Newsletter - January 24, 2003  

Meeting Industry Faces Wake-Up Call

MPI and American Express Survey Reveals Meeting Expenditures Will Stay The Same, Number of Meetings Will Increase Slightly, But Industry Planners And Suppliers Widely Apart on 2003 Projections.

/PR Newswire/ - If the travel industry expects more meeting and convention bookings to offset sluggish business and leisure travel in 2003, it faces a big wakeup call, according to a just released meeting industry survey by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and American Express (NYSE: AXP).

Meeting planners in the U.S., Canada and Europe project an overall average budget decrease of 1.1 percent in 2003 vs. 2002, even with a 1 percent average growth in how many meetings they will plan. Conversely, business travel partners who supply hotels, air travel and other services to the industry project a 6 percent average increase in meeting revenue and the number of meetings they will host respectively.

The sizable gap is spelled out in FutureWatch 2003, a first-ever meeting industry report that side-by-side compares buyer and seller data. Beyond differences in what planners say they will spend and what suppliers expect to make in meeting revenues, broader issues include conflicts about flexible cancellation and attrition clauses and increased use of technologies that could greatly impact an industry built on relationship-based buying and selling.

"The business of meetings is big business, and in economic times like this, it's good news that spending will remain relatively the same, and the number of meetings held will increase slightly. Overall, the global $ 102.3* billion industry represents a significant portion of all business- related travel, including approximately 27 percent of all hotel bookings in the U.S. alone. But these trends signal a major shift in how the business of meetings is conducted and reveals a looming threat of commoditization," said Edwin L. Griffin, Jr., CAE, president and CEO of MPI.

"Face-to-face meetings are here to stay, but a soft economy combined with organizations demanding less financial risks when booking, plus new technologies all mean the industry must adapt to change. As the only association equally representing both sides, we hope this revealing data sparks deep dialogue," Griffin continued.

The survey's 1,300-plus planner respondents (15 percent of MPI's total planner base) have significant buying power with 2003 meeting budgets equaling $ 3.94 billion total. More than 2,700 corporate, association, independent and consultant planners, plus suppliers from hotel chains, convention hotels and conference centers, resorts, airlines, convention and visitors bureaus and other related businesses responded to the survey.

Planners and partners differ on projected spending and revenues

According to FutureWatch 2003, the aggregate economic size of the meeting industry in the U.S., Canada and Europe is not expected to change as planners project a statistically insignificant 1.1 percent decline in spend with geographies differing slightly.

-- Canadian planners report the lowest average annual budgets at nearly
   USD$ 1.57 million (approximately CDN$ 2.4 million) but expect the
   highest growth at 3.8 percent.

-- Europeans have the highest average annual budgets at just under
   $ 4 million (approximately 3.9 million Euros) and predict a 2.9 percent
   budget increase.

-- U.S. planners project an average 1.7 percent decline and control
   average budgets of $ 3.3 million.

On average, suppliers hope for a more than 6 percent increase in meetings revenue, with Canadians most aggressive at 8.3 percent, followed by those in the U.S. at 5.8 percent, then Europeans at a 2.9 percent increase.

The two sides are nearly as far apart in predicting change in how many meetings will be held in 2003 vs. 2002, with suppliers again projecting a 6 percent increase overall vs. a 1.1 percent gain indicated by planners.

"It's very clear that the industry is moving more toward a more price- based model, fostering heated competition between various properties, venues and destinations as they rush to grab market share," said Griffin. "Add the fact that planners and their organizations are no longer willing to take the economic risks of inflexible attrition or cancellations clauses and suppliers bear a larger burden to deliver value."

Cancellation and attrition controversy

FutureWatch 2003 also reveals that nearly one-third of planner respondents ranked relaxation of cancellation and attrition clauses as the most significant operational trend for 2003, while 15 percent of suppliers placed relatively low priority (fourth out of four options) on becoming less stringent with cancellation and attrition clauses, behind choosing more flexible pricing, additional incentives or personal service to better help planners in 2003.

