GBTA and Egencia® Study Shows Travel Professionals Gaining Control of Travel Policies in Europe

Report Ranks Top 10 Most Important Factors in Defining Policy  Alexandria, Va., Bellevue, Wash., Paris, London, Munich, 2012-10-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Travel professionals are playing an increasingly large and influential role in shaping and controlling business travel policy, aided by online booking tools and fueled by a growing focus on cost-saving efforts, according to a new… Read the full news article

The Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry commits to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics

Madrid, 2012-10-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW) has signed the Private Sector Commitment to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, joining the growing number of private sector companies and associations which have pledged to the principles of the Code (Berlin, Germany, 8-9 October). The signing, held in the… Read the full news article

News Brief: Aviation is a Critical Component of the Saudi Arabian Economy

IATA presents Benefits of Aviation Study to H. H. Prince Fahad Alabdullah 2012-10-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Jeddah The International Air Transport Association (IATA) presented the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a study quantifying the economic benefits of aviation to the Saudi Arabian economy. The study was commissioned by IATA and completed by Oxford Economics…. Read the full news article

ART Restaurant Introduces Bespoke Breakfast Menu at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

Healthy items include red quinoa skillet with sautéed greens and beans

New menu features sweet and savoury customized selections, to-go items and a Brekky Buffet at amazing value 2012-10-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — ART Restaurant’s new menu at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle offers breakfast lovers and power breakfast-goers an assortment of items to start the day off right. ART’s friendly service and warm ambiance is paired with a customizable menu when creating a… Read the full news article

Durban International Airport site now in Transnet’s name

Durban International Airport site now in Transnet’s name

2012-10-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Airports Company South Africa is pleased to report that the R1,85 billion sale of the  Durban International Airport site in Durban’s South Basin to Transnet has now been concluded, with the property  registered in Transnet’s name with effect from 1 October 2012. This is the conclusion of a lengthy process which started… Read the full news article

Ryanair Launches Foreign Exchange Services On Ryanair.Com With Moneycorp Partnership

2012-10-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost airline, today (15 Oct) announced a partnership with foreign exchange specialists, Moneycorp, which will allow Ryanair’s UK passengers to access currency exchange services through the Ryanair.com website, have their currency delivered straight to their door and make huge savings on their transactions. Ryanair’s UK passengers can now… Read the full news article

Senior Volunteer at Midway Celebrates Milestone Birthday

Volunteer Airport Ambassador Lucille Serafin at a Midway Information Booth

CHICAGO, 2012-10-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Today is a special day for one Volunteer Ambassador at Midway International Airport. It’s birthday number 95 for Lucille Serafin, who has worked at the airport since 2001. Serafin volunteers for two, four-hour shifts a month. She says she has greeted many travelers from all over the world and that she feels… Read the full news article

Alaska Airlines Begins Nonstop Service Between San Diego and Orlando, Fla.

SEATTLE — 2012-10-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Alaska Airlines today launched nonstop service between Orlando, Fla., and San Diego. The carrier will fly between the two cities five times a week. “We’re thrilled to launch our fourth new market in San Diego this year alone,” said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of marketing. “Alaska’s new flight… Read the full news article

One year on: Signature Experiences Collection® case studies Vol. 2: EdgeWalk at the CN Tower

The giant of the Toronto skyline has enjoyed astonishing media exposure as part of CTC’s program. 2012-10-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — If you’re scared of heights, take a deep breath before reading on. One of the tourism success stories in the past year has been the EdgeWalk at the CN Tower, Toronto, ON. With guests dangling over a thousand feet above the… Read the full news article

End of ‘BAA’

2012-10-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — From today the name BAA will be dropped. Heathrow, Glasgow, Aberdeen Southampton and Stansted Airports will operate solely under their own stand-alone brand. Heathrow Chief Executive, Colin Matthews, said: “We are a different company today from when BAA was formed. Over the last few years we have sold our stakes in Gatwick,… Read the full news article

