TravelPlus had hoped to report in this issue on a glorious period for air travel. After all we had Open Skies to look forward to, the opening of new airport facilities across the globe, new aircraft coming on line, and many carriers, such as Oasis, promising an upgrade to their onboard product and services.

Open Skies has been a reality since 30 March but initially only seems to offer more of the same. The exception is the introduction of a service between London Heathrow and Los Angeles by Air France. While we can look forward to an increase in offer for services between Europe and the US, there is a real concern that at Europe's busiest airports the price to pay will be a big drop in the number of short haul flights on offer to destinations that are not major feeder hubs.

By now London Heathrow's Terminal 5 needs no introduction. We did warn you that the media would look to find fault with British Airways and BAA, but when you are the front page story in every publication from Private Eye to The Economist you know that something has either gone spectacularly right or spectacularly wrong. Sadly the latter seems to have been the case but at TravelPlus we still live in the hope that BA and BAA will get their act together, and quickly. What the general reporting of the story is overlooking, however, is how much certain unionised bodies may have held an interest in Terminal 5's launch not going to plan. Are we now looking at a summer of (union) discontent?

It has not been a great period for the aircraft manufacturers either. Singapore Airlines new A380 has suffered a few teething problems with the fuel lines, while other airlines had to ground their 777, 737 and MD-80 fleets for technical upgrades and/or safety checks. Then came news that Boeing's new Dreamliner has been delayed again and won't enter service until the end of 2009 at best. All has added to the headaches already faced by weary travellers.

Then there are the airlines. Oasis, that had only recently announced an upgrade to its premium product, called it a day on 9 April, the fourth airline in a two-week period to call a halt to operations. The others being the US carriers ATA, Aloha and Skybus. Silverjet, however, did find itself the centre of takeover rumours and admitted to being "'in discussions which may or may not lead to an offer for the issued share capital of the company."

Hopefully what we have experienced in recent months is just a small area of turbulence and that ahead lies calm and open skies for us all to enjoy. Sadly there are groups like Plane Stupid and worse who wish harm and ill will on all of us who do want or need to fly and travel the world. Shame on them.

4/23/2008 8:33:23 AM UTC     

AirPlus International, the leading global business travel payment provider and Air China, the leading national flag carrier, have announced their strategic partnership by unveiling the Air China AirPlus Company Account. The solution provides the airline’s corporate clients with a new travel payment option on all national and international Air China flights and tariffs. The joint product is the first lodge account based payment solution in China and will be released in July 2008 prior to the Olympic Games. Furthermore, AirPlus has founded a subsidiary company in China - the AirPlus Payment Management Co. Ltd. based in Shanghai.

4/23/2008 8:25:51 AM UTC     

You might know that the Emirates Palace was and still is the most expensive hotel ever built; however, here are a few more interesting facts about Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmark…

1. Emirates Palace has a luxury car fleet of 23 cars including: 2 Maybachs 2 Rolls Royces, 15 BMWs, 
2. In the external architecture of the hotel there are over 114 impressive domes that rise up to 60m in the air and glisten in the sun, resembling pure gold.
3. 5kg of 24 carat edible gold is used every month on decorating Palace pastries and chocolates. This includes Delice du Palace, and 400 slices of this famous chocolate cake are consumed on average every day.
4. The most expensive thing that you can purchase at the Emirates Palace Hotel is "Robert Wan Tahiti Pearls" which are not available in this country. They are exclusive.
5. Emirates Palace boasts 1,002 Swarovski crystal chandeliers and 20,000 roses are used everyday to lavishly decorate the hotel.
6. There is a particularly valuable Cognac at the Havana Bar. It is called Hardy Perfection Air, it is over 140 years old, 100% French Colombard grape and only 300 bottles have ever been produced. One bottle costs £23,140 and one 4cl shot would put the buyer £1,321 out of pocket!
7. Sayad is the first restaurant in Abu Dhabi to introduce ‘Pacific Rim’ cuisine. This is a combination of food inspired by the techniques and flavours of the countries that make up Asia, and the other countries that border the Pacific Ocean.
8. "Gateway to Arabia" is the most popular spa treatment at the Anantara spa within Emirates Palace. It is an indulgent celebration of the Moroccan hammam, and costs around £175, lasting 3 hours and 15 minutes.
9. 35,000 square metres of 13 different types of marble have been used in building the hotel from all over the world.
10. The hotel treats guests to a vast array of little luxuries such as ‘bath caviar’ and Prada beauty products in all suites.

www.emiratespalace.com
  

4/23/2008 8:24:54 AM UTC     

Britons would rather be sunning themselves on the warm pink sands of Bermuda than anywhere else on earth on their dream holiday. The paradise island came out top in a poll carried out by Ciao Surveys. It found 23 per cent of respondents named lying on a beach in Bermuda as their idea of the perfect holiday of a lifetime, beating off competition from Thailand, Rio, and the Greek islands.

