Weekly e-Newsletter for Travel & Tourism Founded in 1982 - Online Since 1995
1982 - 2007
N° 364 - June 01, 2007
AVIATION
Austrian Airlines Joins
Star Alliance Common It Platform
Reservation and handling systems to be harmonised further
together with Lufthansa and Amadeus as provider
Austrian Airlines announces the replacement of its inventory and check-in systems and is joining the Common IT Platform, a Star Alliance wise key initiative. Star Alliance Common IT Platform (CITP) is a joint centralised platform hosted by Amadeus for participating Star Alliance member carriers. Alongside United, Lufthansa and some other regional members of Star Alliance, Austrian Airlines is now launching a comprehensive migration project to oversee the staged transfer of all key airline IT systems, including inventory, ticketing and check-in, to the new platform by 2010. Read more.
Air Agencies has been appointed as official GSA for Gabon Airlines in the
Benelux market.
Gabon Airlines is a start-up airline based in Libreville, Gabon. It started operations in 2007 with services between Libreville and Paris. It plans to concentrate on African and European services.
Boeing Adds Russia's S7 Airlines to 787 Customer Team with Order for 15
- First Russian airline to order and operate Dreamliner
SEATTLE, May 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Russia's S7 Group today announced an order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and purchase rights for 10 additional 787s. S7 Group subsidiary S7 Airlines will operate the Dreamliners. The 787s will replace S7's fleet of aging twin-aisle airplanes and provide capacity for growth. The order is valued at $2.4 billion at catalog prices.
With today's announcement, S7 becomes the first Russian carrier to order the 787 Dreamliner.
More flights to Liepaja
From the 9th of June Latvia’s western capital Liepaja will open new direct air connections from Denmark and Germany in addition to two daily connections from Riga.
Until now international travellers have had to travel by air through Riga or by ferry via Ventspils in order to get to the largest city in Courland (Kurzeme) – the western region of Latvia.
airBaltic will operate daily flights from Copenhagen and Hamburg. The daily flights for Liepaja will leave Copenhagen at 10.20 and Hamburg at 14.45 respectively. Return flights to Copenhagen will leave at 18.10 and to Hamburg at 13.10.
The flights between Copenhagen and Liepaja will cost from 205 DKK including taxes. The price for an air ticket from Liepaja to Hamburg will start at 9 EUR including taxes.
Between Riga and Liepaja there are two 40 minute short flights per day from Monday to Friday; one morning flight and one evening flight. This flight is also operated by airBaltic.
There is reason to believe that soon there will also be direct flights to Liepaja from Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki.
VLM Airlines offre aux passagers partant du Brussels Airport le moyen de transport le plus rapide pour gagner le centre de Londres
Anvers, mercredi 30 mai 2007 - Brussels Airport a officiellement ouvert aujourd'hui sa “File Rapide” pour les voyageurs d'affaires. VLM Airlines se réjouit de cette initiative car elle renforce son statut de moyen de transport le plus rapide pour aller de Bruxelles au centre de Londres. En savoir plus.
Virgin Atlantic To Launch New Services To Kingston, Jamaica And Codeshare With Air Jamaica
- Virgin Atlantic to fly four times a week between London and Jamaica
- Twice-weekly services begin from Gatwick-Kingston in October
- New codeshare with Air Jamaica will benefit island’s economy
Virgin Atlantic Unveils Futuristic Plans For Heathrow’s T3
• New Drive Thru Check In for Upper Class passengers
• Transformation of Check In area in Zone A
Virgin Atlantic says its plans for the transformation of Heathrow T3 will provide tough competition for the new T5. By the end of this year, all Virgin Atlantic passengers will see a brand new Check In area in T3, Zone A and the creation of a state-of-the art Drive Thru Check In for its Upper Class passengers, well ahead of T5, which will open in March 2008. Read more.
JAL Mileage Bank Reaches 20 Million Member Mark - JMB Arigatou 20 Million Members Campaign Starts June 1, 2007 -
Tokyo May 28, 2007: Membership worldwide of Japan Airlines' frequent flyer program (FFP), the JAL Mileage Bank (JMB), has reached the 20 million mark. In celebration of reaching this milestone and as a token of the airline’s gratitude towards all JMB members, JAL has launched worldwide the ‘JMB Arigatou 20 Million Members Campaign’.
The ‘JMB Arigatou 20 Million Members Campaign’ will run from June 1 to September 30, 2007. People who register for the campaign will have the opportunity to win one of 8,200 prizes. Two hundred top prize winners will each receive JAL coupon awards worth 100,000 yen, and a gold colored JMB card embossed with a special commemorative 20 million members design. Runners-up will each receive 2,000 bonus JMB mileage.
All passengers traveling on JAL operated international flights and selected domestic flights departing during the campaign period, using fares eligible for JMB mileage accumulation can enter the prize draw. Passengers must also be members of the JAL Mileage Bank, and have registered for the campaign. JAL Mileage Bank enrolment is free. Membership application can be made online. For full details on the campaign and JMB, please visit www.jal.com .
TAM Receives Three More Airbus A320s
The company has incorporated 14 aircraft into its fleet this year
SAO PAULO, Brazil, May 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TAM received three more Airbus A320s last weekend, which are being incorporated into its operational fleet. This year, TAM has already received 14 aircraft -- eleven in the A320/319 family and three MD-11s. With these acquisitions, the company will have 85 Airbus models -- 15 A319s, 60 A320s and 10 A330s.
