Travel Industry Wire

From Fringe to Mainstream: Companies Integrate CSR Initiatives into Everyday Business

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:12:37 EST

In 1970, the economist and Nobel laureate Milton Friedman published an article in The New York Times Magazine titled, 'The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits.' In the article, he referred to corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs as 'hypocritical window-dressing,' and said that businesspeople inclined toward such programs 'reveal a suicidal impulse.' Even four decades ago, at a time of growing public concern for the environment, his views represented the general skepticism and contempt with which many in Corporate America viewed CSR.

U.S. Travel Applauds Senate Appropriations Bill on DHS Visa and Entry Initiatives

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:44:23 EST

The U.S. Travel Association today applauded the Senate Appropriations Committee for a package of visa and entry initiatives contained in the FY 2013 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security that will address inefficiencies in the U.S. visa and entry process and help to attract millions of new legitimate visitors while increasing safeguards.

Las Vegas and Disney Will Be the Most Popular Travel Destinations for U.S. Vacationers This Summer

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:25:31 EST

In an analysis of nearly 1,000 travel-related keywords searched an estimated 2.4 billion times on Google during January and February 2012, AdGooroo found Disney accounted for 7.3 percent of all travel-related searches followed by Las Vegas at 6.3 percent, placing these two vacation destinations ahead of all others explored by online searchers, followed by Florida (5.7 percent), the Caribbean (3.2 percent), Mexico (2.1 percent) and Hawaii (1.1 percent).

Summer Travel Outlook Brightens

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:32:47 EST

For the second consecutive year, the outlook for summer travel continues to brighten with more than three in five U.S. adults (64%), or an estimated 154 million Americans, planning on taking at least one trip for leisure purposes during the next six months. The percentage of Americans planning to travel between May and October is up from 61 percent last April and 56 percent in April 2010.

Travellers Against Phones on Planes

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:34:41 EST

A new survey from flight comparison site Skyscanner has revealed that 86% of people do not want mobile phone use to be permitted on planes, as it’s ‘annoying to have to listen to other people’s conversations’.

Rising Gas Prices Won’t Put The Brakes On Summer Travel

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:27:05 EST

Rising gas prices won’t stop American’s from hitting the road this summer with 49% planning a summer vacation according to a new survey from Yahoo! Travel.

UNWTO Welcomes T20 Decision to Advance Visa Facilitation

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:54:50 EST

UNWTO welcomes the Declaration issued by the Tourism Ministers of the G20 economies (T20) calling for priority to be given to facilitating travel as a means to boost economic growth and create jobs.

Vision Airlines Offers Passengers First Flight Fares From Myrtle Beach

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:50:30 EST

The $29 one-way First Flight Fares offer Myrtle Beach natives a quick flight, at an incredibly affordable rate.

Serviced Apartment Providers Partner with Lanyon to Support EMEA Expansion

Tue, 22 May 2012 05:59:05 EST

Lanyon today announced that it has signed agreements with two leading European serviced apartment providers - UK-based CityBase and SheVana of Denmark - to deliver superior corporate housing content to customers of its Engagements & Projects sourcing solution.

International Networks to Collaborate on Sustainable, Accessible Tourism

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:27:07 EST

Two leading organizations in the fields of sustainable tourism and accessible tourism have agreed to collaborate on new initiatives to improve the quality of tourist destinations and enterprises around the world. Sustainable Travel International (STI) and European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) will align their work more closely toward a common goal of improving the long-term sustainability and accessibility of tourism offers in destinations around the world, while improving the quality of life for local resident communities.

U.S. and Israel Sign Agreement on Global Entry Program

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:23:41 EST

The U.S. Travel Association today praised an agreement that adds Israel to the U.S. Global Entry program, which allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

U.S. Travel Commends New Bipartisan House and Senate JOLT Bills

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:22:07 EST

The U.S. Travel Association commended the newly-introduced House and Senate versions of the Jobs Originated through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act of 2012. The legislation will create jobs and improve national security through provisions that make long-term reforms to the visa system, improve the entry process and expand the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

MPI Unveils Comprehensive Functionality Upgrades in Breakthrough Sustainable Event Measurement Tool

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:33:26 EST

New features help meeting professionals address growing expectations surrounding green initiatives

Declining Employee Loyalty: A Casualty of the New Workplace

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:42:02 EST

If loyalty is defined as being faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution or product, then there seems to be a certain amount of infidelity in the workplace these days.

Congressional Hearing Highlights U.S. Travel Industry As Key to Future Economic Growth

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:38:18 EST

Travel jobs are adding to the economy faster than any other sector, and pro-travel policies should be put into place because of the economic engine the U.S. travel industry is to the nation, stressed Geoff Freeman, chief operating officer and executive vice president of the U.S. Travel Association, in testimony today before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade.

GBTA Forecasts Double Digit Percentage Increases in Brazilian Business Travel Spending

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:24:43 EST

Inaugural survey sees business travel spending contributing to economic growth and job creation in Brazil

Expedia Releases 2012 Flip Flop Report: Study Examines Beachgoer Behavior and Preferences Across Five Continents

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:35:12 EST

Expedia.com released the results of the 2012 Flip Flop Report, an analysis of behavior and preferences among beachgoers in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Harris Interactive, on behalf of Expedia.com, conducted the online study among 8,599 adults in 21 countries.

Amadeus and OAG Launch Market-leading Daily Airline Schedule Updates for Travel Agencies

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:51:50 EST

OAG, the global leader in aviation intelligence, and Amadeus, a leading travel technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, today announce a new enhancement to provide best-in-class airline schedule information.

Abu Dhabi Launches As a Travel Brand in the US

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:44:13 EST

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has a dedicated promotion office in the US. Based in New York City, the office, which is staffed by a team of four and led by Country Manager Kershing Goh, will represent the emirate’s interests in developing tourism from the United States.

Summer Leisure Travel Expected to Rise While Consumers Remain Value Conscious

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:35:10 EST

Compared to 2011, more Americans are planning to kick-off the summer with a Memorial Day weekend excursion this year; however, they are conscientious about travel expenses, according to a new Deloitte survey.