Destination News.

Barclaycard Business Travels tenth annual survey has revealed that when it comes to choosing a hotel, the vast majority (79%) of business travelers are swayed by price and location. Other factors of consideration include facilities such as gyms and technology (27%), company policy (17%) and hotel loyalty schemes (9%). http://www.barclaycardbusiness.co.uk

Apr 23, 2006

Hotels, tourism officials warn travelers about passport requirement. The tourism industry is warning travelers they will need passports when they return to the U.S. from Caribbean, Mexico and Canada in 2007. Just 27% of Americans have valid passports, according to the State Department. Apr 14, 2006

Eurostar

Eurostar saw record revenues in the first three months of the year, as business travelers swelled passenger numbers. The rail operator also claimed one of its best ever periods of punctuality. A total of 1.7m travelers used Eurostar during the first quarter and punctuality reached 92%, up from 83% from the same period in 2005. In 2007, just one year away, with the completion of the UK high-speed line to London St. Pancras, journey times will be reduced significantly. London to Paris is scheduled for 2hrs 15mins, London to Brussels 1hr 51mins and London to Lille 1hr 20mins. During May Eurostar will be active in promoting the Da Vinci Code film. http://www.eurostar.com Apr 23, 2006

Global Hyatt 

Flight check-in services take off at hotels. Global Hyatt Corp.'s Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is among brands introducing a new system to allow guests to check in for flights from the hotel lobby. The chain is rolling out a kiosk system at 124 hotels in North America and Hawaii to allow check-in to 16 major airlines. Apr 12, 2006 Marriott

Paris is to gain a Marriott, complementing its Champs Elysees property but not, as such, in time for next year's air show. Marriott has acquired the 782-guestroom Sofitel Paris Rive Gauche Hotel from Accor. Following an extensive refurbishment program, the hotel will be re-branded as a 757 guestroom Marriott hotel in late 2007. Built in 1972 and boasting 48,995 sq. ft of conference space, it is the largest conference hotel in Paris. The space configuration is comprised of a 16,882 sq. ft ballroom, which includes a pre-function foyer atrium space of 6,779 sq. ft. The balance of the space includes a 180-seat auditorium and 41 rooms in varying sizes. http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/PARST Apr 16, 2006

Ski Hotel

Dubai has a Ski Hotel in Swiss chalet-style with 393 guest rooms, 15 ski chalets and views over the slopes. All true. Just about to open is the five-star Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, attached to the new Ski Dubai indoor ski resort and adjoining one of the largest shopping malls outside of North America. Non-skiers can soak up the Alpine atmosphere in one of the fully licensed restaurants overlooking the ski runs. Ski Dubai is approximately 25 stories high and 80 meters wide and covered with real snow all year round. There are five different slopes of varying degrees of difficulty with a tow and chair lift. There is also a snowboard stunt park, a 14 pipe snowboard area and a 3,000 square meter snow park with a snow cavern. The Mall of the Emirates has 426 shops including Harvey Nicholls and Debenhams, as well as an Arabian souk area and a luxury-shopping street that includes Armani, Bvlgari, Gucci and Versace. Entertainment facilities include a 14-screen cinema, Magic Planet - a large indoor family entertainment center with rides, simulators and children's rides plus a wide range of restaurants and food outlets. http://www.kempinski.com http://www.skidxb.com

Apr 16, 2006