Istanbul, Turkey February 2012: The CATHIC event in Istanbul began today with the WTTC’s Marketing Director Geoffrey Breeze outlining predictions for the Global Travel and Tourism industry over the next decade.

“In 2012 the global tourism industry provides 1 in 12 of all jobs, and accounts for nine per cent of global GDP. By 2022, we predict that this will change to 1 in 10 of all jobs worldwide, and 9.6per cent of GDP”, said Breeze.

He also predicted that by the end of 2012 one third of all worldwide travel sales will be made online. Turkey currently has the 7th largest online audience in Europe, with a 44 per cent penetration rate; Turks spend more time online than any other European country.

Issues affecting the Turkish tourism sector were addressed by Mehmet Ersoy, Chairman of Etstur, Haluk Kaya, Chairman of Bekay Property Partners and John Wilson, Executive Board Member of Dedeman Hotels & Resorts,

Ersoy said: “The Turkish government is working towards eliminating visa problems, developing more airports and extending existing ones.” He added that Istanbul’s role as a major hub will also be enhanced by a new airport which will open in 3 years’ time.

Kaya pointed out that there are two distinct tourism sectors in Turkey – all-inclusive resorts and city tourism. Istanbul has experienced a very fast growth of tourist arrivals, from just 2 million five years ago to 8 million in 2011. But this does not even compare with Prague. He predicts that Istanbul will welcome 15 million visitors by 2015. “So of course, everyone wants a hotel in Istanbul”.

Kaya also raised the issue of inclusive resorts which do not generate income or jobs for the local community. “Belek is a disaster. Not a single restaurant in the town even though there are more than 40 four and five star hotels”, he said. There is some investment now from Rixos hotels – but it is an important lesson for other resort locations, he added.

John Wilson added: “There is Istanbul and there is the rest. This is an extraordinarily dynamic marketplace and there is no sign of a slowing down in the growth in the Turkish tourism business. While we’re not immune from Europe’s troubles, I am not worried because Turkey’s unique geography means we can explore alternative and emerging markets to replace lower numbers from Europe’’.

The complexities of financing new hotel construction was explored in detail by Andrew Sangster, Editorial Director of Hotel Analyst Emerging Markets, in conversation with Puneet Chhatwal of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Carlton Ervin, Chief Development Officer for Marriott International, Ömer Isvan, President of Servotel Corporation and Peter Norman, SVP Development at Hyatt International.

Sangster posed the question of how much equity the large global hotel management companies were prepared to commit to emerging markets in general, and Turkey in particular.

For Servotel, Isvan said: “Here in Turkey there is a ‘footprint’ race between the hotel companies. Particularly in resort areas, the traditional management contracts are the norm in this market. The big global brands are reticent to introduce different equity models because they don’t want to set a precedent. However, some of the smaller chains are more aggressive and are embracing more creative financing deals.”

Norman said Hyatt has more asset investment than other global bands, with about 20 per cent of its portfolio in owned assets. “We believe that the bricks and the brains under one roof is good. You have to eat your own cooking sometimes, and as owners ourselves, we have the confidence of our other owners. In these more difficult times, we have to see what we can do to help owners get financing for projects, so we may look at joint ventures and ownership options in emerging markets on a case by case basis.”

Marriott’s approach is somewhat different according to Carlton Ervin. “We recently made two strategic acquisitions in Western Europe, to give our Edition brand a presence in key markets. But we do these with an eye to recycling this capital as soon as possible. We also tend to consider this option only in established markets, so while we never say never, we are not contemplating on buying assets in Turkey in the foreseeable future.”

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has long experience of asset investment in this region, Chhatwal said: “We were first to do this in Istanbul 15 years ago, and we sold that asset recently. We also have experience in Tlbisi, Kievand St Petersburg. But Istanbul is not the place to invest these days, as the prices are too high.”

‘’But I think it is a good time for investing in mid-market hotels in secondary Turkish cities and we would certainly use our balance sheet for that purpose.” He added.

The final session of CATHIC 2012 was with Turkish hotel veteran Murat Dedeman, Chairman of Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International and President of Dedeman Holding who was presented with the CATHIC 2012 Leadership Award by Mehmet Önkal, Managing Partner at BDO Hospitality Consulting.

The award recognizes Dedeman’s forty-year contribution to the region’s tourism and hospitality sector.

An exhibition of sponsors runs alongside the conference, with more stands than the inaugural event in 2011. Sponsors for this year’s event are: Platinum sponsors: BDO Hospitality Consulting, Corinthia Hotels, Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International, Hilton Worldwide, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT), Marmara Collection, Wyndham Hotel Group. Gold sponsors: Accor Hospitality, AECOM Design + Planning, Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion, Best Western International, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Horwath HTL, Hyatt International, IHG, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, Jumeirah Group, Marriott International, Inc., Orient-Express, Premier Inn, Rixos Hotels, Servotel Corporation, T&T Consulting, WATG.