Rock, Roll and Run Through Historic San Antonio During the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon

Rock, Roll and Run Through Historic San Antonio During the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon

2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — It’s time to rock, roll and run through historic San Antonio for the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & ½ Marathon benefiting Susan G. Komen, Sunday, November 11, 2012. Ideal fall temperatures and a flat, scenic course make this event perfect for runners and walkers of all abilities. Live bands… Read the full news article

Hilton Worldwide Reinvents Dining at Full Service Hotels

Three New Concepts — Herb n’ Kitchen, Made Market and Brickstones Grill — To Debut in 2013 MCLEAN, Va., 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Casual dining is on the rise. According to a recent Mintel survey, sales at quick service restaurants have increased to nearly $30 billion in the past five years. This trend is being echoed throughout… Read the full news article

Travelport announces Commercial Team changes

New commercial management structure aligned to global business objectives Langley, 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry, today announces a number of commercial team changes, all designed to further build on the delivery of its ongoing strategic business objectives. Focusing on accelerating the execution of Travelport’s strategic plan, the new… Read the full news article

CAA tackles ‘loss of control’ events with new training package

2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — As part of its campaign to combat the seven most serious safety risks currently facing the airline industry, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has developed a pilot training aid on how to deal with loss of control incidents. The training package, produced in association with external safety experts, will be distributed… Read the full news article

Marriott Named Top Company for Supplier Diversity

Marriott Named Top Company for Supplier Diversity

Hotel leader has spent nearly $4 billion with diversity suppliers 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — During its Special Awards & Top Regional Companies event, DiversityInchonored Marriott International as the top company for supplier diversity. The company was recognized for demonstrating its strength in four areas– CEO commitment, human capital, corporate and organizational communications and supplier diversity. Over the… Read the full news article

Croatia to Host 2013 Travel Convention

2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — ABTA today announces that Croatia is to host next year’s Travel Convention in the historic coastal town of Dubrovnik, from 21-23 October 2013. This will be the first time the Travel Convention has been held in Croatia. In the last 12 months Croatia has seen a substantial 22% rise in UK visitor… Read the full news article

Southwest Airlines Raises More Than $600,000 For Ronald McDonald Charities At 27th Annual LUV Classic Charity Golf Tournament

DALLAS – 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) raised more than $600,000 for the Ronald McDonald Charities at the 27th annual LUV Classic charity golf tournament held on Oct. 5, where Employees and sponsors teed up for the cause. This year’s contributions will be distributed between Ronald McDonald Houses in Dallas, New York, Fort Lauderdale,… Read the full news article

Chicago Aritsts Month Offer Lunch With A Featured Artist

Contest Information Available in this Week’s Time Out Chicago 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Chicago Artists Month offers aspiring artists an opportunity to have lunch with one of the 19 Featured Artists, highlighted by the citywide collaborative art event.  Each year, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) dedicates the month of October to shining… Read the full news article

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Velvet Sessions with Soul Asylum Set for Thursday, October 25

WHAT:  2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando’s Velvet Sessions lobby concert series continues in October with Soul Asylum performing hits “Misery,” “Somebody To Shove,” “Black Gold,” “Cartoon,” “Without A Trace,” “I Will Still Be Laughing” and more. Halloween Velvet Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel ###

SOS Children’s Villages Illinois Honors Andolino at “Crafted” Event

CHICAGO, 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — One week from today, on the evening of October 18, Rosemarie S. Andolino, Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner and Andrew Mooney, Chicago Department of Housing and Economic Development Commissioner, will each be honored with a Distinguished Leadership Award at the SOS Children’s Villages Illinois fundraising event called “Crafted”. Tickets for the event are still available. Click here or call SOS Children’s Villages Illinois… Read the full news article

