Swiss International Air Lines will be one of the first of the first Star Alliance airlines to move to London Heathrow Terminal 1 on 11 June 2009.
 
The improved lounges and facilities along with the bright and spacious check-in area will offer customers extra comfort and convenience.   The check-in area has been designed to create a more organised and less congested environment, which in turn will lessen waiting time and stressful queuing.
 
In addition, SWISS HON Circle and Miles & More Senator members, as well as First and Business Class passengers can enjoy the designated First or Business class areas in the new Star Alliance CIP Lounge. Both areas will feature private seating, complimentary food and beverages as well as shower facilities and the latest in business technology including Wi-Fi Internet access. The BMI lounge also welcomes Miles & More Frequent Travellers.
 
Gregor Koncilja, Country Manager UK & Ireland for SWISS commented: “We are very much looking forward to moving to our new home and are pleased and proud to be one of the first Star Alliance airlines to do so.  We are confident that Terminal 1 with improved facilities and lounges will offer an increased comfort and better travel experience to our customers even before they step on board.”
 

6/5/2009 11:20:32 AM UTC    Comments 

Air New Zealand has announced that they will be reducing flights on the London-Hong Kong route from seven services a week to five services a week.  NZ38/39 flights scheduled to depart on Wednesdays will cease effective from 23 September and NZ38/39 flights on Mondays from 12 October. Services between Hong Kong and Auckland are unaffected.

Scott Carr, Air New Zealand General Manager, UK and Europe, said: “As everyone is well aware the airline industry is facing exceedingly tough times at the moment and regrettably, the Asia markets have been hit hardest. It is in this context that Air New Zealand has taken the decision to reduce flights on the London-Hong Kong route”

He continues, “These are not easy decisions for any airline but we are confident that this is the right action for our business at this point in time.  However while times are tough overall we firmly believe we are well placed to deal with the current environment to deliver a great flying experience for our customers”.

6/5/2009 9:06:47 AM UTC    Comments 

This August, Alila Villas Hadahaa will showcase new horizons and be the first luxury island to welcome guests in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Southern Maldives.

The opening of the resort heralds a truly unparalleled journey in island living and destination discovery… a celebration of life, culture, environment, romance, wellness and so much more. To commemorate our opening, Alila Villas Hadahaa is delighted to introduce its Year 2009 ‘Gift to Share’ Program to all guests by waiving accommodation charges for every second night!

Guests may in turn, share this Gift by donating an amount of their choice to support their preferred Maldivian community project as follows:

• Expanding the reference libraries in the local schools for Maldivian children
• Working with local artisans to re-introducing Maldivian traditional crafts into primary schools and share the knowledge of the past with Maldivian artists of the future
• Support community farming projects to provide the sustainable food supply for the islanders and enable them to develop a commercial enterprise in supplying upcoming resorts

Year 2009 ‘Gift to Share’ Program includes the following benefits : For every night paid at opening rates, Alila Villas Hadahaa will provide one night without accommodation charge as a gift for our guests to share in the local community causes,  guests will be invited to share this Gift and donating an amount of their choice in place of the room charge to support their preferred Maldivian community project, two complimentary Alila Experiences for stays of 7 nights or more, complimentary full breakfast in Relish Restaurant, complimentary Alila hospitalities and Villa amenities and an Alila welcome gift.

About Alila Villas Hadahaa
Alila Villas Hadahaa is an exciting new vacation option in the Indian Ocean. In one of the widest and deepest natural atolls in the world, it is the first designed and built Green Globe certified upscale hideaway in the Maldives that really does full justice to the unblemished Maldivian seascape. The resort embraces ecological, intellectual, intimate, cultural and luxurious living concepts that translate into Alila Journeys. 50 spacious, sun-bleached villas with alfresco timber decks overlooking stunning gardens and ocean views
comprising 14 Aqua Villas stilted over water and 36 Island Villas, many boasting their own private pools. Dine at Battuta’s, drink at Bell’s, dive in the unspoilt waters, or relish the solitude under the stars on magnificent display in the night skies.

