Holiday Homes Rollout

Jack Binion to Join Wynn Resorts
Aug 01, 06 1:58 am
Wynn Resorts, Limited announced today that Jack Binion, one of America's most highly respected gaming executives and developers, has been appointed Chairman of Wynn International, acting as the senior executive for the Company's Asian operations and development.
In making the announcement, Stephen A. Wynn, Chairman of Wynn Resorts, Limited, commented that, "The decades of experience and unparalleled success that Jack brings to our Company is extraordinary. Jack takes his place in the Company at a moment in our history that is truly auspicious. He will lend his direction and maturity to Wynn Macau, opening in just 40 days. Jack's guidance will greatly enhance our ability to deal with the challenges that we face as a fledgling operator in China. We face our future in China with humility and great anticipation and, in the company of Mr. Binion, great confidence as well."
Wynn Resorts, Limited is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the ticker symbol WYNN and is part of the NASDAQ-100 Index. The company owns and operates Wynn Las Vegas (), a luxury hotel and destination casino resort located on the Las Vegas Strip which opened to the public on April 28, 2005.
Wynn Las Vegas features 2,716 luxurious guest rooms and suites; an approximately 111,000 square foot casino; 22 food and beverage outlets; an on-site 18-hole golf course; approximately 223,000 square feet of meeting space; an on-site Ferrari and Maserati dealership; and approximately 76,000 square feet of retail space. Wynn Resorts, Limited is currently constructing Wynn Macau, a destination casino resort in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Wynn Macau is scheduled to open in September 2006

