The Ascott Group of Singapore and Crown Dilmun, the parent company of Central Apartments have signed a joint venture agreement creating property vehicle with total assets of £150 million ($211 million), comprising 517 serviced apartment units in central London.
The Ascott Group is the largest serviced apartment company in the Far East managing 6,500 units. Under the joint venture, The Ascott Group will gain 783 units in the UK positioning the group as the largest serviced apartment operator in the country. The joint venture partners are targeting the creation of a total portfolio over the next five years of 2,500 serviced apartments. ¤¤¤¤¤ The AirTable air purifier, developed for use in hotel rooms, has won a major award at a leading hotel industry show. The AirTable, an innovative cleaner for hotel rooms which effectively purifies air by removing tobacco smoke, particles, and dust, won an award in the Furnishing & Fixtures category at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurants Show. "We are, quite naturally, proud that the hotel industry has acknowledged the AirTable," says the company's CEO, Stefan Jansson. "The product has been developed in close collaboration with a leading hotel chain in order to fulfill the industry's demands on effectiveness, functionality, and good design." During the event, AirTable's Swedish manufacturers, Airbite AB, received a substantial order from the American hotel market. ¤¤¤¤¤ The Ritz Hotel has received The Prince of Wales' Warrant for Banqueting and Catering Services. Royal Warrants are a mark of recognition to those who have regularly supplied goods or services for at least five years to certain members of the Royal Family. "The proprietors and all members of the staff are extremely proud of this association and the distinction of receiving this honour, particularly as The Ritz is the only hotel to have been accorded a Royal Warrant," said Giles Shepard, deputy chairman of The Ritz, London. ¤¤¤¤¤ KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Continental Airlines have implemented further elements of their cooperative marketing agreement, including extensive codesharing on European and US routes and reciprocal airport lounge access. Members of the two airlines' frequent flyer programs, Continental's OnePass and KLM's Flying Dutchman, can already earn and redeem points or miles on all flights operated by the other carrier. The two airlines provide business class check-in facilities and priority boarding to all Platinum, Gold and Silver Elite OnePass and Royal/Silver Wing Flying Dutchman members.