Travel Mart 2009 Closing Ceremony
We had a Venice style Carnival and masquerade dinner for the closing ceremony at Virtuoso Travel Mart. Costumed sprites impishly greeted us at the entry. We were treated to Italian opera arias sung by a woman high above the crowd. The singer was up on a platform and draped so as to appear to by 30 feet tall in a flowing gown. The decor was very festive and the evening started off with so much buzz that it took a while for Virtuoso CEO Mathew Upchurch to get their attention!
Everything that occurred at all the dinners was overshadowed by the presentation of hotelier of the year. Karambir Kang of the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower lost his wife and two children in the cowardly terrorist attacks in Mumbai India. He kept working and did what he could for his guests and staff. The emotional standing ovation went on and on. The respect of his peers and those who have worked with him across the table was very touching.
I present a small slide show to give some of the flavor of the event below…
Date: August 24, 2009
Categories: All Blogs, Business of Travel