Cathay Pacific welcomes Air Services Arrangement between Hong Kong and Taiwan

Cathay Pacific welcomes Air Services Arrangement between Hong Kong and Taiwan

Cathay Pacific welcomes the Air Services Arrangement (ASA) signed today between Hong Kong and Taiwan. 


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London Launches Pride House For Summer 2012

On July 26, 2012, Pride House London will open its doors in support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) community. Continuing the great work realised by Pride House Vancouver and Whistler at the 2010 winter games, this will be the second Pride House to join the line-up of Olympic houses and the first to be present at a summer games, representing a significant milestone for the LGBT community.

As one of the largest houses in London next summer, Pride House is expecting more than 250,000 visitors over seventeen days.  A diverse programme is being developed with a number of partners to be announced in the New Year. Some highlights visitors can expect to find include live music and entertainment, an art exhibition featuring LGBT artists, sports tournaments and demonstrations with special appearances by professional athletes and big screens stationed around the venue showing televised broadcasts of Olympic events and highlights of Pride House.


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Coast Guard interdicts 12 Cuban migrants, repatriates 11

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Key Biscayne repatriated 11 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba. Crewmembers from the cruise ship Navigator of the Seas located a rustic vessel in danger of sinking with 12 Cuban migrants aboard south of Key West, Fla., Sunday. The 12 Cuban migrants were brought aboard the cruise ship and further transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island.


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It is Island Madness at Whiteface Jan. 1

The 54th season of skiing and riding at Whiteface, in Wilmington, N.Y., is underway and the Olympic mountain is celebrating Island Madness, presented by Bud Light, Sunday, Jan. 1.  Ring in 2012 by skiing and riding Whiteface all day for just $35 for adults, $30 for teens and $25 for juniors.

Follow clues on Whiteface’s Facebook, Twitter and Flickr pages, as well as WPTZ U Local, Just the facts Podcast, radio and the Whiteface D.A.C report on Sunday for the on mountain scavenger hunt.  This is your chance to win great prizes including a brand new snowboard.  Entry to the Scavenger hunt is free, everyone is welcome to participate.


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Council adopts historic Central City Plan

The final draft Central City Plan for Ministerial Approval was adopted recently on last Christchurch City Council meeting for 2011.

Mayor Bob Parker said it was a historic day for the city and an important first step on the road to recovery for the Central City.

"Our city has seen much tragedy this year but I'm proud of our community in the resilience, compassion and tenacity it has shown to look to the future and work with the Council to create a vision to redevelop and rebuild the Central City."


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eBay, Gogo Team Up to Give Passengers 30 Minutes of Free Wi-Fi on Delta Air Lines for the Holidays

eBay is giving passengers aboard all Gogo equipped Delta Air Lines flights the gift of free Wi-Fi this holiday season. Starting December 12 through January 2, passengers can access 30 minutes of free Gogo during any of Delta’s more than 2,500 daily Wi-Fi equipped flights courtesy of eBay. In addition to the free half-hour session, passengers will also be able to shop on eBay throughout the duration of the flight.

“As people head out to visit their relatives on Delta for the holidays, we are delighted to be able to partner with eBay to offer 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi so they can shop for last minute gifts, connect with friends and family, or send holiday greetings from 30,000 feet,” said Ash ElDifrawi, Gogo’s chief marketing officer. “This is always a hectic time of year and we’re happy to be able to offer Delta passengers this holiday gift.”
 
The eBay free Wi-Fi promotion is one more way Gogo is working with partners to bring exciting shopping and entertainment options to travelers.


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Penha Longa Hotel Spa & Golf Resort to attend FITUR 2012

The Penha Longa Hotel Spa & Golf Resort will be attending the Fitur show at the Portuguese Booth, represented by Carla Pereira and Madalena Júdice.

Walk in the footsteps of royalty along the gorgeous Estoril coastal region of Portugal. Penha Longa Hotel and Golf Resort traces its origins back to the 14th century, includes a landmark monastery that was built on its ground and has been a frequent retreat of Portuguese royal and foreign dignitaries. A graceful palazzo-style estate set amongst the spectacular rolling hills, lush gardens, and clear lakes of the southern Sintra mountains.


