Jetsettersblog

Air Arabia, the first and largest low cost carrier in the Middle East, and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the largest Islamic bank in UAE, announced today (4 July) the launch of a new ticket payment method for Air Arabia customers via DIB’s electronic banking channel.

Easy payments for Air Arabia tickets can now be made from the comfort of one’s home anywhere in the world through DIB’s Al Islami online banking services.

Earlier this year, Air Arabia and DIB, signed an agreement to provide a fast and convenient ticket payment facility for Air Arabia customers. DIB is currently in the process of enabling Air Arabia payments through the bank’s e-channel network, including mobile banking, phone banking, Cash Deposit Machines (CDM), and Automated Teller Machines (ATM).

Ali Al Hamdany, Director of IT and Corporate Projects, Air Arabia, said: “We are delighted to announce the new service. This step further enhances the ease and convenience we offer to our customers seeking to travel to the 46 destinations we serve worldwide.

In a highly competitive market, excellence in service, innovation and outstanding customer service play a significant role for a fast-growing airline like Air Arabia. This new payment service in conjunction with DIB will enable our customers to choose from a range of destinations and holiday packages from the comfort of their homes.”

Musabbah Al Qaizi Head of Electronic Banking, DIB, said: “DIB’s strengthened partnership with Air Arabia is a testament to our commitment to provide value-added services for our customers. Air Arabia and DIB customers can now make their Air Arabia tickets payment through Al Islami online banking,. DIB’s partnership network is growing steadily and now includes alliances with numerous reputed companies and service providers. DIB continues to assess opportunities and add more electronic services, demonstrating our commitment to provide our client with unmatched services.”

Air Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is the Middle East and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a fleet of 16 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 46 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Central Asia through its main hub in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Air Arabia recently started operations from its second hub at Mohamed V Airport, Casablanca, Morocco, through the launch of Air Arabia Maroc, a joint venture company and Morocco’s newest low-cost airline. Air Arabia Maroc offers service to a wide range of European and African destinations.

Air Arabia is an award-winning airline that focuses on offering comfort, reliability and value-for-money air travel. For further information, please visit: www.airarabia.com

About Dubai Islamic Bank: Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), established in 1975, is the first Islamic bank to have incorporated the principles of Islam in all its practices and is the largest Islamic bank in the UAE. DIB is a public joint stock company, and its shares are listed on the Dubai Financial Market. The bank enjoys a reputation as a leader and innovator in maintaining the quality, flexibility and accessibility of its products and services.

The bank currently operates 57 branches in the UAE. As part of its expansion plans announced in early 2009 and in line with its aim to ensure customer satisfaction through accessibility, DIB will increase its nationwide network to 64 branches by the end of this year. In addition to regular, full-service branches, DIB is also planning to launch Express Banking Centres, which will provide fast, efficient services to DIB customers at various convenient locations like shopping malls, hypermarkets and megastores

By the end of 2009, DIB forecasts that the bank’s total customer base will increase by approximately 15 per cent, reaching some 900,000 customers, while its retail assets business will grow by approximately 20 per cent.

DIB has been proactive in creating partnerships and alliances at both the local and international level. The bank has established DIB Pakistan Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary. DIB has also opened its first representative office in Turkey to enhance its access to that market. DIB has also acquired a stake in Al Khartoum Bank and in Emirates and Sudan Bank, as well as contributing to the launch of Jordan Dubai Islamic Bank.

DIB has won the respect of its peers around the world for many years, and its leading position has been reaffirmed by the 34 awards that it has won in 2008 across diversified areas within banking, be it retail, corporate or investment banking. The bank was recently named “Best Islamic Bank” for the 4th consecutive year by Banker Middle East magazine. DIB has also received many awards from international organisations, such as the prestigious “Bank of the Year” award from The Banker (Financial Times), along with prestigious accolades from UK based Euromoney and NY based Global Finance magazines.

Victoria, B.C. – Everyone at the Accent Inns thinks BC Day is such a great idea that this year they are celebrating the day for the whole summer.

