By successfully completing two significant tests of the integrated Commercial Crew Transportation System, Boeing and United Launch Alliance (ULA) have moved the United States closer to regaining its capability to return humans to space.The team recently completed the first wind tunnel test for connected scale models of the Crew Space Transportation-100 (CST-100) capsule, launch vehicle adaptor and Atlas V rocket, as well as a thrust test of the Centaur rocket stage.The wind tunnel test, at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California, allowed for evaluation of the proposed launch configuration.“The CST-100 and Atlas V, connected with the launch vehicle adaptor, performed exactly as expected and confirmed our expectations of how they will perform together in flight,” said John Muholland, Boeing vice president and program manager for Commercial Programs.
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Michelin-recommended WHISK undergoes a metamorphosis with a bold attitude to stun all the wine aficionados and stimulate true wine appreciation. At WHISK, the wine pricing allows patrons to enjoy the world’s greatest vintages for less than what they are available for in any other five star hotel gourmet restaurant in Hong Kong and across the region. Turning into a unique venue that after sunset lights up with hundreds of candles and quietly buzzes with chic couples - as they indulge in a unique atmosphere and inventive contemporary European cuisine - WHISK makes a giant leap ahead of its competition.
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Boeing and China Southern Airlines today celebrated the delivery of the carrier's first 787 Dreamliner. China Southern is the first Chinese airline to take delivery of the game-changing airplane. "Today's 787 delivery represents a significant new milestone in the strengthening partnership between Boeing and China," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We thank the Chinese government agencies, China Southern and all our Chinese customers, and suppliers for their support and contributions to the success of the Dreamliner program."This delivery is the first of 10 Dreamliners for China Southern. China Southern will first operate the 787 on domestic flights before introducing the Dreamliner on its long-haul international passenger service. China Southern is the tenth customer worldwide to take delivery of the 787 Dreamliner.
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InterContinental Hotels Group IHG today announced a formal partnership with the Institute for International Management and Technology (IIMT) which expands IHG’s existing IHG Academy programme across India.India's workforce, those between 15 and 64, is expected to rise to 67 percent in 2020 and the challenge is to turn those people into an employable workforce. IHG wants to contribute to the education of the future generation in India through its IHG Academy programme.Douglas Martell, Vice President, Operations, South West Asia, IHG said: “By partnering with IIMT we are able to contribute and support the next generation of hospitality leaders by being actively involved in the education process for the start.
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In June, for the third year running, Aberdeen International Airport will be taking part in the 'Celebrate Aberdeen' parade.The team are involved thanks to a donation towards the event from the airport Community Panel, who have been involved since the first parade in 2011.The huge parade which runs the length of Union Street sees businesses large and small paired up with a host of different charities. The aim is to unite Aberdeen’s third sector in a bright and energetic celebratory parade, highlighting the diversity of the third sector, whilst providing an opportunity to thank charities and community groups for their invaluable and often little appreciated contribution to society.
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InterContinental Hotels Group one of the world’s largest hotel companies, announces the opening of the Holiday Inn® Baltimore - BWI Airport Area, located just minutes from Baltimore Washington Thurgood International Airport (BWI). Close to major businesses and attractions, the 137-room hotel at 815 Elkridge Landing Road is completely renovated and offers a fresh and welcoming environment.
“We are proud to welcome the Holiday Inn Baltimore - BWI Airport Area hotel to the Holiday Inn brand family,” said Heather Balsley, senior vice president, Americas Holiday Inn Brand Family IHG. “This hotel is among the over 1,200 properties worldwide which represent the new face of a brand that is redefining innovative guest comfort and convenience in cities across America. The Baltimore/Washington area is a key market where we believe this Holiday Inn hotel will thrive.”
