26 SPECIAL FEATURE ADVERTORIAL LUXURY Travelling in Style American Airlines re-invents the lounge with “Flagship Dining” MCO Admirals Club Design The French Touch Wynn Las Vegas adds new nightclub & more luxury retail Wynn Las Vegas announces the Wynn Plaza luxury retail complex featuring 23,000 M2 of luxury retail space. Debuting late 2017, the complex will augment (now more than 52,800 M2) the existing luxury retail collection currently showcased at Wynn Las Vegas and sister hotel Encore-- as well as bring the luxury shopping experience to the high traffic area bordering Las Vegas Blvd. “We had 300 or more feet on the Strip right on the sidewalk in unused real estate that was very, very valuable,” said Steve Wynn, chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts. “This represents an opportunity for future development that is quite unique.” The design of Wynn Plaza is influenced by legendary Avenue Matignon on the Right Bank of Paris, invoking elegance and sophistication. Wynn Plaza will play on elements of natural light and airiness, with two stories covered by atriums and a skylight rotunda that is showcased in the heart of the space. Two entrances off of the Strip as well as a dedicated valet service will make the area highly accessible to visitors-- and interior entrances will offer a natural transition and seamless flow within Wynn and Encore. Wynn Las Vegas also announced the newest concept in nightlife, Intrigue, opening in April to mark Wynn Las Vegas’ 11th anniversary. Intrigue will feature state-of-theart lighting and sound designed by awardwinning John Lyons Systems throughout the spectacular 14,000-square-foot venue. Up to 1,200 patrons can enjoy THE DESIGN OF WYNN PLAZA IS INFLUENCED BY LEGENDARY AVENUE MATIGNON ON THE RIGHT BANK OF PARIS contemporary party music that will cross over many different genres creating a high-energy dancing environment. A new glass enclosed patio will allow year-round views to the venue’s dramatic waterfall and spectacular pyrotechnics show. Additionally, a 1,200-square-foot private club within the club will be a social media free zone, allowing guests the ultimate in privacy. Hall 2.1/ Stand 480 American Airlines created the first airport lounge as a retreat for customers in New York in 1939. Now, as part of a billion customer experience, it’s re-imagining the lounge experience for 2016 and beyond. A first for any US carrier, American will introduce a one-of-a-kind, pre-flight meal with full tableside service and elegant dining at select gateway hubs, including JFK, DFW, LAX, and MIA). Scheduled to open in early 2017, First Class customers on American’s threeclass international and transcontinental flights will have exclusive access to Flagship Dining. The experience will debut at JFK, offering complimentary, fullservice tableside dining with seasonal menus with locallysourced ingredients curated by a New York Executive Chef. “We want our customers to have a luxurious escape no matter the reason for their trip,” said Fernand Fernandez, American’s VP – Global Marketing. “Our goal is to deliver chef-driven creations and local flavours, giving customers a five-star restaurant experience when they travel.” Starting this spring, American will also redefine its exclusive Flagship Lounge locations at JFK, LAX and Chicago’s O’Hare International (ORD), with more expansive spaces, more modern furnishings and access for more premium customers. The elevated Flagship Lounge experience will debut at DFW, MIA and Philadelphia International. Continuing its refresh of Admirals Club lounges across its global network, American is adding locations at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Beginning this month, American will be making over the Arrivals Lounge experience at London Heathrow International (LHR). Expect private showers and dressing areas, food and beverage service and valet pressing. This year American introduces Premium Economy on international routes with the delivery of its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner - The airline invested in lie-flat seats, international Wi-Fi; more inflight entertainment options and power outlets, and an upgrade of complimentary healthy food, cocktails and more. Hall 2.1/ Stand 480 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Thursday 10 th March 2016 www.itb-berlin-news.com
CRUISES SPECIAL FEATURE 27 The Call of the Volga River cruising increasingly seen as a great option for visiting Russia Vodohod Russian River Cruises is the largest operator of river cruises in Russia and tour operator of complete cycle, uniting under its control all the links in the chain of service - transportation, meals, excursions, entertainment, and staff training. We asked Irina Pigalova, Director of the company’s Incoming Department, to tell us a little more about the company. After a long and illustrious past as the Volga Flot Tour, in 2004, the “Vodohod” trademark was registered as a symbol of the most modern and high-quality product on the Russian river cruise market. Today, we have cruises from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod and Kazan on the main rivers of the European part of Russia. Our small recreational passenger fleet is also involved in regular passenger transportation in the North-West, Central and Volga federal districts. In all, we have 44 vessels and transport 105 thousand people on cruises, and 450 thousand on recreational tours per year. Vodohod cruises offer a superb combination of culturally enriching tours including visits to ancient churches and unique historical sites with special charming atmosphere on board. A great variety of activities is offered every day, like Russian language classes, Russian songs and dances, the Russian tea ceremony or Vodka tasting shows. Every evening, the guests are invited for concerts of classical or folk music and discos with contemporary music. Our staff do their best so that all our guests feel cozy, just like at home; and that’s why our clients and partners regularly come back. Where do most of your international customers come from and what are your main growth areas? From the very beginning Vodohod welcomed guests from European countries, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey and South America. In the past few years we have seen increasing demand for Russian river cruises from Asian countries, for example in the 2015 season, we carried over 3,000 guests from China, we also have good experience with hosting guests from Vietnam, and we are expecting to get more business from Korea, as recently our two countries introduced a visa-free regime. Hall 25 / Stand 123 Irina Pigalova Director, Incoming Department, Vodohod Russian River Cruises ITB BERLIN NEWS • Thursday 10 th March 2016
