Wednesday 31 December 2014

American Airlines Assists Customers Affected by Winter Weather in Las Vegas and Dallas/Fort Worth

American AirlinesAmerican Airlines is offering customers the flexibility to change their travel plans in Las Vegas andDallas/Fort Worth due to anticipated winter weather this week.


Under current travel waivers, customers ticketed on American Airlines, American Eagle, US Airways or US Airways Express flights on Dec. 31 to, from, or through McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS) may change flights without penalty, have the ticket-reissue charge waived for one ticket change, and begin travel as early as Dec. 30 or as late as Jan. 1.


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Civil Aviation Authority – Talking suitcases make the case for ATOL protection in new campaign

download (5)A family of talking suitcases will make their British television debut on New Year’s Day, as part of the CAA’s latest Pack Peace of Mind campaign.
The animated luggage, led by matriarch Justine Case, will front the 2015 campaign, which is family-focused and will encourage households to look beyond the price and make sure their air holiday is ATOL protected.
The colourful foursome will feature in a 30 second television advert to be aired across ITV1, ITV2, ITV 3 and ITV 4, and other channels including Sky Living, Sky Atlantic, True Drama, Yesterday and the Cartoon Network.


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Malaysia Airlines Deploys Humanitarian Flight to Kelantan

malaysia-airlinesIn light of the flood situation in the East Coast, Malaysia Airlines and the Malaysian Armed Forces ferried more than 16 tons of relief supplies including rice, water, instant noodles and diapers to Kota Bharu from the Royal Military Air Force Base in Subang last night on a humanitarian flight.


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Come to Mossel Bay’s 2015 Dias Festival

download (4)Dancing planes, dancing cars, dancing people, and free entertainment for all – the Dias Festival 2015 is going to be the highlight of the second half of Mossel Bay’s summer.
“The Dias Festival is an annual celebration of cultural diversity in Mossel Bay that’s coordinated by the Municipality to boost tourism and the economy of the town,” said Mossel Bay’s Municipal Manager, Michele Gratz.


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Brand USA continues its educational program “DiscoverAmerica” for travel agents Targets cities of Ludhiana and Kolkata

brand usaBrand USA in an ongoing endeavor to educate and update Indian travel agents on the destination USA organized a couple of educational seminars ‘DiscoverAmerica’ in cities of Ludhiana and Kolkata.  With the aim of maintaining a positive and ongoing relationship with the travel trade, these seminars were conducted to provide in-depth information on tourism products and attractions from the United States.


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Asia welcoming 2015 with aplomb!

Asia welcoming 2015 aplomb!People travelling in Asia can look out for the grandest New Year’s Eve celebrations in some of the chosen cities of Asia. Please check out o


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AAPA Statement on Air Asia Indonesia QZ8501

download (2)Commenting on the loss of Air Asia Indonesia flight QZ8501, Mr. Andrew Herdman, Director General of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) said:
“We join others in expressing our profound sadness following the tragic loss of flight QZ8501 on 27 December in Indonesian airspace whilst enroute from Surabaya to Singapore. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew whose lives were lost as a result of this tragedy.


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Brand USA organized two educational seminars in Ludhiana and Kolkata

download (1)Brand USA in an ongoing endeavor to educate and update Indian travel agents on the destination USA organized a couple of educational seminars ‘DiscoverAmerica’ in cities of Ludhiana and Kolkata. With the aim of maintaining a positive and ongoing relationship with the travel trade, these seminars were conducted to provide in-depth information on tourism products and attractions from the United States.


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London New Year’s Eve firework display restricted to ticket holders

londonLast year around 500,000 people gathered at central London to witness one of the biggest New Year ’s Eve firework display. The free-to-view event resulted in overly crowded streets with people crammed in a small section of central London.


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Flybe plane makes emergency landing due to smoke in the baggage

flybe logoA suspicious smoke in the baggage forced a Flybe plane to make an emergency landing at Belfast airport. This is the second emergency landing for the airline in a month. According to reports, Flybe flight BE996 was scheduled to fly from Glasgow to Belfast.