With the arrival of the three Airbus A320s, TAM increases its fleet to 105 aircraft (85 Airbus, 17 F-100s and 3 MD-11s). The company plans to end 2007 with 112 planes in operation.
TAM has also signed contracts with Airbus for the inclusion of another 54 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled through 2010. The contracts also include 20 options for planes in the A320 family, which may be exercised by the company in accordance with the market's growth. TAM also announced the acquisition of four new Boeing 777-300ERs and another four options, with delivery forecast for next year. TAM's strategic planning forecasts an operating fleet of 141 aircraft in 2011.
Dr.ir. Jacco Hoekstra decaan faculteit Luchtvaart- en Ruimtevaarttechniek
Het College van Bestuur van de Technische Universiteit Delft heeft dr.ir. Jacco Hoekstra per 15 augustus 2007 benoemd als nieuwe decaan van de faculteit Luchtvaart- en Ruimtevaarttechniek (L&R). Hij volgt prof. Ben Droste op die op 1 juli a.s. zijn termijn van vier jaar als decaan L&R zal hebben voltooid.
oneworld in brief
oneworld brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business - American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, LAN, Qantas and, since 1 April, Japan Airlines, Malév Hungarian Airlines and Royal Jordanian, plus some 20 affiliates.
The alliance enables its members to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. These include a broader route network, opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles and points across the combined oneworld network and more airport lounges. oneworld is the only alliance to enable passengers to fly throughout its network, on any combination of carriers, using just electronic tickets.
oneworld was voted the World's Leading Airline Alliance for the fourth year running in the 2006 World Travel Awards, based on votes cast by some 170,000 travel professionals, including more than 110,000 travel agents in 200 countries.
Madrid Metro now extended to oneworld operational base Terminal 4
Madrid's Metro has now been extended to the new Terminal 4 at the city's airport, where all oneworld member airlines are based. The facility is now served, like the other airport terminals, by trains on Line 8, running to and from the city centre Nuevos Ministerios station. Previously, passengers had to connect by bus between Terminal 4 and the Metro station at Terminal 2.
Malév moves New York JFK operations to American Airlines' terminal
Malév Hungarian Airlines has transferred its New York JFK operations into American Airlines' Terminal 9, smoothing connections between the two carriers at the hub. oneworld partner Finnair also uses the same terminal. The British Airways terminal is right next door, used by alliance members Cathay Pacific, Iberia and Qantas besides BA.
BA and Qantas open new First Class lounge at Bangkok
British Airways and Qantas have opened their new joint First Class lounge at Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi airport. The two airlines opened in March their new Business Class lounge at the gateway. The new BA/QF First Class lounge is 40 per cent bigger than the facility it replaces at Bangkok's old Don Muang airport.
JAL to triple size of lounges at its main Tokyo Narita international hub
Japan Airlines' expanded and refurbished lounges at its Tokyo Narita Terminal 2 main international hub will be opened in mid July, providing more spacious, comfortable environments and improved services. The airline says their new designs would provide "a high quality space for the ultimate in relaxation", with the size of the rooms tripled to offer seating for up to 700 people.
American to up-grade passenger cabins across its 757 fleet
American Airlines is to upgrade the passenger cabins of its entire fleet of 124 Boeing 757s.
The improvements, to be made from next year, will include new seats, new cabin interiors and updated in-flight entertainment systems. First Class will be expanded by two more seats, giving a total of 24 on each aircraft. The airline has already announced plans for enhancements to its 777s, 767-300s and 767-200s.
BA gains fourth 'Airline of the Year' title
British Airways has gained its fourth Airline of the Year title, with the latest accolade from the OAG airline information group. BA was already the current holder of top airline title from the SkyTrax airline quality organization, the World Travel Awards and Global Traveler magazine. In the OAG awards, BA was also named Best Transatlantic Airline, Best Europe-Asia/Australasia and Best in Western Europe, while oneworld partners Cathay Pacific was judged Best Transpacific and Qantas was Best in Australasia/Pacific.
Royal Jordanian resumes Montreal route
Royal Jordanian, which joined oneworld on 1 April, resumes non-stops between its Amman home base and Montreal from 25 May, with twice-weekly two-class Airbus A340s, offering its Crown Class flat beds. The airline last served the Canadian city ten years ago.
Iberia launches Madrid-Boston and heads for Washington and St Petersburg
Iberia has launched its new Madrid-Boston route, with an initial five Airbus A340s a week.
It joins American Airlines and British Airways in serving the New England gateway.
Next month, oneworld's Spanish partner adds Washington DC to its network too, while it Europe it will open services to St Petersburg from 2 June, with two Airbus A319s a week from and to its Madrid hub.
American to open two new Caribbean routes from New York
American Airlines, already the leading airline between New York and the Caribbean, is adding a further two new routes to the islands from JFK. It will serve St Kitts and Nevis from 18 November with two Boeing 757s a week, and St Lucia from November with an initial three Boeing 757s a week. Elsewhere, it connect Austin with John Wayne airport at Santa Ana, in California's Orange County from 5 September with daily Boeing MD80s westbound and 737-800s eastbound.
