Thursday 31 May 2012

Top 10 Video Marketing Websites to promote your Travel Trade Business

Video Marketing is the latest ‘thing’ to hit the travel trade industry with most of the industry professionals resorting to this specific marketing process to enhance their travel business. The surge of a string of video marketing websites has enabled travel trade professionals to utilize this unique platform for promoting their brand. Travel and Tour World takes this opportunity to provide you a list of ten most popular video marketing sites tailored for travel trade professionals.


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Travelport inaugurates new regional hub office in Dubai

Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry and operator of the Galileo and Worldspan platforms, has amalgamated its operations in the UAE and established a new regional hub office in Dubai that will function as the company’s corporate headquarters for the Middle East and Africa. Relocating from its former offices in Al Barsha and Dubai Silicon Oasis, Travelport’s move to Concord Tower in Dubai Media City underscores the company’s continued expansion drive since it established direct Galileo global distribution system (GDS) operations in the Middle East in 2009.


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London 2012 serves up the best in British food

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) revealed details of the food and drink that will be served to the millions of spectators and thousands of athletes during the Games this summer.

• Over 14 million meals will be served during the Games, across 40 locations – the largest peace time catering operation in the world.



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JetBlue's New Flights Between Washington's Reagan National Airport and San Juan, Puerto Rico to Launch August 23

JetBlue Airways announced that its new nonstop "capital-to-capital" service from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to San Juan, Puerto Rico will begin on August 23, 2012. 

Just last week JetBlue was granted a beyond-perimeter slot exemption from the United States Department of Transportation to launch this new long-distance flight. JetBlue's new flights will be the only nonstop service between Washington D.C.'s downtown airport and the capital of Puerto Rico. This route will be JetBlue's 14th destination from San Juan and will operate from JetBlue's exclusive new 'home' in Terminal A at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. 


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Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas Announces Exclusive New Dining Experience

For discriminating epicureans who have seen and done it all, an exclusive new dining experience at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas allows unprecedented access to renowned celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, followed by an extraordinary meal presented by the master chef himself. The "Cooking with Charlie" experience allows groups of four or more to cook with Palmer in the kitchen of Charlie Palmer Steak, located off the main lobby inside Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas.


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JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines Announce New Partnership Agreements

JetBlue Airways and Hawaiian Airlines announced a deepening of their partnership with the signing of new agreements to offer new benefits and convenience to the customers of both airlines. 

Members of both carriers' frequent flyer programs can soon earn and redeem loyalty points or miles for travel on either airline.



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Qantas announces new uniform designer

Qantas announced the appointment of Martin Grant as the leading Australian designer to develop the new Qantas uniform. 
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said Martin Grant will use his creative vision and 30 years experience to develop concepts for the new uniform for cabin crew and uniformed employees. 

“I am pleased to welcome Martin Grant to the Qantas team. Martin excelled in what was a rigorous selection process and we now look forward to working with Martin to develop a new uniform,” Mr Joyce said.



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UNESCO backs Airbus initiative to engineer tomorrow's world

UNESCO is supporting Airbus’ Fly Your Ideas challenge, a student contest which aims to inspire a new generation of engineers. An in depth report by UNESCO about future engineering capacity highlights an engineering skills gap that threatens industry and growth. Aviation is no exception. There are not enough aviation engineers currently graduating to meet industry needs and nearly half of them switch to other careers once they qualify. 


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Expedia Launches 'Kids in the City' Family Travel Guide

Expedia.com launched Expedia® Kids in the City Guide, a compilation of 12 distinct guides to top US summer vacation destinations. Each online guide iscurated by a family travel blogger who is a mom herself from cities such as Boston, New York and Chicago. They feature the best places to see, stay, eat and play with children of all ages in the summer months.


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IT&CM India Organiser Appoints Leading Hotels in Delhi NCR for Buyer and Media Hosting

IT&CM India organizer, TTG Asia Media, has appointed five leading hotels in the Delhi NCR region as official hospitality partners for the MICE and luxury travel event’s inaugural year. The hotels will provide more than 400 rooms as accommodation for the international hosted buyers and media attending the event.


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Southwest Airlines Releases Third Annual Integrated Report On Triple Bottom Line Of Performance, People, And Planet

Highlighting Southwest Airlines' commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet, the 2011 Southwest Airlines One Report can now be found online in an interactive web portal at www.southwestonereport.com or www.southwest.com/citizenship. 