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Travel executives from Best Western International, Hotel Association of Canada and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) forecast moderate steady growth in the leisure travel industry at the eight annual Leisure Travel Summit in Toronto. With Best Western tracking a five to six percent growth in summer hotel rates and room nights for its 200 hotels in Canada, the brand is predicting a steady summer travel season. While the numbers are positive for summer travel, Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Best Western says the 2013 calendar will impact leisure travel this summer, “With the timing of Canada Day and Labour Day this year, the numbers are not quite as strong as last year in terms of inbound American travel, but they are still moderately positive over last year.”
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American Airlines, Inc. ("American"), the principal operating subsidiary of AMR Corporation, today announced the private offering of American Airlines, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2013-1C (the "Class C Certificates") in the aggregate face amount of $119,769,000. The Class C Certificates generally will rank junior to the American Airlines, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2013-1A and the American Airlines, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2013-1B, which were issued on March 12, 2013.The Class C Certificates will represent an interest in the assets of a pass through trust, which will hold certain equipment notes expected to be issued by American. Such equipment notes are expected to be secured by eight currently owned Boeing 737-823 aircraft, one currently owned Boeing 777-223ER aircraft, two currently owned Boeing 777-323ER aircraft, and two new Boeing 777-323ER aircraft currently scheduled for delivery to American during the period from June 2013 to July 2013.
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The History and Culture Segment within the Marketing Directorate at the Malta Tourism Authority and the MTA’s UK Office have recently worked together to produce ‘The Sacred Islands in the Heart of the Mediterranean’. This 20 page supplement on pilgrimage travel which is a very particular niche market, explores the religious history that the Maltese Islands have to offer. The supplement targets prospective pilgrimage tourists whether they are looking for ways to get in touch with their spiritual side; to immerse themselves in ancient history and rich culture, or even to just escape, relax and reflect. Malta is described as the ideal destination for modern pilgrims.
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Improving Malta as a tourist destination does not only depend on the quality of the product, but the service provided is equally important, tourism minister Karmenu Vella said."Workers in the sector must realise that bad service ripples out across the whole tourism sector. The crux of the food and beverage industry is hospitality," Vella stressed, adding that no matter how good or bad a product is, what makes the difference is the level of service provided.Speaking during the announcement of the results of a survey conducted by MTA on restaurants, Vella noted that the annual expenditure on food and beverage surpassed the €300 million mark with 75% of patrons stating that they were satisfied with the services received
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The Americas Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (www.aibtm.com), in partnership with The Meeting Pool (www.meetingpool.net), have announced that they will join together to provide meetings and events industry professionals insights on the best and most efficient use of technology via a TECHbar at the Future Events Experience located on the AIBTM show floor at McCormick Place in Chicago June 12 – 13. “There is so much technology available to us today and of course, more innovations on the horizon… that is why it is important for AIBTM to provide a platform to share ideas and evaluate how they will impact us in our day-to-day jobs,” said Michael Lyons, Reed Travel Exhibitions, AIBTM Exhibition Director.
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Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced that it will purchase up to 50 more A350 XWB aircraft. The agreement covers a firm order for 30 more A350-900s plus options for a further 20 aircraft. The deal allows for the airline to select either the baseline A350-900 or the larger A350-1000 when exercising the options.The latest agreement will represent the third order from Singapore Airlines for the A350 XWB. Upon confirmation, it will see the airline’s total firm orders for the all-new aircraft increase to 70, excluding options. The aircraft will be used by the airline on both medium and long haul routes.“The latest announcement from Singapore Airlines is another major endorsement for the A350 XWB,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “As we move closer to first flight, demand for the A350 XWB continues to grow, especially for the larger models. Airbus is set to bring a step-change to the mid-size widebody market and we are proud to have Singapore Airlines on board in such a big way.”
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A station footbridge restoration project in Wiltshire is to be entered into this year's National Railway Heritage Trust awards when it is completed.Network Rail has repainted the platform canopies at the Grade 2 listed station at Bradford-on-Avon and is restoring the station footbridge to its former glory.The footbridge was lifted out a few weeks ago and sent to a foundry in Plymouth for grit blasting and repair. When it is re-installed, the span and staircases will be painted in the original Great Western Railway colours of dark and light stone to reflect the station’s heritage status.Network Rail route asset manager for buildings, Simon Gyde, said: “I have been liaising with the Friends of Bradford-on-Avon and the Mayor for some time now and the work at this listed station is nearing completion.
