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Friday, December 31, 2010
Avis Budget to Move Stock Exchange Listing to NASDAQ
Avis Budget Group Inc. announced Dec. 20 that it will move its stock exchange listing from The New York Stock Exchange to The NASDAQ Global Select Market, an exchange of The NASDAQ OMX Group Inc.
The Company currently expects trading to commence on the NASDAQ on Dec. 31, 2010 and will continue to be listed under the ticker symbol "CAR."
"We are thrilled to be joining the many forward-thinking, innovative companies listed on the NASDAQ," said Ronald L. Nelson, Avis Budget Group chairman and chief executive officer. "We are confident that the trading platforms that NASDAQ provides, and its world-class customer service, will benefit Avis Budget Group and our shareholders."
"Avis Budget Group is a globally recognized company whose essential services touch travelers every day," said Bruce Aust, executive vice president of global corporate client group for NASDAQ OMX. "We are proud to welcome Avis Budget Group and its well admired brands to NASDAQ."
The Company currently expects trading to commence on the NASDAQ on Dec. 31, 2010 and will continue to be listed under the ticker symbol "CAR."
"We are thrilled to be joining the many forward-thinking, innovative companies listed on the NASDAQ," said Ronald L. Nelson, Avis Budget Group chairman and chief executive officer. "We are confident that the trading platforms that NASDAQ provides, and its world-class customer service, will benefit Avis Budget Group and our shareholders."
"Avis Budget Group is a globally recognized company whose essential services touch travelers every day," said Bruce Aust, executive vice president of global corporate client group for NASDAQ OMX. "We are proud to welcome Avis Budget Group and its well admired brands to NASDAQ."
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Expedia Hides American Airlines Prices After Orbitz Dispute
Expedia Inc.'s travel website is hiding airfares for American Airlines after the third-largest U.S. carrier pulled data from Orbitz Worldwide Inc. as part of a legal dispute, according to Bloomberg.
Prices for American flights no longer appear at the top of the site when passengers search for tickets, while those for competitors such as United Continental Holdings Inc. are still shown side by side so travelers can compare.
"This has been done in light of both American Airlines' recent decision to prevent Orbitz from selling its inventory, and a possible disruption in Expedia's ability to sell American Airlines tickets when our contract with American Airlines expires," Expedia said Dec. 23 in an e-mailed statement. The company declined to say when its accord with American ends.
"We're disappointed that Expedia is making American Airlines flights and fares more difficult to find," Ryan Mikolasik, a spokesman for American, said in an e-mailed statement. "This discriminatory action is unwarranted, especially considering that American has taken no action against and continues to operate in good faith with Expedia."
The move by Bellevue, Washington-based Expedia widened the conflict between online travel agencies and airlines such as American that seek to drive more consumers to their own websites.
American has developed a system called Direct Connect that provides fare pricing and options directly to larger online travel agencies. The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline also is trying to handle more bookings through its AA.com website.
AMR Corp.'s American dropped Orbitz on Dec. 21 after an Illinois state court in Chicago lifted a temporary restraining order granted last month that prevented the airline from doing so. Orbitz is partly owned by Travelport LP, which distributes airline fare data.
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The American-Orbitz dispute flared on Nov. 4 when the airline said it would stop providing fare data on Dec. 1 unless a new contract was reached. That triggered a court bid to block the move and criticism by Orbitz Chief Executive Officer Barney Harford that American was making a "broad attack" on ticket distributors.
Sabre Holdings Corp., the parent of Travelocity.com, said Dec. 21 that American's actions will "make it much harder and more costly for agents and consumers to easily comparison shop among airlines, which will result in increased prices for consumers."
Sabre is a former American unit that was spun off by the airline in 2000.
Prices for American flights no longer appear at the top of the site when passengers search for tickets, while those for competitors such as United Continental Holdings Inc. are still shown side by side so travelers can compare.
"This has been done in light of both American Airlines' recent decision to prevent Orbitz from selling its inventory, and a possible disruption in Expedia's ability to sell American Airlines tickets when our contract with American Airlines expires," Expedia said Dec. 23 in an e-mailed statement. The company declined to say when its accord with American ends.
"We're disappointed that Expedia is making American Airlines flights and fares more difficult to find," Ryan Mikolasik, a spokesman for American, said in an e-mailed statement. "This discriminatory action is unwarranted, especially considering that American has taken no action against and continues to operate in good faith with Expedia."
The move by Bellevue, Washington-based Expedia widened the conflict between online travel agencies and airlines such as American that seek to drive more consumers to their own websites.
American has developed a system called Direct Connect that provides fare pricing and options directly to larger online travel agencies. The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline also is trying to handle more bookings through its AA.com website.
AMR Corp.'s American dropped Orbitz on Dec. 21 after an Illinois state court in Chicago lifted a temporary restraining order granted last month that prevented the airline from doing so. Orbitz is partly owned by Travelport LP, which distributes airline fare data.
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The American-Orbitz dispute flared on Nov. 4 when the airline said it would stop providing fare data on Dec. 1 unless a new contract was reached. That triggered a court bid to block the move and criticism by Orbitz Chief Executive Officer Barney Harford that American was making a "broad attack" on ticket distributors.
Sabre Holdings Corp., the parent of Travelocity.com, said Dec. 21 that American's actions will "make it much harder and more costly for agents and consumers to easily comparison shop among airlines, which will result in increased prices for consumers."
Sabre is a former American unit that was spun off by the airline in 2000.
NBTA Disagrees with American Airlines’ Decision to Remove Fares From Orbitz.com
The National Business Travel Association (NBTA), a business travel organization, opposes the American Airlines decision to stop displaying and selling tickets through Orbitz Worldwide.
NBTA said it is also concerned that recent actions by Delta Airlines to pull their inventory from three smaller online travel agencies is a prelude to other airlines taking steps that will ultimately harm the business travel industry.
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"American Airlines' decision will lead to higher prices and confusion for corporations, business travelers and consumers alike. Travelers wanting to fly American will now need to bounce back and forth across multiple Websites to book a trip. American's decision does nothing to help business travelers or their employers - it adds an unnecessary obstacle to smooth business travel booking and will lead to higher costs in the end," said Mike McCormick, executive director and COO of NBTA. "NBTA believes it is critical to maintain a fair, transparent and competitive buying environment for business travel, and American's decision is in direct opposition to this goal."
Global distribution systems, widely utilized by airlines worldwide, enable business travel procurement and promote transparency, access and competition. They provide business travel purchasers with the information required to make informed spending decisions.
NBTA's position is that airline mandated "direct connects" that bypass the existing distribution systems will result in a significant increase in capital expenditure that business travel buyers will ultimately bear. In addition, businesses that rely on information to negotiate for and maintain airline discount programs will be challenged in their ability to track volume and enforce travel policies.
"Air travel in general and business travel in particular is a major driving force for the economy, and we are increasingly concerned about this decision as part of a pattern of recent activity that will come at the expense of the business travel buyer. We will be releasing a comprehensive position on behalf of our members related to these concerns in the new year," McCormick said.
NBTA said it is also concerned that recent actions by Delta Airlines to pull their inventory from three smaller online travel agencies is a prelude to other airlines taking steps that will ultimately harm the business travel industry.
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"American Airlines' decision will lead to higher prices and confusion for corporations, business travelers and consumers alike. Travelers wanting to fly American will now need to bounce back and forth across multiple Websites to book a trip. American's decision does nothing to help business travelers or their employers - it adds an unnecessary obstacle to smooth business travel booking and will lead to higher costs in the end," said Mike McCormick, executive director and COO of NBTA. "NBTA believes it is critical to maintain a fair, transparent and competitive buying environment for business travel, and American's decision is in direct opposition to this goal."
Global distribution systems, widely utilized by airlines worldwide, enable business travel procurement and promote transparency, access and competition. They provide business travel purchasers with the information required to make informed spending decisions.
NBTA's position is that airline mandated "direct connects" that bypass the existing distribution systems will result in a significant increase in capital expenditure that business travel buyers will ultimately bear. In addition, businesses that rely on information to negotiate for and maintain airline discount programs will be challenged in their ability to track volume and enforce travel policies.
"Air travel in general and business travel in particular is a major driving force for the economy, and we are increasingly concerned about this decision as part of a pattern of recent activity that will come at the expense of the business travel buyer. We will be releasing a comprehensive position on behalf of our members related to these concerns in the new year," McCormick said.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
2010 Orlando Citrus Parade
Bring on the parade and bring on the college football—it’s Bowl Week in Orlando. The 2010 Orlando Citrus Parade takes place on December 30 at 11:00 a.m., in preparation for the Capital One Bowl that will take place at the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day. The 2011 Capital One Bowl pits Michigan State against Alabama, but fans of all persuasions can enjoy the parade as it winds its way through the streets of downtown Orlando.
The New Year’s Day bowl game in Orlando was formerly known as the Citrus Bowl, and the citrus-themed floats are constructed by 600+ volunteers who attach the oranges, tangerines and grapefruits to a wire frame using rubber bands. The winner of the 2010 Orlando Citrus Parade drawing contest will also be an honorary Grand Marshall in the parade and have their drawing featured on the cover of the parade's program.
The New Year’s Day bowl game in Orlando was formerly known as the Citrus Bowl, and the citrus-themed floats are constructed by 600+ volunteers who attach the oranges, tangerines and grapefruits to a wire frame using rubber bands. The winner of the 2010 Orlando Citrus Parade drawing contest will also be an honorary Grand Marshall in the parade and have their drawing featured on the cover of the parade's program.
Canaries lead Boxing Day sales rush
The Canary Islands proved as popular as ever as Boxing Day signalled the start of the peak turn of year trading period for holiday firms, according to search figures from Teletext Holidays.
The ever popular Spanish islands took top spot in the most serached for destinations on the day after Christmas. The island of Tenerife also scooped third place with Lanzarote in fifth.
The only other country to figure in the top five was Egypt, the country taking fourth spot and the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh second, suggesting the recent scare over shark attacks has had little impact.
Victoria Sanders, managing director of Teletext Holidays, claimed new year trading had got off to a great start. "We normally see a big spike in online traffic on Boxing Day, but this year we've been seen an increase in online holiday searches which is up on previous years.
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"Boxing Day figures show a huge increase web traffic to the site – searches were 60% up on our December 2010 average. I'm confident that we'll see significant increases in business across all channels over the weeks and months ahead, given that we are investing in a multi-million pound marketing campaign.”
The ever popular Spanish islands took top spot in the most serached for destinations on the day after Christmas. The island of Tenerife also scooped third place with Lanzarote in fifth.
The only other country to figure in the top five was Egypt, the country taking fourth spot and the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh second, suggesting the recent scare over shark attacks has had little impact.
Victoria Sanders, managing director of Teletext Holidays, claimed new year trading had got off to a great start. "We normally see a big spike in online traffic on Boxing Day, but this year we've been seen an increase in online holiday searches which is up on previous years.
Spanish Hire Cars
"Boxing Day figures show a huge increase web traffic to the site – searches were 60% up on our December 2010 average. I'm confident that we'll see significant increases in business across all channels over the weeks and months ahead, given that we are investing in a multi-million pound marketing campaign.”
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Cheap car rentals – An economic and convenient way to travel
Cheap car rentals are prefect and most suitable option for people that are looking for quality with affordability. These vehicles are perfect combination of smooth drive with economy. Cheap car rental service ensures that you have a safe and comfortable trip with affordable and really cheap prices by offering discounts and concessions with attractive car rental packages. You need not worry about the budget as long as you are opting for cheap car rental services!!
Whether you are travelling on business or on a leisure trip with family keeping your budget in mind cheap car rental will meet all your requirements without pinching your pocket which makes your trip more enjoyable and cost effective. Cheap car rental makes your trip longer without really worrying about the expenditure and you get to have all the comfort, convenience and luxury within your budget. There are various Cheap car rental companies which provide car rental services all over the world with easy pick up and drop off facilities located near the airport, railway stations, near the famous tourist spots, city centers and other such major towns and cities, making it really convenient for the tourist to accomplish the purpose of travel. Just jump your car and get ready to explore!!
Depending whether you are travelling alone or as a family, cheap car rental provide vehicles to accommodate all requirements and tastes. You get to choose from wide variety of well maintained, modern and sophisticated cars to cater to the needs of all segments of tourists. From small economy cars, sedans, convertibles, mini vans and SUV’s to a luxury van, you can get the car you need. Please mention if you need an automatic or manual transmission at the time of booking. Cars are rented out on hourly, daily, weekly and monthly basis depending on your need. Cheap car rental do not burn a hole in your pocket and keeps you happy with its services.
Cheap car rental makes your trip even more cost effective with the various attractive discounts and offers which makes car rental affordable for all segments of tourists. You can also save a lot of money by booking early. Cheap car rental offers a friendly and personalized service to all its tourists. To book a cheap car rental, you will be required to hold a valid driving license and passport for identity and age proof. If needed, you can pay for the second driver. The vehicles are air conditioned with GPS navigation system, radio transmission and special seats for children and physically handicapped. There is a provision for 24 hours road support services and medical support. Cheap car rental service ensures a safe, comfortable and trouble free travel without putting a burden on your budget.
Whether you are travelling on business or on a leisure trip with family keeping your budget in mind cheap car rental will meet all your requirements without pinching your pocket which makes your trip more enjoyable and cost effective. Cheap car rental makes your trip longer without really worrying about the expenditure and you get to have all the comfort, convenience and luxury within your budget. There are various Cheap car rental companies which provide car rental services all over the world with easy pick up and drop off facilities located near the airport, railway stations, near the famous tourist spots, city centers and other such major towns and cities, making it really convenient for the tourist to accomplish the purpose of travel. Just jump your car and get ready to explore!!
Depending whether you are travelling alone or as a family, cheap car rental provide vehicles to accommodate all requirements and tastes. You get to choose from wide variety of well maintained, modern and sophisticated cars to cater to the needs of all segments of tourists. From small economy cars, sedans, convertibles, mini vans and SUV’s to a luxury van, you can get the car you need. Please mention if you need an automatic or manual transmission at the time of booking. Cars are rented out on hourly, daily, weekly and monthly basis depending on your need. Cheap car rental do not burn a hole in your pocket and keeps you happy with its services.
Cheap car rental makes your trip even more cost effective with the various attractive discounts and offers which makes car rental affordable for all segments of tourists. You can also save a lot of money by booking early. Cheap car rental offers a friendly and personalized service to all its tourists. To book a cheap car rental, you will be required to hold a valid driving license and passport for identity and age proof. If needed, you can pay for the second driver. The vehicles are air conditioned with GPS navigation system, radio transmission and special seats for children and physically handicapped. There is a provision for 24 hours road support services and medical support. Cheap car rental service ensures a safe, comfortable and trouble free travel without putting a burden on your budget.
Airport car hire service – A convenient solution for all the travelers
Travelling to a new place on holiday with family or on business, you don’t have to bother yourself looking for a mode of transport as you get the car hire service right at the airport – just pick up your hired car and drive away!!
Car hire service at airport offers a friendly and personalized service to all its tourists. It is the most preferred and convenient solution for you. You can get car hire service to and from airport.
