http://www.immediapress.it I comunicati stampa di Immediapress en info@immediapress.it (Informazioni) info@immediapress.it (Info tecniche) Cultura e Tempo Libero/Culture and Leisure, turismo / Tourism, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=55999 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces) - 19 Taj Hotels Migrate to a new Brand

Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces today announced the second phase of their brand architecture exercise with the roll-over of 19 hotels to their new brand, Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts, slotted in the 5-Star Upper Upscale segment.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/ihc/44198/

Sixteen erstwhile Taj Hotels joined the three existing Vivanta by Taj hotels to create a brand which has an inventory of nearly 2500 rooms. An aggressive expansion programme is already in place which will see the brand grow organically to more than 30 hotels with over 5000 rooms over the next two years.

Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces have created Vivanta after a series of extensive customer understanding studies. Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts are slated to appeal to the cosmopolitan global traveler who appreciates new experiences and pleasant surprises. The Vivanta brand is positioned to be stylish and sophisticated, contemporary, vivid and creative and to afford a cool avatar of luxury.

Mr. Raymond N Bickson, M.D. & C.E.O., Indian Hotels Company Limited unveiled the new website http://www.vivantabytaj.com .

_________________________________________________________________________

About Vivanta by Taj

Vivanta by Taj is a 5-star hospitality brand positioned in the upper-upscale segment and is a part of Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces. Currently comprised of 19 hotels in India and the Indian Ocean region, Vivanta by Taj incorporates hotels in key metropolitan areas as well as popular holiday destinations like Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Sri Lanka & the Maldives.

Vivanta by Taj offers a fresh, vivacious & stylish take on 'cool luxury'. With innovative cuisine concepts, the smart use of technology & experiences that seek to constantly engage, energize and relax, it appeals to the cosmopolitan world-traveler synced into an immersive and sensory lifestyle.

Stay connected to Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vivantabytaj;

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vivantabytaj

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/vivantabytaj;

_________________________________________________________________________

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 66 hotels in 42 locations across India with an additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house.

For Further information please contact Vaishnavi Corporate
Communications, Mumbai:
Tarini Mathur (tarini.mathur@vccpl.com) / Swati Sundareswaran
(swati@vccpl.com) or at +91(0)22-66568787]]> Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:00:00 +0200 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=55999 Cultura e Tempo Libero/Culture and Leisure, turismo / Tourism, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=55698 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces) - "When we Open the Heritage Wing and do Whatever it Takes to get Back its old Glory; we Will Send a Stronger Message - a Message That Strongly Resonates Among all of us That we can be Hurt, but we Cannot be Knocked Down"

- Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman, Indian Hotels Company Ltd, 21st December 2008

As the country brings in India's 64th Independence Day, the iconic Taj Mahal Palace re-opens its doors to the magnificently restored Palace wing in Mumbai.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/ihc/44194/

Mr. Ratan Tata's promise made to the world in 2008 has been a compelling force in resurrecting India's original luxury hotel

An extensive restoration by internationally acclaimed designers, Lissoni Associati, Milan, BAMO San Francisco, DesignWilkes, Malaysia and James Park Associates, Singapore was carried out. The Palace accommodations that is, the Taj Club rooms, Luxury Grande rooms, themed Grand Luxury Suites are graciously appointed spaces filled with precious art and redolent with luxury, making it an unforgettable experience that encapsulates a slice of history, legend and romance.

The reinvigorated Palace wing comes with a warm arrival arrangement and stunning stay experiences. All our guests in the Palace wing will experience the highly attentive and personalized "Palace Butler Service". The Palace Lounge will be a private retreat; exclusively for residents of the Palace wing. Guests can look forward to an indulgent customized bath experience. High end technology ensures that guest's experiences are wired for efficiency and comfort. Taj Club rooms and suites come with chauffeur-driven luxurious Jaguar transfers.

With the reopening of the Palace wing, we look forward to receiving once again all those who have supported us including world leaders. The restaurants and eateries which have been renovated, including Sea Lounge, Golden Dragon and the Taj Ballroom (design by LTW) and the Harbour Bar and Wasabi by Morimoto (design by the Rockwell Group) are accompanied by inspired cuisine from our team of acclaimed chefs.