The BC owned and operated property is offering this “Stay Special” rate giving guests that book three nights at the Victoria or Kelowna Accent Inn locations a fourth night on the house right up until September 30th.

In Victoria book three nights for CDN $139 (get the fourth night free) and in Kelowna book three nights for CDN $159 (get the fourth night free).

“The first Accent Inn was built in BC’s capital city of Victoria in 1986 so we’ve been celebrating BC Day for 23 of the 35 years this holiday has been in existence”, says Accent Inns CEO, Mandy Farmer. “As a BC company it’s one of our favourite holidays and we always do our best to encourage people of the Pacific Northwest to enjoy their vacations a little closer to home.”

The “Stay Special” rate is for one to two people, per room, per night and is subject to availability and taxes. There is a $10 surcharge for rooms with kitchen units, $15 surcharge for pet friendly rooms and a $30 surcharge for one bedroom suites.

For more information please visit the website at www.accentinns.com  or call 1-800-663-0298 and ask for the “Stay Special” rate.

About Accent Inns: The award-winning Accent Inns is a family-owned and operated company based in Victoria, British Columbia, with hotels located in Victoria, Richmond, Burnaby, Kelowna and Kamloops. All Accent Inns are rated 3 1/2 stars and have developed a reputation for their accent on quality, reasonable rates and excellent service.

On August 1, the new Madame Tussauds Hollywood  opened in Hollywood and the new Hollywood CityPass goes on sale.

Visitors will save time and money when they use the new CityPass to experience the first-ever Madame Tussauds to be built from the ground up.

Newly created wax figures — said to cost $300,000 each — include singer Beyoncé Knowles, Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry and X-Men Origins: Wolverine’s Hugh Jackman.

The $55 million, three-story Madame Tussauds joins the A-list group of Hollywood attractions in the Hollywood CityPass line-up, which provides a visit to Madame Tussauds Hollywood or the Hollywood Wax Museum & Guinness World Records Museum; a choice between the Kodak THEATRE Guided Tour or the Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building; as well as a Red Line Behind-the-Scenes Tour and a Starline Movie Stars Homes Tour.

Hollywood CityPass booklets are available at all Hollywood CityPass attractions and online.

Adults, $59 (a $103 value); kids 3-11, $39 (a $74 value).

www.citypass.com

MILANOCARD
http://www.milanocard.it

MilanoCard is the first tourist card of the city of Milan that guides travellers in a journey of discovery by offering free public transportation and discounts at museums, monuments, restaurants, spas, shops, bike rental, car rental, Malpensa Express, tours.

The card extends beyond city boundaries to Lake Como and Genoa.

Available online at www.milanocard.it  and in 50 outlets in Milan, the card costs € 10 and is valid for 72 hours.

The Gary Player Group is expanding its global brand with the announcement of an extraordinary new real estate venture in concert with Harlequin Hotels & Resorts at The Marquis Estate on the stunning northeast coast of St. Lucia, an unspoiled Caribbean island gem.

The five-star beach resort project was officially unveiled at a special launch event hosted by Harlequin Hotels & Resorts at The Grove, an award-winning country estate retreat, near London.

Plans include the first boutique Gary Player Golf Hotel and 20 Gary Player branded luxurious, secluded residential villas that will be interspersed on hillsides throughout the golf course. The co-branded endeavor will be developed and designed by PLAYER Real Estate with Harlequin Hotels & Resorts, and the architecture and interior design will showcase the distinctive Player Infused with Africa™ inspired style, while keeping with the indigenous flavor of the island. “Our long global history of being involved with the finest golf resort developments in the world will be brought to bear on this project,” said Ken Costanzo, President of PLAYER Real Estate.

“Additionally, we are organizing a team of world class designers, hotel operators, and other professional partner firms to support us in the development of the Gary Player Golf Hotel in St. Lucia.”

Of course, a Gary Player Signature Golf Course will anchor the resort property. The Gary Player Design team has made multiple visits to St. Lucia to establish design direction on this stunning site.

“The island site offers tremendous opportunity to take golf to nature,” stated Scott Ferrell, President of Gary Player Design. “The valley floor includes wonderful tropical vegetation and a beautiful stream that dissects the property all the way to the Caribbean Sea.