Whether you are on a holiday with family or on a business trip, you can easily avail car hire service right at the airport without any hassle of finding a public transport. Using airport car hire service, you can reach places that are not accessible by public transport and plan your schedule to your personal convenience.
airport car hire service is available at all the major airports in the world with easy pick up and drop off facilities. You get to choose from wide variety of well maintained, modern and sophisticated cars to cater to the needs of all segments of tourists. You can also avail the facility of rental car driver who will drive your car and take you to your destination. The driver and the hirer are both amply insured. From small economy cars, sedans, convertibles and SUV’s to a luxury van, you can get the car you need. Please mention if you need an automatic or manual transmission at the time of booking. Cars are hired out on hourly, daily, weekly and monthly basis depending on the renter’s need. Special discounts in rental packages are offered from time to time which makes airport car hire service affordable for all segments of tourists. You can also save a lot of money by booking early.
To book airport car hire, you will be required to hold a valid driving license and passport for identity and age proof. If needed, you can pay for the second driver. If something unforeseen happens to your hired car, you get complete breakdown assistance 24hours a day. If you are travelling with kids, then make sure you order for child or baby seat, or if you are coming with your friend then you can also check for extra driver charges or if you want to explore your chosen destination at you own pace then don’t hesitate to book for GPS. You can also get the facility of CD player, luggage racks and comprehensive insurance for drivers. Using airport car hire services you can easily explore the main tourists and world heritage sites.
Airport car hire service is quick and economical with a flexibility to enjoy your visit.
Car hire service at airport offers a friendly and personalized service to all its tourists. It is the most preferred and convenient solution for you. You can get car hire service to and from airport.
Whether you are on a holiday with family or on a business trip, you can easily avail car hire service right at the airport without any hassle of finding a public transport. Using airport car hire service, you can reach places that are not accessible by public transport and plan your schedule to your personal convenience.
airport car hire service is available at all the major airports in the world with easy pick up and drop off facilities. You get to choose from wide variety of well maintained, modern and sophisticated cars to cater to the needs of all segments of tourists. You can also avail the facility of rental car driver who will drive your car and take you to your destination. The driver and the hirer are both amply insured. From small economy cars, sedans, convertibles and SUV’s to a luxury van, you can get the car you need. Please mention if you need an automatic or manual transmission at the time of booking. Cars are hired out on hourly, daily, weekly and monthly basis depending on the renter’s need. Special discounts in rental packages are offered from time to time which makes airport car hire service affordable for all segments of tourists. You can also save a lot of money by booking early.
To book airport car hire, you will be required to hold a valid driving license and passport for identity and age proof. If needed, you can pay for the second driver. If something unforeseen happens to your hired car, you get complete breakdown assistance 24hours a day. If you are travelling with kids, then make sure you order for child or baby seat, or if you are coming with your friend then you can also check for extra driver charges or if you want to explore your chosen destination at you own pace then don’t hesitate to book for GPS. You can also get the facility of CD player, luggage racks and comprehensive insurance for drivers. Using airport car hire services you can easily explore the main tourists and world heritage sites.
Airport car hire service is quick and economical with a flexibility to enjoy your visit.
US airlines get back on track after blizzards
The US Eastern Seaboard is getting back on its feet after severe blizzards forced the cancellation of thousands of flights and left many homes without power.
Flights have now resumed into and out of New York, Boston and Philadelphia. But many passengers were expected to be stranded until the end of the week after some 7,000 flights were cancelled over the post-Christmas travel period.
With many flights already expected to be nearly full between the peak Christmas and New Year travel period, airlines are struggling to accommodate all the stranded passengers in the New York area.
American Airlines spokesman Ed Martelle said: “Any airline scheduler will tell you it’s like playing with a jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces keep changing shape.”
Three airports serving New York - JFK, La Guardia and Newark Liberty International Airport - and also Boston’s Logan and Philadelphia International reopened on Monday evening.
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They had been closed since early morning, forcing thousands of passengers to camp out on floors in terminals. Analysts say the storm and its aftermath could cost the airlines up to $100m.
Tens of thousands of homes were left without power in Massachusetts, New York City and Westchester County, Long Island and New Jersey.
Five deaths were reported in road accidents in the storm, four in the Carolinas and one in Maine, according to the New York Times.
National rail operator Amtrak - which earlier shut its New York-Boston route - announced a limited resumption of services.
The US National Weather Service says the monster snow storm is the result of a low pressure system which originated off North Carolina.
Six US states - Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia - earlier all declared emergencies.
The New York area received up to 51cm (20in) of snow over the last two days.
A subway train in New York City was trapped for seven hours before passengers were rescued.
The southern states of Georgia and South Carolina had their first white Christmas in more than a century.
Flights have now resumed into and out of New York, Boston and Philadelphia. But many passengers were expected to be stranded until the end of the week after some 7,000 flights were cancelled over the post-Christmas travel period.
With many flights already expected to be nearly full between the peak Christmas and New Year travel period, airlines are struggling to accommodate all the stranded passengers in the New York area.
American Airlines spokesman Ed Martelle said: “Any airline scheduler will tell you it’s like playing with a jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces keep changing shape.”
Three airports serving New York - JFK, La Guardia and Newark Liberty International Airport - and also Boston’s Logan and Philadelphia International reopened on Monday evening.
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They had been closed since early morning, forcing thousands of passengers to camp out on floors in terminals. Analysts say the storm and its aftermath could cost the airlines up to $100m.
Tens of thousands of homes were left without power in Massachusetts, New York City and Westchester County, Long Island and New Jersey.
Five deaths were reported in road accidents in the storm, four in the Carolinas and one in Maine, according to the New York Times.
National rail operator Amtrak - which earlier shut its New York-Boston route - announced a limited resumption of services.
The US National Weather Service says the monster snow storm is the result of a low pressure system which originated off North Carolina.
Six US states - Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia - earlier all declared emergencies.
The New York area received up to 51cm (20in) of snow over the last two days.
A subway train in New York City was trapped for seven hours before passengers were rescued.
The southern states of Georgia and South Carolina had their first white Christmas in more than a century.
Turkey tops Boxing Day online holiday searches
Mainstream sun destinations dominated the most popular Boxing Day online searches at www.thomascook.com.
The top five summer 2011 holiday searches were Turkey, Spain, Cyprus, Egypt, and Greece. Mexico was the most popular long haul holiday choice, with Marmaris in Turkey the top resort.
Top wintersun late deals destinations were the Canary Islands, Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia and Mexico with Sharm el Sheikh being the most popular resort.
France was the most searched for ski destination with Soldeu in Andorra the top resort search.
Simon Robinson from thomascook.com said: “We've seen impressive activity on our site as holidaymakers thoughts turn to their summer break.
“In living rooms across the country, the traditional post Christmas holiday booking period is well and truly underway online with the most popular searches on Boxing Day for summer holidays being resorts in Turkey and Spain.
“The recent cold weather means that wintersun breaks are still much sought after, with the Canary Islands and Egypt the top searches - and there are some great last minute ski deals available too, with France the top destination.”
The top five summer 2011 holiday searches were Turkey, Spain, Cyprus, Egypt, and Greece. Mexico was the most popular long haul holiday choice, with Marmaris in Turkey the top resort.
Top wintersun late deals destinations were the Canary Islands, Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia and Mexico with Sharm el Sheikh being the most popular resort.
France was the most searched for ski destination with Soldeu in Andorra the top resort search.
Simon Robinson from thomascook.com said: “We've seen impressive activity on our site as holidaymakers thoughts turn to their summer break.
“In living rooms across the country, the traditional post Christmas holiday booking period is well and truly underway online with the most popular searches on Boxing Day for summer holidays being resorts in Turkey and Spain.
“The recent cold weather means that wintersun breaks are still much sought after, with the Canary Islands and Egypt the top searches - and there are some great last minute ski deals available too, with France the top destination.”
Capital One Bowl January 1
The Michigan State Spartans and Alabama Crimson Tide have been selected to play in the 2011 Capital One Bowl. The New Year’s Day classic will kick off at 1:00 p.m. from the Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando and will be televised nationally by ESPN.
Ancillary event tickets can be purchased through the FCSports Box Office or by calling FCSports at 407.423.2476. These events include the free-of-charge Capital One Bowl Pep Rally Thursday, Dec. 30 from 5:00-5:45 for Alabama fans and from 5:45-6:30 p.m. for MSU fans as part of Bowl Week FanFest on International Drive at Pointe Orlando, the Capital One Bowl Kickoff Luncheon on Friday, Dec. 31 Noon - 1:00 p.m. ($55 per person), and the Capital One FanFest at the Capital One Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at McCracken Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, which is also free.
The 7th-ranked Spartans (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) had an amazing year under Big Ten Coach of the Year Mark Dantonio and will be making their third appearance in the Capital One Bowl (2000, 2009). Defending national champion Alabama (9-3, 5-3 SEC) is making its second-ever trip to an Orlando bowl game. This year’s Capital One Bowl will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools. Michigan State is 1-1 in previous Capital One Bowls while Alabama is 1-0.
Game ticket prices range from $45-225. For more information about the Capital One Bowl and Orlando Bowl Week, check out the Fan Central page!
Ancillary event tickets can be purchased through the FCSports Box Office or by calling FCSports at 407.423.2476. These events include the free-of-charge Capital One Bowl Pep Rally Thursday, Dec. 30 from 5:00-5:45 for Alabama fans and from 5:45-6:30 p.m. for MSU fans as part of Bowl Week FanFest on International Drive at Pointe Orlando, the Capital One Bowl Kickoff Luncheon on Friday, Dec. 31 Noon - 1:00 p.m. ($55 per person), and the Capital One FanFest at the Capital One Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at McCracken Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, which is also free.
The 7th-ranked Spartans (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) had an amazing year under Big Ten Coach of the Year Mark Dantonio and will be making their third appearance in the Capital One Bowl (2000, 2009). Defending national champion Alabama (9-3, 5-3 SEC) is making its second-ever trip to an Orlando bowl game. This year’s Capital One Bowl will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools. Michigan State is 1-1 in previous Capital One Bowls while Alabama is 1-0.
Game ticket prices range from $45-225. For more information about the Capital One Bowl and Orlando Bowl Week, check out the Fan Central page!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Car Hire in Bristol - A perfect way to explore the city
If you are looking for relatively inexpensive accommodation in United Kingdom with a huge choice of bars, restaurants and shops, then Bristol is the place to be and there’s no better way to explore the city then a Car hire services in Bristol.
Bristol is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the South of England, hosting a wide variety of visual arts, theater, live music and specialty shopping. From the historic Old City and Harbourside to Georgian Clifton, there is something for everyone and you can see it all with your Car hire services in Bristol. It is the perfect place to begin your tour of the West Country. Jump in your car and get ready to Explore!!!
Bristol is a thriving university town, with a bustling restaurant and café scene, excellent shopping, great museums and art galleries. In Bristol you can also visit the Cathedral, St Mary Redcliffe church, the Floating Harbor, or enjoy the International Balloon Fiesta, where enthusiasts launch hundreds of hot air balloons over the city. There is some breathtaking countryside in this part of England and having a car is definitely the best way to see it.
Car hire in Bristol is the quickest and cheapest way to get around this beautiful English city. It provides you all the convenience and flexibility while travelling and discovering this great city of Bristol. Depending whether you are travelling alone or as a family, you can have vehicles to accommodate all requirements and tastes. You can choose the best quality and model among our large fleet of luxury, prestige, economy and multipurpose vehicle as per your requirement and budget. We have a range of vehicles in automatic and manual transmission to suit your needs. If travelling with small children, you can get facility of child seat that meets UK regulation. You can also avail the facility of satellite navigation systems, CD player, luggage racks and comprehensive insurance for drivers. Car hire service provides vehicles in excellent condition, serviced and maintained to the highest standard. If you have an unfortunate problem, our service provides 24hrs roadside breakdown cover.
A hire car will let you see all that this amazing city has on offer!!!
Bristol is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the South of England, hosting a wide variety of visual arts, theater, live music and specialty shopping. From the historic Old City and Harbourside to Georgian Clifton, there is something for everyone and you can see it all with your Car hire services in Bristol. It is the perfect place to begin your tour of the West Country. Jump in your car and get ready to Explore!!!
Bristol is a thriving university town, with a bustling restaurant and café scene, excellent shopping, great museums and art galleries. In Bristol you can also visit the Cathedral, St Mary Redcliffe church, the Floating Harbor, or enjoy the International Balloon Fiesta, where enthusiasts launch hundreds of hot air balloons over the city. There is some breathtaking countryside in this part of England and having a car is definitely the best way to see it.
Car hire in Bristol is the quickest and cheapest way to get around this beautiful English city. It provides you all the convenience and flexibility while travelling and discovering this great city of Bristol. Depending whether you are travelling alone or as a family, you can have vehicles to accommodate all requirements and tastes. You can choose the best quality and model among our large fleet of luxury, prestige, economy and multipurpose vehicle as per your requirement and budget. We have a range of vehicles in automatic and manual transmission to suit your needs. If travelling with small children, you can get facility of child seat that meets UK regulation. You can also avail the facility of satellite navigation systems, CD player, luggage racks and comprehensive insurance for drivers. Car hire service provides vehicles in excellent condition, serviced and maintained to the highest standard. If you have an unfortunate problem, our service provides 24hrs roadside breakdown cover.
A hire car will let you see all that this amazing city has on offer!!!
Last Minute New Year's Deals In Orlando
Jack’s Place
New Year’s Eve 2010
Four Course Menu
1st course
Maryland Crab “Martini”
Jumbo Lump Blue Crab, Ojo de Tigre Salsa Tropicale
Hennessey Paradis Cognac Aioli
2nd course
New Year’s Salad
Baby Iceberg Wedges, Heirloom Tomato, Shaved Manchego
Truffle Cilantro Dressing
Entrée
Grilled Filet of American Bison
Caramelized Sea Scallop, Smoked Brisket Barley Risotto
Texas Long Beans, Roasted White Asparagus and Blistered Sweet Peppers
Dessert
Chocolate Macadamia Nut “Pate”
Raspberry Shortbread, Peppermint Eggnog
$49.95
Per person
(Not inclusive of tax or gratuity)
New Year’s Eve 2010
Four Course Menu
1st course
Maryland Crab “Martini”
Jumbo Lump Blue Crab, Ojo de Tigre Salsa Tropicale
Hennessey Paradis Cognac Aioli
2nd course
New Year’s Salad
Baby Iceberg Wedges, Heirloom Tomato, Shaved Manchego
Truffle Cilantro Dressing
Entrée
Grilled Filet of American Bison
Caramelized Sea Scallop, Smoked Brisket Barley Risotto
Texas Long Beans, Roasted White Asparagus and Blistered Sweet Peppers
Dessert
Chocolate Macadamia Nut “Pate”
Raspberry Shortbread, Peppermint Eggnog
$49.95
Per person
(Not inclusive of tax or gratuity)
For reservations please call 407.996.1787
Winter: The Holiday Season Isn't Over Yet!
Natale may be past, and La Festa di Santo Stefano is over as well, but remember, in Italy the holiday season is celebrated all the way through La Festa dell'Epifania on January 6. And so, while it's true that things can be pretty quiet in Stresa in the winter, there are a few more special events, both traditional and new, happening in these days to tell you about.
On the evening of Thursday, December 30, there will be a very special (and free!) dance performance. In the beautiful auditorium of the Palazzo dei Congressi The Flying Tzars, The Imperial Russian Dance Company, will entertain all with their ballet and traditional Russian dance routines. The show begins at 9:00 pm.
