Hard Rock International Welcomes Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, An All Inclusive Experience, To Growing Hotel Portfolio

Orlando, Fla. – 2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hard Rock International – with hotel locations from Bali and San Diego to Singapore and Macau – announced the official grand opening of Hard Rock Hotel Cancun on Oct. 18 – 21, 2012, where guests enjoyed behind the velvet rope access to the legendary guitar smash and performances by… Read the full press release

Virgin Galactic, SPACESHIPTWO COMPLETES FIRST GLIDE IN POWERED FLIGHT CONFIGURATION

SpaceShipTwo today undertook its 23rd glide flight in the pre-powered portion of its incremental test flight program. 2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — This was a significant flight as it was the first with rocket motor components installed, including tanks. It was also the first flight with thermal protection applied to the spaceship’s leading edges. It followed an… Read the full press release

London 2012 volunteers return for Heathrow’s Christmas getaway

London 2012 volunteers return for Heathrow’s Christmas getaway

Heathrow volunteers return for festive send-off Friday 21 December expected to see the most departures from Heathrow Secret Santa surprises for passengers reach luxury peak on Friday 2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Christmas season at Heathrow is in full swing with 123,000 passengers expected to depart on Friday 21 December – the most during the Christmas… Read the full press release

In Haiti, Digicel and Marriott Break Ground on More than Just a Hotel

In Haiti, Digicel and Marriott Break Ground on More than Just a Hotel

Property Brings 200 Jobs and Economic Vitality to Haiti Three Years After Quake. Port-au-Prince, Haiti – 2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ —  Digicel and Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) today broke ground on the $45 million 175-room Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand hotel in the Turgeau area of Port-au-Prince, with opening expected in early 2015, making it the first… Read the full press release

Ryanair Announces New Chania (Greece) Base (No 55)

11 NEW ROUTES (26 IN TOTAL) & 500,000 PAX P.A. AT RYANAIR’S 1st GREEK BASE 2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost airline, today (19 Dec) announced it would open its 1st Greek base (55th base in total) at Chania in April 2013 with one based aircraft and unveiled 11 new routes (26 in… Read the full press release

CAA, UK flight punctuality improved during London 2012

• In the third quarter of 2012, 80% of scheduled flights and 77% of charter flights were on-time, an increase of one percentage point and three percentage points respectively compared to the third quarter of 2011. • London City recorded the best on-time performance (91%) and shortest average delay (5 minutes) for scheduled flights among… Read the full press release

Change in SWISS top management

2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Holger Hätty, Chief Commercial Officer and member of the Management Board of Swiss International Air Lines, is to leave the company for personal reasons. Holger Hätty (54) will step down as SWISS’s Chief Commercial Officer at the beginning of 2013 after more than three years in the position. His departure is entirely… Read the full press release

British Airways Launches New Flight To China

2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — British Airways today (December 19) announced a new route to Chengdu in China, just weeks after starting services to Seoul in South Korea. To celebrate the launch, and reflecting the Chinese belief that eight is an auspicious number, flights to Chengdu are available from just £508 if booked between today and January… Read the full press release

Canada serves up a seasonal treat at EIBTM

Canada serves up a seasonal treat at EIBTM

Canada cooks up a storm to wow attendees at mega meetings and global business show in Barcelona 2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — The meetings, conventions and incentive travel (MC&IT) team at the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) ended 2012 with a splendid finale in Spain. EIBTM in Barcelona always ends the MC&IT year with a bang. The 25th-anniversary… Read the full press release

Cathay Pacific statement on successful resolution to sponsored FAU talks

2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Cathay Pacific confirms that talks sponsored by the Labour Department between the company and the Flight Attendants Union (FAU) have resolved the outstanding differences between the two parties. Chief Executive John Slosar said: “This is the best possible outcome for our customers, who have always been at the forefront of this issue… Read the full press release

Rezidor appoints Elie Younes as Senior Vice President, Head of Group Development

Rezidor appoints Elie Younes as Senior Vice President, Head of Group Development

2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Rezidor Hotel Group today announced the appointment of Elie Younes as Senior Vice President, Head of Group Development effective 1st January 2013. Younes joined Rezidor’s regional office in Dubai in April 2010 as Vice President, Business Development Middle East & Africa, and took over the interim leadership of Rezidor’s corporate development… Read the full press release

