Hilton Garden Inn, one of the fastest growing brands that is part of the Hilton Family of Hotels, has opened the Hilton Garden Inn Luton North on Butterfield Business Park. The hotel is a short distance from both the Luton town centre and airport as well as a short distance to many businesses and attractions in the area.

The Hilton Garden Inn Luton North features a complimentary 24-hour business centre, Wi-Fi in guestrooms and public areas, a restaurant offering cooked-to-order breakfast, bar with plasma screen television, comfortable living room area, complimentary gym facility and the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® shop offering a selection of snacks, delicious ready made meals, beverages and sundries.

Guest room features at the hotel include the Garden Sleep System® bed that allows guests to adjust the firmness of the bed, ergonomic Mirra® chair by Herman Miller, oversized work desks, air conditioning, LCD satellite television and a “hospitality centre” featuring a mini refrigerator and kettle.

Hilton has also opened the 255 room Hilton Beijing Wangfujing in Beijing’s commercial and social district.

www.hilton.com

8/10/2008 12:04:48 PM UTC     

Four Points by Sheraton has opened its first Four Points by Sheraton hotel in North China. The Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian Hotel & Serviced Apartments, follows the successes of other Four Points hotels in cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Changshu, Lhasa and Taipei.

www.starwoodhotels.com

8/10/2008 11:58:14 AM UTC     

Marriott International has announced the opening of the huge 1,312-room Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall. The new property becomes Marriott’s largest hotel outside the US. Built on the Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park, the hotel is situated in Beijing’s central business district.

www.marriott.com

8/10/2008 11:56:30 AM UTC     

Anantara has announced its latest resort offering, promising to show a new side of Thailand. The Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa lies on the secluded Changlang Beach in the relatively undeveloped Trang province, south of Krabi. The resort will offer 138 sea-view rooms and suites when it is completed by the end of 2008, including a presidential villa comprising three bedrooms, set around a private pool.

www.anantara.com

8/10/2008 11:54:20 AM UTC     

Eurostar is expecting to take thousands of shoppers to La Braderie in Lille, one of Europe’s largest annual flea markets, which takes place every year over the first weekend of September. Return fares to Lille start from £55.

La Braderie dates back to medieval times. The city’s streets come alive as over a million people from all over Europe flock to Lille to join the marathon bargain hunt. Over the weekend, the city is transformed into a vast outdoor market covering over 200km of pavement. Stalls selling everything from rare antiques and furniture, to vintage clothing, bric-a-brac and art line the narrow cobbled streets, alongside street entertainers and food stands offering mouth-watering French and Flemish cuisine.

www.eurostar.com

8/10/2008 11:50:44 AM UTC     

Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyard in South Africa's Cape Winelands will be celebrating "all things bubbly" in December during the annual Franschhoek Champagne Festival.

Franschhoek, the Valley of the Huguenots, in South Africa, is one of the premier destinations in the World of Wine – and is also the “Gourmet Capital of South Africa” – making it the perfect “Grape Escape” for discerning travellers who enjoy the finer things in life!

December 2008 will see the valley, which has over 40 wine farms, celebrate the ‘Magic of Bubbles’, during the annual Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival. A decadent weekend of gourmet cuisine, popping corks and flutes overflowing with the finest South African Cap Classique and French Champagne.

www.montrochelle.co.za and www.franschhoek.org.za/festivals

8/10/2008 11:49:24 AM UTC     

Car Hire 8, a revolutionary new online car hire service, launched in the UK this weekend. Their site provides car hire reservations from the leading brands like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent a Car and Europcar.

What makes it different from other car rental brokers is that you choose which brand you want but benefit from Car Hire 8’s great prices. Available in 125 countries at 17,000 locations worldwide.

To celebrate the launch, consumers can receive 10 percent off on car hire anywhere in the world throughout the month of August by using promotional code 10OFFCH8 upon booking.

www.carhire8.co.uk

8/10/2008 11:46:36 AM UTC     

Don’t miss Turkey’s fastest growing airline’s one-way prices starting from 66 Euros (£52) on international routes and 41 New Turkish Lira (YTL) (£18)* on domestic routes.

Pegasus Airlines launches its winter flight schedule with tickets onsale today.  Valid from 26th October 2008, the new schedule boasts unbeatable one-way prices starting at 66 Euros (£52) on international routes and 41 YTL (£18) on domestic routes*, available until 29th March 2009. 

Pegasus Airlines’ winter schedule tickets go on sale today, 6th August 2008, with one-way prices starting at 66 euros* (£52) on international routes.  Pegasus Airlines operates flights between Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir in Turkey to Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Cologne, London, Lefkosa, Munich, Stuttgart and Zurich.