On Friday, December 31, at 3:00 pm in the afternoon, New Year's Eve starts with an "Insulae Harmonicae" classical music concert, at the Parrocchia San Vittore, the church on Isola Bella. Not only is the concert free, but free water taxis have been arranged to transport guests to and from the performance. These free taxis will leave from Piazzale Lido, the Carciano boat stop.
And on January 6, for the Festa dell'Epifania, there will be the traditional procession of the Re Magi into Stresa. They will begin at 4:00 pm from the Palazzo dei Congressi.
La Festa di Santo Stefano, in case you were wondering, is celebrated on December 26th and marks the announcement of the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Three Wise Men. In Italy it is treated as another family day, to be celebrated with visits and food.
Every year I forget how cool the Babes in Toyland marching soldiers are in the Xmas parade.
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New Year's Eve Buffet in Orlando
Café Matisse
New Year’s Eve Buffet
Friday December 31st, 2010
4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Soup and Salad Bar
Fresh Made Salads with Condiments and Dressings
Artisanal Cheese Display
Sushi and Sashimi Display
Peel-n-Eat Shrimp
Cocktail sauce, lemon and Tabasco
Chicken and Brown Rice Soup with Lime Sofrito
Golden Corn, Crab and Three Cheese Bisque
Carving Station
Kansas Corn Fed Prime Rib of Beef
Au jus and Creamy Horseradish Sauce
From the Buffet
Pan Seared Chicken with Kumquat Marmalade
Over Braised Greens with Fresh Grated Horseradish
Sam Adams Pork Loin
With Caramelized Onions and Smoked Gouda
Hawaiian Sun Fish
With Pineapple-Mango Salsa
Shrimp Scampi Ravioli
Portabella and Winter Vegetable Ratatouille
Broccolini with Lemon and 7 Pepper Spice
Oven Browned New Potatoes and Shallots
Dessert Station
Bailey’s Irish Cream and Caramel Cheesecake, Southern Pecan Pie
Italian Rum Cake, Mocha Java Cake, Florida Key Lime Pie
Jack Daniel’s Chocolate Torte, Assorted Dessert Shots
No Sugar Added Chocolate Meringue Pie, Candy and Nut Chocolate Brittle
Warm Mango Rum Bananas Flamed Over Vanilla Bean Haagen Dazs Ice Cream
29.95 per person
(not inclusive of tax or gratuity)
For Reservations please call 407.996.1787
Avis Budget Partners With Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways
Avis Budget Group Inc. has formed new partnerships with Frontier Airlines and JetBlue Airways, providing their loyalty members with savings on car rentals.
Avis Budget's new agreement with Frontier builds on its long-term relationship with Midwest Airlines, which has been combined with Frontier Airlines under the Frontier brand. Frontier flies nearly 15 million passengers a year.
Car Rental In The USA
"As the industry leader in customer loyalty for more than a decade, Avis will enhance the value proposition that EarlyReturns offers to Frontier customers," said Stephen Wright, vice president of key accounts for North America at Avis Budget Group. "At the same time, this partnership will create a new source of incremental bookings for Avis as we previously did not have an agreement with Frontier."
Beginning Nov. 11, 2010, EarlyReturns members can save up to 25 percent on Avis rentals and can also earn 50 frequent flyer miles for Avis rentals up to four days in length, and 500 frequent flyer miles for rentals of five or more days.
"We are pleased to introduce our new frequent flyer partnership with Avis and offer our members another opportunity to earn and redeem miles in our program," said Steve Mathwig, director of loyalty marketing for Frontier Airlines. "Partnerships with world-class brands, like Avis, enhance the travel experience for our loyalty program members and strengthen our own brand loyalty. Our members are sure to enjoy Avis' renowned 'We try harder' service, as well as the additional rewards they can now earn from every trip."
Avis Budget's agreement with JetBlue is effective November 10. Through the partnership, JetBlue's TrueBlue members will be able to earn TrueBlue points from Avis and Budget rentals. In addition, Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car rental offers, products and services will be marketed to TrueBlue members on JetBlue's official Web site, www.jetblue.com, through emails and in-flight opportunities. JetBlue serves more than 23 million customers annually.
"We are thrilled to align our brand loyalty efforts with JetBlue Airways," said Thomas M. Gartland, executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer care for Avis Budget Group. "This partnership will enhance the value proposition for JetBlue's customer loyalty program and bring us incremental business at the same time."
To celebrate the new partnership, Avis and Budget are offering TrueBlue members additional savings and bonus points on qualifying rentals at participating airport locations in the United States and Canada. From Nov. 10, 2010 through Feb. 28, 2011, customers can earn triple TrueBlue points on Avis and Budget car rentals. For more information, including full terms and conditions, customers should visit www.avis.com/truebluelaunch or www.budget.com/truebluelaunch.
"JetBlue is constantly seeking out new partnerships with iconic brands like Avis and Budget that are meaningful to our customers," said Dave Canty, director of loyalty marketing for JetBlue Airways. "It's another way of being true to our customers by adding value to our TrueBlue program and providing more ways for members to earn points and enjoy discounts. These trusted providers are an extension of the JetBlue Experience on the ground, allowing customers to save money on their car rentals and earn TrueBlue points with Avis or Budget."
Avis Budget's new agreement with Frontier builds on its long-term relationship with Midwest Airlines, which has been combined with Frontier Airlines under the Frontier brand. Frontier flies nearly 15 million passengers a year.
Car Rental In The USA
"As the industry leader in customer loyalty for more than a decade, Avis will enhance the value proposition that EarlyReturns offers to Frontier customers," said Stephen Wright, vice president of key accounts for North America at Avis Budget Group. "At the same time, this partnership will create a new source of incremental bookings for Avis as we previously did not have an agreement with Frontier."
Beginning Nov. 11, 2010, EarlyReturns members can save up to 25 percent on Avis rentals and can also earn 50 frequent flyer miles for Avis rentals up to four days in length, and 500 frequent flyer miles for rentals of five or more days.
"We are pleased to introduce our new frequent flyer partnership with Avis and offer our members another opportunity to earn and redeem miles in our program," said Steve Mathwig, director of loyalty marketing for Frontier Airlines. "Partnerships with world-class brands, like Avis, enhance the travel experience for our loyalty program members and strengthen our own brand loyalty. Our members are sure to enjoy Avis' renowned 'We try harder' service, as well as the additional rewards they can now earn from every trip."
Avis Budget's agreement with JetBlue is effective November 10. Through the partnership, JetBlue's TrueBlue members will be able to earn TrueBlue points from Avis and Budget rentals. In addition, Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car rental offers, products and services will be marketed to TrueBlue members on JetBlue's official Web site, www.jetblue.com, through emails and in-flight opportunities. JetBlue serves more than 23 million customers annually.
"We are thrilled to align our brand loyalty efforts with JetBlue Airways," said Thomas M. Gartland, executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer care for Avis Budget Group. "This partnership will enhance the value proposition for JetBlue's customer loyalty program and bring us incremental business at the same time."
To celebrate the new partnership, Avis and Budget are offering TrueBlue members additional savings and bonus points on qualifying rentals at participating airport locations in the United States and Canada. From Nov. 10, 2010 through Feb. 28, 2011, customers can earn triple TrueBlue points on Avis and Budget car rentals. For more information, including full terms and conditions, customers should visit www.avis.com/truebluelaunch or www.budget.com/truebluelaunch.
"JetBlue is constantly seeking out new partnerships with iconic brands like Avis and Budget that are meaningful to our customers," said Dave Canty, director of loyalty marketing for JetBlue Airways. "It's another way of being true to our customers by adding value to our TrueBlue program and providing more ways for members to earn points and enjoy discounts. These trusted providers are an extension of the JetBlue Experience on the ground, allowing customers to save money on their car rentals and earn TrueBlue points with Avis or Budget."
Champs Sports Bowl December 28
Florida Citrus Sports' Team Selection Committee has selected the North Carolina State Wolfpack and West Virginia Mountaineers to play in this year’s Champs Sports Bowl, the first matchup in the current agreement matching top teams from the ACC and Big East. Set to take place December 28th from Orlando’s Citrus Bowl Stadium, the game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. and be televised on ESPN.
For local and visiting football fans, the Champs Sports Bowl will include several special events besides the big game. The Champs Sports Bowl Kickoff Luncheon is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 27 from Noon - 1:00 p.m. (tickets are $55 per person), the Champs Sports Bowl Pep Rally will be held (for free) on Monday, Dec. 27 at 5:00-5:45 p.m. for West Virginia fans and 5:45-6:30 p.m. for NC State fans as part of Bowl Week FanFest on International Drive at Pointe Orlando. The Best Buy FanZone at the Champs Sports Bowl will be on Tuesday, Dec. 28 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at McCracken Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium ($10 or Free with Bowl Patch).
The Mountaineers and Wolfpack have squared off nine times in their history, but this will be the first meeting in 22 years. The two schools last met in 1979 with WVU holding a slight edge in the all-time series at 5-4. The two schools have met twice in the postseason (1972 and 1975 Peach Bowls), splitting the pair of meetings.
Game ticket prices range from $45-200. For more information about the Champs Sports Bowl and Orlando Bowl Week, check out the Champs Sports Bowl Fan Central page.
For local and visiting football fans, the Champs Sports Bowl will include several special events besides the big game. The Champs Sports Bowl Kickoff Luncheon is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 27 from Noon - 1:00 p.m. (tickets are $55 per person), the Champs Sports Bowl Pep Rally will be held (for free) on Monday, Dec. 27 at 5:00-5:45 p.m. for West Virginia fans and 5:45-6:30 p.m. for NC State fans as part of Bowl Week FanFest on International Drive at Pointe Orlando. The Best Buy FanZone at the Champs Sports Bowl will be on Tuesday, Dec. 28 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at McCracken Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium ($10 or Free with Bowl Patch).
The Mountaineers and Wolfpack have squared off nine times in their history, but this will be the first meeting in 22 years. The two schools last met in 1979 with WVU holding a slight edge in the all-time series at 5-4. The two schools have met twice in the postseason (1972 and 1975 Peach Bowls), splitting the pair of meetings.
Game ticket prices range from $45-200. For more information about the Champs Sports Bowl and Orlando Bowl Week, check out the Champs Sports Bowl Fan Central page.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Dollar Thrifty Explains Impact of Recently Passed Tax Legislation
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc. provided Monday an update on the expected financial impact to the Company of The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (otherwise known as H.R. 4853 or "The Tax Relief Act").
Car Rental In The USA
Dollar Thrifty noted its previous disclosures stated that based on a number of factors, material cash payments for U.S. federal income taxes could be required in 2011. As a result of the passage of the Tax Relief Act, the company revised its expectations for future federal income tax payments.
Under the Tax Relief Act, Dollar Thrifty will have the ability to deduct for federal income tax purposes up to 100 percent of the cost of rental vehicles placed in service from Sept. 9, 2010 through Dec. 31, 2011, as well as 50 percent of the cost of vehicles placed in service in 2012. As a result of this accelerated depreciation, the company now expects that it will not make significant cash payments for federal income taxes in 2011.
In addition, Dollar Thrifty noted that it currently has refundable federal income tax overpayments for the 2010 tax year totaling approximately $33 million. The company expects to fully recover these overpayments in 2011 either as an offset to any potential federal income taxes payable, or through tax refunds. The combination of these factors will favorably impact the company's 2011 cash flow from operations, liquidity and overall cash position.
"The Tax Relief Act will have a material impact on Dollar Thrifty's near term cash flows, and will further strengthen the company's liquidity," said Scott Thompson, president and CEO of Dollar Thrifty.
Car Rental In The USA
Dollar Thrifty noted its previous disclosures stated that based on a number of factors, material cash payments for U.S. federal income taxes could be required in 2011. As a result of the passage of the Tax Relief Act, the company revised its expectations for future federal income tax payments.
Under the Tax Relief Act, Dollar Thrifty will have the ability to deduct for federal income tax purposes up to 100 percent of the cost of rental vehicles placed in service from Sept. 9, 2010 through Dec. 31, 2011, as well as 50 percent of the cost of vehicles placed in service in 2012. As a result of this accelerated depreciation, the company now expects that it will not make significant cash payments for federal income taxes in 2011.
In addition, Dollar Thrifty noted that it currently has refundable federal income tax overpayments for the 2010 tax year totaling approximately $33 million. The company expects to fully recover these overpayments in 2011 either as an offset to any potential federal income taxes payable, or through tax refunds. The combination of these factors will favorably impact the company's 2011 cash flow from operations, liquidity and overall cash position.
"The Tax Relief Act will have a material impact on Dollar Thrifty's near term cash flows, and will further strengthen the company's liquidity," said Scott Thompson, president and CEO of Dollar Thrifty.
New Years Eve Celebration Ideas in Orlando
Welcome in the new year
at the exciting Hard Rock Hotel
at Universal Orlando!
Enjoy a special New Year's Eve dinner buffet
in The Kitchen restaurant, along with a party
package that includes hats, whistles and party
pops, entertainment throughout the
evening in the hotel lobby and Avalon ballroom
and midnight champagne toast!
Friday, December 31
Adults $85 ~ Children $30
Children under 3 complimentary
Call 407-503-DINE (3463) for
reservations and more information
Celebrate New Year's Eve with us
at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
at Universal Orlando!
Enjoy a champagne buffet in Trattoria del Porto,
plus entertainment that includes Universal
Orlando characters, children's holiday craft
table, strolling musician, face painter
and balloonist!
Friday, December 31
Adults $46, includes champagne
Children $23
Children under 3 complimentary
Call 407-503-DINE (3463) for
reservations and more information
Friday, December 31, starting at 8:00 pm
Welcome in the new year at our ALOHA 2011 celebration at
Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando!
Enjoy an evening in our Pacifica ballroom, where our talented chefs will be
serving fresh and flavorful cuisine, featuring ingredients grown by local farmers.
There will be dancing, live music by Skyline 407, a midnight balloon drop,
party favors and a champagne toast. Plus, kids will enjoy our
Lil' Kahuna Party, a New Year's Eve party for children ages 4-12 featuring
a kids buffet, games, activities and party favors.
TICKETS*: Adults $80 ~ Children $50
Click here or call 407-503-3200 for tickets and more information
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Shuttle from Orlando airport to Disney World hotels
Many Orlando vacations begin at Orlando International Airport, but a real Disney vacation doesn’t officially begin until you arrive at your accommodations—and the sooner, the better. And the best, soonest way to take a shuttle from the Orlando airport to the Disney World hotels is to make a reservation with USAChauffeur.With 20 years of experience and a variety of vehicles to accommodate any size party, USAChauffeur can get your entire traveling party to Disney property as safely and swiftly as possible. Forget about dragging your luggage around while searching for your rental car; USAChauffer’s reliable and diverse fleet consists of the CEO series BMW 745Li, Mercedes.Benz S550, the Lincoln L Series sedans, Escalade & Denali SUVs and the “Executive Edition” SUV.
