Friday 30 November 2012

Transport Minister Meets ABTA Board Members in Park Street

The Rt Hon Simon Burns MP, Minister of State for Transport, met the ABTA Board today to discuss his views on the challenges facing the travel industry and how he will work to address them.


PATA Travel Mart 2013 to Take Place in Chengdu

PATA has announced that PATA Travel Mart 2013 will take place September 25-27 at Century City New International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Chengdu in Sichuan province, China.


Air Arabia increases Karachi flights to daily

Air Arabia announced the expansion of services to Karachi, Pakistan. The four weekly flights from Sharjah to Karachi are now increased to daily flights, making it easier and more convenient for passengers travelling between both cities. 


Kenya Airways and Barclays Bank of Kenya Launch KQ Msafiri Visa Credit Card

Kenya Airways and Barclays Bank of Kenya have partnered with Visa to relaunch a co-branded credit card dubbed KQ Msafiri Visa Credit Card.


Glion Institute of Higher Education Opens New Branch Campus in London

Glion Institute of Higher Education, one of the world’s top three institutions of higher education for an international career in hospitality management, announced that it is opening its first branch campus in London.


Book a Mandarin Oriental spa treatment and receive a relaxing bonus

The Spas at Mandarin Oriental are offering a nurturing and relaxing body treatment for the New Year that comes with an added bonus.


DoubleTree by Hilton Continues Spanish Expansion with Second Hotel

Hilton Worldwide confirmed the signing of a franchise agreement with Layetana to open its second DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Spain.


Cruise Charge Increase A Tax On Success

The NSW government’s new cruise ship head tax for passengers visiting Sydney Harbour is excessive, says peak industry body, the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF).


TTF: Destination New South Wales's China Tourism Strategy 2012--20 will help increase visitation and yield


Destination New South Wales’s China Tourism Strategy 2012-20 will help increase visitation and yield from our fastest growing market, according to Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF).


Thursday 29 November 2012

Japan and China has been seen strong growth during the first half of 2012

In terms of tourism, Japan has largely recovered from the effects of last year’s tsunami and reported strong growth during the first half of this year

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Mandarin Oriental, Miami Expands Pool Lounge And Launches New Gourmet Brunch

Mandarin Oriental, Miami is delighted to unveil its expanded pool lounge area, providing additional space for guests to enjoy the hotel’s infinity-edge swimming pool and balmy South Florida weather. Guests can take in sweeping water and city views at the sleek pool setting, which features an elevated pool deck and vibrant red and orange chaise loungers. Whimsical sails and white umbrellas serve as shade and respite for guests, providing an ideal spot to sip refreshing tropical cocktails and smoothies. Complementing the hotel’s infinity-edge swimming pool is a spacious jacuzzi, private white sand beach and Oasis Pool Café.

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IHG Becomes First Global Hotel Company to Launch App for Windows 8

IHG announced that its Holiday Inn brand is marking another innovative first by becoming the first major hotel brand to launch a travel app for Windows 8 – the newest version of the Windows operating platform for a variety of PCs and tablet devices. Holiday Inn is the world’s largest upper midscale hotel brand by number of rooms. 


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KLM and InselAir To Initiate Code-Sharing

 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and InselAir  will consolidate their cooperation with a code-sharing agreement. This will offer customers greater comfort and options, enabling them to travel to destinations served by the two partners without having to re-check luggage during the intermediate landing. In addition, flight schedules will be closely coordinated so that travel time is minimised. Passengers can book and travel via the new code-sharing agreement as of 1 December this year.

A Brilliant Tiffany Holiday Turns Statue Square Into a Fairy-tale Christmas Corner at Hong Kong Winterfest

A larger-than-life Christmas tree, a celestial carousel and other festive decorations in “A Brilliant Tiffany Holiday” were lit up this evening (23 November) at Central’s Statue Square to mark the beginning of 2012 Hong Kong WinterFest, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). Running until 1 January 2013, Hong Kong WinterFest also features over 30 seasonal programmes developed by local attractions and shopping malls


TAT Launches 'Amazing Thailand' Official LINE Account

TAT has launched its “Amazing Thailand” official LINE account to help travellers receive the latest real-time information about the kingdom’s tourism activities and promotions on their smartphones.


Outsourcing and downsizing causes questionable fleet maintenance!

