ΔΙΕΘΝΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΗ ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΠΟΙΚΙΛΗΣ ΥΛΗΣ - ΕΔΡΑ: ΑΘΗΝΑ

Ει βούλει καλώς ακούειν, μάθε καλώς λέγειν, μαθών δε καλώς λέγειν, πειρώ καλώς πράττειν, και ούτω καρπώση το καλώς ακούειν. (Επίκτητος)

(Αν θέλεις να σε επαινούν, μάθε πρώτα να λες καλά λόγια, και αφού μάθεις να λες καλά λόγια, να κάνεις καλές πράξεις, και τότε θα ακούς καλά λόγια για εσένα).

Παρασκευή 31 Μαρτίου 2017

Sabre revamps GetThere to help business travelers get there with enhanced features and mobile empowered tools

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Sabre revamps GetThere to help business travelers get there with enhanced features and mobile empowered tools
SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS, and SINGAPORE – Smart business travelers use Sabre’s GetThere travel management solution to get there, and now they have more reasons than ever as Sabre Corporation is taking GetThere to the next level with the launch of a fast, design led mobile experience to provide business travelers a simple way to book and manage in-policy travel on the go.
The GetThere user experience team conducted hundreds of qualitative usability research sessions to evaluate what travelers and travel managers truly want and need out of an online booking tool. The newly redesigned GetThere applied the results to create a new modernized travel experience that empowers travelers to make smarter in-policy booking decisions. The new consumer-grade and streamlined user experience gives them more self-service options and delivers an optimal search, shop and book experience whether on mobile or desktop.
Other new GetThere features include:
  • a simplified and responsive design, fully optimized for a mobile road-warrior
  • an intuitive booking workflow powered by Sabre’s technology that is accessible and consistent on any device – desktop, tablet, and smartphone
  • Sabre’s air merchandising capabilities to support airlines’ branded fares with existing travel policy
“Today’s business traveler wants the convenience of self-service solutions. Our new traveler-centric design in GetThere puts the user first with new mobile capabilities and relevant content that’s essential for a smarter travel program,” said Wade Jones, interim president of Sabre Travel Network. “Travel managers and travelers will also have access to more content and the ability to differentiate various fare offerings from airlines including branded fares – helping business travelers get the exact services and features that they need to be productive.”
With more airlines tailoring products for business traveler needs, corporations require an enriched marketplace of negotiated fares, amenities for a mobile workplace, and customization within the managed travel program. With the new GetThere, travel managers have more options to use fare rules to identify Out-of-Policy fares and control whether certain flights are displayed within the search results. Business travelers have access to the full breadth of available fares offered by the carrier, beyond lowest air fare, at the touch of their fingers. This combination of enhanced features can increase adoption, in-compliance online bookings and reduce travel costs for corporations.
Visa, a recent adopter of GetThere as their preferred online booking tool, generated the company’s highest adoption rate and bookings in compliance. The company switched to Sabre’s corporate booking tool to empower employee business travelers with an efficient self-service solution and optimize cost control when it comes to procurement and negotiated fares and rates from suppliers.
“The collaboration and relationship you build really is key. That’s what set GetThere apart from their competitors. I felt they had the knowledge needed and spoke my language as far as travel industry best practices and employee behavior,” said Caroline Boggess, senior director of Global Travel for Visa.
Prior to implementing GetThere, Visa had a very low adoption rate, hovering around 17 percent companywide. As an immediate result, online adoption increased to 70 percent within the first week of the GetThere launch. [Read more on the Visa adoption case study] .
GetThere is the most reliable online travel management solution, handling the most complex travel programs while remaining simple and intuitive for both travelers and travel managers. The latest capabilities drive online adoption, enhance travel managers’ ability to satisfy duty of care obligations, improve supplier and contract management and streamline processes.

Now space tourism enthusiasts can take a trip to space in a passenger capsule

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Now space tourism enthusiasts can take a trip to space in a passenger capsule

For those interested taking a trip to outer space, can try New Shepard passenger capsule, which is the brainchild of billionaire Jeff Bezos’ private spaceflight company, Blue Origin. It released new images on March 29 of the interior of the capsule, which the company says will be used to send paying customers on brief trips into space.
 
The images show sleek black seats, which will tilt back with passengers facing up when the rocket takes off. But the real fun will begin when the spacecraft reaches suborbital space and passengers will be able to get out of their seats and experience weightlessness and float in the roomy cabin.

 
Passengers will also be able to look out of the spacecraft’s windows, which will be the largest of its kind ever in space. Bezos said that the company was on track to make its first human test flights by the end of 2017, with the first customer flights taking place in 2018.

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Now space tourism enthusiasts can take a trip to space in a passenger capsule

 
Besides its tourism function, the vehicle could serve as a microgravity laboratory, the company said. Blue Origin has made multiple successful test launches of its New Shepard vehicle, and these missions have included landing the spacecraft’s reusable rocket booster.


Space tourism isn’t the first venture solely by Blue Origin. Beforehand, Virgin Galactic has already started selling tickets for a trip to space aboard one of the company’s space planes. The private company World View is also offering tourism trips aboard high-altitude balloons.