Instead of your Disney vacation officially beginning in the hotel lobby of a Walt Disney World resort, it can begin the moment you step into one of USAChauffeur’s luxurious vehicles. For more information, call USAChauffer at 407-239-1551 or e-mail sales@usachauffeur.com to make your reservation.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Zipcar’s Revenue Steadily Increasing
Although car-sharing service Zipcar lost $2.5 million in its third quarter this year, its revenue has been steadily increasing, according to VentureBeat. Zipcar brought in $55 million in the quarter, up 46 percent from the same quarter a year ago, according to the company's most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Zipcar's $2.5 million quarterly loss means the company hasn't been profitable since the fourth quarter last year, when it made $1.3 million off $36 million in revenue. Most of the cost has come from fleet operations, staffing, and maintaining leases and expenses for vehicles.
Zipcar made about $58 million in 2007, about $84 million in 2008, and $131 million last year. The company has posted around 40 percent year-over-year growth each quarter this year.
Car Hire
The company has also recently spent money on acquisitions, most recently acquiring London car-sharing service Streetcar. Zipcar also acquired a minority stake in Spanish car-sharing service Avancar and acquired American rival Flexcar in 2007.
The company filed to go public earlier this year to raise $75 million. The funding was intended to help spin up their operations and pay off debt.
Zipcar's $2.5 million quarterly loss means the company hasn't been profitable since the fourth quarter last year, when it made $1.3 million off $36 million in revenue. Most of the cost has come from fleet operations, staffing, and maintaining leases and expenses for vehicles.
Zipcar made about $58 million in 2007, about $84 million in 2008, and $131 million last year. The company has posted around 40 percent year-over-year growth each quarter this year.
Car Hire
The company has also recently spent money on acquisitions, most recently acquiring London car-sharing service Streetcar. Zipcar also acquired a minority stake in Spanish car-sharing service Avancar and acquired American rival Flexcar in 2007.
The company filed to go public earlier this year to raise $75 million. The funding was intended to help spin up their operations and pay off debt.
Buon Natale A Tutti, From Stresa With Love
It's la vigilia di Natale, Christmas Eve, in Stresa. It's raining, as it has been for some days now. Not the most evocative weather for this special night, but the events have gone on as planned. All evening the churches in the small frazione, the villages, of Stresa have held their annual Christmas Eve masses, and afterwards they've all served vin brule, the traditional warm, spiced wine, with the traditional cake panettone, and cioccolata, hot chocolate. One could have, if they had so wanted, made a pilgrimage through the small villages in the hills, starting at 9 pm at the Chiesa di Someraro, and then at the Chiesa di Brisino. By 10.30, if one made their way to the village of Magognino, they would have seen the live presepe. And after the mass there they could warm up at the bonfire lit outside the church. But all are aperitivi for the main midnight masses, at the larger Chiesa di Stresa and the Chiesa di Carciano, after which, of course, there was distributed more vin brule, more hot chocolate, and more panettone.
And at one house in Stresa, projected high onto an exterior wall for all to see, a beautiful Christmas image, to put one in the proper spirit, rain or not.
And at one house in Stresa, projected high onto an exterior wall for all to see, a beautiful Christmas image, to put one in the proper spirit, rain or not.
From Stresa Sights, to each and every one of you, our very warmest wishes for a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and love.
BUON NATALE!
BUON NATALE!
Don't Miss Best of Florida Christmas
Don't Miss Out On Best of Florida ChristmasExperience Orlando’s Coolest Holiday Tradition. It’s Best of Florida Christmas featuring 4.5 acres of glitter and gold, magic, and cold, as well as a winter wonderland hand-carved from 2 million pounds of ice. Make Best of Florida Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort your family’s new Christmas tradition. Learn More...
ICE!™ featuring 'Twas The Night Before ChristmasNow through January 2, 2011
Get early entry into Florida’s favorite frigid Christmas tradition. Our 18,000-square-feet of frosty 9-degree bliss features dual 30-foot slides and an all-new, awe inspiring tribute to the unforgettable classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Plus, we'll open the doors to ICE!™ 2 hours early* each day, exclusively for Best of Florida Christmas overnight hotel package guests! Learn More...
SNOW!™ A North Pole CarnivalNow through January 2, 2011
Snow in Orlando? Yes! Play in our new winter wonderland made of real snow, up to 40 tons of it to be exact! Experience a snow play area, complete with carnival-style games including Frosty's Ring Toss, Elf Bowling, a snowball target range, and our Snow Way Cafe, featuring snow cones and cotton candy. There’s even Snow Tube Runs! Learn More...
ICE!™ featuring 'Twas The Night Before ChristmasNow through January 2, 2011
Get early entry into Florida’s favorite frigid Christmas tradition. Our 18,000-square-feet of frosty 9-degree bliss features dual 30-foot slides and an all-new, awe inspiring tribute to the unforgettable classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Plus, we'll open the doors to ICE!™ 2 hours early* each day, exclusively for Best of Florida Christmas overnight hotel package guests! Learn More...
SNOW!™ A North Pole CarnivalNow through January 2, 2011
Snow in Orlando? Yes! Play in our new winter wonderland made of real snow, up to 40 tons of it to be exact! Experience a snow play area, complete with carnival-style games including Frosty's Ring Toss, Elf Bowling, a snowball target range, and our Snow Way Cafe, featuring snow cones and cotton candy. There’s even Snow Tube Runs! Learn More...
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Hertz Announces Successful Completion of 2010 Refinancing Process
Hertz Global Holdings Inc. announced Monday that, on Dec. 16, 2010, its subsidiary Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC ("HVF"), a wholly-owned special purpose limited liability company, successfully completed an opportunistic refinancing of its Series 2009-1 Variable Funding Rental Car Asset Backed Notes (the "Series 2009-1 Notes").
Car Rental Las Vegas
Mark P. Frissora, the chairman and chief executive officer of Hertz Holdings, said, "With this refinancing we were able to significantly reduce the interest rates on our Series 2009-1 Notes and we expect that this should result in savings of more than $20 million of fleet interest expense in 2011. We have now completed our 2010 refinancing efforts, resulting in a meaningful extension and smoothing of the maturity profile of Hertz fleet and corporate debt at attractive rates, while also enhancing the Company's overall liquidity position."
The refinancing of the Series 2009-1 Notes (among other things), reduced the drawn margin by 160 basis points, reduced the unused fees substantially, raised the effective advance rate while increasing the credit rating on the Series 2009-1 Notes from "Aa1" to "Aaa" (Moody's) and extended the expected maturity of the facility to March 2013 (with Controlled Amortization Payment Dates between January 2013 and March 2013). The aggregate maximum principal amount of the Series 2009-1 Notes facility is $1.94 billion, $1.05 billion of which was funded as of Dec.16, 2010.
Hertz Holdings also announced that, simultaneous with the closing of the Series 2009-1 Notes, HVF successfully completed a $200 million issuance of Series 2010-2 Variable Funding Rental Car Asset Backed Notes (the "Series 2010-2 Notes"), with an expected maturity of March 2013 (with Controlled Amortization Payment Dates between January 2013 and March 2013). The terms of the Series 2010-2 Notes are similar to the terms of the Series 2009-1 Notes, but the Series 2010-2 Notes are secured by a pool of collateral segregated from the collateral securing HVF's other outstanding notes (including the Series 2009-1 Notes) and the drawn margin under the Series 2010-2 Notes is 10 basis points higher than the drawn margin under the Series 2009-1 Notes. Currently, no amounts have been funded under the Series 2010-2 VFN Notes. The Series 2010-2 Notes are not rated.
In addition, Hertz Holdings announced that, on Dec. 7, 2010, its wholly owned Australian operating subsidiary successfully completed the fleet debt refinancing for its rental fleet with the funding of the Australian Securitization (as defined below). On Nov. 23, 2010, a special purpose subsidiary that is wholly owned by Hertz Holding's Australian operating subsidiary entered into a 250 million Australian dollar asset backed securitization facility with an expected maturity date of December 2012 (the "Australian Securitization"), the proceeds of which were used to refinance the Australian dollar-denominated portion of the International ABS Fleet Facility, which was due to mature on Dec. 21, 2010. The International ABS Fleet Financing Facility has now been terminated.
Car Rental Las Vegas
Mark P. Frissora, the chairman and chief executive officer of Hertz Holdings, said, "With this refinancing we were able to significantly reduce the interest rates on our Series 2009-1 Notes and we expect that this should result in savings of more than $20 million of fleet interest expense in 2011. We have now completed our 2010 refinancing efforts, resulting in a meaningful extension and smoothing of the maturity profile of Hertz fleet and corporate debt at attractive rates, while also enhancing the Company's overall liquidity position."
The refinancing of the Series 2009-1 Notes (among other things), reduced the drawn margin by 160 basis points, reduced the unused fees substantially, raised the effective advance rate while increasing the credit rating on the Series 2009-1 Notes from "Aa1" to "Aaa" (Moody's) and extended the expected maturity of the facility to March 2013 (with Controlled Amortization Payment Dates between January 2013 and March 2013). The aggregate maximum principal amount of the Series 2009-1 Notes facility is $1.94 billion, $1.05 billion of which was funded as of Dec.16, 2010.
Hertz Holdings also announced that, simultaneous with the closing of the Series 2009-1 Notes, HVF successfully completed a $200 million issuance of Series 2010-2 Variable Funding Rental Car Asset Backed Notes (the "Series 2010-2 Notes"), with an expected maturity of March 2013 (with Controlled Amortization Payment Dates between January 2013 and March 2013). The terms of the Series 2010-2 Notes are similar to the terms of the Series 2009-1 Notes, but the Series 2010-2 Notes are secured by a pool of collateral segregated from the collateral securing HVF's other outstanding notes (including the Series 2009-1 Notes) and the drawn margin under the Series 2010-2 Notes is 10 basis points higher than the drawn margin under the Series 2009-1 Notes. Currently, no amounts have been funded under the Series 2010-2 VFN Notes. The Series 2010-2 Notes are not rated.
In addition, Hertz Holdings announced that, on Dec. 7, 2010, its wholly owned Australian operating subsidiary successfully completed the fleet debt refinancing for its rental fleet with the funding of the Australian Securitization (as defined below). On Nov. 23, 2010, a special purpose subsidiary that is wholly owned by Hertz Holding's Australian operating subsidiary entered into a 250 million Australian dollar asset backed securitization facility with an expected maturity date of December 2012 (the "Australian Securitization"), the proceeds of which were used to refinance the Australian dollar-denominated portion of the International ABS Fleet Facility, which was due to mature on Dec. 21, 2010. The International ABS Fleet Financing Facility has now been terminated.
AutoPacific Forecasts 12.4 Million Sales for 2011
As the automotive industry enters 2011, 2010 is notable for being the start of the road to recovery from the disastrous sales numbers of 2009. 2010 is expected to close out at 11.4 million units - incidentally spot on with the AutoPacific's 2010 prediction one year ago.
Going forward, the industry can look forward to year-on-year recovery through 2016 - at a healthy but mild pace - on average about 6 percent per year. Shorter term, AutoPacific expects 12.4 million sales for 2011 - up 7.7 percent, a million units over 2010 volumes. This is a reflection of a gradually recovering economy, greater access to consumer credit, and compelling new vehicles and technologies becoming available in the 2011 calendar year.
www.carhire4lower.com
"Even with economic recovery, various economic indicators such as consumer confidence, home values, and perhaps most tellingly, unemployment, remain at worrying levels," said Ed Kim, director of industry analysis at AutoPacific. "These are longer term problems that will take time to fix, so economic recovery - and hence auto sales recovery - will occur over several years."
In fact, AutoPacific does not expect that the market will return to 17-million unit volumes like those seen just a few years ago during its five-year forecast horizon. Due to new technologies and upcoming Federal CAFE rules, consumers can expect new vehicles to become significantly more expensive over the next few years, impacting total industry volume potential.
In light of this, automakers will be challenged by the sheer number of nameplates offered to consumers. By 2016, there will be well over 320 nameplates in the marketplace, compared to 198 in 1998, the last time industry volumes were in the neighborhood of the 15.7 million sales expected in 2016. Thus, each nameplate will be fighting for a smaller piece of the pie, making it tougher for each of those nameplates to be profitable - especially when costs associated with technology and CAFE regulations will make vehicles more expensive.
Going forward, the industry can look forward to year-on-year recovery through 2016 - at a healthy but mild pace - on average about 6 percent per year. Shorter term, AutoPacific expects 12.4 million sales for 2011 - up 7.7 percent, a million units over 2010 volumes. This is a reflection of a gradually recovering economy, greater access to consumer credit, and compelling new vehicles and technologies becoming available in the 2011 calendar year.
www.carhire4lower.com
"Even with economic recovery, various economic indicators such as consumer confidence, home values, and perhaps most tellingly, unemployment, remain at worrying levels," said Ed Kim, director of industry analysis at AutoPacific. "These are longer term problems that will take time to fix, so economic recovery - and hence auto sales recovery - will occur over several years."
In fact, AutoPacific does not expect that the market will return to 17-million unit volumes like those seen just a few years ago during its five-year forecast horizon. Due to new technologies and upcoming Federal CAFE rules, consumers can expect new vehicles to become significantly more expensive over the next few years, impacting total industry volume potential.
In light of this, automakers will be challenged by the sheer number of nameplates offered to consumers. By 2016, there will be well over 320 nameplates in the marketplace, compared to 198 in 1998, the last time industry volumes were in the neighborhood of the 15.7 million sales expected in 2016. Thus, each nameplate will be fighting for a smaller piece of the pie, making it tougher for each of those nameplates to be profitable - especially when costs associated with technology and CAFE regulations will make vehicles more expensive.
| AutoPacific 2010 Q1 Five-Year Sales Forecast (millions) | |||||
| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
| 12.4 | 13.5 | 14.4 | 14.9 | 15.4 | 15.7 |
Yet more new Pooh queue
An empty spot in the Pooh queue right before the honey wall has gotten its game: the "baby toy" type of track with permanently attached toy. You just bring your bee with you through holes and loops. Kids stay entertained, and adults get a reprieve. Win!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
SAK on Christmas Day,New Years Day and New Years Eve
Be sure to make SAK part of your Christmas holiday tradition. SAK has shows every night from now through January 1st except for Christmas Eve night.You can view the holiday schedule at www.sak.com/holiday2010 For reservations call 407-648-0001
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Airline Stops Selling Tickets Through Orbitz
American Airlines won court permission to pull its listings from the online travel site Orbitz and will stop displaying and selling tickets through the site, according to Bloomberg.
The Illinois state court decision lifts a temporary restraining order granted in November that prevented American from dropping Orbitz, according to American Airlines.
Low Cost Car Rental
Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, a group that represents corporate travel managers and is critical of American's plans, said allowing American Airlines to drop Orbitz marks the "first shot in a long battle that's going to be engaged" by all airlines in 2011.
The airline has developed its own system called Direct Connect that provides fare pricing and options directly to larger online travel agencies. American is also trying to drive more bookings through its own website at AA.com.
Sabre Holdings Corp., the parent of Travelocity.com, said in a statement that American's actions will make it more difficult and costly for agents and consumers to comparison shop among airlines and will result in increased prices.
Revenue earned on American Airlines tickets and associated products such as rental cars accounted for about 5 percent of Orbitz's revenue for the nine months ended in September, and most of the affected ticket volume will be replaced by other suppliers.
Global distribution systems company Travelport said American's plan will result in inefficiencies and added costs.
In addition, Delta Air Lines terminated three online travel sites, CheapOAir.com, OneTravel.com and BookIt.com, as authorized travel agents.
The Illinois state court decision lifts a temporary restraining order granted in November that prevented American from dropping Orbitz, according to American Airlines.