 The startling revelation that American Airlines has had some of its passenger seats come loose during flights gives new meaning to the phrase "flying by the seat of your pants."


Enchanting Christmas at the Avari Dubai Hotel

Dubai Dubai is full of refreshing offers in entertainment and fun-filled moments on its pristine sandy beaches. Come be a part of this fabulous celebration of life as Avari Dubai Hotel offers it’s Christmas Package – that provides you not only with a total value for money but also a fulfilling enjoyable experience in this holiday season.  


Crystal Cruise to Explore New destinations Across the Mediterranean in 2013!

For its 2013 Mediterranean cruise season, ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises is making first-time-ever visits to Çanakkale, Turkey; La Spezia, Italy; and Castellón de la Plana, Spain. 


Kris at Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai Launches New Menu

Kris, the outstanding Asian restaurant at Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai, has just introduced a tempting new menu with a variety of irresistible exotic dishes.

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Wednesday 28 November 2012

Malaysia Airlines Continues to Improve Results for 3rd Quarter 2012

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 - Malaysia Airlines announced a small operating profit of RM4 million and a Net Income After Tax (NIAT) of RM37 million for the third quarter ended 30 September 2012. The profit achieved in this quarter was the best performance to-date for the national airline following 6 consecutive quarters of losses.

The operating profit and NIAT for the third quarter compared favourably against an operating loss of RM192 million and a loss after tax of RM478 million in the same period in 2011.


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Amtrak Fills Key Senior Operations Positions


Amtrak announces it has named Bruce Pohlot as the new chief engineer and Tom Quigley as general manager, State-Supported Services. Both will report directly to DJ Stadtler, vice president of operations effective Dec. 10, 2012.

As chief engineer, Mr. Pohlot is responsible for all construction and maintenance activities for Amtrak-owned right-of-way including track, bridges, buildings, communications, signals and electric traction, plus he directs the Engineering department’s capital program. He will be based in Philadelphia. 


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Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Events Portfolio adds 7th event with launch of IBTM India in 2013

Reed Travel Exhibitions organizer of the world’s leading portfolio of incentives, business travel and meetings industry events has announced that it is to launch IBTM India which will take place at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai from 12-14 September 2013.

IBTM India will provide an integrated platform for the MICE and Business Travel sectors to come together and transact business, share knowledge and network in the business and financial hub of Mumbai.  Scheduled to take place over 2.5 days, this event will provide a tabletop format for exhibitors to meet with Hosted Buyers.

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New commercial director of retail for Network Rail

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 - Network Rail has appointed Jonathan Crick to join its property division, as commercial director of retail.

Mr Crick will have overall responsibility for retail within the organisation, with a focus on driving retail investment at Network Rail’s 17 managed stations, including Britain’s busiest – King’s Cross, Liverpool Street and Waterloo. The role also oversees advertising, car parks and other commercial contracts at stations. 


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Hotel Brunelleschi opens new exclusive Pagliazza Tower Suite - new project of Great Hotels!


Great Hotels of the World member, Hotel Brunelleschi in Florence has now opened its unique Tower Suite which occupies the top floor of the stunning Medieval Pagliazza Tower. The tower is one of the special ancient features of the property which has been beautifully preserved despite the restoration works.

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EIBTM Confirms Extended Stay in Barcelona


EIBTM has confirmed that the show will remain in Barcelona until 2016 and will continue to be hosted in the Fira Gran Via.

Mr. Joan Gaspart, President of the Barcelona Tourisme Convention Bureau  “Barcelona as a European city has a lot of promise for the future. Both in terms of the meeting’s industry and the tourism’s industry as many have discovered the potential of the Catalan’s capital. Our continued involvement with the EIBTM, helps us to reinforce our assessment”.  


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Malaysia Airlines Commences Double Daily-Kuala Lumpur-London Return A380 Operations


Malaysia Airlines’ commenced the twice daily A380 Kuala Lumpur-London-Kuala Lumpur services with the inaugural daytime flight MH4 departing KL International Airport (KLIA) for the UK capital at 10.45am.

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Floods in Wales kills an elderly woman!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 - Even a timely intervention by the rescue teams could not avoid a casualty in northern Wales as an elderly woman was found dead in her apartment. The rescue officials were quite nimble as they relocated almost the entire population of the flood struck areas in St. Asaph. The emergency services were on action for since the early hours of the day as the river Elwy banks were bursting with water.

