Friday 30 November 2012

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.


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).


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.


EIBTM 2012 closed succesfully

25th edition of EIBTM (www.eibtm.com), the global hub for the meetings, incentives and business travel industry welcomed over 15,200 meetings professionals to Barcelona from 27th – 29th November, 2012.


Thursday 29 November 2012

Hilton Worldwide Completes more than 800 Volunteer Events during Inaugural Global Week of Service


During the week of November 11-18, Hilton Worldwide celebrated its first annual Global Week of Service and furthered the company's Vision to "fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality."


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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. However, since news emerged of its island dispute with China the momentum has been lost somewhat. Nonetheless, the Japanese are still optimistic about their travel plans for 2013


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


Gulfstream Beijing Begins Operations

 Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced today that its aircraft service center in Beijing — Gulfstream Beijing — is officially open for business after recently being approved as a Part 145 maintenance facility by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The certification gives facility technicians the authorization to work on aircraft registered in China.


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Gulf Air Selects Sita For Optimized Network Connectivity

Gulf Air and SITA, have signed an agreement that will allow Gulf Air to use SITA's network services to optimize its operations across 48 destinations where it operates.


Sita Enables Easyjet To Go Mobile Across Europe

SITA announced the rollout of innovative mobile services for easyJet, the UK's largest airline, which carries more than 58 million passengers each year


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


SIA raise funds for children with special needs!

Singapore Airlines has raised $427,000 for Singapore's Community Chest, a non-profit organization that channels funds to assist the less advantaged in the community. A pair of limited edition female and male panda toy collectibles clad in the signature SIA batik motif was produced by the Airline for the initiative.


ITB Asia - Asia is the driving force in global tourism

Asia continues to be the driving force in global tourism. According to the latest ITB World Travel Trends Report, this year the number of outbound trips from Asia rose by seven per cent, due in part to rising wages


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.

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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. 

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

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 - 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.

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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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Top Christmas Market Destinations 2012

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 - This December enjoy the whims of Christmas by delving into the best Christmas markets around the world. Tailored for shopaholics, visit these alluring markets and get enthralled amidst a snowy setting.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Be magically transported into a Dickensian-style bygone era of beautiful snowy streets and experience a taste of the past days with a magical lantern show, Victorian dancing and a host of colourful characters including chimney sweeps, suffragettes, wenches, Victorian gentry and Fagin with his gang of pickpockets.


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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.

This double daily was made possible after the national carrier received its third and fourth A380 aircraft on 19 November and yesterday respectively.


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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

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).

Hughes is the managing partner of MCHA, the current Chair of Eventia and former director of live events for the Central Office of Information (COI). He has over 25 years’ experience in developing and managing events in both the public and private sectors.

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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.

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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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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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.

Passengers carried totaled 4.9m, a 6% reduction compared to 2011, with load factor improving from 69.2% to 73.9%, however with lower average fares in the domestic market for a fourth consecutive year. 


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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.

The increase is across both the association and corporate sectors, for events to be held in the next five years. Sue Etherington, Commercial Director said: “I have a reasonably good feeling about the future. 

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

Tuesday, November 27, 2012 - 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. 

Billund Airport in the region of Southern Denmark, is literally the first in the world to launch a new service which allows passengers to print their baggage tags at home together with their boarding card. 

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. And according to a new report from the Global Business Travel Association, green credentials are a major attribute.

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Intoxicated Canadian fined for unruly behavior on an American Airlines flight to Trinidad.


A Canadian national, whose unruly action on board an American Airlines flight to Brazil forced it to be diverted to Trinidad over the last weekend, has been fined TT$8,000 (One TT dollar = US$0.16 cents) after pleading guilty to being a nuisance aboard the flight.

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British Airways Stocking Gifts For Christmas


As thousands prepare to go abroad for Christmas, with an estimated 30,000 people flying with British Airways on Christmas Day alone, the airline is stocking extra gifts for its busiest shopping month on board. 

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

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

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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.

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

 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.

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Friday 23 November 2012

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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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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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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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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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.


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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

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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Seoul Cafe Show 2012 to take place at COEX

Thursday, November 22, 2012 - Korea’s largest coffee and tea show, Seoul Café Show 2012, will take place from November 22nd through 25th at COEX, Convention and Exhibition Center (Halls C, D & E).

The main event will be the presentation of café products and services by 328 companies from 24 countries. Items on display include raw materials and finished products of coffee, tea and desserts, as well as equipment and interior design.


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Centara Grand Island Maldives named Leading Family Resort in Travel Agent Awards

Thursday, November 22, 2012 - Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives has been named Leading Family Resort in the GMR Maldives Travel Awards organised by the Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO) recently. MATATO represents more than 50 travel agents and tour operators in the Maldives and presents its awards annually in a number of different categories in recognition of resorts that provide outstanding service and facilities. 