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Airbus Corporate Foundation and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies sign cooperation agreement

The Airbus Corporate Foundation and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have signed a cooperation agreement for future humanitarian logistics collaboration. The agreement was signed at the IFRC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, by Bekele Geleta, IFRC Secretary General and Tom Enders, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Airbus Corporate Foundation and Airbus president and CEO, in the presence of Birgitte Stadler-Olsen, IFRC Head of Logistics and Andrea Debbane, Executive Director of the Airbus Corporate Foundation. 


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Breckenridge PRCA ProRodeo Announces Plans for Inaugural Season

After receiving permission from the Breckenridge Town Council to bring a new event to town, the Breckenridge PRCA ProRodeo has announced their final plans for the new signature event’s inaugural season this summer. The rodeo, fully sanctioned by the sport’s governing body, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), will take place in Breckenridge every Saturday and Sunday from August 4th -September 2nd, 2012 in a specially-constructed arena in the Airport Road parking lot on the north side of town


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Gulf Air Signs Codeshare Agreements with German and French National Railways

Gulf Air passengers flying to Frankfurt and Paris can now enjoy seamless travel to and from 13 cities across Germany, and 19 cities across France, thanks to the codeshare agreements between the airline and Germany’s airport railway (QYG) and the French National Railway SNCF.


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Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils 'Cabanas on the Cay' On Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that "Cabanas on the Cay," exclusive private cabanas with VIP service and amenities, are now available on Great Stirrup Cay, the line's 250-acre private island in the Bahamas. The launch of "Cabanas on the Cay" marks another significant addition to the island as part of the $25 million dollar enhancement project.


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Hurlers compete in special Etihad Airways "Long Shot" competition at Dublin's Croke Park

Etihad Airways, sponsors of the GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship, hosted a special “Poc Fada”, Gaelic for “long shot”, competition at Croke Park yesterday, Wednesday 30 May.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline invited 14 hurlers, from the 14 championship counties, to take part in the Poc Fada. Each player was tasked with aiming the sliotar at destinations on a giant map of the Etihad network that was rolled out across the Croke Park pitch.


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Days Inn Launches First Prototype in Brand's 42-Year History

Days Inn, one of America’s most iconic hotel brands, today announced the launch of the first prototype of its 42-year-history, giving its franchisees a consistent and modern roadmap for construction.

With over 1,600 properties in the United States alone, Days Inn created the prototype as a “kit of parts” offering franchisees a uniform model to reference whether they are building from the ground up or renovating an existing property in phases. 


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Emirates to expand multi-aircraft docking facility in Dubai

Emirates airline has signed a contract with local UAE firm Excel, based in Ajman, supported by Gunzburger Steigtechnik, out of Germany, to develop an additional multi-aircraft docking system in their Dubai engineering facility. This new operation, located in hangar E, will be in addition to the four docking systems already in place in four of Emirates eight hangars. The contract will amount to 28million UAE dirhams. 


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Etihad Airways renews Sport Australia hall of fame sponsorship

Etihad Airways has renewed its sponsorship of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame until June 2015.
 
The three-year extension of the sponsorship, which commenced in July 2009, will see the airline continue to support Sport Australia Hall of Fame’s work to promote outstanding sporting achievement in Australia and inspire future generations.



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Discover the New Rossano Ferretti Salon at Four Seasons Resort Maldives

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has long extolled the life-changing benefits of its Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat. Now, with its new Hair Salon, it is offering style-transformations to match. Located within the tranquil surrounds of Landaa’s spa complex, the Salon overlooks the lagoon through floor-to-ceiling windows.


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Etihad Guest to become multi-airline program

Etihad Guest, Etihad Airways’ award-winning loyalty program, will expand to become a multi-airline program in June 2012.

The new development will see Seychelles Plus, the Air Seychelles frequent flyer program, becoming fully integrated into Etihad Guest’s loyalty platform.

The change will be effective from Saturday 16 June and all Seychelles Plus members will automatically receive a new co-branded membership based on Etihad’s loyalty program.



Vail Mountain's Gore Creek Mini Golf Returns

Mild spring temperatures in the Rockies have lent a helping hand to Vail Mountain crews who have been gearing up for summer operations, both on and off the mountain. First up, Gore Creek Mini Golf returns for its second season with nine holes of putting for all ages amongst an interpretive animal theme that spotlights a different local animal species at each hole. 