UNWTO welcomes the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity of the United Nations has chosen ‘Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism’ as the theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity. The celebration takes places annually on 22 May. The decision aims at supporting the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development which is being commemorated worldwide throughout 2017. 
The International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, declared by the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizes among others the role of the tourism sector in the preservation of ecosystems and in raising awareness on the uniqueness of biodiversity.
Following these principles, the Convention on Biological Diversity of the United Nations has decided to dedicate the International Day for Biological Diversity, which is yearly celebrated on May 22 to ‘Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism’.
As stated by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, “We very much welcome the decision taken by the Convention on Biological Diversity to emphasize the link between tourism and biodiversity. Tourism is one of the best placed sectors to contribute to inclusive and sustainable development and, with the right policies in place, to preserving ecosystems, biodiversity and natural heritage”.
The contribution of tourism to conservation is increasingly recognized by the international community. The Cancun Declaration on Mainstreaming the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity for Wellbeing released on the occasion of COP 13 (the 13th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity) held in Mexico last December, recalls that “tourism is an excellent vehicle to use in spreading environmental awareness worldwide, not to mention the livelihood support it provides for communities living in and around reserves and natural areas” and recognises that tourism can be an enabling agent of change.
Monitoring, land planning, development of bio-cultural wealth and the promotion of technologies to transform tourism in a preservation tool of biological diversity are some of the components integrated in sustainable tourism approaches. This view also emphasizes the potential of tourism to raise environmental awareness worldwide on the value of protected areas.
In this regard, UNWTO has been long working to strengthen the capacity to monitor the impact of the tourism sector and build evidence-based approaches to tourism development. The UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) is a network of tourism observatories monitoring the economic, environmental and social impact of tourism at the destination level, committed to regular monitoring of tourism in order to better understand destination-wide resource use and foster the responsible management of tourism. There are 16 observatories currently in operation worldwide.

Hilton Garden Inn Signs at Genr8’s Smithfield, Stoke-on-Trent

The new hotel will deliver an economic boost to the area, creating more than 50 jobs, and introducing high-quality meeting and conference facilities. Credit: Hilton Garden Inn

STOKE-ON-TRENT, UK, and MCLEAN, Va. - The ongoing regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent city centre has been given a major boost following news that Hilton (NYSE:HLT) is to open Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent. The 140-guestroom hotel will be located in the Smithfield development in Hanley, following a franchise agreement between Hilton and Smithfield developer and hotel owner Genr8.

The plans were revealed today and are being hailed as a major coup for the city. The new hotel will deliver an economic boost to the area, creating more than 50 jobs, and introducing high-quality meeting and conference facilities. Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent will bring quality hotel accommodation to the rising number of visitors and further support the City of Culture 2021 bid.
Dave Conway, City Council leader, said: "This truly is a fantastic piece of news for Stoke-on-Trent and a major milestone in the continued transformation of the city centre.

"Hilton is a name famous around the world and a lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to make this development a reality. It will not only improve the hotel offer in the city which is vital if we are to be successful with our UK City of Culture bid, but help grow our tourism industry and further revamp the area with increased footfall.

"Having a brand like Hilton Garden Inn committing to coming here shows the confidence there is in the city centre from the private sector and will undoubtedly lead to further interest and investment from other businesses and organisations. Stoke-on-Trent is a city on the up right now and this is further evidence that our drive to attract new business and jobs is gaining fantastic results."
The new hotel will be delivered and owned by Smithfield Stoke-on-Trent developer, Genr8, working alongside the city council. Genr8 is expected to submit a planning application in the near future facilitating a start on site later in 2017, subject to approval. The hotel is expected to welcome its first guests in 2019. Genr8 has appointed the UK's leading hotel management company Redefine BDL Hotels to operate the hotel on its behalf.

Richard Ingham, partner, Genr8, said: "The delivery of a Hilton Garden Inn at Smithfield is a huge step forward for both the City of Stoke-on-Trent and for the Smithfield development and will provide a significant boost to the local business and leisure economy."

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton, said: "Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent joins more than 100 Hilton Garden Inn properties trading or under development across Europe. Stoke-on-Trent continues to make fantastic progress in its bid for City of Culture 2021 status, and the new hotel will considerably enhance accommodation in the city."
The new hotel will be within walking distance of the main retail area, museum and theatres, and within a short drive to national attractions such as Alton Towers and Trentham Gardens.

Cabinet members at the city council previously agreed to provide £4.55 million investment for the project. Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership is also set to provide a £2.95 million grant for the hotel development, showing leadership and intent by the city council and the LEP to drive the economy and accelerate growth in the city.

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership chairman David Frost CBE said: "This is excellent news for an ambitious city. Expanding and enhancing Stoke-on-Trent's hotel sector has been a long-term aspiration of the LEP and the city council and it is good to see such positive progress being made.
"As Stoke-on-Trent's City of Culture bid illustrates, we have a growing range of tourism, cultural and leisure destinations developing in and around the city, making this an increasingly attractive destination for visitors." 
Andrew Robb, Chief Business Development Officer for Redefine BDL Hotels said: "The Hilton Garden Inn brand represents an exciting and significant development for the area and we are delighted to be working with Genr8 and the Council on this project. The location, brand and offering of the proposed hotel will ensure its success together with significant employment opportunities which will be generated for the local area."

Read more about Hilton Garden Inn at hiltongardeninn.com and news.hgi.com.

