World News | forimmediaterelease.net

... press releases & Breaking World News

Dusit International makes its grand debut in Qatar

by

With a view to capture major market share in Qatar’s hospitality sector, Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is set to make its Qatar debut with the launch of Dusit Doha Hotel on 25 April 2019.


eTN Chatroom for Readers (join us)

Located in the heart of Doha’s vibrant West Bay area, adjacent to the breezy Corniche, Dusit Doha Hotel is a five-star modern oasis only 20 minutes by car from Hamad International Airport, and just a five-minute walk from Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, the City centre Mall and The Gate Mall, making it a perfect stopover for business and leisure travellers alike.

Designed to provide luxury experiences at excellent value, the full-service property comprises 261 well-appointed guestrooms and suites and 96 elegant apartments for short- and long-stay guests. Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, honed and developed over more than 70 years, ensures guests can expect memorable, personalised service delivered with genuine care, warmth and respect. Rooms and suites at Dusit Doha Hotel are designed to provide the utmost in comfort and convenience, with expansive living areas ranging in size from 41 sq m for a Superior Room to 131 sq. m for a Suite. Apartments are available in one-to three-bedroom configurations and provide spacious living areas ranging from 95 to 193 sq. m.

Leisure and recreation facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, children’s pool, and a sundeck area offering panoramic views of West Bay. Guests will also find a wealth of dining outlets to choose from, including three restaurants, a classic French café, and a relaxing rooftop lounge.

Ready to welcome guests by the hotel’s opening date is Taste, a contemporary all-day dining restaurant serving tantalising dishes from around the globe and also hosting regular theme nights. This will soon be joined by Dusit’s signature Thai restaurant, Benjarong, which serves Royal Thai cuisine made using the finest local and imported ingredients.

Other upcoming outlets include Antoinette’s Café, bringing a taste of Europe to Doha via fresh French pastries and other baked treats, and The House, offering premium steaks and seafood.

Ideal for weddings, corporate meetings, and memorable social gatherings, the hotel also offers a versatile 574 sq. m ballroom which can accommodate up to 500 people. Spacious and bright with abundant natural light, this atmospheric venue features its own private terrace and can be divided into two smaller venues, each with a separate entrance.

Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa is also set to open at the hotel, offering a wide range of luxury massage therapies and wellness treatments conducted in elegant, private treatment rooms. Designed to promote maximum relaxation, the elegant spa will occupy the entire 29th floor of the hotel, offering separate male and female sections.

“A modern oasis for people to meet, dine, stay and relax, Dusit Doha Hotel delivers the ultimate in luxury and comfort for locals and international visitors alike,” said Mr Gerhard Stutz, Cluster General Manager, Dusit Doha Hotel. “Qatar is one of the fastest growing countries in terms of tourism, and its reputation as a destination of choice is only set to be cemented further when the FIFA World Cup is held here in 2022. As such, there could not have been a more opportune time to launch Dusit Doha Hotel. We now look forward to delighting guests with our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality while positioning the hotel as the market leader in Doha.”

Travel News | eTurboNews

Moscow selected to host annual GSMA Mobile 360 Series event

by

Eurasia conference, a regional event held as part of the activities of GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association), will be held in Moscow, October 8-9 2019.

The decision to host the event in Moscow was adopted as a result of an active work of the Russian Convention Bureau which provided the proposal for venues, and organized an inspection visit for representatives of the international association.

The event will be held in Moscow for the second time, following the successful launch in 2018 which gathered over 600 attendees from 21 countries and 52% were Director-level and above.

In 2019, the conference and exhibition will bring together over 600 policymakers, regulatory authorities, international organisations, Mobile Network Operators, mobile technology solution providers and broader ICT ecosystem players from Russia, the CIS region and the international market leaders in 5G technology. The event will be held at the Lotte Hotel Moscow.

Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, said: “The sphere of mobile and high technologies plays a key role in stimulating economic growth, attracting foreign investments and increasing global competitiveness through development of science and technology. Adding more industries to the list of events organized by the Russian Convention Bureau will not only facilitate the development of corresponding areas of the real economy sector but also help create the image of the country on the international arena as one of the most meaningful players on the market of the event industry.”

Alexey Kalachev, Director of the Russian Convention Bureau, said: “We use various tools of working with international associations as we work to attract various business events to Russia. We are ready to offer universal and customized solutions that will correspond to the needs and expectations of conference organizers of various scale in different industries.”

