Norwegian April passenger growth 27 percent compared to April last year

2013-05-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Norwegian reports strong passenger growth in April, due to the opening of two new bases in England and Spain, and the launch of several new routes. The company carried more than 1.7 million passengers this month, an increase of 364,986 (27 percent) passengers compared to the same period previous year. Norwegian´s passengers… Read the full press release

Jet Airways celebrates two decades of service excellence in the skies

2013-05-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, yesterday celebrated the completion of two decades of service excellence in the skies, since it began operations as an Air Taxi Operator on May 5th 1993. The mission at Jet Airways, even 20 years ago was simple, the airline wanted to widen connectivity within India and… Read the full press release

Avinor and OSL discover social dumping and launch investigation

2013-05-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — On Tuesday, 30 April the Norwegian television channel TV2 aired a story about social dumping that took place in connection with the development project at Oslo Airport. The case referred to had already been dealt with by Avinor and Oslo Airport in March. In early March, Oslo Airport, via the T2 (T2… Read the full press release

South African Airways and Etihad Airways Sign codeshare Agreement

South African Airways and Etihad Airways Forge Strategic Partnership • South African Airways to codeshare on 12 Etihad Airways flights to Abu Dhabi and beyond • Etihad Airways to have access to 10 cities in South Africa and African continent • Airlines to explore joint procurement, training and maintenance opportunities • Provision for reciprocal ‘earn and burn’ with frequent… Read the full press release

The First Property for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. in Rabat, Morocco

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 2013-05-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., the leader in luxury hospitality, has unveiled plans to open its first property in Rabat, the prestigious capital city of the Kingdom of Morocco, bringing the number of hotels currently under development in the brand’s growing North Africa portfolio to three. The owner… Read the full press release

Japan Airlines to start operating between Helsinki and Tokyo on July 1st

2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Japan Airlines starts operating the route between Tokyo (Narita) and Helsinki on July 1st, 2013, with daily flights. Originally the opening of the route should be in February but it was postponed. Since July 1st, Helsinki Airport will have total of four flights a day to Japan. In addition to Japan Airlines,… Read the full press release

InterContinental Hotels Group signs Crowne Plaza in Newcastle upon Tyne

2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has signed Crowne Plaza Newcastle -Stephenson Quarter to anchor the emerging business district adjacent to Newcastle Central Station. Under the leadership of Newcastle-based developer Silverlink, the 251-room hotel will operate under a management agreement with IHG. Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter will stand at the gateway of… Read the full press release

Travelport, Porter Airlines sign new multi-year full content agreement

Multi-year Extension Includes Upgrade to Direct Sell Connectivity Level Toronto, 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ —  Travelport,  a leading provider of critical transaction processing solutions and data for the global travel industry,  today announces a new multi-year full content agreement with Porter Airlines, giving all Travelport-connected travel agents access to the airline’s full published fares and inventory, including… Read the full press release

Kenya Airways and Safaricom launch “Fly with bonga points” pact

Nairobi: 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Kenya Airways, the pride of Africa and  leading integrated communications service provider, Safaricom Limited, have partnered to launch a proposition that allows customers to pay for tickets using Bonga  points. The partnership, dubbed “Fly with Bonga Points”, will see customers with 28,000 Bonga points and more on their Safaricom lines buy… Read the full press release

Each year Virginia ranks among the top U.S. states in tourism

Tourism Benefits in Virginia Touted During National Travel and Tourism Week Richmond, Va., 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Each year Virginia ranks among the top U.S. states in tourism. Millions of visitors come not only from neighboring states and major U.S. markets but from all corners of the world, traveling with the intent of spending their time and… Read the full press release

Jonathan Grella appointed Senior Vice President of Public Affairs U.S. Travel Association

Trusted media advisor and political strategist to lead association’s campaign-style operation Washington, D.C., 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — The U.S. Travel Association today announced the selection of Jonathan A. Grella as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs. Grella, who begins at U.S. Travel on May 6, will lead the government relations, grassroots, research and communications components of… Read the full press release

Summer travel programs encourage travel in Nebraska

LINCOLN, NEB., 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Sen. Ken Schilz and state officials celebrated National Travel and Tourism Week by kicking off programs that promote travel opportunities across the state. National Travel and Tourism Week, celebrated during the first full week of May, is the annual salute to travel in America and its value to the U.S…. Read the full press release

2013 Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week

Palm Springs, CA, 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — From chef-owned bistros to elegant poolside eateries, over 30 Palm Springs restaurants will showcase their culinary talents to thousands of foodies during the 6th Annual Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week scheduled May 31-June 16, 2013. The Restaurant Week’s signature “Eat. See. Stay.” Experience features dining deals, exclusive hotel packages, and… Read the full press release

Lufthansa upgrades in-flight service on long and short-haul flights

Attentive care in First and Business Class with new gastronomic flair 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Lufthansa has upgraded in-flight service on long and short-haul flights. Since 1 May, cabin staff have been indulging First and Business-Class passengers with new service ideas, creative menus served on quality tableware and further sophisticated details. Only a few months… Read the full press release

Lost $15,000 wedding ring returned to a guest at The Drake Hotel

CHICAGO, 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — A $15,000 wedding ring was returned to a guest after being retrieved by a team member at The Drake Hotel from five tons of garbage in the hotel’s trash compactor. “It feels amazing to have it back on my finger,” said the giddy Jodi Eastgate while showing off the wedding ring she feared she… Read the full press release

