Timeshare Information

With Memorial Day behind us, it's full steam ahead for summer vacations. Whether you're planning a vacation at the timeshare you own, with a timeshare exchange, or at a budget-friendly timeshare rental, the odds are you'll be flying to your destination.

So just in time, Consumer Reports has released its National Research Center survey on air travel. This is the first time since 2007 that the venerated leader in consumer investigation has assessed airlines.

In the 2007 survey, 18 airlines were included, while in 2011, due to financial crises, mergers, and takeovers, only 10 major airlines make up the industry.

The survey ratings are based on the experiences of 15,000 Consumer Reports readers on over 29,000 domestic round-trip flights during the past year. Airlines were scored based on questions about overall satisfaction, check-in ease, cabin-crew service, cabin cleanliness, baggage handling, seating comfort and in-flight entertainment, as well as the issue of additional fees.

A Consumer Reports press release stated that 8 of the 10 airlines received low marks on seat comfort, and several carriers got low marks on other quality-of-flight measures including cabin-crew service, cleanliness and in-flight entertainment.

Some carriers have done a better job than others, as evidenced by a wide difference in overall satisfaction scores, from Southwest's lofty 87 to US Airways' lowly 61, stated the press release.

Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways topped the list overall. Southwest was the only airline to receive top marks for check-in ease and cabin-crew service. Passengers also gave Southwest high grades for cabin cleanliness and baggage handling. The latter, says the CR report, might reflect the fact that Southwest remains the only airline that lets you check two bags free of charge

JetBlue was the only airline to outscore Southwest for seating comfort and was the only carrier in the CR ratings to earn high scores for in-flight entertainment. Its seatback TV screens feature 36 channels.

US Airways occupies the same bottom spot as it did in CR's 2007 survey. In addition to its low overall score, survey respondents gave it the worst marks of any airline for cabin-crew service.

The CR report pointed out that the proliferation of added fees further contributed to passengers' low opinion of today's flying experience, and even to their decision of whether to fly at all. Forty percent of readers who say they are flying less listed "increased fees" as the major reason - far more than those blaming flight delays, poor service, etc. Paying fewer extra fees had a direct relationship to passenger satisfaction, the release said.

Chairman of the Board of the Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP), Stephen J. Cloobeck, also chairman and chief executive officer, Diamond Resorts International®, discussed the importance of travel promotion, marketing strategies and plans for efficient and effective expenditure of CTP resources during a live interview a week ago with Jane Wells on CNBC.

The CTP initiatives include implementing a world-class marketing and promotion program designed to attract more visitor spending to the U.S. in order to drive economic growth and create jobs. Intensive market research will allow for strategic international advertising placement and deliver a culturally sensitive message geared specifically for each region.

The budget for CTP is comprised of funds from the private sector and fees from foreign tourism and will be allocated to appropriately represent all stakeholders, including all states and territories in the U.S.

“We are the only country in the world that doesn’t have a ministry of tourism or a marketing arm for our country and since 24% of our service exports are in tourism and travel, this is a simple way for us to create GDP and jobs,” stated Cloobeck.

Devising marketing initiatives for "Brand USA," the CTP is a new non-profit corporation that will promote travel to the United States, and communicate and improve the entry process so that visitors want to return. The eleven travel and tourism industry leaders who serve on the CTP Board of Directors were appointed in September, 2010, by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.

Diamond Resorts International, with global headquarters in Las Vegas, Nev., is one of the largest hospitality companies in the world with more than 190 branded and affiliated resorts in 28 countries with destinations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa.

Offering "simplicity, choice and comfort" to more than 385,000 owners and members through the branded hospitality service of more than 5,500 team members worldwide, Diamond Resorts International is dedicated to "providing its guests with effortless and relaxing vacation experiences every time, for a lifetime."

The Corporation for Travel Promotion named Jim Evans, a longtime leader in the hospitality industry, its first CEO. Evans will be responsible for leading the Corporation's efforts to promote the United States as a travel destination and strengthen the U.S. tourism industry.

"I congratulate Jim on his appointment as the first CEO of the newly created Corporation for Travel Promotion," U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. "Promoting tourism is an important part of the President's National Export Initiative and the overall U.S. economy, and we are fortunate to have Jim's leadership in growing this industry. I look forward to working with him to bring more visitors to our country."

"After considering dozens of candidates, Jim stood out to us as one of the most accomplished executives in the industry today, and he is the Board's unanimous choice to build America's first national program to attract international travel," said Diamond Resorts CEO Stephen J. Cloobeck, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Corporation for Travel Promotion. "Jim's deep knowledge and decades of leadership in the travel industry are exactly what we need to build this organization."

Travel and tourism is one of the world's largest and fastest growing industries. Over the next 10 years, travel and tourism's total contribution to global GDP is forecast to rise to $9.2 trillion, bringing with it 65 million new jobs. By 2021, travel and tourism will be responsible for one in 10 jobs, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Each overseas visitor to America spends an average of $4,000 per trip on hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail and other activities.

