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Saturday, July 21, 2012
Aurora Shooting at Batman Showing Demands Action
20 Jul 2012 20:30 Africa/Lagos
Aurora Shooting at Batman Showing Demands Action, Says The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence
SAN FRANCISCO, July 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- We are deeply saddened and outraged by the mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado earlier today, and our thoughts are with all of those affected by this horrible tragedy. Already, politicians around the country have begun to offer their condolences to the survivors of this terrible event, as they do every time a mass shooting happens in America. Inevitably, these statements are long on good intentions but short on action.
The American people deserve better. All of us should be free to live our lives without being affected by gun violence. Instead, across the country, too many Americans are murdered by guns every single day. It's time to demand that our leaders go beyond offering condolences, and instead address these problems head-on.
It is simply far too easy for dangerous people to access military-style weapons. Something has to change. There are solutions to this epidemic. We know that smart gun laws save lives and we remain committed to fighting for safer communities.
The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence is available to answer questions about gun laws and gun violence in Colorado and across the country as well as strategies to reduce gun violence nationwide. www.smartgunlaws.org
SOURCE Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence
CONTACT: Robyn Thomas, +1-415-433-2062 x310, rthomas@smartgunlaws.org; or Ben Van Houten, +1-415-433-2062 x311, bvanhouten@smartgunlaws.org
Web Site: http://smartgunlaws.org/
Popular Nigerian Actor Jim Iyke In Fraud Scandal
Popular Nigerian Actor Jim Iyke In fraud Scandal
This might not be the best of times for Mr. Jim Iyke, do you guys still remember is sarcastic banter on twitter insulting all those who tried to help in get out of the mess with one Hajiya Habiba Abubakar, whom he had a business-gone-wrong relationship with, well the Hajiya is not letting Jim go on the cheap, she has decided to provide us with some juicy and elegant details to totally nail jim iyke including a mug shot taken in a Nigerian police station.
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Friday, July 20, 2012
Consumer Lifestyles in Nigeria
Nigerian consumers face a number of challenges, ranging from frequent power outings to higher fuel prices to poor infrastructure. As well, 60% live in absolute poverty and can only afford the necessities of food, shelter and clothing. Regardless, they constitute the most optimistic group of consumers in Africa. Demand for a wider range of products is expected to rise in coming years as a result of increasing oil revenues and more international companies moving into the country.
Euromonitor''s Consumer Lifestyles in Nigeria report analyses factors influencing national consumer expenditure. Consumer lifestyles reports include coverage of: population, urban development, home ownership, household profiles, labour, income, consumer and family expenditure, health, education, eating habits, drinking habits, shopping habits, personal grooming, clothing, leisure habits, savings and investments, media, communication, transport and travel and tourism. Use this report to understand the factors influencing a nation''s lifestyle choices.
Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.
Why buy this report?
* Get a detailed picture of the Consumer Lifestyles market;
* Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change;
* Understand the competitive environment, the market’s major players and leading brands;
* Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop.
Euromonitor International has over 40 years'' experience of publishing market research reports, business reference books and online information systems. With offices in London, Chicago, Singapore, Shanghai, Vilnius, Dubai, Cape Town, Santiago, Sydney, Tokyo and Bangalore and a network of over 800 analysts worldwide, Euromonitor International has a unique capability to develop reliable information resources to help drive informed strategic planning.
Download PDF copy of the complete report.
Published By: Euromonitor International
Product Code: Euromonitor International7609
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Routes and International Council of Tourism Partners Join Forces
19 Jul 2012 15:29 Africa/Lagos
Routes and International Council of Tourism Partners Join Forces
MANCHESTER, England, July 19, 2012/PRNewswire/ --
During the recent Routes Africa event, which took place 8-10 July in the Seychelles Routes, part of UBM Aviation and the International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) reached an agreement to work together to advance the understanding of the value of airline connectivity for destinations.
