beginnings in the Middle Ages to the Baroque genres, the collection reflects the private taste of the middle-class through works by medieval and Renaissance masters to the greats of Flemish painting and the Dutch Baroque. The Department of Art after 1800 also preserves some 3,000 paintings and sculptures by European artists of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The Modern collection
The backbone of the collection of nineteenth-century art is primarily provided by an almost uninterrupted cross-section of the development of French painting with Delacroix as its departure point. The department’s permanent exhibition showcases works by prominent French artists such as Delacroix, Courbet, Daubigny, Troyon and Millet, as well as the masters of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism including Pissarro, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Gauguin.

Contemporary art
The Museum of Fine Arts is not only a splendid venue for showcasing the treasures of the past but also an important centre of contemporary fine arts. In 2010 a successful exhibition – the first in the region – was staged of Fernando Botero’s works, and last year the City Park lake next to the museum was the venue for a contemporary exhibition of sculptures on water. This displayed works by 25 artists from 14 European Union countries created just for this occasion and attracting an audience of several hundred thousand. At the end of last year the Budapest public were able to view an exhibition by William Kentridge, who is regarded as one of the most recognised contemporary artists in the world and listed by Time magazine among the world’s 100 most influential people. Visitors were even able to meet the artist at the museum.

The Museum of Fine Arts is located on a one hundred-hectare site of the City Park, a unique cultural and recreational urban space. In the Museum’s vicinity is one of the oldest city zoos in the world, as well as the largest open-air skating rink in Central Europe, the enchanting Széchenyi Baths and the Grand Circus.

For more information visit: www.szepmuveszeti.hu

Luxury business in Ghana

Posted on by Ben Debski

The Labadi Beach Hotel – sophisticated, sensual, soothing and pampering – has raised the standards yet again. After a high successful 2011, which saw the refurbishment of 50 of its rooms, Ghana’s premier five-star hotel has won two accolades in the Business Destinations Travel Awards, 2012 – scooping Best luxury hotel in Ghana and Best Business Hotel in Ghana for its stunning array of leisure and business hospitality facilities.

Decadent décor
The entirety of the interior décor is made to reflect contemporary Ghanaian flair, tradition and culture. The corridors of the new wing are decorated with miniature chief stools supplied by Wild Gecko. Walking through the corridors and bedrooms, gusts are flattered with opulent rugs that your feet will sink in to, giving you the feeling of walking through an Arabian sultanate palace.

The furniture in the rooms is made in Italy from kiln-dried wood obtained from sustainable forests in the United States and assemblers were flown in from Italy to ensure top quality installation. The furnishings have soft closing drawers and a unique recessed make up mirror that pops up from the desk surface with illuminating lights that aids a flawless facial touch.

In the desk drawer guests will find a high-wattage hairdryer with an uncharacteristic long-length cord for all ladies’ blow drying needs.

Rooms to impress
Each room has a distinct, intricately carved chief’s stool; an exquisitely spiralling stand turning lamp made of wood and a velour chair seat. With its soft cushions and throws in the living suite, true glamour is brought to your living style. The rooms are further enhanced by a long-stem orchid contrasted by dark wood, and should the illumination in the room be too much for your mood, the blackout curtains will certainly come in handy.

The hotel’s bathrooms are designed like nothing guests will have ever seen. With subtle lighting providing a sensuous aura to your bathing experience, you can soothe yourself from the weariness of the daily grind.

Showers are separated from the bath tub area by a glass wall so that guests choose how they bathe. Showerheads are also adjustable for massaging, whilst a full-length mirror is available to ensure that your presentation is immaculate every time. All this is complimented with the sumptuously soft white bath towels that are found in every room.

Award winning luxury
The Labadi Beach Hotel features a stunning array of 164 brand new rooms after an extensive refurbishment programme in 2010, costing a total of $18m. This, along with the fact the hotel fronts on to a private beach and has facilities such as volleyball and floodlit tennis courts.

Highly recommended by prestigious organisations such as Trip Advisor, Labadi Beach Hotel has received accolades from the West Tourism Awards body (WATHA) and Akwaaba Travel Market Fair, been named best CEO in West Africa 2010, Best Five Star Hotel in West Africa (2010, 2011) and of course Best Luxury Hotel in Ghana, 2012 and Best Business Hotel in Ghana, 2012 in the Business Destinations Travel Awards.

