Business Travel News

RJ OPEN NEW LOUNGE

2008-09-08T08:30:28.8060000+01:00

The new Royal Jordanian Crown Class lounge at Queen Alia International Airport has opened. The lounge represents a qualitative leap toward improving air and ground services; through inaugurating it, RJ, the oneworld carrier, brings its development projects in line with the government's plan to develop the air transport industry and modernize QAIA, the main gateway for Jordan visitors.

The lounge to be used by RJ and oneworld frequent flyers is designed to accommodate 340 passengers; it comprises a meeting room, a business centre equipped with the latest computers to enable passengers to use internet communication and email services. It also has a library, an isolated room for relaxing, hotel-like bedrooms, showers, play and entertainment areas for children and adults. Additionally, there are areas for praying. The passengers can also buy what they need from the duty free shop from the comfort of the lounge.

www.rj.com

A ROUND DOZEN FOR IBIS

2008-09-08T08:28:26.4310000+01:00

Accor brand, Ibis, has opened its 12^th hotel near Delhi in India. The Ibis Gurgaon is situated in a fast emerging IT and MNC hub and features contemporary European styling, 217 rooms, an all-day dinning restaurant, a bar and meeting room.

www.accor.com

THE HILTONS ARE COMING, THE HILTONS ARE COMING

2008-08-29T09:03:04.4060000+01:00

Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) has announced the launch of its first property in Russia , with the debut of the 273 room Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya - the first of three different Hilton family hotel brands expected to open in the country this year.

Considered one of the Russian capital's key landmark buildings, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya is one of seven famous 'Stalin' towers that define the Moscow skyline.

Located next to Moscow 's Garden Ring and a short walk from the city's main Leningradskaya train station, Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya is within easy access to the city's famous Red Square making it a great option for exploring Moscow 's historic landmarks. The hotel is only 30 kilometres from Sheremetyevo International Airport .

"The Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya represents an exciting chapter in our growth story," said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president brand management, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. "We look forward to continued growth in this region and throughout the continent."

www.hiltonworldwide.com

NUDITY ON THE RISE

2008-08-27T14:00:49.3800000+01:00

Research by Cheapflights.co.uk reveals a trend towards nudity as increasing numbers of holiday makers prefer to strip off on the beach.

A recent poll from Cheapflights.co.uk also shows that ten percent of its viewers would choose to leave their clothes behind on holiday.

Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk says, “Although I don’t personally intend on swapping my bikini for my white bits anytime soon, I have encountered many a skinny dipper in my time and the most important piece of advice I’ve gleaned is that sun block is essential, particularly for those with sensitive skin like myself. And if you’ve already burnt any areas where the sun doesn’t normally shine, some effective natural remedies include milk compresses, refrigerated Aloe Vera gel, and/or bathing in lavender oil. Failing that, you could always reach for some anti-inflammatory tablets.”

For a full list of where to express your naked ambitions, visit www.cheapflights.co.uk/travel-tips/nude-beaches

HALF TERM BREAKS IN CORNWALL

2008-08-25T11:32:43.9250000+01:00

Some tour operators are asking us to forget that August has been somewhat of a washout and look forward to an Indian summer over the October half term.

Cornish Horizons for example are extolling the praises of their fair county and offering great savings on their properties such as 12 Strand Street in Padstow. It is a cottage of character sleeping 8 in an ideal location for surfing and foodies alike with a surf school and 6 Rick Stein restaurants as well as the others he has influenced in the area.

Cornish Horizons is offering a half term saving of £230 for seven nights at 12 Strand Street from 25 October as well as a range of other properties across north and mid Cornwall.

www.cornishhorizons.co.uk

CROWNE PLAZA OPENS IN TEL AVIV

2008-08-25T11:09:19.9880000+01:00

A new business hotel, Crowne Plaza City Centre, has opened in Tel Aviv. Its 13 floors includes 273 rooms high tech rooms, of which 78 are upgraded “Crowne Club” rooms, 18 suites of different sizes and 2 presidential suites.

www.ichotelsgroup.com

HOW ABOUT A FARMHOUSE FOR HALF TERM?

