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Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine visits Shannon College graduates

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The Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Minister Didier Dogley accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Anne Lafortune and the Director for Tourism Human Resource Development, Diana Quatre visited graduates of Shannon College at their current place of employment as part of a mentoring initiative, following a resolution at the last committee meeting held in December 2018.

The visit was conducted at four different hotels, namely the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa and the Constance Ephelia Seychelles on Monday 15th April 2019.

The purpose of the visit was to meet with graduates of Shannon College who are working in the hotels of Seychelles and establish a communication channel between the graduates and the Ministry.

The first hotel to be visited was the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles employing the largest cohort, comprising of 7 Shannon graduates. This was followed by Kempinski Seychelles Resort & Spa with two graduates, Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa with one graduate and the Constance Ephelia Seychelles with 3 Shannon graduates.

During the visit, graduates were given the opportunity to express their views, in the presence of their hotel managers. The main point of discussion was centred on the minimum salary and career progression within the hospitality industry. Overall the graduates in the four hotels were satisfied with their working condition and the opportunity offered to develop their career further.

Minister Dogley stated that “The visits of the Shannon graduates in their workplace and the meetings held with their General Managers provided an excellent opportunity for me to learn about the progress they have made as professionals in the hospitality industry.  Most of them had clear career paths and personal development programs.

It was a real pleasure and an eye opener to discover that the majority of them are already working as managers in some of our top brand hotels.  This in itself shows that the vision government had for more well-trained and highly skilled Seychellois to take leadership roles in our hospitality industry is becoming a reality.”

 

The Ministerial delegation will also be visiting graduates from the other tourism establishments in order to provide similar opportunities for interaction. These visits are in line with the goal of the Ministry to ensure that the tourism sector is equipped with qualified individuals and shall endeavour to continue to assist graduates in achieving their dreams of progression to senior positions within the hotel industry.

 

To date, there are 74 Shannon College graduates who have gone through this programme.

Travel News | eTurboNews

New Executive Chef at Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa Malaysia

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Guests dining at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa’s signature Eat Well menu, as well as its array of local and international cuisine, are in for a healthier, heightened culinary experience with the appointment of Glen Roberts as the 5-star resort’s Executive Chef.

Glen’s primary emphasis will be on overseeing and enhancing the Eat Well program at The Westin Langkawi, which provides guests with nutritious dishes sourced responsibly and created thoughtfully. The program, offered at Westin Hotels & Resorts worldwide, focuses on accommodating individual dietary preferences and needs without compromising on flavour, taste or satisfaction.

“The Eat Well program is a unique initiative based on the belief that feeling good starts with the right nourishment,” said Glen. “It’s an honour to be part of a stellar team that operates on a wellness-first philosophy, and I’m eager to acquire local insights and exchange knowledge on how best to provide guests a thoughtful, nutritious yet appealing culinary experience.”

Alongside his team from The Westin Langkawi, the widely-travelled food connoisseur will also be in charge of elevating culinary offerings at the Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC), the island’s leading and largest centre of its kind.

Glen arrives in Langkawi after a stint at the 5-star Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai, where he was part of the pre-opening team. Prior to his spell in the United Arab Emirates, he spent two years, from 2016, as the Executive Chef at the Shangri-La in Surabaya. His culinary adventures, however, began almost 5,000 kilometres and 40 years ago in Australia.

He began his love affair with food in Australia in the mid-1980s before honing his culinary skills in London and New Zealand. Glen returned to Brisbane and progressed to become second in charge to the Executive Chef of the Hyatt Regency Coolum in Queensland, overseeing 10 food outlets and multi-banquet facilities. He later moved to the Park Hyatt in Canberra, where his tenure as Senior Executive Sous Chef saw him attending to HRH Queen Elizabeth and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex during their visit there in 2002.

Seeking new horizons, Glen was part of the team that launched the Grand Hyatt Dubai. He then set his sights on the Sheraton Grand Laguna Phuket in Thailand, where he celebrated his first stint as Executive Chef in 2003. Two years later, he found himself in East Malaysia at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort. Whilst there one of the many highlights was to be the key driver behind the production of the “Taste of Borneo” cookbook, which focused on the preparation of 5-star cuisine using local products from Sabah.

