On Thursday, Millennium Hotels & Resorts opened the doors of the first Copthorne Hotel in the UAE. The Copthorne Hotel Dubai is located in Port Saeed, Deira, just five minutes’ walk from the shopping and entertainment complex, Deira City Centre, and ten minutes from the Dubai International Airport, overlooking the picturesque Dubai Creek.

The hotel has 163 spacious rooms and suites, four restaurants, swimming pool, health and fitness centre, business centre, meeting rooms and Club Floor. Many of the accommodations command enjoyable views of the Creek with its landscaped parks, and include balconies, bathrooms with separate standing shower and Jacuzzi, flat screen TVs, comfortable seating and working desks with high speed internet connections and business centre.

www.millenniumhotels.co.uk

1/25/2008 12:15:45 PM UTC     

Austrian Airlines is to add an extra direct connection to Dubai this autumn providing a double daily service. From 29 September, the departure time will be changed and an Airbus A320 featuring the new Premium Service with 24 Business Sleeper seats deployed on the night flight.

From 13 November, a new daytime flight to Dubai will enter service. This will operate until 15 March 2009 using a Boeing 737-800 when an Airbus A320 will be introduced.

www.austrianairlines.co.uk

1/25/2008 12:13:15 PM UTC     

Air New Zealand said today that it will be extending its code-share arrangement with Air Pacific on the Los Angeles to Fiji route from four services to six services a week and suspending its three times a week B767 service between Los Angeles-Nadi,Fiji-Los Angeles services, effective from 26 April 2007.

All six code-share services will connect to and from Air New Zealand’s London services to ensure the flow of Northern Hemisphere tourism into Fiji.

1/25/2008 11:13:49 AM UTC     

Newton Peripherals, the manufacturer of the acclaimed MoGo Mouse™, confirms the UK launch of two enhanced versions of the award-winning mouse, specifically designed to work with ExpressCard/54-equipped laptop computers.

The MoGo Mouse X54™ and X54 PRO™ are a Bluetooth-enabled wireless mouse family designed for mobile computer users whose laptops are equipped with an ExpressCard/54 slot, including those manufactured by Toshiba, Dell, Fujitsu, HP and Gateway. It’s slim and stylish frame folds flat, stores and recharges in the ExpressCard/54 slot. This feature is a major advantage over other wireless mice, which require frequent change of batteries. It also means that transporting your mouse around is no longer the hassle it once was. The MoGo X54™ and X54 PRO™ require no additional storage space leaving your bag free to carry round the things you need.

The mouse has a kickstand that enables it to be transformed from a flat metallic card to a portable mouse. There are also two indented finger pads on the MoGo Mouse which provide a similar feel to traditional desktop mice making it quick and easy to adapt to.

Priced at approximately £54.99

1/25/2008 11:13:02 AM UTC     

Readers of Time Out and Tatler magazines will have to agree to differ as there is little in common between each publications’ choice of the best restaurants in London. Guy Dimond, Time Out food editor, explained that the weekly magazine’s list was aimed at people wanting excellent food without the need to book months in advance or pay a huge bill at the end of their meal. So for Time Out there is no room on its list for The Ivy or The Wolseley.

The big winner on Time Out’s list is Alan Yau, the man responsible for founding the Wagamama Japanese food chain that he subsequently sold. Yau's restaurants - Hakkasan and Busaba Eathai - rank first and second in the Time Out guide to the best places to eat in and around London. A third Yau venue, Sake no hana, was also named among the top 20 restaurants.
Yau recently sold Hakkasan and Busaba Eathai for a reported £30 million to the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and is now expected to open 20 foreign branches of Hakkasan in the next three years.
Yau recently told thelondonpaper that is own personal favourite in London is The River Café.

Time Out’s Top Twenty London Restaurants for 2008 are:

Hakkasan, Hanway Place, W1
Busaba Eathal, Store Street, WC1
Barrafina, Frith Street, W1
Amaya, Motcomb Street, SW1
Rasa, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16
Fish Club, St John’s Street, EC1
Zuma, Raphael Street, SW7
Ottolenghi, Upper Street, N1
Mandalay, Edgware Road, W2
Hummus Bros, Wardour Street, W1
Bentely’s Oyster Bar, Swallow Street, W1
Arbutus, Frith Street, W1
The Gun, Coldharbour, E14
Nahm, Halkin Street, SW1
Hibiscus, Maddox Street, W1
Sake no Hana, St James’ Street, SW1
Maze, Grosvenor Square, W1
Patogh, Crawford Place, W1

For Tatler both The Ivy and The Wolseley found a place on the publication’s "hot list" for the year, a list that any paparazzi will know by heart if out celebrity spotting.
Tatler’s highest praise is reserved for Scott's, the Mayfair seafood restaurant whose "magnificent revival" established it at the "top of the A-list".