Southwest Airlines announces several leadership promotions

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Southwest Airlines announces several leadership promotions
DALLAS - Southwest Airlines announced that Ryan Green is promoted to Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer; and Bill Tierney is promoted to Managing Director Marketing. 
Within Corporate Delivery & Technology, Erika Linford is promoted to Vice President, Corporate Delivery - Commercial, Customer, & Ground Operations.
Chris Monroe has been promoted to Senior Vice President Finance. Monroe will continue to serve as Treasurer and will assume the responsibility of our Tax Department led by Ken Guckian.
"It's incredibly rewarding to have such a deep and talented bench within our Leadership Team," said Southwest's President Tom Nealon"These promotions will allow us to continue chasing our Vision to become the world's Most LUVed, Most Flown, and Most Profitable airline." 
Ryan Green joined Southwest in March 2002 and has served the Marketing Department in various roles, including Director of Customer Loyalty, Senior Director of Loyalty & Partnerships, Managing Director of Customer Strategy & Development, and most recently Vice President of Marketing.
Bill Tierney has served Southwest Airlines in various functions since joining the Company in 2003. He has worked in Customer Relations, Revenue Management, and Marketing. In Marketing, he has served in different Leadership roles including Business Analytics, Planning & Performance, Department Planning & Operations, CMO Chief of Staff, and Advertising & Communications.
Erika Linford joined Southwest in December 2011 as Director, Commercial Portfolio—Network Planning, Revenue Management, and Optimization. Over the last five years at Southwest, she has served in additional leadership roles, including: Sr. Director, Office of the CIO (OCIO), and most recently Sr. Director, BTS - Customer within Corporate Delivery.
Chris Monroe joined Southwest in 1991 and has served in several roles across Finance, Financial Planning, Purchasing, and most recently as Vice President Treasurer.

Qatar Airways offers the best solution to electronic device ban with Free Laptop service

qatar laptop service
Qatar Airways comes up with the best solution to the recently imposed Electronics Ban by offering passengers a laptop loan service. The Doha-based airline has taken the notable step to purchase laptops available for loan on all of their US flights; meaning uninterrupted productivity and service throughout their journey.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said; “As an award-winning and global airline we truly appreciate the importance of being able to work on board our aircraft and that is why I have insisted on offering only the best possible solution for our customers. By providing this laptop loan service we can ensure that our passengers on flights to the US can continue to work whilst on-board. This unique ability to offer ‘business as usual’, above and beyond the competition, is yet another example of Qatar Airways justification for being the ‘World’s Best Business Class’.”
Whilst other airlines have relied on their existing on board offering to comfort passengers we have not rested until we could offer a true solution to our passengers. Our constant innovation and ability to react to changes in the industry is something I am very proud of. The launch of Qsuite, our new business class product just this month, and other announcements soon to come, are testament to our ongoing passion for providing the absolute best for our customers.”
qatar laptop service howto
The complimentary laptops will be available to Business Class passengers travelling on all US-bound flights from next week and and can be collected from the Gate just before boarding. Customers will be able to download their work on to a USB before stepping on board to pick up where they left-off. Qatar Airways is offering a special service at the gate for all passengers, whereby any electronic items prohibited by the new ban will be collected and securely packaged. These will be tagged, loaded as check-in baggage and returned safely to the customer on arrival to the US.
Once on board passengers have a choice of over 3,000 entertainment options on the award-winning in-flight entertainment system, dedicated kids activity packs in partnership with Hasbro, luxury amenity kits, a seasonal menu and snack bar, are able to browse the on board magazines and newspapers, enjoy the lie-flat beds in Business Class and utilise the complimentary Wi-Fi on all flights.
In another move to guarantee the comfort and productivity of all passengers on board US-bound flights Qatar Airways is providing one hour of free Wi-Fi for all passengers and a special Wi-Fi package of US$5 to stay connected for the duration of the whole flight. When most people’s smart phones will be the only device they can take on-board this generous offer will ensure passengers can stay connected and stay entertained.
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, this year celebrates 20 years of Going Places Together with travellers across more than 150 business and leisure destinations. The world’s fast growing airline will continue to add a number of exciting new destinations to its growing network in 2017, including Dublin, Nice, Skopje and many more, flying passengers on board its modern fleet of 195 aircraft.

Turkey blocks Booking.com

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Turkey blocks Booking.com
Turkish commercial court has ordered the blocking of travel website Booking.com over alleged unfair competition its hotel and flight reservations platform may pose to local firms, announced by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, Türsab.
"The decision has been taken to halt the unfair competition activities of Booking.com. in a case brought by Tursab," the association said in a statement on its website.
Tursab said Turkey's competition authority had fined the Dutch-based internet operator, founded in 1996 and a subsidiary of Priceline Group since 2005, 2.5 million Turkish pounds (some $700,000).
The Hurriyet daily quoted Tursab secretary general Cetin Gurcun as saying anybody who had already made reservations on the site would not be penalised.

IFEMA hosts the Spanish Society of Hypertension-Spanish League


ifema madrid logo
The IFEMA Convention Centre hosts the 22nd edition of the Spanish Society of Hypertension-Spanish League for the Fight against Arterial Hypertension Assembly (SEH-LELHA) from 29 to 31 March 2017. This is the leading meeting on the subject of research into Cardiovascular Risk Prevention and its management in everyday clinical practice.
The College of Nursing (EHRICA) will attend the event, together with the Investigators into Vascular Pathophysiology (RIFV) and the Community Pharmacists (SEFAC). These groups will give their professional audience a comprehensive overview of cardiovascular disease, from the pathophysiological mechanisms involved through to clinical practice, as well as the community's involvement in chronic illness.

