| TourEast London Travel Trade Update THE TOURISM VOICE OF EAST LONDON |
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October
2006
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Inside This Issue...FOCUS: The Curve Restaurant & Bar at Marriott West India Quay New Information Point at Tower gateway DLR Station New Weekly Fine Food Market Launched in Spitalfields E1 City Cruises Launches its Commentary System in Chinese Developments in The Pool of London New Exhibitions at the Museum of London and Museum In Docklands The Walk The Olympic Park Guide 5 Stars Awarded to the Grainstore Apartments at ExCeL London Are Chinese and Indian Airline Markets Overhyped and Overstated? |
WelcomeDear ColleagueWelcome to the TourEast London Travel Trade Update packed with developments and destination news, plus reasons why you should be including east London product in your London packages. TourEast London works with the best tourism suppliers and can suggest new itineraries, undiscovered places to visit, comfortable beds to sleep in, venues to meet in and how to get the right information and the local contacts. This edition features World Travel Market, new leisure and trade guides and opportunities to participate in familiarisation trips. Use the contents menu on the left to browse articles in this newsletter, or simply scroll down the page. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@visiteastlondon.co.uk. Recommend this newsletter to a colleague by telling them to send an email to info@visiteastlondon.co.uk with 'SUBSCRIBE TT NEWSLETTER' in the subject bar. Visit www.visiteastlondon.co.uk/grouptravel.html for all you need to know to plan a successful trip to London, from quirky attractions, colourful markets and great London icons to a range of coach parking and tour guide services Best Wishes TourEast London N.B. Should you not wish to receive news from TourEast London, please reply with 'UNSUBSCRIBE TRADE' in the subject line. |
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World Travel Market News - 6th to 9th November 2006 at ExCeL London Be the First to Find Out What’s New in London in 2007 - Visit Stand L3081 SO WHAT’S NEW? New attractions
New hotels - Two brand new 4 star Hilton Hotels, one right in the heart of the Pool of London, located at More London, the other at Canary Wharf, which is fast becoming a popular shopping and riverside dining destination. The hotels offer modern, contemporary accommodation with a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and business and conference facilities. A brand new Raddison Edwardian hotel will also open near ExCeL London in 2007.
The latest edition of the Essential Venue Guide for London Eastside features more than 60 venues (spanning over 950 years), in this emerging part of London, including 17 new venues that are featured for the first time. Some of the more unique venues include London’s only lighthouse, and two World Heritage Sites. The guide has several new features including incentive listings, and enhanced ‘quick reference’ listings which are useful when trying to source venues that have specific features. For further information rob.ellwood@towerhamlets.gov.uk Included in this guide, are several products from Maritime Greenwich, who are about to make huge investment into their MICE portfolio. The most exciting of these has to be the amazing new facilities on board the Cutty Sark, due for completion in 2008. For further information on Maritime Greenwich call 020 8 269 5444 and ask sales staff for further information or visit www.greenwichwhs.org.uk Representatives from Greenwich and Tower Hamlets will be at the New London stand L3081 on Tuesday 7th November.
Visitors will also be able to pick up an essential New London Visit Planner CD-Rom and enter a daily prize draw to win a weekend break in New London and experience the vibrancy of New London first hand by giving in their business cards at the New London stand – L3081. For further information contact Mary Tebje: mary@visiteastlondon.co.uk ^ top ^ |
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TourEast London Update Familiarisation Trip Invitation TourEast London will be running destination-themed fam trips, offering a flavour of east London for UK-based members of the travel trade this Winter.
