InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa Bora Bora received a “Save the Planet Award” at an award ceremony that was held at the Rayburn Building of the US Capitol on June 5, 2007. This is a recognition from the Asian Leaders Association’s “Race To Save The Planet Initiative” which honors hotels and organizations who, through innovative management and programs, are leading the way in preventing the further erosion of the environment.

The award to the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is based on the resort’s revolutionary eco-friendly air-conditioning system which pumps ice cold, deep sea water through a titanium heat exchanger, transferring the cold into the fresh water circuit that then powers the air conditioning throughout the hotel. In addition, the pure sea water is also used at the Deep Ocean Spa.

Travel + Leisure readers ranked Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa, Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa, and the Hotel Bora Bora among the Top Ten resorts in the South Pacific for Best Service! The Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards survey asks its well traveled readers to name the best of destinations, hotels, resorts, and travel companies.

For more information on T+L’s World’s Best Awards, please click here.

         

It’s almost time for Heiva I Tahiti! Heiva, one of the most culturally inspiring Tahitian events is held annually for almost the entire month of July. This year, the javelin throwing, stone lifting, fruit carrying, coconut tree climbing, canoe racing, and world renown Tahitian dance will begin on July 1st.

Please [file:HEIVA I TAHITI English.doc]click here[/file] to download the schedule of Heiva I Tahiti 2007.

SETIL-Aéroports announced a $350,000 USD construction project on the Tahiti-Faa’a airport. This involves a 160 meter covered walkway which extends from the main building to the tarmac.

Ghazal Malekpour has been appointed the new Sales Manager for Bora Bora Lagoon Resort, an Orient Express property. Ghazal is based in Los Angeles and will be an integral part of the U.S. sales team.

Ms. Malekpour brings to her position an in-depth knowledge of the islands of Tahiti, having worked for two highly respected Tahiti wholesalers over the past seven years: Brendan Vacations and Pleasant Holidays. Her experience in selling and marketing Tahiti is combined with her love and enthusiasm for the destination.

Ghazal can be reached at gmalekpour@bblr.net or (818) 668-9475.

JoAnn Kurtz-Ahlers has been appointed the new Sales Representative of Bora Bora Cruises for North America. Ms. Kurtz-Ahlers, a 25-year veteran of the hospitality and tourism industry, is founder and President of Kurtz-Ahlers & Associates, L.L.C., a skilled consulting and representation firm based out of San Juan Capistrano, California that provides sales and marketing strategies to hotels, corporations, and luxury products around the globe.

Prior to creating her company, JoAnn enjoyed a 15-year career with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel – including becoming the first female vice president in sales and marketing. During her tenure she led and oversaw business development worldwide including new and existing properties throughout the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

JoAnn is an active promoter of the hospitality industry. She has been recognized many times throughout her career including twice being named one of the “100 Most Powerful Women in Travel” by Travel Agent Magazine and was selected as one of Meeting News’ “25 Most Influential People.”

JoAnn can be reached at (949) 487-0522 or joann@kurtzahlers.com.

New General Manager: Denis LeNohaïc

Le Méridien Bora Bora is pleased to announce the appointment of Denis Le Nohaïc as their new General Manager. Prior to taking the reins at Le Méridien Bora Bora, Le Nohaïc spent the past two years as Resident Manager of Le Méridien Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During the previous decade, he held top management positions at four additional Le Méridien properties, including Le Méridien Mandji in Port-Gentil, Gabon (2000-2005); Le Méridien Chari in N’Djamena, Chad (1999-2000); Le Méridien Saint-François in Guadeloupe (1997-1999); and Le Méridien Leconi Palace in Franceville, Gabon (1996-1997).

Before moving up to management, Le Nohaïc held a series of food and beverage related positions, including F&B Manager, Executive Chef and Sous-Chef at various Le Méridien properties. He first joined the hotel group as Sous Chef of Le Clos Longchamp restaurant at Le Méridien Etoile in Paris in 1982.

New Director of Sales & Marketing – Nicolas Orget

Le Méridien Tahiti and Le Méridien Bora Bora have announced the appointment of Nicolas Orget as Director of Sales and Marketing. He is a talent in his field with broad international experience at luxury hotels including Le Méridien Copacabana and Le Méridien Nice.

Prior to joining Le Méridien in French Polynesia, Orget was General Manager of Elcotour, an incentive and specialty tour outfit based in Rio de Janeiro. Prior to that he spent several years with Le Méridien, first as Yield Manager for Le Méridien Nice from 1999-2001, and then as Director of Sales and Marketing for Le Méridien Copacabana from 2002-2005. Orget got his start in hospitality in the early 1990s with Hilton International, including assisting in the opening of Hilton properties in Bucharest and Jerusalem.

Esther Boudara has been appointed the new Resident Manager at the InterContinental Le Moana Resort Bora Bora, replacing Claude Pilet. Boudara graduated from Lausanne University in 2004 and has been working at InterContinental Le Grand Paris for two years.

Boudara, is not a stranger to Bora Bora and the InterContinental Management Team. She spent 3 months training the new staff for the opening of InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora from February to May 2006. Boudara started in her new position at InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort on April 1st and will work closely with Silvio Bion, General Manager of InterContinental Bora Bora Resorts.