The Scientific Committee of the Spanish Society of Hypertension-Spanish League for the Fight against Arterial Hypertension has assessed and selected 214 scientific communications, 69 of which will be presented, orally, during the three-day event. The themed areas will be: preclinical research, epidemiology, blood pressure measurement: MAPA, AMPA, central blood pressure and pulse pressure, clinical hypertension and co-morbidity, high blood pressure and women, metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes and diabetes, target organ damage, risk stratification, clinical trials, and non-pharmacological treatment, pharmacological treatment, compliance and inertia and nursing
The National SEH - LELHA meeting will kick off on 29 March, with a pre-congress course on “Cardiovascular Risk Prevention. What’s new?” This will be followed by a busy line-up of professional meetings including panel discussions, workshops and plenary sessions, which will offer a broad view of advances in the field of
hypertension; their future; as well as the different groups of patients and their characteristics.
The following matters will be addressed at the 22nd edition of the Spanish Society of Hypertension-Spanish League for the Fight against Arterial Hypertension Assembly (SEH-LELHA): preclinical research, epidemiology, blood pressure measurement: MAPA, AMPA, central blood pressure and pulse pressure, clinical hypertension and co-morbidity, high blood pressure and women, metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes and diabetes, target organ damage, risk stratification, clinical trials, and non-pharmacological treatment, pharmacological treatment, compliance and inertia and nursing.
According to data published by the Spanish Society of Hypertension-Spanish League for the Fight against Arterial Hypertension Assembly (SEH-LELHA), there are more than 14 million people with hypertension in Spain. Of these, 9.5 million are not controlled and 4 million are undiagnosed.
Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in Spain. However, hypertension is a treatable disease. If patients do not follow the medical recommendations, they may suffer from serious complications, such as myocardial infarction, cerebral haemorrhage or thrombosis, which can be avoided if properly controlled. The arteries suffer the first consequences of hypertension, which harden to as they support continuous high blood pressure, thickening and hindering blood flow. This is known as arteriosclerosis.
Although the specific causes of hypertension are unknown, if it has been linked to several factors that are tend to be present in sufferers. It is important to separate those related to genetics, gender, age, and race and therefore those which can be influenced by changing our habits, environment, and customs, such as: obesity, sodium sensitivity, excessive alcohol consumption, use of oral contraceptives and a sedentary lifestyle.

Frasers Hospitality expands in Middle East and Africa

fraser suites westbay doha
Frasers Hospitality Group is expanding its global presence with eight new properties in the Middle East and Africa. The new properties will increase Frasers Hospitality Group’s global footprint to more than 1,500 units across both regions.

The recent launch of Fraser Suites West Bay, Doha marks the first of eight properties to open, making it the group’s second operating property in Qatar and the fifth in the Middle East. The group’s operating properties in the region – Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area BahrainFraser Suites Seef BahrainFraser Suites Doha and Fraser Suites Dubai - all enjoy an average occupancy rate of over 75%.
Frasers Hospitality Group entered the Middle East when it opened Fraser Suites Seef, Bahrain in 2009. Since its entry into the region, the group has been named as Middle East’s Leading Serviced Apartments Brand and Best Serviced Apartment Company in the Middle East. The properties have also been individually awarded as Leading Serviced Apartments within the region.
Tapping into the region’s business and tourism growth, Frasers Hospitality Group will also enter the Saudi Arabian market for the first time with properties in Jeddah, Khobar and Riyadh. The government’s plans to develop tourist attractions and improve visa issuance for visitors to Saudi Arabia is forecast to boost tourism. Inbound tourism is currently projected to grow 6.1% per annum by 2020. Visitors from the leisure and the business sectors to Jeddah are projected to increase with the expansion of Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport and the development of Jeddah Economic City.
Openings in Nigeria and the Republic of Congo will mark Frasers Hospitality Group’s first entry into Africa. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Sub-Saharan Africa remains a region of immense economic potential. The World Bank has forecast economic growth in the region to rebound to 2.9 percent in 2017, and rise above 3.5 percent by 2018. Given its growth potential, the continent is a key focus of the group’s global growth strategy.
“The Middle East and Africa are significant growth markets in our global expansion plans. As the regions continue to emerge as business hubs, our properties in key cities will be well positioned to cater to the needs of travelers. By 2026, international tourist arrivals are forecast to total more than 100 million in the Middle East and we are ready to meet the increased demand for Gold-Standard serviced residences. The recent opening of Fraser Suites West Bay, Doha is an example of our confidence in the region. Meanwhile, business spending in Africa is expected to grow from US$2.6 trillion in 2015 to US$3.5 trillion by 2025 , which is likely to see an increase in business travel to the region. We are targeting key business centres such as Nigeria’s capital Abuja and Africa’s largest city, and we look forward to expanding our footprint in the region in the coming years,” commented Mr Choe Peng Sum, Chief Executive Officer of Frasers Hospitality Group.
Frasers Hospitality’s global portfolio, including those in the pipeline, stands at 140 properties in more than 80 cities with 23,400 keys worldwide.

New Hampton Inn St. Louis Wentzville opens in Wentzville, Mo.

