The News Review:

- Jan Verduyn brings Dusit Thai hospitality to Cairo’s newest hotel…
- Hotels shift to quote room rates in pesos
- How to ‘master’ Thai cuisine in two days
- General Manager movements at Dusit International
- The Castle Group Inc. to Present at the National Investment Bankers…
- Dusit’s Devarana Spa to open 1800sqm Spa on The Palm Jumeirah

Jan Verduyn brings Dusit Thai hospitality to Cairo’s newest hotel…
e-Travel Blackboard – e-Travel Blackboard (press release) – Feb 18, 2008
Replacing him is Peter Komposch previously the General Manager of Half Moon Rosehall Jamaica since 1999. Jan’s role will be primarily to open the Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo hotel scheduled to open late this year bringing the fine Thai grace and charm and the Dusit name in hospitality into Egypt. He joined the Dusit family in May 2005 following the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami in December 2004. He proved his leadership qualities in putting Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket on the road to a quick recovery and back on the map for overseas travelers. ctavio Gamarra Senior Vice President of Dusit International commented “Jan has done an outstanding job leading the hotel. Under his supervision we have gone through an extensive renovation and we have regained our position as one of the leading hotels in Phuket.

Hotels shift to quote room rates in pesos
Manila Standard Today – Feb 18, 2008
Marciano Ragaza president of Travel Enterprise Corp. said hotel rates had also been increasing in other Asian countries as a result of the weak dollar. The peso and the Thai baht rose by nearly 20 percent against the greenback last yearmore than the other Asian currenciesbut Thailand’s hotels did not raise their rates too much as a result of the stiff competition in the capital Ragaza said. The PTAA is encouraging the government to make the Philippines more accessible to Asians by allowing more foreign carriers to fly here. “I am not saying we should open our skies to everyone but as long as there is reciprocity we should allow anybody that would like to come in” Clemente said. His group is also asking the government to do something about German airline Lufthansa’s imminent pullout and the US downgrading of the Philippines’ airports on perceived poor security. The tourism department should have been made part of the Civil Aviation Authority and failing that it should be part of the new body to replace the Air Transportation ffice Clemente said.

How to ‘master’ Thai cuisine in two days
e-Travel Blackboard – e-Travel Blackboard (press release) – Feb 18, 2008
This also includes coffee breaks lunch for two people and breakfast each day. A special gourmand dinner is organised for the 8th March at the hotel’s magnificent Vietnamese Restaurant and is from (1400THB) or $AUD48 for two inclusive. Whilst eating deep fried insects may not be everyone’s cup of tea there’s something to suit every palate and the Sofitel Raja rchid Hotel offers a luxurious five star base from which to enjoy the Master Class and all the sounds colours and tastes northern Thailand has to offer… This also includes coffee breaks lunch for two people and breakfast each day. A special gourmand dinner is organised for the 8th March at the hotel’s magnificent Vietnamese Restaurant and is from (1400THB) or $AUD48 for two inclusive. Whilst eating deep fried insects may not be everyone’s cup of tea there’s something to suit every palate and the Sofitel Raja rchid Hotel offers a luxurious five star base from which to enjoy the Master Class and all the sounds colours and tastes northern Thailand has to offer. Khon Kaen will be pulsing with activities planned from early in the morning til late at night for the ten days of the Festival. But there’s more to the festival – there’s workshops galore featuring top gastronomic names conducting the activities – These include: • Vatch Bhumitchitr London restaurateur and author of six best-selling Thai cookbooks in English; • Somsak Wongdechanand editor-in-chief- of Thailand’s leading food magazine ‘Gourmet & Cuisine’ heads a workshop on Thai curries; • Philip Cornwel Smith author of the everyday culture book ‘Very Thai’ will speak on contemporary Isan trends in Bangkok; • Morrison Polkinghorne Australian based textile expert; • Robert Carmack Australian based author of Thai and Vietnamese cookbooks and Fondue (Periplus) (one co-written by Didier Corlu of Sofitel Hanoi fame) • Pramol Pimsen local Isan specialist and author; • Dr.