"Attracting more international travelers to the U.S. will benefit the industry and our country by creating jobs, growing exports and spurring economic growth," said Evans. "I am proud and excited to serve the travel industry - and our country - in carrying out this important mission."

The Travel Promotion Act, which created the Corporation for Travel Promotion, was signed into law in 2010 in order to help the U.S. capture a greater share of the global travel market. Once it is implemented, the entity will have a budget of up to $200 million, with half of the funding coming from the private sector and no cost to U.S. taxpayers. The program will be responsible for using advertising and other marketing tactics to help increase visitor spending in the U.S.

(Photo credit - photos.prnewswire.com)

Green Lodging News has posted an online article titled "EV Charging Stations Popping Up to Meet Needs of Green Travelers." Very soon, when you plan your timeshare vacation and your car rental, you'll be able to go Green by using an Electric Vehicle (EV).

EV charging stations are beginning to show up across the United States as an increasing number of auto makers release electric vehicles to the public. The U.S. Department of Energy projects that one million EVs will be on the road by 2015. According to Pike Research, by that same year, access to vehicle charging will be available at nearly one million charge points in the United States, including many resorts such as Wyndham.

According to Green Lodging News, accommodating this new breed of Green traveler presents some new challenges for resort companies. How many stations should be installed? Where? At what cost? Should they be a new source of revenue or a complimentary guest amenity?

There are many EV charging station vendors from which to choose already. Companies such as Coulomb Technologies, ParkPod, and Green Garage Associates are a few that were mentioned in press releases sent to Green Lodging News.

Cost for the resort will vary depending on the EV station model purchased and the location of the property. In addition to the actual station, there are installation costs. According to Lawrence Hindle, director of engineering for Ritz-Carlton, an electrical permit is required to install a charging station, and the cost can be between $10,000 and $15,000.

Late last year the Hertz Corp. and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced a joint partnership to bring in Hertz Global EV, a program developed by Hertz using 100 percent electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, to key Starwood hotels and resorts in North America.

“Hertz’s partnership with Starwood is a natural step in the development of our Global EV program,” said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz chairman and CEO, in a press release. “As we expand our EV network, we are providing drivers with point-to-point access to EVs and EV charging stations. Our relationship with Starwood provides guests from all over the world with access to the future of mobility.”

Charging stations can also be a highly visible symbol of a property’s environmental commitment. Green Garage Associates’ Martin says his company’s Juice Bar stations, which are eight feet tall and two feet wide, can even be used as miniature billboards - a branding opportunity for a lodging establishment.

Read this article in its entirety here.

(Photo credit - ev-chargeamerica.com)

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a new series of passenger rights, the second update in two years. "It's the biggest change in airline passenger protection since deregulation in 1978," said Charlie Leocha, Director of the advocacy group Consumer Travel Alliance.

Most of the new rights regulations will go into effect on August 23, 2011. Here are a few of them:

1. Getting Bumped
   If you're bumped from an oversold flight, you'll be entitled to some cash for your troubles. For short delays you'll get double the price of your ticket, to a maximum of $650. For long delays, you will be entitled to four times the value of your ticket, not to exceed $1,300. These limits are to be adjusted every two years for inflation.
   
   Airlines sometimes offer a voucher good toward a future flight in lieu of cash to passengers who are bumped involuntarily. But the new rules will require that airlines tell these passengers of their rights up front - including that they are entitled to cash.
   
   "You should always ask for the cash," says George Hobica, founder of the travel site Airfarewatchdog.com. "A voucher may only be good for a year, and it may be hard to use."


2. Time on the Tarmac
   The December 2010 blizzard left nearly 30 planes sitting on the tarmac for up to eleven hours at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. The airlines involved were foreign, and so weren't required to let passengers off the plane after three hours, as carriers on domestic flights would have been.
   
   This nightmare moved the DOT to act. On international flights, U.S. and foreign carriers won't be able to keep passengers on the tarmac for more than four hours without giving them a chance to get off, so long as it's safe to do so. And airlines must make sure passengers have food, water, working bathrooms and medical treatment, if necessary, after two hours.


3. Lost Bag Fees
   Currently when you pay a baggage fee and your luggage is lost during transport, the airline keeps the fee.
   
   The new rules will require that airlines refund fees when bags are lost. Although it's not yet clear how long the bag must be missing before it is given up for lost Hobica said. (Airlines already reimburse passengers for lost luggage - up to $3,300 on domestic flights.)

One final word - Leocha suggests that if you have a legitimate complaint and can't get it resolved with the airline, email your complaint to the DOT at airconsumer.ost.dot.gov. "They take those emails and forward them to the airline," Leocha says. "Nothing gets a response from an airline like an email from the Department of Transportation."

This excerpt was taken from the article "New passenger rights rules will make air travel less bumpy for consumers" by Eileen Ambrose, The Baltimore Sun. Read the article in its entirety here.

