Holiday Homes in the French Alps, Europe

These beautiful, rustic style chalets are situated in a pretty, quiet location on the road to Le Fornet at the bottom of pistes ‘Mattis’ and ‘L’, 1 km from the resort centre. The bus stop linking you to the centre of Val d’Isere is 50m from the residence. Buses run every 5 mins (0830-17.30hrs) and every 30 mins thereafter until 23.30hrs. There is a bakery located 100m from the residence.There are 13 beautifully furbished apartments in all, each with equipped kitchenette with a multifunction oven, 4 hot plates, dishwasher and electric coffee maker, living room with TV and telephone, balcony (except some 2 room 3 person apartments). Underground car parking is €49 per week, subject to availability and is to be requested at time of booking.

http://www.holidayhomeseuro.com/rentals/p1159_Apartment_in_Northern_Alps_France.html

Ref: P43 - Cottage in Cape Breton Island Canada

Ref: P43 - Cottage in Cape Breton Island Canada


Kayak Cape Breton and Cottages West Bay Nova Scot RR2, West Bay, Roberta Nova Scotia Canada B0E 3K0
Our two cedar log cottages are located right on the magnificent Bras d'Or Lake and are hidden from each other in a twelve acre wooded area to secure your privacy. They are fully equipped for your holiday, with electric heating, a nice kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, bathroom and veranda. Even a family of five can be housed, and all may enjoy the quiet retreat and the potential that the Bras d'Or Lake offers. We also have a spacious cottage suitable for larger family, located on an sheltered inlet of the Bras d'Or and ideal to launch a kayak or canoe. All truly places for privacy and activity.Use our splendid beach to stretch out in the sun, have a swim, go snorkeling, or just wander off collecting beach rocks. Lots of space with a wonderful view of Bras d'Or Lake. There is excellent fishing in the lake or the adjacent river. You can explore the various waterways and islands with a kayak or canoe, or rent a bicycle, hike in the woods to watch birds and pick berries and mushrooms. You can also take one of our guided kayak tours or lessons for beginners.The picturesque town of St. Peters is just a 15 minutes drive away, where the majestic Bras d'Or Lake is connected via the St. Peters Canal with the Atlantic Ocean. The area offers many other activities... golfing, tennis, sailing or diving, and horseback riding.Use our splendid beach to stretch out in the sun, have a swim, go snorkeling, or just wander off collecting beach rocks. Lots of space with a wonderful view of Bras d'Or Lake.We offer a large variety of stable sea, touring, and fun kayaks for rent, singles and doubles, as well as canoes. And you are outfitted with the necesssary equipment of the best quality. You may launch your boat right from our wharf and feel safe on our sheltered inlet, becoming familiar with your craft before you venture out on the magnificent Bras d'Or Lake.We regret there is no smoking or pets allowed inside the cottages.
Overview

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Location:
West Bay - Cape Breton Island - Nova Scotia - Canada

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Availability
January-December

Our best experience

Singapore hotel room rates to grow strongly
Aug 23, 06 1:57 am
Hotel room rates are likely to rise by 10 or 15 per cent a year for the next three years, says a wide ranging UBS report on the Singapore property market. The Swiss bank report goes on to predict a further 15 per cent rise this year in sale prices for high-end residential properties, following last year's 26 per cent increase.
This week's property market report attributes much of the expected growth to the effect of the forthcoming integrated resorts.
UBS says that because tourist arrivals are expected to increase by 5 to 7 per cent per annum until 2009 at a time when the number of hotel rooms is expected to increase by just 2 per cent a year the effect will be double digit growth in hotel room rates. Average hotel occupancy is already at 85 per cent.
The bank says that while average hotel room rates in Singapore have increased from $107 per room night in 2003 to $161 per room night in April this year they are still much lower than that in comparable Asian cities, notably Hong Kong.
UBS expects more foreigners to buy residential property in Singapore because of the building of the integrated resorts. It says the impact of foreign home buyers will be felt most in the luxury segment, noting that foreigners last year accounted for 58 per cent of total purchases of high-end residential units, which it defines as those priced at more than $1,100 per square foot.
The report says there is a 70 per cent chance of the Kerzner International and CapitaLand consortium winning the right to build the integrated resort (IR) at Sentosa. Of the other three bidders, it sees Genting International-Star Cruises as a particularly credible competitor.
UBS notes that among the bidders for the Sentosa IR, only Kerzner has substantial experience in building island resorts integrated with casinos and Kerzner's Atlantis in the Bahamas was cited by the Singapore government as an example of an IR where gaming revenue constituted only 26 per cent of total revenue.
UBS thinks the Sentosa IR will be more profitable than Marina Bay's, particularly in the initial years. It notes that Sentosa's land price is half that of Marina Bay and argues that development of the Sentosa IR is likely to be quicker and less expensive than Marina Bay IR, given the lower density.
UBS believes that with the government pumping $2 billion into Marina Bay infrastructure and the addition of Marina Bay Sands, Marina Bay will become the most compelling convention venue in Asia. It will have the highest concentration of convention space and hotel rooms all within walking distance.
Suntec Reit and Singapore Land are seen by UBS as beneficiaries of the transformation of Marina Bay, while Keppel Land is seen to benefit from having residential and office projects close to the IRs at Marina Bay and Sentosa.
UBS's top picks in the Singapore property sector are Suntec Reit, City Developments and The Ascott Group. It puts City Developments as being the price leader for luxury residential projects here and believes Ascott can benefit from upside potential in the Singapore hotel sector.

