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http://www.asap.co.uk/news/expedia-promotional-discount-voucher-codes-released-5632828.html

RCI® Announces Two New Canadian Affiliations to The RCI Points® Exchange Program

Parsippany, NJ (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 -- RCI®, the global leader in vacation exchange, and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), has announced the affiliation of two properties in British Columbia, Canada. Aviawest at Pinnacle Lodge & Spa, located in Sun Peaks, and Pacific Shores Fractional Residences, located in Nanoose Bay, have both signed affiliation agreements that will add the vacation resorts to the RCI Points Exchange Program. Both resorts have received RCI Gold Crown Resort® status, the highest quality level as measured by RCI standards.

Aviawest at Pinnacle Lodge & Spa is owned by Aviawest Resorts, Inc., offering ski-in, access to the famed Sun Peaks Mountain area near Kamloops, B.C. There are 20 studio suites with partial kitchen facilities, a private hot tub on each deck, and mountain panoramas from the comfort of a Lodge balcony. The resort features a spa, restaurant, fitness center, ice rink, golf course, daily maid service, and meeting faciities. The

Pacific Shores Fractional Residences are also owned by Aviawest Resorts, Inc. and feature two-bedroom/two bath units with fireplaces in the living room and bedroom, full kitchens, and granite countertops. Amenities include a spa, fitness center, swimming pool outdoor thermal rock pools, playground areas, and complimentary kayaks. Guests enjoy over 15 acres of botanical gardens and beach access with 2,500 feet of prime waterfront and breathtaking views of Craig Bay.

Full story: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/05/prweb976324.htm

Families are facing holiday misery this summer after big airlines sharply increased fuel surcharges on their flights, bringing the era of cheap air travel to an end.

Virgin Atlantic is imposing new charges today and, from Tuesday, British Airways long-haul passengers will have to pay £218 on top of the ticket price simply to cover the cost of fuel.

Other airlines, struggling to cope with fuel bills but wary of raising ticket prices for fear of losing customers, are introducing new fees for services, such as baggage handling, more leg room and even a window seat.

The BA increase, the second in a month, means that a family of four booking a trip to the West Coast of America on Tuesday will have to pay £240 more than they would have done yesterday. Shorter flights will also cost more, but those who have booked and paid for their trips will escape the extra charges.

Virgin Atlantic surcharges have risen by between £2.50 and £16.50, depending on the travelling class and length of flight. Ferry companies have already announced that their passengers will be asked to pay a fuel surcharge for the first time.

In the past two months, Air New Zealand has increased its fuel surcharge twice, while Japan Airlines this week raised its charges on flights to Europe and America by 40 per cent. Lufthansa and KLM have also hit passengers with higher ticket prices.

Analysts predict more increases in the coming months and industry experts say that airlines are likely to seek costs from passengers, such as higher baggage fees. Some carriers have already cut services and others, including those offering transatlantic flights, have gone out of business.

In America, airlines have tried to avoid raising ticket prices but have devised other means of extracting more cash from passengers. American Airlines is to charge a one-way $15 fee for the first piece of luggage checked in; US Airways is charging another $30 for travellers who want a window seat; Jet Blue is adding a $10-$20 fee if passengers require extra leg room.

BA refused to rule out more rises. Douglas McNeill, an analyst with Blue Oar Securities, said: “One more round of increases is likely at least. I wouldn’t rule out a second.”

James Fremantle, of the Air Transport Users Council, said passengers would be confused by the hikes. “It seems to me that the bulk of the price for a flight these days is for the supplement. You can get some flights to New York for just over £100 and then you are probably paying £200 on taxes, surcharges and supplements. The problem is that every company advertises ticket prices in a different way.”

Lorna Cowan, editor of Which? Holiday, said: “It is all very well airlines adding these fuel surcharges but when fuel prices come down

how often are passengers offered discounts? I think consumers will be wary about splashing out on far-flung holidays as this increase is a substantial amount. Many people this year will be tempted to stay in the UK.”

But Sean Tipton, of the Association of British Travel Agents, praised BA for being open about surcharges and said there could even be a weekend rush for summer bookings to beat the higher charges.

A BA spokesman was confident that, after the half-term holiday washout, bookings to Florida and California would rise for summer. “The extra charges are not being imposed retrospectively and there is still a window of three or four days when people can book at the lower rate,” he said.

Peter Smith, of travelsupermarket.com , said that people would still pay for an annual holiday but might do without weekend breaks. He did not expect a rush to book before Tuesday. “People like to research their holidays and most would prefer to pay an extra £15 or £30 on a ticket knowing they get what they want.”

The breakdown

BA flight London to San Francisco:

£287 cost of ticket
£218 fuel surcharge
£80 tax
£3.50 credit card charge
£2.50 insurance and security surcharge

Total: £591

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article4029739.ece

This article regarding OFT warning about holiday clubs has just appeared on the BBC website. Better late than never I suppose, but still no warning about similar organisations operating in the UK

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7422851.stm

Airlines are being forced to pay cash in advance for jet fuel as the major oil companies tighten the screws on an industry that is being crushed by an extraordinary surge in the price of crude oil.

Sources within the airline industry indicate that credit is being denied to most of the leading American carriers and the practice is moving to Europe and Asia. So uncertain is the cash solvency of the industry that jet fuel suppliers insist on prepayments into special bank accounts.

A credit controller at a leading European multinational oil company told The Times that the oil industry was moving to jet fuel prepayment. “It’s common in the US and it is moving to Europe. We have been moving to prepayment since Swissair went bust.”

The need to put up money before delivery of fuel is a huge financial burden that has been shifted from the oil companies to the airlines. According to John Armbrust, a US jet fuel consultant, the oil industry had $5 billion (£2.5 billion) of jet fuel credit outstanding to airlines before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Now they are demanding that airlines leave cash on deposit.

The extent of the cash squeeze was highlighted last week when American Airlines said that it would charge $15 per bag checked even as it revealed plans to shed 75 aircraft, shrinking the airline’s capacity by 12 per cent.

The price of jet fuel has risen by 60 per cent since January and American Airlines paid $665 million more for fuel in the first quarter of this year than in the same period of 2007.

The credit crunch is likely to worsen and a number of financial institutions will fail, according to research from Atradius, the credit insurance group which conducted a global survey of its customers’ views of the financial outlook. Although Atradius said that companies expect the number of failures to be small, about 65 per cent expect there to be failures.

The group added that direct exposure to sub-prime lending is higher in Europe than in the United States even though the bulk of the sub-prime mortgage defaults are in the US and many of the securities these loans are packaged into would have originated from US-based mortgage companies.

“Some explanation for this may be investments by European companies in US securities offering higher returns and more frequent use of secondary financial markets to securitise receivables by European countries,” it said.

Atradius added that only 12 per cent of companies across the world do not expect an economic slowdown in the next year. In Britain, more than 90 per cent of companies surveyed expect a slowdown, the highest percentage. About one in six companies expects a slowdown of only the national economy; a quarter expect a slowdown of the global economy and half expect a slowdown of both. The expectation of a slowdown is also high in Mexico, the United States, Spain, Italy, France and Belgium and lowest in Sweden and the Netherlands.

Atradius found that larger companies are more likely to have been affected by the credit crisis. Although fewer than 30 per cent of small companies reported an impact, almost half of all large companies (with more than €1 billion annual gross sales) said that they had felt the credit-crisis pinch.

Companies operating within the energy industry have been especially affected, but those in the healthcare and services industries reported a relatively low frequency of impact.

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article4004371.ece

Summer Holidays -- Hotly Anticipated or Stress fest?

It would seem that the annual summer holiday may not be as hotly anticipated as it once was with some workers complaining that they have to work up to 50 extra hours in the weeks before and after they go. That is according to a new survey by RecruitIreland.com on workers attitudes to summer holidays.

It would seem that the annual summer holiday may not be as hotly anticipated as it once was with some workers complaining that they have to work up to 50 extra hours in the weeks before and after they go. That is according to a new survey by RecruitIreland.com on workers attitudes to summer holidays.

· Irish Workers find the time leading up to their holidays' one of the most stressful times of the year.

· One third of workers claim it takes up to three days to unwind!

· 1 in two tempted to stay on in holiday resort and start a new life, leaving their Irish Jobs behind

It would seem that the annual summer holiday may not be as hotly anticipated as it once was with some workers complaining that they have to work up to 50 extra hours in the weeks before and after they go. That is according to a new survey by RecruitIreland.com on workers attitudes to summer holidays.

The survey revealed that many Irish workers may not be getting the benefit that they need from their annual break. Over 55% of respondents found the time leading up to their holidays was one of the most stressful times of the year. One out of every three respondents claim they have to work from 10 to 20 hours extra at their job on either side of their holiday to make up for their time off and one third of workers claim it takes up to three days to wind down once on holidays. Over one third say their holiday buzz disappears as soon as they walk back in the door of the office with 37% stating they dread going back to their jobs in Ireland.

Emma Henry of RecruitIreland.com, commenting on the survey said, "The importance of having a break from work shouldn't be underestimated - it boosts productivity, motivation and morale. One of the more startling facts to arise from the survey is that, one in five workers state they don't actually take their full holiday entitlement with nearly half of these saying it is because they are too busy and 20% stating that it is not the done thing in their company or they feel it would effect their promotional prospects. Recruit Ireland would recommend employers encourage staff to take their full holiday entitlement and allow them to have a proper break without calls or emails from work unless absolutely necessary."

However, some Irish workers still find that once on holiday they can relax with just over half of respondents stating they mange to switch off completely from their jobs once away. A resounding 85% said they did not miss work while on holidays. And when the holidays are over 57% said they are disappointed holidays are over but don't mind going back to work.

Finally, a warning to Irish employers! One in three respondents stated that they think about changing career while on holidays and over half of the respondents claimed that they have at one point or another been tempted to find a job in the holiday resort and start a completely new life.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/05/prweb968654.htm

Have you spent much time lately considering ice cream parlors, specialty retail stores, waterslides, or aromatherapy treatments? If so, you could be among a growing number of timeshare resort owners and operators nationwide looking to increase top-line revenue in new and inventive ways. An added amenity such as an indoor waterpark, spa, retail store, or eatery can increase a resort’s overall perceived value to potential owners - resulting in sales at increased point values. Resorts can charge higher maintenance fees as attractions are added, thus passing the cost along to owners. Additionally, resorts with added features can achieve higher annual revenues, especially if those features are available year-round.

Indoor Waterpark Resorts
Hotel & Leisure Advisors (H&LA) defines an indoor waterpark resort as a lodging establishment containing an attached aquatic facility inclusive of amenities such as inner tube slides, body slides, wave pools, water roller coasters, simulated surfboard rides, lazy rivers, and a variety of multi-level indoor water play features. The indoor waterparks are uniquely and heavily themed, offering guests an experience rather than simply an added amenity.

Historically, the primary growth of indoor waterparks in hotels and resorts has taken place in summer vacation-oriented locations. However, indoor waterparks are increasingly being developed in suburban and urban locations. Since the early 1990s, indoor waterpark resorts have been popping up across the United States with escalating frequency. According to Hotel & Leisure Advisors, there were 100 operating indoor waterpark resorts in the U.S. in 21 different states at the end of 2007. These indoor waterparks range in size from 10,000 to 173,000 square feet, averaging 33,172 square feet of indoor aquatic space. The cost to build these large-scale indoor waterparks has ranged from $300 to $500 per square foot of net indoor waterpark space. The cost is highly dependent upon the location, amount of theming, and the attractions included.

Addition of an Indoor Waterpark to an Existing Resort
Hotel & Leisure Advisors analyzed the actual change in performance recorded by seven existing hotels following the addition of an indoor waterpark. After the waterpark addition, the seven indoor waterpark properties reported a 59% average increase in rooms revenue per available room.

Based upon the findings of research conducted for numerous resorts in the Wisconsin Dells area, where indoor waterparks are most prevalent, the inclusion of an indoor waterpark within a condominium resort complex can increase the selling price of the condominium units by as much as 50%. We interviewed executives from some of the largest U.S. timeshare sales companies, as well as exchange companies. Due to the low number of timeshare resorts currently offering indoor waterpark components, it is difficult to pinpoint the precise benefit the waterpark has on timeshare sales. However, our interviews revealed that timeshare resorts have the potential to increase point values for weeks sold by up to 30% with the inclusion of a large-scale indoor waterpark. In addition, our interviewees stated that having an indoor waterpark helps a timeshare resort to sell its less desirable weeks both at a quicker pace and at higher point values than would have been possible otherwise. Indoor waterparks have also helped to boost occupancy levels at resorts, which has led to increased ancillary revenues in other departments such as food and beverage.

To date, five timeshare resorts in the United States include indoor waterparks with another adding an indoor waterpark in 2008. According to our confidential interviews, several more are in the planning stage. The following chart depicts the six U.S. timeshare resorts offering indoor waterparks. We note that the Resort at Split Rock’s indoor waterpark is still completing construction and will not open until summer 2008.

Massanutten Resort reported that after the indoor waterpark addition was announced, both sales and prices of timeshare units increased. According to a representative of the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort at Gatlinburg, the waterpark amenity has been a definite boost to timeshare sales. Management of the Resort at Split Rock indicated that the average price of the timeshare week sales has increased since the announcements for the proposed indoor waterpark. Glacier Canyon at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells has enjoyed very strong sales of timeshares which management attributes to the indoor waterpark amenity offering. They will add an additional 100 units by 2009.

