“On April 2nd we hosted our 7th Career Clinic on the closing day of the Islamic Fashion & Design Council’s Pret-a-Cover Buyers Lane event, which took place over six days at the immaculate City Walk Dubai. We joined forces with the IFDC to bring together a panel knowledgable and influential women to discuss all things fashion in the region, including representatives from Harper’s Bazaar and The College of Fashion Design Dubai.
Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet hosted our morning upstairs in their stunning‘Table Talk’ venue – a culinary school turned perfect event space. The session opened and was led by our guest moderator Rabia Zargarpur, world class fashion entrepreneur, designer and creator of the Modest Fashion concept, who introduced our panel of speakers: Safiya Abdalla, fashion designer of Dulce by Safiya; Emily Baxter Deputy Editor of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Dr Monica Gallant, President and CEO of the College of Fashion Design Dubai.
Each of our speakers answered a curated selection of questions ranging from starting up your own label and fashion business, to education, design, and working for the big industry game players. Emily shared her story and experience in having worked for over 10 years for leading fashion magazines, while Monica emphasised the importance of education and refining the necessary skills it takes for a fashion entrepreneur to get started. Safiya shared her own story and struggles with starting up a one-woman run business from the bottom up, whilst juggling motherhood to three young children and expat life in Dubai.
Other important areas addressed were the impact social media and influencer marketing has had and how one manages to keep their brand and image on social as authentic as possible, whilst overcoming some of the fashion misconceptions in the region.
Fashion has definitely seen a major shift in the GCC over the last few years, moving away from being known as purely high end ‘fashion consumers’ to giving rise to some of the industry’s fashion game changers. Rabia Zargarpur is an example of such, becoming one of the first designers to showcase Modest Fashion ready-to-wear looks on mainstream runways and fashion shows.
A stand out take home message for all our guests would have to be that no designer ‘made it’ straight out of fashion school; brands like Tom Ford and Valentino all began at the bottom, working for others and building their story, and did not become successful overnight. The other key message was that there is no such thing as perfection – trial and error are key in all aspects of career and life, and if you don’t try you’ll never know!
The panel wrapped up at 11am and all guests enjoyed an hour long opportunity to network with each other and the speakers after the talk, with business cards and contacts exchanged at all levels. As always, the energy that built in the room was infectious and the advice shared invaluable.”
Our next Career Clinic will be held in collaboration with Mompreneurs ME at Life N One, Jumeirah, on April 23rd. To register your interest, email us at events@hopscotch.ae.
Gabrielle Chanel’s ambition was to allow women’s bodies a sense of freedom. When she set out to create the 2.55 handbag in February 1955, a date which lent its name to the visionary accessory, she came up with a deliberately practical design, worn across the body like a hunter’s or soldier’s bag. Years later, Karl Lagerfeld conjured up the Classic bag, inspired by the 2.55. It adds CHANEL’s emblematic double C to the clasp and entwines leather into the chain strap.
For Spring‑Summer 2018, the handbag comes beaded in checked tweed, giving a new texture to the bag.
TVU Networks, the global technology and innovation leader in live IP video solutions, will demonstrate its answer to Media 4.0, the new TVU MediaMind platform, during theNAB Show next week from April 9-12 in Booth C1707.
With developments such as AI, big data, IoT, and cloud computing, all businesses are undergoing rapid changes to their business models that also hold the possibility of a significant upside inefficiency. Industry 4.0* is a term coined to describe how these technologies can combine to produce a ‘smart factory,’ capable of making decisions and performing autonomously. This follows on the back of earlier breakthroughs, including: 1) mechanization powered by steam and water 2) mass production powered by electricity and 3) computerized automation.
Currently, the video industry is experiencing its own sea change in the way video content is produced, distributed and consumed. Referred to as Media 4.0 or as ‘Enabled Media’ by TVU Networks, this evolution enables the customization of video per the specific requirements and tastes of individual consumers and its distribution through an automated process. AI engines recognize video content and automate its creation and distribution to cell phones, streaming to the Internet, television and social media channels.
“Media 4.0 is about enabling the mass production of content for individual audiences through the automation of video production and distribution,” said Paul Shen, CEO, TVU Networks. “This helps media companies looking to produce more content without increasing their expenditures. Instead of creating content manually, technology can enable the tailoring of that raw video to viewers on specific social media platforms, cell phones, streaming channels, and TV. Archived footage can be repurposed as an asset complete with searchable metadata. Media companies can’t earn revenue from material that’s never broadcasted.”