The full Tatler “Hot List” in alphabetical order is:

Le Caprice, Arlington Street, SW1
Chez Bruce, Bellevue Road, SW17
Cipriani, Davies Street, W1
Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire
The Ivy, West Street, WC2
Nobu, Old Park Lane, W1
Scott's, Mount Street, W1
The Wolseley, Piccadilly, W1
Zuma, Raphael Street, SW7

Tatler names the best restaurants by type and location. Best hotel restaurants in London include Brumus (Haymarket Hotel), Butler's (Chesterfield Hotel), Charles Cheneston's (The Milestone), Cookbook Café (InterContinental), Foliage (Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park), The Grill at Brown's (Brown's Hotel), Grill Room (Dorchester), Lanes (Four Seasons Hotel), Refuel (Soho Hotel) and The Ritz Restaurant.
London stores to get Tatler’s seal of approval for their restaurants include Fortnum & Mason for 1707, Peter Jones for The Brasserie, Liberty’s Cafe Liberty, Harvey Nichols’s Fifth Floor, Heal's Meals, Sotheby's Café, and the Emporio Armani Caffe in the Brompton Road. Museum restaurants on the list include the Court Restaurant at the British Museum, National Café and National Dining Rooms ay the National Gallery, The Portrait Restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery, Rex Whistler at Tate Britain, and The Wallace at the Wallace Collection.
For visitors to London with children in tow, Tatler recommends Frankie's Italian Bar & Grill in Yeoman's Row, Giraffe in Blandford Street, and Smollensky's Bar and Grill in the Strand.

1/25/2008 5:16:13 AM UTC     

Idina Menzel, last seen in London playing misunderstood witch Elphaba in Wicked, returns in May to lead the cast of Chess In Concert, which receives two performances at the Royal Albert Hall. Menzel, who plays Florence, is joined by Josh Groban whose recent Christmas-themed album Noel was 2007’s biggest selling album in the US, who plays the Russian for the shows on 12 and 13 May.

The musical tale of a love triangle is presented at the Royal Albert Hall in a form not seen before. Chess features book and lyrics by Tim Rice, and music by Abba’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson. Originally released as a concept album in 1984, it received its West End premiere in 1986 and ran for three years at the Prince Edward.

1/25/2008 5:12:49 AM UTC     

2007 was a record-breaking year for London theatre, according to the Society of London Theatre, with both attendances and ticket revenues exceeding the previous benchmarks.

The new attendance record (13,630,810) smashes the previous high, with 1.25 million more people attending London’s plays, musicals, opera and dance than in 2006. Due to the increase in audiences, London theatre broke another record, taking £469,729,135 in ticket receipts.

Particularly good news for many theatres was an increase in first-time theatregoers swelling the attendance numbers. This rise in audience numbers in 2006 and 2007 coincides with the escalation of London theatre’s profile. The arrival of large scale musicals such as Dirty Dancing, The Lord Of The Rings, Monty Python’s Spamalot and Wicked, the televised search for the stars of The Sound Of Music, Grease and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and the influx of Hollywood stars to the London stage, has kept theatre in the news and increased interest.

1/25/2008 5:11:32 AM UTC     

While the US focus will be firmly on the SuperBowl in Arizona on 3 February between the currently undefeated New England Patriots and the New York Giants, the rest of February and March is packed full of international sporting options. And that is either a good thing or bad thing for the business traveller, depending on your point of view.

The RBS Six Nations gets underway on 2 February with games between England & Wales and Ireland & Italy. Other RBS rugby internationals are scheduled on 3, 9, 10 and 23 February and 8 and 9 March, with the climactic final round of games on Saturday 15 March when Italy play Scotland, England play Ireland, and Wales play France.

Rugby fans will also be heading for the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens from 28-30 March. Teams competing in Hong Kong this year include Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, England, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, Korea, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Tunisia, USA, Wales and Zimbabwe.

Football or soccer highlights – depending on which side of the pond you come from – include the first knockout round of the Champions League on 19 & 21 February and 4 & 5 March. England plays its first game under its new manager when it takes on Switzerland at Wembley on 6 February, the same day that Ireland take on Brazil in a friendly at Croke Park.
March offers the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Valencia (7-9 March); the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horserace (25-31 March); and the Oxford x Cambridge Boat Race in London (29 March). March also sees the start of the Formula One season with races scheduled for Australia (Melbourne – 16 March) and Malaysia (Sepang – 23 March).

1/25/2008 5:10:12 AM UTC     

Opening to less than ecstatic reviews, Disney’s latest venture into live action theatre, The Little Mermaid, still promises to be one of the hottest tickets on Broadway for the remainder of the year.
Directed by Francesca Zambello, The Little Mermaid opened 10 January at the 1,518-seater Lunt-Fontaine Theater in New York. A theatre that had previously hosted Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
On Broadway The Little Mermaid joins Disney stable mates The Lion King (Minskoff) and Mary Poppins (New Amsterdam).

1/25/2008 5:08:28 AM UTC     

The multiple Tony Award-winning musical, Jersey Boys, is scheduled to open at the Prince Edward Theatre (replacing Mary Poppins) in London on 18 March (previews from 28 February), and in Las Vegas on 3 May in a new custom-built, 1600-seat theatre at the recently opened Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino.

Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were thirty. The show features such hits as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “Oh, What a Night,” and many more.

Jersey Boys opened in New York to rave reviews on 6 November 2005 and continues to set weekly box office records and remains one of the top grossing shows on Broadway where it can currently be seen at the August Wilson Theater.

1/25/2008 5:06:39 AM UTC     

Next week the Waldorf Hilton reaches a landmark anniversary, 100 years on from its grand opening.Lord Strathcona officially opened the hotel on 28 January 1908, heralding the launch of a new type of hotel in the capital.

Peter Beckwith, the current general manager of the Waldorf Hilton, said: London is world renowned for its historic hotels and, as we celebrate our Centenary, were proud for the Waldorf to be a part of that esteemed group. With its fascinating heritage and Hiltons own beautiful restoration, our guests can share in that history while enjoying the luxuries of 21st century hospitality.

Hilton is celebrating the hotels Centenary with a number of events throughout the year, including Tango Tea, with the first on Sunday 10 February. In 2006 the company introduced history tours to accompany its famous afternoon teas, and these are still available from Thursday to Saturday every week.

www.hilton.co.uk/waldorf

1/25/2008 4:58:03 AM UTC     

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts will develop InterContinental Doha West Bay in Qatar.  Targeted to open by March 2009, the 60-storey tower will be located in the city centre close to both the main shopping precinct and business district.

The 540-room property, which will comprise both hotel rooms and serviced apartments, is the second InterContinental in the Qatari capital and will cater to the rapidly increasing demand from both the intra-regional and international luxury business and conference sectors.

1/25/2008 4:55:42 AM UTC     

There are clear signs that business travel behaviour is beginning to change in response to global warming concerns, a forthcoming study by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives and KDS will reveal.  For the third consecutive year, ACTE and KDS, the European leader in on-demand travel & expense solutions, surveyed the opinions of an international group of business travellers and travel managers, and, for the first time, identified a real desire to reduce the frequency of travel and select ‘greener’ options. 

Among the findings are details about the fact that 45 percent of respondents felt that guilt about global warming now directly impacts individuals’ decisions about business travel.  The significance of this is explained by the related finding that almost 70 percent of respondents now use an online travel booking tool, thereby potentially creating a far closer link between individually held concerns and actual travel bookings. The traveller is now directly involved in the selection process and when given a choice may select a travel option according to its impact on the environment.

The full details of the wide-ranging study will be announced at next month’s London Business Travel Show.

1/25/2008 4:54:29 AM UTC     

US Airways is to introduce three new services to the Gulf Coast from its Charlotte hub. The new flights will begin on April 6 to the Florida cities of Fort Walton Beach and Panama City and Gulfport/Biloxi, Mississippi on May 4.

Flights to the recently added destination of Daytona Beach from Charlotte start on February 1.

www.usairways.com

1/24/2008 9:54:14 AM UTC     

The lack of a current mechanism to make foreign drivers pay fines is a big problem for the UK and particularly London, but also for other EU countries and cities. There are 3 million foreign cars a year in the UK, of which many come to London. Less than 3 percent of penalty charges incurred by foreign vehicles for parking and traffic infringements or non-payment of the congestion charge are paid. The total cost to London is calculated at £24 million a year. 

Speaking at a conference today, London Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford commented:

"The number of unpaid fines by foreign drivers is completely unacceptable. Londoners - or Berliners or Romans - will not understand how the EU can freely give their personal data away to the US when they take a plane but not sort out this headache.

"The motives to sort it out are practical, legal and political. London needs the money, justice should be fair all round, and a free ride for foreigners does nothing to make people feel warmly towards Europe.

1/24/2008 7:07:55 AM UTC     

Hertz, the world’s largest general use car rental brand, is marking its 90th anniversary this year, with a 12 month celebration of special promotions and activities across many leading destinations throughout Europe.

The festivities kick-off today, with the first ever 9am to 9pm ‘online sale’ offering 90 cars at only £9/€9 a week, across Europe – a discount of 90 per cent! The sale will be repeated on January 31st and February 7th.

www.hertz.co.uk

1/24/2008 7:00:06 AM UTC     

A big Valentine’s Day gesture can really show your loved one just how special they are. Dinner at a renowned restaurant, champagne, a spa day, or a weekend in the sun are perfect ideas but they can be expensive. However, thanks to the InterContinental Mar Menor Golf Resort and Spa you can do all four for less than £200 per couple!

The luxurious 5 star hotel located in the stunning South East corner of Spain, a region that enjoys more than 300 sunny days per year, has put together a special Valentine’s package that is available for all of February.

The Valentine’s package is priced at 137.50 euros per person

www.intercontinental.com/marmenor

1/24/2008 6:42:00 AM UTC     

Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona in Spain is to open February 1, 2008 following a 7 million Euro refurbishment. Located just five minutes outside the charming village of Estepona, this luxury five star property sits within perfectly manicured gardens, on a sandy beach overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Guests seeking pure extravagance, Kempinski Estepona has created the exclusive Prestige Floor, where the lavish Deluxe, Diamond, Presidential, Royal and Imperial Suites, as well as a few double rooms, are situated. This opulent floor features card only entrance and VIP lounge with reception, library, bar, music and buffet.   For those guests who choose to stay in the Imperial Suite, the largest of all, personal butler service, transfer by helicopter to/from the hotel and the choice of any luxury car, such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, and many others, are also included.
 