(Photo credit - airport-int.com)

Hilton HHonors, the loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 10 distinct hotel brands, was presented with the Best Redemption Ability Award for Hotels in the Americas at the second annual Frequent Traveler Awards ceremony held on April 28, 2011, in Flushing, New York.

The Frequent Traveler Awards, which represent excellence in frequent travel programs worldwide, honor the best frequent flyer and frequent guest programs in the world, and winners are determined based on the overall merits of each program as ranked by voters. This year, more than one million frequent travelers worldwide participated in the voting process, casting online ballots for their favorite programs and campaigns from 2010.

“It’s a great privilege to be recognized by our most loyal guests and to receive this award from among the industry’s elite,” said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, global customer marketing, Hilton Worldwide.

“For decades, we have worked on designing Hilton HHonors rewards that allow frequent travelers to redeem their points for experiences worth sharing - whether that’s a free night’s stay or tickets to a Broadway show. It’s a great privilege to be recognized by our most loyal guests and to receive this award from among the industry’s elite.”

Hilton HHonors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s ten distinct hotel brands, honors its 28 million members by allowing them to turn earned points into experiences worth sharing. In addition to redeeming HHonors points for complimentary hotel stays, HHonors members can use points to purchase unique experience rewards, merchandise and vacation packages, make charitable contributions, and more.

HHonors is also the only guest-loyalty program to offer ‘Points & Miles’ and ‘No Blackout Dates’ at more than 3,700 hotels worldwide, including participating Waldorf Astoia Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. Membership in HHonors is free, and travelers may enroll online by visiting HiltonHHonors.com.

Hilton HHonors members can redeem their points for complimentary hotel stays or for any of the thousands of experiences and merchandise items available through the Hilton HHonors website.

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites. For 92 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands that includes Hilton Grand Vacations.

Last year we wrote about a timeshare rental vacation to Spain, especially to its Mediterranean islands. In that article we also mentioned that Spain was the third most visited country in the world.

Not so any longer. While Spain still offers great vacation destinations such as its elaborate cities that are both historical and cosmopolitan, and sun splashed island beaches, the news now is "China overtakes Spain to become world’s third largest tourism destination."

This is according to new figures released by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

In 2010, China enjoyed a 9.4 percent increase in arrivals to 55.7 million, according to the UNWTO. Meanwhile Spain, which is still recovering from the world financial crisis, experienced just a 1 percent increase to 52.2 million.

The United States held on to the top spot with 78.95 million arrivals, followed by France, which had 60.88 million, said the UNWTO report.

Although Spain lost out on tourism numbers, it attracted a larger volume of high spenders, ranking number two in the world for tourist dollars at $52.5 billion. The US took the top slot and France came third, whilst China ranked fourth receiving $45.8 billion.

More Chinese traveled abroad than the foreign visitors the country received. The number of outbound Chinese travelers rose 20 percent over 2009 reaching 57.39 million last year. Chinese tourists ranked fourth-largest worldwide last year.

If you are looking for a timeshare exchange in China, to give you an opportunity to explore this complex and varied land, see these examples:

The Crown Spa Resort Hainan (see photo) is located in Haikou City on the northeast coast of Hainan island. The sub-tropical climate is perfect for enjoying this international 5-star hotel-spa-resort, that has both natural hot springs and a private beach.

The Chongqing Easpring Hot Spring Resort is in the west central China city of Chongqing, and is another resort centering around relaxing local hot springs. The name Chongquing comes from the Jialing River that runs through the city into the nearby Yangtze River.

The Wuzhen Pengda Hotel is located in Wuzhen, Zhejiang, a town in the center of six ancient towns south of Yangtze River. Wuzhen, "in the peace of Peach Blossom land" displays its history through its ancient stone bridges, stone pathways and delicate wood carvings. The canals of Wuzhen have led to it being nicknamed the "Venice of the East."

"Even the best vacation can be derailed by a travel emergency." So says an article posted on the web site for the Travel Channel. In Part 2 of our 2-part series we'll continue a look at their picks for the Top 10 worst-case travel scenarios, and tips on how to deal with each problem.

5. Medical Emergency
   If you're planning to travel in a foreign country you might want to obtain travel health insurance before leaving home. The US Department of State maintains a list of hospitals where American citizens can get help in an emergency. Bring this information with you or contact the local embassy for guidance on where you can seek help.


6. Lost Passport
   First make sure you have a copy of your passport with you, which you keep separate from where you carry your passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, immediately notify the US State Department and local police, and contact the nearest US Embassy. Embassy consulates will issue a temporary passport to get you back to the US.


7. Detained in Customs
   Fill out customs paperwork honestly and carefully and be aware of what you can’t bring home with you as a souvenir (such as live plants, precious gem stones). If you have questions about international drug laws, investigate before you travel. Keep your prescription medication in original, labeled packaging and bring a letter from your doctor confirming your legal use of the medicine. If you find yourself detained by customs, remain calm and tell the truth - if you’re not hiding anything you should be on your way after a brief interrogation.


