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Macao Gastronomy Charms KL

Macao Gastronomy Charms KL

Kuala Lumpur, 29 August 2018 – The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is set to bring a tantalising taste of the 2018 Macao Year of Gastronomy to Kuala Lumpur this September.

As part of the city’s new designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, plans tailored to enhance the city’s cultural legacy through its gastronomy are being rolled out internationally and locally. Initiatives outlined in a four-year plan will see exchange programmes with other nations taking place in a bid to showcase Macao’s culinary heritage while learning from each experience.

This September, Macao City of Gastronomy will showcase its culinary heritage at Samplings On The Fourteenth Restaurant in Berjaya Times Square Hotel and at Taste MIGF, the preview event of the Malaysia International Gastronomy Festival on 1st and 2nd September.

Macanese Flavours

Flown in from Macao specially for the exchange, the MGTO will present Chef Sandra Niza Barros （巴彦曉）, a third generation chef born and raised in Macao.

With a family history steeped in gastronomy and professional background in bakery and pastry, Chef Sandra is the owner of Café SAB 8 （拾8 咖啡） which offers Contemporary Macanese Cuisine. Authenticity lies at the heart of Chef Sandra’s culinary values, preserving traditional Macanese flavours passed down by her family with a modern twist. Her culinary repertoire is flush with recipes handed down from her mother but presented in innovative ways.

Special Menu at Samplings

Together with Chef Valmurugan Subramaniam, Chef de Cuisine of Samplings On The Fourteenth Restaurant in Berjaya Times Square Hotel, they will present a unique array of dishes for the dinner at the Samplings On The Fourteenth Restaurant. A special menu comprising these dishes will be available at the restaurant from 3rd to 29th September 2018 (Except Sunday and prior reservation required). Don’t miss the chance to try out this unique spread and stand a chance to win 3D2N Holiday to Macao!

Macao Gastronomy at Taste MIGF 2018

Visitors to Taste MIGF will have the opportunity to take part in a Master Chef cooking demonstration with Chef Sandra. She will be showing how to prepare Macanese Cuisine - Garlic Shrimp and Portuguese Chicken. These informative sessions will take place from 1pm – 2:30pm on both days of the gastronomic weekend.

Meanwhile, the Macao Suite at the LuxuryPlus Showcase will see a number of exciting activities lined up over the two-day event. Chef Sandra’s Contemporary Macanese creations – Bacalhau (salted codfish) tart, Orange Roll made with fresh orange juice and Genetes (a Macanese cookie) – will be available at the Macao Suite.

At the same time, you can test your mettle on a Grand Prix simulator, running in conjunction with celebrations for the 65th Macau Grand Prix this November. Celebrating Macao’s vibrant calendar of events and festivals this December, the Macao Suite will also feature the Macao International Marathon, Macao International Parade, 3rd International Film and Festivals Awards Macao, and Macao Light Festival.

Important Dates:

1st & 2nd September (Saturday & Sunday)
12pm – 1pm: Food Tasting @ Macao Suite
1pm – 2:30pm: Master Chef Cooking Demonstration by Chef Sandra
5pm – 6pm: Food Tasting @ Macao Suite

Make your way to Taste MIGF on 1st and 2nd September to experience a gastronomic awakening and the taste of Macao!

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Media inquiries:

Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO)
Representative in Malaysia
Tel: +603 2144 2500
Fax: +603 2148 1357
Email: mgto@pacificworld.travel
MGTO website: www.macaotourism.gov.mo
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MacaoTourismMalaysia
Instagram: www.instagram.com/MacaoTourismMalaysia
YouTube: MYMacao TV

From shopper to marketer

From shopper to marketer

rodin-provence

Being a fan of the brand you market certainly helps – just ask McArthurGlen’s director of marketing operations, Isabelle Ratinaud.

Not everyone can say they’ve landed their dream job, but McArthurGlen’s director of marketing operations, Isabelle Ratinaud, who joined the company last June is one of the lucky few.

“Before I knew I would work here, I’ve already been a McArthurGlen shopper for the past 15 years – I’ve been to eight outlets and even frequented one at least seven times! So when they came up with the position, I knew it was for me.

“In fact, I think my husband was the happiest, because he loves shopping just as much as I do,” quipped Ratinaud who comes with travel, retail and e-commerce experience.

Cultivated Rich Asians

“There is now less difference in shopping behaviour between our Asian and European guests. Essentially, everyone wants to find the brand and item that makes them feel special.”

While Asians used to prefer classic European brands such as Prada, Gucci and Bottega Veneta, she observes that they now gravitate towards brands that are lesserknown and hard to find as more of them travel frequently to Europe

In response, she and her team introduced pop-up stores at the outlets featuring new designers “who may not even have their own stores” to keep things fresh.

Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines are source markets the company is also interested in expanding, she revealed.

To reach out to more customers, Ratinaud is developing several marketing campaigns themed around fashion seasons – think Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer – Fashion Week in Paris, Milan and London, as well as big occasions such as Lunar New Year and Autumn Festival.