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DONALD J. TRUMP to be featured as a keynote speaker Americas Lodging Investment Summit

Donald J. Trump will be a featured on January 24, 2011 as the keynote speaker in the Center Court series at ALIS in the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. The Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) will be held January 23-25, 2012, in Los Angeles at the JW Marriott and Nokia Theatre at LA LIVE.
  
The internationally renowned developer’s holdings span luxury hotels, real estate and golf courses.  Launched in October 2007, the TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION™ is presided over by Mr. Trump and his three grown children – Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric. Considered the next generation of luxury hospitality offering an unrivaled level of customized service, the prestigious hotel management portfolio includes the highly acclaimed Trump International Hotel & Tower® New York, Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago, Trump International Hotel™ Las Vegas, Trump International Hotel™ Waikiki Beach Walk®, Trump SoHo® New York and the newly opened Trump Ocean Club® International Hotel & Tower Panama. Joining TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION on January 31, 2012 will be Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto®. 


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Seasonal storm affects some provinces along the Gulf of Thailand

A ridge of high pressure from the northeast has triggered seasonal storms in the Gulf of Thailand. A monsoon storm is currently causing strong winds and waves in some provinces such as Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Surat Thani. The large waves have affected some beachfront villages. Small craft warnings are in effect and may cause delays for some ferry and boat services. As these conditions are caused by a storm that is passing through the area, the Thai Meteorological Department expects these conditions to only last for a few days.

Tourist attractions and destinations elsewhere in these provinces such as Cha Am, Hua Hin, and Pranburi are open, accessible, and operating normally. Air and ferry services to Ko Samui are operating as per normal. As of today (December 27), the winds and waves along the coast of Hua Hin, Cha Am, and Pranburi have weakened. Roads along the beach are all accessible and there were no reports of injuries.


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AMR Common Stock and Related Listed Securities to be Delisted From New York Stock Exchange

AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, Inc. and AMR Eagle Holding Corporation, reported that it has received written notification from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) advising AMR that its common stock, traded under the symbol AMR, its 9% Debentures due 2016 traded under the symbol AMR 16 and its 7.875% PINES (Public Income Notes) due 2039 traded under the symbol AAR will be suspended from trading on the NYSE, and that the NYSE will apply to the Securities and Exchange Commission to commence delisting procedures for these securities.  The suspension will begin prior to the opening of the market on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012. NYSE advised AMR that it is taking these steps because the average closing price of AMR's common stock fell below the NYSE's continued listing minimum share price standard of $1 over a consecutive 30-trading-day period.


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World Islamic Tourism Mart 2012 is to be held in May 2012

Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) is proud to announce that they are organising the World Islamic Tourism Mart 2012 (WITM 2012) from May 31 - June 2, 2012 at the Putra World Trade Centre and Seri Pacific Hotel,Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

MATTA has a successful track record of organizing major international events like the MATTA Fairs, Asia International Tourism Expo (AITE), Malaysia Tourism Exchange (MTEX), InCoMTHU Conference, to name just a few. 

Dato’ Mohd Khalid Harun President of MATTA & Patron of WITM 2012 said  “WITM 2012 is definitely an event that is expected to grow in stature and one that travel and tour operators, tourism industry leaders and businessmen as well as government and private sectors simply cannot afford to miss not being a part of.”


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Celebrate 2012 at Marriott's 'Blue Moon New Years Eve' Party

On December 31st, 2011, everyone is invited to open the New Year at the Aruba Marriott’s Blue Moon New Years Eve party at Tradewinds Beach. The festivities start at 10:00 pm until 1:00 am with a magnificent firework show at midnight and live entertainment provided by popular Aruban band Tsunami.


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Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence 5aside Tournament

The Jebel Ali Team were quietly confident, believing this was their strongest side to date. It did however take the team two games to really get into their stride, but from there on made some impressive plays. The final was a battle against Atlantis which was a very close and challenging game; however a goal ensured the Jebel Ali Team emerged victorious. 