Shopping in New York was also a top contender and with a flight time of less than two hours from Bermuda to the hustle and bustle of the ‘Big Apple’, the island is the perfect twin-centre beach destination after a busy weekend pounding the pavements and bagging some bargains. 

Bermuda’s relaxed ambience is only a six and a half hour flight from the UK. Sand, sea and shopping! What more could any holidaymaker ever want. 

4/23/2008 8:22:25 AM UTC     

Britons would rather be sunning themselves on the warm pink sands of Bermuda than anywhere else on earth on their dream holiday. The paradise island came out top in a poll carried out by Ciao Surveys. It found 23 per cent of respondents named lying on a beach in Bermuda as their idea of the perfect holiday of a lifetime, beating off competition from Thailand, Rio, and the Greek islands.

Shopping in New York was also a top contender and with a flight time of less than two hours from Bermuda to the hustle and bustle of the ‘Big Apple’, the island is the perfect twin-centre beach destination after a busy weekend pounding the pavements and bagging some bargains. 

Bermuda’s relaxed ambience is only a six and a half hour flight from the UK. Sand, sea and shopping! What more could any holidaymaker ever want. 

4/23/2008 8:20:39 AM UTC     

Effective immediately, Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and the Royal Plantation Collection, has introduced a new, value-oriented brand – Grand Pineapple Beach.

According to Adam Stewart, chief executive officer of SRI, Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts will offer a quality all-inclusive resort experience, a great beachfront location and tremendous value.  Two resorts, Grand Pineapple Beach Resort in Antigua and Negril Gardens in Jamaica, will be re-flagged to become Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua and Grand Pineapple Beach Negril, respectively.  Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts will welcome singles, couples, families and groups.  All-inclusive rates include accommodation; all meals and snacks; unlimited premium-brand beverages; non-motorized watersports and nightly entertainment.

“Our intention was to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for guests to affordably enjoy the best beaches in the Caribbean,” Stewart said. “It’s a slice of paradise regardless of budget.

“This concept has been in the works for the better part of two years.  We were careful and deliberate in creating the Grand Pineapple Beach experience – which above all is about quality.  Value may be the first reason customers book Grand Pineapple Beach, but they will come back for the great food, the sincere and warm welcome that the pineapple symbol has long represented and the outstanding experience that starts with a great beach.” 

www.sandals.co.uk

4/20/2008 7:05:07 AM UTC     

Sanctuary Villas & Apartments is offering special golfing packages to guests booking an upmarket villas in the Italian region of Umbria.

The package includes a complimentary three-day course pass to the recently re-opened Antognolla Golf Club for up to two guests, plus complimentary hire of one golf cart for three days.

These extras are offered with all bookings made at Sanctuary’s villa Il Fagiano, which sleeps up to eight, before the end of May 2008 for travel during mid- and low-season. This covers stays completed before 28th June 2008 and beginning after 29th August 2008.

For non-golfing guests, or golfers on their days off, the wider region offers plenty to keep guests occupied. The ancient heart of Perugia, known for its chocolate; Assisi with its awesome cathedrals; and Lake Trasimeno, a vast lake with water sports beach, are all within easy reach of the villa.

Low-season rentals at Il Fagiano start from £3,055 per week without flights.

www.sanctuary-villas.com

4/20/2008 6:52:24 AM UTC     

Flybe has completed the installation of 64 new self service electronic check-in kiosks at 13 regional airports across the UK, offering passengers the additional choice and most hassle-free method of check-in.

Initial indications have exceeded expectations with over 40% of Flybe’s customers already using electronic check-in.

Simon Lilley, Director of Marketing, Flybe comments: “We are committed to getting the millions of passengers we carry each year through the check in process as quickly and efficiently as possible. These machines minimise queuing and really do speed things up, allowing our passengers to better enjoy their travel experience with Flybe. We are pleased with the customer uptake, however are not surprised that such hassle free check-in channels are proving so popular. We will now be focusing on driving usage even higher, plus working on implementation of the next step which will see passengers checking-in by mobile phone. We will continue to flush out cost, whilst providing our passengers with a suite of affordable options to suit their needs”

The Flybe SelfServ™ kiosks are now available at Exeter, Guernsey, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Newquay, Jersey, Leeds Bradford, Doncaster Sheffield Robin Hood, Norwich, Southampton, Cardiff and Isle of Man Ronaldsway.

www.flybe.com

4/20/2008 6:50:55 AM UTC     

The BA baggage fiasco at T5 following the opening of the new terminal would seem to be a drop in the ocean as it has been announced that over 42m bags were lost worldwide in 2007, an increase of 25% in two years, according to an industry report.

The lost bags - out of a total of 2.25bn checked in - cost the airline industry $3.8bn. Two years ago 30m bags were mishandled, costing the industry $2.5bn.

