Focus

Florida has been popular with both American and international tourists for decades. The path to the theme parks in Orlando is one well trod, but Florida offers far more than just the thrills of Disney and Universal Studios. Cosmos Florida holidays give you the opportunity to explore the Sunshine State and some of its unique activities, which means you can wow friends and family with tales of a holiday out of the ordinary.

Despite quickly becoming one of the most beloved golf courses on the planet, the Legend Golf & Safari Resort is enhancing its offering with a raft of new initiatives, including the opening of its new conference centre, the launch of an authentic African dining facility and the addition of an airstrip on site, meaning easier access to the property for guests.

Qatar is fast establishing itself as a top destination in the Middle East for both business and leisure travellers. With the FIFA World Cup being held in the destination in 2022, the country is currently undergoing a sustained period of development and growth. Over 85,000 hotel rooms are set to be available by 2022 alone and progress is well under way with dozens of properties completing each week.

Manchester City were not the only ones celebrating the climax of the Premier League season yesterday, with Eithad Airways also sharing in the plaudits after a £400 million sponsorship deal with the club last year. As the celebrations subside, Breaking Travel News here takes a look at some of the other momentous deals which have married the interests of sport to the travel sector.

As INDABA 2012 continues apace, Mantis Collection - a family run, private collection of award winning, privately owned, five star properties located around the world – has been bringing consumers up to date with its latest news. Across southern Africa a number of properties have seen some breathtaking developments, while Mantis is also adding a number of new destinations to its portfolio.

With South Africa’s tourism industry showing resilience in tough global economic times in 2011 and recording good growth, INDABA 2012 is again set to be a crucial platform for sales and the forging of strong partnerships with all industry stakeholders to grow the sector. More than 13,000 delegates are expected from across regional Africa and around the world at INDABA 2012 at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from May 12th-15th for the biggest regional African gathering of tourist industry professionals and role players, under the theme of ‘Shaping Our Future Together’.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has confirmed it will strengthen its position as the leading hotel operator in the Middle East and North Africa region with an existing portfolio of nearly 70 hotels and a pipeline of 40 new hotels. Underscoring the importance of the region as one of Starwood’s fastest growing hotel markets, the company will welcome its top 100 global executives to Grosvenor House Dubai for its annual leadership conference.

Celtic Link Ferries are delighted to introduce Friday Ferry Freebies. Every Friday Celtic Link Ferries will be giving away free return trips with a cabin (for a car or campervan) between Ireland and France.

Qatar National Hotels Company has chosen to rebrand as Katara Hospitality. The move will see the launch of a completely new corporate identity, generated by a name more relevant to the company’s ambitious international expansion plans. It is hoped the new identity will herald a new era of opportunity for the hospitality giant, in line with Qatar’s own tourism development strategy.

With the 2012 Holland Festival due to start at the beginning of June groups booking a stag party to a European destination this summer are being urged to consider a trip to Amsterdam, say pre-nuptial event organisers The Stag Company today.

Hilton Worldwide has ambitious plans to grow to 300 hotels in Asia Pacific over the next six years. Martin Rinck, Hilton Worldwide’s president of the Asia Pacific region talks to Breaking Travel News about Hilton’s Asia Pacific pipeline of 140 hotels, tapping into China and just how the brand continues to stay ahead of the game with innovative products and services.