www.alilahotels.com

6/5/2009 8:26:37 AM UTC    Comments 

Business Travel Market founder and event director Paul Robin met with London Mayor Boris Johnson at City Hall this week to discuss Business Travel Market, the new event for the European business travel industry taking place June 17th & 18th at ExCeL. Joining Boris and Paul were Emma Harris, from founding partner Eurostar and Shirley Marguerite from platinum sponsor Qatar Airways.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: ‘I am delighted that London is hosting Business Travel Market 2009. It will be an honour for the city to host this major forum.  I am encouraged Business Travel Market is hosting this event at ExCeL and presenting a strong positive message to the industry at this crucial time. A warm welcome will be extended to all delegates during their time in London.’

Paul Robin, event director & founder commented: ‘I am delighted that the Mayor’s office sees the significance of business travel and the importance of keeping the industry running efficiently at this time. The fact we are holding this pan-European event in London, solidifies the Capital as a great place to do business, and the Mayor recognised the economic benefits of our event.  We were pleased we could update Mayor Johnson on Business Travel Market, and having his support to bring this first year event to London is fantastic.’

www.businesstravelmarket.co.uk                                     

6/4/2009 8:53:27 AM UTC    Comments 

A new early morning year-round flight is being introduced by Eastern Airways from Southampton International Airport to Newcastle, offering greater convenience for south of England business travellers.

The independent business-focused airline, which recently announced new services from Southampton to Liverpool starting in July, will launch the 7am timing to Newcastle along with a new 4.05pm Southampton departure from 6 July 2009.  Flights will arrive in Newcastle at 8.20am and 5.25pm respectively.

The new weekday flight will be offered along with the existing 7.05pm weekday Southampton to Newcastle departure and will replace the current 9.20am 4.25pm services.  Also, flights to Southampton will leave Newcastle at 8.50am, 2pm and 5.30pm.    

“We’ve responded to business traveller requirements as it was evident there was a gap in the market for early morning departures from Southampton to Newcastle,” said Chris Holliday, Eastern Airways’ chief operating officer.  “Adjusting the timings allows our Southampton passengers to arrive in Newcastle city centre before 9am and helps maximise their time in the north east.” 

Eastern Airways will start its new three times a day weekday service from Southampton to Liverpool on 6 July 2009 and also flies to Leeds Bradford and Aberdeen from the Hampshire airport.

www.easternairways.com

6/4/2009 8:50:20 AM UTC    Comments 

bmi, announces the opening today of its new international lounge, bmi Number One Heathrow.  The flagship lounge has been conceived with customer comforts in mind and provides a stylish environment in which to work, relax, dine and refresh.

bmi Number One Heathrow is the perfect stop for bmi customers connecting to any of bmi’s international destinations where they can choose to relax, refresh or rehydrate between flights and enjoy some homely British comforts.

bmi has created a new series of partnerships for the opening of the lounge that showcase Britain’s finest.  Mark Hix, renowned and award-winning champion of British food is exclusively featuring his new line of salad dressings and ice creams on bmi’s midhaul Business Class menus and in bmi Number One Heathrow. The Hix branded ice-cream will be stocked in a freezer where bmi customers can help themselves to Hix’s generous pots of either ‘Credit Crunch’ (caramel and honeycomb chocolate), Rhubarb Crumble or Blueberry and Dorset Honey flavours. What better way to spend an idle hour waiting for your connecting flight than enjoying a sweet treat in the comfort of bmi’s flagship lounge.

bmi Number One Heathrow is open to bmi Business Class, Diamond Club (Gold and Silver) and Star Alliance Gold customers travelling to bmi international destinations. Located above Gate 5 in Terminal 1, bmi Number One Heathrow has a unique layout.  It does not feature a reception desk – instead customers are welcomed inside by members of the Lounge Team.  The space is divided into informal zones that cater to the varying needs of the international traveller – the emphasis being on providing a sense of comfort and familiarity. 

