Having introduced free guest room high-speed and Wi-Fi internet access three years ago, five Marriott brands in the US and Canada, Courtyard, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn, TownePlace Suites and SpringHill Suites, are again responding to guests' needs and eliminating Wi-Fi charges for guests in lobbies and other public areas.

www.marriott.com

7/25/2007 5:03:11 PM UTC     

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) have open the Crowne Plaza Cincinnati Blue Ash. The 200-room hotel is located close to Kenwood Town Centre. Major businesses such as Coca-Cola, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc., Procter & Gamble, GE and Ford Motor Co. are also located nearby. The hotel is within driving distance of downtown, the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, Kings Island and the Cincinnati Zoo. 

IHG’s long stay brand, Staybridge Suites, has opened in London, Ontario. The 117 room, all-suite, hotel features in-room DVD/CD players; functional, well-lit work stations with ergonomic seating, two-line speaker phones with direct-dial number, personal voice mail and complimentary local phone calls, and fully equipped kitchens. 

Located near downtown London, the property is just minutes from area businesses such as Ford Motor Company, Magna, 3M Corporation and General Motors. The hotel is also close to key attractions such as Western Fair Entertainment & Sports Centre, John Labatt Centre and Bellamere Winery.

Holiday Inn has opened a new property at Santiago Airport Chile. The 112-room hotel is the first Holiday Inn property to be situated within airport grounds in Latin America and the first Holiday Inn in Chile.

www.ichotelsgroup.com

7/25/2007 5:01:23 PM UTC     

Qantas (QF) unveiled a radical overhaul of its international long-haul in-flight product ahead of the delivery of its first A380 next year.

A new premium economy class featuring 42-inch pitch, a new Panasonic IFE system, enhanced connectivity in all cabins and upgraded lie-flat business class beds are the main features of a makeover that will be offered on the A380s and QF's 747-400s starting in February.

The carrier will configure its A380s with just 450 seats, 14 first class "suites," 72 business, 32 premium economy and 332 economy. First and economy will be on the lower deck with business and premium economy on the upper deck.

The A380 will feature self-service bars and lounges in first and business classes, a self-service bar in premium economy and four such bars in coach. All classes will have wireless connectivity, in-seat e-mail, Internet, telephone and SMS along with in-seat power, USB and R145 ports.

On the 747-400, premium economy will be on the main deck in a 2-4-2 configuration, which is how business class started when QF pioneered it in 1979.

Qantas also unveiled a sleeker, updated version of its iconic kangaroo logo, which some feared might disappear all together.

www.qantas.com

7/25/2007 1:57:02 PM UTC     

As part of its 10th anniversary activities, Star Alliance is offering a 10 per cent reduction on all Economy Class Round the World tickets purchased between August 1st, 2007 and September 30th, 2007.

Using the Star Alliance Round the World fares, customers can build their own itineraries to circumnavigate the globe by either going east or west, flying on any of the 16,000 daily flights to 855 destinations in 155 countries offered by the 17 member airlines. Three different fare levels are available covering routings of up to 29,000 miles, 34,000 miles and 39,000 miles and allowing customers to visit between three and 15 different destinations. A fare for journeys of up to 26,000 miles and permitting three to five stopovers is also offered.

Star Alliance also offers Round the World Fares in First Class or Business Class. These are bookable at their normal levels and will not be discounted as part of the 10th Anniversary promotion.

www.staralliance.com

7/25/2007 1:26:54 PM UTC     

The Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) has launched a 'Travel the World in Style' competition giving guests the chance to win a unique round-the-world trip staying in the finest suite accommodation in several exclusive hotels.

Working in collaboration with global airline alliance, Star Alliance, GHA guests stand the chance to win a trip round the world in first class and enjoy presidential suite accommodation on every step of their journey. From premier suites in New York, Berlin and Beijing to a duplex suite overlooking the Indian Ocean via a presidential suite on the steps the Great Wall of China, winners can choose the itinerary of their dreams and discover how it feels to truly Travel the World in Style. Two additional prizes of regular round the world tickets and accommodation are also available as runner-up prizes.

Anyone booking a hotel stay through GHA’s web site before November 30, 2007 will be automatically entered into the competition.

