Phuket FantaSea PLC was recently awarded with 3 international distinctions: ESQR’s Quality Achievements Award 2015 from the European Society for Quality Research, UK, Golden Medal for Quality & Service Award from the Worldwide Marketing Organization, Australia, and The Bizz Award 2015 from the World Confederation of Businesses, USA.

The German National Tourist Office (GNTB) and the Israel Ministry of Tourism are joining efforts in marketing spiritual travel to Americans in order to further increase incoming travel to the two countries. A corresponding project was agreed upon on the occasion of the celebration for the 50th anniversary of Germany and Israel establishing their diplomatic relationship.

Marriott-Starwood is an interesting partner for investors.
The focus in the hospitality industry will increase. As per Prof. Stephan Gerhard, a prestigious hotel market expert, only around 25 hotel chains will operate globally in long term. More mega deals are expected in the next year. The acquisition of a large, western hotel chain by a Chinese investors could occur in 2016. According to TOPHOTELPROJECTS, the worldwide leading provider of global b2b hotel data, even in the triumphant hotel market Germany small and medium sized portfolios are sold.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has appointed Remco Althuis to the position of Vice President – Europe.
Mr Althuis brings more than 20 years’ sales and marketing experience, gained from his years at Etihad Airways, KLM and Air France-KLM. During this time he worked in a number of different sales and marketing roles in Europe and Asia.

Finnair prepares for growth in its long-haul traffic starting in 2016 and begins the biggest recruitment drive in the company’s history. In addition to the approximately 70 pilots and 130 cabin attendants recruited this year, the company is seeking to recruit 100 new pilots and 300 new cabin crew members. Some 50 people are also hired to perform customer service tasks and other functions during the spring.

JA Resorts & Hotels Announces General Manager Restructure for Dubai Based Properties. In line with JA Resorts & Hotels’ consistent efforts to deliver ‘heartfelt hospitality’, the group have announced the internal movement of three key members of the management team, to enable a dedicated focus on the local Dubai based properties and the evolution of the overall brand strategy.