All About Tourism

Sustainable tourism

"Sustainable tourism is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems." (World Tourism Organization)

Sustainable development implies "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987)

Ecotourism

Ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism, is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strives to be low impact and (often) small scale. It helps educate the traveler; provides funds for conservation; directly benefits the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and fosters respect for different cultures and for human rights.

Pro-poor tourism

The pro poor tourism has to help the very poorest in developing countries has been receiving increasing attention by those involved in development and the issue has been addressed either through small scale projects in local communities and by Ministries of Tourism attempting to attract huge numbers of tourists. Research by the Overseas Development Institute suggests that neither is the best way to encourage tourists' money to reach the poorest as only 25% or less (far less in some cases) ever reaches the poor; successful examples of money reaching the poor include mountain climbing in Tanzania or cultural tourism in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Recession tourism

Recession tourism is a travel trend, which evolved by way of the world economic crisis. Identified by American entrepreneur Matt Landau (2007), recession tourism is defined by low-cost, high-value experiences taking place of once-popular generic retreats. Various recession tourism hotspots have seen business boom during the recession thanks to comparatively low costs of living and a slow world job market suggesting travelers are elongating trips where their money travels further.

Medical tourism

When there is a significant price difference between countries for a given medical procedure, particularly in Southeast Asia, India, Eastern Europe and where there are different regulatory regimes, in relation to particular medical procedures (e.g. dentistry), traveling to take advantage of the price or regulatory differences is often referred to as "medical tourism".

Educational tourism

Educational tourism developed, because of the growing popularity of teaching and learning of knowledge and the enhancing of technical competency outside of the classroom environment.[citation needed] In educational tourism, the main focus of the tour or leisure activity includes visiting another country to learn about the culture, such as in Student Exchange Programs and Study Tours, or to work and apply skills learned inside the classroom in a different environment, such as in the International Practicum Training Program. Read More..

Mass tourism

Mass tourism could only have developed with the improvements in technology, allowing the transport of large numbers of people in a short space of time to places of leisure interest, so that greater numbers of people could begin to enjoy the benefits of leisure time.

In the United States, the first seaside resorts in the European style were at Atlantic City, New Jersey and Long Island, New York.

In Continental Europe, early resorts included: Ostend, popularised by the people of Brussels; Boulogne-sur-Mer (Pas-de-Calais) and Deauville (Calvados) for the Parisians; and Heiligendamm, founded in 1793, as the first seaside resort on the Baltic Sea.

Recent developments

There has been an upmarket trend in the tourism over the last few decades, especially in Europe, where international travel for short breaks is common.[citation needed] Tourists have high levels of disposable income, considerable leisure time, are well educated, and have sophisticated tastes.[citation needed] There is now a demand for a better quality products, which has resulted in a fragmenting of the mass market for beach vacations; people want more specialised versions, quieter resorts, family-oriented holidays or niche market-targeted destination hotels.
Tourists enjoying cocktails during a beach vacation in the Bahamas

The developments in technology and transport infrastructure, such as jumbo jets, low-cost airlines and more accessible airports have made many types of tourism more affordable. WHO estimates that up to 500,000 people are on planes at any time.[26] There have also been changes in lifestyle, such as retiree-age people who sustain year round tourism. This is facilitated by internet sales of tourism products. Some sites have now started to offer dynamic packaging, in which an inclusive price is quoted for a tailor-made package requested by the customer upon impulse.

There have been a few setbacks in tourism, such as the September 11 attacks and terrorist threats to tourist destinations, such as in Bali and several European cities. Also, on December 26, 2004, a tsunami, caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, hit the Asian countries on the Indian Ocean, including the Maldives. Thousands of lives were lost and many tourists died. This, together with the vast clean-up operation in place, has stopped or severely hampered tourism to the area.

The terms tourism and travel are sometimes used interchangeably. In this context, travel has a similar definition to tourism, but implies a more purposeful journey. The terms tourism and tourist are sometimes used pejoratively, to imply a shallow interest in the cultures or locations visited by tourists. Read More..

Tourism History

Wealthy people have always traveled to distant parts of the world, to see great buildings, works of art, learn new languages, experience new cultures and to taste different cuisines. Long ago, at the time of the Roman Republic, places such as Baiae were popular coastal resorts for the rich. The word tourism was used by 1811 and tourist by 1840. In 1936, the League of Nations defined foreign tourist as "someone traveling abroad for at least twenty-four hours". Its successor, the United Nations, amended this definition in 1945, by including a maximum stay of six months

Leisure travel

Leisure travel was associated with the Industrial Revolution in the United Kingdom – the first European country to promote leisure time to the increasing industrial population.[citation needed] Initially, this applied to the owners of the machinery of production, the economic oligarchy, the factory owners and the traders. These comprised the new middle class. Cox & Kings was the first official travel company to be formed in 1758.

The British origin of this new industry is reflected in many place names. In Nice, France, one of the first and best-established holiday resorts on the French Riviera, the long esplanade along the seafront is known to this day as the Promenade des Anglais; in many other historic resorts in continental Europe, old, well-established palace hotels have names like the Hotel Bristol, the Hotel Carlton or the Hotel Majestic – reflecting the dominance of English customers.

