EL AL, the national carrier of Israel, is offering a huge saving of £1100 on it’s first class companion return fare this July and August, making it just £2,400 for two people!

EL AL’s First Class experience begins with a return limousine transfer to the airport both in the UK and Israel. At the airport, First Class passengers can access EL AL’s King David Lounge, the perfect place to freshen up before a flight. Once on board passengers get to experience full flat seats with 100” pitch; a varied menu created by promising young Israeli chefs, with a choice of award winning Israeli wines; and personal VOD entertainment.

To book this deal, please call 020 7121 1400 or see your travel agent.

*  Subject to availability; valid from 1st July – 31st August; 2-week advance booking restriction; max stay 21 days; min stay 3 nights.

6/23/2008 10:57:32 AM UTC     

Japan Airlines are now offering twice-daily code share flights operated by British Airways (BA) between Manchester and London Heathrow.

The expanded code share agreement adds Manchester to JAL's Japan- Europe network by providing smooth connections from the UK city onto daily services operated by the airline between London - Tokyo (Narita) and London - Osaka (Kansai).

www.jal.com

6/9/2008 11:29:40 AM UTC     

Sanctuary Lodges & Camps who own and manage exclusive boutique properties throughout Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and Zambia have added the first full-service spa in Botswana. Their luxury lodge, Chobe Chilwero will offer relaxing treatments using locally-made Africology products. It will also feature an indoor spa bath, Vichy showers and private treatment rooms, one of which will be elevated in the treetops overlooking the Chobe river.
 
Chobe Chilwero literally means ‘place of high view’ and the property borders the Chobe National Park, which is well known for Africa’s largest concentration of elephants. The luxury lodge features 15 air-conditioned thatched cottages, each of which have their own en-suite bath, indoor and outdoor showers, private garden with hammock and viewing terrace over the river.
 
Guests staying at the lodge can take advantage of guided game drives in open-sided 4x4 vehicles. Wildlife commonly spotted include elephants, crocodiles, antelopes, hippo, and a variety of creatures on the Chobe’s river banks.

www.sanctuarylodges.com

6/9/2008 11:21:32 AM UTC     

It’s about to get even harder to travel to the US. From January next year short term visitors to America on the visa waiver plan will have to register their trip online three days prior to travel.

US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has said that he wants more control over those coming into the US without a visa.

The tightening of restrictions means the citizens of 27 countries who currently enjoy the waiver scheme will now have to enter the same details required on a I-94 card, currently handed into customs on arrival in the US, onto a government website before setting off.

The online registration will, however, be valid over a two year period and there will be some provisions for those travelling last minute.

The new initiative will be rolled out this summer but will be enforced to all countries from January 12 2009.

6/9/2008 8:35:26 AM UTC     

Whether on holiday in the UK or abroad how many times have we heard, I’m bored, there’s nothing to do’, or what shall we do tomorrow?

Well experience provider Dosomethingdifferent.com has expanded its portfolio and now offers over 1,500 experiences worldwide, ‘with something for every taste, be it culture, food or football.

www.dosomethingdiffernt.com

6/9/2008 8:23:09 AM UTC     

Luxury Explorer, the online ‘World Atlas of Luxury Travel’ known for its cherry-picked collection of outstanding 5 star hotels and resorts around the world, announces its first collection of privately-owned luxury villas, palazzos and castles - Luxury Explorer’s Villa Collection, Italy.

This collection initially comprises 12 of the finest privately-owned villas in Italy; in Tuscany, besides Lake Como and atop the Amalfi Coast. The Collection will grow gradually as Luxury Explorer discovers other unique properties that meet its exacting standards.

The Collection already includes unique properties, like: Villa Cima a lakeside villa, built in 1848 by Catherine of Brunswick, later Princess of Wales and (for just 3 weeks) Queen of England, in the grounds of world-renown Villa d’Este on Lake Como; to Florentine marvels such as Villa Fiorentina near Sienna; to Torre di Clavel, an iconic 15th century clifftop castle known to anyone who has pondered the view across the pretty port of Positano on the Amalfi Coast.

Peter Matthews, Luxury Explorer’s founder and chairman said, “With an unparalleled reputation for welcoming families and adoring bambinos (I know from first hand experience with our 6, not all perfect, children), Italy has become an ideal destination to holiday 'en-famille', with friends... or even both. In gatherings such as these a private villa can provide the ultimate environment by offering space along with privacy, plus the luxury of a five star service and all the cosseting trimmings.”

