Destination News - Destination, Rail, Road.

Apr 7, 2008

Manchester

Overnight snow descended in north-east England, Manchester and north Wales and headed down towards the Midlands, with similar conditions in southern England. With wintry conditions in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the Met Office has issued a number of flash warnings of severe or extreme weather. BBC Weather warned driving would be "treacherous" in many areas.Snow also fell in London, causing flight cancellations and delays across the UK. Apr 6, 2008

Fares to Hawaii may climb after two carriers shut down. Travelers to Hawaii will have fewer choices now that ATA Airlines and Aloha Airlines have shut down. Flights to Hawaii were a key part of ATA's business. Domestic carriers that continue to fly to the islands should see a boost in traffic, observers note. Apr 4, 2008

Excellence Resorts

Excellence Resorts announced the completion of $8 million in renovations to its Excellence Punta Cana property. Excellence Punta Cana received a range of enhancements including new decoration of all guest rooms and partial renovations throughout the resort areas, as well as a new restaurant, state-of-the-art fitness center and many additional lavish touches. The Excellence Club features private swim-up suites for Club members with views of the Caribbean Sea. The renovations to these accommodations include new interior decoration, Bulgari toiletries and new lounging hammocks in the private cabanas. Excellence Club suites have also been equipped with new 37 inch LCD flat screen televisions and radio alarm clocks with Ipod connections. The Club suites' mini-bars, featuring premium liquors, have been expanded to include wine and a variety of snacks, all freshly stocked every day. In addition to the Club suites, redecoration of all of the resort's guest rooms has been completed. And, all guest rooms now include free wireless Internet access, as well as throughout the resort. Excellence Punta Cana created Oregano, its eighth restaurant option to enhance the current seven enticing international choices. Oregano features items like pizza and offers flexible dining hours, including early and late evening availability. Additionally, the resort's existing seven gourmet restaurants have been completely redecorated reflecting their international themes which are: French, Mexican, Mediterranean, fine Italian, Asian, lobster specialties and grill specialties. All of the restaurant's kitchens have been renovated. Moreover, a healthy choice spa cuisine dining option is now available in all of the restaurants. In addition to its spa, guests of Excellence Punta Cana will certainly enjoy the newly developed fitness center equipped with a large separate space with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and a special room for yoga and fitness classes. Expert trainers are available. The tennis courts have also been renovated. Additional resort areas that have been updated include the Excellence Punta Cana reception and lobby area, meeting facilities and theater. Enhancements include new furniture in the lobby and meeting spaces. The theater also features new arm chairs. Additional renovations were also completed in the pool and beach areas. For additional information, visit www.excellence-resorts.com. Apr 4, 2008

Fairmont Hotels

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced the Fairmont Vail, a new resort in Colorado developed by HCT Development. The resort is slated to open in 2011 in time for the winter season. The 128-room resort will also feature 73 Fairmont Residences as well as Fairmont Heritage Place, the company's private residence club homes. Amenities for guests to enjoy include a selection of dining outlets and a signature 10,000 square foot Willow Stream spa. In addition, the resort will offer 9,500 square feet of function space, including a 3,000 square foot ballroom. Call 800-257-7544 or visit www.fairmont.com Apr 4, 2008

Hilton Hotels

The Hilton Waikoloa Village unveiled Dolphin Quest Village in a sustainable, "green" building. The new seaside villa is designed to enhance and personalize guests' encounters with the hotel's 11 resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at the Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon. Additionally, the structure better facilitates Dolphin Quest group functions, evening programs and special events. The structure features three buildings with cedar and lava rock veneer facade, thatched roofs and accordion-style shuttered windows, all connected by breezeways and weathered wooden decks. Within the buildings are the Encounter Club guest lounge area with a multi-species, interactive touch pool and a 200-gallon aquarium featuring native Hawaiian species; the Learning Center, which facilitates classroom programs for visiting schools and special groups; a guest check-in center and changing area with showers; photo viewing stations; and a retail shop featuring gifts designed by Hawaii artists, as well as recycled products and Dolphin Quest logo items. Dolphin Quest Village is the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified building to be constructed by the Hilton Waikoloa Village and Dolphin Quest. LEED is the U.S. Green Building Council's nationally accepted green building rating system for evaluating sustainable design and construction. Energy demand is reduced through natural ventilation, the use of daylight to reduce electrical dependency, water conserving fixtures in restrooms and showers and other means. Dolphin Quest Village is estimated to consume 30 percent less water and use 20 percent less electricity than a comparable, conventionally designed building. This year is Dolphin Quest's 20th anniversary, and the attraction is celebrating with special dolphin shows presented on the 20th of each month. In addition, this year's Dolphin Days event, slated for June 19-22, will highlight the 20th anniversary celebration. Call 800-445-8667 or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com Apr 4, 2008