Melbourne Hotels continue to grow

Hotel Bakpak Melbourne introduces a touch of luxury at an affordable price
Aug 23, 06 1:57 am
Hotel Bakpak Melbourne, now offers guests even more reasons to stay with the introduction of en suite rooms at an affordable price.
Budget travelers wanting a touch of luxury can stay for as little as $30 per person per night in an en suite dorm room or $85 per twin room per night.
According to General Manager, Brendan Geary the upgrade is certain to be popular with travelers.
“We’ve already had strong forward bookings and are confident that the introduction of en suited rooms will enhance the experience of travelers staying at Hotel Bakpak Melbourne,” said Mr. Geary
As demand grows, Hotel Bakpak Melbourne will continue to upgrade and expand its offering. The next phase includes renovating the popular rooftop terrace and the introduction of conference facilities.
“We are excited about broadening the scope of what we have to offer to groups conscious of their hip pocket. Our conference areas will be great spaces at budget prices,” said Mr. Geary.
Hotel Bakpak Melbourne is more than just a place to stay, it is an accommodation experience. Guests have access to a free in-house cinema; two in-house bars with a never ending list of entertainment and popular theme parties; group visits to some of Melbourne’s best known destinations, including a day at the footy; and an on premise Job Centre to assist those seeking work.
Hotel Bakpak Melbourne is located in Franklin Street, in the heart of Melbourne city, next to the famous Queen Victoria Market. Dorm style accommodation is available from $19 per night, including free airport pickup and a drink on arrival. School and group bookings welcome

http://www.holidayhomesaus.com/rentals/Victoria-Holidays/

Our Holiday in the Sun

The Westin Resort Macau Appoints New General Manager
Jun 23, 06 1:58 am
The Westin Resort Macau is pleased to announce the appointment of Humayoon Shaikhzadeh as its newest General Manager.
Humayoon has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry with his entire career dedicated to working at Westin hotels in North America and Asia. In his new role, Humayoon oversees the operations of the hotel and reports directly to Neil Palmer, Senior Vice President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.
Humayoon first joined the company as a Management Trainee at The Westin Canal Place, New Orleans, Louisiana in 1985. After a successful stint in North America he transferred to the Asia Pacific region when he joined the pre-opening team of a deluxe 5-star Westin in Indonesia as a Financial Controller in November 1995. From there he moved on to The Westin Resort Macau in the capacity of an Operations Manager/Financial Controller, having had a couple of short-term assignments in-between to Beijing and Malta.
Humayoon holds a Master’s degree in International Management from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird), Glendale, Arizona.
As a newly appointed General Manager at The Westin Resort Macau his immediate challenges include operating in a highly competitive environment and coordinating a number of renovation projects at the hotel which are earmarked for execution over the next couple of years.
About The Westin Resort Macau
The Westin Resort Macau is situated on the southern tip of Coloane Island overlooking the spectacular Hac Sa Beach. The eight-storey grand complex, which is terraced into a lush mountainside, features an 18-hole tournament-style golf course on its rooftop and commands stunning views of the South China Sea.
Boasting the largest rooms (average 72 sq. meters) in Macau, The Westin Resort Macau offers 208 suites and rooms each opening out to a private terrace overlooking the South China Sea, Hac Sa Beach or the Coloane National Park. With just a ten-minute drive from Macau International Airport, a 20 minute drive from the Macau Ferry Terminal and downtown shopping and entertainment centre, the Westin Resort Macau is an ultimate retreat that suits everyone from couples and families to corporate groups.
The Westin Resort Macau was recently awarded the Best Asian Resort by Hong Kong Business’s prestigious High Flyers Outstanding Enterprises 2005 Awards and once again nominated as “preferred choice of accommodation of travelers to Macau” by Frequent Traveller. Other recent accolades include Best Business Hotel in Macau SAR by Business Traveller 2005; Number 1 resort in the Greater China region and 11th Best Resort in Asia by Asia-hotel.com 2004 & 2005; Number 1 resort in the Greater China region by Asia’s Best Hotels & Resorts 2005; One of the top 7 seaside resorts in China by National Geographic Traveler 2004.

