Goran Aleks has assumed the position of General Manager of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the 609-room iconic hotel billed as a resort-sanctuary in the city.

Having spent more than 15 years in the hospitality industry, German-born Aleks had held significant postings in Europe and Asia Pacific.  His association with the Accor group began in 1994 and throughout his career he has occupied various senior positions in Munich, Koblenz and Berlin in Germany.

He spent one year as the General Manager of Sofitel Project in Paris and subsequently was tasked to position the Sofitel brand in Australia.  Aleks managed for four years the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach and most recently the Sofitel Brisbane Central before he moved to the Philippines.

As the new General Manager for Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Aleks’s main objective is to ensure that the hotel maintains its reputation as the city’s luxury hotel and to charter new heights in the hospitality industry by offering the highest standards of fine cuisine, luxurious accommodation and superb service with a French touch.

China first lottery and gaming hotel is expected to settle in the Mangrove Tree Resort of Sanya, Hainan. The breaking news came after the announcement by the Chinese government of a 10-year tourism development plan to convert the province into a “top international tourist destination”, which states that Hainan will, “explore ways to promote local lottery and gaming industries.” According to Zhang Baoquan, the hotel president, athletic sports venues with a total area of 30,000 square metr will be put in place, allowing visitors to bet on games.

With over 5,600 guestrooms, the Mangrove Tree Resort has the capacity of ten 5-star hotels. It is also equipped with immense facilities for conferences and exhibitions, a theatre with 3000 seats, one-stop shopping and gourmet services, and a water world. A pillarless space for events and conventions which can accommodate four to six thousand people is unrivaled in the country.

It is expected now that the property sale of the hotel will be launched on Feb.6, priced at an average of 26,000 RMB per sq m.

Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16’s Baccara function room was transformed into a mini-gallery with Michael Jackson(MJ)’s iconic collection on Sunday, December 13, 2009, when Macau Ponte 16 hosted a press conference to unveil the 10 recently bid MJ’s items in front of the media. Guests on the panel included Chairman of Macau Ponte 16 Dr. Ambrose So, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sonny Yeung, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr Hoffman Ma, Julien’s Auction’s President & CEO Mr Darren Julien, Executive Director Mr Martin Nolan, and Vice President Sofitel Greater China Mr Michel Molliet.

In the press conference, Dr. Ambrose So expressed, “We are delighted that Ponte 16 has successfully bid for the famous jeweled glove that Michael Jackson wore when he premièred his trademark Moonwalk Dance, as well as a collection of nine other MJ’s iconic items from  “Zombie” shirt worn by MJ in the “Thriller” video, a suit from “Men in Black II”, “We Are The World” signed poster, a painting of Charlie Chaplin created and signed by Jackson when he was 9 years-old, Bill Whitten designed tube socks, signed photographs, and a signed RIAA platinum record awarded for “Bad”.  Dr. So also announced that Ponte 16 will be opening the Michael Jackson Gallery to the public on February 1, 2010, which coincides with the 2nd Anniversary of Ponte 16.  The addition of the Michael Jackson Gallery, the first of its kind in Asia, will add to the appeal of Macau and extend the historical cultural mission of the Inner Harbour district, while drawing more visitors to experience Macau.

“Michael Jackson’s distinctive musical sound, vocal style and choreography inspired numerous pop, rock, R&B and hip hop artists. We aim to create a ‘rendezvous’ to reminisce this great performer of the 20th Century”, explained Hoffman Ma.

“We have been exhibiting MJ’s iconic items around the world, it is very exciting to find a new home for them in Macau, and we really appreciate that Ponte 16 is going to display them for the public so that MJ’s legacy will sustain and develop continuously.” Added Mr Darren Julien.

Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16’s Baccara function room was transformed into a mini-gallery with Michael Jackson(MJ)’s iconic collection on Sunday, December 13, 2009, when Macau Ponte 16 hosted a press conference to unveil the 10 recently bid MJ’s items in front of the media. Guests on the panel included Chairman of Macau Ponte 16 Dr. Ambrose So, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sonny Yeung, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr Hoffman Ma, Julien’s Auction’s President & CEO Mr Darren Julien, Executive Director Mr Martin Nolan, and Vice President Sofitel Greater China Mr Michel Molliet.