Hotel Hana

Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa, located on the eastern coast of Maui-an area, announces new packages for Hawaiian destination weddings. The "Ohana" wedding package includes the wedding site and amenities such as flowers, music and photography, as well as a private reception for up to 40 guests at the Plantation House, the Garden Pool Pavilion or the Hamoa Pavilion for beach weddings. The reception is complete with banquet set-up and three choices of canapes. The bridal couple has two nights' luxury accommodations in a deluxe ocean view Sea Ranch Cottage with a private hot tub. They also receive a deluxe welcome basket of fruits and cheeses, a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne, a personalized wedding gift, daily breakfast, two Honua Spa robes, and one 90-minute spa treatment each at Honua Spa. The "Ohana" package starts at $10,000. Other new wedding packages include the "Hana Bay" package for $1,750, the "Koki" package for $3,250 and the comprehensive "Hamoa" package for $5,500. These packages include choice of on-site location and arrangements for the marriage license and officiant, flowers, music, and photography. Couples can have a fully customized ceremony and reception, which they can design through the hotel's easy to use online Wedding Builder www.hotelhanamaui.com/wedding_builder.php. For more information, call 808-270-3286, email [e-mail] or visit www.hotelhanamaui.com/weddings.shtml Apr 4, 2008

InterContinental Hotels

InterContinental Hotels Group announced the signing of its first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Taiwan. The hotel will be located in Taichung, Taiwan's third largest city, and will be the city's first global hotel brand. The 169-room Holiday Inn Express Taichung Park, which will be part of the Sunshine Plaza shopping complex, will open in August 2008. It is close to the city's central business district and will offer easy access to major transportation links, including a major train station, bus terminals and a road network that connects Taichung to all other parts of Taiwan. The hotel will be developed by Esse Commerce Development Co and managed by IHG. Visit www.hiexpress.com Apr 4, 2008

Marriott Hotels

Participating Marriott hotels in Detroit are offering special rates for baseball season starting at $159 per room, per night. The rates are being offered as part of the Grand Slam Baseball Fan package, which features: accommodations; breakfast for two; a $20 gift certificate for the Elwood Bar & Grill; hotel parking (valet only at Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center and Courtyard Detroit Downtown). Hotels to participate include Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown, and The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel. The offer is valid during home games through Sept. 28, 2008. Baseball tickets are not included in the package. Be sure to ask for promotion code P42 at the time of booking. Call 800-MARRIOTT or visit www.detroitbaseballpackages.com Apr 4, 2008

Marriott Resorts

In light of the announced shut-down of ATA Airlines, Marriott Resorts Hawaii is extending special rates to ATA ticket holders in Hawaii who may have to stay beyond their check out dates and to in-bound customers who may have to postpone their stay due to their inability to find a flight. Effective immediately, Marriott Resorts Hawaii is offering any ATA ticket holder currently staying at any of its properties a 50 percent discount off the rate they are paying for up to three additional nights beyond their original check-out dates. ATA ticket holders who are on the islands and in need of emergency accommodations can take advantage of "kamaaina" (Hawaii resident) rates. Customers with Marriott Hawaii reservations who are unable to fulfill them due to unavailability of flights will not be charged a penalty as long as they rebook within one year. To take advantage of any of these offers, guests must present proof of ATA ticketing. Apr 4, 2008