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Borisud Pure Spa offers 50% discounts on its popular, proven treatments

THE SPA AT FOUR SEASONSA fashionable sanctuary of pampering and wellbeing at the heart of metropolitan Bangkok, Borisud Pure Spa now offers the opportunity to experience its popular, proven treatments at half price!
Throughout Q1 2015, i.e. January-March, the “Borisud Pure Spa Happy Hour” applies to treatments commenced and completed within 10.00-17.00 hrs every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday.


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Celebrate the Festival of Sleep with incredible overnight stays at Contiki rainforest camps

consikiThe Festival of Sleep Day (January 3) was created to encourage everyone to get some “shut eye” after the festive season, and to celebrate fantastic places around the world to sleep in. As a festival that revolves around rest and relaxation, Contiki, the worldwide leader in tours for 18-35s has come up with a list of its top three special stay accommodation in South America where travellers can experience fantastic overnights, and are guaranteed to sleep in comfort.


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Welcome the New Year in style at Mode Sathorn

New YearMake sure you depart 2014 and arrive in 2015 in high style – literally – atThe Roof@38th Bar atop Mode Sathorn Hotel’s indulgent and sophisticated New Year’s Eve Party on Wednesday evening, December 31, 2014.
Celebrate your style, whether with your closest confidant or the gang, enjoying live entertainment with the bright lights of Bangkok shimmying all around. Keep the energy flowing with delicious tapas and expertly mixed drinks all the way to the countdown and 360° fireworks from the river to the hills.


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Eaton, Hong Kong named the “Most Popular Hotel in Hong Kong for Visitors”

eaton hong kongLotour.com, a leading travel information site in China with 20 million page views and 15 million unique visitors daily, has announced its first hotel awards for the Hong Kong region.
The award ceremony honored the best Hong Kong hotels across a variety of categories, and the Eaton, Hong Kong was named “Most Popular Hotel in Hong Kong for Visitors” in recognition for the outstanding performance of the hotel in catering for its residents’ needs.


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Firm order for 24 Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen Aircraft by a customer

bombardierBombardier Commercial Aircraft announced that a customer, who has requested to remain unidentified at this time, has signed a firm order for 24 CRJ900 NextGen regional jets.


Based on the list price for the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately $1.14 billion US.


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New Year Eve being celebrated with galore in America and Europe

New Year EveOn New Year’s eve there is celebration all over the world and we are picking up a  handful of cities that have interesting plans for celebrating the year’s end and welcoming a New Year full of promises and hopes. People travelling to these cities can check out the best ways to celebrate.


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The countdown begins for SATTE 2015

SATTEWith less than a month to go for South Asia’s leading B2B travel show, the industry is counting down the days to SATTE 2015 alongside the minutes to the New Year. With the time gap shrinking, more and more exhibitors are signing up for the 22nd edition of the show, eager to get a slice of the pie in what promises to be the event’s biggest instalment yet.


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Crystal Cruises celebrates 25th Anniversary revealing attractive upcoming packages

Crystal CruisesCelebrating two and a half decades as a leader in luxury travel,Crystal Cruises is embarking upon a year of commemorative celebrations, cruises hosted by the company’s leadership – both past and present – plus much more. That is, more itineraries (63) sailing to more ports of call (224) in more countries (65), including more than double the number of maiden calls (24) in 2014.


Dunedin is an endearing city of firsts and now the first UNESCO Creative City of Literature in New Zealand

City of LiteratureDunedin is an endearing city of firsts – a centre of learning, Scottish heritage, arts, culture and now the highly prestigious title of UNESCO Creative City of Literature, the first and only city in New Zealand to be given the designation.