Ethical and green initiatives
Whilst the accolades for Labadi Beach Hotel’s prowess in Ghana speak for themselves, the hotel continues to strive to the premier hotel for business and leisure amenities in West Africa.

During the past year the hotel has shown great commitment to sustainable practices and is helping the local community through a number of events such as a Christmas party for the Helpage Shelter for more than 300 elderly people. As part of its drive for social responsibility, the hotel also held a Christmas party for 100 cured sufferers of leprosy at the Christ the King Chapel School in 2011. Throughout the year, the hotel also organised periodic clean-up exercises around the community for the benefit of local residents.

As part of the hotel’s safe environmental practices, the recycles water for operational use. The hotel also adopts practices that involve less chemical usage and adopts eco friendly activities where applicable. Currently the lagoon in the hotel is dredged and it is supplemented with recycled water from our processing plant and aerated by way of our new fountain.

For more information email: Labadi@legacyhotels.co.za; Tel: +233 302 772501 6; www.legacyhotels.co.za

Majestic travel management

Posted on by Ben Debski

Founded in Toronto 20 years ago, CTMS wanted to bring high-calibre corporate travel services to small and medium-sized businesses. Even now, years later, with offices across the world, the ethos of dedication, service and value means just as much. Customer satisfaction is the company’s number one priority and its staff will go out of their way every day to ensure all unique needs and requirements are met. The formula’s not complicated – CTMS will just do all it can to make corporate travel simple.

As a truly global travel partner, CTMS is pleased to serve travellers worldwide, with offices throughout Europe, North America and Asia; with further offices due to open in China, Australia, Canada, Israel and the USA. The launch of CTMS Portal provides customers with a one-stop-shop solution for flights, hotels, cars, private charter, event, sport and meeting management and planning. CTMS also provide travel policy, expenditure management and consulting services, reporting and analysis tools to support your common goals.

Whatever your travel management needs may be, CTMS’s expert team of event managers will work with you through the advanced planning and logistics required for any event, however large or small. At CTMS, the firm’s affiliation with various hotel chains, travel service providers and airlines the world over puts it in a uniquely advantageous position to be able to leverage on its expertise to maximise value across any corporate travel programme for clients.

CTMS are delighted and very proud to have been named Best Travel Management Company, in North America, 2012 – and is certainly testimony of its hard work and dedication.

Simpler corporate travel
CTMS’s portfolio of clients ranges from small and medium to multinational organisations, putting it in a good position to understand a multitude of client requirements from all major markets and industries.

The company has the ability to provide efficient travel management solutions essential to any business as well as maintaining a consistently high standard of quality throughout all transactions.

Being able to provide this service is achieved by having a dedicated team of professionals, who are committed to clients, understand their needs and provide customised solutions. CTMS’ staff are encouraged to think intuitively about the services and products they supply to clients and thanks to them the firm has a very high client retention rate.

With CTMS as your chosen travel provider you will work with a team of professionals who have the knowledge and technical know-how to apply their expertise to your global requirements and deliver a high quality product and service to you every time– ensuring your booking experience with is not only the best-in-class, but also simple.

Tom Osovitzki, CEO of CTMS, had this to say about the firm’s win in the Business Destinations Travel Awards: “We have always placed our clients at the heart of our business and taken a sustainable approach to growth based upon strategic investments in technology, training and development. It has become more important than ever to keep in touch with customers, motivate staff, reduce risk and manage cost efficiently. At CTMS we are committed to helping our clients achieve all of these objectives and we’d be delighted to discuss our approach and services in greater depth with you. We understand, in our own business as well as that of our clients, there is no room for mistakes in the processes involved in booking any form of travel. For that reason we successfully became ISO 9001:2008 certified in 2009. Our Quality Management System gives our organisation the ability to do things better.

We don’t apply our principles purely for altruistic reasons but because they make business sense to us and our partners. That is why our clients see us as a partner going beyond corporate travel. On behalf of all share-holders and staff here at CTMS I would like to thank you for this award and for your continued loyalty.”

For more information email: info.uk@ctmstravel.com; tel:  +44 20 7421 0001; www.ctmstravel.com