Nevis

Nevis' Nisbet Plantation Beach Club is offering its Sultry Summer Savings and the opportunity save up to 20 percent off the lowest rates of the year depending on your length of stay. Guests who stay three to five nights will save 10 percent; guests who stay six to 10 nights will save 15 percent; and guests who stay 11 or more nights will save 20 percent. Nisbet's Sultry Summer Savings is available on all room categories. Nisbet has also negotiated a 20 percent discount on car rentals from June 1 to Aug. 10. Also, guests who stay six nights or more receive 2 tickets to either the Museum of Nevis History or the Lord Nelson Museum. Call 800-742-6008 or visit www.NisbetPlantation.com Apr 4, 2008

SuperClubs

SuperClubs' Grand Lido and Breezes Resorts are hosting nuptials this summer with themed Lucky Love' destination weddings. Particularly in Chinese culture, the number eight is considered the luckiest of all numbers, with the triple 8' combination of Aug. 8, 2008, a rare once-in-a-century occurrence. SuperClubs' Lucky Love packages are available for one week only, Aug. 5 to 12, 2008, with the wedding day on Aug. 8, 2008 At Grand Lido Resorts & Spas, this package combines eight features: eight nights in a beachfront suite; a complimentary wedding ceremony at an on-property location of the couple's choosing; $388 spa credits at the onsite full-service Blue Mahoe Spa; breakfast in bed the morning after the wedding; an eight-course private dinner at the fine dining Piacere restaurant; romantic turndown services daily, e.g. rose petals, specialty chocolates, etc.; government fees for nuptials are included, a savings of $275; and an anniversary present of 18 percent off a return trip to your wedding resort. At the newly renovated Breezes Runaway Bay in Jamaica, and Breezes Bahamas in Nassau, also offering the "Lucky Love" package. Breezes' Lucky Love' destination weddings are $2,888 per couple, and includes: eight-night's accommodations in an oceanfront room; complimentary wedding ceremony and the services of an onsite wedding planner; $288 spa credits; romantic breakfast in bed the day after the wedding; a romantic picnic in a secluded spot with a picnic basket for two; government fees of up to $275 is included in this package; and couples are invited back to celebrate their anniversary with an 18 percent discount. Be sure to mention the promotional code 888' at the time of booking. Call 800-GO-SUPER or visit www.superclubs.com Apr 4, 2008

Temecula Creek Inn

The Temecula Creek Inn is offering a Sip in Southern California Girlfriends Getaway. The one-night package, available through December, is priced at $298 per night, double, Sunday through Thursday and $359 Friday or Saturday. The package includes wine touring/tasting tickets for two to three Temecula Valley wineries; a three-course Temecula Olive Oil Company-infused dinner for two in the Temet Grill; a Temecula Olive Oil-themed welcome gift for two with handcrafted olive oil soaps, lip balms and biscotti; and Olive Oil Tasting tickets for two, including freshly baked Ciabatta rolls. Call 877-517-1823. Apr 4, 2008

CIE Tours Internationa

For clients requesting tickets to the Edinburgh Military Tatto, Scotland's annual summer event, CIE Tours International is providing reserved seats as part of the nine-day escorted Scottish Dream vacation, for departures July 26 through Aug. 16, 2008. The tour is priced from $1,760 for land-only or from $2,427 with airfare from New York. The itinerary combines Scotland's castles, gardens, palaces, great houses, and panoramic countryside, with the relaxing pace of three two-night hotel stays, as well as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in late-July to mid-August. Hotels, which are all in the superior first class (4-star) category, include the following or similar: Thistle Hotel, Glasgow (one night); Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Argyll (two nights); Ardoe House Hotel, Blairs - Aberdeen (two nights); and Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh (two nights). Scenic highlights range from a cruise on Loch Lomond and a ferry excursion to the Isle of Mull, to touring Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden Moor, Falls of Feugh, St. Andrews, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The cost covers superior first class hotel rooms with private bath/shower for seven nights; full Scottish breakfast daily; six dinners including a Scottish banquet with entertainment; reserved seats for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo; welcome get-together drink; tea and freshly home-baked scones; sightseeing via luxury motorcoach with professional driver/guide and local guides; admissions and visits to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Duart Castle, Culloden Visitor Centre, Crathes Castle, Glamis Castle, St. Andrews, and Edinburgh Castle; and all hotel service charges and taxes. In addition to the Tattoo performance departures, the Scottish Dream operates throughout the summer and fall, weekly on Saturdays and most Mondays, from now through Oct. 25. For clients with less time or money, CIE Tours also offers the Taste of Scotland, a six day/four night shorter vacation, priced from $898, land-only, operating now through Oct. 27. The tour also provides reserved seat tickets to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo for departures July 28 to Aug. 18, 2008. Call 800-CIE-TOUR or visit at www.cietours.com Apr 4, 2008

