Current Feed Content from 19 Nov 08 13:36
Just the Flight Mobile wins top technology award
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:04:00 GMTThe Online Regional Travel Group (ORTG) won a major technology award at the recent Isle of Man Awards for Excellence in recognition of its travel portal Just the Flight Mobile.
ORTG chief executive Brian Kelly attended the awards ceremony to pick up the top accolade in the Effective Use of Technology category.
More than 100 award nominees, which were chosen by the Manx public, were whittled down to three finalists in 16 different categories, which recognised everything from small businesses to volunteers.
Just the Flight Mobile became the world's first global flight booking engine for mobile phones when it was launched in August 2008.
Mr Kelly said that ORTG's new application had "broken the tie with the PC".
He added: "We have had significant interest from within the travel industry and bookings are being made through our mobile booking option.
"It is a very exciting time for Just the Flight Mobile. Even in these difficult times we still have a huge number of opportunities to grow our business in 2009 and beyond."
As well as enabling users to book flights, Just the Flight Mobile provides travel news, features and destination guides to mobile phones and personal digital assistants.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightTravellers invited to Australia's cinematic destinations
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:20:11 GMTTourism Australia has offered travellers a number of recommendations for places to visit if they want to experience the atmosphere and aesthetic appeal of a forthcoming film starring Nicole Kidman.
Baz Luhrmann's movie Australia premieres in Sydney today and will open in UK cinemas on Boxing Day.
It is set during World War II and stars Kidman and Hugh Jackman as a couple who go on a journey across the outback, visiting locations including Darwin, where they are faced with the bombing of the city by Japanese forces.
People planning a trip to Australia were pointed to a number of destinations that have associations with the film, including Faraway Bay, a remote bushcamp in the Kimberley region.
The film crew stayed in this location twice to shoot footage at the nearby King George river.
Holidaymakers in Sydney can pay a visit to Strickland House, a 19th century villa that was used as Darwin's government building for the movie.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightTunarama Festival to attract visitors to Australia
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:16:15 GMTHolidaymakers who have an interest in unusual events will be flocking to Australia in January for the annual Tunarama Festival.
This tuna-themed event will be held in Port Lincoln, in the state of South Australia, from January 24th to 26th to coincide with the Australia Day celebrations.
The highlight of the whole festival is the John West Tuna Toss competition, which sees both male and female competitors attempting to fling a fish weighing between eight and ten kilos as far as they can.
People travel from all over the world to take part in the event, which offers a top prize of AU$7, 000 (£3, 000) and has a world record length of 37.23 metres for participants to aim for.
There are plenty of other attractions on offer at the Tunarama Festival, including markets selling food, art and crafts, as well as entertainment stalls.
People planning to travel to Australia for the event can catch flights to Adelaide with carriers including British Airways and Qantas.
More information on the Tunarama Festival is available on its official website.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightPaphos Airport gets off to good start
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:20:30 GMTThe new Paphos International Airport in Cyprus began hosting flights this week and encountered no operational problems, according to reports.
Prior to the full opening on November 17th, operating company Hermes carried out a number of tests to ensure there would be no teething problems, including the mock use of the airport's facilities.
Hermes spokesman Adam Aspris told the Cyprus Mail that the pre-launch checks were effective and the first full day of operations was completed without a hitch.
"We are very pleased about the first day of operation and all the procedures ran smoothly, " he said.
"There were no major problems, and the passengers seemed pleased with the level and quality of service they received."
The first departure from the new airport was a Cyprus Airways flight to Heathrow Airport, while the first arrival was a Finnair service from Helsinki.
Some 14 flights landed and the same number took off from the new Paphos Airport on its first day. In its first year of operations, the hub could handle up to 2.7 million passengers.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightDedicated security lane to be opened at Luton airport
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:50:19 GMTTravellers at Luton Airport will soon be given the option to pay a small fee to use a priority lane that will offer quicker access to security checkpoints.
The necessary building works for the dedicated security lane will begin soon, the airport announced.
