Gold Coast marketing campaign to boost tourism during winter months

A joint Tourism Queensland and Gold Coast Tourism campaign valued at over $400,000 will kick off this weekend telling southerners why the Gold Coast is the best place to escape their winter blues and have some fun. 


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Tourism Queensland kicks off marketing blitz in the UK

Tourism Queensland is kicking off an AUD$340,000 marketing blitz in the UK this week through one of the world’s largest online travel sites to lure more British travellers to Queensland.


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Billy Casper and Championship Courses Set for Crystal Golf Cruises in Europe 2012

Crystal Cruises has lined up 10 of Europe’s most spectacular championship golf courses for exclusive, luxury play during two limited-access “Experiences of Discovery” golf-themed cruises this summer.  Hosted by 51-time PGA tour-winner Billy Casper, travelers can strike balls in Spain, Portugal, and Monaco during July 13’s Crystal Serenity voyage or throughout the British Isles on Crystal Symphony’s August 25 sailing.


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Norwegian Cruise Line Celebrates One Year Anniversary of Partners First

Norwegian Cruise Line is celebrating the one year anniversary of "Partners First," the company's corporate philosophy of putting its travel partners first by unveiling additional investments and initiatives and reaffirming existing efforts as the company continues to strengthen its commitment to the long term success of its valued travel partners.


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ABTA Welcomes Transport Select Committee's Report on ATOL

As the Air Travel Organisers’ Licencing (ATOL) Reforms come into effect today, ABTA – The Travel Association welcomed the findings of the Transport Select Committee’s report on ATOL, which argue that more fundamental reforms are still needed.


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Port Everglades hosts Colombian Delegation

Monday, April 30, 2012 - On the heels of the announcement that the Free Trade Agreement with Colombia will go into effect in May, Port Everglades and  the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport hosted a delegation of public officials from Colombia to discuss international trade and visit Broward County's seaport.


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Northstar California Resort to Open All 18-Holes of the Golf Course May 18

The Northstar golf course anticipates an early season with all 18-holes scheduled to open Friday, May 18, 2012, weather and conditions permitting. The par-72 golf course incorporates Tahoe’s wooded and mountainous landscapes into two distinct 9-hole settings that will both challenge a golfer’s skills and appeal to his and her senses.


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Comedian Carlos Oscar Chosen as Princess Cruises' First-Ever Entertainer of the Year

Passengers aboard Ruby Princess have voted, and have picked comedian Carlos Oscar as the first-ever Princess Cruises Entertainer of the Year. 


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UNWTO - Tourism and the media join forces to support the sector in challenging times

Leading media representatives met with tourism players in Egypt to explore how to develop more effective relations, particularly in times of crisis (Marsa Alam, Egypt, 26-27 April 2012).


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CEB continues to support govt plans to decrease Manila air traffic

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific acknowledges the recent delays to its flights mostly caused by air traffic congestion, and pledges continuous support to relevant government authorities to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport runway.


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Ryanair's Extra Champions League Flights Will Get Chelsea Fans To Munich Final

Ryanair announced that it has scheduled extra flights from London Stansted to Munich (Memmingen) which will allow Chelsea fans to travel to the Champions League final on 19 May.


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Dulwich Picture Gallery to host Warhol’s ehibition

America’s master of Pop Art silk-screen technique is to be showcased in an exhibition at England’s oldest gallery this summer. The Portfolios, opening in June at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, will be the first European showing of Warhol works from the Bank of America Collection. It will include 80 works from 13 portfolios from the early 1960s through to the mid-1980s.


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Amtrak Announces See More On A Train Contest

Train passengers experience travel unlike any others; they get to see the vastness of the American landscape more intimately when traveling by rail, from cities big and small, to country vistas and everything in between. In honor of the fifth anniversary of National Train Day, Amtrak is inviting train fans to share what they see and experience on their train journeys and enter the See More On A Train online contest. 