Prices range from €7,500 - €50,000 per week.

 www.luxuryexplorer.com/VillasInItaly

6/9/2008 8:11:44 AM UTC     

Planning a family break this summer - then think about The Gleneagles® Hotel. An £18m redevelopment of the AA Five Red Star resort has recently been completed and it now boasts the addition of a redesigned leisure area for kids and teens, a world-class destination spa and a Mediterranean food market style restaurant. The resort also boasts the Spirit Suites, stunning two-bedroom suite accommodation, ideal for families. There’s definitely something for everyone.

Small children can run amok in the well equipped Playroom with its own sand pit, water area, soft area and a storytelling corner, all supervised of course, so that Mum and Dad can savour some time to themselves. Teenagers have The Zone with interactive TV, Sony PS2’s, pool, tennis and football tables and music lovers can select the soundtrack to their summer on the jukebox whilst chilling on comfy sofas and beanbags.

Little tearaways (yes that includes dad) will be kept happily occupied with the endless array of activities at Gleneagles and the dreaded phrase “mum…. I’m bored”, will be a thing of the past. A wide range of activities is available including archery, horse riding, shooting and falconry and can be arranged with expert personal instructors. Also popular is the junior off road driving in mini Land Rovers and Argo Cats, incredible eight-wheel-drive, tiller-controlled vehicles for use on a challenging purpose-built course.

Budding young Tiger Wood’s can take a swing with junior golf lessons available at The Golf Academy. During the lesson children will receive expert advice from one of the Gleneagles’ Pros, be filmed to assess style, receive their own club (cut to suit their height and swing) and a photograph of them in action. The pitch & putt course, in front of the hotel, is the ideal place to practice. Clubs to suit young golfers from the age of four and balls are available free of charge.

Enjoy the two-night Summer Special at Gleneagles until 30 September 2008. Prices start from £335 per room per night for a Sovereign room based on two adults sharing, including breakfast and use of The Club leisure facilities. Supplements may apply for children sharing a parent’s room. Offers are strictly subject to availability at time of booking.

www.gleneagles.com

6/9/2008 8:04:29 AM UTC     

Priority Pass has added six new lounges to its popular program to include even more airport lounges in South Korea, Singapore, China, and the United Kingdom as well as its second lounge in Tunisia.

They have added the Wells Premium Lounge at Seoul Incheon International and in China, the First Class Lounge at the new Tianjin Binhai International Terminal and the two First Class Lounges in the Domestic Terminal. Priority Pass can now offer its members 16 lounges in China.

Priority Pass has also welcomed the Plaza Premium Lounge and the Ambassador Transit Lounge in Singapore Changi’s new Terminal 3. The addition of these Asian lounges means that Priority Pass now boasts over 120 lounges in the Asia region.

In Europe, Priority Pass has gained the Servisair Highland Lounge at Inverness Dalcross in the UK and an additional lounge at Tunis Carthage Airport.

For those travelling internationally, the Priority Pass program now includes over 500 lounges in more than 275 cities – all of which are available to members to use whenever they travel, regardless of airline or class of travel.

www.prioritypass.com

6/9/2008 7:56:10 AM UTC     

Emirates Airline will receive the first of its 58 Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft on order, from Airbus’ Hamburg facility on 28th July 2008.

Emirates’ A380 interiors and onboard product, which has been kept under wraps thus far, will also be revealed for the first time during the delivery ceremony in Hamburg.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said, “The A380, with its large capacity and excellent operating economics, will be one of the pillars of Emirates' future growth. We've been working very closely with Airbus since the A380 programme’s inception back in 2000, and all through the ups and downs from the drawing board to production, we have remained unshakable in our belief that this is the aircraft for the next chapter of aviation.

“Despite the high oil prices, for us, demand remains strong and the A380’s combination of range, capacity and fuel efficiency will help Emirates to continue achieving our growth targets. We very much look forward to receiving our first A380 aircraft next month.”

www.emirates.com

6/9/2008 7:44:12 AM UTC     

If you haven’t done so already it is time to book that long awaited family holiday. Whether you’re planning an indulgent week abroad or a short break in the UK, holidaylettings.co.uk can help make your family summer trip special. From golf fanatics to dedicated adventure junkies, holidaylettings has something perfectly tailored to meet your need from the 24,000 properties available on their site.

