Renaissance at Montekristo

Hal Farrug, 08/06/09 - Renaissance is the latest venue at the Montekristo estates. Built around a central pavilion and supported by five columns, Renaissance is an all marble “jewel box” decorated with mosaic reproductions of paintings by Giorgione, Caravaggio and other great masters.

Designed to accommodate some 500-seated guests and more than 3,000 standing, it is equipped with a state of the art light and sound system. Renaissance can also be converted into a unique club with its own elevated DJ booth.

The venue has its own entrance, but can also be accessed from the Montekristo Wine Vaults through Calypso's Lair. These three venues combined “create a uniquely, mythical setting with unending possibilities for very large functions”.

The Montekristo estates, meantime, incorporate 3,800 square metres of vineyards, a charming winery, built exclusively with old stone, in the style of a 16th Century country manor and a number of indoor and outdoor venues covering an area of more than 6,000 square metres.

These venues include the Wine Vaults, Calypso's Lair, the Arena (where the Knights Spectacular dinner show is held), Misrah Dielja, the Roof Garden, the Auditorium, the Wine Bar, the Alcoves, Les Ecuries and the Foyer.

Venues at the Montekristo estates are available for all types of events and more information is available from MK Leisure, operators of the estates, at www.mkleisure.com.

Kempinski San Lawrenz celebrates 10th anniversary

San Lawrenz, 08/06/09 - Having opened its doors as the San Lawrenz Leisure Resort on 29 June 1999, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is celebrating its tenth anniversary later this month.

For the first two years, the five star resort was privately managed by its owner, Joseph Baldacchino, until the Kempinski Hotel Group took over the management in 2001.

Today, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is internationally renowned as a hideaway resort, the Gozitan countryside location being one of its unique selling points.

Under Kempinski management, the existing spa was extended and the first Ayurveda centre in the Mediterranean was introduced.

On the occasion of the anniversary celebrations, Thalgo’s new and innovative spa brand Terraké will be launched, which will also be exclusive to the Kempinski spa.

A special package deal marks the anniversary celebration, with double rooms being charged at single room rates throughout June and July, and guests who are staying overnight on 29 June will receive a special treat in their rooms.

Last but not least, three prizes are going to be raffled among correct entries to a competition; first prize is a weekend for two at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz. Details of the competition are available on the hotel’s site at www.kempinski-gozo.com. The winners will be drawn during a reception at the hotel on 29 June.

Corinthia St George’s open new grill

St Julian’s, 08/06/09 – A new restaurant has opened at the five star Corinthia Hotel St George's Bay. Grill 3301 – named after the area’s postcode – has a “sophisticated, warm ambiance and stunning views of the sea”.

Grill 3301 focuses on fresh fish and seafood plus “a delicious selection of prime cut beef and a wide portfolio of quality wines to choose from”.

This latest eatery at the Corinthia is open for dinner from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Le Méridien St Julians appoints new DSM and DS

St Julian’s, 07/06/09 - Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa has a new have director of sales and marketing, Jeffrey Cutajar (far left), and a new director of sales, Mark Muscat De Celis (left).

Cutajar, a graduate of the University of London who holds an MA in international tourism policy and marketing, brings a wealth of experience to the post, having been involved with selling Malta since 1983. He served in several senior positions at the Malta Tourism Authority until the end of 2006. In the past couple of years he acted as an independent tourism consultant.

“This is a completely new experience for me”, said Cutajar. “Although I have been involved with selling Malta overseas for the past 23 years, it is the first time I am being involved with the marketing of a premier hotel”, he added.

Muscat De Celis, meantime, is an old Starwood hand; having held posts at both the Westin Dragonara Resort and Le Méridien St Julians. He was involved in the opening of Le Méridien St Julians, after which he did a brief stint at Le Méridien Lav, Split, in Croatia. Returning to the islands, he was groups sales manager at the Hilton Malta.

Le Méridien’s general manager, Angela Saliba welcomed the new appointments: “This is a very exciting time for us. The mix of experience and youth that we have employed here should strengthen an already strong team”.