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Qatar Airways Gears Up To Showcase Boeing 787 Dreamliner Seats for First Time in Middle East

Qatar Airways will showcase its new Boeing 787 seats with their Middle East debut at the region’s largest travel trade fair taking place in Dubai next week.


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MSC Divina successfully completed initial sea trials

MSC Divina successfully completed her initial sea trials, returning to the Louis Joubert dock after 3 days on the open seas off the coast of Brittany, France.


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EddeSands Chef Hussein Salame Wins 1st Prize in International Competition for Mediterranean Cuisine

Thursday, April 26, 2012 - A young Lebanese man from EddéSands Hotel & Wellness Resort in Byblos, Lebanon; thirty five year old Hussein Salame, was the grand prize winner of the First International Competition of Mediterranean Cuisine: “Odori, Sapori e Colori” (Aromas, Tastes & Colors). His highly professional standards and competitive spirit were the winning combination to triumph in this event hosted by the Masseria San Domenico Savelletri Fasan


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Largest Ceramic Festival to Open in Icheon

The Gyeonggi-do Province town of Icheon will host its annual ceramic festival from April 28th to May 20th in the Seolbong Park area.


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Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel - Dubai introduces Oriental entertainment offerings

Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel in Dubai, managed by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, is looking East by launching authentic oriental services which includes traditional Chinese dining and entertainment options to attract Chinese visitors.


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Embraer Names LOTAMS as New Authorized Aircraft Service Center for Commercial Aviation

Embraer signed a five-year agreement with Poland’s LOTAMS, to become its Authorized Aircraft Service center. The expanding Warsaw-based MRO services provider, which was formerly part of the LOT Polish Airlines group, will provide routine checks, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, together with component repairs for both Embraer commercial aircraft families - ERJ 145 and E-Jets.


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The Spa at MSC Divina blends beauty with art

The MSC Aurea Spa on board MSC Divina will be an oriental paradise with superb sea views, where the scent of essential oils, soft candlelight and exotic modern décor combining natural stones, wood and rich mosaics,  invite guests to create a personal path to health, wellness and beauty. Based on the latest research and development, the 21 kinds of massage spanning from Shiatsu to Thai, the 13 body treatments from thalassotherapy scrubs to hot lava stone treatments, and the eight facials available will turn well-being into an art form.


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The Marque Hotel Brisbane and Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane Unveil Plans for Brand New Names

Rendezvous Hotel Group has revealed future re-branding plans which will see The Marque Hotel Brisbane renamed as Rendezvous Studio Hotel Brisbane on George, and Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane become Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane Anzac Square.


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Port Tenant Artwork to Honor Sportfishing Industry

Three Port of San Diego tenants will unveil a new artwork that pays tribute to the San Diego sportfishing industry and the many vessel captains who have made San Diego homeport to one of the world's largest and most modernized sportfishing fleets at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 26, 2012.


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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines launches 'Summer Cruises' Brochure for June - October 2012

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has just launched a special selection of cruises for summer 2012, offering great savings on brochure prices. There are sailings from a range of regional UK ports, to destinations including the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, the Arctic, Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, as well as several mini cruises. All offer exceptional value for money, with prices starting from £64 per person per night, and savings on brochure prices of up to £1,500 per cabin. Guests booking two or more cabins at the same time may also be eligible for an extra saving of 10% on the ‘Specialsaver’ price


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Hawaiian Holdings Reports 2012 First Quarter Financial Results

Hawaiian Holdings reported consolidated net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 of $7.3 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, on total operating revenue of $435.5 million, compared to net income of $0.9 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, on total operating revenue of $365.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. 


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Recommendations for transnational heritage corridors of Silk Roads site nomination

Members of the Coordinating Committee on the Serial World Heritage Nomination of the Silk Roads release recommendations for two priority transnational heritage corridors of Silk Roads Serial and Transnational Nomination.


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Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Reports Strong Results For The First Quarter Of 2012

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. announced results of operations for the first quarter ended March 23, 2012. 