So do you fancy a beach front villa on Barbados from £1061.00 per week or a farm house in Gozo sleeping 8 from £589.00 per week. In the UK there are the delights of a cottage on the Gower from £580.00 per week sleeping 6, or a lodge in Newquay, again sleeping 6 from £450.00 per week that is ideal for rugged cliff top walks, cycling, surfing or just relaxing on the beach.
 
www.holidaylettings.co.uk  

6/9/2008 6:01:40 AM UTC     

The fast growing Russian airline, KD avia, is celebrating the first anniversary of its inaugural flight into the UK by announcing the opening on a new route to the city of Yekaterinburg, which is a major stop on the world famous Trans-Siberian Railway.

KD avia's first flight to the UK touched down at London Gatwick Airport on 16th June 2007 and the airline now operates a daily scheduled service to its hub at Kaliningrad with easy onward connections to 12 cities in Russia.

KD avia's UK Sales Manager, Loreta Durell, Said: "Yekaterinburg is a major extra destination - particularly for tourists with its numerous museums, art galleries and famous theatres. However it is perhaps most famous as the place where the family of Nicholas II were executed in 1918. It is also Russia's fifth largest city and has many business links to the UK."  

www.kdavia.co.uk

6/9/2008 5:44:49 AM UTC     

A report from The Passenger Shipping Association shows ex-UK cruising has increased at twice the rate of fly-cruises over the past four years, while more cruise lines than ever are calling at British ports.

A record number of cruise lines (52) included UK ports in their 2007 itineraries, while a record 591,000 passengers set sail on their cruises from UK ports in 2007.

Ex-UK cruises have increased 48% since 2004, compared with a 22% increase in fly-cruises, and the growth is set to continue in 2008, with P&O Cruises, Cunard Line and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines all basing new ships out of the UK, while Royal Caribbean International has introduced its largest ex-UK ship.

Carnival Cruise Lines is offering its first ex-UK schedules and both Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises are dedicating ships to the UK for the first time this summer.

PSA statistics show that cruise holidays in 2007 accounted for one in 14 foreign package holidays, compared to one in 29 a decade ago. 

There is also a high level of repeat cruise passengers, with 51% who cruise once a year and 28% who cruise more than once.

Nonetheless, newcomers are still being attracted to cruising: last year 38% of passengers in 2007 had never cruised before.

6/9/2008 5:17:50 AM UTC     

Reach new heights with Park Plaza Riverbank London’s special weekend offer. The four-star deluxe hotel is offering a glimpse of the high-life with its exclusive ‘Explore London’s South Bank’ package.

From just £109 per room per night (excluding VAT), guests can enjoy a Superior room for two, Continental breakfast and two tickets to one of the Capital’s premier attractions, the London Eye to enjoy a bird’s eye view of London.

For further stunning views of the capital, enjoy a mouth-watering rooftop dinner on the riverbank at the OXO Tower.

Art aficionados will be in their element at the Southbank Centre, located in the heart of one of Europe’s largest art quarters. Visitors can take in an array of art at the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Hayward Gallery.

For nature-lovers, the London Aquarium, which houses fabulous aquatic life from all over the world, is just a short stroll away from the hotel, along the vibrant South Bank, with its exciting shops and restaurants.

Guests can top off their day with a tantalising meal at Park Plaza Riverbank London’s Chino Latino Brasserie, Bar and Lounge before retreating to the luxurious comfort of their modern stylish guestroom.

Park Plaza Riverbank London is located on the picturesque Albert Embankment. With easy access to some of London’s most famous landmarks, including the Tate Britain, the Houses of Parliament and the vibrant South Bank area, the hotel is the perfect base for a weekend leisure break.

www.parkplazariverbank.com  

6/9/2008 5:01:34 AM UTC     

Members of US Airways' frequent-flyer program, Dividend Miles, now have more ways to earn miles as the airline teams up with Accor, one of Europe's leading hotel companies, to offer miles, including a special limited-time triple-miles offer, on stays at any of Accor's premium hotel brands: Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel and Mercure, with more than 1,300 locations around the world.

The new partnership lets Dividend Miles members earn 500 miles per stay at Sofitel and Pullman hotels and 250 miles per stay at Novotel and Mercure hotels.

As a special introductory offer, Dividend Miles members can, until August 31, 2008, earn:

- Double bonus miles on stays of two nights or more at Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel and Mercure properties
- Triple bonus miles on stays of three nights or more at Sofitel and Pullman properties.

"Our new partnership with Accor Hospitality complements our service to 20 favourite destinations in Europe," said Travis Christ, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for US Airways. "We're pleased to give our frequent flyers yet another way to earn miles to use toward award travel to more than 950 destinations worldwide."

www.usairways.co.uk

6/9/2008 4:53:57 AM UTC     

Crystal Cruises is launching two Mind, Body & Spirit cruises this December. The comprehensive programming incorporates lectures, classes and workshops given by leading experts and instructors from The Cleveland Clinic, Tai Chi Cultural Institute and the line’s exclusive Walk on Water program. The Mind, Body & Spirit focus is set for Crystal Symphony’s December 7 South America voyage from Los Angeles to Valparaiso, Chile and Crystal Serenity’s December 12 Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Caldera, Costa Rica.

