Sunday 31 May 2015

Etihad Airways launches premium twitter channel


Etihad AirwaysEtihad Airways has launched an exclusive Twitter account to engage with Gold and Platinum members of its frequent flyer program – Etihad Guest, on the popular social media platform.
The Etihad Premium Twitter channel provides a dedicated online touch-point for Etihad Guest Gold and Platinum members to gain access to a range of exclusive benefits such as privileged content, tailored news and offers, and prioritised round-the-clock service in English and Arabic, including a five minute response time and retrospective mileage claims.


WestJet flight attendants vote in favour of new agreement


WestjetWestJet announced today that its flight attendants have voted in favour of a new work agreement with 81.7 per cent of eligible flight attendants voting.

A tentative agreement was negotiated between WestJet and the WestJet Flight Attendant Association Board (FAAB), the association representing its flight attendants, and was agreed to on April 21, 2015. Voting began on May 22, 2015, and ended May 28, 2015, at 9 a.m. MDT. Items in the ratified five-year agreement include compensation, work rules, standardized processes and a formal framework for discussion between WestJet flight attendants and the airline.


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Quartet of keynotes join Midem line-up: Tidal, YouTube, EC Digital and Soundcloud executives


imagesOrganised by Reed MIDEM, Midem is the leading business event for the music ecosystem and takes place in Cannes from 5-8 June, 2015.
Vania Schlogel is Chief Investment Officer for music subscription service Tidal . Tidal has been at the centre of all discussions in the industry and notably on the burning topic around streaming services and the sustainability of their models. Prior to joining Tidal earlier this year, Schlogel was the Chief Investment Officer of Roc Nation, an entertainment firm founded by Jay Z, with activities spanning multiple business lines, including athlete representation, recorded music, spirits, fashion, and live events production.


WestJet launches service to Bonnie Scotland


WestJetWestJet today launches non-stop daily service between Halifax and Glasgow, Scotland, with same-aircraft service beginning in Toronto. The inaugural flight on WestJet’s #TartanTail leaves Toronto Pearson tonight at 6:10 p.m. EDT with a brief stop at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, before departing forGlasgow at 10:45 p.m. ADT.
“Today’s launch of service to the U.K. marks the start of another exciting chapter in the history of WestJet,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. “As Canada’s low-fare leader for nearly 20 years, we have dedicated ourselves to liberating Canadians from the high cost of air travel.


Wizz Air Set To Link Up Debrecen (Hungary) With Charleroi


Charleroi AirportBrussels South Charleroi Airport announces the launch of a new route to Hungary. The Hungarian airline Wizz Air will be launching flights between Charleroi and Debrecen on 18 December 2015. The country’s second biggest city after Budapest and considered to be Hungary’s number one student town, there will be two flights a week to Debrecen from Charleroi on Mondays and Fridays at the following times:


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Inspiration aplenty at Decorex Joburg: The Home of Great Ideas


download (5)Themed the ‘Home of Great Ideas’, Africa’s largest and premier annual décor and design event, Decorex Joburg 2015 promises to bring visitors more décor inspiration than ever before.
This year, the show’s exhibition halls been given a complete makeover, with a fresh new design ensuring even easier navigation and exciting new DIY and bedroom sections. Plus, more than 700 decorators and designers, furniture suppliers, kitchen manufacturers, and paint and décor specialists who will be exhibiting, have been months in preparation in order to showcase the very best of local and international home and interior trends, products and services.


Quang Ninh welcomes over 4.77 million tourist arrivals in five months


khachthamquan-28515The northern province of Quang Ninh greeted nearly 735,000 tourist arrivals in May, bringing the total figure for the first five months to over 4.77 million arrivals, 62% of the year’s plan or a year-on-year rise of 12%, reported the Quang Ninh provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Of this, foreign arrivals reached 1.15 million, a 4% increase over a year earlier and tourist arrivals staying overnight were over 1.65 million, also a 4% rise against the same period last year.


Children festival 2015 at Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism


TetThieunhiJPGThe event will be organized by the Management Board of the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in coordination with the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition, the Cultural Heritage Association of Vietnam, T80 Friendship School and several primary and secondary schools in Ha Noi.


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Airport Authority Helps High School Students Get ‘Ready For Take Off’


Pittsburgh AirportAs part of a regional corporate equity and inclusion initiative that is wrapping up a third successful year, students from Pittsburgh Westinghouse Academy will participate in a unique culminating event at Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin on Friday, May 29.