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Brussels Airlines launches regular service to New York JFK

Starting 1st June 2012, Brussels Airlines will connect the European capital daily with New York JFK. This new service will be operated with completely renewed Airbus A330 aircraft equipped with the latest in-flight technology and comfort. It is the airline’s first own connection to the States since Brussels Airlines started in 2002. The sale of tickets for this new Brussels – New York JFK route is launched today.

1st June 2012 is set to be a historical day in the history of Brussels Airlines. With the launch on that day of a new scheduled service between Brussels Airport and New York, Brussels Airlines will be bringing Belgian aviation back to the United States after a break of ten years.

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Human Rights Training Workshop for the ASEAN Secretariat

In celebration of the International Human Rights Day and with the aim to increase the understanding of human rights in the work place, the ASEAN Secretariat, United Nations (UN) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Southeast Asia Regional Office, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Asia-Pacific Regional Center and facilitated by the Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) all joined hands to organize a five-day interactive workshop in Jakarta. 

The workshop looked at how the staff of ASEAN Secretariat implemented the human rights norms and values in the work place and in their daily lives. The workshop also discussed about human rights regional mechanisms and some thematic issues; women and children rights, human trafficking and migration. Key references included the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Declaration on the Right to Development. Several questions were raised about the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) which is currently being drafted.


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Knowland Group signs The Radisson Suites Tucson up for Target Net

The Knowland Group recently signed The Radisson Suites Tucson up for Target Net, the ground-breaking sales force automation and meetings management platform. With Target Net, The Radisson Suites Tucson now has a cost-effective tool to find new group business and drive revenue like never before. The property also signed up for Readers, the world’s most respected reader board service. Built right into Target Net, Readers makes it even easier to find great prospects and turn them into bookings. 

Located only a short drive away from the airport, the University of Arizona and many area businesses, The Radisson Suites Tucson is the convenient choice for Tucson events, conferences, and business functions. Situated in an upscale neighborhood on the city’s east side, guests have access to a wide array of nearby restaurants, numerous shopping options, museums, and world-class golf courses. With over 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, the hotel is ideal for both large and small events. 


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Bombardier to Supply 90 New Electric Multiple Units to Deutsche Bahn

Bombardier Transportation has received an order for 90 electric multiple units of the 430 series from DB Regio AG. The order value totals around 500 million euros (648 million US dollars). To date 87 trains of the same series 430 have already been ordered for the Stuttgart region and production of these is underway.

DB Regio won a European-wide tender from the Rhein-Main-Verkersverbund (RMV) in November 2011, securing the transportation contract for the Rhein-Main rapid transit network. The new 90 four-car electric multiple units of the 430 series are to be used in the suburban-network Kleyer, covering more than 7.2 million train kilometres a year, from December 2014 onwards. The trains are able to accelerate rapidly and can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h during operation.


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The 2012 Olympic Agenda: Looking to the Future

The events of 2011 have put the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Movement in a strong position with the approach of 2012. Over the course of this year, actions were taken to safeguard the integrity of sport, strengthened the ties to the United Nations and efforts were made to use sport as a tool for development — all while maintaining a strong focus on our core mission of ensuring successful Olympic Games.

The International Olympic Committee continued to take the lead in the fight against doping, with strong support from our International Federations and National Olympic Committees. We also took action against another scourge, illegal and irregular betting. The IOC has teamed up with governments, IFs, NOCs and betting operators for a collective action.


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Costa Rica welcomes first winners of the international marketing campaign

The first winners of the international marketing campaign “Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness,” created by the Costa Rica Tourism Board for the US and Canada, arrived in Costa Rica to enjoy their “gift of happiness.”

The married couple, from Ottawa, Canada, participated in the promotion through Facebook, thanks to a family member who mentioned the contest to them. Both arrived at the Juan Santamaría International Airport after midnight and were very excited about the weather compared to their country (despite what Costa Ricans view as “cold”) and the opportunity to enjoy this unique experience.


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Visit California and ski industry applaud Caltrans snow removal efforts to keep resort areas open for business

Visit California and the state’s ski industry commended the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) at a recent Snow Summit for its proactive snow removal plan to keep major resort roads open for the 2011-12 snow season, which launched this weekend with the first major snowfall in the High Sierra region, announced Caroline Beteta, Visit California president & CEO. 

