Modern Marvel: W Hotels Touches Down In Jordan With Debut Of W Amman

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W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, unveiled W Amman, the brand’s first property in Jordan.  Developed by Eagle Hills Jordan, the 280-room hotel is located in the heart of Amman’s up and coming new downtown neighborhood, Abdali, and features design inspired by the energy of the Middle East and charm of Jordanian history, culture and tradition with a playfully modern twist. “Jordan is an incredible country, rich with culture and a deep connection to its history. We could not be happier to make our brand debut in the country here in the capital city,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “Amman, and specifically the exciting new downtown district of Abdali, is an ideal destination for the W brand with its engaging social scene and deeply rooted passion for design, music and fashion.” W Amman marks the first hotel collaboration between Marriott International and Eagle Hills Jordan which will be followed by three more hotel openings across Jordan – The St. Regis Amman, The Westin Saraya Aqaba and Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba. W Amman stands tall as a contemporary and unmistakable architectural statement, offering stunning views of the bustling city’s seven hills running across the Jordanian capital. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with the iconic W sign, inspired by Amman’s unique cityscape and cubic architecture, in the colors of Jordan’s distinctive sunset. Stepping into the Welcome area, the hotel’s façade invokes the unique and colossal beauty of Petra’s rock formations, reminiscent of the Nabatean city’s striking appearance, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Throughout the Canyon Walk, guests are enveloped in a modern design marvel, reinterpreting the natural beauty of Petra’s canyon with shard structures and natural tones that can also be seen throughout the hotel. Each of the 236 rooms and 44 suites at W Amman feature floor-to-ceiling windows and vivid designs, along with W signature beds and modern bathrooms with rain showers. Pillows and throws feature an illustrative interpretation of the Amman skyline and an adapted rendition of beautifully adorned camels of the desert, both in colorful detail. The hotel features a range of suites including four WOW Suites and a 1,710-square-foot Extreme WOW Suite (the brand’s take on the Presidential suite) – the ultimate party place with sweeping panoramic views of Amman’s landscape, an in-room DJ deck, amplified entertainment system, and private jacuzzi. W Amman is set to add its own rhythm to the beat of Amman’s social scene with its vibrant public spaces and culinary experiences. The hotel’s Living Room (the brand’s take on the traditional lobby) is a clubhouse for the modern traveler, showcasing a fusion of intimate and open areas, low seating and mood-setting lighting among architectural features that mirror Amman’s extraordinary cityscape. Elements of Bedouin weaving, flower pots, and locally designed pillows from the Jordan River Foundation (a non-profit focusing on child safety and community empowerment) provide modernized versions of common patterns, colors and shapes from the city. The space is complemented by modern art from Bahraini artist, Jamal A. Rahim that gives an edge of Middle Eastern influence and bright splashes of color alongside the work of Jordanian artist Bader Mahasneh, who utilizes rough surfaces and illuminated figures in a series of striking paintings of faces. Just steps away from the Living Room, Mesh provides international cuisine with a Levantine touch while bringing the right ingredients together through food, design and guests looking to mingle next to images of fresh produce from Dar Al Anda, one of Jordan’s most prominent contemporary art galleries. For those seeking a place to unwind or escape, Aura offers signature beverages and delicious bar bites from around the world in a space that once again reinterprets the stunning angles and elevations of Petra with rose stone tones and colorful, silk-like flooring. Aura, and other areas in the hotel also feature exquisite pieces of art work from Jordanian artist, Hazem Al Zoubi. Enso, the hotel’s signature Pan-Asian restaurant, ignites taste buds by bringing together flavors from five regional cuisines across South East Asia in a sleek setting.  The WET Deck (pool deck) brings a new vibe to the city’s party scene and will be the place to see and be seen.  The beautiful rooftop space is the perfect destination to bask under the sun and enjoy stunning views of west Amman while indulging in cocktails or listening to performances from Amman’s up-and-coming musical talent. The design of the WET Deck includes a modern depiction of The Roman Theater’s Atrium. For guests to refuel and reinvigorate, AWAY Spa at W Amman offers massages, body treatments, facials and quick fixes promising look good/feel good experiences in a fun, yet relaxed setup. Guests can then step into the modern FIT gym that features 24/7 access to the newest Technogym equipment. The hotel also plays host to social and business gatherings across 780 square meters of versatile meeting and event space, including the stunning 629-square-meter Great Room and four fully equipped, stylish Strategy and Studio rooms. W Amman offers the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service to provide guests whatever they want, whenever they want it. The hotel’s W Insider, an in-the-know local expert, connects guests with the hottest events, attractions and adventures to suit any and every travel style. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.wammanhotel.com. # # # Note on Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including the number of lodging properties the company may add in future years and similar statements concerning possible future events or expectations that are not historical facts.  We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in market conditions; changes in global and regional economies; supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance hotel growth and refurbishment; and other risk factors that the company identifies in its most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q or annual report on Form 10-K; any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply here.  We make these statements as of the date of this press release, and we assume no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About W Hotels Worldwide Born from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., has disrupted and redefined the hospitality scene for nearly two decades. Trailblazing its way around the globe, with more than 50 hotels, W Hotels defies expectations and breaks the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With a mission to fuel guests’ lust for life, W ignites an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. The brand’s provocative design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing Living Rooms create an experience that is often copied but never matched. Innovative, inspiring and infectious, the brand’s super-charged energy celebrates guests’ endless appetite to discover what’s new/next in each destination, to see more, feel more, go longer, stay later. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest®. Members can now link accounts with Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer.  For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on TwitterInstagram and Facebook.

