Southwest Airlines’ loyalty program Rapid Rewards® named Program of the Year for the Americas by the Freddie Awards

DALLAS, 2016-Apr-29 — /Travel PR News/ — Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) loyalty program, Rapid Rewards®, has been named Program of the Year for the Americas by the Freddie Awards, one of the most prestigious honors for loyalty programs in the travel industry. Rapid Rewards was also recognized as Best Customer Service at Inside Flyer magazine’s… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways received His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum at its new premium lounge at Dubai International Airport

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum is received at Qatar Airways’ new premium lounge Luxurious new lounge opening coincides with the official launch of Dubai International Airport’s Concourse D DUBAI, UAE, 2016-Apr-29 — /Travel PR News/ — Today (27 Apr 2016) Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker welcomed… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways brings its superjumbo Airbus A380 on the maiden Doha – Atlanta flight on June 1

Award-winning airline brings its world-famous First Class service to America for the first time, to start service to Atlanta Doha – Atlanta Airbus A380 one-time service scheduled for June 1 only ATLANTA, 2016-Apr-29 — /Travel PR News/ — Qatar Airways will mark a new chapter in its history of operations to the United States by flying… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways named Best Business Class, and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East for the Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Hamad International Airport

Publication’s readers chose Qatar Airways as having the best Business Class facilities and the Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Hamad International Airport as the Middle East’s best airport lounge DOHA, Qatar, 2016-Apr-29 — /Travel PR News/ — Qatar Airways has been announced as the winner of two prestigious accolades at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Cargo’s dedication to service excellence honored at the 33rd Cargo Airline of the Year event with All-Cargo Carrier award

The prestigious award highlights the airline’s dedication to service excellence and innovation DOHA, Qatar, 2016-Apr-29 — /Travel PR News/ — Qatar Airways Cargo was presented with the prestigious All-Cargo Carrier award at the 33rd Cargo Airline of the Year event. The glittering ball was held at the Lancaster London Hotel on 23 April 2016. Mr. Ulrich… Read the full press release

British Airways launches new servicing options via New Distribution Capability standard (NDC)

LONDON, 2016-Apr-29 — /Travel PR News/ — British Airways is rolling out a host of servicing options and an additional payment option via the New Distribution Capability standard (NDC), IATA’s programme to improve communication between airlines and agents. Agents are able to adopt NDC through existing booking systems, giving them access to a whole range of… Read the full press release

Victoria Beckham named world’s best dressed female celebrity traveller in British Airways’ Best Dressed Traveller List 2016

LONDON, 2016-Apr-29 — /Travel PR News/ — Victoria Beckham has been named the world’s best dressed female celebrity traveller in British Airways’ Best Dressed Traveller List 2016 – #bestdressedtraveller. The fashion designer beat stars including Amal Clooney and Angelina Jolie to the top spot, as compiled by the airline and Hollywood fashion stylist and Vanity… Read the full press release

British Airways celebrates launch of its new route from Gatwick to Peru with special menu by Peruvian chef Martin Morales

LONDON, 2016-Apr-29 — /Travel PR News/ — British Airways is popping open the pisco ahead of the launch of its new route from Gatwick to Peru which takes off on May 4. The three-times a week service puts the South American country firmly back on the route map and offers holiday-makers and business travellers the only… Read the full press release

Ofgem and the CAA will share the Enforcement Decision Panel (EDP) set up by Ofgem in 2014

Ofgem and the CAA have today announced that they will share the Enforcement Decision Panel (EDP) set up by Ofgem in 2014, with the CAA having access to the panel for its competition-related regulatory activity. LONDON, 2016-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — Ofgem and the CAA have today announced that they will share the Enforcement Decision… Read the full press release

Oman Air’s Security Department delivered “Security Aircraft Search” training for its personnel

Oman Air Training Reaffirms Its Commitment To Passenger Safety Muscat, Oman, 2016-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — Oman Air’s absolute commitment to passenger safety has received another boost with the provision of additional refresher training for key staff. Working in partnership with Zurich-based aviation security specialists Checkport Switzerland, Oman Air’s Security Department has delivered “Security… Read the full press release

Ukraine International Airlines official carrier of Ukrainian figure skaters to international competitions