Five students, who entered the program two years ago as eighth graders and served as mentors for incoming students this year, will have the chance to take a “Discovery Flight” with the Pittsburgh Flight Training Center, as well as observe operating procedures up close and personal at a general aviation airport.


VietJet opens HCM City-Chu Lai route with discounts


unnamed1The airline announced it will increase its flight frequency on several domestic and international routes to provide 270,000 additional seats for passengers. The discounted tickets for these routes will be valid for bookings made before May 30, 2015, and must be used before August 30, 2015.


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Exhibition on a collection of sketches of General Vo Nguyen Giap


BTATN27515giap1040 of them are sketches Thanh made at the General’s residence on 30 Hoang Dieu street, while eight oil-on-canvas paintings feature the General’s homeland in the central province of Quang Binh.

The exhibition is being co-organised by the Vietnam Military History Museum, the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, the Association for Liaison with Overseas Vietnamese, EAS Vietnam Company and painter Van Duong Thanh.


Vidago Palace Hotel is proud to be nominated as a “Virtuoso Hotel”


download (4)The luxurious Vidago Palace Hotel, situated in the north of Portugal, is proud to be nominated as a „Virtuoso Hotel‟ and is joining a select group of world-class hotels that provides guests a fully tailormade stay with privileged access to unique experiences, exclusive pleasures and differentiating services. Virtuoso is one of the leading luxury travel networks that encompasses over 355 travel agencies and over 1.250 of the best hotels worldwide.


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Vietnamese – Korean artists to bring play “Cross Bow” to dance stage


nghesihanCoorganized by with the HCMC Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) and a Korean  dancing professor Chun Yoo Oh.
 
Legend has it that in the 2nd century BC, the state of Au Lac owned a magical crossbow which was made from a nail of the Holy Turtle to protect the country from the northern invaders. However, Princess My Chau told the secret about this crossbow to her husband Prince Trong Thuy of the rival country. Trong Thuy stole the crossbow and left a fake one, leading Au Lac to lose in a battle.


India’s youngest state – Telangana to soon commence its grand formation festival


unnamed (1)Gearing up to celebrate its first formation day which marked the culmination of a nearly sixty-year old dream, Telangana State launches an interesting – “Hop on Hop off Service bus” to provide the tourists/ passengers visiting the state from various parts of the world and country, the best of Telangana. This exciting Hop on Hop Off bus service was launched by Sri. Chandulal Ajmera, Honorable Minister, Tourism and Culture, Telangana government on 30th May, 2015.


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VietJet opens HCM City-Chu Lai route with discounts


unnamed1The airline announced it will increase its flight frequency on several domestic and international routes to provide 270,000 additional seats for passengers. The discounted tickets for these routes will be valid for bookings made before May 30, 2015, and must be used before August 30, 2015.

Continue Reading...

Qatar Tourism Authority and Design Creationz announce the 7th edition of The Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition


download (3)Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in collaboration with Design Creationz has announced today the 2015 edition of Qatar’s largest women’s fashion exhibition showcasing of the latest Spring/Summer and Ramadan 2015 collections of Arab and Khaliji designed abayas, kaftans, jalabiyas and dresses. The Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition is set to take place from the 10th to the 15th of June at the Doha Exhibition Center.


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Exhibition on a collection of sketches of General Vo Nguyen Giap


BTATN27515giap1040 of them are sketches Thanh made at the General’s residence on 30 Hoang Dieu street, while eight oil-on-canvas paintings feature the General’s homeland in the central province of Quang Binh.

The exhibition is being co-organised by the Vietnam Military History Museum, the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, the Association for Liaison with Overseas Vietnamese, EAS Vietnam Company and painter Van Duong Thanh.

Vidago Palace Hotel is proud to be nominated as a “Virtuoso Hotel”


download (4)The luxurious Vidago Palace Hotel, situated in the north of Portugal, is proud to be nominated as a „Virtuoso Hotel‟ and is joining a select group of world-class hotels that provides guests a fully tailormade stay with privileged access to unique experiences, exclusive pleasures and differentiating services. Virtuoso is one of the leading luxury travel networks that encompasses over 355 travel agencies and over 1.250 of the best hotels worldwide.

Continue Reading...