In 2010, Glen was an integral part of the team behind the successful renovation and reopening of the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort in Singapore. He continued to spearhead the resort until 2013, when he moved to the Shangri-La Fijian Resort and Spa as their Executive Chef.

Longing to once again step back into Southeast Asia, he made his way to Thailand’s InterContinental Hua Hin Resort in 2015. Glen was involved in developing and opening the resort’s Roof Top bar and BluPort Wing, which features 40 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, meeting rooms and ballroom.

“Food is my passion, and I’ve also missed this lovely region,” laughs Glen. “By combining the two, I hope to tantalize guests at The Westin Langkawi with some of the healthiest, tastiest cuisine in Southeast Asia while maintaining our international-class standards of service, quality and hospitality.”

Centrally located on 104 acres of lush, Langkawi tropical gardens bordered by the Andaman Sea, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa comprises 221 spacious, fully-appointed rooms and suites. The resort also features 20 ultra-luxury Ocean View Pool villas complete with personal pools as well as the award-winning Heavenly Spa by Westin, the only Heavenly Spa in Malaysia.

For more information on The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, visit

www.westinlangkawi.com or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

 

Travel News | eTurboNews

Seychelles Tourism presents: Gout De France/Good France

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Notice to all food lovers!

We are on the highway through a magical culinary journey to experience an unforgettable Provencal encounter.

Last week, we started with an introduction of chefs from @Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare and @Four Seasons Resort Seychelles.

As we head this week to the D-day, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) culinary journal series will keep you au fait about the establishments which are collaborating with Gout De France/Good France in Seychelles 2019.

Announced Friday, March 1, 2019, at the headquarters in Mont-Fleuri, several chefs in Seychelles will be among 5,000 worldwide to please our taste buds.

Meet our participants:

Cyann Restaurant- Constance Ephelia

Save the date: Thursday, March 21

At Constance Ephelia Chef Amit Chandel has finely selected his ingredients, to make an irresistible four-course menu French gastronomy style.

Delplace Restaurant

Save the date: March 21-28

For a week long, Province Chef Julien puts his perfected Provençal savoir-faire and creates a marvelous feast. He aims to take his guests on a spectacular culinary rendezvous through his exquisite French cuisine.

Goût de France/Good France in Seychelles is an event coordinated by the French Embassy in collaboration with the Seychelles Tourism Board, this March 2019, residents and visitors are invited to the world’s biggest event to French gastronomy in over 150 countries!

Travel News | eTurboNews

IMEX shines a light on diversity and inclusion

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IMEX shines a light on diversity and inclusion

“Organizations which embrace diversity will see positive repercussions throughout their business – from staff motivation and engagement, heightened innovation and a boosted bottom line. Diversity means diversity of people, minds, ideas, and approaches and it’s something we value at IMEX and recognize as crucial to the future success of the events industry – that’s why it forms a core part of our offering at IMEX in Frankfurt this year”, Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains the show’s spotlight on diversity ahead of International Women’s Day this Friday, 8 March.

IMEX in Frankfurt, taking place 21 – 23 May, offers a wide range of experiences, education and experts enabling planners to discover the latest best practice in business, as well as developments in diversity and inclusion.

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A session taking place on EduMonday, a dedicated afternoon of education taking place the day before the show on Monday 20 May, focuses on cultural diversity. Cultural differences and their impact on destination management explores how to prepare for a culturally different client as well as the principles that should guide planners globally, regardless of local customs.

She Means Business

Also taking place on EduMonday is She Means Business, created in partnership with tw tagungswirtschaft, a conference celebrating the role of women in the events industry. As one of the inspiring speakers debating the crucial issues facing women today, Gernot Sendowski, Director of HR Global Diversity & Inclusion at Deutsche Bank AG, delivers a male perspective on gender equality and female empowerment as well as exploring the German and European diversity charters. Angela Dern, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), talks about gender equality as an economic imperative and details the UN Women 10x10x10 Impact Commitment, an initiative engaging 10 governments, corporations and universities around the world.

Inspiring inclusivity

Developing leadership skills to manage and motivate a diverse team is covered in Industry best practices on how to be an inclusive leader, one of the many education sessions taking place on the show floor during the three days of the show. The session at the Inspiration Hub explores the best practices and communication models required to become an inclusive leader.