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GetThere Delivers Unique Insight into 'Best in Class' Corporate Travel Programs

GetThere has begun offering benchmarking services to its corporate customers, allowing corporations to compare their travel program to industry averages and ‘best in class’ metrics. 

GetThere’s benchmarking services are based on actual aggregated travel data of hundreds of corporations encompassing travel from all GDSs and across both large and medium sized corporate travel management companies. With more than $9 billion in travel processes through GetThere annually, the company is uniquely positioned to provide corporations with benchmarking services.


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New Zealand's latest Stories Beat Stuff competition launched with new online features

Tourism New Zealand's social media channels will soon be awash with youth travellers offering up their most prized possessions in return for the chance to win the trip of a lifetime. There was a launch of Tourism New Zealand's latest Stories Beat Stuff campaign and competition, aimed at making New Zealand an appealing destination for youth. The latest activity once again challenges entrants to give up their stuff to be in to win one of two amazing 100% 'Story of a lifetime' experiences for themselves and three friends. 'The first phase of Stories Beat Stuff and its use of interactive media has been hugely successful in engaging with the global youth market,' said Tourism New Zealand's General Manager Marketing Communications Justin Watson. 'Phase one ran between November and February and generated a combined 350,000 unique visits to the campaign pages on newzealand.com and the 100% Pure Facebook page. There was also more than 250,000 YouTube views which included more than 50,000 views of the winners experiences while in New Zealand. This has shown us how well the campaign has resonated with the global youth market.'


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LBJ Medical Center, Hawaiian Airlines Team Up on Special Fares for Treatment Abroad

Hawaiian Airlines has renewed its partnership with the Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center to provide critical travel support for needed medical treatment abroad through a special program offering discounted fares to Honolulu, the U.S. Mainland, and Manila.

“This program is a godsend in helping our patients receive the specialized care they need at other medical facilities across the Pacific, while easing the financial burden on them and their families,” said Mike Gerstenberger, CEO of the LBJ Medical Center. “We thank Hawaiian Airlines for being such a great partner of our hospital and supporting the health care needs of our people.”


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HKIA Sets New Monthly Record for Flight Movements in March

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) set a new monthly record with 29,600 flight movements this March, which also represented 5.2% growth compared to March 2011. The previous record was set in December 2011 when the airport handled 29,300 movements. Year on year, passenger traffic grew 9% to 4.6 million, while cargo throughput saw a marginal decline of 0.4% to 368,000 tonnes.

The growth in passenger traffic in March was mainly driven by Hong Kong resident and visitor traffic, which registered increases of 20% and 8% respectively over the same month last year. Passenger traffic to/ from the Mainland and South East Asia performed particularly well.


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Worldhotels Announces Strategic Partnership Developing Branded Hotels in The Philippines

Worldhotels has announced a strategic partnership to create five branded hotels in the Philippines over the next decade.

The cooperation agreement appoints Global Hospitality Franchise System Inc. to provide consultancy and marketing support to Worldhotels.

Worldhotels is currently on a fast-track to developing its unique new branded hotel solution, following an enthusiastic response by independent Asian hoteliers. 




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Hong Kong International Airport Conducts Comprehensive Typhoon Exercise

In anticipation of the coming typhoon season, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) staged a comprehensive annual exercise early this morning involving more than 700 participants from over 20 organisations and government departments. The exercise simulated various weather-related contingency scenarios to test the airport's response capabilities in crowd management, baggage handling, flight rescheduling and information dissemination.

CK Ng, Executive Director, Airport Operations, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), said, "During times of inclement weather, airport operations will inevitably be affected. However, we can minimise the impact by thoroughly preparing not just ourselves, but also the airport community. Out of the 80-plus seminars, drills and exercises we conduct each year, 12 of them are directly related to weather preparedness. These scenarios allow the airport personnel to put their training into action.


