Metrolink Board of Directors Names Transit Industry Veteran Michael P. DePallo as new Chief Executive Officer

DePallo brings over 30 years of experience with a focus on safety, security and customer service LOS ANGELES, 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — At its monthly meeting, the Metrolink Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Michael P. DePallo, a veteran transit leader with over 30 years of experience, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  DePallo currently serves as… Read the full press release

Porter Airlines suits up for second season of Vermont service

TORONTO, 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Porter Airlines is preparing for another year of service to Burlington, Vt., from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, beginning Dec. 15 until April 8. Four weekly roundtrip options are now available compared to two last season. This is Porter’s second year flying to Burlington, a popular destination for passengers looking to enjoy… Read the full press release

RYANAIR ANNOUNCES OVER 350,000 EXTRA SEATS ON 2,000 EXTRA CHRISTMAS FLIGHTS

RECORD DEMAND FOR RYANAIR’S LOW FARES TO THE SUN AND SLOPES 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost airline, today (19 Sept) announced over 350,000 extra seats on over 2,000 extra ‘Christmas’ flights across 300 routes following record advance bookings for Ryanair’s festive flights since its winter schedules were launched last month. Ryanair confirmed… Read the full press release

New fast food restaurant at Helsinki Airport

2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Richie’s Gourmet Hotdogs, Finnish fast food chain specialising in hotdogs, has opened a sales outlet in Terminal 2. Steaming hot, delicious hotdogs are available in the arrivals lobby 2A-2B. Richie’s Gourmet promises to make hotdogs in about 30 seconds. The selection includes high-quality sausage options and a wide range of spices and… Read the full press release

Sydney to host major youth tourism conference

Key facts Tourism Australia Managing Director, Andrew McEvoy and ATEC Managing Director, Felicia Mariani, have congratulated Sydney on becoming the host city for next year’s World Youth & Student Travel Conference (WYSTC). The conference, to be held in Sydney in September 2013, will bring the international youth tourism industry right to the door of Australian… Read the full press release

Hilton Worldwide and Global Soap Project “Best Partnership” Finalist in 2012 Corporate Citizenship Award

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center Names Finalists, Initiates Public Vote for Winner MCLEAN, Va., 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton Worldwide and nonprofit partner, the Global Soap Project, are finalists for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center’s Best Partnership Award, a category in the Center’s prestigious annual Corporate Citizenship Awards program. The Best Partnership category focuses… Read the full press release

PORTER AIRLINES AND SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS ANNOUNCE NEW INTERLINE AGREEMENT

Travelers now able to purchase tickets and access easy connections between 12 Porter Canadian destinations and SAA’s 44 African destinations via Washington Toronto, CANADA, 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Canada-based Porter Airlines and South African Airways (SAA) announced a new interline agreement that will open up connection opportunities for passengers traveling between Canada and West and Southern Africa… Read the full press release

MP Kramp and VIA Rail Officially Open New Belleville Station

Belleville, ON, 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Earlier today, as part of the ongoing modernization of VIA Rail Canada, Mr. Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament for Prince Edward-Hastings on behalf of the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), officially opened the new Belleville train station, overhead walkway and island platform. “Our government is proud to support… Read the full press release

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Executive Director Lynn F. Kusy Announces Retirement

Served 20 years as the Airport’s sole Executive Director MESA, Ariz. 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport’s Executive Director, Lynn F. Kusy announced his retirement plans at Monday’s Board of Directors meeting. His final day of employment is expected to be March 15, 2013. “I have been honored to be a part of Gateway’s success… Read the full press release

Virginia is Ready to Celebrate October Virginia Wine Month

Wine lovers invited to “Discover Your Local Crush” during statewide celebration at wineries, festivals and special tastings RICHMOND, Va. 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — October Virginia Wine Month is just around the corner, presenting the ideal time for wine lovers to visit Virginia and Discover Your Local Crush at more than 220 wineries statewide.  2012 marks the… Read the full press release

Industry update: Canada flies the flag in meetings, conventions and incentive travel sector.