Addition of Timeshare Units to an Existing Indoor Waterpark Resort
A number of indoor waterpark resorts are considering adding timeshare units as a component of their overall rooms supply. The first two resorts to add timeshare units (depicted in the preceding chart) include Odyssey Dells and Wyndham Vacation Resorts at Glacier Canyon. Mount Olympus Water and Theme Park Resort in Wisconsin Dells has partnered with Bluegreen Corporation to implement an approximately 62-unit development in 2008 and 2009. A second phase of this Odyssey Dells development is proposed to add up to 140 additional timeshare units at a later date. Wyndham’s timeshare division is selling timeshares at the Wilderness Territory Resort in Wisconsin Dells and is planning to develop timeshare units at the Wilderness Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee.

To pay for the addition, most timeshare developers are charging increased maintenance fees. With the exception of the Resort at Split Rock and Massanutten, all of the previously listed timeshare resorts include waterpark admission rates in the owners’ annual fees (maintenance fees). The fees are therefore somewhat higher than those charged by timeshare resorts without indoor waterparks. Alternately, the Resort at Split Rock and Massanutten Resort charge a discounted daily admission price to their timeshare owners for the waterpark use.

Further Revenue Opportunities to Consider
In addition to increasing the selling price of timeshare weeks, indoor waterparks have the potential to provide a revenue boost via the sale of day passes to outside visitors. Of course, indoor and outdoor waterparks represent only one type of potential revenue generator. Some developers have become quite creative with their multi-seasonal amenity offerings, and are considering adding attractions such as an indoor or outdoor amusement park. Others are developing an indoor sports dome capable of housing baseball fields, soccer fields, ice rinks, a driving range and putting greens, equestrian center, ATV and dirt bike track, tennis and basketball courts, and/or other athletic facilities. A number of timeshare resorts include an outdoor waterpark element, but few currently have larger amusement parks or sports domes. There are proposals in Arizona and New York for timeshare resorts offering cutting-edge amenities such as an indoor man-made white water rafting and kayaking course, indoor surf park, and indoor ski hill.

The amenities listed previously can increase revenue via the sale of daily admission for usage/entrance while also generating increased demand for some hard to sell off-season weeks. As an example, day passes to an indoor or outdoor waterpark and/or amusement park can be sold for $25 to $50 per person depending upon the size of the park, the number of attractions offered, and the level of theming.

Another way a resort can increase its top line revenue is via the development of new revenue centers popular among guests. As timeshare guests typically prefer resorts in close proximity to several entertainment and activity options, resorts have the potential to earn extra income by providing such amenities on site. Potential revenue centers not previously mentioned include:

Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, coffee shops, and other eateries
Retail shops (which could be leased to an outside operator)
A day spa (which could be leased to an outside operator)
Family entertainment center (including features like miniature golf, laser tag, an arcade, and virtual reality games and simulators)
A multi-purpose theater capable of showing movies and hosting comedians and various types of musical and theatrical groups
The timeshare resorts mentioned earlier all have several amenities and entertainment options to offer which require timeshare owners to reach for their wallets. For instance, Wilderness Territory Resort includes a six-hole executive par 3 golf course, an 18-hole golf course, five different eateries, a spa, and an arcade. Massanutten’s timeshare resort includes twin 18-hole golf courses, 14 ski runs, and six eateries. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort at Gatlinburg’s amenities include an arcade and two eateries. The Villages Resort offers a marina, rental of paddle and pontoon boats, jet skis, miniature golf, horseback riding, and an activity center. The Resort at Split Rock charges additional fees for multiple eateries, an indoor sports dome, bowling, movie theater, 18-hole golf course, and spa. In addition to being revenue-driven, all of these amenities aid in selling timeshare weeks.

Summary

When conjuring up ways to bolster top-line revenues, timeshare resorts should consider their location, current clientele, and potential for attracting new owners. An added amenity such as an indoor waterpark requires substantial front-end capital investment, but offers the potential to market the property to new clientele, sell weeks at a double-digit increase in point values, and even increase the amount of coveted red weeks available. Added amenities and entertainment can also afford timeshare resorts a substantial advantage over competitive resorts in a market. With these types of enticing incentives available, we expect to see savvy developers finding unique ways to catch this profitable industry wave.

http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4036076.html

Good morning all, the south of England is having heavy rain fall and up to gale force winds, trains are being disrupted and some roads are flooded. Sounds like the usual bank holiday weather has hit!

Independent holidaymakers who book their holiday online could be in for a nasty shock if their flight is cancelled, writes Harriet Meyer

Millions of holidaymakers who have arranged their trips over the internet are not insured for flight cancellations.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), about six out of 10 holidays are booked online. But those taking this route, without realising it, are likely to have less protection on flight cancellations than travellers who buy package deals.

Brian Brown, head of insurance at financial researcher Defaqto.com, says: "If flights are cancelled and rescheduled by the airline, as happened during the Heathrow Terminal 5 debacle, package holidaymakers have recourse to the tour operator, which will rearrange travel or compensate the passenger.


"But an independent traveller has to rely on the airline rather than their insurer. It is down to the airline to arrange another flight or offer a refund – but no more than this."

As a result, travellers could lose days off their holiday as well as the cost of pre-paid accommodation, connecting flights, car hire and any prebooked excursions.

To address this problem, Axa, the UK's largest insurer, launched an add-on to its travel cover this week. For an extra 25 per cent on the premium, its Independent Traveller Cover will pay for lost holiday time and the additional costs involved. This includes expenses to reach a destination because of a flight cancellation, a delay of more than five hours, or if a passenger is denied boarding because of an overbooked flight.

Marks & Spencer's policy, underwritten by Axa, was also updated last month to include this cover as standard on its annual travel cover, and as an optional extra on a single trip policy.

Simon Lamble, of price comparison site www.confused.com, says: "Your airline has an obligation to help you in the event of severe delay or cancellation of your flight, but if you don't have any luck dealing with it, the additional cover offered by these sorts of policies can make sure you're not left high and dry."

Peter Gerrard, of www.moneysupermarket.com, adds: "The extra cover is worth paying for - particularly if you're a family with young children, as you don't want to end up spending the night on an airport floor."

Most policies offer delayed departure cover, providing a fixed sum to cover food and drink if a flight is put back by six to 12 hours because of bad weather or technical problems. But as shown on our table from Defaqto.com, this amounts to a paltry £20 to £30, which won't stretch far with steep airport prices.

Brown says: "To receive a payment of £200 to £300 from their insurer holidaymakers would have to be delayed for three or four days, which most wouldn't stand for - they would cancel their travel or make other arrangements.

"If outbound travel is delayed for 12 hours or more, travellers are usually given the option in most policies to abandon their trip and claim costs back from the insurer."

Peter Staddon, head of technical services at the British Insurance Brokers Association, says: "The devil is in the detail - check your policy for what would happen if your flight is delayed.

"Most insurers won't cover consequential loss, such as a missed connection or excursion costs."

The European Union's Denied Boarding Regulation is aimed at strengthening passengers' rights when it comes to what airlines provide after a cancellation. For delays of more than five hours on a journey of 1,500 to 3,500km, passengers are entitled to overnight accommodation or a refund of the cost of the flight if they abandon their journey.

Gerrard says: "If you're with an established airline you will get better treatment, but with budget ones you get what you paid for, which can be frustrating as they may try and deny you these rights." The regulatory body the Air Transport Users Council (AUC) gives details of air travellers' legal rights on its website at www.auc.org.uk.



Gareth Randles: his insurance policy failed to cover a flight cancellation

Case study: 'we were absolutely shattered'

Gareth Randles resorted to sleeping on Malaga airport's floor when his flight was cancelled and his insurance policy failed to cover him.

Randles, 49, a human resources manager from the village of Gresford, near Wrexham, North Wales, was on his way back from a four day holiday with a friend.

He says: "The low-cost airline said our flight was delayed by about five hours, then it said it was cancelled due to a technical fault - but by this time it was 2am and while we were told we could go to a hotel, the airline said we had to pay for this and transport there ourselves."

Instead, they decided to sleep on the airport floor as they had to catch the 7.30am flight back to Liverpool, just over five hours later.

He said: "Our insurance didn't cover us as it was down the airline to compensate us - but all the low-cost airline gave us was some €5 vouchers to spend in the airport shop which opened in the morning.

"At that time of night there's nothing we could do, and we were absolutely shattered - the airport cleaning machine was going around me as I tried to sleep on the floor."

He said he would consider paying extra for a policy that covered for flight cancellations and losses as a result of this. However, he adds: "I don't have an awful lot of confidence in insurance policies and am dubious about what you can really claim on them."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2008/05/23/cmholiday123.xml

An airline industry never designed for $130 oil 'at a crossroads'

Airline consultant Michael Boyd took a look at energy prices last fall and drew a harsh conclusion.

"We figure at $80 a barrel, most airlines can make money, barely," he told a national aviation conference in October. "If it goes to 90 bucks a barrel, I don't know, invest in Enron or something."

Today, most airline executives would trade their mothers, plus their frequent-flier programs, for a steady supply of oil below $100.

Despite a regular diet of fare increases and new charges and fees, airlines are not staying ahead of the rising cost of fuel, which this year will add billions of dollars to their operating expenses.

American Airlines was already complaining loudly about oil prices in its third-quarter earnings statement last October – about the same time Mr. Boyd spoke of $90 oil. But with oil prices now over $130 a barrel and climbing to uncertain heights, the recent past seems like a dimly remembered dream.

"Few of us thought, when we announced those earnings seven months ago, that we would ever look back fondly at $90-a-barrel oil," American's chairman and chief executive, Gerard Arpey, said Wednesday at the annual shareholders meeting of AMR Corp., American's parent.

Some industry leaders are predicting faster consolidation and bankruptcy in the industry.

The desperation caused a public outcry this week when American said it would start charging $15 to check the first bag as part of its battle against rising fuel prices. The airline already charges $25 for a second bag.

American estimates that each $10 rise in the price of a barrel of crude oil raises its annual jet-fuel bill by $800 million. Consider that oil futures have jumped from $64.97 a year ago to $130.53 a barrel on Thursday, and the scope of the problem becomes clearer.

On Thursday, the Air Transport Association, the industry trade group, projected that U.S. airlines will spend nearly $60 billion this year on jet fuel, up $18 billion from 2007. The group said the increase was "equivalent to employing 244,000 airline workers or purchasing 261 narrow-body jets."

It also said 40 percent of the price of an airline ticket goes to pay for fuel, compared with 15 percent in 2000.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services pointed to the fuel prices Thursday when it put debt ratings for nine U.S. airlines – including American and Southwest Airlines – on credit watch "with negative implications."

"Although airlines will seek to recover the higher [fuel] costs through additional fare hikes and higher fees, we believe that this will prove increasingly difficult in a weak U.S. economy," S&P credit analyst Philip Baggaley said.

Industry analyst Ray Neidl of Calyon Securities says the industry "is at a crossroads at current oil prices."

"The current business model is not sustainable at oil price levels above $130 a barrel," he told clients in a report Thursday. "Cost-cutting, ticket price increases and additional ancillary revenues can't match the unprecedented rise in oil prices."

Mr. Neidl said that airlines must undergo "major capacity shrinkage" to force up fares, "or oil prices have to decline substantially, down towards $100 a barrel, for the industry to return to even break-even levels."

How much? Mr. Neidl estimates that U.S. airlines need to cut domestic capacity – flying in the United States and Canada – by at least 20 percent. To put it into context, that would be equal to the entire capacity of Continental Airlines, US Airways and Frontier Airlines.

"This is a significant reduction that would come from airline merger-related capacity cuts, liquidation of weaker carriers or the industry showing strong discipline in implementing capacity cuts across the board," Mr. Neidl said.

The only major merger currently pending is that of Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines, proposed in mid-April by the two carriers. United Airlines and US Airways are reportedly talking about merging as well.

However, Delta and Northwest are talking about largely keeping their current systems, with little capacity reduction.

Another analyst, Michael Linenberg of Merrill Lynch, suggested that capacity reductions that go too far can increase losses in the short term, endanger needed cash flow and mess up an airline's connecting network.

This week, American said it would cut service by 11 to 12 percent, ground 75 airplanes and lay off thousands of workers. And Mr. Arpey told reporters that more cuts would be necessary if fuel prices keep rising.

On Monday, Mr. Arpey prepared his speech to shareholders, referring to $125 oil. By Wednesday's speech, prices were at $130. Later the same day, prices hit $133.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/DN-Airlines_23bus.ART.State.Edition2.45e5955.html

American Resort Development Association Concurs with Recent Survey Findings that Americans are Vacation-Deprived

While many people across this great nation get ready to celebrate the first weekend of summer, most people don't have any plans to vacation this year. Based on the recent Expedia Vacation Deprivation(TM) survey, Americans not only receive the smallest amount of vacation time among their counterparts abroad, they often fail to use it. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) challenges the vacation-deprived among us take the first step to recovery and admit there is a problem.

"I'm dismayed but not surprised at these findings," said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. "People need to realize that taking time to unwind is an important health benefit. Relieving stress, spending family time and re-energizing will pay dividends throughout the rest of the year."

The second step in vacation deprivation recovery is to ensure that the vacation is the best possible experience it can be. ARDA member resorts provide spacious accommodations in stunning locations with all the comforts of home. A timeshare resort offers hassle-free second home vacations designed with the sole purpose of making the most of precious leisure time together.

Expedia found that despite reporting an average of 14 paid vacation days again this year, the same as 2007 and two more than in 2005, an estimated 47.5MM Americans will not use all of their vacation days. Again this year, employed U.S. adults will leave an average of three vacation days on the table, in essence giving back more than 460 million vacation days in 2008.

Everyone deserves not only a vacation, but a better vacation. For more information contact ARDA at www.arda.org.

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/take-two-weeks-and-call-me-in-the-morning,404238.shtml

In a Dragon's Den-type talent show of travel websites, the winner is Privatefly, a site offering hundreds of private jet operators

There were 20 travel website entrepreneurs to start with, all keen to show off their new ideas at a travel technology show in London this week.