2008-08-22T09:08:37.2530000+01:00

Although the summer is not over companies are already looking at the autumn half term break

Family holiday specialist Mallorca Farmhouses is suggesting Mallorca . It has an extensive selection of luxury villas, country houses and charming cottages to choose from, all come with a swimming pool, complimentary car hire with full insurance, maid service and a welcome hamper. Babysitting and cook services are available on request to ensure parents can truly relax and not lift a finger!

Temperatures on the island at that time of year should be in the high 20 degrees Celsius. Hot enough for swimming but not too hot for sightseeing.

Prices in October start from as little as £623.00 per week for a farmhouse with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and swimming pool in the hills above Pollenca.

www.mallorca.co.uk

LUFTHANSA AND TAM START CODE SHARE

2008-08-22T09:03:51.9720000+01:00

Lufthansa has expanded the services it offers to customers flying to Brazil by launching code share flights in partnership with the Brazilian carrier TAM.

Lufthansa and TAM passengers can book any of the flights operated jointly by either carrier between Frankfurt or Munich and São Paulo . Customers have a choice of 21 code share flights per week between Germany and Brazil .

In addition, both carriers will offer connecting flights to their respective domestic destinations on a code share basis.

www.lufthansa.com

STARWOOD OPENINGS IN ASIA

2008-08-20T09:08:15.6130000+01:00

The first Asia-Pacific aloft branded property will open in Beijing this September, Starwood Hotels & Resorts have announced. The new aloft Beijing , Haidian will create an affordable accommodation alternative in the

Chinese capital and is the latest in Starwood’s rapidly expanding portfolio in the city.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has also announced the latest move in their Chinese portfolio expansion, Le Méridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort and Spa. The 275-room resort will be the first international five-star resort in Wanning City , and the first Le Meridien brand resort on Hainan island. Opening is scheduled for late September.

www.starwoodhotels.com

FILLING THE GAP

2008-08-20T08:47:01.8780000+01:00

A-level results are out, the weather is getting cooler, the P45 from the summer job is almost ready to be posted, the wedding season is drawing to a close and parents are set to drop their kids off at university for another academic year. For people of all ages – school or university leavers, those on a career break or ‘grown-up gappers’ – the autumn is a popular season to take some time out to embark on extended GAP year travels or a round the world trip.

Group travel specialist TrekAmerica and its sister companies Footloose and OzXposure offer some great ‘mega-adventures’ for those with the desire to get to the real heart of the countries they will be visiting and have the luxury of time on their hands. Their tours around North and South America and Australasia cater to travellers aged 18 and over with a maximum group size 14 on most routes.

TrekAmerica’s managing director Martyn Shapter explains why group travel adventures are so well suited to those on GAP years:

“A fair amount of our customers are taking their first major trip abroad and are unsure what to expect or how to start planning an independent trip. By joining a group tour, travellers can leave the organisation in the hands of an expert guide whose job it is to seek out the unmissable sights and the most exciting adventures. In turn, our passengers have the chance to relax into the rhythm of travelling, acclimatise to the destination, make some great friends and get the most out of their trip.”

He continues: “The group dynamic is not the only advantage. Travelling in a group also provides an element of security that can allow people to venture to areas they either wouldn’t find – or might not feel comfortable going to – if they were travelling alone. In some countries, even just having a driver can be a huge benefit when you look at the alternatives. Public transport is not always regular or direct; drivers in Latin American countries may struggle without some knowledge of Spanish; and in the USA , many car rental companies will charge astronomical fees to renters under the age of 25. For younger travellers such as school leavers, an organised group adventure is also a parent-friendly option and therefore probably more likely to warrant a contribution to the travel fund!”

www.trekamerica.co.uk
www.footloose.com
www.ozXposure.co.uk

I KNOW THAT FACE

2008-08-20T08:41:25.0350000+01:00

Facial recognition scanners are being tested at Manchester Airport as part of government efforts to improve security and reduce congestion. The system, which works by scanning passengers' faces and comparing them to the photographs digitally stored on their biometric passports, could be installed in airports across the country if the trials are successful.

LCY TO NEW YORK WITH BA

2008-08-20T08:37:48.6750000+01:00

Shannon Airport will be the re-fuelling stop for British Airways’ planned business-class only flights from London City to New York .

During the stop at the west Ireland airport, customers will benefit from a special arrangement that will allow them to complete USA arrivals checks, meaning they will by-pass the normal arrivals checks when they land in New York and speed straight through the airport.