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The Al Manzil and Qamardeen Hotels grab Green Globe Certification!


The Al Manzil and Qamardeen Hotels in Dubai’s vibrant Downtown district have been awarded the prestigious Green Globe Certification (GGC), following an exhaustive sustainability audit conducted by Farnek Avireal, GGC’s exclusive partner in the Middle East. 

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Tuesday 27 November 2012

Aegean Airlines announces their last nine month revenue report!


AEGEAN reports Nine-Month 2012 revenue of €511.3m, 5% lower compared to the same period last year.

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At EIBTM Incentives Barcelona presents its new image

Today the Spanish DMC Incentives Barcelona presents its new image at the EIBTM in Barcelona. The blue circle of the logo represents the endless blue sky and also the endless services the company offers. 

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The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre records 56% increase in International event enquiries

The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (The QEIICC) has recorded a 56 per cent increase in the number of International enquiries considering London for events since 1st April 2012.

London & Partners puts London on the map with a stack of prize packages for savvy visitors to EIBTM

London & Partners, the Mayor’s official promotional organisation and convention bureau for London, is inviting visitors attending EIBTM in Barcelona to get interactive this year to win a selection of bumper prize packages.

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Worldwide interest in groundbreaking service at Billund International Airport

Denmark's 2nd largest airport, Billund International Airport is the first in the world to launch a new service allowing passengers to print their baggage tags at home together with their boarding card. 

Continue Reading......http://travelandtoureurope.com/Travel_News_Details.asp?newsID=19256

Copenhagen has been chosen as European Green Capital 2014

Copenhagen has been named European Green Capital 2014 a title bestowed upon a city with well-established record of achieving high environmental standards, is comitted to meeting ambitous goals, and acts as a role model to other cities

Continue Reading...http://travelandtoureurope.com/Travel_News_Details.asp?newsID=19257

Number of foreign tourists in Chile triples in the last 20 years

Over three million foreign tourists visited Chile during 2011, which meant an increase of 11 percent over 2010. This number is a meaningful high for the Chilean Tourism Industry and it underlines our international promotional strategy that focuses strongly on the end consumer.

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San Francisco International Airport Takes Top Honors in Concession Program Awards

Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), the foremost advocate for airport operators in North America, has awarded San Francisco International Airport (SFO) first place honors for the airport’s outstanding concession program.

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Simon Hughes appointed Non-Executive Director of The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre

Simon Hughes has been appointed a non-executive director of The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (The QEIICC).

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Serbia Convention Bureau launched two Facebook games as a marketing strategy

Serbia Convention Bureau has gone an extra mile and launched two Facebook games aimed at marketing Serbia through a fun way.

Monday 26 November 2012

New 7 Wonder of Nature Accolade Boosts Table Mountain Tourism

South African tourism has received a welcome boost with the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway recording a marked rise in visitor numbers since the Mountain was named one of the provisional New 7 Wonders of Nature in November 2011.

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Port of Tampa breaks single-day, annual records for cruise passengers

The Tampa Port Authority reported that November 11 was a record-breaking day for cruise passenger throughput, when an estimated 13,104 passengers embarked and disembarked on three cruise ships, making it the single busiest day on record.

Skyscanner Receives Mobby's Award For Best Mobile Application In Travel

 Skyscanner was awarded the prestigious MOBBY’s award for Best Mobile Application Award in Travel: Flight Trackers category.  

Ethiopian Unveils Inaugurated New Business Class Lounge in its Addis Ababa Hub Airport

Monday, November 26, 2012 - Ethiopian Airlines opens the first phase of its new business class (Cloud Nine) lounge at its main hub, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, with modern facilities and amenities comfortable for premium travelers.

Friday 23 November 2012

Moscow plans to launch a single pass for tourists

Friday, November 23, 2012 - A single ticket for all types of transport, aimed primarily at tourists, may appear in Moscow next year, Moscow Department for Transport informed.

The ticket will cost 200 rubles, and guests will be able to use it for all kinds of public transportation for 24 hours a day without exception.


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Save 20 Percent With Swissotel Hotels & Resorts Around The World

Friday, November 23, 2012 - To ensure that the weeks surrounding New Year are as pleasurable and appealing as possible for its guests, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts are again offering special prices for the winter festive season. Effective immediately, and until the 25th of February 2013, guests staying a minimum of two nights may profit from a 20 percent reduction on the best available rate. 