SITA (who produced the report) CEO Francesco Violante said: ‘Once again, the past year has seen an increase in the amount of baggage mishandled worldwide. It also brings fresh hope, however, in the shape of new initiatives such as IATA’s Baggage Improvement Programme.

‘It is important that we continue to move towards a comprehensive, fully-integrated global baggage management system that can direct, track and trace passenger baggage throughout the entire journey from check-in to final delivery at the destination.

'Radio frequency identification (RFID) also has a role to play and could save the industry as much as $700m if it was fully implemented across the industry.’

Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s director general and CEO, added: ‘We get baggage right 98% of the time. But with a total volume of over 2.2bn bags in the system, the 2% that is mishandled is a big problem that we need to fix.’

In 2007, the single largest cause of baggage delay was in transfer baggage mishandling (49%), but this has been falling steadily since 2005 when it was at 61%. Failure to load accounted for 16% of lost bags, arrival station mishandling accounted 8% and tagging errors accounted 5%.

4/20/2008 6:49:37 AM UTC     

Swiss and US Airways have concluded a new code share agreement that will offer both partners' customers an even wider selection of air destinations. Swiss travellers will be able to fly from Zurich to Philadelphia on US Airways-operated flights from April 26 onwards and US Airways customers will have onward connections from Zurich operated by Swiss to ten new European destinations.

As on all Star Alliance airlines, Miles & More members will be able to earn and redeem programme miles on these flights. "This new code share agreement enables us to further expand our attractive range of services to the USA for our customers," says Harry Hohmeister, Swiss Chief Network & Distribution Officer.

Swiss have also completed the programme to re-equip all 52 aircraft of their European fleet with new seats. As a result, passengers on all Swiss flights within Europe can now enjoy the greater legroom and seating comfort offered by the new high-quality seats.  

www.swiss.com/uk 

4/20/2008 6:46:23 AM UTC     

Virgin Atlantic is launching a second daily service to Washington Dulles International Airport, which will operate from 20 April to 25 October 2008. The new seasonal service will complement the airline’s existing daily Washington flight by offering passengers more choice and flexibility whether they are travelling to the Capital on business or taking advantage of the favourable dollar exchange rate in Washington’s hotels, restaurants and shopping malls.

The Airbus A340 aircraft is fitted with the award-winning Upper Class Suite – the longest bed in business class – and Virgin’s new Premium Economy cabin onboard, which has the largest in its class at 38”.

The new flight VS055 will depart from Heathrow at 17.30 and arrive in at Washington Dulles Airport at 20.55.

www.virginatlantic.com

4/20/2008 6:42:56 AM UTC     

On 24 April, Czech Airlines will connect Prague with Tbilisi in Georgia and Russia’s Rostov-on-Don, which lies in the south of the European part of the country. Czech Airlines will offer the Tbilisi flight three times a week and the flight to Rostov-on-Don initially once a week. Departure times will suit businessmen on their business travels from Western Europe to Georgia or the south of Russia.

www.czechairlines.co.uk

4/20/2008 6:41:29 AM UTC     

Marriott has opened a Courtyard property in Hong Kong. The 245 room hotel is on Hong Kong Island close to Macau Ferry Pier.

Also in Hong Kong Accor have opened the 389 room Novotel Nathan Road.

Anantara will open their 59 suite resort at Seminyak in Bali on April 26.

In Singapore the Grand Copthorne Waterfont Hotel is to start offering 24 one and two bedroom apartments for long stay guests.

The St. Regis Singapore has opened. It is their 13^th property worldwide and the third in Asia after Beijing and Shanghai.

The 467 room Swissôtel Grand in Shanghai, aimed at both business and leisure travellers, has opened in Shanghai's Jing'An district, just a few minutes' walk from Nanjing West Road with its many elegant shops and attractions.

4/20/2008 6:39:42 AM UTC     

The latest innovation in passenger jets is the one-man urinal, which is designed to take pressure off lengthy toilet queues.

According to reports, the new units, which could start appearing in commercial planes from next year, are more compact and use much less water than the full toilet alternative. Units are being made to fit the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 as well as many other common planes.

4/20/2008 6:38:45 AM UTC     

AGH Hoteles, one of Spain and Portugal’s most prestigious hotel companies, has announced their support for the Earthrace project.

Earthrace is an incredible 78ft wave-piercing trimaran powerboat that runs as a carbon neutral project, exclusively on 100% biodiesel.  The boat will start an attempt to break the round the world speed record on 27th April, from the Vulkan Shipyard, Sagunto in Spain, close to one of AGH Hoteles’ newest luxury hotels, AGH Canet. 

Skipper Pete Bethune said, “We noticed that AGH Hoteles have a great environmental policy throughout their hotels, and also have some amazing hotels in Portugal which is where all the biofuel for our record attempt comes from, so they are a ‘five star fit’ as far as we are concerned. “The AGH Canet is also extremely luxurious with friendly and helpful staff so it will be wonderful for not only our guests and the media coming to Spain for the start of the world record, but also more than comfortable for our crew who will be experiencing the complete opposite as we journey around the world.