http://www.holidayhomeseuro.com/rentals/Slovenia-Holidays/

Holiday Accommodation Europe

News @ PATA
May 31, 04 5:21 pm
Gordon Elected Senator of the Philippines Immediate Past Chairman of PATA and former Philippines Tourism Secretary, Mr. Richard Gordon (pictured), was proclaimed Senator of the Philippines on Monday, after more than 12 million votes secured him the fifth seat in an election race for 12. Senator Gordon will serve a six-year term. “We congratulate Richard on this fine achievement, which is great news for the people of the Philippines,” said PATA President and CEO, Mr. Peter de Jong. “For PATA, it is good to know that it has a strong ally in the highest circles of Philippines government. Richard Gordon remains dedicated to the cause of tourism as an instrument for empowerment, job creation and poverty alleviation.” As 2003/2004 PATA Chairman, Mr. Gordon honoured his responsibilities to PATA by attending the April PATA Board Meeting and the 53rd PATA Annual Conference, which took place during peak pre-election campaigning in the Philippines. Mr. de Jong said: “We are relieved that Richard’s conscientious participation at the Conference did not diminish his electoral success.”

Holiday Abroad

Hilton scores coup with Bangkok riveside property
May 31, 04 6:14 pm
Hilton International Hotels has been awarded a contract to manage a high-rise property near the Peninsula on the banks of Bangkok’s mighty Chao Phraya River.
The property will be named the Millennium Hilton Bangkok and is scheduled to open with 542 rooms, all with river views, by June next year. A spokesman told TTG Daily News this morning the hotel will be “aggressively contemporary” with interior design by a new Melbourne-based partnership called BAR Studio.
The appointment of Hilton to manage the 32-storey 542-room property follows months of speculation it would get the contract, although the names of Marriott, Hyatt and Le Meridien had also been linked with the project.
Hilton had been eager to find a Bangkok flagship property to replace its position as managers of the Nai Lert Park which it had managed for 20 years but which went to Raffles International in January.
The Millennium Hilton is probably the last high-rise property to appear on Bangkok’s riverside following the introduction of environmental legislation that prevents the construction of anything higher than eight stories. It is a coup for Hilton.

http://www.holidayhomeseuro.com

Marriots continue to Grow

Marriott International To Open Its Fifth Hotel In Indonesia In 2008
Jun 15, 06 1:57 am
Marriott International, Inc. will add a fifth hotel to its lodging portfolio in Indonesia in 2008 under a management agreement with PT Kurnia Tetap Mulia. The 268-room Marriott hotel will be located in Medan, Indonesia’s third largest city, and will be the first internationally-branded, five-star property in the city.
The Medan Marriott Hotel will be situated in the city’s north central business district along Jalan Putri Hijau, the main north-south traffic artery in the city–approximately four kilometers from Medan’s Polonia Airport.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to participate in the economic vitality of Medan and to help encourage corporate travel to the city,” said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International. “We’re confident that the Medan Marriott Hotel will quickly become a favored venue for major local functions, weddings and conferences because of its quality, location, excellent public space and high guest standards.”
Guest rooms at the Medan Marriott Hotel will measure 40 square meters and will feature four fixture baths.
For dining and entertainment, the Medan Marriott Hotel will have three restaurants including an all-day restaurant, a Chinese restaurant with three private dining rooms, and a Japanese/Korean Restaurant. Entertainment options will include a 248-seat entertainment lounge, a lobby lounge, and a cigar and wine bar.
An outdoor swimming pool; a 900-square meter fitness center and spa with six treatment rooms, a sauna and steamroom; and a lighted outdoor tennis court comprise the hotel’s recreational amenities. In addition, the hotel will have an executive lounge, a business center, a gift shop and parking.
For weddings, conferences and other events, the Medan Marriott Hotel will have 3,210 square meters of space including a 1,850-square meter ballroom that will be divisible into two sections; a 660-square meter function room that will be divisible into three sections; and four individual meeting rooms, all measuring 175 square meters.
The Marriott International hotel portfolio in Indonesia currently consists of the JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta and the JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya. Under construction are The Mayflower, Marriott Executive Apartments in Jakarta and the Renaissance Bali Resort & Spa, both of which are scheduled to open in 2007.Marriott International , Inc. is a leading lodging company with more than 2,700 lodging properties in 66 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, Renaissance Bulgari, The Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites and Fairfield Inn brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, The Ritz-Carlton Club, Grand Residences by Marriott and Horizons brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments division; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division, operates conference centers; and manages golf courses. The company is headquartered in metropolitan Washington, D.C. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best places to work by Fortune magazine. In fiscal year 2005, the company reported sales from continuing operations of $11.6 billion and had approximately 143,000 employees at yearend 2005.