Global Hotel Alliance currently comprises 7 luxury brands encompassing 151 upscale and luxury hotels with over 43,000 rooms in 39 different countries. Each brand is a key player in their main region of operation: Kempinski in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Omni in North America, Pan Pacific in the Pacific Rim, The Leela Group in India, Dusit in Thailand, Landis in Taiwan and China, and Marco Polo in China and Hong Kong.

www.globalhotelalliance.com www.staralliance.com

7/25/2007 1:20:06 PM UTC     

The first commercial flight of Singapore Airlines new Airbus A380 will be from Singapore to Sydney and return. It will take place in October 2007 and it would seem everyone wants to be on it. So in an unprecedented move Singapore Airlines will auction the seats on eBay with all proceeds from the sale being donated to charities.

Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Chew Choon Seng, said, “The first commercial A380 flight will be a moment in aviation history. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, on an aircraft that will mark a new chapter in air travel.

“And while we will celebrate the event, we also wish to remember the people who are less fortunate and can be assisted by the charities to which all the proceeds will go,” Mr Chew said.

The proceeds of the auction will be split evenly between Singapore’s Community Chest, the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney and to Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders.

Although the actual date of the flight is still to be confirmed Singapore Airlines and eBay plan for the auction to be conducted some weeks prior to the flight and we will inform readers once a date has been fixed.

Get your wallets ready!!

www.singaporeairlines.com

7/25/2007 8:49:19 AM UTC     

Low cost carrier JetBlue Airways continues to expand its Caribbean presence with the launch of nonstop services between Fort Lauderdale and Ponce, Puerto Rico. Year round daily flights start on November 5 2007 with introductory fares from $59.00 (£29.00) each way, with regular fares ranging from $99.00 (£48.00) to $299.00 (£145.00) each way. Ponce will be JetBlue's 12^th destination served nonstop from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.

www.jetblue.com

7/25/2007 8:10:33 AM UTC     

United Airlines has revealed details of its new international United Business experience that will provide customers with more space to work, sleep or relax during long overseas flights.

International United Business seat amenities will include:

    *Forward and rear-facing seats configured to allow customers to completely recline 180º to a full 6-foot, 4-inch bed.
*Four-way lumbar support and six-way adjustable headrest.
*An ottoman providing additional storage for a laptop or other personal items.
*Ergonomically designed tray table that comfortably accommodates a laptop and other items.
*iPod adapter that enables customers to play their own music and videos on the seat's entertainment unit while recharging the iPod.
*Universal Serial Bus (USB) port to charge personal electronic devices, such as personal digital assistants, mobile phones and digital cameras.
*Standard 110v power outlets requiring no adapter.
*Adjustable LED reading light with dimmer.
*Noise cancelling headphones.

United will begin introducing the new international United Business along with its previously announced First Class Suites in this autumn and the entire fleet will be fitted out by 2009.

"At United, we're making the world truly flat for our first and business class customers," said Graham Atkinson, United executive vice president and chief customer officer. "Our customers will truly appreciate the 180º, lie-flat seating and world-class amenities being implemented on all international flights. We're committed to delivering an experience that makes our most valued guests feel more relaxed and rewarded."

 www.united.com

7/24/2007 11:20:16 AM UTC     

Following a £76 million refurbishment, the InterContinental London Park Lane recently opened 60 elegant designer suites, including four signature suites.

The property has also opened the doors of its long awaited Club InterContinental. Located on the seventh floor, the purpose-built Club InterContinental is spread over 223 square metres and features floor-to-ceiling, double-glazed bay windows that provide striking views of London's historic landscapes.

There are four new signature suites, Royal, London, Cinema and Wellington. They come with Bang & Olufsen's 42 inch flat screen televisions in the main rooms and 28-36 inch flat screens in the bedrooms. In addition, the rooms are all fitted with high speed internet service, Bose sound systems and I-pod docks.

In addition to the four signature suites, the hotel has created 56 suites ranging from the intimate Studio Suites to the Palace Suites. In each, the living space has a relaxing sofa and a designated business area complete with high-speed Internet access. 21st Century creature comforts including a 28 inch Bang & Olufsen flat screen TV and Bose sound system are carefully housed behind dark and light oak cabinetry and wall panelling.

www.ichotels.com

7/24/2007 8:22:14 AM UTC     

The Fleming in Hong Kong has introduced a BizTrav package for HK$1,288 (£80.00) net per night. The package is inclusive of all the basic needs of business travellers: comfortable accommodation in a Superior Room with upgrade on availability, complimentary breakfast, in-room broadband at no extra cost, free use of hotel’s fully equipped conference room for 2 hours (subject to availability), and a host of local and international newspapers.