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για New Hampton Inn St. Louis Wentzville opens in Wentzville, Mo.
ST. LOUIS, MO. - Hampton Inn St. Louis Wentzville recently opened at 150 Wentzville Bluffs Dr. in Wentzville, Mo. in a new development called Wentzville Bluffs. The $12 million 64,000-square-foot hotel has 109 rooms and suites. 
Midas Hospitality, a premier hotel management group, is managing the hotel. The property features a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, meeting rooms, and backyard seating areas with a grill and gazebo. Midas Hospitality’s sister company MC Hotel Construction, a general contractor specializing in new hotel construction and renovations, built the hotel.
“The development features a B&B Movie Theatre, Planet Fitness, Stone Summit Steak House, and Hot Shots Sports Bar that are all within walking distance for our hotel guests,” said Midas Hospitality President Rob Willard“Wentzville is a growing area, and we are excited to be a part of this vibrant community.”
Founded in 2006, Midas Hospitality has developed, opened and currently manages numerous properties including 40 hotels in 14 states. The company serves global brands including HiltonIHGMarriott, and Starwood.

MAG USA's Escape Lounge at Oakland opens up complimentary access to British Airways' premium passengers

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για MAG USA's Escape Lounge at Oakland opens up complimentary access to British Airways' premium passengers
OAKLAND, CALIF. - MAG USA's Escape Lounge will extend complimentary lounge access to British Airways' Club World and Gold and Silver Executive Club members travelling to London Gatwick from Oakland International Airport (OAK) when the UK carrier's new direct service starts today.
Escape Lounge at Oakland International is operated by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) USA, a subsidiary of the largest UK-owned airport group. 
The new Escape Lounge at OAK opened in late 2016 following successful common-use Escape airport Lounge launches at Minneapolis-St.Paul (MSP) and Bradley (BDL) in Hartford, CT. It will offer eligible British Airways customers a relaxing atmosphere with stylish and contemporary furnishings together with an extensive complimentary food menu featuring locally-inspired dishes created in partnership with Oakland-based chef, Chris Pastena. Owner of established Bay Area restaurants Chop Bar, Lungomare and Calavera, Pastena brings more than 25 years' experience to the creation of the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus at Escape Lounge. A wide range of unlimited complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including local coffee brand RoastCo; flight information screens; free high-speed Wi-Fi and a selection of newspapers and magazines are available in the lounge.
Escape Lounge is located post-security just after Gate 8, and is open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Rosemarie Andolino, President and CEO of MAG USA said: "We are delighted to partner with British Airways. Today's airline customers are seeking quality and affordable upgrades to their daily lives, and Escape Lounge at OAK ensures British Airways' Club World and Gold and Silver Executive Club members traveling through Oakland International Airport now have access to an airport lounge where they can relax and recharge while enjoying award-winning, local chef-inspired cuisine to enhance their travel experience. High quality common-use airport lounges are important in supporting route development for international airlines."
Bryant L. Francis, Port of Oakland Director of Aviation at Oakland International Airport stated: "Today's announcement is one that we make with a great deal of excitement. Bringing British Airways to Oakland is not only a major advancement for the airport, but also for the entire East Bay and Wine Country. The airport has enjoyed over three consecutive years of passenger traffic growth, including the addition of several new domestic and international destinations as well as new airlines, such as British Airways. This expanded service to the top European destination reflects the ever increasing opportunities and convenience available for travelers to and from Oakland and the Bay Area at large."
Simon Brooks, Senior Vice President Sales, North America, said: "We are really excited to connect Oakland to London - the UK has never been more affordable. We have some great fares for those looking to travel this summer and with the many destinations throughout Europe British Airways flies to, why not spend some time abroad."

JetBlue touches down in Atlanta

jetblue
JetBlue started service in Atlanta, the largest U.S. city. The inaugural flight from Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) arrived at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) this morning, making Georgia’s capital city JetBlue’s 101st destination.

“It’s a new day for Atlanta travelers who, for too long, have faced high fares and limited choices,” said Dave Clark, vice president sales and revenue management, JetBlue. “As we connect our Boston customers with a top-requested destination, we’re also excited to show Atlanta why JetBlue is a favorite for flyers in the 100 other cities we fly to across the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America.”
Atlanta becomes the 63rd nonstop destination from JetBlue’s Boston focus city where the airline is the largest carrier, recently reaching 150 daily flights. The addition of nonstop Atlanta service, which was the most requested destination by Boston travelers, is part of JetBlue’s plan to reach 200 daily flights at Logan in the coming years. Customers in both cities will benefit from convenient, five times daily service between Boston and Atlanta.
Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport, welcomes nearly 35 million travelers to Atlanta each year. With attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, the Carter Center and Presidential Library, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta and numerous historic sites the city offers an array of experiences for every visitor.
“With this new route from JetBlue, Boston’s business and leisure travelers can now connect to the South’s largest metropolitan area and a state that boasts a myriad of travel opportunities from the mountains to the coast,” said Kevin Langston, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “We look forward to welcoming JetBlue passengers to Atlanta, and Georgia, and showcasing all that our state has to offer while providing a true taste of southern hospitality.”
Flights between Atlanta and Boston will be operated on JetBlue’s Airbus A320 aircraft featuring the airline’s award-winning customer service with all-reserved comfortable seating; complimentary and unlimited name-brand snacks; more than 100 channels of free SIRIUSXM® radio programming and 36 channels of free, live DIRECTV® programming on personal seatback televisions; free Fly-Fi high-speed wireless Internet (a), and the most legroom in coach (b).
(a) Fly-Fi is not available on flights operating outside of the contiguous U.S. For flights originating outside of the contiguous U.S., Fly-Fi will be available once the aircraft returns to the coverage area.
(b) JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach, based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises debuts wellness program for luxury travellers

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Regent Seven Seas Cruises debuts wellness program for luxury travellers

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, known for the world’s most luxurious fleet and unparalleled Canyon Ranch SpaClub facilities, announces the introduction of Seven Seas Wellness, a new program aimed at holistic wellbeing with opportunities that nurture the body, as well as nourish the soul. The program, which debuts this summer on Mediterranean sailings aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager, pairs a new collection of wellness-themed excursions with a curated selection of rejuvenating, signature Canyon Ranch SpaClub services; providing guests the opportunity to create their own invigorating and individualized wellness program.