Vietnamese – Korean artists to bring play “Cross Bow” to dance stage


nghesihanCoorganized by with the HCMC Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) and a Korean  dancing professor Chun Yoo Oh.
 
Legend has it that in the 2nd century BC, the state of Au Lac owned a magical crossbow which was made from a nail of the Holy Turtle to protect the country from the northern invaders. However, Princess My Chau told the secret about this crossbow to her husband Prince Trong Thuy of the rival country. Trong Thuy stole the crossbow and left a fake one, leading Au Lac to lose in a battle.

India’s youngest state – Telangana to soon commence its grand formation festival


unnamed (1)Gearing up to celebrate its first formation day which marked the culmination of a nearly sixty-year old dream, Telangana State launches an interesting – “Hop on Hop off Service bus” to provide the tourists/ passengers visiting the state from various parts of the world and country, the best of Telangana. This exciting Hop on Hop Off bus service was launched by Sri. Chandulal Ajmera, Honorable Minister, Tourism and Culture, Telangana government on 30th May, 2015.

Continue Reading...

Qatar Tourism Authority and Design Creationz announce the 7th edition of The Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition

download (3)Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in collaboration with Design Creationz has announced today the 2015 edition of Qatar’s largest women’s fashion exhibition showcasing of the latest Spring/Summer and Ramadan 2015 collections of Arab and Khaliji designed abayas, kaftans, jalabiyas and dresses. The Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition is set to take place from the 10th to the 15th of June at the Doha Exhibition Center.

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Saturday 30 May 2015

Air India to start daily flights from New Delhi to Colombo


air-india-express-boeing737India’s flag carrier Air India will start daily flights from capital New Delhi to Sri Lankan capital Colombo from June 15, a local media report said on Friday.

General Manager at Indu Sky Aviation, Thanuja Lankatilaka said that an Airbus A321 will be deployed to fly the route with 170 economy seats and 12 business class seats.

The service is Air India’s second Sri Lankan flight, as it currently flies daily between Colombo and Chennai, the report said.


Top fashion designer to grace Miss Seychelles…another world pageant night


yannick_machadoTop French fashion designer Yannick Machado will be gracing crowning night of Miss Seychelles…another world which will be taking place on May 30.


Mr Machado started designing since the age of 12. He was born in Lyon France and had a proper fashion education at Supdemod France.


Top Algerian group to perform at Miss Seychelles…another world 2015 ceremony


BabylonBabylone, a three-member Algerian group is in Seychelles to perform at the Miss Seychelles…. another world 2015 pageant on May 30.


Amine, Rahim and Ramzy are making their first visit to Seychelles giving their audience at the crowning night a chance to hear their hit song, ‘Zina’ which means beautiful.


Seychelles Tourism Academy awards best students after successful completion of their courses


STA_graduationThe Seychelles Tourism Academy have awarded students who have completed their studies there and who have excelled in their respective fields.


This was during the academy’s graduation ceremony held yesterday at the International Conference Centre in Victoria.


Business tourism buyers from Moscow check out Dublin, Galway and the Wild Atlantic Way


pic-1-FROM-RUSSIA-WITH-LOVENine leading business tourism companies from Russia have been visiting Ireland.

The group included senior representatives of companies based in Moscow who are involved in the MICE (meetings, incentive, conferences and events) sector, responsible for organising international conferences, meetings and large-scale incentive events around the world. They were here to check out some of our meeting facilities and accommodation, as well as the great experiences business delegates can enjoy in Ireland on the sidelines of their conference or meeting.


Avoid The Prosecco Shortage With East Midlands Trains


East Midlands TrainsWith the news of a global Prosecco shortfall currently causing concern around the country, East Midlands Trains has announced the launch of its new First Class menu today guaranteeing customers will be able to enjoy a glass of Prosecco this summer.

East Midlands Trains will be offering its First Class customers the opportunity to enjoy a glass of Prosecco for the first time ever for just £5, or enjoy a special Summer time deal with a traditional afternoon cream tea and a glass of sparkling Prosecco priced at just £7.


Chiltern Railways staff take part in their very own sleep out in aid of St Basils


chiltern railwaysA team of Chiltern Railways volunteers, including the Executive team, will be swapping their mattresses for cardboard boxes to experience what it is like to be homeless for the night.