In the press conference, Dr. Ambrose So expressed, “We are delighted that Ponte 16 has successfully bid for the famous jeweled glove that Michael Jackson wore when he premièred his trademark Moonwalk Dance, as well as a collection of nine other MJ’s iconic items from  “Zombie” shirt worn by MJ in the “Thriller” video, a suit from “Men in Black II”, “We Are The World” signed poster, a painting of Charlie Chaplin created and signed by Jackson when he was 9 years-old, Bill Whitten designed tube socks, signed photographs, and a signed RIAA platinum record awarded for “Bad”.  Dr. So also announced that Ponte 16 will be opening the Michael Jackson Gallery to the public on February 1, 2010, which coincides with the 2nd Anniversary of Ponte 16.  The addition of the Michael Jackson Gallery, the first of its kind in Asia, will add to the appeal of Macau and extend the historical cultural mission of the Inner Harbour district, while drawing more visitors to experience Macau.

“Michael Jackson’s distinctive musical sound, vocal style and choreography inspired numerous pop, rock, R&B and hip hop artists. We aim to create a ‘rendezvous’ to reminisce this great performer of the 20th Century”, explained Hoffman Ma.

“We have been exhibiting MJ’s iconic items around the world, it is very exciting to find a new home for them in Macau, and we really appreciate that Ponte 16 is going to display them for the public so that MJ’s legacy will sustain and develop continuously.” Added Mr Darren Julien.

About Michael Jackson’s Glove Stitched with Rhinestone

Described as the “holy Grail of Michael Jackson memorabilia”, the sparkling white glove is famed for being worn by Michael Jackson in 1983 at Motown’s 25th anniversary TV special, where he performed Billie Jean and showcased the legendary Moonwalk for the very first time. The left handed glove is made of cream leather and does not feature the more characteristic hand sewn crystals, but uses instead a mesh web of faceted rhinestones, hand cut to the shape of the glove. A momentous symbol of Michael Jackson’s career, the glove is iconic to Jackson fans and music lovers all around the world.

About Macau Ponte 16

Ponte 16 is a joint venture between Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A.  (a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-listed SJM Holdings Limited - SEHK 0880) and Success Universe Group Limited (a Hong Kong listed company - SEHK 0487). “Ponte 16″ is a world-class integrated casino-entertainment resort, which located at Inner Harbor in Macau. Phase I and Phase II opened on 2008 comprising a five-star luxury hotel- Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16, casino and retardants. Phase III will feature entertainment & recreation complex housing a wide variety of retail shops and entertainment facilities.

About Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16

Located in the city centre and walking distance to the UNIESCO historical site, the 20-storey Sofitel Macau has 408 rooms and already boasts Mistral restaurant and Rendezvous the lobby lounge, swimming pool, Club Millésime (the exclusive club) and a 460 sqm multi-function banquet room plus additional meeting rooms.

Accommodation available at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler consists almost entirely on Fairmont Gold, Fairmont’s Exclusive Lifestyle Experience, offering a private reception, exclusive lounge and numerous other special privileges including daily breakfast, hors d’oeuvres and honour bar.  To say the service and product of Fairmont Gold is unsurpassed would be an understatement.  Specialty suites as well as Fairmont Deluxe rooms throughout the hotel are also available in limited numbers during this time.  Set arrival and departure dates are required along with a minimum night stay (4 or 5 nights, depending on dates).  For those well-traveled individuals expecting a once-in-a-lifetime Olympic experience, this is their opportunity!

Now with the Peak 2 Peak Gondola open, guests can make their way over to Whistler Mountain to take in the downhill Olympic events right from The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s backdoor and never set foot in a vehicle.  Or if they wish to carve some turns, simply ski straight out onto Blackcomb Mountain.  With over 90% of Whistler Blackcomb’s terrain open to the public during the Games, fresh tracks are sure to be found!

Reservations at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler can be made by calling 1-800-606-8244 or clicking www.fairmont.com/whistler.  Full prepayment at time of booking is non-refundable.

