IATA Director General and CEO Tony Tyler Speech at Riga University

Riga – IATA Director General and CEO Tony Tyler gave a speech at Latvia University on the benefits of aviation and European aviation competitiveness. His speech followed a day of discussions in Riga with Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma and Transport Minister Anrijs Matiss.
Topics addressed in the speech included comments on:

• The growth of civil aviation 100 years after the first commercial air passenger flight
• The global benefits of commercial aviation and the benefits to Latvia air transport connectivity
• The importance of cooperation between industry and government to enhance competitiveness. The profitability of European airlines lags equivalent US carriers, hampered by onerous taxes, excessive regulation, and lack of investment and reform of key infrastructure.
• The opportunity offered by Latvia’s Presidency of the EU from January 2015 to work for better regulation, to push for progress on the Single European Sky project, and to persuade governments to see aviation not as a cash cow but as a "goose that lays golden eggs".

Read Mr.Tyler’s speech

ENJOY AN EXTRA DAY AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BANGKOK TO EXPLORE THE LEGENDS OF THE ORIENT

Hong Kong, 11 September 2014 – Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is delighted to introduce 'Legends of The Orient', an exclusive offer that gives discerning travellers an extra day to explore the legendary landmarks of one of the world’s most exciting cities. Guests booking a two-night stay at Bangkok’s celebrated La Grande Dame will receive a complimentary third night.

The legend of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok began on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Today, the river is a part of daily life in the hotel – guests can visit the Grand Palace, magnificent temples and the Asiatique Night Market by riverboat, or glide across the water to the first hotel spa in Asia and an authentic Sala serving fine Thai cuisine.

Guests can also savour the hotel’s renowned service and enjoy Afternoon Tea in the elegant surrounds of the historic Authors’ Lounge, or visit the range of excellent restaurants that are the city’s premier gourmet destination, or take a trip back in time with a new permanent exhibition called ‘The Oriental Journey’ which showcases an extraordinary collection of memorabilia and photographs, which chronicle the hotel’s 140-year history.

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok’s ‘Legends of The Orient’ offer is available through 15 December 2014 and starts from THB 28,130 net, room only, for a consecutive three-night stay. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok or call +66 (2) 659 9000.

About Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Built in 1876 and ideally located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has been an inspiration to a host of world-renowned writers from Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham to Wilbur Smith and John Le Carre. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok boasts an international reputation for splendid service, style and grace and facilities including eight restaurants. The hotel’s private teakwood shuttle boats provide daily access to the world famous Thai Cooking School, the hotel’s Thai restaurant, the award-winning Oriental Spa and Health Centre located across the River; as well as the nearest skytrain station (SaphanTaksin) and River City Shopping Centre.

About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from a well-respected Asian hotel company into a global brand, the Group now operates, or has under development, 44 hotels representing close to 11,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 20 hotels in Asia, ten in The Americas and 14 in Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental connected to its properties.

Photography of Mandarin Oriental is available to download in the Photo Library of our Media section, at www.mandarinoriental.com.

Visit Destination MO (http://www.mandarinoriental.com/destination-mo/), the online version of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s bespoke publication, MO. News about our award-winning hotels, the best dining experiences, spa treatments, travel retreats and interviews with the Group’s celebrity fans is now just a click away. Further information is also available on our Social Media channels.

Ready for Download: DFW International Airport Releases Version 2.0 of the Official DFW Airport Mobile App

Updated features include voice concierge, integrated social media, restaurant/shop finder and enhanced performance

(DFW AIRPORT, Texas – September 11, 2014) – Navigating the world’s third-busiest airport – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – just got easier with the latest release of the Official DFW Airport Mobile App for mobile devices.  Customers downloading Version 2.0 of the DFW Mobile App will find a host of added new conveniences, including a voice concierge, integrated social media capabilities, a restaurant / shop finder and customizable weather information.
The free download is available for Apple iOS and Android.
“Customers will find the latest version of our mobile app to be simple and fluid as they use it to discover everything there is to love about DFW Airport,” said Ken Buchanan, executive vice president for revenue management at DFW. “The Mobile App gives DFW customers clear, consistent and friendly functionality to enhance their entire Airport experience.”
The groundbreaking first version of the Official DFW Airport Mobile App technology at DFW pioneered the integration of parking information and flight change notifications for airport mobile apps. Version 2.0 incorporates the following key new features:

• Voice Concierge: The Voice Concierge allows customers to use their voice to ask for information about DFW Airport, from flights to restaurants to shops and parking.
• Restaurant / Shop Finder: This feature can point customers to any of the 270+ concessions outlets at the Airport, including those nearest to your current location or less than five minutes from your gate.
• Weather: This module lets customers pull up-to-date weather information for DFW and for their destination, as well as alerts for severe weather conditions.
• Integrated Social Media: This feature allows customers to easily access DFW Airport’s Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Instagram and YouTube feeds to get the latest information or engage with the Airport team.

