Smithsonian’s National Zoo ULTRASOUND REVEALS TWO ANDEAN BEAR CUBS

STAFF “CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC” FOR A CONSERVATION SUCCESS 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — As the world celebrated the pregnancy news from Buckingham Palace earlier in the week, staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo were making preparations for their own highly anticipated birth: Andean bear cubs. Zoo veterinarians have conducted weekly ultrasounds since Nov. 6 on 6-year-old Billie Jean…. Read the full press release

Porter Airlines climbs higher in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards

TORONTO, 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Porter Airlines has received top grades for two years running as the second best airline in the world in the 2012 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Top Small Airlines category. As the highest rated Canadian airline, Porter also placed fourth overall among the Top 25 Airlines across all categories, up from its sixth… Read the full press release

VisitBritain, RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS HUGE DRAW FOR VISITORS

Choir looking East at Westminster Abbey - Copyright: Dean and Chapter of Westminster

2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Research released by VisitBritain reveals that in 2011, 6.7 million international tourists visited a religious building and those whose visit included this activity spent nearly £5bn during their stay. Figures show that 22% of the total visits to the UK last year (31 million) visited a religious building with 35% of that… Read the full press release

Herodion Hotel in Athens, Greece, joined the Warwick International Hotels’ Collection

2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Herodion Hotel is a superior hotel with a contemporary atmosphere. It integrates seamlessly with the historic environment, at the heart of Athens, which offers cultural unique sites. Its exceptional location close to the new Acropolis Museum in Athens residential area, surrounded by many galleries, cafes and restaurants is not the least of… Read the full press release

Paradisus Resorts Launch Mobile iPhone & Android Application

Revolutionary App Will Allow Users To Digitally Interact With Palma de Mallorca , 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Paradisus Resorts, the luxury all-inclusive hotel brand part of Meliá Hotels International’s premium portfolio, announced today the launch of its own cutting-edge mobile application, furthering guests comfort and ease from the moment they check-in through the remainder of their stay. … Read the full press release

Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele Introduces Sustainable Menu at the Dining Room

Chef Junior Ulep adds the finishing touches to his dish.

Menu focuses on ocean/farm-to-table concept comprised of 100% Hawaiian ingredients Hawaii, Lana’i, Lodge at Koele, U.S.A. – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Dining Room, the acclaimed restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele, introduces its new menu, which features rustic Hawaiian cuisine with a farm-to-table and ocean-to-table concept. The menu is comprised of 100 percent local and sustainable… Read the full press release

Amway delegates make Australian history in Melbourne

Key facts More than 4,000 Indian delegates arrived in Melbourne today for the Amway India Leadership Seminar 2012 in what will be the largest Indian incentive group ever to be hosted in Australia. A global leader in direct selling with over three million independent business owners (IBOs) in over 80 countries, Amway will use the… Read the full press release

Hampton Hotels Treats Guests to Even Sweeter Stay

Hampton Hotels today announced the launch of an updated guest appreciation initiative that will add a uniquely delicious feature to each of its U.S. hotels within its nearly 1,900 property portfolio worldwide this fall, enhancing the guest experience and rewarding loyal Hampton guests and Hilton HHonors members. Credit: Hampton Hotels.

Enhanced guest appreciation initiative thanks frequent travelers and Hilton HHonors members for staying at Hampton hotels MCLEAN, Va. – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hampton Hotels today announced the launch of an updated guest appreciation initiative that will add a uniquely delicious feature to each of its U.S. hotels within its nearly 1,900 property portfolio worldwide this fall, enhancing… Read the full press release

Hershey Lodge Announces New Executive Chef

Hershey, Pa, – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hershey Entertainment & Resorts has announced that Bart Umidi has been appointed as Executive Chef of Hershey Lodge. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Bart has an impressive culinary background in both Banquet and a la Carte dining. He comes to Hershey from The Westin Hilton Head Island… Read the full press release

Warwick International Hotels Finalizes Purchase of Paradise Island Harbour Resort, Nassau, Bahamas

2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Warwick International Hotels is pleased to announce the acquisition of the 250-room Paradise Island Harbour Resort.  The transaction was completed Dec. 6, 2012. Warwick International Hotels will be undertaking a complete and extensive renovation of the resort, which is planned to begin in the latter part of 2013. With easy access from… Read the full press release

