Destination News - Destination, Rail, Road

Airguide Online, March 17, 2008

Mar 17, 2008

ASTA's annual "Hot Spots for Summer" survey polled 585 travel agency owners and managers to determine the most popular second honeymoon destinations and uncover other emerging travel trends for 2008, according to Cheryl Hudak, ASTA president and CEO. According to ASTA, Hawaii was the most popular second- honeymoon destination with 24.4 percent share of the total response. While Hawaii can be more expensive than other destinations, respondents reported that money was less of a determining factor for couples who were taking a second honeymoon, compared to couples taking their first. For information: www.ASTA.org Mar 14, 2008

According to ASTA's travel agent survey, Jamaica and Cancun, ranked fourth and fifth respectively, rounded out the top five most popular second honeymoon destinations. Although in the bottom half of the top 10, Europe, ranked number six, and Italy, ranked number seven, prove that interest in European vacations is still strong despite the current weakness of the US dollar. With 3.5 percent share of the total response, Mexico claimed the number eight position. Tahiti, with 3.2 percent, and St. Lucia, with 3.0 percent of the total response, fell into ninth and tenth place respectively. Mar 14, 2008

South African Tourism

South African Tourism, USA is taking a more aggressive approach to attract U.S. tourists by unveiling a new web-based campaign to draw American travelers. "Adventurers Wanted," a new web-based marketing campaign, includes a website highlighting experiences available throughout the country with a selection of nine adventure vacation options. The campaign is available at www.southafrica.net/liveitup. Mar 14, 2008

London Underground members of transport union TSSA have voted four to one - 81.2% Yes[sup.1] - in favour of strikes regarding a raft of issues. Around 1,500 key station supervisors - a 49% turnout of members - voted in the dispute concerning the closure of around 40 ticket offices and the use of agency and security staff. [sup.3]The size of the vote clearly demonstrates what our members feel about what they perceive as an attack on safety standards and the casualisation of safety-critical work,[sup.2] said TSSA general secretary Gerry Doherty. Mar 12, 2008

InterContinental Hotels

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement with leading Indian real estate developer Eros to manage two hotels in New Delhi. The first of the properties will be a 200-room InterContinental and the second will be a 264-room Holiday Inn. Construction has commenced on both, which are scheduled to open in 2011. They will be in a complex in a residential suburb of Mayur Vihar in East Delhi. The hotels will be linked to offices and premium residences, with easy access to nearby technology parks and industrial belts. Mar 12, 2008

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company opened its newest property today (12 March) in Guangzhou, China. The 351 guestrooms all include wired and wireless internet access, and there are meeting facilities with 11,000 sq ft (1,000 sq m) of space including a 6,972 sq ft ballroom. All function areas are well equipped (including full internet access) and one additional feature of the event rooms is that they can be custom-named, so companies can rename them after areas of their business if they choose. On 11 March, the Residences at The Ritz-Carlton will open in the same building, accessible by a separate entrance and lobby. There will be 91 luxury private residences - from one to four bedrooms - with a range of personalised services including concierge, housekeeping, private chef catering for functions and parties, a shopping butler and city orientation programmes. Complimentary benefits include breakfast and internet. Mar 12, 2008

Carlson Wagonlit Travel

More corporate travelers are using rail rather than flights on key UK and European routes, according to a report by travel management company Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT). Comparative bookings from the fourth quarter in 2007 show that on popular domestic routes from London, rail is the clear favourite - 87% booked a train to Leeds compared to 13% flying, while rail sales to Newcastle led by 22%. Likewise, 30% more travellers took the train to Paris, and 32% more to Brussels. CWT[sup.1]s research showed that a first class ticket between Euston and Manchester, if booked on the day of travel, can cost up to [pounds sterling]360 ($725), but booked just a day in advance it cost [pounds sterling]175.50 - a saving of [pounds sterling]184.50. Mar 12, 2008

Condor Travel

Condor Travel, the South American destination management company, has expanded its business tourism operations into Brazil - now marking the sixth Latin America country where the company has a dedicated DMC division, according to a written release. "The strategic move into Brazil not only provides the international tourism community with an entire regional division devoted exclusively to the conference and incentive markets but also consolidates the benefits of Condor Travel's One Continent, One Brand synergy, which optimizes the client's investment and unique travel experiences," the release states. Visit www.condortravel.com Mar 12, 2008