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Future Events Experience Announces New Line Up For 2012 Showcase

Friday, November 23, 2012 - The live Future Events Experience (www.eibtm.com) is set to return to EIBTM 2012, following a very successful launch at last year's show. The interactive technology showcase on the exhibition floor will provide a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about new ways to enhance their meetings and events using the latest technology and services available to the industry.

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FAA Offers Holiday Travel Safety Tips

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is encouraging travelers to take an active role in aviation safety when they fly this holiday season. Travelers can make their flight even safer by taking a few minutes to follow these guidelines:

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Ethiopian CEO Wins African CEO of the Year Award


Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam has been awarded African CEO of the year from the African CEO Forum 2012 on Tuesday, November 20, 2012.

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Governor Quinn Announces High-Speed Rail Service for Thanksgiving Travelers

Friday, November 23, 2012 - Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider and Amtrak officials today announced that 110 mph rail service has started on a 15-mile segment along the Chicago-St. Louis corridor just in time for the heavily traveled Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Today’s announcement represents a historic step towards the establishment of a high-speed rail network in Illinois, one of Governor Quinn’s key priorities as he works to modernize the state’s infrastructure.

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Gulf Air honors Amman travel agents

Friday, November 23, 2012 - Gulf Air invited over 100 travel agent representatives to an official awards ceremony and dinner at the Sheraton Hotel, Amman this week, honoring the airline’s top travel agents in Jordan.

The event was aimed at recognizing and thanking trade partners for their loyalty and continued support to Gulf Air while giving them an opportunity to spend an evening in a relaxing environment with other members of the travel trade.


Kids Fly Free with Gulf Air

Friday, November 23, 2012 - Gulf Air that has won awards for being the most ‘Family-Friendly’ airline, has announced a new innovative offer for families, where kids can fly free with their parents. 

Under this promotion that runs from 21 November to 27 November 2012, when a family of 2 adults and 2 children travel together, one child gets 100% discount while the second child gets 25% discount on their tickets excluding taxes and surcharges. 


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airBaltic ReShape is a Success, Clarifying Past for Investor Confidence


airBaltic has been informed that Baltijas Aviācijas Sistēmas (BAS), a past shareholder in the airline, has made a complaint to the European Commission DG Competition early 2012 about the actions taken by the shareholders that subsequently led to re-shaping the airline. 

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Gulf Air Launches Corporate Leadership and Career Development Programmes

Friday, November 23, 2012 - In its continuous efforts towards Bahrainisation initiatives, national carrier Gulf Air today announced the launching of two corporate development plans- Gulf Air Succession plan and Career Development plan- aimed at developing the competencies of its employees and strengthening the national carrier to deliver its long-term goals. 

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Thursday 22 November 2012

Special Thanksgiving Promotion Taking Place Aboard New Carnival Breeze in Miami


To celebrate Thanksgiving and the arrival of the new Carnival Breeze to Miami, Carnival Cruise Lines is placing a 50-foot-tall inflatable turkey atop the ship.

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Sabre Begins Distributing US Airways ChoiceSeats


Sabre Travel Network announced it has begun offering US Airways’ ChoiceSeats in the Sabre global distribution system (GDS).

Sabre is the first GDS to allow travelers to reserve and purchase US Airway’s ChoiceSeats. Sabre’s GDS merchandising solutions provide airlines the ability to increase revenues by selling their ancillary products and services to the largest global audience. 


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Creative Billboard Campaign Highlights Carnival Breeze's New Miami-Based Cruise Schedule

Thursday, November 22, 2012 - In a fun and creative way to promote the Carnival Breeze’s arrival in Miami, Carnival Cruise Lines and its ad agency, Arnold Worldwide, have launched an inventive billboard campaign that showcases the many on-board innovations on the new 130,000-ton vessel.

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Sabre launches TripCase Connect

Thursday, November 22, 2012 - Sabre announced it has launched TripCase Connect, a tool for partners to send messages to travelers using TripCase, Sabre’s popular mobile trip management app.

TripCase helps travelers organize their trip details, keeps them informed with in-transit messages and critical flight alerts, and offers helpful tools such as maps, weather forecasts, trip sharing, alternate flight schedules and seat maps. 


