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United Cuts Spring Fares
United Airlines has reduced its fares on more than 20,000 routes to as low as US$39. Flights must be booked by April 9 for travel through June 7.
Korean, Hawaiian Codeshare Deal
Hawaiian Airlines and Korean Air have a new codeshare deal giving Koreans more options to the US and making Hawaii a more attractive gateway to Asia.
Strategic Partnership Between Air China and Lufthansa
BEIJING, China, March 28/PRNewswire/ -- Air China and Lufthansa continue their cooperation to increase the frequency on the Sino-German route. The total capacity will be 66 flights per week from Frankfurt or Munich to: Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Air China has long-term strategic partnership with Lufthansa, started their first code shares in October 2000 and signed a further five-year code-share agreement in May 2006. The cooperation aims to provide passengers with extensive route network, smooth flight links and consistent products and services to consolidate and enhance both airlines' market competitiveness.
airBaltic introduces 10 new flights
The airline airBaltic introduces new, direct flights to Riga from 10 cities in Italy, Greece, Norway, Estonia, Spain, Turkey, Tunisia and Cyprus. Riga can now be reached from 47 cities by airBaltic
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Boeing, Travel Service Agree to 787 Dreamliner Order
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SEATTLE, March 28, 2007 -- The Boeing Company [NYSA: BA] today announced that Travel Service, a Prague-based charter carrier, ordered one Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, and holds purchase rights for one more. The airline is increasing its efficiency in the long-haul charter market by offering direct flights to holiday destinations. The order is valued at $153 million at list prices.
Travel Service already operates an all-Boeing fleet of 10 737s, including eight Next-Generation 737-800s. In 2006 Travel Service placed an order for two Next-Generation 737-900ERs, Boeing's newest addition to the 737 family. The company offers charter flights to more than 233 airports on four continents, as well as low-cost scheduled service to major European destinations through its Smart Wings brand. The airline celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
Delta Air Lines prévoit d’être recotée
au New York Stock Exchange début mai
La compagnie aérienne américaine serait cotée sous son code historique « DAL »
Atlanta, 28 Mars 2007 – Delta Air Lines a annoncé aujourd’hui qu’elle avait déposé une demande pour être à nouveau cotée au New York Stock Exchange dès que la compagnie aérienne sortira de la protection du Chapitre 11 de la loi américaine sur les réorganisations d’entreprises. Si la demande d’introduction et son plan de réorganisation sont acceptés, Delta devrait être à nouveau cotée début mai sous le code « DAL ».
Four traveller groups to transform the airline sector
A landmark report, Future Traveller Tribes 2020, has for the first time identified the major social, geopolitical, economic, consumer and technology trends that will determine who will be travelling in the future, which groups will potentially be most dominant, and what their individual needs will be. The report, a joint study between Henley Centre HeadlightVision (HCHLV), a global futures consultancy and Amadeus, a leading provider of technology solutions to the travel industry, was developed following significant research and input from travel, airline and technology experts.
Read more.
Industry Reaction To 'Open Skies' Agreement
Airlines and travel companies have joined together to applaud the "open skies" agreement between the European Union and the US, but some say it has not gone far enough.
A spokesman for ABTA said: "Anything that increases choice is good for both our members and their customers. However we do not anticipate open skies bringing in much lower fares as prices to the US are already very low, particularly in economy."
The 'open skies' deal allows EU-based airlines to fly from any city within the EU to any city in the US, and vice versa. But Virgin Atlantic said the deal did not go far enough because although US airlines would gain free access to European airports, EU airlines would not be allowed the same rights on US domestic routes. British Airways also expressed reservations about the agreement, which will challenge its dominance at Heathrow.
Brussels Airport améliore la prise en charge des passagers à mobilité réduite
Brussels Airport sera dès le 31 mars le premier aéroport en Europe à appliquer la nouvelle réglementation concernant l'accompagnement des passagers à mobilité réduite (PMR). Ces passagers peuvent dorénavant être pris en charge dès leur arrivée à l’aéroport (sortie de la gare, arrêt de bus, parkings), alors qu’auparavant ce n’était le cas qu’après le check-in. Brussels Airport est le premier aéroport à assurer ce service, anticipant ainsi la nouvelle réglementation Européenne entrant en vigueur à la mi-2008.
British Airways - Heathrow's nieuwe terminal 5 opent over precies een jaar
De nieuwe terminal 5 op de luchthaven van Heathrow zal over precies één jaar, op donderdag 27 maart 2008, haar deuren openen.
De luchthavenexploitant BAA en British Airways hebben vandaag (dinsdag) de datum van de opening van Terminal 5 (T5) bekendgemaakt. Deze terminal zal de exclusieve nieuwe 'thuishaven' van British Airways worden, jaarlijks ongeveer 30 miljoen passagiers bedienen en een indrukwekkende nieuwe 'gateway' naar het Verenigd Koninkrijk worden. Lees meer.
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Royal Jordanian joins oneworld
27 March 2007 -- Royal Jordanian Airlines was today welcomed on board oneworld®, the world's leading quality global airline alliance, at a series of special celebration events in its Jordan home base.
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Royal Jordanian is the first airline from the entire Middle East to find a home with any of the global airline alliances and oneworld's first recruit for some six years. Its addition marks the first step in the alliance's biggest expansion since it was launched eight years ago.
It will be joined on board oneworld in the coming days by Japan Airlines, Asia-Pacific's largest carrier, along with five JAL associates as affiliate members, and by Malév Hungarian Airlines. Two more members of the LAN alliance will board at the same time as well, as affiliate members - LAN Argentina and LAN Ecuador.
