Author: Buy2Greece

HOTEL MARKET
During 2013, hotel occupancy and RevPar indices in Athens have been positive for the first time in six years. Athens aims to be ranked among the “city break” European destinations. Ambitions are expected to be boosted by extensive urban regeneration projects in the near future, such as the pedestrianization of Panepistimiou Str. in the heart of the CBD and the redevelopment of the south water front. However, the group of big players in the hotel market (Starwood, InterContinental, Hilton, Divani, Sofitel) will be reduced by one member, as Μarriott Ιnternational is planning to withdraw from Athens.

Moreover, the project pipeline remains nearly empty, as the only project scheduled is the €3.5 million refurbishment of President Hotel. Nevertheless, the biggest deal ever in the Greek hotel market is expected in the Q2 of 2014. Rumours say that about €250 million will be spent in the auction of “Asteras Vouliagmenis”. The property is located in a small peninsula in the south of Athens and is owned partially by the Greek State and the National Bank of Greece. It consists of 304,000 m² of land (112,000 m² with development potential) and a five-star hotel. The bidders will include major international and domestic investors (for instance US fund Colony Capital, Hines, ICI, Russian Strategic Initiative, Charterworld, the hedge fund Baupost and domestic Lamda Developments)
– See more at: http://europe-re.com/athens-greece/43793#sthash.MkkE7yhs.dpuf

Cruise Critic revealed that 27% of cruisers are last minute planners, booking within weeks of their cruise, while 33% book a few months out. Over a third of respondents (40%) like to be more organised and make reservations at least a year (or more) in advance, according to a recent poll.
Adam Coulter, UK editor, Cruise Critic, commented: “Those who can be flexible can find some excellent last minute deals, which could get you to your dream destination for a lot less. If you are a planner and like to book much earlier, you should look for added value promotions. You may not find the very cheapest fares when a cruise first goes on sale, but you will often find incentives, such as upgrades, or kids-sail-free offers, that save you money overall.”
Whether you’re planning for next year, looking for a last minute summer deal, or a winter break, Cruise Critic gives tips on how to catch the perfect deal:
– For first-sailing announcements, book in advance
For those who are able to plan a year (or more) ahead, which accounts for 33% of cruisers polled in Cruise Critic’s survey, savings can be found as and when the cruise first goes on sale. Cruise lines tend to offer a number of added-value promotions, which includes anything from drink packages to gratuity or airfare ?? all added costs that cruisers will usually end up paying anyway, and could save hundreds of pounds.
Ideal for: Advanced planners
– Book anytime for off-season savings ?? but be flexible!
Destinations have high and low seasons ?? with cruise fares following suit. By booking a cruise during a destination’s low season, cruisers may have the option to visit their destination of choice at a much lower cost – and without the crowds. Examples include Alaska in May and September, the Caribbean in late spring or winter (holiday weeks, excluded) or the Mediterranean in the autumn.
Repositioning cruises also offer money-saving opportunities. From September to November numerous ships cross from Britain to the US to follow the sun, while during the Spring many ships travel back to Britain via the Azores and the Iberian Peninsula after spending winter months in the Caribbean and South America. These one-way voyages are often sold at a discount, as they’re not part of regular sailing schedules.
Ideal for: All types of planner ?? but only if you’re flexible
– Look for industry-wide sales in late September and January – March
Two of the biggest industry-wide cruise sales are held in late September and January – March. The cruise industry’s national cruise week will be held September 27th ?? October 5th, 2014 in the UK, with cruise lines and agents offering a wide range of promotions. “Wave Season,” beginning in January, is an annual period of three months where cruise lines offer special promotions during one of the more popular times for cruise shopping to begin.
Ideal for: All types of planner
– Book a few months or weeks out for last minute deals
For those who like to be spontaneous, good bargains can be found on a sailings leaving within 90 days. This is the deadline for those who book in advance to cancel without penalties so cabins often open up at the last minute. However, don’t forget to factor in last minute airfare, which may cancel out any savings, plus you may have the limited selection of cabin locations and dinner seatings. But, if you’re flexible and can sail from a UK cruise port, it’s a great way to save.
Ideal for: Last minute/spontaneous planners

As an introductory offer for all international guests, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced an ‘on-board beverage credit’ for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The credit will be graded according to the length of the cruise. It will apply to all new bookings on board two of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ cruise ships, the luxury cruise ship EUROPA 2 and the expedition ship HANSEATIC. This introductory offer will be in place August 1, 2014 and applies to cruises operating after October 1, 2014.

