Hilton Worldwide Expands its Portfolio in Australasia with the Signing of a New Hilton Hotels & Resorts Property in New Caledonia

NOUMEA, New Caledonia and MCLEAN, Va., 2012-09-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton Worldwide today announced that it has signed a franchise agreement with GLP Hotels for a 154-key conversion project to be known as Hilton Noumea La Promenade Residence. The property, currently the La Promenade, opened in 2008 and will undergo a refurbishment before officially opening under the… Read the full press release

BIODIVERSITY IN TROPICAL PROTECTED AREAS MAY NOT BE SO PROTECTED SAY SMITHSONIAN SCIENTISTS

2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — A team of Smithsonian scientists joined more than 200 others around the world to examine if giving protected status to a tropical forest offered adequate protection to the plants and animals within its borders. They found that in almost half the cases it did not. The team’s findings are published online in… Read the full press release

2012 Florida Tourism Industry Awards Announced

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — During the 45th Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held September 5-7 at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, VISIT FLORIDA announced the 2012 Florida Tourism Hall of Fame inductee, as well as the winners of the Flagler and Iris Larson Awards. Annually, leaders in Florida tourism are chosen by a… Read the full press release

UK Media Familiarisation Tour to Maldives 2012

2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation coordinated a familiarisation tour to the Maldives for a group of 3 journalists representing various media targeting the general consumer via daily papers covering and online magazine versions from 26th August – 3rd September 2012. The main purpose of arranging such media fam trips is… Read the full press release

Jersey’s only official YHA hostel lies in Durrell’s wildlife park

2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Stringent standards have been met, an agreement has been signed and Durrell Wildlife Park in Trinity is now home to Jersey’s only Youth Hostels Association (YHA)-accredited accommodation. The wildlife park’s hostel, Durrell Wildlife Hostel, has been awarded the accreditation, which promises guests a “home from home” experience and quality accommodation at affordable… Read the full press release

SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO RECEIVES MAJOR PLEDGE FOR GIANT PANDA RESEARCH FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY FUND

24-HOUR PANDA PREGNANCY WATCH BEGINS 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Smithsonian’s National Zoo will receive $400,000 over the next two years from the Ford Motor Company Fund to study the health of giant pandas. Zoo scientists, in collaboration with their Chinese colleagues at the developing Wildlife Disease Control Center, will research disease transmission and susceptibility to… Read the full press release

The National Trust for Jersey Open Weekend

2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — This year’s Open Day’s form part of a very special week long event dedicated to exploring and discovering the Island’s history and hidden treasures. Run in association with Jersey Tourism, Jersey Heritage and The Societe Jersiaise, the National Trust’s Open Days offer you the chance to explore some of Jersey’s rich architectural… Read the full press release

VisitEngland’s response to the Cabinet Reshuffle

2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Jeremy Hunt’s support for tourism led to delivery of the biggest ever domestic tourism marketing campaign in the build-up to the unprecedented events of this year.  He worked hard to engage with our industry to better understand their ambitions and challenges and to ensure a lasting legacy for domestic tourism. As Minister… Read the full press release

Jersey Post supports local enterprise

2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Island produce and hand-crafted products are being showcased in the heart of St Helier thanks to an initiative by Jersey Post in support of home-grown talent and local provenance. Members of the Genuine Jersey Products Association have been promoting locally-produced goods in the Broad Street Post Office over the summer.  This week… Read the full press release

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 press release

SURF’S UP IN SYDNEY FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS TO OZ

Syndey and the Great Barrier Reef from just £1,899 per person 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Thinking of taking a trip down under but don’t know where to start? Check out leading independent tour operator Premier Holidays’ Australia packages, which are perfect for first time visitors to the destination. There is a package for everyone – from… Read the full press release

Tourism Australia statement: Qantas-Emirates international alliance

2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Key facts Qantas and Emirates have today announced a new international flight alliance. Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy said that the alliance would need to be judged fully over time, but that it had the potential to bolster international visitation and increase dispersal of visitors in Australia. Key quotes “Improving aviation… Read the full press release

Visitors to Thailand Urged to Ask for “Miracle Thailand Card” for Discounted Shopping

Bangkok, 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Visitors to Thailand this high season should make it a point to ask their travel agents and tour operators for a “Miracle Thailand Card” to help them take advantage of discounted shopping during their stay. TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni said the TAT is supporting this initiative, launched by one of Thailand’s leading banks,… Read the full press release

PARADISUS RESORTS’ PLAYA DEL CARMEN PROPERTIES JOIN PREFERRED HOTELS & RESORTS

New Members Bring Adults-Only and Family-Friendly Destinations to Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Portfolio in Mexico CHICAGO, SEPTEMBER, 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Preferred Hotel Group, a leading provider of sales and marketing support to independent hotels around the world, increased the presence of its Preferred Hotels® & Resorts brand in Riviera Maya with the addition of Paradisus Playa del Carmen La… Read the full press release

Native Son of Nevis Promoted to Executive Chef at the New Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

Nevis, West Indies

With a move to Sub-Saharan Africa, Chef Curtis Smithen continues his exotic culinary journey around the world with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Nevis, West Indies, Caribbean – 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Chef Curtis Smithen may have changed his global positioning atFour Seasons Hotels and Resorts, but no matter where he goes around the globe, he never loses sight of his Nevisian… Read the full press release