The ideas range from social networking sites to publishing, sports travel and cruise review sites. It appears to be boom time - again - for travel online.

Four travel entrepreneurs came up with a shortlist of four - they then repitched in front of all delegates who voted on the winner - Privatefly, a website that collates 700 private jet operators in one place.

(The new site will launch in three weeks time and can be seen at www.privatefly.com/development)

The winners got nothing but a bottle of champagne and some free exhibition space from show organisers Eye For Travel - but the praise of their peers will go a long way to helping Privatefly take off.

The site allows private jet bookings online. It is the first to pull together all the different aircraft operators, and the first to cover the UK and continental Europe. The company doesn't own or manage aircraft.

Last year there were 764,000 private jet flights within Europe, eight per cent of all commercial flights - but two-fifths of all private jet flights were empty.

"Customers will be able to search and compare the whole market," said Adam Twiddell, an ex-RAF pilot who founded the site.

Its first flight was to carry oil executives to Greenland and Iceland in July, 2007 - now the company is looking for investment to employ brokers and IT support.

http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/news/article3979970.ece

Consumers at the heart of the biannual meeting of ECTAA

European Commissioner responsible for consumer protection, Mrs. Meglena Kuneva, will open the 97th bi-annual meeting of ECTAA held in Sofia and organised by its Bulgarian Member, ABTTA, on 27-28 May. Mrs. Kuneva will present her views on the upcoming revision of the EU consumer protection legislations.

Over the last 20 years, various European Directives on consumer protection, usually referred to as the EU consumer acquis, have granted specific rights to consumers concerning among others distance selling, doorstep selling, unfair contract terms, timeshare and package travel.

The Package Travel Directive, which is part of the EU acquis, is of major importance for the Members of ECTAA and their customers. The Directive aims at protecting consumers who purchase travel packages by ensuring that they get proper information before and after their purchase, that the services included in the package will be performed according to the contract and if not, that appropriate remedies are provided. But most importantly, consumers benefit from a financial guarantee against the bankruptcy of their package travel provider.

ECTAA welcomes the review of the acquis that is currently undertaken because it is essential that EU legislation is adapted to current and foreseeable market developments in order to ensure effective protection of consumers as well as fair competition within the EU. In particular it is important that the obligations resulting from the consumer protection legislation is extended to all providers who sell in their own name any form of combination of travel services.

Said ECTAA President, Jan Van Steen: “In recent years there has been a shift in consumers’ buying habits. Many continue to buy their package holidays, but an increasing number of them buy separate travel services from various providers. It is therefore essential that all consumers benefit from the same protection whatever their booking channel and that all providers operate on a level playing field.”

http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/25877

Sell My Timeshare NOW has just released its HOT 100 list revealing which timeshare {banned word/phrase} advertised and marketed by them receive the most offers to buy or rent. As gas prices soar, vacationers look for values in timeshare resales and rentals to help them keep vacation expenses in check. Released just in time for Memorial Day and the start of the summer vacation season, this is the second year the online timeshare resales advertising leader has published the HOT 100 list.

Jason Tremblay, CEO of Sell My Timeshare NOW says, "People want to spend their hard earned dollars on in-demand timeshare properties, where resort maintenance is excellent, and timeshare exchange or timeshare resale opportunities should remain solid."

This year's HOT 100 list is based on a record number of offers to buy or rent timeshare placed through the Sell My Timeshare NOW website. These 100 properties attracted a total of 48,532 offers in 2007.

The list indicates consistency among the leaders at the top, with this year's top eight all appearing in last year's top ten. Notably, WorldMark by Wyndham, multi-destination timeshare has jumped from seventh on the previous list, to claim the top spot at number one for this year. New to the top ten are the Manhattan Club and Marriott timeshare's Ko Olina Beach Club in Oahu.

For high-demand destinations, Hawaii timeshares claimed four of the top ten spots. In addition to the Ko Olina Beach Club, the list includes Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas, Diamond Resorts Ka'anapali Beach Club and Marriott timeshare's Maui Ocean Club, all in Maui.

The timeshare resort brand that dominated the top ten list was definitely Marriott , also known as Marriott Vacation Club. Marriott's Aruba Surf Club, Maui Ocean Club, Newport Coast Villas and Ko Olina Beach Club accounted for the most properties under one timeshare brand.

Here is the top ten from the Sell My Timeshare NOW HOT 100:

1. WorldMark by Wyndham, (Multi-Destination)

2. Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.

3. Orange Lake's West Village, Orlando, Florida U.S.A.

4. Marriott Timeshare's Aruba Surf Club, Palm Beach, Aruba

5. Diamond Resorts Ka'anapali Beach Club, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.

6. Marriott Timeshare's Maui Ocean Club, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.

7. Marriott Timeshare's Newport Coast Villas, Newport Coast, California U.S.A.

8. Harborside Resort at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas

9. Manhattan Club, New York, New York U.S.A.

10. Marriott Timeshare's Ko Olina Beach Club, Oahu, Hawaii U.S.A.

To view all 100 timeshare resorts listed in the Hot 100, click Sell My Timeshare NOW HOT 100 (http://www.sellmytimesharenow.com/media/pdf/hot-100.pdf).

Sell My Timeshare NOW's Director of Sales, Rosanne Luba, explains, "Many people want to know which timeshare resales other timeshare owners are buying. They ask us because they are interested in exchange or in resale value. This list makes it easy to see what consumers are asking for when it comes to name as well as location."

Since the company was founded, less than five years ago, Sell My Timeshare NOW has risen to be the recognized global leader in the advertising and marketing of timeshare resales and rentals via the Internet, averaging over 2 million website visitors per month.

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20080521139/Latest/HOT-100-Timeshare-List-Released-Just-In-Time-for-Summer.html

The credit crunch may be forcing families to cut back on spending, but the one thing no one wants to give up is a holiday in the sun.

This weekend, thousands of Brits will jet off for some early summer sunshine over the half-term break.

But those heading to European destinations may struggle to stretch their spending money as prices for essentials have shot up.

The strong Euro against the pound could end up costing many families dearly.

Greece is one of the hardest-hit countries, where almost all of the holiday basics from drinks and eating out to ice creams are more expensive than last summer.

Suntan lotion has almost doubled in price, from £8 to £15, a bottle of wine has gone up by £2.50 to £10, and ice creams for the kids will set parents back £2 each, up from just 80p last year.

According to holiday giant Thomas Cook, Goa continues to offer the lowest prices of any package-holiday destination with a bottle of beer costings just 70p, compared to £2 in Bulgaria and a whopping £3.50 in Greece.

Spain, the most popular hot spot for Brits, now comes out as one of the cheaper shorthaul destinations, with many prices lower than Bulgaria and Turkey. It offers the best deals on car hire - almost £100 cheaper per week than Greece. And prices for wine and eating out beat those of the Algarve, Greece, Italy and Turkey.

Italy may seem a good deal, but for those who like to eat out it is the most expensive, with the average meal costing £21 per person.

A family of four will have to find a whopping £588 just to eat out each night on a seven - night break. In Spain, the bill would be £392, almost £200 less.

The good news for those heading abroad is that it would be more expensive to enjoy the same treats at home. Prices for eating out, and drinking beer and spirits are at the top end of the price scale. With a bottle of wine hitting £14 - almost double the price in Spain and £13.10 more than Bulgaria.

So, how far will your spending money go on your next holiday? We've teamed up with Thomas Cook to bring you the costs of 10 holiday basics in European destinations (and Florida and Goa), to help you choose your next holiday wisely.

SAVE ON YOUR SPENDING MONEY

Buy currency before you go through your bank not at the airport.

Get credit card purchases charged in local currency, rather than sterling.

Go to restaurants and bars away from the tourist areas.

Buy soft drinks and ice creams in supermarkets, rather than restaurants.

Don't buy duty-free at the airport. Prices in the resort can work out cheaper.

HAVEN'T BOOKED YET?

Don't leave it too late. Capacity's been cut by major operators, so there won't be the glut of bargains.

Think about all-inclusive.

Look outside of Euroland to places like Egypt. The basic holiday cost may be more expensive, but with cheaper prices in resorts you're still quids in.

For Europe it may be cheaper to book a package - prices were set 18 months ago. But even if you've booked, you could face surcharges.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/money/mirrormoney/2008/05/21/summer-holidays-needn-t-costa-lot-89520-20424595/

Middle East airlines Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are among the fastest-growing in the world, fuelled by huge infrastructure development projects in the booming Gulf region. These projects include the construction of the world’s biggest airport at the Dubai World Central development , which will comprise six runways and capacity for 120 million passengers a year.

In addition, the Gulf airlines have marketing muscle. Dubai airline Emirates sponsors a range of sports events and teams around the world, including Arsenal FC and its stadium, while Abu Dhabi rival Etihad has just signed a deal with the Ferrari Formula One team.

Moreover, the airlines’ hubs are positioned at what Etihad chief executive James Hogan describes as ‘the crossroads of the world’ , the geographical centre-point between East and West, leaving them ideally placed to serve the rapidly developing economies of India and China.

It is not surprising, then, that these carriers exude a confidence that makes the more established European airlines, not least British Airways, whose problems with Terminal 5 are just the latest in a catalogue of difficulties, look like rabbits frozen in the headlights.

“The Gulf airlines have built a reputation for distinctiveness, quality and luxury. They are more aspirational than US or European carriers,” says Richard Cope, senior travel analyst at Mintel. Conversely, he adds, the brand identities of some Western carriers are confused . “What does BA mean to people now, for example?” he asks. “It is perceived as vaguely traditional and upmarket, certainly for its business class and long-haul routes, but, at the same time, it gets involved in short-haul price wars. Its brand identity, which is closely associated with service and being well-organised , has been severely compromised by events such as the T5 debacle.”

Colin Shaddick, director and founding partner of Continental Research, argues that Western carriers have a loyal base of customers who would choose them over Gulf carriers on routes served by both. Yet, those who do switch are won over by the excellent service, polite and experienced crews and competitive prices offered by the latter.

But Paul Charles, director of communications at Virgin Atlantic , believes the threat from the Gulf airlines is overplayed. His airline competes with Emirates on the London-Dubai route and he questions the demand for the extra capacity the Gulf airlines are creating, given that the market is forecast to grow at only 3% over the next two years. He adds that while customers may feel reassured by the range of nationalities employed as crew on the Gulf airlines , the work involved in forging a consistent cultural style is considerable.

Environmental concerns, he says, could also come into play. “We hope more people will choose to fly with carriers that take the environment seriously ,” says Charles.

“You have to question the Gulf airlines’ commitment to cutting emissions when their economies are built on oil.” Furthermore , Charles argues that brand reputation cannot be ‘bought’ ; while big marketing budgets may win exposure, he says, building trust and a reputation for customer service, best-value fares and products takes years. Unfortunately, as BA is learning to its cost, it can take a fraction of the time for a positive reputation to be destroyed.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Brand_Equity_/Gulf_airlines_force_a_flight_for_survival/articleshow/3057993.cms

Time-share holidays: clearer rules soon throughout the EU

The time-share holiday rights of some 1.5 million European families will soon be better protected. A draft EU directive, unanimously approved by the EU internal market committee on Monday, updates rules that are 14 years old so as to address consumer concerns and revitalise a business that is performing below potential.

Time share deals, which allow buyers to occupy holiday accommodation for specific periods in alternation with others, have won millions of takers worldwide since the 1970s. They are often sold as a cost-effective alternative to renting, hotels or a second residence. According to data from the Organisation for Timeshare in Europe (OTE), in 2001 there were 1.452 million holiday centres in 25 European countries, 1.4 million families using this kind of accommodation and 200,000 Europeans employed in this sector, with sales totalling €2.3 billion per year.

Since 1994, an EU directive has helped to harmonise time-share rules across the EU, but litigation between operators and holidaymakers is still frequent, notably about conditions and quality of service. Furthermore, new holiday products and services, similar to time share but not covered by the directive, have emerged. These include new types of holiday clubs giving holidaymakers reductions in the cost of their stays if they take out a subscription. Some of these new contracts clearly circumvent consumer protection rules.


More deals covered by consumer protection rules

The revised draft directive, which supplements the general rules introduced by the recent directive on unfair commercial practices, will cover both time-share packages and new products that so far have escaped any legislation. Consumers will be better protected by rules that clearly state their rights, and will find it easier to go to court. Honest operators will no longer have to face unfair competition from fraudsters.

The text strengthens a series of existing harmonised provisions (right of withdrawal, choice of contract language, prohibition on deposits during the reflection period, pre-contractual information). Some consumer rights will be widened, e.g. MEPs would like to extend the withdrawal period to 21 days (compared with 10 days now and 14 proposed in the Commission draft).

MEPs did not back a proposal by rapporteur Toine Manders (ALDE, NL), who would have preferred a regulation (directly applicable throughout the EU), rather than a directive (which must be transposed into Member States' national laws), so as to achieve more thorough harmonisation.

By contrast, they advocated a higher standard of consumer protection for long-term holiday deals (e.g. clubs), to be paid for in stages, than for traditional time-share contracts. But, not wishing to push this distinction too far, they rejected amendments that would have introduced more restrictive provisions (obligation to register agencies, national registers of service providers, mandatory civil liability insurance), leaving it to Member States to decide whether to supplement their laws in this area.

Clearer rules for holiday firms

The proposal aims to enhance consumer confidence and legal clarity, which are essential to the growth of this promising sector, via simplified EU-wide rules. Most time-share holidaymakers are from Germany or the UK, where most of the agencies are located, whereas most of the holiday centres are located in Spain, Italy, France and Portugal.

