Wins Geographic Championship

"What historic site was carved from sandstone in about 1200 B.C.? This site includes two huge temples and statues of an ancient ruler."
That's the question that gave three students from Mexico victory over teams from Canada and the United States in the final round of the eighth National Geographic World Championship, a biennial contest of geography knowledge. Fourteen other international teams competed in the event, which has been held since 1993.
Ángel Aliseda-Alonso, 16, Carlos Elías Franco-Ruiz, 14, and Emanuel Johansen-Campos, 15, answered correctly to unseat five-time champ the United States, snaring the first-ever win for Mexico.
Watch as TV's "Jeopardy" host Alex Trebek moderates during the final round at SeaWorld San Diego, and find out if you can correctly answer the question that won Mexico the gold.

Angkor's Ancient Enormity Uncovered

The largest religious complex in the world, Cambodia's Angkor Wat (pictured) is the jewel in the vast Angkor archaeological site.
The lost city was an ancient wonder of urban sprawl, according to a new survey that uncovered 74 temples and more than a thousand artificial ponds in Angkor's "suburbs."
The Khmer Empire's King Suryavarman II built Angkor Wat between A.D. 1113 and 1150 to honor the Hindu god Vishnu. Carved from soft sandstone, the temple complex's statues crumbled and toppled in the wake of Angkor's decline. Still guarded by a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) moat, the restored Angkor Wat today fuels a booming tourist trade at the modern town of Siem Reap.

Baby Leopards, Venice's New Bridge, More

Two-month-old Persian leopard cubs snarl for the camera during their debut at the Budapest Zoo on Tuesday.
The rare babies are among triplets—a male and two females—born to captive leopards in June as part of a Persian leopard breeding program. About 70 live in zoos worldwide.
The big cats are native to Middle Eastern countries including Iran and Afghanistan, where, experts say fewer than 2,000 animals remain in the wild.
Researchers are striving to save the Persian leopard, which is the largest of the subspecies and is listed as endangered by the World Conservation Union.

New Baby Gorilla, Glacial Nudes, More

Calvera, whose discovery was announced on August 20, may be the closest neutron star to Earth, at a mere 250 to 1,000 light-years away, scientists say. Neutron stars are ultradense, cold remnants formed when extremely large stars collapse after going supernova. The find's name hails from the villain of the 1960 western The Magnificent Seven, since Calvera is now the eighth known "isolated" neutron star—meaning it was discovered without associated supernova debris, stars, or pulsating radio waves. According to Robert Rutledge, lead author of a study on the star slated to appear in an issue of the Astrophysical Journal, the new find is rather mysterious. "Either Calvera is an unusual example of a known type of neutron star, or it is some new type of neutron star, the first of its kind," he said in a press release, adding that its closeness and brightness make it a great candidate for further study.

Opera will deliver In park Divoka SHarka under opened by sky

In Cheches will once again is exposed one of the main of the church valuables Zavishov cross. The Double byzantine silver cross by height 70 refer to and width 28 refer to cover слоем gild, as well as украшен 44 jewels and 166 (on the other versions 174) жемчужинами. Also, the cross decorate nine enamel medallions with scenes saint. The History of the cross darkenning: the known only that Zavish from Falikenshteyna, which he изначально belonged to, got him(it) in XIII age from treasure house угерских (hungarian) of the princes at marriage on sister Ladislava Ugerskogo. It Is Buried Zavish in priory цистерцианцев in city Upper (High) Ford, and owner of the cross was for a long time shown priory while in 1939 relic was not вывезена in Germany nazi. Later cross to manage to bring back into priory, and he single was once exposed on the general review - in Prague hail in 70-h year past age, together with коронационными регалиями. However in honour of 750-летия basis of the priory cross together with other valuable subject in 2009 will was submitted for exposures in priory Vysshem Ford, where his(its) will be able to see all interested persons.

Columbus' Italian birthplace is still blinded

GENOA Genoa IF You ignore the debate amongst scientist, - a birthplace Columbus Christopher. But after visit the glorified history port, You could wonder why researcher ever remained.
Tricked in the whole mass REDNIH ages and Renaissance, this was probably deafened. Even half-millennium after its zenith, Italian reductions of the port impressive figure.
This Italian city follows closely for two from my other loved city, San Francisco and Barcelona. Like both, this has beautiful холмистую terrain and tradition of the navigation. While, for some reason, Genoa slithers under radar of the many guidebooks. The Books, which we used in two preceding trip in Italy of the carrying nary reference of the city. Our last trip was отцентрирована in region Piedmont around Turin and we have solved to add Genoa and Italian Riviera. I pleased we do.
All- Genoa can not push past Rome, Venice and Florenciya amongst Italy must-see the city, this - an incredible point. The Prices reasonable she more crowded with tourist, museum teem and he offers the incredible kitchen, with the emphasis seafood and local profession, pesto.
Stroll through Medieval skin of the centre away century. The Labyrinth of the narrow streets lives in nearly permanent shade since 500- year buildings bend over in while they nearly will not meet. No street follows the direct line for long and she - a call to keep importance of the direction. But get lost is part of funs. Each twist and tumbling shows the surprise, from 500- year palace and glorious церквей before carefully modern cafe Internet and fashionable small restaurant or granular red light county. There is casual surprise mini-traffic jam as defined inch past Italian driver on impossibly narrow street each other.
Genoa Was an important shopping centers third century B.C. The Sailors have missed the worldwide trade messes for the first time since Finikiycy and Greeks. Genoa Offered turning the point for Fighter. And, this was a main плейером in European politician from 13 through 16-e centuries. The Salesmen dumped their incom in stunning lining palace renamed Through Garibaldi. Then, was named Via Aurea, or gold street, approaching name. Many 16-e palace of the century are now museum. And other have a courtyards opened to public.
But port - that really does Genoa to work. The Big part обновлена flooring, is slid for sailboats, galleon, restaurants, touristy shops and incredible aquarium and Mare Galata Museo divide share .
I have lost most afternoon, strolling музее. If You - lodka-v-a-bottle type lad or ventilator Patrick O'Brian, this place beats the coast to remain on Coast Barbary with pocket full doubloons and bottles of the rum. This covers the ship and sailor with the most early суден up to today. He has full restored 17-е-столетие Genovese galley, accompanied by detailed profile of the mans, who intensified these quick ship with banks весел. My wife loved the amusement of the multimedia sea journey in early part of the last century. The Films contrast crowded Atlantic crossing the bounded America migrants on management with sides and dancing flappers above. The Museum glassed-in rooftop gives the panaramic type of the still work and city of the port, rising on mountainside. This - also big point to observe the sun installed on Ligurian By sea.
Acquario di Nearby abacus Genova Themselves as big aquarium in Europe. This has a necessary sharks, penguin and dolphin, which get the visitors that the most main aquariums. But this also has really good exhibit skates and ray, where You may really concern their soft tel. The Other section selects the contributions world- road naturalist, including Charles Darwin. The Tank of the coral from Red Epidemic deathes is filled colorful and outlandish to look fish. This foots, certainly развлечет детей .
As soon as You have built the appetite, смотрящий quite fish, port was going to the restaurant. I have tasted to mussels and traditional noodle with pesto and green bean in Le Maschere in 2/4r Through Ponte Calvi, downwards beside port.
Since traditional birthplace Columbus, Genoa could be excused to overdo moving the researcher. But Columbus' glory does not seem exceed here. Certainly, for equivalent around $4, You may compress in small house where he ostensibly lived for a while as child to see the disappointing display which he could look look like, then. But Genoa - not excess with enterprise, street, square and party was identified after he. You probably see the name Garibaldi and Doria more often. The Military feats Garibaldi's Giuseppe in mid-1800s were central in Italies of the unifications. And Admiral Andrea Doria created Genoa's naval and political power in early 1500s.
The City Nervi does the beautiful lateral trip from Genoa. This - where rich went to become away thereof all in 19-e century. In less than 10 miles from Genoa, this - a short trip of the train. The Walk of the seaside deserves its glory. It follows low s along sea edge, pressing casual small coast. During season, Parco Villa Grimaldi speak that display 2,000 rows of the roses, all- we saw only one solitary bloom in our зимнем visit.
As resolute (some could speak stubborn) hiker, I have persisted that we continue to pass the coast in searching for of the excellent restaurant . We have found the perfection in city Bogliasco, in restaurant il .The Menu of the seafood changes since day catch. We have separated that I awkwardly перевожу as plate of the sampler of the seafood of the delicate anchovy, скампи prawns, oysters and blanching fish I could not translate, accompanied by lobster ravioli and aiming roasted fish. All were such fresh, I expected the half, which this to sail the plate and in its mouth. Ditto friend regular, Silvio, drilled us through menu and spent the afternoon, talking with us on carafe Spumante, refreshing Italian fizzy blame.
All- Genoa probably does not догонит their own знаменитых peer amongst Italian location, this deserves the visit in extended Italian furlough, or in one of the following trip after Italy was conquered your warmhearted and frequent return.