“For many of our guests, the pursuit of wellbeing is an essential part of a life well-lived. From eating right and exercising to practicing ways to reduce stress and experience moments that uplift the spirit, wellness is quickly becoming the ultimate luxury,” said Jason Montague, president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“This new initiative on Regent Seven Seas Cruises allows us to showcase the holistic lifestyle that Canyon Ranch embodies to likeminded luxury travellers around the world, both on land and at sea,” said Kathleen Shea, Chief Marketing Officer of Canyon Ranch. “As an ever evolving brand based on intentions, we are constantly working to further our mission for transformative wellness.”

Guests who choose a Seven Seas Wellness experience will enjoy a wellness-themed excursion from a collection of more than 10 options in some of the most exciting Mediterranean destinations. To complete the distinctive, body and soul-enriching experience, they then select one of five included, 50-minute Canyon Ranch spa services: World of Relief Body Buff, Tangle Me Up Wrap, Ocean Scrub, Sole Rejuvenation, and Vitamin Infusion Facial.

Highlight Seven Seas Wellness experiences include:

  • Marseilles, France – A special intimate Tai Chi class in the garden courtyard of the Pharo Palace. The 19th century palace is built on a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean and offers a breathtaking view as guests center their Chi with the ancient Chinese martial arts.
  • Sorrento, Italy – Guests can immerse themselves in the restorative hydrothermal pools of the Stufe di Nerone Baths and tour the famous burning Phlegreaen Fields. The large caldera, known for its volcanic activities, will awe guests as they are ensconced in wellness traditions dating back to the Roman Empire.
  • Venice, Italy – Not to neglect the important sense of smell, guests can visit the new attraction dedicated to the Venetian tradition of perfume at the Museum of Palazzo Mocenigo. There, they explore how fragrance can help affect emotion and have the opportunity to create their own personal perfume to take home.
  • Athens, Greece – Swim, snorkel, and simply delight in floating in the brackish hydrothermal, mineral waters of Vouliagmeni Lake and refresh in this most Zen of backdrops. Guests then continue onto a secluded spot on Faskomilia Hill overlooking the lake for a spiritual Yoga session.

New flights start between Papua New Guinea and Australia

Air Niugini
The Papua New Guinea's national flag carrier Air Niugini starts direct flights to Townsville, Australia from Port Moresby starting this Friday. The new flights launch just in time for the NRL (National Rugby League) season.
The new flights will also benefit the Central and North Queensland business communities who can now better access PNG and other Pacific and Asian cities through connecting flights at Jackson’s airport in Port Moresby.

Air Niugini will commence new air services between Port Moresby and Townsville in North Queensland, effective , 31st March 2017.
These direct services will operate every Monday and Friday , departing Port Moresby at 09:55am and arriving in Townsville at 11:45am. The return flight will depart Townsville at 12:30pm and arrives in POM at 2:20pm.
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr Simon Foo said Townsville already enjoys strong business and cultural links with PNG through its “sister city” relationship with Port Moresby.
He said, “Air Niugini has evaluated and engaged in extensive discussions with the Townsville Airport owners and operators, the Mayor of Townsville, and the Townsville Enterprise and local political and business leaders. This new service will open up important business, educational, sporting and people-to-people links.”
Mr Foo is impressed with the tremendous support for this service as exhibited by the Townsville business community and encourages the PNG business community to look at this opportunity as well.
“This service has the potential to be an important addition to our regional “hub”. It will offer the citizens of Townsville and other centres such as Mackay and Mt Isa the efficient international “connection” they don’t currently have – transiting here before traveling to our major Asian centres such as Manila, Singapore and Hong Kong as well as Honiara, Nadi, Port Vila , Pohnpei and Chuuk in the Pacific .” Mr Foo said.
Air Niugini has several fare levels for POM/Townsville return, starting from K1175.80 which is available on the internet and K1,271.80 at the sales offices. Tickets can be purchased now for travel from 31st March onwards.
The direct Port Moresby/Townsville service will also benefit the SP PNG Hunters when they play in the Queensland Cup against the Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton teams – both in terms of reduced travel times, and lower team travel costs. And it will enable fans in Papua New Guinea to attend Cowboys home matches, and the Hunters games – as well as the fans of the North Queensland teams who want to see their teams play here in Port Moresby.
The NRL round 5 matches between Cowboys and Rabbitohs on 31st March will be held in Townsville, an opportunity for fans in PNG to attend. Air Niugini has provided a three nights package of K2, 679.00 per person with a twin share as well as return airfares and airport transfers, accommodation, full buffet breakfast , return transfers from hotel to stadium, game ticket, all travel taxes and surcharges. To make bookings, please call Air Niugini Tours Department 327 3557 or toll free 180 2121. Conditions apply.
The inclusion of Townsville brings the number of Air Niugini nonstop destinations in Australia to four(Brisbane, Sydney, Cairns, Townsville), as well as code share services to both Melbourne and Perth. Air Niugini flies to Australia 25 times a week-more than any other airline. Air Niugini serves a total 15 international destinations.
Another destination that now remains firmly on Air Niugini’s radar for the future is Shanghai, China which will complement the airline’s current four services to HongKong.

