Weekly transport and tourism agenda: ITB Berlin

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ITB Berlin, the world's largest and most influential travel show, opens March 10. Exhibitors from countries from all four corners of the earth will be on show, along with spectacular displays and exhibitions from the country of honor, Turkey.

MSC Magnifica Maiden Voyage
March 7
Hamburg, Germany

The fourth ship in MSC's "Musica" class includes a 4D cinema onboard, four pools and an onboard spa. Sixty-five percent of guest rooms will feature a balcony and the ship will be able to carry 3,013 guests. A host of celebrities are expected at the christening ceremony on the evening of March 6, including screen legend Sophia Loren.
http://www.msccruises.com

ITB Berlin
March 10-14
Berlin, Germany

The largest travel fair in the world welcomed 179,000 visitors last year, from 187 countries. Summits on social media and travel, "Aviation Day" and "Hospitality Day" are likely to provide an insight on news and trends in the industry. Turkey is this year's official partner country. The event is open to the general public March 13-14.
http://www.itb-berlin.de

World Travel Awards Nominations Announced
March 10

Tourism bodies from 162 countries vote for the World Travel Awards, which announces its nominations March 10. The awards are presented in a series of gala ceremonies held around the world, which begin in Dubai on May 3 and end with the grand gala on November 7 in London.
http://www.worldtravelawards.com/

Ritz-Carlton LA Live Opens
March 15
Los Angeles, California, USA

The Ritz-Carlton tops - metaphorically and literally - the enormous LA Live, a $2.5bn (€1.85bn) downtown Los Angeles sports, residential and entertainment district. The hotel will offer 123 rooms in the 54-storey tower.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com

Universal Studios Singapore opens
March 18
Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is the final - and arguably grandest - addition to the Resorts World Sentosa "integrated resort." The theme park features areas themed around movie classics such as Jurassic Park and Shrek and a replica of Hollywood Boulevard and New York City.
http://www.rwsentosa.com/

Armani Hotel Opens
March 18
Dubai, UAE

The world's first Armani hotel opens in the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. 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/

Trump SoHo Hotel Opens
April 9
New York, USA

The 46-storey luxury Trump SoHo is now confirmed for an April 9 opening. Suites include floor-to-ceiling windows and the hotel boasts an indoor-outdoor pool area with private cabanas and outdoor deck.
http://www.trumpsohohotel.com

P&O Azura Naming Ceremony
April 10
Southampton, UK

Ballet superstar Darcey Bussell will smash the bottle against P&O Cruises' latest ship, the 115,000 ton Azura. The liner can carry 3,100 passengers and 1226 crew and features ten restaurants and a 750-seat theater.
http://www.pocruises.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