“We will incorporate both into our design.”
Harlequin Hotels & Resorts has pledged that the whole resort will be extremely sensitive to the environment. Gary Player Design and PLAYER Real Estate will take great care to protect the existing ecosystems, plant and wildlife on the 600-acre Marquis Estate.

” Gary Player and his team will make many site visits during development to ensure the quality and integrity of the championship course and real estate products.
The West Paces Group, a luxury hotel management company based in Atlanta, Georgia, will manage the Gary Player Golf Hotel and residences, including the golf clubhouse, beach club and spa.

The West Paces Group is renowned for its exceptional standards of service and for providing an unparalleled hospitality experience at the world-class hotels and resorts the company operates.

Other planned amenities at The Marquis Estate are an equestrian center, a cricket ground, nature trails, yacht club and marina.

A Pat Cash Tennis Academy also will be featured, and Harlequin Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with the storied Liverpool Football Club to establish an innovative Liverpool FC Soccer School as part of The Marquis Estate’s sports programs.

A golf driving range, short game practice area and golf academy round out the golf experience.

The Marquis Estate golf resort will provide a positive and lasting impact for St. Lucia. “I’ve seen golf have a significant influence in so many emerging tourism markets,” affirms Gary Player, who this past March made his first visit to the island.

“We anticipate that this exciting new development will attract visitors from around the world to St. Lucia, which will provide a tremendous boost to the local economy.”

The Marquis Estate promises to be an unmatched Caribbean sanctuary for golf connoisseurs at one of the world’s most desired destinations.

About Gary Player Design

Established in the early 1980s by Marc Player and widely recognized as the most successful international golf course architectural firm in the world, Gary Player Design has branded over 300 layouts with the mark of a champion.

Over its existence, the firm has worked on five continents and in over 30 countries, and prides itself on taking Gary Player’s design experience to emerging markets to help develop the game of golf globally.
Player’s vast experience in the business coupled with over 50 years of experience as a professional golfer have afforded him a unique understanding of the needs of the average golfer; the objectives of the developer, and the concerns of the environment.

The cornerstone of our design approach is to create playable and memorable golf courses within the constraints of a given site, while being ultra-sensitive to the surrounding environment – particularly in the area of water conservation.

The result is a portfolio of award-winning and environmentally-recognized courses around the world.

The Design Company presently has over 60 active projects around the world in Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

For additional information and/or a listing of awards, visit www.garyplayerdesign.com

About PLAYER Real Estate

PLAYER Real Estate is intimately involved with some of the most incredible real estate projects in the world. With exclusive use of the acclaimed and globally recognized Player lifestyle brand, the company designs environments in impeccably planned golf resorts and communities.

The company showcases architectural and interior design that embraces local culture, while revealing the casual elegance of Player’s Infused with Africa™ award winning style.

These elements serve to differentiate and bring worldwide visibility to new and existing real estate developments.

With wide ranging expertise and world-class industry partner relationships, the company’s involvement ensures that all aspects of a developer’s project are managed with the most extraordinary talent in the industry.

From the initial envisioning stages, to infrastructure, amenity and residential development, to marketing, sales and final build-out, PLAYER Real Estate facilitates essential support services for client needs. In all phases, one singular philosophy is constant: “everything in business is negotiable–except quality.”

The company’s current portfolio includes active projects in North America, South America, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and South Africa.

For additional information, visit www.garyplayer.com/estate

BIRMINGHAM – Environmentally- friendly industries have been popping up all over the place as the green movement gains momentum worldwide. Over the past few years, every sector possible has now realized the importance of green alternatives and conserving the environment.

From big industries, manufacturers, governments and individual consumers alike are taking steps (either of their own accord, or due to legislation) to encourage greener practices at every level.

One place that you would least expect to have to worry about “being greener” is in the outdoors itself. However many tips, guides and reviews have been popping up all over the place, urging campers/ hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to take extra special care of the environment, when exploring the great outdoors.