The sleep out at Birmingham Moor Street station is in aid of St Basils charity, which Chiltern Railways staff have voted as one of their charities of the year. St Basils is a West Midlands based charity that works with 16 – 25 year olds who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.


Association conferences up a third in Birmingham


Association conferencesBirmingham’s International Convention Centre (ICC) has reported a 30 per cent rise in association conferences held at the venue.

The conference centre has also seen a 75 per cent increase in repeat bookings for 2014-2015 compared to the previous year, along with a seven per cent increase in new bookings for the same period.

In September the ICC struck a deal to host the Conservative Party Conference for three more years, in 2016, 2018 and 2020, bringing an estimated £17 million to the local economy.


Air Arabia named ‘Best Low-Cost Carrier’ at World Tourism Forum Awards in Istanbul


WORLD TOURISM FORUM (1)Air Arabia has been named “Best Low-Cost Carrier” at the World Tourism Forum Awards in Istanbul, Turkey. The World Tourism Forum is an annual gathering of leading business figures and industry experts to discuss the future direction of the global tourism sector. Among the topics discussed were online tourism, destination marketing and the economic benefits of tourism.


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Boeing Subsidiary Spectrolab Names Tony Mueller as President


boeingBoeing subsidiary Spectrolab, Inc. has named Tony Mueller –a veteran satellite design and manufacturing leader– as president of the solar cell and panel manufacturer.


“Tony brings over 20 years of experience in program management and has a diverse portfolio of expertise,” said Craig Cooning, president of Network & Space Systems. “He has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills that can build upon the Spectrolab team’s success and lead the company as it enters its 60th year in business.”


Hotel industry in U.S. records positive results in week ending on May 23


STR-logoThe U.S. hotel industry recorded positive results in the three key performance measurements during the week of 17-23 May 2015, according to data from STR, Inc.


In year-over-year measurements, the industry’s occupancy increased 1.4 percent to 71.4 percent. Average daily rate increased 4.7 percent to finish the week at US$121.96. Revenue per available room for the week was up 6.2 percent to finish at US$87.10.


Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah celebrates Agatha Christie’s 125th Birthday


JumeirahPera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Istanbul’s most iconic hotel, has announced a week long crime fiction themed festival called Black Week to mark the 125th birthday of Agatha Christie. Guests of the hotel can gain access to an exciting programme of panel discussions and ‘whodunnit’ nights, as world famous detective and mystery novel writers gather at the hotel to celebrate the literary genre.


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Hilton Worldwide Kicks Off Team Member Appreciation Week to Celebrate the Heart of Hilton


HeartofHilton_FPTo commemorate the company’s 96th birthday and honor its Team Members, today Hilton Worldwide kicks off its inaugural Team Member Appreciation Week with celebrations at properties and corporate offices around the world.


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Airlines for America Applauds DHS for Expansion of International Pre-Clearance Roll Out


Airlines For AmericaAirlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today applauded the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announced intention to further expand preclearance facilities in regions served by U.S. airlines.


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JetBlue Statement on Expansion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance Operations


JetBlue Airways LogoJetBlue Airways Corp. President & Chief Executive Officer Robin Hayes issued the following statement on today’s announcement in New York by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security of its intent to expand customs, immigration, and agriculture preclearance to ten additional cities around the world:


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United Airlines’ Statement on Expansion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance Operations


United AirlinesUnited Airlines issued the following statement on today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security of its intent to expand customs, immigration and agriculture preclearance to 10 additional gateway airports:


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Unwind with a Sizzling Korean BBQ Night at Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen


cq5dam.web.press.722.keepaspectratioFor Shenzhen’s most fashionable hang out, look no further than Yi Bar & Lounge. Situated on the sixth floor of Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen, the sophisticated two-in-one venue is spread across the open lobby and a large wrap around balcony with spectacular views of the city skyline. Yi Bar & Lounge is now offering a glamorous, al fresco Korean BBQ Night on Friday evenings.


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Introducing the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff johannesburg


cq5dam.web.press.400.keepaspectratio (2)A full-service destination spa is the latest addition to Johannesburg’s most famed hotel, Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg. Offering innovative, results-driven spa therapies and authentic spa rituals – many of them reflective of its vibrant, urban locale – the brand-new, 1,200-square metre Spa takes full advantage of its elevated position overlooking the forested northern suburbs of Johannesburg. There are nine treatment rooms, one of which is a spacious double suite. Some have floor-to-ceiling glass windows that slide away seamlessly to merge the indoors with the outdoors. The panoramic views also inspired Après-Spa, a rooftop lounge for outdoor relaxation.