Beijing Olympics

Although the 2008 Summer Olympics, being held Aug. 8-24 in Beijing, are still a full year away, making plans to attend the games has already come down to a roulette-like gamble of hurry-up-and-wait, with choices narrowing as time goes by.
The most important task is securing tickets, which can be difficult. Only a certain number of tickets are allocated to each country, and direct ticket-buying in each is only available to local residents. Unfortunately, June 30 was the cutoff date for entering the lottery to reserve the exact tickets you want. But there are other options if you're willing to compromise on price or on which events you attend.
For starters, keep tabs on a tour operator and the sole official 2008 ticket agent in the United States. Early reservations are being confirmed and tickets allocated now through September; whatever is left will be sold live, first come first served, starting this October. Exact sale dates are unconfirmed, so keep checking for updates. Tickets range from $5 for events such as baseball to $773 for the opening ceremonies, said Adam Wixted, a CoSport spokesman.
If you would rather pay a bit extra to get tickets now, the resale market is already an option. Don't expect to find many sales by individuals on sites like eBay until next July, when tickets are distributed. However, professional resale brokers, who often buy their own tickets or have prearranged deals for the unused tickets of wholesale buyers (like corporate sponsors), already are selling tickets by the thousands at Web sites like , an aggregator for resale brokers, often with buyer guarantees.
One reason for the exceptionally high demand already seen for Beijing's Olympics is the comparative affordability of tickets, said Don Vaccaro, chief executive of TicketLiquidator.
"Beijing is tougher because they took special care and effort to make the pricing low enough to make sure that most of the events - if not all of the events - would sell out," he said. "They didn't want what happened in Torino - where Olympians were playing to far less than packed houses - to happen in Beijing."
The bigger problem, he said, would be finding affordable air fare and a place to stay. As with ticket sales, it's a question of timing, availability and luck. With Olympic Committee members, journalists and corporate sponsors from around the world planning to flood Beijing, availability is tight.
This is particularly true at the luxury end. "Almost all the five-star or luxury hotels in Beijing during the Olympic Games time frame will be blocked," said Dawei Wu, communications director for the China National Tourist Office. Tour operators may be your best option: Major hotel booking sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity won't accept reservations until roughly 330 days before arrival, which means individuals booking a hotel online have to wait until early September. Ditto for plane tickets.
A second issue arises from a combination of lengthy minimum-stay requirements and inflated room rates, with the inability of tour operators other than CoSport to secure tickets.
"We're working with the Peninsula and you have to spend a week there," said Donna Foersom, marketing manager for Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury tour operator that will not be offering Olympic-themed packages, but which can arrange custom itineraries. "Without a guarantee of tickets, it's a difficult thing for people to take up."
Some tour operators have prearranged deals with local hotels. One example is Let's Travel China which has secured the entire 218-room Plaza Hotel for its clients as part of their Olympic tour packages, with minimum-stay requirements of only four nights.

The Wedge Issue

Ever since the creation of Amtrak in 1970-1971, the opponents of passenger trains, primarily those involved in the competing highway and air modes, have tried almost every possible tactic to kill or at least diminish the Amtrak system.
One of the earliest tactics, and one that continues to the present day, is the political attack upon long distance trains, representing them as an expensive anachronism that no normal person would choose to use when faster modes are available.
The arguments are specious. Their artificiality is highlighted when one examines the basis in reality of travelers’ trip length selections.
If it were possible to record the trip lengths of all trips within the U.S. taken by everyone, regardless of travel mode used, in a given time span, the distribution of these trip lengths would show many more short than long trips.
Short intra-urban trips would number the highest, long cross-country trips would be the fewest, and medium-length trips would be somewhere in between those extremes.
One of the traveler’s first considerations in planning a trip is selecting the transportation mode. Some modes are better suited to different lengths than others. The airplane would not be used to get across town, for example.
For those wanting to travel by train, because of its comfort and safety for example, the first step in planning a trip is to determine what train or trains cover the desired route. The traveler does not need to know whether the trains to be used are classified as long distance, medium distance or short distance. For many, perhaps a majority of trips, a traveler will use two or more connecting trains, since the destination is not likely to fall on the route of one particular train.
From the user’s standpoint, the distinctions among trains classified by distance are irrelevant. The user simply wants to reach a certain destination, and if the route requires overnight travel, may opt to use sleeping car service.
Except for the person wanting the experience of dining in a moving train or lying in bed while the train thunders through the night, most travelers by train choose that mode because of its convenience, comfort, safety, or because due to medical conditions they cannot drive or fly.
Because Amtrak was established to serve the public who wanted train travel, the first criterion for judging passenger train service must be how well it serves the public with regard to frequency of service, flexibility, comfort, safety and other amenities.
The approach of train-hating politicians is to put the cart before the horse—to eye budgets in order to cut them, rather than to examine how well the traveling public is being served. In fact, by improving and enlarging the passenger train system and serving the public better, budgets would improve; Amtrak’s financial picture would brighten.
Not only that, but pressure upon the nation’s highway system would be lightened and the tax burden associated with the myriad problems of highway usage reduced.
By hitting on long distance trains, these politicians attempt to drive a wedge into the Amtrak system and its supporters. They know that breaking up the long distance services would eventually kill Amtrak altogether, which is their ultimate aim.
Those responsible for Amtrak oversight must take a citizen-service view rather than that of a hostile bean-counter. There are small signs that such a change may be in the offing, which would bode well for the future of passenger trains in America.

