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Russian Aeroflot remains China’s ‘Favorite International Airline’

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Russia’s Aeroflot has been once again named the Favorite International Airline in China. The award was given to Aeroflot for the third consecutive year at the Flyer Award Ceremony 2019. The award ceremony was held today in Shanghai, the economic capital of China.

The awards are supported by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Winners are selected by the jury and by votes from frequent flyers and travelers.

The awards recognize outstanding participants in China’s dynamically developing tourism market. Previous winners include leading global airlines, including carriers that hold Skytrax 5-Star Airline status.

Aeroflot retained the title of Favorite International Airline at the competitive Flyer Awards due to its key competitive advantages: high service quality and flexible fare policy.

“The recognition of Aeroflot as the Favorite International Airline in China is confirmation of the effectiveness of our strategic efforts in China,” Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev said. “We offer our customers a wide route network and one of the youngest fleets in the world. Millions of Chinese passengers choose our airline for affordable ticket prices, convenient transit via our hub airport Sheremetyevo and high-quality service. Further development of service on Europe-Asia transit routes – one of the most competitive aviation markets globally – is one of Aeroflot’s key goals, along with the active expansion of the domestic route network.”

Aeroflot’s convenient routes encompass four key locations in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Aeroflot continuously adds new services oriented at the Chinese market. Earlier Aeroflot signed a partnership agreement with Alipay, China’s most popular payment system.

Aeroflot’s official website has a Chinese-language interface. Passengers receive menus in Chinese, and the in-flight entertainment system is available in Chinese. Onboard announcements are made in Chinese and the menu offers a special Asian set.

Aeroflot consistently enjoys wide recognition and popularity among consumers in the Chinese market. In January, Aeroflot was named Best China – Europe Transit Airline at the 2019 Stars Awards in China.

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Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 engine achieves 10 million flying hours

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The Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8 engine, which entered service in 1987, recently achieved another incredible milestone by reaching 10 million flying hours in nearly 5 million flights. The engine powers a range of Gulfstream’s highly successful large-cabin business aircraft, such as the Gulfstream GIV, GIV-SP, G300 and G400, and has established a reputation for outstanding dependability, efficiency and low noise generation.

The performance of the Tay 611-8 enabled the Gulfstream GIV to revolutionise the business aviation market with its high cruising speed and the intercontinental range of about 4,300 nautical miles. Over the past three decades, the Tay 611-8 has achieved numerous records for speed and range. These achievements have been perpetuated by its successor, the Tay 611-8C, powering the Gulfstream G350 and G450. There are over 1,700 Tay 611-8 and -8C engines in service today, with many of these supported by Rolls-Royce’s market leading CorporateCare®.

The background to the first Tay order contract is part of aviation history. In December 1982 the basic details – engine price, quantity, payment terms – were written on a napkin in less than 10 minutes by Sir Ralph Robins, who at the time was the company’s Managing Director, and Allen Paulson, Gulfstream’s founder and then Chairman and CEO. The deal was formally settled in March 1983.

Dirk Geisinger, Director Business Aviation, Rolls-Royce, said: “Reaching 10 million flying hours is an impressive milestone and we are very proud of this achievement. With its legendary reliability the Tay 611-8 became the benchmark for ultra-reliable long distance business aircraft and perfectly illustrates why Rolls-Royce is the leading engine manufacturer in Business Aviation.

“The Tay family with its proven performance has been very successful for us and has propelled our market leadership in this sector. Combining this engine with our latest aftermarket programme CorporateCare Enhanced raises the bar for the whole industry by introducing uncapped troubleshooting, coverage for mobile repair team travel costs and nacelle coverage on later engine models.”

He adds: “CorporateCare Enhanced provides our customers with a global support infrastructure which includes Engine Health Monitoring, a worldwide network of Authorised Service Centres and globally distributed spare parts and engines, all managed by our dedicated 24/7 Business Aircraft Availability Centre. Our customers benefit directly from this investment in proactive care, an in most cases are prevented from missing a planned trip.”

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Diamond Live Concert Series honored by American Resort Development Association

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Diamond Resorts was recognized by the American Resort Development Association with one of the vacation ownership industry’s top awards for its groundbreaking Diamond Live Concert Series.

Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts, and Chris Brock, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing, accepted the award during the annual ARDA World Awards Gala in Orlando, Fla.