For access to press event images / videos and press documents, please visit us on - http://www.vccpl.in/taj

For more details on the Celebration Offer, please visit - http://www.tajhotels.com/

To know more about the Press Conference please visit us on - http://www.tajhotels.com/Taj-Mahal-Palace/Press-Conference

You can now follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/TajMahalMumbai and Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/TajMahalMumbai

Tarini Mathur (tarini.mathur@vccpl.com) / Swati Sundareswaran (swati@vccpl.com) / Deepika Sinha (deepika.sinha@vccpl.com) or at +91(0)22-66568787]]> Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:35:00 +0200 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=55698 Cultura e Tempo Libero/Culture and Leisure, Media e Pubblicitŕ/Media and Advertisement, turismo / Tourism, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=54821 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Whitfield Fine Art) - London 27 May - 23 July 2010

Caravaggio's Friends & Foes is major loan exhibition held by
Whitfield Fine Art in London. The exhibition which will mark the 400th anniversary of Caravaggio's death, will include paintings by his enemies the painters Giovanni Baglione and Tommaso Salini, his friends Louis Finson and Prospero Orsi, the painters Antiveduto Grammatica and Cavalier d'Arpino, whose studios he worked in when he arrived in Rome, and close followers such
as Lo Spadarino, Orazio Gentileschi, Simon Vouet, Guido Reni, Pietro Paolini and Jean Ducamps. Lenders include The National Trust, European museums and leading private collectors.


The exhibition will provide fresh insight into Caravaggio
himself and provide a re-assessment of the work of artists whose lives were touched by his genius. It is one of a number of events taking place across Europe commemorating his death on 18 July 1610 aged only 38.

Among the highlights of the exhibition will be a a magnificent self portrait painted in 1606 by Giovanni Baglione, arguably Caravaggio's most bitter enemy. Baglione famously sued Caravaggio for libel in 1603 after he had circulated satirical poems about a painting he had done for a church in Rome.

Another sworn foe of Caravaggio represented is Tommaso Salini. It is known that when the two men met by chance in 1601 Caravaggio struck Salini with his sword. In the libel action two years later Caravaggio referred to Salini as Baglione's 'guardian angel.'

Among Caravaggio's friends was Louis Finson, a figure of
primary importance in Caravaggesque painting whose contribution has often been overlooked. The exhibition will show him in a new light and present this direct contemporary of Caravaggio as an important painter in his own right. Two major works by Finson will be included in the exhibition. Adam and Eve, painted in 1610 (loaned by the University of Marburg, Germany) and the show
will also feature Saint Sebastian, a newly rediscovered masterpiece which until recently was hidden away in a private collection in Germany.

Whitfield Fine Art is one of the world's leading art dealers
and specialists in Old Master paintings.

Whitfield Fine Art
23 Dering Street
First Floor
London W1S 1AW
Tel: +44-(0)20-7355-0040
http://www.whitfieldfineart.com
Monday-Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm and on Saturday 3 July and Sunday 4 July.

Catalogue GBP25 (160 pages, 113 illustrations)]]> Tue, 11 May 2010 18:55:00 +0200 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=54821 Ambiente/Environment, Cultura e Tempo Libero/Culture and Leisure, turismo / Tourism, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=53437 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Zoo sauvage of Saint-Felicien)
Aisaqvaq gave birth to a cub on December 3, 2008, but then ate it, to the extreme disappointment of Zoo employees. This time, however, things are going well. Aisaqvaq is exhibiting good maternal behavior and doing an outstanding job caring for her little ones, who are quick to vocalize if they're at all uncomfortable. They are quite vigorous and appear to be in very good condition. A den was designed specifically for birthing and while the first cub was born outside it, Aisaqvaq quickly brought him into its confines. The second cub was born in the den and all three have since remained within it, making it impossible to find out whether the cubs are male or female.

On November 9, Aisaqvaq began to display signs of the impending birth. Her food intake diminished steadily from that date. Because they had studied her behavior in 2008, Zoo staff were able to establish a strategy to attempt to save the new cubs. Zookeepers began round-the-clock observation on November 10, scrutinizing her every move with the aid of eight surveillance cameras. After three weeks of restless anticipation, Zoo personnel looked on in wonderment as the cubs were finally born.