Royal Jordanian and together with these other oneworld recruits will start offering oneworld services and benefits from this coming weekend, with all on board from 1 April. Dragonair will join them later this year.
Boeing and British Airways Complete Deal for Four 777-200ERs
LONDON, March 27, 2007 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and British Airways have finalized an order for four Boeing 777-200ER jetliners valued at more than $800 million at list prices. British Airways also secured options for four additional 777-200ERs. British Airways said it is using the 777s to expand its long-haul fleet.
China Southern Launches New Code Share Service
With Pakistan International Airlines
GUANGZHOU, China – March 27, 2007 - China Southern Airlines is pleased to announce a new code-share agreement with Pakistan International Airlines.
Effective immediately, China’s largest airline will code share with PIA, the national flag carrier on the Islamabad-Beijing service – operated by PIA and the Urumqi-Islamabad service, operated by China Southern.
Aeromexico Announces 'Super Plan' to Allow Passengers to Expand Their Trip
HOUSTON, March 26 -- Aeromexico, Mexico's largest airline, today announced its new "Super Plan," which allows passengers traveling roundtrip to Mexico from the U.S., Europe, Asia and South America to expand their trip to additional destinations in Mexico for as little as $100 roundtrip.
The "Super Plan" promotion, valid until Jan. 15, 2008, is designed to provide Aeromexico's international passengers the opportunity to explore destinations throughout Mexico via inexpensive side trips.
Reservations may be made via Aeromexico's call center, any ticket office or travel agent. Passengers must have a roundtrip Aeromexico international ticket in order to qualify. Prices for the "Super Plan" tickets are $100 to $300 roundtrip, based on travel dates and whether high or low season apply, which varies based on the passenger's international trip origin. Taxes and airport fees are additional. The "Super Plan" ticket or tickets can be purchased before or after international segment begins, but must be purchased before the expiration of the international ticket. The tickets are non- refundable but may be changed for a fee of $35. The minimum stay on the "Super Plan" ticket is two days with a maximum stay of 60 days. Other restrictions apply.
TAM Elected Best Airline of the Year by Specialized Jury
SAO PAULO, Brazil, March 26 -- TAM Linhas Aereas was elected "Airline Company of the Year" by the industry magazine Airplane Revue. TAM had already won this award in 2004 as the best Brazilian airline company overall.
SkyEurope a déjà vendu près de 80% des sièges disponibles pour avril
sur les routes tout juste ouvertes
Brussels Airport, 27 mars 2007 – SkyEurope a ouvert, au tout début de cette semaine, trois nouvelles routes depuis l’aéroport de Bruxelles. Les ventes sur ces routes ont connu un départ fulgurant : près de 80% des sièges disponibles pour avril sont déjà vendus.
Depuis cette semaine, le transporteur low cost a démarré des vols vers Prague (3 vols hebdomadaires), Budapest (4 vols hebdomadaires) et Vienne (vol quotidien). La fréquence sur la route Bruxelles – Cracovie a été portée à 4 vols par semaine. SkyEurope opère au total 4 vols depuis l’aéroport de Bruxelles.
Les ventes sur les trois nouvelles routes s’inscrivent dans les prévisions. Karim Makhlouf, Chief Commercial Officer de SkyEurope, a déclaré : « Les premiers résultats de ventes prouvent qu’il y avait un réel besoin pour des voyages à prix abordables sur ces routes. Les voyageurs ont trop longtemps été privés de bas tarifs sur les routes de Vienne, Prague et Budapest ».
SkyEurope ouvre 16 nouvelles lignes depuis Vienne
26 mars 2007 – SkyEurope Airlines vient de commencer ses opérations depuis l’aéroport international de Vienne-Schwechat.
Depuis hier, la compagnie à bas prix a mis en service un réseau de 16 routes européennes directes depuis Vienne, avec des Boeings flambant neufs. SkyEurope propose, parmi le top de ces destinations, Amsterdam, Bruxelles, Paris, Barcelone, Nice, Sofia, Bucarest et Venise.
En savoir plus.
New airline, Fly Gibraltar, is due to get underway next month. The Gibraltar-based airline intends to fly 28 scheduled return flights a week, using two Boeing 737-300s, to London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Dublin. It has a low-cost business model, but will offer allocated seating and a pre-flight 'concierge' service, so that passengers can pre-order meals, arrange car hire, buy duty-free goods, etc at the time of booking. Once these services get going, Fly Gibraltar says it will consider adding other European destinations.
Air Transport Association Statement on EU Approval of the Open Skies Agreement
WASHINGTON, March 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Transport Association (ATA), the trade association for the leading U.S. airlines, today issued a statement on European Union (EU) approval of the Open Skies agreement:
"This Open Skies agreement paves the way for much-desired increased service between the United States and Europe. It has the potential to provide enormous benefits to our respective customers and economies," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "We appreciate the diligence and commitment of the representatives from the European Commission and U.S. government who negotiated this landmark agreement."
ATA members transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic.
United Airlines Responds to Open Skies Decision
CHICAGO, March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- UAL Corporation's (NASDAQ:UAUA) Chairman, President and Chief Executive, Glenn Tilton, responds to the Open Skies decision.
"United has long been a proponent of Open Skies and looks forward to increased competition. This agreement represents a significant step toward much needed global deregulation. Open markets create new opportunities for United and will benefit consumers on both sides of the Atlantic."
