Canadian Tourism Commission looks at some of the best social media travel campaigns across the country

Parks Canada teams up with Google to give visitors a new look, while WestJet has a blockbuster seasonal video hit. Canada, 2014-1-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — New technology sheds fresh light on marketing initiatives and no-one carries a bigger social-media torch in Canada than the travel industry. We at the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) are delighted to pull together another… Read the full press release

Marriott International opens the five-star Sochi Marriott Krasnaya Polyana Hotel in Sochi, Russia

Luxurious ski and spa hotel ready to welcome Sochi visitors. Sochi, Russia, 2014-1-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — Marriott International has opened a luxurious ski and spa hotel under its signature brand, Marriott Hotels, at the heart of the new Gorky Gorod ski resort in Krasnaya Polyana.  The five-star Sochi Marriott Krasnaya Polyana Hotel is ideally positioned at the foothills of… Read the full press release

Red Carnation Hotels acquires the Irish hotel Lisloughrey Lodge, County Mayo

Mayo, Ireland, 2014-1-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — Red Carnation Hotels is delighted to announce a second Irish hotel in its growing portfolio – Lisloughrey Lodge, County Mayo. The property sits within the 350 acre estate of Ashford Castle, which was acquired by the luxury boutique hotel collection in June last year and is currently undergoing a glorious renovation programme to… Read the full press release

The Milestone Hotel named UK’s Best Hotel in TripAdvisor 12th Annual Travellers’ Choice Awards

The Milestone is named the UK’s number one hotel in the TripAdvisor 12th Annual Travellers’ Choice Awards London, UK, 2014-1-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Milestone Hotel has led the honours in the TripAdvisor 12th Annual Travellers’ Choice Awards and has been named the UK’s Best Hotel. Further to this achievement The Milestone has also been named the number… Read the full press release

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced 13 of its hotels awarded at 56th annual Forbes Travel Guide Five & Four Star Awards

Hong Kong, 2014-1-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group attained among the highest rankings for its hotels, restaurants and spas in the 56th annual ‘Oscars’ of the hotel industry: the Forbes Travel Guide Five & Four Star Awards with a record of 13 hotels being awarded. Of particular note, the Group’s flagship property Mandarin Oriental,… Read the full press release

Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai unveiled new in-room gift shopping service in partnership with Shanghai Tang

Hong Kong,  2014-1-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai has unveiled a pioneering new in-room gift shopping service in partnership with chic lifestyle brand, Shanghai Tang. Guests at Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai are now able to browse and purchase stylish Shanghai-inspired gifts, accessories and souvenirs from Shanghai Tang at the touch of a button –… Read the full press release

Brand USA, British Airways, American Airlines confirm destinations and routes for the second annual Megafam 15 – 22 May

Washington, DC, US, 2014-1-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Brand USA, together with British Airways and American Airlines, has confirmed the destinations and routes for the second annual Megafam, a multi-destination familiarization tour for international travel agents. Taking place from 15 – 22 May, the familiarization trip is now sealed as an annual event in the Brand USA calendar… Read the full press release

Bahrain Airport Company launched new prayer room at Bahrain International Airport, Bahrain Airport

Muharraq, Bahrain, 2014-1-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — In line with its’ mission to enhance the facilities and services at Bahrain International Airport, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) launched today a new prayer room in the arrival hall at the airport whereby the previously existing facility will be allocated as a female prayer room. This initiative is also part of… Read the full press release

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts becomes strategic partner in ‘Iberia Plus’ frequent flyer programme

Madrid, Spain, 2014-1-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has become a strategic partner in ‘Iberia Plus’ frequent flyer programme. Luis Gallego, the Iberia’s chairman and CEO, and Aurelio Vázquez, European chief of the Iberostar Group, signed the collaboration agreement this afternoon at Fitur, Madrid Tourism fair. Under the agreement, the 5.5 million member of the… Read the full press release

Iberia to showcase new commercial and customer-focused initiatives at Fitur tourism trade fair in Madrid

 www.iberia.com has been “socialised” by connecting its users with Iberia’s more than 1.6 million followers on the social networks. In January Iberia has trimmed some 10 minutes from minimum flight connection times at its T4 hub in Madrid-Barajas, enabling it to offer 1,200 additional connections. Madrid, Spain, 2014-1-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — At this year’s Fitur tourism trade… Read the full press release