Many leisure-oriented tourists travel to the tropics, both in the summer and winter. Places of such nature often visited are: Bali in Indonesia, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Mexico the various Polynesian tropical islands, Queensland in Australia, Thailand, St.Tropez and Cannes in France, Florida, Hawaii and Puerto Rico in the United States, Barbados, St.Marten, St.Kitts, Nevis, Bahamas, Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Turks and Caicos and Bermuda. Read More..

Tourism

Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes.

The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than twenty-four (24) hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited."

Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. In 2008, there were over 922 million international tourist arrivals, with a growth of 1.9% as compared to 2007. International tourism receipts grew to US$944 billion (euro 642 billion) in 2008, corresponding to an increase in real terms of 1.8%.

As a result of the late-2000s recession, international travel demand suffered a strong slowdown beginning in June 2008, with growth in international tourism arrivals worldwide falling to 2% during the boreal summer months.

This negative trend intensified during 2009, exacerbated in some countries due to the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus, resulting in a worldwide decline of 4% in 2009 to 880 million international tourists arrivals, and an estimated 6% decline in international tourism receipts.

Tourism is vital for many countries, such as Egypt, Greece, Lebanon, Spain, Malaysia and Thailand, and many island nations, such as The Bahamas, Fiji, Maldives, Philippines and the Seychelles, due to the large intake of money for businesses with their goods and services and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. These service industries include transportation services, such as airlines, cruise ships and taxicabs, hospitality services, such as accommodations, including hotels and resorts, and entertainment venues, such as amusement parks, casinos, shopping malls, music venues and theatres.

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Great America Parks

Marriott also developed three and ultimately opened two theme parks entitled Marriott's Great America from 1976 until 1984. The parks were located in Gurnee, Illinois, Santa Clara, California and a proposed but never-built location in the Washington, DC area, and were themed celebrating American history. The American-themed areas under Marriott's tenure of ownership included "Carousel Plaza" (the first section beyond the main gates); small-town-themed "Hometown Square"; "The Great Midwest Livestock Exposition At County Fair" with a Turn of the Century rural-fair theme; "Yankee Harbor", inspired by a 19th century New England port; "Yukon Territory," resembling a Canadian/Alaskan logging camp; and the French Quarter-modeled "Orleans Place". At opening, both parks were laid out nearly identically.

In 1984, Marriott disposed of its theme park division; both parks were sold and today are associated with national theme park chains. The Gurnee location was sold to Six Flags Theme Parks where it operates today as Six Flags Great America. The Santa Clara location was sold to the City of Santa Clara, who retained the underlying property and sold the park to Kings Entertainment Company, renamed Paramount Parks in 1993. From 1993 to 2006, the Santa Clara location was known as Paramount's Great America. In 2006, Paramount Parks was acquired by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company; the Santa Clara park operates today as California's Great America. In the years after their sale, the layouts of the parks have diverged substantially.

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Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a worldwide operator and franchisor of a broad portfolio of hotels and related lodging facilities. Founded by J. Willard Marriott, the company is now led by son J.W. (Bill) Marriott, Jr. Today, Marriott International has about 3,150 lodging properties located in the United States and 67 other countries and territories.

Marriott's operations are grouped into the following five business segments:

• Full-service lodging - 65%
• Select-service lodging - 11%
• Extended-stay lodging - 5%
• Timeshare - 15%
• Synthetic fuel - 4% (primarily a tax shelter)

History

Marriott was founded by J. Willard Marriott in 1927 when he and his wife opened a root beer stand in Washington D.C..[4] As a Mormon missionary in the sweltering, humid summers in Washington D.C, Marriott was convinced that what the city needed was a such a place to get a cool drink. They later expanded their enterprises into a chain of restaurants and hotels.

The Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, Virginia is Marriott International’s longest operating hotel, and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009. Their son and current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, J.W. (Bill) Marriott, Jr. has led the company to spectacular worldwide growth. Today, Marriott International has about 3,150 lodging properties located in the United States and 67 other countries and territories.

Marriott International was formed in 1992 when Marriott Corporation split into two companies, Marriott International and Host Marriott Corporation.

In 2002 Marriott International began a major restructuring by spinning off many Senior Living Services Communities (which is now part of Sunrise Senior Living) and Marriott Distribution Services, so that it could focus on hotel ownership and management. The changes were completed in 2003.

In April 1995, Marriott International acquired a 49% interest in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC.[9] Marriott International believed that it could increase sales and profit margins at the Ritz, a troubled chain with a significant number of properties either losing money or barely breaking even. The cost of Marriott's initial investment was estimated to be about $200 million in cash and assumed debt. The next year, Marriott spent $331 million to take over the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta and buy a majority interest in two properties owned by William Johnson, a real estate developer who had purchased the Ritz-Carlton Boston in 1983 and expanded his Ritz holdings over the next twenty years.

The Ritz began expansion into the lucrative timeshare market among other new initiatives made financially possible by the deep pockets of Marriott, which also lent its own in-house expertise in certain areas. There were other benefits for Ritz-Carlton flowing from its relationship with Marriott, such as being able to take advantage of the parent company's reservation system and buying power. The partnership was solidified in 1998 when Marriott boosted its interest in Ritz-Carlton to 99 percent. By 1999 revenues from the 35 hotels it operated around the world totaled about $1.4 billion.

Marriott International owned Ramada International Hotels & Resorts until its sale on September 15, 2004 to Cendant. It is the first hotel chain to serve food that is completely free of trans fats at all of its North American properties.