De Marco visits new edition of the Malta Experience

Valletta, 07/06/09 - The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Dr Mario De Marco accompanied by MTA’s Chief Executive Josef Formosa Gauci recently visited the Malta Experience audio-visual show, housed at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

The visit served to acknowledge the company’s successful development throughout its 29-year history and introduced the latest edition of the AV show. This, the fifth edition, introduces the sea as the main theme linking the islands’ history.

The audio-visual spectacular is an excellent reproduction relating the island’s history spanning 7,000 years of varied civilisations, defeats and triumphs leading to EU accession. The attraction uses a panoramic (10 metre wide) screen to project sensational images of Malta with re-enacted motion clips interspersed throughout the show, now possible by the use of digital technology.

“This latest version is also an opportunity for the local population to visit the attraction, be they newcomers or repeat visitors, to relive our most impressive past” commented general manager Mercieca.

The Malta Experience is a subsidiary company of the M Demajo Group.

Flyaway Tours launch short-break summer offers

Luqa, 07/06/09 - Flyaway Tours, Air Malta’s package holidays, have just launched two short-break holidays to Sicily and Istanbul for the summer.

The Fantastic Sicilian Breaks offer starts at €199 per person, and includes return flights from Malta to Catania, two nights accommodation in hotels/club on bed and breakfast basis including taxes and charges. This offer is available for accommodation in Catania, Taormina or Pedara.

The Istanbul Specials starts lead-in at €226 per person and include return airfare to the Turkish city, three nights in a twin sharing accommodation on bed and breakfast basis as well as all applicable taxes.

Commenting about the launch of this offer Brian Bartolo, KM’s general manager marketing and product said: “Once again, the airline is offering another opportunity to its customers wishing to travel for short breaks during this summer at unbeatable prices. Flyaway Tours has long been a popular choice with those seeking a quick getaway, whether for business or pleasure. These packages are being offered at very affordable prices”.

Offers are limited and subject to availability, and are valid for travel until 31 October and must be booked and ticketed by the end of June 2009.

Riu Seabank sponsor Mellieha powerboat race weekend

Mellieha, 05/06/09 – The Mellieha Powerboat Grand prix will be held on 27 and 28 June at Mellieha Bay. Some 25 boats, in four classes, will be competing.

Control and wet pits will be situated at the Tunny Net Complex, and qualifying rounds on Saturday will determine the starting positions for the main race on Sunday. On both days the competition will start at 12:00.

Special guest driver and three-time world champion Miles Jennings will be competing in several races.

The Malta Powerboat Association, RYA Powerboat Racing, the Hotel Riu Seabank and the Tunny Net Complex, with the support of Mellieha Local Council, are sponsoring the two-day event.

MTA organise service excellence conference

Valletta, 05/06/09 - The Malta Tourism Authority will be organising a half-day conference titled service excellence in the tourism industry on 23 June at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort in St Julian’s.

The conference aims to spread a vision for a customer focused tourism industry, which is a major challenge for tourism SMEs. Acquiring new skills will ultimately help in building a better industry workforce.

Ray Dempsey, general manager at the Old Jameson Distillery will illustrate the success behind the Jameson Experience and show how an entrepreneur can achieve consistent service excellence.

Aidan Harte, managing director of Optimum Results, will interact with the audience on critical actions to champion business hurdles.

The event will also serve as a platform to familiarise the audience with the Merhba Trainers’ Resource Pack, tourism awareness and customer care trainer’s toolkit. This pack has been developed to serve as a training aid for managers of tourism establishments and tourism-related support services to train their staff.

To attend the conference call Stephanie Rocco on 2291 5125 or email training@visitmalta.com.

Kempinski San Lawrenz appoints new managers

San Lawrenz, 04/06/09 - A number of new people have been added to the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz’s management team.

Nicole Ross (left), born in Germany, has taken over the post of food and beverage manager. After an apprenticeship in the hotel industry at the Maritim Hotel in Stuttgart, Ross held various positions in luxury hotels in Germany before becoming assistant food and beverage manager of the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski, Tanzania, in 2004, and holding the same position at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi from January 2007 until her move to Gozo the spring of this year.

At the end of April, meanwhile, Cindy Conrad was appointed human resources and training manager of the San Lawrenz.