JAL & Thai Airways Expand Bilateral Code Share Agreement
Tokyo March 23, 2007: From March 25 2007, JAL and Thai Airways will expand their bilateral code share agreement to include twice daily domestic flights operated by the Thai airline between Bangkok and the popular holiday destination of Krabi in southern Thailand.
Passengers traveling from Japan will be able to smoothly connect via Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi International airport onto Krabi using the new domestic code share flights. Including code share flights operated by Thai Airways, JAL currently serves the new Bangkok airport on 4 routes with a total of 56 round-trip flights per week, linking Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo to the Thai capital.
Air France And KLM Welcome EU Council Of Transport Ministers'
Vote In Favour Of EU-US Aviation Agreement
Today, the European Council of Transport Ministers unanimously approved the aviation agreement concluded by European and US negotiators on 2 March. This agreement will be signed during a summit between the EU and US on 30 April 2007. Read more.
KLM Launches Nonstop Service To Lima, Peru
AMSTELVEEN, March 23, 2007 - KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will launch non-stop service to the Peruvian capital Lima on Sunday, March 25, 2007.
The six flights per week to Jorge Chávez International Airport will be operated with Boeing 777-200ER equipment. Frequency will be raised to daily service as of December 1, 2007. In so doing, KLM will better meet the wishes of its passengers, who demand the broadest possible range of nonstop, daily frequencies.
“Latin America is a growing market for the Air France KLM Group,” says Peter Hartman, KLM Deputy President & CEO. “Over the past two years, we have seen an impressive increase in passenger and cargo traffic to and from Peru. In addition, the country is attracting more and more leisure travelers.”
The new nonstop service to Peru reflects Air France-KLM's strategy to seek and serve destinations in potential growth markets worldwide.
Catering Service On Short-Haul Flight Altered
To Ensure Customer Satisfaction
AMSTELVEEN, March 23, 2007 - KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and KLM cityhopper will alter catering service in KLM Economy on short and medium-haul flights to European destinations. Passengers will be served a new, more elaborate sandwich on flights operated during “mealtimes.” Outside these hours, passengers will have the choice of a sweet or savory snack. The drinks service in KLM Economy will also be extended on all short and medium-haul flights. In addition to coffee, tea, beer, wine, and water, passengers will be offered a selection of sodas and fruit juices.
KLM To Launch Club Africa
AMSTELVEEN, March 22, 2007 - Following the success of Club China and the Flying Blue Golf Club, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is proud to announce the launch of Club Africa today at the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam. Read more.
Continental Airlines Files for Blanket Open Skies Authority Including
London Heathrow Authority
HOUSTON, March 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines applauded today's approval of an open skies agreement between the U.S. and the European Union which will provide Continental with flights access to London's Heathrow Airport for the first time. Upon news of the European Commission vote, Continental immediately filed an amended application at the U.S. Department of Transportation for rights to serve new routes to Europe once the open skies agreement takes effect. Read more.
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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.
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The European Commission has granted state aid to the French regional carrier Air Caraïbes, which will enable the airline to lease a new Embraer 190 and a new ATR72-500. Both aircraft will be used on routes between Guadeloupe, Martinique and the French Guyana (Guyane) as well as between Guadeloupe, Martinique and Saint Martin. The Commission justified its decision as a way to improve regional services within the French Overseas Departments.
Virgin Blue, the Australian low-cost airline, plans to invest over AUS$1 billion to equip and launch a new international airline for Australia, starting in 2008. Virgin Blue will not announce exact plans for the fleet and destinations until later in the year, but it has already said that it is interested in routes to Asia and the USA. Virgin Blue entered Australia's domestic market in 2001 with just two aircraft. Today, it serves over 30% of the Australian domestic market, operating 315 flights daily to 22 Australian destinations, to New Zealand and the Pacific.
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Brussels Airport: Summertime!
More Europe, more long haul, more low fare
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Brussels Airport, March 23, 2007 – The new airport summer schedules are now available. Passengers will discover three important new trends in it. Read more.
Lufthansa Private Jet propose à ses clients un transfert gratuit,
de porte à porte, en limousine.
• En partenariat exclusif avec SIXT
• Nouveau site Web à l'adresse : www.lufthansa-private-jet.com
Les déplacements effectués avec le service Lufthansa Private Jet deviennent encore plus confortables. À compter du 1er avril, les clients utilisant ce service exclusif pourront désormais réserver sans frais supplémentaires un transfert en limousine pour se rendre à l'aéroport et en revenir. En savoir plus.
Austrian Airlines Starts Flying To Bulgaria's Bourgas
Starting March 25 Austrian Airlines will offer new prices and flights to additional destinations in Bulgaria. Flights from Vienna to the coastal city of Bourgas will be launched on May 15 as a part of the international campaign Welcome Aboard.
Starting March 27 Austrian Airlines will offer two new flights from Sofia to Vienna. Its flights in co-operation with national flag carrier Bulgaria Air will also increase. Kamen Kichev, Austrian Airlines regional manager, said that the company was proud to be the only foreign air carrier to offer flights to three Bulgarian cities among which Sofia, Varna and Bourgas. Austrian Airlines operates in Bulgaria since 1959.
At the moment the company offers flights from Sofia to Vienna four times a day and once a day from Varna. Nearly 130 000 passengers make use of the flights from Sofia to Vienna annually.
Airport In Bulgaria's Bourgas To Be Modernised For Summer Season 2007
German company Fraport Twin Star, concessionaire of Bourgas Airport , will invest nearly 10 million euro to expand the airport facilities and to prepare the facility for the simmer season 2007.
Additional departure terminal and nine new check-in desks will be provided by the summer season, Dnevnik daily said.