Domestic flights prices start at 41YTL* (£18), making it the cheapest and easiest way to get to your favourite holiday destination in Turkey.  Pegasus Airlines flies to Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, Diyarbakır, Erzurum, Gaziantep, İstanbul, İzmir, Kayseri, Malatya, Mardin, Samsun, Trabzon and Van.

www.flypgs.com/en,

8/7/2008 11:09:57 AM UTC     

When the renowned Calabash Hotel & Villas shut for just over a month on 1st September, construction will begin on Heaven & Earth, a brand new spa facility, which is scheduled to open in October.
 
Treatments will include Swedish massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki and Indian head massage, as well as Facials, Manicures and Pedicures. A yoga pavilion will also be incorporated at the spa, allowing classes to be held overlooking Prickly Bay. Grenada has a multitude of natural products such as nutmeg, coconut and cinnamon oils, many of which will be used in the treatments.

All guests will receive a complimentary head and neck massage voucher when the hotel re-opens in October.

There are a number of operators featuring the Calabash Inn one such is Just Grenada and they are offering return bed and breakfast deals for around £870.00 flying from Gatwick on October and November.

www.calabashhotel.com  www.justgrenada.co.uk

8/5/2008 3:11:40 AM UTC     

French airports are hoping to help holidaymakers get in the mood for their trip by offering dance lessons. A spokesperson for Aeroports de Paris said the free classes are targeted to destinations “so if you’re flying to Cuba you can learn salsa and if you’re flying to New York you can learn hip hop.” Participants in the 15-minute lessons hear music and instructions through headphones, with other dance styles on offer including tango, mambo, modern jazz and rock’n’roll.

Can’t see it happening at T5!!

8/5/2008 2:56:19 AM UTC     

Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, home of EL AL Israel Airlines, has been voted number one airport in the Middle East in a customer satisfaction survey.

The World Airport Survey is conducted by UK-based aviation research organisation, Skytrax, with more than 8.2 million questionnaires completed by passengers across the world, during the 10 month survey period.

Passenger interviews include a detailed appraisal for more than 40 categories of product and service quality from check-in to departure, from arrivals to baggage collection - including terminal cleanliness, staff efficiency, staff courtesy, terminal signage, security processing, immigration and customers, walking distances, as well as features like shopping, dining options, internet services.

www.airlinequality.com

8/4/2008 2:59:20 AM UTC     

City smartcard specialist Leisure Pass Group has launched the latest version of its popular London Pass with a range of new attractions for Summer 2008. The London Pass gives visitors to the capital instant entry to over 50 of its most famous attractions, plus lots of new things to do with the latest version launched this month.

For the first time visitors can take a unique look behind the scenes in the Household Cavalry Museum to watch the famous Queen’s Life Guard preparing for their ceremonial duties and working with their horses. Or they can re-view all those advertising campaigns they loved and hated at the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising where some 12,000 famous names are on view going back to the Victorian age.

www.leisurepassgroup.com

8/4/2008 2:49:36 AM UTC     

Continental Airlines has announced that its lie-flat seat for the BusinessFirst cabin on its Boeing 777 trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes are due to appear in the winter of 2009.

www.continentalairlines.com

8/2/2008 7:30:56 AM UTC     

The majority of UK airline passengers are more opposed to the idea of mobile phones on aircrafts than other nationalities, as revealed in a survey of 4,000 travellers conducted by TripAdvisor. 84% of British people believe use of mobiles on planes should be banned, compared to 74% of the rest of the world.

Pundits suggest the statistics may influence airlines planning to introduce the use of mobile phones in-flight, such as Ryanair, Air France, SAS & Emirates.

www.tripadvisor.com

8/2/2008 7:09:13 AM UTC     

Hong Kong Express Airways has launched a new four times a week direct service to Seoul, Korea. Earlier this year the airline also launched new routes to Japan and daily services to Shanghai and Beijing.

Hong Kong Express will continue to expand with the launch of more new routes, including Manila, Philippines and Osaka, Tokyo in September.

www.hongkongexpress.com

8/2/2008 7:00:22 AM UTC     

Priority Club Rewards, IHG's hotel guest loyalty programme, has launched a new benefit that allows members to earn points for mobile phone calls made during visits to a number of countries. In Asia, countries include Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Priority Club members can earn between two and ten points per minute of talking time for outgoing calls, depending on which country they are in. In Hong Kong and India, members can also earn points for incoming calls.

The new programme is made possible through IHG’s partnership with Travelling Connect, one of the leading global providers of Client Relationship Management (CRM) solutions to the airline and telecommunication industries. There are another seven countries in Africa, Europe and the Middle East where Travelling Connect have agreements with mobile operators that award points to Priority Club members who use their roaming services when visiting those countries.

Registering to earn points for mobile calls is easy. Priority Club members just need to log on to the Travelling Connect website at www.travellingconnect.com/priorityclub to register their membership numbers and mobile numbers. Each member can register up to three mobile numbers. When travelling to countries where the roaming service is available, members have to manually select the corresponding mobile network in order to earn points.