Alaska Airlines Orders 50 Boeing Aircraft

737 MAX comprises most of order—the largest in carrier’s history 10/11/2012 5:00 a.m. SEATTLE — 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Alaska Airlines today announced an order for 50 Boeing aircraft, including the 737 MAX—the new engine variant of the world’s best-selling airliner. The aircraft, which will be delivered between 2015 and 2022, represent the largest order in Alaska… Read the full news article

Webcast Alert: Southwest Airlines to Discuss Third Quarter 2012 Financial Results on October 18, 2012

DALLAS – 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) invites you to listen to a live webcast of its third quarter 2012 financial results.  Details are as follows: When: Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 12:30 PM Eastern Time Who: Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Tammy Romo, Senior Vice President… Read the full news article

Dragonair Expands Network In Asia With New Service To Yangon, Myanmar

Hong Kong, 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ —  Dragonair today announced it will launch a new four-times weekly service to Yangon, the largest city and main economic hub of Myanmar, commencing on 9 January 2013 (subject to government approval). The new service will enhance Dragonair’s presence in the region and provide a significant boost to both leisure and… Read the full news article

FirstGroup Extends its Sponsorship of Ryder Cup Golfer, Paul lawrie

FirstGroup Extends its Sponsorship of Ryder Cup Golfer, Paul lawrie

2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Following Paul Lawrie’s heroics at the Ryder Cup, one of his sponsors, Aberdeen based FirstGroup, has confirmed it will continue its sponsorship of the former Open Champion throughout 2013. FirstGroup has been one of Paul’s valued sponsors since 2007 and its logo features on Paul’s right sleeve.  First has also been a… Read the full news article

The Chicago Farmers Market Program Presents First Ever Daley Plaza Outdoor Red Meat Market, October 18

Event to Preview National Food Day in Chicago Chicago, IL – 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — In honor of Food Day, the City of Chicago’s Farmers Market Program will add a local Red Meat Market to their Daley Plaza Farmers Market on October 18, beginning at 7 a.m.  The Daley Plaza Farmers Market will sell local fruits, vegetables and,… Read the full news article

LAST CHANCE FOR JAZZOO TICKETS!

WHAT: 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Last chance for tickets to the fifth annual Jazzoo, coming up Saturday, October 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Atlanta’s wildest creative cocktail party features food from 30 of Atlanta’s best restaurants; 20 full-service open bars throughout the Zoo; and live music on four stages. Jazzoo 2012 will be headlined by ‘80s cover… Read the full news article

Walrus Calf Coming to Indianapolis Zoo Curious Orphan Joins Several Other Rescued Marine Mammals

INDIANAPOLIS — 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — An orphaned male Pacific walrus calf found off the northern coast of Alaska will soon call the Indianapolis Zoo home. He is scheduled to arrive in Indianapolis later this week, and if all goes well with the acclimation to his new home, he could be on exhibit for the public to see sometime… Read the full news article

GIANT PANDA CUB AT NATIONAL ZOO DIED AS RESULT OF LUNG AND LIVER DAMAGE

2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — After examining the giant panda cub that died six days after it was born to mother Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, the Zoo’s team of pathologists found that lung and liver damage ultimately caused the death of the panda cub. The poorly developed lungs likely caused the cub to… Read the full news article

VisitEngland Announces New Commitment to UK Travel Trade at the 2012 ABTA Travel Convention

New Strategy Unveiled to Drive Domestic Business Through the Trade 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — VisitEngland’s Chairman Penelope Viscountess Cobham, announced today in a speech at the ABTA Travel Convention the national tourist board’s plans to further grow tourism in England by working more closely with the travel trade.   Unveiling a raft of activity aimed at inspiring… Read the full news article

Nomination to Prix Villégiature Awards 2012

Hotel Puente Romano nominated as Best Resort in Europe 2012  By Villegiature Awards 2012-10-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Villegiature Awards created in 2003 gather a voting Jury composed of 20 international press correspondents and journalists from very famous medias covering all over the world. They reward the best of the best hotels in Europe, in Asia en Africa. The… Read the full news article