Former Australian cricket great now plays for Australian tourism in growing India

Key facts Former Australian Test, One Day and Twenty20 cricketing great, Brett Lee, is joining Tourism Australia’s ‘Friends of Australia’ advocacy program to promote the country’s tourism experiences to a growing market of Indian travellers. In his debut as a Friend of Australia, Brett Lee welcomed on Wednesday evening more than 70 of India’s leading… Read the full news article

Preferred Hotel Group Expands Canadian Sales Efforts with Appointment of Vanessa Gromer, Director of Global Sales

CHICAGO, 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Preferred Hotel Group™, a leading provider of sales and marketing distribution services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vanessa Gromer as Director of Global Sales, Canada. The appointment of Ms. Gromer allows Preferred Hotel Group to better serve the needs of the Canadian travel market, including travel agents, travel management companies, corporate travel… Read the full news article

Douglas Martell Assumes Role of Vice President, Operations, South West Asia for IHG

Douglas Martell

New Delhi, India, 2012-09-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) today announces Douglas Martell’s commencement in his role as Vice President, Operations, for the company’s South West Asia region. He succeeds Chris Moloney, who has retired after a career spanning three decades with the company. In his new role, Douglas will spearhead IHG’s operations across… Read the full news article

Southwest Airlines Announces Executive Changes

CFO Laura Wright Announces Retirement; Tammy Romo Named as Successor DALLAS – 2012-08-31 — /travelprnews.com/ — Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced that its Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Laura Wright, has advised the Company of her decision to retire. Gary Kelly, Southwest’s Chairman, President, and CEO, said that Wright’s decision was accepted with profound… Read the full news article

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Leadership Change

POWELL, OH, 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Columbus Zoo and Aquarium COO Tom Stalf has assumed the role of interim President and CEO following the departure of Dale Schmidt. In a special meeting on Aug. 21 the Zoo’s Board of Directors accepted his resignation for personal reasons effective immediately. Tom Stalf joined the Columbus Zoo as COO… Read the full news article

Chairman Antunes Advances the PATA ‘Next Gen’ Agenda in India

L/R Minister of Tourism of India, Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, PATA Chairman Mr João Manuel Costa Antunes and PATA India Chapter Honorary Secretary Mr Sanjeet

2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Mr. João Manuel Costa Antunes, in his capacity as PATA Chairman, held dialogue with India’s tourism industry leaders in New Delhi, August 28. It was the Chairman’s first official PATA visit since becoming chairman in April. Chairman Antunes, also the Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), visited the Cabinet Minister… Read the full news article

Competitive intelligence: who is playing the strongest hands in the global tourism marketplace?

Apps, David Beckham and the power of social media for travel are some of devices analyzed in this latest bulletin. 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — The global tourism marketplace hums with activity 24/7. CTC News has done the rounds of its purveyors to assemble another round-up of the latest happenings from across the globe. The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC)’s teammates, partners,… Read the full news article

Charles Fisher Appointed Resort Manager of Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay

Four Seasons veteran brings international experience to the islands Hawaii, Lana’i at Manele Bay, U.S.A., 2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Charles Fisher has been named Resort Manager of Four SeasonsResort Lanai at Manele Bay. Fisher, a 13-year veteran of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, has worked in management positions throughout Asia, Europe and North America. Charles makes the move to Hawaii… Read the full news article

Cathay Pacific appoints new Communications Head

Ms Cecilia Leung General Manager Corporate Communication, Cathay Pacific Airways

2012-08-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Cathay Pacific Airways today announced the appointment of Ms Cecilia Leung as General Manager Corporate Communication with effect from 1 September. In her new position, Ms Leung is responsible for the communication strategies of the Cathay Pacific Group and oversees all public and media relations, public affairs, general communication issues and corporate… Read the full news article

U.S. Travel Association Honors Tourism Marketing Organizations with Awards at ESTO

