Marriott Hotels & Resorts Opens Landmark Jaipur Marriott in India's Royal State of Rajasthan

IN INDIA'S ROYAL STATE OF RAJASTHAN

Jaipur, India -- July 5, 2011 -- Marriott International brought its signature Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand to India's state of Rajasthan with the opening of the 365-room Jaipur Marriott Hotel.  With seven separate food and beverage outlets and 43,000 square feet of meeting space, the contemporary, stylish Jaipur Marriott is now the state's largest hotel in terms of rooms and event space and is well on its way to becoming a culinary landmark. To view the grand opening video from Jaipur, visit  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8BptbwOnUA&feature=channel_video_title.

Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan.  Founded in 1727, Jaipur is one of the finest planned cities of India and, with a population of more than 3.9 million, is a growing hub for business and leisure tourism.

"With tremendous growth as a business hub during the past few years, Jaipur is set to become one of the most sought-after destinations for both leisure and for business travelers in India,"  said Rajeev Menon, Marriott International's area vice president, India, Maldives, Malaysia & Australia.  "The Jaipur Marriott Hotel will set a new benchmark for lodging in the city."

"Marriott Hotels & Resorts continues to set the global brand standard in quality lodging, and the Jaipur Marriott Hotel is the latest example of how we deliver world-class locations with genuine care for all travel occasions," said Paul Cahill, senior vice president of brand management for Marriott Hotels & Resorts.

The Jaipur Marriott combines a sense of place with the latest style and design of Marriott Hotels & Resorts.  The plush, earthy tones and the light, airy interiors decorated with Rajasthani murals, latticework carvings and iconic stone carved elephants create an inimitable aura. The leather and wood combination on the ceilings, and water cascading on glass throughout the hotel makes it a welcoming universe.

The heart and social hub of the hotel is the lobby which incorporates two of the hotel's seven food and beverage outlets. The Jaipur Baking Company adapts the classic pastry shop, with an interactive open baking area serving freshly baked pastries and cakes, alongside wonderful pastas, salads and sandwiches. Lounge 18 is divided into clearly defined zones such as social, business and individual where guests enjoy the lounge depending on whether they are working, socializing or just relaxing with a drink.

For all-day dining, Okra features international cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting. Aqua, the pool bar and deli will provide a wonderful escape from the city and the Rajasthan summer.

The Jaipur Marriott is equipped to host meetings, wedding parties and conventions on a scale previously not seen in Rajasthan, with two ballrooms; nine break away venues; four meeting rooms; a lawn for outdoor functions; and a 43,000-square-foot meeting room for grand functions.,

Coming soon will be Saffron, a fine dining Indian restaurant combining the rich tapestry of the sub-continent's culinary influences from Maharajas' palaces to quintessential Indian street food; Alto Vino, a modern and stylish Italian restaurant; and a multi-level nightclub with a stylish, sophisticated and contemporary atmosphere. The Quan Spa, will offer 10,000 square feet of space for complete rejuvenation and fitness, with a an adult and kids' pool. 

Even before the hotel opened, it was showcasing its unique food and beverage services in the exemplary Marriott manner at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament for VVIPs, VIPs and of course for the members of Rajasthan Royals, as the official hospitality partner for the home team.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International's signature and most widely distributed brand, with more than 500 hotels and resorts in 54 countries.  Marriott continues to inspire provide a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com.  Follow Marriott Hotels & Resorts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MarriottHotels.

About Marriott International, For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

 

Jaipur Marriott Lobby, Lounge 18
Jaipur Marriott, Pool & Aqua Pool Bar
Jaipur Marriott, Deluxe Guest Room

 

Soldiers of Kokoda 2011

An epic journey undertaken by Australian soldiers who have suffered battle casualties from Afghanistan

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority is pleased to announce that from 13-22 July 2011 25 young Australian soldiers, who have been injured serving in Afghanistan, will undertake a commemorative expedition of the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.  This trek is led by Brian Freeman, principle of Adventure 1000, and supported by General Peter Cosgrove AC MC who will join them during the trek.

The trek will end with a moving ceremony at the Isurava Memorial on the Kokoda Trail on 20 July 2011, acknowledging the sacrifices and efforts of Service Personnel.