“To say I am proud of our talented team members is an understatement,” said Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts. “Our team is consistently pushing the envelope and developing innovative ways to enhance vacation experiences for our members, owners and guests.”

“The Concert Series began several years ago as a little idea and our team has taken it very far, growing the platform into a full series of private concerts with some of country music’s top artists,” Flaskey added. “I am very grateful that our industry has recognized our team’s innovation.”

ARDA, the Washington D.C.‐based trade association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries, annually recognizes resorts and industry members at the ARDA World Convention & Expo in categories that include overall professional excellence, outstanding sales and marketing accomplishments, product design, advertising and staff.

Diamond Resorts has won awards each year, and was named finalists in 23 categories ahead of the 2019 event.

In addition to the ACE Innovator Award, Diamond took home 11 other awards:

•Sales Verification Loan Officer/Quality Assurance Officer – Annette Stultz
•Business Administration Manager: Finance & Accounting – Yash Dubal
•Training and Development Manager or Team – University of Excellence and OD Team
•Call Center Leader – Kayla Czapla
•Activities Program Team – Virginia Beach Activities Team
•Safety/Security Manager/Team – Edwin Brooks
•Resort Assistant Manager – Leonardo Olachea
•Newsletter – The Club Newsletter
•Multi Media Campaign – All Access Pass Sweepstakes
•Social Media Campaign – #DRIGolf Campaign
•Refurbishment: HOA – Liki Tiki Village Lobby

Attracting more than 1,700 participants from more than 35 countries, ARDA World offers companies prime exposure to vacation ownership industry professionals and provides quality networking opportunities and expert insight on the latest industry trends. Strengthen relationships with your current customers and seek out new opportunities to expand your business and increase your company’s visibility in the ARDA World Marketplace.

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Somatheeram, world’s first Ayurvedic resort, will join anniversary 25th edition of OTDYKH Leisure 2019

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Somatheeram will, once again, participate at the leading B2B travel exhibition OTDYKH Leisure, which will take place September 10-12, 2019.

Held in Moscow each year, OTDYKH leisure is a perfect start for the upcoming winter season on the Russian inbound and outbound market.

Somatheeram Ayurveda Group in Kerala, India is the foremost resort group in the world for authentic Ayurvedic treatments, Yoga and Meditation.

Founded by Baby Matthews in 1985, today Somathreeram has five deluxe Ayurvedic resorts in Kerala and enchanting houseboats in the backwaters.  The mission of the Group is “to offer the essence and soul of the ancient medical science of Ayurveda and the art of Yoga and Meditation.”

AYURVEDA is a 5000 year old Indian traditional system of medicine. The healing power of Ayurveda has the answer to almost every known ailment.   It is considered to be the oldest form of health care in the world. Ayurveda maintains good health and corrects unstable health. It ensures an honest balance between you, your body and nature.  Ayurveda medicines and supplements are composed only of substances taken from nature. Because they have no side effects, patients do not become physically or psychologically dependent on them.

Somatheeram offers all Ayurveda clinical treatments and treatment packages.  You can choose from rejuvenation therapy, detoxification/body purification, slimming/weight reducing, anti-stress/stress management and beauty care.

Somatheeram is one of over 900 companies participating in the exhibition from every corner of the globe. Once again, OTDYKH team is expecting an outstanding Indiana exposition. In 2018 the expo welcomed India with a record-breaking number of companies. The country was represented by the collective stands of India Tourism and by regional stands of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation as well as by private resorts, hotels, hospitals and companies such as Caper, Sita Somatheeram etc.

Every year Somatheeram is using its presence at OTDYKH International Travel Market to showcase its wide and varied spectrum of Ayurveda treatments procedures.

Somatheeram team is looking forward to meet you at OTDYKH Leisure 2019, Moscow, Expocentre Fairgrounds, Pavilion 2, Hall 1.

Download a Somatheeram brochure.

If you are considering attending the show from September 10-12, 2019, please register free of charge online.

For information on exhibiting please contact Ms. Anna Huber at a.huber@euroexpo-vienna.com, International office: +43 1 230 85 35

eTN is a media partner for OTDYKH.

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Which 3 Italian cities rank as top unique experiences?