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Cigar Lounge, Brunch Highlight Father’s Day at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North


cq5dam.web.press.400.keepaspectratio (1)This Father’s Day, honour Dad with a weekend of fun at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, featuring a cigar lounge, weekend brunch buffet with “putt for pints” and specialty spa treatments such as the Golfer’s Massage and Gentleman’s Facial.
On Saturday, June 20, 2015, dads can enjoy a cigar lounge on the hotel’s popular outdoor Fountain Terrace lawn. Market lighting and over-sized lounge furniture will provide a welcoming spot to enjoy the views of downtown Scottsdale and experience live music from popular Jared Blackstone playing at Onyx Bar & Lounge.


Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre organises the Telangana Food Festival


unnamedCommemorating the 1st Formation Day Celebrations of the state of Telangana, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre is proud to ring in the celebrations with a feast that is inspired by the rustic charms of the Telangana cuisine. Spread over the duration of a week, starting from the 1st June 2015 and continuing till the 7th June 2015 , guests will be treated to authentic recreations of one the most relished cuisines in the country, including popular dishes like Sarvapindi, Sakinalu, Pachipulusu, Boti, Gatka, Bagaarannam, Korrala payasam and Bhakshyalu etc.


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JW Marriott Caribbean & Latin America Properties Celebrate Culinary Talents with Launch of the Chef’s Table YouTube Series


6a0128763ee05d970c01bb0835d6cc970d-150wiEmbracing their passion for culinary, JW Marriott properties in the Caribbean and Latin America region, announced the launch of a Chef’s Table video series on YouTube, spotlighting signature and local dishes and techniques from classically trained chefs from JW Marriott properties in Lima, Cancun, Bogota, Cusco and Rio de Janeiro. The Chef’s Table series debuts in Mexico and Peru with formally trained Chef Gonzalo Ruiz from the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa and Chef Julio Ferradas from JW Marriott Hotel Lima. Chef Gonzalo Ruiz creates a sumptuous yellowfin tuna tartare with locally sourced fish and delicate touches of chimichurri, Mexican avocado and freshly baked flour tortillas. 


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2015 Collection of Gardens, History and Gastronomy Tours in France


download (2)French Incoming, using inside knowledge of France, and working with its team of garden and culinary experts, has developed new and very different tours in Normandy, Burgundy and Dordogne, based on the theme of gardens and culture. It goes without saying that any tour of France should feature food and wine – but these tours go one step further, discovering the local markets, recipes and specialties, brought to life by its very own chef.


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Homeland Security Moves Closer to Expanding Preclearance to Japan


download (1)Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced their intent to expand air preclearance operations to Narita, Japan and nine new foreign airports which would boost tourism and help the government achieve its goal of attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2021. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Co-Chair of the Senate Tourism Caucus, held hearings on the state of the tourism and travel industry last year, and worked with the U.S. Department of State to make it easier for low-risk international travelers to visit the United States.


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Pan Am Torch Relay takes off to Thunder Bay with Porter Airlines


Porter AirlinesPorter Airlines will transport the Pan Am flame from Toronto to Thunder Bay, on the first of four special charters for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay. Porter Airlines is the Official Canadian Airline of the Games and a signature supporter of the TORONTO 2015 Torch Relays.


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FAA Proposes $266,375 Civil Penalty Against Allegiant Air, LLC


faaThe U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $266,375 civil penalty against Allegiant Air, LLC of Las Vegas for allegedly violating drug and alcohol testing regulations.
The FAA alleges Allegiant failed to include in its random drug and alcohol testing pools 25 employees that it hired or transferred into safety?sensitive positions. Eleven of these employees performed safety-sensitive duties on multiple occasions when they were not in the random pools, the FAA alleges.


Friday 29 May 2015

FAA Proposes $91,500 Civil Penalty Against Air Methods Corp


U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $91,500 civil penalty against Air Methods Corp. of Englewood, Colo., for allegedly operating a Bell 407 helicopter when it was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.
The FAA alleges that Air Methods operated the aircraft on four flights in October 2014 when a required torque check inspection on its tail rotor drive shaft components was overdue. As a result, the aircraft was not in an airworthy condition during those flights, the FAA alleges.