EyeforTravel

EyeforTravel is launching Travel Distribution Middle East, its first major conference in this region. The event will take place June 17 to 18, 2008 in Dubai, and will include representatives from Jumeirah, Etihad, Rotana, Google, Expedia, Qatar, Air Arabia and other travel companies looking to cash in on the Middle East's travel boom and fully exploit its profit potential. Twenty-five speakers from some of the region's most successful companies will be sharing their experiences and giving hints a tips on how to exploit the changing travel distribution landscape. Speakers include: Michael Marshal, corporate vice president, Rotana Hotels and Resorts; Richard Lewis, president, Jebel Ali International Hotels; Nanda Kumar Pillai, e-distribution manager, Eithad Airways; Kristie Goshow, group director e-business, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts; Peter Pohlscmidt, manager e-commerce, Qatar Airways; Ananya Naraya, senior vice president global strategy, Preferred Hotel Group; Walter La Faro, director of market management, Expedia; Andrew Pozniak, director e-commerce, Google. Bookings made before April 11 will be discounted $400. For information call Rob Hartman, conference director at [phone]. Book at https://secure.firstconf.com/travel/tdme/register-logix.asp Apr 4, 2008

General Tours

General Tours World Traveler introduced a new escorted tour to coincide with Israel's 60th anniversary. The new General Tours itinerary is an eight-day trip that travels from the Herodian ruins of Caesarea and Massada to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and includes a jeep ride along the Jerusalem Corridor as well as excursions that include Tel Aviv's Rokach Museum. Travelers also enjoy dinner at Maganda and a visit to the Old Port of Tel Aviv. In the Golan Heights, General Tours clients visit a winery and learn about olive oil production before meeting an Israeli family crafting shofars, a musical instrument with ancient roots. The tour concludes with three nights in Jerusalem, including two days of in-depth sightseeing. On the final afternoon, clients can personalize their trip based upon their own interests. Life in Israel is one of General Tours' signature small-group escorted tours, with each guaranteed departure limited to no more than 20 guests. The trip is priced from $2,749 and includes a choice of superior first class or deluxe hotels, 14 meals, comprehensive sightseeing, and all on-tour transportation. The company's extensive Middle East offerings include other small-group escorted tours, like The Christian Pilgrim, Ancient Pathways to Petra, and Grand Capitals of the Middle East. General Tours World Traveler is an AARP Travel partner and members save $210 per couple on all of the company's small-group escorted tours. For more information, call 800-221-2216 or visit http://generaltours.com Apr 4, 2008

GoGo Worldwide Vacations

GoGo Worldwide Vacations began its annual Mexico Extravaganza Sale with seven-night vacation packages starting at just $475 per person for bookings made by May 8. The sale includes more than 140 resorts in 10 destinations and includes exclusive extras such as two free nights, kids stay and eat free, and a variety of resort credits, valid for travel from May 1 to Dec. 20, 2008. The sale offers credits toward airfare, golf, spa, food & beverage or to use throughout the resort. Favorite Mexico resort destinations return this year with even greater savings than last year, including Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Acapulco, Cozumel, Manzanillo and Mazatlan. All packages include roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations and hotel taxes and round-trip airport transfers. For pricing or additional information, call 800-229-4999 or visit www.GOGOWWV.com Apr 4, 2008