One brand in particular, which has taken it upon themselves to take it one step further is outdoor specialist, The North Face. Not only do they provide quality, functional outdoor gear, but they are serious about protecting the environment in which their happy customers are using their exceptional products.

Providing evidence of this multi-faceted dedication to the outdoors is the North Face retail store in Boise. North Face Boise was recently awarded top honours from the Association for Retail Environments, and a second award from VMSD Magazine for sustainable and innovative retail design.

The North Face reported that the Boise store included some key sustainable features, such as: “Recyclable, sustainably-harvested wood walls” and “a yarn and renewable fiber carpet with recycled content, featuring California Gold and Platinum certifications, was installed using a product with a 90-percent lower environmental footprint than traditional glue installation.” This enviro-conscious brand has thought of simply everything when it comes to building green.

If you want to do your own bit for the environment next time you are enjoying the outdoors, then the following is a compilation of some of the simplest, yet most effective tips that have been floating around the Internet:

• Don’t get lazy just because you aren’t at home. Sorting and recycling rubbish still counts when camping.
• Avoid burning your garbage in your camp fire- it will only emit more chemicals into the environment.

• Buy quality camping equipment that can be re-used time and time again. Do not fall into the habit of using disposal plates, cups and cutlery. It’s additional garbage that won’t necessarily work out cheaper in the long run.

• The same goes for water containers. Try to buy a decent, good-quality water bottle instead of stocking up on litres of bottled water before every camping trip.

• Use biodegradable washing-up products whenever possible, especially whilst in the outdoors.

• Respect the vegetation around you. Don’t rip down tree branches to use as camping equipment.

• Support outdoor brands that support the outdoors. Find great deals on brands such as The North Face

For more information and The North Face product details, please visit: www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

Custom-Built Phinisi Sailing Vessel
Brings Rustic Elegance to the High Seas

Moyo Island, Indonesia: Amanresorts has announced the debut of Amanikan, a custom-built 105-foot coastal cruiser that fuses the romance of spice trading vessels with luxurious modern amenities. Based out of Amanwana, a luxury tented hideaway on Moyo Island in Indonesia, Amanikan hosts the 2009 Komodo Expedition, a seven-night adventure through the pristine wilderness and waters of Indonesia’s Komodo National Park.

Amanikan, built in the style of traditional Indonesian vessels of wood known as Phinisi, features three above-deck cabins, a foredeck with an outdoor dining and bar area, as well as extensive dive facilities.

A large master cabin with king-sized bed sits at the stern of the upper deck and offers sweeping 270° views from wraparound windows and a private sun deck.

The second spacious double cabin on the main deck features a queen bed and spectacular views from both inside the cabin and a private balcony with built-in daybed.

Both air-conditioned cabins feature oversized en-suite bathrooms with double vanities, double wardrobes, showers and separate toilets.

A third smaller cabin on the main deck has a semi-private sun deck in front of the wheelhouse and offers a queen-sized bed that can be converted to two single beds.

Amanikan’s principal lounge is built into the bow and serves as the main gathering spot for sunbathing, drinks, or even a night sleeping under the stars.

The Komodo Expedition highlights a five-night excursion on Amanikan capped by a two-night stay at Amanwana where guests enjoy wall dives from the beach and treks to jungle waterfalls, as well as spa treatments and a range of water- and nature-based activities.

During the cruise, guests encounter antediluvian creatures unchanged since prehistoric times on a visit to the only two islands in the world where the infamous Komodo dragon can still be found.

The journey cruises through the Nusa Tenggara island chain to some of the world’s most biologically diverse and acclaimed snorkel and dive sites.

The Komodo National Park is a World Heritage Site where park rangers escort guests to view Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Other wildlife on Rinca and Komodo Islands includes buffalo, deer, monkeys and wild horses.

From the colorful reefs of Tatawa Island to the seductive setting and colors of Komodo’s Pink Beach, Amanikan’s island-hopping itinerary takes guests to some of the world’s most pristine marine environments.

Rates for the Komodo Expedition start at $22,300 for two in a double cabin/tent and include full crew, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, two dives per person per day on Amanikan, one dive per person per day at Amanwana and ranger’s fees at Komodo National Park.