If you want the full Fairmont experience during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, our sister-properties The Fairmont Vancouver Airport and The Fairmont Empress, Victoria also have availability.  The Fairmont Vancouver Airport has Fairmont Gold rooms available starting from CDN $599 per night with a minimum four-night stay and set arrival dates.  Reservations must be fully prepaid at time of booking.  Contact The Fairmont Vancouver Airport directly at 1-866-540-4441 for reservations.  Just a short float plane ride away, The Fairmont Empress in Victoria has all room categories available with no minimal night requirement.  Rates start from CDN $299 CDN per night for a Fairmont room.  Call 1-800-441-1414 for reservations.

As well, The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is offering a Powder to Podium package and The Fairmont Waterfront, also located in Vancouver, is offering a Going for Gold package.  In the months leading up to the Olympic Games, guests can take to the slopes and check out the venue first-hand, or enjoy the post-game snow after the games have wrapped.  Both offers include nightly accommodation, two adult lift tickets to nearby Cypress Mountain and an Olympic themed welcome amenity.  Available from December 1, 2009 to January 28, 2010, and again from March 9, 2010 to April 3, 2010, rates start from $249 CDN and $269 CDN per night at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and The Fairmont Waterfront respectively.

Every seasoned golf traveler knows there’s much more to a great golf trip than what it says on your scorecard. That’s why Fairmont Hotels & Resorts recently unveiled a slew of engaging new golf packages just in time for fall and winter travel.

The new packages feature world-class golf, breathtaking locales, spectacular accommodations, inventive spa treatments and a host of other luxuries, all delivered in Fairmont’s signature style. A sampling of the available packages is listed below (along with a few of our favorite golf holes and signature cocktails for good measure.):
Fairmont Mayakoba, (www.fairmont.com/mayakoba) - Set amidst the lush tropical beauty of Mexico’s enchanting Mayan Riviera, the AAA-Five Diamond Fairmont Mayakoba’s Sweet Deal Package with Spa and Golf bonus offers, includes:
“         One night accommodation in a Fairmont room, double occupancy
“         Bonus Golf Offer - Purchase a round of golf at El Camaleon and play as many rounds of golf as you like on the same day
“         Bonus Spa Offer - Purchase any 60-minute a la carte spa treatment at the regular price and receive a complimentary 30-minute customized spa treatment
“         Bonus Tour Offer - Enjoy a complimentary boat tour of the water canals with an ecology expert
“         $250 USD food and beverage credit per room, per stay

Don’t Miss - Take a moment or two to gaze into the cavernous cenotes located in the fairway of El Camaleon’s first and second holes. The natural features are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula and are trademarks of the Mayakoba golf experience.

Signature Cocktail - El Camaleon Cooler, Mayakoba’s unique take on the classic Arnold Palmer. The refreshing El Camaleon Cooler features fresh-brewed iced tea, lime juice, natural sweetener, mineral water and a cherry to top it off.

Sweet Deal Package rates begin at $309 USD per room, per night from Nov. 1 to Dec. 16, 2009 and $399 USD per room, per night from Jan. 2 to April 19, 2010, based upon availability.

Fairmont Turnberry Isle (www.fairmont.com/turnberryisle) - Raymond Floyd’s hidden gems at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle in Miami provide golf unlike any other in the Sunshine State. Play the two championship golf courses on the resort’s Fore the Love of Golf Package, which includes:
“         Oversized accommodations with balcony or terrace overlooking the resort’s grounds
“         First round of golf, including green fees, cart and practice balls prior to play
“         Forecaddie service for first round (gratuity not included)
“         Second round of golf with green fees and cart
“         Admission to Willow Stream Spa, including fitness center and classes
“         Daily breakfast buffet in the Cascata Grille restaurant
“         Complimentary shuttle to the Ocean Club and Aventura Mall
“         Guests can substitute day of golf for one 60-minute spa treatment

Don’t Miss - If you need a tie-breaker after your round, hike to the hidden tee about half way up the 64-foot waterfall just off the 18th green on the Soffer Course. From there, you and your partners can hit wedge shots to the green. Take a guess at the yardage. Closest-to-the-pin wins.

Signature Cocktail - Turnberry Isle Mojito, Fairmont Turnberry Isle’s signature cocktail, handmade using fresh mint and sugar cane grown at the resort and premium rum.

Fore the Love of Golf Package rates begin at $530 per room, per night from Oct. 1 through Dec. 18, 2009. Package rate includes room tax and resort fee.