In 2005, Marriott International and Marriott Vacation Club International comprised two of the 53 entities that contributed the maximum of $250,000 to the second inauguration of President George W. Bush.

On July 19, 2006, Marriott announced that all lodging buildings they operate in the United States and Canada would become non-smoking beginning September 2006. "The new policy includes all guest rooms, restaurants, lounges, meeting rooms, public space and employee work areas."

On November 11, 2010, Announced plans to add over 600 hotel properties by 2015, the bulk of the additions will be in the emerging markets of India, where it plans to have 100 hotel properties and other countries include China and Southeast Asia.

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InterContinental

InterContinental is a brand of upscale luxury hotels, founded by Pan American World Airways, under Juan Trippe, and now owned by InterContinental Hotels Group. The chain operates over 200 hotels and resorts in approximately 75 nations.

History

InterContinental began in 1946 when the first hotel opened in Belém, Brazil. In 1981, holding company InterContinental Hotels Corporation was sold to UK-based company Grand Metropolitan. As GrandMet focused it core business, IHG was sold in 1988 to Japanese based Saison Group. In 1998, Bass plc acquired IHC.

Notable hotels by continent

North America

• InterContinental Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
• InterContinental Los Angeles, Century City, California, United States
• InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, Missouri, United States
• InterContinental Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
• InterContinental The Barclay, New York City, New York, United States
• InterContinental Chicago, Illinois, United States
• nterContinental Cleveland, Ohio, United States
• InterContinental Harbor Court Baltimore, Maryland, United States
• InterContinental Houston, Texas, United States
• Hotel Intercontinental Miami, Florida, United States
• InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, Nob Hill, San Francisco, California, United States
• InterContinental San Francisco, California, United States
• InterContinental Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
• InterContinental New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
• Willard InterContinental Washington, Washington, D.C., United States
• InterContinental The Clement Monterey, California, United States
• InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley, Arizona, United States
• InterContinental Presidente, Mexico City, Mexico
• InterContinental Toronto Centre, Ontario, Canada
• InterContinental Toronto-Yorkville, Ontario, Canada
• InterContinental Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Austin, Texas, United States

Central America

• Real InterContinental Guatemala , in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
• Real InterContinental San Salvador , in San Salvador, El Salvador.
• Real InterContinental Tegucigalpa , in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
• Real InterContinental San Pedro Sula , in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
• Real InterContinental Metrocentro Managua , in Managua, Nicaragua.
• Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica , in San José, Costa Rica.
• InterContinental Miramar Panama, in Panama city, Panama.
• InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa, in Panama city, Panama.

South America

• InterContinental Rio de Janeiro, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• InterContinental Cali, in Cali, Colombia.
• InterContinental Medellín, in Medellín, Colombia.
• InterContinental Caracas, in Caracas, Venezuela.
• InterContinental Valencia, in Valencia, Venezuela.
• InterContinental Maracaibo, in Maracaibo, Venezuela.
• InterContinental Buenos Aires, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• InterContinental Santiago de Chile, in Santiago de Chile, Chile.

Europe

• InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
• Athenaeum InterContinental, in Athens, Greece.
• InterContinental Budapest Hotel, in Budapest, Hungary.
• InterContinental Bucharest, in Bucharest, Romania.
• InterContinental Berlin, in Berlin, Germany.
• InterContinental Carlton Cannes, in Cannes, France.
• InterContinental Düsseldorf, in Düsseldorf, Germany.
• InterContinental Frankfurt, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
• InterContinental Geneva, in Geneva, Switzerland
• Intercontinental Hamburg, Germany
• Ceylan InterContinental Istanbul, in Istanbul, Turkey.
• InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel, in London, United Kingdom.
• InterContinental Praha, in Prague, Czech Republic.
• InterContinental Warsaw, in Warsaw, Poland.
• InterContinental Kiev Hotel in Kiev, Ukraine.
• InterContinental at Aphrodite hills, in Paphos, Cyprus.
• InterContinental Vienna, in Vienna, Austria.

Asia

• David InterContinental Tel Aviv, in Tel Aviv, Israel.
• The Lalit Hotel, in Mumbai,^[2] India.
• InterContinental Hotel The Grand, in Mumbai, India.
• InterContinental Marine Drive Mumbai, in Mumbai, India.
• InterContinental Dar Ul Tawhid Makkah, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
• InterContinental Makkah, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
• InterContinental Al Jubail, in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
• InterContinental Al Khobar, in Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
• InterContinental Bangkok, in Bangkok, Thailand
• InterContinental Hong Kong, in Hong Kong.
• InterContinental Hotel, Herat, Afghanistan - Opening Soon
• InterContinental Hotel, Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan Opening Soon
• InterContinental Hotel, Kabul, in Kabul, Afghanistan -
• InterContinental Dubai Festival City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
• Intercontinental Hotel, Doha, Qatar
• InterContinental Aqaba, in Aqaba, Jordan.
• InterContinental Amman, in Amman, Jordan
• InterContinental Manila, in Makati, Philippines
• InterContinental Chengdu, in Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
• InterContinental Chongqing, in Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
• InterContinental Nanjing, in Nanjing, People's Republic of China - opening 2010.
• InterContinental Phnom Penh, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
• InterContinental Hotel The Grand, in Seoul, South Korea.
• InterContinental Hotel Alpensia PyongChang Resort, in Pyongchang, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
• InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut Hotel, in Beirut, Lebanon.
• InterContinental Mzaar, in Faraya, Lebanon.
• InterContinental Le Vendôme, in Beirut, Lebanon.
• InterContinental Shanghai Pudong, in Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
• InterContinental Singapore, in Singapore.
• InterContinental Jericho, in Jericho, West Bank.
• InterContinental Bethlehem (Jacir Palace), in Bethlehem, West Bank.
• InterContinental Hotel The Grand, in Yokohama, Japan.
• InterContinental Mid-Plaza, in Jakarta, Indonesia
• InterContinental Mudanjiang, in Mudanjiang, People's Republic of China - opening 2010
• InterContinental Resort Bali, in Jimbaran, Bali
• InterContinental Tashkent, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
• InterContinental Tokyo Bay, in Tokyo, Japan.
• InterContinental Grand Seoul, in Seoul, South Korea.