Ascend Hotel Collection Makes Its Debut in Boston, New Orleans and Gettysburg

SILVER SPRING, Md., 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ascend Hotel Collection announced today that new boutique properties in Boston, New Orleans and Gettysburg have joined its portfolio of independent hotels. They are enVision Hotel Boston; The Blake Hotel New Orleans; and Federal Pointe Inn, Gettysburg, Pa. The properties are the first in each of these markets to join this fast-growing network of upscale… Read the full press release

New Weekly Events at The Bristol Lounge Restaurant and Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Boston

Sip and eat in style every day of the week. Boston, U.S.A., 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Guests at The Bristol Lounge restaurant and bar at Four SeasonsHotel Boston enjoy popular weekly events including Burgers & Burgundy Wednesdays, Sundaes on Saturdays and Sunday Brunch. Now, with three new events – Taco Tuesdays, Beer Night (Thursdays) and Fizzy Fridays – there are additional reasons… Read the full press release

Local businessman appointed as new Chairman of Bath Tourism Plus

Local businessman appointed as new Chairman  of Bath Tourism Plus 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Bath Tourism Plus, the public/private partnership between B&NES Council and the Initiative in B&NES, has appointed Matt Davis, Sales Director of QA Systems Ltd and current Director and Vice Chairman of Bath Tourism Board of Directors as the organisation’s Chairman. As a board… Read the full press release

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Returns to Hershey with The Lost Christmas Eve Presented by Hallmark Channel

Friday, December 21 at 4 and 8 p.m. Tickets on sale Friday, September 21 at 10 a.m. Hershey, Pa., 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is teaming up with Hallmark Channel to present the live debut of the band’s multi-platinum rock opera, “The Lost Christmas Eve.” A modern classic that can stand side-by-side with a… Read the full press release

LATINA Style Names Wyndham Worldwide One of the 50 Best Companies for Latinas

Parsippany, N.J., 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — For the fourth year in a row, Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE:WYN), one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, has been named one of the 50 best companies for Latinas by the annual LATINA Style 50 report. The annual survey, which serves as the most respected source of employment and career information for… Read the full press release

A HEARTY SELECTION OF SEABASSS DISHES AT BENJARONG

Savor the rich Thai flavors of healthy seabass dishes from September 16 to 30, 2012 at Dusit Thani Manila’s Benjarong Restaurant

2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — A Thai restaurant like no other, Dusit Thani Manila’s Benjarong exudes Thai grace and unveils unparalleled gastronomic treasures. Let your appetite awaken to an intense blend of unique Thai flavors, and embrace the sweet, salty, bitter, hot and sour when exploring a variety of dishes prepared by the Thai chef. This September,… Read the full press release

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 press release

Chef Vikram Arora of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Unlocks the Flavours of Maharashtrian Cuisine at One-Ninety at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

Guest Chef Vikram Arora

A variety of spices, herbs and ingredients tantalizes the palate with an authentic experience this October Singapore, 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Located on the west of Maharashtra state in India, Mumbai’s defining food culture bears the combined hallmarks of a few influences, not least Muslim, Goan, South Indian and local Maharashtrian, to name a few. Ranging… Read the full press release

Guy Harvey Outpost, a TradeWinds Beach Resort Celebrates Grand Opening Weekend With Two Events

2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — What: In celebration of the new Guy Harvey Outpost, a TradeWinds Beach Resort, the hotel will be hosting two unique events that will allow fans to interact with the legendary fisherman, artist and conservationist, Dr. Guy Harvey. On Thur., Sept.13 from 11 a.m. – noon, the resort will host a Meet… Read the full press release

Kempinski opens its first hotel in Vilnius, Lithuania

Kempinski opens its first hotel in Vilnius, Lithuania

Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square – the brightest five-star jewel in the Old Town, Vilnius Geneva, 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Kempinski Hotels, the oldest European luxury hoteliers, open the doors to their first hotel in the capital of Lithuania, and their first property in the Baltic States. Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square offers neoclassical grandeur with a contemporary… Read the full press release

New “Beauty All Around” Special Exhibit to Open at The Hershey Story

Hershey, Pa., 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue will open its newest special exhibit, Beauty All Around: American Indian Art, on Friday, September 21. The display, which will feature artifacts from the original American Indian Museum established by Milton S. Hershey in 1933, will be on exhibit through November 25…. Read the full press release

Bloggers of the world-unite (in Canada)!

Innovative CTC program creates advocacy for travel to Canada in seven international markets. 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has assembled a team of 19 bloggers drawn from eight different countries to explore Canada and tell their travel tales. Travelling from coast to coast to coast, the bloggers are seeking the unique, behind-the-scenes stories of… Read the full press release

Marriott Deals of the Week

2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Legend of Sleepy Hollow lives on in Westchester, New York What better way to welcome the arrival of fall than with apple picking, hiking trails and warm apple cider?  The Renaissance Westchester Hotel is offering guests the opportunity to embrace the season and experience the legend of Sleepy Hollow.  Guests at… Read the full press release

Fall Travel Deal: Save 25 Percent off Stays at Marriott Vacation Club Resorts Worldwide

ORLANDO, Fla., 2012-09-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — Marriott Vacation Club is offering a world of travel opportunities through a limited time deal this fall. Reserve your stay with family or friends in a spacious and luxurious villa at one of our resorts and make vacation memories that will last a lifetime. Take 25 percent off regular room rates at… Read the full press release

GAP YEAR SHRIVELS TO GAP QUARTER (AND TURNS SERIOUS)

Youngsters are choosing to work and gain experience while travelling. 2012-09-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — The traditional “gap year” is fast becoming a gap quarter as Essential Travel found in a recent survey where 70% of those aged 18 – 20 are planning to travel for three to six months, compared with 47% in the same age range who… Read the full press release