The two organisations will develop programmes around both World Routes and Routes' regional events that will give a clearer focus on the main trade, development, and human dimensions of connectivity. These workshops, conferences and other related activities will also identify the key challenges and explore practical ways to unlock the benefits, impacts and opportunities of sustainable aviation growth. The programmes will maintain a strong focus on promoting this type of growth to developing markets generally and the African market specifically.
Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture Alain St. Ange said that this had been a great week for the Seychelles: "To be a catalyst for new forms of collaboration between old friends is a very special privilege. We in turn pledge our support to the continuing work of ICTP and Routes, and to ensure that the unique spirit of the Vanilla Islands remains close to the accomplishments that I know will result from their work together."
David Stroud, Executive Vice President Airports for UBM Aviation Routes commented: "This is one of the really exciting outcomes of our very successful meeting here in the Seychelles. It was not only the biggest meeting on extending Africa services that we have ever held, but also the one where the most business ever was done between airlines, airports, and tourism authorities. Thanks to the inclusionary thinking of Minister St. Ange, we have had the opportunity to interact with ICTP, whose vision and global coverage fits closely with our own. We are both committed to promoting sustainable aviation growth."
These sentiments were echoed by Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of ICTP, who welcomed the opportunities to build the worldwide network of support for an expanding air transport system geared to green growth transformation saying: "It is very appropriate that we start here in Africa and in the Vanilla Islands, which depend on sustainable aviation growth for poverty reduction and lifestyle development. We will continue to keep these needs at the centre of our global collaboration with Routes."
Notes to Editors
About Routes
- Routes organises world-renowned airline and airport networking events
through its regional and global Route Development Forums. Each year, there is one
global event and one regional event in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas and CIS
respectively. http://www.routesonline.com
- Routes was founded in 1995 as part of the Manchester UK‐based ASM Ltd., a
consultancy specialising in the field of route development for airports.
http://www.asm-global.com
- Routes and ASM were acquired by UBM Aviation Worldwide Ltd in August 2010.
Routes is a UBM Aviation brand. UBM Aviation specialises in the supply of data and
information products, market intelligence, news and events related to the global
aviation industry. More information can be found at http://www.ubmaviation.com
About ICTP
- The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) is a grassroots
travel and tourism coalition of global destinations committed to quality service and
green growth.
- ICTP engages communities and their stakeholders to share quality and green
opportunities including tools and resources, access to funding, education, and
marketing support. ICTP advocates sustainable aviation growth, streamlined travel
formalities, and fair coherent taxation.
- ICTP supports the UN Millennium Development Goals, the UN World Tourism
Organization's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, and a range of programs that
underpin them.
- ICTP has members in Anguilla; Aruba; Bangladesh; Belgium, Belize; Canada;
China; Croatia; The Gambia; Germany; Ghana; Greece; Grenada; India; Indonesia; Iran;
Korea (South); La Reunion (French Indian Ocean); Malaysia; Malawi; Mauritius; Mexico;
Morocco; Nicaragua; Nigeria; Northern Mariana Islands (USA Pacific Island Territory);
Sultanate of Oman; Pakistan; Palestine; Rwanda; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; South
Africa; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Tajikistan; Tanzania; Trinidad & Tobago; Yemen; Zambia;
Zimbabwe; and from the US: Arizona, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Missouri,
Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
For more information, go to: http://www.tourismpartners.org
Source: UBM Aviation Routes Ltd
For further press information please contact: Victoria Jones, PR Executive, UBM Aviation Routes Limited, T: +44(0)161-234-2730, E: pr@routesonline.com, Follow us on twitter: @Routesonline, @TheHUBRoutes and @VictoriaRoutes.
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Move Over Asian Tigers, The African Lions Are Coming
Can African lions overtake Asia's tigers?
Africa's economies are developing in leaps and bounds and have enormous potential for growth, says Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. While companies still need strong nerves to secure a slice of the African marketplace, it's looking increasingly like it's the right time for African lions to take over the Asian tigers as the fastest-growing global economies.