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

Holidays Galore

Hotel News In Brief
Jun 07, 06 1:46 am
St. Regis Announces Ultra-Luxury Resort and Residences at St. Regis Resort, Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced an agreement has been reached with BBP Partners, LLC of Puerto Rico, to build a new St. Regis Resort and Residences at Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico, an exclusive private development destined to become one of the Caribbean's finest resort and residential communities. The resort is slated for a 2008 opening. "St. Regis is focused on building the world's most exclusive and luxurious properties in the finest locations around the world. When it opens, the resort will introduce an unrivaled dimension of luxury and bespoke hospitality to Puerto Rico," said Kerry Hatch, President of St. Regis. St. Regis Resort, Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico represents the 12th property currently under development for St. Regis. On a dynamic growth path, the legendary brand is projected to double in size by 2009, unveiling ultra-luxury hotels, resorts and residences across the globe. Easily accessible from the New York metropolitan area and more than 20 U.S. gateway cities, the resort will allow guests to escape for a long weekend, or weeks on end. The majestic St. Regis Resort, Bahia Beach will be built directly along the ocean among towering coconut palms and lush tropical foliage and surrounded by a new oceanfront Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course. The resort will feature 150 luxuriously appointed suites, boasting spectacular views from private open terraces of the sparkling sea to the east or the mountainous El Yunque tropical rainforest to the south. In keeping with St. Regis' unparalleled standards of hospitality, the resort will feature St. Regis' signature butler service, a world-class Remede Spa and Fitness Center, casual and fine dining restaurants, oceanfront swimming pools, and concierge. Bahia Beach is taking shape on 483 acres of pristine coconut palms and native maritime forest just 16 miles from San Juan International Airport. The community will boast a magnificent two-mile crescent of sandy beach, a beachfront golf course, world-class golf and beach clubhouses and a charming seaside village.
Accor Announces Third Ibis Hotel For Seoul The Ibis Suwon Seoul will be developed in the commercial and industrial area of Suwon, close to the existing Samsung Research and Development Centre and many other major businesses. The 234-room property will be part of a mixed-use development including retail, banquet facilities and a food court. It will feature a contemporary design, LCD television screens, large working desks and 24-hour reception. The hotel is being developed out of an existing office building by MyungSun Inc, a private Korean company, which specialises in commercial and retail property development.InterContinental To Grow Thai Portfolio InterContinental Hotels Group Asia Pacific plans to manage four new hotels in Thailand by 2008, as well as introduce its brand 'Express by Holiday Inn'. Construction of the new properties has already started with the InterContinental Samui opening in 2007 and both the InterContinental Phi Phi and InterContinental Pattaya opening in 2008. The Crowne Plaza Sukhumvit, scheduled to open next year, will focus on business travellers and will contain 342 rooms of contemporary Thai design. The group's strategy is to add more hotels in Bangkok under the Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn brands and to develop InterContinental and Holiday Inn hotels in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pattaya. InterContinental is reportedly getting ready to launch the Express by Holiday Inn, a limited-service brand already operating in Hong Kong, China and Japan. InterContinental currently manages a portfolio of five hotels in Bangkok and Phuket for a total of more than 1,900 rooms.
Starwood Plans A Big Expansion Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is set to sign another 50 management contracts in mainland China, bringing the total number in its network to 100 by 2008. Starwood Asia-Pacific president, Mr. Miguel Ko, told Shanghai Daily that the US-based company is hoping that revenue from China will contribute 50 per cent of the total from the Asia-Pacific region in the next three to five years - a significant increase from the current 20 per cent. Mr Ko said Starwood was planning to launch the Aloft brand in Asia-Pacific in Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing. Starwood was the first global hotel management group to enter mainland China in 1985 and is currently operating 25 hotels in the country under four brands - Sheraton, Westin, Four Points, St. Regis and Le Meridien.
New InterContinental Golf and Spa Resort Opens in Murcia, Spain Intercontinental Mar Menor Golf Resort & Spa Opens Today In The Region Of Alicante, Spain InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the June 1st opening of the InterContinental Mar Menor Golf Resort & Spa in Murcia, Spain. The resort is located along the tranquil countryside of Torre Pacheco, near Cartagena, and features 64 vibrant rooms and suites, a world-renowned ESPA spa (opening June 15), an array of dining options and a championship Jack Nicklaus golf course. Reservations can be made by calling 800-327-0200. UK interior designers Hunt Hamilton Zuch incorporated rustic Spanish and Moorish influences with chic modern touches in all rooms and suites, showcasing natural, earthy tones for walls, rich terracotta floors and large wooden headboards. Carefully selected artwork reflects the surrounding area and each room has a private balcony overlooking either the pool or golf course. Bathrooms are spacious with large hydro baths and walk-in showers to ensure a relaxing experience in maximum comfort. The existing nine-hole par 36 championship golf course will soon be developed into a full 18-hole course by the Nicklaus Design Team. Professional golf lessons will be available as well as a driving range, putting green and Club House. The resort will also boast a luxurious full-service spa by ESPA, including a state-of-the-art fitness studio, relaxation rooms, thermal suites, Vitality pools, an indoor pool and a juice bar that will offer an array of tapas and snacks. The hotel offers six dining venues and bars, each with its own distinct atmosphere that will have a strong Spanish Mediterranean influence. Within the hotel's main restaurant, Aqva, as well as the Pool Grill & Bar, master chefs will use the finest local organic products from Murcia's two seas and famous 'Huerta,' Europe's market garden. Nomad restaurant houses an open kitchen and al-fresco terrace dining with stunning views over the Spanish countryside.
Get In Trim This Summer With Fitzwilliam Hotel Group The Fitzwilliam Hotel Group will be treating the Republic of Ireland to consecutive months of hotel openings this summer. The experience will begin in July in the town of Trim, in Co. Meath, where the bunting will be out for the 68-room Trim Castle Hotel. In August the company will process the short distance to the western outskirts of Dublin for the unveiling of the 155-room Park Plaza Tyrrelstown. A most interested and gratified spectator will be Park Plaza Hotels Europe, which in 2004 signed up Fitzwilliam Hotel Group to be its franchise partner in Ireland. This hotel, in which Twinlite Developments has invested a reported €40 million, is the first Park Plaza in the Republic of Ireland and Fitzwilliam's sixth hotel in the country. Carlton Hotel Collection In First Act In Brussels You will know if you have the sticker album at home that the Carlton Hotel Collection has seven hotels in the Netherlands and two in the UK. Around October 2007 you will need to contact your newsagent for a new album, as a fresh page will have been inserted - for Belgium. La Mondiale, the development firm, has begun work on a 150-room, four-star hotel called The Dominican on a site behind the opera house Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels. Renaissance Brand Will Arrive At St Pancras It was known as the Midland Grand Hotel. From 2009 we shall all know it as the Renaissance St Pancras Hotel London. The 245-room hotel is in the plans of Manhattan Loft Corporation, which, in partnership with London & Continental Railways, was granted permission in March 2005 to begin the restoration of the Grade I listed building at St Pancras railway station in London. Maritim Hotels Makes Its First Visit To Egypt HMS International has conveyed Maritim Hotels to another new destination. In March it dropped the German hotelier off in Estepona on the Costa del Sol in Spain. This month the destination was Cairo in Egypt; the Solaimaneyah City development, to be precise. The name of the property that Maritim Hotels is to manage there will lengthen as the property expands. It starts off this autumn as the Maritim Hotel Solimer Cairo, which will have 122 rooms, and ends up as the Maritim Hotel & Conference Centre Solimer Cairo on the addition of 240 guest rooms and a conference centre by the end of 2007.