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/063-29252-140-05-21-911-20080519IPR29251-19-05-2008-2008-false/default_en.htm

Emaar Hospitality Group plans to enter timeshare market

Emaar Hospitality Group LLC, a business subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, announces plans to enter to the timeshare market, led by the growing demand from tourists for spacious and personalised luxury accommodation in the city.

A regional pioneer in the fast-growing tourism segment, Emaar Hospitality Group will soon unveil its timeshare roster encompassing serviced residences and custom-designed resorts in Dubai.

Emaar Hospitality Group also plans to expand its timeshare business to other countries in the region too, where the company is currently developing master-planned communities with hospitality & leisure components. These key timeshare markets will include Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey, Egypt and Indonesia.

Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties PJSC, said: "The timeshare market in Dubai is poised for exponential growth with booming inbound tourists driving the demand for spacious accommodation that hotels cannot fully meet."

He added: "Emaar already has an extensive hospitality & leisure portfolio featuring several hotels and serviced apartments. Additionally, we plan to develop dedicated timeshare resorts. Emaar is finalizing the modalities of the timeshare business in line with the guidelines of the Dubai Government and also putting in place a special team to support the initiative."

Originally a European concept, timeshare is a generic term to describe a business model where a property owner sells ‘time-slices' of property to customers. Timeshare projects are projected to generate nearly four times returns compared to traditional real estate, Buy-to-use-and-let and fractional ownership.

Legal framework being developed by Dubai Government for the timeshare concept in Dubai will significantly assist the industry, adding to the vast range of hospitality elements already on offer within the bustling city.

Mr Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group, explained: "A recent survey by NorthCourse Research Firm reveals that Dubai, followed by Sharm El Sheikh and Makkah, is the most preferred timeshare location in the Middle East region. Emaar Hospitality Group is pioneering the move to this promising market, which also brings in the benefits of guaranteed room revenues and assured occupancy post-opening to resorts that we are planning exclusively for timeshare business."

The World Tourism & Travel Council projects tourist arrival of 14 million by year 2015 to the UAE. Further powering the tourism growth is the investments in new airports and hospitality infrastructure.

"Dubai is one of the few destinations that offer the three main attractions preferred by timeshare owners - golf, beach and city-life. Emaar Hospitality Group's timeshare properties will, therefore, appeal to a wide range of holidaymakers not only from the Middle East but also from Europe, a key feeder market for Dubai's tourism industry," said Mr Dardenne.

He added: "Better regulation has been the key challenge of the timeshare business in Europe, where the business is most booming with over 1.3 million timeshare owners as of 2006. However, Dubai is already one-step ahead in terms of timeshare business by having a governmental framework to follow. This will give impetus to Emaar Hospitality in adopting a structured approach with a focus on segmentation of timeshare business - the key to meeting the requirements of Dubai's eclectic tourist profile."

Emaar Hospitality Group owns and manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality assets such as hotels, serviced residences, golf resorts, polo and equestrian club, recreation clubs, and the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Marinas.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/press_releases/detail/19197

Don't get tripped up if you are ill or injured abroad

Travel insurers are always happy to take our money, but when the tables are turned, there seem to be dozens of reasons to avoid settling a claim.

One of the strangest I’ve heard came from a reader who had been travelling in Finland recently, and who needed urgent medical attention for suspected thrombosis. There was no time to alert her insurer beforehand, as she was rushed into hospital. But when her daughter called Europ Assistance the following day, the advice was to pay for her treatment on the spot and to claim back the costs on her return to Britain.

Arriving home after three days in hospital, the reader submitted a claim for about £500 with all the required documents, including the three-page medical report from the hospital.

Initially, Europ Assistance said the claim would be handled within five days. However, the process stalled. Eventually she was told the company could only settle if the reader agreed to pay the costs of translating the medical report from Finnish into English.

“Nowhere in their policy was it mentioned that if I required medical attention abroad, the records must be translated into English at my own expense,” she says.

Asked whether this was normal company procedure and whether the requirement was included as standard in its policy small print, a Europ Assistance spokesman admitted he wasn’t sure. However, he did say that there were certain languages that couldn’t be handled in-house, as the company used staff with foreign language skills rather than professional translators.

As a rule, he said, it usually asked for reports in English. “This case is frustrating because the doctor’s report needn’t have been written in Finnish had the client requested otherwise, but she didn’t so we found ourselves in a stalemate situation,” he said.

Europ Assistance eventually paid the claim, but what can you do to minimise the chances of being tripped up by unforeseen requirements if you are ill or injured abroad? Here are the 10 key points to bear in mind:

Make sure you have a good policy. Without proper medical cover, the costs for treatment abroad can spiral. Look for £2 million cover for medical expenses and repatriation, a 24-hour emergency help line and the backup services of an assistance company.

Check whether your policy allows extra benefits, such as cover for accommodation and living expenses for a companion to stay nearby.

Travel with a copy of your policy, as well as a wallet-sized card with the 24-hour help line number supplied by your insurer as proof of insurance.

Take a EHIC (applications are available from post offices or the Department of Health on 0870 155 5455 or www.dh.gov.uk). This will entitle you to free or reduced costs for treatment in EU countries and may reduce an excess payment.

Always talk to your insurer before treatment, if you can. Ask exactly what will be required for a successful claim. If the costs are going to be high, you may need to get the claim validated. The assistance company can put you in touch with a local agent to liaise with doctors and make sure you are treated at an approved hospital or clinic.

If you are on a package holiday, your holiday rep has a duty of care towards you and should help coordinate treatment.

If you are travelling independently, you can turn to the local British consul for help and advice.

The assistance company is very unlikely to fly you home, but will aim to stabilise your condition and try to get you back on your booked flight. If you’re worried about the treatment you’re given, ask to be transferred to another hospital, and keep diary notes in case you need to complain later.

Keep all receipts as well as tickets and airline booking confirmations to support your insurance claim.

If you’re in dispute with your insurer over a claim, ask the Financial Ombudsman (0845 080 1800; www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk) to look into the issue.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/asktheexperts/1987068/Sophie-Butler-Travel-advice.html

Given the deceptive ways the travel industry promotes at least some of its services, you often have a tough time telling the difference between a windfall and a scam. A reader recently asked about a specific promotion:

"Do you know anything about a vacation club promotion in Acapulco? We won a one-week stay there but we do not know anything about the property. Airfare is expensive so we do not want to go unless it's a nice place."
The short answer is the bigger the "win," the bigger the risk. This message really brings up two separate but related questions: whether a given vacation club site is a good idea, and whether a specific promotion is genuine or a scam.

Vacation clubs equal timeshares

For the most part, a "vacation club" is usually no more than a timeshare program in a slightly different costume. And they share the same advantages and disadvantages of timeshares, as I've previously examined. Briefly, you buy into a program that gives you access to a resort condo in one-week intervals or multiples of one week. You pay an up-front entry fee plus annual "maintenance" fees plus an occupancy payment. Most timeshares and almost all vacation clubs allow you to trade your base interval among several or even several hundred different resorts. Depending on particulars, a club membership may cost more or less than renting a conventional vacation property in the same or equivalent condo complexes.

If you buy in at the developer's asking price, a timeshare "investment" almost always loses value. That's why most experts recommend buying a resale rather than a "retail" timeshare.

Timeshare evaluations

Because most timeshare units are in resort locations, you'll have no trouble finding all you need to know about the area's general location, climate, activities, and such. Get online or get a good guidebook.

As to the specific resort, you're usually able to find some sort of independent evaluation. The resort mentioned by our reader, for example, has almost 20 firsthand evaluations plus dozens of extended discussion entries in TripAdvisor (the Internet's largest online site for travelers' hotel and resort evaluations). The majority, by the way, seem to favor the resort, with a few strong minority reports.

Scam warnings

All too often, travelers who think they've "won" something actually wind up losing—their money, their time, or both. Although I'm not aware of the particular promotion our reader cited, I can warn you about the range of possible scams you're likely to encounter:

Whenever you supposedly "win" a lottery or sweepstakes you didn't knowingly enter, there's a good chance it's a scam. Scamsters and promoters buy lists and often snag your cards out of "request more information here" or "guest" boxes. However gained, promoters use those name lists as targets for a variety of scams and deceptions. I have no idea how our reader "won" this particular deal, but it sounds a bit dicey.

The most benign "free" or heavily discounted vacation or accommodations semi-scam is a visit subsidized by an outfit trying to sell you a timeshare or vacation club membership. Their salespeople are very good at what they do, and they've refined their pitches over the years. As a result, getting a "qualified" prospect onsite for a hard-sell session is worth somewhere around $200 to $400 per visitor. So it's not unusual to find "free" weekends at timeshare resorts that require you to attend a half-day sales session. As long as you show up for the full program, you do get the free trip. The risk is that, no matter how strong you think your sales resistance is, you may end up spending tens of thousands of dollars for a membership.

A more pernicious scam offers one component of a vacation "free" or at a huge discount but marks up the price of the remaining component(s) to cover the true cost of the entire trip. The scam tipoff is simply a requirement that you buy the rest of the trip from the promoter. I've seen both variations: "free" accommodations when you buy your air ticket at the promoter's price or "free" air tickets if you buy your accommodations through the promoter. Either way, you wind up paying more than if you'd bought both separately, on your own, or bought an honest package. I can't tell whether our reader's "expensive" airfare was inflated or not, but if the deal required the reader to buy air tickets from the promoter, it was almost certainly a scam.

Also insidious: a "bait-and-switch" promotion. Sure you get the "free" accommodation, if you don't mind sharing a non-air-conditioned room over a loading dock with a few hundred cockroaches. Of course, when you complain, you're told, "If you're not happy with your room, we can upgrade you to a better room or a better resort for only $ (whatever)." And, of course, that upgrade fee is more than you'd pay for a comparable room.

A real scam tip-off is when a promotion gives you "free" room, airfare, or whatever, but requires you to pay a "registration" fee or something similar up front. If you're lucky, you'll eventually get your trip; you'll just pay more than if you'd bought an honest package. But it's more likely the promoter stalls you along for many months about the deal being "unavailable," then finally disappears entirely with your upfront payment. Unlike the others—which are misleading, but you actually get to travel—this one is out-and-out fraud. The promoter never intends to give you anything.
Too good?

Almost all of us who write about travel from a consumer standpoint agree on one basic truth: "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is." For some reason, many people will believe fantastic claims about travel that they'd reject out of hand in other consumer markets. And even if a "free" deal really doesn't have any catches, you still have to declare the value on your income tax.

Full story: http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/timeshares-freebies-or-scams.html?id=2567402

The Wisconsin Dells Plan Commission approved four measures Wednesday, the first actions necessary for the construction of an approximately $90 million timeshare resort off River Road.

The commission approved annexing property from the town of Dell Prairie into the city that includes the former Captain Dix/Artist's Glen resort and land owned by Dick and Mary Buckminster and John and Betty Tonne. It also gave approval with some changes to a developer's agreement, zoning changes and a conditional use permit for the 37 to 41 buildings that will be slightly higher than the city's height limit.

Unlike most recent {banned word/phrase} in the city, the Silverleaf property is not asking for a tax incremental financing district.

Michael Brown, senior director of planning and development for Silverleaf, said the Dallas, Texas based company expects to break ground in 2009 and the buildings will be constructed over a number of years.

"Silverleaf is always looking for great vacation destinations," Brown said explaining the company's choice of the Dells. "The Dells is the premier destination in the Midwest," he said and it complements the company's Fox River Resort in Sheridan, Ill. The company also has resorts in Texas, Missouri, Georgia, Florida and Massachusetts.

According to the development agreement, when finished, the resort would have up to 632 units, a 15,000 square foot activities center, a welcome/sales center of the same size and a member services center of about 12,500 square feet. The existing buildings on the site of the resort would be demolished.

Nancy Haggerty, of Michael, Best & Friedrich, LLP, Milwaukee, representing Silverleaf before the commission, presented the outline of the developer's agreement and Brad Boettcher of General Engineering, Portage, presented the preliminary plans for the resort.
Members of the commission expressed concern that the resort would result in too much traffic on River Road.

Haggerty and Boettcher said the resort guests would use an access road from Highway 13 that would also provide access to the Chula Vista Sports Center that is adjacent to the development. They planned to meet Friday with the state Department of Transportation to get permission for the access to Highway 13.

The current entrance on River Road would remain, but Boettcher said it would be designed to discourage use except for emergencies.

"Maybe it's time to address the safety of that road (River Road)," said Commissioner, Alderperson Dan Gavinski. We all know about the number of accidents on that road." The road already has more traffic with the Chula Vista expansion, he said, adding the city should widen it by taking land from either Silverleaf or on the Department of Natural Resources' side.

City Attorney Joe Hasler said acquiring land to widen River Road could be addressed in the precise implementation plans the city will require later if the project gets city council approval.

The access road from Highway 13 should be a public road, said Public Works Director Mike Horkan. Since DOT does not to grant many access roads from 13, this would be the city's last chance to acquire a through road to River Road.

However, Haggerty said the developer is insistent that the road be private and that the company was working with Chula Vista to negotiate an easement for the Sports Center to use the road.

Commissioner Bill Brown questioned whether the city would have sufficient funds to pay for inspections of the property and to evaluate any problems such as runoff in the future.
"We haven't put that in the fee structure," said Mayor Eric Helland. "It is unfair to Silverleaf to do it now."

"We will have to do it at some time," said Bill Brown.

Haggerty noted the project would pay an $11,000 building permit fee for each building. Michael Brown said the company is willing to take out two building permits immediately.
"It's unfair to ask Silverleaf to do something, we have not asked anyone else to do," said Commissioner Dave Murray.

"I'm comfortable that there will be enough money from Silverleaf to do inspections," said Helland.

City Clerk/Treasurer Dale Darling also noted the city adjusts fees regularly and the agreement should reference the fee schedule rather than an exact dollar amount.