ABOUT EARTHRACE: The not for profit project is run as a carbon neutral enterprise, making it one of the world’s most environmentally-friendly powerboats. The crew aim to secure the world speed record to create greater awareness of biofuel from sustainable sources as part of the solution the damage caused to the environment by fossil fuels, and to show that you can do amazing things and still lead sustainable lives.

BE PART OF THE CREW ON THE WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT: Earthrace are keeping one crew place spare on each of the race legs for adventurous people who want to do something amazing and help the environment.  The public can also buy their own world record nautical miles.  All money raised goes directly towards helping Earthrace and her awareness building record attempt and subsequent world tour.  Visit our website for further details.
 
www.earthrace.net
www.aghhoteles.com

4/18/2008 6:23:11 AM UTC     

“Define Your Lifestyle” will become the mantra among a new generation of affluent travelers if Ragosta Hotels Collection has its way when it launches the collection’s newest boutique resort, La Plage Resort.  La Plage Resort heralds the arrival of the first new luxury boutique resort complex in Taormina, Sicily.  It is expected to open for business early June 2008.
 
Situated in Taormina Isola Bella, a small island near Taormina, Sicily also known as “The Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” La Plage Resort will open as a five-star property, featuring 62 guestrooms and suites, including sea view villas, deluxe rooms and a Presidential suite.  The island is a nature reserve and protected environment for local fauna and flora. Isola Bella for many years has been a landmark of UNESCO and is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the region.

The resort will also feature Ragosta Hotels Collection’s signature spa line, Expure Spa, which combines indigenous essences and plant extracts in its therapies and treatments, and is exclusive to the Ragosta Hotels Collection.  Fitness facilities along with water sports and family programs will be offered as well.

www.ragostahotels.com

4/18/2008 6:10:15 AM UTC     

The ‘Oberoi Exotic Vacations’ offer presents the ideal opportunity to enjoy a luxurious weekend after a busy week in India.  Discover the splendours of a magnificent civilization with stay at some of the best hotels in the world and avail of exceptional value.  What is more, experienced Oberoi staff is at hand to assist with all arrangements pertaining to travel through India.

Marvel at the Taj Mahal, located at a few hundred yards from The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra.  Stay at The Oberoi Udaivilas, rated the best hotel in the world, and indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments or explore the fabled and romantic city of Udaipur.  Plan a sojourn to Jaipur and stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas that evokes princely Rajasthan with luxury villas and royal tents in a fort-like setting.  Combine exhilarating tiger safari with the luxury of elegantly appointed tents at The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore, rated the third best hotel in the world.

Priced at £488* for a two-night stay, the ‘Oberoi Exotic Vacations’ offer includes accommodation for one person in a Premier Room, breakfast and dinner daily and complimentary return transfers from the nearest airport or railway station. Rates for double occupancy are also available. Valid from 1st May through 31st July, 2008

www.oberoihotels.com

4/18/2008 6:08:21 AM UTC     

Thursday 17th April saw the beginning of a new era at Hilton Portsmouth, over the last 12 months more than £1.5 million has been invested, which has seen the entire hotel and conference venue refurbished – setting a new standard for accommodation and events in Portsmouth. The hotel boasts a new restaurant, bar and lounge as well as 119 guestrooms with plasma screen TVs.  The existing meetings and function suites have been restyled and are now fully air-conditioned.

Simon Vincent, President of Hilton UK and Ireland said: “Hilton is at one of the most exciting times in its history as the Hilton Family of Hotels enters the UK market*. These new brands offer a brand for every occasion and an opportunity to fuel our rapid international development plans. “We aim to double the size of our UK and Ireland estate from 75 to 150 over the next five to ten years, and along with opening newly branded hotels, investment in the core brand Hilton is integral to our success. Portsmouth is an excellent example.”

4/18/2008 6:07:18 AM UTC     

Exclusively business class airline Silverjet today announced the launch of ‘Silverjet Mobile’, a full mobile internet service which enables passengers to access all of the functionality of its award-winning website through their mobile devices. Passengers can access the site by entering Silverjet’s web site address into their mobile browser, after which they can book flights, check their flight status, select seats, and choose meals - all from their mobile phone or PDA.

The ability to access information “on the go” is set to become a major business travel trend, as the demand for mobile internet services in the UAE is increasing among business travellers seeking to maximize productivity while on the move.

George Henderson, IT Director, Silverjet, said: “The launch of Silverjet Mobile is a response to the clear demand for mobile travel services and further strengthens the Silverjet experience, which aims to deliver convenience at all points of our customer’s journey.  This innovative service will help our customers make and manage their bookings in a way that suits their increasingly hectic schedules.”