The hotel is ideally located for adventure seekers and culture lovers alike, with southern Spain and Morocco right on the doorstep. The Rock of Gibraltar, an awe-inspiring 411.5 metre high rock and home to hundreds of wild monkeys is just a day trip away.
Lead in Rates

www.kempinski-spain.com

1/24/2008 6:36:46 AM UTC     

Following successful trials Europcar has launched a unique airside initiative, providing a new fast track vehicle rental service for customers travelling from Gatwick and Edinburgh into many of the key UK airports. As the only car rental provider airside at both airports, Europcar will be able to process reservations for travellers before they even board the plane to their destination.

“We are delighted to be able to offer Europcar customers this unique service, taking the hassle out of car rental,” explains David Alexander, Operations Director, Europcar. “Now customers can check in for their car rental before they board the plane, safe in the knowledge that the rental agreement will be pre-printed and the vehicle will be allocated before they even take off. When they arrive at their destination, they just sign the paperwork and drive away.

“This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to improving the customer’s rental experience, strengthening the position of the Europcar brand as the leading car rental provider in the UK and Europe.”

www.europcar.co.uk

1/24/2008 4:31:23 AM UTC     

Ryanair has increased checked-in baggage and airport check-in fees with immediate effect for all new bookings as part of its continued drive to encourage passengers to travel without checked in bags and avail of Ryanair’s free of charge online check in.

Ryanair’s checked in baggage fee rises from £5 to £6 per bag and the airport check-in fee from £2 to £3. Ryanair hopes that these increases will encourage more passengers to avoid these charges by travelling with its generous hand luggage allowance (10kg) and checking in free of charge on-line, which also has the benefit of free priority boarding.

Ryanair’s Peter Sherrard said; “Ryanair remains determined to encourage more and more passengers to travel with carry on luggage only, which allows them to use our free of charge web check-in, skip airport queues and enjoy our priority boarding service free of charge.

The airline says that there has been a huge increase in the free on line check in and added that these increases would continue as their objective is to have at least 50% of their passengers travel with hand luggage only. This would save Ryanair money that they say will contribute to keeping their fares low.

www.ryanair.com

1/24/2008 4:12:05 AM UTC     

Enjoy the perfect Valentine’s Day at The Draycott Hotel!  Superbly located between Chelsea and Knightsbridge in the very heart of London, its intimate atmosphere and luxurious elegance provides the perfect romantic setting for couples looking to treat themselves to an unforgettable Valentine’s experience.

The Draycott Romance package is for an overnight stay in either a Deluxe Double or a stunning Suite with English Breakfast provided. A dozen red roses will be included in the package, not to mention luxurious, handmade, fresh cream chocolates, a bottle of chilled pink champagne and even a cuddly Draycott teddy!

The Romance package starts from £208 per person (excluding VAT) in a Deluxe Double. For an extra £40 per person couples may be upgraded to a Suite.

www.draycotthotel.com

1/22/2008 4:41:11 PM UTC     

SWISS continues to invest in its ground product and services. This afternoon saw the formal opening of three new facilities at its Zurich Airport hub. Pride of place among the new facilities goes to the new airside First Class Lounge, which offers its guests more comfort and far greater privacy. The new landside airport ticket office and the enlarged and redesigned First Class check-in lounge should also help further enhance customers’ air travel experience.

SWISS continues to invest substantial funds in revamping and expanding its airport lounge facilities. Having opened new lounges at Geneva and New York JFK, SWISS has now turned its attention to its Zurich Airport hub: for some weeks now, First Class customers and HON Circle members have been taking advantage of a new airside First Class Lounge.

www.swiss.com/uk

1/22/2008 4:38:48 PM UTC     

In its takeover of two City Hotels in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, Vietnam, the Swiss premium hotel group has taken another major step in its expansion in Asia. The two existing 5-star hotels, are set to open under Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts management by the end of 2008 after a period of extensive renovations.

The Mövenpick Hotel Saigon (called Omni Saigon Hotel until June 2008) is located in the bustling Phu Nhuan district of Ho Chi Minh, in the immediate vicinity of Tan Son Nhat International Airport and the trade fair grounds. The 5-star hotel is popular with business travellers and holidaymakers alike and boasts an exceptional MICE offer for up to 350 persons. 

The Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi (formerly Guoman Hotel Hanoi) is situated in a prime city centre location in an important business district of Hanoi, 40 minutes by car from Noi Bai International Airport, and offers 150 comfortable and spacious rooms and suites.