Hotels raise room prices

VietNamNet Bridge – The prices of hotel rooms in the north have increased the most, at more than 21%, while it is 15.7% for hotels in the central region. Prices remain stable in the south.

The north also takes the lead for room occupancy, at more than 74%.

These are results of a survey on the hospitality industry of Vietnam in 2006-2007 by Grant Thornton Vietnam (GTV), a firm specialising in financial consulting and auditing services, based on the data supplied by 29 hotels of 3-5 star standard in Vietnam.

According to the survey, the number of local tourists who are able to afford to pay for luxurious rooms is on the rise.

To become a country with a developed tourism industry, with 6 million international visitors and $5 billion of revenue by 2010 as its goal, Vietnam has to build more 3-5 star hotels, with a total of 28,000 rooms in the next three years.

Qantas confirms frequent flyer changes on way

"The changes to the program themselves we would hope to have totally bedded down between March and June of next year," Mr Dixon said.
"That includes starting a Jetstar loyalty program and many of the major changes."
But Mr Dixon said changes to the ownership of the frequent flyer program, which may involve spinning it off into a separate company or fund, would take longer to determine.
"The ownership issue, how we go forward and how that plays out will take a bit longer maybe," he said.
The Qantas boss admitted to recently meeting with the company that manages Air Canada's loyalty program, Aeroplan, a rumoured suitor of the Qantas frequent flyer program.
But he said the meeting had been purely to discuss Aeroplan's business model, not investment opportunities.
"We've spoken to Aeroplan but we've spoken to them as much to find out... about how their program has gone.
"We are in no discussions with Aeroplan about any investment in the Qantas frequent flyer program and certainly no discussion about them taking over the program or buying it," Mr Dixon said.
A central theme of Mr Dixon's profit presentation was the important contribution the 'two brands' strategy - Qantas and Jetstar - had made to the company's $720 million net profit result.
In the last three years, Jetstar had added $250 million to the bottom line, Mr Dixon said.
"If Qantas had not started Jetstar three years ago, we would be sitting here saying something totally, totally different," he commented.
He tipped an even greater contribution from the low cost offshoot.
"I think Jetstar will probably come up to 10, 11 per cent of the group's profitability next year, maybe a little bit more," he said.
Qantas chief financial officer Peter Gregg echoed those comments.

Passengers got more than nuts on their New York flight

Passengers on a flight from Lima, Peru to LaGuardia airport in New York got more than juts the complimentary nuts they had bargained for after they witnessed a small monkey stowaway under another passenger's hat. Midway through the flight, passengers were surprised to see a small marmoset monkey crawl out from under a fellow passenger's hat and swing happily off his pony tail, report AP. Alison Russell, a spokeswoman for Spirit Airlines, gave her take on the monkey business that ensued. She said that after passengers first noticed the monkey on the man, they asked him "if he knew he had a monkey on him".The man was arrested on arrival and questioned by police, who decided to place the monkey in quarantine for a month before it will be sent to a zoo. Ms Russell added that once the primate was spotted it sat happily on its owner's lap until the end of the flight.

Hawaii Superferry

After years of planning, much environmental scrutiny and at least one start-up delay, it appears that Hawaii Superferry will begin inter-island service on 28.08.
The ferry will operate daily between Oahu and Maui, and Sunday-Friday between Oahu and Kauai. Each trip will take about three hours. A second ferry due to come online in 2009 will add another daily round-trip between Oahu and Maui and commence service between Oahu and the Island of Hawaii.
When the ferry was first proposed, it sounded like a money-saver for Hawaii Islands residents, many of whom found island-to-island air travel beyond their means. Then the idea was pooh-poohed as more air service came online, increased competition and brought airplane ticket prices down.
Others warn that the air competition can’t last forever and predict that some operators will be forced to leave the market, taking cheap ticket prices with them.
Some wonder whether a ferry service will be able to make a go of it. Ferries in Hawaii Islands have been attempted, and abandoned, in the past .
But maybe this is an idea whose time has finally come to stay. Hawaii Islands residents will be spared car-rental money by taking their own vehicles. Vacationers will get a feel of the Pacific and, hopefully, gain a better appreciation of the land.
There’s nothing like approaching the Islands from the ocean to engender respect for their unique place in the world.

Ralph set to make Tasman debut

Former All Blacks wing Caleb Ralph is poised to make his first appearance for Tasman after being named on the bench for their fourth round Air NZ Cup rugby match against Northland in Whangarei on Thursday night.

On loan from Canterbury, Ralph will make his first appearance since the Super 14 ended in May, and shapes as a ready made replacement for Canterbury-domiciled former All Black Rico Gear.
Last year's first choice halfback Kahn Fotuali'i is also named among the reserves for what will be his comeback from a broken hand sustained against Southland pre-season.
In the only injury-enforced change from the side that beat Hawke's 23-17 in Blenheim last Friday Blair Cook comes on to the wing for Afeleke Pelenisi, who is resting a minor leg injury.
World Cup bound All Blacks lock Chris Jack is replaced in the second row by Nathan George.
Tasman: Robbie Malneek, Blair Cook, Andrew Goodman, Joel Iggo, Kade Poki, Tim Taylor, Lualua Vailoaloa, Peter Nixon, Jonathan Poff, Alex Ainley, Nathan George, Chris Bentley, Ben Franks, Mark Stewart, Ben May.

international puppet festival

More than 20 of the best European ensemble groups will travel to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, at the end of this month to compete in the 40th annual International Puppet Festival.

Staged in the exquisite theatres and streets of the eastern European city, the puppetry festival will offer spectators enchanting performances set against words and music in which the puppets seem almost alive, special seminars on how to make and operate puppets, animation displays as well as a number of exhibitions.