The Fleming, which calls itself  "a chic urban lifestyle hotel", features 66 rooms, all in a contemporary, stylish and spacious design and is located in a side-street in the heart of the Wan Chai business and entertainment district, close to the city’s shopping and food mecca – Causeway Bay, where a long list of international labels and delicious world cuisine await travellers.

The BizTrav Package is valid until 31 August. Terms and conditions apply.

www.thefleming.com.hk

7/24/2007 8:07:47 AM UTC     

Hyatt will officially open its Hyatt on the Bund, Shanghai in early October. Part of the Grand Hyatt portfolio, the hotel is situated at the northern end of the legendary Bund, arguably the most famous thoroughfare in Shanghai, if not China. To maximise its prime location on the western banks of the Huangpu River, the cutting-edge hotel has been angled so that all rooms will benefit from a spectacular view of either the historical architecture down the Bund or modern skyscraper-lined Pudong across the river.

The hotel will house a total of 631 guest rooms, including 52 suites, split between East and West towers will feature rotating flat-screen TVs, DVD players and high-speed wired and wireless broadband Internet access.

Hyatt on the Bund will be the seventh Hyatt hotel to open in Mainland China, following Grand Hyatt Beijing, Grand Hyatt Shanghai, Hyatt Regency Tianjin, Hyatt Regency Xian, Hyatt Regency Hangzhou and Hyatt Regency Dongguan. Twelve more Hyatt hotels are scheduled to open in China in the next few years.

www.hyatt.com

7/24/2007 7:54:38 AM UTC     

With Lufthansa having already announced a rise to their fuel surcharge, sister company SWISS will increase their surcharge on long haul flights from 102 to 122 Swiss francs (£47.75 and £49.20 respectively). Internal and European surcharges will remain the same at 32 Swiss francs (£12.90). The increase will take effect from 26^th July.

www.swiss.com   

7/23/2007 1:42:18 PM UTC     

Rugby fans travelling to the World Cup in France this autumn can avoid the scrum at city centre hotels by booking a luxury rental villa from Sanctuary Villas and Apartments, offering flexibility, space to relax and superb value for money. With properties sleeping up to 16 guests, why not travel with a whole team?
 
Sanctuary Villas and Apartments has a selection of self-catering properties within easy reach of Marseille, where six key matches – including two potential England matches - will take place during September and October 2007. Fans travelling after 29th September 2007 will even benefit from low-season rental rates.
 
The company can organise transfers to and from Marseille stadium for Rugby World Cup ticket holders, as well as offering a range of extra services – for example, a private chef to prepare a meal at the villa after a big match, or excursions to fill in the time on non-match days.
 
The villas Le Jas, La Maison Rose and Le Ferme De Cayenne are all available in the weeks surrounding the matches taking place in Marseille between 8th September and 7th October 2007. All of these properties are within 60 miles of Marseille. Some may also be available for four night breaks upon request.

www.sanctuary-villas.com

7/23/2007 11:05:30 AM UTC     

American Airlines is to fly from London Stansted to New York JFK. Flights will commence on October 29, 2007 with a daily, morning departure. From March 2008 American will increase the frequency to double-daily.

The new services will be operated using a Boeing 767-300 aircraft with 221 seats, including 30 new Business Class seats. Designed to give passengers more comfort, flexibility and privacy, American's new Business Class features innovative, fully motorized lie-flat seats in a 2-2-2 configuration, a personal in-flight entertainment device with audio and video on demand, state-of-the-art cabin lighting, and sleek, ergonomically-designed overhead bins.

www.americanairlines.co.uk

7/20/2007 3:55:59 PM UTC     

TravelPlus the award winning magazine for business and premium travellers has decreased its carbon footprint by phasing out the printed edition and delivering it by e-mail as a digital magazine. Comments received have been favourable, especially as a result of increasing our distribution to 150,000.

TravelPlus has never been averse to change and we never will be. We will still bring you a product that you say you enjoy reading and will always listen to what you want to see in the magazine.

To read the latest issue in which we take an in-depth look at South America go to our web sit www.travelplus.co.uk

7/20/2007 1:04:48 PM UTC     

Boeing has unveiled its next generation mid-size 787 in a blaze of publicity. It has already taken orders for 677 planes from 47 airlines - making this the fastest-selling aircraft - and it’s only due to start test flying this August, with
delivery to the launch client All Nippon Airways next May.

Boeing claims that the 787 will go further and be more fuel efficient and greener as a result of the cutting-edge carbon-fibre body, which is much lighter than traditional aluminium. As a result of the new body structure, the
cabin’s rust will not be a problem and passengers may benefit from having moister air to breathe, which should lessen the effects of jet lag.

