U.S. Travel Highlights Post-9/11 Aviation Security and Travel Challenges in Congressional Hearing

Freeman Urges Solutions to TSA’s PreCheck Program, Increased Congressional Role Washington, D.C. 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — More than a decade after 9/11, the United States’ aviation system faces three major challenges that carry serious economic implications, according to testimony by the U.S. Travel Association’s Chief Operating Officer, Geoff Freeman, given today. “The first challenge – and… Read the full press release

Hard Rock International And Mission Hills Group Announce Hard Rock Hotels In Shenzhen And Haikou, China

Orlando, Fla. 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hard Rock International – with hotel locations from Bali and San Diego to Singapore and Macau – announces two Hard Rock Hotels in Shenzhen and Haikou, targeted to open in 2015 in collaboration with Mission Hills Group, the world’s leading golf brand and driving force behind China’s sports and leisure… Read the full press release

PHOTO RELEASE: DAMA GAZELLE BORN AT THE SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO

2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — A male dama gazelle was born to mother Fahima and father Raul early morning Sept. 4 in an off-exhibit area. The following day, Sept. 5, Zoo veterinarians performed a complete physical exam, which includes: listening to the calf’s heart and lungs; checking his mouth, eyes, legs, feet, umbilicus and genital area; taking… Read the full press release

Destination Marketing Workshop to be hosted by MMPRC

2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation will be hosting a destination Marketing Workshop on 13 September 2012, 1000hrs at Nasandhura Palace Hotel.  Key stake holders from the industry involved in marketing are invited to the workshop. The aim of the workshop is to discuss ideas and gather information for the formulation of the… Read the full press release

Travel Exports Rise in July as Other Exports Fall

Travel Responsible for 12 Percent of U.S. Export Gains for 2012 Washington, D.C., 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — David Huether, senior vice president of economics and research at the U.S. Travel Association, provides analysis on today’s Commerce Department announcement that travel exports were $13.7 billion for July: “The Commerce Department reported today that overall U.S. exports of goods and… Read the full press release

Concur Announces T&E Cloud Integration with NetSuite’s SuiteCloud Computing Platform

Integrated solution gives NetSuite customers access to valuable travel and expense data5 REDMOND, Wash., 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Concur (Nasdaq: CNQR), a leading provider of integrated travel and expense management (T&E) services, today announced the availability of the integrated solution of Concur’s T&E cloud with NetSuite (NYSE: N)  built using NetSuite’s SuiteCloud Computing Platform. First announced at NetSuite’s… Read the full press release

Hilton Palacio del Rio Completes Phase Two of $34 Million Renovation

Hilton Palacio del Rio today announced a promotion in partnership with the San Antonio Museum of Art. Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Iconic River Walk Hotel Unveils New Meeting Space September 17, 2012 SAN ANTONIO, Tx., 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — After 44 years of being the most recognized building in the San Antonio skyline, Hilton Palacio del Rio is pleased to announce the completion of its latest transformation. With an eye towards pleasing the savvy meeting and convention planner, the… Read the full press release

Viva Florida 500: Sunshine State Quincentennial in 2013

For STORY IDEAS, IMAGES, FAQs and MEDIA ASSISTANCE, click here: VISIT FLORIDA Viva 500 Media Site OVERVIEW Tallahassee, Fla., 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed in Florida — America’s first tourist. In 2013, “Viva Florida 500” will celebrate that meeting of Old and New worlds by showcasing Florida’s native… Read the full press release

OLYMPIC ATHLETES TO MEET NATIONAL ZOO’S CHEETAH CUBS AND VISITORS

OLYMPIC ATHLETES TO MEET NATIONAL ZOO’S CHEETAH CUBS AND VISITORS

2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — USA Track & Field Olympic sprinters Carmelita Jeter and Justin Gatlin will be at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo this Thursday, Sept. 13, between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to meet the Zoo’s two cheetah cubs, Carmelita and Justin. The athletes will also sign autographs for visitors at the Cheetah Conservation Station. When… Read the full press release

Step Up To the Plate at Hilton London Wembley

The newly opened Hilton London Wembley invites guests to step up to the plate, to sample its extensive drinking and dining offerings. Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts

LONDON, 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — The newly opened Hilton London Wembley invites guests to step up to the plate, to sample its extensive drinking and dining offerings. Guests can enjoy hearty, modern-British cuisine at the aptly named Association Restaurant, or relax over a pre-concert tipple, taking in spectacular views of Wembley Stadium at the stylish glass-walled Icons bar…. Read the full press release

Winnipeg Airports Authority Honoured to Receive Service Excellence Award in Recognition of Goldwing Ambassador Program

2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Winnipeg Airports Authority is honoured to receive the Service Excellence Award in recognition of the Goldwing Ambassador program from Travel Manitoba. The Manitoba Tourism Awards were presented last night in recognition of outstanding contributions to the provincial tourism industry, including promoting Manitoba as a quality year-round destination, ensuring an exceptional visitor experience… Read the full press release

LIFE AFTER LONDON 2012 – VISITENGLAND LOOKS AT THE LEGACY LEFT BEHIND

2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — With dozens of new venues and attractions being specifically constructed and opened for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, we take a look at what will happen to these after the storm on this colossal event has settled. From shopping malls to white water rafting facilities, the legacy that London 2012 leaves behind… Read the full press release

GPs to issue medical certificate for new European pilot licence

2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — General practitioners (GPs) in the UK will be able to assess the fitness of pilots applying for the new pan-European Light Aircraft Pilot’s Licence (LAPL). The licence, which comes into effect on 17 September 2012 as part of major reforms to pilot licensing across the EU, will only be valid if the… Read the full press release

TownePlace Suites by Marriott is #1 Midprice Extended-Stay Brand

TownePlace Suites by Marriott is #1 Midprice Extended-Stay Brand

TownePlace Suites is at the top of its tier according to Business Travel News’ 2012 Hotel Chain Survey. 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — For a second year in a row, TownePlace Suites by Marriott is the number one ranked hotel brand in the midprice extended-stay tier. Once again, TownePlace Suites scored highest in each of the individual… Read the full press release

Maldives Ranked Asia’s Fourth Best Holiday Destination by SmartTravelAsia.Com Readers

Maldives Ranked Asia’s Fourth Best Holiday Destination by SmartTravelAsia.Com Readers

2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Maldives has been ranked the 4th place in the BEST IN TRAVEL POLL 2012, voted by readers of SmartTravelAsia.com, the only dedicated travel magazine for Asia which has consistently high search engine rankings.  This is a worldwide poll with SmartAsiaTravel.com’s frequent traveler readers voting from Europe, USA, and Asia, where voting was… Read the full press release

Join the Fiesta at the Indianapolis Zoo

Culture and Tradition are the Focus of Hispanic Heritage Fiesta INDIANAPOLIS – Celebrate the rich traditions and cultures of Latin America during Hispanic Heritage Fiesta from 12Noon to 4pm September 16 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Presented in partnership with La Voz de Indiana, this fourth-annual event will help to kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month… Read the full press release

For the second consecutive year, Lufthansa wins “Doing it All” honors from Condé Nast Traveler 2012 World Savers Awards

Carrier recognized as world leader in social responsibility; airline’s landmark biofuel study highlighted Lufthansa has once again received top honors among the airline industry, earning the “Doing it All” distinction in the 2012 Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Awards.  The comprehensive awards program, which recognizes travel companies that are doing the most to save the world,… Read the full press release

RYANAIR SLASHES DUBLIN’S LOWEST SKI FARES

FLY TO EUROPE’S BEST PISTES FROM JUST €41.99 Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost airline, today (11 Sept) launched its Dublin Winter Ski Programme 2012/13 which offers 11 weekly flights from Dublin to/from ski destinations in Grenoble Salzburg and Turin at the lowest ski fares in Europe this year! These very popular Ski routes are available… Read the full press release

Jersey Celtic coin hoard to go on public display

2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — One of the most significant and exciting archaeological discoveries in Jersey’s history is to be put on public display, for a limited period of time. The hoard of Celtic coins unearthed from a field in Grouville in June is currently being held at a secure location by Jersey Heritage. But following intense… Read the full press release

Celebrate Halloween and Enjoy Free Drinks at The Pavilion

The Pavilion celebrates Halloween with haunting cocktails from 1 to 31 October 2012. Come dressed in your Halloween costume and be treated to a complimentary drink*! Brainsick ($10) mocktail has a mixture of strawberry, passion fruit and mango puree among other juices to tantalise your taste buds. A caramelised spider web will adorn the glass… Read the full press release