Canada pavilion tops the bill at ASAE annual meeting, plus CTC’s inaugural SEE event in Montréal 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Those who work in the world of meetings, conventions and incentive travel (MC&IT) rack up the air miles each year. Joining them in transit is the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC)’s MC&IT team, which criss-crosses North America and the… Read the full press release

Gateway Airport Announces Michael Merk Manager – Real Estate and Business Development

Oversees airport property management, terminal advertising and concessions, leasing, and real estate development MESA, Ariz., 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport has named Michael Merk as its new Manager of Real Estate and Business Development – responsible for airport property management, terminal advertising and concessions, leasing, and real estate development “The expansion of our Business Development… Read the full press release

Where the Chefs Eat Houston Culinary Tours Back for 2013 with New Chefs, New Tours

Tours Showcase City’s Culinary Diversity, Hidden Gems 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Houston’s top chefs–who are just as interested in showcasing Houston’s mom and pop restaurants as their own–continue their mission into 2013 to introduce locals and visitors alike to Houston’s culinary diversity by showing participants where they eat on their days off. Four years in, Houston… Read the full press release

Interstate Hotels & Resorts Announces Management of a Portfolio of Eight Upper Tier Full-Service Hotels

Additions Expand Interstate’s Managed Portfolio by 2,096 Rooms ARLINGTON, Va., 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Interstate Hotels & Resorts today announced it has transitioned management of an eight-hotel portfolio owned by an affiliate of Investcorp International, Inc., a leading provider and manager of alternative investment products. The portfolio aggregates to 2,096 rooms and consists of one Hilton, five… Read the full press release

U.S. Travel Applauds White House Progress Report on National Travel and Tourism Strategy

Obama Administration Removing Barriers to Travel and Economic Growth Washington, D.C. 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — The U.S. Travel Association today applauded the White House for achieving several milestones mandated by an Executive Order earlier this year. The achievements were announced in a progress report released by the Obama Administration earlier today. “Today’s progress report shows that important steps have been… Read the full press release

VIP famil to entice cruise operators to Australia

Key facts Senior cruise company executives arrive in Sydney this week to take part in a famil which will include all Australian states and territories. The famil is part of the Australian tourism industry’s continued focus on increasing the country’s share of the lucrative international cruise market. Key quotes “Cruising is one of the fastest… Read the full press release

TfL signs partnership with VisitBritain for international distribution of the Visitor Oyster card

Transport for London (TfL) has appointed VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, as their management agent for the promotion and distribution of the Visitor Oyster card internationally.

2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — VisitBritain will act as the single point of contact for all distribution partners and for the sale of the highly popular transport smartcard to trade partners outside of London. The partnership means inbound visitors will be able to have their Oyster card ready to go prior to arriving in London, reducing queues… Read the full press release

Tourism Australia campaign awarded “Australia’s Favourite TV Ad”

Tourism Australia’s global marketing campaign – There’s nothing like Australia

Key facts Tourism Australia’s latest broadcast ad has been voted “Australia’s Favourite Ad” at the 2012 Mumbrella Awards. Key quotes “In the three months since the global launch of our latest broadcast ad it has gained a huge groundswell of support and this latest award is further testimony to its global appeal and the high… Read the full press release

Travel Guard Update – International Travel Trends

2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Welcome to the September edition of TRAVEL GUARD UPDATE, a monthly review designed to provide you with up-to-date information on the latest travel trends. This month, we polled travel agents to learn about international travel trends among their clients. We’ll also touch upon how a travel insurance plan can come in handy… Read the full press release

Marriott Rewards Launches Largest Ad Campaign in Program’s History

Marriott Rewards Extended Stay Ad

Highlights Global Breadth of Leading Frequent Travel Program’s 13 Brands. 2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — This Fall, Marriott Rewards is launching the largest ad campaign in the program’s history.  The campaign includes in-home advertising in some of the country’s most popular publications and out-of-home advertising in major airports across the US and Asia Pacific. The new campaign… Read the full press release