An important contribution toward conserving a species

These births are extremely important, and what is even more remarkable is that a female bear in captivity is caring for her offspring herself. Having this best possible scenario become reality has left Zoo personnel overjoyed. The cubs' birth is a landmark event for the Zoo and also for the species, as polar bears have become symbolic of climate change. The genetic baggage of these cubs, born to parents from the wild, will also have significance for bears in captivity. The occasion is a success for conservation of the species and for the team at Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien.

The number of polar bears in captivity worldwide fell from 633 in 1980 to 364 in 2006. In addition, while there were an average 25 litters per year during this period, only nine females provided their young with adequate care. In this respect, Aisaqvaq is therefore to be commended.

For further information: Rosalie Bergeron, Consultant, HKDP Communications and public affairs, Mobile: +1-418-570-6775, rbergeron@hkdp.qc.ca]]> Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=53437 Cultura e Tempo Libero/Culture and Leisure, Economia e Finanza/Economy and Finance, turismo / Tourism, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=50011 stampa@compa.it (Distretto Commerciale del Novese) The area of commercial planning in question is the one defined by the Regional Council's resolution no. 59-10831 dated 24/03/06 and it includes the main town of Novi Ligure, considered the centre of attraction for commercial activities, and the following geographical areas: Comune of Arquata Scrivia, Comune of Basaluzzo, Comune of Bosco Marengo, Comune of Cassano Spinola, Comune of Fresonara, Comune of Gavi, Comune of Pasturana, Comune of Pozzolo Formigaro, Comune of Serravalle Scrivia and Comune of Tassarolo. [Please note that the "commune" is the basic administrative division in Italy: it includes a main town / village plus the surrounding villages / hamlets, and it can be translated as "municipality"].
- The members of the "Tavolo di Concertazione", i.e. the decision-making organ of the experimental commercial district, are the above-mentioned "comuni" plus the Region of Piedmont, the Alessandria Chamber of Commerce, and two organisations representing specific sectors, ASCOM and Confesecenti.
- The following "comuni" have also expressed their interest in joining the District: Bosio, Francavilla Bisio, Gavazzana, Grondona, Rocchetta Ligure e San Cristoforo, Rocchetta Ligure, Tagliolo Monferrato, Comunitŕ montana Borbera e Spinti, Cabella, Vignole Borbera, Stazzano.
Objectives for the development of the territory

The "Tavolo di Concertazione" (the decision-making organ of the District) has approved the following macro objectives of the experiment:
- definition of a work methodology for the development of the experiment;
- definition of the structure and governance of the district;
- analysis of the territory and of its various resources (commercial, touristic, cultural, environmental, architectonic, economic, etc.);
- definition of the territory included in the district and its expansion;
- promotion of the territory in general and in particular of its smaller towns and villages.
Initiatives aimed at promoting the territory

The main actions already undertaken or being currently undertaken to promote the territory are:
- Printing and distribution of the Novese District magazine.
- Creation and development of the District's internet site ( www.distrettonovese.it ) aimed at promoting the territory on a large scale.
- Creation of a public or public-private organ in charge of managing the District.
- Market research and detailed analysis of the territory's potential.
- Initiatives aimed at involving and informing the territories bordering with the District's geographical area ("comuni" of the Borbera, Spinti, Lemme and Alto Ovadese valleys, and other neighbouring "comuni") so as to expand the District's territory.
- Possible work experiences, training sessions and specific courses organised in the area on a variety of subjects, such as: welcoming tourists, confectionery, bakery, catering and regional cuisine.
- Possible creation of a laboratory to stimulate and encourage new businesses and the setting up of an invitation to submit entrepreneurial ideas with the rewarding, through benefits and incentives, of the most innovative ones]]> Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:30:00 +0200 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=50011 Cultura e Tempo Libero/Culture and Leisure, alimentazione / Food, turismo / Tourism, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=49436 global@prnewswire.co.uk (The Kahala Hotel & Resort) - Barack Obama follows presidential footsteps with visit to The Kahala; John McCain vacationed with family at The Kahala in the 1990s

Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama recently visited The Kahala Hotel & Resort, joining a distinguished group of VIPs who have trod The Kahala's red carpet. Since its opening in 1964, The Kahala has been the preferred hotel in Hawaii for visiting U.S. presidents, royalty and heads of state.