TVU MediaMind consists of TVU Contribution Automation, TVU AI Engine, TVU Real-Time Search Engine, TVU Workflow Engine and TVU Producer Pro. From the start of the video production process, all video is immediately indexed based on its metadata by TVU MediaMind’s AI real-time search engine. Using an entirely cloud-based model complete with voice and object recognition, live and pre-produced video clips are located and indexed down to the exact frame and can be shared instantly. MediaMind automates the ability for different production groups to find the content. With cloud-based TVU Producer Pro, different content can be cost-effectively created for different platforms or even audience groups.
Existing TVU customers can quickly utilize the benefits of TVU MediaMind, such as a real-time search engine for all of their media assets. The TVU AI Engine can be enabled with tens of thousands of TVU Transceivers deployed around the world.
“TVU MediaMind creates a new story-centric workflow, as opposed to a program-centric one, that removes the barriers involved in video production and how the video is shared with different production groups,” explained Shen. “It opens the floodgates for how programs are produced and distributed, removing barriers from the social media, digital and broadcast programming departments and creating one centralized search engine for all raw materials, live or recorded, that feeds all channels. And it helps media companies better target their audiences with appropriate programs.”
TVU Networks has over 2,500 customers in more than 85 countries. The TVU Networks family of IP transmission and live production solutions gives broadcasters and organizations a powerful and reliable workflow to distribute live video content to broadcast online and mobile platforms. TVU has become a critical part of the operations of many major media companies. The TVU Networks suite of solutions has been used to acquire, transmit, produce, manage and distribute professional-quality live IP HD footage as an integral part of the news, sports, and major global events. For more information about TVU Networks solutions, please visit www.tvunetworks.com.
*Industry 4.0 refers to the automation, digitalization, and networking of design, production, information, communication and management processes.
About TVU Networks®
TVU Networks® is the global technology and innovation leader in live IP video solutions. TVU’s solutions help transform broadcasters’ SDI-based operations – which include acquisition, transmission, routing, distribution, and management – to an IP-based infrastructure. TVU® serves customers of all sizes in more than 85 countries from industries that include news broadcast, web streaming, law enforcement, sports, corporate and government. In broadcast markets around the world including the USA, China, and other major economic powers, TVU® is the dominant market leader with a large majority of all news broadcast stations using its IP video solutions. Using its proprietary IS+ technology, TVU’s uplink solutions use any combination of cellular, satellite, microwave, Wi-Fi and Ethernet IP connections to deliver live HD video from practically any location.
TVU Contact:Robin Hoffman
Pipeline Communications
(917) 763-8069
robinhoffman@pipecomm.com
SOURCE TVU Networks
6 million EU residents will travel to the GCC over next three years
Additional routes, low airfares and increasing mid-market hotels driving growth
ATM participants interested in doing business with Europe increased 147% between 2016 and 2017
Arrivals from Europe to the GCC will increase 17% over the period 2018 to 2020, driven by extra flights, routes, competitive fares, and the rising number of mid-market hotels throughout the region, according to the latest data published ahead of Arabian Travel Market 2018, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 22-25.
According to Arabian Travel Market’s research partner, Colliers International, as many as 24.6 million EU residents will travel to the GCC between now and 2020, an additional four million travellers when compared to figures for 2015 – 2017.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia continue to be the preferred GCC destinations for European visitors, together they are on track to welcome 81% of the projected business and leisure travellers. The UAE is expected to receive 14.5 million, Saudi Arabia 5.4 million, Oman 2.21 million, Bahrain 1.72 million and Kuwait 738,000, by 2020.
Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM, said: “Historically, Europe and the GCC have enjoyed excellent travel and tourism links. Building on this, over the next three years, EU arrivals to the GCC will increase and we will see this in both the leisure and business segments.
“While European tourists have previously travelled to the GCC for its luxury resorts, the growing numbers of millennial travelers, middle-class tourists and corporate travellers on a budget, are slowly changing traditional market trends, as is the growth in affordable, mid-market hotels combined with an increase in low-cost flights.”
Besides Emirates’ new route to Stansted airport in the UK, flydubai is scheduled to start flying to Krakow in Poland this month, further extending the carrier’s Eastern and Central European network, to 24 destinations, including Belgrade, Bratislava, Bucharest, Prague, Skopje, Sarajevo and Sofia.
