Woodland Park Zoo to open new exhibit, welcome new animals in 2013

SEATTLE, 2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Woodland Park Zoo will open the first phase of its new Asian tropical forest exhibit in 2013, including Asian small-clawed otters, a tropical aviary and kid’s nature play area. In addition, the public is expected to get its first look at the zoo’s four new lion cubs in late spring.These exciting… Read the full press release

SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO KEEPER KATHY BRADER RECEIVES ORDER OF MERIT

NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JOHN KEY RECOGNIZES KIWI CONSERVATION EFFORTS 2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a global leader in brown kiwi conservation largely because of Animal Keeper Kathy Brader’s efforts, and her devotion to this endangered species was honored recently by New Zealand’s Prime Minister, John Key. On Jan. 1, Key appointed… Read the full press release

Australia celebrates increased arrivals as it kicks off 2013 at G’day USA

2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Australia celebrates increased arrivals as it kicks off 2013 at G’day USA Key facts Tourism Australia is building on the momentum of recent growth in US visitor numbers to Australia by showcasing Australia’s destination appeal at this year’s 10th anniversary of G’day USA 2013. New Tourism Australia consumer research highlights food and… Read the full press release

Essential Travel Reveals The Top 10 Airports With The Best Gyms

2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Losing weight and staying healthy are a priority in our resolutions this year, according to Which? magazine. One way to get fitter is to use spare moments to exercise and those few hours waiting around for a flight can easily become an opportunity to get in a workout or swim as more… Read the full press release

Ke’alaonapua Kadooka Joins Four Seasons Resorts Lanai as Learning and Development Manager

Revered Hawaiian cultural expert infuses enriching programs to Lanai. 2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ke’alaonapua Kadooka has been named as Learning and Development Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Lanai. In her new role, Kadooka will oversee employee training and development for new and current employees. She will be responsible for perpetuating the Hawaiian culture into employee development… Read the full press release

Fraport Traffic Figures – Full Year & December 2012: More Passengers, Less Cargo in 2012

Passenger Traffic Grows for the Entire Year Despite a Weak December – International Airport Portfolio Continues to Develop Successfully 2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — In 2012 Fraport AG achieved a record 57.5 million passengers (up 1.9 percent) at its Frankfurt Airport (FRA) home base, during what was characterized as a tumultuous year for the aviation industry. Even… Read the full press release

Cutting edge ski goggles available exclusively at London City Airport

2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Gadget fans swapping the city for the slopes this winter will love the latest items to become available at London City Airport (LCY). LCY has become the first airport in Europe to stock ZEAL Optics Z3 GPS and HD Camera Goggles.  The Z3 built-in GPS system tracks speed, altitude, jump stats, route and… Read the full press release

LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS TO PURCHASE MORE ALTERNATIVE-FUEL VEHICLES

2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners today approved the purchase of 15 alternative-fuel vehicles as part of Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA’s) ongoing Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program The vehicles, fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG), will be purchased from DCH Gardena Honda at a cost of $404,076.94 to be used by… Read the full press release

Cargo Growth for South Yorkshire’s airport

2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Doncaster Sheffield Airport is on target to record a three hundred percent increase in its cargo figures for the year March 2012 – March 2013, bosses announced today (January 15). The airport, which last year boosted its cargo offering by developing a number of strategic partnerships, is forecasting moving in excess of… Read the full press release

Red Sea Holidays Launches Brand New Leeds Bradford Route

2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Leading Egypt specialist Red Sea Holidays has announced that in order to meet increased consumer demand it will be offering new charter flights from Leeds Bradford to Sharm el Sheikh on 2 May 2013. This is the first time that Red Sea Holidays will offer flights from Leeds Bradford. The new flights… Read the full press release

Ethiopian B787 Dreamliners Have Logged 5,560 Flight Hours in Five Months of Successful Operations

2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to announce that it has successfully integrated its four 787 Dreamliner aircraft in to its fleet with record length of non-stop flights and record high daily aircraft utilization in the industry. Since its first delivery in mid-August of last year, Ethiopian has logged 5,560 flight hours with average… Read the full press release

Macau Government Tourist Office re-launches “Tourism Awareness Campaign” 100,000 citizens participate at the first stage

2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) launches the “Tourism Awareness Campaign” again and cooperates with local associations to organize activities. It is estimated that one fifth of Macau citizens will participate in the activities. The purpose of the campaign is to educate citizens about awareness of tourism in a widespread and effective way… Read the full press release

WTTC calls on India Government to reduce taxes and improve visa policies

2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — “India is the 12th largest Travel & Tourism economy in the world and has the potential to become of the very biggest economies in our industry. Yet it risks squandering this opportunity through excessive taxation and restrictive visa policies.” At a speech today in Delhi, David Scowsill, WTTC President & CEO, has… Read the full press release

The Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators commits to UNWTO Code of Ethics

The Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (ANVR), representing 200 tour operators and 1,400 travel agencies in the Netherlands, has pledged to observe the principles of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (Utrecht, the Netherlands, 9 January 2013). 2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — The ANVR joins the growing number of tourism companies and… Read the full press release

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara Tops TripAdvisor’s List of 10 Best Hotel Spas in the US

Relaxing oceanfront retreat offers alluring options for starting 2013 with a breather. 2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — TripAdvisor has crowned The Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara #1 on its list of the top 10 hotel spas in the US. The list is based on the most highly rated four and five star hotel spas according to the quality and… Read the full press release

Group Demand on the Mend in Time for New Year

TravelClick Data Shows Hotel Performance Closes Out Year Strong and Continues to Show Positive Gains in 2013 NEW YORK, 2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — After a dip in demand over the past couple of months, group occupancy is once again beginning to increase, according to data from the December 2012 TravelClick North American Hospitality Review (NAHR). When… Read the full press release