“We’re very excited by this first snowfall, which will be a much-needed boon to the state economy,” Beteta said. “In 2010, there were approximately 7.6 million visits* to California’s major resorts from Mount Shasta in the north to Big Bear Lake in Southern California. That couldn’t have happened without the ingenuity and hard work of Caltrans. With very few exceptions, they managed to keep the roads clear for travelers despite being burdened last year with no signed state budget and no way to purchase materials or hire additional seasonal snow removal equipment operators.


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Bombardier Wins Additional Order for 130 ELECTROSTAR Cars

Bombardier Transportation announced that it has secured an additional order for 130 BOMBARDIER ELECTROSTAR cars for Southern.  The new trains will augment Southern’s existing fleet of Bombardier’s award winning electric multiple units. The contract is valued at £189 million GBP (approx € 227 million euro / $ 296 million US).

“We are delighted to be awarded this contract by Southern. This is a significant project which emphasises the performance of Bombardier’s products in the UK,” said Paul Roberts, Chief Country Representative and President of Bombardier Transportation, Services UK and Passenger Fleet Management Service Line.  “These vehicles have a proven track record for their excellent reliability and environmental performance which will now benefit many additional passengers in London and the South East. The new trains will be manufactured in the UK with initial production commencing in the latter half of 2012.”

Bombardier has a wealth of experience in aluminium train production in the UK, with almost 2,000 ELECTROSTAR electric multiple unit cars produced and in service.  The ELECTROSTAR has won numerous awards for its reliability and availability with a variety of operators.


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The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Vail Now Offers Salon Services

The award-winning Spa at Four Seasons Resort Vail now offers a full line of hair care services. The Salon is a single room inside The Spa, offering an intimate treatment atmosphere for those seeking a private, quiet ambiance with personalised attention.

An experienced hair stylist is available for individual appointments on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and also upon request. The Salon’s professional hair care treatment line is Kevin Murphy.


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The Region Initiative based in Pakistan supports efforts of the International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP)

The Region Initiative (TRI) is a tri-regional umbrella of tourism-related organizations offers blended tours packages, consultancy, networking of tourism organizations, tourism research opportunities, marketing of small tourism stakeholders, promotion of need of usage of renewable energies, and advocates sustainable tourism and ecotourism.

TRI believes that tourism is one of the most effective tools for peace that can be achieved through tourism, and tourism should be considered not only a revenue provider but a harmony and peace generator and should, therefore, be supported by United Nations bodies as a peace industry.


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Arik Air starts non-stop flights from Lagos to Luanda, Angola

Arik Air began scheduled flights from its hub in Lagos to the Angolan capital, Luanda, becoming the first and only Nigerian carrier to operate scheduled flights between the two cities. The first flight launched on 13th December (2011) and will operate twice weekly on a Tuesday and Saturday.

The outbound flight departs Lagos Murtala Muhammed International every Tuesday at 07:00am (local time), arrive in Luanda at 10:10am (local time) with the inbound flight leaving Luanda at 11:50am and arriving back to Lagos at 2:55pm.

Every Saturday, the outbound flight departs Lagos at 02:00am and arrives in Luanda at 05:05am. The inbound flight leaves Luanda at 07:00am and arrives in Lagos at 10:05am. Passengers on Arik’s international routes from London (UK), Dakar (Senegal), Accra (Ghana) and Cotonou (Benin) can connect onwards to Luanda with convenient connections in both directions.


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Hilton Hotels & Resorts Welcomes Hotel Albany

Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced the brand's return to Albany, N.Y., with the reflagging of Crowne Plaza Albany - City Center as Hotel Albany, an affiliate of Hilton. The hotel will undergo extensive renovations to the guest rooms, lobby, common areas, administrative offices and parking garage in early 2012 and upon completion will bear the new name of Hilton Albany. Hotel Albany is the first Hilton property in the Capital District region and joins The Saratoga Hilton as the second hotel in Upstate New York.

"Located in the heart of New York's historic State Capital, Hotel Albany expands our presence in New York. The hotel is a great destination for both business and leisure travelers looking for an ideal downtown location close to state government buildings and entertainment," said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.