General Manager movements at Dusit International
ASIATravelTips.com – Feb 18, 2008
Replacing him is Peter Komposch previously the General Manager of Half Moon Rosehall Jamaica since 1999. Jan’s role will be to open the Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo hotel scheduled to open late this year. He joined the Dusit family in May 2005 following the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami in December 2004. He proved his leadership qualities in putting Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket on the road to a quick recovery and back on the map for overseas travelers. ctavio Gamarra Senior Vice President of Dusit International said “Jan has done an outstanding job leading the hotel. Under his supervision we have gone through an extensive renovation and we have regained our position as one of the leading hotels in Phuket… Under his supervision we have gone through an extensive renovation and we have regained our position as one of the leading hotels in Phuket. " Jan brings his professionalism once again to the fore overseeing the Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo construction. Working closely with Dusit’s own development and technical services team together with architect ASA Consultants of Egypt and interior designer P49Deesign of Thailand the project will open in four phases from the hotel to serviced apartments Spa and Wellness Center and finally the Country Club. It is due for full completion by December 2009. A Belgian national Jan Verduyn has over 20 years experience in hospitality; having been GM at various hotels in different locations such as Cyprus Cameroon Vietnam Belgium Kenya and Korea. Replacing Jan in Phuket Peter Komposch has 27 years experience in the hotel business starting his career in 1980 as F&B Manager of Hyatt Regency Regency Maui (USA) Vice President and GM of El Dorado Park Hotel Vienna (Austria) in 1983 and then Highland Inn Carmel CA (USA) in 1986 and as GM at The Princess Hotel Hamilton (Bermuda) in 1988 prior to his posting in Jamaica. An native of Austria Peter received his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and Hotel Administration from the Hotel and Catering School in his home country and later a Summer Certificate Program (2 Years) from Cornell University.

The Castle Group Inc. to Present at the National Investment Bankers…
Free with registration – Business Wire – AccessMyLibrary.com – Feb 18, 2008
The Castle Group Inc. to Present at the National Investment Bankers Association Conference. (18-FEB-08) Business Wire. to Present at the National Investment Bankers Association Conference. (TCBB:CAGU) announced today that Howard Mendelsohn the Company’s Chief Financial fficer will be presenting at the National Investment Bankers Association Conf.

Dusit’s Devarana Spa to open 1800sqm Spa on The Palm Jumeirah
ASIATravelTips.com – Feb 18, 2008
The move follows an earlier agreement signed by Dusit International and Al saimi Group for the management of the project and aims to offer world-class spa treatments with traditional Thai service and hospitality. Designed under the theme ‘Garden in Heaven’ Devarana Spa is set to offer guests with outstanding services through age-old therapies combined with modern knowledge and with an emphasis on pampering and wellness using established Thai health and beauty practices. The spa which comprises of nine private single rooms and two double suites will provide its patrons with a fusion of relaxation technologies derived from Thai and Eastern practices and the more recent Western methods. ffering a tranquil interior which includes Devarana’s trademark contemporary Thai style such as water features 14th century Thai arch canopied couches and handwritten poetry on the wall the spa has also adopted a Middle Eastern influence within its overall concept to cater to a wider range of guests. Remaining faithful to the spa’s natural ambiance and its ‘Back-to-Basics’ ethos all therapies within the centre will be complemented by 100% natural products and trained massage experts… Remaining faithful to the spa’s natural ambiance and its ‘Back-to-Basics’ ethos all therapies within the centre will be complemented by 100% natural products and trained massage experts. “In our pursuit towards providing the most luxurious lifestyle to the guests and tenants of our maiden project we are proud to bring the renowned Thai hospitality through the inclusion of Devarana Spa to the lavish facilities within our luxury resort. With utmost customer satisfaction as our primary goal we recognise the advantages that this partnership will bring to us as spa services have become an important criterion for hotel selection for clients in the Middle East. We are confident that the presence of this spa facility will attract more tourists and investors and ensure that they will be treated with the highest standards of comforts and convenience through the world-class spa service being offered at our luxury resort; ensuring privacy VIP treatment and most-off all luxury pampering in a secluded peaceful environment” said Arige Abukishk Exec. Commercial Director – UAE Al saimi Investments. Further embracing its concept the Devarana Spa has developed new treatments by combining authentic Thai therapies with traditional Arabian treatments such as the traditional hammam incorporating indigenous products in addition to its existing offerings within its award-winning international menu. Also available among the wide range of services and amenities are foot reflexology manicure and pedicure areas changing areas with heat experience relaxation lounges reception and a spa shop.

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