The DFW Airport Mobile App will also receive significant upgrades for these existing features: 

• Flights: The redesigned Flights interface gives passengers easier access to flight information including push notifications and a notifications inbox, a flight search feature, and the ability to save and retrieve stored flight information, and Voice Concierge integration to look up flight data.
• Parking:  The Parking functionality lets customers receive continuously updated information about DFW Parking, including availability and rates for Valet, Terminal, Express, and Remote Parking.
• Home Screen: Version 2.0 of the DFW Airport Mobile App features a brand new home screen, complete with a side tray navigation drawer and a refreshed look and feel.
• Feedback: The popular feedback module returns with survey questions and the ability to provide direct feedback.

To celebrate the release of Version 2.0 of the DFW Airport Mobile App, DFW will hold monthly prize giveaways of an Apple® iPad Mini with Retina Display. To participate, users can simply download the latest version of the app. Customers will be directed to a landing page asking for contact information. Those who submit the completed form will be eligible for the monthly drawing, with one winner selected each month through November 2014. 

For more information on Version 2.0 of the Official DFW Airport Mobile App visit www.dfwairport.com/mobileapp or check out the overview video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2YVXodcbz8.  

About Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2014, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the world's fourth busiest, hosting 1,850 flights a day and serving over 60 million customers a year.  Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW Airport provides nonstop service to 147 domestic and 55 international destinations. For seven consecutive years, DFW has ranked among the top ten large airports worldwide for customer service in surveys conducted by Airports Council International. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, visit www.dfwairport.com or download Version 2.0 of the Official DFW Airport Mobile App for Apple iOS and Android.  

(re)defining DFW International Airport  

DFW International Airport’s $2.3 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program (TRIP) is (re)defining first class for this global gateway.  For the latest details regarding TRIP, log on to www.dfwairport.com/redefine.

Communications Agency TCApr wins El Corte Ingles partnership

Dubai based communications agency wins competitive bid to represent Spanish department store giant, El Corte Ingles throughout the GCC

September 2014: Dubai based Communications Agency; TCApr has won the account to represent El Corte Ingles, Spain’s leading department store in its communications activities across the GCC. TCApr who provide turnkey Marketing & PR solutions by effectively, efficiently and reliably executing smart tailor made strategies, won the account after a competitive bid for the iconic brand.

Headquartered in Madrid, Europe’s largest departments store chain, and ranking third worldwide, El Corte Ingles complex carries the most comprehensive collection of designers of any large store in Spain with designer boutiques including Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Armani, Dior and Hermes to name a few. With experience across sectors including luxury, hospitality and lifestyle, TCApr won the pitch to represent El Corte Ingles throughout the GCC due to its commitment and passion for being focused and executing high quality projects and communications for their clients.

Speaking on behalf of TCApr, Managing Director Ahmed Soliman comments ‘Winning the El Corte pitch is a huge achievement for TCApr and reaffirms our company’s commitment of what we are and what we achieve for our clients. Our company is based on passionate marketers, so to win such an account reaffirms our passion in not only delivering, but also exceling in the best service and unique expertise to each and every single one of our clients to ensure that we not only deliver successful communications strategies but go over and above our clients’ expectations.”

“We are excited to have El Corte Ingles as our client, and looking forward to working closer with the brand in the ever expanding and developing GCC business market, as well as being able to implement our innovative ideas in the region as well as in Spain on behalf of El Corte Ingles.” Continues Soliman.

RETAIL BANKING ACADEMY (RBA) AND IOBSA SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

RBA candidates to be awarded designation

Johannesburg, 11 September, 2014 - The Retail Banking Academy (formerly IARB) and the Institute of Bankers in South Africa (the second oldest Banking Institute in the world) will today enter into a Memorandum of Understanding whereby IOBSA will undertake an evaluation of the Academy’s credit bearing programmes and award candidates a designation.  The Memorandum will be signed at an event held at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg.

Today’s announcement is in line with the shared common objectives of IOBSA and the Retail Banking Academy - supporting and improving the standards and competencies of those working in the banking and financial services sector and helping to develop and embed a culture that raises standards of professionalism.

Since its launch in 2011 students from over 60 countries have enrolled with the Retail Banking Academy.  Candidates from all the major South African banks have already registered for Academy courses.  Indeed, a South African bank (Nedbank) was the Academy’s first African client.

Evelyn Hunter-Jordan, Academy CEO, welcomed the announcement.  She said ‘In 2013 our programmes were accredited by the Chartered Banker Institute in the United Kingdom.  With this new memorandum we have consolidated our relationship with the two longest established and highly regarded banking institutes in the world.  It is our aim to enter into similar arrangements with other such organisations worldwide in pursuit of our mission to promote retail banking as an internationally recognised profession’. 

Jalda Hodges, Chairman of the Board of IOBSA commented ‘We share a common aim and it is important that we find ways to work together to the mutual benefit of our members.’