AccorHotels announces first SO/ project in the Middle East opening in 2020 with DMCC

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SO/ Uptown Dubai to feature cutting-edge design reflecting a kaleidoscope of cultures in collaboration with development partner DMCC
SO/, AccorHotels’ audacious and spirited luxury brand, has announced its debut property in the Middle East with the SO/ Uptown Dubai. The disruptive art and experience driven property will fully embody the concept of a Kaleidoscopic Utopia, reflecting Dubai’s urban charm with the hotel’s convention-defying, colourful and lively design concepts. SO/ Uptown Dubai, set to open to guests by late 2020, will feature 188 rooms in addition to 215 branded residences. Inspired by edgy and bold architecture, interiors for the luxury property will be brought to life by the Rockwell Group, featuring modular and contemporary elements to elevate the SO/ Uptown Dubai as a beacon of energy, art and entertainment at the heart of Dubai. The brand’s debut was announced at a signing ceremony with development partner DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), a prominent Government entity and the world’s leading Free Zone for commodities trade and enterprise in Dubai. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, said: “DMCC is excited to be the ‘first to say SO/’ by bringing the debut SO/ in the Middle East to our first super-tall tower in Uptown Dubai in partnership with AccorHotels. SO/ is a bold and innovative brand much like the spirit of Dubai and DMCC’s Uptown Dubai district. We are confident this partnership will bring a spectacular destination to market for our customers, at our premium super-tall tower set to disrupt the Dubai skyline as we know it”. The signing marks AccorHotels’ entry into DMCC’s upcoming world-class smart district, Uptown Dubai. With monumental developments including seven high rise towers atop seven levels of podium, the central plaza of Uptown Dubai aims to raise the district to the same scale of global destinations such as New York’s Rockefeller Center and Berlin’s Sony Center. Uptown Dubai is set to become the go-to destination for lively shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural experiences. Commenting on the agreement, Sami Nasser, Chief Operating Officer, Luxury Brands, AccorHotels Middle East said: “Dubai is the perfect destination to launch one of our most sought-after luxury lifestyle brands, SO/, through our debut partnership with DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre). As a brand, SO/ encapsulates the spirit of Dubai, reflecting the city’s ambitious drive to reach unscalable heights, while celebrating the blend of cultures and experiences the city has to offer through its bold, avant-garde design, vivacious energy and world-class amenities.” “The brand’s debut within Uptown Dubai’s first super-tall tower, a high-profile project similar to SO/ in its playful reinterpretation of luxury, will undoubtedly position the property as a landmark within an increasingly competitive hospitality industry,” Nasser concluded. With dazzling commercial, retail, hospitality and dining components, Uptown Dubai’s first super-tall Tower, where Sofitel Uptown Dubai will be located, is set to become an iconic addition to the Dubai skyline, through its contemporary architecture conceptualized by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture, the visionaries behind the iconic 828 meter Burj Khalifa. The development will also feature 215 glamorous SO/ Residences, located on the upper-most floors of Uptown Dubai’s first super-tall tower. The limited collection of private residences is the first from SO/ to be made available in the Middle East. Residential services will include in-residence dining and dedicated lifestyle concierge services. Residents will also enjoy access to exclusive private facilities including a MIXO residence lounge with Resident DJ, private fitness area and swimming pool. The residences will range from 67 sq. meter one-bedroom units to spacious 261 sq. meter four bedroom penthouses while offering breath-taking, unparalleled views of the Dubai skyline and Arabian Sea. With six SO/ hotels in operation in Thailand, Singapore, Mauritius, Berlin and St. Petersburg, SO/ Uptown Dubai will join 10 highly anticipated SO/ openings worldwide within the next five years. SO/ properties flawlessly combine sophisticated elegance with the style, art and energy of each hotel’s locale. Encapsulating a rebellious lifestyle experience, each hotel is an avant-garde masterpiece, integrating architecture and design as art through collaborations with world-renowned designers including Karl Lagerfeld, Kenzo and Christian Lacroix. Described as the ‘place to be seen’, each SO/ property is geared towards the glamorous trendsetters of society and showcases a signature SO/ Look, uniquely crafted scent and audacious music, transforming it into an upbeat urban destination. Inspired by a focus on innovative gastronomic experiences, the hotel will feature the MIXO lounge bar, HI-SO bar, lobby lounge, an all-day dining restaurant, in addition to the Sky Bar & Lounge. The luxury property will also house a reimagined meeting hub, including a ballroom, board room, business centre and pre-function space for corporate and social events. Reflecting the brand’s ethos for creating idyllic and indulgent moments, a 1,400 sq. meter SO/ SPA, state of the art SO/ FIT fitness centre and health club equipped with the latest in innovative facilities, personal classes and swimming pool, complete the wellness journey.
About DMCC DMCC is a center of global trade. Headquartered in Dubai, DMCC is the world’s most interconnected Free Zone, and the leading trade and enterprise hub for commodities. Whether developing vibrant neighbourhoods with world-class property like Jumeirah Lakes Towers and the much anticipated Uptown Dubai, or delivering high performance business services, DMCC provides everything its dynamic community needs to live, work and thrive. Made for Trade, DMCC is proud to sustain and grow Dubai’s position as the place to be for global trade today and long into the future. www.dmcc.ae Kindly see video link to the Uptown Dubai development Website here: https://www.uptowndubai.ae/ About SO/ SO/ is so vivid, so expressive and so bursting with local energy that even the most adventurous travelers will be fascinated and entertained. An energizing addition to the global hotel scene, the SO/ brand surprises with a playful and distinctly rebellious interpretation of luxury that includes avant-garde design, a fashion signature, trendy beats, ‘Just Say SO’ service, ‘and buzzing destination bars and events. Found in exhilarating hubs such as Mauritius, Bangkok and Singapore, SO/ hotels are the places to be and be seen, thrilling guests with fashionable and entertaining social experiences that capture the vivacity and vibe of the locale. SO/ is part of AccorHotels, a world-leading travel and lifestyle group which invites travelers to feel welcome at more than 4,300 hotels, resorts and residences, along with some 10,000 of the finest private homes around the globe.

