TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

SIGNATURE'S REFRESHING 'OASIS'

Signature invites your clients to save $100 per couple per week at Oasis Hotels

Oasis Playa Coco

Signature Vacations and Oasis Hotels & Resorts are helping travellers to experience a tropical 'Oasis' this winter with the hotel group's save $100 per couple per week offer. All of your clients who book any one of the Oasis Resorts offered through Signature Vacations from Dec. 16 to Dec. 31, 2008 for travel Jan. 1 to Apr. 30, 2009 will qualify for this limited time offer. Keep reading for more details and the resorts where this offer applies. Your clients are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. [Full text and pictures]

SEABOURN SAYS IT'S JUST 'BETWEEN FRIENDS'

The Yachts of Seabourn announces new 'Between Friends' promotion; offers $4,500 in private tours for small groups

As a result of the recent economic downturn, The Yachts of Seabourn have created Between Friends - a new promotion designed to encourage small groups of three or more couples to reconnect and share experiences while travelling together. In addition, guests who participate in Between Friends will also receive an onboard credit of $1,500 per couple - a total of at least $4,500 per group for private shore excursions on most 2009 European voyages arranged through the line's Signature Service Desk, including active, culinary and cultural offerings. [Full text and pictures]

HUNTINGTON HOLIDAY SHOPPING INCENTIVES

Huntington travel announces agent incentives for the holiday season on economy, business and first class bookings
Huntington Travel has announced their agent holiday incentive offer. For travel professionals who book an economy class ticket, they will receive $10 per passenger (gift cards or point). When booking a business class ticket, agents will receive $30 per passenger (gift cards or point), and when booking a first class ticket, agents will receive $50 per passenger (gift cards or point). For further details or to register for this promotion, visit huntingtontravel.net.

NCL LAUNCHES EARLY INCENTIVE

Your clients can earn on-board credits up to $500 for NCL cruises booked from now until Feb. 1, 2009

NCL'S Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has launched its biggest ever Freestyle Resolution Sales Event, three weeks ahead of the traditional start to Wave Season, the period from January through March when the majority of cruises are booked. Travel agents who make a reservation from now through February 1, 2009 on any NCL sailing can offer their clients up to a $500 on-board credit. The amount of the on-board credit varies depending on the length of cruise and category of stateroom booked. For example, on sailings of six days or longer, the on-board credit ranges from $50 for an inside stateroom; up to $150 for a balcony and $500 for a suite or villa. [Full text and pictures]

AWARDS OF MERIT 2008 - LAST CHANCE

Nominations being accepted until Sunday Jan. 4, 2009 - your last chance!

Time is running out for you to nominate your favourite travel agent, reservation agent, representative, cruise line, and more. Nominate your favourite agency, name who you think should win 'Personality Of the Year', and more. Nominations will close on Jan. 4, so get those entries in. Who do you choose for the Awards of Merit 2008? Feel free to nominate anyone and everyone you think deserves credit for a stellar 2008. It's time to name those in our industry who have made a difference, who work hard and who you think should be recognized for their efforts in the year 2008. Don't forget to nominate someone for 'Personality of the Year' if you know someone who stands out in the industry! After Jan. 4, a preliminary round of voting will take place to narrow the field. Click here to submit a name. Click here for the rules. Click here to nominate someone. Click here to see who has been nominated. [Full text and pictures]

ROYAL PACIFIC DESTINATIONS' HOLIDAY HOURS

Royal Pacific Destinations will be closed from Dec. 25 to Dec. 28, 2008; closed on Jan. 1, 2009
Royal Pacific Destinations has released their holiday hours. Please note that the offices will be closed from Dec. 25 to Dec. 28, 2008 and on Jan. 1, 2009. Here are the hours as follows:
Wed. Dec. 24, 2008: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PST
Thu. Dec. 25 to Sun. Dec. 28, 2008: Office Closed
Thu Dec. 31, 2008: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PST
Fri Jan. 1, 2008: Office Closed
Agents, you may contact Royal Pacific Destinations with any questions at 604-685-5558 or toll free 1-800-718-8857 or email res@royalpd.com. Book online at royalpd.com.

QATAR'S WORLD LEADING BUSINESS CLASS

Qatar Airways wins World's Leading Business Class
Qatar Airways' won the award for World's Leading Business Class at the World Travel Awards grand final ceremony. The 2008 Global Winners of the World Travel Awards were announced at the 15th Annual World Gala Ceremony which took place at Beaches resort on the Caribbean island of Turks & Caicos. In a worldwide survey conducted by the World Travel Awards, professionals in the travel and tourism industry initially voted Qatar Airways as the Middle East's Leading Business Class Airline for the second year running.

MUMBAI'S TAJ & OBEROI REOPEN

Parts of Mumbai's Taj and Oberoi hotels reopen; tighter security is planned
Canadian Press

Taj Mahal hotel

Last Sunday, less than a month after militants stormed the building, parts of the Taj Mahal hotel have reopened. There are new security measures and officials promise a new type of luxury hotel: "an 'invisible fortress' that can protect guests as well as pamper them." The Trident portion of the Oberoi hotel complex also reopened Sunday, though the main areas of both luxury hotels are expected to stay closed for months. But with the holidays approaching, the two landmarks rushed to welcome guests back. [Full text and pictures]