Thomson announces new route to Turkey from Leeds Bradford Airport for Summer 14

2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Thomson has announced the launch of its exciting new programme from Leeds Bradford Airport for summer 2014 with the introduction of a new route to Turkey in Turkey to complement the existing routes to Tunisia, Tenerife, Ibiza, Corfu, Majorca, Rhodes and Dalaman (Turkey) Flexible 11 night holidays are also now available to both… Read the full press release

Massachusetts Port Authority launches 2013 cruise season at Cruiseport Boston

Travelers now enjoy free wireless Internet access BOSTON, 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — With Friday’s Bermuda sailing of the Norwegian Dawn, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) launches the 2013 cruise season at Cruiseport Boston’s Black Falcon Terminal in South Boston. New this year, Massport is offering travelers free wireless Internet access at the cruise terminal to meet… Read the full press release

PATA pledges the association’s ongoing support for the complete visitor economy

UNTWO and private sector support goals of the ‘CVE’ Bangkok, 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — The PATA CEO Martin Craigs this week wrote to attendees and speakers of the PATA Annual Summit to pledge the association’s ongoing support for the complete visitor economy. The concept of the complete visitor economy was endorsed by private and public sector… Read the full press release

Residence Inn by Marriott kicks off a month-long celebration of moms – Moms’ Month

Renowned Chef and Lifestyle Expert Cat Cora Named “Resident Mom Of The Year 2013” 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Residence Inn by Marriott kicks off a month-long celebration of moms – Moms’ Month – by announcing its Resident Mom of the Year 2013: chef and lifestyle entrepreneur Cat Cora. A prominent figure in the culinary community, Cora… Read the full press release

Todd Cilano appointed Regional Vice President Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita to oversee Mauritius, Seychelles and upcoming projects in Africa. Todd Cilano, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, has been appointed Regional Vice President by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, effective May 1, 2013. In this new position, Cilano’s responsibilities will encompass Mauritius, which will… Read the full press release

U.S. Travel Association: The Travel Industry has Added 85 Percent of Jobs Lost During the Great Recession

Travel Employment Accelerates in April Washington, D.C., 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — David Huether, senior vice president of research and economics at the U.S. Travel Association, provides analysis on today’s Labor Department announcement that the U.S. economy added 165,000 jobs in April and the unemployment rate edged down slightly to 7.5 percent: “The travel industry continues to lead the way… Read the full press release

Alaska Air Group Reports April Operational Results

SEATTLE, 2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE: ALK) today reported April and year-to-date operational results for its subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, and on a combined basis. Detailed information is provided below. ALASKA AIRLINES – MAINLINE Alaska reported a 9.2 percent increase in traffic on a 9.9 percent increase in capacity compared… Read the full press release

airberlin says thank you to its Facebook friends with topbonus miles

2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Germany’s second largest airline is delighted to have received more than 200,000 likes at facebook.com/airberlin. The German airline is thanking its fans with a competition in which a total of 200,000 topbonus award miles are being given away. airberlin CCO Paul Gregorowitsch explains: “Our social media team answers questions 365 days a… Read the full press release

Philippine Airlines partners with country’s leading newspaper Philippine Star for Digital Advertising

2013-05-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines ties up with the country’s leading newspaper – the Philippine Star – in the latest technological breakthrough in digital media. The innovation, a mobile application on iOS and Android-powered Smartphones, provides readers news and information with a variety of interactive features, allowing users to flip through articles like… Read the full press release

Budapest Airport Adds Bulgaria Air and Sofia, Bulgaria to their route network

2013-05-02 — /travelprnews.com/ — A new airline as well as a new destination will be added to the route network of Budapest Airport from June this year. Bulgaria Air will ensure a direct connection between Budapest and Sofia four times per week from 24 June. From the upcoming summer, the Bulgarian seaside as well as the… Read the full press release

Aer Lingus Now Flies from Shannon to Faro

2013-05-02 — /travelprnews.com/ — Aer Lingus’ inaugural flight, Wednesday 1st May, from Shannon to Faro took to the skies today. The three times weekly service will operate until the end of October, giving customers in the West of Ireland direct access to the ever-popular holiday resort of the Algarve. In addition, Aer Lingus operates daily flights between… Read the full press release

Mexico Partners with the Adventure Travel Trade Association on Adventure Travel Mexico 2013

Seattle, WA, 2013-05-02 — /travelprnews.com/ — In continued support of Mexico’s efforts to position itself as a “go to” premiere adventure travel destination, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is partnering with Visit Mexico and the State of Veracruz on the second annual Adventure Travel Mexico (ATMEX) trade fair. This year, from August 14th – 17th, over 400 inbound Mexican… Read the full press release

Eurostar is set for its busiest weekend of the year to date

Maiden voyage of Eurostar’s new direct ‘Route du Soleil’ service to Lyon and Provence Over 100,000 passengers set to travel over the bank holiday weekend More than 200 extra services to Paris to meet Summer demand 2013-05-02 — /travelprnews.com/ — Eurostar is set for its busiest weekend of the year to date as winter weary Brits… Read the full press release

Morocco – UNWTO and UNDP support new system of classification for tourism accommodation

Madrid, 2013-05-02 — /travelprnews.com/ — UNWTO, the Government of Morocco and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed an agreement to support the Ministry of Tourism of Morocco in the implementation of a new classification system for tourism accommodation establishments. Strengthening the quality of accommodation across all establishments is central to consolidate the competitiveness of Morocco… Read the full press release

Simon Casson to Take the Helm as General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

Casson will continue to serve as Regional Vice President when he makes the transition from Doha to Dubai in November this year. 2013-05-02 — /travelprnews.com/ — Four Seasons veteran and thought-leader within the Middle East hospitality industry Simon Casson will take the helm as Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four SeasonsResort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, when the property opens… Read the full press release