"It is obvious planners seek flexibility and greater assurance that their meeting business commitment will not result in an overwhelming loss in the case of catastrophe, which creates a larger burden for business travel partners to prove value and assume economic risk. The two sides must come together on this issue," said Griffin.

Increased impact of investment in technology

The use of and investment in technology is potentially moving an industry steeped in one-to-one buying and selling toward a more low-touch sales process.

-- Planners project a 23 percent increase in Web use to window shop for

venues and destinations, while expecting to increase actual Internet

bookings by only 5 percent.

-- 81 percent of suppliers said they will invest in Web site improvements

in 2003.

-- 54 percent of suppliers anticipate increased investment in customer

relationship management (CRM) technology training and staff.

"As companies and associations downsize meeting departments and move more toward the Internet, much like we've seen in the business and leisure travel segments, planners will have to adapt in order to maintain their internal value," said Griffin. "Already we're seeing a shift in the corporate world toward the process of acquiring meeting support and services becoming a function of the procurement department to generate efficiencies."

Additional findings

The survey also revealed that:

-- Independent planners will have the largest budgets in 2003 with an

average of more than $ 4.8 million in annual spending, nearly

$ 800,000 more than the average budget for corporate planners.

-- Primary markets will continue to dominate as hosts for major meetings,

but about 9 percent of planners overall expect to increase use of

secondary, regional and domestic markets.

-- U.S. and Canada planner venues of choice are resorts or city hotels

(62 percent), while Europeans favor city hotels or convention centers

(54 percent).

Association Insights, an independent market research firm, conducted the research for FutureWatch 2003. Approximately 15,500 MPI members were invited to participate via email, to which more than 13 percent of suppliers (1,130) and 18 percent of planners (1,340) responded.

About American Express

American Express is a leader in corporate expense management services; its Corporate Cards, Corporate Meeting Cards and Corporate Purchasing Solutions are used by more than 70% of the Fortune 500 and tens of thousands of mid-size companies. American Express Meetings & Incentives assists clients with a wide range of meeting planning and event management services. American Express also operates one of the world's largest travel agencies with more than $ 17.2 billion in worldwide travel sales in 2001. American Express Company, a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850 -- is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.

About MPI

Established in 1972, Dallas-based MPI (www.mpiweb.org ) is the leading expert committed to shaping and defining the future of the meeting and event industry. As the largest professional association for the $ 102.3 billion meeting industry, MPI defines the return on investment and strategic value meetings bring to individuals, organizations and the global economy. MPI members conduct more than 770,000 meetings and special events annually. MPI helps its members enhance professional value by providing them with best practices, superior education, research, professional development and networking opportunities.

* $ 102.3 billion is the total spending for the meeting and convention industry in 2001, as determined by the total value of output delivered to final demand as a result of delegate, association, exhibitor, corporate and incentive traveler expenditures. Convention Industry Council

SOURCE Meeting Professionals International

News@PATA

PATA UNVEILS NEW STRATEGIC PLAN AT BAHRAIN BOARD MEETING

The PATA Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan at the PATA Board of Directors meeting in Bahrain, January 17-19, 2003. The Board favourably endorsed the ten policy initiatives contained in the President's 'New Agenda for PATA’, namely:

1) To protect the industry and the region; position the Association as the pre-eminent leader and voice on travel and tourism in the Pacific Asia region; and promote travel to and within the region

2) Use new technology and media to directly reach the consumer, in support of our members' products and services

3) Develop a strong, close and supportive special relationship with China (PRC) and India

4) Create an “Allied Partner” category for government member bodies outside the PATA region to affiliate with PATA

5) Create an “Individual Member” category

6) Draw more “Young Tourism Professionals” to PATA

7) Appoint a dedicated PATA staff member at its headquarters to strengthen and empower the PATA chapter network

8) Provide membership benefits only to members in good financial standing with the Association

9) Adopt a fiscal year based on the calendar year

10) Reduce the frequency of PATA Board of Director meetings from three to two times a year, in conjunction with the PATA Annual Conference and PATA Travel Mart, effective from 2004.