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MSC Armonia Reports Itinerary Change

Thursday, November 22, 2012 - As a result of unrest in the Israeli and Gaza border area, MSC Cruises has decided to cancel MSC Armonia’s calls in Eilat, Israel, until the situation in the country returns to normal. In place of next week’s scheduled call in Eilat, MSC Armonia guests will instead be offered an extended stay in Aqaba, Jordan, where the ship will arrive on 27 November at 7:00 and leave on 28 November at 17:00.

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Baur au Lac offers a luxurious getaway

Thursday, November 22, 2012 - Set in its own park, Baur au Lac enjoys a unique location overlooking the lake and the Alps – and yet is still but a few minutes’ walk from the Paradeplatz financial district and the Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s celebrated shopping high street which makes it the ideal location to celebrate the festive season in Switzerland and enjoy the special winter package.

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Windstar Cruises Moves Full Sail Ahead in 2013

Thursday, November 22, 2012 - Windstar Cruises announced that advance bookings on 2013 sailings are 60% ahead of the prior year. Based on current pace, 2013 will mark the fourth straight year of increasing revenue for the small-ship cruise line. “Our team is thrilled with the results after all the hard work and changes.” says Hans Birkholz, CEO of Windstar.

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Network Rail half-year results 2012/2013

Thursday, November 22, 2012 - Patrick Butcher, Network Rail’s group finance director said: “The railway continues to see strong traffic growth which provides us with the challenge of getting the balance right between capacity, reliability and efficiency. We have seen growth on the network of 5% a year for a decade and this is set to continue. That means we continue to become more efficient so we can continue to invest to meet this growth.”

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Apptricity Teams Up with GetThere to Deliver Streamlined Business Travel and Expense Management

Thursday, November 22, 2012 - Apptricity Corporation, provider of Jetstream which includes E-Procurement, Financial Productivity and Supply Chain solutions, announced a new agreement with GetThere to deliver advanced business travel booking and expense management. 

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Amtrak Police Earn CALEA Accreditation

Thursday, November 22, 2012 - The Amtrak Police Department was awarded law enforcement accreditation on November 18, 2012, by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

To achieve accreditation, Amtrak Police had to show compliance with several hundred professional standards measured by the commission and were evaluated on all aspects of the department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.


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Wednesday 21 November 2012

CyberMonday brings ShopMarriott.com's biggest deal ever

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Marriott BedAfter you’ve stuffed yourself with turkey and worn your feet out at the mall, check out ShopMarriott.com for a deal that will leave you sleeping easy.  For the first time ever, ShopMarriott.com is offering $600 off of a queen or king-sized Marriott bed.  This deal is only available on CyberMonday, November 26. 

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Oman Air Boosts Economic Development

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - The inauguration of Oman Air’s direct flight between Muscat and Jaaluni airport at Al Wusta Governorate located on the southern coast of Oman, took place on Monday 19 November 2012, on the sidelines of 42nd National Day celebrations will have H.E. Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, Chairman of the Board of the Special Economic Zone Authority in Duqm as the chief guest. H.E. Yahya bin Said Al Jabri was accompanied by a high-level delegation of high-ranking dignitaries from various ministries and government offices in Oman, senior officials of Oman Air, OAMC and representatives of various media outlets within Oman. 

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Participate in the Holiday Happenings at The Spa and Salon at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Make time for merry making of a healthier kind with the Holiday Happy Hour and special treatment enhancements this festive season at the Spa and Salon at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. “The holidays tend to be about indulging, which often translates to imbibing in cocktails and festive treats,” says Spa Director Lia Rowland.

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Do not miss the 25th edition of EIBTM


EIBTM is set to welcome over 15,200 meetings professionals to Barcelona from 27th – 29th November for three days of business, education and networking. The show will celebrate 25 years at the forefront of the industry and showcase over 3,100 international organisations, representing over 7,000 products and services including venues, hotels, destinations, technology, business travel and event service providers to Hosted Buyers, Trade Visitors and media attending.

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Canadian Travelodge Hotels Become Part of Wyndham Rewards Loyalty Program

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Wyndham Rewards, the guest loyalty program of Wyndham Hotel Group, today announced the addition of 91 Travelodge® and Thriftlodge® hotels in Canada to the program, making it the largest hotel loyalty program in the country with over 380 participating properties, representing 10 brands. 