Since its inception in 1967 the festival has been open to all forms of expression in puppetry, showcasing the most cutting edge experimentation alongside traditional art forms of past performers.

The International Puppet Festival is one of the world's foremost puppetry festivals and the performances will appeal to both children and adults, fascinated by the ancient and captivating art of puppetry.

Fancy going to this event? Use Opodo's travel search engine to find flights and hotels for your stay.

Italy's largest theme park

Gardaland, situated on the banks of Lake Garda in the heart of Verona, is the largest theme park in Italy, attracting more than 3m visitors every year.

Blending all the attractions of a top class water park (including an excellent dolphin park) with roller coasters, shows and family attractions, Gardaland is a perfect day out for anyone visiting the north of Italy.

Opened this year, the Gardaland Theatre hosts a number of Broadway-inspired shows while Time Voyagers takes riders on an "extra-sensorial" journey through time.

Other highlights include the Corsairs, a boat trip around a tropical island fully equipped with sea monsters and Spanish pirates and Blue Tornado, a roller coaster in which riders sit in a replica jet plane.

Space Vertigo is the requisite 40 metre free-fall rides, while the Fantasy Kingdom is a special area full of wondrous activities for smaller children. The Jungle Rapids, meanwhile, takes riders on a tour around an ancient civilisation on the side of an erupting volcano.

If you'd like to see this destination for yourself, use Opodo's travel search engine to find flights, hotels, holidays and car hire worldwide.

Mekong River

On the night of the fullest moon in October, the Mekong River in northern Thailand is lit up with hundreds of multicoloured fireballs in one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world.

Every year, on what is a deeply religious day in the Buddhist calendar, the Naga Fireballs rise through the water and into the sky, before disappearing.

While it is not clear exactly why the fireballs occur, some scientists have proposed that they are produced by fermentation of sediment in the river, which combusts in certain conditions and rise as a result of the gravitational pull of the moon, strongest on the full moon nights.

Needless to say, many believe that there is a far more spiritual reason for the appearance of the fireballs, which can also been seen in March, April, May and June. Indeed, local villagers believe they are caused by a mythical serpent living in the river, known as the Phaya Naga.

Whatever the cause, the Naga Fireballs are a truly magnificent sight to behold and are accompanied by a two day festival from 26 to 27 October, which boasts light shows, boat races and plenteous helpings of local cuisine.

Fancy going to this event? Use Opodo's travel search engine to find flights and hotels for your stay.

Japan, South Korea reach landmark

Japanese and South Korean transport officials reach a landmark decision to allow carriers from both countries freedom to increase flights as they wish.
At the end of a three-day meeting last week, Japanese and South Korean aviation transport officials reached a landmark decision to open up the skies over both countries, allowing carriers from both countries the freedom to increase flights as they wish.

The Japanese government via its 'Asia Gateway Plan' is aiming to remove restrictions on foreign airlines access to Japanese regional airports, thus boosting trade and tourism. "It will also help to spur greater liberalization within Asia, similar to the EU-US 'open skies' pact,” it said in a statement.

The two countries said they are keen to increase flights to accommodate the rising number of business and tourist taking shuttle flights, which currently totals 330 services per week from South Korea, and 92 services per week from Japan.

Under the agreement, with the exception of the already congested Tokyo airports, carriers may increase the number of passenger and cargo flights to their destinations without seeking government permission. Currently, Korean Air and Asiana fly to 26 cities in Japan, while ANA and Japan Airlines service seven cities in South Korea.

The landmark agreement opens up a potential passenger market of 300 million short-haul passengers, according to the Center for Asia Pacific Aviation. "The agreement can be expected to broaden in scope as more capacity becomes available at Narita and Haneda airports in the years ahead,” it said.

In 2003, Japan and South Korea started flights between Haneda in Tokyo and Gimpo in Seoul, both domestic airports.

The two countries are vying to become the North Asian aviation hub. South Korea wants to turn its Incheon International Airport into the region's aviation hub, while Japan will soon start shuttle flights from Haneda, Asia's busiest airport, to Shanghai in China.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau

Southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province is to hold its first international tourism fair from Oct. 19-23, the provincial Department of External Relations announced.
Five hundred booths promoting well-known domestic and foreign businesses will be on display at the fair, the largest so far in the region, according to Nguyen Ngoc Hung, the department's Director.
During the fair, many other activities such as seminars and cultural and cuisine festivals will be organised.

Apparition rumor lures tourists to Egypt

Tourists are flocking to Egypt's Minia region because some are claiming to have seen the "Virgin Mary." Made-up or not, apparition talks are good for Egypt's tourism industry.
Rumors about an apparition of the Virgin Mary in the sky have been circulating around Minia in Egypt. One apparently took place during a Christian feast. Another such rumor spread again a few months ago during the Virgin’s Festival at the Monastery of al-Tayr Mountain in Samalut, northern village of al-Minia. Nada Muhamad Ali of Sawt al-Umma said some people attending the festival claimed they have seen the Virgin surrounded by white doves over the mount.Over two million Christians, sometimes including Muslims, gather annually at the mountaintop church in the al-Tayr, a village north of Minya, Upper Egypt. People celebrate the annual moulid of the Holy Virgin, a popular celebration of a saint’s day or birthday and tradition going back to the ancient Egyptians, and involves a religious ceremony, festival song and dance, buying and selling, and the popular fastfood stalls, said Teresa Kamal of Al Watani International. The religious moulid itself promised no apparition, but was packed nevertheless.Hani Aziz, one of the festival’s visitors, said he has seen the image of Mary in the skies surrounded by white doves the night the fire broke out. But Coptic Christian thinker Jamal Asad said the legend of the apparition during the festival was just made-up. Ali said Asad confirmed it was merely a story spread by some folks in order to bring in more visitors and potential customers to the area. Rumors may have also been started to show that Egypt’s Christians can have miracles while Muslims cannot, reported Ali.Whether just hearsay or real images, Marian phenomenon isn’t happening, however, for the first time in the land of the pharaohs.Back in 2000, southern Egypt made headlines when church officials confirmed thousands of Christians have reported sightings of Mary in Assiut. Father Mina Hanna, secretary of the Assiut’s Council of Churches reported people slept on the streets around the Church of St. Mark to see the apparitions. They stood on rooftops for a glimpse.Christians in Assiut said the first apparition came two-and-a-half weeks in a row but that there have since been several more. Images of the Virgin Mary with outstretched hands and a light emanating from them, accompanied a smell of incense and large numbers of pigeons, dazzled by-standers, said officials. Birds seem to be a common element of the sightings.Assiut is believed to be one spot the "Holy Family" visited for six months and 10 days after fleeing from Bethlehem in Palestine onwards to Egypt. The site is marked by the Church of the Holy Virgin, built in March 1960. A monastery in the area is the Holy Virgin Monastery on the western mountain of Assiut about 10 km southwest of the city. More than 100 meters above the Nile Valley plain, inside the mountain is a cave that dates back to 2500 BC apparently used by the Holy Family on their return journey to Bethlehem. A monastery was built close to this cave. Outside the cave is another rock-cut church of the Virgin and the Archangel Michael. Two churches are carved between rock layers projecting from the mountain, some 170 meters above the ground; giving it the name Hanging Monastery.If apparitions caused migration and increased visitations, it is fascinating to note how one leader used it to his own advantage. President Nasser spared no time in cashing in himself. During his presidency, the church and the government enjoyed a good relationship, especially since Nasser’s policies were in favor of secularization. He was quite capable of using religion for his own good, as he cast the Virgin’s apparition in 1968 in a political light to cheer up his people, presenting the event as a sign of heavenly support for his very own policies, said Wael Abdul Fattah of Sawt al-Umma.Apparitions may have blended well with the tourism program highlighting the path of the "Holy Family" in Egypt, which includes 25 religious destinations. Member of the Association for the Revival of the Egyptian National Heritage or NEHRA Samir Mitri Jayyid, once said the journey of the Holy Family can serve as a major tourist attraction in Egypt. True to then tourism minister Mamdouh Beltagui’s words, in the turn of the third millennium, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism even issued a multi-language pamphlet on the religious destinations of the Holy Family, Jayyid recalled. Religious tourism grew.

