Long-time Talent Jungle network partner Khem R Lakai interviews Mark Davidson in Nepal. Mark Davidson is a renowned Australian chief wine maker and Managing Director of Tamburlaine, the largest organic grape producing vineyards in Australia which is spread into over 140 hectors. Award winning organic series “Gestalt” ranges are already soaring new height in viticulture through innovative concept as the brand has made genuine commitment to minimizing its environmental impact over the past decade, analyzing each areas of its operations, including the vineyards, winery and waste management systems, to identify where improvements could be made. Revamping from the conventional viticulture to organic growing, Tamburlaine is working towards achieving a zero carbon footprints. 90% of wine produced in his vineyard is sold to the registered members only.

An interview with Swiss Master Baker Chef Willy Graf, who recently spoke to Food & Wine Magazine in Nepal. Mr. Graf has accumulated 11 international gold medals through his finest craftsmanship in bakery and chocolate arts in his near about 5 decades of career and has worked in leading hotels around the world and awarded for the same. Mr. Graf has not only worked together with leading celebrity chefs that includes internationally renowned names such as Anton Mosimann, Henery Haller and Kato Makoto, he has also leaded the most prestigious presidential banquet for John F. Kennedy, the former president of the US. We are glad to share his life long wisdom and tips for successful career.

A great (funny) look at the roles in the hotel industry - a new video from YoungHotelier.com titled "So you want to be a hotelier?"

The latest hotelier to jump onboard the blogging bandwagon is Brad Nelson, Marriott’s Culinary VP and Corporate Chef who aims to follow in the footsteps of Marriott’s big kahuna, Bill Marriott, by starting his own food blog titled "Marriott in the Kitchen".

Fleishman-Hillard, the communications company behind the buzz and PR, says "Brad travels all over the world, working with Marriott chefs to try new tastes, develop recipes and menus and gather more flavor for the company’s hundreds of restaurants. Collecting pictures (He’s also a photographer, natch) and recipes from his travels, he’s long wanted to share his traveling adventures, recipes and photos with the world"

On Wednesday January 23 2008, LTI – International Hotels and Pyramisa Hotels & Resorts, saw the official grand opening of their newest and largest Resort in Egypt, LTI – Pyramisa Beach Resort . With over 100 VIPS in attendance, the Minister of Tourism Mr.Zoheer Garanah and the General Abu Baker El Rashid, Governor of the Red Sea, officially opened LTI – Pyramisa latest addition to their portfolio.

Patrons of the Hotel & Hospitality industry (and certainly those that run it) are no stranger to the glitz and glamour associated with it. A world different than most, comprised of the most beautiful places, experiences, designs and gastronomic delights…all driven by the dynamic and hardy people who define the industry. But while we hear so much about the tangible elements of hospitality, it is rare to find a soulful look at the people who engineer the experiences that keep you coming back for more.

Four Points by Sheraton First-Ever Chief Beer Officer Evaluated after Six Months in Office. Performance Highlights Include New Website, Dedicated CBO Blog and Educating the Masses Around the World about Four Points Best Brews!

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2007--Beer in the boardroom - Corporate America was changed forever nearly six months ago when Four Points by Sheraton appointed the world's first-ever Chief Beer Officer(SM) (CBO), Scott Kerkmans. But, what makes a perfect CBO(SM)? With half a year under his belt, Kerkmans has undergone a detailed performance review to ensure that he is living up to his beer-loving title. With over 7,500 applicants having vied for this coveted, unprecedented executive title, many eyes are on the CBO.

I had the pleasure of getting some professional and personal insights from Pascal Bordat, who is a driving force behind the new online travel start-up, Sprice.com. Pascal tells us about the milestones along his journey here, and his views on online travel distribution and meta-search.

Name: Pascal Bordat

Current Company and Title: Co-Founder and Director of Sprice.com

[JJ] What do you currently do and what is your main professional focus?
[Pascal] I essentially focus on developing the revenues of Sprice.com worldwide with Travel Suppliers and advertisers. As well as extending the reach of Sprice.com in terms of countries.

White Plains, NY, August 31, 2007 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today that Frits van Paasschen, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Coors Brewing Company, will join Starwood as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 24. Mr. van Paasschen, who will relocate to the White Plains area, succeeds Bruce W. Duncan, who has served as interim CEO since April and will continue as Starwood's Chairman.

I had the pleasure and honor of doing an interview with Futurist Rohit Talwar recently, after his inspiring and dazzling presentation at the Travel Distribution Summit in London (eyefortravel TDS 2007 at the London Business Design Centre). In this special Talent Jungle People interview, Rohit tells us about his life, his approach to work and some trends related to hotels, travel, tourism and business in the Middle East, China, India and other emerging markets - JJ

Name: Rohit Talwar

Current Company and Title: CEO at Fast Future Ventures

We talk to Claire Steiner, a wonderfully personable and energetic person and a Director at the ITT UK, and find out about the Institute, her professional journey and the travel & tourism industry in the United Kingdom today.

Name: Claire Steiner
Current Company and Title: Director of Education and Training at The Institute of Travel and Tourism

[JJ] Please tell us a little about the Institute of Travel and Tourism

[Claire] The ITT is the largest professional membership organization in the UK for Travel and Tourism. The ITT is dedicated to raising standards for its members by working closely with employers to ensure the development of professionalism. In addition, the ITT provides members with a forum for the exchange of information as well as networking opportunities and member benefits.

I had the chance to catch up with someone special that I worked with not very long ago, in the field of online marketing & distribution. Her dazzling energy, charm and brains are quite a mix...and her adventurous spirit has taken her places on the globe and in business, where most would never dream of. I'm happy to introduce Noha Rizk, in a special Talent Jungle 'People' feature... JJ

Name: Noha Rizk

Current Company and Title: Asset Management Technologies - Managing Director

[JJ] Please tell us more about the company / projects you are currently working on?

[Noha] I'm currently working with banks on technologies that help them secure their loans, reduce delinquencies and cost of retention.

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

The Tourism & Hospitality Diaries welcomes its newest member and guest writer, Karen Bryan. Karen will be writing on Travel in Europe and related issues. An introduction by Karen, in her own words, follows...

February 23, 2007: Alumni from various Tourism, Hotel & Hospitality schools converged from all corners of Dubai (and beyond!) to attend the first "Reach-Out" in the UAE. The surprisingly positive turnout included over 15 alumni from schools including the Merit School Ooty, Merit Chennai, SSH / SSTH / HTF Passugg and the HTW Chur, Switzerland.