Catacuzino goes for 5
The Cantacuzino Castle (known as Zamora Estate) in Buşteni (Prahova Valley) is under restoration. Once works finished it will become a museum opened to the public.
The castle was built in 1910 by prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino (known as the Nabab), minister of Romania between 1899-1900, and 1904-1907. At his wish the domain should have been a replica to Peleş, foundation of the king Carol Ist. The building, in Romanian style, is surrounded by a park, and has a splendid view over the cross on the Caraiman Mountain. The banquet hall showcases a unique collection of portraits and coat of arms, depicting all the noble families related to Cantacuzino, and the ancestors of this famous house. But the history of the domain doesn’t stop here. Kurt Neuschitzer, CEO of Cantacuzino Castle said that, possibly, in two years time a 5 stars hotel is to show up in the vicinity of the castle. The 300 million euro investment regards as well an aquatic park and ski slopes.
Hotel of the Year
At the Golden Tulip Annual International Conference, held in Casablanca, the Golden Tulip Times in Bucharest received the prize Hotel of the Year in Central and Eastern Europe. The hotel received maximum number of points in the evaluation of its management and operational performances, after a monitoring based on mystery guest and respecting the standards. Golden Tulip Times is rated four stars and offers a total of 70 rooms (double, single and family suites).
“The hotel franchise is a successful solution only if backed by an efficient local management. In my opinion the other Golden Tulip hotels in Romania will have all the chances to reach same performances” – said Paul Marasoiu, President of Peacock Hotels and regional strategic partner of Golden Tulip and Louvre Hotels.
Gyula and historical spa
Our insert leaflet this number brings to your attention the Hungarian city of Gyula.
The borderland town is known as a spa and thermal great destination. Resorts with over 20 pools and modern technology give a new meaning to the wellness principles. The city itself offers a 600 years old castle, a Honey Festival in December, and a great variety of chocolate and cake specialties. Read some more in the insert!
OUR INTERVIEW
Nicolae Demetriade: „In business you must reach a balance between life and money!”
He is 63 years old. He graduated finances in 1970 at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest. He worked in aviation, from 1982 in TAROM. He imposes, he rarely smiles. He likes durable things. 13 years ago he created, together with his wife Carmen Demetriade, the Happy Tour agency. He sold it 3 years ago to the Spanish GED Investment Fund. Today he runs World Travel, company that represents in Romania several brand, among which Emirates and Royal Caribbean.
In the interview given to our magazine Nicolae Demetriade says: „The wish to present new products and our seriousness have been our principles. After 10 years of activity when we sold Happy Tour, we where having 100 employees. The number was not important but their value. (…) I believe that always in life you must reach a balance. (…) Regarding our country, The Danube Delta, Bucovina and, partially, Maramureş are our strong points”.
20 years with Olimpic International
Olimpic International Turism celebrates two decades of activity. The company started in 1990, having five employees that where working incoming programs. From 2000 the agency positioned itself on the MICE segment. Today Olimpic has 35 specialists that have offered in 20 years services to over 2.5 million clients.
The company received in time various distinctions and prizes. George Sorin Nicolescu, its president, believes that: “Romania must insist on the development of the conference tourism. We have a clear, real, potential; we have the Palace of Parliament; we have modern locations. All could handle events of over 5.000 participants. Regarding us, this year we have organized in Shanghai EXPO 2010, eleven events, from wine presentations to fashion shows.”
First boutique hotel is 10 years old
Residence Hotels, a 100% Romanian brand, celebrated this month 10 years of activity and, in the same time, 10 years since the first boutique hotel opened in Romania. Residence Hotels is also the first Romanian member of The European Association Exclusive Hotels, being catalogued in Luxury and Charm & Character categories. Starting January 2010 Residence Hotels is on of the first members of Boutique and Lifestyle Lodging Association (main office in Los Angeles), the only worldwide association with this profile. Residence Hotels is rated as well in the top of Romanian Hotels for the CNN public.
The owner of Residence Group, Cristi Penescu, said that he has a great personal satisfaction because he managed, through Residence, to offer to the Romanian and foreign public, a part of the remade atmosphere and beauty of old Bucharest, namely the period between the two world wars.
IT, fashion and wines in Expo Shanghai
The largest event of the year Expo Shanghai 2010 closed its gates at the end of October. The first world exhibition themed urban development and life style received 73 million visitors, with 3 million entrances more than expected by organizers. The Romanian pavilion has been seen by almost 5 million guests, lower number than the expected 7 million. The investment in the Romanian stand was of 2.5 million euro, the total budget dedicated to the event being of 27 million RON. The budget was coordinated by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the activities being centered on promoting culture, tourism and business opportunities offered by Romania. The five events dedicated to wines, aeronautics, fashion, IT products and National day, where doubled by a forum of the investors and two themed economic missions. The final balance gives a number of 5.500 interactive shows, in which participated 400 Romanian artists.
Romania presented the national brand in WTM
The Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism (MDRT) promoted several concepts of the national brand, at the 31st edition of World Travel Market (WTM) in London (November 8-11). The participants had the chance to taste traditional Romanian products and one of them gained a holiday in Apuseni Mountains – a new opportunity to discover one of the reference tourist destinations.
The Romanian stand had a good position in the central pavilion, on 255 sqm, and hosted 29 Romanian companies: hotels, agencies, carriers and associations. The former edition of WTM London attracted over 24.000 visitors and 2.800 media members.