Finnair links Nuremberg to network as oneworld's tenth German gateway
Nuremberg has joined the oneworld® network, as the tenth destination in Germany served by the alliance, with Finnair flying there daily from and to its Helsinki home, using Embraer regional jets. With the three-letter IATA code NUE, Nuremberg is at the centre of northern Bavaria, with some five million people live in its catchment area.
CRUISES & FERRIES
Hubert von Goisern's musical voyage to the Black Sea
In June, Austrian pop star Hubert von Goisern will embark with a convoy of ships as the musical ambassador for the 2009 European City of Culture, Linz. On the journey downriver to Black Sea musicians from the Danube lands will board ship to practice and perform with von Goisern. In 2008, Hubert von Goisern will travel westwards to the North Sea. In 2009, the artists will be reunited in the European City of Culture at a harbour festival lasting for a concert that is to celebrate the series of voyages.
"Taiwan Food Month" to Attract Overseas Businessmen in June
Taipei, May 30 (CNA) A "Taiwan Food Month" program will begin June 1 as part of efforts to attract international businessmen to Taiwan, officials of the Taiwan External Trade Develop-
ment Council (TAITRA) said Wednesday.
According to surveys, 62.21 percent of the foreign tourists who arrive in Taiwan come mainly to enjoy local cuisine, the officials said.
Therefore, the TAITRA decided to collaborate with 61 restaurants and hotels to organize the program, the officials noted.
The decision also came amid expectations that around 40,000 foreign businessmen will attend several international exhibitions in Taipei in that month, the officials went on.
TAITRA hopes the food in Taiwan will help leave a good impression on foreign visitors and further create word-of-mouth marketing to attract even more tourists, the officials said.
Click on the logo
Unified Hotel Classification Criteria Introduced In Bulgaria
EU will develop a common accommodation classification system, which will be valid for hotels in Bulgaria as well, State Agency for Tourism (SAT) head Anelia Kroushkova said.
European tourism board will start operating soon with its main task being to establish synchronised criteria for such evaluation, Dnevnik daily reported.
The main aim of the new system will be to present EU on the international tourism market having a common European vision.
SAT currently works on Bulgaria's division into separate tourism regions, which will be advertised worldwide. Most large tourism destination use the same distinction method.
Black Sea region, National park Vitosha, Pirin, Rila, Veliko Turnovo, Thrace and the Rose Valley will be provisionally included as separate regions in the new division.
Another classification group includes the regions which have potential to turn into tourism destinations like the Western Rhodopes, Eastern Rhodopes, Strandzha, Dobroudzha, Northwestern Balkans.
Bulgarian Association of Travel Agents (BATA) representative Irina Naidenova said that the regional division should also include a section on wine tourism.
Alpine achtbaan en rope climbing
Twee nieuwe topattracties zorgen voor nog meer actie in Zillertal Arena
Amsterdam, mei 2007 - Twee spannende nieuwe attracties maken het bekende Oostenrijkse berggebied Zillertal Arena een nog prettiger sportieve zomer- en najaarsbestemming. Zowel ouderen als jongeren die van actie en beweging houden in de gezonde alpenlucht, komen volop aan hun trekken. Het bergachtige natuurgebied staat onder liefhebbers van een gezonde, actieve familievakantie al jaren bekend als ideale zomer- en najaarsbestemming. Vanaf deze zomer word je vakantie in het Zillertal Arena nog spannender met de introductie van twee topattracties: een enorme achtbaan en een touwklim route op hoog niveau. Verder beleven kinderen allerlei avonturen met het speciale Kids Summer Programme. Lees meer.
Liepaja - the western Latvian capital
Liepaja is the uncrowned capital of the western Latvian region of Courland (Latvian Kurzeme).
Known as the city where the wind is born, it has positioned itself as one of the most musical cities of Latvia. Famous for its symphony orchestra and music cafes, it is the cultural, educational and scientific centre of the western region. The city’s legendary Trinity Church houses the world’s largest historic unreconstructed organ with 141 stops and 7 000 pipes.
Downtown Liepaja with all its cafes rolls over into the elegant villa area that borders the park and one of the widest, white sandy beaches in Europe. The warm and fresh breeze from the Baltic Sea is a constant reminder of the city’s seafaring traditions. Due north of the city centre is the so-called Karosta – the naval port area from the Czarist and Soviet period – with an extraordinary palace, prison and orthodox church.
Charming Liepaja has about 87 000 inhabitants and is located about 215 kilometres west of Riga and almost as far east of the Swedish island of Gotland. Liepaja can be reached daily by plane, train and bus from Riga. Currently direct air connections are being developed with other Northern European cities. For more information on direct air connections, please, click here.
Une première sur les plages du Débarquement : le D-Day Festival
Entre Bayeux et les plages du Débarquement, le D-Day festival, un événement nouveau et gratuit pour la plupart des manifestations, mis en place par l'office de tourisme de Bayeux-Bessin, animera la côte normande durant plusieurs jours, dans l'ambiance de l'époque.
Exposition au musée de la Bataille de Normandie durant tout le mois, concerts, reconstitution d'un camp militaire de l'époque, pique-nique géant sur la plage d'Omaha Beach... seront quelques unes des manifestations qui feront revivre ces pages tragiques de l'histoire contemporaine et le déferlement de joie qui marqua la fin de la deuxième guerre mondiale.