Furthermore, GCC hotel developers have turned their attention to quality mid-market properties with Dubai and Riyadh now home to a collection of four-star hotels flagged by names such as Aloft, Centro and Studio M. This growth will continue with a 19.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast in four-star development between 2018 and 2020.
In terms of the outbound market potential, this year ATM welcomes more than 100 European exhibitors to the show, with names such as Atout France, Hard Rock Hotel London, the Slovenian Tourist Board, Tourist Office of Spain, Austrian National Tourist Office and Czech Tourism Authority participating.
Figures from ATM 2017 show the number of delegates, exhibitors and attendees interested in doing business with Europe increased by 147% between the 2017 edition and the previous year, with the number of delegates arriving from Europe, up by 8%.
Colliers data indicates GCC travel to Europe will grow 36% over the next three years, with a forecasted 8.5 million GCC residents projected to visit Europe. While part of this growth can be attributed to the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s large expatriate populations, GCC nationals are no strangers to European destinations, its culture, history, as well as its retail and luxury hospitality offerings.
Press added: “Travel to Europe will continue to be dominated by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which together will account for 93% of GCC arrivals to the continent. Germany, Italy, the UK, Austria and Switzerland have historically been the top European destinations for GCC nationals to visit.
“In the UK, the Brexit announcement has weakened the British Pound providing an additional incentive for Gulf tourists, while travel to Switzerland is dominated by GCC residents’ growing interest in medical tourism aided by the relaxation of tourist visa requirements.”
Looking further ahead, ATM 2018 will examine the impact of Brexit on the relationship between the UK and GCC during the Global Stage panel debate Going Solo. The discussion will attempt to address the many unanswered questions about inbound and outbound tourism in a post Brexit-Britain, specifically covering potential changes to aviation rules and other regulatory and economic challenges that could occur.
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 it’s 25th year will take place from Sunday, 22nd April – Wednesday, 25th April 2018 www.arabiantravelmarketwtm
Raising the sought-after Trademark Hotel Collection flag at nine new U.S. destinations, hospitality giant Wyndham Hotel Group is ushering in more of its soft brand’s unique hospitality flair coast to coast. The latest additions in New York City, California, Ohio, Utah, Louisiana, Nebraska and Vermont more than double the brand’s U.S. portfolio to 15 hotels and more than 2,000 rooms.
Launched last year, Trademark is a collection of upper-midscale-and-above hotels with fiercely independent spirit and individuality. It’s the first soft brand geared to independent hoteliers with landmark three- and four-star hotels designed for everyday travelers seeking unique accommodations. Globally, nearly 70 hotels currently don the Trademark banner.
“Trademark offers entrepreneurial hoteliers a unique opportunity to tap into a hospitality mega-network without sacrificing their hotels’ distinct character and authenticity, which draws travelers through their doors,” said Chip Ohlsson, executive vice president and Chief Development Officer, North America. “The surge of owners joining the Trademark family is testament to their desire to be part of something greater, as well as to Wyndham’s steadfast commitment and track record of delivering for its owners.”
Demand for soft-branded hotels continues gaining momentum in 2018. According to STR, last year’s soft branded occupancies topped 66 to 70 percent – the highest in occupancies – compared to 62 to 67 percent for hard brands and 63 percent for independent properties.
The newest Trademark additions offer everything from downtown city escapes to mountain adventures, while delivering authentic experiences at affordable price points.
Ravel Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Long Island City, N.Y.:
Guests discover the chic side of New York City’s Queens borough at this 113-room hotel featuring a variety of al fresco experiences. Ravel’s Penthouse 808, an eclectic indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant and lounge, features Hawaiian- and Asian-inspired fare from executive Chef Seth Levine and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Additionally, guests can sip on 15 draught beers and imaginative cocktails at the hotel’s elevated beer garden sprawled across a welcoming green lawn, as well as take a dip in its Profundo pool club, opening in May 2018.
Lions Gate Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Sacramento, Cali.:
Adorned with aero-inspired décor reflective of nearby McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, Lions Gate Hotel, A Trademark Collection Hotel, sits in the heart of McClellan Park. History meets luxury at this 112-room hotel with easy access to Old Sacramento, a 28-acre National Historic Landmark District, featuring museums, railroad excursions and Sacramento River boat tours.