The airline announced in January plans to launch twice-daily business class flights between London City and New York . It is expected the new service will launch in autumn 2009.

Eastbound flights will be non-stop.

Flights will be operated by Airbus 318 aircraft, the largest aircraft that can take-off and land at London City airport. The service – the only long haul flights to and from London City - will offer a one-cabin business class product with 32 seats. Customers will enjoy a specially designed personal onboard service that will include a flat bed and a dining service similar to that of British Airways’ Club World business class.

On the ground, customers will be able to arrive at the airport up to 15 minutes before departure. This combined with the ability to by-pass the usual arrivals checks in New York makes it the most convenient way for people travelling between the heart of the City of London and New York City .

Robert Boyle, British Airways commercial director, said: “Our planned business-class only service will be the most convenient way to travel between London and New York for those people based in or travelling to the heart of London . Many city workers will be able to get from desk to aircraft in as little as 30 minutes. This combined with Shannon airport’s ability to complete USA arrival checks during the planned refuelling stop will ensure customers can make the most of their time and travel desk to desk in the quickest time possible.

“Combined with our 10 flights per day service between Heathrow and New York and our new daily service from Gatwick, it means that British Airways customers will have the biggest choice of flights between the world’s two biggest business capitals.”

www.ba.com

TRAVELODGE CONTAINING COSTS

2008-08-19T17:01:54.5000000+01:00

Travelodge has opened its first hotel built using an innovative construction method involving shipping containers. The 120-room hotel, in Uxbridge, London , is made from 86 steel containers of two different sizes made and fitted out with fixtures and fittings in Shenzen , China . The placing together of the containers took 20 days.

Paul Harvey, Travelodge’s managing director, international and development, said: “The opening of Europe ’s first hotel to be constructed from modified shipping containers shows Travelodge’s commitment to innovation and cost effectiveness. Customers will notice no difference in their room to a traditionally constructed hotel, yet they will benefit from the low prices we charge due to our desire to cut the cost of doing business.”

The company is also building a 307-room Heathrow hotel using the same technique, developed by the UK ’s Verbus Systems.

www.travelodge.co.uk

THE COST OF MISPRONOUNCIATION

2008-08-19T13:50:56.3590000+01:00

Two cruise passengers on a tour of Norway ’s fjords have spent thousands of dollars on taxi fares after mispronouncing their destination.

The pair were separated from their ship after having to spend a short time in hospital while on a stopover in Stavanger . After the medical situation had been resolved they tried to rejoin the ship in Olden on Norway ’s west coast.

However the taxi driver didn’t understand the destination and instead drove them to Halden, 560 km away. And they didn’t even realize the mistake, paying the driver the €1875 fare. After spending the night in a hotel the couple discovered the mistake and called another taxi, this time driving 610km in the other direction and paying a further €1950 fare.

The misadventure saw them end up spending more than the price of their cruise on taxi fares.

TRAVELEX REWARDS CUSTOMERS

2008-08-19T13:45:17.6870000+01:00

Foreign exchange specialist Travelex has launched their Global Rewards Card, to reward customers making a repeat purchase at Travelex shops around the world.

Customers who exchange currency pre-trip at Travelex will be given a free Global Rewards Card which entitles them to a discount at their destination. The Global Rewards Card gives customers a discount on the exchange rate or commission if they choose to purchase foreign currency from Travelex again in another country, within three months of their original transaction. The card will be valid in over 20 countries and more than 700 Travelex shops worldwide.

Julian Neal, Global Marketing Director, Travelex said, “This is the first time a foreign currency provider has implemented a global promotion on this scale. “Travelex are delighted to launch the Global Rewards Card at a time when we‘re all conscious of the challenging economic conditions, the card is a win for both customers and for

Travelex.”

www.travelex.co.uk

WHERE WOULD YOU GO?

2008-08-19T08:47:49.3120000+01:00

If you had enough miles to go anywhere, where would you go?

This is the situation facing Bill Shiver from Huston. Mr Shiver has just won 21 million frequent flier miles as the grand prize winner of its OnePass 21st Birthday Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas .

Mr Shiver, who has been playing poker for four years as a hobby, plans to use some of his winnings toward a Mediterranean cruise and holidays with friends.