Conrad (left) is Swiss and studied at the Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, and then graduated with a bachelor in tourism management from the Höhere Fachschule für Tourismus in Switzerland. She started her career with Kempinski with internships in Sicily before moving to Dubai as a management trainee in the regional people management office. In 2008 she moved to the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains as assistant HR manager, during which time she also helped in the pre-opening of the Kempinski Palace Portoroz, and Kempinski Pragelato Village.

Gozo-born Natasha Grech (left) was promoted to assistant spa manager after having worked as a beauty therapist at the San Lawrenz since 2006. Grech has extensive experience in spa and beauty therapies as well as massage techniques, including an ITEC diploma in foot reflexology.

 

Gingell Littlejohn appointed DSM at InterConti

St Julian’s, 04/06/09 - Christopher Gingell Littlejohn (left) has been appointed director of sales and marketing at InterContinental Malta.

Before his promotion, Gingell Littlejohn, 33, was the hotel’s revenue manager. He previously held various sales manager positions within the InterContinental Hotels Group at the Crowne Plaza in Malta and did a stint at the InterContinental London Park Lane.

Having graduated in politics and economics from the University of Malta, Gingell Littlejohn joined the tourism industry in 1998, where he worked for a local destination management company.

“My position as director of sales and marketing is in itself exceedingly challenging. There is a belief that we’re going places, and it’s great to be able to contribute towards a sustained success”, he says.

MTA renews sponsorship of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti

Valletta, 03/06/09 - The Malta Tourism Authority is sponsoring, for the ninth year, the Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti.

In a brief presentation held at the authority’s office, MTA chairman Sam Mifsud (pictured far left) presented the sponsorship cheque to Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti’s president Maurice de Giorgio (pictured left).

Mifsud praised the work carried out by the Foundation and said “it is instrumental in continuing to strengthen Malta’s image overseas as a destination with a unique heritage”.

De Girogio thanked the MTA for its continuous support and said that “it is only thanks to benefactors like the MTA that the foundation can continue with its work”.

Veteran Corinthia Palace maitre calls it a day

Balzan, 01/06/09 - Thirty three years of “service with a reassuring smile” come to an end for long-serving Corinthia Room restaurant manager Anthony Rapa (pictured far left with hotel GM Italo Rota in the centre and Rayomd Vella) as he goes into retirement this month.

Rapa joined the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa as restaurant manager of the then Al-Hana Restaurant and Nightclub in 1976. He was later handed the stewardship of the Corinthia Room Restaurant, which he has since helped take to the very pinnacle of fine dining in Malta.

Corinthia Room’s regular patrons will miss Rapa’s welcoming charm and his attention to detail, but they need not worry, as the baton passes on to yet another experienced Corinthia stalwart - Raymond Vella, who has been Rapa’s right hand man for the last 10 years, and who boasts an equally impressive service industry background.

Granny’s Inn named best Malta hostel

Sliema, 30/05/09 - Granny's Inn Hostel, which only opened last August, has already won an award as the best hostel in Malta in 2008 from Hostelworld.com.

Family-run Granny's Inn accommodates up to 20 people in rooms sleeping from one to six. The hostel only accepts guests who are 20 years old or older.

Rooms come equipped with bunk beds, have ceiling fans and heating, wash basins, a refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities.

Public amenities in this city-centre hostel include free WiFi, two computers with online access, TV room, two terraces, a fully stocked vending machine, laundry and luggage storage.

Dublin-based Hostelworld.com, meantime, was set up in 1999 to provide online bookings for hostels, budget accommodation centres and package tours, as well as comprehensive content such as city and country guides. It bills itself as “the ultimate backpacker resource centre”.

It was at this year’s HOSCARS (HOStelworld Customer Annual Ratings) ceremony, held in Dublin, that Granny’s Inn was named best hostel in Malta in 2008.

For more information on Granny’s Inn Hostel, go to www.grannysinn.com.

Galmbacher joins Maritim sales team

Mellieha, 28/05/09 - German-born Brigitte Galmbacher has just been appointed sales and marketing manager of the four star Maritim Antonine Hotel and Spa.