United Vacations

United Vacations will credit customers for their flights on Aloha Airlines, which ceased operations on Monday, March 31, 2008. United Vacations is working with other airlines for alternative flights, subject to availability, and will apply the cost of the original Aloha Airlines airfare to the cost of the new ticket. Customers will be responsible for the increase in fare, if applicable, for the new ticket. United Vacations customer service is currently contacting customers traveling within the next two weeks to assist with immediate travel needs. Once these customers are taken care of, United Vacations will continue to contact customers in order of their departure date. Customers are encouraged to contact United Vacations for assistance with their re-booking needs. However, if customers have already secured their own arrangements, they can write in to United Vacations for a refund on their original Aloha flights and provide proof of cost for their new flights. In addition, customers who initiate a credit card chargeback may prohibit United Vacations from making alternate flight arrangements. Any changes made to United flights will result in standard United Vacations policies and penalties. Vacations can be purchased by calling 888-328-6877 or online at www.unitedvacations.com Apr 4, 2008

Hotelopia

Hotelopia in partnership with Hertz will extend car rental services to Gulf Air customers across the Middle East. The company has also recently announced partnerships with Eastern European airline Wizz Air and the North America based Zoom Airlines. Apr 4, 2008

Prosecutors called Chi Mak the "perfect sleeper agent," though he hardly looked the part. For two decades, the bespectacled Chinese-born engineer lived quietly with his wife in a Los Angeles suburb, buying a house and holding a steady job with a U.S. defense contractor, which rewarded him with promotions and a security clearance. Colleagues remembered him as a hard worker who often took paperwork home at night. Apr 3, 2008

UK Watchdog Passenger Focus[sup.1] own research has shown nearly one in five rail travelers are unhappy with ticket buying facilities at the station and they want queuing times cut. Era of paper tickets may be drawing to a close,[sup.1] acknowledges a House of Commons Transport Select Committee, but the government[sup.1]s approach to promoting an integrated smartcard system for rail tickets similar to the London Oyster card is fine in theory but not producing results in practice.[sup.1] The Committee[sup.1]s report said the government must listen carefully to the transport operators and technology industry, and articulate a clearer strategy for the development of smartcards. It said smartcards are likely to be commercially viable for a wider range of transport uses in future- In the right circumstances, they can also provide operators with major benefits, including reduced costs of ticket sales, better monitoring, and more accurate allocation of costs and revenues.[sup.1] The Committee also noted though, that the government must ensure suitable guidelines on differential pricing (Oyster fares are heavily discounted compared with paper tickets) are included in decisions on rail fares, rail franchises and other fare regulations. Apr 3, 2008

Tourism to the Dominican Republic for the first half of March increased 8.6 percent compared to the first half of March 2007, says Felix Jimenez, the minister of tourism for the Dominican Republic. Numbers for the remainder of March haven't been recorded yet. For January and February combined, the country saw a 9.14 percent increase compared to last year. Jimenez says 3,027 hotels with a total of 63,000 rooms were added in 2007. He also notes that the government has poured $400 million to date in infrastructure improvements and plans to pour another $1 billion before the end of 2012. The investment seems to have paid off; the country took in more than $4 million in tourism alone in 2007. Apr 3, 2008

Radisson Hotels

Radisson Hotels & Resorts has opened the 204-room Radisson Suites Hotel Tucson Airport, in Arizona. It was converted as part of a plan to bring it under the Radisson brand, and includes a renovation to all guestrooms - which all feature a bedroom and separate living room with well-lit work tables - and public areas which began in October 2007. Situated at the entrance to Tucson International Airport, it has numerous amenities for business travellers. It features nearly 12,000 sq ft (1,115 m) of function space and can accommodate meetings or parties from ten up to 300. The 4,788 sq ft ballroom provides seating for up to 250 guests and can be divided into the three equal sections. In addition, it features five smaller conference suites which are designed for smaller meetings, and complimentary high-speed wireless internet is available throughout the building. Apr 2, 2008

London Overground, Bombardier

London Overground takes an option to order seven more trains from manufacturers Bombardier for its rail network. Apr 2, 2008

