LONDON--World Travel Market opened Monday with some attendees watching a black cloud of smoke hover over much of London. It turned out that the cloud came from a fire in a condemned warehouse out by the buildings being constructed for the 2012 Olympics.
The incident, while a big item on the evening news, caused virtually no interruption to the show, which is held annually at Excel London in the Victoria Docklands section of London. Inside the conference center, spirits were high as exhibitors from all over the world (think Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Antigua and Dubai all under one roof) gathered to promote their latest offerings to attendees.
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts was there, touting its "Grand" collection, which includes several of its "jewel" properties such as the newly renovated Rio Mar resort in San Juan and the Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour.
Taj Hotels, meanwhile, announced it is opening a hotel in Thimpu, Bhutan, in January. The Taj Thimphu will be the most luxurious hotel the remote Himalayan kingdom has seen. The hotel will provide air conditioning, an uncommon amenity in the high-altitude destination.
Watch for more news from World Travel Market in this space throughout the week. (RT)