Iberia Maintenance now part of Airbus network of approved service providers

Madrid, Spain, 2014-2-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Iberia Maintenance is to provide maintenance services for components of Airbus A320s and A330s aircraft. Under a renewable agreement, the Iberia’s Maintenance Division in Madrid will inspect and repair components of the two aircraft models, covered by client support agreements with Airbus, such as FHS (Flight Hour Services). The maintenance tasks… Read the full press release

flydubai extends its reach into the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Dubai-based carrier increases number of points in Saudi Arabia to 11 Dubai, UAE, 2014-2-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Extending its reach into the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, flydubai announces the launch of flights to Hofuf, the largest city in the Al-Ahsa governorate. The new twice-weekly service to Al-Ahsa Airport will commence on 06 February… Read the full press release

Scott McFarland exhibition presented to passengers at Toronto Pearson International Airport

TORONTO, 2014-2-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Transitions, an exhibition featuring two large format panoramas by Scott McFarland, is presented to passengers by No. 9: Contemporary Art and the Environment, in partnership with Toronto Pearson’s Art and Exhibits Program. Curated by Cara Said, the exhibit is located in the departures level of Terminal 1 (south of Air Canada ticket… Read the full press release

New Zealand’s award-winning Huka Lodge to celebrate its 90th birthday

Taupo, New Zealand, 2014-2-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — New Zealand’s award-winning Huka Lodge is set to celebrate its 90th birthday in style with a selection of inspirational and intimate events planned for 2014. The luxury lodge – located in the North Island region of Taupo – will celebrate achieving this momentous milestone with a selection of some of… Read the full press release

Canada: Sunshine Village Ski Resort opens the Wild West freeride zone

Alberta, Canada, 2014-2-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Sunshine Village Ski Resort opened the Wild West freeride zone today. Abundant snowfall throughout the week has provided the ideal conditions to open the extreme terrain. With 79 cm (2 ft, 7 in) of snow falling on the resort this past week coupled with a solid 178 cm (5 ft, 10 in)… Read the full press release

Oakwood Worldwide recognized Zachary Gardner of Boston as the top recipient of its 2013 “Oakwood Gives Back” associate annual giving program

Honorees’ Charities of Choice Awarded $3,000 LOS ANGELES, 2014-2-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Oakwood Worldwide, the global leader in corporate housing and serviced apartments, is pleased to recognize Zachary Gardner of Boston, Mass., as the top recipient of its 2013 “Oakwood Gives Back” associate annual giving program. In recognition of Garnder’s achievement, a $1,000 donation was made in… Read the full press release

Zoo Atlanta: African lion cubs may now be seen on exhibit with both parents

ATLANTA, 2014-2-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — African lion cubs may now be seen on exhibit with both parents WHO: The humans aren’t the only ones drawn outside by this week’s unseasonably warm weather. The spring-like temperatures are also a bonus for Zoo Atlanta’s African lions, now exploring their exhibit as a pride for the first time since the… Read the full press release

FirstGroup to operate the First Capital Connect rail franchise for further six months

Aberdeen, Scotland, 2014-2-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — FirstGroup, the leading transport operator in the UK and North America, has signed an agreement with the Department for Transport to operate the First Capital Connect rail franchise for a further six months. As previously announced, this award means that the First Capital Connect franchise will operate beyond its current planned… Read the full press release

FirstGroup employee Richard Emslie to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Campaign on the London Marathon in April 2014

Aberdeen, Scotland, 2014-2-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — FirstGroup employee, Richard Emslie, has set his sights on raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign by taking on the London Marathon in April 2014. The 39 year old from Laurencekirk, who is Controller at First Shared Services the financial processing centre for FirstGroup, is aiming to raise at least £1,750… Read the full press release

The Hay-Adams Author Series to welcome British historian Simon Schama on Thursday, March 27, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C., 2014-2-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — On Thursday, March 27, 2014, The Hay-Adams Author Series will welcome Simon Schama, CBE, Columbia University professor, British historian, award-winning author and documentarian, while dining with guests at The Top of the Hay, the Hotel’s elegant rooftop spaces overlooking the White House. Early in his career, Schama was a Fellow at… Read the full press release