Mulberry Life Inn & Suites, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Moreno Valley, Cali.:
Soon to be “Xola, A Trademark Collection Hotel,” this 140-room boutique hotel in California’s Moreno Valley integrates wellness into every guest touchpoint – like soothing eucalyptus bed linens and allergen-free plush pillows.
Aksarben Suites, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Omaha, Neb.:
Boasting Omaha’s most beautiful sunlit-atrium, the 186 all-suite boutique hotel flexes to host special events or business meetings up to 150 people. Visitors can explore the unique shops, galleries and restaurants of Omaha’s Old Market district and sports fans can catch a University of Omaha team playing at TD Ameritrade Park of Baxter Arena.
Quail Hollow Resort, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Painesville, Ohio:
Guests at this Ohio gem enjoy easy access to two championship golf courses, Ohio’s growing wine region and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland. The resort’s 21 versatile meeting rooms can host up to 80 conference guests or 350 banquet guests.
The Bertram Inn & Conference Center, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Aurora, Ohio:
Accommodating up to 1,500 guests for special events, this long-standing Ohio destination is Aurora’s go-to hotel for guests hosting big occasions or simply enjoying the state’s charming countryside.
Zermatt Utah, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Midway, Utah:
Guests breathe in pure-mountain air at this inviting village resort near Park City, Utah, featuring traditional, Swiss-style architecture and décor, 308 rooms and a multitude of recreational activities. This mountain oasis is near the area’s top attractions including Utah Olympic Park, Park City ski slopes and blue-ribbon fly fishing.
Richmond Inn & Suites, A Trademark Collection Hotel, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana:
Close to downtown Baton Rouge and just an hour from New Orleans, Richmond Inn & Suites, this all-suite hotel is a prime location for business travelers seeking quick commutes. Designed for extended stay travelers, its 145-spacious suites feature separate living areas, fully-equipped kitchens and complimentary WiFi.
A Trademark Collection Hotel in Burlington, Vermont:
Formerly the Italian Bove Restaurant on Pearl Street in Burlington, Vermont, the 70-year, family run business will be transformed into a 76-room Trademark hotel. Owned by Rick Bove Jr., the hotel is planning to open in 2019.
Trademark hotels participate in Wyndham Rewards®, the simple-to-use, revolutionary loyalty program from Wyndham Hotel Group. Named a best hotel rewards program for the past three consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report, Wyndham Rewards offers members a generous points earning structure along with a flat, free night redemption rate—the first of its kind for a major rewards program. Learn more at www.wyndhamrewards.com.
About The Trademark Hotel Collection
Part of Wyndham Hotel Group, The Trademark Hotel Collection® is a portfolio of nearly 70 upper-midscale-and-above hotels across the U.S. and Europe, each with fiercely independent spirit and individuality. Launched in 2017, Trademark is the first soft brand geared to three- and four-star independent hotel owners and is designed for travelers seeking distinctive accommodations, yet lacking the budget for today’s existing luxury soft-branded offerings. Reservations and information are available by visiting www.wyndhamhotels.com/trademark.
About Wyndham Hotel Group
Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company based on number of hotels, is one of three hospitality business units of Wyndham Worldwide. Driving the democratization of travel, Wyndham Hotel Group is elevating the experience of the everyday traveler. As both a leading hotel brand franchisor and hotel management services provider, the company’s global network consists of approximately 8,400 hotels and over 728,200 rooms in 80 countries under the following brands: The Trademark Hotel Collection®, Dolce Hotels and Resorts®, Wyndham Grand®, Dazzler® Hotels, Esplendor® Boutique Hotels, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Wyndham Garden® Hotels, TRYP by Wyndham®, Wingate by Wyndham®,Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham®, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham®, Ramada®, Baymont Inn & Suites®, Days Inn®, Super 8®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge®, Knights Inn® and AmericInn®. The Wyndham Rewards® program, named a best hotel rewards program for the past three years by U.S. News and World Report, offers 55 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at more than 30,000 hotels, condos and homes globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
A new report from InsureMyTrip ranks the most popular international destinations state by state. The data shows twenty-six states favor trips to the Caribbean, while other states prefer visiting the United Kingdom, Mexico or Italy. Results are based on all travel insurance purchases for international trips booked in 2017.
Summary:
Caribbean islands (like Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Maarten) dominate the rankings in over half of US states.