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Dunedin named Creative City of Literature

downloadDunedin is an endearing city of firsts – a centre of learning, Scottish heritage, arts, culture and now the highly prestigious title of UNESCO Creative City of Literature, the first and only city in New Zealand to be given the designation.
Located in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, brimming with Edwardian and Victorian-era architecture and staunch Scottish roots, Dunedin becomes one of four newly designated Cities of Literature.


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Visit Scotland – Bringing in The Weeding Bells

Weeding BellsWelcome changes in the law, which will allow same-sex couples to wed in Scotland, not only significantly enhance social equalities but could also help further the country’s global reputation as a LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) friendly tourist destination, VisitScotland has said.


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2014 – A stepping stone for the coming year in Seychelles

20141230-2102_mThe year 2014 has been challenging for Ministry of Tourism and Culture, but at the same time it has been one whereby many achievements have been seen. We have seen airlines resuming their flights back to Seychelles, new tourism establishments opening their doors, new initiatives taken to address issues affecting our industry such as the multi-sectorial task force meeting, and not forgetting our Minister’s door-to-door visits to keep in touch with the new development in the tourism sector.


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The Industrial Hub City of Butler Welcomes New Hampton Inn

Hampton Inn Brand LogoHampton Hotels, Hilton Worldwide’s global brand of more than 2,000 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 80-room Hampton Inn Butler, located at 610 Butler Crossing in Butler.


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Tuesday 30 December 2014

Storm Jangmi floods Philippines, claims six lives

downloadAt least six people have been killed in two days of devastating floods as tropical storm Jangmi blew across central Philippines Tuesday, with neck-deep water in some areas, officials said.

Ten flights to and from the affected areas on Tuesday were cancelled, the Manila airport authority said in a statement.


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ATWS, WWF and ATTA lay collaborative strategy to conserve wildlife

WWFThe 2014 Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) in Killarney, Ireland, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining their collaborative strategy to advance conservation of the planet’s most precious wildlife, landscapes and seascapes – resources upon which the travel industry itself depends.


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Travel + leisure Names louisville One Of The Best Places To travel In 2015

Louisville Convention & Visitors BureauLouisville has been named one of the “Best Places to Travel in 2015” by leading national travel magazine Travel + Leisure.

The city was one of 52 must-see destinations spotlighted in the article. Travel + Leisure says Louisville’s bourbon and culinary scene make it a hot-ticket destination, and also gives props to the booming hotel industry.


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One Ebola case found in Scotland

One Ebola case found in ScotlandAlthough there has been 1 confirmed case in Scotland, the risk of Ebola to the general public in the UK remains very low. Ebola can only be transmitted by direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person or animal.
The recent outbreak of the Ebola virus primarily affects 3 countries in West Africa: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Over 20,000 cases and 7,000 deaths have been reported globally by the World Health Organisation (29 December 2014).


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More than 40 bodies retrieved as debris of AirAsia flight are spotted in Java Sea

AirAsia-QZ-8501The multi-national search operation carried out for the last 72 hours confirms the crash landing of the AirAsia flight QZ8501 on Tuesday. Indonesia’s search and rescue agency revealed that the debris sighted off Indonesia’s Kalimantan coast was part of the AirAsia jet presumed to have crashed two days ago. The flight search operation team retrieved more than 40 bodies according to the latest reports from Indonesian Navy; the numbers are increasing.


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Knoxville Convention Center Operations Director Named Outstanding Property Manager Of The Year

Knoxville ConventionJason Bourgoyne, director of event services and operations for the Knoxville Convention Center, has been named the 2014 Outstanding Property Manager of the Year by the Building Owners and Managers Association Greater Knoxville (BOMA).


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Knoxville Convention Center Names Food And Beverage Manager As 2014 Leader Of The Year

Knoxville Convention CenterRachel McCoig, Knoxville Convention Center food and beverage manager, recently was recognized by her peers as the 2014 Leader of the Year. Knoxville Convention Center General Manager Mary Bogert presented the award during the annual employee holiday gathering.


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Broughton Road bridge in Salford to close on 5 January as rebuild resumes

Network RailBroughton Road bridge in Salford will close to traffic on 5 January as work resumes to rebuild it as part of a £1bn investment to improve the railway in the north of England.