Alberta Canada Holidays

India Emerges as Asia Pacific’s Fastest-Growing Market for International Tourist Spending
Mar 29, 06 1:58 am


China continues as second-largest tourist spending market, while overall regional spending records double-digit growth Singapore, 27 March 2006 – India is the fastest-growing Asia Pacific market for international tourist spending, according to new figures released today by Visa Asia Pacific.


Visa’s spending data shows that tourists to India spent US$372 million during the fourth quarter of 2005, which represents a 25 percent increase over the same period in 2004.
China, where tourists spent $784 million in the period of October to December 2005, was the second fastest-growing market in Asia Pacific with a 23 percent year-on-year rise. India and China also topped the region when it came to average spending per transaction.
China recorded the highest amount of spending with an average of $204 spent per transaction, with India right behind at $191 (Please see accompanying India fact sheet). The regional average spend per transaction was US$156.


Overall, international travelers to and within the region spent $6.5 billion on their Visa cards in the final quarter of 2005, representing a 12 percent increase over the same period in 2004 and a 14 percent increase over the third quarter in 2005 [$5.8 billion].
“While tourism spending is up virtually across the board, our data confirms that India is rapidly becoming a more mainstream tourism destination, with tourist receipts expected to grow significantly over the next few years,” said Paul Dowling, Visa Asia Pacific’s Executive Vice President for Corporate Relations. “In Q4, our numbers show that India is quickly emerging as a destination of choice among travelers from the US, UK, France, Australia and Germany in numbers we have not previously seen.”


The top five regional destinations that benefited from the increase in inbound tourist spending over the previous final quarter were Australia ($1.1billion), China ($784 million), Thailand ($783 million), Hong Kong ($647 million) and Japan ($452 million).

http://www.holidayhomescanada.com/rentals/Alberta-Holiday/

Tourists from the US, UK, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong were the biggest spenders in Asia Pacific, accounting for 54 percent of total spending on Visa cards between October and December 2005.
By region, Asia Pacific cardholders were the biggest spenders, making up 42 percent of the total tourist spending. European Union cardholders accounted for 32 percent, US cardholders made up 20 percent of the total, while cardholders from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa contributed 3 percent and Canadians accounted for 2 percent.
In all, international tourists made over 42 million Visa transactions in the region between October and the end of December 2005 and withdrew $1.4 billion in cash at ATMs and over-the-counter outlets. Visitors mainly used their Visa cards on retail goods (26 percent), accommodation (21 percent), transportation (11 percent), sports and leisure activities (6 percent), and restaurants (5 percent). The top retail merchants were clothing stores ($351 million), department and discount stores ($283 million) and shops selling jewelry, watches and crystal ($241 million).