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The Americas Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (www.aibtm.com), in partnership with The Meeting Pool (www.meetingpool.net), have announced that they will join together to provide meetings and events industry professionals insights on the best and most efficient use of technology via a TECHbar at the Future Events Experience located on the AIBTM show floor at McCormick Place in Chicago June 12 – 13. “There is so much technology available to us today and of course, more innovations on the horizon… that is why it is important for AIBTM to provide a platform to share ideas and evaluate how they will impact us in our day-to-day jobs,” said Michael Lyons, Reed Travel Exhibitions, AIBTM Exhibition Director.
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The projection will showcase an amazing visual feast of colour, light and movement as Doctor Who travels through space and time, pursued by some of his greatest enemies.The Doctor Who projections will be displayed at six intervals throughout the evening of Saturday June 1, featuring music from the TV show including I am the Doctor. The first Doctor Who projection will be shown at 6.50pm, then 10 minutes to every hour, until midnight.The Doctor Who projections will be interspersed with Vivid Sydney festival hit Move Your Building, an interactive projection produced by French design company Danny Rose.For those who aren’t able to make it to Customs House, a special pre-recorded webcast of the Doctor Who projection will be available to watch from 6.50pm Saturday 1 June at youtube.com/vividsydney and will be available until the end of the Vivid Sydney festival on 10 June.
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Giving the freedom of travel is now easier than ever with the launch today of the Air Canada Gift Card. Available in both the traditional plastic gift card or in electronic form, Air Canada Gift Cards can be purchased in Canadian or US dollar denominations with values starting as low as $25. An Air Canada Gift Card can be easily redeemed in Canada and the United States online at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Call Centres and travel agents when purchasing Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada rouge tickets, and extra à-la-carte options such as pre-paid meal vouchers, Maple Leaf Lounge access, advanced seat selection and pre-paid baggage."After hearing from our employees and customers alike, we are delighted to launch the Air Canada Gift Card, allowing anyone to share the gift of travel," said Craig Landry, Vice President Marketing. "Gift card practicality plus ease of purchasing and using have driven their enormous popularity and appeal over the past few years, and we're very pleased to offer this convenient product to our customers."
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Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company with approximately 7,380 hotels and part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), today announced the signing of an exclusive development agreement with İlbak Turizm İşletmeleri Ve Yatirim A.Ş. for 20 Super 8® hotels in Turkey over the next 10 years.
The fourth Wyndham Hotel Group brand to launch in Turkey since 2007, the Super 8 brand aims to meet the growing demand for comfortable, quality accommodation at affordable prices. With over 2,300 properties throughout the U.S., Canada and China, the brand has more hotels than any other economy hotel chain in the world.
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SkyWest Airlines is excited to bring daily Delta Connection flights back to West Yellowstone, Mont. (WYS) for the 2013 summer season! These flights from Salt Lake City, Utah to West Yellowstone provide the best and most convenient travel option for thousands of Yellowstone National Park visitors.“With the return of our seasonal service to West Yellowstone, you can board a flight in Salt Lake City in the morning and be at Old Faithful just hours later,” said Mike Thompson, vice president – Market Development for SkyWest Airlines. “If you are planning to visit Yellowstoneor any of the surrounding area, there isn’t a better option than flying directly into the Yellowstone Airport: WYS.”