Network Rail temporarily reopened the bridge between Friday 19 December and Sunday 4 January 2015 to minimise the impact the closure had on local businesses over Christmas.


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CCB-IC Holds a Chiba Seminar at its first PCMA Convening Leaders Conference

CCBThe Chiba Convention Bureau and International Center (CCB-IC) will be attending its first Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convening Leaders Conference in Chicago, USA, from January 11th to the 14th, 2015. PCMA is an association for meeting organizers and event industry suppliers, such as convention bureaus and convention facilities. Hitting the ground running, the CCB-IC will be holding a “Chiba Seminar” to introduce PCMA members to Chiba Prefecture and Japan as a convention destination.


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Queenslanders celebrates New Year with galore

queenslandQueenslanders celebrating the New Year should stay safe by steering clear of using illegal fireworks, Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps warned.
Mr Cripps joined Department of Natural Resources and Mines explosives inspectors at Norman Creek today to monitor fireworks barges being loaded and prepared by Skylighter Fireworks for the giant New Year’s Eve public fireworks display on the Brisbane River.


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Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Set to Re-Launch the Eden Roc Miami Beach in 2015 with a Multi-Million Dollar Renovation

Nobu Hotel and RestaurantNobu Hotels and Eden Roc Miami Beach announced today the 2015 vision and plans for the Nobu Hotel at Eden Roc Miami Beach to open during the second half of 2015.  Chef Nobu, Academy award-winner Robert DeNiro andHollywood producer Meir Teper are the masterminds behind the much anticipated Nobu Hotel project. This is the second U.S. hotel under the Nobu Hospitality brand and shall encompass the largest Nobu Restaurant and Bar Lounge in the world.


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Amadeus travel agencies to enjoy full Altéa benefits of Vistara distribution agreement

Amadeus LogoAmadeus, a leading technology partner for the global travel industry, today announces the signing of a long-term full content agreement with Vistara, India’s new full service carrier.


Amadeus-connected travel agencies now have access to Vistara’s full range of air content.


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New year New World – Hong Kong Countdown Celebrations Usher In 2015 With Fireworks Spectacle

Hong Kong tourismOrganised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and title-sponsored by New World Development, the New Year.New World – Hong Kong Countdown Celebrations will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on New Year’s Eve (31 December).


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Trafalgar offers exclusive European holidays this Chinese New Year

europe-holidays-trafalgarTravel beyond the expected in Europe with Trafalgar, the world’s leading guided holiday operator this Chinese New Year. Take advantage of the Chinese New Year holidays on 19 and 20 February and with seven days of annual leave, enjoy a 12-day European Whirl holiday departing on 10 February to visit Venice during the Carnival of Venice (31 January to 17 February), one of the most famous carnivals in the world. This is when Venice turns into one large masked ball where residents and visitors alike will throng the streets in masks.


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Celebrate the New Year in style at Ramada Hotel & Suites Ras Al Khaimah

Ramada Hotel & Suites Ras Al KhaimahWelcome the year 2015 in style with a gala dinner at Ramada Hotel & Suites Ras Al Khaimah, a luxury boutique hotel located on the northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, where a feast of speciality dishes are on offer for both residents and visitors to relish.


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More than 10,000 passengers stranded at Gatwick as plane blocks runway

London GatwickAn emergency landing by Virgin Atlantic aircraft at the Gatwick airport resulted in a number of flight disruptions. At least 10, 000 passengers to and from the Gatwick airport had their flights cancelled as the airport’s single runway was closed following the emergency landing.


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2014 marked with disaster for the Malaysia aviation industry

AirAsia X2014 for the Malaysia aviation industry has been a difficult year with three major mishaps, the disappearance of Flight MH 370, the tragic missile bomb attack of MH317 and now the AirAsia Flight QZ8501. The region’s aviation facilities have been subjected to great controversy and unanswered questions.


