Wednesday 30 April 2014

Aeroflot expands fleet with New A320

aeroflotAeroflot (Moscow Exchange ticker: AFLT) has taken delivery of its 10th new A320 fitted with state-of-the-art aerodynamic Sharklets wing-tips. The aircraft has been named in honour of Soviet cosmonaut, Colonel of the Medical Service Boris Egorov.

Today, Aeroflot’s fleet includes 99 A319/320/321 family aircraft with an average age of 4.8 years.


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JetBlue Makes Progress on Sustainability Metrics, Increases Social and Environmental Transparency

Jetblue planeJetBlue Airways today released its 2013 Responsibility Report, highlighting progress the airline made in 2013 in environmental, social and cultural areas.

JetBlue calculates its greenhouse gas emissions intensity as a ratio of metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per 1,000 revenue ton miles (the weight in tons of revenue customer and cargo traffic transported multiplied by miles flown).


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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chooses Agilysys InfoGenesis POS

Agilysys logoAgilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading provider of innovative hospitality software solutions and services, today announced that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in Miami has again selected the Agilysys InfoGenesis™ POS system. The solution will be deployed on Royal Caribbean International’s two newest ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. This brings the total to 35 vessels that use Agilysys software solutions.


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IATA, EASA Reach Agreement on Information Sharing

IATAGeneva and Cologne – The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced an agreement on sharing of safety information and joint analysis of safety trends. These analyses primarily will be based on the information derived from the Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) program, and the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).


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PAL, Etihad sign landmark deal

Philippine Airlines (PAL)Etihad Airways and Philippine Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that marks a new era of cooperation between the flag carriers.

The MoU lays the foundation for a renewed partnership agreement that will deliver a comprehensive range of commercial benefits to the airlines and customers. Included in its scope are codesharing, frequent flyer reciprocity, airport lounge access, special pro rate and air pass agreements, and cargo cooperation.


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IATA: Delivering Aviation Sustainability Through Unity of Purpose

iata logoGeneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on all aviation stakeholders to stay focused and unified to deliver a vision for a sustainable aviation future.


“Throughout the first 100 years of commercial passenger flight, aviation has demonstrated a proud history of teamwork and delivered innovation that has changed our world dramatically,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO, at the 7th Air Transport Action Group Environmental Summit in Geneva.


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Norwegian: Presentation of 1st quarter results 2014

Norwegian PlanNorwegian Air Shuttle ASA, commercially branded “Norwegian”, is a low-cost airline listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Norwegian is the second largest airline in Scandinavia and third largest low cost carrier in Europe. More than 20 million passengers fly on its network per year. Norwegian has a route portfolio that stretches across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, as well as long-haul flights to the US and Southeast Asia. The company has a total of 416 routes to 126 destinations and employs approximately 3,500 people in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, UK, Spain and Thailand. The company has 258 undelivered aircraft on firm order


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Preview: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg Heralds A New Era In South Africa’s Most Vibrant City

Four Seasons HotelTwenty years after the historic first universal elections in South Africa, the country’s largest city is experiencing its own rebirth as an important business centre and a cosmopolitan destination with a wealth of leisure opportunities, and the new Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg is at the heart of it all.


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Countdown to Community Fund deadline

Southampton AirportLocal organisations have just two weeks to submit their bids for a grant from the Southampton Airport Community Fund. The fund invests in worthwhile community and charity projects in the local area, particularly linked to the themes of environment, education and training opportunities for skills development.


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U.S. Travelers Hot To Trot For Summer In 2014, According To TripAdvisor Survey

us travel hotTripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site*, today announced the results of its annual summer travel survey of more than 2,500 U.S. respondents, revealing that 89 percent are planning a leisure summer trip in 2014 and 34 percent are planning a Memorial Day getaway – representing a six percent and seven percent increase respectively compared to those who traveled for those time periods last year.

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Pricing Of BOC Aviation’s US$300 Million 3.875% 5-Year Senior Unsecured Notes

BOC aviationBOC Aviation Pte. Ltd. (“BOC Aviation”) has priced its US$300 million 3.875% 5-Year Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019 (the “Notes”). The Notes will close on 9 May 2014, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.