The cruise operator Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has not only reaffirmed its commitment to an international strategy but has also evaluated the different needs of its new, international guests. Following EUROPA 2’s first year of operation, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises was able to increase its international guest base by 42 % between 2013 and June 2014. Taking its marketing activity forward, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has identified the United Kingdom, United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, and Scandinavia as priority, international target markets.

Karl J. Pojer, Chief Executive Officer of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises comments: “I am delighted to see the number of bookings increasing from our international markets. We have received a lot of positive feedback, which is reflected by an overall 97% guest recommendation rate. We would like to embrace further our new international markets and therefore address the different needs of our international guests. From October 1, we will apply this introductory offer, an ‘on-board beverage credit’, to all international markets.”

The value of the beverage credit is dependent upon the length of the cruise: For a cruise up to six nights, a beverage credit of €100 per person is offered. For a cruise lasting for seven to nine nights the international guest will receive a beverage credit of €150 per person. If the cruise lasts longer than ten days a beverage credit of €200 will apply to each guest.

Pojer explains further: “Diversity and choice are two of the main elements which define our high standards on board. For example, we have approximately 500 varieties of wines available on board EUROPA 2 – one of the largest wine menus on the high seas. By offering this ‘beverage credit’ we are ensuring this diversity, however, are also offering our international guest the flexibility to make choices.”

Guests cruising on board Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ EUROPA 2 enjoy many features already included in the cruise fare: a complimentary, in-suite, mini bar with a selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks (restocked twice a day); a choice of dining in all seven restaurants – including the specialty restaurants on board, where no additional surcharge applies; and gratuities.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ international strategy:

With its fleet of two ultra-luxury cruise ships and two expedition ships, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is regarded today as one of the leading operators in the luxury and expedition segment in the German-speaking countries. All cruises on board the latest fleet member EUROPA 2 are international operated in both English and German. In its expedition segment, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises also offers a selection of international cruises on board its 5-star-rated expedition ship HANSEATIC. The expansion of marketing activities in international markets goes hand-in-hand with the focus on these areas of luxury and expedition.

Karl J. Pojer concludes: “We are aware of the challenges of the international marketplace; and conscious of existing industry competition. We believe, however, that our concept of combining 5-star plus standards with sophisticated informality and flexible route planning is the key to the way forward and continued success. We understand and are committed to this new way of enjoying relaxed luxury.”

Source:- Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Buy2Greece.com – MIRAGE HOUSEBY KOIS ASSOCIATED ARCHITECTS

source : http://www.koisarchitecture.com/

Buy2Greece.com – Europe hotel industry poised to tackle increasing hotel room demands

Buy2Greece.com – TripAdvisor Acclaims World’s Top 10 Amusement Destinations
TripAdvisor the world’s largest travel site, announced the winners of its Travelers’ Choice awards for Amusement Parks and Water Parks around the globe. In total, 242 winners were identified, including the top 25 in the world and dedicated lists for Asia, Canada, China, Europe, India, South America, South Pacific, the U.K. and the U.S.
“Travelers in search of outdoor entertainment should look no further than the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Amusement Parks and Water Parks,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “There is a wide variety of activities to appeal to all ages at these top-rated parks across the globe.”
Travelers’ Choice awards honor top travel spots worldwide based on the millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for amusement parks and water parks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
Water Parks – World
1. Siam Park, Adeje, Spain
2. Beach Park, Aquiraz, Brazil
3. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Orlando, Florida
4. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Orlando, Florida
5. Waterbom Bali, Kuta, Indonesia
6. Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
7. Hot Park, Rio Quente, Brazil
8. Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
9. Aquatica, Orlando, Florida
10. Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis Paradise Island, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Top Water Parks in the United States
1. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Orlando, Florida
2. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Orlando, Florida
3. Aquatica, Orlando, Florida
4. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Indiana
5. Water Country USA, Williamsburg, Virginia
6. Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Waterparks, Wildwood, New Jersey
7. Noah’s Ark Water Park, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
8. Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Adventure Park, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
9. Wet ‘n Wild, Orlando, Florida
10. Cedar Point – Soak City, Sandusky, Ohio
Amusement Parks – World
1. Discovery Cove, Orlando, Florida
2. Europa-Park, Rust, Germany
3. Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida
4. Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
5. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Orlando, Florida
6. Beto Carrero World, Penha, Brazil
7. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California
8. Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa Island, Singapore
9. PortAventura Park, Salou, Spain
10. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
Amusement Parks – U.S.
1. Discovery Cove, Orlando, Florida
2. Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida
3. Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Orlando, Florida
5. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California
6. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
7. SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida
8. Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky, Ohio
9. Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
10. Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida

Florida Shines Bright on World and U.S. Amusement Parks Lists
Occupying nine of the top 25 spots on the world and U.S. amusement parks lists, the Sunshine State reigns supreme. Orlando claims eight of the spots including Discovery Cove, the #1 amusement park in the U.S. and world, while Tampa hosts Busch Gardens (#10 in the U.S, #14 world).
U.S. and Brazil Lead the Wave with Most Award-Winning World Water Parks
As the U.S. is home to six of the top 25 water parks on the world list, and Brazil home to five, these hot spots offer fun-filled parks for travelers to make a splash, including Beach Park in Aquiraz, Brazil at #2, and Disney’s Blizzard Beach in Orlando, Florida at #3.
Source: TripAdvisor

Buy2Greece.com – Google head of travel to share his views at the GBTA Convention 2014
GBTA announces the featured speaker list as Google Director of Travel Partnerships David Pavelko is set to grace the occasion at GBTA Convention 2014. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)—the voice of the global business travel industry—today announced David Pavelko, Director of travel partnerships for Google, will be a featured speaker at the GBTA Convention 2014, July 26-30, in Los Angeles.

“We are pleased to welcome David Pavelko as a featured speaker for this year’s Convention,” said Michael W. McCormick executive director and COO of GBTA. “The pace of change and innovation in travel continues to accelerate and Google is at the forefront of this change. David will provide attendees with his perspective on what’s next for Google in our industry and beyond. His deep industry experience and passion for the business of travel make him an excellent final addition to our speaker roster.”

Pavelko works directly with Google’s consumer travel initiatives and supports the overall strategy as well as business development and partnership efforts. David spent his first five years at Google managing marketing and advertising campaigns for airlines, hotel chains, cruise lines, car rental companies, OTA’s, meta, and travel publishers across Google search, display, mobile and YouTube advertising platforms.

Other Center Stage industry speakers at the GBTA Convention 2014 include U. S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John S. Pistole; Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of United Airlines Jeffery A. Smisek; Delta CEO Richard Anderson; Concur CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors Steve Singh; American Express Global Business Travel President and CEO Bill Glenn.

The 2014 Convention theme, Business in Motion, aptly describes how the event will unfold as nearly 7,000 attendees from all facets of the business travel industry come together for five days of continuous motion at the business travel event of the year. GBTA will broadcast LIVE from the LA Convention Center, bringing you world-class featured speakers, more than 80 industry-leading education sessions, the largest business travel expo floor, a wide selection of professional development opportunities and much more providing attendees the opportunity to build their careers and get business done.
Source: GBTA.

Big Chinese businesses are seeking even further involvement in Greece despite the fact that unstable economic and political conditions have forced many foreign companies to reconsider their presence in the crisis-hit country.

Greece has long been home to thousands of Chinese businesses, from small retail stores to shipping giant China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), which has invested billions in Greece’s largest port.

Several large international companies have already left Greece because of the crisis, but that doesn’t appear to be the case for major Chinese companies.

“For investments that have to do with ports, logistics, energy and anything affiliated with big and stable Chinese businesses, there’s no evidence that these businesses want to withdraw,” said Constantine Yannidis, president of Hellenic-Chinese Chamber, a non-governmental, non-profit membership association for Greek corporations and individual entrepreneurs engaged in business with China.