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Vistara becomes the first Indian airline to ink a long-term agreement with Amadeus

vistaraAmadeus, a leading technology partner for the global travel industry, announces the signing of a long-term full content agreement with Vistara, India’s new full service carrier.

Amadeus-connected travel agencies now have access to Vistara’s full range of air content.


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Travelling becomes more rewarding as CAA and VIA Rail Canada signs partnership

VIA Rail canadaThe Canadian Automobile Association and VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) have partnered to make train travel even more affordable, with new discounts designed exclusively for CAA Members.


“With the holiday season just around the corner, families across the country are getting ready to make a short – or long – trip to be with their loved ones,” says Jeff Walker, Chief Strategy Officer, CAA National. “CAA and VIA Rail are pleased to offer our Members a new way to do so.”


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Celebrate the Festival of Sleep with Contiki

Sleep with ContikiThe Festival of Sleep Day (January 3) was created to encourage everyone to get some “shut eye” after the festive season, and to celebrate fantastic places around the world to sleep in. As a festival that revolves around rest and relaxation, Contiki, the worldwide leader in tours for 18-35s has come up with a list of its top three special stay accommodation in South America where travellers can experience fantastic overnights, and are guaranteed to sleep in comfort.


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Ocean Park celebrates the holidays with animal ambassadors

ocean parkThis holiday period, Ocean Park extends best wishes to all guests with Ocean of Light, Hong Kong’s largest indoor lighting spectacle, while the Park’s animal keepers also spread their holiday cheer to all animal ambassadors by preparing heart-warming gifts for them so they can also immerse in the festive celebration and have a Merry Christmas, as well as a Happy New Year!


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Thailand wins Best Asia-Pacific Destination at the Irish Travel Trade Awards 2014

TATThailand recently won the “Best Asia-Pacific Destination” award and also received the runner-up title for “Best Worldwide Sun Destination” at the 23rd  Irish Travel Trade Awards 2014, which were held on 28 November at the Double Tree by Hilton in Dublin, and attended by about 300 industry professionals.


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Dubai Maritime City Authority collaborates with Ports Police Station to enhance compliance with Maritime Safety Laws

dubai maritimeDubai Maritime City Authority, the government authority charged with regulating, coordinating and supervising all aspects of Dubai’s maritime sector, in cooperation with Dubai Ports Police Station, continues to promote compliance with maritime safety regulations. These regulations are considered key foundations for enhancing the competitiveness of the local maritime sector which will enable Dubai to position itself as a first-class global maritime hub.


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visit californiaFor many visitors, a trip to California marks a true milestone, whether it’s finally climbing Half Dome at Yosemite, seeing if their footprints match their favorite celebrities’ on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making like American royalty at Hearst Castle or celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at The French Laundry in Napa Valley.


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No fireworks or Chinese lanterns in Mossel Bay

Mossel BayFireworks are spectacular and Chinese lanterns are romantic – but without a permit, you’re not allowed to set them off in Mossel Bay.

“With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, we’d like to remind everyone that fireworks and Chinese lanterns are banned both because of the fire risk, and because of the threat they pose to wildlife on shore and at sea,” said Mossel Bay’s Municipal Manager, Michele Gratz.


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Hong Kong Airlines celebrates inaugural flight to Changchun

Hong Kong AirlinesHong Kong Airlines yesterday celebrated the inauguration of its flight service between Hong Kong and Changchun. Airbus A320 is deployed on the route, operating on Mondays and Thursdays. Hong Kong Airlines is the only airline in Hong Kong operating this service. To commemorate the official launch of the new route, Hong Kong Airlines has held celebrations at Hong Kong International Airport and destination airport.


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Rex Launches Queensland Services

RexRegional Express (Rex) will commence three new Queensland regulated routes from 1 January 2015. In October, the Queensland State Government awarded Rex all five regulated routes that it applied for in a competitive tender process, which included the Northern 1 and 2 Routes currently held by Rex.


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