Bill Brown also asked if the company would call the fee, it will pay in lieu of room tax something other than a timeshare fee and asked why the agreement contained reference to dropping that fee.

"There a move in Lake Delton to change how timeshares are taxed," Haggerty said. If the state Legislature changes the law and timeshares pay room tax, Silverleaf would not want to pay the fee twice.

After discussing the agreement, the commission unanimously approved the annexation, the developer's agreement with changes, the zoning and the conditional use permits.
The commission also approved a second annexation in that same area. Field's Steak N Stein asked to be annexed to the city and the commission approved. That annexation also will go to the council Monday.

http://www.wiscnews.com/wde/news/286770

British Airways staff have shared a bonus of £35 million after the airline hit its target of achieving a 10% operating margin.

Chief executive Willie Walsh said the margin came as the airline announced a 45% increase in profits to £875 million and has also allowed it to pay out its first dividend to shareholders since 2001.

The margin was met thanks to a 3.1% increase in revenue to £8,753 million for the year ending March 31 and comes in spite of the airline paying off a fuel bill for the year which topped £2 billion.

Walsh said: “This is an outstanding financial result for the company despite rising fuel prices and significant economic slowdown in the last six months. We have achieved our goal of a 10% operating margin which I am delighted has triggered the reward scheme for our staff.

“Delivering 10% has not been easy, but we have achieved it by remaining focused on our strategy for the last six years. We tackled our pension deficit and we have strengthened the fundamentals of our balance sheet while at the same time growing a profitable business.

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/05/16/27616/ba-announces-45-increase-in-profits.html

Communications are often difficult in emergencies

A service to help track down Britons caught up in emergencies abroad is being launched by the Foreign Office.

The recent quake in China and cyclone in Burma both highlighted the problems involved in trying to get hold of people possibly caught up in crises.

Travellers can now register their details with the Locate service on the Foreign Office website.

These include details of their travel plans, as well as emergency contact information for embassies and family.

Communications difficult

The launch coincides with a Foreign Office survey of 1,204 adults which found more than half went away without giving journey details to loved ones.

It also found two out of three Britons did not know where their loved ones were travelling when they went abroad.

It's great to get off the beaten track when we're away from home but things can change very quickly in any country

As many as 20% of those questioned said they had been abroad during an incident and felt compelled to let someone at home know they were all right.

But the Foreign Office said communication could often be difficult in such situations, leaving families and friends not knowing whether or not the person was safe.

Problems finding out whether an individual was safe could also divert consular assistance away from those who really needed it, it added.

In case of an emergency, worried relatives in the UK can also register their concern about a traveller on the Locate website, enabling the Foreign Office to get in touch to reassure them more quickly once they have located the person in question.

Foreign Office minister Meg Munn said: "It's great to get off the beaten track when we're away from home but things can change very quickly in any country.

"In our survey more than nine out of 10 Britons said they would feel reassured to know that in the event of an emergency abroad, the local embassy could quickly find their location.

"Telling us where you will be, whether it's a short trip or you're travelling for a year, could help us either to get to you if you are in trouble, or know that you are safe so that we can concentrate our resources on helping those in need."

Britons made an estimated 68 million foreign trips in 2006.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7402638.stm

To own a second home, you need to be rich, right? Wrong. Various options are out there that let even regular folks have a piece of the vacation-home pie. And piece is the key word. You can buy into a second home either by time, by use or as part of a group.

“You could do a time share, in which you usually buy by weeks and are relegated to using that week in the same place, or trading it,” said Bridget McCrea, co-author of “Second Homes for Dummies.” “A fractional is more flexible: you own shares, and you have more access and more hands-on ownership. And I’ve heard of people buying a second home with friends.”

It is clear that time shares are becoming more popular.

“It’s obviously less costly, and most people I know are not vacationing 52 weeks a year,” said Lisa Ann Schreier, director of Timeshare Insights, a consumer consulting Web site. “You buy a vacation home on the Jersey Shore, and you’re going to use it for, let’s say, four weeks a year. Then you have to find somebody to rent it, whereas with a time share you’re only buying the time you’re going to be using.”

There are tips to keep in mind, though — tips Ms. Schreier has gleaned from her own years as a time-share saleswoman and from undercover trips to time-share presentations. First, she says, consider how much you go away in a typical year; if it’s fewer than seven nights, then a time share isn’t for you. Second, if you generally spend less than $80 a night on vacation accommodations (for instance, if you like to camp out), then skip a time share.

Finally, “don’t believe the following four words: free, perfect, always and never,” Ms. Schreier said. “You’ll get yourself in trouble. When you sit through a presentation, you’ll hear that once you pay off the mortgage, your time share will be free. But you’ll be paying annual maintenance fees and real estate taxes.”

Ms. Schreier adds that it’s possible to buy time shares “secondhand” from a previous owner for, generally, thousands of dollars less than “new” ones. “But you have to be very, very careful whom you do business with,” she said. In her book “Timeshare Vacations for Dummies” she offers a list of questions.

If you want to own a piece of property (or of several properties) and not just a week of time, fractional ownership might be for you. “A fractional is any arrangement where people co-own a property and share it according to time,” said Andy Sirkin, a lawyer with Sirkin Paul Associates, which specializes in these arrangements.

“You have properties involving one house, or different properties in different places,” he said. “There’s a huge variation. What they all have in common is shared ownership and usage according to time.”

How the group is organized and how you divide up time are the two major variations. You might go in on a house with a small group of friends or family; or you could buy into a collection of properties overseen by a developer or a corporation.

Within any group, you have to determine how and when each owner will be able to use the property, and if the investment (including purchase price and annual fees) is worth it.

“The basic idea is that you’re paying for what you actually use, Mr. Sirkin said. “The reason that’s a powerful idea in the world of vacation homes is that people don’t actually use their vacation homes that much.”

And don’t think just because you go in with friends or family that it’s going to be easier. “It’s counterintuitive,” Mr. Sirkin said. “The truth is that the smaller the group, the harder it is to get along, and that family and friends don’t get along better than strangers.” The pre-emptive play is to have a good document that lays out the specifics of how the co-ownership will work.

Last but not least, always remember the basics. “Build a budget based on what you can comfortably afford each month,” Ms. McCrea said. The mortgage payment is not going to be your only responsibility: utilities, maintenance, property management, taxes and homeowner insurance are also on your plate.

“The lending situation has changed,” Ms. McCrea said, “but lenders still seem to lend more than you can afford, so you need to be realistic.”

Realistic — but not rich.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/greathomesanddestinations/16your.html

The investigation into the crash-landing of a British Airways Boeing 777 at Heathrow in January has revealed the likely cause to be the fuel system, and is considering whether exceedingly cold conditions made the fuel dangerously thick.

In an interim report the Air Accident Investigations Branch said a temperature of -76C over Russia on January 17 may have led to the thickening and reduced the fuel pressure, denying the additional engine-thrust required during landing.

The BA flight from Beijing crash-landed at Heathrow after a last-minute loss of power. It was the worst crash at the airport for 30 years, although only one of the 136 passengers and 16 crew suffered more than minor injuries.

No changes in operation for the more than 660 777s in service have been recommended and the investigation continues. No evidence of an aircraft malfunction has been found.

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/05/16/27580/heathrow-crash-investigators-focus-on-fuel-system.html

When I hear the word "timeshare," I hear "sucker." Everything I read about timeshares is negative, from the fine print that trips you up in your contracts to the reduced flexibility in travel dates to the impossibility of ever unloading your timeshare at a decent price if you decide it's not for you.

I know a lot of people with timeshares. And I smile along while they tell me about the timeshares and the good points about them - the "vacation club" that lets you go to many different destinations instead of the traditional idea of a single-location, the... well, I can't really remember any other upsides. Maybe it's cheaper to have a timeshare than to plan your own vacation each year and pay full price? I really don't know. I've never been able to understand the upside.

These people are seemingly intelligent, so I assume they see a benefit. But I don't want to be rude, so I never delve into all my skepticisms about timeshares; otherwise it would seem that I'm implying they made a bad decision.

So I throw this question out to you. What are the upsides of a timeshare? Do you own a timeshare, or have you ever owned one? If timeshares are so great, why do they give you such a hard sell? Shouldn't the wonders of the timeshare be so obvious that you don't need to be sold so hard?

On the other side of the coin, if you have or have had a timeshare and regret it, I'd be interested to hear why. What made you think it was good to begin with, and what changed once you were actually an owner?

Full story and replies
http://www.finance-weblog.com/50226711/i_would_never_buy_a_timeshare_am_i_wrong.php

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities is hailing a recent Federal Court of Appeal ruling that rejected a bid by Air Canada and WestJet challenging the one-person, one-fare policy.

The airlines had argued charging a single fare to disabled passengers and their attendents would be a financial hardship. The court rejected their appeal in a ruling handed down on May 5.

Pat Danforth, chair of council's transportation committee, says the ruling will bring air travel in line with other modes of transportation in Canada.

"It [will] allow them to travel at no cost," Danforth said. "It's the same kind of policy that is already in place with rail and interprovincial busing where if you require an attendant in order to travel, then that cost is covered. "

The airlines now have one year to comply with the ruling.

In January, the Canadian Transportation Agency ruled the airlines must offer a single fare to travellers with disabilities and attendants who travel with them.

The Council of Canadians with Disabilities in 2002 lodged a formal complaint along with two individuals, Joanne Neubauer of Victoria and Eric Norman of Gander, N.L.

Neubauer, who has rheumatoid arthritis, said she couldn't afford to travel without an attendant.

Norman, who had to travel frequently to Toronto, felt the pricing policy was unjust.

"He felt that it basically wasn't fair that he was having to pay twice to get the medical treatment he needed," Danforth said.

Norman died in 2006 of cancer.

The CTA estimated the new policy will cost Air Canada about $7 million a year and WestJet about $1.5 million a year.

http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2008/05/13/travel-appeals.html

Have you ever considered taking the family on an adventure holiday in France? It may be just what the whole family has been looking for. All the family can be involved together, which can make for a great learning experience.

Whether you fancy white water rafting, horse riding, mountain biking or hiking, these are just some of the adventure holidays on offer in France.

With so many different activities on offer, your holiday can range from the extreme sports to the more sedate, through to adult only adventures. Whatever you decide, this sort of holiday is never going to be boring. All the family can be involved together, which can make for a great learning experience.

Complete package holidays are a good way of getting the holiday you want without the hassle. These can be catered specifically for your needs, yet you can also choose to book specific activities for a day here and there while on your holiday.

When booking your adventure holiday, you will normally be in a reasonably small, informal group of around three to five families, or a social group of around 15 to 30, which will be headed by a trained tour leader and representative. That this can be a great way to meet other like-minded families and individuals while enjoying yourselves and, of course, testing yourselves to the limits along the way.

Some people will think of white water rafting or sky diving as extreme adventure sport, while others will think of cycling to one place, then going on horseback to another as a great adventure. The truth is, there is an adventure holiday available to suit all tastes, and some are more strenuous than others are. Please check the itinerary thoroughly and make sure it is going to be suitable for everyone.

You can also choose from activities such as canoeing and rafting in the Ardeche; canyoning, tubing, and mountaineering in the Alps; horse riding in Brittany; paragliding and climbing in the Pyrenees. Or why not go to Chamonix, which is a real mountain town, full of history and popular for skiing holidays. It also provides amazing summer mountaineering, and with the diverse terrain, it is mostly suited to the experienced for some of the world's best winter riding.

Why not visit the Gorge d'Ardeche, known as the Grand Canyon of Europe. As the river winds its way past steep canyon walls and towering cliffs, it creates the ideal location for canoeing, climbing, and walking - for both the experienced and the novice alike.

The Alps Maritime is like discovering the true France. Even though the Roya Valley is only around a one-hour drive from the Riviera, it is still very unspoiled. The valley itself is renowned for its many canyons, and with the fast flowing river and mountain scenery, this could be the perfect location for an exhilarating family adventure holiday with lots of different activities to choose from, so you could never become bored, just possibly exhausted!

France has many lakes and miles of coastal water suitable for water skiing and other water sports, although the areas in the south of France are far warmer, which gives it an added advantage.

This country has some of the finest terrain for mountain biking, which is probably why France has been able to produce some the best mountain bikers in the world. However, there are also other adventures that might take your fancy, which could include pony trekking, kayaking, scuba diving, wind surfing, hiking, rope courses, caving, abseiling, thrilling jumps into pools, quad biking and much, much more.

Just make sure that whatever type of adventure holiday you are looking for, you think of everyone in your party. Some activities are not available for children under certain ages, so you do need to consider what will be appropriate. Of you like cycling but have a heart condition, then mountain biking is not going to be beneficial

Some trips will cater to the experienced, such as rafting down rapids or ice climbing for the experienced rock climber. A novice, or for instance someone who has never been in a canoe or on a horse before, would need to look at having some tuition incorporated within their holiday before they could attempt some of the activities on offer.

Do confirm the equipment, if any, that you will need to take with you along with any specific clothing requirements, such as hiking boots or your own life jacket. We had to get a life jacket for our daughter due to her age, as there were not any available in very small sizes. The last thing you want is to get to your destination and realize you cannot participate in the activities to which you were so looking forward.

So for anyone who is interested in outdoor adventure travel, this type of holiday can show you the real France by taking you off the normal beaten track and into the heart of this remarkable country.

http://cfc.news8.net/affinity/affarticle.cfm?id=120

Kuoni is still hunting for a tour party which has gone missing in the wake of the 7.9 Richter scale earthquake in China which is thought to have killed up to 19,000 people.

The 19 missing people were part of a group travelling with the niche Travel Collection brand and were last known to be travelling by coach from Chengdu to Wolong in the Sichuan province on Monday when the quake struck.