The design of an event can impact inclusivity and this is discussed in Redesigning inclusive events by overcoming unconscious bias. The session shows planners how to uncover their unconscious bias and discover practical ways of designing events to embrace diversity and inclusion.

Planners, buyers and other visitors can explore destinations, venues, tech providers and more at IMEX in Frankfurt from 21 – 23 May 2019. Among the many exhibitors already confirmed are New Zealand, Senses of Cuba, Barcelona Convention Bureau, Visit Brussels, Kempinski Hotels, Meliá Hotels and Latvia.

During the three days of the IMEX trade show, buyers can meet and making appointments with more than 3,500 suppliers from every sector of the global meetings and events industry.

She Means Business, part of EduMonday, takes place on Monday 20 May, the day before IMEX in Frankfurt, 21 -23 May 2019. It’s free to enter once you’ve registered for IMEX in Frankfurt.

Registration for the show is free of charge and open to all in the meetings, events and incentive travel industry.

International Women’s Day is on 8 March and celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Seychelles to take over Berlin in a tropical storm as strong tourism delegation hits ITB in March

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Destination Seychelles will have a strong presence in the German capital, Berlin, as a 42 strong member delegation gets ready to attend the 53rd edition of Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB) travel trade show, which will take place from March 6, 2019 to March 10, 2019.

Staged annually in Berlin, the ITB is the one of the world’s leading travel show and is a-must attend business-to-business event; providing a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to Germany and international travel professionals.

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The show provides a unique opportunity for the entire global travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business.

Destination Seychelles be featured alongside over 180 countries and some 10,000 companies and organisations, all fitted in 26 halls in the biggest marketplace of the international travel industry.

The exotic and breath-taking paradise of Seychelles will have its own destination stand covering a space of 180sqm from which the delegation will be actively selling the charms of the destination during the four days of the fair.

The Seychelles delegation will be headed by the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine, Mr. Didier Dogley, who will be accompanied by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis, and will comprise of representatives from hotels, airlines and DMCs in Seychelles.

The marketing wing of the Seychelles destination will be further represented by the presence at the Seychelles Stand of the Regional STB Director for Europe, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, and the Director for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Ms. Edith Hunzinger. Marketing Executive, Ms. Winnie Elisa and Senior E-Marketing Executive Randy Rosalie from headquarters will assist them all well equipped to sell the destination as one everyone deserves to tick off their personal bucket list.

In anticipation of Seychelles’ presence once again in Berlin STB Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis mentioned the importance of the destination’s attendance adding on to the visibility of the destination.

“Seychelles presence in ITB is irrefutably some valuable exposure for the destination. Our selling tactic by attending major trade fairs as a tourism board is to make our destination as tangible as possible.

We are look forward to marketing Seychelles means selling the destination ‘sea-sun-sand’ alongside our other features like our creole culture and hospitality. Our presence in major trade fairs adds on to the value of the experience and our partners”, said Mrs. Francis.

Thousands of senior travel industry professionals, Government Ministers, and international press visit ITB each year in March to network negotiate and discover latest trends and industry opinions.

Representatives of hotels include Mr. Fabrice Collot and Ms. Patricia de Mayer from Banyan Tree Seychelles, Ms. Wendy Tan of Berjaya Hotels Seychelles, Mrs. Foram Varsani from Cerf Island Resort and Ms. Ekaterina Gritsenko of Coral Strand Hotel and Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa.

Other tourism establishment representatives are Mr. Ash Behari from Coco De Mer Hotel & Black Parrot Suites, Mr. Alan Mason representing both Denis Private Island and Carana Beach & Indian Ocean Lodge, Mr. Manuel Policarpo and Ms. Rui Oliveira of Eden Bleu Hotel, as well as Mr. Anthony Smith, Mr. Andre Borg and Mr. Daniele Fabbri of Hilton Seychelles.

Representing Kempinski Seychelles Resort & Spa will be Ms. Agata Sobczak and Mr. Masami Egami. Le Duc de Praslin and Valmer Resort will have a presence at the fair through Mr. Derek Savy and Mr. Robert Payet. Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove will be represented by Mr. Marc Wozniak and Mrs. Jenny Seraphine.