Diane Shober Named 2012 State Tourism Director of the Year WASHINGTON, D.C., 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — Winners of the 2012 Mercury and Destiny awards, State Tourism Director of the Year and DMO Rising Star were announced during the U.S. Travel Association’s annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) conference held in Boston. Mercury and Destiny Awards… Read the full news article

airberlin: Beate Kassner strengthens tourism department

New Vice President Sales Projects Touristic 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — As per 1st November 2012 Beate Kassner will be strengthening the Sales Touristic department at airberlin. As Vice President she will be responsible for Sales Projects Touristic in the Sales Touristic Services department headed by Senior Vice President Detlef Altmann. After graduating in Business Administration, Beate… Read the full news article

Christopher K. Ivy Joins Interstate Hotels & Resorts as Executive Vice President, Development and Acquisitions

ARLINGTON, Va., 2012-08-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Interstate Hotels & Resorts today announced that Christopher K. Ivy joined the company as executive vice president, development and acquisitions. In his new position, he will focus on sourcing business development projects within the select-service sector. Ivy will report to Interstate’s chief investment officer, Leslie Ng. Ng noted that Ivy’s appointment… Read the full news article

Sustainability Leader Named to Top “40 under 40” by Airport Business Magazine

Amy Malick, Deputy Commissioner of Sustainability, Chicago Department of Aviation

CHICAGO, 2012-08-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — The  Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is pleased to announce that Amy Malick, Deputy Commissioner of Sustainability, has been named to Airport Business magazine’s Top 40 Under 40. Click here to view the article. Airport Business magazine’s annual “Top 40 Under 40” issue highlights outstanding up-and-coming individuals in the business of aviation and airport management who are… Read the full news article

Mxi Technologies Announces James Fitzgerald as Vice President Sales, Americas

Ottawa, Canada, 2012-08-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — Mxi® Technologies, the leader in aviation maintenance software, today announced that James Fitzgerald has joined the company as Vice President Sales, Americas. In this new role, Mr. Fitzgerald is responsible for strengthening Mxi’s presence and increasing market share in the Americas. This appointment coincides with Mxi’s increased business-focus on the region… Read the full news article

Celebrate Milton S. Hershey’s 155th Birthday

New Documentary on Chocolate Making in Hershey Includes a Look into the Future Hershey, Pa., 2012-08-24 — /travelprnews.com/ —On Thursday, September 13, residents of and visitors to Hershey are invited to celebrate the birthday of chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey, who was born on September 13, 1857. The Hershey Company and The M.S. Hershey Foundation will… Read the full news article

Christophe Chabaud Appointed Resort Manager of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Christophe Chabaud, resort manager

Operations veteran joins award-winning resort in French Polynesia Bora Bora, French Polynesia, 2012-08-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Christophe Chabaud has been named Resort Manager ofFour Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Chabaud, a 20-year industry veteran, has worked in management positions around the world, including the past 14 years withFour Seasons Hotels and Resorts. He makes the move to French Polynesia from Four… Read the full news article

Midway Hosts World War II Veterans for Honor Flight Chicago

Major Willinger Fox, Army Flight Surgeon and his daughter, Susan Sidell.

CHICAGO, 2012-08-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ninety-six World War II veterans from the Chicago area got up bright and early today, and headed to Midway International Airport for a special send-off celebration prior to their departure to Washington, D.C. for a day trip to visit the WWII Memorial. The veterans will experience a day of remembrance and reminiscing for some who have waited more than… Read the full news article

LEADING EASTERN REGION MEP VISITS EASYJET AND LONDON LUTON AIRPORT

Paul Simmons, easyJet’s UK Director with Eastern Region MEP, Vicky Ford

2012-08-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — easyJet, the UK’s largest airline and operator of Europe’s No.1 air transport network, today welcomed Vicky Ford MEP to its European headquarters in Luton. During the visit, Mrs Ford met members of the airlines’ senior management team, along with staff in its Operations Control Centre and other key team members who contribute… Read the full news article

airberlin: Stella Warmuth becomes Area Manager Middle East, Asia Pacific & Africa

Stella Warmuth becomes Area Manager Middle East, Asia Pacific & Africa

2012-08-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — Stella Warmuth (34) has been appointed the new Area Manager Middle East, Asia Pacific & Africa and is now responsible for sales in these markets. She will report to Mats Jacobsson, Vice President International Sales at airberlin. “The countries in the Middle East, in the Asia-Pacific region and in Africa are strategically… Read the full news article