With private terminals, fares to London and New York starting at just 8,300 AED return one way (additional taxes and fees apply), and a flight experience which includes a 30 minute check in, a flat bed, and dedicated security, Silverjet is proving increasingly popular with business travellers. 

www.flysilverjet.com

4/17/2008 2:31:07 AM UTC     

Forget where you put your car keys? Blank on your brother-in-law’s name?  Train your brain with The Westin New York at Times Square’s newest wellness initiative: BrainBody Fitness, a program connecting mental and physical fitness for optimum health and just another way Westin is helping guests feel better upon checkout than when they arrived.  BrainBody Fitness—an extension of the successful WestinWORKOUT program, which already includes WestinWORKOUT guestrooms—is a series of original exercises that will be distributed at each Westin throughout North America and provide guests with simple and effective ways to sharpen their thinking and calm their minds and bodies for better health.  Westin will place expert-recommended mind and body stretches in a variety of strategic hotel touch points, including the front desk, guestroom showers, public spaces and WestinWORKOUT fitness centers.  Guests will have the chance to cross-train their brains in the shower with brain-teaser shower clings or get a mental workout poolside with signature puzzle pads and brain stretches. 

Beginning this month, The Westin New York at Times Square will introduce new key-card packets that explain the benefits of BrainBody Fitness and are stocked with a variety of brain workouts and body stretches to awaken, refresh or relax, depending on the time of day. The morning BrainBody card, for example, urges guests to stretch their bodies and minds with custom exercises that can easily be done in a hotel room; the afternoon workout might recommend a recharging meditation and simple stretch; at the end of the day, the experts suggest calming exercises.

Rates range from $349.00 to $489.00 mid-week and weekends, based upon availability, subject to change and exclusive of breakfast, taxes and gratuities. 

www.westinny.com.

4/16/2008 4:49:01 PM UTC     

Two of the biggest names in British pop music, McFly and Sugababes, will join forces to play a massive co-headline concert at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, Weybridge on Saturday 12th July 2008. This will be the only time this summer the two acts perform together on the same bill. For anyone with half an ear trained on chart music over the last decade, McFly and Sugababes are part of the soundtrack.

McFly topped the charts with their first single ‘Five Colours In Her Hair’ in 2004 and never looked back. They became one of the biggest bands in the country as hits like ‘Obviously’, ‘All About You’, ‘Please Please’ and ‘Baby’s Coming Back’ went straight to number one, and albums Room On The 3rd Floor, Wonderland and Motion In The Ocean sold by the lorry-load. Last year’s Greatest Hits album summed up their achievements so far, and fans can expect all the hits at Mercedes-Benz World.

Sugababes also released a Greatest Hits album in 2007. Overloaded brought together their 14 hit singles - from ‘Overload’, Freak Like Me’ and ‘Round Round’ to ‘Hole In The Head’ and ‘Push The Button’ - which have sold over 2 million copies between them. The girls added to this enviable catalogue of daring, effervescent pop songs with this year's Number 1 album Changes, featuring the smash hit ‘About You Now'. With all these pop classics to chose from, Sugababes live is one giant sing-along from start to finish.

Peter O'Halloran, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz World, commented : "We are looking forward to welcoming both McFly and the Sugababes to Mercedes-Benz World.   We are especially pleased that this concert will attract a younger audience which, combined with Elton John appearing on both the Friday and Sunday night, means we will see our widest-ranging audiences to date."

Add these two Great British bands together and you’ve got a night in pop music heaven! Tickets go on sale on Friday 18th April 2008 at 9am from Ticketmaster and See Tickets.

4/16/2008 4:35:25 AM UTC     

With summer fast approaching it’s time to take advantage of the wide range of special deals being offered by Royal Brunei Airlines, the national carrier of Brunei.  Whether you’re hoping to soak up some sun on a tranquil beach holiday, or spend the summer in the city experiencing a mix of culture and history, Royal Brunei Airlines can cater to your needs.  Offering great deals at affordable prices to some of the world’s most exotic locations, let Royal Brunei Airlines inspire you to indulge yourself today.

SUMMER SPECIAL
Brunei £642
Kota Kinabalu - £512
Ho Chi Minh City - £516
Perth - £620
Brisbane - £713

All fares include taxes, Book 07 Apr -31 May 08
Travel 07 Apr-30 June & 15 Aug- 09 Dec 08
 
POMMIES DOWN UNDER FARE
Brisbane - £632.20 - return
Perth - £528.30 - return

Book 07 - 17 April, Travel 07 April - 30 June 08 

FANTASTIC SYDNEY FARES
Economy Class: £610 - return inc taxes
Business Class: £1930 - return inc taxes

Book 07-30 April, Travel 07 April - 29 May

www.bruneiair.com

4/16/2008 2:58:26 AM UTC     

2008 is the 10 year anniversary of Hotel Schlössle, Tallinn and to celebrate this milestone occasion the hotel is offering an exclusive anniversary package running throughout the year. Guests can stay in Estonia’s award winning Schlössle Suite and enjoy a specially created evening in the privacy of their own suite.

