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| Volume 8, Issue 3, January 21, 2010 |    |
A magnitude 7.3 earthquake devastated impoverished Port-au-Prince, Haiti last week. The epicenter was inland and only 10 miles from the capital city. Thousands of deaths and injuries resulted as residents were buried in rubble. As the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has a history of destructive natural disasters. Approximately 9,000 U.N. troops are stationed in the country. The United States is providing military and civilian assistance. The travel industry has also reached out.
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The Delta and Northwest merger reached a major milestone last week at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), the 247th and final airport where the two airlines merged airport operations. The effort began in November 2008 in San Juan (SJU). Delta facilities at PHL were relocated to the Northwest area overnight.
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Business travelers, listen up. A new tool is now available to make your life even easier. Tripware is an automated travel service, enabling users to schedule appointments, book travel and more from Microsoft Outlook. Tripware accesses travel information from standard inventory channels, such as travel websites, agencies and search engines, ensuring users receive the same rates and inventories.
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North Korea has decided to open its doors to more U.S. tourists. In the past, U.S. tourists were only allowed to visit during the Arirang Festival from August to October, but, according to a Beijing-based travel group, North Korea will now allow U.S. tourists to visit year-round. The travel group, specializing in tourism to North Korea, received a memo from the state-run Korea International Travel Company regarding the change.
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Four Seasons opened its new property in Beirut. The Four Seasons Hotel Beirut spent five years under construction. The décor features traditional Lebanese artwork and the property boasts a restaurant, a bar, a spa and a rooftop pool.
Fairmont Hotels and Resort will be busy in 2010. The hotel group announced plans to open seven new properties this year: The Savoy, a Fairmont Managed Hotel in London; Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai; Makkah Clock Royal Tower, a Fairmont Hotel in Saudi Arabia; Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver; Fairmont Pittsburgh; Fairmont Beijing; and Fairmont Zimbali Resort, South Africa.
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Got a gripe? The Department of Transportation redesigned its consumer website, airconsumer.dot.gov, and included a direct link to the complaint filing form, allowing passengers to log complaints in a simpler, easy-to-access format. Complaints include issues with service, safety, security, disability and discrimination.
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Tourism Ireland
345 Park Ave., 17th Floor
New York, NY 10154
tel 212 418 0800
Dublin, with a population of more than 1.6 million, is the largest city in Ireland, as well as the country’s capital. Not only has the city developed into a modern center for education, arts, economy and industry, but is also noted as one of the fastest-growing populations of any European capital city.
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In addition to opening a new hub, Ethiopian Airlines is kicking off a special offer for the new year. Through March 31, passengers can experience Africa for as little as $699 roundtrip. Direct flights are available between Washington (IAD) and Addis Ababa (ADD), with connections to 35 airports throughout Africa. Destinations include Bujumbura (BJM), Brazzaville (BZV), Cairo (CAI), Monrovia (ROB), Nairobi (NBO), Sudan (KRT) and Dar es Salaam (DAR).
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All Nippon Airways has once again extended its special business-class fares. Book through Feb. 24 and save on travel between the United States and Japan through March 11. ANA is also preparing to launch its new first-, business-, premium economy- and economy-class cabins. The Inspiration of Japan cabins will debut on flights between New York (JFK) and Tokyo (NRT) on Feb. 20.
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Football season is winding down and fans are preparing for Superbowl Sunday. Three Florida hotels are offering special packages in celebration of the big game. The Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami is offering rates starting at $399 per night with a three-night minimum from Feb. 5–7. Book online. Fort Lauderdale’s Harbor Beach Marriott Resort and Spa is offering rates of $599 per night with a four-night minimum stay, also valid Feb. 5–7. Visit the website.
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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. If you are planning a romantic escape to Los Angeles, consider these tempting packages from The London West Hollywood. The From London With Love package includes suite accommodations, a welcome amenity with Champagne, chocolates, bath basket and rose petals, continental breakfast or breakfast in bed and late check-out. Rates begin at $389 per night.
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President’s Day is Feb. 16, and two U.S. hotels are offering special packages in celebration of our nation’s presidential history. The Horseshoe Bay Resort, in Texas Hill Country, is offering a special nightly rate for guests who share a last name with a former president. The $99 rate is available Feb. 14–18. Call 877 611 0112 or book online.
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