“Over the years, Visa Asia Pacific has collaborated with several national tourism organizations to help grow tourism and cascade benefits to local economies,” said Mr. Dowling. “In India, for example, Visa is assisting the Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Incredible India’ program by promoting India as a preferred travel destination and providing tourists with direct access to merchants, thereby helping them to plan their visit more effectively.”
Of the total tourist spending within Asia Pacific, 7.3 percent occurred at online merchants, a year-on-year increase of 58 percent from 2004 in terms of transaction amount.
---
All data is based on transactions at Asia Pacific merchants, made by Visa cardholders from markets other than their own. These transactions are processed through VisaNet, Visa’s global transaction processing network.

Prince Edward Island Canada

Tourism Continues to Boost California Economy in 2005
Mar 30, 06 1:55 am


The California travel industry continues to reap the benefits of a rebounding economy as figures for 2005 reflect an upswing in direct travel spending. Total spending in California from visitors was $88.1 billion in 2005, an increase of 7.6 percent from 2004 and the third straight year of positive growth, as well as the largest gain since 2000."California is one of the world's premier destinations," California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC) Executive Director Caroline Beteta said. "These numbers attest to the success of the travel industry and its significant impacts on California."The 2005 report, compiled by Dean Runyan Associates, illustrates the economic impact of travel in California. Air travel played a pivotal role in the increase. There were 29.8 million domestic air passenger visitor arrivals to California airports last year, up 2.6 percent from 2004. This exceeds the number of arrivals in 2000, the previous high.During 2005, travel spending directly supported 911,800 jobs (up 5.4 percent from final 2004 figures) with earnings of $28.0 billion. Travel spending generated the greatest number of jobs in arts, entertainment and recreation (229,100 jobs), food service (263,300) and accommodations (202,900).

http://www.holidayhomescanada.com/rentals/Prince_Edward_Island-Holidays/

Holiday Properties

Today's Acapulco

Acapulco is probably Mexico's oldest established resort town but, thanks to a recent renaissance, this remarkable town has maintained its status as one of Mexico's top travel destinations and the place to be to enjoy a magnificent Mexico vacation.
It's easy to see why Acapulco attracts travelers of all ages. During its endless sunny days, this Pacific coast town offers beaches that are second-to-none. Visitors can enjoy amazing water adventures or lie in the warmth of the sun and soak up the rays in this city that boasts sunshine nearly every day of the year, with average temperatures in the 80s. Delightful!
Renovations have made the beaches even more accommodating. Old hotels and resorts have been updated and improved and the waters around Acapulco have become pollution-free, thanks to the city government's commitment to maintaining a balance of nature.
With this commitment, the city has invested over $1 billion in public and private infrastructure improvements to counteract any damage that may have occurred to the environment. Not only has the water been improved, but beaches are now cleaner and the fragile eco-system is a top priority.
For visitors to Acapulco, Mexico, this is great news. The fears of contracting intestinal illnesses from poor drinking water have been greatly reduced and guests are more eager to consider Acapulco as a vacation destination for the entire family, thanks to this new facelift.
Acapulco Vacation Ideas
There are plenty of reasons to visit this beautiful port city, but many choose a trip to this top travel destination so that they may enjoy the wide variety of incredible watersports available to guests of all ages.
SCUBA divers who visit this Mexican Riviera town won't be disappointed. They'll find sunken ships, walls, caves, sea mountains, and small coral formations. Viewing the native marine life is fun and fascinating!
For those who prefer not to strap on a tank and dive into the waters of the ocean, snorkeling is an enjoyable alternative and still affords a great look at Mexico's sea creatures. Boating vacations are also popular in Acapulco, Mexico. Rent a boat or take a chartered trip and enjoy the waters of Acapulco Bay, one of the world's foremost natural harbors. Get up close and personal with the large cruise ships and other boats that dock there. Combine your trip with some deep-sea fishing for a great Acapulco adventure.
The water, of course, isn't the only incredible feature of this picturesque top travel destination. There's plenty to do and see on land, too. Golf fanatics will find lots of places to practice their stroke and tennis aficionados can work on their serve or backhand while on their Acapulco,

Mexico vacation.