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SkyWest Airlines, a subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc. has once again been recognized by Bombardier for delivering exceptional reliability with the manufacturer’s top honor: the 2012 annual Airline Reliability Performance Award. SkyWest Airlines has received Bombardier’s Airline Reliability Performance Award for the third year running for the CRJ200, and was newly awarded for the CRJ700 and CRJ900 this year, sweeping all product categories.“The CRJ Reliability Performance Award is a fantastic recognition of the hard work our teams are doing to complete more than 1,800 flights every day across North America,” said SkyWest Airlines President and COO Russell “Chip” Childs. “SkyWest Airlines has a long track record of solid operational performance and I couldn’t be more proud of our more than 10,000 aviation professionals who consistently deliver reliable results.”
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Fighting for a cab in an unfamiliar, bustling city can often be daunting. Wingate by Wyndham® is making that job easier for those attending the 35th Annual New York University (NYU) International Hospitality Investment Conference in New York City next week with a $20 discount on their first ride with on-demand car service provider Uber.Uber provides a simple, efficient car service experience by allowing anyone to request a ride anytime in major cities via the company’s iPhone and Android apps, text message or the web. Licensed, insured drivers arrive to the customer’s specified pick-up location within minutes of the order; furthermore, customers can track the arrival status of their ride right from their mobile device.
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IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) today announces the signing of the second EVEN™ Hotels property in New York City, with an ownership group led by Frank Chan and Lance Steinberg. The IHG managed hotel will be located at 321 West 35th Street in midtown Manhattan. The hotel will be a new build property scheduled to open mid-year in 2015. The 77,000 square foot hotel will feature 150 guestrooms and 25 guestroom floors, flexible public workspaces, dining and social areas, and a state of the art, three-zone gym.Launched in 2012, following two years of extensive guest research, the EVEN Hotels brand is the industry’s first mainstream lifestyle hotel brand focused on the wellness space. EVEN Hotels uniquely provides solutions for all aspects of travelers’ holistic wellness needs with an emphasis on four components: Keep Active, Rest Easy, Eat Well, and Accomplish More – globally, no other hotel brand does this under one roof and at a mainstream price point.
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Singapore Airlines has agreed to order 30 more Airbus A350-900s and 30 Boeing 787-10Xs in deals valued at more than US$17 billion.The agreement with Airbus comprises 30 firm-ordered A350-900s for delivery from the 2016/17 financial year, plus options for 20 more. The options may be converted into firm orders for larger A350-1000s.The agreement with Boeing comprises 30 firm-ordered B787-10Xs for delivery from the 2018/19 financial year. It is conditional upon Boeing formally launching the B787-10X programme.“Today’s aircraft orders are among the biggest in Singapore Airlines’ history, helping to ensure that we retain our industry leading position. They demonstrate our commitment to the Singapore hub and our confidence in the future for premium full-service travel,” said Singapore Airlines CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong.
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The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town in South Africa is Rezidor’s most energy efficient property across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The property is the winner of Rezidor’s energy saving initiative Think Planet. In recognition of the hotel’s stellar performance, all 230 employees have received a bicycle on the occasion of a celebration event in Cape Town.Inge Huijbrechts, Vice President Responsible Business at Rezidor, personally attended the prize giving and commented: “A crucial factor in our Think Planet energy saving initiative is staff engagement. The dedicated team at the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront achieved fantastic results, and demonstrated that we are able to considerably reduce our environmental footprint. Think Planet further strengthens Rezidor status as one of the industry leaders in terms of sustainability”.
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To celebrate the code share partnership between Bangkok Airways and Japan Airlines, Bangkok Airways now offers FlyerBonus points to its frequent-flyer members when traveling on applicable Japan Airlines flights starting May 15, 2013.This is an additional privilege to the current FlyerBonus points redemption scheme. Members also have the option to redeem as well as earn miles on Japan Airlines (JAL). To earn miles, members simply present their FlyerBonus card when booking or checking-in with Japan Airlines code share flights. Members may claim any missing miles within 6 months from the date of travel on a JAL code share flight (Original ticket and boarding pass are required).
