travel news

| March 12, 2010

Top Travel News

IATA Cuts 2010 Airline Loss Forecast in Half

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has cut its loss forecast for major airlines for 2010 to $2.8 billion, compared to the $5.6 billion loss forecast in December 2009. IATA said the improvement is largely driven by a much stronger recovery in demand seen by year-end gains that continued into the first months of 2010. Relatively flat capacity translated into some yield improvement and stronger revenues.

U.S. Cities, States Convene to Discuss Global Tourism Marketing

The U.S. Travel Association and representatives of 21 U.S. destinations met in Berlin during the ITB Berlin to discuss the recent passage of the Travel Promotion Act, signed into law by President Obama on March 4. U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow discussed the details of the Travel Promotion Act and its goal to welcome more foreign visitors by establishing a global marketing and communications campaign while improving America’s image and explaining new security policies to foreign travelers.

Rand McNally Buys Tripology; Peters Stays to Run Operation

Rand McNally reportedly has acquired Tripology, which closed operations a month ago when a potential investor failed to fund the company as planned. A travel agent lead generation service, Tripology was forced to cut staff and cease doing business until a new investor could be found.

WTTC Forecasts Mild Travel & Tourism Growth for 2010

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that global travel and tourism economy GDP declined by 4.8 percent in 2009 and this caused the loss of almost five million jobs – or 5.6 million since 2008. All regions experienced significant contractions in visitor arrivals, spending and travel and tourism economy GDP, and travel and tourism investment declined by more than 12 percent. Only residents’ spending on domestic trips increased, and that was by 0.7 percent in real terms. Nevertheless, even in a depressed year, travel and tourism still employed more than 235 million people across the world – 8.2 percent of all employment – and generated 9.4 percent of world GDP.

Disney Unveils Premier Passport for Theme Parks

Disney said a new premium annual pass for admission to its theme parks at both Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort will be offered beginning March 11, 2010. The “Disney Premier Passport” will feature the same benefits guests receive with the “premium” annual passes for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Royal Caribbean Sets 2011-2012 Cruises From Northeast U.S.

Royal Caribbean International unveiled its roster of 2011-2012 Bermuda, Caribbean, and Canada and New England cruises, ranging from five to 12 nights sailing from three U.S. Northeast cruise ports. In 2011, the Enchantment of the Seas will continue year-round service from Baltimore, its second consecutive year.

ARC Reports Rise in Sales, Fares, Transactions for February

ARC reported processing data for February 2010 was up by nearly 20 percent in some categories compared to the same month in 2009.

U.S.-Cuba Travel Summit to be Held in Cancun

The U.S.-Cuba Travel Summit, scheduled for March 24 to 26 in Cancun, will offer an opportunity for travel professionals to connect with Cuban officials and travel specialists. U.S. travel professionals and others interested in being at the front of the opportunity when travel opens to Cuba may want to attend the conference.