I recently had the chance to catch up with a fascinating man... Dr.Buhalis of the University of Surrey, at the Travel Distribution Summit in London. Dimitrios has had a long and distinguished career in eTourism and chaired the online marketing track at the conference. Here is a jist of my interview on behalf of the Talent Jungle Network with him...JJ
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Name: Prof Dimitrios Buhalis

Current Company and Title: Currently Leader eTourism Research at University of Surrey, From September 2007 Established Chair in Tourism, Bournemouth University

Sheraton Brand to Demo New Surface Computing Product To Enhance the Guest Experience Through Interactive Access to Photos, Music, Maps and More

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced today that it will be the first in the hospitality industry to debut Microsoft Surface, Microsoft's easy-to-use, surface computing product that breaks down the traditional barriers between people and technology, providing effortless interaction with digital content. Starwood will initially launch Surface at Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Starwood's largest and most global brand, where it will help bring interaction, connectivity and play to the Sheraton brand's new lobby experience, currently rolling out in key cities nationwide. With Surface's ability to provide guests with greater service, unique experiences and new forms of entertainment, Sheraton views it as a key component of its lobby transformation.

Just got back from the Travel Distribution Summit Europe 2007 in London (Business Design Centre 23-24th May, organized by EyeforTravel). Overall quite a good conference experience, with some good keynote debates, especially the discussion on Consumer Empowerment and Venturing into new territory (emerging markets like India and China). David Scowsill did a particularly good job of Chairing the keynote debates and Dr.Dimitrios Buhalis of Chairing the Online Marketing Track.

Announcing Innovative Partnerships between Le Méridien and Cultural Institutions Worldwide. Celebrated Artist Michael Lin to Create Artwork for Le Méridien Key Cards

Emphasizing its commitment to provide interactive cultural experiences as an integral part of the guest stay, Le Méridien is pleased to unveil “Unlock Art,” an innovative programme that provides access to local contemporary cultural institutions for Le Méridien hotel guests, aimed at awakening their creative curiosity. In the first phase Le Méridien is proud to announce that they have partnered with six of the world’s leading contemporary art institutions located in some the world’s most dynamic cities.

How does one choose the best hotel school? There are a myriad of choices ranging from business hotel schools to tourism schools...from Hotel Schools in popular destinations in Europe like Switzerland and London to International hotel schools all around the world. Here is an article that outlines 10 tips when choosing the best hotel school.



A guide for students and parents interested in hotel, hospitality and tourism schools or universities, by Jitendra Jain

Are you planning to study hotel management...or perhaps hospitality, tourism, business or a mix of one or more of these fields? With the myriad of choices out there, it is very easy to get lost or sidetracked into choosing the wrong institution. After all, education is big business these days...and hotel school marketers will go to great lengths to paint a rosy picture of their school and facilities.

When running a search on the internet for hotel and hospitality schools, one is presented with hundreds of options and adverts...breaking through the clutter can be quite difficult. Here are a few tips on some of the basics to look for when choosing a good hotel or tourism school:

Dubai, UAE , May 2007 - Readers of Business Traveller Middle East magazine voted Sheraton as Best Business Hotel chain in the Middle East; and, for the fifth consecutive year, voted Starwood Preferred Guest as Best Hotel Loyalty Program during the magazine’s annual award ceremony held in Dubai on the eve of Arabian Travel Market on April 30th.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts shone at the MENA Travel Awards 2007, with hotels in the group scooping up titles in 7 categories. The hotels in Dubai in particular featured the strongest performance, with Grosvenor House in the limelight. A breakdown:

Best Spa
- Grosvenor House [Platinum]
- Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Dubai [Gold]

Best 5 Star Leisure Hotel
- Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Dubai [Platinum]

Continuing its strong drive towards lifestyle branding and an elemental feel, Westin Hotels & Resorts has announced yet another first-in-class initiative with the Renewal Council - more details in the official release below:

Westin Hotels Recruits 'Renewal Council' to Lead New Lifestyle Initiatives: Lifestyle Experts to Advise and Create Content for Industry's First Signature In-Room TV Channel and New Renewal Website

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. May 16, 2007 - Westin Hotels & Resorts today announces the formation of the Westin Renewal Council, a panel of six lifestyle experts who will advise on initiatives that bring to life the brand's positioning of personal renewal. Westin partnered with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) of Los Angeles to identify top experts to provide tips and editorial content for a new dedicated website along with the hotel industry's first signature in-room television channel. The Renewal Council--which includes trainer to the stars David Kirsch, renowned psychologist Dr. Dale V. Atkins and TV's home-makeover consultant Vern Yip--will provide a full range of advice that will help guests lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

Be inspired. Journey on a new life path at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and be part of a fresh beginning. Seeking highly motivated senior and line management experienced within the following departments:

- Front Office.
- Food & Beverage
- Kitchen
- Spa & Recreation

For more information about the opportunites available, please visit www.minacareers.com

The Talent Jungle presents our featured hotelier, our "chosen one". This feature highlights the talented and devoted professionals in the hotel & hospitality industry and brings out their epxeriences, strengths, background and more...in an effort to build a base of knowledge and connect people together.

Name: Dr. Marc D. Clark

Current company and title: Dr. Marc Clark, President & CEO, author, professional speaker, business consultant, and entrepreneur, M. Douglas Clark & Associates/SmartBizzOnline.com, www.smartbizzonline.com

By Jeff N Ross, Managing Director, Hospitality Graduate Recruitment, www.h-g-r.com

As the key hospitality industry benchmarks forecast continued positive growth in the coming years, hospitality employers are under increasing pressure to explore and capitalise upon as diverse a range of recruitment channels as possible. One such channel is hospitality graduate recruitment – targeting undergraduates, graduates and alumni, from hotel schools and universities globally.

The Westin Brand Makes Its Debut In The United Arab Emirates with the Signing of the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, ATM 2007 - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. ® (NYSE: HOT) announced the signing of its Westin flagship hotel in the United Arab Emirates, the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Virtual Visitors Invited to Meet the Real-World aloft Team Tuesday, May 8th, 8 PM ET/5PM Second Life time

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 2007--aloha! aloft hotels worldwide today announced the reopening of its newly renovated virtual hotel, aloft SL. On Tuesday, May 8, 2007, aloft will reveal its new design strategy, based on important feedback from Second Life(R) residents, underscoring aloft's commitment to responding to consumer feedback and to building the world's best select service hotel brand.