Galmbacher arrived in Malta in 1996 from Cologne and was employed by Alpine Travel as a reservations executive, dealing with the German market. Over the years her responsibilities grew and included the handling of British and Norwegian tour operators. She also spent time as an executive in Alpine’s conference and incentives department.

After a 13-year stint with the San Gwann-based company, she was offered the job at the German-managed Maritim.

Air Malta donates €11,750 to charity

Luqa, 22/05/09 - Air Malta chief executive Joe Cappello, recently presented €11,750 to Fr Martin Micallef, director of Id-Dar Tal-Providenza during a presentation held at the airline’s head office.

This donation was collected from Air Malta employees who in 2008 chose to donate money to this organisation by having it deducted from their salaries. The airline then matched the sum collected from employees.

Brussels embassy embarks on tourism promotion

Brussels, 20/05/09 – Malta’s embassy in Brussels has held a series of initiatives to assist in the promotion of the islands’ tourism in Belgium.

One of the first projects was to encourage greater visibility and information on Maltese culture and tourism in the Belgian media. To this end the ambassador, Pierre Clive Agius. met with the editors of six magazines ranging from fashion to lifestyle to culture. The embassy was also involved in the realisation of press trips by Belgian journalists to Malta.

The embassy also approached the Office of the Minister for Training of Wallonia to lobby for the inclusion of Malta in the list of recognised countries where government-subsidised students can travel to learn English. The government of Wallonia sees retraining and the acquiring of new skills, including linguistic, as a way of increasing job market flexibility that is considered as an important tool to face the challenges of increasing unemployment caused by the current economic crisis. The embassy is coordinating with the Malta Tourism Authority and with English language schools here on this initiative.

Meantime, the embassy is planning to organise, in collaboration with Air Malta and the Maltese trade, a workshop targeted especially for incentive travel

Westin Dragonara launches healthy breakfast

St Julian’s, 15/05/09 - The Westin Dragonara Resort is introducing the Superfoods concept.

As part of its “ongoing commitment to personal renewal”, Westin has teamed up with SuperFoods Partners to become the first hotel chain to introduce SuperFoods Rx into their menus.

Superfoods “known for being health-enhancing and rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients will be the main ingredient in a selection of Westin signature dishes and Westin Breakfast”.

Superfoods “are foods that are considered best for providing the most disease-fighting and health-enhancing benefits due to their high nutrients and antioxidants content”.

The Westin Dragonara Resort is now also offering Superfoods RX breakfast to the local market. Companies are being offered packages whereby one can start with a Superfoods breakfast and then move on to their meeting. Superfoods breakfast is served on a daily basis from 06:30 to 10:30.

Malta to focus on pharmaceutical conferences

Valletta, 12/05/09 - The Malta Tourism Authority’s meetings and incentives division held a seminar for members of the local travel trade last month in a bid to raise awareness about regulations for pharmaceutical industry meetings. The importance of these seminars is even more pronounced in the light of the current economic climate. Companies are postponing or cancelling their conferences and incentive events, due to the international economic downturn. The destination's competitiveness - which remains a crucial factor - is reliant on the local suppliers' knowledge of the markets they are dealing with, the MTA says.

During this seminar the head of research division, Tania Sultana announced that 2008 was a record year for the number of MICE delegates hosted in Malta, since there was a 14 per cent increase over 2007, reaching the 70,000 delegates mark. However, the present international economic difficulties have affected this niche market and fewer groups are being confirmed. In these circumstances, marketing efforts should focus on reaching out to the pharmaceutical industry, since it a very stable and strong sector that has continued to organise its meetings and incentives, especially due to the ever-changing nature of the industry.

Tina Fegent, a British marketing consultant, went through a detailed presentation about the nature of the pharmaceutical industry and its stringent requirements.

Suzanne Cassar Dimech, the MICE segment head, said that: “The MTA organised this seminar to ensure that Malta’s product offer, is handled by suppliers knowledgeable of regulations and be in a position to create a fit between what the destination can offer and the requirements of the business”.

New GM at InterContinental Malta

St Julian’s, 11/05/09 - Giuseppe Vincelli, 39, has been appointed general manager of InterContinental Malta, replacing Marco Frik.