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Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has declared that the Grand Hills Hotel & Spa in Broumana – a polish and serene mountain resort town near Beirut, Lebanon – will join its iconic Luxury Collection portfolio. Owned by Mouawad Village Broumana Sal., Grand Hills, a Luxury Collection Resort will mark the brand’s entry into Lebanon when it opens in early 2015 following a complete renovation. The milestone opening will reinforce The Luxury Collection’s global growth as the brand remains on track to surpass 100 hotels by the end of 2016. Originally opened in 2000, Grand Hills was designed in typical Lebanese mountain resort style. Under Starwood’s Luxury Collection brand, the resort will feature 115 rooms and 53 suites, as well as three restaurants and two bars. Leisure facilities at the resort will include three indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a fitness centre and a retail gallery. Grand Hills will also offer extensive events and conference facilities including two ballrooms, an amphitheatre and six meeting rooms.
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SkyWork Airlines AG, Switzerland’s fastest growing regional airline, today announced the selection of ETS Aviation’s Aviation FuelSaverTM to power their fuel efficiency program.The airline will also be sharing the fuel-saving lessons learnedin a presentation at the next European Regional Airlines conference in Salzburg in October.Aviation FuelSaverTM, created by aviation software and consultancy specialists ETS Aviation Ltd, provides a unique combination of smart software and fuel-saving expertisevia a low cost annual subscription.
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Morgans Hotel Group Co. ("MHG" or the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors has voted to terminate the Company's stockholder rights plan, commonly known as a "poison pill," on or before October 3, 2013. Additionally, the Company has established a new policy that requires stockholder approval of any future stockholder rights plan either prior to, or within twelve months of adoption of, such plan."The decision to terminate the plan early and establish a new policy reflects our ongoing commitment to good corporate governance practices and responsiveness to our stockholders," said Michael Gross, CEO of the Company.
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The Omni Fort Worth Hotel now provides guests with numerous ways to celebrate their stay when visiting the city of Cowboys and Culture. Available all-year long, the luxury hotel’s new “Celebrate Package” allows guests to fully customize their stays. From different floral arrangements upon arrival to creating an entire experience around the visit, this new package gives travelers the flexibility to create a stay to fit the occasion. Since opening in early 2009, the Omni Fort Worth Hotel has hosted hundreds of thousands of guests for meetings, events, and vacations. The hotel found that more than half of its leisure guests stay at the hotel while “celebrating” an event or occasion in the city’s burgeoning downtown. Be it a wedding, girlfriends’ getaway, reunion or birthday, people flock to Fort Worth for momentous events in their lives. The “Celebrate Package” is a great way for guests to make their stays more memorable.
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InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s largest hotel companies, is rewarding its guests and loyal Priority Club® Rewards[1] members, no matter where they stay, all season long. Savvy travelers who stay at any of IHG’s 4,600 hotels, including the InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo® Hotels, Holiday Inn® Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort® Hotels, Holiday Inn Club Vacations®, Holiday Inn Express® Hotels, Staybridge Suites® Hotels or Candlewood Suites® Hotels brands, will have the opportunity to earn a variety of exciting rewards including double Priority Club® points or miles, “Vacation Pay” via Prepaid MasterCard® cards, hotel stay discounts and free breakfast over the next few months.
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JetBlue Airways, New York's Hometown Airline™, today announced a partnership with Air Ventures and Royal Waste Services to compost leftovers from select restaurants in Terminal 5 (T5) at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Air Ventures, the franchisee that owns and operates the Jamba Juice and Dunkin Donuts restaurants in T5 and Royal Waste Services have committed to work with the airline to separate and haul nearly 300 pounds of food waste each day for composting.Preserving the environment and creating a healthier planet is a core pillar of JetBlue's sustainability philosophy. Compost is good for the environment, reduces the amount of solid waste that goes into landfills, redirects it to become a useful product and decreases the production of greenhouse gases such as methane.