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New Year's Eve free transport extended

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a significant extension to free New Year's Eve public transport - giving commuters across the entire South East Queensland rail, bus and ferry network an additional four-and-a-half hours to get home without paying a fare.

Ms Palaszczuk announced Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast commuters would now travel for free from 9pm until 5.30am on December 31/January 1, beyond the original deadline of 1am announced earlier this week.

"Since we announced the free New Year's Eve Service between 9pm and 1am I've received a lot of feedback from commuters who intend to take advantage of it to get home from fireworks in Brisbane and on both coasts or the Brisbane Roar game at Suncorp Stadium," Ms Palaszczuk said.


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Manado to host ASEAN Tourism Forum

Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry announced that the tourism ministers from ten Southeast Asian nations will get together in Manado, North Sulawesi, from January 8-15, 2012 for the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) and a Travel Exchange (Travex) exhibition.

Tourism and Creative Economy Deputy Minister Sapta Nirwanadar said that Manado is regarded as one of the hot spot for conducting MICE and hence the 2012 ATF will be held in this world class MICE destination, Manado.  


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Amtrak to lead next phase of renovations at Lancaster train station

Following discussions with its state and local partners, Amtrak announced that it is taking the lead on the next phase of renovations at the Lancaster Train Station. The Capstone project will address the much anticipated rehabilitation of the passenger areas, including interior work to the waiting room, concourse, restrooms and hallways, and exterior work to stairways and platforms.


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Air China Resumes Shanghai-Paris Service

Air China announced that it will resume its Shanghai-Paris rotations CA833/4 and change the Shanghai-Beijing-Paris service CA933/4 to Beijing-Paris direct service. The airline will use B777-300ER wide bodies on these routes to replace the original A340.


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AVIAREPS welcomes Nouvelair as latest client in Germany and Russia

Tunisia‘s leading private airline Nouvelair has appointed AVIAREPS as its General Sales Agent in Germany and Russia. With immediate effect, the international expert for aviation and tourism representation becomes Nouvelair’s partner for its Non-charter business and takes over all sales and marketing responsibilities. AVIAREPS’ teams in Frankfurt and Moscow will attend to the recently launched services in both markets from the beginning. 

Nouvelair’s vast flight offering now includes scheduled services from four German airports as well as from Saint Petersburg, Russia to Tunisia. The recently launched service from Saint Petersburg is an addition to the existing weekly services from Moscow’s Domodedovo airport. Every Saturday, passengers from the German airports of Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Hanover and Leipzig as well as from Moscow can board Nouvelair’s aircrafts and travel to Enfidha, a city situated in the Northeast of Tunisia. The Saint Petersburg route is operated every ten days. Connecting flights to Djerba, one of the most famous beach destinations in Northern Africa, are conveniently offered for any traveler arriving from Germany or Russia. 


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LOT airlines announces new members at the supervisory board

Recently, during a meeting of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of PLL LOT SA changed the composition of the Supervisory Board of PLL LOT SA Recalling its new member.


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New Year will ring in name changes at 3 Centara hotels

Three of Thailand’s best-known hotels will change their names as the bells ring in the New Year 2012. Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok will become Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin will become Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, and Novotel Hat Yai Centara will become Centara Hotel Hat Yai.

The name changes take place as the partnership between Accor, owner of the Sofitel and Novotel brands, and Centara Hotels & Resorts, ends amicably after 25-years. The staff at all three hotels will remain unchanged. In anticipation of the rebranding, a complete renovation has been undertaken at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, and a major renovation programme has been completed at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin and at Centara Hotel Hat Yai. The Centara-Accor relationship began with what was then the Sofitel Hua Hin in 1986, and will be formally dissolved at midnight on December 31st, 2011.


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STR reports Caribbean/Mexico pipeline for November

The Caribbean/Mexico hotel development pipeline comprises 131 hotels totalling 17,923 rooms, according to the November 2011 STR Construction Pipeline Report.

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INTERGIFT February 2012 Presents an Extensive Exhibition of Decoration Trends

From 1 to 5 February 2012, the halls at FERIA DE MADRID will host the staging of the sixty-second edition of INTERGIFT, the International Gift Fair, one of the leading points of reference at an international level regarding home furnishings and decoration.