8/2/2008 6:30:43 AM UTC     

If you are in, or can get to Singapore, this autumn then it is worth checking out the Singapore Sun Festival (17 to 26 October 2008). This annual multi-arts premium lifestyle festival celebrates The Art of Living Well, through seven disciplines: music, visual arts, literature, film, wine, cuisine and wellness. This year's festival is bigger than before, with more than 90 exhilarating events over a period of 10 days, featuring more than 350 regional and international artists and celebrities in some of Singapore's leading venues.

The Festival begins with a Gala Opening Concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall on Saturday, 18 October. The concert will feature Prokofiev's popular work, Peter and the Wolf, narrated by Robert Redford, accompanied by the Academies Festival Orchestra, as well as a selection of arias and songs by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the Vienna Boys Choir.

www.singaporesunfestival.com

8/2/2008 5:30:11 AM UTC     

The Marcel at Gramercy in New York City will official re-open on October 1, 2008. Having undergone an extensive structural transformation (including the addition of several new floors) and stylish facelift that has taken the hotel from a three-star to a four-star establishment, The Marcel at Gramercy is currently in its ‘soft opening’ phase. New additions include redesigned guest rooms and public spaces and the renowned Bar Milano restaurant.

www.nychotels.com  

8/2/2008 5:15:32 AM UTC     

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has opened the newly renovated St. Regis Beijing, following the completion of a comprehensive, seven and a half-month, $27 million renovation and restoration of its 258 guest rooms, 102 luxuriously appointed suites, signature restaurants and public spaces. The St. Regis Beijing also features Danieli’s, one of Beijing’s finest Italian restaurants, a luxurious natural spring water spa, more than 13,114 square feet of meeting and event space and the iconic St. Regis Butler Service.

www.starwoodhotels.com

8/2/2008 5:04:45 AM UTC     

U.S. News argues that air travel keeps getting more stressful and reports that in 2007 US airlines turned in their second-worst on-time performance ever, with just 73.4 percent of flights arriving on time. It also says planes have never been more crowded, with an average load factor of 80.5 percent.

To gauge where the pain is deepest, U.S. News crunched US government figures to develop an Airport Misery Index: a ranking that shows which of the 47 busiest US airports have the best and worst combination of delayed flights and crowded planes.
With 33.5% of flights delayed and an 83% load factor, for an overall “misery” ranking of 47, America’s most miserable airport - according to U.S. News - is Chicago, O’Hare. O’Hare was closely followed in the misery stakes by Newark, San Francisco, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami and Las Vegas. Rounding out the top ten were Charlotte, JFK, Atlanta and Seattle.

The least miserable of the 47 airports polled was San Jose where only 16.8% of flights were delayed and the load factor was 77.3%. The next five best were Memphis, Kansas City, New Orleans, Santa Ana and Oakland.

7/4/2008 11:14:52 AM UTC     

Are we up a creek without a paddle or simply messing about on the river?

Thanks to the continuing rise in oil prices, coupled to what appears to be a global credit squeeze on consumers, there seem to be some dark storm clouds building on the horizon. Building at exactly the time when we should be enjoying the sun and the sound of leather on willow, the site of players in their whites contrasting to the green courts of Wimbledon, and the enjoyment of messing about on the river in a way that only the Henley Royal Regatta can deliver.

High oil prices certainly seem to have made the world’s airlines think again about the number of seats and flights they choose to offer on a daily basis. The flagship of global travel and tourism, Las Vegas, has also been facing the unthinkable with the number of conventions off 12.7% year-on-year and revenues down by more than 7%. To put that in perspective, Sin City has only experienced one monthly drop in convention business since 1970, and that was in the immediate aftermath of 11 September 2001.

Perhaps at TravelPlus we always like to see the glass as half full, but other factors suggest that the latest blip in growth is just that, a temporary blip. Attending the recent Arabian Travel Market in Dubai it was impossible not to believe, given the projects being unveiled, that the moneymen and women still have great confidence in the growth of travel and tourism. That is backed up by the latest figures from OAG that show aircraft orders are up 35% on this time last year. There is also a small 1% increase, but still an increase, in the number of flights and seats being offered globally. OAG reports that 2,532,754 flights will be operated in June, offering more than 304 million seats.

Talking of OAG, the company recently unveiled the winners of its annual Airline Industry Awards. Singapore Airlines was named “Airline of the Year” while easyJet became the first European carrier to be named “Low Cost Airline of the Year”. TravelPlus had the pleasure of presenting Singapore Changi with its Award as “World’s Best Airport”.

Congratulations to all the OAG winners and nominees. Despite the building storm clouds we hope that they and all our readers have the chance to enjoy the coming months as much as we at TravelPlus plan to do so. And whatever way the economic winds blow, just remember:

“With the wind in your face there's no finer place,
Than messin' about on the river.”

7/4/2008 11:11:26 AM UTC     

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."