Brown’s Hotel and Ruinart launch a Breakfast in Bed experience with a unique twist

London, 2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ruinart, the oldest champagne House, and the prestigious Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel, the first hotel in London have joined forces to create an indulgent breakfast in bed experience, celebrating Ruinart Rosé champagne. Ruinart Rosé Interpretation Breakfast In Bed, launching in October, offers guests the ultimate indulgence: a champagne breakfast in bed…. Read the full press release

Lufthansa to build new logistics centre at Frankfurt

Supervisory Board approves investment at home base 2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Lufthansa has announced plans to build a modern logistics centre at Frankfurt Airport. At its meeting today, the Lufthansa Group Supervisory Board approved the investment in the necessary infrastructure for Lufthansa’s cargo business. The building, which will replace the existing over 30-year-old Lufthansa Cargo Center,… Read the full press release

New Hampton Inn & Suites Opens in Astoria

Hampton Hotels, the global brand of nearly 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 87-room Hampton Inn & Suites Astoria located at 201 39th Street. Credit: Hampton Hotels.

87-room property brings Hamptonality to Oregon ASTORIA, Ore., 2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hampton Hotels, the global brand of nearly 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hampton by Hilton hotels, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 87-room Hampton Inn & Suites Astoria located at 201 39th Street. “Hampton combines quality, innovation, comfort and… Read the full press release

Nomination Committee recommends succession for Lufthansa Supervisory Board

Wolfgang Mayrhuber and Karl-Ludwig Kley set to follow Jürgen Weber and Klaus Schlede 2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — At its meeting today in Frankfurt, the Nomination Committee of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG has given a recommendation for the succession plan for those Supervisory Board Members who will not be available for re-election on conclusion… Read the full press release

Holiday Inn Club Vacations® Las Vegas Resort Now Open for All Vacationers

Book three nights and get 10,000 Priority Club® bonus points ORLANDO, FLA., 2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — IHG today announced Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club —a 648-unit resort located one block from The Strip—is now open for all vacationers to make reservations. Travelers who book a three-night consecutive stay via hiclubvacations.com/lasvegas now through Oct. 30, 2012 will receive 10,000… Read the full press release

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Wins Coveted Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Award for ‘Doing It All’

Presented to Herve Humler at star-studded Visionaries’ event in New York. CHEVY CHASE, MD, 2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. was the proud recipient of a Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Award as the winner in the large hotel chain category. In the September 2012 edition of Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the… Read the full press release

Executive Board decides to merge Lufthansa Direct Services with Germanwings effective from 1 January 2013

2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Lufthansa direct European services, which include all German domestic and European services outside of the Lufthansa Frankfurt and Munich hubs, will be merged commercially and organisationally with Germanwings to form one company on the basis of Germanwings GmbH from 1 January 2013. The company’s headquarters will be Cologne. The new company is… Read the full press release

Karma Resorts Signs with The Registry Collection® Program

Kettering, Northampton, U.K., 2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Karma Resorts, a high-end luxury resort brand and part of the Karma Royal Group of companies, has signed a new affiliation agreement with The Registry Collection, the global leader in luxury vacation exchange. The first two Karma Resorts to affiliate to The Registry Collection under the new agreement will be Karma Kandara… Read the full press release

NEW DUBLIN TO LUBLIN (POLAND) ROUTE FROM DECEMBER

2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost airline, today (19 Sept) announced it would open a new route between Dublin and Lublin – its 11th Polish airport – from 18th Dec, bringing its Dublin winter schedule to 54 routes, including new winter routes to Budapest and Warsaw (Modlin), as well as ski routes to Grenoble, Salzburg… Read the full press release

Delicias belgas y sorteo de viajes en Hilton Barcelona

Del 6 de septiembre al 6 de octubre de 2012 el hotel ofrece un menú especial inspirado en la cocina belga y sortea viajes a Bruselas para 2 personas BARCELONA, 2012-09-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Una buena manera de conocer un país es a través de su gastronomía, y en Hilton Barcelona han decidido ofrecer hasta el 6 de octubre… Read the full press release