agoda.com celebrates National Day with luxury stays from SG210

2012-07-25 — /travelprnews.com/ — agoda.com, Asia’s leading hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), today announced fantastic hotel specials in honour of National Day. National Day gives Singaporeans the chance not only to celebrate the sovereignty and success of this great city-state, but to take a well-earned break. While the National Day… Read the full press release

‘Live With GBTA’ Kicks Off 2012 GBTA Convention With American Airlines Thomas Horton and Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell

Boston, MA, 2012-07-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the voice of the global business travel industry – kicked off 2012 GBTA Convention in Boston, Massachusetts hosting on stage Thomas Horton, CEO of AMR Corporation and American Airlines as well as Ed Rendell, former Governor of Pennsylvania, author and NBC News Analyst in… Read the full press release

GBTA and Egencia® Research Shows Travel Professionals Gaining Control of Travel Policies

Report Ranks Top 10 Most Important Factors in Defining Policy Alexandria, Va. and Bellevue, Wash., 2012-07-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — Travel professionals are playing an increasingly large and influential role in shaping and controlling business travel policy, aided by online booking tools and fueled by a growing focus on cost-saving efforts, according to a new report by the… Read the full press release

UNWTO strongly condemns attack on tourist bus in Bulgaria

Madrid, 2012-07-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — UNWTO is deeply shocked by the bombing of a tourist bus in Bulgaria and condemns the act in the strongest possible terms. “We strongly condemn this horrific attack that has killed and injured Israeli tourists in Bulgaria,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “On behalf of UNWTO and the international tourism community,… Read the full press release

PATA CEO Meets UK Government Minister to Raise Concerns

Bangkok, 2012-07-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — To advance the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s (PATA’s) advocacy platform on behalf of PATA members, PATA CEO Martin J Craigs met with Lord Stephen Green, UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London on July 9. Lord Green invited Martin Craigs to the… Read the full press release

ATIPAC calls for swift progress on further ATOL reforms

2012-07-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee (ATIPAC) has welcomed the first phase of ATOL Reform, but says much more must be done to protect holidaymakers. In its annual report, published today, the Committee supports the introduction of Flight Plus sales into ATOL, and the forthcoming production of ATOL Certificates for anyone… Read the full press release

Competitive intelligence: Canada’s tourism rivals make a summer splash.

Videos, merchandise and business-travel stats: just some of the promotions other international tourism destinations are carrying out 2012-07-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — Pay attention, trendwatchers. CTC News is back with another collection of notable activities in the global tourism marketplace to share with the Canadian tourism industry. Thanks again for all the hot tips passed on by our colleagues,… Read the full press release

Festival PEOPLE EN ESPAÑOL Announces New Talent

2012-07-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Festival PEOPLE EN ESPAÑOL Presented by Target, an event celebrating Hispanic entertainment, culture and community, announces Sie7e,Matt Hunter, Funkdation Crew, Sebastien De La Cruz (America’s Got Talent), Elida Reyna and Michael Salgado, Lorena Rojas and Miguel Cotto are joining the line-up of talent performing and appearing during the free, open to the… Read the full press release

Hilton Worldwide Announces Hilton Hotels & Resorts Development In Iraq

DUBAI & MCLEAN, Va., 2012-07-23 — /travelprnews.com/ —  Hilton Worldwide today announced expansion plans in Iraqi Kurdistan, Northern Iraq, with the signing of a management agreement with the Mihtab Group to develop the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in the rapidly growing city of Erbil, Iraq. The 300-room Hilton Erbil Hotel & Spa, which is… Read the full press release

AH&LA LODGING INDUSTRY PROFILE CHARTS PROFITS, SALES, INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS

Industry Sees Rise in Profitability Washington, 2012-07-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — For 2011, the U.S. lodging industry posted pre-tax profits of $21.6 billion – up from $18 billion in 2010 – and $137.5 billion in sales – up from $127.7 billion in 2010, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) Lodging Industry Profile (LIP), an… Read the full press release

From Repack to Rwanda: The Origins, Evolution, and Global Reach of the Mountain Bike

New exhibition focuses on Northern California’s role in the development and evolution of the mountain bike SAN FRANCISCO, 2012-07-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — From its humble origins as a modified, single-speed “clunker” raced downhill on the trails of Marin County in the early 1970s, to today’s sophisticated machine used for recreation, commuting, and international competitions, the mountain bike… Read the full press release

Travel Alberta, The Canadian Tourism Commission and The Calgary Stampede welcome the largest Chinese tour group to come together in Alberta post-Approved Destination Status

Stampede breakfast indicator of success for Travel Alberta marketing strategy Calgary, 2012-07-21 — /travelprnews.com/ — Earlier this morning 120 Chinese guests came together for Together We Breakfast at Heritage Park Historical Village to celebrate the Calgary Stampede Centennial. This gathering represents the largest group of Chinese tourists to converge in Alberta since Canada was granted Approved Destination Statusin 2010…. Read the full press release