Customers are welcomed in to bmi Number One Heathrow where style and comfort are paramount.  A range of different chair designs allow travellers to rest, work or even nap in daybeds.  Great views over the runway add to the experience. The Study offers a work oriented environment with desk seating as well as a boardroom-style table and free Wi-Fi is available.

The Café is centred around a stunning custom-made black Aga where steaming hot soup is available all day as well as a range of delicious food around the clock. From 1 July bmi will be launching their new dining-on-the-ground service for their evening flights where customers can choose to enjoy a tasty evening meal in bmi Number One Heathrow enabling them to relax and sleep once on board.

An informal, but sophisticated British pub environment  is created in The Local where customers can unwind around a welcoming leather-buttoned horseshoe shaped bar and enjoy a choice of branded beverages including Fullers London Pride ale and English rosé wine in keeping with the strong British theme. 

The new international lounge is the latest in a series of innovations from bmi. The airline recently launched its new Chauffeur Drive and Premium Check-in area at London Heathrow’s Terminal 1 to provide a fast and hassle free check-in service for Business Class and Premium Economy customers as well as bmi Diamond Club Gold and Silver card holders.

6/1/2009 1:16:49 PM UTC    Comments 

The new and highly anticipated Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, Red Sea Jordan, has finally opened today! Boasting 201 luxury rooms and suites all with sea views, a variety of international cuisine, world class MICE facilities and a stunning spa with a number of innovative signature treatments on the menu, this hotel opening marks the 3rd Kempinski property on the golden shores and azure waters of the Red Sea!

The Kempinski group has been specialist hoteliers for over 100 years and this hotel is yet another example of their expertise in luxury. Aqaba offers year round sunshine and some of the best diving and coral reefs in the world. The contrast in scenery makes this city one of the most beautiful in Jordan with its mountainous backdrop and white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees.

Located on the sandy shores of the Red Sea, it is an ideal location for those who simply want to switch off and relax. There is however, plenty to do for the more energetic; the hotel is only a stones throw away from a variety of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities, not to mention the hotel’s own entertainment, including; trips on private yachts, windsurfing, kayaking, diving, snorkelling and swimming, a private beach, the Kids Club and most important of all guests can enjoy an array of organised tours to popular tourist attractions, such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Bedouin Camps.

All 201 rooms and suites within the hotel enjoy a sea view, which has been made possible due to clever design work and the curved contemporary building, shaped in the form of a tear-drop. The distinctive prevailing structure and spectacular interior design is complemented throughout with state of the art technology.

General Manager, Alejandro Bernabe, has said of the launch, “this hotel opening is one of Kempinski’s most exciting. When one thinks of Jordan both the Dead Sea and the Red Sea come to mind as two of Jordan’s top attractions, which is why the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba will complement our Amman and Dead Sea hotels perfectly, allowing guests the chance to enjoy the very best of Jordan in the country’s finest hotels and resorts.”

Cox & Kings has seven nights from £1,225 per person, including six nights at the Kempinski Aqaba, one night at the Kempinski Amman, international flights with Royal Jordanian Airlines, domestic flights, private transfers and breakfast.

www.coxandkings.co.uk

6/1/2009 12:16:29 PM UTC    Comments 

This month Virgin Atlantic celebrates 20 years of flying to Tokyo, they first launched flights between London and Tokyo in May 1989 and has since carried nearly 3m passengers on the popular route. Originally departing from Gatwick, the service moved to Heathrow in 1991.

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic said: “To be celebrating 20 years of flying to Tokyo is a real achievement for Virgin Atlantic and we are proud to have been offering passengers our excellent service on this route since 1989. “Twenty years on Tokyo still remains a very popular business and holiday destination, with an increasing number of passengers taking city breaks to the region for its diverse culture, great food and stunning city-life.
All of us at Virgin Atlantic thank the people of Tokyo for supporting us over the last 20 years and we are pleased to play such a key role in the Japanese Community.”