Fairmont Kea Lani (www.fairmont.com/kealani) — Located in Maui, Hawaii, The Fairmont Kea Lani offers the Wailea Golf and Spa Package, offering guests the experience of playing three premier courses and indulging in a relaxing 50-minute Lomi Lomi massage or Hawaiian Salt Scrub at the Spa Kea Lani. The package includes:
“         Accommodations in a luxurious one-bedroom suite or spacious villa for a minimum of four nights
“         Deluxe buffet breakfast at Kea Lani Restaurant for two, daily for suites, or for four daily for two-bedroom villas and for six daily for three-bedroom villas (tax and gratuity included)
“         Two rounds of golf at any of the three courses, Emerald, Gold and Old Blue (includes cart)
“         Transportation service to and from Wailea Golf club
“         Two 50-minute spa treatments (choice of Lomi Lomi massage or Hawaiian Salt Scrub)
“         One dinner at Kō Restaurant for two (3 course menu)(tax and gratuity included)

Wailea Golf and Spa Package rates start from $569 per night (plus applicable taxes), based upon availability. The Wailea Golf and Spa Packge is offered until Dec. 17, 2009.

Fairmont Pierre Marques (www.fairmont.com/pierremarques) - Nestled along Acapulco’s beautiful Revolcadero Beach, Fairmont Pierre Marques’ Golf Fore Free Package, includes:
“         Newly remodeled Fairmont Ocean View Room overlooking Acapulco’s incredible sunsets
“         Unlimited play on the breathtaking Princess Golf Course (mandatory $35 USD cart fee per player per round)
“         Complimentary breakfast for two at any restaurant (excluding room service)

Don’t Miss - Princess Golf Course 5th Hole (294-yard, par 4), This short but daunting par 4 tempts players to go for the green off the tee. A lake borders the left side of the fairway. Out-of-bounds is wide right, and a large, deep bunker guards the front left approach to the green. This leaves just a small opening to make such an attempt possible.

Golf Fore Free Package rates begin at $125 USD per person, per night until Dec. 19, 2009.

Fairmont St Andrews (www.fairmont.com/standrews) - Located in the “Home of Golf,” the luxurious Fairmont St Andrews’ Home of Golf Dream Package, includes:
“         Two-nights luxury accommodation in a newly remodeled room.
“         Three rounds of golf per person on the fantastic Links Trust courses, including one guaranteed round on the Old Course and a choice of the New, Eden, Strathtyrum and Jubilee courses. The Castle Course also can be included for an additional surcharge.

The Home of Golf Dream Package and tee times are subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Rates start from just ?239 per person, based upon double occupancy. Offer is valid from November 1st, 2009 to March 31st, 2010.

Fairmont Empress (www.fairmont.com/empress) - Rising regally over Victoria’s spectacular Inner Harbour, The Fairmont Empress offers its unique “Fore” Your Senses Golf/Spa Package:
“         One night luxury accommodation
“         Golf/Spa welcome gift
“         Your choice of either:
o        Two $125 CAD Gift Certificates for Willow Stream Spa
o        Two rounds of golf at Olympic View Golf Club, Cordova Bay Golf Club or Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club* (Guests who choose to play Bear Mountain will be charged an additional $25 CAD per person)
o        Or, one of each item

“Fore” Your Senses Golf/Spa Package is available year-round and subject to availability. Winter rates begin at $589 CAD per night based upon double occupancy.

All rates are based upon availability and do not include tax, gratuity or service charge. Prices quoted are in U.S. dollars unless noted otherwise. For reservations, please visit www.fairmont.com, call 1-800-441-1414 or contact your local travel professional.

InspiredMeetings encourages Sofitel meeting and event clients to embrace their own creative vision in their event conceptualization combined with the savoir faire of the Sofitel Inspired Meetings teams, to deliver exquisite and memorable events with the renowned French flair of the Sofitel Luxury Hotels. At each participating hotel, the InspiredMeetings? team is prepared to stage any type of event from large scale conferences to intimate parties where clients are welcome to experiment with even the most unconventional requests!
Event clients are first welcomed by the InspiredMeetings Planner where consultancy and personalization of the client’s needs will be followed through with the support of InspiredMeetings Coordinator, and an integrated team of key hotel personnel. The InspiredMeetings? Concierge will then take over for execution and post event activities as the single contact to the client so as to guarantee a smooth running and perfectly unique function.  To further complement this initiative is the InspiredMeetings software technology, installed at each participating property, that will help to provide expert counsel to planners and clients on how to effectively customize any variety of meetings and events so as to truly have them ‘Inspired by You, Staged by Us”.