Don't forget the kids! Adults aren't the only ones who will love Acapulco. This kid-friendly destination loves children and resorts do everything possible to make them feel at home, from offering special kid's clubs to serving cookies and milk before bedtime.
Children will enjoy the sandy white beaches as well as Acapulco's other interesting attractions including a large number of lush green parks, old forts, an aquarium, water parks, amusement areas, and even a roller skating rink. There'll be no grumpy faces here!
History buffs will want to sign up for a guided history tour of the city, which includes stops at landmarks such as Fort San Diego, the Chapel of Peace, and the old Flamingo Hotel, frequented long ago by the biggest names in Hollywood.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Hungry vacationers will never be disappointed at this top travel destination. The restaurants in Acapulco are varied and impressive, offering a wide range of international cuisine. Many are quite affordably-priced and family-friendly while others offer the finest five-star gourmet food at upscale prices.
In the evenings, Acapulco literally sparkles! Its reputation as an exciting party destination is legendary. Dance clubs are everywhere and most club-hoppers visit several each evening. Clubs make Acapulco a popular destination with the twenty-something set as well as couples traveling sans children.

Accommodations

The waterfront at Acapulco is lined with some of the most beautiful resorts in North America, tall and shiny, with evening lights that reflect off the water and make for a breathtaking sight.
Visitors to Acapulco, Mexico can choose from small, lower priced hotels, exquisite resorts that offer all-inclusive packages, or something in between. The best resorts feature an easy walk to the beach as well as a number of fine amenities including multiple pools, spas, fitness rooms, several restaurants, and concierge services that are eager and willing to help you with whatever you need during your vacation to this top travel destination. Check out www.travelmountain.com for more information on Acapulco lodging for every budget.
Those who prefer a ?home away from home? in a less crowded setting might also consider a vacation rental condo or single home for their stay in Acapulco, Mexico.

When to Go

http://blogs.holidayhomescanada.com

The weather in Acapulco is just about perfect all year round, so when you're planning your Mexico vacation, remember that you can visit this wonderful destination just about any time. The sun shines nearly every day and the monthly highs remain in the 80s, except for during the hottest summer months when they stretch a bit higher.
Regardless of the season, visitors to this top vacation destination on Mexico's Pacific Coast will find that Acapulco is a place where vacation memories can be made, thanks to its ideal climate, remarkable beaches and clear waters, fine resorts, interesting attractions, and fun activities that never end. Visit paradise! Visit Acapulco!

Holiday Villas Canada

Boutique hotels to target higher end of market

May 09, 06 1:57 am

Quinlin Private is preparing to build a new group of up to a dozen boutique hotels in key cities in Central and Eastern Europe.
It has already opened the first of these, Hotel Yasmin, just off Wenceslas Square in the heart of Prague.

And it has taken on an experienced hotel management team to operate the hotels.
Quinlan has yet to decide whether each hotel will trade under the same brand name, or whether each will have a unique name.
Each hotel will be four stars in terms of quality, but will be competitively priced and with a unique design and style.
http://www.holidayhomescanada.com

This will allow Quinlan to meet an unmet demand in Central and Eastern Europe for quality hotels that are not uniform in their design, like the American chains coming into the market.
Instead Quinlan will pitch hotels at customers who want a distinct experience while being assured of a certain quality of room and service.
Building high-end boutique hotels will also position Quinlan's clients well if they wish to sell-on any hotel.