PATA THAILAND CHAPTER TO LAUNCH ONLINE SEMINAR

The PATA Thailand Chapter and the Asian Institute of Technology will host a seminar entitled “On-Line Strategy for the Travel Industry” at the Sofitel Central Plaza Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, February 21, 2003. The all-day intensive seminar is designed to provide in-depth information about the Internet, its applications and how to maximise business potential from this fast-growing distribution channel. The seminar will include presentations by leading academics in Web technology from Thailand’s Asian Institute of Technology, Diethelm Travel, Siemens and the Association of the Thai Computer Industry.  Important legal issues concerning the Internet, trends in the software industry and related case studies will be examined. The presentations will be available on CD-ROM at the close of the sessions. Registration for PATA members is THB1,500 per person, THB1,900 for non-members and US$50 for spouses for social functions only. For registration and further information tel: (66-2) 2375195-9.

Fax: (66-2) 2375190. E-mail: pata@asiaaccess.net.th. Web site: http://www.patathailand.org.

8TH MTF LAUNCHES TOUR PROGRAMMES

Participants of the 8th Mekong Tourism Forum are invited to explore Vietnamese culture with a series of tour programmes. The Forum will take place in Hanoi at the Hanoi Daewoo Hotel on March 28-30, 2003. The tours will visit Hanoi, Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam, a pottery village at Bat Trang, Hai Phong’s classical European colonial architecture, Halong Bay by boat, ancient Cham culture in Danang and the ancient port town of Hoi An. The event is supported by the Asian Development Bank, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Agency for Coordinating Mekong Tourism Activities (AMTA). Delegates who register before February 28 will save US$20 on registration. To register, visit http://www.pata.org/frame_e.cfm?pagetype=eprog&ebid=35. For reservations and further information about the tours, please contact Mrs. Dang Thuy Lan at Vietnam Tourism-Hanoi. Tel: (84-4) 826-4154. Fax: (84-4) 825-7583. E-mail: vntourism3@hn.vnn.vn. Web site: http://www.

vn-tourism.com.

PATA STANDS OUT AT EIBTM 2003

PATA Europe Division has organised a stand at EIBTM, a leading international incentive, business and meetings event, in Geneva, Switzerland, May 20-22, 2003. The PATA stand is strategically located in the Pacific Asia area, by the main entrance. For information and to register please contact PATA Europe. Tel: (377) 92 05 61 32. Fax: (377) 92 05 61 33. E-mail: europe@pata.mc. 

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL OFFER FOR WTM 2003

After the success of World Travel Market 2002, a PATA stand will be organised for World Travel Market 2003 at Excel in London, November 10-13, 2003. The PATA stand is secured in a prominent location within the Pacific Asia area and is traditionally very popular with the trade. A US$200 early bird discount will be offered for registration received by July 31, 2003, making the registration fee only US$2,900 (year 2000 rate). For registration details and more information, please contact PATA Europe at europe@pata.mc.

BOOK NOW AND SAVE ON LUXURY SHOW REGISTRATION

PATA will organise a stand at the International Luxury Travel Market 2003 (ILTM) in Cannes, France, December 9-11, 2003. ILTM 2002 attracted impressive numbers of luxury travel buyers interested in the Pacific Asia region. Registrations received before March 31, 2003 will pay US$3,040 (US$1,000 deposit to be received by March 31; balance due by August 31). US$3,100 is charged for registration after March 31. Late registrations submitted after August 31 will pay US$3,500. To register and for more information, please contact PATA Europe at europe@pata.mc.

PATA STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE CENTRE WORLDWATCH

** One of Southeast Asia’s longest stayed cable bridges will be built in Vietnam, beginning 2004. The six-lane US$342.6 million Can Tho Bridge will span the Hau River and connect Can Tho and Vinh Long provinces.

** The Asian Development Bank announced that Vietnam's economic growth is expected to increase by 6.8 percent in 2003. Consumer spending will expand 4.5 percent, while the services sector will grow 5-6 percent.