Travel News | eTurboNews

The Development and Promotion of MICE in Thailand

by

The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is leveraging the development of Thai MICE business in long haul markets in collaboration with foreign chambers of commerce representing Australia, UK, USA and Germany.
​Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, disclosed, “The signing of this MOU – The Development and Promotion of MICE –  between TCEB and Foreign Chamber Alliance (FCA), comprising 4 chambers of commerce representing our main target countries, which are Australia, UK, USA and Germany.
It’s considered another remarkable step of TCEB in altering our role to leverage MICE by serving as a business partner who joins hands with foreign organisations to promote the development of Thai MICE in international markets, as well as to penetrate into long haul MICE markets in Oceania, Europe and the USA, side by side with our main short haul target markets in Asia.
“Indeed, the collaboration is a new dimension of promoting Thai MICE business in long haul markets with concentration on Oceania, Europe and the USA. This is the very first time that the Foreign Chamber Alliance – FCA, which represents Australia, UK, USA and Germany, signed an MOU with a Thai government agency. Interestingly, FCA has more than 20,000 members that include businessmen, investors, entrepreneurs from business, industrial and service sectors, such as Minor Hotels Group, AccorHotels Group, Marriott Hotels Group, convention centres business, as well as oil, mining, pharmaceutical, automobile and other industries,” he added.
“These are considered high potential business groups for propelling the national economy and are included among the targeted industries that the Thai government is keen to encourage in line with the 4.0 Policy. For this reason, this is a lucrative opportunity for us to collaborate to develop and raise the competitiveness of Thai MICE. The 4 chambers of commerce have recognised the importance of using MICE as the gateway to the development of commerce and investment in Thailand and ASEAN,” he said.
With this MOU, the framework for the development of MICE business will embrace 5 dimensions of operation:
• The sharing of MICE statistics and events
• MICE business development
• MICE market promotion
• MICE business research
• MICE personnel development.
Mr. Chiruit further said, “The initial collaboration to mutually promote MICE business will mainly focus on hospitality service, because members of the FCA have long records of investment in Thailand, which have been running alongside their nationwide service businesses. Hence, they have eyed to extend collaboration with Thai government agencies, as they believe the endeavour will open a new door to operate MICE business in Thailand and ASEAN.
“This, in turn, will allow them to study about the dynamics and direction of the Thai MICE market. By joining with TCEB in formulating a marketing development scheme, the synergy will open a new door to connecting with other alliances who relate with the promotion of Thai MICE business in targeted countries. Moreover, there will be co-operation in drawing international events into Thailand, marketing promotion and provision of support for events previously held in Thailand,” he said.
“Target groups and alliances will be invited to participate to strengthen the potential of MICE events held here in Thailand. The FCA will join with us in the exchange of marketing information related to targeted industries held by allied chambers of commerce and TCEB will exchange information on Thai MICE business, including statistics and events, to fully bolster mutual MICE business development,” said the TCEB President.

​He went on to say, “Nevertheless, the FCA expects the Thai government to leverage the competitiveness of Thai MICE business in order to serve global competition. For example, facilitation of customs and immigration procedures; development of infrastructure and transportation; construction of convention centres; development of MICE personnel that meets international standards, and establishment of One-Stop-Service MICE centres. All of which will open a new door to the holding of MICE events in Thailand by efficiently offering enhanced convenience for MICE entrepreneurs and organisers,“ he declared.

Proposals to establish MICE service centres has been included in TCEB’s earlier strategic plan, and the Ease of Doing Business project as well  as the draft of a national strategy of NESDB (National Economic and Social Development Council).
​Mr. Chiruit went on to explain, “After the completion of MOU signing, TCEB is set to discuss with the FCA on the preparation of Phase I work plan, which lasts two years. Both parties will encourage practical co-operation in a rapid and consistent manner. Initially, we have planned to attract events and provide support to the holding of events that relate to targeted industries according to the government’s 4.0 Policy, particularly in the provinces governed by the administration of EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor),” he said.

​“TCEB expects that the collaboration will not only leverage the competitiveness of Thai MICE in long haul markets in Oceania, Europe and the USA, but will also help to attract international events into several regions in Thailand, especially those considered main markets in MICE City project, which are Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. Definitely, we believe the rapport will encourage transfers of technology and knowledge of each industry among one another, and thus will promote advancement in all regions and stimulate income distribution to communities nationwide,” concluded Mr. Chiruit.

Mr. Benjamin Krieg, Vice President, Austcham, explained, “The role of the Foreign Chamber Alliance (FCA) in Thailand and the purpose of signing the MOU combines key Foreign Chambers and their members through this important collaboration, we provide a common voice on advocacy to develop and grow opportunities that can benefit our members and the country of Thailand,” he said.

