Lufthansa tests the effects of shark skin in flight

Key phrase of the week: Learning from nature 2013-02-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Two Lufthansa Airbus A340-300s are taking part in a very special mission as part of a trial scheduled to run until summer 2013. Eight 10 x 10 cm test patches have been placed on the fuselage and leading edge of the wings of each Airbus… Read the full press release

RYANAIR JAN TRAFFIC FALLS BY 50,000 PAX (-1%)

79.6M PAX CARRIED IN 12 MONTHS TO JAN 13 2013-02-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost airline, today (5 Feb) released passenger and load factor stats for Jan 2013, with its monthly traffic falling – as previously guided – by 50,000 (-1%) over Jan 2012 as Ryanair grounded up to 80 aircraft following the busy… Read the full press release

Travelport Announces New Managing Director for China

George Harb appointed to lead strategic opportunities in the region Beijing, China and Hong Kong,  2013-02-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry, has announced the appointment of George Harb as its new Managing Director for China, responsible for the development of strategic business opportunities for Travelport in this high-growth region…. Read the full press release

What’s New in Sports in Virginia for 2013

New sports venues, renovations and events make Virginia a top destination for sports in 2013 and beyond RICHMOND, Va., 2013-02-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Athletes take note of Virginia’s new and updated sports venues and events in 2013. From a new squash facility in Charlottesville to a new tennis center in Virginia Beach and many new sporting events throughout… Read the full press release

Kamuela Provision Company At Hilton Waikoloa Village Named One Of The Most Romantic Restaurants By OpenTable Diners

WAIKOLOA, Hawaii, 2013-02-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Kamuela Provision Company (KPC), Hilton Waikoloa Village‘s signature seafood and steak restaurant, is thrilled to announce it has been named a winner of OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice Awards for the top 100 most romantic restaurants in the United States. The list of winners is derived from more than five million guest reviews submitted by… Read the full press release

Holidaymakers urged to check the cost of airline extras before booking

2013-02-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — The millions of UK sun-seekers looking to book flights this winter have been urged to check the cost of any airline fees and charges to make sure they don’t end up paying for services they don’t want. The warning comes from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), whose online tool helps people compare… Read the full press release

DAC and gate Gourmet opens the new VIP Catering Facility at Al Bateen Executive Airport

The new 770 square metre facility marks the launch of the first PPP at Abu Dhabi Airports Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2013-02-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), the operator of Al Bateen Executive Airport, the dedicated business aviation airport in the Middle East, and gategroup of Switzerland, today officially opened the ‘Executive Gourmet’ catering… Read the full press release

Always up-to-date with the Lufthansa app

Apps and mobile website for smartphones in a new design 2013-02-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Lufthansa has revamped its mobile portal mobile.lufthansa.com, which is designed special-ly for smartphone users. It has also updated the corresponding apps and added a number of new, practical functions. With this latest Lufthansa app, users of iOS- and Android-powered smartphones can receive automated flight… Read the full press release

Renaissance Hotels Inspires Guests to “Live Life to Discover…Love” This Valentine’s Day with Larger Than Life Floral Suite

Love Blossoms in the Ultimate Wall-to-Wall Bouquet Suite. 2013-02-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — In an effort to inspire guests to‘Live Life to Discover…Love’this Valentine’s Day,Renaissance Hotels (www.renhotels.com) has designed a one-of-a-kind romantic hotel suite complete with 27,000 extraordinary flower blossoms.  Couples and loved ones nationwide can experience the ultimate Valentine’s Day getaway by staying in the brand’s exclusive ‘Love Blossoms’ suite,… Read the full press release

transavia.com Masters Codeshare and Interline E-Ticket Processes with Travelport’s Comprehensive E-Ticket Technologies

Atlanta, 2013-02-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry, today announces a long-term IT services partnership with the Netherlands’ low-cost carrier transavia.com, an independently operated member of the Air France/KLM Group. transavia.com has adopted the Travelport ETDBase™, a global e-ticket database hosting service, and joined the Travelport E-Ticket Interchange to fully support… Read the full press release