Une grande fresque historique, musicale et gratuite, sera donnée sur le Débarquement de Normandie, soirée son et lumière avec final pyrotechnique, animée par 90 artistes et sous-titrée en anglais. 6000 personnes sont attendues sur le site de la Batterie de Longues-sur-Mer.
Un grand concert Big Band animera la soirée spéciale « Bayeux fête sa libération » le 7 juin, devant le musée de la Bataille de Normandie qui, pour l'occasion, restera ouvert en nocturne.
Enfin, pour clore l'événement, un grand Pique-Nique de la Libération aura lieu le 9 juin à 19h dans les Jardins de l'Hôtel du Doyen, suivi d'un grand bal populaire.
Lorraine Mondial Air Ballons, du 27 juillet au 5 août 2007
Une grande fête de dix jours au sol comme dans les airs pour le plus international rassemblement de montgolfières au monde. Du 27 juillet au 5 août, des centaines de montgolfières vont décoller de Chambley Air Base (Meurthe et Moselle- Lorraine)
au cœur du Parc naturel Régional. Spectacle dans les... En savoir plus.
Pretty Dutch
18de eeuws Hollands porselein en moderne reflecties
Pretty Dutch is een overzichtstentoonstelling van het eerste porselein dat in Nederland werd gemaakt. In een niet alledaagse presentatie, met bewegende beelden en stemkunst, wordt dit cultureel erfgoed aan de vergetelheid onttrokken. Het is een totaalspektakel waarin topstukken in opmerkelijk getransformeerde zalen getoond worden. Het tentoonstellingsconcept doorbreekt de klassieke wijze van exposeren met een spel van twee- en driedimensionale elementen, met uitvergrote en bewegende beelden, ingebed in een levendige omgeving van licht, kleur en geluid. Pretty Dutch vertelt ook het verhaal van het productieproces en de decoratietechnieken, het verhaal van opkomst en ondergang van elke manufactuur, van de oprichters, de porselein-schilders en de vaklieden zonder wie de vervaardiging van porselein niet mogelijk zou zijn geweest.
De tentoonstelling vindt plaats in het Princessehof Leeuwarden, nationaal keramiekmuseum, dat gevestigd is in een voormalig stadspaleis in het centrum van Leeuwarden.
Nog tot en met 28 oktober 2007.
“Hop on, Hop Off”, kan nu ook in Den Haag en Delft ! De City Card biedt u, naar keuze 24 of 48 uur lang, toegang tot de tram en bus en zeer aantrekkelijke kortingen op de entreeprijzen van de top 30 bezienswaardigheden in beide steden.
Amsterdamse Open Tuinen Dagen met thema Tuinontwerpen
Van 15 juni t/m 17 juni 2007 wordt naar jaarlijkse gewoonte weer een aantal tuinen voor het publiek opengesteld. U kunt een passe-partout kopen met alle tuinadressen en langs verschillende adressen vaart op deze 3 dagen een boot langs. De opbrengst is bestemd voor een goed doel. Niet te missen!
De theaters rond het Leidseplein sluiten deze zomer aan bij het themajaar 2007 “Amsterdam Feel the Rhythm - Music and Dance” en zorgen van 15 juni t/m 15 juli 2007 voor een speciale dansvloer op het Leidseplein. Leuk om te zien, maar nog leuker om zelf mee te doen!
Smoke-free Britain: From July 1 smoking will be banned in enclosed public spaces and workplaces including pubs, shopping centres, taxis and other public transport, and all offices, throughout England. Some 200,000 pubs, bars, restaurants and other leisure outlets will become smoke-free overnight, though many businesses brought in their own ban some time ago.
Those who flout the new law are liable to a fixed penalty fine starting at £50. A smoking ban is already in place in other parts of Britain: Scotland's law came into effect in March 2006 and Wales's in April this year. Website: www.smokefreeengland.com
Britain's Top Places For Tea
The British tradition of taking afternoon tea has been celebrated by the UK Tea Council with the announcement of two top awards.
The Dorchester Hotel in London has been awarded The Tea Guild's Top London Afternoon Tea 2007 award. Its tea includes a selection of sandwiches, scones and pastries as well as a choice of teas from around the world (£29.50). The Dorchester on Park Lane fought off competition from The Lanesborough, The Ritz and Claridges and was commended for its excellent brewing, attentive service, discreet piano music and the elegant surroundings of The Promenade. Available from 2-6.30pm, reservations required tel: 020 7629 8888. Website: www.dorchesterhotel.com
The Peacocks Tearoom in Ely, Cambridgeshire has been named the UK's Top Tea Place 2007. Peacocks offers over 50 types of tea and a range of food from light meals to the full afternoon tea (£12) throughout the day with excellent home cooking, a pretty garden and a warm welcome. Visitors can get advice about which tea to choose and increase their knowledge of England's national drink with a whole shelf of books on the subject. Open Wed.-Sun., tel: 01353 661100. www.peacockstearoom.co.uk
Cycling the Danube
Passau-cycling along three rivers
A new, complimentary brochure for cyclists has recently been published by the Passau Tourist Board, containing a city map showing places of interest, and also contains information about long-distance bicycle trails, and parking for both bikes and cars.