The Central Asia & Turkey Hotel Investment Conference will run from February 6 -8, 2012 at Ceylan Intercontinental, Istanbul and is organised by Bench Events and Questex Media. Details can be found on www.cathic.com

-Ends-

Media Contact: Strategic Solutions, media@strategicsolutionsonline.com
Sarah Azad +97150 9803810, Sarah@strategicsolutionsonline.com

(BUSINESS WIRE)– NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) announced today it has entered into a strategic partnership with DyeCoo Textile Systems B.V., a Netherlands-based company that has developed and built the first commercially available waterless textile dyeing machines. By using recycled carbon dioxide, DyeCoo’s technology eliminates the use of water in the textile dyeing process. The name “DyeCoo” was inspired by the process of “dyeing” with “CO2.”The partnership is illustrative of NIKE, Inc.’s long-term commitment to designing and developing the most superior athletic performance products for athletes and its overall sustainable business and innovation strategy.

“Waterless dyeing is a significant step in our journey to serve both the athlete and the planet, and this partnership reinforces Nike’s long-term strategy and deep commitment to innovation and sustainability,” says Eric Sprunk, Nike’s Vice President of Merchandising and Product. “We believe this technology has the potential to revolutionize textile manufacturing, and we want to collaborate with progressive dye houses, textile manufacturers and consumer apparel brands to scale this technology and push it throughout the industry.”

Nike has been exploring this technology for the past eight years and expects to showcase cutting edge apparel using textiles dyed without water at events later this year, with an eye towards scaling the technology for larger production volumes.

“We’re very excited to be partnering with Nike to help drive this together and believe the benefits and impacts of this technology are significant,” says Reinier Mommaal, CEO of DyeCoo.”There is no water consumption, a reduction in energy use, no auxiliary chemicals required, no need for drying, and the process is twice as fast. The technology can also improve the quality of the dyed fabric, allows for greater control over the dyeing process, enables new dye capabilities and transforms fabric dyeing so that it can take place just about anywhere. We hope more industry leaders will join us in leveraging this innovative technology in the near future.”

Conventional textile dyeing requires substantial amounts of water. On average, an estimated 100-150 liters of water is needed to process one kg of textile materials today. Industry analysts estimate that more than 39 million tonnes of polyester will be dyed annually by 2015. Nike says it expects DyeCoo’s supercritical fluid carbon dioxide, or “SCF” CO2 dyeing technology, to have a particularly positive impact in Asia, where much of the world’s textile dyeing occurs. As this technology is brought to scale, large amounts of water used in conventional textile dyeing will no longer be needed, nor will the commensurate use of fossil fuel-generated energy be required to heat such large sums of water. The removal of water from the textile dyeing process also eliminates the risk of effluent discharge, a known environmental hazard. The CO2 used in DyeCoo’s dyeing process is also reclaimed and reused.

DyeCoo is believed to be the first company to successfully apply the SCF CO2 process to the commercial dyeing of polyester fabric, and research is already underway to apply the technology to other natural and synthetic fabrics. SCF CO2 technology is safely utilized at scale in other industries such as the decaffeination of coffee and the extraction of natural flavors and fragrances.

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.nikeinc.comand follow @Nike. To learn more about Nike’s commitment to sustainability, visit www.nikebetterworld.com.

About DyeCoo

DyeCoo Textile Systems B.V. was founded in March 2008. DyeCoo Textile Systems is the world’s first supplier of industrial CO2 dyeing equipment and is a leading innovator in CO2 dyeing technology and processes. DyeCoo Textile Systems B.V. is a spin-off of the Dutch Feyecon Group, an innovator in the field of CO2 process technology.

Contacts

Nike

Media

Mary Remuzzi,

503-532-8767

Nike

Media

Mary Remuzzi,

503-532-8767

DyeCoo

Reinier Mommaal, + 31 (0)294 41 00 25

Mail: info@dyecoo.com

Faces, the leading beauty destination for all of your fragrance, skincare and makeup desires presents you with an array of fragrances this Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day is a day of sharing with loved ones, a day of pampering and telling those that are close to you how much they mean to you.

What better than the gift of Beauty to express your love and care?! At Faces, we have the newest romantic and feminine fragrances to offer to your loved ones and show them how special they are…and why not pick up a little something for yourself as well?

Play Sport by Givenchy

An emblematic sport fragrance. Boosted by the spicy freshness of citrus, mint and ginger, Play Sport’s heart notes of Amyris wood recall the sensuality and manliness of the PLAY franchise.

Hot water by Davidoff

Herein lays an erotic masculine virtue and a sensual warmth. The vibrant Red Basil and Absinthe top-note thrillingly grounded by the genuine class of Wormwood. An amatory heart-note of burning Pimento. An ultra-masculine dry-down of Benzoin Siam. Hot Water is fresh, spicy and jubilant.

Romantina by Juliette Has a Gun

Romantina is a musky composition in which we have delicately laid a bouquet of white flowers. An ode to Insouciance…Where Orange Blossom impulsively marries Jasmine; the Rose passionately blends with Iris and Osmanthus.

CH by Carolina Herrera

Fresh and floral! This is how Carolina likes to define her creation!

Nina L’Elixir by Nina Ricci

Nina L’Elixirevokes the rare and luxurious essence of a love potion, concentrated in an Eau de Parfum. An intense reinterpretation of Nina Eau de Toilette.