Julien Surget joins The Hay-Adams as Director of Food & Beverage

WASHINGTON, D.C., 2014-2-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Hay-Adams, one of the world’s leading luxury hotels, is pleased to announce that Julien Surget has joined the team as Director of Food & Beverage. In this role, the international hospitality professional will oversee the daily operations of the hotel’s food and beverage division, as well as participate in the… Read the full press release

The Hay-Adams recognized as one of the 2014 Best Hotels in the USA by U.S. News & World Report

WASHINGTON, D.C., 2014-2-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Hay-Adams, one of the world’s leading luxury hotels, is pleased to announce that it has received recognition as one of the 2014 Best Hotels in the USA by U.S. News & World Report. The 2014 Best Hotels list recognizes and ranks hotels based on an unbiased methodology that includes the… Read the full press release

Jersey: Hotel Cristina general manager Steve Hayes completed the Spine Race – ‘Britain’s toughest endurance event’

Jersey, 2014-2-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — The general manager of the Hotel Cristina, Steve Hayes, has recently completed the Spine Race, a 268-mile, non-stop, 7-day winter marathon across the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales in England. The event, which took place between the 11th and 18th of January, is regarded as one of the toughest physical endurance challenges… Read the full press release

Thai Airways International (THAI) introduced WiFi on board THAI’s Airbus A330-300 and A380-800 aircraft

Bangkok, Thailand, 2014-2-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — Thai Airways International (THAI) announced the introduction of THAI Sky Connect service for wireless internet connection (WiFi) on board THAI’s Airbus A330-300 and A380-800 aircraft. Mr. Chokchai Panyayong, THAI Senior Executive Vice President of Commercial, and Acting President, said, “THAI is pleased to introduce THAI Sky Connect, an in-flight WiFi product… Read the full press release

VisitBritain launches new £2.5 million TV and interactive online advert ‘Sounds of GREAT Britain’ across key markets

LONDON, 2014-2-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — The pouring of a cup of tea, a black cab beeping and the chimes of Big Ben are all being used in a new TV and interactive online advert to inspire the world to choose Britain for their next holiday. ‘Sounds of GREAT Britain’ is a £2.5 million global film campaign, commissioned… Read the full press release

Qantas Airways welcomed celebrities from top rated American comedy series Modern Family in Australia

Sydney, Australia, 2014-2-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — Cast from the top rated American comedy series Modern Family have arrived in Australia ahead of filming for the show’s highly-anticipated “Australia” vacation episode, which is expected to deliver a huge boost to local tourism. It’s the first time the show has filmed an episode outside of the US in its… Read the full press release

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC announces board changes

Denham, UK, 2014-2-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (“IHG”) today announces that Mr David Kappler will retire from the Board and his role as an independent Non-Executive Director of IHG on 31 May 2014. David was appointed to IHG’s Board on 21 June 2004. David will step down as Chairman of the Audit Committee with… Read the full press release

Woodridge affiliates and Oaktree Capital Management funds acquired InterContinental San Francisco Mark Hopkins for $120m

San Francisco, 2014-2-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] today announces the sale of the 383 room InterContinental San Francisco Mark Hopkins¹ (the “Hotel”) to a joint venture between affiliates of Woodridge Capital Partners (“Woodridge”) and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management L.P. (“Oaktree”) for $120m gross cash proceeds. IHG will continue… Read the full press release

TOP INTERNATIONAL releases sneak previews of its stand at world´s largest tourism fair ITB 2014

Düsseldorf, Germany, 2014-2-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — As usual in hall 9, stand 110 TOP INTERNATIONAL will be exhibiting on the world´s largest tourism fair. This time with a new look and feel. Following a few sneak previews what we have planned. We are looking forward meeting many of you and a successful ITB 2014. Your TOP INTERNATIONAL… Read the full press release

Oslo Airport reports for 1 632 823 passengers in January 2014, 6.3 per cent increase compared to January 2013

The start of 2014 has been characterised by more passengers travelling longer distances. In January, 1 632 823 passengers travelled through Oslo Airport and international flights increased significantly compared with the same month last year. Oslo, Norway, 2014-2-17 — /travelprnews.com/ — More than 1.6 million passengers is an increase of 6.3 per cent compared with January 2013…. Read the full press release