New York, Vermont, Maine and Connecticut report the highest percentage of trips to Italy.
Travel insurance customers from Hawaii pick Japan as a favorite destination.
Exotic destinations like Thailand and Israel gain popularity.
The list shows the top five international destinations state by state.
US STATE
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
Alabama
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Bahamas
Italy
Alaska
United Kingdom
Mexico
Canada
Thailand
Germany
Arizona
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
The Caribbean
Canada
Arkansas
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
France
California
Mexico
Italy
United Kingdom
France
Canada
Colorado
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
The Caribbean
France
Connecticut
Italy
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Mexico
France
District of Columbia
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Mexico
Spain
Delaware
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Spain
Mexico
Bermuda
Florida
The Caribbean
Italy
United Kingdom
Mexico
Spain
Georgia
The Caribbean
Mexico
Italy
United Kingdom
Bahamas
Hawaii
Japan
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia
Italy
Idaho
Mexico
United Kingdom
The Caribbean
France
Spain
Illinois
The Caribbean
Mexico
Italy
United Kingdom
France
Indiana
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
Bahamas
Iowa
Mexico
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Italy
Bahamas
Kansas
Mexico
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
France
Germany
Kentucky
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
Bahamas
Louisiana
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Maine
Italy
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Mexico
France
Maryland
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Italy
Bahamas
Mexico
Massachusetts
United Kingdom
The Caribbean
Italy
Mexico
France
Michigan
The Caribbean
Mexico
Italy
United Kingdom
Spain
Minnesota
Mexico
Italy
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Germany
Mississippi
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Canada
Italy
Missouri
The Caribbean
Mexico
Italy
United Kingdom
France
Montana
United Kingdom
Mexico
Italy
Australia
France
Nebraska
Mexico
The Caribbean
Italy
United Kingdom
Bahamas
Nevada
Mexico
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Italy
Canada
New Hampshire
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Italy
Mexico
France
New Jersey
The Caribbean
Italy
Mexico
United Kingdom
Israel
New Mexico
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
Canada
Spain
New York
Italy
The Caribbean
Mexico
Israel
United Kingdom
North Carolina
The Caribbean
Italy
United Kingdom
Mexico
Bahamas
North Dakota
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Italy
Canada
Australia
Ohio
The Caribbean
Mexico
Italy
United Kingdom
Bahamas
Oklahoma
The Caribbean
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
Canada
Oregon
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Spain
Pennsylvania
The Caribbean
Italy
Mexico
United Kingdom
Bahamas
Rhode Island
The Caribbean
Italy
United Kingdom
Mexico
Ireland
South Carolina
The Caribbean
Bahamas
Italy
Mexico
United Kingdom
South Dakota
Mexico
The Caribbean
Italy
United Kingdom
Canada
Tennessee
The Caribbean
Mexico
Bahamas
United Kingdom
Italy
Texas
Mexico
The Caribbean
Italy
United Kingdom
France
Utah
Mexico
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Vermont
Italy
United Kingdom
France
Mexico
The Caribbean
Virginia
The Caribbean
United Kingdom
Italy
Mexico
Bahamas
Washington
Mexico
United Kingdom
Italy
Canada
France
West Virginia
The Caribbean
Bahamas
United Kingdom
Ireland
Mexico
Wisconsin
The Caribbean
Mexico
Italy
Germany
United Kingdom
Wyoming
Mexico
Italy
Canada
The Caribbean
Israel
Data source: All InsureMyTrip travel insurance purchases in 2017 for trips outside the US.Travel Insurance for International Trips
According to InsureMyTrip, 70 percent of customers choose a comprehensive travel insurance policy for trips abroad. This policy provides a variety of benefits including medical coverage, emergency travel services, baggage protection, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
To schedule an interview with an expert or to request specific research data, please contact news@insuremytrip.com.
About InsureMyTrip
It’s simple. InsureMyTrip finds you the right travel insurance plan, every time. InsureMyTrip is the authority on travel insurance. We are committed to empowering travelers to make the best possible insurance decisions by leveraging our technology, data intelligence, and expertise.
SOURCE InsureMyTrip
Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced that it will be the official airline partner of CultureSummit Abu Dhabi 2018.
The unique cultural event brings together global leaders from the fields of arts, media, public policy and technology to discuss the role of culture in building bridges and promoting positive change in society. It will be held in Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat from April 8 – 12.