Opened in April 1998 as the first five star hotel in Estonia, Hotel Schlössle combines charm and elegance. Located on a narrow street within a 15th century Merchant’s House, original features have been flawlessly preserved. Antique furniture, giant beams and cosy rooms teamed with impeccable service and attention to detail, provide a unique and luxurious place to stay.

“The first ten years have been successful and brought many challenges and great joy! We hope to continue this interesting journey for many years to come!” says the general manager of Schlössle Hotel, Mrs Evelin Bötker who is also herself celebrating her 10th year within the group.

Just a two hour flight from London, Tallinn makes for an ideal weekend break. From the Schlössle Hotel, the Old Town can easily be seen in a single day; viewing the rich cultural surroundings including historic churches, concert halls and enchanting architecture.

Anniversary Package for two people includes:

One night in the exclusive Schlössle Suite
Roses and Champagne in your room
Guided Walking Tour in Tallinn Old Town
Private 6-course Menu Candlelight Dinner in the suite
Private concert in your suite during dinner
Two massages and use of the Estonian Sauna
Private airport transfers
Price:  1,158EUR / 18,085 EEK, Valid from January 01 – December 31, 2008

Bookings: www.schlossle-hotels.com

4/15/2008 10:20:14 AM UTC     

Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) and Northwest Airlines Corporation (NYSE: NWA) today announced an agreement in which the two carriers will combine in an all-stock transaction with a combined enterprise value of $17.7 billion, creating America’s premier global airline. The new airline, which will be called Delta.

Customers will benefit from the combined carriers’ complementary route networks, which together will offer people greater choice, competitive fares and a superior travel experience to more cities than any other airline. In addition, combining Delta and Northwest will create a global U.S. flag carrier strongly positioned to compete with foreign airlines that are continuing to increase service to the United States.

Delta customers will benefit from Northwest’s extensive service to Asian markets and Northwest’s customers will have access to Delta’s strengths across the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Both airlines’ customers will benefit from a strengthened SkyTeam alliance that more closely aligns the combined airline with its respective trans-Atlantic partners Air France and KLM.

4/15/2008 5:12:06 AM UTC     

Make the most of the two long weekends in May with a luxury break at one of the 11 Rocco Forte hotels. Each one is centrally located in a key European city and offers an ideal base from which to explore local events and festivals - here are just a few to choose from:

Rocco Forte’s Le Richemond, Geneva – Open Doors at Genevese Cellars, 24th May: On 24th May, over 100 wine cellars within the city of Geneva and in villages in the surrounding countryside will open to the public. As well as wine tasting and buying, there will be food and music making it a fun and lively way of sampling the local produce and visiting the city. Stay at Rocco Forte’s Le Richemond and you’ll be ideally situated in the heart of Geneva. Prices start from 450 CHF (approx £225) per room.

Rocco Forte’s Hotel Amigo, Brussels – Brussels Jazz Marathon, 25th-27th May: Over 400 musicians will be playing an incredible 125 concerts during Brussels’ annual Jazz Marathon (25th-27th May). The performances will take place in over 50 venues across the city – including outdoor gigs in the beautiful Grand Place, and there will be blues and latin music as well as traditional jazz. Stay at Rocco Forte’s Hotel Amigo, set just behind the Grand Place, and you’ll be in walking distance of most of the concerts. Prices start from 259 Euro (approx £207) per room, per night.

Rocco Forte’s Hotel Savoy, Florence - China: At the court of The Emperors, throughout May: Florence is hosting a spectacular new exhibition of China’s Golden Age, open over both bank holiday weekends. China: At the court of The Emperors brings together masterpieces from the more traditional Han style to the elegance of the Tang dynasty (25 - 907) and will be on display at the Palazzo Strozzi. Rocco Forte’s Hotel Savoy is including entrance to this exclusive event so guests won’t miss the chance to see exquisite artefacts, many of which have never been seen before in the West, including splendid frescoes and stone sculptures, spectacular terracotta statues and precious jewels and the rich lacquers of the Tang Dynasty. The package also includes the official catalogue in-room upon arrival. Prices start from 476 Euros (approx £340) per room per night, including breakfast and a room upgrade subject to availability. There is a minimum length of stay of three nights.

Rocco Forte’s Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg – enjoy a classic Russian experience: Extend your bank holiday weekend until the 27th May for a four-night break in St Petersburg and you’ll be part of the city’s 305th birthday celebrations, complete with fireworks and free concerts. The weekend also marks the start of the White Nights festival. For a classic Russian experience, stay at the Rocco Forte’s Hotel Astoria, which offers not only an exquisite selection of vodka and the best Russian caviar, but a package that takes in the best of the city. Prices start from RUB 79 710  (approx £1,720) per person and includes a two-hour boat tour, tickets for the ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre and a three-hour private city tour including the Peter and Paul Fortress. The price is based on two sharing and includes breakfast and return airport transfers.

