Travel News: Airlines, Tourism and Airfares

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), along with presenting sponsor Fareed Zapala Koepke, awarded John Washko, senior vice president of sales and marketing at The Broadmoor, the first annual HSMAI Resort Marketer of the Year recognition. HSMAI announced the inaugural HSMAI Resort Marketer of the Year award at the HSMAI Resort Business Summit & Customer Connection, May 3–4, 2010, at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Avis Budget Group, Inc. (NYSE: CAR) today sent a letter to the Board of Directors of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: DTG) regarding Dollar Thrifty's proposed transaction with Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. ( HTZ).

Airline makes inaugural flight to the home of the world's most famous shorts

UAL Corp (UAUA.O), parent of United Airlines, said it will buy Continental Airlines Inc (CAL.N) for about $3.17 billion in stock, forming the world's largest carrier and further shrinking the U.S. airline industry.

Chesapeake Lodging Trust (NYSE:CHSP), a lodging real estate investment trust (REIT), announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire the 188-room Hilton Checkers Los Angeles located in Los Angeles, California and the 153-room Courtyard Anaheim at Disneyland Resort located in Anaheim, California, for an aggregate purchase price of $71 million, or approximately $208,000 per key.

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that Kansas will benefit from approximately 7,500 jobs and an estimated $388 million in annual economic impact if the Boeing NewGen Tanker is selected as the U.S. Air Force's next aerial refueling aircraft.

Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai International Airport, a premium business hotel from Marriott International Inc, opens its doors with brand new hotel accommodations in Mumbai.

In a report released today (2 May 2010) by international law firm DLA Piper on the first day of the 2010 Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) in Dubai, it is revealed that the UK has been identified as a key target for investment opportunities by hotel financiers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This follows a difficult year, when average room rates in the region were discounted by up to 60%.

In year-over-year measurements, the industry’s occupancy increased 2.4 percent to 60.7 percent. Average daily rate dropped 2.4 percent to US$98.16. Revenue per available room ended the week virtually flat with a 0.1-percent decrease to US$59.55.

Continental and United today announced a definitive merger agreement, creating the world's leading airline with superior service to customers, expanded access to an unparalleled global network serving 370 destinations around the world, enhanced long-term career prospects for employees, and a platform for improved profitability and sustainable long-term value for shareholders.