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When Wyndham Worldwide associate Sarahi Grande first learned about the Workplace Mentoring Program between the Company and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Morris, Bergen, Passaic & Sussex, she knew immediately that she wanted to be a part of it. Grande was inspired by her great-grandmother who instilled in her a passion for service and giving back. By being a part of the program, she could share her experiences with a young girl and hopefully make an impact in her life, just as her great-grandmother had done with her.“Growing up I was fortunate to have my great-grandmother as my mentor, and I hope that through this program, that I’m that person for my “Little,'” said Grande. “Throughout the program, I’ve worked to instill in her that she can be anything she puts her mind to and that she can achieve all that she aspires to, just like my great-grandmother did for me.”
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Qantas has been given permission by NASA to use its Mars Rover ‘Curiosity’ in a new campaign for its Frequent Flyer program.A replica of the car-sized rover will feature in television, outdoor, social media and digital advertising from next month in a campaign designed to encourage over 9 million Frequent Flyer members to discover the full potential of the program.CEO of Qantas Loyalty, Lesley Grant, said Curiosity was chosen because she symbolises the spirit of exploration – including a clear link to travel.“The Frequent Flyer program is vast, particularly in terms of all the different ways to earn and use points,” said Ms Grant.
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Red Lion Hotels Corporation announced today that it is continuing its rapid expansion with the tallying of another hotel, now into Tempe, Arizona, located in the greater Phoenix area. The Red Lion Inn & Suites Phoenix/Tempe-ASU is now available for reservations through RedLion.com."We were looking for the right opportunity for a franchise in Arizona and this former Hampton Inn is a fantastic fit for our system," said Ron Burgett, Executive Vice President of Lodging and Brand Development for Red Lion Hotels Corporation. "This property has seen continued improvements in recent years, and will be a great addition to the brand portfolio. We know our sports and leisure guests will appreciate its proximity to Arizona State University."
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Air Canada will host its 2013 Investor Day in Toronto on June 10, 2013. The day will begin at 08:30 with opening remarks by Calin Rovinescu, President and Chief Executive Officer, followed by presentations by Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Klaus Goersch, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Michael Rousseau, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The presentations are scheduled to end at 12:30. Attendance is limited to investors and analysts. The media and other interested parties are welcome to listen via a live audio webcast.
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Japan Airlines (JAL) will serve [AIR KUMAMON], the 9th installment of the popular [AIR SERIES] in-flight meal for Premium Economy and Economy class on select North Amercian and European routes starting June 1, 2013.JAL has cooperated with various well-known Japanese restaurants and food chains to offer passengers the most innovative line-up of in-flight meals[AIR SERIES]. This is the first time that JAL collaborates with the local government in Japan.[AIR KUMAMON], using the package design of [KUMAMON] which is one of the most popular characters in Japan and from Kumamoto Prefecture located in center of Kyushu. The main dish, [TAIPIEN]*1 which is very well-liked local cuisine supervised by Chef Hayama from [Kourantei], an old Chinese restaurant in Kumamoto city.
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Sealed Air Corporation announced today that it is scheduled to present at the J.P. Morgan Diversified Industries Conference on Tuesday, June 4 , 2013 at 8:45 a.m. (ET).The Company's presentation will be available through a live webcast on our Investor Relations home page at http://ir.sealedair.com. Listeners should go to the web site prior to the webcasts to download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the presentation will be available on the Company's web site through June 25, 2013.
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There is so much to look forward to at Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) as it rolls out its signature food and beverage (F&B) offerings with “Culinaria” the latest experiential campaign designed to highlight its multi-dimensional strength in delivering variety, expertise, flexibility and innovation, coupled with an established service culture and track record. Committed to delivering an experience like no other for its delegates and clients. “The Year of Culinary Excellence at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre forms part of the Centre’s Culinaria Campaign and epitomises the distinction in our food & beverage (F&B) offerings,” said Datuk Peter Brokenshire, the Centre’s General Manager on the sidelines of IMEX 2013.