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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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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. Brought on in 2010 to turn around the endearing, yet struggling cruise line, Birkholz began focusing on branding, product development, sales support and cost control.

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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

Kansas Best Western Rebrands as Magnuson Hotel Red Baron

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Magnuson Hotels, the world’s largest independent hotel group, announced complete rebranding of the Magnuson Hotel Red Baron. Formerly the Best Western Red Baron Garden City, the hotel will upgrade its local, regional and national market to attract business, group and leisure travelers via an affiliation with Magnuson Hotels’ global portfolio of nearly 2,000 hotels.

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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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Qatar Airways first Boeing 787 commercial service takes off to Dubai

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - Qatar Airways began commercial services of its brand new Boeing 787 aircraft with Doha – Dubai becoming the Dreamliner’s debut route. The state-of-the-art aircraft is being deployed on four daily rotations between the two cities marking a new era for Middle East aviation as Qatar Airways is the Boeing 787 launch customer in the region. Flight QR 106 took off from Doha International Airport at 0800 hrs for the one hour journey to Dubai. 

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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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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. After months of hard work, nothing is better than a relaxing holiday vacation to get away from it all and recharge your batteries, and whether you prefer to explore the big city or relax on a warm beach, one of these top 10 holiday destinations is sure to fit the bill.

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Monday 19 November 2012

40th Korea Tourism Photo Contest Winners Announced


On October 15th, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) announced the winners of the annual Korea Tourism Photo Contest. The contest was held to recognize photos that best portray the beautiful landscapes and other aspects of Korea both at home and abroad.

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'A Taste of Christmas' at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Welcomes the Holiday Season

Monday, November 19, 2012 - In the spirit of giving, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong once again directs efforts to raise money for charity this festive season. Hosting its first Christmas gourmet and gift reception, the Hotel announces the beneficiary of its fundraising efforts will be Hong Kong Cancer Fund. In partnership with and co-sponsored by American Express, the Hotel’s annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday November 29, 2012, followed by "A Taste of Christmas."

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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).

WTTC has long argued that a market-based global mechanism is the best way for aviation to balance its huge economic and social contribution with its impact on climate change.

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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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Japan's Niseko Mountain Riders Program apt for adventurous children

Monday, November 19, 2012 - An innovative offer of Japan, aptly titled Niseko Mountain Riders Program (NMR), will appeal to families that contain adventurous children. Whist there is a focus on safety, the key to this new Niseko-based program, between 15 December – March 20,  is it offers participants an opportunity to push the envelope as they encounter a mix of the resort’s off piste terrain (riding between spaced out trees), open paddocks, park, bumps and carving on the groomers, whilst being led and supervised by our hand-picked guides.

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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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IITM pune 2012 has changed its venue

'India International Travel Mart', India's premier Exhibition that showcases travel, tourism, hospitality, leisure and other related industries is scheduled to be held from November 23-25, 2012 in Pune. 

IITM Pune which was going to be presented at 'Sakhar Sankul' has been shifted to 'Deccan College Grounds (AC Hall), Near Bombay Sappers, Yerawada (Pune). 

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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

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. Connectivity, facilitated by aviation, is a critical link to markets and a generator of wealth—both material and of the human spirit. 

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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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Autumn Foliage Celebarations on full swing at Korean Palaces and Royal Tombs

Saturday, November 10, 2012 - The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) released its 'Foliage Timetable' telling the best dates to visit the royal palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty for beautiful autumn foliage.

The autumn foliage at the cultural heritage sites in the Seoul metropolitan area started in late October and is expected to continue till the end of November.


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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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VisitKorea Amends Website's Terms and Conditions


In accordance with the Private Information Protection Act of Korea, the terms and conditions in regards to the use of member’s personal information on the VisitKorea website has changed. Therefore, people wanting to register on the VisitKorea website need to agree to the KTO’s collection and use of personal information.

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Darren Haley Joins Four Seasons Resorts Lanai as Director of Revenue Management

Saturday, November 10, 2012 - Darren Haley has been named Director of Revenue Management at Four Seasons Resorts Lanai. In his new role, Haley will oversee the reservations department of Manele Bay and The Lodge at Koele to strategically lead the team in revenue-generating practices.

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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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Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives receives Leading Family Resort Award


Mariyam Mizna Shareef, Minister of State for Tourism, Arts and Culture Maldives presented the Leading Family Resort Award to Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives during the GMR Maldives Travel Awards 2012, organised by MATATO, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators.

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Friday 9 November 2012

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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Ethiopian Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Flights to China

Friday, November 09, 2012 - Ethiopian Airlines celebrates anniversaries of inaugural flights to 14 destinations in the month of November. Notable among them is the inaugural flight to Beijing operated with Boeing 720 on November 7, 1973, thus marking 40 years of uninterrupted service to China.

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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.

Ethiopian started twice weekly flights to Toronto, its second destination in North America, on 16 July 2012.


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