With a select group of Sofitel Asia Pacific properties launching the program on September 1st, each destination will be fully equipped with a dedicated team and technical support to offer a fully tailored experience for discerning guests.

To celebrate the launch of InspiredMeetings and the A|Club Meeting Planner card, as well as reward points for meetings, participating Sofitel Luxury Hotels in Asia Pacific are offering double A Club points for meetings and events with a value of USD 25,000 or more.  Offer valid from September 1st until October 31st, for bookings made up to November 30. For information on redeeming points at Sofitel Luxury Hotels properties worldwide, please visit www.sofitel.com .

Sofitel Luxury Hotels hold a longstanding reputation for delivering refined luxury hospitality and Sofitel hotels worldwide have long hosted high-profile and international events. The introduction of the InspiredMeetings programme will no doubt revolutionize the concept of business and corporate events with detailed attention to the client’s vision and elegant execution supported by a committed and dedicated team, state of the art technology and a comprehensive array of features and services. There are 18 properties participating in the debut of the programme across Asia Pacific including commercial hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok, historic destinations like Xian and Angkor, chic getaways such as Sydney and the Gold Coast as well as leisure destinations like Hua Hin and Krabi.

Implementing InspiredMeetings September 1st 2009
SE Asia
- Sofitel Bangkok Silom
- Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Greater China
- Sofitel Wanda Beijing
- Sofitel Wanda Chengdu
- Sofitel Wanda Ningbo
- Sofitel Wanda Harbin
- Sofitel Shanghai Hyland
- Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square
- Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Huanghe
- Sofitel Galaxy Nanjing
- Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16
- Sofitel Hangzhou West Lake
- Sofitel Forebase Chongqing
- Sofitel Boao

Australia
- Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
- Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
- Sofitel Brisbane Central**
- Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

Implementing InspiredMeetings October 1st 2009
SE Asia
- Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort
- Sofitel Plaza Saigon
- Sofitel Dalat Palace
- Sofitel Plaza Hanoi
- Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort
- Sofitel Centara Grand Resort and Villas, Hua Hin

Greater China
- Sofitel Dongguan Golf Resort
- Sofitel Dongguan Royal Lagoon
- Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort Nanjing
- Sofitel Hefei Grand Park
- Sofitel Qingyuan Riverside
- Sofitel Jinan Silver Plaza
- Sofitel Zhengzhou International
- Sofitel Shanghai Jin Jiang Oriental Pudong

Australia
- Sofitel Werribee Park Mansion Hotel & Spa

Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta has unveiled its own unique decorative fan, designed by celebrated Indonesian textile artist, Josephine ‘Obin’ Komara.

The fan will be take pride of place in the hotel’s new lobby when Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta re-opens in October of this year.

The fan has a beautiful black wooden frame and finely carved sticks. The red background is the colour traditionally used for celebrations and auspicious occasions, symbolising joy and good luck - particularly in the East. The gold ties in beautifully with Mandarin Oriental’s logo, while jasmine flowers were chosen as the fan motif. Symbolising pureness, exoticism and a sense of ceremony and beauty, jasmine flowers or melati are abundant and widely prized in Indonesia.
The well-recognised fan logo, the symbol of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, was launched in 1985. Designed by Pentagram, a design house based in London and New York, it is representative of the group’s luxurious and elegant image, and yet still reflective of each hotel’s local charm.

Andrew Abram, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta, says, “We wanted the hotel’s individual fan to embody a distinct sense of place, and to be emblematic of the local environment, and we are delighted with the result.”

“I have a passion for working with local fabrics, and truly enjoyed being involved in this special project with the team at Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta. I look forward to seeing the fan in situ in the newly renovated hotel,” said Josephine ‘Obin’ Komara.