Comfort and convenience at the new Holiday Inn Express® Paris – Charles De Gaulle Airport

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The largest Holiday Inn Express® in France opens at one of Europe’s busiest airports Directly connected to Terminal 1, the Holiday Inn Express® at Paris – Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport, an IHG® hotel, has recently opened to provide guests with easy access to one of the world’s busiest airports as well as speedy transport links into central Paris. Gone are the days of waiting in the airport for a ten hour lay-over, or waking up at the crack of dawn to catch an early morning flight. The newly-opened Holiday Inn Express Paris – CDG Airport is the perfect destination for travellers who want to make their next trip that little bit easier. The newly built 305-room Holiday Inn Express ‘Next Generation’ property has been designed with guests’ needs in mind. Each room features wide beds with noise-absorbing headboards, bed-side built-in USB ports, plasma screens that can be connected to personal devices to stream media, a power shower and free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel. In the modern public spaces, guests can also enjoy an Express Start Breakfast™ included in their room rate, offering a selection of hot and continental food. The Express Café & Bar is also open 24/7 so there’s always a place for jet-lagged travellers, late arrivers or early risers to grab a bite. The hotel also boasts naturally lit meeting spaces which are available for business meetings.

Mike Greenup, Vice President, Marketing for EMEAA (Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa) at IHG, commented: “This greatly anticipated hotel offer guests everything they need for a stopover, just metres from the terminal of one of the world’s most vibrant airports. Whether guests are staying with us at the beginning or end of their trip, we know our hotel will help to get their travels off to a great start or a perfect finish. Our goal is to put the right brands in the right locations and this hotel is another great example of the Holiday Inn Express brand in Europe.”

Arnaud Vermerie, GM of Holiday Inn Express Paris – CDG Airport commented: “Paris is already a European travel hub and our new hotel is in a prime position to support the needs of business and leisure guests alike. We’re also in a great location for those who wish to venture into central Paris as we are right opposite the train station. More importantly, we offer a comfortable bed and a power shower to leave all travellers feeling refreshed.”

Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s largest and fastest growing hotel brand globally with 2,600 hotels open and an additional 766 set to open in the next few years. Across Europe, there are 244 Holiday Inn Express hotels open and 67 in the development pipeline, 9 of which will be in France. Across all its brands, IHG has 56 hotels open in France, and a further 15 in the development pipeline. For further information please contact:
Iman Denney-Brown iman.denneybrown@ihg.com +44 (0) 1895 512 267

Investments in tourism infrastructure to reach US$56 billion by 2022 driven by innovative Hyperloop connections