~ Grace Segran for INSEAD Africa Initiative
"I hope it will be, and the first lion will be Nigeria," Sanusi says.
The Nigerian economy is growing steadily at a rate of seven to eight per cent per annum, driven not by oil and gas exports, but by agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, and services.
What Nigeria needs most to roar into the leading economies in the 21st century are what the governor of the apex bank emphasized in the following quote.
“That includes policy consistency, political stability, the fight against corruption, and improved efficiency in business processes. If we did the same thing that the Asians, such as the Indonesians and the Malaysians, did and if we did it right, we should be able to repeat the experience.”
As they say in South Africa, it is possible.
South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia and Angola have the potentials to lead the pack once they can invest more in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), because SMEs are actually the catalyst for fast economic development in Africa and the governments and private investors must do more in expanding venture capital opportunities in aggro-allied ventures, IT, entertainment and production of local goods.
SMEs are responsible for driving innovation and competition in many economic sectors and are said to contribute 70% of economic growth globally. Africa is an emerging market and countries in Africa have realised the importance of SME development by making funds available to potential entrepreneurs. The major population in Africa which resides in the rural areas is also being tapped by banks & financial institutions by making finance available to those micro entrepreneurs in helping them start their own business. Banks, Financial Institutions, Private Equity Firms and NGOs across Africa are encouraging entrepreneurs to come up with innovative business ideas and explore opportunities in initiating a business start up. SMEs are thus proving to be a lifeline for Africa by creating job opportunities and skilled workforce that in return is helping boost the productivity of this region. But even under such promising circumstances, there still looms a major concern over factors such as vague business models, unclear government legislations, customer awareness, taxation & high repayment rates which need to be worked upon.
~ From SME Africa 2012. From: 17 Oct 2012 To: 18 Oct 2012 City: Johannesburg
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Google Launches Gmail Through SMS for African Customers
TABJ - July 19 - Today, Google announced the launch of an SMS version of its mail service Gmail. The service, targeted at users in Africa, will allow basic phones without the ability to access the internet to still receive emails. The African mobile market has grown exponentially in size, where even in the most rural parts of the continent, cellphones have dominated. The announcement came through a blog post from Geva Rechav, Google’s product manager for Emerging Markets. It should be noted that Google has been actively increasing its presence in Africa, where it recently launched the Computer Science for High School project, giving grants to 17 universities to expand their computer science programs. The SMS Gmail service has so far been offered in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya. Users will be email to receive new emails for free and sending will be treated as a normal text message, subject to standard network fees.
China pledges $20 Billion in Credit for Africa
TABJ - July 19 - Chinese President Hu Jintao pledged $20 Billion in credit for Africa over the next three years. Speaking in Beijing at the China-Africa forum, a summit hosted for leaders from 50 African nations, Mr. Jintao announced that China promises the credit ...Google launches Gmail through SMS for African customers
TABJ - July 19 - Today, Google announced the launch of an SMS version of its mail service Gmail. The service, targeted at users in Africa, will allow basic phones without the ability to access the internet to still receive emails. The African mobile market ...State of emergency lifted in Egypt
TABJ - 1 June - After 31 years, the state of emergency has been lifted in Egypt. It had come into operation after President Anwar Sadat's assassination in 1981. Activists who led the uprising against President Hosni Mubarak last year made lifting the state of ...National Volunteer Week marks the rise of voluntourism
TABJ – 31 May – Tomorrow marks the beginning of National Volunteer Week (UK) in a year that has seen the rise of so-called ‘voluntourism’, where tourists combine international travel with volunteering. Two popular voluntourism destinations are Malawi and Swaziland in southern Africa, where it is ...BP returns to Libya exploration