To book, visit www.roccofortecollection.com

4/15/2008 5:11:06 AM UTC     

Iceland Express have announced that they will commence flying five times per week between London Gatwick and Reykjavik from 16th September, 2008.
This is in addition to a winter flying programme which includes a daily service between London Stansted and Reykjavik.

The new Gatwick flights will operate on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday departing Gatwick at 2100 arriving Keflavik International Airport at 2300. The return flights leave Keflavik at 1605 arriving Gatwick at 2000.(all times local)

Marketing Manager Birna Guðmundsdóttir said: " We have just celebrated five years of flying into Stansted where we have created a very loyal and local  passenger base with our unique blend of good fares and consistent service. We have wanted to expand into Gatwick for some time and the decision by British Airways to suspend their services to Reykjavik earlier this year means that the time is now right to do so. As with our Stansted service, we are looking for a mix of both business and leisure passengers who book directly through our award winning web site

www.IcelandExpress.com

4/15/2008 3:45:01 AM UTC     

LOT Polish Airlines is now the only carrier operating to Warsaw from London-Heathrow. And with the introduction of its summer schedule, the Polish national carrier has introduced three-times-a-week flights to Beijing from Warsaw, offering convenient connections for travellers from the UK.

With the decision by British Airways to move its Warsaw flights to London-Gatwick, LOT now has exclusive use of Heathrow for flights to its home hub in the Polish capital. LOT operates three flights a day to Warsaw from London, offering a full Business Class service aboard its Boeing 737-400 and 737-500 aircraft.

As an additional service to Warsaw-bound passengers, effective 9 April the carrier has introduced online check-in facilities, easing the process at Heathrow’s Terminal 1.

The introduction of the summer schedule also sees LOT resuming services to Beijing after an absence of almost 10 years. Evening flights depart on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Return flights operate Monday, Thursday and Saturday.  The route is operated with long-range Boeing 767 aircraft.

LOT Regional Director UK & Ireland Slawomir Noszczak commented: ‘Heathrow remains the first choice departure airport for business travellers and we therefore anticipate continuing traffic growth on our Warsaw flights from London. We have already established a strong reputation as a business carrier and we look forward to welcoming even more passengers to our services.

‘In addition, the launch of flights to Beijing is the first step towards expanding our long-haul network to the Far East. The close economic ties between Asia and Europe and an ever-increasing number of tourists to the region make this a prime area for expansion for LOT. With the strategic position of Warsaw, we also expect passenger growth from across Europe, connecting with onward flights at our home hub.’

4/14/2008 5:32:37 AM UTC     

UK businesses are less pessimistic about the state of the economy than analysts may suggest, according to research released from the annual Barclaycard Business Travel Survey. The survey, now in its 12th year, canvasses the views of more than 3,000 business travellers across the country, building a comprehensive picture of the UK’s business traveller, gauging views on business travel and travel behaviour.

Despite widely reported fears of an economic slowdown, the Barclaycard Business travel survey reveals that 44 per cent of respondents travelled more in 2007 than they did in 2006. And one in three respondents (33%) plan to travel more in 2008 than they did in 2007. 36 per cent cited business expansion in the UK as the main reason, and 31 per cent citing overseas expansion.

However, spending is under closer scrutiny, with business travel no longer meaning ‘business class’ travel.  More businesses are focussed on managing and minimising costs, with more than half (55%) saying they are most likely to fly economy class when travelling for business. This compares with 46 per cent in the previous year.

Denise Leleux, Director of Commercial Cards, Barclaycard Business said: “Travelling on business to expand into new markets or win new business has always been an indicator of economic confidence. This year’s results show that confidence is still there and that business people are still positive about economic and business growth. But they are also becoming even more cost conscious – perhaps more so this year than before.  And it is clear that the long term impact of premium economy services on many long-haul scheduled carriers is continuing”.

easyJet and Ryanair have increased the market share but British Airways remains the most used airline for business travel (28%).

Luxury, all-frills accommodation is also on the decline for business travellers, with more than half (54%) choosing hotels based on value for money. Indeed, 49 per cent said that the cost of a hotel was the sole factor when choosing accommodation.

4/13/2008 1:52:31 PM UTC     

Mexico and Central America's leading airline Mexicana, has accepted a formal invitation to become part of the oneworld airline alliance after being unanimously elected on board by the grouping's existing ten member airlines. Its subsidiary Click Mexicana will join at the same time, as an affiliate member of oneworld.

Mexicana and Click Mexicana will be flying as part of oneworld in 2009, when they will start offering the alliance's full range of services and benefits to their own customers and those from their new oneworld partners.