Alaska Airlines Names Constance von Muehlen Managing Director of Airframe, Engine and Component MRO

SEATTLE, 2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Alaska Airlines has promoted Constance von Muehlen to managing director of airframe, engine and component maintenance repair and overhaul. In her role within the airline’s Maintenance & Engineering Division, von Muehlen will lead maintenance teams, supplier operations associated with products, and Alaska’s materials and stores organization. A veteran who flew Black… Read the full press release

Spirit Airlines Announces New Service from Baltimore/Washington and Philadelphia to Myrtle Beach

Miramar, Florida, 2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Spirit Airlines (NASDAQ: SAVE) today announced that starting April 25, 2013, it is adding daily nonstop seasonal service from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). Customers can check out the insanely low fares on flights and vacation packages offered… Read the full press release

airberlin Embraces “Lean & Smart”

Implementation of “Turbine” turnaround programme has begun Focus on core markets and stringent business model Initiatives defined of around 400 million euros by the end of 2014 Greater cost efficiency and even more customer orientation Stabilisation and expansion of competitive position 2013-01-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Today airberlin began to implement its “Turbine” turnaround programme. This is… Read the full press release

Retreat at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, A Four Seasons Hotel, with the Winter Escape Offer

Guests will enjoy 25 percent savings on a two-night stay plus complimentary parking. 2013-01-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — This winter, escape cabin fever at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, AFour Seasons Hotel, with the new Winter Escape offer and enjoy 25 percent savings on a two-night stay and complimentary parking. At The Ritz-Carlton Chicago guests can come in, cozy up and enjoy… Read the full press release

Spirit Airlines Becomes Official Airline of 2013 MiaGreen Conference & Expo

Spirit’s modern fleet, eco-friendly seating configuration and other innovations enable airline to burn less fuel per seat than competitors, making it one of the most environmentally-friendly airlines Miramar, Florida, 2013-01-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — As Spirit Airlines (NASDAQ: SAVE) continues to expand its green efforts, the company is proud to become the official airline of this year’s… Read the full press release

Sweet Rendezvous For Two

A Celebration of Love at Dusit Thani Manila Makati, Philippines, 2013-01-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — They say love makes the world go round. Here at Dusit Thani Manila, our world revolves around you and in making you and your special someone feel loved every step of the way all year through. Whether to celebrate silver or golden… Read the full press release

Hotel Maya presents new monthly Latin Brunch Series in Fuego for 2013

Executive Chef Victor Juarez takes guests on a culinary trip through Latin America, first stop Mexico LONG BEACH, Calif., 2013-01-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — Fuego guests can now tour Latin America without ever leaving Long Beach as Executive Chef Victor Juarez presents the new Latin Brunch Series – first stop Mexico on Sunday, Jan. 20 from 11… Read the full press release

VISIT FLORIDA Launches Year-Long Viva Florida 500 Commemoration

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., 2013-01-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — Today, VISIT FLORIDA – the state’s official tourism marketing corporation – marked the official launch of its year-long commemoration to honor the 500th anniversary of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon’s arrival on Florida’s sunny shores. His discovery in 1513 paved the way for 500 years of exploring the Sunshine… Read the full press release

LUX* Resorts to Host Underwater Festival, 15-21 APRIL 2013

2013-01-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — LUX* Maldives will host the second edition of the internationally recognised ‘Underwater Festival’, from 15 to 21 April 2013. Activities will include underwater photo and video courses, on-the-beach themed film screenings, film editing coaching sessions, as well as free diving and apnea courses. Courses will be led by experts including BBC film… Read the full press release

Indianapolis Zoo: Tickets Now Available for Zoolala Presented by Lockhart Cadillac

Indianapolis Zoo Associate Council hosting inaugural event for emerging area leaders INDIANAPOLIS, 2013-01-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — Emerging and aspiring leaders from across Central Indiana are invited to join the Indianapolis Zoo for a vibrant evening of great food and live music during Zoolala presented by Lockhart Cadillac. The inaugural event will take place from 7:30pm to midnight… Read the full press release

VISITENGLAND SHOWCASES ROMANTIC BREAKS IN NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN

2013-01-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — VisitEngland, the national tourist board, today launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign designed to boost domestic tourism in 2013 by highlighting some of England’s most romantic heritage cities.  The two-week campaign is the first of six set to launch over the next three months, covering the four key themes of countryside, coast,… Read the full press release

WILD WEEDS & WINE AT WALLIS & ED

Sourcing and Foraging Nature’s Best Melbourne Food & Wine Festival  « The act of putting into your mouth what the earth has grown is perhaps your most direct interaction with the earth. » (Joseph Wood Crutch, Naturalist 1893 – 1970). Melbourne, 2013-01-14 — /travelprnews.com/ —  Two of Australia’s most respected natural wine producers – Anton Von Klopper… Read the full press release

CELEBRATE SNOW IN COLORADO WITH EXCITING WINTER FESTIVALS

DENVER, 2013-01-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — As Colorado completes its transformation into a winter wonderland, the destination features special celebrations and festivals, ranging from ski joring competitions to a milestone winter carnival. Following are some of the top winter festivals for Colorado in winter 2013. For more information or to learn about additional Colorado winter events and… Read the full press release

Thistle Piccadilly reveals brand new look

2013-01-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — Thistle Piccadilly is celebrating the completion of an extensive refurbishment, as part of a wider £45 million investment across the Thistle London property portfolio. The renovation of Thistle Piccadilly has transformed all 82 bedrooms, offering guests a contemporary and stylish base ideal for both business and leisure travel. All bedrooms benefit… Read the full press release