About Amanwana and Amanresorts

Amanwana is a haven for hikers, divers and naturalists. The resort features 20 air-conditioned hardwood floor tents set in a cove on the western edge of Moyo Island. Nine miles northeast of Sumbawa at the western end of Indonesia’s secluded Nusa Tenggara Islands, Moyo’s 89 acres are home to a variety of bird and animal life, including deer, wild boar, macaque monkeys, wild ox, sea eagles and osprey.

The property is surrounded by tropical rainforest and overlooks Amanwana Bay and the Flores Sea. Facilities include an open-air Dining Room, Bar, Library, Gift Shop and Jungle Cove Massage area.

Amanwana is one of the 23 Amanresorts founded by Adrian Zecha who envisioned a collection of intimate retreats in beautiful surroundings with the unassuming, warm hospitality of a gracious private residence. Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand introduced the concept, and since its launch two decades ago, Amanresorts has opened unparalleled resorts in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, France, French Polynesia, Indonesia, India, Laos, Montenegro, Morocco, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, the Turks & Caicos Islands and the USA.

For more information and reservations, call toll-free at 1 800 477 9180 or visit www.amanresorts.com

The Country’s First Free 24/7 Music Video Network Launches on Local Digital TV

The Cool Music Network’s THECOOLTV programming gives music fans the first real music video network on free broadcast TV

Entertainment media company Cool Music Network has launched THECOOLTV music video broadcast network in Las Vegas, Houston, Dallas and Milwaukee, with San Francisco scheduled to light up the airwaves before the end of July. Stations around the country are now broadcasting the first live feed of free 24-hour music videos, while viewers across the country are lamenting their lack of sleep as they stay up all night to see what’s next. The new multi-cast channel will appear on digital-ready TVs and those with converter boxes.

According to Joe Camparato, CEO, Cool Music Network, “We say We’re ON: on location, on the web, on TV and soon, on hand-held and mobile devices. We understand today’s music fans want their music where and when they what it. That’s what we deliver with strategic broadcast partnerships and unprecedented technical advancements!”

THECOOLTV has programming for every music lover, from videos
and live concerts to band profiles and even feature films about music. All programming is locally customized based on the genre of the market and the local music scene.

THECOOLTV is the newest offering from Cool Music Network, LLC, a Kansas-based multi-platform entertainment company. CMN remains an undisputed leader in live event recording with on-site mastering for immediate sales of concert CDs, DVDs, and memory sticks. Meanwhile, CMN has since created a fast-growing website for digital download and mail-order sales of its products (“CD ON DEMAND!”) and now rounds out its distribution with THECOOLTV .

In launching THECOOLTV, CMN secured videos and concert footage from major records labels including Universal Music Group, EMI Capitol, Warner Music Group, and Sony BMG.

Additionally, CMN brought on thousands of specialty content providers including independent labels, artists and promoters to supplement the proprietary LIVE content CMN produces on location at major music events and festivals across the country.

About Cool Music Network, LLC and THECOOLTV

Cool Music Network is an entertainment media company that produces, acquires and distributes entertainment content across multiple platforms, from TV and the web to live concert venues and mobile devices.

CMN is a proud supporter of the Open Mobile Video Coalition, broadcasting live video content to hand-held and mobile devices.

THECOOLTV offers broadcasters and viewers a 24/7 customized multicast television and internet channel that will reflect the musical tastes of each local market.

For information, please visit the website,

www.THECOOLTV.com

Santa Monica Loop

Starline Tours’ CitySightseeing, the famous London style double-decker bus tour, has opened the latest loop in its network of CitySightseeing Hop-on, Hop-off routes – the Santa Monica Route. The Santa Monica route connects to other Hop-on, Hop-off routes, allowing visitors to sightsee throughout Los Angeles in comfort and style.

Visitors are able to “hop on and off” the open-top double-decker buses at any of the stops along the bus route, enabling them to explore and discover the variety of attractions in the area at their own pace. The new Santa Monica Route loops from Beverly Hills, through Century City, past the Westside Pavilion to Santa Monica (with four downtown stops, including the Santa Monica Pier) before sweeping out along Montana Avenue, through Brentwood and Westwood and back to Beverly Hills in a two-hour time period.

