Focus Page 279
The BTN Interview: AACO Secretary General urges Governments to give aviation industry a chance
The Arab Air Carriers Organisation recently closed the doors to its annual general meeting in Abu Dhabi on a positive but cautious note. BTN caught up with AACO Secretary General, Mr. Abdul Wahab Teffaha, to discuss the impact that Government taxation and restrictive regulations have had on global and Arab airlines, the importance of IT and telecommunications for airline passengers and his future predictions for Arab aviation.
Touristlink.com Launches Service to Bring Travelers Together with Local Travel Businesses
Touristlink announces the launch of a new social platform to let business and organizations create social profiles and interact with travelers in a value-added environment, rich with relevant up-to-date content and targeted reviews. Potential members and travelers that were interviewed have indicated that they will find tremendous value in this service as they can now interact with businesses and ask them questions about tours or activities before making making a reservation. With the addition of this feature Touristlink aims to add a social element to the traditional travel booking engine.
Never Mind The Recession – We´re Off To Lanzarote
Brits & Europeans Swap Dark Clouds of Recession For Blue Skies of Lanzarote.
flydubai revolutionises low-cost travel in the Middle East
Nominated as the World’s Leading Airline to the Middle East by the World Travel Awards this year, flydubai has made quite a splash since its inaugural flight on June 1st 2009. Such has been its unprecedented pace of growth and impact on the regional aviation scene that it is easy to forget that not only has the carrier introduced low-cost travel to the Middle East but also set new consumer benchmarks.
Breaking Travel News Review: Soft landing at Aloft London Excel
While W Hotels has revolutionised the concept of design led short-stay accommodation over the last few years, younger sibling Aloft – also by Starwood – is taking a more measured approach, offering business travellers vibrant properties in urban locations. With the brand launching in London last month, Breaking Travel News called in to see what was on offer.
Breaking Travel News Interview: Lorenzo Giannuzi, general manager, Forte Village
Breaking Travel News catches up with Mr Lorenzo Giannuzi, GM of Forte Village to find out how this charming property in Sardinia has maintained its reputation as Italy’s Leading Resort, with such a strong following of loyal guests from all over the world who return to this idyllic spot again and again.
Magnetic Junction launches global adventures
Following its European launch earlier this year, online advisory Magnetic Junction looks to review adventures from around the world.
SIXT upgrades the festive journey home
For most, the festive drive back to the family home at Christmas really gets you in the mood for the season of eating, drinking and being merry. However, for many disgruntled UK public transport users, it is a time of extortionately inflated prices, cramped carriages and long journeys home.
Breaking Travel News Interview: Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur Hotel taps into MICE market
Seeking to capture some of 31.7 million international travellers expected to visit Malaysia by the end of 2015, the award winning Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport Hotel – with average occupancy levels of 85 per cent - is about to undergo a major refurb programme that will result in a fresh look and feel for all its guest rooms. Mr Hans Winsnes, general manager of the property, speaks to BTN about his cautious optimism for 2012 and why so many guests return to the Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur time after time.
UAE tourism industry embraces 40th National Day
The Madinat Jumeirah, Emirates Palace, and Jebel Ali International Hotels are among the many success stories of the United Arab Emirates who have been celebrating the UAE’s 40th anniversary of independence this week.
AACO 2011: IATA calls for closer integration in MENA aviation
The International Air Transport Association has called for a renewed focus on cooperation among aviation stakeholders in the Middle East and North African region to manage the challenges of growth. Addressing an industry audience at the Arab Air Carriers Organisation annual general meeting in Abu Dhabi, IATA secretary general Tony Tyler said: “Aviation is a challenging industry, so let us work together, where we can, to meet the challenges of growth and make aviation even more successful.”
BTN Interview: Kapil Chopra, Senior Vice President, The Oberoi Group
Since opening its doors just six months ago, the Oberoi Gurgaon has caused quite a stir in India’s New Delhi. Despite a challenging economic climate, the stunning property has maintained an average 80% occupancy level with room rates of close to $400 USD. Kapil Chopra, the SVP of the Oberoi Group speaks to Breaking Travel News about India’s hottest new hotel.