The first run of 600,000 copies of the new TEL leisure guide ‘Discover Another Side of London’ has been printed and distribution has started. The format and content has changed substantially from previous guides, and are based around the tourism clusters of: Maritime Greenwich, Deptford, ExCeL London Campus, Stratford, Docklands & Canary Wharf, Spitalfields & Brick Lane and the Pool of London. If you would like to receive free copies of the new guide, please email info@visiteastlondon.co.uk with quantities required and delivery contact details. NB. For reference, there are 540 copies in 1 box should you wish to order large quantities for distribution to guests/visitors. If you wish to receive just one copy or a few copies for your own use please use our contact page. Updated Travel Trade Guides for east London The new travel trade guide invites you to explore a new side of London and extensively covers shopping, eating, itnieraries, attractions, accommodation and events in Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, Brick Lane & Spitalfields, Canary Wharf, the Pool of London, Stratford, ExCeL London and Deptford. You will also find information on how to get to us, getting around in the area, coach parking and tour guides. To obtain the new travel trade guide, please download a copy for free from www.visiteastlondon.co.uk/business/businesshome.html ^ top ^ |
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FOCUS: The Curve Restaurant & Bar at Marriott West India Quay HotelA New Restaurant for Fish Lovers The restaurant now offers a fabulous selection of fish and seafood sourced from the neighbouring Billingsgate Fish Market. T here is also a selection of meat and poultry dishes available from the grill. At Curve, the menus have been created by Chef Jolly. Starters include delicious dishes such as Lobster Ravioli and Shellfish Bisque, while mains feature mouthwatering Seared Red Mullet Fillets with Plum Tomato, Basil Tart and Tapenade, as well as favourites such as Dover Sole (grilled or buttered). The desserts are cooked to perfection and include the Ultimate Chocolate Brownie and the Oven Roasted Pistachio. To complement the new menu, the 90-seat restaurant has been refurbished to give a contemporary new look with dark wood flooring, deep blue and ochre walls, and a separate new 25-seat bar area. Running along the total length of the restaurant is a striking curved wall of floor-to-ceiling glass from which Curve Restaurant takes its name.
For those looking to dine al fresco into the autumn months there is a large terrace with fantastic views overlooking the tranquil waters of West India Quay, Docklands and Canary Wharf. Curve Restaurant & Bar, 22 Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, London E14 4ED. Tel: 020 7093 1000 For further information please contact Gareth Greening on 020 7517 2880 or gareth.greening@marriotthotel.com Click here to visit the Marriott West India Quay website ^ top ^ |
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New Information Point at Tower Gateway DLR Station
For further information contact Manjeet Briah on 020 7363 9622 or manjeet.briah@dlr.co.uk Click here to visit the DLR website ^ top ^ |
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New Weekly Fine Food Market Launched in Spitalfields E1
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall attended the official launch of the market on 5th October 2006. The event was also attended by locals, press and friends of the market along with two-Michelin-starred chef Shane Osbourne from Pied A Terre.
The Fine Food Market takes place 3 days a week on Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 10am – 5pm in Crispin Place off Brushfield Street, E1. For further information or images please contact Lisa Ispani 020 7034 0200 or lisai@meenakhera.com Click here to visit the Spitalfields E1 website ^ top ^ |
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City Cruises Launches its Commentary System in Chinese
The Approved Destination Status (ADS) that the UK gained with China, prompted City Cruises to develop its website in Chinese and the expansion of the onboard commentary system, to include a version in Chinese, was the next step in the plan to tap into this emerging market. City Cruises offers an extensive range of sightseeing, entertainment and charter services in addition to operating the restaurant ship The R.S. Hispaniola. For further information call City Cruises on 020 7740 0400 or click here to visit the City Cruises website. ^ top ^ |
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Developments in The Pool of LondonThe Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret has undergone a major refurbishment this year and a new attraction will soon be unveiled at the London Dungeon where two thousand years worth of the darkest chapters of Britain’s past are brought to life with the aid of special effects, atmospheric sets and live actors. There is also an updated map guide for the Pool of London, packed full of eating, shopping, visiting and family friendly ideas for visitors to the area. Click here to download a copy or go to the contact page to order a free copy. Click here to visit the Pool of London Partnership website ^ top ^ |
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New Exhibitions at the Museum of London and Museum In Docklands
Belonging: Voices of London’s refugees, from 27th October until 25th February 2007 at the Museum of London, brings together interviews, photographs, art and film from London’s many refugee communities in a personal and poignant exhibition. Full information about events and collections at the Museum of London and Museum in Docklands can be found at www.museumoflondon.org.uk and www.museumindocklands.org.uk ^ top ^ |