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American Airlines Will Resume Flights From New York's JFK Airport To Tokyo's Haneda Airport On June 1

American Airlines will resume its flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo, beginning June 1. Haneda is the closest airport to the central commercial area of Tokyo, and the flights will place travelers just 20 minutes away from key downtown business districts.


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Four Seasons Hotel Seattle Elevates the Private Dining Concept with 'Next Level Dining'

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle introduces “Next Level Dining,” three restaurant-inspired private dining concepts allowing for individual preferences in a vibrant setting with unbeatable waterfront views. Available in the Ballroom, Sycamore Room and Cypress Room, Next Level Dining’s menus, decor and service options include: Pier 99, Prime Cut and ART Restaurant. Pier 99 features fresh, local seafood from Pike Place Market and an ocean-inspired ambiance.


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Emirates tunes up to create Global Harmony

Emirates, which recently launched its new global brand platform Hello Tomorrow, is aiming to strike a chord with music fans around its network by asking them to help create the ultimate musical mash up.

The airline’s Harmony campaign invites participants to interact with a specially-commissioned musical composition, which has been recorded by professional musicians playing traditional instruments from around the world, such as the harp, Taiko drum, bass guitar, saxophone, Shekere, Oudht and Indian Flute.



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Governor Cuomo Launches Summer Tourism Advertising Campaign

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched a new tourism advertising campaign featuring a reinvention of the iconic “I Love NY” logo in order to promote the New York’s unmatched vacation destinations and attractions. For the first time ever, the State has asked New Yorkers and visitors to help remake the “I Love NY” logo by submitting personal sketches depicting what they love about New York State. The “I Love NY” logo has not been used in television ads in over three years.


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Regal Hongkong Hotel Brings Dad to Italian for Celebration

Don’t wait until it’s too late to plan the Father’s day celebration. Taking daddy to a fine dining Italian restaurant with fine wine and good food will be a spectacular choice this year. On top of the town on 31/F, Zeffirino Ristorante of Regal Hongkong Hotel features Father’s Day Italian Gourmets Set Dinner for celebration.




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Liwa Executive Suites by Coral Hotels & Resorts Celebrates Successful First Year of Operations in Abu Dhabi

One year on from its official opening, the Liwa Executive Suites by Coral Hotels & Resorts has reported a highly successful year, according to Hotel Manager, AmrHamed, who said the property was top in its competitive set for occupancy and rates.

“While Abu Dhabi is thriving with new projects, exhibitions and events, it has been a tough year in terms of new hotel openings adding to the competition,” he said.  “This makes it more gratifying that our hotel has passed its first year in such good shape.”


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Alaska Airlines Launching Service Between Portland, Ore., and Reagan National Airport on Aug. 28

Alaska Airlines announced that it will start service between Portland, Ore., and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 28, following government approval of the schedule. 

"We are pleased to have received approval to start our service in August and offer residents of the greater Portland area the only nonstop flight to Washington, D.C.'s, close-in airport," said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing.



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Higher Gas Prices Will Not Deter Summer Travel

Candian travellers are savvier than ever when it comes to finding the best vacation value, participating in loyalty programs, and are expected to travel in greater numbers this summer, according to top travel executives from Best Western International, CAA and the Hotel Association of Canada at the seventh annual Leisure Travel Summit in Toronto last week. 


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Black Shelton and Friends Cruise Announces Additional Artists

The first ever Blake Shelton and Friends cruise will set sail on board Norwegian Pearl from Miami, October 14, 2012, for a seven-day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. This cruise offers fans of Blake Shelton, one of the hottest names in country music, the exclusive opportunity to spend a week at sea with their favorite artist. Hosted by Flying Dutchmen Travel and Fan Fair Country Cruises, this incredible country music festival at sea will feature non-stop entertainment by a host of popular country artists.


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Best Western - Healthy Summer Travel Numbers Reported

Resourceful Americans plan to travel in greater numbers this summer than in 2011, but will keep a watchful eye on what they spend on travel, said top travel executives from Best Western International, AAA and the U. S. Travel Association at the seventh annual Leisure Travel Summit in New York last week. 


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Enjoy Authentic North Indian Cuisine at Handi Restaurant in Taj Palace Dubai

Enjoy ‘nawab’ dining on authentic north Indian fare in the elegance of the Mughal period, with its ornate decor and tandoori ovens, head forTaj Palace Dubai’s award-winning Handi restaurant, conveniently located off Riggastreet in Deira.