STAGECOACH IN £4MILLION NEW BUS DELIVERY FOR WIGAN

• New vehicles introduced only weeks after takeover from First Group • 31 new buses to go into operation in local communities • Unlimited weekly travel on Stagecoach buses in Wigan to cost just £9 2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Stagecoach is taking delivery of more than 30 new buses worth almost £4million to go into service at its recently… Read the full press release

Tourism Ministry Announces Setting up of Southern Zonal Tourism Council

2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Union Tourism Minister Shri Chiranjeevi today announced the setting up of the Southern Zonal Tourism Council (SZTC) comprising the States of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The Minister in his interaction with the office bearers of World Travel & Tourism Council – India Initiative (WTTCII)… Read the full press release

RED CARNATION HOTELS PARTNERS WITH TRIPADVISOR

RED CARNATION HOTELS PARTNERS WITH TRIPADVISOR

2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Red Carnation Hotels, the family-run luxury boutique hotel collection, has partnered with TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site to display traveller ratings, reviews and opinions on its website. The partnership will provide an increased wealth of information on the site, increasing user engagement and enabling potential guests to make more informed booking choices…. Read the full press release

Kirawira Serena Camp receives Condé Nast Gold list 2013 Recognition- one of the 510 Best Places to stay on Earth

Kirawira Serena Camp receives Condé Nast Gold list 2013 Recognition- one of the 510 Best Places to stay on Earth

2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — We are thrilled to announce that Kirawira Serena Camp has been named to the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler 2013 Gold List – Top 510 Best Places on Earth! Each year, the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List serves as a unique source of the top travel destinations, hotels, cruises and airlines in the… Read the full press release

Chicago Cultural Center Presents Theater And Dance Performances For 2013 Winter/Spring Season

Chicago – 2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is pleased to announce a new season of theater and dance: Cultural Center Presents and In the Works.  Both are on-going performing arts series that showcase critically acclaimed local, national and international music, theater, dance and multi-disciplinary artists, newly commissioned works… Read the full press release

LUX* Maldives Celebrates Festive Season in Island Style

LUX* Maldives Celebrates Festive Season in Island Style

2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — After the recent celebrations among the properties of LUX* Resorts for the first year anniversary of the group, LUX* Maldives showcases a thrilling Christmas and New Year program for its guests featuring pop up ice cream parlours, film screenings on the beach, special treats such as messages in bottles and honesty secret… Read the full press release

Ryanair Announces New Route For Summer 2013 From East Midlands To Zadar

Fly from just £8 on over 1,000 routes across Europe in Jan 2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost airline, today Tuesday 18th Dec announced another new route from East Midlands to Zadar from 01st Apr 2013. Ryanair celebrated its new East Midlands route by releasing 100,000 seats across its European network, at prices… Read the full press release

12 MILLION BRITS TO TAKE A UK BREAK OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD

2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — 12 million Brits (24 per cent of the adult population) plan to make the most of Christmas and New Year period by taking at least one overnight trip in the UK, with 9.8 million people (20 per cent) planning to take that trip in England, according to VisitEngland’s latest Trip Tracker survey. … Read the full press release

Emily Morgan Hotel Joins DoubleTree by Hilton Following $4.5 Million Renovation

DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of the newly renovated, upscale, full-service, 177-room The Emily Morgan San Antonio - a DoubleTree by Hilton. Credit: DoubleTree by Hilton

Historic Hotel Marks Brand’s Third Location in San Antonio MCLEAN, Va. – 2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of the newly renovated, upscale, full-service, 177-room The Emily Morgan San Antonio – a DoubleTree by Hilton. The hotel is owned by Alamo Hotels, Inc. under a franchise license agreement with a subsidiary… Read the full press release

Arizona’s 2013 Travel Guide Available Soon

New Official State Visitor’s Guides and Maps Promotes State’s Vibrant Travel Destinations   2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Arizona Office of Tourism’s 2013 Arizona Official State Visitor’s Guide (OSVG), and accompanying Official State Visitor’s Map will be available free of charge to travelers by the end of the month. Abundant with valuable Arizona tourist information including traveling tips and statewide… Read the full press release