With a greater fuel efficiency and a better passenger experience, surely this can only be good for those monitoring carbon emissions. But no, the air transport bashers do not agree. Environmentalists believe as a result of the new technology airlines can increase where they fly to and will be able to do so more often and therefore carbon emissions may well rise. Seems like manufacturers and airlines can’t win.

www.travelplus.co.uk

7/20/2007 1:03:44 PM UTC     

Japan Airlines has opened two completely revamped lounges at Narita International Terminal 2, the airline’s main international hub. The airline has created a more spacious and more comfortable environment in the JAL First Class Lounge and JAL Sakura Lounge located in the main building of the terminal. This has been achieved by almost tripling the total lounge area; totally redesigning and refurbishing their interiors; and improving the range of services available.

Both lounges feature a self-service dining area open from 7:30am to 10:00 pm in which JAL offers a new buffet-style hot meal service with both Asian and international cuisine.

Prior to departure, customers are able to freshen up in one of the new shower rooms, or enjoy a free-of-charge soothing massage offered by a resident professional masseuse. Passengers can also rest in relaxation rooms furnished with curve-shaped loungers, or unwind in one of the latest hi-tech massage chairs.

This business environment of the two lounges has been improved as they come fitted with such standard conveniences as electrical outlets for PC power, as well as high-speed wireless LAN connection for Internet access.

www.jal.com

7/20/2007 10:28:51 AM UTC     

Having been granted final approval by the US Department of Transportation Virgin America has begun selling tickets for flights to San Francisco, JFK, Los Angeles, Washington Dulles and Las Vegas.

Passenger service will begin August 8 with twice-daily San Francisco to JFK and five-times-daily San Francisco to Los Angelese flights. Fares will start at $44.00 (£21.44) one way in economy and $149.00 (£72.60) in first class, excluding taxes and charges.

Virgin America will then role out increased capacity and new routes over the next four months and are planning to serve 10 cities in the first year.

www.virginamerica.com

7/20/2007 10:00:57 AM UTC     

Emirates is making life easier for First and Business Class passengers travelling in Europe by extending its Chauffeur drive services to and from airports. The latest addition to the Emirates Chauffeur drive network is in Newcastle. From 1st September, when Emirates launches its daily Dubai-Newcastle service, the airline will offer Chauffeur-drive facilities to First and Business Class Passengers.

The free transfer, which also includes people carriers, applies within a 70 mile radius of Newcastle International Airport. A charge of GBP 21.15 (including VAT) will be levied for each additional 10 miles beyond that radius.

In addition, Emirates is expanding its Chauffeur-drive service in and out of Milan by offering a special transfer into neighbouring Switzerland.

www.emirates.com

7/19/2007 3:58:24 PM UTC     

Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel opened its doors in the centre of Shenzhen, the first special economic zone in China. Located at the Great China International Exchange Square, between Shenzhen Civic Center and Shenzhen Convention Center, the Sheraton Shenzhen is a new landmark of the rapidly growing Futian CBD.

Comprising two wings of 28 stories, the 418 guestrooms and suites provide ultimate comfort and luxury while commanding a dramatic view of the city. Each guest room includes Sheraton signature Sweet Sleeper® beds, a 32” plasma screen with satellite TV programs, wireless & broadband internet access, separate bath and shower and lavish amenities.

www.starwood.com

7/19/2007 3:49:49 PM UTC     

Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines and US Airways have recently launched formal bids to operate new services to China that will become available as the result of the expanded aviation agreement between China and the USA.

They have now been joined by American Airlines, United Airlines and to some, a surprise entrant, the all-business-class carrier MAXjet Airways.

The US Dept. of Transportation will award six new routes between 2007 and 2009

7/18/2007 4:49:15 PM UTC     

A price war seems to be looming in the Australian domestic market as Singapore-based Tiger Airways announced more domestic routes and fares for its Australian launch in late November.

Tiger's latest route announcement is Melbourne-Launceston with fares starting at A$39.99 (£17.12). Its Australian operation will be based in Melbourne and destinations include Perth, Mackay, Rockhampton, Alice Springs and Darwin.

Qantas low-cost subsidiary Jetstar Airways bettered the Launceston fare with a A$29.00 (£12.40) offering. However, it has yet to match Tiger's Melbourne-Perth fare of A$59.95 (£25.65) announced last week. Jetstar's best fare for that 4-hr. transcontinental journey is A$99.00 (£42.37) inclusive of all charges and taxes. Tiger plans to launch its Australian service on Nov. 23, with all announced destinations in operation by Dec. 1.

www.tigerairways.com  www.jetstar.com

7/18/2007 1:38:23 PM UTC     

bmi has announced that it will serve a new destination as well as introduce major enhancements to its network of services from Heathrow with effect from 28 October this year.