Over 40 Australians will join the inspiring trek which will recognise the sacrifices of all Australian service personnel, serve as a part of the rehabilitation process for these returned soldiers and highlight importance of preserving sites like the Kokoda Track as reminders of Australian wartime history and individual sacrifice. 

All 25 soldiers participating in the trek are young men who have suffered battle casualties while on service in Afghanistan and the trek will be an important part of their rehabilitation.  The majority of soldiers are based in Brisbane from the Second Combat Engineer Regiment. 

One soldier, Damien Thomlinson, a member of the Elite 2 Commando Regiment based in Sydney, will be making the trek with the use of prosthetic legs, after suffering injuries from an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in April 2010.   Also proud father, Ray Palmer, is walking with Damien and the soldiers in honour of his son, Scott Palmer, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan while on duty in June 2010. Scott Palmer and Damien Thomlinson served together and Scott came to Damien's aid and saved his life during his accident.   

Brian Freeman, principle of Adventure 1000, believes this trip will provide families and friends of Australian Soldiers with the chance to acknowledge the sacrifices they've made in Afghanistan.

"This unique opportunity will allow everyday Australians to recognise the efforts and sacrifices of all soldiers including those who have recently served in Afghanistan.  Additionally, they will also be assisting the rehabilitation and well-being of Australian Soldiers wounded on Active Service in Afghanistan," stated Freeman.

The trek will also highlight the importance of maintaining the Kokoda Track as a central commemorative site in Australian war history and the importance of continuing to maintain these sites and support the local communities who fought alongside Australians during WWII.

In recent years significant investment has been committed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA), which has been supported by a joint initiative between the Australian and Papua New Guinea governments to protect the Kokoda Track, to improve safety and operations and contribute to local communities along the trek.  In the past two years the KTA has delivered over $185,000 in cash and supplies to the Kokoda Track Communities as a direct dividend of the collection of trekking fees from the increasing number of Australians taking the trek.

Peter Vincent CEO of the Papua New Guinea Promotion Authority comments:  "This epic trek of the Kokoda trail will raise awareness of the importance of the track for Australians and inspire others to follow in the footsteps of these brave Australian soldiers.  Completing the Kokoda trail allows visitors to get into the heart of Papua New Guinea, achieve an amazing physical accomplishment and mark their respect to Australian wartime history. However, many Australians who make the trek are not aware of the contribution they are also making to the development and livelihood of the communities along the trek and this is also an important part of the journey."

 www.papuanewguinea.travel / www.facebook.com/papuanewguinea.travel

www.adventure1000.com.au


About the Kokoda Track
Commencing at Kokoda Village, this trek follows the 96 kilometre Kokoda Trail to the south across the Owen Stanley Range to Ower's Corner.  The trekkers will be spoilt by a backdrop of pristine rainforest wilderness and pass by and interact with local villages providing a unique cultural perspective.

The track stretches through what is arguably some of the most rugged and wild jungle in the world. Built over 200 years ago as a commuting route between villages, the track became the scene of bitter fighting between Australian and Japanese soldiers in 1942.  It was on Kokoda that the myth of Japanese invincibility was broken for the first time.    Today battle sites are still evident throughout the jungle, marked by the weapon pits of the combatants.  

Hayman Island to Re-open

Excitement is building in the Whitsundays as multi-award winning Hayman is on track to reopen on 1 August 2011.

The temporary closure of the resort to undertake repair and rectification works was a result of damage caused by Tropical Cyclones Anthony and Yasi, which passed over the island on 30 January and 2 February 2011.

The works include key guest and accommodation areas, activity facilities and essential infrastructure. And as part of the works program, acclaimed landscape designer, horticulturalist and personality, Jamie Durie has been engaged to replant and rejuvenate the garden landscapes which have long provided an incredible backdrop to the resort. The gardens are progressing very well and a beautiful botanic garden will soon be revealed.

Furthermore, new restaurant concepts are being introduced in both Azure and in the new Fontaine restaurant, which is set to become Australia’s signature resort restaurant. Fontaine will feature indoor and outdoor dining and innovative, contemporary Australian cuisine perfectly paired with a comprehensive selection of wines from our cellar.

Works are also occurring in the Hayman Activities Centre which will feature new tennis courts and indoor outdoor recreation, sports and fitness facilities.

There’s never been a better time to holiday in the Whitsundays, with our Winter minimum temperatures most major cities' maximums....
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