CultureSummit Abu Dhabi Steering Committee member HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), said: “As the world’s first high-level summit of leaders across the arts, technology and policy, convening figures from every corner of the world is no small feat. It wouldn’t be possible without the support and global reach of Etihad Airways, which in this case truly lives up to its mission of ‘Bringing the World Together.'”
Mohammad Al Bulooki, Executive Vice President Commercial, Etihad Airways, said: “With the recent opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi, in addition to a number of major events held throughout the year, Abu Dhabi is quickly establishing itself as a vibrant hub for the arts and culture. The CultureSummit Abu Dhabi 2018, which is set to welcome approximately 500 participants from 80 countries, is a unique opportunity to showcase Abu Dhabi to the world, and Etihad Airways is honoured to play a role in bringing the world together for this inspiring event.”
The theme for the CultureSummit Abu Dhabi 2018 is “Unexpected Collaborations: Forging New Connections Between Heritage and Innovation, Near and Far, Creativity and Purpose.” The programme will consist of workshops, presentations, and performances by leading industry and culture figures from the UAE and across the globe.
The US dollar index fell against most other major currencies as escalating trade tensions between China and the US weighed on the market, amid weaker-than-expected March jobs report.
In late New York trading on Friday, the euro rose to $1.2285 from $1.2236 in the previous session, and the British pound increased to $1.4085 from $1.4001 in the previous session, Xinhua news agency reported.
The Australian dollar was down to $0.7670 from $0.7682.
The US dollar bought 106.87 Japanese yen, lower than 107.44 Japanese yen of the previous session. The US dollar fell to 0.9587 Swiss franc from 0.9635 Swiss franc, and it climbed to 1.2778 Canadian dollars from 1.2761 Canadian dollars.
US President Donald Trump had threatened to slap tariffs on $100 billion of imports from China, ratcheting up trade tensions and plunging economic growth into uncertainty.
China will fight “at any cost” and take “comprehensive countermeasures” if the US continues its unilateral, protectionist practices, a spokesperson with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.
The moves came after both sides earlier this week unveiled a list of products worth $50 billion imported from the other side that will be subject to higher tariffs.
The disappointing nonfarm jobs report also dented investor sentiment. US total nonfarm payroll employment edged up by 103,000 in March, way below market consensus of an increase of 193,000 jobs, the US Labor Department said on Friday. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1 per cent in March.
“Given the Fed’s fear of the Phillip’s curve, March’s modest employment growth is likely to be hailed as good news among the denizens of the Eccles building after February’s outsized gain. Yields are down about 3bp along the entire curve, suggesting the traders are considering the possibility of both a slower pace of tightening and a lower cycle high for fed funds,” said Chris Low, chief economist at FTN Financial.
Investors also paid close attention to the latest speech of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who said on Friday that the central bank will likely need to keep raising interest rates to keep inflation under control.
The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major peers, decreased 0.39 per cent at 90.106 in late trading.
Today, in celebration of National Tomato Day, Hellmann’s is making ketchup history by launching its first ketchup ever available to retailers nationwide, Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup Sweetened only with Honey. Hellmann’s, America’s favorite* mayonnaise brand, believes that real, simple ingredients are all you need to make delicious food, which is why Hellmann’s is thrilled to offer its new ketchup made with only six ingredients.
Hellmann’s has reimagined the way ketchup is made by asking what should be in ketchup, and what should not. The result is unsurprisingly simple, a recipe that calls for only six ingredients – tomato puree, honey instead of high fructose corn syrup, white wine vinegar, spices, onion powder and salt. New Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup has no artificial ingredients or preservatives and uses non-GMO sourced ingredients. The result is a rich and flavorful ketchup, that doesn’t compromise on taste.
“Over time, food has continued to evolve and it’s time for ketchup to evolve too,” says Russel Lilly, Marketing Director of Hellmann’s. “We saw this as an opportunity to elevate an American staple by stripping it down to only the most essential ingredients. We’re giving people a choice when it comes to feeding themselves and their families with a brand they know and trust.”
Free Ketchup (and frites) Today Only!
To celebrate National Tomato Day, Hellmann’s is teaming-up with Pommes Frites, a New York City authentic Belgian fry shop, to offer fans a first taste of the new Hellmann’s Ketchup. Today, April 6, from 12pm – 3pm, Pommes Frites will give away free orders of frites paired with Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup Sweetened only with Honey while supplies last. Enjoy free frites on Hellmann’s today!