Lacoste Joy of Pink

The LACOSTE Pink woman exudes an aura of feel good, youthful optimism, and Joy Of Pink is the ideal fragrance to awaken the happiness and confidence she feels in social situations with her closest companions.

Chopard Happy Spirit Elixir D’Amour

Fullness and femininity are the signatures of the Happy Spirit Elixir D’Amour fragrance – a lush floral composition in which the voluptuous heart note of nobleJasmine Sambac is enlightened by delicate touches of Yellow Freesia, and rounded outby a lingering dry-down of Amber, White Musk and Cashmere Wood.

Discover these and other Beauty treats at Faces this Valentine’s Day!

Faces…your Beauty Vibes

Contacts

Joyce Amil

Euro RSCG Corporate Communications

joyce.amil@eurorscgme.com

Tel: +97 1 4 455 6000

Severin’s range of fully automated coffee machines is set to win the hearts of UAE coffee enthusiasts, as each machine features a comprehensive starter kit with useful coffee tips to ensure every cup of brewed coffee is perfect.

At the push of a button, Severin’s easy-to-use S2 One Touch, a fully automated bean-to-cup coffee machine grinds whole fresh coffee beans for the selected coffee. The German-made machine is also equipped with a high-grade grinding mechanism and unique hygiene easy-clean technology.

Severin’s starter kit reveals simple tips and know-how – such as choosing the right milk, which is essential to making the perfect coffee cup as it is to choose quality beans. It is the milk protein and not the fat content that achieves the foam, as the fat simply adds flavour!

Available from Juma Al Majid outlets for AED 3,450 in a range of colours including silver, brown, black, orange, red and white. Visit www.severin-s2.com for more details.

- Ends –
About Severin
For more than 60 years, Germany’s Severin has focussed its energies on the quality design, production and distribution of a comprehensive range of small domestic appliances and personal grooming products – always geared to lifestyle enablement at a sensible investment.

Severin recently revealed its coffee expertise with launch of the Severin’s lead product S2 One Touch, a bean-to-cup automated coffee machine features a unique hygiene easy-clean system, one-touch technology, high-grade grinding mechanism, Energy-On-Demand (EOD) and excellent price-performance ratio.The S2 seamlessly brews, Expressos, Expresso Macchiato, Cappuccinos and Latte Macchiatos with the press of one button!

In the Middle East, from its Dubai-based office, Severin introduces a wide range of products to regional markets across breakfast, lunch, dinner, entertaining and grooming, including the extensive range of coffee makers,
www.severin.com and www.severin-s2.com

Media contact: Sarah Azad Mobile 0097150 980 3810 Email media@strategicsolutionsonline.com

Phase III soft tissue sarcoma trial ongoing; randomized Phase II pancreatic cancer trial expected to report in February 2012
Deal provides Threshold with an upfront payment of € 19 million ($25 million), plus further potential milestones and royalties as well as an option to co-commercialize in the United States

-(BUSINESS WIRE)– Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, today announced that a global agreement was signed with Threshold Pharmaceuticals, Inc., South San Francisco, to co-develop and commercialize TH-302, Threshold’s small molecule hypoxia-targeted drug. TH-302 is currently being investigated in a global Phase III clinical trial in patients with soft tissue sarcoma, a randomized Phase II trial in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer from which top-line results are expected in February, as well as additional clinical studies in other solid tumors and hematological malignancies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Merck will receive co-development rights, exclusive global commercialization rights and will provide Threshold an option to co-commercialize the therapeutic in the United States. In exchange, Threshold will receive an upfront payment of € 19 million ($25 million) and could receive up to € 26.5 million ($35 million) in additional development milestones during 2012. Threshold is also eligible to receive a € 15 million ($20 million) milestone payment based on positive results from its randomized Phase II trial in pancreatic cancer.

In the United States, Threshold will have primary responsibility for development of TH-302 in the soft tissue sarcoma indication. Threshold and Merck KGaA will jointly develop TH-302 in all other cancer indications being pursued. Merck KGaA will pay 70% of worldwide development costs for TH-302.

Subject to FDA approval in the United States, Merck KGaA will initially be responsible for commercialization of TH-302 with Threshold receiving a tiered, double-digit royalty on sales. Under the royalty-bearing portion of the agreement, Threshold retains the option to co-promote TH-302 in the United States. Additionally, Threshold retains the option to co-commercialize TH-302 allowing the company to participate in up to 50% of the profits in the United States, based on certain revenue tiers. Outside of the United States, Merck KGaA will be solely responsible for the commercialization of TH-302 with Threshold receiving a tiered, double-digit royalty on sales in these territories.

“The addition of TH-302 to our pipeline provides an important opportunity in several different tumor types to expand our oncology development program,” said Susan Jane Herbert, Head of Global Business Development and Strategy, Merck Serono. “Given the fact that pancreatic cancer is a very difficult to treat indication, successful Phase II results could represent important upside for our company.”

“We are excited by the new resources that our partnership is going to bring to the development of TH-302, and the expertise in clinical development and commercialization that Merck will contribute to this program,” said Barry Selick, President and CEO of Threshold. “This collaboration provides Threshold a strong and committed partner with a shared vision for TH-302.”