The Notes were issued off BOC Aviation’s US$5 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme (“EMTN Programme”), which was first established with a limit of US$2 billion in September 2012, and subsequently increased to US$5 billion in April 2014.


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Florida flooding – Death toll rises to 36

storm-warningSevere flooding in Florida piles up more trouble for the citizens and the travellers there. The death toll rises up to 36 as per the latest reports. A Pensacola woman died on Wednesday as violent storms and torrential rains washed the Midwest, South and East since Sunday.


According to the recent reports, seventeen people were killed on Monday after tornadoes roared through Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.


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SA Tourism’s MeetSouthAfrica bloggers to explore Human Origins in Mossel Bay

Mossel BayFive top international and South African travel bloggers will visit Mossel Bay next week to enjoy a Point of Human Origins Experience – and learn why this part of South Africa is attracting world attention as the birthplace of culture and advanced technology.



The group is taking part in South African Tourism’s #MeetSouthAfrica campaign, which aims to leverage the power of social media to market the destination.


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HBAA: Jacqui Kavanagh wins Business Person of the Year

hbaaAt the second annual Stamford and Rutland Business Awards last week, Jacqui Kavanagh, Managing Director of Trinity Event Solutions was awarded Business Person of the Year. It was a double celebration for Trinity which was also named runner up in the Contribution to the Community category.


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Embraer Releases Fiest Quarter 2014 Results

Embraer-logo-12983BA125-seeklogo.comThe Company’s operating and financial information is presented, except where otherwise stated, on a consolidated basis in United States dollars (US$) in accordance with IFRS. The financial data presented in this document as of and for the quarters ended March 31, 2013 (1Q13), December 31, 2013 (4Q13) and March 31, 2014 (1Q14), are derived from the unaudited financial statements, except where otherwise stated.


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MSC Cruises accelerates social media push through new partnership with global agency We Are Social

mscMSC Cruises announced that it joins forces with We Are Social to develop its global social media strategy with immediate effect.MSC Cruises will work with We Are Social to strengthen the content strategy that lies at the heart of the conversation between MSC Cruises and various local followers all over the world.


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Qatar Airways Marks The Opening Of HIA With Touch-Down Of Flight QR7450

Qatar AirwaysHamad International Airport welcomed a celebratory Qatar Airways’ VIP flight this morning, upon the airport’s highly anticipated soft opening.


The Qatar Airways A320 aircraft, which left Doha International Airport just before 11:00am, landed on Hamad International Airport’s Easterly runway shortly afterwards. Upon arrival, QR7450 was greeted by a traditional water salute and a warm welcome from gathering crowds at gate B3, on one of the airport’s new concourses.


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Choice Hotels Survey Shows Hotel Location, Room Value Most Important Among Business Travelers

choice hotels logoChoice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest hotel companies, announced today the findings from its “Road Warrior Survey,” which shows that 73 percent of business travelers value location when selecting a hotel, followed by room value at 61 percent. Free WiFi ranked third on the list at 55 percent.


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Sabre now selling Etihad pre-reserved seats, pre-paid bags

SabreSabre Corporation (NASDAQ:SABR, “Sabre”), a global technology provider to the travel and tourism industry, is now selling Etihad’s Extra Legroom Seating and pre-paid bags in the Sabre global distribution system.



Shelly Terry, vice president of Supplier Merchandising for Sabre Travel Network, said the sale of ancillaries, such as pre-reserved seats continue to be a valuable revenue stream for airlines and provides travelers with more choices for their flight experience.


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GBTA Announces Concur CEO Steve Singh as Featured Speaker During GBTA Convention 2014

GBTA Final Logo_origThe Company’s operating and financial information is presented, except where otherwise stated, on a consolidated basis in United States dollars (US$) in accordance with IFRS. The financial data presented in this document as of and for the quarters ended March 31, 2013 (1Q13), December 31, 2013 (4Q13) and March 31, 2014 (1Q14), are derived from the unaudited financial statements, except where otherwise stated.


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Ireland aims to exceed 7.5 million overseas visit by 2016

IrelandSince the new Government came to office in 2011 the number of overseas visits has increased from 6 million to 7 million in Ireland and we aim to exceed 7.5 million by 2016, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar said following the latest CSO tourism figures. The revenue associated with these overseas visits, excluding fares, rose by 9.6% between 2010 and 2013.
The new figures show that overseas visitors to Ireland increased by 7.3% in the first three months of the year. More than 1.34 million overseas visitors came to Ireland in the first quarter of 2014 (an increase of 7.3% compared to Q1- 2013).