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Worldhotels is welcoming their 100th affiliate in Asia Pacific with the opening of Auberge Discovery Bay, a new property in Hong Kong.

The deluxe resort and convention hotel on the waterfront of Discovery Bay, a serene resort community on Lantau Island, will open before end of the year.

“As the 100th member of Worldhotels’ fast-growing Asia-Pacific portfolio, the Auberge Discovery Bay is a welcome alternative to Hong Kong’s city hotels – in a relaxed getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet with remarkably quick and convenient access,” said Roland Jegge, Worldhotels Asia-Pacific Vice President.

Korea's International Flower Show to Begin in Goyang

The annual International Horticulture Goyang Korea, one of the most popular flower shows worldwide, is set to take place from April 26th to May 13th at Ilsan Lake Park in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do Province.

Marking its 6th year, the show will showcase flowers from 40 different countries in 5 indoor pavilions and 12 outdoor gardens including Eco-Flower Design Garden, K-Pop Garden, Secret Garden, and Dream of Flower Garden.

In addition, there will be numerous contests including Flower Idea Product Contest, Flower Design Contest, Traditional Flower Arrangement Contest, and Flower Drawing Contest, as well as a floral decoration demonstration and flower fashion show


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U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Attends Grand Opening of Wickford Junction Rail Station

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today spoke at the grand opening of the Wickford Junction commuter rail station and launch of a commuter line service to T.F. Green Airport.  Secretary LaHood was joined at the event by U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Governor Lincoln Chafee and local officials.

“President Obama is advocating an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes bringing more sustainable public transportation choices to urban corridors like this one in Southern Rhode Island,” said Secretary LaHood. “Extending this commuter rail service will help reduce area congestion while opening the door to jobs and economic opportunity for South County’s shoreline communities.”


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The biggest ever festival of Shakespeare to take place in Britain

A celebration of Shakespeare as the world’s playwright runs from 23 April – the Bard’s birthday – to November 2012. The World Shakespeare Festival is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company in collaboration with leading UK and international arts organisations. Thousands of artists from around the world will take part in nearly 70 productions, plus supporting events and exhibitions, right across the UK. More than one million tickets are on sale for the biggest celebration of Shakespeare ever staged.

At the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of the RSC, nine of Shakespeare’s plays will be performed as part of the festival: Richard III (to 15 September), King John (to 15 September), Twelfth Night (to 6 October), The Comedy of Errors (to 6 October), The Tempest (to 7 October), Julius Caesar 28 May–7 July, Much Ado about Nothing (26 July–15 September), Troilus and Cressida (3–18 August) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (10–18 August). Stratford will also see new works inspired by Shakespeare’s plays, including Romeo and Juliet in Baghdad by the Iraqi Theatre Company (26 April–5 May) and the Brazilian Companhia Bufomecânica’s Two Roses for Richard III (7–12 May).


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Los Angeles Tourism Board Makes Debut as New Name for LA INC.

Los Angeles has unveiled a fresh, new identity for visitors and convention attendees, with LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau changing its name to the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.


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Interstate Hotels & Resorts Expands India Hotel Portfolio

Interstate Hotels & Resorts announced that the Company has expanded its signed and managed hotels to 13 with the April 1 management transition of The Turtle on the Beach and Estuary Island Resort in India, both owned by Thomas Hotels and Resorts.




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Fairmont Raffles Hotels International in religious tourism showcase at ATM

Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) Makkah has announced its participation at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place from April 30 – May 3 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.




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Seychelles & South Africa ministers of tourism discuss cooperation

Minister Marthinus Van Schalkuyk, the South African Minister responsible for Tourism and Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture met on the sidelines of the SADC Ministers of Tourism Meeting last week in Mauritius to discuss cooperation between South Africa and the Seychelles. This opportunity enabled Minister St.Ange to discuss with his South Africa counterpart the coming Routes Africa Forum that will be taking place in Seychelles in July and to personally invite Minister Van Schalkuyk to be in Seychelles for that forum and for him to also address the Forum in Seychelles alongside his Director General. 