TH-302 is a hypoxia-targeted drug that is thought to be activated under tumor hypoxic conditions, a hallmark for many cancer indications. Areas of low oxygen levels (hypoxia) within tissues are common in many solid tumors due to insufficient blood vessel growth. Similarly, the bone marrow of patients with hematological malignancies has also been shown, in some cases, to be extremely hypoxic.

TH-302 has been investigated in over 550 patients in Phase I/II clinical trials to date in a broad spectrum of tumor types, both as a monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy treatments and other targeted cancer drugs.

Threshold has several ongoing clinical trials including, but not limited to: a controlled Phase II trial of TH-302 in combination with gemcitabine versus gemcitabine alone in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and a Phase III study evaluating TH-302 in combination with doxorubicin versus doxorubicin alone in patients with soft tissue sarcoma.

TH-302 development in soft tissue sarcoma

A Phase III trial of TH-302 in patients with first-line advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) was initiated in September, 2011, based on results from a Phase I/II trial investigating its use in combination with the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin. This randomized, multi-center Phase III trial will investigate the use of TH-302 plus doxorubicin compared with doxorubicin alone. The primary efficacy endpoint is overall survival. The study is conducted under a Special Protocol Assessment with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is being run in partnership with the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC) and aims to enroll 450 patients with metastatic or locally advanced unresectable STS.

TH-302 development in pancreatic cancer

Results from a randomized, controlled, multi-center Phase II trial of TH-302 in patients with first-line pancreatic cancer are expected to be announced in February, 2012. This trial of 214 previously untreated patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma started in June, 2010, and completed enrollment in June, 2011. Two different doses of TH-302 in combination with the chemotherapeutic gemcitabine were compared to gemcitabine alone, with progression free survival (PFS) as the primary endpoint.

Soft tissue sarcoma

STS refers to a heterogeneous and relatively rare group of tumors that develops in the soft, supporting tissues of the body. It can occur in any of the tissues that support, surround or protect the organs of the body, such as muscle, fat, nerves, tendons and ligaments or blood vessels. It can also develop in specific organs including, for example, the uterus, stomach, skin and small bowel. Occasionally it occurs in the head and neck. Adult STS is rare, with an estimated average incidence of 4 in 100,000 cases in Europe annually.1 In the United States, there were an estimated 10,980 new cases and 3,920 deaths from STS in 2011.2 STS tends to occur in people over the age of 30, although certain types of sarcoma can develop more commonly in children and teenagers.3 Current treatment options for STS include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, although response rates are generally low and side effects can be significant.

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is considered fairly rare, particularly in younger people. The most common symptoms are pain in the upper abdomen, weight loss, and jaundice. Current treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It is estimated that approximately 279,000 cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed worldwide in 2008.4

References

1 Casali, PG et al on behalf of the ESMO Guidelines Working Group. Ann Oncol. 2010;20(4):iv132-iv136

2.National Cancer Institute. Snapshot of Sarcoma. 2011; http://www.cancer.gov/aboutnci/servingpeople/snapshots/sarcoma.pdf. Last accessed January 13, 2011.

3.Macmillan Cancer Support: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Softtissuesarcomas/Softtissuesarcomas.aspx. Last accessed January 16, 2011.

4. GLOBOCAN 2008. World estimated cancer incidence, all ages: both sexes. http://globocan.iarc.fr/summary_table_pop.asp?selection=221900&title=World&age_from=1&age_to=10&sex=0&type=0&PDF=1&window=1&sort=0&submit=%A0Execute%A0Last accessed February 1, 2012.

About Threshold Pharmaceuticals

Threshold is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of drugs targeting tumor hypoxia, the low oxygen condition found in microenvironments of most solid tumors as well as the bone marrows of patients with some hematologic malignancies. For additional information, please visit the company’s website: www.thresholdpharm.com.

About Merck Serono

Merck Serono is the biopharmaceutical division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a global pharmaceutical and chemical company. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Merck Serono discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines of both chemical and biological origin in specialist indications. In the United States and Canada, EMD Serono operates as a separately incorporated affiliate of Merck Serono.

Merck Serono has leading brands serving patients with cancer (Erbitux®, cetuximab), multiple sclerosis (Rebif®, interferon beta-1a), infertility (Gonal-f®, follitropin alfa), endocrine and metabolic disorders (Saizen® and Serostim®, somatropin), (Kuvan®, sapropterin dihydrochloride), (Egrifta®, tesamorelin), as well as cardiometabolic diseases (Glucophage®, metformin), (Concor®, bisoprolol), (Euthyrox®, levothyroxine). Not all products are available in all markets.

With an annual R&D expenditure of over € 1bn, Merck Serono is committed to growing its business in specialist-focused therapeutic areas including neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as new areas potentially arising out of research and development in rheumatology.

About Merck

Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of € 9.3 billion in 2010, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by more than 40,000 employees in 67 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck’s operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.

For more information, please visit www.merckserono.comor www.merckgroup.com

Contacts

Dr. Raphaela Farrenkopf

Phone +49 6151-72 2274

raphaela.farrenkopf@merckgroup.com

Emirates celebrated its first full year of operations to Basra today, marking the occasion with a celebratory cake for the station’s employees.