The total number of check-in desks will reach 24. The capacity of the departure terminal will increase by 46 per cent and passenger service will become quicker.
A new luggage system and seven Border Police desks would also be provided, Dnevnik said.
A tender for the construction of the terminal is to be launched. The construction has to end in three months.
After the renovation, the airport will service nearly 2000 passengers per hour. The airport was expected to welcome its two millionth passenger in 2007. The figures were 10 per cent higher than those in 2006.
Berlin's growing role as an east/west aviation hub
Berlin airports expect to handle over 19 million passengers in 2007 compared with 18.56 million in 2006, said Rainer Schwarz, Berlin Airports CEO at ITB. Berlin is now Germany's third busiest airport system and sees itself as an increasingly important hub between Western and Eastern Europe.
“We are already number two in terms of passenger traffic to Eastern Europe,” said Schwarz. “With 576,000 passengers flying from Berlin to Eastern Europe, our market share of all passengers flying from Germany to Eastern Europe is 12.5%.”
Berlin will certainly attract more airlines, including long-haul carriers, once the new Berlin Brandenburg International Airport goes into operation in 2011, said Schwarz. Meanwhile, a temporary terminal will be finished at Tegel in time for the 2007 summer season to accommodate an additional 2.5 million passengers. It will be used exclusively by the carrier Air Berlin and its affiliate Dba.
Royal Caribbean Announces Industry-First Loyalty Program
Designed For Young Cruisers
MIAMI, March 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In another industry-leading move, Royal Caribbean International introduces the first loyalty program specifically designed for cruisers below the age of 18. Launching on Liberty of the Seas' maiden voyage on May 19, 2007, the Crown & Anchor Society Youth Program will offer membership benefits for younger guests every time they sail with the cruise line. Additionally, the launch of Liberty also will introduce new and exciting enhancements in Royal Caribbean's award-winning Adventure Ocean children and teen programming.
For additional information or to make reservations, go to www.royalcaribbean.com
Costa Serena Successfully Performed The Sea Trial
Genoa - March 28, 2007 - The Costa Serena, the new Costa Crociere flagship, has come back today to Fincantieri's yard in Sestri Ponente (Genoa) at the end of her sea trials. The running tests on the ship's systems, machinery and engines, which were performed during the first open sea navigation of the ship, were completed successfully.
Read more.
The Costa Serena On Tour In The Mediterranean
For Over 6000 Travel Agent From Around The World
Costa Crociere's new flagship, currently being fitted out in Genoa-Sestri Ponente, will make her debut in May with a series of presentations in Savona, Marseilles, Palermo and Venice for over 6000 travel agents from all over the world.
The christening ceremony will be held in Marseilles on May 19, while the maiden cruise will set sail from Venice on May 26 and also offer departures from Bari. Read more.
Costa Cruises, the number one cruise operator in Europe, is expanding its presence in Portugal and has announced the opening of a new office in Lisbon.
The new branch, the Company’s 19th in Europe and its 28th worldwide, will look after promotion of Costa Cruises throughout Portugal. The office will be headed by Jorge Carreiras, who will answer to Costa’s Managing Director in Spain Luis Grau. Costa Cruises has been operating in Portugal since the 1950’s, and it is the Iberian Peninsula’s number one cruise line, with forecast growth in excess of 30% from 2005 to 2007.
Click on the logo
Taiwan To Promote Medical Tourism : CEPD
Taipei, March 21 (CNA) The Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) said Wednesday that in view of the huge potential of medical tourism, its promotion is now one of the major policies of the government.
Read more.
Will US Tourism Break Record In 2007 ?
US inbound tourism numbers are likely to break records by the end of 2007, PATA President and CEO Mr Peter de Jong told a North American travel industry conference in Korea (ROK) this week. "But since the events of September 11, 2001 and the resulting border controls and security restrictions, it has been a long hard struggle that has cost the American economy dearly," he added.
Read more.
Visitor arrivals in the small Southeast Asian nation of Laos increased by 11% in 2006 to 1.21 million. Thailand remains Laos's largest source market with 676,000 arrivals (+12%), and Vietnam grew by 15% to 190,000 arrivals; both countries enjoy visa-free access to the country. Europe remains Laos's third largest incoming market with a total of 139,000 visitors, up by 5% in 2006. France continues to dominate with 32,000 visitors, but it declined by 8%. China followed with 50,300 visitors (+29%) and the USA with 47,000 tourists, down slightly by 1%. The recent opening of the second Friendship Bridge between Laos and Thailand over the Mekong in Savan¬nakhet, and two weekly direct flights from Bangkok to Laotian city of Pakse, will help boost arrivals to the southern part of Laos this year.
Zambia attracted 670,000 international visitors last year, up 3.1% on 2005, while tourism revenue increased by 7.3% to US$176 million. According to Tourism Minister Kabinga Pande, Zambia expects to receive as many as one million visitors in 2007, boosted by the opening of marketing representative offices in Europe. If achieved, this would represent a massive growth of 33%.
Monaco's bid for top-end tourism pays dividends
Monaco's strategy to position itself as a luxury destination continues to provide healthy results: in 2006 the Principality recorded 900,000 overnights, up 14% on the previous year, and following on from a healthy 15% rise over 2004. According to the Monaco Convention and Tourism Bureau's director general, Michel Bouquier, the average room rate in Monaco's deluxe and first class hotels increased by 10% from €229 in 2005 to €252 in 2006. This was despite the fact that hotel capacity in Monaco has increased by a third in the past four years - and by 12% in 2006. Today Monaco has over 2,700 rooms.