Other hotel representatives are Ms. Devi Sumayna Budhoo of Le Relax Management, Mr. Ferruccio Tirone and Ms. Samia Sedgwick of Maia Luxury Resorts & Spa and Paradise Sun, Mr. Eddie D’Offay of Pure Seychelles Hotels, Ms. Ernestina Bertarini and Ms. Sylvia Fletcher  of Raffles Seychelles and Mr. Sherif El Mansoury from the H Resort Beau Vallon Beach Seychelles.

Mr. Konrad Tarasiewicz from Coco Charter, and Mrs. Lucie Barone and Mr. Jonathan Loeffel will be representing VPM Yacht Charter Seychelles as DMCs.

DMCs also include Mrs. Anna Butler Payette and Ms. Dorina Cedras of 7° South, Mr. Lenny Alvis and Mrs. Elza Frichot Dahoo from Mason’s Travel as well as Mr. Guillaume Albert, Mr. Eric Renard, Mr. Philippe Cornaille, Ms. Amanda Lang and Ms. Luisa Mehl from Creole Travel Services.

Everyone counts – ‘She Means Business’ digs into diversity at IMEX 2019

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Anne Kjaer Riechert, keynote speaker at She Means Business

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, says: “The meetings industry has both a desire and a need to understand and reflect human diversity more fully. I believe that over the past few years, we have seen much greater interest in, and understanding of, these issues and opportunities. The next step is to start to more consciously and consistently factor in a more diverse range of people into meetings, events and conference programmes, with the goal that this becomes second-nature for all of us over time.”

Diversity and inclusion are the linchpin of She Means Business, created in partnership with tw tagungswirtschaft and part of EduMonday, a programme of free learning and development taking place on Monday 20 May, the day before IMEX in Frankfurt opens.

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Anne Kjær Riechert, co-founder of a non-profit social enterprise teaching digital skills to refugees and migrants, launches She Means Business – and EduMonday – with a keynote, sponsored by H-Hotels and open to all EduMonday attendees. In her keynote ‘Grit and Grace’ Riechert will share the story of how she founded and grew the ReDI School of Digital Integration and her work as mentor and ambassador for the Grace Female Accelerator which supports female-led start-ups.

Men – your voices are important too

She Means Business then continues with an afternoon of sessions where women – and men – from across the world will share their experiences and lessons on gender equality or other diversity challenges. Senior Executives from organizations including PWC, Deutsche Bank and Lufthansa HR Management, Eurometropole de Strasbourg, Rwanda Convention and Melbourne Convention will be among the speakers.

Planners, buyers and other visitors can then explore destinations, venues, tech providers and more at IMEX in Frankfurt from 21 – 23 May 2019. Among the many exhibitors already confirmed are New Zealand, Senses of Cuba, Barcelona Convention Bureau, Visit Brussels, Kempinski Hotels, Meliá Hotels and Latvia.

During the three days of the IMEX trade show, buyers can meet with more than 3,500 suppliers from every sector of the global meetings and events industry.

She Means Business, part of EduMonday, takes place on Monday 20 May, the day before IMEX in Frankfurt, 21 -23 May 2019. It’s free to enter once you’ve registered for IMEX in Frankfurt.

IMEX Frankfurt: Gain a head start with EduMonday

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Gain a head start with EduMonday

“Inspiration is one of our core values – we’re firm believers in the power of bringing people together to learn new skills, co-create fresh ideas and innovate. Every year IMEX sets out to lead from the front by offering high value, memorable experiences – EduMonday is fast becoming one of those special ingredients.”

This year’s EduMonday delivers this, with a free program of high quality learning designed to inspire attendees to create incredible events”, Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, introduces EduMonday, an afternoon of free professional education taking place the day before IMEX in Frankfurt, 21 -23 May 2019.

eTN Chatroom: Discuss with readers from around the world:

EduMonday takes place on Monday 20 May and begins with the keynote at She Means Business, created in partnership with tw tagungswirtschaft. After this attendees can stay and be part of She Means Business, celebrating the role of women in the events industry, or mix and match from a program of 20 general sessions designed around professional or personal developments.