Since the operation began on 2nd February 2011 Emirates has operated over 400 flights between Dubai and Basra, flying thousands of passengers on the route.

“Basra is a strategically important market for Emirates. The success of this destination paved the way for our second Iraqi gateway, opening up a significant new passenger segment for us,” said Haitham Al Battaway, Emirates Manager Iraq.

“We have a strong and dedicated team of staff working for us in Basra who have collectively helped to make this route successful. Since coming online Basra has become one of our most lucrative routes, yielding strong and consistent revenue.”

A total of 43 Iraqi Nationals are working for Emirates across Iraq supporting the airline’s two destinations, Basra and Baghdad.

Emirates’ office in Basra offers five customer service desks enabling customers to book their flights as well as offering assistance with visa application, Skywards enrolment and shortly Emirates Holidays bookings. Language capabilities at the Basra office are Arabic and English.

Outbound, one of the key destinations for passengers from Basra is Kuala Lumpur where Iraqi travellersreceive a free visa on arrival. Emirates also offers an A380 service to Kuala Lumpur with the route enjoying good connection times from Basra.

Since operations began one year ago, China has also become a key destination from Basra due to the significant trade opportunities across the country. India also receives good patronage from Basra due to the country’s strong medical facilities.

Emirates currently operates a four weekly service to Basra and daily service to Baghdad, connecting customers in Iraq to the airline’s network of 121 worldwide destinations.

ENDS-

Contacts

Anna Garcia, Emirates Corporate Communications.

Tel: (+9714) 708 5266,

Mob: (+97150) 9115447.

E-mail: anna.garcia@emirates.com

visit: www.ekgroup.com/mediacentre

(BUSINESS WIRE)– Digital Art Zone (DAZ) today announced the immediate availability of a free 3D software download at DAZ3D.com. DAZ is offering full retail versions of the following 3D software for free:

DAZ Studio 4 Pro 3D Software (Winner of 3D World’s 2011 Software Innovation of the Year Award): Retail $429.95
Bryce 7 Pro 3D Landscape Software: Retail $249.95
Hexagon 2.5 3D Modeling Software: Retail $149.95
3D Photoshop Bridge: Retail $199.00

“We’re excited to make this offer early in the year,” said James Thornton, CEO for DAZ. “We wanted to give any digital artist the opportunity to experience DAZ free 3D software for the first time, and a full suite of 3D models and 3D animation software products is available on DAZ3D.com.”

“This is a limited time offer because the software is valued at over $800,” Thornton continued. “DAZ Studio is the most popular 3D animation software on Download.com. DAZ3D.com has over 10,000 add-on products to use in most 3D software applications including DAZ Studio®, Bryce®, 3D Photoshop®, Poser®, Blender and Maya®.” The 3D model site offers a wide range of digital content including 3D human models, 3D anatomy, clothing, animals, vehicles, buildings, environments and 3D animations.

Pricing and Availability

The free 3D software is available via download only on DAZ3D.com between now and February 29, 2012. The download is eligible for free updates and upgrade pricing on future versions of each product, a potential savings of hundreds of dollars.

About Digital Art Zone

Digital Art Zone (DAZ) is a leading provider of 3D software and content. DAZ publishes DAZ Studio, an easy-to-use and robust software tool with a simple user interface. The software allows digital artists to easily add and manipulate models and morphs, adjust the textures applied to 3D models, add and adjust lighting, and fine-tune the render process. Regardless of artistic background, DAZ empowers anyone to create better graphics faster through its powerful tools and content. For more information, visit www.daz3d.com.

Note to Editors:

Free 3D Software Information: http://www.daz3d.com/i/3d/free-3d-software-free-3d-animation-software-download/.

Free 3D Software Press images: http://www.daz3d.com/i/3d/free-3d-software-press-and-media-images/.

3D Photoshop Bridge details: http://www.daz3d.com/i/3d/3d-photoshop-bridge/.

Contacts

Springboard5

Tim Rush, 801-208-1100

tim.rush@springboard5.com

Digital Art Zone

Steve Kondris, 801-495-1777 x723

steve@daz3d.com

Reader contact:

800-267-5170 (toll-free)

801-495-1777

fax: 801-495-1787

www.daz3d.com

EAST HANOVER, N.J. – Wednesday, February 1st 2012 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)– The results of a new global report released today by the OREO brand and Ipsos Public Affairs indicate that from China to Poland and Portugal to Venezuela, the spirit of childhood – that is, the chance for children and adults alike to enjoy simple, carefree moments – may be destined for the endangered species list. The report reveals that the vast majority of parents surveyed believe today’s kids are growing up quicker than previous generations. In fact, seven out of 10 parents worldwide say their children should have more time to ‘just be kids.’

The idea that the spirit of childhood is on the decline is true not only for kids, but also adults. Parents everywhere yearn for the type of lighthearted enjoyment they had when they were kids. In fact, a majority of parents worldwide (59%) say they don’t have fun on a daily basis and 54 percent say they rarely experience the feelings of delight they did when they were children.

The “Global Spirit of Childhood Report,” conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of OREO, measured the spirit of childhood around the world in an effort to understand if people, both young and old, take the time to experience the simple joys of being a kid.