8. Victim of a Crime
   Even if you take all of the right precautions you might still find yourself a crime victim while traveling. If this happens, immediately contact the local police. If you're in a foreign country also contact the US State Department for consular support and advocacy. A consulate can explain local laws, connect you with legal support and help you contact family or friends back home.


9. Extreme Weather Evacuation
   Follow the advice of the weather professionals when it comes to extreme weather including hurricanes, floods and blizzards. If you're traveling in a foreign country, register with the US State Department so they can keep track of your whereabouts during an emergency. Investigate travel insurance that offers airlift evacuations in case normal airline travel is disrupted.

Being properly prepared with information on how to deal with travel issues will help you plan for the best timeshare vacation ever.

Read the Travel Channel article in its entirety.

Travel News: Top 10 Travel Emergencies – Part 1

As summer draws near, more and more of us are planning our summer vacations, getting excited about travel, and looking forward to fun experiences and great memories.

But "even the best vacation can be derailed by a travel emergency." The online web site for the Travel Channel has listed its picks for the Top 10 worst-case travel scenarios, along with tips on how to deal with each one, so you can get it taken care of and go on to have a great vacation. We'll look at these travel emergencies in a 2-part series.

1. Lost Luggage
   Working directly with the airline company is the key here. If you luggage does not appear on the arrival carousel, go directly to your airline's baggage office to file a claim. Most often the airline will deliver your luggage to you within 24 hours. If your luggage never reappears, you may complete a claim for damages and reimbursement for the current value of the lost goods.


2. Stolen Wallet
   If your credit card was in your wallet, contact the issuing bank immediately to put a stop on all transactions. Report the theft to the local police and record the case number. Call the 3 major credit-reporting bureaus to place a fraud alert in your file. You can use Western Union if you need someone to wire you cash.


3. Missed Flight
   If you've arrived at the airport too late to make your flight, go immediately to your airline’s counter to make arrangements for another flight. As problematic as this can be, it's easier to take care of at the airport. Be prepared to wait for an available flight, and to pay a fee for making new reservations.


4. Montezuma’s Revenge
   That's what it's called in Mexico, but of course a G.I. upset can occur in any where. Best tip: in certain countries avoid drinking the water and avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables possibly washed in contaminated water. Check with the State Department and your doctor regarding travel vaccines. If G.I. problems do strike, drink plenty of clear fluids, stick to basic foods and contact a doctor if necessary.


5. Behind Bars
   If you’re arrested in a foreign country while traveling, the most important thing you can do is remain calm. Contact the US Embassy for assistance and avoid speaking about the incident or signing anything until a consulate arrives.

(Photo credit – travelchannel.com)

Travel News: Top 10 Travel Emergencies – Part 2

The U.S. Travel Association is launching a national grassroots campaign to urge Congress to implement a trusted traveler program. Eighty percent of travelers surveyed say there should be a nationwide trusted traveler program that provides alternative screening measures at airports for American citizens who submit to background checks and meet other criteria.

"Travelers encounter too much hassle at our nation's airports, and it's time for Congress to act," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "A one size fits all approach to security is inefficient. If Congress implements a trusted traveler program, we'll see more Americans traveling – and that will create more American jobs.

"Travelers would take an average of two to three more trips a year if the hassle could be reduced without compromising security effectiveness."

According to the U.S. Travel Association these additional trips could add $84.6 billion in spending and 888,000 more jobs.

The "Be Trusted" campaign is a national grassroots campaign advocating Congressional implementation of a trusted traveler program. The campaign will include advertisements (see one example pictured above) in newspapers and airports, social media, events at airports, an advocacy website and toll-free number to connect travelers directly with members of Congress, and an online petition.

A trusted traveler program that utilizes true risk management is a key recommendation of U.S. Travel's recent report on aviation security. The recommendation calls for the creation of a tightly controlled enrollment program and re-verification process, a confirmation process at the airport that ensures only enrolled individuals are utilizing the trusted traveler screening lanes, and a checkpoint process that reflects the low-risk nature of the traveler.

Tom Ridge, former secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and co-chair of the U.S. Travel Association's Blue Ribbon Panel on Aviation Security said in the report, "We've been talking for years about establishing a screening system that takes risk into account. Creating a trusted traveler program is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to control the cost of aviation security."

The U.S. Travel Association is a national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $1.8 trillion in economic output and supports 14.1 million jobs. The U.S. Travel Association's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.

(Photo credit - securitymanagement.com)

Travel Leaders' latest survey reveals that over 57% of those polled who are receiving a tax refund will use at least part of that money for leisure travel this year. The survey also indicated that 83% of individuals polled will spend the same, or more, on leisure trips in 2011 as compared to last year.

Travel Leaders is part of Travel Leaders Group, a North American travel company that generates gross travel sales in excess of $14 billion. Travel Leaders Group is a leader in both the retail travel agency space and corporate travel.

This year's survey was conducted March 10 – April 10, 2011, and includes responses from 953 consumers throughout the U.S.