The fair will once again feature the participation of nearly one thousand exhibiting companies, based on a comprehensive exhibition at which visitors can explore the latest trends and new business opportunities, as well as establishing contacts with the leading members of the industry. This plural event, packed with highly specialised and innovative ideas, will offer trade visitors an extensive range of ideas and suggestions when it comes to successfully designing their sales campaigns for the next few months.


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Orca sighted again in Lyttelton Harbour

For the second time in the month of December a pod of Orca have visited Lyttelton Harbour. Five Orca were spotted by passengers on a Black Cat Cruises Black Diamond ferry as it made its trip across the harbour at 9am this morning. It is the second time in just over two weeks Orca have ventured inside the harbour, which is very rare according to Black Cat Cruises Lyttelton Manager Paul Milligan.

"To see Orca once a year is rare, but twice in two weeks is incredible," he said. He thought the Orca were possibly feeding on Jelly Fish which he thought had increased in numbers inside the harbour basin.
It was only the third time in six years working for Black Cat Cruises Milligan has seen Orca in Lyttelton Harbour. "Two weeks ago I had only seen Orca in Lyttelton Harbour once, now it's been three times which is quite exciting."


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Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco Presents Ninth Annual San Francisco Wedding Fair

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco announces the highly-anticipated 2012 San Francisco Wedding Fair - A Five Star Afternoon, to be held in the newly-renovated ballroom and surrounding event space at the award-winning hotel. Recognised as California’s most unique and elegant wedding resource for Bay Area brides, the ninth annual San Francisco Wedding Fair will be exclusively sponsored by Domaine Chandon sparkling wine and will take place on Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. This fabulous bridal event brings together more than 75 top experts and elite Bay Area wedding professionals to showcase the latest trends, and provide brides and grooms with answers to the seemingly endless number of decisions that go into planning the perfect wedding day.

Amid the elegant ballroom space, brides will sample the latest trends in hors d’oeuvres created by world-class Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco chefs, enjoy sparkling wine from Domaine Chandon and signature sips by Belvedere Vodka. Guests will also have the opportunity to speak directly with the Bay Area’s leading wedding planners, gown designers, florists, caterers, photographers, videographers, jewelers, musicians, and more. By the end of the afternoon, each bride will have collected all of the information and contacts needed to design the wedding of her dreams.


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This winter, fly the Airbus A380 with Air France

In  2011, the number of passengers carried aboard the A380 since the superjumbo joined the Air France fleet in November 2009 topped the one million mark. This winter, five destinations will be served by Air France A380s: New York JFK, Washington DC, Dubai, Montreal, and Johannesburg.

Air France’s A380s provide a restful and peaceful travel experience for passengers. Their 220 windows and the ambient cabin lighting are tailored for crossing time zones and play a considerable role in ensuring passenger wellbeing.  On-board comfort is further enhanced by the sound levels inside the cabin, which are five decibels lower than the industry standard. 


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Philippines Typhoon Sendong Crisis: Latest Update

On December 17, tropical storm Sendong (international name: Washi) struck the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in Southern Philippines, causing flash floods and landslides that devastated 21 municipalities, 78 towns and 13,924 families (63,779 persons).

As of December 28, death toll has reached 1,453 (as reported in abs-cbnNEWS.com), over a thousand injured, and several still missing.


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Banyan Tree Sanctuary Phuket Offers the Ultimate Wellness Experience

The Banyan Tree Sanctuary Phuket, a boutique pool villa resort, launched unique spa and wellness experiences that will rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.


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Mercedes-Benz and IFEMA sign a strategic collaboration agreement

MERCEDES-BENZ and IFEMA have signed a strategic collaboration agreement within the framework of the leading Spanish Fashion Show, an event organised by Madrid's trade fair body twice a year at Feria de Madrid. This agreement between two leading brands within their respective sectors seeks to promote the international development of the fair, as well as strengthening the German vehicle make's links with the world of fashion and new trends, a strategy it has pursued throughout the rest of the world.

