and will play a key role in attracting major conventions and events to the destination. Along with cutting-edge business facilities, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai features more than 7,500 square meters of indoor and outdoor event space, including two ballrooms, and a large selection of world-class dining and entertainment options. One of the most exciting events on the schedule for 2014 is the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony, which will visit the property in early May to kick off the annual Grand Tour. Voting will open in the new year for the event, so make sure to cast your vote soon! BIRTHDAY PARTY Still in the Middle East, Etihad Airways, which has been recognised as the World’s Leading Airline for the past four years by the World Travel Awards, has been celebrating ten years of successful flying in 2013. In recent weeks the airline has be promoting its global
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network, including its latest destinations: Los Angeles, which will operate from June 1st 2014 and Vietnam, which launched on October 1st 2013, as well as its increasingly popular leisure destinations Bangkok, the Maldives and Seychelles. The addition of Los Angeles to the Etihad network means the airline will span 96 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and North America. The airline has also been consolidating its equity stake expansion programme, most recently boosting its holding in Virgin Australia to 19.9 per cent. Etihad Airways also holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, and Aer Lingus, will acquire 49 per cent of Air Serbia from January 2014, and, subject to regulatory approval, will acquire 24 per cent of India’s Jet Airways. It also has codeshare partnerships with 47 airlines worldwide. Etihad president James Hogan explained: “We look for
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partners who share our vision of best in class service, working to a commercial mandate and delivering trade and tourism into their national economies.” Will they win a fifth title tonight? SAND CASTLES Caribbean powerhouse Sandals International has also had a great 2013, with confirmation of three new resorts, with two on the paradise island of Barbados alone. Sandals and the government of Barbados reached the agreement following months of negotiations earlier this year, with the company reopening the former Couples resort earlier this month. Sandals Resorts chairman, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, said the ten-acre property would redefine luxury on the island. He added: “Barbados and its people are so rich in culture, charm and personality and has been one of the leaders in Caribbean tourism for decades. We have been in discussions to bring our award-