Low Cost Car Rental
Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, a group that represents corporate travel managers and is critical of American's plans, said allowing American Airlines to drop Orbitz marks the "first shot in a long battle that's going to be engaged" by all airlines in 2011.
The airline has developed its own system called Direct Connect that provides fare pricing and options directly to larger online travel agencies. American is also trying to drive more bookings through its own website at AA.com.
Sabre Holdings Corp., the parent of Travelocity.com, said in a statement that American's actions will make it more difficult and costly for agents and consumers to comparison shop among airlines and will result in increased prices.
Revenue earned on American Airlines tickets and associated products such as rental cars accounted for about 5 percent of Orbitz's revenue for the nine months ended in September, and most of the affected ticket volume will be replaced by other suppliers.
Global distribution systems company Travelport said American's plan will result in inefficiencies and added costs.
In addition, Delta Air Lines terminated three online travel sites, CheapOAir.com, OneTravel.com and BookIt.com, as authorized travel agents.
E-Z Rent-A-Car Offers Discounts, Exclusive Deals for Holiday Travelers
Discount car rental company E-Z Rent-A-Car is offering holiday travelers discounts on rental car rates with both locally targeted promotions as well as a national Facebook promotion.
Travelers looking to rent a car in Florida during the holiday season can take 10 percent off E-Z Rent-A-Car's rates. E-Z Rent-A-Car offers in-terminal car rentals in Orlando and car rental locations in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Travelers can book online at E-Z's special Holidays in Florida page: http://ezrac.com/hif. This discount is good for all bookings for rental car pickups until Jan. 3, 2011.
E-Z Rent-A-Car also is offering its Facebook fans that login through the Facebook page an automatic discount of 3 percent off all base rates, for all corporate locations nationwide. The Facebook promotion can be found at http://www.facebook.com/ezrentacar. If you login with Facebook on the confirmation page this discount will automatically be applied, and currently has no expiration date.
"We realize that the holidays are a time when many want or need to travel. But we also know this is a time where every dollar counts," said Charlie Graham of E-Z Rent-A-Car. "We are always striving to be the most affordable car rental option out there, and these discounts will hopefully make it that much easier for people to be where they want this holiday season."
CarHire4Lower.com
Travelers looking to rent a car in Florida during the holiday season can take 10 percent off E-Z Rent-A-Car's rates. E-Z Rent-A-Car offers in-terminal car rentals in Orlando and car rental locations in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Travelers can book online at E-Z's special Holidays in Florida page: http://ezrac.com/hif. This discount is good for all bookings for rental car pickups until Jan. 3, 2011.
E-Z Rent-A-Car also is offering its Facebook fans that login through the Facebook page an automatic discount of 3 percent off all base rates, for all corporate locations nationwide. The Facebook promotion can be found at http://www.facebook.com/ezrentacar. If you login with Facebook on the confirmation page this discount will automatically be applied, and currently has no expiration date.
"We realize that the holidays are a time when many want or need to travel. But we also know this is a time where every dollar counts," said Charlie Graham of E-Z Rent-A-Car. "We are always striving to be the most affordable car rental option out there, and these discounts will hopefully make it that much easier for people to be where they want this holiday season."
CarHire4Lower.com
One Way Car Rental to Alaska
Can I get a oneway car rental from either Seattle, WA or Vancouver, BC to Anchorage, AK?
While I think that it is unlikely that you will find a one way car rental to Anchorage, I couldn't say for sure... nor could I tell you which companies will allow it, if any.
Unfortunately, with any one way car rental availability is never a given.
The availability and price of a one way rental will truly depend on the city and location of pickup, the city and location of drop off, the car type, the date or time of year, the length of the rental and, of course, the car rental company itself.
You will have to select a few car rental companies and research each individually for your specific cities, dates and times to find out if the one way car rental that you're looking for will be available. You can research this type of rental on the car rental company websites directly.
Check as many companies as you can, but start with the larger, national brands that are most likely to have larger fleets and locations in both cities -- Avis, Budget, Hertz, first... then try Alamo, National, Dollar, Enterprise, Thrifty, etc.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help; I hope you find the rental that you're looking for.
Read more about
One Way Car Rentals
Cheap Orlando car rentals
Renting a car is a popular option for Orlando visitors; many travelers arrive at Orlando International Airport wanting to check out as many attractions as possible, and a rental car makes it possible to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld Orlando without being “locked in” to the shuttle services tied in to a particular resort area.
And for those travelers looking for cheap Orlando car rentals, there are several ways to keep costs down while staying in the Orlando area. One of the fastest ways to find cheap car rentals in Orlando is by using an aggregator site like Rent A Car Now or Kayak.com. These sites quickly search all major car rental vendors for the cheapest available price. Cheap Orlando Car Rentals might also be available through major car rental vendor websites like Hertz.com or Enterprise.com
Keep in mind that car rental vendors often charge more for the convenience of renting on site. Just north of Orlando International Airport on or near Semoran Boulevard there are several car rental agencies that offer rental cars at reduced prices that will more than make up for the short cab ride outside of the airport.
For travelers coming to Orlando from other parts of Florida, avoiding one way car rentals can also help make cheap Orlando car rentals a reality. It is expensive for car rental agencies to move their inventory from city to city, although travelers who choose to fly into nearby cities
like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers or Jacksonville might have the benefit of more affordable prices than Orlando.
Finally, watch the car rental prices in the weeks and days before the trip. If the rental price goes down, travelers usually have the option of cancelling and re-booking the car rental reservation. Cheap Orlando car rentals
And for those travelers looking for cheap Orlando car rentals, there are several ways to keep costs down while staying in the Orlando area. One of the fastest ways to find cheap car rentals in Orlando is by using an aggregator site like Rent A Car Now or Kayak.com. These sites quickly search all major car rental vendors for the cheapest available price. Cheap Orlando Car Rentals might also be available through major car rental vendor websites like Hertz.com or Enterprise.com
Keep in mind that car rental vendors often charge more for the convenience of renting on site. Just north of Orlando International Airport on or near Semoran Boulevard there are several car rental agencies that offer rental cars at reduced prices that will more than make up for the short cab ride outside of the airport.
For travelers coming to Orlando from other parts of Florida, avoiding one way car rentals can also help make cheap Orlando car rentals a reality. It is expensive for car rental agencies to move their inventory from city to city, although travelers who choose to fly into nearby cities
like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers or Jacksonville might have the benefit of more affordable prices than Orlando.
Finally, watch the car rental prices in the weeks and days before the trip. If the rental price goes down, travelers usually have the option of cancelling and re-booking the car rental reservation. Cheap Orlando car rentals
Tours de force: new ways to see China
Strong demand for China is resulting in an ever-widening array of touring options for agents to pitch to their clients. Karl Cushing reports
Car Rental In China
It’s official – UK travellers have fallen in love with China. And with escorted tours the most popular way to see the country, and long durations and big-ticket bookings the order of the day, there are some great opportunities for canny agents who know their Guilin from their Xi’an.
As Manuel Mascarenhas, managing director at China specialist Wendy Wu, explains: “For China, the average selling price is £3,000 per person, so it is rich pickings for agents – and if you’re offering the right product to the right person they will come back for more.”
As a destination, China has become much more mainstream in recent years and as travellers have become better educated their needs have become more sophisticated.
In addition to the classic week-long ‘first-timer’ tours, taking in mainstays such as Beijing and the Great Wall, today’s travellers increasingly expect experiences ranging from panda spotting in Chengdu to exploring rural Guilin. As a result, operators have responded with a raft of once-in-a-lifetime multi-centre tours covering a staggering amount of ground.
“People are definitely starting to get interested in different parts of the country now,” says Hayes & Jarvis product manager Andrea Loddo. “For example we are seeing more interest in the traditional China from Suzhou and Hangzhou to the heritage of Yunnan.” Pricing is also driving the market. For example, Loddo says fierce competition has driven accommodation rates down by about 50% in many hotels this year.
Tailor-made trips now account for about 10% of bookings at Hayes & Jarvis and to feed demand the company is running a more extensive tailor-made programme for 2011. In addition to the hotels featured in its brochure, agents can book those featured in its China bed bank. Longer stay ‘grand tours’ and tour extensions to places such as Hong Kong are also proving popular, says Loddo.
Wendy Wu offers 21 tours in the country and, despite the difficulties in the travel market this year, Mascarenhas says this year’s trade bookings to China are about 25% up on 2009 levels. For 2011, the key focus is repeat business.
To help meet this aim in the year ahead, the operator is looking to add a new standalone luxury programme for China; add more adventure products, based on the success of its 29-day Epic Adventure, featuring Beijing, Chengdu and Tibet alongside the Himalayas; and add more special interest products such as a culinary tour, having tested the waters this year with its China in Focus photography tour and a China Revisited tour hosted by TV presenter John Craven.
Also on the cards are twin-centre options incorporating Japan, currently offered as a tour extension, to join the 27-day Treasures of Vietnam and China option.
Travel 2, meanwhile, has added an eight-day Highlights of China tour for 2011 aimed at first-timers, including elements such as a trip to see the Terracotta Warriors and the Li River, while its nine-night Hong Kong, Yangtze Cruise and Beijing tour (from £2,369, including flights with Cathay Pacific from London), includes three nights onboard Sanctuary and in each of the two cities.
“China is performing very strongly for Bales, possibly due to a post Olympic boom,” says Steve Lidgey, product manager, Orient and Asia. “We are seeing clients more willing to stray off the beaten track. We are easily able to accommodate requests as our local agents in China can cover the whole country and services are of a high level – even in obscure places.”
Cox & Kings offers everything from four-star introductory tours and luxury grand tours to off-the-beaten-track private itineraries and river cruises. Demand is up year on year and to keep the punters happy for 2011 it has added more pre and post-tour extensions and more tailor-made offerings. It’s also launched Shanghai as a city-break alternative to Hong Kong as part of the Relax & Explore programme.
Having expanded its offering in 2010 with some more creative itineraries, China is currently number eight on Kuoni’s hit parade of popular destinations. Even its introductory tours such as the Gorges of the Yangtze tour, which combines a Three Gorges cruise on the Yangtze with staples like Beijing and Shanghai tours, can be amended by bolting on a city stay in Hong Kong or a beach break in Sanya. Longer escorted tours include the 17-night Incredible China, while clients can also tailor-make their own Essential China private tour.
China also gets a big mention in Thomson Tailormade’s latest Far East and Worldwide brochures. Tours range from introductory offerings, such as the nine-day China experience (from £1,699) to the 12-day Images of China (from £1,999), which covers more ground, including Guilin, Xi’an and Hong Kong, to the more comprehensive 20-day Grand Tour of China (from £2,899).
Collette Worldwide Holidays has seen sales to China increase by 40% for 2011 over the same time last year. For 2011 it is sticking with its current three tours: Highlights of China (nine-days, from £1,299); Best of China (12 days, from £2,329); and Ancient China’s Wonders and Yangtze River Cruise (15 days, from £2,649). To drive sales it is offering savings of £100 per person for bookings made before December 31, doubling to £200 per person for Best of China Tour departures after May 1, 2011. Plus, agents get £20 on top of their commission.
Peter Traynor, Collette’s general manager in the UK, says clients are increasingly looking to interact with locals and enjoy more local experiences. Thus its tours include elements such as a dumpling-making class, lunch with a Chinese family and a lesson with a kite master. Like other operators, Collette’s programme also includes optional add-ons such as a full-day Xi’an tour to see the Terracotta Warriors and a two-night extension to Hong Kong.
Shorter options include Gap’s nine-day Imperial China and Hong Kong, from £1,399. It includes activities such as a Li River boat cruise and cooking class, and taking in sites such as Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Hong Kong, next departing March 21, 2011. Longer stays include a 28-day Yolo tour, Roam Beijing to Saigon, taking in various highlights of Vietnam and China, costing £1,459, departing February 28, 2011.
China is also one of Explore’s most popular destinations and the operator has 19 tours featuring it. Explaining its appeal, Simon Grove, Explore’s head of product, points to the amazing variety of sights and experiences on offer in a relatively short time frame, the classic juxtaposition of the old and the new, and the pace at which the country is developing.
“China continues to be a solid seller for us,” says Grove. “It is increasingly popular as a long-haul short-break destination as people are realising that the flight isn’t too bad and you can see a fair amount in a week. This is why we have introduced our Week in China itinerary, where customers can leave London after work on Friday and return just over a week later on the following Sunday.”
Also new for 2011 are two budget tours – China on a Shoestring and Beijing to Saigon. As well as being cheaper, these offer a more ‘local’ style experience than a typical escorted tour as they use more local transport and simpler hotels.
Car Rental In China
It’s official – UK travellers have fallen in love with China. And with escorted tours the most popular way to see the country, and long durations and big-ticket bookings the order of the day, there are some great opportunities for canny agents who know their Guilin from their Xi’an.
As Manuel Mascarenhas, managing director at China specialist Wendy Wu, explains: “For China, the average selling price is £3,000 per person, so it is rich pickings for agents – and if you’re offering the right product to the right person they will come back for more.”
As a destination, China has become much more mainstream in recent years and as travellers have become better educated their needs have become more sophisticated.
In addition to the classic week-long ‘first-timer’ tours, taking in mainstays such as Beijing and the Great Wall, today’s travellers increasingly expect experiences ranging from panda spotting in Chengdu to exploring rural Guilin. As a result, operators have responded with a raft of once-in-a-lifetime multi-centre tours covering a staggering amount of ground.
“People are definitely starting to get interested in different parts of the country now,” says Hayes & Jarvis product manager Andrea Loddo. “For example we are seeing more interest in the traditional China from Suzhou and Hangzhou to the heritage of Yunnan.” Pricing is also driving the market. For example, Loddo says fierce competition has driven accommodation rates down by about 50% in many hotels this year.
Flexibility
Operators are also building in increasing flexibility, offering more add-ons such as tour extensions and optional excursions to make group tours less rigid, while adding more private and tailor-made itineraries aimed at repeat visitors.Tailor-made trips now account for about 10% of bookings at Hayes & Jarvis and to feed demand the company is running a more extensive tailor-made programme for 2011. In addition to the hotels featured in its brochure, agents can book those featured in its China bed bank. Longer stay ‘grand tours’ and tour extensions to places such as Hong Kong are also proving popular, says Loddo.
Wendy Wu offers 21 tours in the country and, despite the difficulties in the travel market this year, Mascarenhas says this year’s trade bookings to China are about 25% up on 2009 levels. For 2011, the key focus is repeat business.
To help meet this aim in the year ahead, the operator is looking to add a new standalone luxury programme for China; add more adventure products, based on the success of its 29-day Epic Adventure, featuring Beijing, Chengdu and Tibet alongside the Himalayas; and add more special interest products such as a culinary tour, having tested the waters this year with its China in Focus photography tour and a China Revisited tour hosted by TV presenter John Craven.
Also on the cards are twin-centre options incorporating Japan, currently offered as a tour extension, to join the 27-day Treasures of Vietnam and China option.
Travel 2, meanwhile, has added an eight-day Highlights of China tour for 2011 aimed at first-timers, including elements such as a trip to see the Terracotta Warriors and the Li River, while its nine-night Hong Kong, Yangtze Cruise and Beijing tour (from £2,369, including flights with Cathay Pacific from London), includes three nights onboard Sanctuary and in each of the two cities.