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  • Innovative Hyperloop connections to transform tourism infrastructure development in GCC
  • Future travel experiences to kick start proceedings on ATM’s Global Stage with Sir Tim Clark, Emirates Airline; Issam Kazim, Dubai Tourism and Harj Dhaliwal, Hyperloop One
GCC capital investments in tourism infrastructure are expected to reach US$56 billion by 2022, with the UAE ranked the most competitive in the region, driven by the development of multiple revolutionary transport projects, according to the latest research published ahead of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018. According to Arabian Travel Market’s research partner, Colliers International, lightening-speed, innovative Hyperloop train systems combined with the Haramain High Speed Railway, the development of key international airports in Saudi Arabia and airport expansion in the UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait are just some of the projects set to transform tourism infrastructure development in the GCC. Tourism infrastructure will feature heavily in the programme at ATM 2018, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 22-25, with Hyperloop and future travel experiences kicking off proceedings on ATM’s Global Stage on Sunday 22nd April between 13.30 and 14.30. Moderating the session, Richard Dean, a UAE-based business broadcaster and presenter will be joined by a host of high-profile panellists including Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), and Harj Dhaliwal, Managing Director Middle East and India Operations, Hyperloop One. Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM said: “As we move towards an innovative and technologically-driven future, it is important to explore the impact ultra-modern travel infrastructure will have on the tourism industry in the UAE and wider GCC region. ATM’s opening session ‘Future Travel Experiences’ will explore this evolution as technological advances bring new and improved modes of transport to the market.” Virgin Hyperloop One, a futuristic transportation concept through which pods, propelled by magnets and solar, will move passengers and cargo at speeds of 1,200kph, is the most prominent tourism infrastructure development in the UAE at present. Backed by Dubai-based DP World, Hyperloop One has the potential to transport approximately 3,400 people an hour, 128,000 people a day and 24 million people a year. In November 2016, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) announced plans to evaluate a hyperloop connection between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which could reduce travel times between the two emirates by 78 minutes. Press said: “Providing a hyperloop connection that allows both UAE residents and tourists to travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in just 12 minutes is just the beginning. In the future, other emirates and indeed other GCC countries could also be linked, with journeys between Dubai and Fujairah as low as 10 minutes and Dubai to Riyadh in 40 minutes.” Hyperloop One isn’t the only concept to boost tourism infrastructure in the region. Airport and cruise terminal expansions, improved domestic inter-city road and rail work and the growth of low-cost airlines will keep the GCC at the forefront of tourism infrastructure and innovation. Air passenger arrivals to the GCC are forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%, from 41 million in 2017 to 55 million in 2022. The development of new airports across the GCC region, combined with the introduction of various low-cost carriers such as flydubai and recently launched Saudi low-cost airline Flyadeal, are expected to contribute heavily to this growth. In Dubai, cruise tourism is expected to grow over the next two years as the emirate targets the arrival of 20 million tourists a year, ahead of Expo 2020. During the 2016/2017 season, Dubai welcomed 650,000 cruise tourists with this figure forecast to increase to one million by 2020. Expansion works at DP World’s Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal at Mina Rashid are expected to contribute to this growth. Set to be the largest terminal in the world, the facility is capable of handling 18,000 travellers every single day. Looking ahead to ATM 2018, responsible tourism – including sustainable travel trends – will be adopted as the main theme. Celebrating its 25th year ATM will build on the success of last year’s edition, with a host of seminar sessions looking back over the last 25 years and how the hospitality industry in the MENA region is expected to shape up over the next 25. About Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2017 attracted almost 40,000 industry professionals, agreeing deals worth US$2.5bn over the four days. The 24th edition of ATM showcased over 2,500 exhibiting companies across 12 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre, making it the largest ATM in its 24-year history.  Arabian Travel Market now in its 25th year will take place in Dubai from Sunday, 22nd to Wednesday, 25th April 2018. To find out more, please visit: www.arabiantravelmarketwtm.com. About Reed Exhibitions Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events business, enhancing the power of face to face through data and digital tools at over 500 events a year, in more than 30 countries, attracting more than seven million participants. About Reed Travel Exhibitions Reed Travel Exhibitions is the world’s leading travel and tourism event’s organiser with a growing portfolio of more than 22 international travel and tourism trade events in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Our events are market leaders in their sectors, whether it is global and regional leisure travel trade events, or specialist events for meetings, incentives, conference, events (MICE) industry, business travel, luxury travel, travel technology as well as golf, spa and ski travel. We have over 35 years’ experience in organising world-leading travel exhibitions. Media contact NATHALIE VISELE Director Tel: +971 4 365 2711 | Mobile: +971 50 457 6525 E-mail: nathalie.visele@shamalcomms.com Office 106, Arjaan Office Tower, Dubai Media City PO Box 502701 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Website: www.shamalcomms.com