Red hot fares are available on this route. Return Economy fares start from £620, Premium Economy fares start from £1098 and Upper Class fares start from £2686. All these fares include taxes and charges. These fares to Tokyo are available from 1st May to 21st July and 26th August to 13th December.

6/1/2009 10:12:39 AM UTC    Comments 

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today announced Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express as the ‘Official Hotel Services Provider to London 2012’ and a Tier Three commercial partner.

Holiday Inn, part of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), will provide LOCOG with additional capability and expertise in the accommodation sector, supplying experienced personnel to assist in the planning and operation of the Athletes’ Village.

Currently undergoing a £600 million global relaunch, Holiday Inn will supply team members to work with LOCOG’s Accommodation and Protocol teams in the lead up to the Games in 2012. 

Holiday Inn, along with other hotels in the IHG stable, will also provide accommodation and meeting rooms for LOCOG and its partners’ as it builds towards the Games. 

London 2012 Chairman Lord Sebastian Coe commented: “Providing a smooth customer experience for athletes, spectators and dignitaries throughout their time at the Games can be a key challenge for any Organising Committee. For us to have Holiday Inn join our family provides us with another great pool of knowledge and skills to ensure that all of those attending the Games, whether from within the UK or from abroad, as competitors or spectators, will have an enjoyable and memorable experience. The global expertise of Holiday Inn in welcoming visitors and meeting customer needs will be vital between now and 2012.”

Andy Cosslett, CEO, IHG said: “With the £600 million relaunch of Holiday Inn well underway, being selected to welcome guests from LOCOG and its partner organisations to our hotels is perfect timing.  Just like the world class sportsmen and women who will stay in the Athletes Village, we’ll bring our own world class team to Stratford to make life as easy as possible for the athletes so they focus on the task in hand – competing and winning medals.”

6/1/2009 10:11:54 AM UTC    Comments 

Singapore Airlines commenced daily Airbus A330-300 services between Singapore and Nagoya, Japan, with effect from today. The daily services replace the Airline’s five times weekly Boeing B777 operations on the route. The inaugural A330-300 flight to Nagoya took off from Singapore’s Changi Airport at 0100 hrs this morning, arriving at Central Japan International Airport at 0830hrs (all times local). The arrival of the aircraft into Nagoya coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Airline’s operation of services into the city.

Nagoya is the first Japanese city to receive Singapore Airlines’ A330-300 aircraft. Osaka will be the second when the Airline replaces its daily B777 services to Osaka with A330-300 services in early 2010.
 
Said Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice-President Operations and Services, Mr Mak Swee Wah: “We are delighted to commence A330-300 services into Nagoya. We are confident that our Japanese customers will be happy with our latest product offerings, specially designed for regional and medium-haul routes. It also reaffirms our commitment to constantly enhance our product offerings to provide our customers the very best travel experience.”

6/1/2009 8:18:28 AM UTC    Comments 

With the recession still looming over us, there is no better time to consider the all-inclusive option to make that dream holiday still possible. Whether you are in the mood for complete relaxation, want to spend your holiday lying on the beach or are looking for the ultimate in choice and service, four of Beachcomber Hotels’ eight Mauritian properties are offering a variety of fantastic packages to cater for all tastes within a fair budget.

The concept behind all-inclusive holidays at Beachcomber Hotels is not just about the choice and quality of the food and beverages; it also covers a range of exclusive items such as snacks throughout the day, unlimited drinks or land and water sports. This is perhaps why the demand for all-inclusive holidays in Mauritius is growing so steadily! An obvious choice for families, all-inclusive packages are equally great for couples wanting to get away from it all or for friends travelling in a party.