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Argos welcomed the first shipment of Bonsucro verified ethanol in the Port of Rotterdam

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Oil Company Argos is the first European company to introduce sustainable certified sugarcane ethanol on the European market. Together with Solidaridad Argos welcomed the first shipment of Bonsucro verified ethanol from Brazil in the Port of Rotterdam. Argos will use the best in class ethanol as sustainable bio component in the process of blending transportation fuels.

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Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver Introduces RedCedar Boutique Massage Suite

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver invites visitors and guests to relax, lay back and get pampered in the new RedCedar boutique massage suite, where good things come in small packages. At just two treatment rooms the focus is all about the guest and their comfort. Massages are tailored to the needs of each guest and are designed to revitalize the body and promote relation and well-being.

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TownePlace Suites LEED-ing the Way in Frederick

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - TownePlace Suites in Frederick MD Ribbon CuttingThe TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Frederick, Maryland celebrated its official grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The hotel, owned by Westview Hospitality Associates, LLC and managed by Plamondon Hospitality Partners, is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) hotel in Frederick. 

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Wyndham Vacation Ownership Honored as 'Best Place to Work' in Southern Nevada


Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO) was recently named the top employer for mega companies in southern Nevada by The Southern Nevada Human Resources Association. Recognizing top Southern Nevada employers for innovative human resource practices and programs, this marks the second year that WVO has placed first in their category.

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Women on Their Way Announces Top 10 Holiday Destinations for 2012


Women on Their Way by Wyndham Worldwide, the hospitality industry's longest-running branded program entirely dedicated to female travelers, has chosen its top 10 holiday destinations for 2012 holiday vacations.

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Monday 19 November 2012

Marina Hotels builds vantage point on Rate Intelligence and Online Reputation with RateGain

Marina Hotels operating with 10 hotels and 1794 rooms, based in the Balearic Islands: Majorca and Ibiza engages with RateGain to help them manage rate intelligence and online brand reputation.

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WTTC supports 'one hub or none' concept for London

The United Kingdom has been losing trade and wealth to other European countries for several years, due to the lack of runway capacity in the South East of England and supports the “one hub or none” concept proposed by BAA and supported by a number of UK airlines.

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WTTC - Europe right and wrong on emissions trading

“A very unexpected but very welcome development, which may now temporarily prevent a full scale trade war” is the response of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) President & CEO, David Scowsill, to the European Union's decision to postpone the full introduction of its emissions trading scheme (ETS).

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HBAA launches Corporate Forum

The UK’s leading association for intermediaries dealing with meetings, events and accommodation bookings, the HBAA, will host its first Corporate Forum at etc.venues’ Dexter House, London, on Monday 10th December 2012. 

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Expedia's 2012 Vacation Deprivation Study Reveals Stark Differences in National Attitudes Towards Vacation

Monday, November 19, 2012 - Expedia.com released the results of the 2012 Vacation Deprivation study, an annual analysis of vacation habits across multiple countries and continents. The 2012 study was conducted online by Harris Interactive among 8,687 employed adults in September and October 2012 on behalf of Expedia.com in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. 

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Expedia's New App Update Combines Simplicity of Mobile with Robust Flight and Hotel Booking Intelligence

Monday, November 19, 2012 - Instant flight sorting of more than 200+ airlines. Beautiful, intuitive interface. More than 140 thousand hotel properties. Crisp, gorgeous destination imagery. Mobile-only deals of up to 60% off. Say hello to the new features to be found in “Expedia,” the newly updated mobile app launched by the world’s leading online travel agency. 

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Travelocity helps travellers navigate airports during Thanksgiving rush

Monday, November 19, 2012 - Travelocity's 12th Annual Turkey Task Force members will be positioned at ten high-traffic airports across the country the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. These travel experts will be visiting with travelers, taking photos and, most importantly, providing updates on security wait times, cancellations, delays, crowd conditions and more. 

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TravelClick Drives Bookings for its Hotel Customers via Google

Monday, November 19, 2012 - TravelClick, the leading provider of revenue generating solutions for hoteliers across the globe, announced a risk-free pay-for-performance program for hotels to advertise on Google’s Hotel Price Ads program that includes Google Hotel Finder, Google Universal Search, Google+ Local and Google Maps. This unique program allows TravelClick to effectively drive more direct bookings and demand to its hotel customers.   