Upper Austrian Danube cycling trail-25th anniversary
Since its inception a quarter of a century ago, the bicycle path along the Danube between Passau and Vienna has become Europe's favourite bike route. To mark the anniversary, a new twenty-five kilometre long (15.5-mile) section between Passau and Engelhartszell in Upper Austria is to be inaugurated.
Discover German by bike Exploring Germany's loveliest regions by bike is now easier with a new brochure published by the German National Tourist Board.
Darinka Sirola, the enthusiastic Croatian bicycle specialist, has authored a brochure about the Danube bike trail in Croatia that includes suggested routes, information on accommodations, and service points.
EXIT Festival
The biggest open air Music festival in Eastern Europe, Exit, takes place from 12 - 15.July.
Programme and information: Novi Sad Tourism Information Center, ticns@ptt.yu,
office@exitfest.org
Boat Carneval
The annual Boat Carneval will be celebrated in Belgrade on the rivers Sava and Danube on
25 August 2007.
Details: Belgrad Tourism Organization , office@belgradetourism.org.yu
Croatia : Ilok church restored
The church of the former Franciscan monastery in Ilok was mentioned for the first time in historic sources from the fourteenth century. The final resting place of St. John of Capistrano, copies of whose manuscripts are preserved in the monastery library, has been restored to repair war damage and will be opened to the public in September.
The Caricature Museum in Krems presents a special exhibition dedicated to the world's favourite duck and entitled, “Donald Duck-the Duck becomes Human: Carl Barks' Graphic and Poetic Work” (March 25-November 4).
Donald Duck fans can sail to Duckburg in the Wachau aboard the ships of Brandner lines, from Spitz at 9:15 am or Melk 8:25 am and return at 3:40 pm (daily, May 5-October 7).
“Natur im Klostergarten” (“Nature in the Monastery Garden”) is a new brochure that is an invitation to explore monastery gardens. The Monastery Garden Days are being staged for the first time this year, June 1-July 1, with numerous special events. The “Long Night of Monastery Gardens” on June 23-24 features special guided tours.
Cruise, Destination and Luxury Seminars Kick Off THETRADESHOW
Alexandria, Va., May 30, 2007 – This year’s THETRADESHOW (Sept. 9-11, Las Vegas) will kick off with a day of niche education, all in keeping with the day’s theme of cruise, luxury and destination travel. Other themes include Home-based Agents (Monday, Sept. 10) and Business and Technology on Tuesday, Sept. 11.
This year, THETRADESHOW’s educational format has been reconfigured to provide travel buyers with even more highly focused seminars, all designed to help them strategically grow their business. The educational curriculum was shaped by such strategic partners as National Tour Association (NTA), U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA), National Business Travel Association (NBTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), ASTA and The Travel Institute. Read more.
"2007 Taipei International Travel Fair"
The 2007 edition of the Taipei International Travel fair (ITF) is scheduled to be held December 14 through December 17. As in previous years, the venue of the Fair is Exhibition Hall 1 of the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) in Taipei. Starting March 1st, 2007, the organizer accepts applications of travel related organizations from around the world.
Applications can be filled online at the official website of ITF www.taipeiitf.org.tw.
All exhibitors who apply before June 30 enjoy an early-bird discount on booth rental fees. Relevant forms details regarding show procedures, regulations and services are included in the 'Exhibitor Handbook' which will be available on the Taipei ITF website by June 1st, 2007.
Taipei ITF continues to grow each year and as for the 2007 edition, predictions are that demand will far exceed the available exhibition space. Tourism-related organizations should therefore apply soon to make sure not to miss this great business opportunity!
For further information, please check out the website www.taipeiitf.org.tw
or contact +886-2591-9697
HOTELS
The Marriott Hotel in Brussels takes home international award for their outstanding performance in the year 2006 !
Marriott International is represented in Brussels by the Renaissance Brussels Hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott Brussels Hotel, the Brussels Marriott Hotel and the Marriott Executive Apartments: Brussels European Quarter. Read more.
Park, dream, fly away
Holiday Inn Amsterdam Schiphol is open. En de 320 parkeerplaatsen ook
Amsterdam, 29 mei 2007 - Begin uw vakantie of zakenreis in de inspirerende wereld van design in het HolidayInn Amsterdam Schiphol. Half mei is dit gloednieuwe 342 kamers tellende hotel geopend. Het designhotel biedt 290 modern ingerichte kamers op 8 verdiepingen, 52 executive rooms, 1800 m2 conferentieruimte, een Brasserie, een Grand Café, een bar, een shuttleservice naar Schiphol en maar liefst 320 parkeerplaatsen! Lees meer.
Vakantie voor de ziel: fitness, wellness en natuurproducten.
Nog zo’n troef van Zuid-Tirol in Noord-Italië : Vitalpina hotels- een selectie van 17 hotels die aan een aantal strenge criteria beantwoorden en die het beste bieden wat men in deze alpine regio kan vinden: actieve vakanties, gezonde en (h)eerlijke keuken en wellness behandelingen gebaseerd op lokale producten. Lees meer.