High-end tours
No stranger to China having featured the country for 45 years, Bales Worldwide has also expanded its programme for 2011, adding destinations such as Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan; Zhangjiajie for its mountains, caves and stunning scenery; and tropical Hainan Island, along with new hotels such as Peninsula Shanghai and the Langham Yangtze Boutique Hotel. Prices lead in at £1,999 for the nine-day Discover China tour, including flights and transfers.“China is performing very strongly for Bales, possibly due to a post Olympic boom,” says Steve Lidgey, product manager, Orient and Asia. “We are seeing clients more willing to stray off the beaten track. We are easily able to accommodate requests as our local agents in China can cover the whole country and services are of a high level – even in obscure places.”
Cox & Kings offers everything from four-star introductory tours and luxury grand tours to off-the-beaten-track private itineraries and river cruises. Demand is up year on year and to keep the punters happy for 2011 it has added more pre and post-tour extensions and more tailor-made offerings. It’s also launched Shanghai as a city-break alternative to Hong Kong as part of the Relax & Explore programme.
Having expanded its offering in 2010 with some more creative itineraries, China is currently number eight on Kuoni’s hit parade of popular destinations. Even its introductory tours such as the Gorges of the Yangtze tour, which combines a Three Gorges cruise on the Yangtze with staples like Beijing and Shanghai tours, can be amended by bolting on a city stay in Hong Kong or a beach break in Sanya. Longer escorted tours include the 17-night Incredible China, while clients can also tailor-make their own Essential China private tour.
China also gets a big mention in Thomson Tailormade’s latest Far East and Worldwide brochures. Tours range from introductory offerings, such as the nine-day China experience (from £1,699) to the 12-day Images of China (from £1,999), which covers more ground, including Guilin, Xi’an and Hong Kong, to the more comprehensive 20-day Grand Tour of China (from £2,899).
Collette Worldwide Holidays has seen sales to China increase by 40% for 2011 over the same time last year. For 2011 it is sticking with its current three tours: Highlights of China (nine-days, from £1,299); Best of China (12 days, from £2,329); and Ancient China’s Wonders and Yangtze River Cruise (15 days, from £2,649). To drive sales it is offering savings of £100 per person for bookings made before December 31, doubling to £200 per person for Best of China Tour departures after May 1, 2011. Plus, agents get £20 on top of their commission.
Peter Traynor, Collette’s general manager in the UK, says clients are increasingly looking to interact with locals and enjoy more local experiences. Thus its tours include elements such as a dumpling-making class, lunch with a Chinese family and a lesson with a kite master. Like other operators, Collette’s programme also includes optional add-ons such as a full-day Xi’an tour to see the Terracotta Warriors and a two-night extension to Hong Kong.
Active and adventure
China has long been a mainstay of the more intrepid travellers and that continues to be the case. It is one of Gap Adventures’ top three best-selling destinations and to feed demand the operator has five new tours for 2011, including three aimed at the 18-30 ‘Yolo’ (you only live once) market.Shorter options include Gap’s nine-day Imperial China and Hong Kong, from £1,399. It includes activities such as a Li River boat cruise and cooking class, and taking in sites such as Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Hong Kong, next departing March 21, 2011. Longer stays include a 28-day Yolo tour, Roam Beijing to Saigon, taking in various highlights of Vietnam and China, costing £1,459, departing February 28, 2011.
China is also one of Explore’s most popular destinations and the operator has 19 tours featuring it. Explaining its appeal, Simon Grove, Explore’s head of product, points to the amazing variety of sights and experiences on offer in a relatively short time frame, the classic juxtaposition of the old and the new, and the pace at which the country is developing.
“China continues to be a solid seller for us,” says Grove. “It is increasingly popular as a long-haul short-break destination as people are realising that the flight isn’t too bad and you can see a fair amount in a week. This is why we have introduced our Week in China itinerary, where customers can leave London after work on Friday and return just over a week later on the following Sunday.”
Also new for 2011 are two budget tours – China on a Shoestring and Beijing to Saigon. As well as being cheaper, these offer a more ‘local’ style experience than a typical escorted tour as they use more local transport and simpler hotels.
Add-ons
Attraction World offers 10 pre-bookable add-ons in China, centred on Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. Options include a Chinese Acrobatics and Shanghai Evening Tour (adults £53, children £40), a trip to see the Great Wall at Mutianyu, rather than the busy Badaling option (adults £46, children £33) and a Beijing Opera Night Show (adults £27, children £25). attractionworld.comTuesday, December 21, 2010
Milan: The Tiffany Christmas Tree
Let's return to Christmas in Milan...Remember, we're in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, looking at the twinkling lights of the twirling Swarovski heart pendant hanging from the gallery's ceiling. Next, let's turn around and walk into the Piazza del Duomo, facing Milan's beautiful cathedral, and gaze at the Tiffany Christmas tree. The tree is hung with 100,000 lights and towers over the piazza on a 'base' built to look like Tiffany's distinctive turquoise boxes. The base in fact houses a temporary Tiffany shop, which will be open throughout the holiday season.
Because of this retail shop, the tree hasn't been without controversy... Milan's mayor at first disapproved of the commercial nature of the tree, but when no other sponsors for a Christmas tree appeared, and when Tiffany agreed to give a percentage of its sales from the shop under the tree to charities, the city agreed. The estimated cost of the tree is 320,000 euro. The tree was installed on December 4 and it will remain in place until January 8, 2011. Controversy or not, these sponsored displays and light show are making for a brilliant holiday season in Milan.
Tiffany’s main shop in Milan is in nearby Via Spiga.
Can Kayak Get Public in the Face of Uncertainty?
Kayak announced plans for an initial public offering today. While details around the deal are scarce, offering documents provide some illuminating financial detail and really set the stage for what is sure to be a big debate. The financials: Kayak is growing fast… really fast. The debate: Can Kayak get public in the face of the uncertainty created by Google’s planned acquisition of ITA Software?
First the numbers. Kayak generated US$113 million in revenue in 2009, but is already at $128 million in just the first nine months of 2010. Revenue is up 48% so far this year and was up 80% in the third quarter alone. What is fueling that growth? Query volume was up 37% in the first nine months and 50% in the quarter. Profit has increased rapidly too, with earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation ramping from $16 million in all of 2009 to $25 million for the first nine months of 2010. Where is all of that revenue coming from? According to the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC, 25% of revenue comes from Expedia brands, 19% from Orbitz brands and 8% from Google.
If you are looking for cheap car rental?
Next the debate. Google’s purchase of ITA Software appears to put Kayak directly in the cross-hairs. The prevailing thought is that Google will look to launch an air-related metasearch product. From another angle, ITA powers Kayak air search. Will the combination undermine Kayak’s airline query volume? Will ITA renew its contract with Kayak when the deal expires in December 2013? If not, can Kayak find a suitable replacement? We do not know for sure, but note that 85% of Kayak query volume is air-related and 8% of query volume is driven by keyword purchase. To the extent Google-ITA grabs share in air search, that could be an issue. ITA, meanwhile, handles 42% of Kayak’s total query volume. That could be an issue if the contract is not extended.
What now? Details of the IPO were not disclosed. While the press has talked about a $50 million deal, that is not the real number. Companies are required to include some numbers in initial documents for the purpose of calculating fees, but the deal is likely to be much larger. That will be an important detail in determining whether the public market welcomes the deal. While the growth is appealing, the uncertainty created by the Google-ITA deal is not. The valuation will have to be attractive enough to convince investors to buy into the uncertainty.
First the numbers. Kayak generated US$113 million in revenue in 2009, but is already at $128 million in just the first nine months of 2010. Revenue is up 48% so far this year and was up 80% in the third quarter alone. What is fueling that growth? Query volume was up 37% in the first nine months and 50% in the quarter. Profit has increased rapidly too, with earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation ramping from $16 million in all of 2009 to $25 million for the first nine months of 2010. Where is all of that revenue coming from? According to the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC, 25% of revenue comes from Expedia brands, 19% from Orbitz brands and 8% from Google.
If you are looking for cheap car rental?
Next the debate. Google’s purchase of ITA Software appears to put Kayak directly in the cross-hairs. The prevailing thought is that Google will look to launch an air-related metasearch product. From another angle, ITA powers Kayak air search. Will the combination undermine Kayak’s airline query volume? Will ITA renew its contract with Kayak when the deal expires in December 2013? If not, can Kayak find a suitable replacement? We do not know for sure, but note that 85% of Kayak query volume is air-related and 8% of query volume is driven by keyword purchase. To the extent Google-ITA grabs share in air search, that could be an issue. ITA, meanwhile, handles 42% of Kayak’s total query volume. That could be an issue if the contract is not extended.
What now? Details of the IPO were not disclosed. While the press has talked about a $50 million deal, that is not the real number. Companies are required to include some numbers in initial documents for the purpose of calculating fees, but the deal is likely to be much larger. That will be an important detail in determining whether the public market welcomes the deal. While the growth is appealing, the uncertainty created by the Google-ITA deal is not. The valuation will have to be attractive enough to convince investors to buy into the uncertainty.
Disney's Bay Lake Tower
Bay Lake Tower's crescent-shaped tower boasts some of the most dramatic Walt Disney World views available, offering panoramas of an amenity-filled courtyard, the picturesque lakefront beyond or one of the most beloved theme parks on Earth, Magic Kingdom. The 15-story, ultra-modern Disney Vacation Club resort combines elegant accommodations with home-like conveniences ideal for families. The sleek new property, scheduled to open in August, is connected to the iconic Disney's Contemporary Resort via covered walkway allowing guests to enjoy the hotel's restaurants, merchandise locations and monorail station. Walt Disney World Resort is in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
Monday, December 20, 2010
Adesa: Wholesale Market to Strengthen
Wholesale used vehicle prices stayed relatively flat in November compared to October, although they remained higher on a year-over-year basis, wrote ADESA's Tom Kontos in his November 2010 Kontos Kommentary column.
The rate of increase in wholesale prices on a year-over-year basis should continue to diminish as year-ago "comps" get stronger. However, wholesale prices will likely follow their typical strengthening seasonal pattern on a month-over-month basis in December and into the first few months of 2011, reinforced by continued tight used vehicle supply.
According to ADESA Analytical Services' monthly analysis of Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices by Vehicle Model Class1, wholesale used vehicle prices in October averaged $9,788 - up 0.2 percent from October and 1.9 percent versus prior year. Among segments that have significant volume and number of model entries, minivans had particularly robust prices in November.
Airport Car Rentals
Manufacturers registered a 1.4 percent month-over-month price decrease and a 1.2 percent year-over-year rise. Fleet/lease consignors experienced a 1.3 percent sequential price decrease and a 3.8 percent annual increase. Dealer consignors saw a 0.6 percent average price increase versus October and a 9.6 percent uptick versus November 2009.
ADESA Analytical Services estimates that auction industry inventory levels stood at 32 days at month-end compared to 37 days last November - an indication of continued tight supply.
Based on data from CNW Marketing/Research, retail used-vehicle sales in November were down 9.6 percent year-over-year for franchised dealers, but up 3.4 percent for independent dealers. On a month-over-month basis, used-vehicle sales were down for both franchised (down 6.2 percent) and independent dealers (down 9.2 percent). Certified-used vehicle sales in November were down 10.6 percent versus October but up 28.1 percent compared to November 2009, according to Autodata. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index for used vehicles rose by 6.0 percent year-over-year in November, which was considerably less of an increase than the double-digit increases recorded throughout most of this year.
The rate of increase in wholesale prices on a year-over-year basis should continue to diminish as year-ago "comps" get stronger. However, wholesale prices will likely follow their typical strengthening seasonal pattern on a month-over-month basis in December and into the first few months of 2011, reinforced by continued tight used vehicle supply.
According to ADESA Analytical Services' monthly analysis of Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices by Vehicle Model Class1, wholesale used vehicle prices in October averaged $9,788 - up 0.2 percent from October and 1.9 percent versus prior year. Among segments that have significant volume and number of model entries, minivans had particularly robust prices in November.
Airport Car Rentals
Manufacturers registered a 1.4 percent month-over-month price decrease and a 1.2 percent year-over-year rise. Fleet/lease consignors experienced a 1.3 percent sequential price decrease and a 3.8 percent annual increase. Dealer consignors saw a 0.6 percent average price increase versus October and a 9.6 percent uptick versus November 2009.
ADESA Analytical Services estimates that auction industry inventory levels stood at 32 days at month-end compared to 37 days last November - an indication of continued tight supply.
Based on data from CNW Marketing/Research, retail used-vehicle sales in November were down 9.6 percent year-over-year for franchised dealers, but up 3.4 percent for independent dealers. On a month-over-month basis, used-vehicle sales were down for both franchised (down 6.2 percent) and independent dealers (down 9.2 percent). Certified-used vehicle sales in November were down 10.6 percent versus October but up 28.1 percent compared to November 2009, according to Autodata. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index for used vehicles rose by 6.0 percent year-over-year in November, which was considerably less of an increase than the double-digit increases recorded throughout most of this year.
Car hire firms speed toward 2011
Finally some good news for holidaymakers - car hire industry experts predict that the cost of hiring a car will be significantly cheaper in 2011 than in the last couple of years, where prices have rocketed by as much as 500% in top summer destinations.
Holiday Autos, the UK’s leading leisure car hire broker, recently held a round table event where they invited key car hire suppliers from all over the world to reflect on the main challenges in 2010 and to get their predictions for the year ahead.
2010 in particular saw major disruption due to Iceland’s volcanic eruption, strikes and the lingering effects of the economic downturn, all of which led to transport chaos and higher prices for travellers.
However, 2011 is set to be a better year, partly due to car hire companies finding their feet post recession, purchasing more vehicles and growing their fleets. The upside for holidaymakers will be more choice, more availability and competitive prices.
That said, some countries will take longer to see the positive effects. For example, Greece and France were heavily affected by nationwide strikes in 2010 but with tourism on the increase and their respective economies getting stronger, they are both facing a brighter 2011. While in Portugal, recovery from the recession was comparatively slower than its European neighbours. However, the economy is showing positive signs of improvement and Holiday Autos expects the car hire industry in Portugal to be in a stronger position in 2011.
Further afield, South Africa’s recession has been made worse by the dramatic reduction in domestic travel, since the World Cup ended. However, they do expect an increase in visitors who may take a renewed interest in planning holidays there after the attention during the tournament.
Car Hire In Spain
Matthew Thornett, Head of Pricing at Holiday Autos, comments: “2011 will be the first time for a few years that customers could see a significant drop in car hire prices. However, we still expect to see prices and supply to be similar to previous years at peak seasons, such as Christmas, Easter and school holidays, and in popular destinations. Ensuring you book your hire car early will still continue to be important in 2011 to make sure you get value for money.”
Sandra Downs, Head of Trade Sales at Holiday Autos also advises customers to take advantage of January sales, early booking deals and special offers whenever possible to ensure that your money goes further. “Make sure you search around, compare prices and whoever you book with, always check that the quoted rates are fully inclusive and include all necessary insurances and extras – you don’t want to end up paying over the odds for things you thought were included.”
Holiday Autos, the UK’s leading leisure car hire broker, recently held a round table event where they invited key car hire suppliers from all over the world to reflect on the main challenges in 2010 and to get their predictions for the year ahead.
2010 in particular saw major disruption due to Iceland’s volcanic eruption, strikes and the lingering effects of the economic downturn, all of which led to transport chaos and higher prices for travellers.