1/22/2008 4:37:52 PM UTC     

For the perfect getaway in the most romantic month of the year, whisk your Valentine away to Jiva Hill Park Hotel near Geneva this February! Think luxury rooms, awe-inspiring views, an indulgent spa and delicious gourmet meals… this hotel has everything. And to make romancing easier than ever, Jiva Hill Park Hotel has thoughtfully created ‘My Valentine’; a package specially made to treat you and your loved one.

For just £170 per person, this package is valid from 12th February to February 16th 2008 and includes: One nights accommodation in one of the hotel’s luxurious Deluxe rooms, champagne cocktails, half a bottle of champagne and chocolates on arrival and dinner at Shamwari restaurant.

www.jivahill.com

1/22/2008 4:36:51 PM UTC     

There's a new mobile phone service available to people who want to eat only fish caught in an environmentally sustainable way.Whether in a restaurant, at the fishmonger or in the sushi bar, consumers in 17 countries can now quickly look up the latest consumption recommendations for over 4,000 sea foods.

The International Seafood Guide for mobile phones, developed by researchers in the European Union project INCOFISH, compiles all available seafood advisories and allows consumers to access them through an easy-to-use mobile phone interface. With just a few clicks, users can get advice on whether a certain seafood can be enjoyed without jeopardizing its future as a food source or harming the environment.

www.seafoodguide.mobi

1/22/2008 4:34:15 PM UTC     

Hong Kong Express Airways is delighted to announce its designation by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department as the third Hong Kong carrier permitted to operate flights between Hong Kong and Beijing, and Hong Kong and Shanghai.

“It has always been our goal to provide services on these key routes so naturally we are overjoyed at seeing our goal realised. This is fantastic news,” said Mr. Ronnie Choi, President of Hong Kong Express Airways. “2008 will be a landmark year for Hong Kong Express Airways.”

Set to commence in the spring as part of the airline’s new summer timetable, Hong Kong Express Airways will operate double daily flights between Hong Kong and both Beijing and Shanghai.

www.hongkongexpress.com

1/22/2008 5:46:04 AM UTC     

The Great Indian Royale Express, a brand new luxury train journey is now available from leading train operator, The Luxury Trains.  Holidaymakers can travel in sumptuous style and explore some of India’s most spectacular sights on an exclusive eight-day rail journey combining the highlights of the luxury trains Palace on Wheels and Deccan Odyssey.  The first departure will be on 9 April 2008 with further departures on 3 September 2008, 10 September 2008 and 1 April 2009.

The Great Indian Royale Express offers the opportunity to experience one of the most fascinating destinations on earth encompassing a wealth of cultural heritage, stunning scenery, majestic wildlife, forts and palaces.  All of this can be enjoyed on the seven-night/eight-day train tour starting at the spectacular Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station in Mumbai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Highlights of the itinerary include the breathtaking Ajanta and Ellora caves, also UNESCO World Heritage listed; the splendour of the desert state of Rajasthan; Bandhavgarh National Park, one of the best wildlife viewing sites in India; the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world; the “pink city” of Jaipur and Udaipur known as “the Venice of the East”.

Prices for the seven-night journey are from £2,357.00 per person based on two sharing a double cabin and include all meals, transfers and excursions.

www.theluxurytrains.com,

1/22/2008 4:40:48 AM UTC     

Cruise Critic travel experts have put together a list of the top 10 ports that should not be missed in 2008.

•    Amsterdam, Western Europe
•    Dubrovnik, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean
•    Hong Kong, Asia
•    Martinique, Southern Caribbean
•    Maui, Hawaii
•    Muscat, Middle East
•    Naples, Europe, Western Mediterranean
•    St. Petersburg, Northern Europe
•    Sydney, Australia
•    Vancouver, Alaska

www.cruisecritic.co.uk

1/22/2008 4:38:58 AM UTC     

A record number of British holidaymakers will be taking to the high seas this year as Cruise holidays experience an unprecedented boom. Where will they be going and what will they be doing - exploring the China coast or Greek islands, possibly hopping onboard a luxury cruise ship that caters to their every whim? Increased interest in European and Asian itineraries as well as luxury cruising are some of the hot cruising trends in 2008.

Europe is Booming: Because of the popularity of Europe-based cruising and the need to alleviate gridlock at the busiest ports, in 2008, cruise lines are offering more exotic itineraries than ever before. Some of these new European itineraries will include ports of call along Croatia’s coast or around the Black Sea. Also cruising during the winter months in this region will only continue to gain in popularity as more itineraries are being offered that focus on the nearby (and southerly) Canary Islands, as well as Spain’s Mediterranean coast and North Africa.

Beyond your Fare: Cruise travel has long had a reputation for being an all-inclusive experience. However, its not so all-inclusive these days as passengers spending in excess of  their fares grows for items such as casino gambling, shore excursions, art auctions, spa treatments, and more. 2008 will see more onboard spending opportunities than ever before for new items such as fine wine with dinner and a-la-carte restaurants.