Africa

• InterContinental City Stars, in Cairo, Egypt.
• InterContinental Sandton Towers, in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa.
• InterContinetal Asmara, in Asmara, Eritrea
• InterContinental Mauritius, in Balaclava, Mauritius

Australia

• InterContinental Burswood, in Perth, Australia
• InterContinental Adelaide, in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
• InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto, in Melbourne, Australia
• InterContinental Sydney, in Sydney, Australia.
• InterContinental Wellington, in Wellington, New Zealand.

Source : wikipedia.org

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Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites

Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites is a 59-floor 256 meter (840 ft) tall skyscraper completed in 2007. This residential and hotel tower is located in Dubai Marina in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and features 261 suites offering choices of 24 spacious studio rooms, six one-bedroom, 170 two-bedroom and 55 three-bedroom suites, as well as six penthouses. The Hotel is the property of The Emirates Group, which also owns other hotels like Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa.

When opened on 1 November 2007, it was known as Emirates Marina Hotel & Residence. The name was changed to The Harbour Hotel & Residence in January 2008. The reason for the change was due to the large quantity of buildings in Dubai Marina that had the word "Marina" in them. To prevent confusion from their customers, and to keep the nautical theme, the words "Emirates Marina" were changed to "The Harbour." The hotel was finally rebranded and renamed Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, when it was put under the management of Marriott International on 15 September 2009.

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The Emirates Group

The Emirates Group is a public international travel and tourism conglomerate holding company headquartered in Garhoud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, by Dubai International Airport.The Emirates Group comprises Dnata, an aviation services company providing ground handling services at 17 airports and Emirates Airline, the largest airline in the Middle East. Emirates Airlines flies to over 100 destinations across 6 continents, operating a fleet of over 130 wide-bodied aircraft. The airline has 170 aircraft on order worth US$ 58 billion. The Emirates Group has a turnover of approximately US$12 billion and employs over 50,000 employees across all its 50 business units and associated firms, making it one of the biggest employers in the Middle East. The company is wholly-owned by the Government of Dubai directly under the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

Head office

The airline's head office is in the Emirates Group building in Al-Garhoud, Dubai.[3][6] The building is located on Airport Road, across from the site of the Emirates Engineering Centre in 2004. A tunnel connects the building to Dubai International Airport. Construction on the building, worth 275 million New Zealand dollars, began in 2004. Construction was scheduled to end in mid-2006, with staff progressively moving in over the following year. Emirates self-financed the construction. Over 6,000 employees work in the building. Previously the airline's head office was the Airline Centre along the Flame Roundabout in Dubai.

History

Origins

As the British pulled out of Dubai in the late 1950s, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum al Maktoum decreed an open seas, open skies, and open trade policy, to develop the country. He also required all government agencies to make a profit. The country was aiming to eliminate its dependence on its finite oil reserves within 50 years.

The Dubai National Air Transport Association (DNATA) was formed in 1959, and by the mid-1980s, it was employing 2,500 employees. It consisted of three business segments - Dnata Airport Operations, Dnata Cargo and Dnata Agencies. In addition to providing support services at Dubai International Airport, the company served as sales agent for 26 airlines. Dubai had been used as a stopover on routes between Europe and the Far East since the days of Imperial Airways, which landed its flying boats there en route to Australia. The open skies policies kept its airport among the busiest in the Middle East.

During the mid-1980s, Gulf Air began to cut back it services to Dubai. As a result, Emirates was conceived in March 1985 with backing from Dubai's royal family, whose Dubai Royal Air Wing provided two of the airline's first aircraft, used Boeing 727-200/Advs. It was required to operate independent of government subsidies, apart from $10 million in start-up capital. It also leased a new Boeing 737-300 from Pakistan International Airlines which was returned back in 1987. Maurice Flanagan was named managing director of the new airline. Formerly of the Royal Air Force, British Airways, and Gulf Air, Flanagan had been seconded to DNATA in 1978 on a two-year assignment as assistant general sales manager. Chairman was Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, nephew of the ruler of Dubai became chairman of Department of Civil Aviation and DNATA itself. Tim Clark join the management team.

Boeing 777-300ER The first flight of the airline was, Dubai-Karachi on 25 October 1985. The airline leased an Airbus 300B4-200, from Pakistan International Airlines. Bombay and Delhi were the next destinations for the airline. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum later gifted two Boeing 727-200s to the airline.