Hilton Worldwide Names Bill Murphy, Chief Information Officer

Hilton Worldwide named Bill Murphy today as Chief Information Officer (CIO). Credit: Hilton Worldwide

MCLEAN, Va., 2012-08-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton Worldwide named Bill Murphy today as Chief Information Officer (CIO). In this role, Murphy will be responsible for managing the company’s global technology team and infrastructure, as well as its technology business partnerships. He will also retain his previous responsibilities, when he held the title of the company’s Chief Technology… Read the full news article

May Pendraat Named Vice President, Sales and Marketing of Marco Polo Hotels

2012-08-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — Marco Polo Hotels is pleased to appoint Ms May Pendraat as Vice President, Sales and Marketing of Marco Polo Hotels, effective July 23, 2012. May Pendraat was previously Area Director of Marketing for the three Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong, namely Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Gateway Hotel and Prince Hotel. She… Read the full news article

Commissioner Andolino Provides Perspective on Airline/Airport Relationships

CHICAGO, 2012-08-21 — /travelprnews.com/ — Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino was a guest speaker today at a conference hosted by the International Association of Airport Executives Canada and the American Association of Airport Executives in Montreal, Quebec. Andolino and other industry leaders participated in a panel discussion about relationships between airlines and airports. The issue was one of several timely topics… Read the full news article

Dimitris Manikis Named Managing Director of RCI® South Africa, Expanding Current Role

Parsippany, N.J., 2012-08-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, has named Dimitris Manikis to the role of managing director of RCI South Africa. In this expanded role, Manikis will also continue to serve as vice president of Business Development in Europe and the Middle East. Manikis has worked for RCI for more than… Read the full news article

Australian Institute of Company Directors – Geoff Dixon Speech

2012-08-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — Thank you, it is always nice to be back in Tasmania. I have been asked to speak to you today as Chairman of Tourism Australia, an organisation of some 220+ people with the responsibility for marketing Australia both within Australia and overseas. Our main role is internationally and we have offices and… Read the full news article

Travelport Appoints New General Manager for Southern Africa

Well known travel industry executive, Robyn Christie, to lead Travelport Southern Africa Johannesburg,  2012-08-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry, today announced the appointment of seasoned industry professional, Robyn Christie, as its new General Manager for Southern Africa. Based at Travelport’s offices in Johannesburg, Christie will have overall responsibility for… Read the full news article

Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Appoints Mariam Khavadzha as Director of Sales and Marketing

MOSCOW, 2012-08-13 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya today announced appointment of Mariam Khavadzha as director of sales and marketing. In her new role, Mariam will be responsible for the sales and marketing functions of the hotel, including rooms, catering and revenue management. Commenting on her latest appointment, Mariam Khavadzha said, “I am excited to join the family… Read the full news article

WTTC appoints Caroline Plant as Business Development Director

2012-08-13 — /travelprnews.com/ — The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announces the appointment of Caroline Plant to the position of Business Development Director. Ms Plant was previously Group Marketing Director for Manchester Airports Group (M.A.G.). Reporting to WTTC’s President & CEO, David Scowsill, Ms Plant will be responsible for generating membership, driving sponsorship revenues… Read the full news article

ROSEWOOD TUCKER’S POINT WELCOMES GUIDO BRAMBILLA AS NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF

BERMUDA, 2012-08-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Guido Brambilla has been appointed Executive Chef at Rosewood Tucker’s Point, Bermuda’s premier resort. Brambilla joins the Rosewood Tucker’s Point culinary team with more than 20 years of experience in fine dining around the globe. Most recently he was executive chef at Bermuda’s Elbow Beach Hotel. Born in Milan, Italy, Chef… Read the full news article

U.S. DOT Deputy Secretary Tours O’Hare Modernization Program

CHICAGO, 2012-08-08 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) today hosted U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Deputy Secretary  John D. Porcari at O’Hare International Airport and provided him with an airfield tour of current construction activity on the O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP). Pictured from left to right: Khaled Naja, P.E., CDA Chief Operating Officer; Erin Mackey, CDA Chief of Staff; Rosemarie S…. Read the full news article