Hilton Hotels & Resorts Leads Family Travel Discussion With “Hilton Mom Voyage” Forum For Moms And Dads

MCLEAN, Va., 2013-02-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton Hotels & Resorts, a leader in family travel around the world, today launches Hilton Mom Voyage, www.HiltonMomVoyage.com, a dynamic family travel site featuring 14 moms and one dad who will engage with parents nationwide as they share insider travel content based on their own vacation experiences from the white sand beaches of… Read the full press release

ADAC Receives ACI’s Recognition of Quality Management Systems for 2012 And joins the APEX program

In its drive to implement aviation best practice internationally Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2013-02-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — In an Initiative to support the global drive to Further develop the aviation industry, Abu Dhabi Airports Company signed last week and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airport Council International (ACI) to partner with the council in their latest Safety… Read the full press release

Sparks Fly at Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay this Valentine’s Day

Indulge in the island’s top romantic offerings. 2013-02-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — This Valentine’s weekend, loved ones can be surprised with an intimate getaway to the private island of Lanai. The islands alluring canvas of swaying palm trees, turquoise blue water and the lush verdant upcountry create an idyllic backdrop for romance for any occasion. Four Seasons Resort Lanai at… Read the full press release

Alaska Air Group Reports January Operational Results

SEATTLE, 2013-02-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE: ALK) today reported January operational results for its mainline and consolidated operations. Detailed information is provided below. ALASKA AIRLINES – MAINLINE Alaska reported an 11.8 percent increase in traffic on a 12.2 percent increase in capacity compared to January 2012. This resulted in a 0.2-point decrease in… Read the full press release

‘LUV Is In The Air’ With These Low Southwest And AirTran Fares — Starting At $49 One-Way To Select Nonstop Destinations Nationwide

Airlines Launch Three-Day ‘LUV SALE’ for Spring and Summer Travel 2013-02-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) and wholly-owned subsidiary AirTran Airways spread the LUV today with a three-day LUV Sale with sweet one-way nonstop fares available for $49, $89, $119, or $149 to select destinations, based on length of travel. For travel up to 500… Read the full press release

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines Expand Codeshare Agreement

FORT WORTH, Texas and SEATTLE, 2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — American Airlines and Alaska Airlines announced today that the two airlines are strengthening their relationship by adding new codeshare routes that will offer customers even more choices and benefits when traveling throughout the United States. The codeshare flights are available for purchase today for travel beginning Feb. 7,… Read the full press release

Spirit Airlines Launches Destination Give; Voting Opens Today for Houston Charity to Receive $10,000

Miramar, Florida, 2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Spirit Airlines’ (NASDAQ: SAVE) has launched its new Spirit Destination Give program, the latest in the airline’s many efforts of giving back to the local communities it serves. Voting opens today for a Houston charity to receive $10,000. To kick off the program, Spirit has teamed up with a variety of… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Celebrates 14 Days Of “LUV” With Daily Ticket Giveaways At The Southwest Rink at Skyline Park

Skaters Have Just Two More Weeks to Enjoy Free Skating at the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park—Last Open Day will be Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 The “LUV” Airline will Give Away Two Roundtrip Tickets a Day Through Valentine’s Day 2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Listen up, Denver—this is the last call to lace up your skates and take… Read the full press release

Celebrate Valentine’s Day At Hilton Mumbai International Airport

The Brasserie, Imperial China and Flames Will Offer Memorable Dining Experiences MUMBAI, 2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — On Valentine’s Day this year, Hilton Mumbai International Airport will offer a choice of memorable dining experiences at its popular restaurants -The Brasserie, Imperial China and Flames. The Brasserie all-day restaurant will offer a special candle-light dinner, with unlimited beverages, priced… Read the full press release

Travelport launches new fare management tool

Travelport Net Fare Manager offers unrivalled flexibility and control Langley, United Kingdom, 2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry, today announces a new tool for agents which will enable them to significantly enhance the way they manage, mark-up and control the onward distribution of their airline filed private fares. The… Read the full press release

San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick Wins “Greatness on the Road” Award Presented by Courtyard at “2nd Annual NFL Honors”