** Visitors arrivals to the Philippines increased 7.6 percent in 2002. Major markets included China (PRC) +46.8 percent and Korea (ROK) +38.7 percent, while secondary source markets in Southeast Asia surged, notably Singapore and Thailand.

** China (PRC)'s total tourism income is predicted to reach CNY600 billion (US$75 billion) in 2003, with US$21.5 billion expected from 100 million inbound visitors and US$53 billion from 900 million domestic travellers.

**The Asian Development Bank will provide a US$500,000 technical assistance grant to help improve six small airports in the northern Lao PDR provinces of Bokeo, Houaphan, Oudomxai, Phongsaly, Sayaboury, and Xieng Khouang.

ASTA's 2002 World Travel Congress in Hawaii - Highest Rated

Travel agents who attended the American Society of Travel Agents' (ASTA) 2002 World Travel Congress in Hawai`i rated it the highest among ASTA Congresses during the past five years. Exhibitors also gave the trade show high marks. "ASTA's 2002 World Travel Congress in Hawai`i was a tremendous success. We owe a big thanks to the Hawai`i Visitors and Convention Bureau, Congress Chair Susan Tanzman, all the travel agents and suppliers who attended, as well as the numerous other people who worked so hard to make Hawai`i a memorable time," said ASTA President and CEO Richard M. Copland, CTC.

ASTA surveyed U.S. delegates and found that respondents were very satisfied with ASTA's World Travel Congress in Hawai`i. Many agents remarked that the 2002 Congress was the best conference they have attended. On a scale of one to 10, where 10 was the best, agents rated the Hawai`i Congress a score of 8.7. The past five Congresses received the following favorable ratings: New York, 7.3; Las Vegas, 7.2; Strasbourg, 5.3; Los Angeles, 6.8; and Glasgow, 7.2. Overall, the percentages for above average and excellent ratings were very high (76.3 percent). Agents gave high ratings to business opportunities at Congress, including educational seminars (79.4 percent) and networking (70.2 percent).

 This is an improvement from ratings of educational seminars in New York (64.4 percent) and Las Vegas (70.8 percent), and ratings of networking in New York (56.8 percent) and Las Vegas (60.9 percent). Agents were also pleased with the sightseeing events, general sessions and social opportunities in Hawai`i. Survey respondents said they preferred motivational and inspirational speakers as General Session speakers. Travel industry leaders came in second, while business experts and technology gurus were the third choice. Agents said they loved receiving their badge ahead of time - a new benefit at the 2002 Congress. About 61 percent said they preferred to have their badge mailed to them.

The trade show in Hawai`i differed from those in the past because attendees were able to order brochures rather than carrying them home. About 81 percent said they preferred to order the brochures. Nearly 90 percent of travel agents reported that they made a significant number of new business contacts at the trade show. Trade show exhibitors rated the Hawai`i trade show an average of 6.9, while exhibitors rated the New York and Las Vegas trade shows 5.1 and 5.9, respectively. Exhibitors were the most satisfied with the booth space and networking opportunities. Each received more than 55 percent of votes in the above average and excellent categories. Business leads saw a dramatic improvement. The number of exhibitors who said they made more than 100 business leads at the trade show more than doubled, compared with the trade shows in New York and Las Vegas

At the 2002 Congress, ASTA introduced the Nomad Palm Pilot, a lead retrieval system used to capture travel agent contact information. About two-thirds of exhibitors who rented the Nomad plan to do so again next year in Miami. ASTA's 2003 World Travel Congress in South Beach, Miami, to be held Oct. 21-26, 2003, will include a program of interactive workshops, product seminars, expert speakers and evening galas, including a dinner sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, future host of ASTA's 74th World Travel Congress. ASTA's Congress and Cruisefest East will be held together, bringing agents an action-packed week, filled with education and networking opportunities. The combined registration fee for both 2003 Congress and ASTA's Cruisefest East is $129.00 for travel agent delegates registering through April 1, 2003.