“Our guests are active and inquisitive individuals looking to continue their healthy lifestyles while on vacation,” said Thomas Mazloum, Crystal’s vice president, hotel operations. “The sophisticated programming on the Mind, Body & Spirit cruises allows them to learn about the latest developments in health, fitness and well-being from top experts.”

The guest experts will cover topics from medical treatment and prevention, to spiritual healing and growth through tai chi and yoga, to the physical and mental fulfilment of strenuous exercise.

Cruise fares for Crystal Symphony’s 15-day South America itinerary begin at around £1750.00 and Crystal Serenity’s 12-day Panama Canal voyage begins at around £1800.00, per person, double occupancy.

www.crystalcruises.co.uk  

6/9/2008 4:48:29 AM UTC     

Located in Boston’s chic Back Bay, a luxurious, new Mandarin Oriental hotel is preparing to open in October 2008. Situated on Boylston Street, near the elegant shops of Newbury Street, Boston Common and the newly restored South End, Mandarin Oriental, Boston is ideally located for both business and leisure travellers.

Mandarin Oriental, Boston’s 148 guestrooms, including 12 suites, will feature airy, granite bathrooms with separate soaking tubs and showers, as well as the latest in-room entertainment technology, with wireless Internet access. For the utmost indulgence, the stunning Presidential “Dynasty” Suite will offer 2,600-square-feet of the best in luxury.

www.mandarinoriental.com

6/9/2008 4:35:59 AM UTC     

Since 2001 Parisian perfumer, Blaise Mautin, has worked with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and has successfully launched fragrances for the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, Park Hyatt Washington and Park Hyatt Dubai.

Mautin has now created a fresh lemon scent exclusively for the Park Hyatt Zurich. Hotel guests will be able to enjoy Mautin’s latest creation dedicated to the modern Park Hyatt Zurich, where it captures on a fresh and vibrant aroma.

Mautin said, “The composition of the new scent, which will be used for shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, soaps and scented candles, includes bergamot, orange, lemon and grapefruit as top notes, ylang-ylang and Chinese geranium as middle notes, and base notes of thyme and patchouli. The design of the packaging for the latest products also reflects Park Hyatt Zurich, with its straight lines and dynamic urban touch.”

The new scented products are an integral part of the Park Hyatt Zurich and are now available for hotel guests.

What would you like your hotel to smell of?

6/9/2008 4:27:07 AM UTC     

The new SkyTeam Round-The-World fares start from just £1500.00, plus taxes, for an Economy Class ticket to up to five destinations, with additional options for Economy, Business or First Class travel to a maximum of 15 destinations.

The new SkyTeam Round-The-World fares offer travel with up to 14 airlines to over 840 destinations in 162 countries, giving travellers a vast range of options to choose from.

SkyTeam’s full member airlines are Aeroflot, AeroMexico, Air France, KLM, Alitalia, China Southern, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines. There are also three associate partners - Air Europa, Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways. 

www.skyteam.com

6/9/2008 4:07:50 AM UTC     

Flights from Southampton International Airport to Angers Loire in France by UK regional airline, Eastern Airways, have increased to coincide with the world famous Le Mans 24 hour motor race.

The independent carrier has introduce a Friday service prior to the start of Le Mans (14-15 June), which is located 46 miles from Angers Loire Airport.  Friday services will continue to operate over the summer season, taking the number of flights to four a week.

Eastern Airways first started flights between Southampton and Angers Loire in November 2007 and its service also appeals to industry sectors including truck manufacturing, IT, technology and liqueurs.

www.easternairways.com

6/9/2008 4:05:44 AM UTC     

What goods are prohibited or restricted when entering the UK?