Chinese travelers embracing Internet bookings, study shows

The Internet has become a popular destination for Chinese travelers trying to make their travel arrangements. According to a new study, up 72 percent from the previous year, and is expected to double to 5.7 million users in 2008.
China's online travel market was worth an estimated 1.54 billion yuan (US$204) in 2006, recording a growth of 82 percent from 2005, according to a month-long study recently released by Shanghai-based iResearch Consulting Group.The report revealed that at least 2.75 million Chinese travelers booked hotel rooms, air tickets and other travel services on the Internet, up 72 percent from the previous year, and is expected to double to 5.7 million users in 2008."Currently the market is still small, less than 1 percent," said Dai Bin, professor at Beijing International Studies University. "But, there is a huge potential to develop this market."According to Hu Guodong, manager of the Internet Department at Beijing UTS International Travel Services, travel agencies operate on a very “thin” profit margin. "Banks have to offer better terms to make online payment (at 1 percent) more attractive compared to swiping a credit card (at 0.1 percent),” Guodong said.Despite the phenomenal growth in online travel bookings in China, the Internet is still seen as a medium for travel information, while payment is completed offline in the traditional method, according to the study. "The online market is still controlled by a few companies."The data collected for the survey came from approximately 60,000 Internet users across China.

Spanish tourists in Yemen again

Spanish tourists are once again traveling to Yemen after last month's deadly terrorist attack.
The correspondent of the Al-Ayyan daily could meet seven Spanish tourists, a man and six women, and one Swedish in Shibam of Hadhramout, according to the independent daily.The paper said the tourists arrived in Yemen last July 28 and headed to Hdhramout after visits to Sana'a, Amran, Hajja and Thula.The visit of the Spanish tourists came four weeks after eight Spaniards were killed in a terrorist attack in Marib on July 2."We have never received any warnings from Yemeni authorities or our friends in Spain up to now, but we our friends encouraged us to travel to Yemen," the paper quoted one of the tourists, named Michael, as saying.Our families have tried to prevent us travel to Yemen, but we could convince them that this country deserves to be visited and that we will be careful," said Michael.The Spanish team said they have heard about the Marib terror attack as they have been still in Spain, according to the source."We have been embarrassed when we heard about the attack, but our pains and fears disappeared and we are now in Yemen. We came to Yemen..and we are sure the country is safe and the situation is normal. We are optimistic that everything will go well," another female tourist said.The tourist said Yemen is still unknown for many Europeans and information about it is very little. "Yemen is beautiful and wonderful. We are now in Shibam which has wonderful ancient buildings, made of mud," she said.They denied that the attack in Marib might harm the image of Yemen."It is impossible. The aim of such an attack is bad. It aims to show Muslim people as terrorists and this is wrong. Some people may believe this, but who know a lot about Yemen cannot believe that, they will find that Yemenis are kind", they said.According to the source, the Spanish tourists confirmed they would visit Marib "despite the bitter memory."

Lima international airport

Fraport, the manager of Frankfurt International Airport, has added Lima's international airport to the list of airports it owns.
Germany-based airport manager Fraport has announced it now owns Lima international airport 100 percent, from its earlier 42.75 share. However, a portion of the airport shares will subsequently be sold to other partners, but the airport manager said will retain at least 60 percent. Peru International Airport is the main gateway for Peru, serving about six million passengers in 2006. Fraport said Peru recorded double-digit growth in the first half of 2007 (approximately 25 percent), adding that when it entered the Peruvian market in 2001 the airport only had about four million passengers.The Lima Airport Partners (LAP) company has already invested about 150 million euros (approximately US$207 million) in modernizing and expanding the passenger terminal as well as improving airside infrastructure. The airport concession runs for 30 years with an option to extend. From the beginning, Fraport said it assumed the contractual role of airport manager and is responsible particularly for operations, security, planning and maintenance.Fraport and its two partners - US construction company Bechtel initially held 42.75 percent and Peru's Cosapi the remaining 14.5 percent - won the Lima international airport bid in the autumn of 2000. The consortium took over the operation of Lima Airport on February 14, 2001. Bechtel then acquired Cosapi's share in 2002 and bundled this with its own stake into Alterra Lima Holdings - in which the Singapore-based airport operator Changi also held shares. With the acquisition of Alterra Lima Holdings' 57.25 percent stake, Fraport has claimed it now owns all of the Lima Airport shares. Up to a maximum of 40 percent of the shares will be sold to Peruvian investors and the World Bank investment fund (IFC), whereby Fraport will retain at least 60 percent over the long termIn 2006, LAP had revenues of about 80 million euros (Approximately US$110 million) and the EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) reached almost 20 million euros (approximately US$28 million). Employment climbed to 420.Fraport also manages Frankfurt International Airport, which consistently ranks high in Europe and rest of the world for both passenger and cargo figures. Separately, the airport manager has taken steps to address the debate on climate change. Claiming that environmental protection is a central principle of its corporate philosophy, Fraport said the overriding aim is to make a contribution to preserving the fundamentals of life for future generations. “In order to fulfill our special responsibility as airport operators, at Fraport AG we have integrated environmental management in the strategic management of our company,” the Frankfurt-based airport operator said. It added: “Economic and ecological efficiency, as well as sustainability, are the key coordinates of our environmental policy. For us, avoiding pollution is more important than removing its consequences. In concrete terms, this means that for us the sparing use of the natural resources of land, water, air and energy has priority.”

