Hilton Worldwide’s Commitment to Diversity Shines in 2012

National Minority Supplier Development Council Names William F. Kornegay, Jr. to Board of Directors’ Executive Committee MCLEAN, Va. – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton Worldwide announced today the appointment of William F. Kornegay, Jr., senior vice president, supply management, to the executive committee of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Board of Directors. In this… Read the full press release

Tourism key for jobs and exports says President of Portugal accepting the UNWTO/WTTC Open Letter on Travel and Tourism

Lisbon – Madrid, 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — The President of Portugal, Anibal Cavaco Silva, has highlighted the importance of tourism to the country’s jobs and exports on the occasion of the presentation of the UNWTO / World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Open Letter on Travel and Tourism which aims to rally support for tourism among world leaders… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Announces New Resort in Turkey’s Cesme Peninsula

Kathleen Taylor and Dilek Sabancı

Partnership marks first luxury resort of its kind in the Mediterranean and Aegean basin *Corporate – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — The world is about to discover one of Turkey’s best kept secrets asFour Seasons Hotels and Resorts announces plans for a new resort property in Cesme, near Alaçati. The picturesque Aegean town, located on the coast of… Read the full press release

TravelClick, Group Travel Growth Flattens

Group Demand and ADR Show Declines NEW YORK – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — After a large comeback in 2011 and continued growth through the first half of 2012, group room sales and ADR are leveling off,  according to data from the November 2012 TravelClick North American Hospitality Review (NAHR). When looking at Q4 2012 through Q3… Read the full press release

GEORGE BEST BELFAST CITY AIRPORT IS THE AIRPORT OF CHOICE IN NORTHERN IRELAND

2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — A recent poll carried out by Lucid Talk for the Belfast Telegraph reveals that 63.2% of people in Northern Ireland prefer to fly from George Best Belfast City Airport. Furthermore, the poll reveals that in those areas of Northern Ireland, where over 80% of the population are based, Belfast City Airport is… Read the full press release

Hampton Hotels Activates 200 Team Members during Inaugural Global Week of Service

Hampton Hotels engaged more than 200 employee-volunteers from three countries in more than 800 hours of service during Hilton Worldwide's inaugural Global Week of Service, held November 11-18. Credit: Hampton Hotels

Hampton hotels from around the world give back through the new Hampton Helps program MCLEAN, Va. – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hampton Hotels engaged more than 200 employee-volunteers from three countries in more than 800 hours of service during Hilton Worldwide’s inaugural Global Week of Service, held November 11-18. Throughout the Global Week of Service, Hampton… Read the full press release

Abu Dhabi Air Expo to double exhibition space for 2013 event

Abu Dhabi Air Expo to double exhibition space for 2013 event Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2013, hosted by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), will be doubling its exhibition space in its second year running, to accommodate the increasing number of exhibitors that are keen to take advantage of… Read the full press release

Travel Industry Adds Jobs for Twelfth Consecutive Month in November; Employment Growing 17 Percent Faster than Rest of Economy

Washington, D.C. – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — David Huether, senior vice president of economics and research at the U.S. Travel Association, provides analysis on today’s Labor Department report that the unemployment rate was 7.7 percent for November 2012: “Similar to recent months, today’s Labor Department report indicated a modest increase of 146,000 jobs added to non-farm… Read the full press release

Marriott International Introduces Two New Brands to the Brazilian Hotel Market

Marriott International Introduces Two New Brands to the Brazilian Hotel Market

Bethesda, MD –2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) announced today plans to introduce two of its mid-market hotel brands, the Fairfield Inn and Courtyard by Marriott brands in Brazil. The company will open a new 165-room Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, and a 160-room Fairfield Inn by Marriott… Read the full press release

Brunch Natalizio Per Tutta La Famiglia all’Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

L’Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, l’elegante hotel del Gruppo situato sull’isola della Giudecca a Venezia propone, all’interno del Ristorante Molino, un esclusivo brunch per festeggiare il Natale in un’atmosfera accogliente. Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Un bellissimo brunch a buffet per tutti i gusti VENEZIA – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — L’Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, l’elegante hotel del Gruppo situato sull’isola della Giudecca a Venezia propone, all’interno del Ristorante Molino, un esclusivo brunch per festeggiare il Natale in un’atmosfera accogliente. Il menu, perfetto per adulti e bambini, prevede moltissimi piatti dell’eccellenza gastronomica… Read the full press release