The operator has been unable to contact the party as communications have gone down following the incident although it is now working closely with the British consulate to find the missing party.

Meanwhile the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising against all but essential travel to Sichuan while the operator is re-routing any tours from the stricken area.

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/05/13/27582/kuoni-searches-for-missing-tour-party-after-china-earthquake.html

The man wanted in the case has been named as 37 year old Iván Boris from Croatia.

The German Prosecutor is investigating a timeshare fraud carried out on the Canaries. The Stuttgart prosecutor thinks that at least 40 Germans have been affected in the fraud, with the accused in the case, 37 year old Ivan Boris from Croatia, adopting as many as 15 different identities to trick his victims.

Between them they sent as much as 700,000 € for timeshare rights in the Club Monte Anfi in the Canaries in a fraud which started in October 2006. He promised the victims a higher income than normal, and backed up his claims with false notary papers.

The whereabouts of the accused are currently unknown, and several of his bank accounts have now been frozen. It’s thought likely that he has carried out similar frauds elsewhere in the country.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_16456.shtml

QANTAS has hinted that it could replace its remaining services to Japan with Jetstar flights, after warning the growth of low-cost airlines in Asia would "increase pressure on the viability of the Japan route in the medium to longer term".

In an application to the International Air Services Commission (IASC), seeking a two-year extension of its current code share agreement with Japan Airlines, Qantas said it was "almost certain" that it would cut services to Japan if the deal was not renewed.

However, even if the agreement was approved, Qantas failed to give any assurances that it would maintain it current level of flights into Australia's third biggest market for inbound tourists.

In its application to the IASC, Qantas warned the emergence of low-cost airlines such as AirAsia, Tiger and Japan's Skymark was "likely to increase pressure on Australia's market share of Japanese tourists".

Qantas also failed to rule out switching flights to Tokyo with its low-cost Jetstar.

Despite the code-share allowing it effectively to share capacity with its only direct competitor on the route, Qantas said it was "sustaining siginificant losses", highlighting the impact of high fuel prices and the strong dollar on Japanese demand.

According to tourism industry lobby group TTF Australia, arrivals from Japan fell 17.6 per cent in the year to March.

The current deal was expanded in 2006, when Japan Airlines stopped its flights into Melbourne from Tokyo and decided to code-share with Qantas on the route. Since then, Qantas has replaced its services to Osaka and Nagoya with Jetstar, which forged a code-share with JAL last year.

Jetstar declined to reject speculation it could eventually fly to Japan via its new Darwin hub with narrow-body jets.

"The range of the A320 or the A321, without payload restrictions, you're looking at five to six hours," said Jetstar spokesman Simon Westaway. "That arc does cover a lot of exciting … markets that we could serve in the future," he said. Jetstar already flies to Singapore from Darwin twice daily.

The longer-range A321 could easily reach most Japanese cities from Darwin.

There is even talk Qantas could use its part-owned Vietnamese budget subsidiary, Pacific Airlines, to carry tourists between Australia, Japan and other major Asian tourism markets via its Ho Chi Minh hub.

http://business.smh.com.au/lowcost-airlines-hit-qantas/20080512-2deh.html

The weakness of the pound against the euro could mean more Britons visiting places prone to malaria, travel association Abta said.

The warning came as new figures showed that more than 1,500 UK travellers returned with malaria last year, with nearly 75% of cases involving the most dangerous strain of the disease.

Abta said trips to such popular countries as France and Spain could be replaced by visits to malaria-prone destinations such as Goa in India, south east Asia and Africa.

Abta spokeswoman Frances Tuke said: "As money-monitoring remains a top priority, we expect travellers to take advantage of last-minute deals to destinations where they'll get the best value for money, rather than skipping this year's summer holiday altogether."

Abta added that while this projection was good news for the tourism industry, it could be bad news for travellers' health.

UK Malaria Guidelines Committee member Dr George Kassianos said: "We know from studies that people who book their trips at the last minute are much less likely to seek travel health advice before they go.

"Deaths can occur within 24 hours of the first symptoms of the most dangerous strain of malaria, so all travellers need to recognise the importance of speaking to their GP, practice nurse or travel clinic before going abroad."

He went on: "With people visiting more exotic destinations and malaria hotspots changing over time, up-to-date health advice should be considered just as essential as renewing your passport."

http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jWfOVsWUShwz30-L32LDjnqjtSmA

After enduring heavy criticism, particularly in Britain, which ruined the image of time-sharing as an investment vehicle, proponents of the concept have addressed certain issues and come up with fractional ownership of luxury holiday homes as a more promising alternative.

The target market is the same people who were attracted to timeshare in the first place, those who want a second home but do not want to pay the full price for what could be an extravagance. Even so, fractional ownership is a big improvement on timeshare because buyers actually own part of a property.

Thailand with its booming tourist industry is seen as a high-potential location for fractional ownership. Among the contenders is Absolute Group, which is marketing Absolute David Lloyd Beach, a boutique condominium in Nakalay, Phuket; a luxury apartment in Soi Bangla in Phuket; and a luxury hotel with 17 exclusive units at Thong Krut on Koh Samui.

Another company, Leisure Solutions Company, is also working on two projects in Phuket and one in Samui but cannot reveal the names as yet. It is offering larger units, primarily three bedrooms.

Darron Guy, a co-founder of Leisure Solutions, said that for 2.85 million baht a buyer would get 1/12th ownership of a 156-square-metre three-bedroom apartment in the Laguna area of Phuket with leasehold title for 30 years plus options for two 30-year extensions, a structure common in Thai holiday spots.

Mr Guy said that although fractional ownership was new to Thailand, it was a fairly mature market in North America, South Africa and Europe. ''The roots do come from timeshare and what [operators] have found is that these opportunities for fractional far outweigh the benefits of timeshare.''

The fractional business began with partial ownership of assets such as boats and planes. These days one can even own a piece of a high-end handbag, according to the UK-based website www.fractionallife.com.

Research by Leisure Solutions shows that a number of companies have indicated fractional ownership is available in this region but the company says not all fit the true fractional model.

''Fractional is often confused with timeshare,'' says Mr Guy.

The high-end fractional market in North America is estimated to be worth US$3 billion a year covering total fractionals including a concept called a private residence club.

''A private residence club is a fractional by another name except that it's exceptional quality _ so the type of properties you are familiar with are Sukhothai Residences, The River by Raimon Land, those type of properties.''

While the sub-prime crisis has dented investor confidence worldwide, fractional operators believe it is too early to tell whether the partial ownership business has been affected. Indications are that the usual consumers of this type of product, high-net-worth individuals, are fairly resilient. They actually see this as an opportunity because people who were thinking of buying their own vacation home might now be drawn to owning just a fraction.

Mr Guy explained that usually the maximum fractional ownership is one quarter and the minimum 1/12th because anything less would make the structure look more like timeshare. The most popular proportions are one-sixth or one-eighth.

Leisure Solutions has noted that prior to the Condominium Act, Thailand had legislation governing co-operative ownership. It is discussing with its legal counsel how fractional relates to the latter law. ''It's our understanding that the co-operative structure will actually support fractional ownership.''

The company also offers options for ownership including setting up an offshore company in a jurisdiction that has dual taxation agreement with Thailand, such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Mauritius. ''We are also seeing this as an opportunity for developers with their 49-51% quota (on foreign ownership of a condominium) to perhaps identify another opportunity to sell the 51%,'' says Mr Guy.

Leisure Solutions believes there is a market for corporate fractional ownership in big cities, as it has been successful in London. Mr Guy also believes that there is a strong market for Thais, especially in locations such as Hua Hin.

''We believe that by lowering the price point it also attracts the demographic of middle- to high-income Thais, and if the yield through management and rental is wrapped around that, then we also believe that is an attractive model.''

http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/12May2008_biz50.php

Trump resort's economic impact more important than environment

Donald Trump will claim his £1bn golf resort in Aberdeenshire is of “national importance” and more important than any adverse environmental effects.

A statement of case, lodged by the Trump organisation in preparation for next month’s public inquiry, shows the mogul has no intention scaling back the controversial development.

But it suggests the group could enter into an agreement to cover a contribution to affordable housing, education facilities and road improvements if the resort gets the go-ahead, reported the Scotsman.

The statement says the group believes the social and economic impacts of the proposed resort outweigh negative environmental impacts.

The development proposes to build a golf course, 450-room five-star hotel, 500 residential homes and almost 1,000 timeshare apartments partially on Foveran Links, a protected national heritage site.

Mr Trump has revealed he will be the group’s key witness at the inquiry.

http://www.contractjournal.com/Articles/2008/05/09/59072/trump-resorts-economic-impact-more-important-than-environment.html

One in five Britons have cancelled their plans to go on holiday because of the credit crunch and the prospect of scorching temperatures at home this summer.

The current hot spell has been caused by warm winds from the south east off the continent

The warning came as forecasters predicted that parts of Britain will bask in temperatures the same as the Bahamas this weekend with a mini heatwave showing little sign of abating.

Just six weeks ago the country was shivering under a blanket of snow during a white Easter but today is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures in some inland areas touching 28C (82F) - more than 10C higher than average for the time of year.

That will make parts of England hotter than Rome, Istanbul, Casablanca, Crete and Malaga.

The majority of Britain is expected to see temperatures in the low 20s until Wednesday although there will be rain outside London and the South East.

A Met Office spokesman said: “We had snow only four weeks ago but now it’s wall to wall sunshine.”

Ladbrokes cut the price of the all time record temperature of 38.5C (101.3F) being topped this summer to 4/1.

A survey by price comparison website Savebuckets.com found one in five had cancelled their holiday plans, with the economic downturn and high food and utility costs contributing to the decisions of many.

Following the collapse of two travel firms last week some experts warned that the industry could face a crash as people stay home.

Chris Photi, of accountancy firm White Hart Associates, said: “This is the perfect storm. The travel industry is immensely resilient, but is it this resilient? All we need now is for the sunshine to continue for another three months and it gets worse.”

Beaches across Britain will be packed today and police issued a warning about the perils of “tombstoning” after hundreds of thrill seekers leaped into the sea from cliffs and harbour walls.

Officers said young people are risking their lives by hurling themselves into shallow sea waters from piers, rocks and cliffs and the craze has already led to several fatalities.

The current hot spell has been caused by warm winds from the south east off the continent.

However, the same air currents will carry pollen from Europe which may trigger the early onset of hayfever for many sufferers.

In its long term forecast the Met Office has predicted a likely return this year to the more traditional British summer pattern of three fine days and a thunderstorm.

It said this summer is likely to be hotter than the average for recent decades but there will also be more rain and unsettled spells.

Fashion chain Next said warmer weather had already boosted trading as people stocked up on summer wardrobes.

The weather has also affected wildlife with great tits having adapted their breeding patterns to fit warmer spring temperatures, a study showed.

Research published in the journal Science showed that, over almost 50 years, a population of birds breeding at Wytham, near Oxford, were laying their eggs almost 14 days earlier on average.

During this week’s mini-heatwave a man died after diving into the Thames in Reading, Berks to retrieve a football, police said.

A 12-year-old boy drowned in a pond after playing with his friends on sheets of polystyrene in S****horpe.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1941649/Mini-heatwave-makes-Britons-cancel-holidays.html

Record high prices for jet fuel are having a greater impact on the airline industry than the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, according to a Midwest Air airline executive.

"The world has changed dramatically for the airline industry," said Scott Dickson, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Oak Creek, Wis.-based Midwest Air Group Inc. (NYSE: MEH), which operates Midwest Airlines.

"This is probably a bigger shock to the airlines' systems than what happened after 9/11. This is going to bring some very fundamental change in the industry in terms of its size, its shape and its character, especially if these phenomenally high fuel prices continue for any length of time."

Fuel prices for airlines have risen 200 percent since 2000 and more than 60 percent over the last year, said Dickson, who spoke Thursday at the Public Policy Forum's Viewpoint luncheon at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center.

Meanwhile, air fares have remained virtually flat over the past eight years, creating difficulties for airlines as they try to balance revenue with the cost of doing business. Fuel now constitutes about 40 percent of the annual budget for most airlines, according to Dickson.

"That's double what it was a few years ago. It's shocking," he said.

Although the long-term effect of rising fuel prices is uncertain, Dickson said, over the short term high fuel costs will lead to a "dramatically altered" industry. He said the airline industry could shrink by 10 percent by this fall in terms of airline capacity as a result.

Eight airlines recently have gone out of business, in large part because of fuel costs, according to Dickson.

"There are carriers that have had aggressive growth plans that are now announcing zero or negative growth plans," he said. "I don't think any carrier in the industry has a growth plan for the next 18 months."

In addition, aircraft are being parked and industry consolidation is likely to continue.

Advanced schedules show that the 11 airlines that serve Mitchell will collectively have a "big downturn" in service by this fall, he said.

Dickson said the impact on airlines' long-term plans will depend on whether fuel costs are viewed as a "statistical anomaly and the belief that the price of fuel will correct itself to something more favorably or whether this is the way of the future."

http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2008/05/05/daily55.html

As the summer travel season nears, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) offers the following tips for consumers considering their vacation ownership options:

To enjoy the benefits of vacation ownership, or timesharing, consumers make a one-time purchase of a share of furnished resort accommodations, choosing from a wide range of products designed to suit any lifestyle. Vacation owners enjoy spacious accommodations, a variety of on-site amenities and services, and flexibility in their travel options through vacation exchange. By trading some or all of the time they own, consumers can take advantage of different.