Marriott Launches Major Global E-Commerce Venture 

Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) has launched one of the hotel industry’s most ambitious e-commerce ventures. The first three of 10 planned localized international Marriott.com web sites went live today. They are for the German (www.marriott.de), Japanese (www.marriott.co.jp) and Mexican (www.marriott.com.mx) markets and will offer customers a new way to do business anytime, anywhere in their local language with information that is culturally relevant.

“As the Internet brings the world closer, we felt it was essential to provide our customers with web sites that meet their travel needs and offer them information in their languages,” said Susan Thronson, Marriott’s senior vice president, brands, international lodging.

She added that these sites are market specific but they are global in nature. While their content is designed for the local market, the look and feel is consistent across sites.

All sites are authored and maintained locally and run on Microsoft Content Management Servers. The individual regions determine what web site content is relevant to their customers.

Customers using the sites will be able to make reservations and research information on the hotels, meeting planning and Marriott Rewards.

Over the next year, Marriott plans to add web sites in the United Kingdom, France, South Korea, China, Australia, the Netherlands and Canada.

Four Seasons Hotels And Resorts Conference Call

/PRNewswire/ -- Four Seasons Hotels Inc. (TSX Symbol "FSH"; NYSE Symbol "FS") announces that it will be releasing its 2002 fourth quarter and year-end earnings on Thursday, February 27, 2003, before the markets open.

The Company expects to hold a conference call to discuss the results on the same day at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time).

To access the call dial: 1 (888) 740-4844 (U.S.A. and Canada)

1 (416) 641-6704 (outside U.S.A. and Canada)

To access a replay of the call, which will be available for one week after the call, dial: 1 (800) 558-5253, Reservation Number 21107407.

A live web cast will also be available by visiting http://www.fourseasons.com/investor . This web cast will be archived for one month following the call.

Melbourne: visitor surge aids hotel-room sales
 
The Age -  Unexpectedly strong visitor numbers boosted Melbourne's hotel sector at Christmas but threats of oversupply continue to cloud prospects for this year.

Despite the general tourism malaise, figures from the Australian Hotels Association showed total room sales improved in the recent Christmas period compared with December 2001, although average occupancies were down thanks to the greater number of hotels on the market.

A report on Melbourne's tourism industry by valuer Landmark White had tipped a short-term slump in demand for rooms, with the prospect of a rise in room yields in the next 12 to 18 months on an expectation of healthy tourism forecasts.

The tourism report expected the number of international travellers to Australia to rise 3.5 per cent this year before stronger growth in 2004.

However, terrorism threats would continue to have an adverse effect on visitor arrival numbers, particularly from distant countries, Landmark White research manager Megan Beerworth said in the report.

Individual operators confirmed the boom in Christmas visitor numbers. Heidi Robinson, director of sales and marketing at Melbourne newcomer the Ramada Hotel, claimed all rooms were full.

"We are really pleased," Ms Robinson said. "We have only been open 12 months and we have seen sensational occupancies - the biggest I have seen in January."

Amid the activity, two city hotels, including the iconic Adelphi, have begun sale talks.

John Denton, director of Denton Corker Marshall, which owns the Flinders Lane development, confirmed that a group of local investors were interested in the building.

He said the discussions were preliminary and the firm was not actively looking to sell.

"What happened is there are some people doing due diligence and looking at setting up a strata-titled concept," Mr Denton said.

"They may be signing. They have put contracts to people to package up a group of investors to look at buying it outright. But as I say, they haven't signed a contract, haven't paid any money yet. At the moment it's all out there in La La Land."

The Hotel Enterprize in Spencer Street is in talks to sell a 50 per cent stake in the recently refurbished, 200-room business. General manager Stephen Fewell said there had been a lot of interest from Australian and Asian investors.

However, talks will need to be speedy if owners are to capitalise on the current market buoyancy, because analysts are forecasting a correction.

Jones Lang LaSalle senior vice-president Mark Durran said he believed the city and Docklands areas in particular were in for some rough trading.