“As we regularly talk with consumers worldwide, we consistently hear about the importance of experiencing the carefree feelings of childhood at any age,” said Sheeba Philip, Global Brand Director for OREO. “We believe this sentiment is more important now than ever before, so we conducted this research to learn more about the spirit of childhood worldwide.”

Family Fun: Worth Its Weight in Gold

While the report suggests the spirit of childhood may be at risk, parents’ desire to have fun with their children isn’t weakening. Three out of five parents (63%) say spending time having fun with their kids is more important to them than it was to their own parents when they were growing up.

Carefree fun has become such a rare treat for parents and their children that it’s worth its weight in gold – literally. More than half of parents surveyed in countries like Mexico (54%), Peru (58%) and India (77%) say they would trade part of their salary in exchange for more time with their kids. And, four out of five parents surveyed across all 20 countries even say having fun as a family is “more important than anything else.” Despite this overwhelming desire, 59 percent of adults are not spending moments of carefree fun on a daily basis.

Technology: A Double-Edged Sword

In a fast-motion 4G world, technology and social media have an increasingly dramatic impact on the dynamics of family life. While 67 percent of parents globally agree that technology helps their family stay connected, it may come at a cost. When they’re spending time as a family, nearly half of parents (48%) say that their families are distracted by technology. No group may experience this more than working parents, more than half (55%) of which say their mobile devices and computer technology mean it is too easy to stay connected to work when spending time with family at home.

For today’s kids who have grown up with technology, its presence influences how they spend time with their parents and families. Just less than one-quarter of parents globally (23%) say they communicate more with their children through technology than in-person. In fast-growing economies like China and India, where research shows technology plays a significant role in daily life, the number of percentage points for parents surveyed increased to 52 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

There Is Hope

Despite pressures and distractions that affect the time families spend together and the state of childhood today, there’s hope. In fact, 88 percent of parents say they’re committed to making sure their kids don’t miss out on childhood and a majority (77%) say they themselves want to be more carefree like when they were children.

“Across continents and cultures, one thing we have in common is the desire to celebrate the kid inside all of us. 2012 marks the 100th birthday of OREO. In recognition, we’ll be finding more ways to celebrate the spirit of childhood and make special, simple moments happen for families and OREO fans around the world,” said Philip.

About The Survey

The survey was conducted during a six-week period between November and December of 2011. More than 7,000 parents with children under the age of 18 participated in this study. Local surveys were conducted via online or in-person interviews in 20 countries, including: Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Venezuela.

ABOUT KRAFT FOODS

Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE: KFT) is a global snacks powerhouse with an unrivaled portfolio of brands people love. Proudly marketing delicious biscuits, confectionery, beverages, cheese, grocery products and convenient meals in approximately 170 countries, Kraft Foods had 2010 revenue of $49.2 billion. Twelve of the company’s iconic brands – Cadbury, Jacobs, Kraft, LU, Maxwell House, Milka, Nabisco, OREO, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Tang and Trident – generate revenue of more than $1 billion annually. On Aug. 4, 2011, Kraft Foods announced plans to divide and create two independent public companies: a high-growth global snacks business and a high-margin North American grocery business. The transaction will take at least 12 months to complete, during which time plans regarding the structure, management, governance and other matters will be announced. A leader in innovation, marketing, health & wellness and sustainability, Kraft Foods is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor’s 500, Dow Jones Sustainability Index and Ethibel Sustainability Index. Visit www.kraftfoodscompany.comand www.facebook.com/kraftfoodscorporate.

ABOUT OREO

OREO is the world’s favorite cookie, enjoyed by families and friends in more than 100 countries around the world. As one of Kraft Foods’ 12 “billion-dollar” brands, OREO is the best-selling biscuit of the 21st century with more than $1.5 billion in global annual revenues. The OREO cookie twist, lick and dunk ritual has become the signature way to enjoy this iconic cookie for many different cultures around the world. OREO has a Facebook community of more than 23 million OREO lovers around the globe, representing 200+ countries and dozens of different languages. OREO ranks among the top five brand Facebook pages in the world. OREO will celebrate its 100th birthday on March 6, 2012.

ABOUT IPSOS

Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals that helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world. Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends to develop and test emergent or existing products or services, and build brands. They also test advertising and study audience responses to various media, and measure public opinion around the globe.

They help clients create long-term relationships with their customers, stakeholders or other constituencies. Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting and offers a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999. In 2010, Ipsos generated global revenues of €1,140.8 million ($1.6 billion U.S.). Visit www.ipsos.comto learn more about Ipsos offerings and capabilities.

Contacts

Kraft Foods

Basil Maglaris, 847/646-4538

news@kraftfoods.com

Weber Shandwick

Ashlie White, 312/988-2114

adwhite@webershandwick.com

Starwood Preferred Guest Launches Richest Elite Traveler Benefits in History Including 24-Hour Check-in, One-to-One Starwood Ambassador and Lifetime Status

Services Aimed at Small but Powerful Group Who Drive 30% of the Company’s Profit

(BUSINESS WIRE)– Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) is raising the stakes in the hotel loyalty landscape to win greater share from the world’s most prolific travelers, a powerful and growing group of global mega travelers. The company announced today new benefits that make its award winning loyalty program Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) the richest elite program in the industry. The more SPG Members stay, the more choices are available and the more personalized the benefits become with standouts like lifetime status, first-of-its-kind 24-hour check-in and a dedicated Starwood ambassador who provides one-on-one service to uniquely tailor the guest experience.

