Focus Page 341
Japan raises its sport tourism credentials with the Conrad Tokyo
With Tokyo a front runner to host the 2016 Olympics and also juggling bids for both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, BTN travelled to Japan to check out its sport tourism facilities, starting at the Conrad Tokyo, one of the capital’s newest and most vibrant hotels.
BTN spotlight: the Hilton Osaka
The Hilton Osaka is one of longest established global brand hotels in Japan’s second biggest city. It caters for the needs of business and tourism travellers alike from the city centre. BTN met up with Ms. Ai Reynolds of the Hilton Osaka to find out about the changing face of the global business and tourism market in Japan, and the hotel’s unique approach to hospitality.
BTN Special Report: social media crisis management
In the brave new world of social media, the crowds, not the boardroom control the conversation. It takes just one disgruntled customer to create viral campaign that can reek cyber havoc. So what can the corporates do to stay on the right side of bloggers? Adam Coulter investigates
BTN Spotlight: Richard Thorne, Innovata
Travelling the world is becoming easier with revolutionary booking tool developed by Innovata. BTN caught up with Richard Thorne, who heads up its Aviation division, to find out what new technology the company has planned.
BTN Special Report: how United paid the price for breaking a guitar
Social media means that brands no longer control what consumers say about them. The most powerful travel example yet was the musician who created a YouTube hit about United breaking his prized guitar. Adam Coulter examines the ensuing PR disaster and what companies can learn in order to stay on the right side of the consumer.
BTN spotlight: Chris Cuddy, CEO, Cheapflights
Chris Cuddy is the CEO of travel price comparison website, Cheapflights. BTN asks his thoughts on everything from the rise of user-generated content to the challenges of heading up an online business during the downturn.
BTN spotlight: Anthony McHale, GM, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Anthony McHale is the General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, a post he took up in March. A veteran hotelier with over 30 years experience in luxury hospitality, he shares with BTN some of the secrets to running a top-notch establishment.
Interview with Stella Photi of Wellbeing Escapes
Specialist travel company Wellbeing Escapes is more than a luxury hotel and spa listing website, it’s a website that appeals to seasoned spa enthusiasts as well as the novice, the site give users unique access to a wealth of guidance, inspiration and knowledge plus news, tips and chat from the world of spa, wellbeing and holistic health - all delivered in an informal, engaging style.
BTN spotlight: Sanjiv Ramdanee, Executive Director, Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, Mauritius
As the Executive Director of the incredible Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa in Mauritius, Sanjiv Ramdanee has arguably one of the best jobs in travel. BTN finds out more about his dream role and his dream resort.
BTN spotlight: Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold, CEO Cape Town Tourism
With less than 350 days to go till Fifa 2010, Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, is one of the business people in travel. However she found time in her hectic schedule to share with BTN her views on the industry, as well how preparations are going for the World Cup when Cape Town is an Official Host City.
Sleeping Beauty awakes: Falmouth set to become Jamaica’s 4th cruise destination
In autumn 2010, the Port Authority of Jamaica will debut Falmouth, a major new cruise port with world-class facilities and a glorious history that will transform the town one of the Caribbean’s most culturally vibrant cruise destinations.
Ponta Dos Ganchos brings unprescedented luxury to Brazil
Nestled in between quaint fishing villages on a private peninsula along Brazil’s alluring Emerald Coast, Ponta dos Ganchos is a haven for beach lovers who appreciate laid-back elegance, romance and seclusion.