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Italy is the homeland of the cities most appreciated by travelers according to reviews of users of an online platform. Coming in among the top 5 are Rome, Florence, and Milan. Amsterdam and Barcelona round out the top 5.

The Italian peninsula thus rose to the podium, winning 3 of the 5 positions in the ranking, according to the research conducted by Musement which analyzed 133 destinations distributed all over the world, based on beautiful landscapes, excellent culinary offers, and outstanding cultural attractions.

Analyzing the results of the research, the growth of interest in the national territory comes at the expense of medium- and long-range destinations emerges among the key factors, with long-haul destinations attracting less interest.

A surprising aspect is that once again Italy and the many experiences that the multiplatform provides users to get closer to the cultural traditions and landscape variety of Italy is emphasized.

Rome continues to be the most popular destination with a typically Mediterranean climate, cultural attractions, and unique tourist beauties such as the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. The city of Milan remains on the fourth step of the podium with international events such as My Photos Fair and the visit to the Cenacle in the rankings.

The second place is also Italian – Florence between the Boboli Gardens, the Uffizi, and gastronomic tours.

Among the top 5 destinations, some European cities also prevail, above all Barcelona, which wins third place with Park Guell and the Barcelona Aquarium.

The fifth position is Dutch. In fact, Amsterdam closes the standings thanks to the Van Gogh Museum, the cruise on the canals, and the Heineken Experience.

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United Airlines Chief Digital Officer named one of 2019 Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology

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Today, United Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, Linda Jojo, was recognized by the National Diversity Council as one of the 2019 Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology. This prestigious list recognizes women who are shaping the future of technology with their insight and leadership. Jojo is the only airline executive to receive this award.

Since joining United in 2014, Jojo has played a critical role in differentiating the company’s operations and customer experience by using innovative data analytics, digital products and e-commerce. Under her leadership, United has issued over 60,000 mobile devices to its pilots, flight attendants, gate agents and technicians to increase mobility and arm employees with real-time data in order to provide more personal and caring service to its customers while improving the airline’s operation. Her team has also recently redesigned united.com and released a new, upgraded mobile app to provide intuitive assistance along every step of their journey. These enhancements have maintained United’s status as the number one downloaded app in the industry and delivered accelerative revenue growth through digital channels.

“The entire United family is incredibly proud of Linda for being recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology,” said United’s Chief Executive Officer, Oscar Munoz. “This award is a true testament to her outstanding leadership abilities and the impact she is making not only at United, but across the corporate landscape. She has accomplished a lot in her time at United, and I look forward to all she and her team will do in the future as our airline continues to grow and excel.”

Jojo was selected for the 2019 Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology Award based on the following criteria:

• Top leader in her organization and profession
• Directly contributes to business growth or strategic direction of the organization
• Effective role model who inspires other women and is active in mentoring
• Operates with the highest integrity and ethical behavior
• Demonstrates a commitment to corporate citizenship

In addition to her work at United, Jojo is passionate about preparing young people for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). She is vice chair of the Board of Trustees of the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, an organization with a mission to connect young people to STEM fields through exploration of space and the stars. She is also a member of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute board of trustees. Jojo holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

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Celebrity Cruises orders fifth Edge-Class cruise ship

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced that it has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to order a fifth Edge-class ship for delivery in the fall of 2024.

“Edge class made an immediate hit with Celebrity Cruises guests and is a state-of-the-art example of technical excellence and elegant design,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We can’t wait to build the next one.”

“Celebrity Edge has delighted our guests and affirmed Celebrity Cruises as the leading modern luxury brand. Chantiers de l’Atlantique has been a brilliant partner and we look forward to creating another amazing vessel with them,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises.

“We are really proud and happy to have built such an outstanding relationship with our customer, based on mutual trust and driven by the spirit of innovation,” said Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “After the four Millennium-class ships at the beginning of 2000’s and the four Edge-class ships, this is the ninth ship ordered by Celebrity Cruises at our shipyard and it will be the 24th vessel built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique and operated by RCL. This is a real testimony of the exceptional level of cooperation we reached together.”

Celebrity Edge was delivered in 2018. Three other Edge-class ships were ordered earlier and are scheduled for delivery in 2020, 2021 and 2022. This new order is contingent upon financing.