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Buffalo Rally: Three more years in Mossel Bay.

download (8)Mossel Bay Tourism has welcomed the news that the Buffalo Rally will return to the town for three more years. This after the council voted in favour of entering into a new contract with the organisers, Cape Town’s Nomads Motorcycle Club, at its regular monthly meeting, which took place last week.


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New Appointment: Ken Brissette appointed Director of Tourism for Boston Sports and Entertainment

bostonMayor Martin J. Walsh announced that Ken Brissette will serve as Boston’s new Director of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment. The announcement was made this past Saturday evening, at the 2014 Men’s Event to benefit Fenway Health.
“I’m pleased to welcome Ken Brissette to the economic development team,” said Mayor Walsh. “Brissette has the experience and public and private sector contacts to attract new energy and investment in the City of Boston and invite the world to experience our city.”


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Hindus say minority rights ignored in Kenya’s new polygamy law

unnamedHindus have stressed that feelings and rights of minorities were not kept in mind when Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta signed Kenya’s marriage bill into law on April 29, which legalized polygamy.


Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that polygamy was not practiced in contemporary Hindu society. Marriage was taken very seriously as it was considered a sacred rite and highest duty in Hinduism.


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Asian Beach Games in Phuket to be an ideal sport tourism destination

Asian Beach Games in PhuketThe Director General and Technical Director of the Olympic Council of Asia, Mr Husain Al-Musallam, believes the 4th Asian Beach Games in Phuket, Thailand, this November will be the perfect combination of tourism and sport.
Speaking at the 200-day countdown celebration at the Jungceylon Shopping Mall in Patong on Monday, Mr Al-Musallam said Thailand’s experience in organising multi-sport events would lead to the successful hosting of the beach and sea sports festival.


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Dhabi Q1 Hotel Guest Returns Up By Almost A Third

Abu Dhabi TourismAbu Dhabi’s 152 hotels and hotel apartments have had their best Q1 ever in terms of guest numbers, guest nights and revenue.


Figures just released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) show that in the first three months of this year 834,771 guests checked into the emirate’s accommodation, a climb of 32% on Q1 2013.


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No claims on disposal of bloated blue whale carcass on Trout River’s rocky beach

whale copyA 25m (81ft) whale on Trout River’s rocky beach has been found. The Whale may have died a week ago as heavy ice may have hit the mammal. The body is bloated with methane gas and will soon give out foul smell. The body is so bloated that it may explode at any time.

Local and federal authorities do not wish to take any responsibility for disposing off the decomposed whale.


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Cathay Pacific is first airline to confirm operating at Changi T4

cathay pacificChangi Airport Group (CAG) and Cathay Pacific Airways announced that Cathay Pacific will operate at Changi Airport’s newest terminal–Terminal 4 (T4) when it opens in 2017. Cathay Pacific is the first airline to confirm its move to T4.
An enhanced travel experience encompassing self-service initiatives (in addition to check-in counters), exciting and attractive retail and F&B offerings, as well as an expanded dedicated lounge for its premium passengers are among the key highlights at T4 that Cathay Pacific’s passengers can look forward to.


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Mayor Walsh and Boston Landmarks Commission Release Calendar of Events for National Historic Preservation Month

City of BostonMayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a calendar of special events for National Historic Preservation Month this May under the theme of “Buildings and Grounds.” The City will host a variety of tours, talks and exhibits that celebrate and promote Boston’s history, architecture, archaeology, and historic neighborhoods.

“Boston’s historic buildings and landscapes enrich our neighborhoods. They enhance the daily experiences of our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Walsh.


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Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta Introduces The Girlfriends’ Getaway Package

Mandarin OrientalWith its prime location in the fashionable Buckhead neighborhood, Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta is delighted to launch the Girls’ Getaway package offering guests a chance to explore together the city’s top attractions, shopping and dining scene.


The getaway begins at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta where guests can enjoy the sauna and vitality pool and later indulge in a wide range of signature spa treatments. A trip to The Spa would not be complete without a luxurious Mandarin Oriental Manicure.


