World Travel Awards News
Etihad’s James Hogan elected to IATA board
The chief executive of Etihad Airways, voted “World’s Leading Airline” by World Travel Awards, has been elected to the board of the International Air Transport Association. The move is aimed to widen representation of carriers from the fast-growing Middle East at IATA.
London set to be world’s most popular destination in 2011
London, voted “World’s Leading Destination” by World Travel Awards, is expected to notch up the highest number of international tourists this year, according to new research by MasterCard. Other leading lights include Bangkok, Istanbul and Dubai, which all experienced soaring arrivals.
Singapore Airlines establishes ‘long-term’ alliance with Virgin Australia
Singapore Airlines has signed a codeshare agreement with Virgin Australia, establishing a long-term alliance with the low-cost carrier. The deal brings Singapore Airlines – which was recognised by the World Travel Awards in 2010 as offering the World’s Leading Inflight Entertainment – closer to the Richard Branson owned Virgin Group.
oneworld revenues reach record levels
Revenues at the oneworld reached record levels in 2010, with the alliance generating more than US$850 million. In a double celebration, oneworld was voted the World’s Leading Airline Alliance by the prestigious World Travel Awards for the eighth consecutive year in 2010.
IATA 2011: Malaysia Airlines to join world’s leading airline alliance oneworld
Malaysia Airlines will join the oneworld alliance, voted “World’s Leading Airline Alliance” by World Travel Awards, according to an announcement made at the IATA conference in Singapore. The carrier, voted “World’s Leading Airline to Asia” by World Travel Awards, was unanimously elected a member designate, with a formal alliance membership agreement to be completed soon.
IATA 2011: Turkish Airlines calls for Boeing engine revamp
The chief executive of Turkish Airlines has called for Boeing to consider installing new engines in its 737 aircraft rather than waiting for a new plane that won’t be ready until the end of the decade.
IATA 2011: Qantas warns over higher prices
Leasing Australasian airline Qantas has warned passengers prices are likely to increase as it battles against rising fuel costs. Alan Joyce, the chief executive of Qantas, confirmed at the IATA annual conference in Singapore earlier fare increases and surcharges still do have not cover fuel costs with the airline considering further increases in the future to make up the shortfall.
Illusions Online links up with Go Vacation
Illusions Online has secured a significant deal with one of Asia’s largest destination management companies (DMCs), Go Vacation Thailand. The success is just the latest for the company, which was recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Travel Technology Provider at the World Travel Awards in both 2009 and 2010.
Thailand expands luxury MICE offering
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has launched a new ‘Luxury MICE’ initiative, which is designed for a niche market. Such success has not gone unnoticed, with several major events – including WSDE Sports Destination Expo and World Travel Awards - scheduled to arrive in Thailand later this year.
Dubai hospitality enters golden era
Hot on the heels of hosting the incredibly successful World Travel Awards in May when it was voted “Middle East’s Leading Destination”, Dubai has reported that its hotel industry has enjoyed strong growth for the first quarter of 2011.
P&O Cruises unveils £489m mega cruise ship
P&O Cruises has unveiled plans to build a mega cruise ship that will rival the likes of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, and Norwegian Epic. The 17-deck vessel will carry 3,611 passengers and has been budgeted at £489 million, making it the most expensive and largest ship specifically created for the UK market. It is set to sail in March 2015.
Saxon South Africa offers unbeatable experience
Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa in Joburg’s exclusive Sandhurst district remains at the forefront of hospitality, with numerous awards to prove it.