Grab A Bottle Today
Hellmann’s REAL Ketchup Sweetened only with Honey will be available at retailers nationwide in the condiment aisle. It’s available in 14 oz., 20 oz. and 32 oz. bottles; and it will be at retail west of the Rocky Mountains as Best Foods.
For more information, recipes and tips, visit www.Hellmanns.com or www.BestFoods.com.
CHICAGO (April 2, 2018) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and AC Ocean Walk today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with AC Ocean Walk for the 1,399-room Ocean Resort Casino located at 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J. The $3 billion landmark property, which was recently acquired by AC Ocean Walk, will join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, Hyatt’s growing collection of unique and independent stay experiences. The resort will be situated on 20 acres on the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk, and at 710 feet and 60 stories tall, will be the tallest structure in Atlantic City. It is expected to open in summer 2018 and will be operated by AC Ocean Walk.
“We are excited to be affiliating Ocean Resort Casino with The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, and to be introducing Hyatt to Atlantic City, one of the nation’s most visited resort and casino destinations,” said David Tarr, senior vice president of development, Americas, Hyatt. “AC Ocean Walk’s spectacular resort will establish a new standard on Atlantic City’s storied Boardwalk, making it a fitting addition to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio.”
Ocean Resort Casino will be the eighth hotel in North America to open as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio, which launched in 2016, joining the recently opened Holston House Nashville in Nashville, Tenn., The Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia, and Spirit Ridge in Osoyoos, British Columbia. The Eliza Jane in New Orleans is expected to join the portfolio, when it opens this spring. In addition, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt properties include The Driskill in Austin, Texas, Royal Palms Resort & Spa in Phoenix, The Confidante in Miami Beach, Fla., Hotel du Louvre in Paris, and Carmelo Resort & Spa in Uruguay.
Whether it is a captivating past, an exclusive, prime location, famous architecture and design or an award-winning dining experience, each property in the collection maintains a distinct character and the freedom to be unique, while still providing guests with the opportunity to earn World of Hyatt points and redeem for free night awards and access to many other benefits at Hyatt locations worldwide.
“It is an honor for us to join forces with one of the world’s most renowned hotel brands: Hyatt. Hyatt has an incredible 60-plus-year legacy in the industry, and its loyal global customer base will have access to an authentic way to experience all that makes Atlantic City attractive and popular. We are thrilled and proud to be joining The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio as we prepare for the resort’s opening this summer,” said Bruce Deifik, chairman of AC Ocean Walk.
The expansive 6.4 million-square-foot luxury resort will feature a 138,000-square-foot luxury casino, 160,000 square feet of indoor meeting and convention space with another 90,000 square feet of flexible outdoor special event space, five swimming pools, including a salt-water pool, a sun deck with cabanas, and distinctive dining from premiere restaurant groups Garces Group and LDV Hospitality and entertainment experiences that will feature lively day and nightclubs and a best-in-class sports bar. The resort will include a 32,000-square-foot onsite location of exhale, Hyatt’s newly acquired fitness and spa brand, which will feature 32 treatment rooms, a mind body studio and retail boutique. The new spa will be the first exhale experience to open within a Hyatt-branded property.
“Now, guests of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand can easily maintain their commitment to mind and body transformation without leaving the resort,” said Marc Ellin, global head of Miraval Group and exhale enterprises. “We’re excited to grow exhale locations with the opening of Ocean Resort Casino, as well as continuing wellbeing programming and services in new ways.”
Ocean Resort Casino was purchased by AC Ocean Walk in January 2018, and has started an extensive hiring program which is expected to bring 2,500-3,000 new jobs to Atlantic City.
“The unique value Ocean Resort Casino brings to Atlantic City is the overall attention to detail and investment made in its design, fixtures and features, which will be optimized as we develop the overall guest experience,” said Deifik. “The resort’s prime location on Atlantic City’s famed boardwalk will offer guests the best of this vibrant destination.”
Recently, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand announced a new hotel development in Hollywood, Calif., slated to open in 2019, and that the iconic Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez in Cannes, France will re-open in spring 2018 under the brand as Hotel Martinez.
For more information, visit www.theoceanac.com and unboundcollection.hyatt.com.