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Mayor Walsh Announces New Director of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment

City of BostonMayor Martin J. Walsh announced that Ken Brissette will serve as Boston’s new Director of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment. The announcement was made this past Saturday evening, at the 2014 Men’s Event to benefit Fenway Health.

“I’m pleased to welcome Ken Brissette to the economic development team,” said Mayor Walsh.


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oneworld Visit South Asian Sub-Continent pass launched

oneworld A new, great value air pass covering travel within the Indian Sub-Continent is launched today by the oneworld® airline alliance and its latest member carrier SriLankan Airlines.

The oneworld Visit South Asian Sub-Continent pass is the latest addition to oneworld’s market-leading range of alliance fares.  It is available for sale from midnight tonight, as SriLankan becomes part of oneworld.


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HTL hotels open at Kungsgatan in Stockholm

htl hotelsThe 2nd of May, HTL hotels opens its first hotel at Kungsgatan 53 – an innovative new hotel concept that not only offers the best location and quality to an attractive price, but also an all-around simplifying digital experience, designed for a new generation of travellers.


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Mandarin Oriental, Miami Launches Mo Bar Unplugged

Mandarin OrientalThe triple Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Miami and Warner Music Latina launch MO Bar Unplugged, a series of intimate, high-profile concerts held at the hotel’s swanky new MO Bar + Lounge. MO Bar Unplugged will feature top Latin artists performing songs off their forthcoming albums as well as popular favorites from previous albums in a lively, cosmopolitan waterfront setting.

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Discover The Scent Of Penhaligon’s With Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

Mandarin OrientalExplore the enthralling language of fragrances at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore with the fascinating Discover the Scent of Penhaligon’s room package.


Experience world-class accommodation whilst building a fragrance profile based on personality, interests and background, and learn more about scent layering techniques from Penhaligon’s trusted professional consultants.


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TTS to showcase Travel Technology Solutions at Arabian Travel Market2014

download (7)TTS, a global leading player in the development of innovative solutions for the travel and tourism industry, will participate in the Arabian Travel Market, an event that will take place in Dubai, from May 5thto 8th.


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CWT Records Outstanding Traveler Satisfaction Scores

cwtCarlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) today announced record traveler satisfaction scores for 2013, based on its award-winning global customer feedback program, CWT Listens, at the same time releasing plans to further enhance the program.

The percentage of very satisfied or satisfied travelers improved from 84% to 90% in CWT North America, CWT’s largest customer base.  Similar improvements were achieved in all other CWT markets.


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Tim Jeans is appointed as new Chairman of Cornwall Airport Limited

Newquay Cornwall AirportTim Jeans, one of the leading figures in the airline industry, has been appointed as the new Chairman of Cornwall Airport Limited, the company which manages Newquay Cornwall Airport on behalf of Cornwall Council.


Cornwall Airport Limited (CAL), a private limited company which is wholly owned by the Council, is responsible for all airport operations including CAA licensing, customer services, commercial development, route development and marketing.


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Celebrity Cruises Unveils Modern Luxury Firsts Onboard Celebrity Equinox

Celebrity CruisesCelebrity Cruises has today revealed a series of brand-first enhancements to be introduced onboard Celebrity Equinox. Emerging from a scheduled drydock in Cadiz, Spain on Thursday, May 8, the Solstice Class ship will tout new signature spaces and experiences in time for guests’ summer vacations during Celebrity’s most immersive season in Europe.
Recognized for its unique and rich dining program, Celebrity will add two one-of-a-kind concepts to the array of guest-favorite Solstice Class features onboard:


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Top Jazz Musicians Heat Up Crystal Serenity Fall/Winter Cruise

Crystal CruisesApril 30 may be UNESCO’s International Jazz Day, but November 30 is the first of 11 Jazz days aboard Crystal Cruises’ Jazz-themed voyage sailing through the Panama Canal and Central America.  Featuring a new Crystal Serenity itinerary from Costa Rica to Miami, more than twenty of the genre’s most accomplished musicians will perform daily and nightly shows, filling the ship’s elegant theatres, posh nightclubs, and intimate lounges with soulful bass riffs, saxophone solos, and sultry vocals.