Unlike many hotels offering all-inclusive packages, Beachcomber Hotels allows for a fantastic range of choice. The beautiful Shandrani Resort & Spa offers a particularly impressive collection of options within the ‘Serenity Plus’ all-inclusive package. This is the very first fully inclusive luxury resort in Mauritius and each guest can take advantage of the following inclusions:

A choice of five restaurants, four a la carte at Le Sirius, Porto Vecchio, Le Boucanier, Teak Elephant and buffets at Le Grand Port
Unlimited champagne, beer, wine and soft drinks
Complimentary mini-bar
Beach, pool and room service (tray charge for room service only applies)
One complimentary 45-minute massage
All water-sports, including water-skiing and glass-bottom boat
All land-sports
Access to Fitness Centre
Bob Marlin Kids Club for children aged 3 to 12
Nightly entertainment
Taxes

Beachcomber Tours offer 7 nights at Shandrani Resort & Spa from £1,649 per person. This price includes accommodation in a Superior Room on the Serenity Plus basis, shared transfers and flights with Air Mauritius from London Heathrow.

Le Victoria Hotel is one of the most popular family resorts on the island, also offering Beachcomber’s All-Inclusive Package at an optional supplement of just £26 per adult and £13 per child per day; covering the cost of all meals and drinks as well as value-added items as outlined below, making holidaying at this resort all the more simple and relaxing. Guests may also enjoy facilities at Le Canonnier and Le Mauricia Hotels:

All meals, with at a choice of three restaurants with a choice of menu, ‘A la Carte’ or international buffets
Unlimited selected wines and drinks during lunch and dinner and at the Corail Bleu Bar
Sandwiches from 12pm to 5.30pm
Pastries from 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Pool and beach service
Picnic basket
Complimentary mini-bar and in-room tea and coffee
Wide choice of land and water sports
Access to Fitness Centre, sauna and hammam
Mini-club for children aged 3 to 12
Taxes
 
Beachcomber Tours offer 7 nights at Le Victoria from £1,499 per person. This price includes accommodation in a Superior Room on an All-Inclusive basis, shared transfers and flights with Air Mauritius from London Heathrow.

Sister resorts Le Canonnier Hotel and Le Mauricia Hotel in the north of Mauritius and close to Grand Baie, also provide the perfect all-inclusive option for guests wishing to get their money’s worth at £20 per adult and £12 per child per day. Guests of either resort can enjoy facilities at both – so double the fun at no extra cost!
 
Beachcomber Tours offer 7 nights at Le Canonnier from £1,369 per person. This price includes accommodation in a Standard Garden Facing Room on an All-Inclusive basis, shared transfers and flights with Air Mauritius from London Heathrow.

All prices are based on June 2009 departures including the Late Booking offer, which is 15% off all stays at any of the aforementioned resorts from 1 June to 30 September 2009.

www.beachcombertours.co.uk  

5/29/2009 12:19:33 PM UTC    Comments 

Aer Arann has launched its summer schedule which will see the return of the airline’s routes to La Rochelle, Nantes and Lorient in France from Cork beginning on May 30th. The airline will also be re-introducing its flights to Jersey and Southampton from Cork on the day. Flights to Lorient in the beautiful Brittany region of France will also be available from Galway and Waterford airports. 

Fares to France from €60 and to Jersey and Southampton from €49, all one way including taxes. 

Commenting on the summer schedule Andrew Kelly, Aer Arann’s Director of Corporate Affairs said “Our summer routes proved very successful in 2008 so we are delighted to be offering them to customers once again this year. The accessibility of Cork airport combined with our own convenient, pleasant service makes these destinations an ideal choice for people who want a holiday without the hassle”.

www.aerarann.com

5/29/2009 8:36:48 AM UTC    Comments 

With the goings on in the UK Parliament the decision to increase Air Passenger Duty (APD) has managed to slip by without too many complaints. This despite the fact that APD could be catastrophic for the UK’s travel industry with its value set to rise by up to 122% in 2010. This for a pure stealth tax that brings no benefit to transportation infrastructure or environmental projects.

From November the tax paid on flights departing the UK will fall into 4 bands, with passengers charged according to how far they fly and where the capital is located. For the US the APD will be £60 per passenger in economy from November 2010 (£120 in a premium cabin, including Premium Economy), regardless of if you are flying to New York or LA. For the Caribbean, South Africa, India, Mexico and Brazil the 2010 rates will be £75 (£150 in a premium cabin), while in the top band, which includes the likes of Australia, Argentina, Malaysia and Singapore, the rate will be £85 (£170 in premium).