The contest's grand prize could be redeemed for up to 200 roundtrip BusinessFirst tickets from Houston to Rome , up to 400 roundtrip economy tickets within the United States , or be used to bid on exclusive OnePass Online Auction items including premier sporting events, VIP performing arts experiences and vacation packages.

www.continental.com

DO YOU FLY THE BEST

2008-08-18T09:05:02.7030000+01:00

For the 3rd time in 10 years, Singapore Airlines has been named World's Best Airline, winning the 2008 Airline of the Year title in the latest Skytrax World Airline Awards.

According to Skytrax, over 15 million eligible survey interviews were completed during the 11 month survey period. From Seoul to Sao Paulo , Copenhagen to Cape Town , the scale and breadth of the 2008 survey strengthens Skytrax's reputation as one of the world's largest passenger surveys.

Singapore Airlines also collected the award for Best Business Class in a very competitive section of the survey.

Cathay Pacific took 2nd place overall in the 2008 Awards (up from 3rd in 2007), and picked up the award for World's best First Class thanks to its new onboard 1st Class product and service concept.

Qantas ranked 3rd worldwide (5th in 2007) and won the award for the Best First Class Lounge - achieved in a period where the airline has seen competition ramped up both in its domestic and regional market.

Asiana Airlines was one of the biggest improvers across the 2008 results, ranked 5th worldwide (up from 12th in 2007), as well as taking the sought-after World's Best Cabin Staff Award and also collecting the Award for Best Economy Class.

Qatar Airways is another 5-Star airline achieving a top-10 ranking (placed 7th worldwide), and collecting the award for Best Airline and Best Cabin Staff for the Middle East region, as well as the Best Business Class Catering category.

Air New Zealand ranked 8th worldwide (7th in 2007), and also collects the 2008 Award for Best Airline Transpacific, ahead of Qantas in that category.

Emirates maintained the same ranking as last year, placed 9th worldwide. The Dubai-based airline picked up the award for Best Airline Inflight Entertainment for the 4th year in succession, ahead of Singapore Airlines in 2nd.

A new entrant to the world's Top-10 airlines is Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways, securing 10th position in the 2008 Awards.

A repeat win was achieved by Virgin Atlantic in being named winner of the Best Business Class Lounge Award, having secured the title in 2007 for their Clubhouse facility at London Heathrow Airport .

Cathay Pacific won the Best First Class Onboard Catering Award.

In the year that Austrian Airlines celebrates it's 50th anniversary, the airline has another honour to mark the achievement, winning the award for Best Business Class Onboard Catering for the second year running. Qantas was named winner of the Best Economy Class Onboard Catering Award, based on their longer haul, international operations.

THY TO FLY FROM BIRMINGHAM

2008-08-18T08:49:00.4840000+01:00

Turkish Airlines will fly from Birmingham International Airport to Istanbul from December 15, 2008 using a Boeing 737-800.

The Turkish flag carrier, which is a member of Star Alliance, will operate five flights a week (no Wed or Sat) to Istanbul with a flying time of four hours.

Prices start from £180.00 return.

www.thy.com

SCHEDULES CHANGES AT LCY FOR AIR FRANCE

2008-08-18T08:43:03.1710000+01:00

Air France will operate a new timetable from London City Airport from September 8, 2008.

Edinburgh will have 20 per cent more seats with the introduction of two more Avro RJ85 jets, which will replace the smaller Dornier 328 turbo-prop aircraft. The Dornier will fly on one of the seven daily flights only. Geneva will get a fifth flight added to the existing route from September 15.

To Paris ’s Orly airport Air France flights will be reduced from six to five times a day. Strasbourg will also be reduced – from three to two flights a day, to allow for the increased Geneva and Edinburgh routes.

Other routes Air France says it will suspend flights to Zurich with the last service set to run on September 7. Air France says this service is being cut so that it can “optimise other routes on its network.” Both British Airways and Swiss currently ply the route from City.

Smaller changes to the timetable will also be made from September 8 on the routes to Paris CDG, Dublin , Geneva and Nice.