Gulf Air has launched an online Flight Status Facility on the airline’s official website

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Gulf Air has launched an online Flight Status Facility on the airline’s official website
MANAMA, KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN – Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, in partnership with OAG, the leading global provider of digital flight information, has launched an online Flight Status Facility on the airline’s official website gulfair.com providing booked passengers with real-time information on their Gulf Air flights including customised flight trackers, destination, weather and flight status alerts via email/SMS/Twitter that are all available in English, Arabic, German and French.
Mr. Yahya Ali Buali, Gulf Air Director Sales & Marketing commented: “Today, the speed with which information is delivered is crucial to any business and it is particularly relevant and critical for airlines and an important unique selling point for today’s connected travellers. With this new facility we are keeping our passengers fully abreast of any changes to their journey and giving them destination-specific information so as to enhance their travel experience both with Gulf Air and at their final destination.”
“As a leader in the aviation industry, Gulf Air understands that today’s connected traveller values transparency and real-time information above all else,” said Ev Jordan, EVP Flight Status, OAG. “Through OAG, Gulf Air is able to keep travellers informed through the world’s most comprehensive status data across mobile, email and social alerts in four separate languages.” 
Gulf Air flights can be booked online at gulfair.com, the airline’s one-stop-shop website, where customers can also find a suite of additional online services offering group bookings, hotel bookings, car rentals and travel insurance.

Turkish Airlines started Istanbul - Kharkiv flights

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Turkish Airlines started Istanbul - Kharkiv flights
Turkish Airlines added Kharkiv, Ukraine as its 297th destination in 120 countries with the inaugural flight operated today. By launching flights to Kharkiv, the Turkish carrier demonstrates its permanent effort once again to further improve its expansion strategy without any cease.
Beginning from March 30th, Kharkiv flights will be operated 4 times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The schedule will increase to 7 times per week as of May 30th 2017.

Round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine, starting from 109 US Dollars (including taxes and fees).
Additionally, for the first 6 months of operation to the new destinations, there is a special offer for Miles&Smiles members, with a 25% reduction in the miles needed to redeem either award tickets or upgrades.*
Kharkiv flight times as scheduled from March 30th;
Flight No.             Starting
Date      Days      Departure           Arrival
TK1473  30.Mar.2017       Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday              IST          06:40     HRK        08:50
TK1474  30.Mar.2017       Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday              HRK        09:45     IST          12:25
TK1475  30.May.2017      Tuesday, Friday, Saturday            IST          18:40     HRK        20:50
TK1476  30.May.2017      Tuesday, Friday, Saturday            HRK        21:45     IST          00:25 +1
All times are in LMT.
Readers can read our Kharkiv destination guide for more information about the city and click here to find the best hotels of Kharkiv.

Jota Aviation signs LoI on third BAE Avro Regional Jet

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Jota Aviation signs LoI on third BAE Avro Regional Jet
Jota Aviation, the independently owned ACMI charter airline confirmed the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with leasing company Falko Regional Aircraft for an Avro RJ100 regional jet.  The ex-Brussels Airlines aircraft (Serial Number E3355) is due to arrive at Jota Aviation’s London Southend Airport base before the end of April, joining an Avro RJ85 and BAe 146-200. Jota Aviation Managing Director Andy Green confirmed the news as the European Regions Airline Association gathered for its 2017 Spring Meeting in Copenhagen.
“We are delighted to have identified a highly suitable aircraft and the Jota Group will be purchasing the jet from Falko later next month,” commented Andy Green. It will be re-registered to fly under the G register as G-JOTS. Jota Aviation also intends to further expand the fleet with a dedicated freighter variant too, as previously announced. 
The aircraft is scheduled to go into service in May with  97 seats configured in a five abreast layout, following a maintenance check at Avalon Aero at Cranfield Airport and full repaint to Jota’s colours.   “Its arrival will be well timed for the summer period when the legacy carriers get busier and tend to depend on sub charter, short term leases,” said Head of Commercial Mike Sessions.
Europe’s legacy and regional airlines are progressing with their plans to phase out this aircraft type companies, including Malmo, Swiss International, CityJet, so the supply is there for us, especially for London City Airport, he added.
The new RJ100 will join Jota’s Avro RJ85; BAe 146-200 and two Beechcraft King Air turboprops, one of which is dedicated to freight.

Azamara Club Cruises will explore maximum ports by 2019!

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Azamara Club Cruises will explore maximum ports by 2019!
In 2019, Azamara Quest will have 11 Alaska sailings along with joint familiarization trip to the Rocky Mountaineer to explore Alaska and Canada and bring forth its best attractions to the world.
 
To quote Richard Twynam, UK and Ireland managing director for Azamara Club Cruises, ‘For this market, Canada and Alaska were the most requested destinations that we didn’t already feature.’

 
The journey would include 250 ports based in 69 countries. Mike Pawlus, director, strategic itinerary and destination planning also said that Azamara would also discover various cultural and sporting events worldwide. Major events like Monaco and Barcelona Grand Prix, British Open in Portrush and the L’Armada Rouen tall ships event are included in the cruise itinerary.

