World Travel Awards News
Etihad launches environmental best practice flights
Etihad Airways has successfully reduced carbon emissions by a combined total of nine tonnes on two flights from Australia to Abu Dhabi. The savings were made as a result of cooperation between Etihad Airways and various air traffic control centres on the ground that enabled the aircraft, two Airbus A340s, to fly routes that took advantage of prevailing jet streams.
Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa revels in UAE 40th anniversary celebrations
Last weekend saw the celebration of the United Arab Emirates 40th Anniversary with festivities and activities held across all seven emirates. Since its formation 40 years ago, the UAE has established itself as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, brining visitors from all over the globe.
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.
Etihad Airways celebrates three years of service to Moscow
United Arab Emirates flag-carrier Etihad Airways is celebrating three years of its non-stop service between Abu Dhabi and Moscow. The airline commenced operations to the Russian capital in December 2008 and since then has carried almost 200,000 travellers on the route.
Etihad Airways passengers to received first class treatment
Qualified chefs are now onboard Etihad Airways flights to London, Sydney, Melbourne and Paris and will be progressively introduced across all other first class destinations by early 2012. Eithad Airways is considered the World’s Leading Airline by the World Travel Awards.
Oman Air launches new flights to Zurich, Switzerland
Oman Air has launched a new service between Muscat and Zurich, Switzerland. The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman – nominated as the Middle East’s Leading Airline earlier this year by the World Travel Awards - now offers four flights a week between the two destinations.
Jamaica waives visas for Colombian visitors
Jamaican tourism minister Edmund Bartlett has revealed the cabinet has approved an easing of travel restrictions for Colombians visiting the Caribbean destination. The move is designed to boost tourist arrivals from South America as part of a wider campaign to attract visitors from the region.
Alex Willats takes top job at Dusit Thani Bangkok
Alex Willats has been appointed as general manager of the Dusit Thani Bangkok, Thailand. Dusit Thani Bangkok welcomed the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony earlier this year.
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.
World Green Tourism conference opens in Abu Dhabi
The World Green Tourism conference opened in Abu Dhabi earlier with a declaration that a new kind of sustainable tourism can help protect the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, secretary general of the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, told an audience of travel trade professionals the tourism sector has a crucial role to play in reducing footprint carbon footprints and combating climate change.
oneworld seeks to reassure passengers following AA bankruptcy
American Airlines stressed earlier that it remains part of oneworld after its parent company AMR Corporation voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 reorganisation under United States law. American said it expects to continue normal business operations throughout the reorganisation process - with normal flight schedules operating, tickets and reservations honoured as usual, along with normal refunds and exchanges.