NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC APP SPOTLIGHTS MACHU PICCHU AND THE AMAZON

ANDINA. Peru's top tourist attractions, Machu Picchu and the Amazon Rainforest, have been selected as two of this year's National Geographic Traveler magazine's prestigious "50 Tours of a Lifetime."

National Geographic Traveler's 50 Places of a Lifetime: The World's Greatest Destinations is based on and updated from a 1999 issue of the print magazine that featured short personal essays by such high-profile observers as Peter Jennings (Jerusalem), Richard Leakey (the Serengeti) and Paul Theroux (Hawaiian Islands).

The latest of 35 National Geographic apps, this $1.99 version organizes the 50 essays into five categories - Urban Spaces, Wild Places, Paradise Found, Country Unbound and World Wonders - and incorporates such digital extras as photo galleries, locator maps, fact boxes and a smattering of videos and 360-degree views.

In addition, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu recently emerged as a top travel destination for 2011, according to a leading tourism website.

TripAdvisor.com ranked the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of theWorld as the third best destination in its 2011 Travellers Choice Destination Awards. 

BRAZILIAN PRESS HIGHLIGHTS CENTENNIAL OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY OF MACHU PICCHU

ANDINA. The archeological complex of Machu Picchu in Cusco was the inspiration for an article published by Brazil’s O Estado de Sao Paulo, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the scientific discovery of the Inca citadel.

Journalist Fabio Vendrane wrote the six-page article titled “Stone over Stone” which appeared on the cover of one of the most influential newspapers of that country, and that included photographs taken by Sergio Neves.

The text reads, “Machu Picchu continues to be a dreamed destination to many people who want to visit the symbol of the Inca civilization.”

The author describes the “patient and careful” work that is taken for the conservation of Machu Picchu as well as the rules that have to be followed by visitors to guarantee the longevity of “the most spectacular archaeological site of South America.”

The Brazilian journalists also published an article on Machu Picchu relics returned by Yale University on April 17, which were on display at the Government Palace in Lima.

WESTIN HOTELS MAKES LANDMARK DEBUT IN SOUTH AMERICA

ANDINA. Accelerating its global portfolio growth, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the opening of its first Westin hotel in South America – The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center in Peru.


Ideally located in the heart of San Isidro, the financial and shopping hub of Lima, Peru, The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center features 301 rooms and the largest meeting and convention facilities in Peru.


“We are delighted to make our landmark entry in South America, where we expect to aggressively grow the Westin brand over the next decade,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts. “The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center is a superb representation of the Westin brand. Our distinctive positioning resonates well with international travelers and we are excited to bring the Westin experience to another new market.”


The debut of Westin in Peru comes on the heels of the brand’s recent entry in Costa Rica, with the opening of its first all-inclusive resort – The Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal. Westin is also poised to make its debut in Panama with the upcoming openings of The Playa Bonita followed by The Westin Panama, and increase its presence in Mexico with the upcoming opening of The Westin Guadalajara this September.


“Starwood’s growth leader in Latin America is Westin Hotels, which is set to double its portfolio in the region by 2012,” said Osvaldo Librizzi, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Latin America. “Fuelled by the success of Westin, we are experiencing strong demand from owners and developers for all of our world-class brands across Latin America, strengthening Starwood’s position as the largest four and five star hotel operator in the region.”


The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center is opening under a franchise agreement between Grupo Libertador and Starwood. The two companies previously partnered to open two Luxury Collection properties: Hotel Paracas Resort in 2009 and Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa in 2010, located in Valle Sagrado, near Machu Picchu.


An ideal venue for weddings, social galas and business functions, The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center boasts more than 28,000 square feet of space, including 10 meeting rooms and a grand ballroom. Additional facilities include a three meal restaurant and a fine dining restaurant headed by chef Rafael Piqueras. The hotel also features an In Site Bar to enjoy international cocktails, lobby lounge, and an additional lounge on the 29th floor. Designed by Miami-based Arquitectonica and renowned New York designer Tony Chi, The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention is a notable addition to the Lima skyline.


In their rooms, hotel guests will awaken their senses with the Westin Heavenly Bath® experience and restore in the Heavenly Bed®, a 10-layer ensemble of luxurious comfort featuring a pillow-top mattress set, a cozy down blanket, three crisp sheets, a comforter, duvet and five plush pillows. Rooms are also equipped with high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space to enhance guest productivity and creativity in a tranquil setting.


As part of the Westin brand’s commitment to preserving wellness on the road, The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center features a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® gym, an indoor pool and the SuperfoodsRX menu designed by experts to keep guests on top of their game with incredible food combinations rich in nutrients, antioxidants and flavor. Located on the second floor of the hotel, the Heavenly Spa by Westin features 14 treatment rooms and a choice of signature Heavenly treatments created by Comfort Zone, the luxurious Italian spa brand.