Maritim Hotels turnover and operating results 2006 with good increases, expansion abroad and domestically continues
Bad Salzuflen/Frankfurt, May 30th, 2007 - Maritim Hotels have improved their results yet again during the year 2006. With 378 million Euros the total turnover was some 41 million Euros above the previous year's figure. At the same time the GOP improved by nearly 20 million Euros, underlining once more the stable returns for the second-largest German hotel company. The 46 hotels operated by Maritim - nine of them outside Germany - were able to increase their occupancy by one percent point to 57 percent. At the same time the average room rate was raised to 83.32 Euros (previous year 78.32). The RevPAR consequently rose by 3.68 Euros on the previous year. Read more.
New Hotels in London, Richmond and Harrogate
The Balmoral Hotel is the spa town of Harrogate's first independently owned and run boutique hotel and is housed in an Edwardian-Victorian building 10 minutes walk from the town centre. The 23 guest rooms include studios, four poster doubles and suites decorated in a 'modern opulent' style with feature fireplaces, Chesterfield sofas and luxurious bathrooms. Harrogate is a historic town in North Yorkshire, 217 miles north of London and on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Rooms from £145, tel: 01423 508208.
Overlooking one of the most picturesque parts of the River Thames in Richmond upon Thames, the Bingham Hotel has recently completed a bedroom refurbishment. Situated in two Georgian town houses dating back to the 1700s, the hotel has 15 bedrooms individually designed in a tranquil and luxurious style. Richmond is south west of London, just 20 minutes by train from central London and 25 minutes drive from Heathrow. Rooms from £180, tel: 020 8940 0902. Website: www.thebingham.co.uk.
Further east, on the River Thames in London's Docklands, a new Radisson Edwardian Hotel will open in September as part of the 'New Providence Wharf' development. The four star, 169 bedroom, 8 storey hotel will include a heath spa, brasserie, river view restaurant with terrace and a cocktail bar. The Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf is 15 minutes drive from London City Airport and 10 minutes walk from Canary Wharf station. Rooms from £120, tel: 020 7987 2050, www.radissonedwardian.co.uk
Sheraton Brand Grows Its Footprint In China With The Opening Of The First Upscale International Hotel In Guiyang – Sheraton Guiyang Hotel
Starwood Hotels & Resorts welcomes its 23rd Sheraton hotel in China with the opening of Sheraton Guiyang Hotel – the first upscale international hotel in the famous Forest City of Guiyang.
Centrally located in the city’s prestigious business and shopping district, Sheraton Guiyang Hotel is set to be the leading upper upscale business hotel in Guiyang. The hotel enjoys easy access to key transportation points to connect to various cities in China and internationally – 15 minutes from the Guiyang International Airport and only 5 minutes from the railway station. The hotel’s convenient location is further enhanced by its proximity to the Nanming River with its magnificent river views and the historical monument Jiaxiu Tower which is now a popular tea house. “As the first upscale international hotel in Guiyang, we are now firmly positioned as the market leader and preferred corporate and high-end leisure hotel in the city. With well appointed facilities as well as friendly and attentive services, we look forward to providing each and every guest a warm, comfortable and memorable hotel experience at Sheraton Guiyang Hotel,” says General Manager Mr. Vincent Thong.
The hotel features 346 spacious guestrooms, including 41 suites and a Presidential suite. All guestrooms are decorated with a residential contemporary feel and are equipped with 32” LCD television, high speed Internet access, the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed and lavishly appointed bathroom.
The hotel offers over 1370 square meters of meeting and function space to meet various event needs, including 10-person business meetings and banquets for up to 500 persons.
PROMOTIE VOOR REISAGENTEN
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exclusief voor reisagenten een aanbod geldig tussen nu en 15 juli 2007,
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PLUS een ABAMA Spa Experience per persoon.
Bovendien kunt U genieten van een late check out (tot 15.00 u.) op de vertrekdag.
Voorwaarden: minimum 2 nachten verblijf, geldig tot 15 juli (afhankelijk van beschikbaarheid), visitekaartje van reisagent wordt gevraagd aan receptie.
Venez faire partie du rêve de l'hôtel ABAMA *****Deluxe à Tenerife, exclusivement pour agents de voyages, cette offre est valable dès à présent jusqu'au 15 juillet 2007.
Vous payez que 130 Euro par chambre/par nuit, petit déjeuner à La Veranda compris,
ainsi qu'une Spa Experience par personne.
De plus vous bénéficiez d'un 'late check-out' (15h00) le jour de votre départ.
Conditions: minimum 2 nuitées, valable jusqu'au 15 juillet (selon disponibilité),
carte de visite de l'agent sera demandé à la réception.
Réservation en ligne pour le Jardin Tropical, l'un des hôtels les plus appréciés de Tenerife
Costa Adeje-Tenerife- Il est désormais possible de réserver ses vacances en ligne au très apprécié Jardin Tropical **** via le site internet de cet hôtel. Sur la page d'accueil, une fenêtre distincte vous fournit, en toute simplicité et pas à pas, les explications pour effectuer votre réservation.
Après avoir introduit votre date d'arrivée et de départ, vous obtenez un compte rendu avec photos et tarifs des chambres disponibles, des suppléments éventuels (séjour en demi-pension, par exemple), et, bien évidemment, le montant total. Pour valider votre réservation, la plupart des cartes de crédit sont acceptées. Le paiement se fait lorsque vous quittez l'hôtel. En savoir plus.