London City Airport employees gave equivalent of 12 weeks of their time helping local charities

London, UK, 2014-1-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Kind-hearted employees at London City Airport did more than their fair share for good causes last year, giving the equivalent of 12 weeks of their time. Workers from baggage handlers to firefighters swapped their high visibility jackets for aprons and overalls to collectively spend 450 hours helping local charities and… Read the full press release

CAA research shows Liverpool John Lennon Airport passengers more likely to travel on time

Liverpool, UK, 2014-1-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Passengers choosing to travel via Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) are more likely to have their flights operate on time compared to flights operating from 10 other top UK airports, according to the latest research published by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Figures for the third quarter of 2013 covering the… Read the full press release

Hilton Worldwide opens the dual-branded Hilton Garden Inn Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK, US, 2014-1-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of its newest hotel, the dual-branded Hilton Garden Inn Oklahoma City-Bricktown and Homewood Suites by Hilton Oklahoma City-Bricktown. The opening reinforces Hilton Worldwide’s commitment to the dual brand sector, marking the company’s 14th dual-branded property in North America, and the 13th featuring Homewood Suites, the leader and anchor in… Read the full press release

Remo Masala appointed Group Head of Marketing at Thomas Cook

London, UK, 2014-1-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — As part of the company’s ongoing transformation strategy, the Thomas Cook Group plc, @ThomasCookGrp, is delighted to announce the appointment of Remo Masala as the new Group Head of Marketing, who will oversee the development of the Group’s online and offline programmes. Joining the team from Kuoni Travel, Remo brings a wide range… Read the full press release

VisitEngland announced the names shortlisted for Tourism Superstar 2014 (29 March – 6 April)

London, UK, 2014-1-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — VisitEngland, the national tourist board has announced the shortlist for Tourism Superstar 2014.  The tourism accolade was launched 2 years ago as part of English Tourism Week (this year running 29 March – 6 April).  The award recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry, and is… Read the full press release

Highlands College catering course students gain practical insights at the five-star Grand Jersey Hotel and Spa

Jersey, 2014-1-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — Students from a Highlands College catering course visited the five-star Grand Jersey Hotel and Spa to gain a practical insight into a working hospitality business. The 25 catering students, who are in their first year, were treated to a tour of the hotel, a presentation about the restaurant and its facilities and… Read the full press release

Newly renovated Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Bloomington – West near Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport and Mall of America opens

All-suite property in Bloomington is one of Minnesota’s largest Holiday Inn Express hotels Atlanta, GA, US, 2014-1-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — InterContinental Hotels Group, (IHG) announces the opening of the newly renovated Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Bloomington – West located a short distance from Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America. With 23 other Holiday Inn… Read the full press release

EVA Air to expand North American service from 45 flights per week to 55 from June 2014

Taipei, Taiwan, 2014-1-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — Starting in June 2014, EVA Air will increase North American service from 45 flights per week to 55, boosting frequency to Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver. By adding 22 percent more flights, EVA will also expand capacity, offer passengers greater convenience and provide more flights between North… Read the full press release

Hotel ICON’s 3 famed restaurants to introduce their own unique Valentine’s-inspired menu

Hong Kong, 2014-1-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — For Valentine’s Day, Hotel ICON’s 3 famed restaurants offers their own unique Valentine’s-inspired menu, also don’t miss Angsana chocolate spa. Whether you are looking for a romantic evening or simply celebrate with friends and family, you are spoiled for choice. GREEN  GREEN, set against the romantic chic setting at Hotel ICON, Executive… Read the full press release

Meliá Hotels International ha merecido el “Ruban d’Honneur” en los European Business Awards

La compañía hotelera es la única representante española de la final en la categoría Customer Focus, que se decidirá en mayo en Atenas Mallorca, España, 2014-1-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — Meliá Hotels International ha merecido el “Ruban d’Honneur” en los European Business Awards, siendo así una de las 10 empresas europeas finalistas en la categoría Customer Focus, que reconoce… Read the full press release

Jet Airways to start the only evening departure from continental Europe to Mumbai with its Paris to Mumbai service