Air France flies to 10 destinations from London City Airport . These are: Dublin , Dundee, Edinburgh , Eindhoven , Geneva , Nice, Paris Orly, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Strasbourg and Zurich . The airline also flies from Heathrow.

www.airfrance.co.uk

1ST FOR BUDGET CARRIER

2008-08-14T16:59:20.0230000+01:00

Finished your book, ran out of sweets and bored of your mate’s chit-chat? Well, fear not because Iceland Express has broken new ground by becoming the first budget airline to launch an in-flight entertainment system that will keep both adults and children amused for the entire journey.

The Bluebox lite unit or “Airplay” allows customers to watch movies, TV shows, listen to music and play computer games while in the air. Plugging in USB headsets, travellers aboard the London Stansted to Reykjavik flight can watch their favourite show or sing along to their favourite band using the handheld device.

www.icelandexpress.com

BALES MAGICAL MUSICAL TOUR

2008-08-14T16:52:32.4450000+01:00

Bales Worldwide is giving travellers the chance to experience one of the best events in the world music calendar – the Rajasthan International Folk Festival in Jodhpur . Taking place from 10-14 October 2008, this incredible festival brings together over 150 musicians to perform at one of Asia ’s finest buildings - the Mehrangarh Fort. Bales is offering a 10 day holiday, taking in the entire festival, from £1,650 per person based on two sharing with economy class return flights from Heathrow to Delhi and onward to Jodhpur, 9 nights accommodation (bed and breakfast), transfers and airport taxes.

www.balesworldwide.com

CLUBHOUSE DOUBLE

2008-08-14T08:58:30.7580000+01:00

For the second year running, Virgin Atlantic has won the Best Business Class Lounge Award in the SkyTrax World Airline Awards 2008, for its flagship Clubhouse at Heathrow Airport .

The World Airline Awards are based on the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax and are recognised around the world. The awards are renowned for being the only truly global independent passenger survey of airline standards. Virgin Atlantic beat off BA’s new T5 lounge, Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong Business Class lounge and Qatar Airways’ Business Class lounge to win the prestigious award.

www.virginatlantic.com

GAP YEARS FOR MUMS AND DADS

2008-08-14T08:49:44.9610000+01:00

Thinking about a gap year? Well your kids do. Why not you?

A recent survey from Ramblers Worldwide Holidays entitled 'Gap Years' for Mums and Dads and appeal for single travellers shows that with reasonable disposable income clients are determined to enjoy the fruits of their labours and travel as often and widely as possible.

Tony Maniscalco, Marketing Manager for the operator says, “many of our clients over 45 are playing ‘catch up’ with their sons and daughters who have enjoyed gap years whilst studying at universities and colleges. Some felt they had missed out on the opportunity of travelling to diverse and interesting places throughout the world and experiencing different people and cultures.”

The survey showed walking holidays are a firm favourite because they not only give clients the opportunity to experience exciting and stimulating destinations at a leisurely pace but have added health benefits.

Tony Maniscalco says “our survey shows that single travellers don’t want any special attention but simply seek the friendship, safety and the camaraderie of a group holiday - particularly if they are divorced or bereaved.”

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays offers over 200 holidays in over 70 countries including everything from Botswana and Jordan to The Galapagos Islands and Montenegro .

www.ramblersworldwideholidays.co.uk

MORE TURKEY FOR YOUR MONEY THIS WINTER

2008-08-12T03:55:28.4100000+01:00

Villa specialist Artemis Travel is hoping travellers will take an extra helping of Turkey this winter.

With four-star resorts on the Aegean Coast of Turkey, the company is promoting the region for winter breaks, with two-bedroom apartments priced at just £125 per week from October to February. And to encourage long stays away from the British weather and soaring fuel bills, the company is offering four weeks for the price of three for any break longer than a month.

With four people sharing an apartment – which can sleep up to six using sofa beds – this means one week’s accommodation costs less than £4.50 per person per night or as low as £3.35 for four people sharing and taking advantage of the four weeks for three offer.

Artemis Travel’s business development director Nigel Harris explained: “We feel that Turkey does not always get the recognition it deserves as a winter destination. Our resorts are fully-operational year-round, offering a great range of facilities on-site. With winter temperatures averaging between 18° and 20° C in winter it really is a welcome alternative to grey British skies.

The resorts are in the Altinkum area of south-west Turkey , easily accessible from airports at Bodrum or Izmir , which in turn are linked by scheduled, low-cost and charter flights from departure points around the UK .

www.artemistravel.co.uk