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SeaDream Yacht Club Gears Up for Golfing in the Caribbean

Monday, November 19, 2012 - Twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I & SeaDream II are now crossing the Atlantic, on their way to the Caribbean where they’ll stay through the end of April 2013. The Caribbean has been an ideal destination for these intimate vessels since the 2001, when SeaDream Yacht Club was founded. Warm, calm waters, tranquil beaches and charming yacht harbors beckon boaters of all types. But it’s not just for sailors anymore, this Caribbean season SeaDream is luring golfers.

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EIBTM to host Dedicated Business Travel Networking Event


EIBTM is set to host a dedicated networking session on Wednesday 28th November from 6-7pm at the Business Travel Pavilion on the show floor.

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Saturday 10 November 2012

Fuji Electric Introduces Electric Vehicle Charger at Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano

Fuji Electric Corporation of America announced that it has unveiled the first publicly available DC Quick Charger on ChargePoint at theResidence Inn by Marriott in San Juan Capistrano, California.  

“Fuji Electric is thrilled to be partnering with Residence Inn San Juan Capistrano and Evoasis to offer electric vehicle owners a fast and convenient charging method,” says Phil Charatz, president and CEO of Fuji Electric Corp.

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SITA to Deliver 30% Savings for Air Malta

Air Malta is outsourcing its IT operations to SITA and moving its infrastructure to SITA's Air Transport Industry (ATI) Cloud as part of a major information technology transformation which will deliver up to 30 percent cost savings to the airline.

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IATA - Infrastructure to Support Asian Growth

IATA urged Asia-Pacific aviation leaders to focus on airport and air traffic management infrastructure as the region’s demand for connectivity continues to grow.

“Aviation is a vital part of Asia’s economy, supporting 24 million jobs and nearly half-a-trillion dollars of GDP. 

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Apple's Passbook lands at Heathrow

Heathrow announced a partnership between Apple’s Passbook and the airport’s WorldPoints passenger rewards programme.

The move, a first in a European multi-retailer environment, will soon allow passengers to store their Heathrow loyalty card and access current retail offers and coupons all in one place. 

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agoda.com lights up Thailand with fabulous Loy Kratong deals

agoda.com is helping travelers find great deals during Loy Kratong, Thailand’s most romantic and beautiful festival.

Falling on the night of the 12th full moon – which this year is November 28th – it’s a tradition that dates back hundreds of years and one that many Thais hold close to their hearts.

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AH&LA Partners with STR to Launch Food & Beverage Star Benchmark Report

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) and STR have joined forces to create the first Food & Beverage STAR Benchmark Report.  Created by the AH&LA Food & Beverage Council to develop a standard language or metric that quantifies hotel F&B revenues, the report eventually will enable hoteliers to benchmark against properties within their brand, their competitive set, and allow for universal training.

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Play Games and Discover Serbia

Serbia Convention Bureau has gone an extra mile and launched two Facebook games aimed at marketing Serbia through a fun way.

One is Tour de Serbie, the adrenalin game in which the player races through different Serbia’s destinations, using various means of transportation.

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Melia receives the Honorary plaque for Tourism merits for the 'Calvia Beach Resort' project

The Spanish Government has approved the "Tourism Merit Award for public-private partnership for the modernization of mature destinations” to Melia Hotels International, in recognition of its repositioning project for Magaluf, one of the most popular destinations of Mallorca, developed in the 60s.

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Marriott International and the J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation Donate $500,000 for Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Marriott International and The J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation, the Marriott family’s private foundation, announced they will each contribute $250,000 for a total donation of $500,000 to hurricane relief.  Half will be donated to the American Red Cross to help meet immediate community needs that will broadly benefit Marriott associates, their families, friends and neighbors. 

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Rotterdam 2013 port tariffs below 2008 level

Saturday, November 10, 2012 - Port dues in Rotterdam will be lowered next year to below the 2008 level. The existing discounts will be maintained, inflation will not be passed on again and the Port of Rotterdam Authority will be giving an extra 2% discount on the port dues. In addition to this, € 5 million of the port dues will be devoted specifically to initiatives from the business sector aimed at making the port more sustainable. 

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Friday 9 November 2012

Additional Design Details Unveiled For Carnival Sunshine


Carnival Cruise Lines unveiled additional details of the $155 million makeover that will transform Carnival Destiny into Carnival Sunshine during a 49-day dry dock in Italy. The ship will re-enter service in April 2013 with all of the dining, bar and entertainment elements of the line’s groundbreaking Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement program, along with several exciting new features. 