Guerlain celebrates 190 years of creation

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Maison Guerlain, founded in 1828 by perfumer-chemist Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain, is celebrating its 190th anniversary this year. For nearly two centuries, the Maison has explored the facets of beauty in fragrances, makeup and skincare. To celebrate its 190 years Guerlain is premiering extraordinary sagas that retrace its history to the origins of modern perfumery. Guerlain is intimately linked to the city of Paris, to women, and to the revolution in cosmetics and perfumes.  Maison Guerlain began in 1828 thanks to the visionary creativity of Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain. Inspired by a desire to spark emotion, to surprise and amaze, Guerlain continued its story with Aimé Guerlain, who revolutionized the world of fragrances by combining natural and synthetic ingredients for the first time to create Jicky. Three generations of perfumers followed: Jacques Guerlain, Jean-Paul Guerlain and today Thierry Wasser.
To celebrate this anniversary, Guerlain is unveiling a series of sagas, a special chance to discover or rediscover this mythic Maison throughout the year. Three sagas have already been released. This first is dedicated to Guerlain Perfumers, the second to the raw materials used in the composition of Guerlain fragrances, and a third reveals the secrets of lipstick, retracing the creation of Guerlain’s first modern lipstick.
Begun by Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain, the formulation notebooks are passed on from each generation of perfumer to the next and still used today by Thierry Wasser to compose Guerlain fragrances. The notebooks are kept carefully lunder lock and key in Orphin, where Guerlain’s fragrance production site is located. / © Guerlain
With 1,100 fragrance creations and ongoing innovations in cosmetics, Guerlain celebrated the beauty of women by creating the bullet lipstick Ne m’oubliez pas in 1870, anticipated the fashion for Orientalism with Mitsouko in 1919, and proposed an elegant take on the bronzing trend with Terracottapowder in 1984.
Upcoming chapters of the Guerlain sagas will be released throughout 2018 to present the unique heritage of the Maison and celebrate Guerlain’s roots and wings.

Berluti names Kris Van Assche as Artistic Director of the house

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Kris Van Assche will be in charge of shoes, leathergoods, ready-to-wear and accessories collections. Antoine Arnault, CEO of the house declares “I am delighted to welcome Kris Van Assche to Berluti. I have known him for several years, have always admired his work at Dior Homme and I am looking forward to working with him.” Kris Van Assche says “I have always wanted to build bridges between the savoir-faire, the heritage of a house and my clear-cut contemporary vision. Antoine Arnault spoke to me of his ambitions for Berluti and it is with great pleasure that I accept this new challenge which fits perfectly with my own will and vision. I would also like to thank Mr Bernard Arnault for his renewed confidence. ” Kris Van Assche will present his first collection during Paris Men’s Fashion Week in January 2019.

Volkswagen Group delivers over 1 million vehicles in March

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  • Record result: 1.04 million vehicles in March (+5.3 percent)
  • Over 2.6 million units delivered in first quarter of 2018 (+7.4 percent)
  • Fred Kappler, Head of Group Sales: “The delivery figures for March round off a successful first quarter. We saw strong growth in our core regions in the first three months.”
The Volkswagen Group recorded its best ever delivery result for a single month in March. The Group also finished the first quarter with an all-time record. At 1.04 million, deliveries by the Volkswagen Group in March were 5.3 percent higher than the prior-year month. Over 2.6 million vehicles were handed over to customers in the first quarter of the year (+7.4 percent). “The first-quarter results confirm the attractiveness of our products. However, this good performance does not mean we can let up in our efforts; instead we must continue to strengthen customers’ trust in our brands and products in the second quarter as well”, Fred Kappler, Head of Group Sales at Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, said. The Group delivered over 1.1 million vehicles in Europe in the first quarter of 2018 (+4.1 percent). Group deliveries in March grew 1.2 percent to 479,900 new vehicles. 407,400 vehicles were handed over to customers in Western Europe in March, of which 130,100 units were delivered in the home market of Germany (-1.2 percent). 72,500, deliveries of new vehicles from the Group in the markets of Central and Eastern Europe were 13.2 percent up on the same month last year. From January to March the Group delivered 954,400 vehicles in Western Europe (+2.8 percent) and 188,900 units in Central and Eastern Europe (+11.4 percent). The Group handed over 221,000 vehicles in the North America region in the first three months, an increase of 3.4 percent. Just short of 83,900 customers in North America chose a vehicle from the Group in March (+5.1 percent). The Group delivered 57,800 vehicles in the USA, the largest market in the region, in March, representing an increase of 13.0 percent. The delivery trend in the South America region was also positive: customers took delivery of 128,700 new vehicles (+5.6 percent) in the first quarter of the year, of which 50,700 were delivered in March (+8.3 percent). Deliveries in the Brazilian market increased to 32,500 units in March, 11.0 percent higher than the same month last year.
The Volkswagen Group continued on its growth path in the Asia-Pacific region in the first quarter, delivering 1,090,200 new vehicles to customers there in the first quarter of 2018 – an increase of 12.0 percent – of which 391,400 units (+9.6 percent) were handed over in March. Deliveries in the Chinese market grew 10.6 percent in March, with 358,800 vehicles from the Group handed over to customers in China.
 