Prince Charles backs British tourism

The Prince of Wales has given the royal seal of approval to next year's British Tourism Week. His involvement raises the profile of tourism in the British economy as London prepares to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
LONDON (eTN) - The Prince of Wales has agreed to be the royal patron of British Tourism Week next year. The Prince’s participation will raise the profile of the event which is scheduled for March 10 to 18, 2008.British Tourism Week ’08 marks the start of a year in which the British tourism industry’s priority is preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. “His Royal Highness’ participation in British Tourism Week will help us raise even greater awareness of tourism experiences in this country,” said Stephen Dowd, chairman of British Tourism Week and director of UKinbound. “His interests in many of the quintessential elements that constitute Britain’s tourism brand make The Prince the perfect ambassador.”Events planned for the Week will raise international awareness of the size and importance of Britain’s visitor economy, valued at about Ј85 billion per year. It will highlight the contribution made by large and small businesses in the sector. VisitBritain’s travel trade fair, March 11 to 12 will be the centerpiece of British Tourism Week and other regional events will take place around Great Britain at the same time.“The Prince of Wales’ support is further evidence of the critical importance of tourism to the UK economy and of our royal heritage to the tourism industry,” said Tom Wright, VisitBritain chief executive. “His Royal highness has consistently supported our industry over many years and has been an influential ambassador at home and abroad.”British Tourism Week is a new creation. Its first edition this year included over 50 events across the country and attracted the attention of over 300 politicians who visited tourism enterprises in their constituencies. Members of Parliament signed a pledge card backing the events in Parliament and a motion recognizing the value of tourism in the national economy. An exhibition of photography by MPs and members of the Welsh Assembly was held at the Britain and London Visitor Centre.“Tourism’s importance to the UK’s economy can often be overlooked and our industry suffers when we fail to recognize that every business contributes to a greater whole,” said Dowd. “Together during British Tourism Week, we can change the perception that the different sectors, from transport and tour operators to accommodation providers, travel agencies and attractions, operate independently.”British Tourism Week is organized by VisitBritain and UKinbound with support from the Tourism Alliance, Tourism Society, ABTA and Britain’s national and regional tourist boards.VisitBritain was named the world’s leading tourist and convention bureau at the 2006 World Travel Awards, and promotes Britain as a world-class tourist destination. It is responsible fo developing the visitor economy of England with a network of representative offices in 36 countries. VisitBritain is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the government department which includes tourism in its policy remit, under an Act of Parliament.Travel, hospitality and attractions form Britain’s fifth-largest industry, directly employing over 1.4 million people. VisitBritain plays a key role in designing common standards for accommodation grading and quality assurance. VisitBritain, VisitScotland, the Wales Tourist Board, and the Automobile Association now have common quality standards. It has provided many small and medium enterprises with marketing support that they could not have otherwise afforded. VisitBritain’s marketing and PR activities are an essential part of improving Britain’s image abroad, particularly as London will be hosting the 2012 Olympic Games. VisitBritain and DCMS are working to ensure that the interests of the visitor economy are at the forefront of government work to prepare for the Games and to create a lasting legacy for the visitor economy.

Hawaii loses to Italy

It is Italy over Hawaii for this year's Modern Bride "world's best honeymoon" spot.
Italy has dethroned Hawaii as the world's No. 1 honeymoon destination in Modern Bride magazine's annual "World's Best Honeymoons" survey.Italy was ranked third on last year's list. This is the first time the country has come in first on the honeymoon survey.Second on the list was Hawaii, which was the top destination in the Modern Bride survey for a decade. Tahiti came in third, followed by Costa Rica at No. 4 (up from No. 10 last year), Mexico, France, the Maldives, Anguilla, Fiji and Greece.Hawaii’s popularity as a honeymoon retreat has been slipping in recent years. The number of honeymooners traveling to the Aloha State fell to 215,973 through the first six months of this year, a 1.2 percent drop from the same period in 2006, according to statistics from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. That follows a 0.7 percent decline in 2006 compared with 2005.The 11th annual survey was conducted through a network of 6,000 luxury travel agents who ranked their 50 favorite honeymoon spots. The results appear in the magazine's August/September issue.Other "bests" on the list were Caneel Bay, St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, for resort with the best beach; the Four Seasons in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for resort with the best spa; and the Mandarin Oriental in San Francisco for most luxurious bathrooms. The Premier Overwater Villa at the St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora, French Polynesia, was cited for having the "ultimate honeymoon suite." Mexico, Las Vegas and the Dominican Republic were named most affordable honeymoon destinations, and Costa Rica, South Africa and New Zealand were named best places for adventure.

Malaysians to get ‘Tune money’

Malaysians are given yet another way to travel. Want to have total control on how much to spend during a trip? Meet "Tune money."
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (eTN) – Tune, the group that introduced Malaysian travelers to budget flights and Asia’s first no-frills hotel, has announced a new concept called “Tune money.”In a three-way tie up with credit card company Visa and one of Malaysia’s mobile phone networks, Celcom, “Tune money” will function as a prepaid Visa card and is estimated to be made available by December this year."Cardholders will be able to transfer money via simple mobile phone to mobile phone transactions besides using it to withdraw cash from Visa's global network," said CEO Tengku Zafrul Aziz.The new financial service offered by the group is expected to attract up to a million subscribers by next year, according to the company’s projections.In addition to targeting traditional high-end travelers who prefer the prepaid card to control their travel spending, the new travel scheme is also eyeing the estimated 3 million foreign workers in the country who will now have a low-cost payment card."Tune Money prepaid card holders will not only be able to withdraw cash from ATMs around the world, but make purchases at any merchant outlet that has a Visa plus mark at their outlets," added Tengku Aziz.