Natalie Raper, marketing director at the London airport, said that investment has already been targeted at reducing waiting times for all passengers, but some travellers are willing to pay for the "quickest possible progress" to security search points.
"We are therefore introducing the priority lane option and will be making a charge of £3 per passenger for this service; only passengers that choose to use the priority lane will be charged, " she added.
"By offering a choice of options we can provide an airport experience to suit the needs of all passengers."
There have been a number of improvements to facilities at Luton Airport recently, including the opening of a short-term car park a short walk from the terminal building.
The airport hosts direct flights to a number of destinations around Europe, including Paris, Barcelona and Berlin.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightUS visitors reminded of Esta regulations
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:30:38 GMTPeople planning a visit to Florida, New York or any other US destination after January 12th 2009 have been reminded of the need to comply with new customs regulations being enforced by the Department of Homeland Security.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta) is being implemented by the American government to check that passengers travelling under the visa waiver scheme, such as people from the UK, are eligible to visit the country.
British Airways reminded travellers that they must apply for Esta approval at least 72 hours before their flight is due to depart.
Applications can be made on the Esta website and, once approved, will be valid for two years, allowing multiple visits to the US in that time.
Jim Forster, British Airways' government and industry affairs manager, said: "The US is our biggest overseas market and we have been working hard to advise our visa waiver customers that they must apply to the Department of Homeland Security well in advance of travel."
He added: "We will be sending reminder messages to customers who have given us their email details to invite them to apply for Esta."
The Esta approval scheme is separate to the Advanced Passenger Information programme, which requires customers to submit personal and travel details from the time of booking.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightBritish Airways fliers to "breeze" through JFK
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:27:09 GMTBritish Airways has announced that passengers on its forthcoming business class flights to New York will have the opportunity to pass immigration and customs at Shannon Airport, meaning that they will be able to travel straight through John F Kennedy Airport when they arrive in the United States.
The airline's flight to New York from London City Airport will have a stopover at Shannon in west Ireland to refuel, at which point passengers will be given the chance to pass the customs and immigration checks that would usually be carried out at their final destination.
Shannon is the first European airport to be granted pre-clearance facilities on transatlantic flights to the US.
The development, which was announced by Irish transport minister Noel Dempsey, will allow British Airways customers to "breeze" through the busy JFK Airport, the airline claimed.
Robert Boyle, British Airways' commercial director, said: "The introduction of pre-clearance facilities at Shannon will mean customers on our business class flights from London City to New York will be able to bypass the normal customs and immigration checks on arrival in the US.
"Many city workers will be able to get from desk to aircraft in as little as 30 minutes at London City. Now it will be more convenient than ever to travel from desk to desk from London City to New York, in unrivalled comfort and style."
British Airways will use an Airbus A318 offering a one-cabin business class product for its flights from London City Airport to New York. The service, due to launch in autumn 2009, will represent the first long-haul route to be operated from the London gateway.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightWinter season underway in Austria
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:40:16 GMTAustria will soon begin welcoming people on skiing holidays and other snow-sport trips as its winter season gets underway.
With an 80cm layer of snow, the resort of Obergurgl got its winter period underway today (November 14th) and marked the occasion with the launch of 'Cirque des Montagnes - La Passion'.
This series of events will include art exhibitions, live music concerts, dance shows, comedy performances and plenty more to entertain holidaymakers.
On the Hintertux glacier, skiers and snowboarders will soon be taking advantage of 120cm of fresh snow and also visiting the Ice Palace, a display of frozen crystals and ice forms that comprise an impressive structure.
Another major skiing area in Austria in Nassfeld, which will begin its winter season on November 29th.
From December 12th to 14th this area will host the University of Snow event, which will include extreme pursuits such as airboarding and snow-biking, as well as an MTV party.
One of the main ways holidaymakers can reach Austria's ski resorts is by taking flights to Innsbruck, which are available with carriers including Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and bmi.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightSki slopes opening in Alberta
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:11:28 GMTWinter sports fans will soon be heading to Canada on their skiing holidays following news that resorts are beginning to open in the province of Alberta.