Marriott Hotels

Marriott Resorts Hawaii is extending a helping hand to Aloha Airlines ticket holders who may have to stay beyond their check out date and to in-bound customers who may have to postpone their stay due to their inability to find a flight. Any guest currently staying at any Marriott Resorts Hawaii property will be offered 50 percent off the rate they are paying for up to three additional nights beyond their original check out date. Aloha ticket holders who are already in the Hawaiian Islands and in need of emergency accommodations will be offered the kamaaina rate. Customers that are unable to fulfill their Marriott reservation due to unavailability of flights will not be charged a penalty as long as they rebook within one year. For all of the above, Marriott will need to see proof of Aloha Airlines ticketing. Apr 1, 2008

The PGA Puerto Rico Open Presented by Banco Popular, took place on the island from March 17 through March 23, generated widespread participation from 132 golf players from 16 countries around the world. Prior to the event, The Puerto Rico Tourism Company forecasted an economic impact of $3.5 million dollars; however, according to the most recent figures received by event organizers, the event brought more than $18 million dollars in revenue to the island. Event organizers initially forecasted a daily attendance of 3,000 to 5,000 people, but instead, the golf course attracted approximately 9,000 spectators on the first day. On March 21, the Puerto Rico Open received approximately 14,500 golf enthusiasts, followed by 21,000 on Saturday and 24,000 on Sunday, totaling approximately 70,000 participants. Call 800-866-7827 or visit www.GoToPuertoRico.com Apr 1, 2008

South Carolina

The South Carolina State Park Service is holding a year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary, with events planned from the mountains to the sea. The anniversary celebration begins on April 4, at 1 pm with a ceremony on the steps of Cheraw Town Hall that will re-enact the 1934 deed transfer for the land that would become Cheraw State Park. The year-long 75th anniversary celebration carries the theme "Come Out and Play," in recognition of the parks' vital role in adding to quality of life in South Carolina. A community building groundbreaking and Founder's Day celebration at Charles Towne Landing on April 11 and 12, will follow the Cheraw kickoff. Observances then will be held at each of the other 45 parks during the year, and a coffee table book with legacy and new photographs of the parks will be published later this year. The celebration also includes a statewide photo contest and other interactive activities at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com Apr 1, 2008

Residents of low-lying towns stacked sandbags or grabbed belongings and evacuated today after a foot of rain pushed rivers and creeks out of their banks in the nation's midsection. At least 11 deaths had been linked to the weather, and four people were missing. Record or near-record flood crests were forecast at several towns in Missouri. Flooding was reported in large areas of Arkansas and parts of southern Illinois, southern Indiana and southwestern Ohio, and schools were closed in parts of western Kentucky because of flooded roads. "We've got water rising everywhere," said Jeff Korb, president of the Vanderbugh County, Ind., commissioners. Mar 31, 2008

As Tibetan protesters and Buddhist monks continue a deadly clash with the Chinese government, a travel warning has been issued by the U.S. Department of State asking Americans to defer travel to Tibet until at least April 14. The U.S. embassy in Beijing also issued a warning against travel to majority Tibetan areas of west China, including Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai and Xinjiang provinces.In anticipation of further protests, Nepalese officials have declared the summit of Mount Everest, which straddles the Nepali-Chinese border, to be off limits for mountain climbers during the first 10 days of May. China, the host of this year's Summer Olympics, plans to carry the Olympic torch up its side of the mountain during this period. (MR) Mar 31, 2008

Coconut Bay Beach Resort

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia is bringing a first to the island. The resort has officially launched the region's first paintball facility called The Zone, which is being described as "a retro-industrial inspired paintball war zone." Guests can battle each other on the playing field that is able to accommodate up to 10 players. Players seeking a bit more training can head to the target practice section of the facility to perfect their aim before taking the battlefield. A fully-staffed playing field awaits guests, complete with certified referees and instructors. All equipment needed is provided courtesy of the resort, including paintball guns, paintballs, goggles and additional safety gear. Mar 31, 2008