HMRC customs expert Mark Fuchster explains goods you can, and can’t, bring back from abroad Covering a whole range of subjects including food, plants, wildlife souvenirs, prescription drugs and counterfeit goods,

Download for free from www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts

6/9/2008 3:28:16 AM UTC     

SINGAPORE CROWNED BEST AIRLINE FOR 6th TIME

SINGAPORE CHANGI WINS BEST AIRPORT AT THE 26th OAG AIRLINE INDUSTRY AWARDS
EASYJET LANDS BEST LOW COST AIRLINE TITLE
BRITISH AIRWAYS, EMIRATES AND SINGPORE MULTIPLE AWARD WINNERS
AIR CANADA TEAM AT HEATHROW HONOURED FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE

Singapore was the major winner at the 26th OAG Airline Industry

Awards with the country’s airline, Singapore Airlines, voted “OAG Airline of the Year”, and the country’s main international airport, Singapore Changi, voted Best Airport. The Award winners were announced on the night of Wednesday, 4 June in the art deco setting of The Bloomsbury Ballroom in central London.

“This is a very special night for Singapore,” says Alan Glass, CEO of OAG. “Our congratulations go to the airline, the airport, the Government and the people of Singapore. The level of service and innovation that Singapore Airlines and Singapore Changi have consistently offered the travelling public is reflected by the way OAG subscribers, the world’s frequent fliers, have voted. The slogan for Singapore Changi is ‘Enjoy the experience’. Travellers who use the airport and the airline clearly do.”

Singapore Airlines last won the coveted Spirit of Flight trophy for “Airline of the Year” back in 2003. The trophy was presented by President of Boeing UK, Sir Roger Bone, which sponsored the Awards. Singapore Airlines has now won the “OAG Airline of the Year” award on six occasions since the inception of the awards in 1982, more than any other carrier and one more than British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.  Other airlines nominated this year for “OAG Airline of the Year” included American Airlines, British Airways, Emirates and Lufthansa.

As well as winning “OAG Airline of the Year”, Singapore Airlines won awards for Best Airline Based in Asia and Best International First Class. Singapore Airlines’ home base, Singapore Changi, fought off extremely stiff competition to reclaim the Best Airport crown it last won in 2006.

UK-based easyJet took the title of Best Low Cost Airline for the first time, beating last year’s winner jetBlue as well as Jetstar, Ryanair and Southwest Airlines.  This was the first time this award has gone to a European low cost carrier.

Multiple winners on the night included last year’s “Airline of the Year”, British Airways, which retained its crown as Best Transatlantic Airline and also won the Best Business / Executive Class category, an award that had been won for the last five years by Continental Airlines. Continental Airlines, however, did retain its title as Best Airline Based in North America, for a fifth successive year, and also won the new category for Best Airline Finance Deal for its EETC (enhanced equipment trust certificate).

Emirates retained its title as Best Airline Based in the Middle East / Indian Sub-Continent and also won the category for Best Airline between Europe and Asia / Australasia.

Reflecting the global reach of the OAG awards other regional winners on the night for best airline included Qantas (Australasia / Pacific), LAN Airlines (Central/South America and the Caribbean), South African Airways (Africa), Virgin Atlantic (Western Europe), and CSA Czech Airlines (Central/Eastern Europe). Air New Zealand was voted Best Transpacific Airline and American Airlines was recognised for Best Economy / Coach Class.

Lufthansa Cargo won the Best Freighter Operator Award and AWAS was voted Best Airline Lessor.

“We all know how the airline industry is vital for world trade, our economies and our prosperity,” commented Alan Glass, CEO of OAG, during his welcome address, “but we are also cognizant of the significant challenges we face. However we need to put some perspective on all the negative talk. Compared with this time last year, OAG statistics reveal the world’s airlines are operating 40,000 more flights and offering 10.1 million more seats, although some rationalization is anticipated. The aircraft order books are looking pretty healthy, with a 35% increase year on year. This indicates that despite current financial pressures, the industry as a whole is gearing up its investment for long-term sustainability.”

The recipient of the Outstanding Service Award was the Air Canada Customer Service team based at Heathrow Airport.  The team of five people were honoured for their personal generosity and effort in making a real difference to the lives of young children in South Africa.

The annual “OAG Airline Industry Awards”, sponsored by Boeing, celebrate the very best in global air travel and publicly recognises the highest standards within the industry.  The complete list of winners and nominees for the 26th OAG Airline Industry Awards follows, and can also be accessed at www.oagairlineawards.com.

