Florida Tourism Industry on Pace for Record Year

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — According to preliminary estimates* released today by VISIT FLORIDA – the state’s official tourism marketing corporation – 22.1 million visitors came to Florida in the second quarter of 2012 (April-June), an increase of 1.3 percent over the same period in 2011. Direct travel-related employment in Florida also rose 1.1 percent to… Read the full press release

Competitive intelligence: who is playing the strongest hands in the global tourism marketplace?

Apps, David Beckham and the power of social media for travel are some of devices analyzed in this latest bulletin. 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — The global tourism marketplace hums with activity 24/7. CTC News has done the rounds of its purveyors to assemble another round-up of the latest happenings from across the globe. The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC)’s teammates, partners,… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore Serves Up Cooking Classes with Chef Oliver Beckert

Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore Serves Up Cooking Classes with Chef Oliver Beckert

Guests and locals can tap into their inner foodies with a series of interactive culinary experiences that combine education and degustation “These days, a good meal is as much about being entertained as about the food.” – Chef Oliver Beckert Baltimore, U.S.A., 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Improve culinary technique, become immersed in another culture and impress friends and… Read the full press release

1.5 Million Travelers Expected At Chicago’s Airports For Busy Labor Day Holiday

CHICAGO, 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is ready to welcome travelers as the busy 2012 summer travel season draws to a close this Labor Day weekend. Airlines at both O’Hare and Midway International Airports anticipate nearly 1.5 million passengers to travel through the airports beginning today, August 29 through Tuesday, September 4. At O’Hare, the busiest day is anticipated… Read the full press release

MEMORIAL PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR IVAN THE WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA

2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Friends are invited to celebrate a long and remarkable life on September 8 WHO: Zoo Atlanta has announced memorial plans for Ivan the western lowland gorilla, who died on August 20, 2012, at the age of 50. Per the wishes of the family of Ivan’s original owners, and of the Woodland Park… Read the full press release

Award Ceremony of 23rd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest Photo and Student Drawing Competition

Group Photo of Guests and Winners of Photo and Drawing Competition

2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Macau International Fireworks Display Contest is organized by Macau Government Tourist Office. The Student Drawing Competition and Photo Competition are held annually in conjunction with Macau International Fireworks Display Contest. MGTO hosted the related award ceremony today (August 30) and awarded the prizes to the winners last year. The Ceremony of 23rd… Read the full press release

IATA: Growth Slows Again in July

Geneva, 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global traffic results for July showing slower growth in both air travel and freight, but with considerable variation by region and market. July passenger demand in aggregate was 3.4% higher than the same month last year, compared to a 6.3% increase in June and… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel Prague Introduces Special Fall Mushroom and Game Menus in CottoCrudo Restaurant

Four Seasons Hotel Prague Introduces Special Fall Mushroom and Game Menus in CottoCrudo Restaurant

Business lunch offer and DJ Nights at CottoCrudo are back after the summer holiday Prague, Czech Republic, 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — CottoCrudo restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Prague is introducing new seasonal menus after the summer holiday. Moreover, starting September CottoCrudo will re-launch the popular business lunch menu and DJ Nights in the bar and lounge. Executive Chef Richard Fuchs has created… Read the full press release

Rescued Sea Lion Comes to Indianapolis Zoo

INDIANAPOLIS. 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — California is a long way from the Indianapolis Zoo, but by all accounts Ray the sea lion will be glad to call the Crossroads of America home. Ray is a rescued animal from California with a very troubled past. After a cross-country flight on a FedEx cargo plane accompanied by the… Read the full press release

Spirit Airlines Announces New Service Between Chicago and Houston

Spirit Airlines Announces New Service Between Chicago and Houston

CHICAGO, 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Spirit Airlines today announced it will add new daily nonstop service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Houston/Bush Intercontinental Airport. The new route will launch on October 4, 2012. The daily flights will depart from Chicago O’Hare at 8:35 p.m. and arrive to Houston at 11:19 p.m.The flight from Houston will depart each day at 6:15 a.m. and arrive in Chicago at 8:52 a.m. The arrival/departure times will change… Read the full press release

