In online travel agency (OTA) news, the California Lodging Industry Association (CLIA) and the Independent Lodging Industry Association (ILIA) have added a thousand plus independent hotels to upstart booking platform Global Hotels Exchange (GHX). Even prior to the official launch of GHX, it appears many hotel owners and support organizations are willing to flock to the new channel.
Buy Your London Olympic Rooms Now
The upcoming Olympic Games in London, it should come as no surprise, will see a travel boom the likes of which has never before been seen. London, already the world’s top destination on many accounts, is looking like the toughest ticket in the world soon.
Marriott Extends Helping Hand to UK & Europe Youth
Marriott Hotels across Europe and the UK will donate £1 euro €1 to relieve youth unemployment throughout February, the company announced. As part of the “World of Opportunity” initiative announced last week, the “You eat – we give” program is designed to afford the disadvantaged a leg up in reaching their full potential.
Luxury Hotels in Eastern Europe
Steeped in history and tradition and offering sights and sounds found no where else in the world, Eastern Europe is home to exotic cities and a beautiful landscape boasting famous rivers, towering mountains and incomparable beaches. Add to these draws a lower budget demand than travel to many other parts of the world and the lure of rugged Slovakia, quaint Romania and other Eastern European destinations can become almost overwhelming!
Ready or Not -Travel Republic Acquired
In online travel news, Travel Republic has been bought by a subsidiary of Emirates Airlines. The deal finalized December 29 was first reported on Reuters telling of Dnata World Travel’s acquisition for an undisclosed sum.
Welcome to the World of Fairy Tales: Christmas Story in Čazma
Imagine being able to step back into time and be a witness to a Croatian Christmas story. Right in the heart of Croatia, in the small central town of Cazma, is one of the world’s most stunning holiday displays.
Former Choice Franchise Port Allen Brands Magnuson
Magnuson Hotels has announced yet another complete rebranding of the Magnuson Hotel – Port Allen in Louisiana. The world’s largest independent hotel group, Magnuson hopes to improve the regional and national positioning of this 48 room accommodation on the outskirts of Baton Rouge.
Makarska Is a Christmas Town
Makarska is a Christmas Town every year, a tradition they started in 2010, a tradition most likely to continue for years to come.
Christmas Travel Gifts Guide 2011
Argophilia Travel News features some of the best travel-related gifts for the whole family, to give away on Christmas day this year.
Anne Dimon, Your Guide to Wellness
Anne Dimon is the force behind Travel to Wellness, the first and only editorially-driven, online and mobile magazine that caters specifically to the growing number of wellness-minded travellers and the expanding spa and wellness travel niche.
Thomas Cook Buys Time With Spain Divestiture
Beleaguered Thomas Cook has unloaded gold and hotel business in Spain to help slash debt which has crippled their business of late. The 170 year old company will be selling their stake in Hoteles Y Clubs De Vacaciones for a reported £72 million. The news comes in advance of delayed Thomas Cook annual results which will almost certainly spur massive store closings and job losses.
Thetrainline.com Profits Soar Offsetting Debt
A story on Travolution shows online rail bookings having increased at thetrainline.com boosting sales to more than £1 billion. Thetrainline.com revenue only offsets debt though.
Where to See the Total Eclipse of the Moon This Saturday [Infographic]
The eclipse will be visible in Asia, Australia, and will rise and set over Europe and North America.
Maribor 2012: Slovenia Set to WOW the World
In news from Slovenia’s Tourism Board, the town of Maribor, in cooperation with other municipalities, are all set for an exuberant opening weekend as the European Capital of Culture, January 14th and 15th, 2012. Slovenia was recently honored at the World Travel Market in London as well.
Two More Hotels Join the Magnuson Hotels Family
Magnuson Hotels have recently added two more hotels to their family of independent brands: Magnuson Hotel Castleton Inn and Magnuson Hotel & Meridian Convention Center.