Qatar Tourism Authority showcases Qatar as a luxury destination at ILTM in Cannes

Qatar Tourism Authority showcases Qatar as a luxury destination at ILTM in Cannes

Qatar, Doha, 2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) took part in ILTM, the International Luxury Travel Market held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France, from the 3rd to the 6th of December 2012. Hosted by the QTA, the Qatar Pavilion was located on stand G190 and featured a large… Read the full press release

Rezidor appoints Olivier Harnisch as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Rezidor appoints Olivier Harnisch as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Rezidor Hotel Group today announced the appointment of Olivier Harnisch (45) as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. Harnisch will succeed Wolfgang M. Neumann who is taking over from Kurt Ritter as the company’s new President & CEO. Harnisch currently serves as Vice President, Northern and Central Europe at Hilton… Read the full press release

Newest Dual Branded Hilton Garden Inn® and Homewood Suites by Hilton™ Opens Doors in Atlanta

Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of its newest hotel, the dual branded Hilton Garden Inn® and Homewood Suites by HiltonTM in Midtown Atlanta. Credit: Homewood Suites.

ATLANTA – 2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of its newest hotel, the dual branded Hilton Garden Inn® and Homewood Suites by HiltonTM in Midtown Atlanta. Located at 97 10th Street, the 12 story hotel boasts 136 Hilton Garden Inn rooms and suites, and 92 Homewood studio and one bedroom suites.  The hotel is owned… Read the full press release

Escape to Toronto’s Boutique Towns for Unforgettable Holiday Fun

TORONTO,  2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — The boutique cities surrounding Toronto have a lot to offer visitors who prefer small town charm over the hustle and bustle of a big city this holiday season. From festive carriage rides and carolers to exclusive winery events, do not miss your chance to experience the holiday spirit of Brampton, Streetsville, Mississauga and Niagara-on-the-lake… Read the full press release

New Head of Corporate Communications at Lufthansa

Jürgen Homeyer to take over as interim Head of Corporate Communications / Executive Board Chairman Christoph Franz thanked Klaus Walther for his outstanding work / Walther will assume new responsibilities within the Group 2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Jürgen Homeyer (52) will take over as interim Head of Corporate Communications until a successor is named. Homeyer… Read the full press release

Santa’s Test Flight planned at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport

2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Winnipeg Airports Authority and STARS are pleased to host around 150 children from the Winnipeg School Division to participate in Santa’s “Test Flight”. In preparation for Christmas Eve Take-Off, Santa is taking to the skies to conduct a Test Flight – an important flight mission to ensure holiday readiness. Invited to watch… Read the full press release

Ryanair Announces Zadar Base (No 54)

7 NEW ROUTES (16 IN TOTAL) to DUBLIN, EAST MIDLANDS, GOTHENBURG, HAUGESUND, LIVERPOOL, PARIS & WROCLAW 300,000 PAX AT RYANAIR’S 1st CROATIAN BASE 2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost airline, today (18 Dec) announced it would open its 54th base (1st in Croatia) at Zadar in April 2013 with one-based aircraft and unveiled… Read the full press release

Tourism Australia and Etihad Airways join forces to increase visitors from the Middle East, UK and Europe

Tourism Australia and Etihad Airways join forces to increase visitors from the Middle East, UK and Europe Key facts Tourism Australia and Etihad Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bringing more visitors from the Middle East, UK and Europe to Australia by leveraging the airline’s expanding international network. Under the new… Read the full press release

YOUNG JAPANESE GOLF STAR TO CONTINUE AS THAILAND GOLF AMBASSADOR

YOUNG JAPANESE GOLF STAR TO CONTINUE AS THAILAND GOLF AMBASSADOR

Bangkok, Thailand, 2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryo Ishikawa, one of Japan’s best and most popular young professional golfers, who has been “Thailand Golf Ambassador” since 2009, is to continue to enjoy the same status for another year, under an agreement with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The signing ceremony of the contract extension and the press… Read the full press release