For a family of four flying from the UK to Australia in Premium Economy that means a tax bill of £680. Ironically the decision was made at the time when the Dutch government has zero rated APD. Smart travellers living in the UK will, therefore, fly to Schiphol, paying the £12 short haul tax and then pick up their long haul ticket from a Dutch operator for a saving of  £632. The losers will be UK tour operators and the likes of British Airways, bmi and Virgin. It will also make it less appealing for foreign long haul carriers to fly direct to the UK.

customs.hmrc.gov.uk

5/26/2009 7:40:03 AM UTC    Comments 

Air Astana, the flag carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is celebrating its seventh anniversary with plans to significantly expand its Central Asia network to include more cities in southern Russia and other neighbouring countries. The airline initiated this strategic programme with the recent launch of services from Almaty to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan and Urumqi in western China. A fleet of new generation Embraer EM190 airliners have been selected to specifically operate on Air Astana’s expanding Central Asia network, with the first two leased aircraft scheduled for delivery in early 2011. Airbus A320 Family aircraft will operate these services in the interim.

“Over the past seven years, Air Astana has established itself as the industry leader in the CIS/ Central Asia region, with an outstanding reputation for providing safe, reliable and comfortable air services on both its domestic network and long-haul routes to major cities in Europe, Middle East and Asia,” said Peter Foster, President of Air Astana. After detailed market analysis, we have identified enormous opportunities to expand further over next five years with a new network of services to neighbouring countries operated by a fleet of low cost, high comfort, Embraer EM190 aircraft.”

Despite challenging conditions in 2008, Air Astana continued to achieve growth and profitability, with available seat kilometers up by 16% to 7.5 billion compared to 2007. Passengers carried increased by 8% to 2.3 million.  Almost 28,000 scheduled passenger flights were undertaken, with an average load factor of 64%. The fleet grew to 21 all western aircraft  (2 Boeing 767 /4 Boeing 757 /10 Airbus A320 Family / 5 Fokker 50) during the year and will increase further to 28 aircraft by 2013.
 
www.airastana.com

5/22/2009 12:31:29 PM UTC    Comments 

The Greenway, Cheltenham is set in a delightful location not too far from the centre of Cheltenham nestling in the lee of the Cotswold Hills.  Sprawling grounds and manicured gardens surround the magnificent historic manor house making it a perfect venue for family occasions! 

Situated a short distance from the Manor House the Coach House used to be the original stable block of the Greenway Estate and were transformed into spacious bedrooms in the late 1980’s.  The Coach House is perfect for families offering more privacy and spacious bedrooms.

The Greenway’s welcoming and attentive service, mouth-watering food and stylish décor will ensure you have a really great experience and will guarantee that Dad is made to feel very special!  

Rate: From £240 per room, per night.  (£35 per extra bed in a family room)

To book: www.thegreenway.co.uk or 01242 862352

5/21/2009 9:56:22 AM UTC    Comments 

One of the world’s best beaches is now home to the pinnacle of luxury resorts, with the opening of InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa on Natadola Beach, the pride of Fiji’s Coral Coast.

Spread across 35 acres of tropical gardens, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is the sole destination resort on Natadola Beach – the only stretch of natural, white sand beach on the main island of Fiji, Viti Levu. Protected by a reef to create an aqua-blue ocean facing lagoon, Natadola Beach was voted by Forbes Magazine in 2008 as one of the 25 best beaches in the world. 

A true destination resort, InterContinental Fiji has been created to provide a luxurious pacific retreat for discerning travellers seeking more than just a beachside getaway.  From the overall design and layout of the resort itself through to the smallest details, InterContinental Fiji is a visitor’s gateway to authentic Fijian experiences.

Special opening rates from FJ$280.00 inclusive taxes, room only per night.  This rate is subject to availability, for travel before the end of 2009.

www.intercontinental.com/fiji.