The only evening departure from continental Europe to Mumbai effective May 14,2014 Mumbai, India, 2014-1-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, is proud to announce, a daily direct service from Mumbai to Paris with effect from May 14, 2014*. This new flight from India’s financial capital Mumbai, to Paris, the world’s most popular tourist… Read the full press release

Austrian Airlines facebook channel has just exceeded 200,000 fans

• More than 70,000 extra Facebook fans in 2013 – average of 5,800 new fans a month, or 1,500 a week • Number of Twitter followers doubles to 18,000 members in 2013 Vienna, Austria, 2014-1-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Austrian Facebook channel just keeps soaring higher and higher – and has now exceeded 200,000 fans. The Austrian… Read the full press release

Aeroflot named its fourth B737-800 Next Generation aircraft after the Soviet and Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aytmatov

Moscow, Russia, 2014-1-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — Today Aeroflot took delivery of its fourth B737-800 Next Generation aircraft made by Boeing and its ninety-first A320 aircraft made by Airbus. New Boeing 737-800 NG is named in honor of Soviet and Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aytmatov, and new A320 aircraft bears the name of Soviet and Russian linguist, critic, writer and academician Dmitry Likhachev. Aeroflot’s Boeing 737-800NG has… Read the full press release

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Interstate Hotels & Resorts announce the opening of Hyatt Place Fredericksburg-Mary Washington

93-room Hyatt Place hotel located on the University of Mary Washington campus is just minutes away from Historic Downtown Fredericksburg  Chicago, IL, US, 2014-1-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Interstate Hotels & Resorts today announce the opening of Hyatt Place Fredericksburg-Mary Washington. The hotel, which is located on the campus of the University… Read the full press release

Emirates and Real Madrid launched the ‘Fans for Real’ campaign

Dubai, UAE, 2014-1-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Emirates and Real Madrid have launched the ‘Fans for Real’ campaign today in search of the most devoted Real Madrid fans around the world. As part of the joint campaign, which runs from 14 January to 7 March, fans will be asked to +1 Emirates and Real Madrid’s Google+ pages, and… Read the full press release

Shannon Airport sponsored think-tank to outline Ireland’s chance to become top international Sport Tourism destination at European Sport Tourism Summit

Shannon, Ireland, 2014-1-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Cities and even rural communities will learn how they can get a slice of the €450bn global Sport Tourism industry in a major Shannon Airport sponsored think-tank with international experts set for Limerick next May. The inaugural European Sport Tourism Summit, which will take place at Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick on… Read the full press release

Leeds Bradford Airport awarded ‘Best UK Airport’ at the Travel Globe Awards 2014

Leeds, UK, 2014-1-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has been awarded Best UK Airport at the annual Globe Travel Awards ceremony, which took place in London last night. The awards recognise excellence within the travel industry, with votes cast solely by the UK travel agent community. The awards are presented by Travel Weekly and are… Read the full press release

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) celebrated the launch of Eastern Airways’ scheduled services to Southampton

Leeds, UK, 2014-1-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) today celebrated the launch of Eastern Airways’ scheduled services to Southampton, by offering passengers complimentary breakfast and champagne in the airport’s award winning Yorkshire Premier Lounge. Aimed primarily at business travellers, Eastern Airways will operate three flights each weekday to Southampton as well as a Sunday service… Read the full press release

Dolphin’s brand new look and feel to be unveiled at Travel Technology Europe

London, UK, 2014-1-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — We’re very excited to unveil Dolphin’s brand new look and feel for the first time at Travel Technology Europe. Dolphin’s advanced automation features are well known to the travel industry. Now it looks even better too! The redesigned interface further improves the user experience, whilst allowing customers to change colours themselves and thereby… Read the full press release

UNWTO World Tourism Barometer unveils international tourist arrivals grew by 5% in 2013 reaching a record 1,087 million arrivals

Madrid, Spain, 2014-1-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — International tourist arrivals grew by 5% in 2013, reaching a record 1,087 million arrivals, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Despite global economic challenges, international tourism results were well above expectations, with an additional 52 million international tourists travelling the world in 2013. For 2014, UNWTO forecasts 4% to… Read the full press release