Staying relevant with new experiences

Within the outlets, changes are also taking place rapidly as luxury consumer preferences evolve.

Even as new outlets open in quick succession – the Group added 85,000 sq m of new retail space last year – existing ones are being redeveloped to offer an updated shopping experience with food & beverage being a key focus.

“Tourists want to experience local products when they come to our outlets. We’re lucky we are in countries with amazing food but we also want to work with local suppliers to ensure we bring in plenty of innovative and authentic
cuisine for our consumers.”

Over the next year, 20 new F&B concepts will be introduced to the portfolio, according to Ratinaud.

Outlets will also incorporate a distinct sense of place as shopping is now seen as a highly social experience instead of being merely functional.

Putting it simply, “you shop with friends and family and you share these experiences on social media. You want a beautiful environment where you can shop beautiful brands, while having a glass or a lovely meal,” said Ratinaud.

The latest outlet in Provence is a perfect example. “Not only does it look just like a southern France village with beautiful reproductions of local houses, it smells like one (you can detect whiffs of lavender). The experience is very pleasurable.”

It’s the reason why the outlet is one of her favourites, although the French-born marketer admits it might also have to do with her penchant for shopping.

“It has really fantastic brands. I find it hard to go there each time without buying something.”

Source: Travel Weekly Asia July 2018 Ebook

McArthurGlen Provence wins new development award

McArthurGlen Provence wins new development award

rodin-provence

LONDON, 8th June 2018 - McArthurGlen Provence has won the ‘Best Outlet Development’ trophy at the 2018 CNCC Shopping Centre Awards.The awards were announced in Paris on 5 June by French shopping centre association, the Conseil National des Centres Commerciaux.

This is the third industry accolade that the new centre near Marseille and Aix-en-Provence has received in the past two months: it won a global prize for exterior design in the recent Prix de Versailles architectural awards and a ‘New Development’ commendation in the 2018 International Council of Shopping Centres’ European Awards.

The CNCC awards jury credited McArthurGlen Provence for “creating 650 new jobs in a region strongly affected by unemployment, establishing an extensive local training programme and attracting a strong international tourist clientele”. The judges also highlighted the centre’s environmental specifications, noting that “the high-quality development included innovative ways to preserve the architectural identity and landscaping of the site, including the refurbishment of a historic farmhouse.”

“Providing an authentic Provençal shopping experience was one of our key objectives when we were working with our architects, Marseille Architecture Partenaires, to design McArthurGlen Provence,” says Mike Natas, Joint Managing Director of Development at McArthurGlen. “Since we started the development process in 2010, we have been working in close collaboration with the local authorities to establish the centre as an integral part of the community and a natural extension of its spectacular surroundings.”

Located in the town of Miramas, McArthurGlen Provence is situated less than 50 minutes from the heart of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and the nearby Provençal tourist areas.

Spanning 25,000m2 of retail space, the centre offers a collection of 125 international luxury and premium brands, as well as local Provence-based retailers. In November 2017, the centre welcomed Le Printemps, the iconic French department store’s first outlet location. The centre is also home to seven restaurants, each carefully selected to reflect the character and flavour of French cuisine. An original, 100-year old Provençal farmhouse sits at the heart of the centre, while the use of traditional stone, tiling and wooden shutters ensures customers enjoy an environment that offers a true sense of Provence.

In July 2017, McArthurGlen Provence became the first ever shopping centre to stage an exhibition of the work of Auguste Rodin and Aristide Maillol. The public display of 22 rare bronze sculptures ran throughout the summer and attracted over 20,000 customers. Following the success of ‘Rodin and his contemporaries’, the centre hosted a public exhibition of photography from renowned French artist, Michel Haddi – marking the first time that Haddi had exhibited in his native France.

Source: McArthurGlen Group

Aeroflot confirms place among top 20 global airlines by passenger traffic

Aeroflot confirms place among top 20 global airlines by passenger traffic

7 August 2018, Moscow – Aeroflot Group has reaffirmed its position among the world’s 20 leading airlines by passenger traffic, according to two authoritative global aviation publications, Air Transport World and Flight Airline Business.

In ATW’s Global Airline Report – 2018, Aeroflot and its subsidiaries ranked 19th globally by passenger traffic. In total, Aeroflot Group carried 50.1 million passengers in 2017, with the fastest growth rate for passenger numbers of any traditional airline at 15.4%.

The ranking again illustrates that Aeroflot Group ranks among the world’s leading airline groups and has delivered ahead of time on a key goal of its 2025 Development Strategy. 

The Russian flag carrier is also closing in on other goals in its 2025 strategy, ranking seventh among Europe’s largest airlines by passenger traffic, and fifth among traditional carriers (excluding LCCs) for the second year in a row. Aeroflot Group also placed 22nd globally by revenue and is close to entering the top 20 for this financial indicator. 