5/21/2009 8:28:59 AM UTC    Comments 

Since 25 February, Iberia is using the remodelled Terminal 3 at London-Heathrow for all its flights to and from the English capital, including those operated by British Airways to/from Madrid and Barcelona and Clickair flights to other Spanish cities.

The move means that eight members of the oneworld airline alliance now use the same Heathrow terminal, facilitating connections between them. Joining Iberia at the terminal are Qantas, Finnair, Royal Jordanian, Cathay, Japan Airlines, and American Airlines. Most British Airways flights continue to operate from Terminal 5

.

Iberia’s check-in counters are in zone F of the building terminal, where four auto check-in machines are available, along with an Iberia ticket sales office, and a service counter for customers and unaccompanied minors. Iberia’s business class passengers and holders of the Iberia Plus frequent flyers Gold or Platinum cards will have access to the terminal’s VIP lounge.

5/21/2009 6:11:36 AM UTC    Comments 

The Northern Broadsides and West Yorkshire Playhouse highly acclaimed production of Othello, starring Lenny Henry in the title role, will transfer to Trafalgar Studios in London from 11 September following a sell-out, regional tour. It is scheduled to play through 12 December.

Love, racism, jealousy and desire are at the emotional core of Shakespeare's monumental tragedy, a tender love story shattered by one man's obsessive hatred of another. Othello is noble, brave and victorious. Iago, passed over for a position in the army, fuels his diabolical revenge with hatred and snarling racism. Poignant, intense and heartbreaking, Othello mercilessly explores every inch of the human condition.

Orwell,  A Celebration featuring the West End premiere of the critically acclaimed adaptation of Coming Up for Air, extracts from Nineteen Eighty-Four and two other rare shorts, will play at the Trafalgar Studios from 8 June to 4 July, followed by Ella Hickson's Eight from 6 to 25 July. Eight offers eight captivating monologues that give a group-portrait of Britain's youth. From high-class hookers and 7/7 survivors to squaddies making friends in morgues, the monologues are hugely effecting. The play scooped a Fringe First and 'Best of the Edinburgh Festival' awards.

http://www.ambassadortickets.com

5/21/2009 6:06:29 AM UTC    Comments 

Air Namibia is to suspend its twice weekly service between Windhoek and Gatwick. The last departure outbound from Windhoek will be 28 May returning out of Gatwick 29 May. The airline stresses that the London direct route has only been suspended, until further notice. It will continue to operate five flights per week from its well-established primary European gateway at Frankfurt, offering good connections from the UK. From Namibia it serves other Southern Africa destinations including Cape Town and Johannesburg.

www.airnamibia.com

5/10/2009 4:29:12 PM UTC    Comments 

Continental Airlines has introduced a daily Heathrow - Cleveland summer only service. Flights will be by a two-class Boeing 757. The flights will be operated by Boeing 767-200ER aircraft, seating 25 passengers in the award-winning BusinessFirst cabin and 149 in economy.

www.continental.com

5/10/2009 4:27:27 PM UTC    Comments 

Jo’burg has seen the opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton. Situated in the heart of Sandton's business and financial district the hotel is within walking distance of Nelson Mandela Square, the Sandton shopping centre and Johannesburg's Stock Exchange. The 15-storey hotel has 290 guest rooms including 33 suites. Radisson is focusing on South

Africa prior to the World Cup. Also newly opened is the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town, a 177-room oceanfront hotel. Upcoming developments include properties in Port Elizabeth (2009), Blaauwberg, Cape Town (2010), and another Johannesburg development, the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton Central (2010).

www.johannesburg.radissonsas.com

5/10/2009 4:24:12 PM UTC    Comments 

There have been three routes introduced from Stansted Airport recently. Making a popular return is Jersey, which has been added as a 'same plane' service to the daily Guernsey flight by Aurigny. The return leg is direct.