How To Save Money on Your Next Hotel Reservation

Planning a trip? Whatever the budget for a trip or vacation, most people would like to save a little - or a lot - of money when booking hotels, airfares and other trip necessities.
At Travel-like-a-pro.com, we specialize in helping people save money when booking their trips and vacations. In this article, you will find tips for booking a hotel and making the reservation as smooth and affordable as possible.
Search for hotels or resorts of your choice by using online travel-specific search engines such as expedia.com or orbitz.com. These sites contain powerful engines which will do the legwork for you in looking for the best rates to be found online. They do the comparisons for you, and are fairly flexible so that you can search by your priority, such as price, star rating or proximity to attractions.
Use your travel agent if you have a good relationship. It pays to develop and maintain a relationship with a preferred agency, as you will then become a 'preferred' customer of theirs, and can take advantage of the best pricing available. They may even have an online or physical mailing list they can put you on to be notified immediately of great deals.
Join the last minute club or some similar travel savings club. These organizations often have blocks of tickets and hotel rooms and can offer better rates because of this. They also have buying power with hotels and airlines because they frequently send them business, and thus can offer you savings over retail, especially, as you might expect, on 'last-minute' trips.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, consider calling the hotel/s yourself. Be straightforward and polite, and ask if there are any discounts you can take advantage of, and ask if they can do any better, offer you an upgrade, anything they can do. Many hotel clerks have confided that they have the authority to offer complimentary upgrades or discounts to clientele, but they will not do so unless they are directly asked. He who asks, receives! Try calling two of your top choices and mention that you are down to these last two choices, and see what the best offer is...sometimes a little competition (without threats) can induce a reservation employee to do a little better for you.
Get a Travel Agent ID Card. This is a tool your travel agent would not appreciate you knowing about, but it can easily be done, and you will save many thousands of dollars on hotels, airfare, car rentals and more over your lifetime. According to Steven Green, a successful Realtor in Toronto, Canada, 'My wife got a Travel Agent ID several years ago, and it has paid for itself many times over. We've saved thousands over the years and it was definitely a worthwhile investment."
With these tips, and those found in the travel planning secrets resource guide available at http://travel-insurance.thehostcity.com/ , you can be the envy of all your friends and save more of your money for spending on fun things while you are away, by never paying inflated retail travel rates again!
Shauna Arthurs is a writer/editor and Co-founder/owner of a network of web-based help sites, including http://travel-insurance.thehostcity.com/ , home of Travel Industry Secrets - never pay inflated retail travel rates again!

Never Travel in the Dark Again; Let the Blindguy Show You the Way

Traveling Blind Again Travel Agency announces that is opening a virtual online office. Traveling Blind Again specializes in providing every client with the exceptional travel experience. Whether traveling on business or pleasure, Traveling Blind Again Travel Agency is the total travel solution.
In addition to the services one would expect from an online travel site, Traveling Blind Again Travel Agency also offers the personal touch with the ability to call and talk to a live person 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Agency also offers custom travel with special group tours and individualized honeymoons.
Traveling Blind Again Travel Agency is providing the first 100 clients to book a flight, vacation, hotel, tour, or rental car get a free 3 day/2 night mini vacation at one of 25 four and five star resorts.
Traveling Blind Again Agency offers a free subscription group with travel specials, tour specials and vacation packages as they become available. Just send them an email to be included in this service.

Watch That Hotel Bill

Chris Woodyard at USA Today (is it me or does he indeed look slightly like a thinner John Edwards?) explains that during the last few years, hotel prices on their way up met airfares on their way down. His logical conclusion is that you'd better pay attention to the overall cost of a business trip rather than be obsessed with just the price of your flight. And then there are plenty of costly extras like outrageous parking fees, telephone and internet bills that would make sense if the cabling was gold-plated, and $5 water bottles. According to the article it's now hard to find full-service hotels for less than $150 a night. What happened to American affordability?

In brief

Sharjah named best stand at BITETHE

The emirate of Sharjah won the best stand design award among more than 800 participating stand at the Beijing International Tourism Expo.
Representatives of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) received the award. The award is considered to be among the most important and is based on various research and studies, and the opinion of the organising committee in coordination with the Chinese Tourism Authority. The SCTDA aims to benefit from the huge potential of the Chinese market which exports more than 20 million tourists a year, a number which is forecasted to reach 100 million by 2020

Emquest signs new customers

EMQUEST, the rebranded travel services provider for the Emirates Group, has expanded its customer portfolio with the signing of several new agreements. Among its new clients are Automated Systems Company (ASC), Dubai Travel & Tourism Agents Group (DTTAG) and Indian travel agency Cox & Kings. These latest signings add to EmQuest’s new contracts with BCD Travel, Al Rais Travel and AIG Travel, which were also formalised recently.

New Yemen branch for SabreSABRE

Travel Network Middle East opened its second branch in Aden. The company also celebrated its substantial growth in Yemen with a gala dinner attended by its Sana’a-based travel agency partners. Sabre’s market share in Yemen rocketed from 36 per cent to 50 per cent in 2006. The increase in just one year was made possible by the signing of Sabre’s largest ever deal in the country, a full exclusive agreement with Universal Travel and Tourism (UTT). This deal has now been renewed.Another significant milestone for Sabre was the implementation of a DCA (direct connect availability) agreement for Yemenia, Yemen’s national air carrier.

New tourism standards for Bahrain

THE protection of local traditions and culture in Bahrain will be among the main objectives of the island’s new Sustainable Tourism Society. The body, which is in the process of being formed, hopes to encourage more women to take up jobs within the industry and promote responsible tourism among visitors and residents.

Amadeus adds 5000 new hotels

AMADEUS has added 5,000 more hotel properties to its distribution system since October last year. A global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, Amadeus, will provide Gulf travel agents with access to 75,000 properties across the globe, said a company official. The company has also increased the number of small, independent and budget accommodation connected to its system by 38 per cent since last October, he said.

150 Million UK Passengers for Budget Airline easyJet

Eleven-year-old budget airline easyJet recently carried its 150-millionth UK passenger, from Bristol International Airport to Barcelona. To honor the occasion, the low-cost airline gave their landmark passenger one year’s unlimited free travel from Bristol with easyJet.
After starting with two leased planes on November 10th, 1995, easyJet has expanded its fleet to 137 aircraft, which carry more than 35 million passengers a year between 83 airports in 22 countries.
easyJet introduced flights from Bristol a little over five years ago. During the next twelve months, easyJet expects Bristol passenger traffic to pass 3.3 million, an increase over 2.7 million carried in the previous twelve months.
Tony Hallwood, Aviation Development Director at Bristol International Airport, said, “Over 13 million passengers have flown on easyJet services to and from Bristol International.”
Service from Bristol, easyJet’s second largest base, continues to expand, with new routes to Funchal, Lisbon, Innsbruck, and Gdansk scheduled to begin operation in the fall.