In the Flight Airline Business rating of Leading Aviation Groups Aeroflot Group ranked 20th by passenger traffic and 23rd by revenue.

Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev commented: “It is important to us that our return to the elite of the global industry has been confirmed by two leading analytical centres, which have independently published corroborative data about Aeroflot. A few years ago, some sceptics said our 2025 Strategy goals were utopian. Today it is clear to everyone that we have not only delivered on these goals, but that they are being achieved significantly ahead of schedule. Moreover, Aeroflot Group is continuing to evolve, and we will soon present an updated strategy setting out more ambitious goals for future growth.”

Source: Aeroflot news

United Airlines Strengthens Domestic Route Network: Announces New Washington Dulles – Miami Service and Expands to 33 New Destinations in Four Months

United Airlines Strengthens Domestic Route Network: Announces New Washington Dulles – Miami Service and Expands to 33 New Destinations in Four Months

CHICAGO, July 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced it will begin new daily service between its hub at Washington Dulles International Airport and Miami International Airport. United's newest route announcement builds on the airline's focus to offer its customers more opportunities to conveniently connect to more domestic and international destinations than ever before by boosting connectivity and expanding service from its seven U.S. gateways.

United is also increasing flying between its Washington Dulles hub and Orlando and Tampa. Beginning Nov. 28, 2018, through Jan. 6, 2019, United will increase to five daily flights to Orlando, and between Dec. 26, 2018, through Jan. 26, 2019, the airline will increase to four daily flights to Tampa.

From Dec.19, 2018, through March 30, 2019, United will offer daily service between Washington Dulles and Miami and twice daily service during peak holiday travel, Dec. 24, 2018, through Jan. 6, 2019, with Airbus A319 aircraft. Tickets are now available for purchase.

In addition to its new service between Washington Dulles and Miami, United offers up to 16 daily flights to Miami from its hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, New York/Newark and San Francisco.

New Washington Dulles – Miami service begins Dec. 19

Depart Time Arrive Time
Washington Dulles (IAD) 8:15 a.m. Miami (MIA) 11:05 a.m.
Miami (MIA) 1:24 p.m. Washington Dulles (IAD) 4:19 p.m.
Washington Dulles (IAD) 5:50 p.m. Miami (MIA) 8:40 p.m.
Miami (MIA) 8:55 a.m. Washington Dulles (IAD) 11:50 a.m.

This year, United has expanded service throughout Florida including Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota and West Palm Beach from its hubs in New York/Newark and Washington Dulles.

Boosting hub connectivity to domestic and international destinations

In the last four months, United has launched service to 33 destinations in 18 states from its domestic hubs. From each hub, the new flights offer customers hundreds of connection opportunities to destinations throughout the United States and to more than 110 international destinations in more than 50 countries around the world. In addition to new destinations, United has expanded service to more than 40 U.S. cities by adding either more flights or larger aircraft.

"We want to make United the first choice for customers when planning travel," said Ankit Gupta, United's vice president of Domestic Network Planning. "To do this we are focusing on the strengths of our hub cities, which are the largest centers for business and tourism travel in the country and key gateways for customers to easily and conveniently connect to thousands of cities throughout the United States and beyond. The new destinations and the service expansions that we're launching this year provide customers more choice and more opportunities to travel to the destinations that are most important to them."

 

United's new routes include:

United Hub New Destination
Chicago (ORD) Bismarck, ND (BIS)
Brownsville, TX (BRO)
El Paso, TX (ELP)
Fresno, CA (FAT)
Salina, KS (SLN)
Shenandoah, VA (SHD)
Wilmington, NC (ILM)
Denver (DEN) Appleton, WI (ATW)
Jacksonville, FL (JAX)
Mammoth, CA (MMH)
Moab, UT (CNY)
Monterey, CA (MRY)
Norfolk, VA (ORF)
Prescott, AZ (PRC)
Vernal, UT (VEL)
Houston (IAH) Akron-Canton, OH (CAK)
Dayton, OH (DAY)
Los Angeles (LAX) Eureka, CA (ACV)
Glacier National Park/Kalispell, MT (FCA)
Mammoth, CA (MMH)
Medford, OR (MFR)
Missoula, MT (MSO)
Prescott, AZ (PRC)
Redmond, OR (RDM)
Sun Valley, ID (SUN)
New York/Newark (EWR) Elmira, NY (ELM)
Presque Isle, ME (PQI)
Rapid City, SD (RAP)
San Francisco (SFO) Madison, WI (MSN)

 

Washington Dulles (IAD)

 Lewisburg, WV (LWB)
Plattsburgh, NY (PBG)
Shenandoah, VA (SHD)
Wilmington, NC (ILM)

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate approximately 4,600 flights a day to 357 airports across five continents. In 2017, United and United Express operated more than 1.6 million flights carrying more than 148 million customers. United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark/New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates 757 mainline aircraft and the airline's United Express carriers operate 551 regional aircraft. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 28 member airlines. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol "UAL".

Source: United Airlines News Hub