Charles Fisher Appointed Resort Manager of Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay

Four Seasons veteran brings international experience to the islands Hawaii, Lana’i at Manele Bay, U.S.A., 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Charles Fisher has been named Resort Manager of Four SeasonsResort Lanai at Manele Bay. Fisher, a 13-year veteran of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, has worked in management positions throughout Asia, Europe and North America. Charles makes the move to Hawaii… Read the full press release

GIANT PANDA BIRTHDAY SEASON BEGINS AT ZOO ATLANTA

Details emerge on four elaborate cakes planned for Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Xi Lan and Po ATLANTA, 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — “Ace of Cakes,” you could be trumped. “Cake Boss,” you may be demoted. The behind-the-scenes machinations of the giant panda keepers at Zoo Atlanta may not have landed a prime-time reality show, but the race… Read the full press release

BELFAST CITY AIRPORT HELPS BRING COUNSELLING SERVICE TO THE STREETS OF EAST BELFAST

Roberta Richmond from East Belfast Community Counselling shows Human Resources and Corporate Responsibility Director at Belfast City Airport Michelle Hatfield and east Belfast councillor Jim Rodgers the benefit of being mobile.

2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — With debt and financial worries becoming an ever-increasing problem, East Belfast residents can avail of a new “Money Matters” counselling service, thanks to the George Best Belfast City Airport Community Fund. The funding, awarded to East Belfast Community Counselling by the Community Fund which sees the airport fine airlines for operating late flights, has provided the… Read the full press release

Connecting Airports Conference Brings Regional Airports Together at O’Hare

CHICAGO, 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) today hosted its second “Connecting Airports Conference” at O’Hare International Airport. The day-long event brought together directors from regional airports that have connecting flights through O’Hare to meet with staff from the CDA, airlines, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Great Lakes Region, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Representatives from regional airports in South… Read the full press release

Cathay Pacific appoints new Communications Head

Ms Cecilia Leung General Manager Corporate Communication, Cathay Pacific Airways

2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Cathay Pacific Airways today announced the appointment of Ms Cecilia Leung as General Manager Corporate Communication with effect from 1 September. In her new position, Ms Leung is responsible for the communication strategies of the Cathay Pacific Group and oversees all public and media relations, public affairs, general communication issues and corporate… Read the full press release

Auction Features Art Inspired by Nature’s Beauty

Proceeds From Annual Event Help Support Conservation Mission INDIANAPOLIS, 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — See the works of a penguin Picasso, a walrus Warhol or an elephant Escher. During the the Naturally Inspired Silent Auction and Reception presented by The Great Frame Up of Indianapolis guests can peer through the eyes of an artist — whether she’s… Read the full press release

airberlin Help & Fly charity flight

2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — On 24th November 2012, for the 15th year in succession, airberlin is organising the charity event “Help & Fly” to mark the 25th World AIDS Day. All the proceeds will be donated to the AIDS relief project in Dusseldorf (AIDS-Hilfe Düsseldorf e.V.). Over the past 14 years, this remarkable and highly successful… Read the full press release

Greece and nearby destinations gained popularity in summer charter flights

2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — According to Finavia airports’ passenger statistics, Greece reinforced its position as Finns’ most popular holiday destination in charter traffic. Regardingindividual destinations, especially Iraklion in Greece and Billund in Denmarkbecame more popular. The variation is explained by changes in the offering oftravel agencies and airlines. In total, flight travel volume decreased slightlycompared to… Read the full press release

“The Royal Rajasthan” Food Festival @ Zune, Hilton New Delhi / Janakpuri

"The Royal Rajasthan" Food Festival @ Zune, Hilton New Delhi / Janakpuri

2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton New Delhi/ Janakpuri gives you a traditional Rajasthani welcome with ‘Padharo Mhare Des’.  Savor a range of authentic preparations from the kitchens of Royalty in Rajasthan at Zune, the Indian specialty restaurant. Explore the robust essence of this historic state of Rajputs and Marwaris with live music. Indulge your taste buds… Read the full press release