Alle dakwerken
Aluminium dakgoten
zonder naad Meer weten
Tous travaux de toiture
Gouttières en alu sans soudure En savoir plus
L'Ibis Antwerpen Centrum fait peau neuve
et inaugure le 3ème bar « RENDEZVOUS » de Belgique
Anvers, le 29 mai 2007 - Après les succès de Gand et Brugge, c'est au tour de l'Ibis Antwerpen Centrum de faire peau neuve et d'accueillir le concept de bar « RENDEZVOUS » créé fin 2005 par l'enseigne Ibis. En savoir plus.
Rénovation du Novotel Antwerpen
Inauguré en 1974, le Novotel Antwerpen fut le premier hôtel implanté par une chaîne hôtelière internationale à Anvers.
Aujourd'hui, à l'issue d'un ambitieux programme de rénovation, le Novotel Antwerpen affiche un tout nouveau look, en ligne avec les principes de modernité et d'innovation, chers à l'enseigne Novotel. En savoir plus.
Rocco Forte Hotels moves into resorts with Marrakech signing
Rocco Forte Hotels has signed a contract to manage a new five-star golf and spa resort in Marrakech.
Due to open in December 2009, the Moroccan resort is set in a 225 hectare estate of olive groves and undulating countryside traversed by ancient waterways, all set against a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. The estate is only minutes from the old city of Marrakech and the international airport. Read more.
Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
Le Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club propose dorénavant le "Sunset Romantic Getaway", un forfait pour les couples à la recherche d'un séjour détente de charme de deux nuits/trois jours. Ce forfait comprend, outre l'hébergement en chambre, les petits déjeuners complets pour deux personnes, les repas du soir au HB sur le Golfe, l'utilisation d'une cabine et chaises de plage pour deux, une heure de tennis, le service quotidien de thé et biscuits en après-midi sur le coup de 4 h, une bouteille de champagne au moment de l'arrivée, le service quotidien de préparation de la chambre pour la nuit ainsi que l'accès gratuit au spa et centre de conditionnement physique. (239) 261-2222. www.naplesbeachhotel.com.
The Leading Hotels of the World s’investit dans la protection de l’environnement à travers “Leading Green”
The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. a annoncé le lancement de la Leading Green Initiative. Ce programme innovant encourage la clientèle de ses établissements hôteliers à choisir consciemment de voyager « vert » en soutenant activement Sustainable Travel International (STI), une organisation à but non lucratif oeuvrant dans le domaine du tourisme responsable. En savoir plus.
Candlewood Suites® Opens its First Property Outside the U.S.
First midscale extended-stay hotel for downtown Montréal is one of several Candlewood Suites targeted for key markets in Canada
ATLANTA (May 24, 2007) - Candlewood Suites® announces today that its first hotel outside the U.S. is scheduled to open next month in downtown Montréal, Quebec, Canada. Formerly a high-rise apartment building, the 147-room Candlewood Suites Montréal-Centre Ville is one of several properties the brand expects to develop in Canada over the next few years. In addition to another Candlewood Suites hotel approved for Toronto, Ontario, the brand is also targeting key markets in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, along with further development in Ontario and Quebec.
Abama Hotel Resort, culinair genieten op het
allerhoogste niveau
Guia de Isora, Tenerife- Het is ondertussen een bestemming op zich geworden, want het in zijn eigen baai genestelde en onovertroffen ABAMA*****Deluxe hotel resort aan de zuid-west kust van Tenerife, een creatie van architect Melvin Villaroel, trekt niet alleen liefhebbers van luxe en een mild klimaat, maar maakt nu ook naam op culinair gebied met het smakelijke aanbod van de 10 restaurants die het resort rijk is. Lees meer.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Ramps Up Expansion Momentum In China In 2007 With 13 New Signings In The First Quarter Of The Year
New signings include the first aloft hotel in Asia as well as the first St. Regis resort in Tibet. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT), one of the largest international hotel operators, continues its aggressive expansion in Greater China, announcing 13 new hotels in China and Taiwan just in the first quarter of the year.
The new signings include the first aloft hotel in Asia : aloft Beijing, Haidian; a St. Regis resort in Lhasa, Tibet; a Sheraton and St. Regis on the fast-developing COTAI Strip in Macau; a W in Guangzhou; two Westins, two Sheratons and one Four Points by Sheraton.
Over the next decade, China will become the second largest travel and tourism industry in the world, after the United States, accounting for nearly 34% of total tourist arrivals in Asia Pacific, according to industry sources. By targeting the emerging business and leisure travel destinations in Greater China, Starwood is positioning itself to accommodate this surge in tourism by adding 7,000 rooms to its portfolio with these new signings.
In 2006, Starwood opened six new hotels in the region including Sheraton Urumqi Hotel; Le Royal Meridien Shanghai; Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Pudong; Sheraton Ningbo Hotel; Sheraton Xiamen Hotel; The Westin Beijing, Financial Street. Starwood currently operates 38 hotels in Greater China, and is expected to open 33 new hotels in the region within the next three years.
‘Ultimate Escapes’ to Brunei with The Empire Hotel & Country Club
(Brunei, May 25, 2007) -- Brunei’s palatial Empire Hotel & Country Club is now offering an inclusive package entitled ‘Ultimate Escapes’ which includes daily breakfast, dinner-for-two and a whole range of executive floor privileges for regular room rates. Read more.