“The restaurant has won several prestigious awards over the years, including ‘Best Indian Cuisine’, ‘Best Indian Restaurant’ and ‘Best Curry’ (Gosht Korma Awadhi) making it the first choice of connoisseurs of good food looking for genuine north Indian fare, which has always been very popular in this region,” says Youssef Darwish, Executive Chef, Taj Palace Dubai.


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YEW restaurant + bar debuts as a new partner of Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise program

Executive Chef Ned Bell at YEW restaurant + bar and Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver has always been a strong proponent of sustainable seafood - but this World Oceans Day on June 8 he's taking his commitment to another level as the venue debuts as a new partner of Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise program.


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agoda.com announced up to 50% off rates in the Maldives

agoda.com announced up to 50% off rates in the Maldives.

The pin-up destination for tropical holidays, the Maldives are sometimes perceived as too remote and expensive for the ‘average’ traveler. While this might be the case some of the time, there are more than 80 islands in the Maldivian archipelago across which agoda.com lists more than 130 properties, so there are plenty of affordable options for travelers with budget considerations.


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agoda.com launches Hungary hot springs deals!

agoda.com released all new promotions in some of Hungary’s top spa resorts.

Famous for its thermal springs, Hungary is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a truly relaxing break. European travelers can head to the spas of Budapest for a weekend of total rejuvenation, while intercontinental visitors can view this beautiful city as a stopover that allows them to rest and recharge in the middle of a longer journey.


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The first club and IHG Partner to Offer Priority Club Rewards Members New Digital Rewards Program

Starting this month, IHG which manages the world’s largest hotel loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards, will offer its 65 million members worldwide yet another fast and flexible way to redeem Priority Club points. Digital Rewards™ from the first club™, a global provider of instant digital rewards, is designed to engage consumers with the latest in downloadable content including music, games and software. 


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Another India resort in Alibag to be branded as U Tropicana managed by Absolute Hotel Services India

Absolute Hotel Service India announces the signing of U Tropicana Resort, Alibag. 

Tropicana Resort Alibag owned by Mumbai based Tropicana Leisure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. is currently operational with 12 rooms and will be further developed and renovated before being re-branded as U Tropicana Alibag in December 2012. With an eventual total of 159 Rooms as well as an All Day Dining Restaurant, a speciality restaurant, a Bar,  Banqueting facilities, a Spa, Gym and two Swimming Pools, the resort will be spread over 12 acres of land. With the backdrop of beautiful hills, the resort will be built so as to blend into it’s natural surroundings and retain it’s rustic charm and beauty.


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IATA - Strong Passenger Demand - Some Cargo Improvement

IATA announced global traffic results for April showing that total passenger demand rose 6.1% while freight demand was 4.2% down on April 2011.

Despite continuing economic weakness in some parts of the world, demand for air travel continues to grow. The 6.1% overall growth recorded for April is above the 20-year trend. Strong demand for air travel with limited capacity expansion pushed load factors to 79.3% which is a record high for an April load factor.


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Mallorca Marriott Son Antem Golf Resort And Spa Debuts Fresh New Look

Marriott Hotels & Resorts has unveiled the finished transformation of Mallorca Marriott Son Antem Golf Resort and Spa following a year long refurbishment. 

The Mallorca Marriott Son Antem Golf Resort and Spa, now with beautifully redesigned guestrooms and public spaces, is located just twenty minutes from the cultural capital and Mediterranean paradise of Palma, its sandy beaches, and airport.


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Marriott Rewards members can earn free flight faster than ever

Marriott Rewards members can earn free flight faster than ever with the program’s popular MegaMiles promotion. Members will earn triple miles with their preferred airline program when they stay at over 3,600 hotels in the Marriott family of brands beginning with their second stay* from July 1- October 31, 2012. 


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ICTP welcomes Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute as new partner

ICTP announced that the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute of the University of Florida Department of Tourism, Recreation, & Sport Management has become a partner of ICTP.
 
President of ICTP, Juergen T. Steinmetz, said: “ICTP was impressed with EFTI’s aims of researching tourism-related impacts, including economic, environmental, and cultural issues, as well as developing opportunities for tourism research in the industry and communities.


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Proposed San Mateo County Travel Tax Hike Will Hurt Local Economy, Make SFO Less Competitive

Proposed travel tax hikes in San Mateo County, CA will damage the local economy, make San Francisco International Airport (SFO) less competitive, and generate far less revenue than county officials estimate, according to a new economic impact study released. Economists found that SFO could lose 100,000 vehicle rentals a year if just one of the measures were to pass.