Fresh formats and free learning opportunities for all

There are premium learning opportunities for everyone coming to IMEX – both buyers and exhibitors. Education in both English and German taps into the latest trends and issues, covering business skills, innovation, sustainability, crisis management as well as wellbeing and personal development. With emotional intelligence increasingly incorporated into event planning, IMEX is offering the Event Design Certificate Program free of charge.

All education is delivered with a fresh approach using both time-honored and pioneering new learning methods – enabling attendees to learn in small informal groups and through immersive deep dives.

Attendees can also relax and recharge in the Be Well Lounge offering wellbeing sessions and quiet space to pause, reflect and digest.

Tailor-made learning

Event professionals from all sectors and all levels can explore topics and trends via a number of dedicated events within EduMonday, all specifically curated for various audiences. Association professionals from around the world are invited to Association Day and Evening, to share best practice and connect with peers. The Agency Directors Forum is a strategic exchange for small to mid-size meetings and events agencies. There’s also education and networking exclusively for corporate/in-house meeting and event executives at Exclusively Corporate.

Bauer concludes: “Learning and making the right connections are key to keeping up to date with rapid developments in our industry and for boosting confidence, personal brand and authority. Our preshow EduMonday allows attendees to gain a head start, soaking up insider knowledge from leading experts and mixing and meeting with others – and that’s all before the show has even begun!”

Attendees can then explore destinations, venues, tech providers and more at IMEX in Frankfurt from 21 – 23 May 2019. Among the many exhibitors already confirmed are New Zealand, Senses of Cuba, Barcelona Convention Bureau, Visit Brussels, Kempinski Hotels, Meliá Hotels and Latvia. During the three days of the trade show, planners can meet with more than 3,500 suppliers from every sector of the global meetings and events industry.

EduMonday takes place on Monday 20 May, the day before IMEX in Frankfurt, 21 -23 May 2019. It’s free to enter following registration for IMEX in Frankfurt. Registration for the show is also free of charge and open to all.

Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center appoints Brice Péan as managing director

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BEIJING, Aug. 9, 2018 — Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Brice Péan as the new managing director as of August 1, 2018. A hotelier with a wealth of experience championing hotel preopenings and managing landmark properties, Péan now leads the culmination of Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center’s expansive renovation and launch of 480 rooms, a new executive lounge and a European all-day dining restaurant. Furthermore, as managing director he will drive business performance and operational excellence in the Lufthansa Center complex which include an office building, serviced apartments and the Kempinski hotel.

“Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center was the first European hotel company in China. Beyond its landmark status, it’s a Kempinski jewel. I feel immensely happy to be leading it during its most transformative period since its opening. I am delighted to have been granted this opportunity and will ensure the achievement even greater levels of the European hospitality service for which Kempinski is known for.” Péan stresses Kempinski’s European heritage as a distinctive signature of superior bespoke service and quality.

Péan has over 30 years of experience in the luxury hospitality field, including senior management roles within Hilton Hotels in Vienna, Cairo, Adelaide, Fiji and Shanghai. Most recently, Péan was general manager of  Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing and Yanqi Island from 2013, overseeing 14 properties including Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Yanqi Hotel and 12 boutique hotels.

A native of France, Péan has a bachelor’s degree from Fremdenverkehrskolleg Innsbruck University in Austria. Prior to joining Hilton Hotels in 1999, Péan held positions in various hotels in London, Dublin and Paris.

 

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About Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center：Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center is the perfect mix of luxury, convenience and cultural diversity under one roof. The hotel is located in the heart of Beijing’s diplomatic and business district, and is only a 20-minute drive from Beijing Capital International Airport. Kempinski Hotel Beijing has 480 well-appointed guestrooms and suites, ten fully equipped banquet/conference facilities and seven stylish and authentic restaurants and bars. The hotel provides its international leisure and business guests with European-style service. The hotel is also part of the Beijing Lufthansa Center complex, which incorporates offices, apartments, and showrooms, as well as You Yi Shopping City, banks, airline offices, a 24-hour medical center, a health club and a kindergarten. www.kempinski.com/beijing

About Kempinski：Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now manages a portfolio of 74 five-star hotels and residences in 32 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Each one is imbued with the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.

www.kempinski.com • www.discoveryloyalty.com