However, 2011 is set to be a better year, partly due to car hire companies finding their feet post recession, purchasing more vehicles and growing their fleets. The upside for holidaymakers will be more choice, more availability and competitive prices.
That said, some countries will take longer to see the positive effects. For example, Greece and France were heavily affected by nationwide strikes in 2010 but with tourism on the increase and their respective economies getting stronger, they are both facing a brighter 2011. While in Portugal, recovery from the recession was comparatively slower than its European neighbours. However, the economy is showing positive signs of improvement and Holiday Autos expects the car hire industry in Portugal to be in a stronger position in 2011.
Further afield, South Africa’s recession has been made worse by the dramatic reduction in domestic travel, since the World Cup ended. However, they do expect an increase in visitors who may take a renewed interest in planning holidays there after the attention during the tournament.
Car Hire In Spain
Matthew Thornett, Head of Pricing at Holiday Autos, comments: “2011 will be the first time for a few years that customers could see a significant drop in car hire prices. However, we still expect to see prices and supply to be similar to previous years at peak seasons, such as Christmas, Easter and school holidays, and in popular destinations. Ensuring you book your hire car early will still continue to be important in 2011 to make sure you get value for money.”
Sandra Downs, Head of Trade Sales at Holiday Autos also advises customers to take advantage of January sales, early booking deals and special offers whenever possible to ensure that your money goes further. “Make sure you search around, compare prices and whoever you book with, always check that the quoted rates are fully inclusive and include all necessary insurances and extras – you don’t want to end up paying over the odds for things you thought were included.”
Heathrow 'closes' terminals one and three
Heathrow airport will review its operations against 4pm after telling passengers not to turn up to terminals one and three as the freezing conditions continue to hamper operations.
Operator BAA said it is snowing again at the airport and the terminals are “extremely congested” and it was “unable to accept any more passengers”.
The airport is operating a limited service today and has asked customers not to turn up to the airport unless it has been confirmed by their carrier that the service will operate.
A statement said: "We have agreed a reduced flying schedule until 6am on Wednesday December 22. A maximum one-third of flights are likely to operate during this period, and passengers should anticipate further delays and cancellations in the following days and potentially beyond Christmas Day.
"Passengers should not travel to Heathrow without a confirmed booking. If passengers can travel at another time then they should do so. This limited schedule provides airlines and passengers with more clarity in order to plan which flights are taking off and which are cancelled.
"We aim to provide passengers with better and more timely information. Airlines are currently updating which flights have been cancelled and our website is showing the latest available flight information. If the website shows 'contact airline' then the flight will not be operating today.
"Passengers must not travel to the airport unless they have confirmed that their flight is leaving today. Airline contact numbers are available on www.heathrowairport.com.
"The government has decided to permit extra flights throughout the night at Heathrow. The northern runway at Heathrow is open and handling a limited number of arrivals and departures.
"Earlier in the day, we prioritised aircraft that had previously been diverted, in order to bring passengers to Heathrow and get airline crews and aircraft in the right place.
"Heathrow is currently using every available member of staff and several hundred additional contractors have been brought in to clear the situation. BAA has also deployed additional staff to provide comfort to passengers in its terminals.
"We are sorry for the disruption caused and will reflect carefully on the lessons we can learn and the steps we need to take to better prepare for these periods of poor weather."
Abta spokesman Sean Tipton said the situation was more acute than when snow last hit the south east two weeks ago because of the sheer volume of people hoping to travel.
He said people who have bought packages through an Abta should contact them for the latest advice on what to do.
And he reiterated advice that all passengers should check for updates on airline and airport websites before travelling to the airport.
UK Car Rental
The cold weather is not just affecting flying. Huge queues have formed at Eurostar’s St Pancreas terminal.
The train operator has closed the queue to newcomers saying they are not likely to get on a train but said the queue will re-open again at 3am.
Some passengers have said they have been waiting in the queue for up to five hours standing in freezing conditions. Eurostar staff have been handing out teas and coffees to those waiting.
Operator BAA said it is snowing again at the airport and the terminals are “extremely congested” and it was “unable to accept any more passengers”.
The airport is operating a limited service today and has asked customers not to turn up to the airport unless it has been confirmed by their carrier that the service will operate.
A statement said: "We have agreed a reduced flying schedule until 6am on Wednesday December 22. A maximum one-third of flights are likely to operate during this period, and passengers should anticipate further delays and cancellations in the following days and potentially beyond Christmas Day.
"Passengers should not travel to Heathrow without a confirmed booking. If passengers can travel at another time then they should do so. This limited schedule provides airlines and passengers with more clarity in order to plan which flights are taking off and which are cancelled.
"We aim to provide passengers with better and more timely information. Airlines are currently updating which flights have been cancelled and our website is showing the latest available flight information. If the website shows 'contact airline' then the flight will not be operating today.
"Passengers must not travel to the airport unless they have confirmed that their flight is leaving today. Airline contact numbers are available on www.heathrowairport.com.
"The government has decided to permit extra flights throughout the night at Heathrow. The northern runway at Heathrow is open and handling a limited number of arrivals and departures.
"Earlier in the day, we prioritised aircraft that had previously been diverted, in order to bring passengers to Heathrow and get airline crews and aircraft in the right place.
"Heathrow is currently using every available member of staff and several hundred additional contractors have been brought in to clear the situation. BAA has also deployed additional staff to provide comfort to passengers in its terminals.
"We are sorry for the disruption caused and will reflect carefully on the lessons we can learn and the steps we need to take to better prepare for these periods of poor weather."
Abta spokesman Sean Tipton said the situation was more acute than when snow last hit the south east two weeks ago because of the sheer volume of people hoping to travel.
He said people who have bought packages through an Abta should contact them for the latest advice on what to do.
And he reiterated advice that all passengers should check for updates on airline and airport websites before travelling to the airport.
UK Car Rental
The cold weather is not just affecting flying. Huge queues have formed at Eurostar’s St Pancreas terminal.
The train operator has closed the queue to newcomers saying they are not likely to get on a train but said the queue will re-open again at 3am.
Some passengers have said they have been waiting in the queue for up to five hours standing in freezing conditions. Eurostar staff have been handing out teas and coffees to those waiting.
Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island to become Hyperion Wharf
Disney has recently announced that the former Pleasure Island section of Downtown Disney will soon be reopened as the Hyperion Wharf--a brightly lit, carnival like atmosphere that will replace an area that was once packed with 21 and older nightclub crowds. According to company officials Hyperion Wharf will be Disney's modern take on a 20th century port city and amusement pier, with plenty of new restaurant and entertainment choices.
At one time a thriving--and relatively stroller free--nightclub district, Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island became a bit of a dead zone wedged between the Marketplace and Westside areas of Downtown Disney once the company decided to make the entire area more accessible to guests of all ages. The new restaurants, shops and other venues are expected to bring 1200 jobs to the region over the next three years.
At one time a thriving--and relatively stroller free--nightclub district, Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island became a bit of a dead zone wedged between the Marketplace and Westside areas of Downtown Disney once the company decided to make the entire area more accessible to guests of all ages. The new restaurants, shops and other venues are expected to bring 1200 jobs to the region over the next three years.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Expedia.co.uk appoints Ogilvy & Mather Advertising
Expedia has selected Ogilvy &Mather Advertising to lead its new brand communications strategy in Expedia’s 12 major European markets. The appointment follows a two-month pitch process handled by agency relationship consultants AAR. Ogilvy & Mather will be tasked with generating both pan regional creative and local work that demonstrates a strong appreciation of consumer needs in distinct local markets.
In the last year Expedia has launched new local websites in 3 new European markets and has extended the marketing team to support this focus on both new and existing markets.
“Ogilvy & Mather have demonstrated a clear understanding of both our brief and our business goals. They share our desire to build campaigns with coherent, creative cut-through whilst driving the sustainable increases in transactions that will deliver long term value for our business. Finding a pan-European advertising partner was important to us. Finding one capable of creating campaigns with resonance in each European market, without resorting to dreary “Euro-comms”, was critical. Ogilvy & Mather have shown a desire to meet that challenge”, commented Andrew Warner, Senior Marketing Director EMEA for Expedia.
The appointment follows a 6 month investigation with brand consultancy, the Value Engineers, to better understand the needs of different audiences and how best to connect with them to address the issues that matter to different consumer segments in each European country. A series of new products and services informed by this research will be launched in 2011 both on the Expedia site, and through new platforms for Expedia in Europe such as social media and mobile.
“In a highly commoditised market, we are looking to build stand-out and differentiation for the Expedia brand. We have a number of different challenges across our 12 markets. In markets that we have recently entered we need to establish the brand and focus on customer acquisition, whereas in markets such as the UK, Italy and Germany, where we have a strong market leadership position and high levels of awareness, the challenge is around building loyalty and expanding our breadth of services,” added Warner.
The account will be structured to reflect Expedia’s own marketing structure with a focus on combining local expertise with central co-ordination.
Holiday Car Hire
“By removing layers of structure and increasing the flexibility of our marketing functions, Expedia has seen reinvigorated, marketing-driven growth and delivered strong business performance – despite a difficult year for the travel industry. The strength of Ogilvy & Mather’s European network means they are well-placed to drive our brand strategy and meet the challenges we face in our diverse markets” said Andrew Warner.
“We are thrilled to be working with such an innovative and progressive client. This win caps a significant year for the agency and we look forward to producing some remarkable work for Expedia in 2011.” Hugh Baillie, CEO, Ogilvy & Mather.
Expedia’s media planning and buying across Europe is handled by PHD. Essence is Expedia’s digital partner marketing agency. Expedia also works with a number of PR consultancies across Europe. None of these relationships are affected by the appointment of Ogilvy & Mather Advertising.
In the last year Expedia has launched new local websites in 3 new European markets and has extended the marketing team to support this focus on both new and existing markets.
“Ogilvy & Mather have demonstrated a clear understanding of both our brief and our business goals. They share our desire to build campaigns with coherent, creative cut-through whilst driving the sustainable increases in transactions that will deliver long term value for our business. Finding a pan-European advertising partner was important to us. Finding one capable of creating campaigns with resonance in each European market, without resorting to dreary “Euro-comms”, was critical. Ogilvy & Mather have shown a desire to meet that challenge”, commented Andrew Warner, Senior Marketing Director EMEA for Expedia.
The appointment follows a 6 month investigation with brand consultancy, the Value Engineers, to better understand the needs of different audiences and how best to connect with them to address the issues that matter to different consumer segments in each European country. A series of new products and services informed by this research will be launched in 2011 both on the Expedia site, and through new platforms for Expedia in Europe such as social media and mobile.
“In a highly commoditised market, we are looking to build stand-out and differentiation for the Expedia brand. We have a number of different challenges across our 12 markets. In markets that we have recently entered we need to establish the brand and focus on customer acquisition, whereas in markets such as the UK, Italy and Germany, where we have a strong market leadership position and high levels of awareness, the challenge is around building loyalty and expanding our breadth of services,” added Warner.
The account will be structured to reflect Expedia’s own marketing structure with a focus on combining local expertise with central co-ordination.
Holiday Car Hire
“By removing layers of structure and increasing the flexibility of our marketing functions, Expedia has seen reinvigorated, marketing-driven growth and delivered strong business performance – despite a difficult year for the travel industry. The strength of Ogilvy & Mather’s European network means they are well-placed to drive our brand strategy and meet the challenges we face in our diverse markets” said Andrew Warner.
“We are thrilled to be working with such an innovative and progressive client. This win caps a significant year for the agency and we look forward to producing some remarkable work for Expedia in 2011.” Hugh Baillie, CEO, Ogilvy & Mather.
Expedia’s media planning and buying across Europe is handled by PHD. Essence is Expedia’s digital partner marketing agency. Expedia also works with a number of PR consultancies across Europe. None of these relationships are affected by the appointment of Ogilvy & Mather Advertising.
30% WDW fast food coupon not necessary to bring. It's attached to "today" guides
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Disney's New Years Eve Event Schedule
Magic Kingdom
Dec. 31 hours: 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Parades: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, noon & 3:30 p.m.
“Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” Street Party, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5:15 p.m.
Main Street Electrical Parade, 7 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
Fireworks: Holiday Wishes, 8:30 p.m.
Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks, 11:50 p.m.
Epcot
Dec. 31 hours: Future World -- 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
World Showcase – 9:30 a.m.-1 a.m.
Fireworks: IllumiNations, 7:30 p.m. & 11:40 p.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Dec. 31 hours: 8 a.m.-midnight
Parades: Block Party Bash, 3 p.m.
Night Shows: Fantasmic!, 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m.
Fireworks: Lights! Camera! Happy New Year! Fireworks, midnight
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Dec. 31 hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Parades: Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade, 3:45 p.m.
Dec. 31 hours: 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Parades: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, noon & 3:30 p.m.
“Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” Street Party, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5:15 p.m.
Main Street Electrical Parade, 7 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
Fireworks: Holiday Wishes, 8:30 p.m.
Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks, 11:50 p.m.
Epcot
Dec. 31 hours: Future World -- 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
World Showcase – 9:30 a.m.-1 a.m.
Fireworks: IllumiNations, 7:30 p.m. & 11:40 p.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Dec. 31 hours: 8 a.m.-midnight
Parades: Block Party Bash, 3 p.m.
Night Shows: Fantasmic!, 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m.
Fireworks: Lights! Camera! Happy New Year! Fireworks, midnight
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Dec. 31 hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Parades: Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade, 3:45 p.m.
AAA Forecasts a 3.1 Percent Increase in Travel During the Year-End Holidays
AAA projects 92.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holidays, an increase of 3.1 percent from the 89.5 million who traveled a year ago. The year-end holidays travel period is defined as Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010 to Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011.
"It's great to see so many Americans taking to the roads, rails and skies this holiday season, especially since this is the fifth consecutive holiday period this year in which AAA has predicted a year-to-year increase in the number of travelers," said Glen MacDonell, director, AAA Travel Services. "After a challenging year in 2009, a modestly improved economic environment and pent-up demand resulted in more Americans traveling in 2010, and the year-end holidays are no exception."
More than nine out of 10 will drive to their holiday destinations
Approximately 85.7 million people (93 percent of all holiday travelers) will drive to their year-end holidays destinations. That represents a 3.2 percent increase from the 83 million who drove last year.
Number of air travelers expected to increase by nearly 3 percent
Nearly 2.75 million leisure air travelers (three percent of holiday travelers) will take to the skies during the year-end holidays, marking a 2.8 percent increase from last year's 2.67 million air travelers. The remaining 4 percent of holiday travelers are expected to travel by other modes, including rail, bus and watercraft.
Average travel distance up 33 percent; median spending about 3.5 percent more than last year
According to a survey of traveler intentions, the average distance traveled by Americans during the year-end holidays is expected to be 1,052 miles, which is 33 percent more than last year's average travel distance of 791 miles. Median spending is expected to be $694. Median spending a year ago was $670. Similar to Thanksgiving, a majority of survey respondents (75 percent) reported that the main purpose of their upcoming trip was a visit with friends or family.
Low Cost Rental Car
Hotel rates increase, airfares decrease and car rental rates unchanged compared to a year ago
According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings over the year-end holidays are expected to increase five percent from a year ago with travelers spending an average of $125 per night compared to $119 last year. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels can expect to pay two percent more at an average cost of $88 per night. Airfares are expected to be three percent less than last year with an average lowest round-trip rate of $174 for the top 40 U.S. air routes. Weekend daily car rental rates will remain unchanged at an average of $50.
