Travel Industry News Archive

Following a sustained campaign from environmentalists, the Atlantis resort in Dubai has released a captive whale shark back into the ocean. Sammy – a four metre female whale shark – was released back into the Arabian Gulf in conjunction with Atlantis Fish Husbandry Team.

Cabin crew at British Airways will strike tomorrow, following the collapse of last minute talks between the airline and the Unite trade union. In a development described as “deeply regrettable” by BA chief Willie Walsh, Unite members will walk out for three days.

Virgin America has confirmed an aggressive repositioning plan, which will see the North American airline offer departure to Canada for the first time. In what is being seen as a direct challenge to Air Canada, the airline said it would serve Toronto International Airport with daily flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco from as early as June 2010.

STR Global is delighted to announce an agreement to become an Official Supplier to England’s bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.TM

Delta Air Lines today announced expanded service in Los Angeles and New York, two of the nation’s top markets for business travelers.  The expansion includes:

To mark British Tourism Week National Express East Anglia (NXEA) has revealed its top 5 destinations for a day out by train in the region.

TAM Airlines, the largest airline in South America, is to relocate its’ London Heathrow operations from Terminal 4 to Terminal 1 on Sunday, 28 March 2010. The move is part of TAM’s full integration into the Star Alliance.

Stena Line is introducing the Stena Express Fastcraft on its Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire route from Monday 15 March.

The country’s national tourist board – VisitEngland – has laid out its first Strategic Tourism Framework, detailing action needed to maximize the tourism industry’s contribution to England’s economy, employment and quality of life. The body confirmed the plans would seek to raise an additional £50bn in visitor spending over the next decade, while also creating over 225,000 jobs.

In a groundbreaking move, Travelfusion (www.travelfusion.com) announces its recent partnership with VIA Rail Canada.

Titan Airways, the London Stansted-based VIP charter specialist, has been contracted to operate two aircraft on behalf of BA for the duration of the planned strike by BA cabin crew from 20-22 March, inclusive.

The privately owned Gabonese airline, Gabon Airlines SA, chooses APG GA to ensure its commercial representation in the French market. Gabon Airlines is positioning itself as a Pan African and International airline.

Progress Software Corporation, a leading software provider that enables enterprises to be operationally responsive, announced today the launch of the air travel industry’s first real-time, location-based social networking solution for frequent flyers.

An ESPA spa has opened at the Leela Palace Kempinski hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan, marking the luxury brand’s entry into the Indian wellness market.

Extended Stay’s Board Determines Proposal from Starwood Capital, TPG Capital and Five Mile Capital Partners is Superior to Previous Offer from Centerbridge Partners and Paulson & Co.

Barely a month into being appointed Chief Operating Officer of Meritus Hotels & Resorts (MHR), industry veteran Michael Sengol has taken the helm as Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore-based hotel management company owned by Overseas Union Enterprise (OUE).

One of London’s most prestigious properties, the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, has selected WorldHotels as its strategic partner for global marketing, sales and distribution and will join the group’s portfolio on April 1 2010.

The Kessler Hotel Group and Marriott International, Inc. announced today the Casa Monica Hotel is the first property to become part of the Autograph Collection, Marriott’s newest brand featuring independent iconic hotels and resorts. The 138 room Casa Monica Hotel is located in St. Augustine, Florida and one of seven Kessler hotels joining the Autograph Collection.

Britain’s love for Spain as a holiday destination may be fading, new data from flight site Skyscanner suggests.

The trial of two men accused of killing British teenager Scarlett Keeling has been halted for the second time in a week in Goa. The case was adjourned following a decision by the judge hearing the case that Goa children’s court would start hearing evidence on alternate afternoons from April 5th.