KIEV, UKRAINE, 2016-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — April 22, 2016, Ukraine International Airlines and Ukrainian Figure Skating Federation (UFSF) signed a memorandum of partnership. Therefore, UIA will carry Ukrainian figure skaters to international competitions and lend support to figure skating championships in Ukraine. The Parties represented by Sergey Fomenko, UIA Vice President Commerce, and Yevgeny… Read the full press release

Lufthansa to fly non-stop from Frankfurt to two new destinations in Lapland

From Frankfurt to Tromsø (Norway) and Ivalo (Finland) in winter FRANKFURT, GERMANY, 2016-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — Good news for all northern lights and winter sport fans: From the coming winter, Lufthansa customers can fly non-stop from Frankfurt to two new destinations in Lapland. From November 26 2016, Lufthansa will take off every Saturday to… Read the full press release

The new satellite terminal at Munich Airport boasts 27 new gate positions

Historic milestone for Munich Airport Cologne, Germany, 2016-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — Another chapter in the history of Munich Airport will begin on April 26, 2016: with the launch of the new satellite terminal – Germany’s first midfield terminal – Europe’s only five-star airport is again setting new standards for excellent service, passenger comfort and sustainability…. Read the full press release

New Flyrobic video will be shown on the inflight entertainment program of Lufthansa medium and long-haul flights

• New Flyrobic video on the inflight program of medium and long-haul flights from June • Exercises developed by Lufthansa’s medical service • First presentation at the opening of the satellite terminal in Munich Cologne, Germany, 2016-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — In order for Lufthansa passengers to arrive relaxed even after longer flights, a new… Read the full press release

Discount Airport Parking Website Announces Expansion Plans

Roanoke, VA, 2016-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — AirportParkingHelper.com, a leading national authority on airport parking and related travel topics, recently announced a number of expansion plans for 2016. Website founder Jennifer Church said she has acquired a partner who will provide critical services to the popular Virginia-based website, which plans to nearly double its online… Read the full press release

Spectacular start for Munich Airport’s new satellite terminal

MUNICH, GERMANY, 2016-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — A spectacular start for Munich Airport’s new satellite terminal: Suspended from aerial silks 20 meters above the floor of the new facility’s central market square, a group of acrobats performed their own daring and graceful airborne choreography. The dazzling display was witnessed by the 1,900 guests from Germany and… Read the full press release

Earth Day: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reaffirms its commitment and efforts toward environmental stewardship

Washington DC, 2016-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — In recognition of this year’s Earth Day, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today reaffirms its commitment and efforts toward environmental stewardship. The cruise industry takes seriously its great responsibility to preserve and protect the environment, which is fundamental to the industry and essential to providing enjoyable travel experiences… Read the full press release

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) on Cuba: we fully support the rights of all people to travel freely and have the opportunity to experience a wide range of destinations

Washington DC, 2016-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) welcomes the Cuban government’s positive and fair decision to allow all American citizens equal opportunity to visit Cuba. The cruise industry understands the power that travel has to bring learning and understanding between nations and cultures.  Further, CLIA fully supports the rights of… Read the full press release

U.S. car rental industry may very well be one of early adopters of vehicles that drive themselves – Enterprise Holdings

How Will Autonomous Vehicles Impact Car Rental? ST. LOUIS, 2016-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — In the not-too-distant future, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car customers may be renting vehicles that drive themselves. That will be one of the key points offered by Enterprise Holdings’ Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer… Read the full press release

Canada’s premier tourism marketplace Rendez-vous Canada 2016 takes place in Montreal, Québec

Vancouver, BC, 2016-Apr-27 — /Travel PR News/ — The 40th Annual Rendez-vous Canada (RVC), Canada’s premier tourism marketplace, will take place from April 24-27, 2016 in Montreal, Québec. During the conference, international tourism buyers will meet with Canadian sellers at a record-breaking 26,000 face-to-face business appointments. “I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing trade show… Read the full press release

Winnipeg Airports Authority Q1: Traffic at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport increased 2.86% as compared to the first quarter of 2015