The Group’s fan symbol is deemed the perfect logo - a classic, simple design that denotes elegance, luxury and comfort. It is a symbol that not only serves to connect each hotel to the group, but in turn each Mandarin Oriental hotel is also inextricably linked to its own unique fan

About Josephine ‘Obin’ Komara

In the late 1970s, Obin decided to breathe new life into Indonesia’s declining handmade cloth industry and began making cloth with the assistance of a handful of local spinners and weavers.

In 1986 she opened BIN house, the first textile shop of its kind in Jakarta. Numerous textile exhibitions soon followed, both in Japan and in Indonesia. In addition to cloth making, Obin has also participated in international forums and workshops on textile making

Everything you ever wanted to know about beetles…and more! At the Lanna Kids Club Beetles Garden at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, parents and children can get up close with these fascinating insects, learn about their life cycles and habits - and have a lot of fun at the same time!

The club’s friendly and informative staff will provide interesting insights into species such as the three-horned, fighting and muchi king (Japanese unicorn) beetles as well as others found in Thailand.  Did you know, for example, in Thailand female beetles lay eggs in the winter (November to December), which then hatch in the rainy season (June to October).  The rainy season is also the mating season during which time the male beetle becomes fiercely territorial.
“The Beetles Garden activity is a lot of fun for all the family, and at the same time is a great way to learn more about nature and the environment” noted Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi’s General Manager, Mark Bradford. “At Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, we enjoy thinking of new activities that all the family can enjoy.”

The complimentary Beetles Garden activity runs twice daily from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Set in the picturesque surroundings of the Lanna Kids Club, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to indulge in ‘beetle mania’.

The Collection of nine Chic Outlet Shopping? Villages in Europe, managed by Value Retail continue to attract savvy international shoppers this season with an increase of total tax refunded sales in Q2 of 47% compared to the same period in 2008, showing a significant 51% increase year to date.

Collectively the nine European Villages outperformed their benchmark by double digit growth with clear indication that a sophisticated outlet shopping experience remains a key feature in the itineraries of travellers allowing shoppers to experience international and niche European brands at prices reduced by up to 60% every day, all year round. Host to internationally recognised fashion and lifestyle brands, of which, Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy, Matthew Williamson, Smythson, Anya Hindmarch, Temperley London and Agent Provocateur have chosen to have their only outlet boutique in Europe with one of the nine Chic Outlet Shopping? Villages. In a continued evolution, over 70 brands have opened or plan to open a boutique at the Villages during 2009, with names including Gucci, Bulgari, Armani, Roberto Cavalli Class, Belstaff, and Diesel Kids. It is clearly a compelling offer.

China is the largest contributing market by volume (23% of all tax refund sales) and Hong Kong in the first half (January-June 2009) contributed in an increase of tax refunded sales by 93% compared to the previous year. The Collection also recorded a rise of 4% on the average value per transaction compared to the same period in 2008 with the leading market being Brazil. The Middle East, with an average value per transaction of €305, still remains the fastest growing market in sales (+ 122% on last year) for the Chic Outlet Shopping? Villages. “The Outstanding 50% sales growth vs. PYTD of the Chic Outlet Shopping? Villages across Europe, managed by Value Retail, where so many of the luxury brands are represented also confirms that “luxury is still in fashion” especially at such irresistible price levels”, says Pier Francesco Nervini, VP International Key Accounts at Global Refund.

The nine Chic Outlet Shopping? Villages offer an unparalleled proposition for day shoppers or those taking weekend breaks in Europe.  The Villages deliver five-star service with award winning Tourist Information Centres, personal shoppers, direct shuttle transport from the city and offer a discreet, secure and exclusive environment.  Suggested itineraries can be found at www.chicoutletshopping.com/shoppingtrips.

DUBLIN & COUNTY KILDARE     Kildare Village
LONDON, OXFORD & THE COTSWOLDS    Bicester Village
PARIS, BRIE COUNTRY & THE CHAMPAGNE REGION    La Vallée Village
MADRID & SEGOVIA    Las Rozas Village
BARCELONA & THE COSTA BRAVA    La Roca Village
MILAN/BOLOGNA & PARMA    Fidenza Village
BRUSSELS, ANTWERP, COLOGNE & THE REGION OF LIMBURG    Maasmechelen Village
FRANKFURT & THE ROMANTIC ROAD    Wertheim Village
MUNICH & BAVARIA     Ingolstadt Village