Leisure Product News You Can Use

Iberostar Opens New Properties in Tenerife, Cape Verde

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has opened two new properties in Spain: Iberostar Grand Hotel Salome in Tenerife and Iberostar Club Boa Vista in Cape Verde.

The Iberostar Grand Hotel Salome is a five-star boutique hotel situated within the grounds of the Iberostar Anthelia, located close to the Costa Adeje shore, in the south of Tenerife. The new hotel offers a private resort setting comprised of 23 upper-level suites, all overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It features three a la carte restaurants, plus guests have access to all the amenities and services at Iberostar Anthelia.

The Iberostar Club Boa Vista is the company’s first property in Cape Verde and boasts 272 rooms, all with balcony, satellite TV and fully stocked minibar. The hotel features an a la carte restaurant, Irish pub, swimming pool with bar and the Beach Club, which offers snacks throughout the day. Iberostar Club Boa Vista also offers a Miniclub and Maxiclub for children, ages four to 12, which features kid-friendly activities, games and sports.

For more information, visit www.iberostar.com.

Collette Vacations Unveils Agent Web Site

Collette Vacations has launched a new agent Web site with selling tools that the company says will allow travel agents to better assist their customers.

The new agent site features selling initiatives such as a customizable e-mail marketing tool that allows agents to include a personal message that they can e-mail to their clients with embedded information about Collette. The site also has an online booking engine as well as printable sales flyers, access to live and prerecorded agent Webinars and and tour videos.

With agent and client promotions likely to continue through 2010, the site also showcases a complete list of offers including terms and conditions.

“Collette’s new agent site makes it easy for travel agents to communicate with their customers with targeted tour information and up-to-the-minute travel promotions now at their fingertips,” said Seth Fandetti, director of online marketing for Collette Vacations. Agents can sign up for the site at www.collettevacations.com/agents. The company recommends agents sign in often, as last minute offers will be updated regularly.

IsramWorld Adds Europe Division

IsramWorld has launched a new EuropeToo division created to meet the demand for European packaged tours. The first EuropeToo brochure features itineraries throughout Eastern and Central Europe, Russia and the Baltics. EuropeToo products will include escorted group tours, river cruises, classic city packs and a special Jewish heritage tour.

For more information, visit www.europetoo.com or call (877) EUR-1-TOO.

Ritz-Carlton Opens First Ever Reserve in Thailand

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has opened the first-ever Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Phulay Bay in Krabi, Thailand. The 54-villa boutique hotel, set on the shores of the Andaman Sea, emphasizes personalized experiences. Guests can select from a variety of unique options, such as a meditation class with local monks, elephant trekking to a remote picnic spot, a sea plane tour of the region’s scenery, and more.

The resort also features world-class culinary experiences including a seafront pavilion with private rooftop dining, a signature Thai restaurant and an infinity pool bar with lighter fare.

The ESPA at Pulay Bay is composed of three traditional Thai pavilions set over two levels offering 11 treatment rooms, including single and couples massage rooms and two VIP treatment suites. Opening rates for Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve start at $590.

For more information, visit www.reserve.ritzcarlton.com.

Hurtigruten Revamps Web Site

Hurtigruten has unveiled its revamped Web site, catering to both travel agents and consumers. The new site features easy to use navigation, allowing visitors to pinpoint their interests faster, offering itinerary details, pricing information and helpful hints.

The site’s new capabilities include: an interactive tour of the line’s ships; videos depicting many of the port of calls; a “Find a Travel” Agent” search engine; ship Web cams; travel insurance information; and more.

Agents can find details on any specific cruise they need to know about: day-to-day itineraries, optional excursions, pricing and departure dates, early-booking offers, historical information and travel tips. An excursions link within each itinerary offers details on both the included excursions and sightseeing, as well as the optional tours.

For more information, visit www.Hurtigruten.us, or call (800) 582-0835 to order brochures.

HAL’s Rotterdam Upgraded with Signature of Excellence Enhancements

The ms Rotterdam has become the latest ship in the Holland America Line fleet to offer the line’s Signature of Excellence enhancements and amenities, after leaving dry-dock last week. Among the new additions are Mix lounge, which serves Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales; the resort-style Retreat Pool; Showroom at Sea; Canaletto Italian restaurant; and 44 new staterooms, including 39 in the Lanai category. Every cabin received new cabin and bathroom designs, as well.

Signature of Excellence enhancements will begin on the Maasdam, Ryndam and Statendam starting in early 2010. The enhancements will be completed in two phases. First, in a series of drydocks in 2010 and 2011, the three ships will receive the addition of Mix, Showroom at Sea, Canaletto and other public area enhancements, as well as stateroom upgrades. The second series of drydocks in 2012 and 2013 will add The Retreat and new staterooms.

For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Telluride Regional Airport Reopens

The Telluride Regional Airport (TEX)in Colorado reopened after completing a $22 million renovation. The reconstruction project included the removal of the existing runway, widening safety areas, extending the length of the runway and other safety-related upgrades. A third phase of renovations will begin in 2010. The airport is  four miles from the nearby resort towns. Throughout the winter season, two daily arrivals and departures are available  from Denver and Phoenix.