DUAL WIN FOR SWISS-BELHOTEL SEEF AT BAHRAIN 2018 FOOD & TRAVEL AWARDS

Bahrain – Swiss-Belhotel Seef was voted the winner of the ‘Best 4-Star Hotel’ and the ‘Best Hotel of the Year’ titles at the prestigious Bahrain 2018 Food & Travel Awards held in the Kingdom last week. The award celebrates excellence in Bahrain’s hospitality industry and is only given to establishments that consistently deliver outstanding quality.

Congratulating the team, Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “Swiss-Belhotel Seef is one of our flagship hotels in the region that has established a fabulous reputation in Bahrain in terms of its distinctive service standards and high quality of product. We are thrilled to receive these awards that are considered a benchmark of excellence. There is nothing more gratifying than to see guests appreciate our product and service. I take this opportunity to congratulate all our team whose passion and hard work has contributed to this exceptional success.”

Competing with leading hotels in the country, Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain’s recognition came on the strength of various factors including product excellence and high quality of service, management, food, atmosphere and customer care all of which translate into excellent value for money.

Herve Peyre, General Manager, Swiss-Belhotel Seef and Area General Manager, Bahrain, said, “To be recognized as the ‘Best 4-Star Hotel’ for the third consecutive year as well as receive the coveted trophy of the ‘Best Hotel of the Year’ is a great honour. We are extremely proud of this achievement and attribute it to the hard work and dedication of our team who have been tirelessly delivering the most memorable experiences and excellent value to our guests at every step of their journey. Awards such as these motivate us to do better and we are truly grateful to both the organizers as well as our guests who have recognized and appreciated our efforts”.

Located in Bahrain’s central business and commercial district only 20 minutes’ drive from Bahrain International Airport, Swiss-Belhotel Seef provides guests with superior facilities and standards of service. The 28-storeys tall hotel boasts a superb choice of 144 contemporary and spacious guestrooms and suites offering breath-taking sea and city views. The hotel is fully equipped to meet the needs of modern business and leisure travellers with an array of facilities and unique features including specialty dining venues, extensive banquet and conference facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology, a fabulous fitness centre as well as outdoor swimming pool and spa.

For further information visit http://www.swiss-belhotel.com

SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL MAKES TRAVEL MORE REWARDING FOR SINGAPORE AIRLINESKRISFLYER MEMBERS

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HONG KONG – Swiss-Belhotel International, the award-winning global hotel chain and hospitality management group, will offer Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles to members who stay at the brand’s hotels, resorts and serviced residences around the world.

Swiss-Belhotel International hotel guests can Stay Happy & Fly Further, earning one KrisFlyer mile for every US Dollar spent during their stay at participating Swiss-Belhotel International hotels.

In addition to KrisFlyer miles earned when booking a stay, the more guests enjoy the restaurant, spa, bar or other hotel services, the more KrisFlyer miles they accrue.

Singapore Airlines flies to more than 60 countries and territories around the world, including many Swiss-Belhotel destinations. Members can accumulate miles through flights, credit card purchases, hotel stays and more.

Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International believes that the new partnership with Singapore Airlines will be a high-flying success because of the way people travel today. “The once-a-year family vacation has been replaced by short getaways, longer holidays and more frequent travel. More affordable and better travel routes with companies such as Singapore Airlines are creating a smaller world, one where people travel and stay in hotels more often. Rewarding guests is a great way for us to give something back, inspire them to stay with us again and perhaps fly even further with their KrisFlyer miles and visit more of our Swiss-Belhotel hotels and resorts around the world.”

It is easy to earn KrisFlyer miles with unique Swiss-Belhotel International stays at high-quality, well-appointed hotels and resorts. Guests can also benefit from a range of tempting offers by booking online. These include last-minute offers; online booking discounts; early bird deals; long weekend, seasonal and sporting event specials; wedding party and special event bookings; hot deals; and weekend, week-long and extended stay promotions.