Tourism agency Travel Alberta announced that skiers and snowboarders were offered access to snow in Canada for the first time at the weekend when the resorts of Mount Norquay and Lake Louise opened their slopes.
Mount Norquay will be accessible at weekends only until December 5th, when it will open fully.
The Banff-Lake Louise trio of ski resorts is set to be completed today (November 14th) with the opening of Sunshine Village.
Heavy snow has been falling on the town of Jasper, meaning the slopes at Marmot Basin will be able to open this weekend, while Nakiska and Castle Mountain are both due to open on the first two weekends of December.
According to Travel Alberta, visitors to the province will be met by "powder snow, pristine landscapes" and "the great Albertan welcome".
Flights to Calgary, Alberta's capital city, are available with carriers including British Airways, Air Canada and Virgin Atlantic.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightFCO: Holidaymakers must plan for all eventualities
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:02:46 GMTCheap flights and holiday deals will be very appealing to many Brits this winter, but the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has reminded consumers that the cost of an overseas trip does not end once the booking has been made.
The government department has advised the estimated 11 million people who will be taking winter holidays this year to plan and budget for every aspect of their trip before leaving to avoid encountering any unexpected costs.
An example given by the FCO is the experience of Claire Gorst, who booked a holiday to the Caribbean without doing proper research and ended up stuck in a remote hotel which charged extortionate prices for food and drink and had poor transport links.
Many Brits appear to have unrealistic expectations of the financial help they will receive overseas, with nearly a fifth of the people in a survey saying they thought the local embassy would help them if they ran out of money abroad.
FCO spokesperson Jess Prasad said: "British embassies and consulates around the world are regularly faced with Brits who have run into financial problems when on holiday - many of whom are not covered by travel insurance.
"Taking out comprehensive travel insurance and taking some simple steps to minimise costs could significantly reduce the risk of having an exceptionally expensive Christmas break."
As well as getting proper travel insurance, holidaymakers were advised to keep an eye on fluctuating exchange rates and do some research on credit card charges before leaving for their trip.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightAncient Rome explored by Google Earth
Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:33:00 GMTTravellers planning a visit to Rome in the future can now prepare for their trip by using a new Google Earth gadget to brush up on their historical knowledge.
The 'ancient Rome 3D' application presents a view of the city as it stood in the year 320AD, when it was at the height of its power as the capital of Italy and the entire Roman empire.
Google Earth's navigation tool allows users to fly around the ancient metropolis and look at more than 6, 700 historic buildings.
Future visitors to Rome can also view some of the city's existing attractions as they appeared thousands of years ago, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Arch of Constantine.
Gianni Alemanno, mayor of Rome, said: "Our spectacular ancient remains continue to fascinate people all around the world, drawing millions of tourists to our city every year.
"We're delighted even more people all over the world can now enjoy the heritage of our great city. It's an incredible opportunity to share the stunning greatness of ancient Rome."
Users of Google Earth can find the new application by heading to the 'layers' section of the program, clicking on 'gallery' and selecting 'ancient Rome 3D'.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightBig brands 'boosting Dubai's profile'
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:44:32 GMTDubai's prominence in the world tourism industry is being consistently heightened by the number of big brands establishing a presence in the emirate, according to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
The United Arab Emirates will be boosted over the coming years by a number of big brands opening hotels in Dubai, including Armani and Versace, while celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Boris Becker are also involved in projects in the city.
Restaurants are following a similar trend, with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Gary Rhodes already represented in the emirate and brands including Nobu and Locatelli planning to open new establishments there.
Sports fans will soon be able to play a round of golf on a Tiger Woods-designed course in Dubai and visit the only Manchester United soccer school outside Europe.
The city also boasts more than 50 shopping malls, housing outlets ranging from high street favourites such as Debenhams and H&M to glamorous designers including Prada and Gucci.
Ian Scott, UK director of the DTCM, said: "Dubai continues to witness a year-on-year increase in visitor figures, with 2008 set to be our best year yet.
"The emirate has worked hard to establish itself as a leisure and business destination, and this broad offering means that a range of luxury brands are showcased to a diverse audience."