Starwood Hotels

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to open its first W property in Boston, the W Boston Hotel and Residences, in 2009 in the city's theatre district. The property will feature 235 guest rooms, a restaurant, bar and luxury spa. Starwood's W brand is in the midst of unprecedented growth both domestically and internationally, with hotels announced in such exotic cities as Bangkok and Istanbul as well more familiar U.S. cities such as Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale. (DE) Mar 31, 2008

Starwood Hotels

Starwood Hotels and Resorts' new lifestyle brand, aloft, is now accepting reservations at the first five of its properties opening this summer for stays between August 14 and October 8. The five aloft hotels included are: Charleston Airport and Convention Center in South Carolina; Lexington, MA; Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Philadelphia Airport, PA; and Rogers-Bentonville, AK. The hotel brand is mostly building its footprint in secondary and tertiary markets and is typified by urban-influenced design and sleek modern amenities. Think W muscled down. Average aloft rates are a palatable $139 to $219 per night. Visit www.alofthotels.com. (DE) Mar 31, 2008

Trump Entertainment

Trump Entertainment Resorts celebrated as the final construction beam was put in place during a topping off ceremony held at on the outdoor promenade of the new tower at Trump Taj Mahal, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The final beam was hoisted 420 feet high above the promenade and put into place, finalizing the exterior construction phase of the project. The new tower at Trump Taj Mahal is expected to open with approximately 400 rooms on the first twenty floors in early September 2008. An estimated 100 rooms will be added each month until all rooms are completed by the end of December 2008. The tower is planned to feature 782 guest rooms, including 74 suites. Four of the suites will be luxury suites with the same style of amenities and service available in The Penthouse Suites at the Taj Mahal. The estimated total cost of construction is $255 million. For more information, visit www.trumpcasinos.com Mar 31, 2008

Amtrak

Kansas Department of Transportation has asked American rail company Amtrak to consider the possibility of an interstate - and State-sponsored - service between Kansas City and Oklahoma City. Amtrak will study three options: connecting the Southwest Chief - which runs between Kansas City and Newton - with the Heartland Flyer - which operates from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth - by extending the latter to Newton; a second option is to extend the Heartland Flyer all the way to Kansas; or create an entirely new service. Mar 31, 2008

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government have decided to elevate tourism to the top of their agenda. CARICOM will devote a full day to focus on tourism during the 29th Meeting of the Heads of Government set to take place from July 3 to 5, 2008 in Antigua. The leaders, who are being led by Bahamian Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman Hubert Ingraham, also agreed at last weekend's 19th Inter-Sessional Meeting in the Bahamas, to make tourism a standard item on all future CARICOM agendas in view of its importance to the economies of the region. Mar 31, 2008

The South African government will spend more than $3.7 billion on the 2010 World Cup, in part because of escalating stadium construction costs.The official report released Tuesday, which assessed progress in preparations, said that so far some $2.5 billion had been allocated for stadium, transport and other infrastructure. When it bid to host the soccer showcase, estimates made in 2004 for the cost of hosting the event were as little as $370 million.But since then, plans have become more ambitious - new stadiums are being built in Durban and Cape Town which were not initially scheduled - and the price of cement and other raw materials has risen. Mar 31, 2008

With more than 40 million annual Canadian visits and $13.5 billion at stake with the Implementation of Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), the Travel Industry Association (TIA) and the Travel Business Roundtable want a plan to inform travelers of changing requirements.The two industry groups said new rules issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding documents needed to cross the U.S.-Canada border are not accompanied by a credible plan to inform travelers of new DHS requirements.Scheduled to take effect at the height of the 2009 summer driving season, the new document requirements are a part of the WHTI. Canadians made more than 40 million visits to the United States in 2006, spending more than $13.5 billion, TIA says."Despite receiving hundreds of comments about confusion with the new rule changes, the Department of Homeland Security has yet to implement a comprehensive and well funded communications campaign," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of TIA. "The economic stakes are too high for a casual implementation strategy. A five percent decline in Canadian visits to the United States could cost the American economy nearly $700 million."The TIA fears confusion and logjams at America's northern border. The "Travel Promotion Act" (S. 1661 and H.R. 3232), currently pending before Congress, would establish a well-funded public-private campaign to better explain changing U.S. entry policies and welcome more international visitors, TIA says. "Border states and the entire American economy need an effective travel promotion and communication program," said Dow. Mar 31, 2008

