TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

SWITZERLAND - GET NATURAL!

Switzerland Tourism and partners host media luncheon
Charmaine Pang

Switzerland Tourism delegation

Yesterday afternoon at the hotel Le Germain in downtown Toronto, Swizterland Tourism and their tourism partners hosted approximately 40 travel media. The function highlighted Switzerland’s contributions to ‘green’ and sustainable tourism for the summer season, the most popular time for Canadians to visit. In addition to Switzerland Tourism representatives Mirko Capodanno and Ursula Beamish-Mader, the Swiss Consul General for Toronto, Bruno Ryff, also made an appearance. Eight tourism partners representing various regions of Switzerland were also on hand. Toronto-based Mirko Capodanno, Manager, Central USA & Canada for Switzerland Tourism spoke to TRAVELHotNews about some of the latest developments. [Full text and pictures]

SUSAN WEBB APPOINTED TO SKAL

Susan Webb of VoX International

SKAL Board of Directors appoints Susan Webb responsible for public relations and communication
Tim Booth, President of the Toronto SKAL Club recently announced that Susan Webb has been appointed to the Toronto SKAL Board of Directors. Webb will be responsible for public relations and communication. Currently Susan is the President of VoX International. In her role with SKAL, Webb will be responsible for developing effective media relations and communication strategies for the SKAL Toronto Club. The SKAL International Toronto club has over 120 active, associate and life members. To assess information on becoming a member or for meeting information, visit their website.

CLIA’S NEW FACE

Lanie Fagan, Director of Communications, CLIA

CLIA announces Lanie Fagan as the association’s director of communications
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has named Lanie Fagan, a communications professional with extensive community relations and issues management experience, as the association's director of communications based in CLIA's Fort Lauderdale office. "Lanie is a seasoned public relations professional with over 13 years of experience in various community relations, media, and marketing communications," said Terry Dale, CLIA president and CEO. "She is a creative strategic planner who brings a record of developing, implementing and managing programs that are beneficial to the industry." Before joining CLIA, Fagan was the associate director of corporate communications with KPMG, the global network of professional firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services, in Montvale, New Jersey. [Full text and pictures]

ATAC LOSES MAJOR CARRIERS

Air Canada

The Air Transport Association of Canada notifies members about the withdrawal of Air Canada, Jazz Air Income Fund, WestJet Airlines Ltd. and Air Transat
Yesterday, the Globe and Mail reported that several major carriers withdrew from The Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC) lobby group. The country's four largest airlines have pulled out, choosing to form their own association. The association is intended to push Ottawa to slash rent charged to airports and press other issues affecting commercial travel. ATAC notified its members yesterday of the withdrawal of Air Canada, Jazz Air Income Fund, WestJet Airlines Ltd. and Air Transat. Although the four carrier’s membership fees are paid in full until Sept. 30, it was announced that their departures are effective immediately. According to the Globe and Mail, an airline industry source said the 200-member ATAC represents too many diverse interests, from private jets and charter operators to small regional carriers and associate members such companies that do business with airlines. [Full text and pictures]

UNIWORLD’S COUPLES SAVINGS

Save up to $2,200 per couple on 2009 Europe Cruises
Uniworld Grand River Cruises has announced a savings of up to $2,200 per couple when booking 2009 Europe River Cruises with Uniworld’s Preseason Super Savings. There are two ways to save. Option one, book and pay-in-full on or before June 15, 2008 and save up to $2,200 per couple ($1,100 per person), or option two, book and deposit on or before June 15, 2008 and save up to $800 per couple ($400 per person).

CARNIVAL’S BIG NEWS

Carnival declares dividend, appoints board committee members and announces results of annual meeting
Following its annual shareholders meetings and boards of directors meetings held this week in Coral Gables, Fla., Carnival Corporation & plc has announced the declaration of a quarterly dividend, three board committee appointments, and the results of the resolutions voted on at its annual general meetings. Yesterday, the boards declared a dividend of $0.40 per share. The boards approved a record date for the quarterly dividend of May 23, 2008, and a payment date of June 13, 2008. Holders of Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ADSs will receive the dividend payable in U.S. dollars. The dividend for Carnival plc ordinary shares will be payable in U.S. dollars or sterling. In the absence of instructions or elections to the contrary, holders of Carnival plc ordinary shares will automatically receive the dividend in sterling. [Full text and pictures]

BABY FRIENDLY PARADISE

Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic upgrades resort to cater to infants and toddlers
The new Children's Clubs facilities re-opened on December 23rd. The pool, exclusively reserved for the little ones, features new water toys and a new playground. Each age group has their own dedicated facilities. Something for the Teens and Tweens The enhanced Passworld facility caters to teens, as well as, the rest of the family. Club Med Punta Cana offers teens and tweens the opportunity to hang out in a dedicated facility and enjoy programs developed just for them including film editing, beach parties, teens-only excursions and much more. This spring, families will discover the new Family Suites. These 775 square foot, oceanfront bungalows will feature 2-bedrooms, premium amenities and services, access to an exclusive infinity pool and a 95 square foot deck. [Full text and pictures]