 To learn more about the offers and points available visit http://www.swiss-belhotel.com/en-gb/krisflyer

For further information or high-resolution photography, please contact: 

Brayna Tolledo

Group Manager – Communication and Loyalty Programme

Swiss-Belhotel International, Group Sales and Marketing Office

Tel: (62 21) 2952 7277, 2952 7278

Fax: (62 21) 2952 7275, 2952 7276

Email: braynatolledo@swiss-belhotel.com

swiss-belhotel.com

Central Hotels to Unveil its Upcoming Properties During ATM 2018

Central Hotels has a number of strategic announcements lined up for the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place in Dubai from 22 to 25 April 2018.

Confirming the group’s presence at the show, Mr Ammar Kanaan, General Manager of Central Hotels, stated, “ATM 2018 will be the perfect platform for us to showcase the widening reach and expansion of Central Hotels by securing new business partners to operate, collaborate and manage existing and upcoming projects. In addition to promoting our current and future properties we are keen to consolidate and strengthen our relationship with travel agents, OTAs, tour operators, DMCs, wholesalers, and other regional and international travel trade professionals. We are also eager to see the latest innovations and trends transforming the whole travel chain – be it the growth of digital technology, mobile media consumption, social media usage or Artificial Intelligence”.

Elaborating on the USPs of Central Hotels, Mr. Abdulla Al Abdulla, Vice President of Central Hotels, said, “Our aim with Central Hotels has been to provide local know-how with modern comforts, creating value for our guests and associates. Though we have just begun our foray into hospitality we have seen an excellent response from both our guests as well as developers. With remarkable new hotels coming up we are strongly positioned in the UAE and well-placed to contribute to the growth of the local hospitality and tourism industry.”

 Visit Central Hotels stand #HC0810 at Arabian Travel Market in Sheikh Saeed Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre from 22 – 25 April 2018.

H.E. Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum’s Carpet Woven by Afghan Women Displayed in Abu Dhabi on International Women’s Day

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To celebrate International Women’s Day, the beautiful carpet designed by H.E. Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum, and woven by Afghan women, for Artists for Change programme by Fatima bint Mohamed bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI) was recently displayed at the residence in Abu Dhabi supported by Embassy of Canada. The event was attended by top dignitaries and bureaucrats and included many exciting activities such as live weaving.

Artists for Change is a collaboration between well-known UAE artists and artisans in Afghanistan. It is aimed to empower underprivileged women by showcasing their talent as well as raise awareness about their cause. As part of the initiative H.E. Sheikha Wafa had taken part in an exclusive exhibition at Dubai Festival City last summer alongside three other prominent Emirati artists.

The theme for International Women’s day this year was ‘Time is now: rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives. H.E. Sheikha Wafa said, “International Women’s Day is a worldwide event that celebrates women’s achievements. I am honoured and delighted to see my carpet take centerstage on the occasion. It was created as part of the FBMI project (Artists for Change) to raise awareness about women empowerment in Afghanistan and is very symbolic being handwoven by Afghan women. The circle has always been an interesting shape for me. It represents the notions of wholeness, perfection, eternity, timelessness and infinity. I had chosen my geometric Camel motif for this project, working with FBMI and developing a design for the carpet. The symbol itself has been deconstructed within the mandala shape and re-constructed anew in the final work.”

#iwd2018 #timeisnow #pressforprogress #artistforchange #uae #mydubai #dubai #wafahmart #wafahasheralmaktoum

SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL ARRIVES IN ITALY

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Scheduled to welcome its first guests within 24 months, Swiss-Belresort Evergreen Garden Village will be an exclusive adults-only resort located in Vedelago, in the northwest Italian region of Lombardy. This puts guests in a perfect position, just one hour drive from Verona, which was the setting for several Shakespeare plays including “Romeo and Juliet”, and only 50 minutes from the world-famous water-based wonders of Venice.

Swiss-Belresort Evergreen Garden Village will feature 156 spacious rooms and suites, plus a complete range of facilities including two restaurants, two bars, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a gym, tennis court and wellness centre.

From this expansive upscale resort, guests will be able to discover some of northern Italy’s most exquisite heritage, including artistic fairs, operas, botanical gardens and ancient architecture, including the enchanting Villa Emo, which dates from the 16th Century and has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

“We are delighted to be making our debut in Italy, one of the world’s most treasured tourist destinations,” said Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International. “Swiss-Belresort Evergreen Garden Village is a truly beautiful property; nestled among the ancient landscapes of Veneto, it is an idyllic sanctuary where guests can unwind in style and enjoy the extensive facilities.