“With globalization trends, there are more mega travelers than ever before going to more places around the world,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO of Starwood. “The opportunity to cultivate what we call ‘loyalty beyond reason’ with the world’s most frequent travelers has never been greater. These are sophisticated consumers who have become jaded by generic points and perks. This is why we’ve invested in distinct new and personal benefits to truly reward those who reward us with a disproportionate amount of their business.”

Three Year Pilot Aimed at Most Profitable Travelers Inspires New Changes

According to van Paasschen, just two percent of travelers drive 30 percent of Starwood’s profits. With that in mind, the company spent the last three years quietly piloting a highly personal one-on-one ambassador service to better understand the needs and desires of these very powerful guests. Across the small, select sample of travelers, Starwood saw a double-digit share shift compared to a control group. Starwood took insights from this pilot to develop new benefits aimed at its elite Members.

“What we heard loud and clear from travelers was that they wanted more choice, more control and more personal service,” said Mark Vondrasek, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Loyalty & Partnership Marketing. “Today, through high touch and high tech, we have a newfound ability to better understand our guests, their preferences and even the nature of each unique trip. By delivering a whole new definition of choice and personal services, we’re moving beyond a purely points arms race to instead build loyalty for life.”

Good-Bye 3 p.m. Check-in – Hello Your24TM

Turning an ancient hotel convention on its head, Starwood is for the first time ever abolishing the industry’s long-standing 3:00 p.m. check-in time and giving its most frequent travelers control of their own arrival and departure time. Your24 lets Members choose their own 24 hour check-in and checkout time. For example, a guest who checks in at 10 p.m. won’t have to check-out until 10 p.m. on their day of departure. The Your24 program is offered to SPG Members who spend 75+ nights at Starwood hotels annually.

Ultimate in Personal Service for Most Prolific Travelers

Building upon its successful pilot program, Starwood is expanding its innovative one-to-one service which matches its best travelers with personal ambassadors. Now, all Members who stay 100 nights annually are invited to participate in this unique service designed to provide the ultimate in tailored experiences across all 1100+ Starwood hotels. What separates this from a traditional travel concierge program is the unique personal relationship between Member and ambassador. Starwood’s ambassadors work one-on-one with guests to understand their preferences and what matters to them on each trip to deliver a customized experience on property. Ambassadors also provide services beyond the hotel and are even empowered to assist guests when they’re not traveling.

Starwood to Reward Loyalty with Lifetime Status

To show its appreciation for its most loyal and enduring travelers, Starwood Preferred Guest is introducing SPG LifetimeTMstatus. Now Members who have stayed 250 nights total and maintained elite status for at least five years (consecutive or not) are awarded SPG Lifetime Gold status. Members with 500 total nights and 10 years of Platinum SPG status (consecutive or not) will enjoy their top tier status for life.

The Lowdown on Loyalty: Starwood Enhances Benefits for all Elite Members and the More You Stay, the Richer and More Personal it Gets

“Our goal is to make SPG so rich that it’s impossible for mega travelers not to choose Starwood,” said Vondrasek. “We also want to make the program wildly aspirational for all frequent travelers. And because we know that many of our Members are also Members of other hotel loyalty programs, we believe these upgrades give travelers a compelling reason to consolidate their travel with us. With this in mind, we have enriched all of our elite offerings, ratcheting up the proposition as Members stay more.”

SPG 100 Nights Benefit: After crossing the 100-night threshold, SPG Members are paired with their personal ambassador.
SPG 75 Nights Benefit: Afterspending 75 nights with Starwood, Members earn four Starpoints for every eligible U.S. dollar spent. Members also get access to Your24 tocontrol their check-in and checkout time.
SPG 50 Nights Benefit: At 50 nights,Members will receive 10 Suite Night Awards ™ to use for room upgrades. Suite Night Awards are confirmable five days prior to arrival.
Platinum Members(25 Stays or 50 Nights Annually): nowhave the option of complimentary breakfast as part of their welcome gift at check-in. Platinum Members can also choose from bonus Starpoints or a local gift.
Gold Members(10 Stays or 25 Nights Annually): now receive a welcome gift at check-in and can choose from bonus Starpoints, complimentary in-room Internet access or a complimentary beverage.

To learn more about these exciting SPG changes that give Members more control over their hotel experience visit spg.com/morepower. All benefits begin March 1, 2012.

SPG Gets a New Look Inspired By Actual Members

To celebrate its new benefits, SPG is updating its brand identity with a new look inspired by the rich personalities of its Members. SPG conducted a casting call for Members to participate in photo shoots with famed portrait photographer Alessandra Petlin. The inspiring photos will be prominently featured in all SPG communications and collateral including more than 90 million member communications a year. The first photo shoot took place in New York and features the Chatwal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, W New York – Times Square, W New York – Downtown, Aloft Harlem, The St. Regis New York and Sheraton Tribeca.