Aberdeen Airport Inchgarth scoops £50,000

An Aberdeen community centre is set to benefit to the tune of £50,000. 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Inchgarth Community Centre has been announced as the winner of the Aberdeen Airport Trust Challenge Fund 2012. Members of the Airport Community Panel were on hand at a special meeting of the centre’s membership last night to give them… Read the full press release

O’Hare “Airport Watch” Recognized by National Law Enforcement Group

O'Hare "Airport Watch" Recognized by National Law Enforcement Group

CHICAGO, 2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Safety and Security Division, Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Bensenville, IL Police Department recently received the inaugural 9/11 Commendation Award from the InterPort Police organization. The award was presented in New York City on November 28, 2012 for the “Airport Watch” Program at  O’Hare International Airport. The program, based on… Read the full press release

Woodland Park Zoo, WildLights hosts Illuminated Stroller Parade

Bring a stroller, wagon, or other kiddie conveyance to WildLights adorned in festive seasonal decorations for Woodland Park Zoo’s Illuminated Stroller Parade Thursday, December 14, 6:45 p.m. Participation is free and children age 2 and under are admitted free to WildLights

2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Woodland Park Zoo, WildLights hosts Illuminated Stroller Parade WHAT Woodland Park Zoo invites you to deck your strollers with holiday lights, ornaments and boughs of holly galore! Join the Illuminated Stroller Parade during WildLights presented by KeyBank Friday, December 14, 6:45 p.m. Participation is free and highly encouraged for all evening visitors…. Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Applies For Additional Slots At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport To Serve Houston Hobby

Airline Launches Website For Travelers to Voice Their Support DALLAS – 2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced it has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for slot exemptions that would allow Southwest to offer nonstop service between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).  The proposed… Read the full press release

Commissioner Andolino Discusses Sustainability and Technology at Latin American & Caribbean Summit

CHICAGO, 2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino was a guest speaker today during a plenary session at the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) Summit in Miami, FL. During the session, entitled “Aviation IT Management/Green Technologies in the LAC Region”, Andolino discussed sustainable initiatives that the CDA currently has in place and is… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Invites Food and Drink Aficionados to Taste New Epicurean Website

Heirloom apple and lobster carpaccio

Interactive site offers gourmands, amateur cooks and culinary voyeurs a new meeting place to share the love of all things delicious *Corporate – 2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Imagine an apple as it travels the globe; stopping first in Boston where it’s transformed into a Berkshire pork taco with honey crisp apples, then on to Riyadh where it matures into… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Flies Into Poland

Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to Warsaw arrives in the Polish capital, its 32nd European destination

Carrier Launches Flights From Doha To Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport Latest Route Becomes Carrier’s 32nd Destination Across Europe Warsaw, POLAND – 2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Qatar Airways today launched scheduled flights to Poland, its latest entry into Central Eastern Europe and 12th new route of the year. Despite wintry weather, the Airbus A320 operating flight number… Read the full press release

Spirit Airlines Starting Myrtle Beach Seasonal Service Early to: Chicago, Detroit, Latrobe/Pittsburgh, Niagara Falls, NY/Toronto and Charleston, WV

Miramar, Florida – 2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Spirit Airlines (NASDAQ: SAVE) has moved up the start dates for its 2013 seasonal service to/from Myrtle Beach – and most just in time for the Valentine’s and President’s Day Weekend, including: Daily nonstop service between Myrtle Beach and Chicago O’Hare starting February 14, 2013. Daily nonstop service between… Read the full press release

New partnership to bolster Australia’s wine and tourism marketing push

Wine Australia

Key facts International marketing of two of Australia’s biggest export sectors – wine and tourism – is about to be bolstered by a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tourism Australia and Wine Australia, announced today. The three year agreement will see the two Australian Government agencies partner to promote wine and tourism in… Read the full press release

Dreamliner LOT-u w certyfikacie AOC

Warszawa, 2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Polskie Linie Lotnicze LOT otrzymały jako pierwszy przewoźnik w Europie Certyfikat Operatora Lotniczego (Air Operator Certificate, w skrócie „AOC”) z wpisanym w dokumencie samolotem Boeing 787 Dreamliner o numerach rejestracyjnych SP-LRA. Certyfikat wydawany jest na mocy decyzji Prezesa Urzędu Lotnictwa Cywilnego, państwowej instytucji pełniącej nadzór nad lotnictwem cywilnym w Polsce. Certyfikat… Read the full press release