"It is clear that when Americans dream about travel, they dream big. Australia continues to be the 'ultimate dream' international destination. Perhaps the majority who indicated they will use tax refund money for travel could make that dream a reality this year," stated Roger E. Block, CTC, president of Travel Leaders Franchise Group.

"What is most encouraging from our latest survey is that an overwhelming majority (89%) indicated that they have already traveled or will be traveling for leisure this year, and it seems they are prepared to open their wallets a little more, if they need to."

Following are key findings from the survey:

Tax Refund - Money for Travel: A majority, 57.4%, of U.S. consumers responded "Yes" to the question "If you receive a tax refund this year, will you be using any part of that money for vacation travel?"

Leisure Travel Spending: 83% of those polled said they will spend the same or more on leisure travel in 2011 than they did last year. Only 17% indicated they would be spending less on leisure travel this year.

Australia is the "Dream": When asked "What is your ultimate dream international destination?" the top destination selected was Australia – followed by Italy, Ireland, New Zealand and Mediterranean cruising, respectively.

Top States Visited: When asked, "Which U.S. state(s) have you traveled to or will you travel to in 2011?" the top response was Florida followed by California and New York.

Now that you have some extra money from your tax refund that you might be using for travel, stretch it further by renting a timeshare for your vacation. You'll be able to stay at luxury resorts for up to 50% less than the cost of many hotel rooms.

During the recent American Resort Development Association (ARDA) 2011 Convention and Exposition, RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, unveiled the latest in its cutting-edge technology initiatives - two new applications for the iPad® as well as two new features for its existing app for the iPhone®.

“In 2010 we made the leap into the mobile marketing world with the debut of the RCI® TV and RCI SnapBook™ features for the iPhone®,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “Now, we’re making even greater strides in launching exciting new applications for our on-the-go members to bring their vacation experiences to the next level.”

In addition to the existing RCI TV and RCI SnapBook™ features, the RCI app for the iPhone® now offers users two new features for subscribing members: access to the RCI Resort Directory and RCI Member Account Alerts.

The Resort Directory, one of the most popular sections on RCI.com, allows users to view all RCI affiliated resorts and search using resort names or locations. Users can view resort photos, amenities and ratings while enjoying a variety of features that enable members to access and share resort information quickly and easily. With a tap of the screen, users can save a resort to their “my resort” list, e-mail a resort link to family and friends, compare resorts side-by-side, or share resorts on Facebook.
The RCI Account Alerts feature helps keep members current by sending important account information such as renewal, expiration and deposit alerts.

The RCI app for the iPad® offers all the same features as the RCI app for the iPhone® including the new resort directory and member account alert features. In addition, iPad® users can access even more information and higher-resolution photos and videos on the device’s larger screen.

It is also now possible to enjoy many of the great articles and information available in the print version of Endless Vacation® magazine, the award-winning publication for RCI members, on the iPad®. Users can connect to the Endless Vacation magazine app through the RCI app for the iPad® or by downloading just the Endless Vacation magazine app for the iPad® directly. Since its debut several weeks ago, the Endless Vacation app has repeatedly ranked in the top 10 of all free travel apps.

“Since inventing the concept of vacation exchange nearly 40 years ago, RCI continues to devote its efforts to providing innovations that add value to our affiliated developers and members,” said Ballotti. “Our ongoing commitment is to continue developing fantastic content for member engagement and to assist in their vacation planning, while also helping our affiliates gain exposure in the rapidly growing mobile space.”

It's new, it's thin, and it's taking the travel world by storm. What is it? The iPad 2 - and it just might be the way you'll plan and enjoy your timeshare vacations from now on.

Breaking Travel News (BTN) posted this report on the iPad 2 March 25, 2011.
As the device hits the shelves, hoteliers, airlines and concierges will be among the keenest buyers, all looking for new ways to use the technology in the tourism industry.

So what is new with the iPad 2? It is lighter than its predecessor. In fact it is a whole 33 per cent thinner and up to 15 per cent lighter, so it feels more comfortable in the hands.

On the inside, the iPad 2 also has two powerful cores in one A5 chip, meaning it can do twice the work at once. “Multitasking is smoother, apps load faster and everything just works better,” says Apple in a press release.

New operating system - iOS 4 - is also included, letting users browse, read and see everything just by pointing a finger. Front and rear cameras - the biggest omission from the original iPad - are also included. The new device offers ten hours of battery life; perfect for getting through long-haul flights with the latest movies, or just surfing the net on increasingly wi-fi enabled flights.

Among the first to employ the new device is InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, which has already confirmed it will connect guests face-to-face with concierge teams. Other companies, including Marriott International and Wyndham Worldwide, are quickly following suit.

Jetstar will become the first airline to offer passengers iPads for in-flight entertainment. The Australian low-cost carrier will rent the devices on domestic services starting this month, and plans to expand the service to international routes later this year. Passengers will be able to watch preloaded films and TV programs, read e-books, and listen to music or play games.