Visit spg.com/membersto hear personal stories from these Members about their relationship with SPG. Additional casting calls are taking place around the world in 2012. Follow SPG on Facebook.com/spgto learn about the latest locations.

About Starwood Preferred Guest

The SPG program’s breakthrough policy of No Blackout Dates at the world’s most sought after collection of hotels, reinvented the hospitality loyalty program when it launched in 1999. By creating a program centered on its Members, SPG has developed the most passionate and knowledgeable membership base in the hotel loyalty space. Through its use of new technologies and innovative channels such as SPG.com, SPG.com/stayconnected, SPG.com/flights and others, SPG continues to innovate and lead the industry. By offering No Blackouts on standard rooms at over 1,000 hotels and resorts in nearly 100 countries, No Blackouts on hundreds of airlines, and once in a lifetime experiences available through SPG Moments at spg.com/moments, the program has proven to be a big draw for the world’s most frequent travelers, and a significant competitive advantage for Starwood. For more information about Starwood Preferred Guest please visit SPG.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1071 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. The company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com

Contacts

Media Contacts:

PMK*BNC

Casey Cotton, 212.373.6156

casey.cotton@pmkbnc.com

Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide, Inc.

Jennifer Leemann, 203.964.4323

jennifer.leemann@starwoodhotels.com

Hilton Worldwide and PT Nurtirta Nusa Lestari Sign Management Agreement to Open DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta-Diponegoro in 2014

(BUSINESS WIRE)– Hilton Worldwide today signed a management agreement with PT Nurtirta Nusa Lestari to bring the first DoubleTree by Hilton property to Indonesia. Scheduled to open in 2014, the 261-room DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta-Diponegoro, Indonesia will be conveniently located two kilometers away from the “Golden Triangle,” Jakarta’s key commercial zone and the high-end Jalan Diponegoro area, where several embassies and many government officials reside.

“As we aggressively expand our footprint in the region through our award-winning brands, DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta-Diponegoro marks the entry of a third brand under Hilton Worldwide’s portfolio into Indonesia, following Hilton Bandung and Conrad Bali. Backed by the strong partnership with PT Nurtirta Nusa Lestari, we are confident that the hotel will continue to ensure our leadership position in commercial capitals in Asia Pacific,” said Andrew Clough, senior vice president, development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

The 15-storey DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta-Diponegoro will have an all-day dining restaurant and a bar, as well as a business center, health club, a spa, an outdoor pool, a ballroom and car parking facilities.

DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta-Diponegoro guests will benefit from the characteristic qualities currently found at the brand’s more than 275 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 23 countries around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors?guest loyalty program; and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “DoubleTree by Hilton continues to introduce the world’s travelers to a rapidly-growing portfolio of remarkable city center hotel locations around the world. TheDoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta-Diponegoro is a significant milestone for us and will be an exciting new addition to our hospitality offerings across the Asia Pacific region, as we create a rewarding and friendly hotel experience for the DoubleTree by Hilton globally.”

Located along Jalan Pegangsaan Timur in Central Jakarta and within walking distance from Cikini train station, DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta-Diponegoro is in close proximity to Jakarta’s central business district where a number of large financial institutions, multinational corporations, embassies, large retail malls including Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia, as well as the National Monument are situated.

As Indonesia’s main gateway, Jakarta is served by a growing number of international airlines and domestic flights and is the largest, most populous city in Indonesia. Offering strong tourism infrastructure, the city is the country’s most prominent economic, cultural and political center.

“We believe that the DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta-Diponegoro creates an ideal business combination of Hilton Worldwide’s global legacy of hospitality with our strong local market knowledge. The hotel will feature an urban-resort concept, with extensive landscaping and a well-designed spa facility that will inspire an outstanding hotel for both holiday makers and business travelers,” said Kentjana Widjaja, director, PT Nurtirta Nusa Lestari.

For more information on DoubleTree by Hilton, please contact your local travel professional or visit the brand’s website at www.doubletree.com.

About DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels

With a fast-growing global collection of contemporary, upscale hotels in more than 275 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across five continents, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our team members and the communities we proudly serve. Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers more than 65,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again.

To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit our brand website at www.doubletree.com. Social media users may connect with us at www.facebook.com/doubletree, www.twitter.com/doubletreeand www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels. For the latest news, story starters and fact sheets about our brand, reporters and bloggers may visit our DoubleTree by Hilton Global Media Center at www.doubletreebyhiltonglobalmediacenter.com.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,800 hotels and timeshare properties, with 630,000 rooms in 88 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors?. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.comfor more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwideand www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50148094&lang=en
Contacts

Audrey Wong

Hilton Worldwide – Asia Pacific

+65 6833 9763 (SINGAPORE)

audrey.wong@hilton.com

Thomas Wingham

DoubleTree by Hilton Brand Public Relations

+1 818 326 8516 (USA)

thomas.wingham@hilton.com

Vincent Jaya Suptra

PT Nurtirta Nusa Lestari

+62 816 779 416 (INDONESIA)

saputra.vincent72@gmail.com