Monaco's main source markets are Italy (16% market share), followed by France (15%), the UK (13%), the USA (12%) and Germany (4%). And this year, Monaco will strengthen its promotion in Asia. A representative office was recently opened in Shanghai, and a special marketing event is planned for Hong Kong, to target wealthy Chinese travellers. In Japan, a special exhibition about Princess Grace of Monaco will tour in nine cities, helping build up Japanese interest in the country. In the UK, Monaco's profile will get a boost when the new Monaco House opens in London in the autumn. This will house the Monaco's Diplomatic Mission and Economic Services as well as its tourism office.
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Binnen vijf jaar omschakelen naar 100 procent duurzame productie
Nieuw-Zeeland; land van de zuiverste wijnen
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Nieuw-Zeelandse druivenboeren en wijnmakers - toch al bekend om hun eerlijke, zuivere wijnen - staan voor een enorme operatie. Binnen vijf jaar willen ze collectief omgeschakeld zijn naar een milieuvriendelijke, verantwoorde manier van produceren. Alle geclassificeerde wijnen uit Nieuw- Zeeland verdienen vanaf wijnjaar 2012 het predikaat duurzaam. Dit is haalbaar omdat 60 procent nu al de duurzaamheidsprincipes omarmt. Wie het 380 km lange 'Classic New Zealand Wine Trail' volgt, kan de zuivere intenties proeven en met eigen ogen aanschouwen.
Lees meer.
Latvia : 23 % tourism growth
Data from the Latvian Bureau of Statistic shows that Latvia experienced a record-high growth of 23 % in the number of incoming foreign travellers in 2006.
This figure could be compared to 2005 when Latvia and Turkey tied for the Nr. 1 tourism growth position in Europe. Both countries then enjoyed an increase of 21 % of foreign travellers.
A total of 4,6 million foreigners travelled to Latvia in 2006 compared to 3,8 million in 2005. Of the travellers that stayed for several days the growth was even higher. From 1,1 million in 2005 to 1,5 million in 2006, represents a growth of 37,5 %. The most rapid growth was seen in travellers from Norway (109,7 % increase), Finland (84.4 % increase) and Lithuania (71,2 % increase) according to data from the Latvian Bureau of Statistics
Hungary's disappointing results in 2006 (-6% in number of arrivals and -9% in overnight volume) are attributed to a number of different factors, all of which contributed to the overall decline. The most serious of these were the demonstrations that took place over several weeks in the autumn. These were a reaction to Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany's refusal to resign after his admission that he had lied about the economy to win the election in April 2006. It triggered Hungary's worst anti- government violence in 50 years although, as far as tourists were concerned, there was little to worry about in reality. The economic crisis, meanwhile, has led to a collapse in the exchange rate and the imposition of new taxes.
Austria has identified Central Europe as one of its strongest incoming markets and has allocated to the region its largest promotional spend ever for a single geographical area. Austria Tourism plans to spend €2.26 million in seven Central European countries over the next three years. Between 2000 and 2005, arrivals from Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and Romania increased by 47% on average and overnights grew by 49%.
New BrusselsEurope Guide
To celebrate this year’s 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, Brussels International is publishing a comprehensive pocket-guide to the capital, its European Quarter and many other hidden corners throughout the city. An original publication with fold-out maps and 7 different walking tours, it takes visitors on a European voyage of discovery.
It will be available at the beginning of April in 7 different language editions – English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, German & Polish.
Bulk quantities at good rates can be ordered from Benoît Hellings:
b.hellings@brusselsinternational.be or by phone +32 2 548 04 77
Yet Another Property Boom Expected In Bulgaria And Romania
Though Spain and Greece remain attractive destinations for Italians looking for property abroad, Southern Europe also emerged as a possible market.
Spain and Greece still offer good price to quality ratio, La Stampa newspaper reported.
Bulgaria and Romania were to see yet another property market boom, predictions of research institute Scenari Immobiliari showed.
Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovenia are the newly emerging markets for Italian property investors, La Stampa reported.
More experienced property investors preferred to explore these markets rather than the ones that already established themselves as hotspots.
Investors purchase smaller property at low prices. The real estate undergoes re-construction and is re-sold. Annual returns of such deals could reach up to 10 per cent.
Salzburger Almzomer: zo dichtbij is het paradijs
In slechts twee uur van alledaagse stress naar paradijselijke rust.
Een alpenweide op een zonnige zomerdag belooft rust en ontspanning. De weldadige rust, de zuivere berglucht en het gevoel dat je midden in de ongerepte natuur gewoon kunt relaxen met op de achtergrond de majestueuze bergen, maken de zomer op de alm in het SalzburgerLand tot een unieke ervaring. Lees meer.
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In Tignes ski je eerst...en laatst !
Kwaliteitsski en sneeuw gegarandeerd tot 8 mei 2007
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300 km pistes om de meest gevarieerde besneeuwde hellingen af te dalen ... Nergens kan er beter worden geskied dan in Tignes. Dankzij de ideale ligging van het skistation kan je er de hele dag lekker in de zon skiën. Profiteer van de lente, maar ... vergeet je zonnecrème niet! Lees meer.
The Bouches-du-Rhône Department Tourism Committee (CDT) has laid out its marketing focus for 2007. CDT covers the popular tourism area which includes the lower reaches of the Rhone, the Mediterranean coastline, the Camargue and ancient inland cities like Arles and Aix-en-Provence. One priority, says CDT, will be the domestic French market - it represents 80% of all arrivals in the region - and major advertising campaigns will be launched in Lyon and within Bouches-du-Rhône. CDT will also target European cities that have direct flights to Marseille (mostly routes developed by low-cost carriers) - Bristol, Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Liverpool, London, Milan and Munich. And, since some Rugby World Cup 2007 games are being played in Marseilles, it will mount special campaigns in Sydney, Melbourne, the UK and Ireland.