http://www.holidayhomeseuro.com/rentals/Norway-Holidays/

Holiday Cabins Europe

World Travel Market launches travel technology 'show within a show'
Jul 27, 05 1:50 am
Recognising that technology is a key driver behind the global travel and tourism industry, World Travel Market is launching a dedicated , stand-alone Travel Technology area for the first time.The launch coincides with a serious upturn in the IT industry and World Travel Market`s unique 'show within a show' concept will offer important insights into the latest global advances.The feature will be a new development for the event which takes place at ExCeL London between Monday 14 and Thursday 17 November."World Travel Market already has a proven track record of attracting all the major global players and senior buyers from 193 countries", said Fiona Jeffery, Group Exhibition Director."It is therefore logical to now provide a dedicated technology area where delegates can take a more comprehensive approach to their visit by also learning about new developments and trends within the IT industry from all the leading and specialist IT companies."World Travel Market is continually carrying out independent research with exhibitors, visitors and consumers.

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That is why technology is a major focus for us this year because IT has dramatically transformed the way the industry operates, with an explosion in online reservations, dynamic packaging and direct sell offering consumers a range of choices about how they book their holidays."Travel companies find they can save costs by using IT systems for sales, marketing, pricing, e-business and automating office functions. Technology is very much at the forefront of travel today."She continued: "Repeat bookings are coming in from IT companies such as CodeGen.IT, Final Quadrant and Intracom, and we are attracting new market leaders such as Expedia, who are exhibiting at WTM for the first time to expand their global business reach."Other technology exhibitors include Galileo, Comtec, Teletext, Cendant, Tourplan, Websource, Open Destinations, Ramesys, eQuality Travel Solutions, Softwire, Galaxy, Cyberembryonic, GHRS S.R.L., GlobeTrack, Nota Bena Co., TextBay, Travelink and Applied Card Technologies.Products will include business travel systems, reservation and Internet booking systems, multiple channel management and distribution systems, GDS (Global Distribution Systems), dynamic packaging, web design, web advertising and Internet marketing, CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems and customer loyalty development tools to website content and e-brochure management and provision.Travel Technology PartnersWell known travel technology industry organisations and experts have been appointed as partners.EyeforTravel, the travel industry information portal for conferences and seminars, travel business e-commerce and internet marketing is World Travel Market`s Travel Technology Conference Partner. It will organise conferences on two days to cover important technology issues of interest.Tim Gunstone, CEO of EyeforTravel, said: "Being World Travel Market`s Travel Technology Conference Partner is a great platform for us to provide two one-day conferences and will be the fourth year we have been present."By attending these one day executive briefings, delegates will have the exclusive advantage of meeting and networking with leading distribution, technology and marketing experts and learning what technologies are about to rock the travel industry."In a series of case studies and panel sessions, senior players behind the technology will discuss issues surrounding dynamic packaging, content, connectivity and convergence, XML, screen scraping and meta-search. They will hear how to implement the most cost-effective technology and market their travel products."Genesys, the expert travel technology consultancy is the official Travel Technology Consultancy Partner, organising seminars and workshops throughout the week with presentations available afterwards via the Genesys website.