Ethiopian Airlines updates on its flight ET-702

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2014-2-17 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ethiopian Airlines flight 702, on scheduled service departing from Addis Ababa on 17 February 2014 at 00:30 (local time) and scheduled to arrive in Rome at 04:40 (local time), was forced to proceed to Geneva Airport. Accordingly, the flight has landed safely at Geneva Airport and all passengers and crew… Read the full press release

Ethiopian Airlines statement on flight ET-702 of 17 February 2014

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2014-2-17 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ethiopian Airlines flight ET-702 on scheduled service departing from Addis Ababa on 17 February 2014 at 00:30 (local time) scheduled to arrive in Rome at 04:40 (local time) was forced to proceed to Geneva Airport. Accordingly, the flight has landed safely at Geneva Airport. All passengers and crew are safe… Read the full press release

DreamWorks Animation CEO and Co-Founder Jeffrey Katzenberg to speak at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit in Hainan 24-25 April 2014

LONDON, 2014-2-17 — /travelprnews.com/ — Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of DreamWorks Animation SKG, will speak at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit, which takes place in Hainan 24-25 April 2014. Katzenberg will be interviewed by Immediate Past Chairman of WTTC, Geoffrey Kent, on Thursday 24 April. The acclaimed “Geoffrey Kent interviews” at the… Read the full press release

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) to hold its 37th PATA Travel Mart 2014, September 17-19 in Cambodia

Responsible Travel Pavilion a major attraction for Mart sellers meeting in Phnom Penh in September Bangkok, Thailand, 2014-2-17 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will hold the 37th PATA Travel Mart 2014, September 17-19 at Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Centre, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the “Kingdom of Wonder.” The Mart is being hosted by the… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires welcomes the return of Tulio Hochkoeppler as the new General Manager of the Hotel

Four Seasons veteran returns to hotel, succeeding Rebeca Selley-Morales Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2014-2-17 — /travelprnews.com/ — Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires will welcome the return of Tulio Hochkoeppler as the new General Manager of the Hotel beginning in March 2014.  The 19-year veteran of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is no stranger to the region: he was the Hotel’s Director of… Read the full press release

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Houston Airport System introduced Automated Passport Control (APC) technology

Arriving international travelers enjoy speedy process through kiosks HOUSTON, 2014-2-17 — /travelprnews.com/ — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) together with the Houston Airport System (HAS) are announcing the arrival of Automated Passport Control (APC) technology that is improving traveler facilitation and security of international travel. Twenty self-service kiosks are now operating at George Bush Intercontinental Airport… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways launched its first international Instagram contest: #destigram

1.6 Million Frequent Flyer Miles And Two Pairs Of Business & Economy Class Trips Are Offered To The Most Talented And Lucky Entrants Contest Is Live Through 1st March At Qatarairways.com/Destigram DOHA, Qatar, 2014-2-17 — /travelprnews.com/ — DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has recently launched its first international Instagram contest: “#destigram.” Visitors are encouraged to share a… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways recorded runaway success at the Singapore Airshow 2014

Qatar Airways’ 787 Dreamliner showcased to more than 450 Visitors over four days at the Singapore Airshow 2014 DOHA, Qatar, 2014-2-17 — /travelprnews.com/ — Qatar Airways recorded a runaway success at the Singapore Airshow 2014 where the airline was exhibiting for the first time, attracting more than 450 people over four days for an exclusive tour of… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways sponsored Qatar Total Open 2014 won by Seventh seed Simona Halep of Romania

Halep of Romania wins title in Qatar beating Kerber of Germany Romanian Number One celebrates her 7th Career Title DOHA, Qatar, 2014-2-17 — /travelprnews.com/ — Seventh seed Simona Halep of Romania has celebrated her first title of the year by clinching the Qatar Airways sponsored Qatar Total Open 2014 in straight sets against Angelique Kerber. Halep won… Read the full press release

UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai met with federal and state government officials in Australia

Madrid, Spain, 2014-2-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — The UNWTO Secretary-General concluded a 5-day trip to Australia where he met with federal and state government officials as well as main private sector associations and UNWTO Affiliate Members. During his visit, Mr. Rifai underscored the progress made by Australia in converging with UNWTO’s main policy recommendations: supporting travel facilitation, intelligent… Read the full press release