TABJ – 30 May – Oil and gas company BP has decided to return to the drilling programme of an existing Kenya Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) contract with National Oil Corporation (NOC). The exploration programme was brought to a halt on 21 ...Algeria plans mega-mosque
TABJ - 28 May - Earlier this month the foundations were laid for the building of a 'mega-mosque' in Algiers. The $1.3 billion mosque will have the world's highest minaret at 270 metres tall. Its prayer room will be able to accommodate 120,000 worshippers. The ...Sugar output affects Illovo Sugar FY earnings
TABJ - 28 May - Illovo Sugar Ltd, the South African unit of international group Associated British Foods, posted an 18% rise in full-year earnings today. However, this was slightly lower than the expectations of analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. The company said diluted headline ...Egypt's next round of voting
TABJ - 25 May - The first round of Egypt's first free presidential elections has been completed, and early results have led to the speculation that the next round will be a fight between Ahmed Shafiq, deposed leader Hosni Mubarak's former prime minister, and Mohamed ...JSE adjusts 'incorrect' trades
TABJ - 25 May - The Johannesburg Stock Exchange said today that it had stopped "incorrect" trades from one of its members. The JSE released a statement saying it would reverse the trades and lower the session's total value after the close of trade."Until end ...Court case over Zuma painting
TABJ - 24 May - President Jacob Zuma has asked the South African High Court to issue an order preventing the display of a painting that depicts him with clearly visible genitals. The painting has since been defaced by an outraged sympathiser who described it ...Tweet
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Lucky
Lucky
Directed by Avie Luthra
Produced by Christopher J. Wilmot
Opening in South Africa on July 20th and in the US & Canada in late 2012!
Learn moreCheckout our South Africa website
About the film: LUCKY is a South African feature length film about a ten-year-old South African orphan who leaves his Zulu village to make his own life in the city...only to find no one will help him, except a formidable Indian woman called Padma. See the Trailer!
The Critics Love LUCKY!
BBC - "a simple but profoundly moving portrait of humanity"..."a wonderful, little gem" - read review
Hollywood Reporter - "achieves poignancy without manipulation...an awards contender" says John DeFore
Variety - "....an emotionally resonant portrait of contemporary South Africa...delicate and real...extraordinarily touching" says John Anderson
Read more reviews
BBC - "a simple but profoundly moving portrait of humanity"..."a wonderful, little gem" - read review Hollywood Reporter - "achieves poignancy without manipulation...an awards contender" says John DeFore Variety - "....an emotionally resonant portrait of contemporary South Africa...delicate and real...extraordinarily touching" says John AndersonRead more reviews
See upcoming film festival dates
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How Many BlackBerry 10s Must RIM Sell?
How Many BlackBerry 10s Must RIM Sell?
~ By Sarah Reedy
4:00 AM -- Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; Toronto: RIM) has made no secret of the fact that it's betting the farm on BlackBerry 10, its operating system overhaul that will debut on mobile devices next year.
That's a huge gamble for the Canadian company as it tries to dig out of an enormous hole. The company reported a first-quarter operating loss of $518 million and said it plans to cut 5,000 more jobs before the end of the year. And, in the interim to its delayed BB10 launch, it only has its poorly received BB7 line to fill the gap. (See RIM CEO Denies BlackBerry Death Spiral, RIM Posts $518M Q1 Loss, More Job Cuts at RIM and RIM to Sell the BlackBerry Farm?)
CEO Thorston Heins said RIM will launch a multi-touch device first, followed by a keyboard option. However, the question for the handset maker is not what kind of devices it needs, but how many it has to sell to stay in the smartphone picture.
Analysts aren't optimistic.
"Honestly, I am just hoping that the company will survive to make it to the BB10 launch," saysPyramid Research analyst Emily Smith.
Given its cash position -- RIM has $2 billion in the bank -- independent Canadian analyst Carmi Levy is more optimistic for his hometown company, but he says it's going to be a bleak couple of quarters, both for the company and its investors.
Click here to read the rest of the article.