Also new is Bodrum, on Turkey's Aegean coastline, with a Monday only service flight operated by Pegasus Airlines. And lastly, Air Arabia Moroc arrives with the new airline's first ever scheduled flight inbound from Casablanca. The carrier is part of the Air Arabia Group and will use Airbus A320s.

www.stanstedairport.com

5/10/2009 4:21:49 PM UTC    Comments 

Virgin Trains has smartly refurbished and significantly extended its First Class lounge at Euston Station. Open seven days a week the facility can be used by anyone with a valid First Class ticket from Virgin or First ScotRail. With capacity for 140, the first floor lounge offers an environment catering for both business and leisure travellers.

www.virgintrains.co.uk

5/10/2009 4:18:54 PM UTC    Comments 

The award-winning Dutch hotel group citizenM has officially opened the doors to its second hotel the 215 room Amsterdam City Hotel. Located on Prinses Irenestraat in Amsterdam's booming financial district, between the World Trade Centre and city centre and just minutes from the city's cultural attractions, the new hotel focuses on where today's mobile citizens want and need to go ... just like its groundbreaking first hotel at Schiphol airport, which opened to resounding acclaim in June 2008. Rates per room are 69 -149 euros.

www.citizenM.com

5/10/2009 4:15:10 PM UTC    Comments 

Hertz has sliced 15% off daily rental rates to the UK, Europe, US and Canada, in a special offer, which makes car rental even more affordable. The special deal applies only for Hertz vehicles booked before 30 June 2009, for a minimum five day rental between 1 June and 31 August 2009.

www.hertz.com

5/10/2009 4:10:12 PM UTC    Comments 

Austrian Airlines has expanded its route network into the Middle East to 15 with the launch of a three times a week service from Vienna to Amman. The capital of the Kingdom of Jordan is a highly popular destination for tourists and business travellers alike, and flights there will operate using an Airbus A320 equipped with Austrian Premium Service. Every amenity required to create a comfortable and relaxed travel experience will be provided in the Business Class section of the aircraft, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy a unique mix of Austrian hospitality and Oriental flair.

www.aua.com/uk/eng

5/10/2009 4:08:03 PM UTC    Comments 

British travellers are going barmy for the UK’s seaside destinations, according to leading hotel booking website Hotels.com. The site has seen searches for many of the country’s traditional seaside resorts more than double – showing that British travellers are eager to holiday at home this year.

The English Riviera is the most popular destination this year for British holidaymakers, with searches for towns such as Torquay and Newquay up more than 160% on this time last year. With their beautiful sandy beaches and fantastic surf, Devon and Cornwall are set to be a huge hit with British travellers this summer.

The lures of rock, fun on the pier and strolls along the promenade have also seen searches for traditional British seaside destinations like Blackpool (140%), Llandudno (130%) and Brighton (50%) rocket. Jersey, offering the excitement of a British seaside resort with a Continental influence, is also a popular choice this summer with searches up 120% on this time last year.

Alison Couper, Director of Communications at Hotels.com, says: “It is great to see renewed interest in Britain’s traditional seaside resorts. With a hot summer forecast and UK hotel prices at a record low, there has never been a better time to holiday at home and enjoy everything the UK has to offer.”

www.hotels.com

5/10/2009 9:19:51 AM UTC    Comments 

Eurostar has unveiled a new look and feel for the onboard branding of “Leisure Select” - its first class accommodation for leisure travellers. 

The rich and colourful imagery of the new branding re-defines the Leisure Select experience by using pictures of cultural hotspots - particularly cafes, bars and restaurants - in London, Paris and Brussels that have been selected as offering great value for money. 

Leisure Select offers style, quality and value, and includes a choice of meals and drinks served at seat.  All-inclusive fares start from just £119 return for a weekend day return, or from £149 return for a Saturday night away, with no airline-style extra charges.

Uniquely, Eurostar offers three classes of services on its trains, including two first class products: “Business Premier”, “Leisure Select” and  “Standard Class”.

www.eurostar.com

5/10/2009 9:17:09 AM UTC    Comments