Burgeoning Asia: Cruise lines are offering more opportunities to explore Asia by sea, as lines like Princess Cruises (with Sapphire Princess) and Royal Caribbean (with Rhapsody of the Seas) have moved larger ships into the market. In 2008, look for more cruise vacationers than ever to explore this region.

www.cruisecritic.co.uk

1/22/2008 4:36:35 AM UTC     

Valentines Day is near which means it’s time to treat that someone special in your life to a romantic Valentines getaway. With this romantic package you can indulge your loved one with a one night stay in one of the Royal Garden Hotel's five star luxurious rooms, either on Valentines Day or the following weekend to make that romantic evening last as long as you wish.

You will receive a chilled bottle of Champagne, fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate and a valentine's bouquet of flowers for the lady elegantly laid out in your room.

Dine in the beautiful surroundings of the Park Terrace Restaurant, adjacent to the lush open spaces of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park giving it a spacious, calm and friendly atmosphere, the perfect setting for that most romantic evening. Top the weekend off by a having a leisurely morning with full English breakfast.

This Romantic Package costs only £250 for a Superior Room, £280 for a Deluxe Room, £320 for an Executive and Junior Suite and £420 for a Park Suite. Prices are based on two people sharing a room. This package is available from the 14th February and continuing on any following weekend.

www.royalgardenhotel.co.uk

1/21/2008 10:42:42 AM UTC     

Control of the world’s key international hubs is a key driver of structural change in the airline industry in 2008. Generally speaking, the more congested the hub, due to strong passenger demand, the greater the level of interest in airlines operating there.

The battle for control of China Eastern Airlines and the important Shanghai hub will enter a fascinating new phase tomorrow, as the details of Air China’s counteroffer are released. Earlier this month, Air China foiled Singapore Airlines’ bid to buy a minority holding.

At the weekend, some details of the “strategic partnership” emerged, including that the parents of both Air China and China Eastern would purchase new shares in the Shanghai-based carrier, lifting Air China’s parent’s interest to 30% and delivering a USD1.9 billion cash injection into China Eastern.

Cooperation would centre on the establishment of a cargo JV (potentially providing much-needed consolidation of cargo capacity in the Mainland). But most importantly, Air China would help China Eastern form an "operations hub" in Shanghai to strengthen the use of its route network and other resources.

Meanwhile, it has emerged India’s Jet Airways has expressed interest in acquiring Sir Michael Bishop’s stake in bmi, which controls 11% of the slots at London Heathrow Airport.

Virgin Atlantic Airways – another key Heathrow player – could also come up for grabs this year, as Singapore Airlines seeks to sell its 49% holding in the UK carrier. SIA’s focus these days is firmly on the Asian growth markets and on China in particular.

In the US, several lucrative hubs, including Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington DC and Detroit are in play as Northwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines consider their merger options. United will reportedly shift its attention to Continental Airlines if it is unsuccessful in brokering a deal with Delta. Lufthansa, which controls 30% minus one share of bmi, has recently acquired 19% of JetBlue, which controls approximately 30% of slots at New York’s JFK Airport – where slot auctions could soon become a reality.

Spurred by liberalisation, international airline investment strategy (of the major incumbent airlines) is increasingly becoming a game of real estate – those with the most slots at the best airports win. Little wonder airports remain the best investments in the aviation sector. 
 
SOURCE:Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation
www.centreforaviation.com

1/21/2008 6:25:29 AM UTC     

Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced that it has signed a management agreement for the Conrad Beijing; one of Beijing's newest and most spectacular luxury hotel developments. Scheduled to be open at the end of 2010, the Conrad Beijing will join Conrad Hotels & Resorts, the global contemporary luxury hotel brand of the Hilton Family of Hotels, as it expands its luxury portfolio in China.

The Conrad Beijing will be located in the city's Central Business District, close to the newly built China Central TV Tower and near to renowned tourist attractions such as the World Heritage Site, the Forbidden City and historic landmark, Tiananmen Square. The hotel will also be in close proximity to Wangfujing Street, one of China's most famous pedestrian shopping boulevards, combining contemporary boutiques with China's oldest brands and traditional tea houses. 

1/21/2008 6:24:07 AM UTC     

Qatar Airways today announced plans to serve the southern Chinese industrial port city of Guangzhou from the start of the summer flying season to further cement its position in one of the world’s fastest growing economies. Beginning March 31, Doha-based Qatar Airways will become the first airline from the Gulf to serve Guangzhou. It will operate four flights-a-week non-stop using an Airbus A330 aircraft in a two-class configuration of up to 24 seats in Business Class and a maximum 248 in Economy.

The addition of Guangzhou strengthens Qatar Airways’ China network, where it already flies to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong with a total of 16 flights a week. Guangzhou takes the airline’s capacity into China up to 20 flights a week. From May 1, Qatar Airways adds a fifth weekly service to Guangzhou.

www.qatarairways.com

1/21/2008 6:23:28 AM UTC     

Royal Jordanian (RJ) begins operating a three flights a week service from Amman to Hong Kong via Bangkok this week. Flights will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and will increase to five times a week in the summer.

The service will aid business and tourist development between Jordan, Hong Kong and China, the latter through oneworld alliance partners Cathay Pacific and Dragonair.