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Warner Bros. Consumer Products Announces Worldwide Licensing Program For The Dark Knight Rises
Warner Bros. Consumer Products Announces Worldwide Licensing Program For The Dark Knight Rises
Epic Conclusion of the Dark Knight Trilogy Hits Theaters on July 20
Burbank, Calif. — July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The Bat-Signal soars above the skies as Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and its global partners launch the worldwide licensing and merchandising program that supports the eagerly awaited epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s phenomenally popular Dark Knight trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises. As the summer blockbuster swoops into theaters, beginning July 20, WBCP unveils the unprecedented lineup of global licensees and products capturing the excitement for the film around the world.“Batman is one of the most iconic characters in the world and our global merchandising program inspired by The Dark Knight Rises offers fans of all ages an opportunity to extend their experience beyond the theater,” said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “The characters, gadgets and vehicles created by Christopher Nolan have opened up a world of great product opportunities.”
In support of The Dark Knight Rises, WBCP and its host of renowned licensees are rolling out a vast product lineup generating awareness and enthusiasm just in time for the tentpole film’s release. Led by global master toy licensee Mattel, the film will also be supported by key partners such as The LEGO Group, Hallmark, Kinetix, Converse, Rubie’s Costume Company, and Titan Books, among many other licensees worldwide. The myriad of merchandise supporting The Dark Knight Rises will bring the film to life and into the homes of fans with a licensing program that boasts offerings across multiple categories from toys and games, to collectibles and costumes, to apparel and accessories, to publishing, party goods and domestic décor.
Mattel, global master toy partner for the film and DC Comics, will have a broad lineup as part of its Batman toy collection including action figures, playsets and collectible figures, highlighted by the fan-favorite Movie Masters™ line for the older fans and serious collectors, which captures the superior accuracy and details of the characters from The Dark Knight Rises. In addition, the authentic film-inspired toy line introduces the innovative play technology QuickTek™, which offers snap-and-slide armor and accessories.
The much-anticipated film is also being supported by the official partner in the construction category, LEGO, with a construction set inspired by The Dark Knight Rises; Rubie’s Costume Co., bringing a wide range of costume products based on the entire DC Comics portfolio, including The Dark Knight Rises; and Hallmark offering collectible ornaments.
Additional licensees also supporting the film include: PPW Toys’ DC Super Heroes collectible line of Mr. Potato Heads, including a “Caped Cru-Tater” figure inspired by The Dark Knight Rises; Jakks Pacific with a range of film-inspired novelty and large scale figures and plush; and Cardinals Industries’ games and puzzles based on The Dark Knight Rises and Batman, as well as other legendary DC Comics characters. Funko brings its fun stylized plush and vinyl collection; Mezco unmasks colorfully detailed vinyl figures; Hornby Hobbies revs it up with a Scalextric limited edition Batman Tumbler vehicle; Thinkway Toys brings their best-in-class innovation to a range of remote control vehicles, figures, and basic role play toys inspired by Batman and The Dark Knight Rises; and McFarlane Toys unveils a special edition collectible action figure of former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and two-time Super Bowl champion, Hines Ward, in his Gotham Rogues uniform as worn in The Dark Knight Rises.
The licensing program for The Dark Knight Rises reaches multiple product categories. In apparel, high-end fashion from Kinetix and Kids Republic to Braccialini’s cat-walk Catwoman-inspired clutch, to trendy apparel from Bioworld, Junkfood, French Connection, Converse, New Era and Diesel, gives fans a chance to don the look with t-shirts, limited edition sneakers and caps, accessories and more inspired by the artistry and graphics from The Dark Knight Rises; as well as Under Armour with their specialty athletic gear as inspired by their Gotham Rogues uniforms in the film. Collectibles from Hot Toys, Kotobukiya, Mobius Models and Noble Collection offer discerning collectors a chance to display the most artistic and detailed figures and replicas; Mimoco offers cool-collectors’ high-tech USB flash drives for all fans; and home goods from Franco, and more will bring Batman to life in any room in the house. In publishing, WBCP and its partners take an in-depth look at all of the vehicles, gadgets, uniforms and more as seen in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. Titan Books will bring the film to the page with its official tie-in novelization; Abrams releases The Art and Making of the Dark Knight Trilogy; HarperCollins caters to younger fans with a publishing program that includes a Junior novelization, I Can Read book series and assorted activity books; and Insight Editions lets fans and auto aficionados get into the driver’s seat in Batmobile: The Complete History coffee table book about the iconic Batmobile through the years, as well as giving an inside look at the secrets to being Batman in The Dark Knight Manual.