“The MICE industry is growing, and will also continue to grow in importance and contribution to the overall tourism sector within Thailand, and of course the greater Thai economy. Our primary aim is to continue to increase and grow the competitiveness of Thailand as a leading destination for MICE not only within Asia, but the world, further complimenting the amazing tourism industry that we already are so fortunate to be a part of,” concluded Mr. Krieg.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Hawaii Tourism: New York City MetroCard might just be your ‘golden ticket’ to Hawaii

by

The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB) launched an initiative today that will bring one lucky New Yorker (and a plus-one) all the way from the island of New York to one of the Hawaiian Islands. The key to winning an exciting trip could be right in their pocket. All they need to do is input the number on the back of their Hawaii MetroCard when entering, and if they are selected, the getaway could be theirs. This marks the first time a New York MetroCard can be used for entry into a giveaway.

“New Yorkers are some of the hardest working people on the planet and the subway is a pivotal part of their everyday lives,” said Jay Talwar, chief marketing officer, HVCB. “We appreciate the hustle of New York City, but know that New Yorkers crave time to get refreshed and inspired. Last year, we gave New Yorkers the chance to Work From Hawaii (WFH), but this year it’s all about seeing the islands in a new way before going back to the bustle of the city.”

Here’s how it works:

From Tuesday, April 23, until Tuesday, April 30, participating MTA subway MetroCard Vending Machines (MVMs) will be filled with 250,000 Hawaii-branded MetroCards. Anyone who purchases one of these refillable cards should go to www.hawaii.nyc to enter the code printed on the back. By completing the registration, you’ll then be entered into the giveaway. A drawing to select the winner will be on or about Wednesday, May 8, and the winner will be notified on or around that date.

There are eight MTA subway stations participating in the initiative, with nearly all of the New York City subway train lines included. Your lucky station could be one of the following:

•72nd and Amsterdam – (1, 2, 3)
•86th and Lexington – (4, 5, 6)
•59th and Columbus – (A, B, C, D)
•23rd and 8th – (C, E)
•14th and Union Square – (L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6)
•Broadway & Lafayette at Houston – (B, D, F, M)
•Fulton Street – (A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5)
•Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr – (B, Q, 2, 3, 4, 5)

“New Yorkers use the subway to travel to different neighborhoods for their unique experiences, in similar fashion each of the six islands of Hawaii provides a unique set of experiences,” continues Jay Talwar, chief marketing officer, HVCB. “The MTA brings New Yorkers to the places they want to go, and our goal is to remind New Yorkers that they can maintain this mindset when planning a vacation in the Islands of Hawaii.”

Hawaii’s MetroCard promotion marks the launch of a larger campaign focused on attracting New Yorkers to the Hawaiian Islands. The campaign, dubbed HIxNY, includes Hawaii’s New York MetroCard promotion, as well as six additional promotions, following MetroCard, in collaboration with six other distinct New York-based brands. These brands range from fashion to fitness to cuisine. Itineraries for these six additional giveaways are tied to each of the six Hawaiian Islands and have been co-designed specifically for New Yorkers and will take place every month from May through October 2019. A win-win for those who didn’t get a free trip from the Hawaii MTA MetroCard giveaway.

Upcoming HVCB New York brand collaborations and their corresponding island giveaway include:

•Oahu x The Governors Ball (May)
•Island of Hawaii x Barry’s Bootcamp (June)
•Molokai x Best Made (July)
•Maui x The Infatuation (August)
•Kauai x Saturdays NYC (September)
•Lanai x Four Seasons Lanai (October)

Travel News | eTurboNews

The IGLTA Foundation brings Voyage to New York City

by

The IGLTA Foundation is putting finishing touches on Voyage, its signature fundraising event, unfolding at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers on Friday, 26 April. Produced in conjunction with the IGLTA Annual Global Convention, the benefit celebrates and supports a world in which LGBTQ+ travelers feel safe and welcome.

This year’s event will include a special presentation of the IGLTAF Humanitarian Award to Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally (Love! Valour! Compassion!, Master Class) and theater producer Tom Kirdahy (Master Class, It’s Only a Play). The couple, a powerhouse of Broadway, will also participate in an on-stage interview with emcee Reginald Charlot of NYC & Company, who serves as the IGLTAF Board Chair.

“It’s a great honor to recognize Terrence McNally and Tom Kirdahy,” Charlot said. “They have elevated the voices of LGBTQ+ people through their years of contributions to the stage and made the theater a richer, more diverse place for us all. They also have inspired us through their personal activism in support of marriage equality and HIV/AIDS organizations.”

Voyage will feature music from DJ Dawson, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. IGLTA convention registration is not required to attend. Tickets are available via the igltaconvention.org website and may be collected at the Lighthouse on the evening of the event.

EVENT DETAILS

Voyage
Friday, 26 April 2019
6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The Lighthouse, Chelsea Piers

Travel News | eTurboNews