Solid growth in revenue: up 5.8% like-for-like1 to €2,973 million Steep increase in EBIT: up 44% like-for-like1 to €199 million Sharp improvement in EBITDAR margin: up 1.1 point to 30.2% * Solid financial position: funds from operations/adjusted net debt at 23.1%2 Expansion: full-year objective of 30,000 rooms confirmed Ongoing deployment of the asset management program with the disposal of 65 hotel properties during the period
First-half 2011 was shaped by: Continued strong growth led by a steady rise in occupancy rates and a gradual recovery in average room rates. Consolidation of the business model and a solid operating performance with a very good 51.5% flow-through ratio (excluding the impact of events in Egypt and Ivory Coast). Improvement in EBITDAR margin, up 1.1 point like-for-like to 30.2%. Pursuit of the disposal program: more than 7,400 rooms refinanced for an impact of €191 million on adjusted net debt.

With confidence in Thailand’s capability to host the World Expo 2020, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) debuts its newly launched project: ‘World Expo 2020: Believe in Thailand’. TCEB aims to enhance public awareness, support and participation in the bidding for the World Expo 2020. In cooperation with Bangkok Metropolitan Authority, Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery, TCEB is releasing the ‘World Expo Troop’ in six key business districts, highlighting ‘Bangkok…the Gateway to World Expo 2020 Ayutthaya’ as part of the campaign.

Final call for EIBTM 2011 technology watch award entries. There are just two weeks left for organisations to enter the EIBTM Technology Watch awards scheme. The closing date is 2nd September. Judging will take place on Wednesday 5th October 2011 and the company chosen will be informed shortly after this date. To enter the Technology Watch awards scheme and for further details, visit www.eibtm.com/techwatch. EIBTM 2011 takes places 29th November – 1st December 2011, Barcelona.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) would like to remind of the opportunity to participate in the 1st UNWTO International Conference on Tourism and the Media which will take place in Zagreb, Croatia, on 12-13 September.
UNWTO, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism of Croatia, has organized the conference in order to address the current need for tourism to be recognized, in mainstream and specialized media, as a driver of economic growth and employment and a tool for development and poverty alleviation. The conference will provide a unique platform to discuss not only the case for tourism as a socio-economic instrument, but also the mechanisms available to ensure tourism reaches the headlines.

Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe, the first of two Hilton properties scheduled to open in Guangzhou this month, is within steps of the city’s East Railway Station and close to Baiyun International Airport.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of its first property in Guangzhou, China’s third-largest city and southern manufacturing powerhouse. Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe, the first of two Hilton properties scheduled to open in Guangzhou this month, is within steps of the city’s East Railway Station and close to Baiyun International Airport. It features 504 spacious, luxurious guest rooms and suites, including one of the largest Presidential Suites among international hotel brands in Guangzhou, as well as the first eforea: spa at Hilton in the South China region.

After 17 years in business, MITM Euromed and MITM Americas claim to continue on the top among all the MICE travel trade shows of any size – small or big – of anywhere in the World.
“The big MICE shows do not shy to copy MITM old or new features nor its valiant marketing and creativeness” GSAR Marketing claims, the 30 years old company owner of MITM.

Shanghai Tourism Festival will come back to the city and plays out from September 10 to October 6. Over the years since its debut in 1990, one of the biggest highlights in the event has been the Floats Parade on Huaihai Road. “City’s Celebration” is the theme that runs through this year’s procession of floats which come from nearly 20 countries and regions including, among others, the United States, Japan, Russia, Australia, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Spain. The march will be a true visual feast.

It’s been nearly two decades since the festival had its first run in 1990. Each year, over eight million visitors flock to the city for sightseeing, leisure, entertainment, culture, sports, conventions, exhibitions, food and shopping. This year, major attractions, Huangpu River Cruises, eateries and boutique shops will reel in customers with big markdowns. Twenty-one upmarket hotels will offer pocket-friendly stay+fare package rates.
The Shanghai Tourism Festival 2011 will be declared open at the factory-turned, recently completed Shanghai International Fashion Center, which, located in East Bund, Yangpu District, is a showcase of Shanghai’s glitz and glitter and a top-notch venue for new product launches of big-name brands.