RYANAIR SLASHES THE UK’S LOWEST SKI FARES

FLY TO EUROPE’S BEST PISTES FROM JUST £29.99 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-cost airline, today (11 Sept) launched its London Winter Ski Programme 2012/13 which offers 20 weekly flights from London (Stansted) to ski destinations in Grenoble, Salzburg and Turin at the lowest ski fares in Europe this year! These very popular ski… Read the full press release

Trial of GST Visitor Refund Scheme to boost retail and travel industries

2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — A GST Visitor Refund Scheme is being introduced for a twelve-month trial period, with the aim of stimulating sales in the retail and travel industries. Refunds will be available for visitors to Jersey who buy items costing more than £300 from a participating retailer.  They will also need to meet certain conditions,… Read the full press release

Rotana Jet announces Domestic Service expansion from Abu Dhabi International Airport

Rotana Jet announces Domestic Service expansion from Abu Dhabi International Airpor

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) and Rotana Jet announced today the launch of double daily services to Fujairah, Al Ain and Sharjah from Abu Dhabi International Airport, in an initiative from the airline to extend its domestic route network. This comes just three months after it launched the… Read the full press release

Metrolink expands connectivity with bus partnership to Palm Desert

SunLine Transit Agency to implement Commuter Link 220 on Sept. 10 LOS ANGELES, 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — In its continued effort to expand connectivity throughout Southern California, Metrolink is partnering with SunLine Transit Agency, which will operate a new express bus service between Palm Desert and downtown Riverside beginning Sept. 10. Metrolink passengers who want to… Read the full press release

Six in Ten Conservative MPs believe reduction in APD should be considered

Half of all MPs believe APD is damaging the UK Economy ABTA calls on Government to take action now it is back from recess 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Six in Ten (61%) Conservative MPs believe a reduction in Air Passenger Duty (APD) should be considered to stimulate growth according to a new survey published today by… Read the full press release

Heathrow’s Olympic effort recognised

2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Heathrow has won ‘Best arrivals experience’ at this year’s Future Travel Experience Awards, held in Vancouver on Friday 7th September. Heathrow has won ‘Best arrivals experience’ at this year’s Future Travel Experience Awards, held in Vancouver on Friday 7th September. Now in its 2nd year, the awards celebrate outstanding efforts by organisations… Read the full press release

Thailand Medical & Wellness Tourism Trade Fam Trip 2012 Highlights Country’s Leadership as Health & Wellness Destination

Bangkok, 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Nearly 90 tourism facilitators, health tourism organizations and health insurance companies from 18 countries gathered at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld in Bangkok for the “Thailand Medical & Wellness Tourism Trade Fam Trip 2012” organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni said, “The Thailand Medical &… Read the full press release

Canadian Tour Celebrating the 100th Grey Cup: VIA Rail Canada welcomes the Grey Cup on board its train from Vancouver to Halifax

Vancouver, 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — VIA Rail Canada is pleased to welcome the Grey Cup on board its train as part of its cross-Canada tour. Celebrating its 100th edition in 2012, yesterday, the Cup began a coast to coast journey to visit one hundred Canadian communities. VIA Rail’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Paul… Read the full press release

FROM THAISPECTIVE: Tourism Authority of Thailand Proudly Presents a Refreshing & Unique Experience Through Thais’ Perspectives

FROM THAISPECTIVE: Tourism Authority of Thailand Proudly Presents a Refreshing & Unique Experience Through Thais' Perspectives

Bangkok, 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched “FROM THAISPECTIVE”, its latest campaign aimed at showing Thailand from unique and rare angles. Taking a radically different approach from previous campaigns, “FROM THAISPECTIVE” goes beyond sharing experiences from visitor to visitor and instead presents Thailand from the perspective of Thais. Three short… Read the full press release

New winter route from Helsinki to Salzburg in January

2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — On 5 January 2013, Norwegian will commence direct flights to Austria’s Salzburg, the place of birth of Mozart.The route will be available on Saturdays until 6 April. “In Salzburg, you can spend take a holiday in the city and also go downhill skiing. You can spend a day on skis and the… Read the full press release