RCI Renews Affiliation Agreement for Six Petchey Leisure Properties

Kettering, Northampton, U.K. – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Petchey Leisure’s six properties in Europe will continue to be a part of the RCI network of affiliated resorts through a new affiliation agreement between Leisure Dimensions Ltd and RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange. Petchey Leisure, one of Europe’s leading timeshare brands, was recently acquired by… Read the full press release

St. John’s International Airport, PSAC Ignoring Authority’s Latest Proposal

Authority’s latest offer of a 4.8% weighted average wage increase each year over a 7 year term receives no response from PSAC ST. JOHN’S, NL – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — On November 21, 2012, the Authority presented to PSAC a new collective bargaining proposal that includes a 33.8% weighted average wage increase over 7 years, or… Read the full press release

Christmas Getaway Rush and Severe Weather is a “Lethal Combination” warns Essential Travel

2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Essential Travel is warning customers to drive safe in this severe winter weather. The rush to reach the airport on time, combined with the freezing temperatures, ice, snow or fog we are starting to see, can result in a lethal combination that makes an accident on the way to the airport much more likely. The… Read the full press release

MELIA HOTELS INTERNATIONAL PROMOTES TONY CORTIZAS TO VP GLOBAL BRAND MARKETING

• FORMER VP OF MARKETING FOR MELIA HOTELS INTERNATIONAL’S PREMIUM PORTFOLIO, CORTIZAS’ NEW ROLE EXPANDS TO ALL BRANDS UNDER THE COMPANY’S UMBRELLA Palma de Mallorca , 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Melia Hotels International announces the promotion of Tony Cortizas to VP Global Brand Marketing effective immediately. Previously acting as the VP Brand Marketing – Premium Portfolio &… Read the full press release

SKYTRAX Airline Star Ranking is poised to announce upgrade for several Airline Star Ranking levels in early 2013

London, UK , 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Official Skytrax Airline Star Ranking programme is the Quality Analysis system that ranks airline product and service standards worldwide, with professional evaluation conducted by Skytrax airline audit specialists. Before a Star Rating level is awarded, SKYTRAX conduct a detailed Quality analysis across more than 800 different areas of product… Read the full press release

Seventh Annual Georgetown Jingle Takes Place on December 16 at Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC

"The Shaker Abecedarious" by Sandi Hoffman Special Events

Businesses and families gather for holiday events benefiting pediatric programs at Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Washington, DC, U.S.A. – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — The seventh-annual Georgetown Jingle will take place on December 16, 2012, at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC. The family-friendly holiday extravaganza, hosted each year by Four Seasons and the design community, benefits Medstar Georgetown University… Read the full press release

flydubai now features HD movies from all Hollywood studios

Addition of NBCUniversal makes airline the first in the world to show high definition films from all six major producers 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Dubai, UAE: flydubai, Dubai’s innovative low cost airline, has reached yet another milestone, having become the first airline in the world to show high definition (HD) movies from all six major Hollywood studios…. Read the full press release

Bentonville Christmas Parade Celebrates Holiday Traditions Around the World

Bentonville, AR – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — The 2012 Bentonville Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 8th at 11:00 am. The parade starts on 8th Street and S. Main in downtown Bentonville, winds north on Main to the downtown Square, turns left on NW 2nd Street and ends at the intersection of NW 2nd Street and NW A Street. The… Read the full press release

Iberia cambia su política comercial y de rutas para recuperar la rentabilidad y asegurar su futuro

La nueva política comercial y de rutas es vital para que Iberia vuelva a ser rentable y pueda mantener su liderazgo. El Plan de Transformación contempla que Iberia se centre en las rutas más estratégicas, rentables y en las que hay mayor margen de crecimiento. Potenciará las conexiones de largo radio donde pueda ofrecer un… Read the full press release

HYATT ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION IN TRAINING PROGRAM TO PROMOTE URBAN SUSTAINABILITY IN CHINA

CHICAGO, 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ —  Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced a sponsorship arrangement with The Paulson Institute, which is partnering with the China Association of Mayors to enhance urban sustainability practices and policies in China.  The collaboration signifies Hyatt’s commitment to furthering China’s sustainable urban growth and underscores Hyatt’s commitment to local contributions that tackle global… Read the full press release

Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort Invites Guests To Laugh In The New Year!

Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort at Kingston Shores, an oceanfront resort complex in Myrtle Beach, has joined with Comedy Zone to offer a romantic and hilarious way to welcome the New Year. Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort at Kingston Shores, an oceanfront resort complex in Myrtle Beach, has joined with Comedy Zone to offer a romantic and hilarious way to welcome the New Year. The “Laugh in the New Year” package includes deluxe oceanview accommodations on December 31, a delicious dinner… Read the full press release

SKYTRAX announce that the World Airline Awards are to be staged at the Paris Air Show on 18th June 2013

London, UK, 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Recognised globally as the most prestigious accolades for the world airline industry, the World Airline Awards represent the global benchmark of airline excellence. After a most successful Awards Ceremony in 2011 at the Paris Air Show, it has been announced that the 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards will return to the… Read the full press release

Reunión Iberia-sindicatos: La compañía volverá a convocarles para la próxima semana

El SIMA ha citado a las partes para una mediación el próximo lunes Esta huelga agrava la de por sí difícil situación de la compañía. Madrid, 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — A lo largo de esta mañana, la dirección de Iberia ha mantenido reuniones con el Comité de Huelga y las Comisiones Negociadoras del Convenio Colectivo de Tierra… Read the full press release

London City Airport, Time Is Money For Airport Passengers

London City Airport Apron

2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — It’s a well-known saying that time is money, and now we know how much for business travellers. Research by London City Airport [LCY] has found that the average person travelling through the airport values one hour of their time at £189.25. That’s roughly the price of a return flight to Paris, dinner… Read the full press release

Hartsfield-Jackson issues consumer fraud alert

Prevalent scams involve pets, unclaimed cash ATLANTA – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport officials are alerting the public about several email scams purporting to be from the Airport. “Scammers are very savvy, and they are creating email addresses that look convincing and using names of Airport staff members to lure their victims,” Aviation General… Read the full press release

Rising star’s latest single takes off at Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Rising star’s latest single takes off at Doncaster Sheffield Airport

2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Up and coming singer-songwriter Jake Bugg has used Doncaster Sheffield Airport as a backdrop for his most recent music video. Jake, from Nottingham, used the airport as the location to the climax of his video for his latest track Two Fingers, which sees him and his band mates strolling through the airport… Read the full press release

Virgin Trains, More London trains confirmed

2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — The biggest operator of cross-border long-distance trains to and from Scotland will add even more services to the timetable from Monday (10 December). Two more tilting Virgin Pendolinos a day in each direction will deliver a train every hour between Glasgow Central and London Euston for the first time. There will be… Read the full press release

Cherish the Holidays With A Wintery Feast At Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District invites guests to get in the holiday spirit, and enjoy a Christmas meal in 750 Restaurant & Bar. Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

SAN FRANCISCO – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton San Francisco Financial District invites guests to get in the holiday spirit, and enjoy a Christmas meal in 750 Restaurant & Bar. Savory dishes include Slow Roasted Spice Rubbed Pork Loin with Cranberry Madera Jus, Herb Garlic Charbroiled Chicken, Garlic Rosemary Whipped Potatoes, and a Buche de Noel… Read the full press release

Travelzoo Awarded Best Travel Website & Best Place to Work

NEW YORK, 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Travelzoo Inc. (NASDAQ: TZOO), a global Internet media company, is celebrating early this holiday season after winning the 2012 EPPY Award for best travel website, and being named among the top 20 in Crain’s Best Places to Work in New York City. Now in their 17th year, the EPPY Awards are presented… Read the full press release

Welcome the Year of the Snake with Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Celebrate the season with the Chinese New Year package Chiang Mai, Thailand – 2012-12-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — In Eastern mythology the Snake, the sixth sign of the Chinese zodiac, is said to be the most enigmatic, intuitive, introspective, refined and collected of the animal signs. Why not welcome the new Year of the Snake with the three-night Chinese… Read the full press release