The Emirates Group became profitable within its first nine months. During its first year, the airline carried about 260,000 passengers and 10,000 tons of freight. By 1986, the airline was adding new destinations such as Colombo, Dhaka, Amman, and Cairo to its route network.

In its second year the group posted a loss, but growth continued even as the region was experiencing a downturn a year later. The Gulf War and the laying off of expatriate workers as the main factors. In its second year, competitors had accused Emirates of starting a price war, something the airline's competitors still accuse Emirates of doing. On 3 July 1987, Emirates received its first bought Airbus A310-304, from Tolouse. Within the first 38 months of operating, Emirates was serving 12 destinations.

Emirates Sky Cargo, which operated as a separate entity, carried 25,000 tons of freight in fiscal 1989. Emirates expanded its route network into the Far East in 1990, and expanded its European operations in the summer of 1992. In 1990, the airline purchased three additional Airbus A310-300s from Airbus. The Group also launched Marhaba in December 1991 as a premium meet and greet service for passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Grand Hyatt Dubai

Grand Hyatt Dubai is a hotel in the area of Zabeel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is one of the Hyatt hotels. The area is in the way between Dubai Airport and the new developments in Dubai which is usually referred to as "new Dubai". The ruler of Dubai owns the hotel and it was established in 2003. At the time its 674 rooms made it the largest hotel in Dubai. The hotel lobby has an indoor rainforest, which, according to an Economist travel writer, had mixed results in injecting atmosphere.

Hotel Overview

Located in the Bur Dubai district, Grand Hyatt Dubai hotel towers majestically over the edge of Dubai's historic creek. The hotel is close to financial and entertainment districts, the Dubai Creek, Dubai WTC and Wafi City Shopping Mall, while Dubai International Airport is only 7 km away.

Set within 37 acres of landscaped gardens, our Dubai hotel is an outstanding combination of resort facilities, luxury hotel rooms & suites, residential apartments and one of the most advanced conference and business hotels in the United Arab Emirates and Middle East.

Our 5 star hotel in Dubai hosts a wide array of restaurants, bars and cafés, most of them located around the tropical garden of the atrium. Favourite outlets include Awtar Restaurant, Manhattan Grill, iZ Indian Restaurant, Singaporean Peppercrab, The Market Café and Cooz Bar.

The Grand Spa is a comprehensive wellness centre with a wide offering in spa treatments complemented by saunas, steam rooms, indoor & outdoor pools, tennis courts and fitness centre.

Source : wikipedia & dubai.grand.hyatt.com

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Burj Al Arab Hotel

The Burj Al Arab (Arabic: برج العرب‎,"Arab Tower", also known as "Arab Sail") is a five-star hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 321 m (1,053 ft), it is the fourth tallest hotel in the world. The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. It is an iconic structure whose shape mimics the sail of a ship.

Site The beachfront area where the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel are located was previously called Chicago Beach. The hotel is located on an island of reclaimed land offshore of the beach of the former Chicago Beach Hotel. The locale's name had its origins in the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company which at one time welded giant floating oil storage tankers on the site. The old name persisted after the old Hotel was demolished in 1997. Dubai Chicago Beach Hotel remained as the Public Project Name for the construction phase of the Burj Al Arab Hotel until Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the new name.


Construction
Construction of Burj Al Arab began in 1994. It was built to resemble the sail of a dhow, a type of Arabian vessel. Two "wings" spread in a V to form a vast "mast", while the space between them is enclosed in a massive atrium. The architect Tom Wright[5] said "The client wanted a building that would become an iconic or symbolic statement for Dubai; this is very similar to Sydney with its Opera House, or Paris with the Eiffel Tower. It needed to be a building that would become synonymous with the name of the country." The architect and engineering consultant for the project was Atkins, the United Kingdom's largest multidisciplinary consultancy. The hotel was built by South African construction contractor Murray & Roberts.

Features

Several features of the hotel required complex engineering feats to achieve. The hotel rests on an artificial island constructed 280 m (920 ft) offshore. To secure a foundation, the builders drove 230 forty-metre (130 ft) long concrete piles into the sand. Engineers created a surface layer of large rocks, which is circled with a concrete honeycomb pattern, which serves to protect the foundation from erosion. It took three years to reclaim the land from the sea, while it took fewer than three years to construct the building itself. The building contains over 70,000 m3 (92,000 cu yd) of concrete and 9,000 tons of steel. Inside the building, the atrium is 180 m (590 ft) tall. Burj Al Arab is the world's second tallest hotel (not including buildings with mixed use). The structure of the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang North Korea, is 9 m (30 ft) taller than the Burj Al Arab.

Rooms and suites

The hotel is managed by the Jumeirah Group. Despite its size, the Burj Al Arab holds only 28 double-storey floors which accommodate 202 bedroom suites. The smallest suite occupies an area of 169 m2 (1,820 sq ft), the largest covers 780 m2 (8,400 sq ft). Suites feature design details that juxtapose east and west. White columns show great influence. Bathrooms are accented by mosaic tile patterns.