WINNIPEG, CANADA, 2016-Apr-27 — /Travel PR News/ — First quarter passenger traffic at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport increased 2.86% as compared to the first quarter of 2015. Consolidated revenue of Winnipeg Airports Authority and its subsidiaries was $29.6 million for the first quarter, compared to $28.1 million for the same period in 2015. Earnings before interest, depreciation… Read the full press release

Helsinki Airport prepares for 20 million annual passengers by 2020

Vantaa, FINLAND, 2016-Apr-27 — /Travel PR News/ — The Helsinki Airport is going through a large-scale expansion that aims to improve the airport’s facilities as well as strengthen its competitive position among the big European airports. The improvements are expected to take several years. The development program for the Helsinki Airport was launched in spring 2014… Read the full press release

Finavia: Lufthansa introduces direct connections from Frankfurt to Ivalo Airport in the 2016–2017 winter season

Vantaa, FINLAND, 2016-Apr-27 — /Travel PR News/ — Lapland will have an even better reach for passengers next winter when Lufthansa introduces direct connections from Frankfurt to Ivalo Airport in the 2016–2017 winter season. Lufthansa will commence flights to Ivalo just before the winter season, on 17 December. The airline will provide flights on Saturdays until… Read the full press release

Marriott International opens The Zhejiang Taizhou Marriott Hotel in China

Taizhou, Zhejiang, 2016-Apr-27 — /Travel PR News/ — Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is pleased to announce the opening of The Zhejiang Taizhou Marriott Hotel, marking the debut of Marriott International’s iconic flagship brand in the city of Taizhou, Zhejiang province of China. Being the first five-start international hotel in the dynamic Huangyan area, Taizhou’s new… Read the full press release

Marriott International announced its newest venture with the Youth Career Initiative (YCI) in Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico, 2016-Apr-27 — /Travel PR News/ — Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) announced its newest venture with the Youth Career Initiative (YCI) in Puerto Rico with training courses at three of our properties in San Juan, including The San Juan Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton San Juan and Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Through a global… Read the full press release

United Arab Emirate’s first Renaissance Hotel to open at the end of 2016

Hotel amongst five new properties set to open in the UAE in 2016 and nine scheduled to open by 2018 Renaissance Hotel debut to be preceded by Abu Dhabi’s first Marriott Hotel and followed by UAE’s second Autograph Collection Hotel Dubai, UAE, 2016-Apr-27 — /Travel PR News/ — Marriott International has revealed details of the United… Read the full press release

Hilton Belgrade to open 2018

Hilton Belgrade Expected to Open 2018 in Central Location BELGRADE, Serbia and MCLEAN, Va., 2016-Apr-27 — /Travel PR News/ — Hilton Worldwide (NYSE:HLT) today announced plans to enter Serbia with the signing of a management agreement with Belaga Management Company D.O.O. The agreement paves the way for an upscale Hilton hotel in Serbia’s capital city, Belgrade,… Read the full press release

KOJAWAN brings the soul food of Korea, Japan and Taiwan at Hilton London Metropole

23rd Floor Izakaya Offers Innovative Menu and 21st Century Design LONDON, 2016-Apr-27 — /Travel PR News/ — KOJAWAN has opened at Hilton London Metropole, bringing the soul food of Korea, Japan and Taiwan, the countries after which it is named, to this stylish central London hotel. With unrivalled views of the capital from the hotel’s 23rd… Read the full press release

Air France expands its fleet with new Boeing 777-300

ON 26 APRIL 2016, THE 70TH BOEING 777 JOINED THE COMPANY’S FLEET PARIS, FRANCE, 2016-Apr-27 — /Travel PR News/ — Air France is expanding its fleet by welcoming a new Boeing 777-300, thus increasing its capacity thanks to 43 Boeing 777-300s, 25 Boeing 777-200ERs and two Boeing 777F Cargo. This 70th aircraft will operate on the… Read the full press release

Lufthansa: Verdi union called for token strikes at Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Dortmund and Hanover airports on Wednesday 27 April

COLOGNE, GERMANY, 2016-Apr-26 — /Travel PR News/ — The Verdi union has called for token strikes in the areas of ground handling, passenger checks and (partly) airport fire services at Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Dortmund and Hanover airports on Wednesday 27 April. As a result, there will be extensive cancellations of flights on Wednesday at Lufthansa’s… Read the full press release