Northstar

NEWS www.travelweeklyweb.com Costa's Arabian Gulf cruises resume HONG KONG – Costa Cruises, has begun its fi fth consecutive season in the Arabian Gulf. From the end of November 2010 through March 2011 the Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa – the top of the range of the Costa fleet – will be offering seven-day cruises to the fi nest places in the region; Costa Cruises was the fi rst operator to market regular cruises in this part of the world. Further confirmation of Costa's spirit of innovation and its role as a roving ambassador for Italian-made excellence comes in the form of new excursions in Abu Dhabi for the new season of cruises. Motor racing enthusiasts will love the newly opened "Ferrari World", the world's first Ferrari theme park and the largest attraction of its kind. Ferrari's key principles of stylish elegance, design excellence and technological innovation underpin every aspect of the park. The park offers Ferrari- inspired rides and attractions for visitors of all ages. Highlights include "Formula Rossa", the fastest roller coaster on the planet, a journey into the heart of a V12 engine, a virtual tour of the historic Maranello factory and the interactive Paddock exhibit. A second new addition to the program of shoreside excursions in Abu Dhabi is a visit to the world's most cutting- edge Formula 1 circuit, Yas Marina. Costa's itinerary in the Emirates starts with two nights in Dubai continues with one-day calls at Muscat (Oman), Al Fujairah (United Arab Emirates), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Bahrain and ends with an additional overnight stay back in Dubai. The Costa Luminosa will be departing from Dubai on Mondays from November 29, 2010 through March 14, 2011; meanwhile, the Costa Deliziosa, which was actually inaugurated in Dubai on February 23, 2010, will offer Sunday sailings from December 19, 2010 through March 27, 2011. Design Hotels AG expands executive management team SYDNEY – Claus Sendlinger, founder and CEO of Design Hotels AG announced developments within the company's executive management team. "We are committed to enhancing our core business through a value-added service strategy. By expanding the executive management team with different competencies, we are able to continue our path of success and also establish a new market position for future growth," says Sendlinger. Design Hotels' strategic develop- ment is centered on several key business areas to create long term value for its member hotels and partners. To set forth the company's strategy, organisational changes have been made, with immediate effect. Toby March joins Design Hotels as VP Sales, Revenue Management and Distribution. In addition to Fairmont goes to the dogs CALGARY – Known for thoughtful and welcoming service, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts offers a distinctive service at select hotels with resident hotel dogs known as Canine Ambassadors. Travellers missing their own furry friend or looking for a companion while taking a walk can bring along the resident Fairmont dog for extra security and the comfort of home. The newest member of Fairmont's Canine Ambassador team is a Golden Labrador Retriever named Marcus, but known to his friends as Mark, who is the director of Pet Relations at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies. He loves to hike and play fetch with guests. Zeus, another recent hire, is a handsome Chocolate Labrador who is overseeing interactive guest appreciation at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in California. He keeps an eye on a multitude of lobby activities, co-leads guest hikes and assists in grounds supervision of the classic 226-room property. Joining the pack in summer of 2009 were three new hires: Smudge, a Golden Labrador Retriever who 4 | ■ TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA | 14 DECEMBER 2010 works at The Fairmont Algonquin in New Brunswick; Jordy, a Black Labrador Retriever at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in Quebec; and Golden Labrador Gracie, who joined the staff at the Fairmont Tremblant. The dogs are enjoying being able to meet and greet guests, go on scheduled walks and runs, and serve as community liaisons. The Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind trained all four dogs and although they didn't end up becoming guide dogs, they are committed to the new goal of making every guest smile. www.travelweeklyweb.com revenue management, distribution and systems development, he takes over responsibility for the company's global sales activities. March joins Design Hotels with over 20 years of travel, supplier, marketing, distribution and e-commerce experience through roles in North America, Europe and Asia. He gained industry experience with Galileo International, SABRE and Carlson Wagonlit Travel before founding his own consulting fi rm. Arno Schwalie has been promoted to VP Business Development & Corporate Strategy. The business unit comprises Portfolio Development with the acquisition of new hotels as well as Portfolio Management including account management and performance consulting for the member hotels. Bernd Neff continues as VP Brand, Marketing & Communications. Neff will lead Design Hotels brand building and digital marketing efforts, which are crucial for the company's vision of creating an unrivalled community for design, architecture and culture. Neff also continues to manage communications and the company's creative services department.

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