KPF and Heatherwick Studio selected for design of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 5

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Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) and Heatherwick Studio are pleased to announce their selection by Changi Airport Group, the manager and operator of Singapore Changi Airport, as the design leaders of the airport’s new Terminal 5. The collaboration brings together two award-winning and internationally recognised practices with extensive experience designing innovative urban spaces and specialised infrastructure projects. Changi Airport Terminal 5 will add an initial capacity of up to 50 million passengers per year to what is already one of the busiest and most celebrated international airports in the world. The magnitude of the project not only requires a design vision on a city-like scale, but also offers the opportunity to transform conventional thinking in airport design. The combination of KPF’s experience in both large-scale infrastructure and urban neighbourhoods, paired with the innovative design expertise of Heatherwick Studio, will create an airport that will go beyond mere transportation requirements and become a city within itself – an integral piece of Singapore. Thomas Heatherwick, Founder of Heatherwick Studio, said: “It’s thrilling to be chosen to lead the design of the next phase of the world’s most successful airport, collaborating with KPF to nearly double the size of Changi. This is an extraordinary opportunity to break away from the sterility and soullessness we’ve come to expect from typical airport environments. We’re excited to treat this next phase of Changi as a new piece of city and bring together the rigour of airport planning with an uncompromising interest in the quality of human experience for passengers.” Stuart Wood, Group Leader at Heatherwick Studio, said: “Winning the global competition with KPF to design Changi Airport Terminal 5 sets us the most challenging opportunity Heatherwick Studio has ever undertaken. The scale and ambition of this project is unprecedented. We are delighted to have the opportunity to make a memorable new terminal for Changi that inspires at every scale from mega infrastructure, aviation, transit, retail, leisure, and culture through to the tiniest detail. Our hope is to make Terminal 5 the most homely and at the same time spectacular airport in the world for many years to come.”

ONE&ONLY BRAND EVOLUTION CONTINUES WITH ONE&ONLY URBAN RESORTS

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Kerzner International Holdings Limited (“Kerzner”), the owner of the iconic Atlantis Resort & Residences and ultra-luxury One&Only Resorts brands worldwide, achieves a new milestone in its continued evolution of the One&Only portfolio, as it introduces One&Only Urban Resorts. To provide the experiences One&Only guests have craved, One&Only Urban Resorts will be introduced in Dubai’s latest architectural icon, One Za’abeel, a completely original destination with revolutionary design; the perfect site for the introduction and launch of One&Only Urban Resorts, One&Only One Za’abeel. “There is a duality to One Za’abeel, reflected in its two towers, that evokes pairings. Timeless elegance with function, efficiency with leisure, tradition with modernity, inclusion and privacy,” says His Excellency Mohammed I. Al Shaibani, Chairman of Kerzner International, Executive Director and CEO of Investment Corporation of Dubai. “The paired concepts come together where The Linx traverses the towers offering all those who get in touch with One Za’abeel one complete, bespoke, and very individual experience every time. That is why, it is very fitting,” he added, “that the first urban resort for One&Only opens in this development of the future.” The iconic One Za’abeel is due to open in 2020, and is being developed by Ithra Dubai, a fully owned subsidiary of Investment Corporation of Dubai. A symbol of ambition, innovation and the pioneering spirit of Dubai, One Za’abeel stands tall and proud in the Za’abeel district in the heart of the city, strategically positioned at the crossroads of the old and new business districts of Dubai. The two-tower, high-rise mixed-use development incorporates One&Only One Za’abeel, luxury residences, serviced apartments, and office spaces, in addition to The Gallery, an opulent retail podium, and a panoramic sky concourse, The Linx, which connects the two towers of One Za’abeel. “One Za’abeel will continue to develop Dubai in the global arena. Much more than a building, we are shaping communities to thrive and prosper. We are ultimately transforming the legacies of our past into landmarks of the future,” said Issam Galadari, CEO and Director of Ithra Dubai. “As the global benchmark of ultra-luxury, it makes sense for One&Only to operate the resort experience at One Za’abeel.” “Our ambition is to become part of the soul of any city we enter,” says Michael P. Wale, Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner International. “We are thrilled to be introducing One&Only to the urban