Vincelli (left), who is Italian, has been working in the tourism industry for more than 21 years. In 2004 he joined the InterContinental Hotels Group as director of business development based at the InterContinental De La Ville in Rome and was then appointed hotel manager of the hotel two years later.

Last year he moved to Murica, Spain, as GM of the InterContinental Mar Menor Golf Resort & Spa as well as the InterContinental La Torre Golf Resort, also in Murcia.

In Malta Vincelli’s goal is to position the InterContinental as “the conference hotel and at the same time, be strongly considered as the ideal hotel for leisure and corporate individual travellers”.

 

 

Whistles on show

Mdina, 08/05/09 - The first in a series of small, but highly focused temporary exhibitions about unusual themes has just opened at Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum in Mdina. Whistles: from ritual to toys brings together more than 150 whistles from Maltese private and museum collections, ranging from antique Maltese whistles to bird calls, in a huge variety of materials and shapes. A full colour brochure accompanies the exhibition, which will run until 21 June 2009.

Entrance to the whistles exhibition is free, and is open from 10:00 to 16:00 from Tuesday to Sunday.

Sixt inaugurates new airport stand

Luqa, 07/05/09 - Sixt Malta has just inaugurated a new stand, the first of its kind, on the first floor of the arrivals section at the Malta International Airport.

The opening of the stand coincided with the 10th anniversary of Sixt operations in Malta.

A taste of Malta in the heart of London

London, 07/05/09 - Meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) organisers recently gathered at Meza, a top London restaurant to sample Maltese delicacies as part of the Malta Tourist Office’s Taste of Malta evening.

The evening gave MICE organisers in the UK the chance to sample some of the Mediterranean’s best cuisine as well as meet and talk to the large number of Maltese DMCs, hotels and conference venues that were present to showcase their services.

Whilst enjoying specialities such as figolli, local goats’ cheese and wine, UK-based organisers were shown why the islands have been winning accolades from impressed clients as they seek to establish themselves as the Mediterranean destination of choice for MICE organisers.

ETC publish new tourism trends and prospects surveys

Brussels, 06/05/09 - It is now clear that the financial-sector blizzard that struck in the second half of 2008 is affecting the global economy. Every single OECD member country, and every single economy in Europe, is expected to suffer a contraction in GDP in 2009.

Not many emerging markets, so many of which were booming in 2007 and 2008 will be able to sustain any significant growth in 2009, either. And the downturn is expected to be more severe than any in recent memory.

Given the inevitable impact of the economic and financial crisis on business and consumer confidence, as well as on demand for travel and tourism, the European Travel Commission (ETC)'s Market Intelligence Group (chaired by Malta’s Leslie Vella) decided that it was important to monitor trends affecting tourism demand on a more frequent basis. Consequently, the ETC has just published the first in a series of new quarterly reports, European Tourism 2009: Trends and Prospects, which forms part of the commission’s regular reports monitoring developments in Europe's travel and tourism.

This new publication is a prime example of the ETC's objective of consolidating its role as the authoritative voice of European tourism. The ETC's Market Intelligence Group network brings together a distinguished team of tourism research professionals drawn from the association's membership - 39 national tourism organisations in Europe. The main value of the report is that it focuses very specifically on the European tourism dimension.

For the full report go to http://www.etc-corporate.org/resources/uploads/ETC-Insights-Q12009-web.pdf.

President visits Corinthia Palace

Balzan, 01/05/09 - On 1 May George Abela, the recently elected president of Malta, visited the Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa to meet employees at their place of work.

Company director Joe Pisani greeted the president – whose official residence is just across the road from the hotel - and showed him around the newely refurbished hotel. After the showround, Abela met all the management and staff for a drink in the Caprice Lounge.

In a short speech, the president highlighted the impact the private sector has on the local economy, as well as the importance of management and staff reaching a balanced and mutual understanding for the benefit of both sides as well as that of their families. At the end of his visit, Abela was presented with a silver plate to mark the occassion.

Malta appoints Nina Ruge as VIP ambassador for Germany

Valletta, 01/05/09 - The Malta Tourism Authority has appointed the popular German TV hostess and author Nina Ruge (left) as one of Malta’s VIP ambassadors for the German market. She will provide German travellers with a better understanding of the diversity the islands offer.