Even the planners behind the Royal Wedding have jumped on the bandwagon, with the release of an iPad app detailing the particulars of the event, while World Travel Awards has launched Best in Travel Magazine.

Most importantly, it appears the new device will be of great use to international travelers. Included are an accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, and compass – all of which will allow great improvements to map and augmented reality apps.

A larger screen will also make virtual tours of resorts all the more impressive, or you can plug the iPad 2 into a HDTV to get a look at a timeshare resort that's almost as good as being there.

(Photo credit - breakingtravelnews.com)

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has announced it has added comprehensive, online booking capabilities in Chinese to all of its Starwood-branded websites, including SPG.com. Now, Chinese speakers can use double byte Chinese characters to search for a hotel, make reservations, retrieve booking information or enroll in the Starwood Preferred Guest® program. This added capability underscores the importance of China to Starwood’s future growth.

On track to be the world’s largest tourism market by 2015, China is already Starwood’s second largest hotel market with 70 existing hotels and more than 80 in the pipeline. One of every three new Starwood hotels is slated to open in China now through the end of 2011, including new brand flagships for eight of its nine brands. Meanwhile, China continues to lead the growth of the award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest program, representing the second largest market for SPG.

“It is essential that we provide a seamless experience for our Chinese customers, especially at a time when China’s heightened appetite for our high-caliber global brands is having a phenomenal impact on our business,” said Phil McAveety, Chief Brand Officer for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

“Starwood is the world’s most global hotel company with more than 80% of all future hotels and resorts opening outside the United States. By communicating directly with our global customers, we make it easy for them to connect with our brands.”

To meet growing demand, Starwood opened the largest Customer Contact Center of any international hotel company operating in China, in 2009. Located in Guangzhou, the center employs more than 160 associates to support Chinese-speaking customers traveling to Starwood’s more than 1,000 hotels around the world. Starwood is also the only hospitality company in China that provides 24-hour customer support, 365 days a year, for its Chinese-speaking customers.

“Due to the strong growth of our online customer base in China, we have enhanced our branded websites to offer a superior online experience for Chinese speakers,” said Miguel Ko, Chairman & President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. “Our mission has always been to listen to our customers and to stay ahead of changing trends and needs.”

With the addition of Chinese, Starwood now offers websites in eight languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, French and Japanese. One fifth of the world’s population, or more than one billion people, speak some variety of Chinese.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and resort companies in the world with 1025 properties in 100 countries and territories, and with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.

(Photo credit - oklahoma.possibleworldwide.com)

The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific has expressed its full support and solidarity with the people of Japan in the aftermath of the recent earthquake and tsunami. Holding their annual meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka (March 24-25, 2011), UNWTO members from Asia and the Pacific also discussed individual country concerns regarding their tourism sectors in light of persistent global economic challenges.

The 23rd Joint Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for South Asia and the UNWTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific adopted a special resolution on Japan, expressing “support to, and solidarity with, the government of Japan and the Japanese people as a whole." The resolution stressed support to “Japan’s tourism industry in its endeavors to offer travel assistance to both foreign and local tourists to ensure their safety.”

The announcement came as Japan confirmed it would decommission four stricken reactors at the quake-hit Fukushima nuclear plant. Operator Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) made the announcement three weeks after failing to bring reactors 1 - 4 under control.

In his report to the Joint Commission, UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said that while the recent catastrophe in Japan would have a short-term impact on Japanese tourism, “The dynamism and resilience of the tourism sector in Asia will contribute to foster continued growth throughout the region.”

International tourism in Asia and the Pacific grew by more than 13% in 2010, making it the first region to recover from the financial and economic crisis. Against this backdrop, UNWTO expects international tourist arrivals to Asia to grow between 7-9% in 2011.

An expanding economy is the primary driver of the tourism boom in both the business and the leisure segments in Asia, and the potential for tourism demand is still strong. “Destinations in the region are making significant efforts to tap this potential, putting targeted marketing strategies in place, such as the theme-year initiatives planned for 2011 in Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Nepal, Vietnam, and others,” said Rifai.

UNWTOis a specialized agency of the United ‎Nations and the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It serves as a ‎global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how.‎ UNWTO plays a central and decisive role in promoting the development of responsible, ‎sustainable and universally accessible tourism, paying particular attention to the ‎interests of developing countries.

UNWTO's membership includes 154 countries, 7 territories, and over 400 Affiliate ‎Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations ‎and local tourism authorities.‎

This is Part 2 of our 2-Part series as journalist Jason Notte of The Street looks at "packing an entertainment and travel survival kit full of six items that security can't take and fees can't touch." His article, "6 Essentials for Airline Travel Survival," is reprinted in part by permission.

3. A water bottle
   Wait, won't security take my water bottle away because of the liquid limit? Absolutely, if you have water in it.
   
   Water's generally one of the better purchases you can make in an airport, but a savvy passenger knows that nearly every airport on the planet has water fountains or, at least, bathroom taps once you've stepped through security. The savings only increase when you bring that same bottle on the plane, where even non-alcoholic beverages now cost $2 to $3 on carriers such as Allegiant and Spirit.
   