As a U.S. senator, Republican U.S. presidential candidate John McCain vacationed at The Kahala with his family in 1996 and 1998.

Every U.S. president since Lyndon B. Johnson has stayed at The Kahala. Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush have all visited during their presidencies. Ronald Reagan swam in the hotel's beach in 1984. George H.W. Bush arrived via helicopter on the neighboring Waialae Country Club golf course to avoid interrupting traffic with a motorcade.

VIPs stay in the 1500-square foot Presidential Suite, with views of Koko Head Crater, Pacific Ocean, and Diamond Head. It is being redesigned in an elegant Hawaiian residential style, and will have a spacious office, living room, and master bedroom when it reopens in December 2008 at US$8,888 a night.

Other distinguished guests of The Kahala include Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, Emperor Hirohito, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, Indira Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama. Prince Charles and Princess Diana booked 100 rooms for their party's stopover in 1985.

"The Kahala is in a secluded, prestigious residential neighborhood, and our VIP guests treasure the privacy and feeling of security at our hotel," says managing director John Blanco. "Our endearing staff, impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, and unique beachfront location make The Kahala the perfect Hawaiian hideaway."

About The Kahala
A secluded, exclusive retreat, the 343-room hotel is on Kahala Beach, minutes from Waikiki. The Kahala has been Honolulu's social address for weddings and gatherings since opening in 1964.

The Kahala has five restaurants including the award-winning Hoku's, a spa, and a lagoon with six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The resort is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and is recognized internationally as an icon among luxury resorts.

Contact The Kahala at: +1-808-739-8888; +1-800-367-2525; http://www.kahalaresort.com]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:55:00 +0200 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=49436 Cultura e Tempo Libero/Culture and Leisure, Economia e Finanza/Economy and Finance, turismo / Tourism, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=47268 global@prnewswire.co.uk (La Perla International Living) parking garages will be on the ground level.

While the exterior of the Marina Residences has a solidly traditional Colonial air, the interiors are light, stylish and modern. High-quality materials, such as marble, natural stone, and beautiful hardwood are used throughout, and bathrooms and kitchens feature top-of-the-line design elements. The outdoor terraces surrounding the buildings on all sides offer fantastic views over the marina, swimming pool and gardens of the complex.

The Marina Residences offer a variety of one-to-three bedroom apartments ranging in size from 74m2 with 20m2 of outdoor terraces to 162m2 with 35m2 of terrace space. Those who buy a three-bedroom apartment have an additional, interesting option. These homes can be constructed in such a way that makes
it possible, when desired, to split them into two completely self-contained units, each with its own entrance. Prices of Marina Residences start at 450.000 US Dollars.

La Perla International Living homeowners have access to convenient, on-site Hospitality Services, including housekeeping, property maintenance, pool upkeep, shopping and much more. La Perla Client Executives are also always available to help coordinate anything else you need, such as travel
arrangements, administrative assistance or even a private chef for a special dinner party.

Our unique locations, exceptional homes and outstanding services create an international living experience that opens doors to new cultures and enriches your life by giving you more freedom, comfort and peace of mind.

http://www.laperlainternationalliving.com]]> Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=47268 ICT / ICT, turismo / Tourism, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=46718 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Vinivi) - Don't leave on your trip without looking into (at) it!

- With over 1,700 videos placed online in 5 months, Vinivi provides the largest selection of hotel videos on the Web.

- Launched in July 2007, the traveller's video service is a big success and Vinivi is committed to its quality.

Vinivi, a site providing traveller's reviews along with hotel and guesthouse referrals, was launched in 2006 and now offers surfers the largest catalogue of hotel videos on the Web.

More than 1,700 videos have already been uploaded since the service was launched last July, that is, twice as many as any other Web site in the tourism industry. The collection of 1,000 videos available to surfers was recently expanded by an additional 400 from Trivop, the video site for hotel professionals.