space, providing something completely different for our discerning guests, delivered with our renowned personalized experience. Iconic buildings such as One Za’abeel are the perfect locations for One&Only Urban Resorts. We are proud One&Only One Za’abeel is part of the foundation of the next generation of the destination.” True to its brand promise, the architectural design of each urban resort will celebrate the city —from storied landmarks to the introduction of cutting-edge new architecture; a natural hub for the influential and curious to gravitate for both business and pleasure. Offering unprecedented access to the city, One&Only will offer a perfect base for bespoke, exclusive exploration and sophisticated experiences. Home to a pulsating life and energy, entertainment is at the heart of every One&Only Urban Resort. One may never want to leave. One&Only Urban Resorts will retain the glamour and style of its acclaimed Beach Resorts offering stunning, intuitive design, incredible culinary experiences, a strong health and fitness ethos and the renowned service that the brand is known for. However, it will go beyond, offering something that has never been seen before within cities; an elevated experience for business, family and leisure travellers, as well as local residents, including the unexpected. Known for its continued innovation, One&Only will challenge the conventional city hotel. In a buzzing and busy city, a place to escape the bright lights is always needed, a place to unwind; all urban resorts will offer beautifully designed green spaces to provide a serene sanctuary year-round. Every One&Only Gym will have a spectacular view of the city, and One Cycle and One Yoga will ensure guests get the rejuvenation and workout they desire. One&Only Urban Resorts will be home to sophisticated One&Only spas that are open around the clock to serve guests as and when they need, be it an early morning blow dry or a relaxing evening massage after a long day of meetings. Suites can be specially customised to suit the guests’ every need, being transformed into everything from a children’s playroom, walk-in closets to an art studio. And specially designed suites for children will also be an option as families will also be taken care of at all One&Only Urban Resorts. All accommodation at One&Only One Za’abeel will be an escape to a private sanctuary offering a choice of ultra-luxury rooms and suites, or for those looking to stay a bit longer, exclusive serviced apartments; intuitive in design, whether it be for business or pleasure. Denniston International will be designing the interiors of One&Only One Za’abeel, ensuring the celebration of the One&Only lifestyle. For the loyalist who returns to the city time and time again, there will be the option to keep belongings in the resort until their next stay. Always known for its culinary experiences, One&Only Urban Resorts will each be renowned for its own signature restaurant, becoming a destination in its own right – a neighbourhood favourite yet a glamorous, relaxing space with stunning designs, world-class chefs offering incredible sensory experiences. “For One&Only, it is the perfect opportunity to deliver on the many requests from our loyal guests—to be in key cities throughout the globe, evident from the significant awards the brand has received,” commented Philippe Zuber, President and Chief Operating Officer, One&Only Resorts. “Our Urban Resorts will be a translation of the life and energy and entertainment of our world-renowned Beach Resorts, offering curated experiences for each guest, from business and leisure travellers, families, as well as the community, an utterly unrivalled urban oasis. Central to all of Dubai – a true crossroads of the city, One&Only One Za’abeel will become a place where people want to be–and come back for more, continued discovery. One Za’abeel will be the ultimate destination in Dubai– the perfect landmark in which to introduce One&Only Urban Resorts, continuing to build on our success in the destination.” Introducing the new heart beat of Dubai, restaurants will be buzzing—from power breakfasts to late dinners under the twinkling city lights, to Club One, soaring over 50 storeys in the air. Not to be missed by any resident or guest is The Linx at One Za’abeel, a panoramic sky concourse that connects the two towers of One Za’abeel. The world’s largest cantilever, floating an awe-inspiring 100 metres above the ground, will offer an exploration of world-class restaurants, retail and entertainment. A statement swimming pool will be on the top of The Linx offering incredible 360 views of Dubai whilst a spa that never sleeps will provide an escape for rejoice or respite. Innovative technology is simple whilst fitness is challenging—the latest offerings in both. Business can be done in modern and inspired settings, from private offices to executive board rooms and event spaces, all with One&Only’s genuine, authentic service. MEDIA INQUIRIES: +971 4 4202702 info@sabaconsultants.com For Kerzner International/One&Only: Ashley McBain +971 4 524 4050 Ashley.McBain@kerzner.com