Two-Hour Primetime Awards Show on CBS Salutes Top Players & Performances From 2012 Season. 2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — San Francisco 49ers QB COLIN KAEPERNICK is the winner of the “GREATNESS ON THE ROAD” AWARD PRESENTED BY COURTYARD for his play in the 49ers’ 31-21 Week 12 victory over the Saints in New Orleans, it was announced tonight… Read the full press release

Frontier Announces Return of Service from Denver to Harrisburg and Knoxville Beginning April 22

Nonstop fares starting at $99* each way available until Feb. 17 only at FlyFrontier.com DENVER, 2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Frontier Airlines today announced the return of nonstop service between its Denver, Colo. (DEN), hub and both Harrisburg, PA (MDT) and Knoxville, TN (TYS). Both routes will operate with three weekly nonstop flights beginning April 22, 2013. To… Read the full press release

The Drake Hotel Begins Taking Reservations For Easter Brunch

Hotel’s Popular Special-Occasion Brunch Offers Crowd-Pleasing Elegance for Easter CHICAGO, 2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Drake Hotel is now accepting reservations for its annual Easter Brunch, held in the Gold Coast Ballroom. The traditional brunch, presented in the “grand hotel” style of decades past, will be offered from 9:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Easter Sunday, March 31,… Read the full press release

Travelport enhances partnership with RAK Airways with a global Full Content Agreement

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry, and RAK Airways, one of the flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, have announced an enhanced new partnership to benefit Galileo and Worldspan-connected travel agents around the world. Building on the participation agreement signed at the end of… Read the full press release

CAA publishes research behind ATOL Pack Peace Of Mind campaign

2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is today publishing research undertaken on its behalf by Opinion Leader Research, which informed the ongoing Pack Peace of Mind consumer communication campaign. The Pack Peace of Mind campaign is targeting consumers while they research and book their holidays, with online advertising and targeted press adverts, explaining… Read the full press release

DoubleTree by Hilton Welcomes its First Guests in Ireland

The Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton, Reopens Following €7 Million Refurbishment DUBLIN, 2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ireland’s first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel opened its doors today, bringing one of Europe’s fastest growing upscale hotel brands to the Emerald Isle. A thoughtful and contemporary renovation of the Morrison hotel, in partnership with operators Martinez Hotels & Resorts, has… Read the full press release

Big Deal: Visit Orlando This Spring and Take 40 Percent off Your Stay at a Marriott Vacation Club Resort

2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Springtime in Orlando, Fla. is filled with warm days, blue skies, world class attractions and incredible Marriott Vacation Club villa accommodations. Whether you desire a long weekend getaway or a longer stay with friends and family, our luxurious timeshare resorts are located just minutes from the major theme parks, golf courses, and world… Read the full press release

Ryanair Calls On Irish Govt To Scrap Travel Tax As UK Study Proves UK APD Tax Costs Jobs & Growth

2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost carrier (ULCC), today (5 Feb) called on the Irish Govt to scrap its €3 travel tax in order to stimulate jobs and tourism growth as an independent Pricewaterhouse Coopers study* offered compelling evidence of the damage caused by a similar travel tax (APD) in the UK. The… Read the full press release

Travelport and Ethiopian Airlines renew partnership agreement

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Travelport, the business services provider to the travel industry and Ethiopian Airlines have announced the renewal of their long-term Operator Agreement, which will see the flag carrier of Ethiopia continue to distribute Travelport’s Galileo products and services in the country. The exclusive five-year agreement cements the longstanding relationship between Travelport… Read the full press release

L’Hilton Molino Stucky Venice Riscopre i Sapori della Tradizione Gastronomica Veneziana

Da febbraio ad aprile al Rialto Bar & Lounge VENEZIA, 2013-02-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Rinnovamento e tradizione, uno sguardo rivolto al futuro e memoria dei sapori del passato, e ancora rispetto delle stagioni della terra, nel culto dell’eccellenza e della qualità nella scelta dei prodotti locali. Questi gli ingredienti principali che caratterizzeranno la nuova offerta gastronomica dell’Hilton… Read the full press release