Travel News: Airlines, Tourism and Airfares

The U.S. hotel industry posted mixed results in the three key performance measurements during February 2010, according to data from STR.

Google started experimenting with a new feature, visible to a small portion of users, to help make that process even easier by showing specific prices for selected hotel listings.

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) announces the grand opening of the first Taco Bell in India by its international division, Yum! Restaurants International (YRI). Yum! is the leading restaurant company in India with its KFC and Pizza Hut brands. The introduction of the first Taco Bell in India reflects the Company’s strategy of creating a third global brand.

Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) today announced that it will appoint Harry Sladich as Executive Vice President – Sales and Marketing. Sladich will add his extensive hospitality sales and marketing experience to the company’s strategy for expanding hotel operations and franchise growth in 2010 and beyond. Sladich comes to Red Lion from the Spokane Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, where he has been President and CEO since May 2005.

A little more than three years after its first hotel debuted, the rapidly growing Hyatt Place brand today announced the opening of its 150th hotel, Hyatt Place Charleston Airport/Convention Center.

Most consumers (76 percent) say their snacking habits have changed in some way during the past two years, reports a new study by foodservice industry consultant Technomic.

Company to Outline its Strategy for Profitable Growth at Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Participants at the recent Cornell HR Executive Roundtable focused on how to generate light for employees in the midst of economic gloom. Held during the February 2010 HR in Hospitality™ Conference in Las Vegas, the roundtable comprised two sessions focused on key HR issues for hospitality managers: changes in HR law and the difficulty of maintaining a balance between brand management and controlling costs. The roundtable conversation then continued with participants leading drill down discussions where all conference participants were invited to join in and ask questions.

Universal Wing Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE:UAV) announces the commencement of its first commercial survey contract of 2010. Field engineers are currently undertaking a magnetometer-based mission for a third party client using the company's Sky Dart system.

The airline announced plans to bring back daily nonstop service between Baton Rouge, La. and its largest hub in Charlotte, N.C. after a seven-year hiatus.