The Downtown Los Angeles route has 13 stops, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Olvera Street, the historic movie theaters along Broadway, the Fashion and Jewelry Districts, STAPLES Center and the L.A. LIVE entertainment district.

The Hollywood route stops at some of Hollywood’s world-famous landmarks, including Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Sunset Strip, Beverly Shopping Center and Paramount Studios.

Buses operate daily, according to published timetables and tickets can be purchased from hotels along the routes, at LA INC.’s

Visitor Information Centers in Downtown and Hollywood and online.
www.starlinetours.com

PINK JEEP TOURS TO BECOME FIRST INDEPENDENT TOUR COMPANY
TO OFFER IN-PARK SERVICE IN DEATH VALLEY THIS FALL

LAS VEGAS – Beginning this September, Pink Jeep Tours will become the first independent tour company to offer in-park service at Death Valley.

These new tours will allow guests to visit the remote areas of the park too difficult for most vehicles to access. This is made possible by Pink Jeep Tours’ new Tour Trekker, the first-of-its-kind, high-end, state-of-the-art sightseeing vehicle. This comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicle has seating for up to 10 passengers so guests will truly enjoy this “small group” experience.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off will be available from most park hotels, including the 4-diamond Furnace Creek Inn, the Furnace Creek Ranch and the popular Stovepipe Wells Village. Tours will originate and conclude inside the park. To make this possible, Pink Jeep Tours has partnered with Xanterra Parks and Resorts, the nation’s largest park concessions management company and leader in park and resort hospitality.

Xanterra oversees and manages most resort, dining and retail offerings at Death Valley.

“Pink Jeep Tours has one of the most respected names in the tour business,” says Rich Jones, regional general manager, Xanterra Parks & Resorts.

“All too many past guests have not been able to visit some of the most famed attractions due to the type of vehicle they drive.

“We are pleased Pink Jeep Tours will soon provide an affordable way to see these attractions in 4-wheel luxury.”

Once inside the park, guests can visit secluded areas such as Racetrack Playa, famous for its “mysterious sliding rocks” that move across the dry lake bed on their own; Titus Canyon with its panoramic views at Red Pass and sheer towering walls in the canyon “narrows”; Charcoal kilns and Mosaic Canyon with its smooth, polished marble walls and West Side Road offering views of the valley most visitors rarely see. In addition, guests can also join Pink Jeep’s classic Death Valley tour when it arrives from Las Vegas. This 2-hour segment visits Badwater Basin, Devil’s Golf Course, Zabriskie Point and Artist’s Palette.

“Demand is there and we predict fall will be busy,” says Alix Reed, general manager, Pink Jeep Tours. “This is a brand new way for visitors to experience areas of Death Valley they wouldn’t otherwise be able to see and will be able to do so in an exciting, yet educational way thanks to our highly-trained guides.”

Covering nearly 3.3 million acres, Death Valley is the largest National Park in the lower 48 contiguous states. Guests will enjoy the dramatic contrast between Telescope Peak (elev. 11,049 feet) and Badwater Basin (282 feet below sea level).

Tour prices range from $65 to $165.

For more information, call Pink Jeep Tours at (702) 895-6777 or go to www.pinkjeep.com

ABOUT PINK JEEP TOURS – LAS VEGAS, INC.

Experience the “natural side” of Las Vegas. Founded in 1958 in Sedona, Ariz., Pink Jeep Tours is the premier off-road tour company in the Southwest.

Nevada Magazine readers recently named Pink Jeep Tours “Top Tour Company.” Built and designed specifically for Pink Jeep Tours, The Tour Trekker is the first-of-its-kind, luxurious yet rugged, all-terrain vehicle. As one of the few Las Vegas tour companies to possess off-road permits, guests experience areas inaccessible to most. From Grand Canyon to Hoover Dam to Mt. Charleston, there are 10 tours showcasing the Southwest’s breathtaking landscape. Off-road has never been so civilized.

For more information, go to www.pinkjeep.com