Germanwings, which began in October 2002 as the low cost carrier within the Lufthansa legacy group and servicing 7.2 million passengers in 2009, has added Hannover as its sixth base of operations as it launched London Stansted to Hannover Route on Thursday April, 29th. Three Airbus A 319 aircraft stationed in Hanover fly will fly to a total of 16 cities.

As the latest challenge to the Hollywood sign is defeated – following a donation from Hugh Hefner – Chris O’Toole here takes a look if there is a surprise in store for this world famous monument.

Rotana has outlined ambitious expansion plans for the Middle East and North Africa. With an ambition to offer a property in every key city in the region, the hotel management company has signed deals to operate hotels in Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Steeped in history, the Convento do Espinheiro has entertained kings of Portugal for centuries. Now, following a thorough modernisation, the property offers international visitors the finest the country has to offer, be it the relaxing spa, exquisite cuisine or the simple bucolic pleasures of the region.

Thursday’s explosions in Bangkok have bought weeks of simmering internal discontent to international attention. But with large parts of the country untouched by protests and local tourist chiefs urging visitors not to alter their plans, Chris O’Toole here examines how dangerous the country really is.

Just over one-third of consumers (34%) report that a technical glitch will lower their likelihood of visiting a travel Web site again. According to Consumer Response to Travel Site Performance, business travelers in particular are less tolerant of glitches than leisure travelers.