Other licensees that are part of the exciting roll-out for The Dark Knight Rises program, including Lava Lite LLC, Skinit, Inc., Cufflinks, Inc., Graphitti Designs, The Northwest Company, Thermos, Trends International, Muckle Mannequins, Molli Toys and Bakery Crafts, among many others – each offering inspired product that will delight all fans.
About The Dark Knight Rises
Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “The Dark Knight Rises” is the epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. The film stars Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Morgan Freeman. Christopher Nolan directed the film from a screenplay by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven are the producers, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull serving as executive producers, and Jordan Goldberg co-producing. “The Dark Knight Rises” is based upon Batman characters created by Bob Kane and published by DC Comics.
Opening in theatres and IMAX on July 20, 2012, “The Dark Knight Rises” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. The film has been rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language.
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Janice Aguilar-Herrero
WBCP Worldwide Public Relations
818-954-3821
janice.aguilar-herrero@warnerbros.com
Corie Jackson
Edelman on behalf of WBCP
323-202-1075
corie.jackson@edelman.com
Janice Aguilar-Herrero
WBCP Worldwide Public Relations
818-954-3821
janice.aguilar-herrero@warnerbros.com
Corie Jackson
Edelman on behalf of WBCP
323-202-1075
corie.jackson@edelman.com
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Lady Gaga as Least Desirable Celeb to Shack-Up With
Don't Want Your Poker Face
One public figure clearly emerged from the rest as the least preferred travel mate of all. With 24 percent of the overall response count, Lady Gaga was voted an undesirable travel mate by all age groups represented in this survey. Other objectionable figures include Ryan Seacrest and Spiderman.
Hotels.com® Survey Reveals Lady Gaga as Least Desirable Celeb to Shack-Up With
Travelers musts and must-nots when it comes to the perfect travel mate
DALLAS, July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Your choice of travel mate can make or break your ideal vacation experience. One sloppy best friend or chain-smoking cousin could put an immediate damper on the dream trip you've been planning forever. Hotels.com® recently conducted a national survey that sought out the top traits Americans look for, and avoid, in a hotel roommate. The poll also investigated additional elements essential to a perfect retreat, including the most popular destinations vacation-goers would choose to spend a free night, which celebrities they most wanted to share a room with, and which ones they would want to give the boot.(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120719/DA42824)
"Americans have spoken, and according to our survey findings, travelers are looking for smart, funny, like-minded individuals to enjoy their wanderlust journeys with," said Taylor L. Cole, director of public relations and social media for Hotels.com in North America. "Hotels.com is perpetually fueled by the idea of 'what drives you to travel,' whether it be cuisine, adventure, shopping or art. This survey is an interesting extension of this endeavor because it takes a closer look at the question of 'who drives you to travel.'"
Make Me Laugh
The top three characteristics that consumers most look for in someone they are to share a hotel room with are a sense of humor, trustworthiness, and similar lifestyle values. Intelligence, which came in fourth overall, was ranked higher in importance by men than women. Nevertheless, one thing both genders fully agreed on was that hygiene was important enough to round out the top five most sought-out
Most Sought Out Characteristics in a Hotel Mate
1. | Sense of Humor | Sense of Humor | Trustworthiness |
2. | Trustworthiness | Intelligence | Sense of Humor |
3. | Similar Lifestyle Values | Similar Lifestyle Values | Similar Lifestyle Values |
4. | Intelligence | Trustworthiness | Hygiene |
5. | Hygiene |
The Ultimate Dealer Breaker
When it comes to characteristics travelers least look for in someone that they are to share a hotel room with, being a smoker was the undisputed, least desired trait with a total of 66 percent of respondents ranking it as the most unwelcome trait.