The Winners and Nominees for the 26th OAG Airline Industry Awards

OAG Airline of the Year 2008: Singapore Airlines
American Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa

Best Airline Based in Asia: Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Thai Airways

Best Airline Based in Australasia/Pacific: Qantas
Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Blue

Best Airline Based in North America: Continental Airlines
Air Canada (Commended), American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines

Best Airline Based in Central/S.America & Caribbean: LAN Airlines
Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, Mexicana, TAM Brazilian Airlines

Best Airline Based in Western Europe: Virgin Atlantic
Air France, British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa (Commended)

Best Airline Based in Central/Eastern Europe: CSA Czech Airlines
Aeroflot Russian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines (Commended), MALEV Hungarian Airlines, TAROM Romanian Air Transport

Best Airline Based in the Middle East/Indian Sub-Continent: Emirates
Etihad, Gulf Air, Jet Airways (Commended), Qatar Airways

Best Airline Based in Africa: South African Airways
Ethiopian Airlines, Egyptair, Kenya Airways, Virgin Nigeria

Best Transatlantic Airline: British Airways
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic

Best Transpacific Airline: Air New Zealand
Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines

Best Europe – Asia/Australasia Airline: Emirates
British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines

Best Low Cost/No Frills Airline: easyJet
jetBlue, Jetstar Airways, Ryanair, Southwest Airlines

Best Economy/Coach Class: American Airlines
British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines

Best Business/Executive Class: British Airways
American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines

Best International First Class: Singapore Airlines
British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Lufthansa

Best Airport: Singapore Changi
Amsterdam Schiphol, Dubai International, Hong Kong International,New York JFK, San Francisco International
Sponsored by Travelplus

Outstanding Service Award: Air Canada Customer Services, London Heathrow
Presented to Fiona Puglia, John Choules, Wayne Birnie, Shabana Khokhar & Ahjaz Osman

6/5/2008 12:37:17 AM UTC     

Millennium & Copthorne’s FGR (Frequent Guest Recognition) Club members can now accumulate FGR points with every qualified stay at any M & C participating hotel. Members can use the points earned, towards complimentary stays, room upgrades, F & B voucher redemptions and more.

Offered in two tiers - FGR Classic and FGR Gold - the FGR Gold member enjoys additional complimentary privileges and benefits including complimentary Broadband access with every stay.

Other FGR Gold benefits and privileges include welcome beverage, express check-in, early check-in and late check-out, best available room upon arrival, upgrades as well as birthday and special occasion celebratory treats.

www.millenniumhotels.com

6/1/2008 4:30:29 PM UTC     

bmi is testing an innovative new paperless boarding system, allowing customers checking in online for bmi flights to have their boarding pass delivered electronically to their mobile phone or PDA (personal digital assistant).

The new paper-free system will deliver a two-dimensional barcode boarding pass to mobile phones with picture messaging (MMS) capabilities. The service is part of bmi’s commitment to reducing time spent at the airport and will assist in maintaining its position as one of the UK’s most punctual airlines.

Peter Spencer, managing director of bmi, said, “bmi’s new paperless boarding system is a significant step forward and will offer customers the opportunity to bypass check-in processes at the airport. Customers who check in online can have a boarding pass delivered straight to their mobile phone allowing them to proceed straight to security or to bmi’s fast bag drop stations if they have luggage to check-in.”

bmi’s new mobile check-in service will initially be launched on services from London Heathrow to Edinburgh and Manchester (one way) and from Belfast City to London Heathrow (return), with plans to roll the system out to more destinations on the airline’s network soon after.

www.flybmi.com

6/1/2008 4:16:46 PM UTC     

Spa trends are evolving as quickly as changes in the fashion industry.  In 2005 it was stylish to have LaStone therapy, 2006 was the time for caviar facials and 2007 saw the launch of gold treatments.  This year Orient-Express Hotels has identified a new trend in its spas around the world and declares 2008 ‘The Year of the Poultice’!

The practice of applying poultices to the body dates back to medieval times, where it was used to achieve medical results in curing injuries.  Poultices were made of a moist material like mud, mixed with a healing ingredient such as herbs or oils.  Over the years, they have become more sophisticated, with the herbal mixture enveloped in a muslin bag and steamed, and sometimes combined with ancient therapies and products to create a relaxing and effective spa treatment.

“The poultice massage is incredibly effective due to the synergy of therapeutic techniques administered during a treatment.  Moist penetrating heat, detoxifying bio-available herbs, energising essential oils and Thai Meridian point massage combine to create an intoxicating experience.  The muscles are softened, the breath moves freely, the mind is relaxed and the entire body feels cleansed and rejuvenated,” says Jenny Ferrand, spa director at The Inn at Perry Cabin, USA.

www.orient-express.com

5/26/2008 5:57:08 AM UTC     

Titan Travel, the award-winning tour operator of quality escorted tours, is building on the success of its VIP Home Departure Service, to launch a new luxury private transfer vehicle service for business and leisure travellers across England and Wales, using a fleet of over 150 VW Caravelle people carriers. Each air-conditioned vehicle will carry a maximum of six passengers from their front door to their destination.