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New Website for Newham 2012 London Borough of Newham has launched a new website to keep residents, businesses and tourists up to date on the London Games, what is happening in Newham and how to get involved. Visit www.newham.com/2012Games today - see birdseye views of the Olympic Park from our onsite webcam and find out how to Walk the Olympic Park. Register before 31st October 2006 for your chance to win £100. The Walk the Olympic Park Guide
For more information on the Olympics, please visit www.london2012.org or www.newham.com/2012Games ^ top ^ |
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Christmas Skating, Festivals and Markets
After your skate, do some seasonal shopping at Christmas markets in Greenwich, the Pool of London and Canary Wharf. On 6th December, head to the Deptford Town Centre Christmas Festival to enjoy Christmas carols, a procession to the Albany with mince pies and hot drinks, and to watch special guest Chris Difford of legendary band Squeeze switch on the Christmas lights. For further information please visit www.visiteastlondon.co.uk ^ top ^ |
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5 Stars Awarded to the Grainstore Apartments at ExCeL London
Simply Apartments have also recently added two new spacious penthouse apartments, thus further increasing the choice and variety of apartments on offer to clients and guests. For further information please contact Nicky Bloom on 0208 598 4059 or nicky@simplyapartments.co.uk Click here to visit the Simply Apartments website |
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Events at ExCeL London
Running alongside the London Kart Show, the London Motorsport Show will also take place on the 9th and 10th December. The exhibition is a showcase for British Motorsport. It covers everything from karting to Formula 3, track day to rally, historic to hill climb. If you are interested in motor sport, as a spectator or if you want to start racing ion any shape or form, then you cannot afford to miss this show! Visitors will see many of the top chassis and engine suppliers as well as a whole host of race wear and performance enhancing equipment and accessory suppliers. The London Boat Show, in association with the Daily Mail, make a welcome return to ExCeL London from the 5th-14th January. The new-look show offers visitors the biggest and best range of boats, clothing, holidays, advice, plus a host of new attractions. with over 700 exhibitors, a show marina, Naval Frigate, great food, drink and entertainment you are sure to find that your new adventure starts at the London Boat Show! Click here to visit the ExCeL London corporate website. ^ top ^ |
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Are Chinese and Indian Airline Markets Overhyped and Overstated? A study on China and India shows despite their huge population base do not support the theory postulating that both countries represent the future market growths in the long-haul airline passenger markets. The study, by renowned think-tank Boston Consulting Group (BCG) on the impact of China and India on future long-haul travel market, revealed that the two economic giants' effects on the international airline industry have been “greatly overstated and overhyped.” The study further showed that China will only start to show significant growth in outbound traffic by 2030 and India by 2040. ^ top ^ |
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London Street Market Walks
For further information email sandra_shevey@yahoo.com ^ top ^ |
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New Docklands Light Railway Eating and Drinking Guide Listed in the guide are pubs, bars and restaurants within a short walking distance of DLR stations and a comprehensive map. There is something to suit all tastes, from pub grub and buffets to fine wines and culinary delights. The new guide is available from Tower Gateway information point or by calling customer services on 0207 363 9700. The guide can also be ordered from the TourEast London contact page. Click here to visit the DLR website^ top ^ |
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Useful Links^ top ^ |
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Improve your London package for 2007 by visiting the New London stand (L3081) at World Travel Market 2006, where you will be able to update your knowledge of products and services along this special part of the River Thames. New London is made up of four unique London destinations on the River Thames - Bankside, Pool of London, Southwark and east London. Vibrant and dynamic, New London will be showcasing the exciting new attractions and infrastructure due to open between now and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 
In June 2007, the Royal Observatory, Greenwich opens four new galleries exploring astronomy, adding to the new Time Galleries opened in 2006 and the new 120-seat Peter Harrison Planetarium, the only planetarium in London. 
Updated Travel Trade Visit Planner – a comprehensive resource available from Stand L3081 designed specifically for the travel trade that includes information on the following:
New transport infrastructure – the new efficient Docklands Light Railway (DLR) link between London City Airport to Canary Wharf and Bank and the soon to be opened Channel Tunnel Rail Link between St Pancras Station and the Channel Tunnel with a new station at Stratford, which will serve as a vital transport feed for the 2012 Games. A DLR representative will be on hand to answer any enquiries on Monday 6th November.
On 8th July 2007 the Tour de France will pass over Tower Bridge, the official start line of the 1st Stage, through Bermondsey and Deptford to Greenwich where they will cross the Greenwich Meridian Line, where all time zones are measured from. There will be plenty of photo opportunities and lots of special events are planned around this stage of the race. 
New Visitor Guides
Curve Restaurant & Bar, set within the five-star Marriott West India Quay, has been brilliantly transformed to create a whole new dining experience. 
