Crisis? What crisis? £9 million yacht sales at Cannes

It's nice to know some people are still spending in these strange financial times. Sunseeker London, one of the exhibitors at the recent Cannes Boat Show, have reported sales of £9 million during the event. “The South of France is certainly still the ‘in’ place to be when it comes to cruising the Mediterranean," according to sales director Christopher Head. "We have been meeting new international clients from across Europe; and the Cannes Boat Show has never been better!” The nifty little number in the photo is a Sunseeker Portofino 47, one of the nine motor yachts that they sold.

Major work on the Palais underway?

The Palais des festival in Cannes has undergone quite a few changes over the past few years, with the Riviera section being adapted to offer a luxury upper floor with views across the bay. But there has been consistant talk about giving it a more thorough renovation. And true enough, we have heard that the municipal council have been debating the 150 million-euro project to further extend the Palais, which includes a vast underground development. No decision has yet been announced.

Turkey to be guest of honour at MAPIC

MAPIC, the annual retail property trade fair held on 19-21 November, is inviting Turkey as the guest of honour. According to industry sources, Turkey has the fastest-growing retail real estate market in Europe. This is clear from its attendance of MAPIC, which has seen triple-digit growth of 176% in accredited Turkish companies compared to the previous year. So MAPIC will feature a dedicated Turkish zone and workshops as well as a themed opening cocktail party.

For more details, visit MAPIC.

Photo courtesy of Compass Atelier.

TFWA to open new VIP area

TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, held October 27 to 31, is introducing a special area for members and key buyers this year to cater for important customers. The TFWA Lounge for members and buyers with full delegate status occupies a spacious area at the front of the Palais.

The lounge will offer a quiet VIP area with plug & play facilities, a private bar, dedicated concierge services including car rental, jet hire, restaurant reservations and local tourist information; and a Beauty Lounge with a special hairdressing service and nail bar. Key delegates will be offered cocktails, Fauchon tea, Rougié foie gras and chocolate from Kraft Foods.

The Business Centre, which is open to all participants, is being relocated to Level One of the Palais, where a dedicated team will offer secretarial services, including meeting room rental, photocopying, computer and Internet access, telephone cards, stamps and stationery.

I must admit I've never used any of the manicure, massage or hairdressing facilities at Cannes. If you are running a stand, a massage could indeed be of use.

TFWA has also released its conference programme, that you will find here.