"Oversupply has to bite at some point," Mr Durran said. "And we think this year that should start to manifest itself with more competitive room rates and reduced occupancies."

10^th edition of the Levant’s largest and most regional hospitality and food forum to be held in April 2003

The Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure center is gearing up to host the largest edition of the annual Horeca show, which will occupy two halls during April 1-4, 2003 at BEIL, Beirut Central District. The annual meeting-place will be supported by The Syndicate of Lebanese Hotels owners, Syndicate of Lebanese Restaurants, Cafés, Pastry shops and Night-Clubs owners, Syndicate of Lebanese Food industries and Syndicate of Lebanese Supermarkets owners.

Horeca attracts visitors from all over the region. More than 16,000 trade professionals visited the 2002 edition, with representation from 47 countries mainly from Armenia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Jordan, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, Poland, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.

In addition, the show attracts key decision-makers from Hotel, resort, Furnished apartment, Restaurant, night-club, pub, Club, Pastry shop, bakery, Supermarket, retail store, Architect, interior designer, contractor, Consultant, franchise, Finance, Equipment supplier, Food & Beverage supplier, Independent caterer, Institutional Catering, Media, Services.

 “With continued development in the number of hotels and food outlets in the region, the potential opportunities for participating exhibitors continues to expand” said Joumana Dammous-Salamé.

“Beirut has seen a sharp rise in restaurant and hotel activities during 2002, while 2003 is expected to be ever better.”

The exhibition’s product profile is extensive and includes, catering equipment & services, tabletop, uniforms & linen, laundry, maintenance & hygiene, technology: software, telecommunication, security, audiovisual supplies, packaging, schools, universities, franchise, finance & management, services, furnishings and fixtures for the industry, food and beverage products.  

The 10^th edition of horeca has been booked with more than 70% in the number of exhibitors with the participation of  foreign pavilion from Austria, Cyprus, Italy, Jordan and Tunisia  

Kempinski appoints new operations head

AsiaTravelTips.com  -  Kempinski Hotels & Resorts recently announced the appointment of Michel Novatin as Director of Operations. Novatin joined Kempinski on January 13th 2003. Reporting to the CEO, Novatin will be responsible for operations in all  Kempinski properties. Hotel General Managers, Regional Vice Presidents and Regional Directors will report to Novatin, who will be based at Kempinski’s world-wide headquarters in Geneva.

Novatin has broad, international experience. He joins Kempinski from Société des Bains de Mer (Monte Carlo), where he was Group Managing Director for five years of the Hotels, Restaurants and Gaming Company. Previously Novatin was Président Directeur Général of the Tourism Branch of the Danone Group, based at the Domaine du Royal Club Evian (France) for seven years,   large resort complex including hotels, restaurants, casino and golf courses. Novatin was also General Manager of several Inter Continental and Le Meridien hotels from 1972 until 1986 in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Novatin, 58, is a native of Alsace, France and speaks fluent French, German and English. He is married with two children.

Founded 105 years ago, Kempinski’s portfolio of over 30 properties comprises international grand dames, as well as breath-taking modern hotels and a growing collection of luxurious resorts. Landmarks include the legendary Hotel Adlon Kempinski in Berlin, Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg, the  Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski in Istanbul and the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus in Budapest. 

Kempinski Hotels & Resorts has entered a phase of significant expansion. Kempinski’s first ski resort, Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains in St Moritz, Switzerland, opened on December 15th, shortly followed by the openings of Le Mirador Kempinski in Vevey, Switzerland, and the Kempinski Hotel  Nikopolis in Thessaloniki, Greece. The Kempinski Grand Hotel in Heiligendamm, Germany, will open on the shores of the Baltic Sea, in May. 

The growth of the portfolio continues apace with the development of a huge Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, which will open in 2004 ; and in the same year Kempinski will open what will be the leading luxury hotel in Sao Paulo, Brazil. 