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightNew Zealand recognised for responsible tourism
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:38:45 GMTNew Zealand was the big winner at the Responsible Tourism Awards this week, picking up the top accolades in the 'overall winner' and 'best destination' categories.
The awards were organised to recognise destinations and organisations that use tourism to achieve benefits for local cultures, economies and the environment.
New Zealand was nominated for the first time this year and picked up its awards against competition from 1, 900 other nominees from around the world.
George Hickton, chief executive of Tourism New Zealand, said that one of the reasons behind the country's success was the development of its '100% Pure' brand image.
The judges at the Responsible Tourism Awards said: "New Zealand is our overall winner for proving that it is possible to develop a national strategy which uses tourism to help make better places to live and to visit."
Other winners included the South Australia Tourism Commission, which received the award in the 'best conservation of an endangered species or protected area' category.
The Bycyklen group of Copenhagen was also praised for its initiative to make 2, 000 bicycles available for free public use on the streets of the Danish capital.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightAir Berlin launches new flights from Stansted Airport
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:59:42 GMTAir Berlin has announced that it is to boost the range of available flights from Stansted Airport by offering services to nine new destinations in its winter 2008-09 programme.
The airline's new flights will represent the first time it has served long-haul destinations from Stansted Airport.
Six of the nine new destinations are in the Caribbean and the Americas, namely Cancun in Mexico, Punta Cana and Samana in the Dominican Republic, Miami and Fort Myers in the USA and Varadero in Cuba.
The other new locations that Air Berlin will serve from Stansted Airport this year are Mombasa in Kenya, Bangkok in Thailand and Male in the Maldives.
Titus Johnson, the airline's country manager for the UK and Ireland, said: "Air Berlin has a great reputation for providing full service at lower fares, and we're excited to now be able to offer travellers from London, east England and beyond even more choice to an exciting range of long haul destinations."
He added: "Air Berlin is already unique in being the only direct European connection into Fort Myers, providing quick and efficient access to Florida's Gulf Coast."
All nine of the new destinations will be served via the airline's hub in Dusseldorf, which is an hour's flight away from Stansted Airport.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightCape Town prepares for tourist influx
Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:47 GMTThe local government of Cape Town has announced that a coordinated effort is being made across city departments to prepare for the expected influx of tourists over the coming months.
More than a million visitors are expected to arrive in Cape Town in the three months from November to January, a period which represents South Africa's peak summer holiday season.
To cater for the needs and expectations of this market, the City of Cape Town has set up a holiday coordination committee to ensure that the necessary measures are implemented to guarantee visitors' safety and enjoyment.
A number of departments are involved in the committee, including the police, fire and rescue services, traffic authorities and sport and recreation groups.
Dumisani Ximbi, mayoral committee member for safety and security, said: "The City of Cape Town extends a warm welcome to all visitors. It will do its best to enhance their stay and ensure their safety.
"At the same time, we appeal to visitors and residents to help keep the city clean and safe during the holiday period."
Cape Town's range of natural attractions - which include a 307km coastline, 72 beaches and the iconic Table Mountain - make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightAir New Zealand, Boeing confirm biofuel test flight
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:20:08 GMTA biofuel test flight is set to be carried out on December 3rd as the result of a joint project involving Air New Zealand, plane manufacturer Boeing and engine-maker Rolls-Royce.
The airline will launch a flight from Auckland using a Boeing 747 which will have one of its four engines partly powered by biofuel derived from plants of the jatropha genus.
According to the companies involved in the project, the test flight will represent the culmination of the world's first large-scale production run of a sustainable biofuel for use in aviation.
Billy Glover, Boeing's managing director of environmental strategy, said that the successful biofuel production run for this test flight indicates that the company is "on the right path" to certification and commercial availability of sustainable fuels.
Air New Zealand chief executive officer Rob Fyfe said that the carrier has ambitions to become the "world's most environmentally responsible airline".
He added: "Introducing a new generation of sustainable fuels is the next logical step in our efforts to further save fuel and reduce aircraft emissions."