With the backing of its partners and its community, Vinivi features hotel videos from around the world, from Beijing to Dubai to Rio. Videos showing at http://www.vinivi.com are uploaded directly on the site or chosen by the editorial team, which has already watched over 2,000 hours of videos on Youtube and Dailymotion. Authorization to use a video on the site is always requested from its owner.

According to Gilles Granger, founder and manager of Vinivi, "This is revolutionary in the tourism sector; Vinivi shows you unbiased, real hotel videos before leaving on a trip."

In addition to the growing number of videos, the video's quality is also improving. To ensure that certain criteria are respected , Vinivi first views and chooses the videos so any that are of questionable quality or that are too short or too long don't make it online: "Internet users are capable of producing high quality videos that can inform other travellers better about their future destination," Gilles Granger continued.

Finally, Vinivi enables professionals to add videos from their own establishments to round off the viewing choices...just what travellers are asking for.

About http://www.vinivi.com

Vinivi is the first European travel information Web site developed by travellers. Vinivi enables travellers to share their reviews, photos and videos and to find rates for hotels and guesthouses around the world. So far, it boasts more than 60,000 photos and 1,700 videos on 30,500 establishments. Vinivi has partnered with Google, whom Vinivi provides with geographical information of the establishments. An independent site with unrestricted access, Vinivi is paid for by tourism professionals through commission on professional sales and services. With its offices located in Mauritius, Vinivi is able to offer a range of innovative services at competitive prices. For more information, go to: http://www.vinivi.com.]]> Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:35:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=46718 Economia e Finanza/Economy and Finance, trasporti e logistica / Transportation and Logistics, turismo / Tourism, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=41347 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Eurail Group G.I.E.)
The proposed full integration of the current Inter Rail activities within the Eurail organisation was one of the main items on the agenda. It will create a single, unique, international Rail pass organisation dedicated to the Management, Marketing and Development for rail pass products both inside and outside of Europe.

The integration opens up a whole new spectrum of opportunities according to Mr. René de Groot, Managing Director of the Eurail Group G.I.E:

" The Inter Rail and Eurail products perfectly complement each other", he said. "Both offer excellent value for money combined with maximum flexibility to discover the wonders of Europe. While Inter Rail is primarily aimed at European citizens, Eurail is aimed at non-Europeans".

"Both are existing and successful products in their own right who will continue to be branded separately. This integration will allow Eurail Group G.I.E. to take the best elements of each product and introduce new passes and services in the future that will appeal not only to a larger audience but will also make travelling by train in Europe even more exciting", de Groot said.

Eurail was founded in 1959 to encourage non-European to travel by train in Europe and has since become associated with 'value for money' and high quality 1st and 2nd Class rail passes for both young and adult travellers.

Inter Rail, in comparison, was created in 1972, at the anniversary of the International Railway Union, for young people up to 21 years only for travelling in 2nd class for one month of unlimited travel in 21 countries in Europe.

Over the years the Inter Rail offer has been extended with more country options (currently 34 countries including Turkey and Morocco) and is there no longer an age limit but the basic concept has not changed: maximum travel days & countries for the lowest possible price! Not surprisingly Inter Rail became very popular.

At one stage 'Interrailing' was a 'must' with every European youngster who no longer wanted to travel with mum and dad and wanted to explore the continent on their own with ultimate freedom and flexibility. To date more than 6.8 million people have travelled with Inter Rail and dedicated Inter Rail clubs, websites and web logs run by enthusiastic travellers keen to share their unique travel experiences still flourish and contribute to keeping the strong brand name of Inter Rail alive.

The EURAIL Group comprises 27 railways and shipping lines, as well as several bonus partners. For more information about Eurail and rail travel in Europe, go to www.Eurail.com.

All Eurail products are available from travel agents and from our authorized sales agents worldwide: ACP Rail International, 1-866-9-EURAIL,
http://www.eurail-acprail.com/; Flight Centre, www.flightcentre.com;
Gullivers Travel Associates www.gta-travel.com; Rail Europe
http://www.raileurope.com; and Rail Europe 4A, www.raileurope.fr/wheretobuy.

All Inter Rail products are available directly from the European Railway organizations.]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2006 12:05:00 +0200 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=41347