The airline is to launch daily flights from London to the Egyptian capital of Cairo. The new service will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft in a two class business and economy configuration.

bmi also announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with EgyptAir, which will see the carriers enter into reciprocal code share and frequent flyer agreements shortly. This will enable passengers to benefit from reciprocal flight codes on each airline’s flights as well as frequent flyer programme rewards and benefits. Return fares on the new bmi service to Cairo will start from £878 business and £299 economy (including taxes and charges).

Major enhancements will also take place from 28 October to other destinations newly served by bmi as it commences services at the start of the winter timetable. The Jordanian capital of Amman and the Lebanese capital of Beirut each benefit with an increase in direct frequency, with daily services now available to both locations. 

Nigel Turner, bmi chief executive officer said, “The number of destinations that bmi will serve from Heathrow at the start of the winter timetable will be 36. This further reinforces our position as Heathrow’s second biggest carrier and sends out a clear message of the presence of bmi as a major force within UK aviation both now and in the future.”

www.flybmi.com

7/18/2007 12:09:44 PM UTC     

Xenia Hotels and Resorts have launched its first luxury resort in Thailand and are promising a Xenia Xperience of luxury, service and standards.

The Samudra Retreat Samui, is an exclusive sanctuary where guests can retreat in private luxury just 7-minutes from Samui International airport. The resort is perched on a gentle slope providing guests uninterrupted panoramic ocean views with a lush tropical landscape that extends to the natural beach setting and the gulf of Thailand.

All pool villas, suites and pavilion apartments at The Samudra Retreat Samui are elegantly designed with unique Thai influences, hand-crafted accessories and modern amenities.

Xenia currently consists of two hotels in Bangkok, a beachside resort in Phuket and a unique riverside resort in Kanchanaburi. All properties are currently undergoing a refurbishment. A second Samudra Retreat will open in Hua Hin in January 2009.

7/18/2007 11:35:39 AM UTC     

According to the ICM poll of 411 business travellers undertaken earlier this year and published by BT Openzone, 63% of business travellers said that missing out on important e-mails while on the road tops their list of worries. Other concerns where traffic problems (49%), mobile phone batteries running out (44%), IT failures (37%) and getting a stain on their clothing just before meeting clients (31%).

BT said an increasing need to remain in touch had led to the emergence of a new business group dubbed ACORNs: Always Contactable, Otherwise Resentful and Nervous. According to the research, ACORNs are typically board level or would class themselves as senior financial and IT executives.

 

www.btopenzone.com

Technology
7/18/2007 10:57:48 AM UTC     

This week Hong Kong Express Airways will introduce flights between Hong Kong and Guiyang, the capital of southwestern China’s Guizhou province. This is the airline’s second new destination this year having begun flights to Xian, famous for is Terracotta Army, in May. 

The introduction of this latest route represents the next step in Hong Kong Express Airways’ planned expansion of services, which saw the airline take delivery of its third Boeing 737-800 aircraft in May. The airline has also resumed flights between Hong Kong and Nanjing.

www.hongkongexpress.com

7/18/2007 9:42:48 AM UTC     

Eurostar has today published its debut timetable for services from St Pancras International using High Speed 1 – the UK’s first 186 mph line.

Eurostar will increase the number of weekday services on the London-Paris route from 15 to 17 by February 2008. There will be 10 weekday services on the London-Brussels route, with the number of trains raised from seven to eight a day at weekends.

Richard Brown, Chief Executive of Eurostar, said, “For the first time business travellers can arrive in Paris and Brussels before 9am, ready for a full day’s work. We’ll be running more trains, with half-hourly departures to Paris and hourly departures to Brussels at peak times.

“Journeys will be at least 20 minutes shorter, and the new dedicated high-speed line means that punctuality will be even better than the 92% that Eurostar achieves today.

“All our services will be ‘carbon neutral’, at no extra cost to our travellers. A Eurostar journey already emits 10 times less carbon dioxide than flying, and we are determined to become greener still.”