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Loews Hotels & Resorts is offering guests a price break to plan their summer vacation with a one-day-only Cyber Sale. From the surf and sand, to the desert or downtown, Loews Hotels has a destination to suit every summertime traveler.The one-day summer sale will launch just after midnight (EDT) on May 30th.“Summer break is not just for the kids,” said Bruce J. Himelstein, Chief Marketing Officer, Loews Hotels & Resorts. “We want all Loews guests to be able to escape this summer by offering a price break everyone can enjoy.”Loews Hotels continues its seasonal one-day Cyber Sales, offering consumers terrific savings and opportunities to experience a wonderful stay in great destinations.
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In its ongoing effort to connect with as many Canadians as possible while efficiently managing public funds, VIA Rail's Annual Public Meeting will be taking place by webcast this year. This innovative and less expensive approach to hold a public meeting also makes it accessible to all Canadians, from coast to coast.Staying true to its mandate to connect Canadians, the webcast is yet another element to add to VIA Rail's recent technology improvements, which also include world-class Wi-Fi on board, e-boarding passes and the upcoming on-board entertainment system.
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Strategic Hotels & Resorts today announced that its Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Company's stockholder rights plan to accelerate the expiration date from November 30, 2013 to as soon as possible, but no later than the close of business on June 14, 2013. In addition, the Board of Directors amended the Company's Corporate Guidance Guidelines to provide that if the Company were to adopt any new stockholder rights plan in the future, it will submit the stockholder rights plan for shareholder approval within 12 months of its adoption. "These actions were taken following a careful review of our stockholder rights plan and after consultation with a number of our long-term shareholders. We will take immediate action to work with our third-party rights agent to terminate the stockholder rights plan," said Raymond "Rip" Gellein, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
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IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s largest hotel groups, today celebrates the unveiling of its 200th hotel in Greater China with the opening of the InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin.This marks another milestone for IHG, which was the first international company to enter the Chinese hospitality industry almost 30 years ago, and reinforces our leadership in the world’s fastest growing market. The InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin, owned by Shanghai Donghu Group Corporation, has been a landmark in the city for almost 100 years. Such is the prestige of the hotel that IHG has labelled InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin the first of its heritage hotels in Asia, making it the sixth globally under the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand.
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Bombardier recognized 15 airlines and six suppliers at its European Regional Review today, where it continued a long-standing tradition of the Airline Reliability Performance Awards and In-Service Supplier Top Achievement Recognition (STAR) Awards.
“Achieving operational excellence is about building a strong community, and we are proud of the exemplary cooperation between our customers, suppliers and Bombardier team members,” said Todd Young, Vice President, Customer Services and Support, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “These awards demonstrate everyone’s commitment to providing the global aviation industry and passengers with the highest quality of service. We are honoured to be recognizing them for their performance.”
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Delegates at Crossrail’s second annual ‘Meet the Contractor’ event heard from a number of speakers, including Crossrail Chief Executive, Andrew Wolstenholme, about the project, the types of contracts that will arise over the years ahead and what they need to do to maximise their chances of winning work on Crossrail.Throughout the day over 200 targeted ‘one to one’ appointments between Crossrail’s principal contractors and suppliers of all sizes, took place. The appointments were pre-scheduled to match contractors with relevant suppliers offering the products and services that will be in demand over the coming year. During the appointments, suppliers had the opportunity to explain to the contractors what they do and to explore the possibility of working together on the Crossrail project.
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Bombardier Aerospace announced today at its European Regional Review in Munich, Germany that prior to the airliner’s entry-into-service, it is targeting CSeries aircraft line maintenance checks (“A Checks) at intervals of 850 flight hours and base maintenance checks (“C” Checks) at intervals of 8,500 flight hours.Bombardier has been developing a Maintenance Steering Group 3 (MSG-3)-based maintenance program since October 2010 for the CSeries aircraft. Throughout the design evolution phase, the company has determined that line maintenance and base maintenance task intervals at, or in excess of, 850 and 8,500 flight hours respectively, can be achieved. The proposed maintenance plan will allow operators of CSeries aircraft to benefit from minimized downtime and more competitive maintenance costs, all while ensuring the inherent safety and reliability of the aircraft.