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Tourism Ireland Welcomes +7% Growth in Overseas Visitors for the First Quarter of 2014

tourism-ireland1Figures issued by the CSO today show that overseas visitor numbers to Ireland increased by +7% for the first quarter of 2014. Welcoming the figures, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “I am delighted to see an increase in overseas visitor numbers of +7% for the three-month period January-March 2014, with growth recorded from all of our market areas around the world. I particularly welcome the increase in British visitor numbers of +11% for the first quarter.


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Alila Ubud And Slow Food Bali Present ‘Up In Smoke’ A Culinary Master Class

Alila HotelAlila Ubud’s Plantation restaurant was recently awarded a ‘Snail of Approval’ by Slow Food Bali for its organic and sustainable food. This award is presented to producers, purveyors and artisans who contribute to the quality, authenticity and sustainability of the food and beverages consumed in Bali with a minimum of 75% locally sourced produce.


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Oklahoma Secret Execution of US citizens: ACLU speaks out

images (5)In response to the botched execution of Clayton Lockett, the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma has issued the below statements and is immediately calling for a full and open investigation into the execution.An Oklahoma prison inmate who was at the center of a controversy over the death penalty died of a heart attack after his execution went wrong, the procedure aborted after officials administered more drugs than necessary and bursting a vein.


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Reed Exhibitions: viscom 2014 returns to Frankfurt

reed exhibitionSix worlds, two halls, one trade fair – preparations for viscom 2014 are in full swing. The new structure with six theme words in Halls 3.0 and 3.1 at the Exhibition Centre Frankfurt serves to comprehensively cover all visual communications sectors. There’s been a change in the days of the week, too: For the first time, viscom will take place from Wednesday (5 November) to Friday (7 November).


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Reed Exhibitions: GALF-2014 speakers list gets richer

reed exhibitionSeveral key global aviation industry stalwarts have confirmed their participation in the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF-2014), the knowledge-and-expertise sharing platform co-located with the 14th edition of Airport Show, making the speakers list more appealing to global aviation industry professionals.


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PATA: The Future Belongs to Those Who Prepare For Today

PATAThe Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Education and Training Committee will hold a PATA Youth Symposium on the morning of May 16, 2014, at Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai Campus. With the theme “The Future Belongs to Those who Prepare for Today”, the Symposium will commence prior to the PATA Executive Board, Board Meeting and 2014 AGM and aims to attract hundreds of young professionals and students from overseas and around China.


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PATA: The Future Belongs to Those Who Prepare For Today

PATAThe Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Education and Training Committee will hold a PATA Youth Symposium on the morning of May 16, 2014, at Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), Zhuhai Campus. With the theme “The Future Belongs to Those who Prepare for Today”, the Symposium will commence prior to the PATA Executive Board, Board Meeting and 2014 AGM and aims to attract hundreds of young professionals and students from overseas and around China.


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Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa In Kuwait Celebrates First Anniversary

JUMEIRAH MESSILAH BEACH HOTEL & SPAJumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Kuwait’s idyllic resort, is offering a special 10 per cent discount across its restaurants during the day on Wednesday 7 May 2014 to mark the hotel’s first anniversary.


Following the recent opening of Salt, the hotel’s signature seafood restaurant, visitors and guests can also enjoy an Italian menu at Olio, a lavish dinner buffet at the Garden CafĂ© or steaks at Pepper.


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Nau Center for Texas Cultural Heritage Receives $1 Million Gift from Union Pacific Railroad

Union Pacific RailroadThe Nau Center for Texas Cultural Heritage announces a $1 million gift from Union Pacific Railroad for the “Engines of Progress” railroad interactive experience exhibit. The largest grant the Union Pacific Foundation has ever made in Texas, this gift supports Union Pacific’s commitment to educating the community about the railroad’s integral role in the region’s past and future.


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Berlin presented itself the luxury travel industry

BerlinBerlin also inspires the upscale travel sector: From 26 to 29 April 2014 approximately 500 participants joined up for the “Virtuoso” Symposium in the German capital. For four days, they had the opportunity to inform themselves about the city’s offers for the upmarket travel sector. The world’s leading association of international luxury tour operators has held its annual symposium in Berlin for the first time ever. Berlin was able to prevail as the host city for the “Virtuoso” Symposium in an international selection process.


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