"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
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China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market
Now in its third year, COTTM (formerly BITTM) is the only dedicated business-to-business outbound travel event in China.
The show creates an annual platform where global and local industry professionals meet, discuss and contract the upcoming seasons. Dedicated exclusively to business-to business, COTTM provides the essential link between the rapid development of the Chinese travel and tourism industry and the dynamic needs of the global industry.
For more information and registration, please visit www.polyu.edu.hk/htm/edp/cotw or email: hmfn@polyu.edu.hk.
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The 13th International Tourist Exhibition “Otdykh/Leisure”:
ITE and MSI join their efforts to benefit the tourist industry
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The press conference of ITE and MSI, the organisers of the 13th International Tourist Exhibition “Otdykh/Leisure” to be held at Expocentr from 26th to 28th September 2007 took place on 26 February at the Marriott Grand Hotel, Moscow.
ITE and MSI have long-running experience in organising specialised tourist exhibitions in Russia. MSI is the founder and official organiser of the exhibition under the brand name “Otdykh/Leisure” throughout the entire existence of this event. Achievements of MSI have been recognised by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and Otdykh/Leisure has been awarded with the UFI symbol. Read more.
Asia Pacific Hotel Winners In 2006
Strong hotel performances were recorded throughout the Asia Pacific region in 2006, according to Deloitte's HotelBenchmark Survey, with recovery stories, gateway cities and emerging destinations topping the performance charts.
Read more.
W Hotels Puts the 'W' Back in Wall Street with W New York-Downtown Hotel & Residences
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2007--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announces the continued expansion of W Hotels with an agreement with New York-based real estate developer Moinian Group to operate the W New York-Downtown Hotel & Residences, a new luxury property in downtown Manhattan, featuring 217 guest rooms and 222 residential units. Located at 123 Washington Street, just one block from the site of the new Freedom Tower, the W New York-Downtown Hotel & Residences will mark the W brand's arrival in New York City's recently revitalized downtown area. The newly constructed building is anticipated to open in 2008, with residential sales expected to begin in mid-2007.
Westin Hotels Opens in the Capital City of China
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. & BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2007--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announces the grand opening of The Westin Beijing, Financial Street. Located in the heart of Beijing, in the "Wall Street of China," the new hotel and residences offer ample meeting space, an array of world-class cuisine options and Westin signature amenities designed to elicit personal renewal. Starwood currently operates 31 hotels in Greater China and is expected to open 34 new properties in the region within the next three years.
Just 40 minutes from the airport, The Westin Beijing, Financial Street provides direct access to Beijing's business, entertainment and shopping district and close proximity to cultural landmarks such as The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. The hotel boasts two 26-floor towers: one housing 486 hotel rooms and suites and the other featuring 205 one, two and three-bedroom residences.
Sol Meliá is expanding its portfolio in South America, with the announcement of the purchase of 475 hectares of land in Salvador de Bahía in northern Brazil. Sol Meliá will develop a resort complex similar to its Punta Cana project in the Dominica Republic - this includes residences, a vacation club, a hotel, and retail outlets. The Brazilian property is due to open by the end of 2008. Sol Meliá's Americas division has been performing particularly well, with an increase in revPAR (revenue per available room) of 8.3% in 2006.
Casinos Austria starts operations in Belgrade in June
The new Casino Beograd in the Serbian capital is scheduled to open at the end of June. Including licensing costs, a total of EUR 60 million is to be invested in the location. Some 500,000 guests, half of which from abroad, are expected to visit the new casino. Casinos Austria was awarded the first license to operate a casino in Belgrade by the Serbian finance ministry in December 2005. The investor consortium is made up of Casinos Austria International (51%), the Greek firm Loutraki (39%) and Serbian Lotteries (10%). Casino Beograd is located in the Hotel Jugoslavija by the Danube. The casino, which measures 5,500 square meters (almost 60,000 square feet), will be equipped with twenty-five gaming tables and 250 gaming machines and employ a staff of 300. Casino Beograd will also offer restaurants, bars, VIP salon, and a multi-functional hall.
Read more.
BDRC Report Shows Surge In Online Bookings For UK Hotels
The internet is used by 60% of business travellers and 50% of leisure travellers when booking a hotel in the UK, according to the British Hotel Guest 2007 report. In 2006, only 44% of business travellers and 37% of leisure travellers booked UK hotels online. Read more.
Topping Out Ceremony for Maritim Hotel Düsseldorf
Bad Salzuflen/Düsseldorf, Germany, 27th March, 2007 - North Rhine-Westphalia's largest congress hotel, the Maritim Hotel Düsseldorf, is taking shape. On Thursday, 22nd March, 2007, Dr. Monika Gommolla, Chairlady of the Maritim Hotel Company, Oliver Wittke, Minister for Construction and Traffic of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Joachim Erwin, Lord Mayor of the City of Düsseldorf, Christoph Blume, Chairman of the Board of Düsseldorf Airport GmbH, and Dieter Köster, Chairman of the Board of Köster AG, celebrated the topping out ceremony for the building at the construction site at Düsseldorf Airport. Read more.