Manila Hotel Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

Manila Hotel celebrated its 100th anniversary in a grand festivity with an unforgettable gala reception on July 4, 2012.  2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Manila Hotel Grand Centennial Ball began with cocktails and entertainment with Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III gracing the event as the Guest-of-Honor. Manila Hotel Executive Vice President Enrique Y. Yap, Jr. welcomed… Read the full press release

Digital Dominance: Four Seasons Cements Digital Content Leadership with Award Winning Website and Social Media Programs

Digital Dominance: Four Seasons Cements Digital Content Leadership with Award Winning Website and Social Media Programs

Latest developments include epicurean website Taste and new luxury and lifestyle sites *Corporate – 2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — As the list of awards and accolades for the re-imagined and redesigned fourseasons.com grows, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts continues to expand its digital universe with fresh content in the luxury lifestyle category, broader and deeper social media presence, and new synergies… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Reports November Traffic

DALLAS – 2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today reported November 2012 consolidated traffic results for Southwest Airlines and AirTran.  AirTran became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. (“the Company”) on May 2, 2011.  For purposes of comparability, year-to-date 2011 traffic results presented in the accompanying table include the combined results of Southwest… Read the full press release

Loews Hollywood Hotel and the World’s Most Extravagant Candy Emporium Launch the Sweet! Suite Just in Time for the Holidays

Loews Hollywood Hotel and the World’s Most Extravagant Candy Emporium Launch the Sweet! Suite Just in Time for the Holidays

LOS ANGELES, 2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — The sweetest dreams will come true this holiday season when families check-in to the handcrafted, candy-coated Sweet! Suite at the new Loews Hollywood Hotel. The world’s only Sweet! Suite was custom designed by the chocolate-making, lollipop-twirling candy-makers of Hollywood’s newest 30,000 square foot candy emporium, aptly named Sweet! Hollywood. A… Read the full press release

Woodland Park, Zoo’s Draft Annual Plan for 2013 available for public review

2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Woodland Park, Zoo’s Draft Annual Plan for 2013 available for public review WHAT Woodland Park Zoo’s Draft Annual Plan for 2013 is available to the public beginning December 3, 2012 to midnight, January 2, 2013. The Annual Plan describes programmatic changes, capital improvements or planned fee changes for the upcoming year. HOW… Read the full press release

Estonian Air carried 834 070 passengers in the first eleven months

2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — In the first eleven months Estonian Air carried altogether 834 070 passengers, out of which 832 510 on regular flights. The load factor of Estonian Air regular flights was 71.3%. In November Estonian Air carried 67 347 passengers, all on regular flights. In the first eleven months Estonian Air operated 18 307… Read the full press release

Accor accelerates the dynamic around its brands and reorganizes its operational teams

A new business model for each of the brands: Pullman, MGallery, Mercure, Novotel, Suite Novotel, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget 2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Accor announces a new brand-based organization of its operations in Europe, effective as of January 1st, 2013, with the aim of anticipating trends in the hotel sector and strengthening its brands. The hotel market… Read the full press release

Enterprise Holdings affiche ses Ambitions de Croissance en Europe avec L’integration de Citer et Atesa sous sa Marque (France – French)

2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Avec le rebranding de Citer et Atesa, Enterprise Holdings passe un nouveau cap dans son développement européen Dès février 2013, le réseau global d’Enterprise Rent-A-Car sera renforcé avec les 350 agences des réseaux Citer et Atesa Enterprise Holdings prévoit des investissements en France pour l’ouverture de nouvelles agences tout au long de… Read the full press release

Thai Tourism Industry Pursues High Net-Worth Visitors at Luxury Travel Mart

Thai Tourism Industry Pursues High Net-Worth Visitors at Luxury Travel Mart

CANNES, France – 2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Eighteen Thai exhibitors selling products and services targeted specifically at the rich and famous participated in the International Luxury Travel Mart 2012 (ILTM) held between 3-6 December, 2012, at Palais des Festivals et des Congres, Cannes, France. Organised by Reed Exhibitions annually since 2002 amidst the backdrop of the… Read the full press release

FirstGroup, Statement re: ScotRail Franchise

FirstGroup, Statement re: ScotRail Franchise

2012-12-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — FirstGroup plc, the leading transport operator in the UK and North America, welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government today that the ScotRail franchise will continue until 31 March 2015, from its current end date of 9 November 2014. ScotRail will continue to deliver improvements for passengers throughout this period, and play… Read the full press release