   "There have been too many incidents with people on the tarmac with rationed food and water," says Anne Banas, editor of SmarterTravel, of the wisdom of bringing along filled water bottles.


4. Granola, protein, Candy or any other Bar-shaped Food
   If airlines' once-free meals are now $2 to $11 and free pretzels just aren't coming, you may as well load up as efficiently as you can. The individually wrapped bar is a clean, compact and cost-effective way to tide yourself over during long trips or when it looks like you're not going anywhere for a while.
   
   "Even protein bars could count as a meal when you're really stuck in a bad situation, and you'll have no problems getting them through security," Banas says.


5. A Pillow-and-Blanket pack
   U.S. Airways feels its blanket and pillow set is worth $7 of a passenger's pocket change, while Allegiant charges a cool $15.
   
   At least they're offering. Delta, Southwest Airlines, Air Tran and Alaska Airlines, ditched those amenities altogether, and you're unlikely to get anything if you're stuck in a terminal rather than on a plane.
   
   Companies such as Travelpro, Lewis N. Clark (see photo) and Conair make $15 to $23 blanket-and-pillow sets that fold into small travel-sized totes. Despite the initial purchase price, you'll certainly save money in the long-run.
   
   "A thin portable blanket and pillow set could go a long way," Banas says. "You don't want the ones in the cabin because sometimes you have to pay for them and, even when you get them for free, you don't know if they've been laundered."


6. Moisture
   Passengers are signing up to spend hours in a giant dehumidifier once they buy their tickets.
   
   Because some folks just don't dry out as well as others, Banas recommends bringing a small bag filled with solid lip balm (such as Chapstick), moisturizer and other products that can live outside of the carry-on. The small bag creates easy access, while the products within make sure you're not kissing loved ones or hailing cabs through chapped lips.

Read "6 Essentials for Airline Travel Survival" by Jason Notte, in its entirety.

6 Essentials for Airline Travel – Part 1

Photo credit – Amazon.com)

Many of you fly to your timeshare vacations, and can perhaps use some ideas on how best to make airline travel as comfortable as possible. Use these tips that journalist Jason Notte, of The Street suggested for business travelers. If they work for people who feel like they live in airplanes, they might work as well for you, too.

In "6 Essentials for Airline Travel Survival," reprinted in part here by permission, Notte suggests "packing an entertainment and travel survival kit full of six items that security can't take and fees can't touch." Following is Part 1 of our 2-Part series.

{On top of rising ticket prices and extra fees} nearly 900 more flights a month are being canceled by carriers who don't want to risk fines of $27,500 per passenger for violating the three-hour rule (on the tarmac). For people with nowhere to go but an airplane that's not going anywhere, it could be a long wait in an unfriendly, expensive airport terminal.

Airlines are charging more for fewer amenities – all the more reason for passengers to bring their own.

1. An e-reader
   With multifunctional smartphones, tablets, MP3 players and laptops at their disposal, why should an airline passenger take a seemingly one-dimensional e-reader (see photo) along for the ride? Three reasons: Size, price and battery power.
   
   At six to eight inches and five to 12 ounces, the average low-end e-reader is just slightly bulkier than a smartphone but much more svelte and portable than a tablet. The biggest travel-friendly features are batteries that measure their life in weeks instead of hours. The Nook can hold charge for more than 10 days, the Sony reader can hold out for two weeks and a Wi-Fi-only Kindle can keep the pages turning for three weeks to a month.
   
   Yes, the readers can hold 1,500 to 3,500 books, more than even the longest layover or delay requires, and pull up periodicals, and their built-in MP3 players, dictionaries and translators do a lot more for the literate flier than unburden him or her of a bagful of books.


2. Noise-canceling Headphones
   Why buy a $10 pair of Maxell headphones or a $300 Bose or Beats Studio By Dr. Dre headset when a pair of earplugs will do the job?
   
   First off, they're not going to stick in your ears and irritate them. Secondly, they're awfully squishy and padded and a lot more comfortable than earbuds that can slip out of a big guy's ears pretty easily or sit uncomfortably in a smaller customer's canals.
   
   The best reason, however, is that you can sleep blissfully in a terminal - or listen to an airplane's radio channels while depriving them of 5 to 10 of your dollars.

Read "6 Essentials for Airline Travel Survival" by Jason Notte, in its entirety.

6 Essentials for Airline Travel – Part 2

(Photo credit - arstechnica.com)

Thomas Smith, Social Media Director for Disney Parks, has issued the following statement regarding the disasters in Japan:

First and foremost, our hearts go out to all of the people in Japan who have been impacted by last week’s devastating earthquake in Japan. In response to this disaster, The Walt Disney Company is making a $2.5 million contribution to the Red Cross to help aid in the disaster relief. The company has also coordinated a charitable giving program for all Disney employees and will match donations, dollar for dollar, up to an additional $1 million.