Construction starts at the world’s largest hydrogen pilot plant

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  • World’s largest pilot plant for the production of “green” hydrogen at the voestalpine site in Linz, Austria
  • Capacity of 6 megawatts: the most effective and advanced plant of its type
  • plant is scheduled to be fully operational by spring 2019
An EU-funded flagship project for a CO2-reduced energy future and the decarbonization of steel production is taking shape: today, at the voestalpine site in Linz, the H2FUTURE project consortium, consisting of voestalpine, Siemens, VERBUND, and Austrian Power Grid, together with the research partners K1-MET and ECN, officially gave the go-ahead for construction of the world’s largest pilot plant for the production of “green” hydrogen. With a capacity of 6 megawatts, this is the most effective and advanced plant of its type. The partners from industry and power generation will use this facility to research into future breakthrough technologies which are needed to meet global climate goals over the long-term. The plant is scheduled to be fully operational by spring 2019.
Reducing CO2 emissions by around 80 percent to 2050 is the central climate goal, and requires both energy suppliers and industry to prepare themselves and explore new pathways together. This is the role of the H2FUTURE research project. More than 600 billion cubic meters of hydrogen are used annually worldwide, more than 95 percent of which is produced via a CO2-intensive process. What will be the world’s largest and most advanced plant of its type for generating “green”, i.e. CO2-free hydrogen, will be built at the voestalpine premises in Linz. In future the EU-funded EUR 18 million project will be used to test the potential applications for green hydrogen in the various process stages of steel production, and integration into the power reserve markets for the power grid. For the industry, transport, and energy sectors, CO2-free hydrogen is an important source of energy for sector coupling and can significantly contribute to achieving the climate goals. The new plant is designed to be a technological milestone on the pathway to the energy transition, and thus to the gradual decarbonization of the steel industry. After the launch of the project at the beginning of 2017, construction of the pilot facility at the voestalpine site in Linz has now accelerated. The foundations are in place and construction of the hall is currently underway. The core electrolysis components will be delivered during the summer, with the plant going live within a year. The start of the comprehensive two-year test program is planned for spring 2019. “Construction of the new pilot plant for the production of CO2-free hydrogen is taking us a step further towards the long-term realization of a technology transformation in the steel industry. The goal is to research real breakthrough technologies which will be applicable on an industrial scale in the next couple of decades,” says Wolfgang Eder, Chairman of the Management Board of voestalpine AG. The vision of the technology and capital goods group is to move away from coal and coke via bridging technologies based on natural gas, as is already the case at the direct reduction plant in Texas, and finally on to the greatest possible use of green hydrogen. “The prerequisite is the provision of sufficient energy from renewable sources and at competitive prices,” adds Herbert Eibensteiner, Member of the Management Board of voestalpine AG and responsible for the Steel Division. “At the core of the plant beats a high-tech heart from Siemens. Using green electrons we split water into its constituent parts, hydrogen and oxygen,” explains Wolfgang Hesoun, Chairman of the Managing Board of Siemens AG Österreich (Siemens Austria). Siemens has developed what is currently the world’s largest PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolyser module for the research facility in Linz. With a capacity of 6 megawatts, the plant will be able to produce 1,200 cubic meters of “green” hydrogen an hour. The goal is to achieve a record output efficiency of 80 percent in converting electricity into hydrogen. The hydrogen can be stored for use in a multitude of applications: as a raw material in the industry, as seen in Linz, but also as a fuel for mobility and as an energy carrier in electricity and gas supply. “Siemens’ DNA is clean energy: from generation and distribution to application. Efficient technologies are a key element in curbing climate change with its dramatic consequences,” Hesoun explains. Global demand for hydrogen will increase tenfold by 2050, to around 6 trillion cubic meters. Plants such as the one in Linz are the prerequisite for meeting this growing demand in an almost CO2-neutral manner. “It’s also possible for energy-intensive industries to be climate neutral. This outstanding project takes us one step closer to the goal of global decarbonization,” says Roland Busch, Chief Technology Officer and member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG. “This technology supports our customers as they drive transformation within the energy sector and enhance climate protection. Siemens has set ambitious decarbonization goals for itself: by 2020, we’ll have cut our carbon footprint in half, and we’ll be climate neutral by 2030,” says Busch. Only when water is electrolyzed using electricity from renewable sources can “green” hydrogen be produced. With its 128 hydropower plants, VERBUND, Austria’s largest electricity company and a leading European hydropower electricity producer, generates almost 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. “To integrate the volatile renewable energy from wind and solar power into the energy system, we will need even more storage capabilities in future. In addition to our pumped-storage plants in the Alps, and battery storage solutions of various dimensions, we see huge potential in energy storage with green hydrogen,” says Wolfgang Anzengruber, CEO of VERBUND. “For us, “green” hydrogen is the perfect example of the sector coupling which is urgently required for decarbonizing power generation, industry, and transport.” VERBUND will supply electricity generated from renewables for the H2FUTURE project, and is also responsible for the development of grid-relevant services. Using demand side management, the PEM electrolyser functions as a dynamic, normal load component, helping to compensate for fluctuations in an increasingly volatile power supply. The project volume for the new plant amounts to around EUR 18 million for six consortium partners over a project period of 4.5 years. Around EUR 12 million of this is funding from the European Commission, specifically from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU). “The H2FUTURE project is one of the FCH JU flagship projects financed from the EU Horizon2020 program. It demonstrates that greening large industry, such as steelmaking, is feasible and is a viable option in the near future. Moreover, this project successfully shows sector coupling. Both these aspects are vital in proving that hydrogen is an important piece of the puzzle in achieving European climate goals,” explains Bart Biebuyck, Executive director, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU).
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for 170 years. The company is active around the globe, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of efficient power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. With its publicly listed subsidiary Siemens Healthineers AG, the company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2017, which ended on September 30, 2017, Siemens generated revenue of €83.0 billion and net income of €6.2 billion. At the end of September 2017, the company had around 377,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com. In its business segments, voestalpine is a globally leading technology and capital goods group with a unique combination of materials and processing expertise. This global Group comprises about 500 Group companies and locations in more than 50 countries on all five continents. It has been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1995. With its top-quality products and system solutions using steel and other metals, the voestalpine Group is one of the leading partners of the automotive and consumer goods industries in Europe as well as the aerospace and oil & natural gas industries worldwide. voestalpine is also the world market leader in turnout technology, special rails, tool steel, and special sections. In the business year 2016/17, the Group generated revenue of EUR 11.3 billion, with an operating result (EBITDA) of EUR 1.54 billion; it had about 50,000 employees worldwide. More information: www.voestalpine.com VERBUND is Austria’s leading electricity company and one of Europe’s largest hydropower electricity producers. About 96 percent of the company’s electricity is generated from hydropower. VERBUND trades in electricity in 12 countries, and in 2017 with around 2,800 employees, it achieved an annual turnover of about 2.9 billion euros. Along with its subsidiaries and affiliates, VERBUND is active from electricity generation to transport and on to international trading and marketing. VERBUND has been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1988, and 51% of the share capital is held by the Republic of Austria. More information: www.verbund.com