World Travel Awards News
Europcar offers quicker car rental to easyJet customers
Europcar has launched a new service called ‘Speedy Rental’ dedicated to easyJet customers. Thanks to this new service, all easyJet passengers can benefit from faster service at all easyJet destinations.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals 2013/14 holiday options
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its winter deployment for the 2013/2014 season with six ships sailing to the Caribbean and Bahamas & Florida from four homeports: Miami, New Orleans, Tampa and New York. NCL is viewed as Europe’s Leading Cruise Line by the World Travel Awards.
World Travel Awards links with Qatar Tourism Authority for Grand Final
World Travel Awards, “the Oscars of the travel industry”, will host its Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Doha, Qatar, in partnership with Qatar Tourism Authority on January 11th 2012. The most important decision-makers in global travel and tourism are set to attend the glittering ceremony, which will be staged at Katara Cultural Village, Qatar’s ground-breaking new arts and exhibitions complex.
Jumeirah celebrates opening of Vittaveli Maldives
Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives has begun receiving its first guests as the Dubai-based hotel operator welcomes its second property in the Maldives. The ultra luxury resort caters for couples, families and small groups and is located a mere 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport.
Virgin Holidays opens first standalone shop in Kensington
Virgin Holidays has opened its first standalone holiday shop on the prestigious High Street Kensington in London. The store joins the company’s network of 100 concession outlets in Debenhams, House of Fraser, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and ‘pop up’ shops already operating across the UK.
Breaking Travel News Interview: Yas Viceroy general manager Heiner Werdeling
In many senses it has been a year of change at Yas, with Viceroy Hotels & Resorts taking over the management of the property and a host of enhancements coming on stream. New general manager Heiner Werdeling joined in June, taking over the leadership of what is already considered the World’s Leading New Hotel by the World Travel Awards. Here he joins Breaking Travel News to discuss what the future holds for this iconic property.
Qatar Airways celebrates new flights to Chongqing, Beijing and Hong Kong
Qatar Airways has rounded off its 2011 route expansion in China, celebrating new flights to Chongqing and additional frequency to both Beijing and Hong Kong. The launch of thrice-weekly services to Chongqing – the fifth Chinese destination for the Middle Eastern carrier – together with three new flights to Beijing and four extra frequencies to Hong Kong have significantly boosted operations in the country.
Abu Dhabi cruise sector boosted by maiden arrivals
Two major cruise liners have made their maiden voyages to Abu Dhabi boosting hopes the emirate will achieve its target of receiving 77 calls from ships in the current 2011/2012 season. Arriving in Mina Zayed earlier was the AIDABlu, which belongs to the German cruise line AIDA Cruises, while the Costa Favalosa is expected later today.
Etihad becomes world’s largest 787-9 Dreamliner customer
Etihad Airways, voted “World’s Leading Airline” by World Travel Awards, has become the world’s largest customer of Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliner by placing an order for a further 10 of the revolutionary aircraft. Following the $2.8 billion order, the UAE flag carrier now has a total of 41 Dreamliner’s on order.
Tourism remains key, says Egypt’s Islamic parties
Egypt’s major Islamist parties have emphasised that tourism will remain a key priority for the country should they win the elections. The announcements aim to allay fears that religious conservatism could harm tourism, one of the country’s most important sectors, accounting for over a tenth of GDP and employing one in eight of the workforce.
Breaking Travel News Review: Spa breaks at Champneys Tring
Champneys is considered England’s Leading Resort by the prestigious World Travel Awards, offering guests from across Europe and the Middle East a retreat from the modern world in the heart of the British countryside. Here Breaking Travel News visits as winter arrives to discover a delicious hint of history in the most modern of settings.
Emirates Palace appoints The Communication Group
Abu Dhabi’s award-winning and iconic Emirates Palace has appointed The Communication Group as its retained UK public relations consultancy. The Communication Group will promote this world-class luxury destination – recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel by the World Travel Awards - across trade and consumer press and maximise opportunities with brands in the luxury sector.