BTN talks to WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten to find out his thoughts on how the travel industry is faring in the downturn and what the WTTC’s predictions of what the future might hold.

The Shangri-La Hotel in Santa Monica, California was the place to be in the 80s. Made famous as the favoured place of Sean Penn and Madonna’s affair and as the setting to those classic Calvin Klein photographs that epitomised the decade.

Big is not necessarily beautiful in the current downturn. So which companies are doing best in these times of economic austerity?

Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards and overlooking the Mediterranean, Furore Inn Resort is a paradise hideaway steeped in the romance of ancient Italy

Sustainability is the most important challenge facing the travel and tourism industry, and its leaders must strive harder to incorporate environmental protection policies in their future plans. That was the overriding message at the 8th WTTC Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Dubai.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Group and President of Dubai Department Civil Aviation, granted BTN an exclusive interview in which he shared his ambitious plans and luminous vision for Emirates Airline.