 
Besides, country intensive cruises in nine countries like Japan, New Zealand, Mexico, Norway, Spain, France, Italy, Norway, Croatia and Greece will also be promoted in the event. To quote Twynam, ‘This deployment is real industry-leading stuff and a new benchmark for how cruise lines move forward. We’ve already had an unbelievable response from the trade since 2019 went on sale at the weekend. Past guests are always keen to see what itineraries are on offer so they can secure their place.”

Choice Hotels International celebrates Cambria hotels & suites topping off in Nashville, Tenn.

Cambria hotel & suites Nashville in Nashville

ROCKVILLE, MD. - Choice Hotels International, Inc. joined Fillmore Capital Partners, developer Fillmore Hospitality and general contractor Integra Construction to celebrate the "topping off" of the Cambria hotel & suites Nashville in Nashville, Tenn. 
Located at 8th Avenue and McGavock Street in Nashville's SoBro (South of Broadway) neighborhood, the 255-room Cambria is steps from the Music City Center, Bridgestone Arena and Historic Broad Street, and is less than a mile from Nissan Stadium. The area is also home to major companies including Nissan, HCA Holdings, Randstad and Electrolux, making the property a great destination for business as well as leisure travelers. The hotel's groundbreaking took place in February 2016, and is set to officially open in 2018.
"We're thrilled to celebrate the progress of the Cambria Nashville construction, a testament to the hard work of everyone involved at Fillmore Capital Partners, Fillmore Hospitality and Integra," said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands at Choice Hotels. "The Cambria in Nashville will be a jewel of the Cambria brands with its prime location and distinctive amenities specific to the Music City. We look forward to the property opening soon and offering guests an upscale and affordable lodging option in another great urban market."
Like all Cambria hotels & suites, the property will feature contemporary onsite dining from Social Circle, serving a menu comprised of local specialties; liquor, wine, and local craft beers, as well as freshly prepared grab-and-go gourmet salads and sandwiches; and a barista bar. In keeping with the Music City theme, the property will also include another restaurant on site with a stage for live performances. Additionally, the hotel features over 5,000 square feet of meeting space with AV capabilities for group meetings, banquets and conferences, and a rooftop pool.
Cambria again partnered with Fillmore Hospitality, a management company that provides a full spectrum of development, investment and property management services to owners of hotels and resorts throughout North America. Cambria and Fillmore Hospitality recently teamed up to build properties in Southlake and Chicago Magnificent Mile, and are poised to also help the brand expand to Los Angeles and New Orleans in 2017.
"As we get closer to opening the doors of the Cambria Nashville, we are excited to see the advancements in the construction of this property," said president and CEO of Fillmore Capital Partners Ron Silva"Nashville is an ideal city for us to help expand the Cambria portfolio as we continue our partnership and bring the brand to more and more cities."
Cambria hotels are designed to provide a unique and distinctive experience with the services and amenities that travelers demand, including chic decor, flexible spaces for meeting or socializing, stunning standard rooms that feel like an upgrade, and of course, free WiFi, allowing guests to stay fully connected while they travel.

Πέμπτη 30 Μαρτίου 2017

Delta and Korean Air to Expand partnership

Αποτέλεσμα εικόνας για Delta and Korean Air to Expand partnership

ATLANTA and SEOUL - Delta Air Lines and Korean Air have reached an agreement to deepen their historic partnership, with an expanded trans-Pacific network that will increase travel choices and boost competition between the U.S. and Asia.
The airlines signed a memorandum of understanding to implement a joint venture arrangement, which will offer customers access to the most comprehensive route network, industry-leading airline products, world-class airport facilities and a seamless customer experience.
Highlights of the agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, include:
  • The intent to create a fully integrated trans-Pacific joint venture arrangement, with both airlines sharing the costs and revenues on flights and coordinating schedules for seamless, convenient connections.
  • A combined network, serving more than 290 destinations in the Americas and more than 80 in Asia, providing customers of both airlines with more travel choices than ever before.
  • Enhanced frequent flyer benefits, providing customers of both airlines the ability to earn and redeem miles on Delta's Sky Miles and Korean Air's SKYPASS programs.
"This agreement deepens our longstanding partnership with Korean Air and will provide the global access and seamless service our customers demand," said Delta CEO Ed Bastian"We look forward to providing customers of both carriers with industry-leading service between the U.S. and Asia."
"This Joint Venture will benefit our customers by providing more convenient connection schedules and widen their opportunities in earning mileages," said Korean Air's Chairman and CEO, Yang Ho Cho. "With this agreement, we will reinforce Incheon airport's position as a major international hub in North East Asia and support the growth of Korea's aviation industry."
Upon the signing of the final joint venture arrangement, Delta and Korean Air will work together to implement all aspects of the enhanced co-operation including expanded codesharing, frequent flyer programs and joint growth in the trans-Pacific market, with co-location at key hubs with seamless passenger and baggage transit experience.
Delta will be launching new nonstop service between Atlanta and Seoul in June 2017, a flight that complements Korean Air's existing service, providing customers in the U.S. with greater access to destinations across Asia. 
At the same time Korean Air will continue to expand its U.S. – Korea network in summer 2017 with the introduction of a third roundtrip between Los Angeles and Seoul, as well as a second flight between San Francisco and Seoul.