Airline CEO Panel and “Saturday Night Live” Star Seth Meyers Brings Insight and Entertainment to 2012 GBTA Convention Attendees

GBTA Reveals Findings on Global Spend and Announces GBTA Award Winners Boston, MA, 2012-07-26 — /travelprnews.com/ —  The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the voice of the global business travel industry – continued to bring great panel discussions and entertainment to a record breaking number of attendees while also breaking news on the opening day… Read the full press release

Don’t over tax tourism – WTTC tells EU Finance Ministers

2012-07-26 — /travelprnews.com/ — The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has written to all 27 Finance Ministers in the European Union urging them to recognise the important role of the industry in stimulating economic growth and jobs, while avoiding unproductive knee-jerk tax hikes at a time of austerity. The letter, written by Dr Michael Frenzel,… Read the full press release

Award-Winning Airline Launches Daily Flights To Tanzania’s Tourism Hotspot

Kilimanjaro, TANZANIA , 2012-07-26 — /travelprnews.com/ — Qatar Airways has further expanded operations in Africa with today’s launch of daily scheduled flights to Kilimanjaro – its 18th gateway on the diverse Continent and second destination in Tanzania. Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight from Doha to Kilimanjaro arrives to a traditional water salute welcome. The Tanzanian city becomes the… Read the full press release

Amadeus launches industry-first open source framework to further innovation

• New technology strategy marks the first time a GDS has opened its library of code to third party developers • Software initiative eases the development of rich and large scale enterprise web applications, addressing the challenges of mobile web development • ARIA™ Templates code already underpins Amadeus’ User Interface (UI) development Madrid, Spain, 2012-07-26 —… Read the full press release

Second annual Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Liberation Walk/Run 2012

This year’s proceeds to be invested in education 2012-07-26 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation in partnership with O.R. Tambo International Airport and the City of Ekurhuleni launched the second annual Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Liberation Walk/Run at the O.R. Tambo International Airport today, 24 July 2012. This year’s theme is “Walk to… Read the full press release

Nebraska Tourism Commission elects leaders, sets meeting

LINCOLN, NEB., 2012-07-26 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Nebraska Tourism Commission recently elected its leadership team. Mike Kesselring of Crawford, owner of High Plains Homestead, was elected commission chairman; Jeff Boeka of North Platte, general manager of Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in North Platte, was elected vice chairman; and John Chapo of Lincoln, director of Lincoln… Read the full press release

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Tops J.D. Power and Associates Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study for Luxury Hotel Brands for Third Consecutive Year

Chevy Chase, Md. 2012-07-25 — /travelprnews.com/ — T he Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has once again ranked highest in the luxury brand segment, for an impressive third year in a row by J.D. Power and Associates in their 2012 North America Guest Satisfaction Index Study. “It is a tribute to our ladies and gentlemen that they… Read the full press release

Virginia Puts Love on Tap with First-Ever August Virginia Craft Beer Month

-New interactive map leads visitors to Virginia craft breweries statewide- Richmond, VA, 2012-07-25 — /travelprnews.com/ —Virginia’s reputation as a destination full of local flavor has a new experience to tout with the first-ever August Virginia Craft Beer Month.  The month’s theme, Love on Tap, is a nod to the state’s famous Virginia is for Lovers slogan and local… Read the full press release

Hilton Worldwide’s Brands Awarded Highest Rankings by J.D. Power and Associates

Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton Ranked Highest in North American Guest Satisfaction Index MCLEAN, Va, 2012-07-25 — /travelprnews.com/ — Today, Hilton Worldwide announced that two of its hotel brands received highest rankings in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM. Hilton Garden Inn achieved the highest ranking in the “Upscale Segment”… Read the full press release

A Deal Fit for a Royal – Escape to London and Tour Buckingham Palace

2012-07-25 — /travelprnews.com/ — Enjoy an exclusive stay at Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel – the same property where Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II learned to ice skate at the age of seven! Check into one of the elegant, deluxe rooms and experience a sense of tranquility seldom found in the city.  Following a… Read the full press release

agoda.com presents La Rive Gauche Paris – hot hotels on the Left Bank

2012-07-25 — /travelprnews.com/ — agoda.com, Asia’s leading hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), today announced exclusive deals on La Rive Gauche. La Rive Gauche – literally, ‘the Left Bank’ – is where the roots of bohemia and modern intellectualism in Paris first took hold. Home to students, artists, writers and free-thinkers,… Read the full press release

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