Weekly transport and tourism agenda: China, Dubai hotels open

(InterContinental)

Two hotels could open this week, although one is more certain than the other. The only luxury hotel on the Shanghai Expo site is set to open its doors on April 19, and rumors abound that Armani's hotel at the Burj Khalifa will open on April 22, though no official confirmation from the firm itself.

InterContinental Shanghai Expo Opening
April 19
Shanghai, China

As the only luxury hotel on the Shanghai World Expo site, the InterContinental offers 400 rooms on 28 storeys with stunning views across the World Expo site. There will also be several standalone villas and five restaurants and bars.
http://www.ihg.com/shanghaiexpo

Armani Hotel Opening
April 22 (unconfirmed)
Dubai, UAE

Originally intended to open in March, the world's first Armani hotel set in the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, will reportedly open late, on April 22. With rooms and interiors designed by Giorgio Armani, the firm promises that this is the first of a set of global exclusive resorts - a second is due to open in Milan this spring.
http://www.armanihotels.com/

Emerging Markets Airports Awards
April 26
Dubai, UAE

The inaugural Emerging Markets Airports Awards will honor airport achievements in emerging markets such as the Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Baltic States. Best airports across all geographies will be recognized, along with the emerging markets' best green airport.
http://www.arabianreach.com/emaa/index.htm

Celebrity Eclipse Maiden Voyage
April 29
Southampton, UK

Featuring a perfectly-manicured "deck lawn" and an onboard Apple computer training center, the latest member of Celebrity Cruises' fleet will begin her season sailing Northern European cruises.
http://www.celebritycruises.com

Expo 2010
May 1 - October 31
Shanghai, China

Seventy million visitors are expected to flock to Shanghai for the World Expo, featuring exhibits from countries around the world. Highlighting the best of participating nations, from transport solutions to sporting excellence, the 200 pavilions have been designed in all manner of shapes and sizes.
http://en.expo2010.cn/

King Shaka International Airport Opens
May 1
Durban, South Africa

Opening a month in advance of the FIFA World Cup South Africa, which kicks off June 11, Durban's new international airport will dramatically expand transportation capacity in the region. Capable of handling larger planes, including the new A380, the airport is expected to handle 7.5 million passengers per year.
http://www.acsa.co.za/

Hamburg Port Birthday Celebrations
May 7- 9
Hamburg, Germany

Celebrations to mark the 821st birthday of Hamburg's massive port are set to include a parade of ships and port calls from some of the world's largest cruise liners. Onshore activities for the whole family will also take place over the weekend.
http://www.hamburg-tourism.de

Global Spa Summit
May 16-19
Istanbul, Turkey

The 4th annual Global Spa Summit brings together the cream of the world's spa industry to discuss innovations and opportunities for the future of the industry. Keynote speakers include medical professionals, spa and hotel owners.
http://www.globalspasummit.org/

Costa Navarino Opens
May 20
Messinia, Greece

Boasting Greece's first signature golf course, the Costa Navarino resort is set to be one of the most exclusive destinations on mainland Greece. The Romanos and Westin luxury hotels sit alongside the Troon golf course and 4,000 square meter Anazoe Spa. The Romanos is the first property onsite to open on May 20 while the Westin opens June 4.
http://www.costanavarino.com

Global Travel and Tourism Summit, Beijing
May 25-27
Beijing, China

The annual gathering of the world's tourism leaders is a landmark in the industry calendar and plays host to some of the most important announcements of the year. Amongst them, the 2010 Tourism for Tomorrow Award will recognize the world's leading examples of tourism best practice from 160 entrants around the globe.
http://www.globaltraveltourism.com/