On the initiative of the European Parliament the European Commission launched the European Capital of Smart Tourism to recognize outstanding achievements in smart, innovative, sustainable and inclusive tourism by European cities. Tourism is the EU’s third largest socio-economic activity – it represents almost 10% of EU GDP and supports 25 million jobs. By rewarding exemplary practices of smart tourism, the European Union seeks to encourage innovation at the level of tourism destinations, culturally diverse and inclusive tourism offers and highlight the multi-faceted contribution of tourism to sustainable development.

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Two European cities that demonstrate innovation, creativity and excellence in four categories - accessibility, sustainability, digitalization, cultural heritage and creativity - will be awarded the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism 2019.The awarded achievements will be presented in a special exhibition on the occasion of a prestigious Award Ceremony in Brussels on 7 November 2018, organized on the European Tourism Day.

<strong>Bucharest: Accor opens ibis Styles
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The capital City of Romania will see in 2018 the opening of the first ibis Styles Hotel. Offering 96 rooms, a restaurant, bar and a conference hall, the new unit uses the structure of the former Erbașu hotel (an investment of the Constructii Erbasu S.A Company).

Laurent Picheral, CEO Hotel Services - responsible for Germany, Poland, The Baltic, Central Europe, Scandinavia and The Balkans are -, said that Accor Hotels, operating through the Polish Orbis Group, 7 hotels in Romania, intents to double the number of its units in the country in the following years. The ibis Styles in Arad and Mercure hotel in Brasov are the next projects in line. „Our target is to have at least 20 hotels in Romania, but I can not give a final deadline for this project.” – added Picheral.

<strong>BOULEVARD could go luxury

</strong>After going through several stages of investments the Grand Hotel du Boulevard, one of the oldest historical hotels of Bucharest, will be affiliated to the Corinthia Hotels chain. The new luxury 5 stars unit will offer 60-70 rooms, and the management will be the subject of a franchise contract. The official ceremony for signing the partnership contract takes place on May 10th, the Day of The Romanian Monarchy, in the presence of the representatives of Corinthia Hotels, NIRO Investement Group and Beaufort Global Partners.

The building of the Boulevard hotel started in 1867 following the architectural project of the Romanian Alexandru Orăscu. The place opened in 1873 as Hotel Herdan and was renamed five years later Grand Hotel du Boulevard. Property of Nicolae Dumitru, of the NIRO Group, the hotel saw a 15 million euros investment in restauration works. The consultancy services of the future Corinthia are provided by Beaufort Global, a development and investments company having its offices in Dubai.

<strong>LAUSANNE + BUCHAREST
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Organized as a joined study programme of the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest (ASE) and École Hôteličre de Lausanne (EHL), The Strategic Management of Hospitality Programme presented its first generation of students.

The Aula Magna of ASE united both students and teachers, in the presence of the various personalities, from ambassadors to local educators. CEO Lausanne Hospitality Consulting - Yateendra Sinh, Development Director of Lausanne Hospitality Consulting - prof. dr. Ray Iunius, Prof univ. Dr. Gabriela Țigu – programme director of ASE, and Valentin Păuna from Metro Cash &amp; Carry Romania , have shared their experiences within the programme. After 198 hours of preparation and practice in the hospitality domain, guided by specialists from Lausanne and ASE, the students obtained a Certificate that is recognized by the Ministry of National Education in Romania and an Executive Education Certificate issued by École Hôteličre de Lausanne.

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<strong>SEE Untamed Romania
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” Untamed Romania” is the newest documentary about the wild beauties of Romania. In 90 minutes one travels in 8 National Parks, Natural Reserves and areals of the country, from the Carpathian Mountains to the Danube Delta, experiencing the greatness of the forests and the amazing unknown life of the bears, linx, black goats, wild horses and so many other animals in the wild areals of the country.

Off the Fence is the producer of the moovie and the Romanian actor Victor Rebengiuc tells the story for the local public, while the English version has the voice of the Brittish actor Mark Strong.

Untamed Romania is a project of Auchan Retail România and was concieved also as a mean to make local people more responsible in their actions in connection with the natural environment. „For the last 11 years Auchan has been involved in several projects for promoting social responsability in Romania. We strongly believe that this documentary can be one of the best Ambassadors of our country. ” Untamed Romania”  is a gift of Auchan and its 10.000 employees to all Romanian people” – said Ionuț Ardeleanu, General Director Auchan Retail Romania.

<strong>Radisson Blu for TIMIȘOARA
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Looks like the fourth Radisson Blu in Romania will show up in the western city of Timșoara. It will be built by Mulberry Development as a part of the new development area called ISHO, this last project including 1.000 apartments and 50.000 sqm of offices. The hotel will offer 160 rooms, restaurant, a concept bar, 1.000 sqm spaces for socializing and a fitness centre. The Rezidor Hotel Group estimates the construction of the new hotel will be finalized in 2020.