The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand is a portfolio of new and existing upper-upscale and luxury hotel properties, ranging from historic urban gems to contemporary trend-setters, boutique properties to resorts, and private home accommodations. Whether it is a fascinating past, an exclusive location, famous architecture and design, or an award-winning dining experience, the properties in the collection provide guests with “social currency” and allow them the freedom to be unique. Current hotel properties include The Driskill in Austin, Texas, The Royal Palms Resort & Spa in Phoenix, The Confidante in Miami Beach, Fla., The Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia, Holston House in Nashville, Tenn., Spirit Ridge in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Hotel du Louvre in Paris (under renovation) and Carmelo Resort & Spa in Uruguay. For more information, please visit unboundcollection.hyatt.com. Follow @UnboundxHyatt on Facebook and Instagram.
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 14 premier brands. As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s portfolio included more than 700 properties in more than 50 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top colleagues, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Andaz®, Hyatt Centric®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Hyatt Residence Club® and exhale® brand names. For more information about Hyatt Hotels Corporation, please visit www.hyatt.com.
About Integrated Properties
AC Ocean Walk is owned and managed by Integrated properties, a Denver-based commercial and real estate development company, formed by Bruce and Nancy Deifik in 1990. The company manages assets, property, leasing and disposition of the commercial property portfolio of Deifik and his investment partners. Since its inception, the company has acquired more than 103 commercial properties including mixed-use, office, retail, hotel/casino, apartment and warehouses in California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada and Texas. The company’s real estate portfolio encompasses more than 8.5 million square feet and specializes in urban mixed-use development.
About exhale
Exhale, a leading wellbeing brand, revolutionized the spa + fitness industry in 2003 with a unique business model that addresses both mind and body through spa + fitness. Dedicated to transformation, mindfulness and healing, exhale has 25 locations in the U.S. + Caribbean offering dozens of proprietary boutique fitness class programs and award-winning healing + spa therapies. For more information, please visit www.exhalespa.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely,” “will,” “would” and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable when made, are inherently uncertain, and are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Hyatt’s control, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date of their initial publication and neither party undertakes an obligation to publicly update any of these forward looking statements as actual events unfold, except to the extent required by applicable law. If one or more forward-looking statements is updated, no inference should be drawn that any additional updates will be made with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
Jorian Weiner
Hyatt
(312) 780-3004
jorian.weiner@hyatt.com
Rachel Wilkinson
The Rogich Communications Group for AC Ocean Walk
(702) 796-1773
rachel@lasvegaspr.com
Dubai, UAE – 2 April 2018 – Emirates, the Title Sponsor of the US$10 million Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest day in racing, entertained guests off the track at the airline’s hospitality suite located in the Meydan Grandstand.
Celebrating the airline’s upcoming launch to Santiago de Chile– the suite brought to life all of the country’s best-known elements including its historic beauty, local charm and delectable foods. Inspiring guests to get a glimpse of Chile’s food culture, Emirates’ hospitality offered a taste of the country’s distinct regions through a selection of live food stations showcasing some popular Chilean culinary delights.
Emirates will start a five times a week service from Dubai to Santiago de Chile, via Sao Paulo from 5 July 2018.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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
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 Designs, Alserkal 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 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.
Other important areas addressed were the impact social media and influencer marketing has had and how one manages to keep their brand and image on social as authentic as possible, whilst overcoming some of the fashion misconceptions in the region.
Fashion has definitely seen a major shift in the GCC over the last few years, moving away from being known as purely high end ‘fashion consumers’ to giving rise to some of the industry’s fashion game changers. Rabia Zargarpur is an example of such, becoming one of the first designers to showcase Modest Fashion ready-to-wear looks on mainstream runways and fashion shows.
A stand out take home message for all our guests would have to be that no designer ‘made it’ straight out of fashion school; brands like Tom Ford and Valentino all began at the bottom, working for others and building their story, and did not become successful overnight. The other key message was that there is no such thing as perfection – trial and error are key in all aspects of career and life, and if you don’t try you’ll never know!
The panel wrapped up at 11am and all guests enjoyed an hour long opportunity to network with each other and the speakers after the talk, with business cards and contacts exchanged at all levels. As always, the energy that built in the room was infectious and the advice shared invaluable.”
Our next Career Clinic will be held in collaboration with Mompreneurs ME at Life N One, Jumeirah, on April 23rd. To register your interest, email us at events@hopscotch.ae. 