The service is predominantly aimed at travellers needing transport to and from airports and ports and through monitoring all flights, clients will be met by a uniformed driver in the airport arrivals hall, or for cruises passengers at the UK dock of their choice.

The service can be arranged from any location in England and Wales and is exclusive to each booking, so they will not pick up any other passengers en route.

www.titanprivatehire.co.uk

5/26/2008 5:55:39 AM UTC     

Etihad Airways has opened a new dedicated business class lounge at its Abu Dhabi airport home base which offers the airline’s business class customers a wealth of state-of-the-art relaxation and entertainment facilities in addition to around-the-clock dining.

The new Terminal 1 business class lounge follows the opening in January of a separate new lounge dedicated to first class customers and is part of a major overhaul of Etihad’s premium customer experience at Abu Dhabi airport.

The new business class lounge includes a Wi-Fi area, library, relaxation zone, well-being spa, hi-tech electronic games room, smoker’s lounge and gallery showcasing work by local Arab artists.

www.etihadairways.com

5/26/2008 5:53:57 AM UTC     

Kempinski has opened a new hotel in China. The Kempinski Hotel Suzhou is set amidst a large estate, which encompasses a 27-hole Jinji Lake International Golf Course and a state guesthouse of five villas. The hotel is surrounded by the stunning scenery of Dushu and Jinji Lake, and is located 150 km from Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport and 90 km from Hongqiao Airport.

The hotel features 381 rooms and 77 suites on 21 storeys, most of them overlooking either the lakes or the golf course. All rooms offer modern amenities and necessities for business travellers; wireless LAN is available throughout the property. The meetings and banqueting facilities include one of the largest grand ballrooms in Suzhou covering 1,850 m2 and catering for up to 1,600 guests, eight meeting rooms starting from 100 m2 in size, and a state-of-the-art business centre.

From 1 June to 31 August 2008, guests can enjoy a deluxe room for single or double occupancy, including breakfast, at a special opening rate of RMB 1288 (£94.00) + 15% per room, per night, subject to availability.

www.kempinski.com

5/26/2008 5:47:43 AM UTC     

Emirates Airline has launched Business Rewards, an innovative new rewards programme tailor-made for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE that will be rolled out in other markets soon.

An online-based programme, Business Rewards offers SMEs the opportunity to benefit from employee flights. Each time a registered employee books their Emirates flight through Business Rewards, the business earns Business Rewards Miles while the individual traveller continues to earn their Miles from Skywards, Emirates’ frequent flyer programme. The company can then redeem accumulated Business Rewards Miles against future flights.

Keith Longstaff, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide said, “Business Rewards is a result of months of research and planning, to understand what our SME customers want in a reward programme, and how we can transact and add value to them in an online environment. We believe the SME community in the UAE will embrace Business Rewards, and we look forward to introducing the programme to other markets in the coming months.”

In addition to reward miles, Emirates’ Business Rewards programme also provides a convenient online portal for administrators in SMEs to manage employee travel on Emirates Airline. The company must register with Business Rewards in the country where it is located, but it can accumulate Miles for travel undertaken by employees at all their branches into one central account.

www.emirates.com

5/26/2008 5:38:09 AM UTC     

Singapore Airlines is to add an additional A380 service on the Singapore-London route on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays bringing the number of Singapore Airlines A380 flights between the two cities to 11 times.

The new service between will take effect from 16 July 2008. However, there will be a temporary break when the aircraft will be deployed to Beijing for a week, to cater for increased demand in the lead-up to the start of the Olympic Games.

www.singaporeair.com

5/26/2008 5:23:21 AM UTC     

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has just launched their new website. It is precisely tailored to user needs and reflects the upscale image of the international hotel group with Swiss roots. User friendliness, regular updates, information content, clarity of presentation and design were the most important criteria for the re-launch.

The welcome page provides space for special offers and with a new look and feel, the individual hotels present themselves through more and larger images and comprehensive information. The online reservation process is much easier and faster: prospective guests can now book their rooms in just five simple steps. In line with the new website, the Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts newsletter also appears in a new outfit.

“The re-launch of our website is a vital e-marketing measure”, explains Steven Nikolov, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. “Our website is becoming increasingly important. www.moevenpick-hotels.com visitor numbers are soaring year after year and it is already our strongest electronic booking channel.”

www.moevenpick-hotels.com

5/26/2008 5:07:50 AM UTC     

Carlson Hotels Worldwide has launched a “points to go” promotion. From June 1 through August 31, 2008, both current and new goldpoints plus members can earn up to 100,000 bonus points at all Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn, with more than 990 hotels located in 71 countries.