The Waldorf Hilton Unveils 100 Newly Refurbished Rooms

LONDON,  2012-07-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Waldorf Hilton, London is delighted to announce the completion of a £3.4 million overhaul of 100 guest rooms. The recent refurbishment is part of a larger £11.5 million hotel-wide redevelopment that has seen the Adelphi Suite and Good Godfrey’s bar restored back to their elegant 1920s art deco style. The… Read the full press release

The Great School Summer Getaway

2012-07-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — ABTA – The Travel Association estimates that two million British holidaymakers are set to head overseas for the first weekend of the summer holidays for the majority of English schools (20-23 July). Spain is the UK’s favourite foreign holiday destination for Brits heading overseas during this period, with the Canary and Balearic… Read the full press release

Great Website Available for Motorcycling in Arkansas

2012-07-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Like to ride? If you’re big on motorcycling, the Natural State has what you’re looking for: great expanses of wide open roads through the Delta, challenging curves through the Ozarks and undulating ribbons of blacktop through the Ouachitas. Arkansas is blessed with great terrain for riders of every level. Now you can… Read the full press release

Hansiko Named to Adventure Travel Trade Association’s First Senior Marketing Post

Seattle, WA, 2012-07-19 — /travelprnews.com/ —  For the first time since its 2005 re-launch, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), a trade organization encouraging responsible tourism development worldwide with more than 800 businesses and tourism organization members across 82 countries, has introduced the new post of Vice President of Marketing & Communications. The ATTA named marketing and travel… Read the full press release

Mexico’s First Adventure Travel Trade Show Kicks Off in September 2012

Boca del Rio, Veracruz, MEXICO, 2012-07-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Mexico’s state of Veracruz announces it will host ATMEX, the country’s first trade and consumer adventure travel fair featuring Mexico’s top adventure travel tour operators and destinations. Taking place September 5-­?9, 2012 at the World Trade Center of the coastal city of Boca del Rio, Veracruz, ATMEX is organized… Read the full press release

MAN at the heart of discussions between UNWTO and AMFORHT

2012-07-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Philippe FRANCOIS, President of the World Association for Hospitality and Tourism Education and Training (AMFORHT), has met, Marcio FAVILLA, Executive Director and Javier BLANCO, Director of Affiliate Members of the World Tourism Organization, in Madrid, on Monday July 2. The core of the discussion was: put the MAN at the centre of… Read the full press release

Industry update: Canada’s tourism industry maintains social-media momentum.

2012-07-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Facebook’s stock price might have taken a dip after its controversial stock-market flotation, but its popularity continues among the Canadian travel industry. Naturally, it features in the next edition of the Canadian Tourism Commission(CTC)’s bird’s-eye view of the action in cyberspace. This series highlights the hard graft of CTC’s partners and friends from across… Read the full press release

World Committee on Tourism Ethics backs calls for Safe Coastal Tourism

Rome, Madrid, 2012-07-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Eleventh Meeting of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics has closed with calls to make “Safe Coastal Tourism” a priority in coastal destinations worldwide (Rome, Italy, 12-13 July,). The Committee heard from invited guest, Caroline Danneels, founder of the non-profit organization “Safe Coastal Tourism”, on the importance of safety precautions at… Read the full press release

Discover More Fun in the Philippines at PTM2012

Bangkok, 2012-07-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines have created exclusive tour itineraries for delegates attending the PATA Travel Mart (PTM2012) in Manila, Philippines, September 25-28. The tours are either complimentary or discounted. Each one gives an in-depth insight into the natural resources, heritage, culture – and fun – of the Philippines. PATA… Read the full press release

News Brief: Strategic Action Plan to Improve Aviation Safety in Africa

Montreal 2012-07-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) urge Ministers attending the African Ministerial Meeting on Aviation Safety being held in Abuja, Nigeria to endorse and adopt the  Africa Strategic Improvement Action Plan. The plan will enhance safety by addressing deficiencies and strengthening regulatory oversight in… Read the full press release

New Guidelines Aim to Improve Air Travel Experience for People with Reduced Mobility

2012-07-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — ABTA and the CAA today launched new guidelines (Pre-Notification Guidance – for Supporting Passengers with Reduced Mobility), for the travel industry to help deliver a smooth airport experience for people with reduced mobility. The guidelines were drafted by the CAA in conjunction with ABTA and developed by an industry group *. They… Read the full press release

U.S. Travel Commends Visa Waiver Program Working Group with Brazil

Announcement Follows U.S. Travel Recommendation Washington, D.C., 2012-07-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — The U.S. Travel Association today commended the Department of Homeland Security for announcing a Statement of Intent to establish a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Working Group with Brazil. The agreement was signed by Secretary Janet Napolitano and Foreign Minister Antonio de Aguiar Patriota. “This is a significant step… Read the full press release

Senior Associate Deputy Minister from Industry Canada brings federal expertise to CTC’s board

2012-07-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — No sooner did we fold away the welcome banners from David Jovanovic’s arrival, then Simon Kennedy joined the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC)’s board of directors. Kennedy is currently the Senior Associate Deputy Minister of Industry Canada, a position he’s held since Sept. 1, 2010. There, he works closely with the Deputy Minister on policies and programs to hone… Read the full press release