AHI Travel

AHI Travel created a post-Olympic package that provides an introduction to China and also provides an opportunity to enjoy the improvements made for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. Its new 11-night China and the Yangtze River tour begins with three nights at the Beijing Hilton and visits the Forbidden City palace complex, the Temple of Heaven, the royal Summer Palace, the narrow alleys or Hutongs, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall and a Peking opera performance. Next, come two nights in Xi'an at the Hotel Sofitel with excursions to the Terra Cotta Warriors that guard Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi's tomb and the X'ian city walls. A Yangtze cruise includes accommodations for three nights aboard the M.V. Yangtze President, where all cabins face outside and have balconies that showcase superb views of the passing countryside, excursions in Fengdu, Badong and Yichang and passage through the Three Gorges and Lesser Gorges. The cruiser has sauna, beauty parlor, massage room and recreational and fitness center, as well as bar and gift shop. Three full meals are served daily aboard ship. The tour itinerary features a special Welcome reception and a festive Farewell reception. Also included are all excursions and educational programs developed exclusively for this program and featuring local experts, plus the services of an experienced AHI Travel Director throughout and automatic $250,000 flight insurance for passengers ticketed by AHI Travel. Cost with departures from San Francisco as low as $3,729 per person double occupancy, from Chicago $3,889 and from Washington $3,939. Land only packages are priced as low as $2,740. There are eight departures during 2008, between Sept. 3 and Oct. 29. For more information, call 800-323-7373 or visit www.ahitravel.com Mar 31, 2008

Pleasant Holidays

Pleasant Holidays, a U.S. tour operator which sells Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, Asia and the South Pacific, said that it is adding the Caribbean to its roster. Packages will be open for booking on March 31 with a 16-percent commission offered on all Caribbean packages. "The Caribbean is another part of the global expansion broadening our travel products to key leisure destinations to remain competitive," said Jack Richards, president and CEO of Pleasant Holidays in a written release. Pleasant Holidays will offer packages to Jamaica, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, Grand Cayman and Aruba. More than 80 hotels, resorts and condominiums will be featured. Visit www.pleasantagent.com. (JP) Mar 31, 2008

Travel Exchange Central America

Agents are invited to attend the 10th annual Travel Exchange Central America, commonly known as TREX, from April 7-9 in La Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala. The event will take place at the Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. The Travel Agent Early Registration Fee of $195 includes three nights of double-room accommodations at a participating hotel, all seminars and workshops, the travel exposition featuring supplier and tour operator meetings, all scheduled food and social functions, airport transfers from Guatemala City to La Antigua on official arrival and departure days and ground transportation. Registered and confirmed travel agents will qualify for discounted airfare to Guatemala City on American Airlines, the official TREX Airline and other participating carriers. Visit www.trexca.com. (JP) Mar 31, 2008

West Brands

West Brands, LLC, a holding company owned and controlled by multi-Grammy Award winning artist and business entrepreneur Kanye West, is set to launch Kanye Travel Ventures (KTV), a travel program geared to serve the business and leisure travel demands of Kanye's world-wide fan base. West Brands says it has brought together travel experts and consultants to create and manage a platform of best-in-class processes and systems to assure the highest quality and most cost effective travel experience for Kanye's fans. Kanye Travel Ventures ("KTV"), was formed in July 2007, as an independent subsidiary of Kanye West's West Brands LLC dba Super Good, to develop and manage a unique celebrity-brand driven travel program, beginning with KTV. Kanye West established West Brands as a holding company to oversee his business interests. KTV and West Brands' executive offices are located in West Hollywood, California. As the program evolves, it is planned that Kanye fans will be able to customize their trips on the KTV site, www.KanyeTravel.com Mar 31, 2008

ZZ

Editorial eMail: [e-mail]

For Air Transport & Travel Business Experts contact our Director of Content Aram Gesar eMail: [e-mail]

To Advertise: [e-mail]

Copyright [c] 2008 Pyramid Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.