All shared ownership resort interests come in two basic forms: a deeded interest in real estate and a right-to-use, or non-deeded, interest. These two basic forms are called by many names -- some required under state law and others adopted for marketing purposes. However, the majority of shared ownership resorts today convey a use right backed by a deeded interest in real property -- by whatever name it may be called. Deeded real estate interests are usually called "timeshare estates" under state law, and non-deeded interests are "timeshare uses" or "timeshare licenses" officially, but may also be called "memberships."

An exchange company allows existing timeshare owners to trade their timeshare interests for comparable accommodations and travel-related services. Most resorts are affiliated with an exchange company, and many resort companies also offer an internal exchange mechanism that allows owners to exchange to resorts within their resort group. If an internal resort exchange is mandatory or long-term, it is usually considered to be a vacation club. Fractional and private residence club resorts may offer exchange opportunities for their owners as well. Some exchange companies have a special program for these kinds of resorts.

Timeshares.

Traditional timeshares regardless of whether they are backed by a deed or not, allow buyers to purchase an increment of time, typically one week, in a condominium or apartment type of furnished accommodation. Timeshare owners receive either a fixed week or a floating time reservation arrangement that may vary by unit type and season. More than two-thirds of timeshare interests today are deeded.

Fractional/private residence club.

These owners typically purchase accommodations with related use rights in increments of more than two weeks and sometimes as long as three months (a quarter share). This type of ownership is almost always deeded and is a more affordable alternative to a second home. Owners benefit by avoiding the ongoing maintenance responsibilities of an entire second home, and usually enjoy a high level of service as part of the product. This product segment is considered the luxury tier of shared ownership.

Vacation club.

This name generally describes a company or related group of resorts that offers consumers vacation accommodations in more than one location. When a consumer purchases an interest in a "vacation club," it is either deeded or non-deeded like any other vacation ownership interest. If the vacation club interest is deeded, the consumer is usually said to own at a "home" resort at which he or she has a priority right of use. Even if the vacation club interest is not deeded, the consumer could still have a home resort or could have a "membership" in the club that entitles him or her to use any of the club's component resorts. Vacation clubs offer highly flexible use of multiple resorts, subject to certain advance reservation priorities and rules. Some well-known timeshare companies market their properties as a vacation club that provides their consumers with both a deeded interest in real property and multi-site flexibility.

Points.

Points are another aspect of vacation ownership that allows consumers to use their vacation product in a highly flexible fashion. Points are simply a numeric representation of the relative use management value of the timeshare or fractional interest purchased--which again can be either a deeded or non-deeded interest. There are a few companies that offer "pure points" without the sale of an underlying specific timeshare interest. By purchasing points in any of their formats, the consumer can use their points to reserve different combinations of accommodation sizes, locations and seasons, and may also be able to acquire a variety of travel services depending on the rules of the timeshare company. Think of points like tickets--symbolic of the product or service being used or reserved.

Vacation ownership is highly regulated. The various products described above must comply with strict standards set forth in state timeshare laws as well as several federal laws before being offered to consumers. For nearly 40 years, ARDA members have worked with federal and state governments to support consumer protection legislation. As a result, purchasers have a five- to seven-day rescission period in most states that allows them time to cancel a purchase contract for any reason and get their money back. Further, most state timeshare laws require truth in advertising, protect purchasers' timeshares from the developer's debt, and assure that purchasers receive detailed information about the timeshare plan they are buying, including the type of timeshare interest, how to use the product, management and budget information and much more. State timeshare laws usually apply whether the vacation product is called a timeshare, fractional, private residence club, vacation club or points product.

Know what you are buying. ARDA and its member companies urge consumers to know what vacation product they are purchasing by reading the contract carefully and asking questions about their vacation purchase. For more information and consumer tips, please visit ARDA at www.arda.org.

The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).

SOURCE American Resort Development Association

http://www.sunherald.com/447/story/546717.html

EU probe says travel websites mislead consumers

One in three European consumers are being misled or ripped off by websites selling airline tickets, the European Union's consumer chief said on Thursday, warning the industry to improve or face legal action.

"It is unacceptable that one in three consumers going to book a plane ticket online is being ripped off or misled and confused," EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva told a news conference.

"But my message to industry is clear, act now or we will act. We will need to see credible evidence of improvement to clean up these sales and marketing practices within the airline sector by May 1st next year or we will be left with no choice but to intervene."

Kuneva was speaking after the publication of an investigation by Brussels into misleading advertising and unfair practices on airline ticket selling websites, including many run by leading airlines, across the 27-member bloc and Norway.

Following a previous probe by the EU executive in November, otherwise known as a "sweep", Kuneva warned airlines such as Ryanair and the owners of the other travel websites to improve their systems or face possible closure of their sites.

Online booking is critical for the EU airline travel industry, which Commission figures show caters to over 700 million passengers per year.

Thursday's report showed that over half of the 226 websites found to have breached EU consumer rules last November had now rectified their problems, but around 80 companies have still failed to address the concerns expressed by Brussels.

"This report shows there are serious and persistent problems with ticket sales throughout the airline industry as a whole," Kuneva said.

The probe found websites with unfair pricing, hidden charges and terms and conditions not translated properly.

The consumer chief said she intends to write to the 27 governments and hold talks with industry representatives, giving them one year to "get their house in order".

"She (Kuneva) can ask a government to close down any website which fails to meet the EU's requirements of if that country fails to act, she can take action against that government at the European Court of Justice which can result in hefty fines for both the government or the company," a spokeswoman for Kuneva said.

Due to legal reasons, only Norway and Sweden were able to publish the names of the offending airlines.

Ryanair -- Europe's largest low-cost carrier -- was named by both authorities, while Norway had an issue with Finland's Blue 1, Austrian Airlines and Swedish regulators are taking action against 12 travel websites.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/7504813

Credit crunch drives holidaymakers to self-catering and all-inclusives

Concerns about the economic downturn are driving more customers to opt for self-catering and all-inclusive holidays, have said.

Bookings for self-catering properties through youtravel.com have seen a 105% increase during March and April, comparedwith September and October last year. All-inclusive hotel bookings have risen by 70% over the same period.

Youtravel.com sales and marketing director Paul Riches said: "As financial fears continue, people either want to have the most inclusive holiday possible, or tostrip everything out completely.

"Opting for self-catering means that people are able to choose what and when they want to eat, so there is little or no waste of food and drink. With an all-inclusive holiday, people have already committed to a set price and can use this as a budgeting tool for the rest of the holiday."

Hotels4u.com sales and marketing director John Harding has seen the same trend.

"People are more aware of their spending and want to control their budget more carefully. They are looking to increase value with all-inclusive holidays and self-catering, and are looking at a wider range of destinations, such as Tunisia and Morocco.

"We are also seeing more special offers coming in from hotels looking to offer added value," Harding added.

Meanwhile, bluebookonline.co.uk sales development executive David Smith said long-haul breaks were benefiting from fears about the euro.

Smith said: "I have noticed more sales forthe US, particularly Las Vegas and New York. Customers are cutting out the city breaks and spending more on their main sunshine break.

"People are really looking after the pennies now."


http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/05/08/27532/credit-crunch-drives-holidaymakers-to-self-catering-and.html

Case, timeshare firm push for stiffer industry laws But MTI says change in laws not solution; consumers must also exercise judgment

WITH timeshare companies continuing to pull in complaints, the consumer watchdog and a timeshare exchange company here want more specific laws to rein them in.

Many aspects in a timeshare purchase can go wrong for the consumer, and the four-year-old Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act is too blunt a tool with which to regulate the industry, said the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case).

Elaborating, Case executive director Seah Seng Choon said the Act does not cover the nitty-gritty of timeshare ownership, marketing, purchase and resale.

'It is such a major consumer problem that it deserves more attention,' he said in reference to the shared ownership of a vacation home by a group of buyers who take turns to use the property at specific periods each year.

Timeshare companies have consistently topped the charts among consumer complaints here. Last year, 2,093 complaints were filed with Case. Of these, a fifth of the complainants were seeking redress or compensation.

Besides Case, Group RCI - the world's largest timeshare exchange company - also wants the industry here regulated. It wants, for example, such companies to be compelled to disclose financial information as well as issue title deeds to those who buy their properties.

RCI, which has 60 per cent of the world's timeshare resorts under its umbrella, allows buyers of timeshare vacations to make swops of vacation sites as long as these resorts are its members.

Mr Seah, picking up on the point about disclosing financial information, said it would give the consumer an idea of the companies' stability and how likely they are to close shop suddenly.

Referring to the issuing of title deeds, he said it would give consumers some reassurance against timeshare developers going bust and leaving them high and dry.

Both Case and Group RCI also want tighter rules on the sale and marketing of timeshare holidays.

For example, the 'cooling-off' period following a sale should be longer to give the buyer time to mull over his purchase; laws should also limit the length of time that timeshare companies can subject a buyer to their sales pitches.

Group RCI's vice-president of legal and government relations in the Asia-Pacific region, MsEdena Low, said the bad reputation of the industry, worth US$15 billion (S$20.4billion) globally, is cramping its growth in Singapore.

Group RCI submitted a 40-page White Paper to the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) last August, listing its recommendations for new timeshare legislation.

An MTI spokesman confirmed it had received the document, but said legislation was 'not a panacea' for consumers' woes.

Falling in line with laws will add to companies' operating costs which are usually passed on to consumers, she said.

She added that while the Act will be beefed up to extend the cooling-off period from three to five days, consumers also have to exercise judgment in their purchases.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_234760.html

EasyJet warned that the high cost of fuel will force more airlines to the wall this year as it admitted that profits are at the mercy of the global oil price.

The low-budget carrier reported a 14.7% increase in passengers but admitted that the cost of carrying them had risen by £4 a customer due to the accelerating cost of fuel. Andy Harrison, easyJet chief executive, said the airline was weathering weak consumer spending but the oil price posed a severe threat to its profitability.

"The fuel price is clearly a big issue and is highly unpredictable. The profits we make in the full year depend on what happens to oil in the second half of the year. Your guess is as good as mine," he said. EasyJet, which generates its profits over the spring and summer, reported a trebling of its first half pre-tax loss to £57.5m - driven in part by higher fuel costs and the integration of a recent acquisition.

With the summer holiday season approaching, the group is still confident of making a "very substantial" profit for the full year. Its forward bookings are slightly up on last year, and Harrison said it was not seeing any decline in demand despite the economic uncertainty.

Analysts expect the Luton-based carrier to make a full-year profit of £150m but that number is predicated on the oil price staying between $115 and $120 a barrel. Oil reached a new record of $122 (£62.43) a barrel yesterday as analysts at Goldman Sachs, the investment bank, warned that the possibility of $150-$200 a barrel is "increasingly likely" over the two years.

EasyJet's first half loss, which was expected following its profit warning in March, was primarily caused by dearer jet fuel, which costs 80% more than a year ago.

Hedged at $75 a barrel

Rival airline Aer Lingus yesterday blamed fuel costs for an increase in its baggage charges. From tomorrow, it will cost £12 to check in a bag at the airport.

For EasyJet, every $1 increase in the cost of a barrel of oil cuts around £2.5m off its profits. Harrison claims the company's relatively young fleet - its 157 planes are three years old on average - give it an edge.

"A quarter of Europe's short-haul aircraft are at least 15 years old, so they burn 20% more fuel than our planes," he said.

EasyJet has some protection from the oil market through fuel hedging - a process whereby it acquires fuel at a fixed price for six month periods. The airline said 40% of its fuel needs for the rest of the financial year, until September, are hedged at around $75 a barrel. Harrison said the airline had a much lower level of hedging going into the next financial year.

Andrew Fitchie, analyst at Collins Stewart, said there would be "further pressure" in the next financial year as hedging positions at easyJet and other airlines unwind. Fitchie, who has a "sell" notice on the carrier, added that the market had not factored in the possibility of an economic downturn into the easyJet share price: "Consensus is only currently modelling the impact of increased fuel costs; a material economic slowdown is not being discounted and we believe this represents a further risk to the airlines and low cost carriers in particular."

Harrison added that more airlines would join the likes of MaxJet and Eos in slipping into insolvency as a result of high fuel prices, allowing airlines with stronger balance sheets, such as easyJet and Ryanair, to benefit from less competition.

"I see a number of desperate airlines who will be facing significant financial problems. We are looking at reduced profits. That's not nice but it's a lot better than looking at significantly increased cash flow problems."

EasyJet shares rose just over 3% today, gaining 9.25p to 306.75p. Yesterday they had slumped by 8% following Goldman's prediction and the latest record oil price, which analysts attributed to the weakening dollar and supply problems in Nigeria and Iraq.

Oil eased slightly today and was trading 31 cents lower at $121.53 a barrel this afternoon.

Harrison declined to speculate about how the price might move. "Oil is highly unpredictable, and there are a wide range of predictions from the so-called experts," he said.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/may/07/easyjetbusiness.theairlineindustry

Ongoing concerns in the holiday market – relating to the environment and affordability – are leading many people to consider travelling in the UK, the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) has claimed.

A spokesman for the association said that, rather than taking two foreign holidays, people may consider taking one long trip and attempting to offset the emissions before taking another break somewhere in the UK.

The representative said that UK holidays could be cheaper than foreign travel and also be less stressful.

He added: 'I think the UK has great scope for holidays.'

Despite the financial constraints that many British consumers will face this year, the majority of people are still expected to take a foreign holiday.

The AITO spokesman said: 'People are working very hard these days and they see a nice holiday as a necessity rather than a luxury.

'People are working longer hours, paying more tax and paying out an awful lot so a holiday is one thing we will take come hell or high water.'

http://news.opodo.co.uk/articles/2008-05-07/18582893-UK-has.php

A leading travel agency consortium fears the end of paper airline tickets at the end of this month will be "a shambles" and could trigger price increases.

Airline association IATA has called time on paper tickets from May 31, insisting passengers only be issued with electronic tickets. But these cannot be issued for about 4% of air journeys from the UK and Advantage has called for a six-month postponement.