Restaurants

One of its restaurants, Al Muntaha (Arabic for "Highest" or "Ultimate"), is located 200 m (660 ft) above the Persian Gulf, offering a view of Dubai. It is supported by a full cantilever that extends 27 m (89 ft) from either side of the mast, and is accessed to a panoramic elevator. The main chef there, Edah Semaj Leachim, was awarded Chef of the Year 2006 and also owns the restaurant, in accordance with the Burj Al Arab hotel. Another restaurant, the Al Mahara ("Oyster"), which is accessed via a simulated submarine voyage, features a large seawater aquarium, holding roughly 990,000 litres (35,000 cu ft) of water. The tank, made of acrylic glass in order to withstand the water pressure, is about 18 cm (7.1 in) thick.

Reviews by architecture critics

The Burj Al Arab has attracted criticism as well as praise, described as "a contradiction of sorts, considering how well-designed and impressive the construction ultimately proves to be."

The contradiction here seems to be related to the hotel’s decor. "This extraordinary investment in state-of-the-art construction technology stretches the limits of the ambitious urban imagination in an exercise that is largely due to the power of excessive wealth." Another critic includes negative critiques for the city of Dubai as well: "both the hotel and the city, after all, are monuments to the triumph of money over practicality. Both elevate style over substance." Yet another: "Emulating the quality of palatial interiors, in an expression of wealth for the mainstream, a theater of opulence is created in Burj Al Arab … The result is a baroque effect".

Source : wikipedia.org

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History of Dubai

Although stone tools have been found at many sites, little is known about UAE's early inhabitants as only a few settlements have been found. Many ancient towns in the area were trading centres between the Eastern and Western worlds. The remnants of an ancient mangrove swamp, dated at 7,000 BC, were discovered during the construction of sewer lines near Dubai Internet City. The area was covered with sand about 5,000 years ago as the coast retreated inland, becoming a part of the city's present coastline. Early Islamic ceramics have been found from the 3rd and 4th century. Prior to Islam, the people in this region worshiped Bajir (or Bajar). The Byzantine and Sassanian (Persian) empires constituted the great powers of the period, with the Sassanians controlling much of the region. After the spread of Islam in the area, the Umayyad Caliph, of the eastern Islamic world, invaded south-east Arabia and drove out the Sassanians. Excavations by the Dubai Museum in the region of Al-Jumayra (Jumeirah) found several artefacts from the Umayyad period.
Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1799, is the oldest existing building in Dubai – now part of the Dubai Museum

The earliest recorded mention of Dubai is in 1095, in the "Book of Geography" by the Andalusian-Arab geographer Abu Abdullah al-Bakri. The Venetian pearl merchant Gaspero Balbi visited the area in 1580 and mentioned Dubai (Dibei) for its pearling industry. Since 1799, there has been a settlement known as Dubai town. In the early 19th century, the Al Abu Falasa clan (House of Al-Falasi) of Bani Yas clan established Dubai, which remained a dependent of Abu Dhabi until 1833. On 8 January 1820, the sheikh of Dubai and other sheikhs in the region signed the "General Maritime Peace Treaty" with the British government. In 1833, following tribal feuding, the Al Maktoum dynasty (also descendants of the House of Al-Falasi) of the Bani Yas tribe left their ancestral home of the Liwa Oasis, South-west of the settlement of Abu Dhabi and quickly took over Dubai from the Abu Fasala clan without resistance.
The Al Ras district in Deira, Dubai in the 1960s
Wind Towers in Dubai

Dubai came under the protection of the United Kingdom by the "Exclusive Agreement" of 1892, in which the UK agreed to protect Dubai against the Ottoman Empire. Two catastrophes struck the town during the 1800s. First, in 1841, a smallpox epidemic broke out in the Bur Dubai locality, forcing residents to relocate east to Deira. Then, in 1894, fire swept through Deira, burning down most homes. However, the town's geographical location continued to attract traders and merchants from around the region. The emir of Dubai was keen to attract foreign traders and lowered trade tax brackets, which lured traders away from Sharjah and Bandar Lengeh, which were the region's main trade hubs at the time.

Dubai's geographical proximity to Iran made it an important trade location. The town of Dubai was an important port of call for foreign tradesmen, chiefly those from Iran, many of whom eventually settled in the town. By the beginning of the 20th century, it was an important port.[18] Dubai was known for its pearl exports until the 1930s; the pearl trade was damaged irreparably by World War I, and later on by the Great Depression in the 1930s. With the collapse of the pearling industry, Dubai fell into a deep depression and many residents starved or migrated to other parts of the Persian Gulf.

In the early days since its inception, Dubai was constantly at odds with Abu Dhabi. In 1947, a border dispute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi on the northern sector of their mutual border, escalated into war. Arbitration by the British and the creation of a buffer frontier running south eastwards from the coast at Ras Hasian resulted in a temporary cessation of hostilities. Electricity, telephone services, and an airport were established in Dubai in the 1950s, when the British moved their local administrative offices there from Sharjah. After years of exploration following large finds in neighbouring Abu Dhabi, oil was eventually discovered in Dubai in 1971, albeit in far smaller quantities, after which the town granted concessions to international oil companies. The discovery of oil led to a massive influx of foreign workers, mainly Indians and Pakistanis. Between 1968 and 1975 the city's population grew by over 300%.