Park Hyatt Shanghai Highest Hotel in the World

When the Park Hyatt Shanghai opens its doors in July of 2008, it will be the highest hotel in the world, giving all of its 174 guest rooms an eagle’s eye view of the Huangpu River below. It will be the second Park Hyatt hotel in China. The Park Hyatt Beijing is scheduled to open in late 2007.
The Park Hyatt Shanghai will occupy floors 79 through 93 of the new Shanghai World Financial Center . The 101 stories and 492 meters high building is located in the center of the Lujiazui business district in Pudong and will be the tallest roof-top building in the world.
The eighty standard guest rooms will feature courtyards between connecting rooms. The courtyards can be closed off to create a private area for family and friends. Room facilities will include day beds along the sky balcony, walk-in dressing rooms with front and back mirrors, and a separate guest powder room. Large bathrooms will have oversized monsoon rain showers, double sinks, and an Oriental bathing area. Electronic features include flat-screen plasma televisions, DVD players, broadband internet access, and coffee machines. An additional plasma TV will be embedded in the bathroom vanity mirror. The rooms will range in size from 55 to 60 square meter and have 3.1 meter high ceilings.
The hotel will have 32 suites with 75 to 180 square meters of space, including eight specialty suites. The specialty suites will have two king-size beds in the master bedroom, an oversized bathtub, and a private boutique restaurant with an open kitchen for private entertaining.
Guests will enter the hotel through a dramatic high entrance gate in the ground floor courtyard, which will lead them to elevators and the reception area. Reception will contain a ‘living room’, a ‘tea salon’, a ‘dining room’ and an intimate bar.
Meeting facilities in the ‘state guest house’ on the 86th Floor are comprised of eight private dining and meeting rooms. Every room offers the latest multimedia system, wireless broadband, a lounge area, along with an espresso machine and show pantry for coffee breaks and cocktails. The rooms will accommodate up to 72 people and range from 65 to 150sqm in size.
The floor below contains the water temple, the infinity pool, the tai-chi courtyard, and the studio of wellness. The 91st floor will contain a super-restaurant with show kitchens and 25-metre floor-to-ceiling windows. A western bar with live music and a Chinese-style bar will share the 92nd floor. The hotel’s highest floor will be the ‘mountain cottage’, a private space catering to up to 250 people for cocktails and 120 people for a seated dinner. A courtyard, function rooms, and a communal kitchen will be part of the ‘cottage’.
Mori Building is the developer of the eco-friendly skyscraper. Award-winning New York-based designer Tony Chi and his team will be responsible for the creation of the interior spaces.

Singapore Airlines Wins Skytrax Airline of the Year Award

Asian and Middle Eastern Airlines dominated the worldwide award categories in the 2006/7 World Airline Survey conducted by Skytrax. In the survey, Singapore Airlines was named Airline of the Year. Thai Airways came in second, while Cathay Pacific was third. Qatar Airways took fourth, with Qantas following in fifth place.
“The jostle for Airline of the Year title was fairly constant throughout the survey period, and in particular the top five positions fluctuated on quite a regular basis“, according to Edward Plaisted CEO of survey organization, Skytrax.
While Qatar also won Best First Class, Singapore Airlines took a second worldwide award by winning Best Business Class. Korean Air claimed Best Economy Class and another Asian carrier, Malaysian Airlines, won the Best Cabin Staff award.
For the Onboard Catering Awards, Gulf Air received the Best First Class Catering award. Awards for business and economy class catering went to Austrian and Etihad Airways, respectively.
Emirates continued its hold on the Best Inflight Entertainment spot. Korean Air gained a second worldwide award by taking fourth place in the same category. Thai Airway’s Royal First lounge at Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi Airport took the honors for Best First Class Lounge.
In the expanding economy field, Australia’s Jetstar was named the Best Low-Cost Airline in the world.
In regional awards, Qatar received two awards for the Middle East Region, winning both Best Cabin Staff and Best Airline. Asiana Airlines was named as the Best Airline in Northern Asia. The Best Low-Cost Airline award for Europe went to Air Berlin.
(The 2006/7 World Airline Survey was our longest running and largest passenger survey ever)said Plaisted . “We received over 14 million eligible nominations around the world during the 11 month survey, further underlining the project’s title of being the World’s Largest Passenger Survey.”

Houston Airport Doubletree Hotel Renovation Completed

The Doubletree Hotel at Houston Airport has completed a six million dollar renovation, upgrading its guest rooms, indoor and outdoor event facilities, dining services, and recreation areas.
The hotel’s 313 rooms and suites have been redone with cool colors, textures, and dark wood furniture. The beds’ plush-top mattresses are covered with a down duvet enclosed in triple sheeting, and provided with a generous number of pillows. Bathrooms have new granite-topped vanities, framed mirrors, and a curved shower rod that gives the shower twenty percent more space.
Technical amenities include complimentary wireless high-speed internet access, cordless dual-line phones, and MP3 compatible stereo clock-radios, along with an upgraded in-room entertainment package.
A 6,875 square foot ballroom is part of 18,500 square feet of meeting space that can now accommodate groups of up to five hundred people. Audiovisual technology has been added to the Kansas City Learning Center’s amphitheatre classroom, making it suitable for interactive training and seminars. The park-like outdoor courtyard has a swimming pool and whirlpool, along with a covered pavilion capable of hosting up to two hundred people.
The hotel has two restaurants. Oakley’s serves Texas specialties and provides extensive breakfast and lunch buffets. Derricks Saloon offers Tex-Mex fare, pool tables, video games and shuffleboard for evening entertainment. The coffee barista has Starbucks Coffee and morning pastries. The hotel provides room service during peak dining hours.
The Doubletree, situated outside the main entrance of the airport, is twenty miles from downtown Houston. Close to the corporate offices of Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Smith, Hydril, and Continental Airlines, it is a short drive to Minute Maid Park, Cynthia Woods Pavilion, the museum district, the theater district, Prime Outlets, Houston Speedway, and Sam Houston Race Park.
The hotel provides complimentary airport shuttle service to all terminals and offers a “stay-and-fly package” for local Houstonians that includes a one-night stay, breakfast for two and parking for either 7 or 14 days.
The Doubletree is located just north of Beltway 8 at 15747 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Houston, Tex. 77032.
Visit houstonintercontinentalairport.doubletree.com for reservations and information about this property or contact the hotel directly at 281-848-4000. For Doubletree Hotel Systems, Inc. reservations and information, visit www.doubletree.com or call 1-800-222-TREE in the U.S.A. and Canada.

Etihad Airways Expands to Daily Johannesburg Service

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways now flies daily to Johannesburg, South Africa, with an addition of five flights from the twice-weekly service it started in December of 2005. The route is served by the Airbus 330-200 carrying 22 business class and 240 economy class passengers. Johannesburg, South Africa’s wealthiest city, serves as a hub for connecting flights to Durban, Capetown, and member states of the Southern African Development Countries .
The increase in flights reflects demand from the increasing number of South Africans living in the Gulf region. Approximately 20,000 of these 100,000 South Africans are in the UAE.
Geert Boven, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president sales and services, said, “The demand for daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg has grown considerably during the past 12 months whether it is UAE-based South Africans flying home with Etihad or holidaymakers visiting South Africa.
Promotional round-trip fares for the new service start at AED 2,020 (US $550) for economy seats and AED 9,850 (US $2,682) in business class. Taxes and fees are additional. Passengers enrolled the Etihad loyalty program will be awarded double miles on this route through August.