Marco Polo Announces Second Beijing Hotel

The Marco Polo Hotel Group has entered into an agreement for the pre-opening, technical services and long-term management of an international standard full service deluxe hotel to be built by Beijing Huahui Real Estate Development Center in the Chaoyang district in close proximity to Beijing’s Olympic Park

Celebrating the announcement of the Marco Polo Hotel Group’s second hotel in Beijing , a signing ceremony was held today in Beijing today represented by the senior management of the Marco Polo Hotel Group and Huahui Real Estate Development Center

The new Marco Polo hotel will be the focal point of a multi-use office and commercial complex, 600 meters from the entrance to the new Olympic Park, venue of the 2008 Olympic Games. Scheduled to open in 2006, the 18-storey hotel will provide over 330 rooms and suites, the signature Continental Club Floor, world-class restaurants and entertainment lounges, extensive conference and banquet facilities and a state-of-the art fitness center.

“We are delighted to be operating a second Marco Polo hotel in Beijing , one of the fastest growing and important international markets. We are most pleased to be in partnership with one of China ’s most well-respected and experienced real estate companies for the development of this important hotel, perfectly timed to fulfill the requirements of the 2008 Olympic Games,” said Mr. Michael Kalyk, President of Marco Polo Hotel Group.

“We are pleased to be working with the professional hoteliers of the Marco Polo Hotel Group, a well established Hong Kong-based hotel management company with significant experience in the development and operation of quality hotels in the Asia Pacific region. Our working relationship with the Marco Polo Hotel Group assures the success of the hotel,” said Mr Sun Yonghua, the General Manager of  Beijing Huahui Real Estate Development Center.

Beijing Huahui Real Estate Development Center is a professional real estate development corporation.  Since its foundation in 1995, Huahui has been developing new ideas, new mechanisms and new approaches to accomplish the construction of municipal facilities in the area north of the Asia Games Village .  Along with the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing , Huahui will strive to become the leading developer of residential property   in the 21^st century.

The Marco Polo Hotel Group is a Hong Kong based hotelier, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Wharf Holdings Ltd. - one of Hong Kong ’s leading property investors.   Founded in 1986, the Marco Polo Hotel Group is a market leader in the management and operation of outstanding hotel properties offering a hospitality experience that is warm, efficient and distinctly Asian.  In the years to come, the Group will develop and operate an additional of five to seven prestigious hotels in prime locations within the Asia-Pacific Region

The Marco Polo Hotel Group’s first mainland property is the lakeside Marco Polo Xiamen, a market leader since opening in 1996.  The Marco Polo Beijing, having opened in Xidan of the Xicheng District in 2001, recently won two of Asia ’s most prestigious interior design awards and has become the model for the Marco Polo Group’s continued expansion into China and the other key business centers of the Asia-Pacific region

With the opening of a new Beijing Hotel, the Marco Polo Hotel Group will have a portfolio of eight properties in Asia including The Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, The Marco Polo Gateway and The Marco Polo Prince in Hong Kong; The Marco Polo, Xiamen and The Marco Polo, Beijing in China; The Marco Polo, Davao in the Philippines and Omni Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  Further details on the Marco Polo Hotel Group is available at www.marcopolohotels.com

Exhibitors From 7 Different Countries Prepare A Showcase of An Incredible Range of Products and Services Under One Roof

Beirut, January 22, 2003.  For the first time in the 10-year history of HORECA, Jordan will officially be represented through a national pavilion at HORECA 2003 aimed at enhancing trade and tourism between Jordan and Lebanon as well as the wider region.  The pavilion has been organized by Events Unlimited of Jordan, the co-organizers of the International Hospitality Forum.  The Jordan Tourism Board will sponsor the participation of Jordanian companies who will be displaying various products covering foodstuff, hotel amenities, contract furnishing and many other products and services supplied and produced by Jordanian companies.

In addition, other countries will organize pavilions at HORECA benefiting from the boom of tourism and investment in Lebanon.  For the first time, Austria, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand will participate at HORECA.  Turkey, Holland and Cyprus, who were very satisfied in previous years will join HORECA once again with bigger and better stands.