Metrolink to offer exclusive Labor Day service

Antelope Valley Line will have two round trips LOS ANGELES, 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — Metrolink will suspend service on Monday, Sept. 3, in observance of Labor Day, with the exception of two round-trip trains on the Antelope Valley Line. The special Metrolink service will run between Lancaster and L.A. Union Station, with stops at the Glendale,… Read the full press release

SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO OPENS SPECTACULAR NEW AMERICAN TRAIL EXHIBIT

2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — After five years of planning and construction, the National Zoo will open the new American Trail exhibit to the public Saturday, Sept. 1, at noon. The renovated area in the extensive lower valley between Elephant Trail and Amazonia will transport visitors to the Pacific Northwest where they will come face-to-face with California… Read the full press release

VISITENGLAND HELPS DESTINATIONS ATTRACT MORE VISITORS WITH ACCESS NEEDS

2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — On the day of the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, VisitEngland has launched “Winning More Visitors” – a new online guide designed to help destinations attract more visitors with access needs by providing access information on their websites.  The online resource was developed following a survey by the national tourist board,… Read the full press release

The Club SPA by Feelunique launches Residential Spa Week Package

2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — A stay at the stunning Club Hotel & Spa on the beautiful island of Jersey has just got even more tempting with the launch of the hotel’s first dedicated ‘Spa Week’ this Autumn. The luxury boutique hotel is offering the perfect escape for anyone seeking time away from the daily grind or… Read the full press release

September Events and Discounts at ZooAmerica

Hershey, Pa., 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is offering multiple events and discounts for visitors to enjoy throughout the month of September. Guests can experience: Ranger Scratch Back-to-School Barbecue On Friday, September 7, guests visiting ZooAmerica from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. can enjoy games, crafts, story-time, animal encounters and a free barbeque dinner to celebrate the… Read the full press release

Take Metrolink to the Los Angeles County Fair

Monthly passholders can ride Metrolink free during the weekends; Others can take advantage of the $10 Weekend Pass LOS ANGELES, 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — For the 20th consecutive year, Metrolink will offer safe, affordable service directly to the Los Angeles County Fair. On Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month of September, Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line trains… Read the full press release

VIA Rail’s Second Quarter Results Confirm Need for Modernization Plan

Halifax, 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — Following the quarterly meeting of its Board of Directors in Halifax, N.S., VIA Rail Canada released its second quarter 2012 results today. The Corporation’s ridership and revenues were lower than in the same period last year, due partially to continued economic uncertainty affecting travel markets. However, as a result of stringent… Read the full press release

School Leavers Given Boost with Launch of Hilton Apprenticeship Academy

New scheme will create 100 opportunities across the UK LONDON, 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — As exam results are released nationwide and young people contemplate their future, Hilton Worldwide has launched the Hilton Apprenticeship Academy, creating more than 100 opportunities for individuals to learn the art of hospitality across a range of disciplines within its UK hotels. The Hilton… Read the full press release

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Returns to Hershey

Tickets on sale Friday, August 31 at 10 a.m. Hershey, Pa., 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — Mannheim Steamroller is bringing its annual holiday concert tour to Hershey Theatre on Monday, December 17 at 8 p.m. PANDORA Jewelry is sponsoring the tour, joining Mannheim Steamroller in presenting the best the holiday has to offer. Tickets for this show… Read the full press release

NEW WORLD HOTELS LAUNCHES “NW” PRIVATE LABEL CHAIN CODE

NoteWorthy Benefits to Travel Professionals and Consumers 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — New World Hotels will launch the private label chain code “NW” on 30 August 2012 with a NoteWorthy offer – 18 percent commission to travel agents and complimentary Internet access for room guests until 31 December 2012. The “NW” code facilitates easy location and booking of… Read the full press release

Sunday Family Crossover Brunch at Dusit Thani Manila

Sunday Family Crossover Brunch at Dusit Thani Manila

Makati, Philippines, 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — At Dusit Thani Manila, Sundays are spent enjoying the company of family, friends and loved ones over a grand, spectacular feast at the Sunday Family Crossover Brunch. The only one of its kind, the Crossover Brunch redefines the concept of buffet and restaurant hopping in the metro. Imagine a hotel-wide… Read the full press release