“Alternatively, curious visitors can use the resort as a luxurious base from which to explore the surrounding region, including the captivating city of Verona, which inspired three Shakespeare plays; the cosmopolitan city of Vicenza, with its UNESCO-listed collection of Palladian Villas; and of course Venice, the breath-taking ancient city of canals and bridges,” Mr Faull added.

Swiss-Belresort Evergreen Garden Village will become Swiss-Belhotel International’s first property not only in Italy, but also in Western Europe. This reflects the Asian hotel group’s continued global expansion strategy.

Apart from this property, GEI Spa Company CEO Dr Luigi Peressotti have agreed to have four other resort projects including a 180-room hotel in Bosa, along the north-western coast of Sardinia, 130-room hotel in Treviso, only 15km from Venice, a 588-rooms & suites in South of Milan Marzano, a small town 15km away from the southern gates of Milan and finally 120-room hotel in in Port-Valais, Switzerland, overlooking lake Genève opposite the city of Montreux be managed by Swiss-Belhotel International.

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For further information and high-resolution photography, please contact:

Brayna Tolledo

Group Manager – Communication and Loyalty Programme

Swiss-Belhotel International, Group Sales and Marketing Office

Tel: (62 21) 2952 7277, 2952 7278

Fax: (62 21) 2952 7275, 2952 7276

Email: braynatolledo@swiss-belhotel.com

www.swiss-belhotel.com

Charles Darwin’s Book Inspires ‘FLOW’ A New Exhibition at FN Designs by an Emirati Artist

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Curated by H.E. Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum, FLOW – a solo exhibition of portraits by Rashid Al Mulla will open at FN Designs on March 19. Inspired by Charles Darwin’s book, ‘The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals’, the month-long exhibition brings together a striking mix of portraits.

H.E. Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum, said, “We are really excited to present FLOW. As an artist Rashid Al Mulla is a paragon of aesthetic rigor, poetic sapience and absolute realism. There is something profound and powerful about his works that invite sustained, closeup attention. His latest exhibition adds a new dimension to his signature realist imagery. Each painting by the artist dives into different chapters of the iconic book by Charles Darwin illustrating the different physical expressions. The artist then gives each emotion a face, a colour and a story to be anticipated and felt. Intense in detail, the paintings haunt one’s imagination beyond a few moments and compel you to think.”

Rashid Al Mulla is an Emirati Artist born and raised in Sharjah and is now based in Dubai. Elaborating on how the idea of FLOW came about, Rashid revealed, “I was inspired by Charles Darwin’s book, and lived in its world for a moment. Through the artistic style of lines and colors, I wanted to recreate this world, and let the viewer live in it too for a moment. That’s what led to the collection in FLOW.”

Rashid is primarily a portrait and environmental artist. His portraits are focused on delivering the human emotions while his environmental art pieces shed light on issues like water scarcity, deforestation and animal cruelty. Rashid’s work has been exhibited in a number of galleries and events as well as featured in many private and public collections around the UAE. These include Sikka Art Fair, the Annual exhibition in Sharjah, and Faike exhibitions at FN design in Dubai. Rashid was also commissioned along with 9 other artists by FN Designs and The Cultural Office of H. E. Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammad Al Maktoum to create a 140m long mural. Some of his live art shows were held at Sikka Art 2016 and 2017, Arabian Travel Market, and Mirdif City Center for the Ministry of Culture.

Exhibition: FLOW by Rashid Al Mulla

Date: 19th March to 26th April 2018

Venue: FN DesignsAlserkal Avenue, Unit #26, Al Quoz 1, Street 8, Dubai, UAE

Gallery Timings: 10 am to 6pm from Sunday to Thursday

About H. E. Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum

Dubai based FN Designs takes pride in promoting art in the Middle East and making it accessible to all by creating a more design-centric social community within the emirates through innovative and collaborative events. Home to a bevy of young artists, FN Designs was conceived in 2008 by H.H. Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum, who is founder and director of the multi-disciplined art and design studio, and is recipient of many prestigious awards including ‘Patrons of the Arts Award’ by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Conceptual and visual design, illustrations, photography, publication and clothing are among the many pragmatic and creative solutions offered at the studio.

SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL PREPARES FOR A STRONG SHOW AT THE 25TH EDITION OF ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET Inbox x

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Swiss-Belhotel International has a number of strategic global and regional announcements lined up for the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), taking place in Dubai from 22 to 25 April 2018. Attending the event will be the top team from the group led by Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International.

Confirming the group’s presence at ATM, Mr. Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, said, “This year, marks the 25th anniversary of ATM which is the leading travel and tourism trade exhibition in the Middle East and we feel privileged to be part of it. With 6 new hotels opening in quick succession across the GCC over the next few months, it is also a very significant year for us at Swiss-Belhotel International. In addition, we are in advanced negotiation of some fabulous new projects in various other parts of the region that will be announced during ATM. Joining us on the occasion will be our key associates, owners and partners.”

With 16 new hotels, featuring more than 2,600 rooms in 12 cities, Swiss-Belhotel International currently has an extremely strong development pipeline in the Middle East and Africa. Mr. Voivenel stressed, “We are delighted to expand our footprint in the region adding exciting new destinations as we continue to deliver consistent growth and brand excellence for our hotel owners and guests. We are well positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for quality hotels in the region and are eager to capitalize on the various opportunities.”

Visitors to ATM can find Swiss-Belhotel International on stand ‘HC1130’ located in Sheikh Saeed Hall in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Gigamon Names Twenty Year Industry Veteran to lead Global Partner Sales

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SANTA CLARA, Calif.April 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Gigamon, Inc. (“Gigamon”), the company leading the convergence of networking and security operations to help organizations improve their security stance, today announced that Michelle Hodges has joined the company as Vice President of Worldwide Partner Sales.  In this role, Hodges will be responsible for evolving the Gigamon Partner Program by deepening relationships with existing value-added resellers and distributors, building the security capabilities of its channel and adding new partner segments to support the company’s next phase of growth.  In this role, Hodges will report directly to Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales, Burney Barker.
“We are thrilled to have Michelle join Gigamon to lead the next phase of our partner sales efforts.  Her background helping leading technology vendors design, build and manage Partner and Alliances sales teams and programs around the world makes her an ideal fit for Gigamon,” said Burney Barker, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales, Gigamon. “As we work to bring together the historically separate worlds of networking and security operations, having partners who can bridge that divide is imperative.  Under her leadership, we have an opportunity to grow our relationships with world-class partners to help customers increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their security stack, whether in cloud, virtual or on-premises environments.” Hodges joins Gigamon most recently from Riverbed Technologies where she led global channel strategy, programs, communications and enablement, leading to substantial bookings growth through focused partners.  Prior to Riverbed, she led global channels and alliances at Apptio, a provider of business management systems for hybrid IT, where her work had significant impact on net new ACV and renewals.  Throughout her career, Hodges has held senior channel positions at leading technology companies including time with Microsoft in EMEA and India; transforming the APJ partner ecosystem as VP Channels and Alliances with Business Objects and SAP, and leading SI teams at VMware. A change agent, driven by impact and growth, Hodges has been recognized by CRN as a Global Channel Chief.  She is a member of the Associated Strategic Alliances Professionals, Women in Channels and Cloud Girls organizations, as well as a Board Member of Baptie’s Women in Channel Leadership Forum. She holds a B.A. from Whittier College, an M.A. in International Policy Studies and an M.B.A. in International Management, both from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. About Gigamon Gigamon is the company leading the convergence of networking and security operations to help organizations reduce complexity and increase efficiency of their security stack.  The company’s GigaSECURE® Security Delivery Platform is a next generation network packet broker that helps customers makes threats more visible – across cloud, hybrid and on-premises environments, deploy resources faster and maximize the performance of their security tools.  Global 2000 companies and government agencies rely on Gigamon solutions to stop tool sprawl and save costs.  Learn how you can make your infrastructure more resilient, more agile and more secure at www.gigamon.com, on our blog and Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.