Air New Zealand has placed orders for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which will reportedly burn 20 per cent less fuel than the planes they will replace in the airline's fleet.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightLeading engineer to advise on Thames airport plans
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:18:45 GMTRespected engineer Doug Oakervee is to take part in a study to determine the feasibility of plans to base a new London airport in the Thames estuary, it has been announced.
Mr Oakervee, who is the executive chair of Crossrail and was instrumental in the development of the offshore airport in Hong Kong, will work with London mayor Boris Johnson and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to help determine whether the project should proceed to a full-scale appraisal.
Early findings from the GLA's research suggest that construction of an airport in the Thames would be technically feasible and make "spatial sense", as well as contribute to the regeneration of the Thames Gateway.
However, the mayor has said that he will abandon the project if there are any environmental, practical or economic reasons why it will not work.
Commenting on Mr Oakervee's involvement with the project, deputy mayor Kit Malthouse said: "To have such a colossal figure from the engineering world bringing his extensive skills and judgement to this unique and important project is great news.
"I look forward to working with Doug, who has been one of the driving forces behind Crossrail and who will be able to give us the best possible advice."
If the plan to construct a new London airport in the Thames is given the go-ahead, it could deliver a serious blow to BAA's bid to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightAustralia warms up for Sydney Festival
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:50:16 GMTWith barely enough time to recuperate after New Year's Eve festivities, visitors to Australia will be in party mode again from January 10th as the country hosts its premier cultural celebration - the Sydney Festival.
This event will bring an eclectic range of music concerts, plays, film screenings, dance shows and much more in between to Sydney from January 10th to 31st.
The celebrations get underway with the aptly named Festival First Night concert on January 10th, which will take place on the streets of the city's Central Business District and feature artists including Grace Jones and Santogold.
Holidaymakers who have an interest in theatre will also have plenty to keep them entertained at the festival, including a production of Anton Chekhov's play Ivanov and a stage version of Edgar Allan Poe's spooky story The Tell-Tale Heart.
Arguably the highlight of the entire festival will come on January 26th, also known as Australia day, when locals and visitors alike will indulge in celebrations of the country's national heritage.
More information about the Sydney Festival is available on the event's official website.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight'Jumbo Hostel' to open at Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:16:58 GMTStockholm Arlanda Airport will soon boast the world's first hostel based inside a real jumbo jet.
The so-called Jumbo Hostel will begin welcoming guests in December and also serve as a new landmark for people flying to Sweden.
Until this year, the Boeing 747-200 was held at a stand inside Stockholm Arlanda Airport after it retired from charter flight service in 2002.
In August, the plane was towed to its new location at the airport entrance and work began to turn it into a hostel.
With flights to 167 destinations around the world, Stockholm Arlanda is Sweden's largest airport and an important connecting hub for people travelling in the Scandinavia region.
A number of airlines offer regular flights to the Swedish capital, including SAS, British Airways and KLM.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The FlightPortugal 'leading the world' in environmental action
Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:11:33 GMTThe national tourist office of Portugal has described the country as "a world leader in environmental action".
Turismo de Portugal cited a recent poll by the Association of British Travel Agents which found that 83 per cent of people consider it important that their holiday does not damage the environment.
To cater for environmentally aware travellers, Portugal has pursued a number of initiatives that have led to the country exceeding an EU target of deriving 20 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.
Three of the world's biggest solar power plants are currently under construction in the country, along with a wind farm in the Minho Valley that is reportedly the largest in Europe.
Dr Frederico Costa, vice president of Portugal's tourist office, said: "With 220 days of sunshine a year and 800 kilometres of coastline, Portugal boasts some excellent natural advantages for the development of renewable energies.
"With holidaymakers becoming increasingly concerned about their environmental footprint, Portugal is an excellent destination for those looking for a 'greener' holiday option."
The Algarve, Lisbon and other holiday hotspots in Portugal are particularly popular with UK tourists, who account for 19 per cent of all visitors to the Iberian country.
Cheap Flights and Travel News - © 2008 - Just The Flight
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