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Suffolk Walking Festival features new 70 mile Challenge

Taking place between Saturday 19th May and Sunday 10th June, the Suffolk Walking Festival will feature around 30 guided outings including the new Flatford to the Fens five day, 70 mile challenge. 


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U.S Travel - Travel Industry Posts Employment Gains for March

David Huether, senior vice president of economics and research at the U.S. Travel Association, provides analysis on today's Labor Department report on March 2012 employment numbers.


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505.000 eggs scattered in 10 parks of Brussels ensure new world record

After the world record toques launching earlier this year on the Grand Place, Brusselicious beat another record this Easter Sunday 8 April with the largest Easter egg hunt in the world.




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Qatar Airways backs Arab Air carriers organisation

The Executive Committee of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation held its meeting in Doha, during which the spotlight turned on the controversial Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) implemented by the European Union on airlines entering EU airspace.




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U.S Travel Association provides real-time insights into the state of travel in U.S

The U.S. Travel Association and MMGY Global released a new report providing real-time insights into the state of travel in the United States. Based on the quarterly travelhorizons survey, the report provides current perceptions of travel among U.S. adults through the Travel Sentiment Index (TSI). It also assesses business and leisure travel intentions during the next six months, as well as revealing trends in the past year of travel.


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Ship repair company at Port of Tampa receives $1 million federal grant

The Tampa Port Authority announced that one of its major tenants, Gulf Marine Repair, has been awarded a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant will assist in the upgrade and modernization of its primary dry dock facility. The announcement was delivered on March 19th, 2012, by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. Castor is a long-time supporter of maritime industry at the Port of Tampa, including past involvement in grant acquisitions for infrastructure development at the port’s ship repair terminals.


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Hyatt recognizes excellence among Select Service Owners and Developers with 2012 Owner Awards

Hyatt has honored the top owners and developers of its select service brands, Hyatt Place and HYATT house, at its national owners’ conference in Carlsbad, Calif.  Six companies accepted awards, which Hyatt confers every two years, from Hyatt’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Hoplamazian, its North American Chief Operating Officer Chuck Floyd, and its Global Head of Operations and Franchising for Select brands Gary Dollens.

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Ryanair calls on EU Commission to stop ATC strikes

Ryanair called on the EU Commission to prevent millions of Europe’s citizens having their flights cancelled or delayed, by tiny numbers of French Air Traffic Controllers going on strike again this week.


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Korea's Nonsan to Hold Strawberry Festival

Nonsan, known for its tasty and fresh strawberries, will hold its 2012 Nonsan Strawberry Festival from April 13th to 15th under the theme of ‘Best Taste, Best Scent, Best in the World!’


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Italian Journalists Give Ireland the Thumbs Up!

A group of influential Italian journalists visited Ireland last week. They flew to Dublin on the brand new Aer Lingus flight from Verona, as guests of Tourism Ireland, Aer Lingus and Fáilte Ireland.


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Crystal Cruises Expands to Ancient Lands with Haifa and Bodrum

Due to political unrest and uncertainty in Egypt, Crystal Cruises has revised its October 12 “Ancient Land and Cultures” voyage to replace its call in Alexandria with a visit to Haifa, Israel and Bodrum, Turkey.  Crystal Serenity’s amended itinerary extends guests’ experience in Israel to three days – two previously scheduled days in Ashdod and one additional day in Haifa. The new destinations offer remarkable ancient history, such as Bodrum’s Mausoleum, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, in addition to legendary beauty and culture among unspoiled beaches and charming whitewashed houses.




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Virgin America's First Flight Touches Down In Philadelphia

Virgin America marks the touch-down of its new flights in Philadelphia – the 17th market in the carrier’s rapidly growing network.  At a time when most airlines are cutting capacity, Virgin America is growing and bringing its unique blend of upscale service and low fares to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – with nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as of today and from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) as of April 10. 




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