L'Hotel Métropole à Bruxelles double son nombre de salle pour passer à 22
Douze salles pour faire des affaires
Deux beaux auditoriums, deux salles de séminaires et huit salles de sous-commission sont tout récemment venus s'ajouter à l' Hotel Métropole. En fait, leur arrivée s'avérait indispensable pour répondre à la demande accrue d'espaces d'affaires. Le style de ce complexe de salles extrêmement moderne s'est vu conférer une touche scandinave. On y retrouve tous les dispositifs technologiques modernes, jusqu'au grand écran LCD. Ces dix salles forment un ensemble élégant, légèrement en retrait de l'hôtel. Cet oasis affairiste vous permettra incontestablement de trouver la formule que vous recherchez.
Cornell Hotel School Awards Scholarships to Hotel Leaders in Europe
Ithaca, NY, March 26, 2007 -- The Cornell University School of Hotel Administration has awarded scholarships to three new members of the European Hotel Managers Association. Winners will use the scholarships to attend a course in the school's Professional Development Program in Brussels, or they may award the scholarship to an associate at their property.
Award recipients for 2007 are Michel Lebrun, general manager at Hotel Sofitel in Cannes, France; Ingo C. Peters, general manager at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, Germany; and Philippos Stamelos, general manager at Poros Image Hotel, on Poros Island, Greece.
Under the program, each year the Hotel School awards scholarships to three newly inducted members of the European Hotel Managers Association, which is comprised of general managers of luxury hotels across Europe. The awards, determined by a drawing among all new members, are presented on behalf of the school's Executive Education office. The school is a sponsor of the association's annual General Assembly, where the awards are granted.
Winners choose an intensive three-day course in a hospitality-specific area of study. Under the lead of internationally recognized faculty members and industry leaders, they build knowledge and skills to advance their careers. Participants also gain perspectives from across the globe, form new friendships and strengthen their professional networks.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World Launches ‘New Look’ 2007 Directory
After great success and many publishing accolades for what has become the brand’s signature marketing tool over the last 14 years, Small Luxury Hotels of the World has re-designed its 2007 hotel directory with an entirely “new look” in keeping with its new Experiential Marketing strategy. The 485 page directory shines with vivid images and copy that not only show and describe a particular property but allow the guest to envision the experiences that await their arrival.
400,000 copies of the directory will be distributed worldwide including in every one of the nearly 20,000 hotel rooms part of SLH in 65 countries across the globe. A customized version for American express Platinum and Centurion programs is also produced that details the benefits associated with using the premier cards to make bookings. Additionally, 50,000 e-directories are produced on credit card sized CD-Roms for ease of use while on the road. As SLH continuously expands it portfolio, the complete, up to date variety of properties is always available with full detail at slh.com.
The 2007 Directory can be purchased for $10, to obtain your copy please call Small Luxury Hotels Of The World toll-free 1800 251 958 or visit www.slh.com.
Beatrice de Smet, Director of Travel Industry Sales, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxemburg
de Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. a un nouveau numéro de téléphone.
Il s'agit du 32 (0)2 207 51 48
Three new hotels to strengthen Novotel’s position as Indonesia’s leading hotel brand
BANGKOK, 26 March, 2007 —Accor announced today that it will manage three new Novotel hotels in Indonesia:
• Novotel Simatupang Jakarta - a premier location in the Indonesian capital;
• Novotel Lampung - in an emerging beach resort area of southern Sumatra;
• Novotel Pekanbaru - Accor’s second hotel in Pekanbaru.
Read more.
Carlson Hotels Worldwide Adds Nine New Properties to Its Global Portfolio
Since January 1
MINNEAPOLIS, March 22 -- Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced that the company has added nine new locations to its global portfolio of brands from January through February 2007. The new hotels include two Radisson SAS properties in Kazakhstan and Norway; two Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R) properties in California and Arizona; a new spa hotel in Chile developed by Radisson Hotels Latin America; two Park Inn(R) hotels in Michigan and Russia; and two Park Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts properties in India and China. Carlson Hotels Worldwide now includes a total of 945 locations with nearly 146,000 rooms in 71 countries. Carlson hotel brands also include Regent Hotels & Resorts.
The two newest hotels to join the Radisson SAS brand are the 181-room Radisson SAS Hotel Astana in Kazakhstan, and the Radisson SAS Hotel, Fredrikstad in Norway. Both hotels are managed by Rezidor.
Caviar And Champagne Massages At Curtain Bluff’s New Luxury Resort Spa Complex
A striking new two-storey spa complex opens early next month (April) at Curtain Bluff, the luxury all-inclusive resort on Antigua. Set on the waters-edge with panoramic views over the Caribbean Sea, the 5,000 sq ft facility has five fully-equipped luxury treatment rooms including a romantic couple’s room.
Other features at the new spa include a cliff edged infinity hot tub, a whirlpool bath on the balcony of the double treatment suite and indoor and outdoor water features designed to emphasise the atmosphere of calmness and relaxation.
Special spa packages are also available including The Ultimate Escape that lasts for six hours. It includes a Curtain Bluff signature massage, facial, pedicure, shampoo, style and deep condition treatment and costs US$405.
Information: www.curtainbluff.com tel: 268 462 8400) - All inclusive prices start at US$495 daily + service/tax for a deluxe room.
Hilton has sold its Scandic hotels to a private equity group EQT for around €835 million, and the deal is expected to be finalised next month. There are 132 hotels involved:128 branded Scandic hotels, three Hiltons, and one anomaly which is branded Holiday Inn but is operated by Hilton. The bulk of the properties (121) are leased. The deal will severely deplete Hilton's presence in the Nordic region - it will have one hotel in Denmark at Copenhagen Airport, two in Sweden and two in Finland. A third Hilton in Finland is due to open in August this year - the Hilton Helsinki Vantaa Airport. The proceeds of the sale will go towards debt repayment, says Hilton.
