Saturday 31 January 2015

World Tourism and Culture conference set to discuss the Seychelles approach

1The UNWTO/UNESCO (UN World Tourism Organization/ United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Conference on Tourism and Culture: Building a New Partnership that will be held from February 4-6, 2015 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, will see Seychelles present its approach that was adopted 5 years ago and that placed culture at the center of the island’s tourism development.


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AirAsia Philippines reconnects Manila-Davao with 3x flights daily

AirAsiaAirAsia Philippines, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier that flies hand in hand with AirAsia, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for six consecutive years, today announced it will start flights between Manila and Davao on 27th March 2015.


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Reunion Island Tourism Ambassadors on the second step of the podium in Brazil

imagesThere were parties in Santos, Brazil, for the first beach tennis tournament of the year, where beach tennis champions, Marie-Eve and Mathilde Hoarau, were offered second place in the competition. This was a season that started auspiciously for these Honorary Ambassadors for Reunion Island Tourism (IRT).


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Hilton Hurghada Plaza: Award-winning sustainable practices

download (7)The Hilton Hurghada Plaza is a majestic five star hotel that overlooks the Red Sea in Egypt. The hotel has its own private beach and offers guests the experience of adventures in the desert or leisurely pursuits such as boating and snorkeling around nearby turquoise lagoons or the open sea. The property integrates high quality services and amenities with environmentally sustainable practices.


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Newly-renovated rooms increase appeal of Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives

download (6)Invigorated by their recent wins in the 2014 MATATO and TripAdvisor Awards, Centara Grand Island Resort&Spa Maldives is set to a launch a new category of guest room, which will be called “Sunset Ocean Pool Villas.” They have also committed to an ongoing program of extensive refurbishments across the entire resort.


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TIANZ – 2014 visitor arrivals add to $41b goal

TIANZNew official figures show New Zealand’s tourism industry is making good progress towards its 2025 goal of contributing $41 billion a year to the economy, according to the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA).

International visitor arrival data released by Statistics New Zealand today shows 2014 was a record year, with arrivals up 5% to 2.86 million.


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New rules prevent Chinese tourists from visiting Singapore

Chinese tourists in SingaporeNew Chinese rules on outbound tours and to end illegal commissions was a  major reason for the 26% drop in Chinese tourist arrivals from January to November 2014, feels the Singapore Tourism Board executive director communications and industry marketing, Oliver Chong. This drop caused a  3.4% decline in tourism to the country.


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Where Did Americans Travel Most in 2014?: A Report

millennial traveler
To help travelers identify the most popular and trending cities this year – both domestically and internationally – Hotels.com has released data from its Hotel Price Index™  that highlights the most popular destinations of 2014.


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Registration opens for WTM Latin America 2015

wtmlatin_logo_2015The Latin American version of World Travel Market, popularly known as WTM Latin America announced the official opening of registration desk. Travel professionals, visitors, travel industry buyers, travel leaders can register for the event and the 43rd Braztoa Business Event set to take place in Sao Paolo in April.


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Hotel industry in U.S. reported positive figures for the week ending on Jan. 24

STR-logoThe U.S. hotel industry recorded positive results in the three key performance measurements during the week of 18-24 January 2015, according to data from STR, Inc.


In year-over-year measurements, the industry’s occupancy rose 2.9 percent to 57.1 percent. Average daily rate increased 5.1 percent to finish the week at US$114.42. Revenue per available room for the week was up 8.1 percent to finish at US$65.32.


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Union Pacific Railroad Employees Achieve Best-Ever Annual Safety Performance

Union PacificUnion Pacific Railroad’s 2014 annual employee safety performance was the best in company history. Employees achieved a 0.98 reportable injury rate, surpassing the previous record established in 2012. The 0.98 reportable rate is an impressive 11 percent reduction from the 2013 reportable rate of 1.10, demonstrating a solid commitment to reducing injuries and generating progress toward the company’s commitment to zero injuries.


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topbonus mascot of airberlin – ‘Milo’ set to take the skies

Milo-airberlin-topbonusA giant image of Milo, the new mascot for airberlin’s topbonus frequent flyer programme, will soon be cruising the skies along the airline’s European route network. The very first Airbus A320-200 to carry the mascot’s likeness, registration D-ABFO, will take off from Munich at 8:20 a.m. on 31 January 2015, and is scheduled to arrive in Hamburg at 9:40 a.m. From there, Milo will continue to Palma de Mallorca, touching down at 1:40 p.m., before completing the final leg of the journey and landing in Faro at 3:20 p.m.


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Annual earnings of Japans’ top airlines show smooth rise in profits

Japan-Airlines-AircraftIt has been a mixed nine-month report for Japan’s two biggest airlines. The All Nippon Airways (ANA), saw a  57 per cent rise in net profits with an increase in its international business and Japan Airline(JAL), its rival saw a continuous dip in its profit for the same period.