In regards to our theme park operations, Tokyo Disney Resort will remain closed this week so that a comprehensive safety investigation can be performed. While there was only minimal damage to the resort, the safety of our guests and cast members is always our top priority so we want to be as thorough as possible in our inspections. The quake caused considerable damage to the local infrastructure and transportation systems in the area so we need to take that into account as well. Fortunately, all of the guests who were at the resort when the quake hit have been able to leave despite these transportation challenges.

A decision regarding operations at the Tokyo Disney Resort will be made on March 21 and we will continue to post updates on the Disney Parks Blog as the situation progresses. The thoughts and good wishes of the entire Disney company go to our colleagues in Japan, their friends and families and all of the Japanese people as they begin their recovery efforts in this difficult time.

(Photo credit - 17sleeve.com)

Disney Fans Insider, a page from the Disney.go.com web site, released this information on March 1, 2011: From March 18 to 21, 2011, Walt Disney World Resort will host the first-ever Magic of Healthy Living: The Weekend - an inaugural experience taking place at Epcot's World Showcase to celebrate the spirit of living well.

The Weekend Event is a natural extension of the Disney "Magic of Healthy Living" initiative, which was launched to help kids and families discover fun and easy ways to focus on fitness, health, and nutrition.

Even First Lady Michelle Obama is on board. Mrs. Obama agreed to appear in a year-long series of public service announcements with Disney Channel's hottest stars after learning that the program's fundamental themes were aligned with the goals of her "Let's Move!" campaign to provide healthy choices for future generations.

After the "Magic of Healthy Living" contest was announced last fall, thousands of eight to 14 year olds across the country entered with hopes of hanging at the Park with their favorite Disney Channel idols during the Weekend Event. Thanks to their eloquently expressed ideas about healthy lifestyles at home, school, and in their communities, 50 winners will do just that.

Kids were asked to "reach for the sky" and write about new ways to add nutritious foods into their diets (particularly fruits, veggies, whole grains, and low-fat dairy), make 60 minutes of daily exercise easy, share information on healthy choices, and schedule rewarding family activities – like planting fruit and veggie gardens. Submissions were judged by a distinguished panel of health and wellness luminaries on how much fun the concepts were, originality, and their ability to motivate others.

Introducing healthy cuisines from around the world is an important part of the two-day itinerary, with cooking demonstrations by Walt Disney World chefs. Food-related activities include "Pass-the-Plate," a mealtime event that teaches kids and parents how to prepare healthy lunches rather than rely on fast food when time is tight.

Participants will enjoy an immersive schedule of games and entertainment inspired by various cultures – from tai chi (Japan) and belly dancing (Morocco) to the culturally diverse "Play Your Way" challenge. "Play Your Way" teams will test their skills at [sepak] takraw, a popular Thai sport that's similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball, as well as games from South America, the Dominican Republic, and other countries.

You can experience healthy eating in an around the world style yourself by renting an Orlando timeshare or Disney timeshare, and heading to the fun international pavilions in Epcot's World Showcase.

(Photo credit - disney.go.com)

World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi (WGT), the first global event dedicated to the investment and development of sustainable tourism, took place November 22-24, 2010, in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.

The event consisted of a three day interactive conference supported by an exhibition bringing together regional and international tourism authorities, urban city planners, hotels and resorts, property developers, airlines, key associations, tour operators, green products suppliers, museums and heritage sites organizations, and universities involved in sustainable tourism.

Green tourism is set to dominate the next half century according to WGT officials.

A featured speaker at the WGT event was Suraphon Svetasreni, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Addressing the conference, Svetasreni spelled out how Thailand, as an emerging world-leading destination, would seek to reconfigure its offering in order to meet changing demands. “We recognize there is no other option but to work toward a green standard, as this is what the modern consumer and well-informed world traveler wants,” he explained.

"Green is the new norm”, noted Svetasreni. "Promoting a healthy respect for the environment and the careful management and utilization of limited resources is essential if Thailand is to ensure a bright and promising future for its people."
This new focus on ecological concerns would be a radical change Svetasreni added.

“In its first 50 years, the focus of Thai tourism development was on social and economic development. The next 50 years will require a vital shift in focus to minimize the ecological impact of tourism.”

Tourism plays an increasingly significant role in Thailand’s national economic and social development. As reported by Breaking Travel News, over 14 million foreign tourists contribute almost US$15 billion to the Thai economy, while domestic travel contributes an additional US$12 billion.

Tourism accounts for 10% of Thailand’s total GDP and contributes to a wider distribution of income, and as such tourism plays an increasingly significant role in Thailand’s national economic and social development.

In closing his speech Svetasreni added: “We recognize all sectors of Thai society need to work together towards a cleaner-and-greener Thailand. We have a long road ahead of us.

“However, by participating in forums such as this, that promote the active exchange of knowledge and know-how, we will shorten our learning curve and significantly reduce the time it takes to acquire the essential knowledge needed to impact and influence positive change at home.”

(Photo credit - greenlivingguide.org)