Latest hotel to join Shanghai's ever-growing list of top-tier hotels is Le Royal Méridien, located in a prime position in the heart of the city on Nanjing Road East and overlooking People's Square. The stylish 770-room hotel has exceptional business facilities, 2,000 square metres of meeting space, plus two naturally lit ballrooms, and ten restaurants. Meetings and incentives will comprise 20% of occupancy, and corporate business 50%, says management.
The German hotel group Maritim continues to expand around the Mediterranean, and has just taken over management from Iberostar of the five-star Hotel Grand Azur in Marmaris. In May this year it will take on Club Alantur in Alanya, also from Iberostar, bringing its tally in Turkey to three (it operates the Pine Beach Resort in Belek). On Spain's Costa del Sol, Maritim will operate a new 151-room four-star hotel in Estepona, due to open in the summer, 2008.
Click on the logo for more information
Let’s Meet 2007 in Brussels
Like Beaujolais Nouveau, the new Let’s Meet 2007 ‘has arrived’ and it has a definite European birthday feel. It’s even more colourful, attractive and practical this year and, as an ideas guide, is a MUST for all serious conference & event organisers.
And very useful as a separate new section is the Restaurant Index which lists some 80 places within the Brussels Region with capacity for 100 guests or more.
Again this year there is emphasis on the 4 distinct & self-sufficient Brussels Convention Districts – Rogier, Grand’Place, Louise & Europe – each with its own concentration of venues & accommodation.
To order your own personal printed copy or download the online version (in different sections), click here
Lots of fun and games at IMEX Germany stand - the biggest stand at IMEX
Frankfurt/Main, 26 March 2007. GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. will be offering lots of fun and games together with 146 exhibitors at the Germany stand -the biggest stand- of this year's IMEX - incorporating Meetings made in Germany - The Worldwide Exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. IMEX will take place from 17 to 19 April in hall 8 of Frankfurt Fair. To plan an effective fair visit, IMEX visitors can already register online on www.imex-frankfurt.com and find out about the exhibitors at the Germany stand F100 to F160 and G100 to G185 in the Virtual Exhibition.
The GCB is an interface between organisers of meetings and conventions and suppliers of the German meetings market, offers advice and support for planning and organising events, and provides contacts and addresses. Its website http://www.germany-meetings.com features an online search facility for meeting venues, newsletter, Germany guide and a lot more.
Investissements spectaculaires à Walibi
Wavre, 28 mars 2007 – Walibi Belgium ouvre à nouveau ses portes ce samedi 31 mars. L’hiver passé, le parc wavrien a investi pas moins de 4 millions d’euro pour améliorer encore davantage le confort de ses visiteurs. En savoir plus.
Au moins 40 000 Tonnes de CO2 économisées
Plus de 4 millions de voyageurs transportés
Le bilan de la liaison Thalys Bruxelles > Aéroport-Charles-de-Gaulle > Marne-la-Vallée est très positif pour la collectivité et les clients.
« La desserte Bruxelles – Aéroport Charles de Gaulle – Marne La Vallée a beaucoup apporté et nous a aussi beaucoup appris, déclare Jean-Michel Dancoisne, CEO de Thalys, au moment où Thalys va concentrer son activité sur Paris-Bruxelles-Cologne-Amsterdam à partir du 1er avril 2007. »
En savoir plus.
Amadeus announced vehicle classification enhancements to its car rental distribution system in line with the recommendations of the Association of Car Rental Industry System Standards (ACRISS).
The adoption of the new vehicle classification codes will allow travel agents to benefit from a clearer classification system answering the car rental needs of their customers. In addition, Amadeus also implemented the introduction of pseudo codes, which reduce the amount of time an agent needs to spend searching within a specified group for vehicles such as vans or SUVs. New indicators have been incorporated into the display to clearly identify the search results that are exact matches to the search criteria, alternate vehicle availability and up-selling possibilities.
Internet bookings are gaining importance in Luxembourg.
According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, 47% of all hotel bookings and 72% of all camping bookings in Luxembourg last year were made online. The Luxembourg National Reservation System (SNIRT) recorded over 2 million hits on its website in 2006, generating thousands of bookings and also the mailing of over 34,000 brochures (compared with just 11,000 in 2005).
Auto Europe signs worldwide distribution agreement with Amadeus
Thanks to Amadeus’ OTA XML message technology, Auto Europe will be the first to implement a seamless car location search
Vilvoorde, Belgium, 26 March 2007: Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, announced that Auto Europe, a leading broker in European car rental services for over 50 years, has signed a worldwide agreement to distribute Auto Europe’s 4,000 car rental locations and content through Amadeus with Complete Access Plus – the highest connectivity level within the Amadeus reservation system. Auto Europe will be the first to implement a seamless location search using OTA (Open Travel Alliance) XML (extended mark-up language) message technology, which allows travel agents to have real-time access to Auto Europe car locations worldwide. OTA is now a standard which was formed to improve the electronic exchange of business information across all sectors of the travel industry
| TOUROPERATORS & TRAVEL AGENCIES |
Généraltour propose un départ le 13 avril 2007 pour Lloret de Mar à 270 € pour 10 jours en pension complète. Le prix comprend le car et le séjour à l'Hôtel Maria del Mar.
Généraltour organise un voyage d'étude pour les agents de voyages les 19 et 20 avril 2007 en Alsace. Renseignements : Marianna 0477/599.870 - Eric 0497/498.989.
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