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Marriott’s Arne M. Sorenson named 2019 CEO of the Year

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Chief Executive magazine announced today that Arne M. Sorenson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International, has been named 2019 Chief Executive of the Year by his peer CEOs.

“He’s a global leader, a man with a conscience, a person who connects with his people,” said Fred Hassan, the former Chairman of Bausch & Lomb and Partner at Warburg Pincus, and a member of this year’s selection committee.

“I have tremendous respect for Arne Sorenson, for his global leadership and for his outstanding track record amid a very challenging marketplace,” said Marillyn A. Hewson, the Chairman, President and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corporation and 2018 CEO of the Year, who also served on the selection committee.

Mr. Sorenson joined Marriott in 1996 and held a number of positions before serving as President and Chief Operating Officer. He became Chief Executive Officer in 2012, the first person to hold the post without the Marriott family name.

Since becoming CEO, Mr. Sorenson has led a vast expansion of the business, including the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in 2016. The company now has more than 7,000 properties across 130 countries and territories and 30 brands. An outspoken corporate leader, he has advocated for environmental sustainability, a more open, safe and inclusive workplace, and a welcoming culture around the world.

“I am deeply honored by this tremendous recognition, and I thank my peer CEOs for the nomination,” said Mr. Sorenson. “I stand on the shoulders of an icon, Bill Marriott, and the 730,000 people around the world who wear a Marriott name badge. Together, we work each day to uphold a legacy of creating opportunities—for our guests, our associates and the local neighborhoods where we operate.”

The selection committee cited Sorenson’s outstanding performance running one of the most complex, global businesses in the world in the face of daunting cultural and technological change.

“There are few people who have driven innovation in the way that Arne has and…been able to lead such a large organization, and to be able to keep them focused on excellent execution and also the responsibilities that they have for each other, the environment and on social issues,” said Neal Keating, President and CEO, Kaman.

Over the past 33 years, Chief Executive of the Year winners have been a who’s who of American business leadership, including Bill Gates, Jack Welch, Michael Dell, A.G. Lafley, John Chambers, Bob Iger, Anne Mulcahy, Larry Bossidy, Andy Grove and Herb Kelleher, among others.

The Chief Executive of the Year was selected by a committee of distinguished peer CEOs in a meeting held in March at the Nasdaq MarketSite. The 2019 committee consists of Marillyn A. Hewson (Chairman, President and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corporation), Dan Glaser (President and CEO, Marsh & McLennan), Neal Keating (President and CEO, Kaman), Fred Hassan (former Chairman, Bausch & Lomb; Partner, Warburg Pincus), Tamara Lundgren (President and CEO, Schnitzer Steel), Max H. Mitchell (President and CEO, Crane Co.), Bob Nardelli (CEO, XLR-8), Tom Quinlan III (Chairman, President and CEO, LSC Communications), Jeffrey Sonnenfeld (CEO, The Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute) and Mark Weinberger (Global Chairman and CEO, EY Global). Ted Bililies, Ph.D., Chief Talent Officer, Managing Director, AlixPartners, is the exclusive advisor to the 2019 Selection Committee.

Sorenson’s selection as 2019 CEO of the Year will be celebrated at an invitation-only event hosted by Chief Executive Group at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York in late July.

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Tourism employees celebrated at Employee of the Year awards  

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It was during an appreciation event held on Friday, March 22, 2019, at the Hilton Labriz Jetty at Belombre that 14 employees of the Seychelles tourism industry were recognized for their outstanding achievement.

The initiative of the Ministry for Tourism aims at sensitizing stakeholders on the importance of having in place a recognition program in their respective organization.

The event, which saw the participation of the various hotel representatives and rewarded employees, was conducted in the presence of the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr.  Didier Dogley; Mrs. Myriam Telemaque Minister for Employment, Employment, Immigration and Civil Status; Mrs Anne Lafortune Principal Secretary for Tourism and Mrs. Sherin Francis Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive.

Speaking at the launch the Minister for Tourism, retraced the interesting course of the tourism industry since in inception, he expressed his appreciation to the private sector for the support received throughout the years.

“It is important to have an initiative that encourages our employees in the industry to contribute towards making our destination, one which excels in its quality of service provided to our visitors,” said Minister Dogley.

Minister Dogley also commended the various organisation who have committed to the monthly recognition for their employees.