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A celebration is in the air at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The Centre took home the much-coveted award for the Best Events Venue at the Middle East Event Awards 2013 – a major achievement for a venue that is only in its second year in operation. The annual ceremony which took place in Dubai last week recognised the region’s top event and exhibition companies. Winners were selected based on votes from a panel of events’ industry experts. The Centre, which is a member of Qatar Foundation, has attracted a number of high profile events in the 18 months since opening.
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Doha strengthens its ranking amongst the world’s most popular convention destinations. The city moved up by 49 positions to share the 111th position with Florence, Riga and San Juan, in a list of over 360 participating cities in the recently released ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) 2012 Country and City Rankings. The rankings are based on the number of international association meetings that rotate between a minimum of three countries.Adam Mather-Brown, General Manager of QNCC, said, “This is a commendable achievement for the country as it demonstrates the commitment of all the stakeholders working together to achieve the country’s vision in becoming a world class meetings’ destination. Qatar is actively developing its business tourism product in terms of destination appeal, improving infrastructure, and investing in world class accommodation.”
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This June, the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, located on the rugged northwest coast of Mallorca, plans to celebrate one of the most popular and important events in the Soller Valley; the festival of the orange harvest. Known as the Fira de la Taronja, the festival celebrates Soller’s production of the orange, a fruit which has brought much trade and prosperity to the area. From 1st to 16th June, Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel will join in the festivities by offering a special tasting menu priced at only 23€. Featuring the local Canoneta orange at the heart of every dish, hotel guests can enjoy three delicious courses made of the freshest ingredients; including shrimp, Serrano ham, and crème brûlée for dessert.
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The 95th session of the UNWTO Executive Council, meeting in Belgrade, unanimously recommended Taleb Rifai as a nominee for the post of Secretary-General for the four-year-period starting January 2014 (Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, 28 May 2013).The candidature of Mr Rifai was presented by his country, Jordan, in accordance with the UNWTO statutes.The recommendation of the UNWTO Executive Council will be submitted to the upcoming UNWTO General Assembly for ratification (25-29 August 2013, Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe).
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Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, has appointed John Roberts as General Manager of Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai.An Australian national with almost 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, John joined Jumeirah in 2010 as Hotel Manager of Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai. His extensive experience in Food & Beverage and hotel operations ensured the successful opening Jumeirah’s first hotel in Asia Pacific. Prior to joining Jumeirah, John was General Manager at the Marco Polo Jinjiang, Fujian in China. Earlier in his career, John worked with Sheraton, Hyatt, Kempinski, Westin & Le Meridien, working in Australia, Mexico, Hong Kong, Turkey, Taiwan, South Korea and China.
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Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with KY Development Co., Ltd., a Seoul based manufacturing and distribution company, for a Hyatt Place hotel in Seoul. The hotel will be the first Hyatt Place hotel in Seoul, marking the upscale select service brand’s entry into the South Korean and Northeast Asian markets. Expected to open in 2016, Hyatt Place Seoul will join three existing Hyatt-branded hotels in Seoul, including Park Hyatt Seoul, Grand Hyatt Seoul and Hyatt Regency Incheon.
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Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top-performing 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.
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Las Vegas’ newest Strip starlet, PIN UP’s Claire Sinclair, is celebrating her 22nd Birthday on Thursday, May 23, 2013. Fans of PLAYBOY’s 2011 Playmate® of the Year are invited to wish her happy birthday during several special events.Thursday, May 2310:30 p.m. PIN UP Performance at Stratosphere Theater
Claire will be surprised with a custom made birthday cake prepared by Stratosphere’s Pastry Chefs during Thursday night’s 10:30 p.m. performance of PIN UP inside Stratosphere Theater. Every audience member will receive a complimentary piece of cake following the show. Tickets are $49.99, plus taxes, $10 more for VIP seats. Locals receive a 25% discount.
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