Under this agreement, the German vehicle make will become the Fashion Show's main sponsor, effectively lending its name to the event, in which respect the show will now be known as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, a similar name to the exclusive international fashion circuit that the fair has now become a part of.


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Transaero Airlines signed an agreement with Boeing Commercial Airplanes

Transaero will operate the jetliner in three class layout with 4 seats in Imperial class, 14 in Business and 244 in Economy with total capacity of 262 passengers.


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Coast Guard rescue crews end search for Celebrity Summit cruise ship crewmember

The Coast Guard suspended a search, pending further developments, for a missing Celebrity Summit cruise ship crewmember Monday night off the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico. Missing is a 30-year-old woman, Filipino national, who worked as a bartender aboard the cruise ship and reportedly was last seen jumping overboard Sunday morning, approximately six and a half nautical miles off the northeastern coast of Culebra Island, Puerto Rico.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of the missing crewmember,” said Capt. Drew W. Pearson, Sector San Juan commander. The Celebrity Summit was transiting from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the eastern-most Caribbean island of Barbados at the time the incident occurred.


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Live Like a 'Real Housewife' at Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay

To coincide with the Lana'i-themed episodes of Bravo Television’s hit reality series, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay is offering guests a chance to live the lap of luxury with the "Live Like a Real Housewife" package. 

Champagne wishes and caviar dreams await those wanting to usher in a new era of luxury. Whether one's alter-ego is more like Adrienne, Lisa, Camille, Kyle, Kim or Brandi – now is the chance to relive the experiences once reserved for the Beverly Hills troop. Savour some of the Resort's finest offerings with the glitz and glamour of VIP treatment.


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113th Golden Dragon Parade & Festival to be held on January 28, 2012

The annual Golden Dragon Parade celebrates the Lunar New Year on January 28, 2012. This is the most celebrated holiday of the year for nearly 1.5 million people of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese descent in Southern California. 


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Swedish Defence Material Administration has purchased two Autonomous Underwater Vehicles from Hydroid, Inc.

The Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) has purchased two Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) from Hydroid, Inc., a subsidiary of Kongsberg Maritime. The REMUS 100 AUVs will be used to support Sweden’s mine countermeasures program, especially in harbors and other confined or shallow waters. Sweden’s previous purchase of two Hydroid AUVs in 2009 was highly successful leading the Swedish Defense Forces to increase their AUV fleet to four REMUS 100 vehicles.

"Hydroid is proud to continue its strong partnership with Swedish Defense Forces through the purchase of these REMUS 100s," said Christopher von Alt, President and co-founder of Hydroid. "Sweden is one of 13 countries across the globe whose navies rely on Hydroid AUVs for collecting undersea data to protect their people and their borders."


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DTCM host Dubai Tourism GCC Conference to boost visitors number from Arabian Gulf states

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) recently Dubai Tourism GCC Conference at The Meydan Hotel to update the key decision-makers of travel trade from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman about growth opportunities and promote the destination among the Arabian Gulf region’s citizens and residents.

In his welcoming address to 150 participants, the DTCM Executive Director, Mr. Hamad bin Mejren, said the diversity of tourism products and high standards of hospitality services have made Dubai a sought-after business and leisure tourism destination for tourists from the near and far places.


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Pocono Mountains: Ice Tee Tournament Scheduled for January

The Pocono Mountains will welcome golfers of all ages and handicaps to the 2012 Ice Tee Tournament, a family-friendly nine-hole golf event on the frozen surface of Lake Wallenpaupack. 

Last year's 20th-anniversary field included a record 352 golfers, each of whom was given a colored golf ball and scorecard with the course layout. Competitors were limited to their choice of two clubs, plus a putter to play the course, with fairways lined by recycled Christmas trees. 


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BestCities Announces New Board and two new alliance members for 2012

The BestCities Global Alliance has recently announced Jerad Bachar, the Director of the Dubai Convention Bureau as the new board chair for 2012. 

The Dubai Convention Bureau is a division of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, a non-profit government funded organization, whose aim is to further develop and increase Dubai’s share of the international MICE and special events markets, whilst maximizing the economic prospects of Dubai. The DCB is dedicated to pursue and win events through national and international promotions to advance the position of the Emirate as a leading business tourism destination.


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