In addition to the standard Gold Points earned with each stay (earnings range from 15 points or 20 points per U.S. Dollar/Euro for stays); guests will receive bonus Gold Points during this promotion as follows:

- Stay five nights, earn 5,000 bonus points
- Stay 10 nights, earn 10,000 bonus points
- Stay 15 nights, earn 25,000 bonus points
- Stay 20 nights, earn 50,000 bonus points
- Stay 25 nights, earn 100,000 bonus points

Rewards examples range from in-room movies, laundry service to four nights in Paris or six nights in Chicago.

Members may also choose to donate points to the World Childhood Foundation or CarbonNeutral.

www.carlson.com

5/26/2008 4:59:31 AM UTC     

Passengers at Abu Dhabi International Airport can enjoy free Wi-Fi access from June 1.

www.abudhabiairport.ae

5/26/2008 4:55:52 AM UTC     

For the first time in 10 years, a new low-cost scheduled transatlantic air service between any European airport and Fort Lauderdale, took off today (Thursday). Zoom Airlines’ inaugural flight from London Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale took off at almost full capacity with 241 passengers onboard revolutionising air travel to one of the most popular US summer holiday destinations.

The service will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays with fares starting from as low as £299 return including all taxes and charges. The commencement of this new route confirms Zoom’s position as being the leading low-fare airline across the Atlantic.

Launching the service today (Thursday), Jonathan Hinkles, Managing Director of Zoom UK said: “We are delighted to be launching the start of the London to Fort Lauderdale service which has proved extremely popular with not only the UK, but the European travelling public. What’s appealing is that all our flights are high standard at low-cost and offer a full scheduled service onboard with economy and premium economy seating available.

Zoom operates an ‘easyJet-style’ booking service with flexible one-way fares and the flights offer Economy and Premium Economy services with allocated seating, meals and soft drinks included in the fare in all cabins, and an enhanced service available in the Premium Economy cabin.

Zoom’s new service from London Gatwick to San Diego will commence next month.

www.flyzoom.com

5/22/2008 10:56:56 AM UTC     

OpenSkies, the new transatlantic airline from British Airways, will take flight on June 19th, the airline announced today.  Tickets for premium flights between Paris and New York on OpenSkies will go on sale this Thursday, May 22nd, Bookings can also be made through travel agents, all British Airways channels including the BA.com website, and via the OpenSkies Concierge Desk - featuring personalized services available to all customers commencing with the purchase of their ticket and throughout their journey.

With no more than 82 passengers on each flight, OpenSkies will offer a unique travel experience between Paris’ Orly Airport and New York’s JFK Airport.  The company’s simplified pricing approach is designed to provide true value for money compared with what has been traditionally offered by the long-time incumbent carriers operating on the Paris-New York route.  OpenSkies will feature three cabins:  Biz, a business class service featuring the only fully lie-flat beds in that market will be offered at prices starting at EUR2269 roundtrip; Prem+, a completely new service category featuring reclining seats with a 52” pitch will be offered from EUR1159 roundtrip; and economy, featuring a cabin containing only thirty seats that will be offered at prices beginning at EUR830 roundtrip.  Prices include fuel, insurance and security surcharges and have limited availability but require only seven days advance purchase.

OpenSkies will initially operate one daily round-trip flight on a fuel-efficient Boeing 757.  A second Boeing 757 is scheduled to join OpenSkies later this year from the British Airways fleet and it is planned that there will be six OpenSkies aircraft in total by the end of 2009.  OpenSkies plans to serve additional routes from European cities including Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt and Milan to New York.  
OpenSkies received approval to begin operations from the U.S. Department of Transportation last week.  It is the first airline created as a result of the Open Skies agreement, which allows airlines to fly between any U.S. and E.U. destination.

www.flyopenskies.com.

5/22/2008 4:45:05 AM UTC     

The lives of travelling Brits just got easier. Aer Arann’s new website makes flight bookings quick, simple and crystal-clear.

One of Europe’s fastest growing regional airlines, Aer Arann has simplified its previous five step booking process into an easy three steps with no hidden costs. Hopeful travellers booking through other online providers are forced to click through several pages of additional expenses while watching flights double and triple in price. Aer Arann customers can select and book their flights without all that hassle and uncertainty.

“A lack of price transparency is too often practiced in the airline industry, much to the displeasure of hopeful passengers,” says Colin Lewis, Head of Sales and Marketing at Aer Arann. “Our new website has no unexpected charges.&n