Curve also boasts an oyster bar with high stool seating for six guests. This white mosaic bar, which is topped with an expanse of stainless steel, is one of the main focal points of the restaurant and is the perfect place to while away an evening with friends. 
The new Customer Information Point at Tower Gateway provides passengers with information on a number of leisure destinations and venues across east London and south east London. DLR's own leaflets on Eating & Drinking, Greenwich & Docklands Time Out Guide, How to use the DLR are available along with leaflets from partners on what to do and where to go. The Customer Service staff are also trained to help customers buy their tickets. The centre is open 10am - 6pm every day.
A new fine food market has launched in the heart of Spitalfields with over 20 traders displaying their cuisine at Spitalfields; all with a reputation for quality food and many of whom also trade at the renowned Borough Market. The emphasis is on quality traders who sell quality produce. 
Following the rejuvenation of Spitalfields there are now a host of independent specialist food shops surrounding the new Crispin Place and Bishops Square to compliment the fine food market, as well as several new independent restaurants. With all these culinary delights Spitalfields is set to become a much loved gastronomic hot spot.
City Cruises plc, the award winning riverboat operator in London, is continuing to target the Chinese outbound market with the launch of its unique multilingual commentary (RiverGuide) in Chinese, in time for the start of the winter season, on 1st November 2006. 
If you are updating your publications and websites, the Pool of London website has a free online image gallery so you can download photographs of the area, including shots of HMS Belfast, the Design Museum, Tower Bridge plus, summer and winter photos in the Pool. Images are updated regularly so bookmark the website for future reference. For free registration for the image library visit - 
Step inside the Museum of London or Museum in Docklands for an unforgettable journey through the world’s most fascinating city and an epic 2000 year story of trade, expansion and immigration. Coming up at the Museums this autumn: 
Journey to the New World at the Museum in Docklands, from 23rd November until May 2007, charts the links between London and the New World to mark the 400 th anniversary of the first English settlement in Jamestown, Virginia. 
A new walking guide to the Olympic Park allows local residents and visitors to see exactly how hosting the Games will transform London’s Lower Lea Valley, providing much-needed facilities for the local community. The 'Walk the Olympic Park' guide has been produced by the five Olympic host boroughs: Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. It details four walks through the region, taking in points of local interest and passing the sites of key 2012 venues. The Olympic Park North Walk begins at Leyton tube station, and takes in the sites of the Olympic Village, Hockey Centre, Velopark and Multi-sport Arenas. The Olympic Park South Walk departs from Bromley-by-Bow station and takes in the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre sites. The river area walks cover Maritime Greenwich, ExCeL and The O2. To request a free copy by post, email 
This winter combine Christmas activities and London sightseeing with a quick spin around the Tower of London ice rink, offering a unique Christmas ice skating experience in truly memorable surroundings. The ice rink is open from 25th November until the 14th January 2007. Further festive skating can be enjoyed between the magnificent colonnades of the Old Royal Naval College between 2nd December 2006 and 14th January 2007. The Canary Wharf Ice Rink is once again set in Canada Square Park amongst the famous towers in Canary Wharf between 19th November 2006 and 18th January 2007. The year’s event will be bigger than ever, with a beautiful open air ice rink and an Alpine Café and Bar. 
Following the recent inspection by Quality in Tourism, The Grainstore Apartments at Excel London managed by Simply Apartments have been awarded a 5 star rating. The assessor was particularly impressed by the quality and specification of the apartments and commented on the high standard of presentation throughout. 
The London Kart Show transfers to ExCeL London and will take place on 9th and 10th December. The first and most critical step for a career or hobby in motorsport and, without a doubt, the most fun! Discover and buy everything you need for this exciting and affordable sport - chassis, engines, clothing and timing equipment. Plus free workshops on driving skills and kart preparation. An absolute must whether you are just starting or a seasoned professional.
Sandra Shevey has been defending London's oldest markets since first becoming aware of the threat to their survival in consequence of the gentrification and suburbanisation of London.
She began her street market walks in 1990 and as well as running the walks independently, Sandra has teamed up with Westminster City Archives and the Museum of London to offer a series of educational programmes.
DLR have launched a new eating and drinking guide, encouraging local residents and visitors to visit the best pubs, bars and restaurants in east and south-east London.