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Wednesday 30 May 2012

Alaska Airlines Announces Daily Service Between Seattle and San Antonio,Texas

Alaska Airlines will launch service between Seattle and San Antonio, Texas, starting Sept. 17. The dominant carrier along the West Coast, Alaska Airlines now serves 16 destinations east of the Rocky Mountains. 

"San Antonio is the second-largest city in the state of Texas and has a variety of great attractions—from the River Walk to The Alamo," said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing. 



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WestJet's Boeing Next-Generation 737s fly 1,000,000th flight

WestJet announced it will fly the one millionth flight of its Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. The milestone flight is WS 612 from Calgary to Toronto, departing Calgary International Airport at 12:10 p.m. MDT and arriving at Toronto Pearson at 5:52 p.m. EDT. 


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Captain of Disney Wonder and officers hosted ceremony to mark inaugural call on Seattle

The Disney Wonder sets sail for the first time from the Port of Seattle taking cruisers on the first of 14 seven-night Alaskan itineraries. To celebrate the inaugural call on Seattle, Captain Thord Haugen and his shipboard officers hosted local port officials and community leaders aboard the vessel for a plaque exchange ceremony, which is maritime tradition.


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Bombardier and National Express Named Supplier of the Year at Global AirRail Awards

Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation, jointly with its customer National Express, has won the Supplier of the Year award at the Global AirRail Awards ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden, the premier international awards ceremony dedicated to the air-rail market.


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Aegean Airlines announces First Quarter 2012 Results

Revenue for the first quarter of 2012 reached €104.6m, marginally lower (-1%) compared to the same quarter of last year. Aegean carried 1.067.000 passengers, registering a 7% decline in passenger traffic on 13% less flights compared to last year. Passengers carried on international flights rose by 3% while domestic traffic declined significantly by 15%.


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Crystal Cruises' Volunteers to Aid Even More European Communities in 2012

Crystal Cruises continues to expand its complimentary “You Care, We Care” voluntourism program with new opportunities for guests and crew to give back in Europe.  This year, participants can spend a small portion (4-7 hours average) of their luxury vacation time aiding those less fortunate in the Ukraine, Italy, and Spain.  The offerings add to a calendar of European goodwill opportunities already established for Greece, Estonia, Norway, Croatia, Germany, and Ireland in 2012.


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Top 10 Social Bookmarking websites to grow your travel business

Social Bookmarking websites have been creating ripples in the travel and tourism industry with travel trade professionals using this unique platform as a mean of promoting their brand. Social Bookmarking enables you to share your website details with fellow Internet users and also can be useful as a definitive way to access a consolidated set of bookmarks from various computers.

Keeping our readers and travel trade professionals in mind, Travel and Tour World did an extensive survey on social bookmarking sites. Presenting to you the list of top 10 social bookmarking sites that you may consider while growing your travel trade business.



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'Camping at the Games' have unveiled a new initiative for alternative accommodation in London

In the run up to the London 2012 Olympic Games, outdoor experts ‘Camping at the Games’ have unveiled a new initiative to provide alternative accommodation in-and-around the capital. The camping organisation has teamed up with a number of local schools and community sports grounds in London, Reading and Weymouth, to provide high quality camping pitches for as little as £10 per night.


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Muju Firefly Festival to Begin on June 8

The annual Firefly Festival is slated to run from June 8th through June 16th in Muju-gun County, Jeollabuk-do Province.

Kicking off with an opening ceremony, the festival will present a fireworks show, street parade, and wide range of arts and crafts programs including woodcraft, natural dyeing and pottery throughout the festival period. Also, the popular Fireflies Exploration program will return to take participants on a nighttime expedition for observing and feeding the fireflies in their natural habitat. Reservations for the program can be made online or onsite.


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Disney Wonder Calls on Seattle for the First Time

The Disney Wonder arrived in Seattle, Wash. for the first time, sailing into port past the Seattle city skyline and the Space Needle. 

Disney Cruise Line will sail a total of 14 seven-night Alaskan cruises from the Port of Seattle to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. These cruises will combine the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney Cruise Line ship.



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Muju Firefly Festival to Begin on June 8

The annual Firefly Festival is slated to run from June 8th through June 16th in Muju-gun County, Jeollabuk-do Province.

Kicking off with an opening ceremony, the festival will present a fireworks show, street parade, and wide range of arts and crafts programs including woodcraft, natural dyeing and pottery throughout the festival period. 


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