On 2 December 1971 Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and five other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates after the former protector, Britain, left the Persian Gulf in 1971. In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a uniform currency: the UAE dirham. In the 1970s, Dubai continued to grow from revenues generated from oil and trade, even as the city saw an influx of immigrants fleeing the Lebanese civil war. Border disputes between the emirates continued even after the formation of the UAE; it was only in 1979 that a formal compromise was reached that ended hostilities. The Jebel Ali port was established in 1979. Jafza (Jebel Ali Free Zone) was built around the port in 1985 to provide foreign companies unrestricted import of labour and export capital.

The Gulf War of 1990 had a huge effect on the city. Depositors withdrew massive amounts of money from Dubai banks due to uncertain political conditions in the region. Later in the 1990s many foreign trading communities—first from Kuwait, during the Gulf War, and later from Bahrain, during the Shia unrest—moved their businesses to Dubai. Dubai provided refuelling bases to allied forces at the Jebel Ali free zone during the Gulf War, and again during the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. Large increases in oil prices after the Gulf War encouraged Dubai to continue to focus on free trade and tourism.

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Dubai

Dubai (English pronunciation: /duːˈbaɪ/ doo-BYE; Arabic: دبيّ dubayy‎) is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only two emirates to have veto power over critical matters of national importance in the country's legislature.

The earliest recorded mention of Dubai is in 1095, and the earliest settlement known as Dubai town dates from 1799. Dubai was formally established in the early 19th century by the Al Abu Falasa clan of Bani Yas, and it remained under clan control when the United Kingdom assumed the protection of Dubai in 1892. Its geographical location made it an important trading hub and by the beginning of the 20th century, it was an important port. In 1966, the year oil was discovered, Dubai and the emirate of Qatar set up a new monetary unit to replace the Gulf Rupee. The oil economy led to a massive influx of foreign workers, quickly expanding the city by 300% and bringing in international oil interests. The modern emirate of Dubai was created after the UK left the area in 1971. At this time Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and four other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates. The following year Ras al Khaimah joined the federation while Qatar and Bahrain chose to remain independent nations. In 1973, the monetary union with Qatar was dissolved and the UAE Dirham introduced throughout the UAE. A free trade zone was built around the Jebel Ali port in 1979, allowing foreign companies unrestricted import of labour and export capital. The Gulf War of 1990 had a negative financial effect on the city, as depositors withdrew their money and traders withdrew their trade, but subsequently the city recovered in a changing political climate and thrived.

Today, Dubai has emerged as a global city and a business hub. Although Dubai's economy was built on the oil industry, currently the emirate's model of business, similar to that of Western countries, drives its economy, with the effect that its main revenues are now from tourism, real estate, and financial services. Dubai has recently attracted world attention through many innovative large construction projects and sports events. This increased attention has highlighted labour rights and human rights issues concerning its largely South Asian workforce. Dubai's property market experienced a major deterioration in 2008 and 2009 as a result of the worldwide economic downturn following the Financial crisis of 2007–2010. Read More..

Christmas & New Year Packages

Celebrate a dazzling Christmas or New Year with Choice Hotels. Choice Hotels invites you to spend Christmas and New Year with our many properties throughout the UK. Whether it’s a shopping trip at London's top shopping attractions or gathering with family and friends, Choice are sure to make your Christmas and New Year memorable one with a welcoming service and surroundings.

For more information visit
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5 STARS HOTELS IN LONDON

5 star luxury in Mayfair’s historic Art Deco hotel

In the heart of Mayfair, Claridge’s hotel is perfectly placed for the city, London’s shopping districts and leafy Hyde Park.

With award-winning service and business facilities, Claridge’s luxury london hotel is a sumptuous retreat for the business traveller – or a luxurious indulgence if you want to spoil yourself or a loved one.

Claridge’s is a key part of London’s history.


Stars, socialites and the crowned heads of Europe have enjoyed this 5 star hotel for over 100 years.

Some of the world’s greatest designers have left their mark on Claridge’s. Original features mingle with distinctly modern twists, refining the effortless Art Deco elegance that makes London’s finest hotel so special.

THERITZLONDON

The Ritz : The world's greatest hotel, as conceived by the world's greatest hotelier. For over a century The Ritz has been the benchmark by which other hotels are measured. A London landmark at 150 Piccadilly, The Ritz has been home to the great and the good, the intelligentsia, the glitterati and thousands of discerning guests since 1906.

Sanderson Hotel

Sanderson Hotel is a lavish urban Spa in the heart of London. Sanderson offers a world of luxury, fantasy.

And there are many more..

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Best Hotels in San Francisco

Luxury Hotel Recommendations

Are you ready for the most incredible trip of your life? If you're ready to try the best - and maybe have a business expense account to spend it on... we've got the hotels for you. For romance and enjoyment - these are San Francisco's finest hotels. With luxury and service - most hotels are around $300 per night - but well worth it for an incredible experience. Visitors on honeymoons, romantic vacations, special family vacations, and important business trips rely on our recommendations to find the best hotel for their trip. Don't hesitate to email us if you need more personalized recommendations - we're happy to help. Our site offers the guaranteed lowest rates at San Francisco's top hotels - check around for seasonal bargains.

Top 10 Rank San Francisco's best hotels:
1. Hotel Nikko : Asian style with exceptional service, value, and city views.
2. Fairmont : A great choice for hilltop luxury near the Financial District and Union Square.
3. Huntington : Classic elegance at the top of Nob Hill
4. Parc 55 : One of San Francisco's biggest hotels in the heart of Union Square -- featuring top notch service.
5. Sir Francis Drake : Historic 1928 hotel very close to the cable cars: you can easily walk to shopping, transportation, Chinatown, and the theater.

