Travel News: Airlines, Tourism and Airfares

World GDP fell by 2.1% in real terms, with developed economies - a major source of demand for Travel & Tourism - the most severely affected. Households curtailed leisure travel plans, substituting lower-cost short-haul and domestic travel for more expensive long-haul trips, and corporations reduced business travel budgets.

In what was a testing year for tourism markets globally after the fallout of the world financial crisis, Jordan showed signs in 2009 of withstanding the challenge. The country observed an occupancy rate of 56.1 percent in the 12-month period ended December 2009, according to statistics from STR Global, which reflects a year-on-year decrease of 18 percent. However, revenue per available room (RevPAR) in the same period decreased relatively less, by 5.7 percent, to US$82.11.

Deloitte has confirmed that hotels in the Middle East achieved the highest occupancy, average room rates and revPAR globally in 2009. Data prepared by STR Global, shows occupancy reached 61.3 percent for the year, while average room rates and revenue per available room (revPAR), stood at US$202 and US$124 respectively.

Recent analysis by Deloitte has found that recovery in European hotel performance is on the horizon. Demand has experienced an upturn since October 2009, before pushing into positive territory in December 2009 - up 4.2 percent. STR Global results for January 2010 also show a healthy 3.3 percent increase in the region against January 2009.

As the hospitality industry continues to recover, hoteliers look for insight on industry trends. To provide that insight, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and VIZERGY®, leaders in hotel Internet marketing, have teamed up to conduct a dynamic study that will help properties increase their online revenue and understand how their peers are navigating the volatile environment.

Attendees donate teddy bears to firefighters to share with local children, and distribute restaurant gift cards to Ronald McDonald House

With food safety achieving top-of-mind status for consumers and governments worldwide, the International Federation of Inspection Agencies (IFIA) has formed a global Food Committee to provide collective representation for IFIA member companies to convey their opinions and experience to external parties in support of a common goal, contributing to improvements for global food safety in areas of testing, certification and legislation.

After more than a decade, Papa Gino’s is bringing back a line of burgers to its menu. Initially, Papa Gino’s will feature three angus burgers, the Classic, Mushroom Swiss and a Bacon Cheddar.

Announced that it opened 17 new properties during January and February, totaling more than 1,600 new rooms.

History of Industry's Leading Trade Association Parallels Dramatic Transformation of Cruising, Cruise Ships, Consumer Expectations and Travel Agency Distribution System