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Boeing, Chicago Bears and the USO of Illinois honor veterans, encourage fan support


As part of its ongoing efforts to honor and support military personnel and veterans, Boeing, in partnership with the Chicago Bears Football Club, the USO of Illinois and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, has launched "Home & Away," an initiative that extends the Boeing-Bears "Salute to the Military" in-game recognition that occurs at all Chicago Bears home games.

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Ethiopian Deploys Dreamliner on Daily Addis Frankfurt Route


Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to announce that it has started daily service on its Addis-Frankfurt route v.v. using its brand new and ultra modern B787- Dreamliner as of October 27, 2012.

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Flybe Takes A Load Off Passengers With Festive Season Baggage Deal


Flybe is ‘Making flying even better’ for its festive season passengers with an offer that gives passengers carrying additional luggage during December and January the opportunity to receive over 30% off when needing to book those all important extra kilos. 

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Oceania Cruises expands its Culinary Discovery Tours to South Pacific

Friday, November 09, 2012 - This winter, Oceania Cruises is expanding its Culinary Discovery Tours bringing the exclusive and popular enrichment experience to the South Pacific on the award-winning Marina. Uniquely designed for each port, Culinary Discovery Tours provide guests with the opportunity to explore local food markets, vineyards and farms in small groups, side-by-side with an expert chef from the Bon Appétit Culinary Center.

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Flybe's Winter Getaway Bargains Take To The Skies

Friday, November 09, 2012 - Flybe starts operating its 2012-13 Winter programme this Sunday (October 28th) offering a comprehensive choice of 102 routes and up to 2,646 flights a week including six brand new winter routes namely Birmingham to Amsterdam; East Midlands to Amsterdam, Chambery, Jersey and Paris Charles de Gaulle; and Southampton to Nantes. 

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Ethiopian New Toronto Route to Enjoy the B787 Dreamliner Services

Friday, November 09, 2012 - Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to announce that it will start serving its Addis-Toronto route v.v. using its brand new and ultra modern B787- Dreamliner starting November 9, 2012.

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Embraer Executive Jets Debuts Legacy 650 with New Interior and Phenom 300 at Airshow China 2012


Embraer Executive Jets is debuting its newly refined interior for the Legacy 650 as well as the Phenom 300 during the the 9th Annual China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China 2012) in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, from November 13 to 18, 2012.

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Ethiopian to Increase Flights to Abidjan to Daily

Friday, November 09, 2012 - Ethiopian is set to increase frequencies on its Abidjan route by offering daily flights, effective November 25, 2012. Ethiopian currently operates thrice weekly services to Abidjan.

Traffic to and from Abidjan, the commercial capital of Côte d’Ivoire and the most important economic hub in French speaking West Africa, has shown tremendous increase recently, due to the robust economic growth the country has been registering. 


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Thursday 8 November 2012

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is a famous sightseeing spot in Tokyo

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Tokyo. The Hagoita-Ichi (Battledore Fair) is an annual fair held in its precincts at the end of the year. Near the Hondo or main hall of Senso-ji Temple, some 50 open-air stalls selling hagoita (battledores), shuttlecocks, kites and other New Year decorations stand huddled together, and numerous people gather here from all over the country. 

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Celebrate Heavenly Holidays at Tahoe South

Celebrate Heavenly Holidays at Tahoe South from December 15-31, 2012. 

A festival for the whole family at the Heavenly Village featuring professional ice skating shows, ice sculptors, carolers, local artists and a 16-foot snow globe where kids can get their photos taken with Santa. 


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Travel Agents Assist Clients during Hurricane Sandy

During the harsh impact of Hurricane Sandy, travel agents worked diligently to assist clients who were impacted by numerous travel delays. “We’re proud of what our members do for their clients in good times and bad,” said Nina Meyer, president and chair of the board of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).

Work Begins on Carnival Glory's Two-Week Dry Dock

Thursday, November 08, 2012 - Carnival Glory began an extensive two-week-long dry dock this past weekend, with workers preparing the Lido and Promenade Decks for the installation of a variety of new Fun Ship 2.0 spaces, including Guy’s Burger Joint (developed in tandem with Food Network star Guy Fieri), the poolside RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar, Alchemy Bar, the BlueIguana Cantina, the EA Sports Bar and more.  The dry dock is taking place in Freeport, The Bahamas and will continue through mid-November.

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