Paul Richer, Director of Genesys, said: "Getting the most from technology is absolutely crucial to the success of all travel businesses. The free technology seminar programme will be both informative and educational, helping exhibitors and visitors move forward in this important area."The Travel Technology Initiative (TTI), the European industry user group promoting the development and use of open systems within travel and tourism and leisure will be the Association Partner for Travel Technology at World Travel Market.TTI, with members drawn from across the industry, will be offering them a four-day pass with exclusive Meridian Club membership subject to international buyer status.Online media publication TravelMole is the official Travel Technology Media Partner, delivering stories up to World Travel Market and with journalists on site at ExCeL reporting the latest news online from the event as it happens.Graham McKenzie, chief executive of TravelMole, commented: "We value the opportunity to utilise the international scale and speed of our operation for a global business forum like World Travel Market to deliver its news to the travel industry round the world."We feel this is yet another endorsement of TravelMole`s increasing importance in the online Travel Trade News environment.

From a standing start we are beginning to reach a predominant position and Reed`s reinforcement of this by choosing us as the online media partner for WTM`s dedicated technology area is very welcome."

Holiday Cabins Europe

Raffles Hotel buyer known for reselling properties
Jul 22, 05 1:57 am
Colony Capital's forte lies in trading low-priced real estate for sizeable profits

By Fiona Chan, The New Straits TimesThe American investment firm that snapped up Raffles Holdings' hotel business in a surprise deal on Monday may not be buying the hotels for keeps, if its stated strategy is anything to go by.Los Angeles-based Colony Capital, which spent $1.72 billion on buying 14 hotels and management contracts for another 27, specialises in buying low-priced, out-of-favour properties in order to 'flip' them. This refers to the practice of reselling the properties for a sizeable profit.

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Notable properties Colony has 'flipped' include the Savoy Groupof four of London's best-known luxury hotels, including Claridge's and the Savoy, which it bought with private equity firm Blackstone in 1998 for £520 million (S$1.54 billion) and sold last year for £750 million. Many industry-watchers believe the key to Colony's success is founder and chief executive Thomas J. Barrack, who recently won high praise for his foresight from billionaire business tycoon Donald Trump.
Mr Trump was quoted in a Bloomberg report in May as saying that Mr Barrack, 57, 'has the ability to see into the future and know where the markets are going better than virtually anybody'.


The privately held Colony, which employs more than 110 staff in 13 offices around the world, refers to its investment strategy on its website as 'cautious contrarianism'.
One of its first investments in the early 1990s involved buying US$1 billion (S$1.69 billion) worth of apartment buildings at half their value during the United States' savings-and-loan crisis, during which few people were willing to touch the real estate market.
When real estate prices picked up in the mid-1990s, the company sold its holdings for an estimated 90 per cent profit. But those worried about changes to the 118-year-old Raffles Hotel, one of those newly acquired by Colony, can rest easy for now.
In a statement issued on Monday, Mr Barrack said that Colony recognised 'the need to keep talented and experienced management and employees and we look forward to working with them'.
He said the hotel's legacy will be protected. 'We deeply respect the historical significance of the Raffles Hotel...and we consider it our responsibility to protect that legacy.'
Mr Barrack, who holds a law degree, served as a deputy undersecretary of the interior under former US president Ronald Reagan, and managed the property investments of billionaire Robert Bass before establishing Colony Capital in 1991.


Since then, Colony has invested over US$15 billion in more than 8,000 assets that cover most of the real estate industry, from Atlantic Citycasinos to a baseball dome in Japan.
Last September, it acquired four casinos from Harrah's Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment to the tune of US $1.2 billion. The company also holds a one billion euro (S$2.04 billion) stake in French hotel and casino giant Accor.
Raffles Hotel is by no means the only historic property in Colony's diverse portfolio. In June last year, the firm bought the Las Vegas Hilton,where Elvis Presley made his famous 1969 comeback, for US$280 million.


Colony yesterday declined to comment on the deal.
Key to success
COLONY Capital, which employs more than 110 staff in 13 offices around the world, refers to its investment strategy on its website as 'cautious contrarianism'.
One of its first investments in the early 1990s involved buying US$1 billion (S$1.69 billion) worth of apartment buildings at half their value during the United States' savings-and-loan crisis.


When real estate prices picked up in the mid-1990s, the company sold its holdings for an estimated 90 per cent profit. Since then, Colony has invested over US$15 billion in more than 8,000 assets that cover most of the real estate industry.
Source: The Straits Times, Singapore