Least Sought Out Characteristics in a Hotel Mate | |||
Overall | Men | Women | |
1. | Smoker | A Love of Cats | Smoker |
2. | A Love of Cats | Smoker | A Love of Cats |
3. | Selfish Nature | Selfish Nature | Selfish Nature |
4. | Sexy Accent | Same Religion | Sexy Accent |
5. | Same Religion | Height | Same Religion |
Sharing the Presidential Suite
Of the over 1,500 hotel-goers who took part in our survey, 18 percent of them voted First Lady Michelle Obama to the top of the list of celebrities, historical, fictional or political figures Americans would most want to room with on their next vacation.
The 18-29 age group was the only faction to set their sights on another potential roomie – Will Ferrell. Ferrell took the number one spot among the youngest group of respondents, followed by Beyonce. Michelle Obama tied for third with Natalie Portman and David Beckham.
The leading lady with the top vote from male respondents was Natalie Portman, who received 19 percent of the vote. Marilyn Monroe was another favorite among the guys, coming in a close second with 18.7 percent of the vote.
Don't Want Your Poker Face
One public figure clearly emerged from the rest as the least preferred travel mate of all. With 24 percent of the overall response count, Lady Gaga was voted an undesirable travel mate by all age groups represented in this survey. Other objectionable figures include Ryan Seacrest and Spiderman.
No Place Like Rome
When asked to identify the perfect place to spend a free hotel stay, the survey participants across genders and age groups almost universally agreed that Rome, Italy was the place to go. Again, the only group that diverged from this conclusion was the 18-29 year-old age sect, who favored the glitz and glam of Las Vegas, before Rome, which they listed as their second favorite.
Rome received 22 percent of the overall vote, while the second most popular choice overall was Paris, receiving 14 percent of the votes. Las Vegas proved to be popular among more than just the twenty-somethings by coming in third overall with 13.5 percent of the total vote count.
To earn free hotel stays, sign up for the Hotels.com loyalty program, Welcome Rewards™, which gives members a free hotel night after booking and staying 10 nights. Even better, members have more than 65,000 properties to choose from, with no blackout dates.
We're sure that when planning your next trip you'll be picking your companions carefully. For great hotel deals check out the current Summer Sale on Hotels.com,log onto the Hotels.com Facebook page, and check out our new deals app to get customized deals based on your travel interests and friends' favorite destinations.
Press contacts:
Ashley Aberbach – Finn Partners for Hotels.com
Phone: (212) 715-1524
Email: ashley@finnpartner.com
Taylor L. Cole, APR
Hotels.com North America
Phone: (469) 335-8442
Email: taycole@hotels.com
About Hotels.com ®
Hotels.com is a leading online accommodation booking website with more than 150,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Hotels.com benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry, negotiating the best rates for its customers, and offers frequent sales, special deals and promotions. There are more than 6.5 million Guest Reviews on the site from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers can make an informed choice when booking. Through its industry-leading loyalty program Welcome Rewards™, customers can earn a free night for every 10 nights stayed at more than 65,000 hotels. Under its Price Match Guarantee, if a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com will refund the difference. Travelers can book online or by contacting one of the multilingual call centers. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded at www.hotels.com/deals/mobile_app/ enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals. Hotels.com publishes an award-winning twice-yearly review of international hotel room price trends called the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index™, which is now produced in 31 individual country editions, with North American data available at www.hotel-price-index.com. Follow Hotels.com on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hotelsdotcom, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/hotelsdotcom and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/hotelsdotcom. Hotels.com is part of Expedia, Inc., the largest online travel company in the world with an extensive portfolio that includes some of the world's best-known brands.
Hotels.com, Finding You The Perfect Place, Welcome Rewards and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2012 Hotels.com, LP. All rights reserved. CST # 2083949-50
SOURCE Hotels.com
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