For oneworld, adding Mexicana will expand the alliance's network in Mexico and Central America, and enable it to build further on its positions as the leading airline grouping serving Latin America and the leading Spanish-speaking alliance.

oneworld is already the only global alliance with any airline members based in South America - through LAN Airlines and its sisters LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru. American Airlines is the leading airline serving the region internationally, and Iberia is the leading carrier between Latin America and Europe.

www.oneworld.com

4/13/2008 1:49:55 PM UTC     

UK regional carrier, Eastern Airways, have increased weekday services on the following routes: Leeds Bradford to Aberdeen from 3 to 4 flights a day, Leeds Bradford to Southampton from 3 to 4 flights a day, Newcastle to Cardiff from 2 to 3 flights a day and Manchester to London Stansted from 3 to 4 flights a day (Monday to Thursday).

This latest move by the airline follows last month’s increase of weekday flights to six a day from Aberdeen to Newcastle, four a day from Southampton to Aberdeen and four a day from Newcastle to Southampton.

“Our enhanced services are tailored to meet the needs of business commuters,” said Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways’ chief operating officer. “As with many of our services we are offering the best choice of flights enabling travellers to conduct important business away from the office without the need for an overnight stay.”

www.easternairways.com

4/13/2008 1:48:43 PM UTC     

Wine enthusiasts wishing to learn about the process of winemaking can enjoy a luxury break at a private wine estate in the heart of the Tuscan region of Maremma, with a special ‘wine connoisseurs’ package from Sanctuary Villas & Apartments.
 
The wine connoisseurs week is based at villa Podere Il Poggio, which is situated within a working farm in the Tuscan wine region of Maremma. The package will include three half-day lessons held at Podere Il Poggio’s own wine estate.
 
The property is located just 2km from Ribolla and is just fifteen minutes drive to the exclusive Grosseto beach resorts. Florence Airport is 140km away.
 
www.sanctuary-villas.com

4/13/2008 1:47:06 PM UTC     

Sofitel Hotels in North America are to purchase clean, renewable, wind energy for all nine Sofitel locations in the U.S. This purchase of wind generated power in the form of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) qualifies Sofitel Hotels as an EPA Green Power Partner, making it the first hotel chain to choose green power for each of the brand’s hotel locations in the country.

“We’re proud to step up as a leader in our industry and to do our part for the environment. Our customers recognize and value the commitment we’ve made to a safe and secure energy future. We hope others will follow our lead and make the choice as well,” said Robert Moore, senior vice president of Technical Services for Accor North America.

Sofitel has nine locations throughout the United States including two in Chicago and one in Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, DC. These properties will buy a total of 1,527,000 kilowatt hours (kWhs) of renewable energy.

Compared to the average generation mix in the regional electric grid, the environmental benefit from this purchase is equal to offsetting approximately two million pounds of carbon dioxide per year, the impact of which is equivalent to planting more than 800 acres of trees each year or not driving 2.36 million miles.

www.accor.com

4/13/2008 1:45:34 PM UTC     

Europcar has opened the largest car rental location in Europe close to Heathrow Terminal 5 on the Perimeter Road. The site features a series of industry-leading customer service initiatives that significantly enhance the car rental experience for in-bound and out-bound business and leisure customers. 

With a total fleet of 4,500 vehicles and resources to handle up to 190,000 check-ins and check-outs per annum, the new location supports customers from all brands in the Europcar UK Group – Europcar, National Car Rental, Alamo Rent A Car and Guy Salmon Prestige Rental.   Critically, the new site features a completely new and best in class courtesy coach fleet providing a highly frequent service between all terminals, with a dedicated facility for Terminal 5.  

“Travellers want a swift and stress-free transition – whether it’s from plane to car or car to plane and that has been our total focus in the creation of this industry leading facility.  By opening the largest car rental location in Europe, with some of the most advanced customer service initiatives in the sector, we are reinforcing our position as the UK’s Number One car rental provider” confirmed John Leigh, Managing Director, Europcar UK Group.

www.europcar.co.uk

4/13/2008 1:43:20 PM UTC     

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has launched Yatt'it, a new online travel community providing insight and tips from Hyatt concierges in over 40 destinations, together with advice from frequent travellers, discussion forums and direct-booking options.

www.hyatt.com

United Airlines are to offer complimentary Wi-Fi access in 27 of its Red Carpet Clubs and five International First Class lounges at US airports.

www.united.com

US Airways has re-launched its business class service by added near-flat seats and an extended menu as part of a revamp of its Envoy transatlantic business class.

www.usairways.co.uk

4/13/2008 1:40:43 PM UTC     

United Airlines and Aer Lingus have signed an agreement to offer code share flights, which pending government approval and is expected to begin around 1 November 2008 It would expand the international destinations and frequent flyer benefits offered to customers of both carriers.

The proposed agreement will result in more flight options for customers travelling between the United States and Ireland. The carriers also plan to give customers of United's Mileage Plus and Aer Lingu’s Gold Circle Club programmes the opportunity to redeem miles to travel to new destinations and to accrue frequent flyer miles on select flights.

www.united.com www.aer