The show’s success stems from the fact that last year the Arab Summit and the Francophone summit demonstrated their confidence in Lebanon by selecting Lebanon as a host country.  In addition, new hotel construction is on the horizon: A Kuwaiti firm, Landmark, will invest $150 million to build a five-star hotel and a complex of residential apartments and commercial offices.  The Hilton group is building a $60 million 170-room project of 20,000 square meters.  Solidère announced deals for hotel projects worth up to $200 million to be built in the next two years in downtown Beirut.  Saudi Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal is also undertaking a multi-million dollar Four Season and Marina Towers project.

Editor’s Note:

Ø       More than 65% of the area is booked as of the present time.

Ø       More than 110 Lebanese companies have already reserved their booths.

And…daily activities including Hospitality Salon Culinaire, Lebanese Barmen Contest, Deco’tel, table setting contest, Job meeting point, conferences & workshops as well as an array of networking opportunities

Record visitors for Global Village

Global Village 2003, the international attraction of the Dubai Shopping Festival, is heading for a record visitor in-take with figures for the first six days of DSF showing a 36% increase on last year.

In the initial six days of DSF 2003, some 416,981 people visited Global Village, which is hosted by Dubai Festival City, the ‘city-within-a-city’ project being built on the banks of Dubai Creek. The turnout compares with 308,716 visitors for the same period last year.

"While the attendance figures themselves are very encouraging, we are also particularly heartened that our efforts to improve access to the Global Village site appear to be paying dividends with little congestion on the Al Garhoud Bridge," said Alan Gordon, General Manager, Global Village.

Infrastructure, facilities, access and parking at the Creekside entertainment spectacular were improved for Global Village 2003 to cope with an anticipated increase in visitor numbers. Alongside a 30% increase in the number of car parking spaces, an additional pre-paid parking scheme and more access points from Al Rebat Road, the 32-day ‘window-on-the-world’ features shuttle services with a tram, road trains and horse-drawn carriages.

"We are now approaching the 500,000th visitor mark when the person recorded as the lucky half millionth guest will receive a pair of matching Cerruti watches courtesy of Bin Hendi Enterprises," explained Gordon. "Every half millionth visitor to the Global Village will be rewarded with Cerruti watches with a special surprise gift being lined up for the three-millionth visitor should we reach this incredible target."

Five Dubai-based charity organisations are to benefit from the Global Village pre-paid parking initiative. A percentage of fees raised from the sale of the pre-paid packages, which are Dhs500 each, is to go to the charities. The pre-paid packages give card-holders unlimited access to an exclusive approach road and parking facilities at Global Village for the duration of DSF.

Pre-paid parking packages are available from the DSF at the Economic Department in Baniyas Road, the Al Futtaim Centre, Marks & Spencer & Toys ‘R’ Us showroom on Salahuddin Road, the Global Village Office on the Dubai Festival City site and at selected Spinneys outlets.

"In response to requests from visitors, we’ve also added a booth at the pre-paid entrance to allow on-the-spot parking pass purchases," added Gordon.

Additionally more information is available from Ahlan Dubai on Dubai 090 400 99.

Global Village 2003 is jointly produced and managed by the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Al-Futtaim Group, which is developing the 1,200 acre mixed-use Dubai Festival City project. Global Village 2003 features 32 pavilions, a giant fun fair, stage and street entertainment, restaurants, coffee shops and a new children’s play area.

About Dubai Festival City:
Comprising 15 distinct development zones, Dubai Festival City is a property development by the Al-Futtaim Group and is the Middle East’s largest mixed-use real estate project. The privately-funded property will comprise a unique mix of entertainment, dining, shopping, edutainment, sport and leisure facilities, automotive dealerships, hotels, a marina, residential and office components. For sporting enthusiasts, an 18-hole recreational golf course, designed by world-renowned golf course designer Robert Trent Jones II LLC, and other world-class sporting facilities are also being incorporated into the overall development.

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