MICE
4th International Meetings and Incentives Conference
The 4th International Meetings and Incentives Conference ''Market Knowledge Today = More Market Shares Tomorrow'' (IMIC2008), will be held on 11-12 February 2008, in Athens.
CORE PURPOSES of International Meeting & Incentive Conferences (IMIC) are:
- To provide an annual international educational and networking forum, in the south-eastern Mediterranean area, for all MICE professionals.
- To provide a greater understanding of key issues for the incentive & meeting industry and propose solutions for those with an interest in the sector, through top quality speakers and educational sessions from industry leaders and researchers.
- To enhance the performance of the delegates in attracting meetings and incentives, identify gaps in knowledge, propose solutions for obtaining solid business results.
- To build networking opportunities at an international level, develop new partnerships with person to person contacts and reinforce ties with established clients and suppliers.
Minister van mobiliteit Renaat Landuyt gaf Testaankoop de opdracht (en ook de financiële middelen) om een informatiebrochure uit te werken met betrekking tot de rechten van de luchtreiziger. Minister Landuyt heeft blijkbaar uit zijn verleden als minister van toerisme niet veel geleerd, want de voornaamste partijen : de luchtvaartmaatschappijen en de mandataris van de meeste reizigers (de reisagent) werden niet bij dit project betrokken. Lees meer.
PARCS & ATTRACTIONS
Du vendredi 8 au dimanche 10 juin 2007
Journée Mondiale de L'Océan
" De la source à l'océan, tout va à la mer "
A NAUSICAA
8 juin : Journée Mondiale de l'Océan ! Une journée devenue incontournable pour tous les amoureux du grand large et particulièrement pour ceux qui s'intéressent au devenir de nos océans. Ce rendez-vous international, organisé sur les cinq continents, a pour vocation de sensibiliser le public aux enjeux liés à la préservation de l'océan et de ses richesses, mais également sur la façon d'adopter un « comportement durable ». Pour célébrer activement cette journée, NAUSICAA, le Centre National de la Mer de Boulogne-sur-Mer, organise du vendredi 8 au dimanche 10 juin 2007 des festivités en tout genre et pour tous, en accès libre : projections de films, ateliers artistiques, culturels et ludiques, dégustations de produits de la mer, rencontres avec des personnalités… À ne pas manquer ! En savoir plus.
RAILWAYS
Japan Rail East now bookable in the Sabre GDS
30 May, 2007 -- Sabre Connected travel agents are now able to book rail travel in eastern Japan through the Sabre GDS (global distribution system). The development follows an agreement between rail consolidator AccesRail and Japan Rail East for distribution of various passes valid for travel on all of the company’s 72 routes.
The Japan Rail East passes sold through the Sabre system are the Flexi Pass (valid for four days in any month), and the five- or ten-day Consecutive Pass.
Geniet met Thalys van de eerste nieuwe maatjes!
Thalys brengt u op 9 juni naar Vlaggetjesdag in Den Haag om er de start van het maatjesseizoen te vieren!
Het is weer die tijd van het jaar! De nieuwe maatjes zijn er!
Bruxelles, le 31 mai 2007 - Mercure inaugure aujourd'hui, 30 mai, la refonte complète de son site Internet mercure.com.
La nouvelle version du site a trois objectifs prioritaires :
- la conquête et la fidélisation des clients voyageant tant pour leurs affaires que pour leurs loisirs,
- la séduction des internautes,
- la visibilité auprès des acteurs du e-tourisme et des prescripteurs (agents de voyages, blogs, moteurs de recherche…). En savoir plus.
Alitalia to adopt Amadeus fares and pricing technology in all their direct sales channels
• Alitalia signs a deal to implement the Amadeus Fares and Pricing Engine which will provide it with real-time access to accurate and reliable fares and pricing tools
• Amadeus Ticket Changer will allow the airline to automatically re-price tickets in only a few seconds
Bolshoi Tourism Votre réceptif francophone en RUSSIE vous fera découvrir des destinations fabuleuses,
de la Mer Noire à la Sibérie et de l'Asie Centrale jusqu'aux Pays Baltes.
St. Petersbourg
Tel : 7.812.740.20.32
Fax : 7.812.740.20.33 bolshoi.spb@rol.ru
Paris
Tél : 33.1.53.00.97.79
Fax : 33.1.53.40.84.85 bolchoi@nerim.ne
Prestige Tours for groups
Bucharest-based Prestige Tours offers an extensive range of attractive tours lasting from one to several days to Romania's most beautiful castles, monasteries and natural paradises and, of course, the Danube delta.
Le Centre Tchèque de Bruxelles annonce que le 14 juin 2007 à 19h30 aura lieu le concert d'Adam Skoumal au Palais des Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles (Salle de Musique de Chambre,
23 rue Ravenstein à 1000 Bruxelles).
Au programme : J.S. Bach, J. Haydn, R. Schumann, B. Smetana, B. Martinu. The Travel Industry's Essential Business Planning Tool for the Year Ahead
is now available.
More than ever, the Asia Pacific region continues to fulfill its promise as the fastest growing market in global travel. Despite several years of turmoil following 9/11 that included a series of shocks, periods of political upheaval, the SARS scare and the tsunami, the Asia Pacific region is now settling down to stable growth with an overall pattern of 6 % growth for the entire region. Read more.