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airberlin and Iberia Group inks codeshare agreement

Airberlinairberlin and the Iberia Group expand their existing codeshare agreement. All Iberia Group flights from Hamburg, Hanover and Stuttgart to Madrid will be offered under an airberlin flight number. As a result, Germany’s second largest airline is offering its passengers an even greater choice of connections to the Spanish capital. airberlin already operates non-stop flights from Berlin, Düsseldorf and Vienna to Madrid, which are offered in codeshare with Iberia.


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FITUR 2015 stirred insightful discussions regarding travel technology

fiturtech-2015One of the world’s leading travel trade fairs, FITUR 2015 in Madrid, stirred up insightful discussions about travel and technology trends and how they will shape the future.
FITURTECH, the fair’s technology focused section, featured an opening keynote speech by Irene Cano, General Manager of Facebook Spain, and her presentation spurred the fair to an exciting start.


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Ryanair: Business Plus Fast-Track Service Extended To London Gatwick

RyanairRyanair extended its Business Plus fast-track security service to London Gatwick (from 2nd February), Rome Ciampino (from 2nd March) and Eindhoven (from 1st April) with more airports to come, as it continues to offer Europe’s business travellers a tailored suite of travel benefits.


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VIA Rail rolls out Prestige Class for global luxury travelers

VIA-Rail-prestige-classRediscover the romance of rail travel with VIA Rail, a transcontinental rail trip from cosmopolitan Toronto to beautiful Vancouver. Get pampered in the lap of luxury and experience ultimate comfort of Prestige Class, which offers a more luxurious experience in rail cars.


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Ravi Pillai appointed as General Manager of Vivanta by Taj, MG Road

Mr Ravi Pillai, GM, Vivanta by Taj MG RoadIndian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the appointment of Mr. Ravi Pillai as General Manager for Vivanta by Taj, MG Road, who has previously worked as the Head of Operations in Ginger Hotels.

Vivanta by Taj – M G Road is a unique mix of chic and classic, offering world-class facilities and services that redefine the ultimate urban relaxation.


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airberlin sets a new punctuality record for 2014

airberlin 2In 2014, Germany’s second largest airline achieved a new punctuality record, with 85.7 percent. This confirms airberlin’s ranking among the world’s ten most punctual airlines in the “6th Annual Airline On-Time Performance Service Awards” of flightstats.com, one of the leading flight data analysis websites.


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Transaero Airlines is to up flight frequencies in response to stabilizing demand

Transaero AirlinesTransaero Airlines is to restore a significant part of the flight frequencies after some cutbacks in the winter schedule made after the New Year holidays to optimize the airline’s flight programme for a period of low demand.
In December 2014, considering the pessimistic passenger traffic outlook, Transaero Airlines planned to reduce flight frequency on a number of routes till the end of the winter schedule.


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Cebu Pacific offers 100,000 piso seats after 100 millionth passenger milestone

cebu-pacific-airlines-philippinesCebu Pacific Air marks its 100 millionth passenger milestone by making more than 100,000 seats available for the base fare of only PHP1 (piso).
“With this special seat sale, guests can take advantage of the lowest fares we’ve offered to our destinations, especially after the removal of fuel surcharges on all our flights,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.


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Borders Children’s Charity receives cash windfall from Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Golf & Spa

Border children charityThe Borders Children’s Charity (BCC), dedicated to alleviating hardship suffered by children in the Borders has received over £2,000 from festive fundraising by the team at Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Golf & Spa by Peebles.


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Rediscover the romance of rail travel with VIA Rail Prestidge Class

VIA Rail canadaRediscover the romance of rail travel with VIA Rail, a transcontinental rail trip from cosmopolitan Toronto to beautiful Vancouver. Get pampered in the lap of luxury and experience ultimate comfort of Prestige Class, which offers a more luxurious experience in rail cars.


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American Airlines Pilots Approve Contract

American Airlines PilotsThe Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing 15,000 pilots at American Airlines, announced today its members have approved a new five-year contract which provides immediate pay raises of 23 percent and subsequent annual raises of three percent for the next five years.


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Ascott Limited secures first serviced residence in Turkey

Somerset Maslak IstanbulCapitaLand’s wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has secured a contract to manage its first serviced residence in Turkey, Somerset Maslak Istanbul. Ascott’s entry into Turkey will expand the footprint of the world’s largest international serviced residence owner-operator to 90 cities across 25 countries.


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Fitch, Moody’s And S&P Assign High Ratings To Upcoming Issuance Of $338 Million In Los Angeles International Airport Revenue Bonds

LAXLos Angeles World Airports (LAWA) announced that the three primary investment ratings services — Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) — all assigned high marks for LAWA’s upcoming issuance of approximately $338 million in long-term revenue bonds on behalf of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to help fund the airport’s on-going capital improvement projects.