The new St Pancras timetable comes into effect on Sunday 9 December but passengers will be able to buy tickets from Tuesday 24 July.

www.eurostar.com

7/18/2007 9:15:34 AM UTC     

The plane skidded across a main road before hitting a fuel depot. Up to 200 people have been killed after a passenger plane crashed and burst into flames at Brazil's busiest airport, in the heart of Sao Paulo. Rescue crews said none of the 176 people on board the Airbus A320 could have survived, while more people were killed on the ground.

The TAM airliner skidded off the runway as it landed in wet weather, shot over a busy road and hit a fuel depot. Concerns had been raised about the safety of the runway during heavy rain. There had been persistent, heavy downpours in the two hours before the accident.

TAM Express flight 3054 was carrying 170 passengers and six crew when it attempted to land at Congonhas airport, which is mainly used for regional flights from other parts of Brazil and South America. The plane was travelling to Sao Paulo, Brazil's financial capital, from Porto Alegre in the south of the country. After touching down on the main runway at 1850 (2150 GMT), the passenger jet skidded before sliding across a busy road in a residential area. It then struck a depot used by TAM for storing cargo and some fuel.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS www.bbc.co.uk

7/18/2007 7:49:59 AM UTC     

Eos Airlines today announced the opening of Club 48, its new gate-side departure lounge at London Stansted Airport. Club 48 enhances Eos’ trademark “uncrowded,” stress-free travel experience.

Club 48 offers a host of amenities, including two 50” widescreen televisions, individual computer workstations, WiFi access, and bar and food services. The guest services counter and circulating attendants ensure all requests are tended to prior to boarding.

Currently Eos has 32 flights a week between Stansted and JFK with will increase to 40 in September.

www.eosairlines.com

7/17/2007 4:42:05 PM UTC     

AirAsia has launched its first flights into mainland China with new flights between Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen in the southern part of Guangdong province, China.

Tony Fernandes, Air Asias’s Chief Executive Officer said, “As the first special economic zone in China, Shenzhen has risen to become one of the economic powerhouses of China as well as one of the largest manufacturing bases in the world.

“To date, we have sold more than thirty thousand seats for Shenzhen and we are even convinced that our first foray entry to China presents tremendous potential for us to tap into this exciting vast market. With so much growth coming from the Pearl Delta region, plans are underway for us to secure a second frequency to cater for the high demand of this route.”

www.airasia.com

7/17/2007 9:43:22 AM UTC     

Formerly a Nikko hotel, The Metropolitan Hotel New Delhi has joined the Preferred Hotel Group under the Summit Hotels & Resorts collection. The hotel joins three other signature hotels in India under the Preferred Hotels & Resorts brand - The Imperial, Devi Garh and Samode Palace.

The Metropolitan Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in downtown Connaught Place, New Delhi's premier business and shopping district. Each of the 180 guest rooms and suites are recently refurbished and now offer Wi-Fi and fax. Dedicated to the needs of the business traveller, the Club Floor rooms offer LCD TVs, DVD players, business kits and fax-scan-copy printers. Among the various service innovations, is the concept of 'Priority Service', which gives guests a one-touch button access to any service that they may desire and a 'Business Concierge' provides the needs of a corporate traveller.

www.preferredhotels.com

7/17/2007 9:34:46 AM UTC     

The Express by Holiday Inn Dubai Internet City has become InterContinental Hotel Group's first limited service hotel in the Middle East. The hotel comprises 244 rooms over four floors and is located in the Dubai Knowledge Village complex.

Michel Augier, Acting Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East & Africa, said, "Currently, hotel options in the Middle East for travellers on a budget are quite limited, with many people having to select more expensive accommodation in order to guarantee themselves satisfactory levels of amenities and service. This will now change with the opening of Express by Holiday Inn Dubai Internet City."

Express by Holiday Inn Dubai Internet City, one of four planned for Dubai, is the first of 22 hotels planned across the GCC countries and Jordan by the end of 2010.

www.ichotelsgroup.com

7/13/2007 9:20:36 AM UTC     

The European Parliament has decided that airlines should provide financial protection to passengers in the event of an airline failure and that carriers should be legally obliged to offer fares inclusive of taxes, fees and charges.

The decision has to be ratified by the European Council at a meeting set for October 1.  It will then take another two to three months for the new regulations to be implemented.

However, this consumer protection will come at a cost and the passengers are likely to bear the brunt through higher fares.

EU figures show 50 airlines went bankrupt between 2000 and 2005, leaving more than 63,000 passengers stranded abroad.

Travel agents and tour operators are required to provide bonding and financial guarantees under European legislation to protect customers against financial failure.  There is currently no such protection against airline failures.

7/13/2007 8:49:44 AM UTC