Employees rewarded were Edmond Felicie from Raffles Seychelles; also from Praslin Nelly Brioche representing Les Lauriers Eco Hotel & restaurant; Gary Pouponneau from Constance Lemuria; Williana Wilcock of Paradise Sun; Almea Marie from Berjaya Praslin resort and Akendra Bk from Oasis Hotel Restaurant and Spa.

Recognized at the Hilton group in Seychelles were Therese Belise for Doubletree by Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort and Spa, Liza Pool for Hilton Northolme Resort and Spa and Anthony Bannane for Hilton Seychelles Labriz resort and Spa.

On the Constance Ephelia was Pithra Matombe; Carol Fred from Four Seasons Resort Seychelles; Vishnu Sukumaran from Carana Beach Hotel; Micheal Jean-Louis of Eden Bleu Hotel and finally John Mokgethi of North Island

The employee of the year award recognizes employees who have demonstrated and contributed to the improvements of the quality and performance of their respective organisations at national level and seeks to motivate workers to excel and be productive in the workplace.

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Peacock Aviation taking legal action against Gambia carrier

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Nigerian Peacock Aviation company that worked as General Sales Agency (GSA) for the Gambian Mid Africa Aviation Company Ltd. that traded in Nigeria under the name Fly Mid Africa has petitioned the Gambian Government over the non-payment of passengers’ air ticket refunds before it exited Nigeria.

The petition which was dated February 12, 2019 and also copied to the Nigerian High Commission in the Gambia through its legal counsel Abrahams Ayobami  & Co. stated: “We are Solicitors to Peacock Aviation and Allied Services Ltd. [henceforth referred to as ‘Our Client’], a company duly registered under the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with its registered address situate at No. 19, Mojidi Street, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria and on its instructions and behalf we write you this petition.

“Our client was appointed the General Sales Agent [GSA] of ‘MID AFRICA AVIATION LTD’ trading under the name ‘FLY MID AFRICA’ on 24th April 2017 when the said company commenced its Airline operations in Nigeria.”

According to the counsel, “Our client, among other things was to manage and operate a city office to sell tickets to customers, a task our client was able to achieve within a record time of four weeks of operation.”

The petition stated further that, “Upon commencement of operations of the Airline, the cash sales in our client’s custody was used to take care of operation fees such as Air Landing, Parking Fees, Passengers’ Service Charges, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority [NCAA] Fees, Catering, and Crew Hotel Accommodations.”

“With the above looking promising, the Airline ran into issues with their flight schedules which led to the cancellation of February and March 2018 flights and finally suspension of operations until further notice.”

While the suspension was still on, the airline got instructions to commence refund of issued tickets to customers which was carried out until exhaustion of all the funds at hand by the GSA according to its counsel.

“Our client then made a request for funds to be released to liquidate the outstanding refunds but same has remained hitherto unmet by the management of Fly Mid Africa Airlines for over one year now.”

The petition also has it that, there is still an outstanding refund of about Eleven million one hundred and fifty six thousand, six hundred and one naira fifty one kobo [₦11,156,601.51] and our client’s unpaid International Air Transport Association [IATA]/Billing Settlement Plan [BSP] Sales Overriding Commission of about Seven Million Naira [₦7,000,000] only with customers showing their grievances in all manners including laying siege to the GSA business premises and disrupting its activities.

Meanwhile, some have even threatened to commence legal actions against it; more so as customers are aware that tickets issued on the IATA BSP platform have been refunded and therefore query the reason for non-payment of their refunds.

Despite several email communications between our client and the said Fly Mid Africa Airline with reconciliation and adjustment of account settled between the parties, still the Airline has refused to release funds to pay innocent travelers their well-deserved refund even after leaving them stranded, disappointed and uncompensated, according to Chief Segun Phillips, Group Executive Chairman, Peacock Travels and Tours Limited.

However, in a bid to settle the matter amicably, the GSA wrote to the Nigerian High Commission in The Gambia to wade into the matter but was referred back to the Gambian Commission in Abuja as the right channel for resolving such issue.

As it stands, there is the total outstanding refund of about Eighteen million one hundred and fifty-six thousand six hundred and one naira fifty-one kobo [₦18,156,601.51] amounting to tickets refunds and GSA unpaid IATA BSP Sales Overriding.

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