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Mandarin Oriental named top hotel in Massachusetts and Boston

Mandarin Oriental PudongOriental, Boston’s General Manager, Alain Negueloua said, “It is an honor to be recognized, both locally and nationally, by such a prestigious organization. We’re proud to be named the top hotel in Massachusetts and Boston. It’s a testament to our associates and the high level of service they provide to our guests every day.”


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Hilton Garden Inn Spreads its Wings over Istanbul International Ataturk Airport

Hilton Garden Inn Spreads its Wings over IstanbulHilton Garden Inn, Hilton Worldwide’s award-winning brand of upscale yet affordable hotels, announced today the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Istanbul Airport, representing an addition to the brand’s growing portfolio of more than 600 hotels worldwide.


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Rex Takes Delivery Of Aircraft

RexRegional Express (Rex) today announced that it has taken delivery of a Saab 340B aircraft at Townsville. The aircraft used to belong to Vincent Aviation before it went into administration. This brings the Rex Group fleet of Saab 340 aircraft to 52, with 40 of them fully paid for in cash and the rest on a short term mortgage.


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Changi Airport crosses 54-million passenger mark in 2014

E4851916Singapore Changi Airport managed 54.1 million passenger movements in 2014, the most in its 33-year history. This was a 0.7% increase compared to the whole of 2013. Cargo volumes were stable at 1.84 million tonnes while flight movements dipped 0.7% to 341,390 for the year. 


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Hyatt Announces The Opening Of Hyatt Place Pune/Hinjewadi

HYATTHyatt Hotels Corporation and GHV Hotel (India) Pvt Ltd today announced the opening of Hyatt Place Pune/Hinjewadi, which is strategically located at the entrance to the fast-growing IT city of Pune, less than 85 miles (143 kilometers) from Mumbai, India. This is the third Hyatt Place hotel to open in India, following the 2012 opening of Hyatt Place Hampi in Southern India and the November 2014 opening of Hyatt Place Gurgaon/Udyog Vihar in Northern India.


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Spirit Airlines Refuses to Spend $4 Million for Big Game Commercial

Spirit AirlinesAny company can make a commercial promoting its products and brand. It takes a special kind of crazy to spend $4 million just to have people watch it. Spirit Airlines (Nasdaq:SAVE) is taking the opposite approach.


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First Eurowings Airbus A320 to take off on Sunday

LufthansaThe new Eurowings will take off on its maiden flight on Sunday, 1 February 2015. An Airbus A320 with the tail number D-AIZQ and in the new livery will leave Hamburg at 10.55 a.m. and fly to Prague, where it is expected to land at 12.00 p.m. The aircraft, which carries 162 passengers, is the first Airbus A320 in the Eurowings fleet. Further aircraft will follow in the coming weeks. A total of 23 Canadair CRJ 900 jets are being replaced by Airbus A320s.


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Grace road food company contributing to economic growth

download (5)The Grace Road Food Company recorded another achievement as it harvested its second variety of rice in Navua this week.The company has been commended for its role in providing employment for locals and for developing rice farming potential in Navua.


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SpiceJet announces a 400% increase in bookings on Day One of Super Sale

SpicejetSpicejet announced that on its first day of its latest Super sale offer (its first such sale in 2015), booking volumes quadrupled (increased by 4X or 400%), indicating continuing pent up demand in the market despite other airlines having held sales earlier this month.


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Visit Britain’s countryside campaign to boost visitor spend by 70m euro

download (4)The North York Moors, the Scottish Highlands and the Pembrokeshire Coast will soon be competing with the likes of the Bavarian Alps and the Grand Canyon in a new campaign from VisitBritain to grow international visits and spend to Britain’s countryside. The campaign will position Britain’s countryside as a place to enjoy modern culture, top quality food and world-class accommodation in a beautiful landscape, with the story told by third party enthusiasts.


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Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge Closed To All Traffic Tuesday Night Into Early Wednesday

MTA RailThe Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge will be closed to all traffic beginning Tues., Feb. 3 at 11:59 p.m. until 4 a.m. Wed., Feb 4 for necessary maintenance.
Detour signs will be in place. Motorists who normally use the bridge during this time must use the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge instead.
Crews will be performing maintenance work and multiple test lifts during this time.


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Speech by the Minister for Tourism, Dr Edward Zammit Lewis, during the FELTOM Annual General Meeting

download (3)This English Language teaching sector is a perfect example of the kind of synergies Malta needs to be more competitive internationally
It is indeed a pleasure for me to join you here for the Annual General Meeting of FELTOM, a major stakeholder of one of our most important tourism segments, that of English Language Teaching.