The addition of Hong Kong brings RJ’s worldwide destinations to 55. In April this will increase to 56 with the addition of Baku in Azerbaijan.

www.rj.com 

1/21/2008 5:54:44 AM UTC     

Starwood Hotels and Resorts are on the march. They plan to average a hotel opening a week throughout 2008. Across all brands they are opening 49 hotels with 23 of the properties opening before the end of July.

Of the 23 there are 12 in North America and Mexico, Europe, Middle East and Africa have eight and three are in the Asia Pacific region. The brands represented, Sheraton, Westin, St Regis, Four Points, W Hotels, Le Meridien and the Luxury Collection are also a mixture of city hotels, beach resorts, golf resorts and spa, airport properties, convention hotels and residencies.

The first property to open this year was the Four Points by Sheraton SZR Financial Centre in Dubai and the most recent the Westin Sohna-Gurgaon near the Indian capital of New Delhi. It is Westin’s first hotel in India to go with 19 other Starwood properties either open or under construction in the country.

www.starwood.com

1/18/2008 11:19:14 AM UTC     

Best Western is scheduled to open its Mayfair Suites on March 1 in the heart of Bangkok’s fashion and shopping district.

Best Western Vice President International Operations Asia, Glenn de Souza, said, “Best Western Mayfair Suites places guests in the centre of Bangkok’s shopping paradise. It is only a few steps from the popular garment Indra Market and a quick sky train ride to Thailand’s largest luxury shopping arcade and fashion-filled walking street.”

www.bestwestern.com

1/18/2008 4:30:37 AM UTC     

Cathay Pacific has collected almost HK$10 million through its "Change for Good" 2006/2007 in-flight fundraising programme.

Most of the money collected goes to UNICEF for underprivileged children around the world. In addition, approximately HK$700,000 of this year's proceeds will be donated to the Cathay Pacific Wheelchair Bank to help local children with neuromuscular diseases.

Cathay Pacific pioneered Change for Good with UNICEF in 1991 and over the past 17 years the airline has raised over HK$81 million through the programme, in which spare change in foreign currencies is collected from passengers.

Cathay Pacific's Chief Executive, Tony Tyler said, "Change for Good is a simple yet very effective way to raise money to help improve the lives of unprivileged children, and I would like to thank our passengers for their continued support. UNICEF does a fantastic job helping young people around the world and we are pleased to be able to contribute another HK$10 million to assist their worthwhile efforts."

www.cathaypacific.com

1/18/2008 4:22:10 AM UTC     

easyjet has linked up with CITI to launch its first ever credit card, with a range of ‘introductory offers’ in the first three months.

Anyone successfully applying for the card (typical APR 16.9%) will get a free flight worth up to £40 including taxes if they spend £250. It is also offering 10% cash back on all EZY flights bought with the card in the first three months. This covers any hotels booked at the time of the flight. EZY hotels are provided by TUI Travel plc’s hotelopia.

The card also features an easyJet1-2-3 rewards programme, which awards three miles for every £1 spent on flight; two miles for every £1 spent overseas and one mile for all other purchases. Miles can then be used to buy flights, at a conversion rate of 1p per mile. They can also be cashed in every year at 0.5p per mile.

EZY currently charges £4.95 extra for a credit card booking. This fee will still apply to people using their easyJet card to book an easyJet flight.

www.easyjet.com

1/17/2008 12:08:29 PM UTC     

For today's time poor travellers, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has created 'Web-In' and 'Web-Out,' a convenient, online check-in and check-out systems available at over 100 of its North American properties through the Hyatt’s website.

A 'Check-In' button on the Hyatt.com homepage enables guests to check in via the internet after 1:00 pm on their day of arrival. Room keys may be collected from hotel-lobby kiosks at each guest's convenience.

Hyatt's 'Web-Out' option is made available through e-mail. On the morning of a scheduled departure date, the guest will receive a message to review their account with an option to proceed with check out via their PDA or laptop.

Guests will soon be able to pre-select their guestroom of choice online or at the check-in kiosk, through enhancements introduced to the 'Web-In' feature. Graphic images of floor plan layouts and room availability will make selection as simple as choosing an airline seat.

 

www.hyatt.com

Hotels
1/17/2008 11:32:33 AM UTC     

Blue Air's special seat sale on flights between London Stansted and Bucharest: Tax only flights available on bookings made 16 - 27 January for travel between 01 and 29 February 2008. Fares at this special rate are limited.

www.blueair-web.com

1/17/2008 11:12:51 AM UTC     

We can confirm that flight BA038, a Boeing 777 arriving from Beijing, carried out an emergency landing at Heathrow Airport today at 12.42.  Heathrow's emergency services attended the scene.

136 passengers were immediately evacuated and taken to a reception centre at the airport.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is attending the scene.

Heathrow Airport's southern runway was closed immediately after the incident for a period of less than 2hrs and the airport operated single runway operation during that period.  The southern runway re-opened for departing aircraft at 14:30 with arriving aircraft landing on the northern runway.

BAA is doing everything possible to minimise disruption to our passengers.