6. San Francisco Hilton : Newly renovated hotel near the world-famous TransAmerica Pyramid. Great business location and discount rates.
7. W San Francisco : Incredible modern style in the heart of San Francisco's SOMA area and Moscone Conventio Center.
8. Intercontinental : Beautiful glass tower right next to Moscone Convention Center.
9. Four Seasons : Ultimate luxury - one of San Francisco's most expensive hotels.
10.Ritz Carlton : Highly recommended. There is no luxury beyond the Ritz.
But there are many more.
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Luxury Travels, Touring and Cruises In United States

We feature the world's best luxury vacations, cruises and escorted tours to help make your planning easy. Our Virtuoso Travel Advisors provide professional, person to person service, saving you precious time and delivering true value. We will make a world of difference in the way travel!

Our success is due to forging personal relationships based on trust and integrity with our clientele. We listen carefully; are very innovative and add valuable solutions that consistently exceed our customers' expectations.

We tailor life enriching vacations designed specifically to your unique interests, desires and offer diverse in travel styles and destinations. We have the latest travel deals at our fingertips. Our prices are usually substantially lower than the published rates.

We have the advantage of well-nurtured relationships and personal ties with the best hotels in the world. It is the strength of these relationships that differentiates us. Benefits vary from property to property and may include free room upgrades, free nights, free breakfast, VIP guest status, daily newspaper, late checkout and other unique personalized amenities. We can get rooms when others fail.

Important Note! Once you are connected to one of our personal destination specialists, you will have direct contact with them through their personal toll free number and email address. You can easily reach them anytime you need their advice, assistance, to make changes or for anything you need for your vacation.

Our clients feel heard, inspired, and confident that we maximized their savings. We strive to exceed your expectations. Your repeat business is our main goal.

From : travelwizard.com Read More..

Thornbury Castle

Kings and queens have stayed here. Courtiers have flirted with ladies-in-waiting in the ancient yew-hedged gardens. Serving girls have chattered in the stone-flagged courtyard. Today, Thornbury Castle still resonates with history and is the only Tudor castle in England to be open as a hotel…and it’s only 15 minutes from the M5.

However, step behind the heavy oak doors and you'll find a magnificent hotel with roaring fires, delicious modern cuisine and sumptuous bedchambers – a truly special setting for an overnight stay, a weekend away or for more formal occasions.

Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once walked these rooms and grounds. Today, the 500 year-old castle-palace with its beautiful oriel windows, Tudor hall and historic parkland is yours for the duration of your stay. There has even been a vineyard within the castle walls for over 500 years, from which Thornbury Castle wine is still produced.

Enjoy a regal night's sleep in the Duke's Bedchamber where King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn slept or favour the Gloucester Bedchamber and wake up to a view of the oldest Tudor gardens in England - the Privy Garden and Goodly Garden.
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Beverly Hills Luxury Hotels

Beverly Hills Luxury Hotels is owned and operated by Magellan Vacations, the nation's premier supplier of luxury hotel accommodations. Magellan Vacations has built a reputation by handling the very best hotels in the most sought after locations with agents who are very carefully chosen. Once hired, the agent is then carefully trained to become an expert in the destination they will serve. To assist them in developing this expertise, we assign them each a narrow geographic and then send each agent to visit and research the properties they will be representing. This allows them to become experts as well as develop a relationship with each individual property.

Beverly Hills enjoys one of the world's most picturesque locations with breathtaking views. Beverly Hills, with the famed Sunset Boulevard, is beautifully tucked between Southern California’s ocean beaches and the sunny mountain foothills - an ideal place to visit for pleasure, for business or for a bit of both. Its central location provides the perfect access point to all of the sites, sounds and pleasures where you can relax and unwind in its soothing ambience. Beverly Hills provides visitors access to the business and entertainment centers of Los Angeles along with walking distance from the famous Rodeo Drive, Sunset Boulevard, unique boutiques, galleries and museums. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and downtown are only 20 minutes away. Century City, Burbank and chic beach locales such as Malibu and Santa Monica are a short drive from this serene urban resort.

Beverly Hills is possibly one of the most coveted areas in the world for a second home. Even in winter, its climate and unsurpassed beauty has attracted the rich and the royal as a retreat from the rigors of northern climates. Imagine then, your own retreat right in the center of this exclusive domain. When the world dreams of Beverly Hills, it conjures up a galaxy of superstars leading the ultimate California lifestyle. It is more than just a place…it’s a state of mind. Visitors have long been drawn to its youthful energy, some of the world’s best restaurants, shopping, galleries, museums and a pulsating nightlife that begs to be explored.

In the heart of the world's entertainment capital, Beverly Hills is devoted to the pursuit of grace, style and timeless elegance. This luxurious vacation destination brings you style, sophistication and unmatched pampering. Spectacular views, from the downtown skyline to the Santa Monica coastline, from the estates of Bel Air to the Hollywood Hills melt the stresses of life away. Discover the best of luxury in the affluent financial, entertainment and residential communities. Ideally located, Beverly Hills is within walking distance of Century Plaza Towers, Century City Outdoor Shopping Center and Twentieth-Century Fox Studios. Read More..