To kick-off her ambassadorship she will be producing, together with the MTA’s Frankfurt office, a brochure highlighting her ‘secret’ tips for getting the most out of a holiday in Malta and Gozo.

Joseph Galea, the MTA’s director international marketing remarked that “with Ruge we have found a Malta fan who is a very convincing ambassador, and enjoys an excellent standing in Germany for many years.

“She is very passionate about Malta and we are convinced that Nina Ruge will give German travellers a very good understanding of the various facets of our islands, such as history and culture, culinary aspects and also the numerous wellness and sports facilities”.

Former Sheraton and Dragonara employees reunite

St Julian’s, 01/05/09 - A reunion was recently held at The Westin Dragonara Resort’s Palio’s Restaurant by former Sheraton and Dragonara Hotel staffers.

The event took place at the same place where a number of these employees started working at the Sheraton Malta Hotel in the summer of 1967. Over the years a number lost contact, however a small group are still working at the same location, now the Westin Dragonara Resort. The event turned out to be very successful, were old colleagues and friends reunited and shared their experiences.

George Cross award ceremony to be re-enacted

Valletta, 08/04/09 - The Malta Tourism Authority is organising a commemorative evening recalling the award of the George Cross to Malta on Tuesday, 15 April on Palace Square in Valletta.

The audio visual performance will include some 50 re-enactors, accompanied by a set of projected slides as well as a narration that will bring to life the eventful occasion that took place exactly in the same square in 1942.

The show will start at 20:00and admission is free. Seating will be available on request.

For further information call 22915440

Fatal ladies to perform at Corinthia

St Julian’s, 08/04/09 - The Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay will be holding a dinner concert on 18 April where Czech violin sensation Femme 2 Fatale (left) will perform in cabaret.

The price tag is €29.50 per person and includes an extensive hot and cold international buffet starting at 19:30 and the participation of the Vinnie Vella orchestra, with local vocalists Andreana and Debbie Scerri.

The violin duo Femme 2 Fatale - Eva Slana and Lucie Klasek – will perform later in the evening. Their act “consists of a fusion of classical, rock, pop and jazz music and an exciting dance routine, that together celebrate the female spirit, beauty and grace on the one hand and a merciless burning passion on the other”.

Call the Corinthia Hotel on 21374114 for reservations.

Egyptian-born GM for Corinthia hotel in St Petersburg

Floriana, 01/04/09 - Malta-based CHI Hotels & Resorts (CHI) has appointed Asaad Farag as the new general manager of its renovated five star Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg.

Farag’s most recent appointment was that of general manager of the 770-room IHG Hotel in Time Square, New York. Before that, he was the general manager of the Conrad Hotel & Conference Centre in Istanbul. He also managed the Regent Hotel & Spa on Wall Street, New York, operated by Carlson Hospitality, The Turnberry Place Resort in Las Vegas and The St Regis Hotel in Los Angeles.

In his earlier career US national Farag was a vice president of the MGM Grand Las Vegas, director of F&B at the Beverly Hills Hotel California and executive director of F&B at the Plaza Hotel New York. In addition, he held various senior management positions with Ritz Carlton and Walt Disney Groups. Farag is a trustee of the Five Star Diamond American Hospitality of Science and a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. He is a graduate of the Helwan University in Cairo, Egypt.

The Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg, which first opened its doors in July 1993 after the renovation of two historic 19th century buildings in the heart of St Petersburg, was acquired by International Hotel Investments (IHI) in 2002 and joined the Corinthia Hotels brand of upscale properties throughout Europe and the Mediterranean basin. The hotel is operated by CHI Hotels & Resorts and features in the Wyndham Grand Collection, a collection of artfully appointed hotels representing one-of-a-kind experiences in unique destinations around the world.

The second phase of the project now nearing completion will see the extension and integration of the main building into the adjoining building at 59, Nevskij Prospect. This extension will add another 107 executive guestrooms to the hotel, together with a 250 square-metre presidential suite, bringing the hotel’s total inventory to 390 rooms, together with a new executive lounge.