Passengers flying from Heathrow today should contact their airline regarding the status of their flight.  Air traffic control is diverting some arriving flights to other airports on a flight by flight basis.

British Airways has issued a helpline for anybody concerned about family and friends: 0800 389 4193

1/17/2008 11:09:18 AM UTC     

Oasis Hong Kong Airlines are due to complete an upgrade of their businessOasis service and products by mid-February 2008.

“These changes will really enhance the look and feel of Oasis on board, and further convince our passengers that they can receive a comparable service on Oasis, to that of other major carriers, but at a much lower price, “ said Oasis’ Chief Executive Officer Stephen Miller.

Upgrades include: Restaurant quality meal service, with meals served one course at a time. Dessert trolley featuring a selection of desserts and cheese rather than pre-plated options, amenity kits, noise cancellation headsets and a plush new heavier fleece blanket per seat.

There will also be new cutlery, crockery and glass ware and improved in-flight entertainment including six new Hollywood blockbuster movies per month.

www.oasishongkong.com

1/17/2008 10:48:45 AM UTC     

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) today announced an increased service for its Copenhagen route, with the Heathrow operations to the Danish capital increasing from six to seven flights daily. From 30 March - 24 October 2008 the airline will operate a new daily service from London Heathrow to Copenhagen. The new service will bring the total number of return flights from London Heathrow to the Danish capital to seven per day. 

The expansion of London Heathrow services compliments SAS’ existing two daily service from London City Airport to Copenhagen and will bring the airline’s services from London to Copenhagen to nearly 60 flights a week.

SAS operate a unique one way fare structure meaning that customers can mix and match the airports they travel from. SAS customers can choose to fly out from London City and return via Heathrow according to which airport is most convenient to their home or office.

1/17/2008 7:26:53 AM UTC     

Qantas said today that the three-month delay of the 787 Dreamliner announced by Boeing would now see Jetstar not take delivery of its first B787 before May 2009.

The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Mr Geoff Dixon, said that while the delay would affect Jetstar’s international expansion in the short term, there would be no effect on the Qantas Group’s overall growth strategy and no impact on Qantas Group earnings. He said Qantas would finalise its contingency plans to mitigate against the delay once a revised delivery schedule was received from Boeing, which was expected within the next few weeks.

"In the meantime, we will look at a range of options including revised retirement dates for some of our aircraft, re-allocating existing capacity and potential schedule adjustments," Mr Dixon said. He said Qantas’ contractual arrangements with Boeing provided for the ability to claim liquidated damages in certain circumstances.

"We will be discussing the issue of liquidated damages with Boeing in the coming weeks," Mr Dixon said.

The Qantas Group’s commitment to the B787 extends to 115 aircraft, with 65 firm orders, 20 options and 30 purchase rights. The first 15 B787s delivered to the Qantas Group will be operated by Jetstar on international routes.

1/17/2008 7:26:09 AM UTC     

Over the last year, close to a dozen airlines have announced plans to allow passengers to send text messages from their own cell phones. Passengers in Australia, France, Turkey, Ireland, Malaysia, India, and other countries are now using mobile devices in flight, or will be able to do so sometime in 2008. However, passengers in the United States will have to wait.

While many point to interference with ground networks, or the intrusiveness of chatty seat mates, the ability to send data to the ground is allowing Middle Eastern, Asian, and European business travelers greater chances to be productive on commercial jets than U.S. fliers, who are constrained by the FCC ban on cell phones in flight.

“Independent agencies have been testing mobile devices’ interference with cockpit communications and navigation equipment for the last five years. But with live systems now installed on passenger planes in a variety of countries, there is growing operational evidence that picocell-based systems can allow phones to be used in flight without harming a ground network or an aircraft’s avionics bus,” according to David Gross, author of two reports that have looked at the matter. “We know Wi-Fi is safe, particularly with some airlines using the technology internally to connect cabin security cameras to Electronic Flight Bags in the cockpit. However, GSM and CDMA are becoming equally important as text messaging is emerging as one of the first major applications for in flight connectivity. As long as the United States maintains its current policy banning cellular antennas from being used on jets, it is allowing other countries to leap ahead with in flight productivity, while facing mounting evidence that there is no safety benefit to passengers.”

The analysis of U.S. competitiveness in the sky is part of the firm’s recent report, “In Flight Text Messaging” as well as its forthcoming study “Airborne Picocell Networks”. More information about Freesky Research and the in flight connectivity industry is available at www.freeskyresearch.com

Source:eTurboNews www.forimmediaterelease.net

1/17/2008 5:18:41 AM UTC     

As winter slowly gives way to spring, you can still enjoy a luxurious retreat with The Peninsula Hotels' great value winter getaway special offers.

Representing fantastic value and valid until 31 March 2008, indulge yourself with  Winter Escapes at The Peninsula , and select one of the exceptional benefits ranging from room upgrades, rejuvenating spa treatments, superb dining, traditional afternoon tea and airport transfers.

Or for the ultimate in comfort, experience The Suite Life at The Peninsula and enjoy an extended stay with a complimentary second night at select Peninsula hotels.