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Final Phase of 104 St and 88 St A Line Station Renewals Completed

MTA RailBeginning at 5:00 a.m., Monday, February 2, A Subway Line Icon Line customers will once again have access to the Manhattan-bound sides of the 104 St and 88 St stations along the Liberty Avenue Line in Queens. The five-month station renewal project is part of a major $39 million capital project that will see the complete renewal of five stations along the Liberty Avenue A Subway Line Icon Line.


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In Guardia Parade back to Fort St Elmo as of February 1, 2015

download (2)After a two year absence from Valletta’s capital, the In Guardia Parade will return back to its rightful place, Fort St. Elmo, which is a Heritage Malta site.
With the wait for the re-opening of Fort St. Elmo swiftly coming to an end and with Heritage Malta set to celebrate the 450th anniversary from the Great Siege of 1565, the In Guardia Parade will be the first to return to the Fort St Elmo, which was the first fort to be besieged by the Ottoman armies during the Great Siege of 1565.


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Boeing Delivers Okay Airways’ First Next-Generation 737-900ER

BoeingBoeing and Okay Airways today celebrated the delivery of the carrier’s first Next-Generation 737-900ER (Extended Range). The delivery marks the first 737-900ER to be delivered to a Chinese customer and is the first of eight 737-900ERs that Okay Airways has on order.


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FAA Proposes $147,375 in Civil Penalties Against ExpressJet Airlines

U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes two civil penalties totaling $147,375 against ExpressJet Airlines of Atlanta, Ga. for allegedly violating drug and alcohol testing and aircraft maintenance regulations.


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FAA Proposes $1.6 Million in Civil Penalties Against Alaska Airlines

faaThe U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes two civil penalties totaling $1.6 million against Alaska Airlines, Inc. of Seattle, Wash., for allegedly operating aircraft that were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.


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More To Love: Southwest Airlines To Offer More Destinations, More Low Fares For Dallas Customers

Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines®N today answered the call of the many thousands of air travel consumers who have benefited from lower fares and the convenience of long-distance flying from Dallas Love Field by announcing it will add new destinations with more nonstop flights made possible by acquiring the rights to two additional Love Field gates.


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Marriott International Committed to Wi-Fi Access and Security

download (1)Marriott International has decided to withdraw as a party to the petition seeking direction from the FCC on legal Wi-Fi security measures. Our intent was to protect personal data in Wi-Fi hotspots for large conferences. We thought we were doing the right thing asking the FCC to provide guidance, but the FCC has indicated its opposition. As we have said, we will not block Wi-Fi signals at any hotel we manage for any reason.


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Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Presents Dancing and Romancing, February 14-15

downloadThe Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (ASO), Philip Mann, Music Director and Conductor, presents the third concert in the 2014-2015 Acxiom Pops Live! Series: Dancing and Romancing. Broadway and Hollywood combine under the baton of ASO Associate Conductor Geoffrey Robson for a romantic and entertaining evening of song and dance with two veterans of the Broadway stage: Joan Hess and Kirby Ward.


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Rex Broken Hill To Sydney Flights – ZL872 (8 FEB) & ZL853 (9 FEB)

RexRegional Express (Rex) is cancelling two direct services between Broken Hill and Sydney next weekend due to urgent repairs undertaken by its fuel supplier BP on their fuel truck.
While BP expects services to be available by Monday morning on 9 February, Rex prefers to
err on the side of caution so as not to disrupt the plans of its passengers.


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Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Afternoon Tea and Romantic Dining at Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai

cq5dam.web.press.400.keepaspectratioTraditionally, February 14 is the day to celebrate love. This year, Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai has prepared a special Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea that will delight hearts and taste buds.
The gentle and warming afternoon sun gleaming through the tall glass windows allows couples to enjoy the passing street scene while indulging in savoury treats, sipping a favourite beverage, and listening to the harmonious melody of live music.


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Friday 30 January 2015

MGM Resorts Achieves Recognition for Employee Training and Engagement Programs

MGM ResortsMGM  Resorts International  has been named a recipient of two prominent awards recognizing a company culture that places a premium on training and engaging employees.
This week, software provider Achievers named MGM Resorts among its Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces™ in North America.  The award comes on the heels of Training magazine naming the company a 2015 Training Top 125 award-winner.


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Now Open: BARDOT Brasserie At ARIA Entices Las Vegas With Haute Parisian Cuisine

ARIA RESORT & CASINOBARDOT Brasserie, Las Vegas’ debut French concept from James Beard award-winning chef Michael Mina, is now open for dinner and weekend brunch at ARIA Resort & Casino. Paying homage to the skillful culinary techniques, celebrated libations and sexy atmosphere for which The City of Light is renowned, Chef Mina has created a stylish and unforgettable interpretation of a Parisian brasserie in the center of The Strip.


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