"It's great to see so many Americans taking to the roads, rails and skies this holiday season, especially since this is the fifth consecutive holiday period this year in which AAA has predicted a year-to-year increase in the number of travelers," said Glen MacDonell, director, AAA Travel Services. "After a challenging year in 2009, a modestly improved economic environment and pent-up demand resulted in more Americans traveling in 2010, and the year-end holidays are no exception."
More than nine out of 10 will drive to their holiday destinations
Approximately 85.7 million people (93 percent of all holiday travelers) will drive to their year-end holidays destinations. That represents a 3.2 percent increase from the 83 million who drove last year.
Number of air travelers expected to increase by nearly 3 percent
Nearly 2.75 million leisure air travelers (three percent of holiday travelers) will take to the skies during the year-end holidays, marking a 2.8 percent increase from last year's 2.67 million air travelers. The remaining 4 percent of holiday travelers are expected to travel by other modes, including rail, bus and watercraft.
Average travel distance up 33 percent; median spending about 3.5 percent more than last year
According to a survey of traveler intentions, the average distance traveled by Americans during the year-end holidays is expected to be 1,052 miles, which is 33 percent more than last year's average travel distance of 791 miles. Median spending is expected to be $694. Median spending a year ago was $670. Similar to Thanksgiving, a majority of survey respondents (75 percent) reported that the main purpose of their upcoming trip was a visit with friends or family.
Low Cost Rental Car
Hotel rates increase, airfares decrease and car rental rates unchanged compared to a year ago
According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings over the year-end holidays are expected to increase five percent from a year ago with travelers spending an average of $125 per night compared to $119 last year. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels can expect to pay two percent more at an average cost of $88 per night. Airfares are expected to be three percent less than last year with an average lowest round-trip rate of $174 for the top 40 U.S. air routes. Weekend daily car rental rates will remain unchanged at an average of $50.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
National Pie Day in Orlando
Whether you choose All-American apple, classic coconut cream or luscious lemon meringue, there is no better way to express appreciation for your community's heroes than with the gift of a delicious, fresh-baked pie. And no better time to bake or buy America's favorite dessert for the firefighters and police officers who protect and serve than on Jan. 23, 2011, National Pie Day.
"Sharing a favorite pie with the hero in your neighborhood or city is a fun, thoughtful way to recognize their service to your community," says Linda Hoskins, executive director, American Pie Council. "At a time when so much of our culture is impersonal and fast-paced, pie is a kind, meaningful gift that encourages us to take a break, linger at the kitchen table and savor the goodness of life."
Each year, the American Pie Council (APC), its associate members and pie lovers from around the country celebrate National Pie Day on 1/23 as a tribute to the wholesome fun and goodness of pie. Bakers can stock up on ingredients and create their own tasty treats for the occasion. And when it comes to buying pie, families have a growing array of options - from their favorite supermarket to neighborhood bakeries to trendy specialty pie shops. In fact, according to Nation's Restaurant News, pies are the top restaurant trend for 2011. Pie is hot!
"Pies are part of our American heritage, but they are becoming even more popular among dessert lovers. So whether you choose a hardworking firefighter or brave local police officer to recognize, you can rest assured your community hero will love receiving a pie," continues Hoskins. "After all, 90 percent of Americans agree that a slice of pie represents one of the simple pleasures in life."
Which pie should you choose to celebrate National Pie Day? Will it be one of the 231 varieties of apple pie, the favorite of 36 million Americans? Perhaps pumpkin pie, which was first introduced to the holiday table at the pilgrim's second Thanksgiving in 1623. Maybe a nutty pecan pie, which is the third most popular choice in our nation of pie lovers.
As pie bakers across the country contemplate their choices, they can visit the APC Web site - www.piecouncil.org - to browse "pie-deas" and award-winning recipes that can help anyone create the perfect pie. But if you don't feel like baking, you could just pass off a store-bought pie as homemade ... 7 percent of Americans have!
As pie lovers bake or taste pie, they usually do so with a smile on their face. America's quintessential dessert presents an opportunity to create or select something special for an important member of our community. This year, show your "pietriotism" by choosing a local hero to thank as part of National Pie Day.
"Sharing a favorite pie with the hero in your neighborhood or city is a fun, thoughtful way to recognize their service to your community," says Linda Hoskins, executive director, American Pie Council. "At a time when so much of our culture is impersonal and fast-paced, pie is a kind, meaningful gift that encourages us to take a break, linger at the kitchen table and savor the goodness of life."
Each year, the American Pie Council (APC), its associate members and pie lovers from around the country celebrate National Pie Day on 1/23 as a tribute to the wholesome fun and goodness of pie. Bakers can stock up on ingredients and create their own tasty treats for the occasion. And when it comes to buying pie, families have a growing array of options - from their favorite supermarket to neighborhood bakeries to trendy specialty pie shops. In fact, according to Nation's Restaurant News, pies are the top restaurant trend for 2011. Pie is hot!
"Pies are part of our American heritage, but they are becoming even more popular among dessert lovers. So whether you choose a hardworking firefighter or brave local police officer to recognize, you can rest assured your community hero will love receiving a pie," continues Hoskins. "After all, 90 percent of Americans agree that a slice of pie represents one of the simple pleasures in life."
Which pie should you choose to celebrate National Pie Day? Will it be one of the 231 varieties of apple pie, the favorite of 36 million Americans? Perhaps pumpkin pie, which was first introduced to the holiday table at the pilgrim's second Thanksgiving in 1623. Maybe a nutty pecan pie, which is the third most popular choice in our nation of pie lovers.
As pie bakers across the country contemplate their choices, they can visit the APC Web site - www.piecouncil.org - to browse "pie-deas" and award-winning recipes that can help anyone create the perfect pie. But if you don't feel like baking, you could just pass off a store-bought pie as homemade ... 7 percent of Americans have!
As pie lovers bake or taste pie, they usually do so with a smile on their face. America's quintessential dessert presents an opportunity to create or select something special for an important member of our community. This year, show your "pietriotism" by choosing a local hero to thank as part of National Pie Day.
RelayRides Opens in San Francisco
Google Ventures has invested an undisclosed sum into RelayRides, a car-sharing service similar to Zipcar, to help it launch in San Francisco Tuesday. August Capital also took part in the company's first round of fundraising, according to VentureBeat.com.
RelayRides allows car owners to list their vehicles on its website and make them available for car sharing. The owner sets the price and what time of week the car will be available for rental. The owner then gets 65 percent of the total rental fee, and RelayRides takes a 15 percent cut. The other 20 percent goes toward an insurance policy.
Rental Cars In San Francisco
RelayRides inspects all vehicles before they enter the system. Once a vehicle is listed on the website, RelayRides will install a small computer in the owner's car to control the door locks and ignition. Borrowers wave their member cards over a reader on the car to unlock the doors. The key is in the car. Cars are also equipped with GPS devices to locate vehicles and track miles.
Borrowers can reserve cars online or via an automated telephone line. Borrowers' driving records are checked by RelayRides. Borrowers who return a car late or dirty multiple times are removed from the system.
Owners are responsible for maintaining, cleaning and taking care of the car. They are docked a small penalty if their cars are not available at the time of the reservation. As in other peer-to-peer programs, owners and borrowers are held accountable by a review system.
RelayRides was founded in November 2008 and launched its pilot program in Cambridge, Mass., in late spring 2010.
RelayRides allows car owners to list their vehicles on its website and make them available for car sharing. The owner sets the price and what time of week the car will be available for rental. The owner then gets 65 percent of the total rental fee, and RelayRides takes a 15 percent cut. The other 20 percent goes toward an insurance policy.
Rental Cars In San Francisco
RelayRides inspects all vehicles before they enter the system. Once a vehicle is listed on the website, RelayRides will install a small computer in the owner's car to control the door locks and ignition. Borrowers wave their member cards over a reader on the car to unlock the doors. The key is in the car. Cars are also equipped with GPS devices to locate vehicles and track miles.
Borrowers can reserve cars online or via an automated telephone line. Borrowers' driving records are checked by RelayRides. Borrowers who return a car late or dirty multiple times are removed from the system.
Owners are responsible for maintaining, cleaning and taking care of the car. They are docked a small penalty if their cars are not available at the time of the reservation. As in other peer-to-peer programs, owners and borrowers are held accountable by a review system.
RelayRides was founded in November 2008 and launched its pilot program in Cambridge, Mass., in late spring 2010.
British Airways, Iberia and AA expand code share agreement
From December 20, American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia are adding another 317 codeshare flights to their trans-Atlantic joint business between North America and Europe.
This is in addition to the more than 2,700 codeshares that were introduced at the launch of the three airlines’ joint business in October 2010. At the time codeshares were introduced between the UK and US and Spain and the US. This sees the carriers begin codesharing on flights to Canada, Mexico and many cities across Europe.
Codeshares allow an airline to apply their flight number to a service operated by a partner carrier, giving customers a wider range of destinations to choose from.
Customers can visit any one of the airlines’ websites as a one-stop-shop and mix and match their flights from across the three airlines’ schedule to suit their itinerary and pocket.
With today’s announcement, American will add its (AA*) code to an additional 57 British Airways flights to 16 destinations and four Iberia flights to two destinations. British Airways will add its (BA*) code to 42 additional American Airlines flights to 18 destinations and 56 Iberia flights to eight destinations. Iberia will add its (IB*) code to 72 American flights in 23 destinations and 86 British Airways flights to 24 destinations.
London Heathrow Car Hire
In total, as a result of the joint business, British Airways’ code will be published on over 2,800 American and Iberia flights serving more than 366 destinations. American Airlines’ code will be displayed on over 800 British Airways and Iberia flights to 174 destinations, and Iberia will publish its code on more than 90 British Airways and 264 American Airlines flights to 80 destinations. All together, the joint business will serve more than 400 destinations in over 100 countries with more than 5,200 daily flights.
These new codeshare flights will go on sale from December 20 with travel starting from December 28, 2010.
Members of the three airlines’ frequent flyer programs - American’s AAdvantage programme, British Airways’ Executive Club and Iberia’s Plus - can earn and redeem points or miles on these new codeshare flights.
“Today’s announcement continues to demonstrate how our stronger relationship with our oneworld partners delivers value to our customers,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Expanded codesharing makes it easier and more convenient for our respective customers to travel on the global networks of all three airlines and delivers on our promise of more routing choices, easier connections and a better overall travel experience.”
Andrew Crawley, British Airways’ commercial director, said: “When we launched the joint business in October, we said that we would be rolling out more benefits to customers and this introduction of more code-share flights across our three airlines is exactly that. The feedback we’re getting from customers is very positive already and we will continue to align our policies in order to bring them even more benefits.”
Manuel López Aguilar, IB general director Commercial and Clients, said: “The expanded codesharing that will be in place before the end of the year is another benefit for our customers which can be added to the new routes that we will be launching from next Spring, which in the case of Iberia are Madrid-Los Angeles and Barcelona-Miami. We could not operate these new routes without the joint business.”
* Customer benefits of the transatlantic joint business include:
* Coordinated schedules on joint business routes to provide customers with more flight choices and timings.
* Dedicated support teams for customers transferring at five of the airlines’ hubs: New York JFK, London Heathrow, Madrid, Chicago and Miami.
* Online check in and boarding pass printing with either the airline operating the flight, or the airline the ticket was booked through.
* Integrated online flight information on all three airlines’ websites.
* More integrated account management for corporate customers.
In addition, American, British Airways and Iberia announced five new routes beginning Spring 2011 as a benefit of the new joint business. They are: New York JFK-Budapest and Chicago-Helsinki (operated by American Airlines), London Heathrow-San Diego (operated by British Airways), plus Barcelona-Miami and Madrid-Los Angeles (operated by Iberia). Moreover, American will add frequencies from New York JFK to Barcelona and Miami to Madrid for already-existing service. These new frequencies also begin in Spring 2011.
This is in addition to the more than 2,700 codeshares that were introduced at the launch of the three airlines’ joint business in October 2010. At the time codeshares were introduced between the UK and US and Spain and the US. This sees the carriers begin codesharing on flights to Canada, Mexico and many cities across Europe.
Codeshares allow an airline to apply their flight number to a service operated by a partner carrier, giving customers a wider range of destinations to choose from.
Customers can visit any one of the airlines’ websites as a one-stop-shop and mix and match their flights from across the three airlines’ schedule to suit their itinerary and pocket.
With today’s announcement, American will add its (AA*) code to an additional 57 British Airways flights to 16 destinations and four Iberia flights to two destinations. British Airways will add its (BA*) code to 42 additional American Airlines flights to 18 destinations and 56 Iberia flights to eight destinations. Iberia will add its (IB*) code to 72 American flights in 23 destinations and 86 British Airways flights to 24 destinations.
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In total, as a result of the joint business, British Airways’ code will be published on over 2,800 American and Iberia flights serving more than 366 destinations. American Airlines’ code will be displayed on over 800 British Airways and Iberia flights to 174 destinations, and Iberia will publish its code on more than 90 British Airways and 264 American Airlines flights to 80 destinations. All together, the joint business will serve more than 400 destinations in over 100 countries with more than 5,200 daily flights.
These new codeshare flights will go on sale from December 20 with travel starting from December 28, 2010.
Members of the three airlines’ frequent flyer programs - American’s AAdvantage programme, British Airways’ Executive Club and Iberia’s Plus - can earn and redeem points or miles on these new codeshare flights.
“Today’s announcement continues to demonstrate how our stronger relationship with our oneworld partners delivers value to our customers,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Expanded codesharing makes it easier and more convenient for our respective customers to travel on the global networks of all three airlines and delivers on our promise of more routing choices, easier connections and a better overall travel experience.”
Andrew Crawley, British Airways’ commercial director, said: “When we launched the joint business in October, we said that we would be rolling out more benefits to customers and this introduction of more code-share flights across our three airlines is exactly that. The feedback we’re getting from customers is very positive already and we will continue to align our policies in order to bring them even more benefits.”
Manuel López Aguilar, IB general director Commercial and Clients, said: “The expanded codesharing that will be in place before the end of the year is another benefit for our customers which can be added to the new routes that we will be launching from next Spring, which in the case of Iberia are Madrid-Los Angeles and Barcelona-Miami. We could not operate these new routes without the joint business.”
* Customer benefits of the transatlantic joint business include:
* Coordinated schedules on joint business routes to provide customers with more flight choices and timings.
* Dedicated support teams for customers transferring at five of the airlines’ hubs: New York JFK, London Heathrow, Madrid, Chicago and Miami.
* Online check in and boarding pass printing with either the airline operating the flight, or the airline the ticket was booked through.
* Integrated online flight information on all three airlines’ websites.
* More integrated account management for corporate customers.
In addition, American, British Airways and Iberia announced five new routes beginning Spring 2011 as a benefit of the new joint business. They are: New York JFK-Budapest and Chicago-Helsinki (operated by American Airlines), London Heathrow-San Diego (operated by British Airways), plus Barcelona-Miami and Madrid-Los Angeles (operated by Iberia). Moreover, American will add frequencies from New York JFK to Barcelona and Miami to Madrid for already-existing service. These new frequencies also begin in Spring 2011.