It warns the deadline will stretch relationships between business travel agents and their clients to "breaking point".

There is particular concern about interline tickets, where a passenger transfers between airlines and issuing an e-ticket depends on the carriers agreeing to accept one another's tickets.

Advantage business travel director Norman Gage said: "Airlines that currently have paper-ticket interlining deals are dropping these because, come May 31, they don't know how they will pay each other."

He warned: "Global distribution systems might show a fare that it is not possible to book. It's going to be a nightmare for agents."

Advantage wrote to more than 50 airlines asking how they would handle business on routes on which it will not be possible to issue e-tickets and only six replied. Gage said: "Advantage is not against e-ticketing, but this deadline is not realistic."

IATA has so far resisted calls to postpone the deadline and said it has no plans to reconsider.

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/05/06/27515/travel-agents-warn-of-air-ticket-shambles.html

EC avoids undue operational complications and inconvenience for passengers on cabin baggage size

Initial plans to set legal limits at European level to the size of carry-on cabin baggage in airplanes have been withdrawn by a Regulation which came into force yesterday[1] (5 May). In October 2006, security experts initially advised the European Commission to limit the maximum permitted size of cabin baggage throughout the EU to 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm. However, introduction was delayed pending in-depth studies and analysis ordered by the Commission. In its efforts to focus only on the most efficient security measures, the Commission considers that the effectiveness of this measure does not justify the additional costs and inconvenience to airline passengers.

Decisions about limits on the size, shape and number of cabin bags will therefore remain, as is the case today, in the hands of individual airlines who will continue to set limits to suit their aircraft. EU Member States will also retain the right to impose stricter limits if necessary to suit local circumstances or to respond to a specific terrorist threat.

Jacques Barrot, Vice President of the European Commission said "We must seek to balance security with passenger convenience. We already have very tough screening rules and before going any further I felt we should really analyse the benefits. In this case it is clear that the inconvenience of additional limits would outweigh the advance in security."

The initial plans[2] were part of a package of measures to improve the efficiency of security screening at airports, in the immediate aftermath of the discovery of an alleged plot to attack civil aviation in August 2006 in the United Kingdom. Restrictions on the size of cabin baggage size were supposed to start in May 2007[3], to allow airlines and airports sufficient time to make the necessary changes to procedures and to inform passengers accordingly. However, the Commission agreed to defer its introduction for another year in order to allow for further studies on the effectiveness of the planned legislation.

The rationale behind the limitation of baggage size was that the task of airport security staff to identify prohibited articles in cabin baggage is made more difficult by the size of the bag since larger bags generally contain more objects. However, studies concluded that the influence of baggage size on overall performance of security staff at airports was far less significant than other factors and that its effectiveness would not justify the additional costs and inconvenience.

The dimension of 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm was taken from the international airline organisation IATA, which still recommends this limit to its members as a maximum permitted cabin bag size.

[1] Regulation (EC) no 358/2008, OJ L111 of 23.4.2008, p.5

[2] Regulation (EC) No 1546/2006, OJ L236 of 17.10.2006, p.6

[3] The rulemaking allowed the possibility of some exemptions for oversized cabin baggage containing an item or items both too large to fit within the permitted bag size and valuable or fragile e.g. for musical instruments.



http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/25662

New partnership offers customers more security when traveling

Emirates Airline has signed an agreement with leading UK-based insurer Bupa Travel Services to offer customers extra peace of mind when they travel.

Starting from the 23rd of last month, travelers managing their Emirates flight bookings online via www.emirates.com, will be able to opt for travel insurance protection which has been specially tailored for Emirates customers.

These offers include unlimited coverage in event of a medical emergency, credit card theft, and even kennel and cattery fees. Unlike most other offerings in the market, insurance coverage can be purchased by almost all nationalities (except residents of USA, Canada and Switzerland) for various trip durations, and for travelers up to the age of 80.

“This is a fantastic new addition to our services,” noted Emirates Area Manager, Khalid Al Serkal. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve client satisfaction, and make flying Emirates a more relaxed, enjoyable experience. Our new partnership with Bupa puts us another notch above the competition in terms of customer relations.”

Nigel Hopkins, Emirates’ Executive Vice President Service Departments was also excited, noting that “Emirates is pleased to partner with Bupa Travel Services to provide our customers with tailored travel insurance options, made conveniently available when they purchase their flights on-line with us.”

“Emirates’ customer base span the globe and we needed a high-quality insurance partner with an international reach to match our own. We are confident we have found the right fit in Bupa Travel Services, and look forward to working with them to deliver and develop more such value-added travel services for our customers around the world.”

Steve Flanagan, Commercial Director Bupa UK Membership agreed, noting: “We are proud to partner with one of the world’s leading airlines. Bupa has worked in consultation with Emirates to develop an exclusive and compelling insurance product that would be conveniently available to its customers around the world. We are confident that our product would prove popular, and we look forward to expanding our product range and relationship with Emirates.

http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/Egypt/226931

It's tough to get back It's tough to get back investment on timeshare

Timeshare buyers are cautioned about labeling their weeks as "investments." Think of it as prepaid vacations, timeshare developers famously say.

While an investment, especially in real estate, often stands an excellent chance of making money, the usual return on a timeshare typically centers on enjoyment rather than cash.

Timeshares continue to be big business -- more than $8 billion a year -- despite the sluggish economy. The American Resort Development Association reports that more than 4.5 million U.S. households own one or more timeshares in 1,604 resorts.

A growing number of entrepreneurs, with an exceptional grasp on how to purchase, close and sell timeshares have begun to acquire inexpensive weeks at upscale resorts via resale channels. They then rent out the properties at a weekly or a per-night rate comparable to what a nice hotel would charge.

"We have people who will go to our Web site and buy 10 weeks at a time," said John Locher, vice president of sales and marketing for Redweek.com, an online conduit for timeshare buyers, sellers, landlords and renters. "They have studied certain resorts and markets and know what's possible as far as rental income during a majority of the year.''

Steve Shermoen, a self-described "small-town attorney" from International Falls, Minn., said he now controls about 100 timeshare weeks and plans to spend most of his retirement years rotating through some of them in different parts of the world. Is he concerned about owning so many pieces of the only real estate asset class that always loses money when resold?

"You cannot make the rental concept work if you buy directly from the developer," Shermoen said. "You have to be sure of what you are buying and purchase only on the resale market. The cost from the developer simply is too high for it to become a rental that will pencil out."

Shermoen and others like him typically stick to Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and other upper level properties that they can pick up at a fraction of the original purchase price. They often seek sellers who are extremely eager, often desperate, to dump a timeshare contract because of unexpected circumstances including loss of job, divorce or death. Many timeshare bargains can be found online right after the annual fees are announced for the coming year. As an attorney, Shermoen also offers to close the transaction at a discounted fee.

"Many people are grateful that there is a buyer who is willing to take the week off their hands,'' Shermoen said. "They simply are tired of paying the annual fee and can't wait to get out from under it.''

I was one of them, yet I didn't even consider renting it out. Nearly 20 years ago, I spent hundreds of dollars marketing the timeshare and considered myself extremely fortunate to get back most of my investment. While some people swear it's the only way to travel with a family and that the international "bank" of resorts not only offers flexibility but also destinations they normally would not consider, it didn't happen for us. Basketball tournaments, family reunions, budget restraints and four different school schedules, coupled with the fact that we are very picky about accommodations, led to a three-year timeshare shutout. We owned the "points" for three years and never spent one night in a timeshare resort.

Timeshares come in a variety of packages, including a points program where owners exchange a specific number of accumulated points for a week, weekend or individual nights at resorts that participate in the points arrangement. Some of the larger timeshare companies now offer a point system, permitting owners to split the traditional week into smaller segments. The concept has worked very well for out-of-town family reunions, weddings or simply a needed weekend getaway.

The idea of breaking up the timeshare week into a few one-or-two night stays can also make sense for vacationers traveling a country by car. The average worker typically receives two or three vacation weeks each year and often prefers not to spend a large percentage of that time in one location.

The value of the points can vary greatly. For example, weekend nights will require more points than weeknight stays, and popular resorts will demand more points than a run-of-the-mill getaway. In addition, the future value of points also can be a consideration -- not unlike trying to predict the future value of money.

Similar to dollars, timeshare points can be worth a lot more today than they will be down the road. If a resort continues to increase the number of points necessary to rent the unit you covet, the value of your allotted points will decrease. You will need more annual points than the number you are receiving now to reserve the same unit. Seniors and other consumers on fixed incomes may not be getting the perpetual week they initially purchased, which could seriously curtail their dream vacations down the road.

Properly applying points and a resort's bonus time are just two pieces to successfully renting timeshares. There's also a huge caveat when shopping.

"Some people try to sell you weeks they don't really own," Shermoen said. "It's another one of the pitfalls to consider when buying and selling. Acquiring and renting out timeshares is complicated and not for the unwary. If you are going to jump in, you have to do your homework."

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080427/BIZ/242272025/1005/biz

If United Airlines parent UAL Corp and US Airways Group Inc merged, the pairing could result in massive cost savings for the new carrier as well as higher fares for the troubled industry.

But, in order for a merged airline to win those benefits through consolidation, the two carriers -- reported to be deep in merger talks -- would have to take on the painful tasks of closing hubs, grounding planes and slashing jobs where United and US Airway overlap.

"There's definitely the potential for it," said Stuart Klaskin at KKC Aviation Consulting. "What I question is whether those two airlines will have the political will to actually do that."

Industry experts say the prime benefits of consolidation come from reductions in capacity -- the number of seats for sale. Less capacity lets carriers charge more for tickets.

In the last two years, major carriers have removed capacity from less profitable domestic routes and bolstered lucrative international routes. The strategy has led to higher ticket prices and stronger airlines.

Fare hikes, however, have not kept pace with rising fuel costs, which are directly linked to the soaring price of oil. As a result, airlines posted big losses in the first quarter, and pressure is mounting on carriers to merge.

"Absent the removal of meaningful capacity reductions from the domestic airline industry, you don't get substantial consolidation benefits," Klaskin said. "That's the ugly, sad truth."
Klaskin said a United/USAirways merger could lead to a 25 percent reduction in their combined capacity. But he predicted capacity cuts closer to 10 percent.

COMPLICATED PAIRING

Sources told Reuters this week that United and US Airways could reach a merger deal soon. An agreement would come on the heels of one announced last month by Delta Air Lines Inc and Northwest Airlines Corp, which are planning to form the world's largest airline, to be known by Delta's name.

The Delta deal features cost savings and revenue improvements amounting to about $1 billion a year. But the proposal currently offers no capacity reductions as the two airlines' operations have little overlap.

While Delta and Northwest may be depriving themselves of hefty cost savings, their pairing may have a relatively easy time winning approval from the U.S. Justice Department, labor unions and travelers.

United and US Airways, on the other hand, could face higher antitrust hurdles resulting from the strong presence of both airlines on the East Coast, especially in Washington D.C. They also would risk customer backlash if they cut service or raised fares in popular markets.

"The consumer won't like it. But the fact of the matter is the consumer won't like all these airlines going out of business either," said airline consultant Robert Mann.

Since March, four small airlines -- Aloha Airlines, Champion Air, ATA Airlines and Skybus Airlines -- have shut down amid increasingly hostile industry conditions.

Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines Holdings Inc, meanwhile, filed for bankruptcy protection but said it would continue flying during its reorganization.

Experts say the industry desperately needs consolidation, but the jury is still out on what mergers make the most sense.

Although UAL Chief Executive Glenn Tilton and US Airways CEO Doug Parker have long advocated consolidation, their airlines may be particularly unenticing merger partners.
United, which completed a massive bankruptcy reorganization in 2006, suffered the largest first-quarter loss of the major airlines this year. The carrier still faces ill will from its labor groups, which made steep sacrifices to save the carrier.

US Airways, itself the product of a 2005 merger of America West Airlines and the former US Airways, still operates with two separate labor forces. The integration of a third labor force would present further complications, although experts generally believe labor issues would not torpedo a merger with United.

"It's not the most attractive pairing, but any kind of consolidation is good for the industry," said Jim Corridore, analyst at Standard & Poors'.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/feedarticle?id=7496935

Award winning sites, a cheap and cheerful start-up and a ramblers' dream are among this month's travel websites worth exploring

1. Schmap.com is a simple interactive mapping site that’s been well-received by delicious.com users. The site is a map-based travel guide to more than 200 places in the US, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. You can customise the map to highlight sights and attractions, hotels, and so forth, then narrow your search by budget or preference.

There are lots of images and a good description of each entry plus, unusually, a link to the relevant website. There’s Windows and Mac versions and widgets that you can download and place on your blogs or social networking pages.

2. A new website www.townandcountry.ie has brought together more than 1,000 B&Bs across the country. The site has been launched by the Town and Country Homes Association, which represents the country’s small guesthouses.

It hopes to open the B&B market to international visitors because the site is bookable in Spanish, French, German, Italian and English. The site has a Google maps feature to search for properties by location and listings include a description, picture and details on facilities.

3. Walking websites abound – we’re already huge fans of the Ramblers Association website, but this is one that’s recently got our attention. Walking in England has more than 1,800 walks that you can download free of charge.

It’s an unsophisticated design but the content is comprehensive – with links out to walks, maps, books on walking and walking groups around the country. There are 24 counties so far, with more being added in the future.

4. If you need more than a print-out and an OS map for your walk, a new website is offering audiowalks around London. Soundmap walks can be downloaded onto an MP3 player or CD for £5.99.

The walks promise hidden gems and amusing anecdotes and include jaunts around Brick Lane, Camden and Chelsea’s Kings Road. They are narrated by authors and journalists and include a printable map to accompany the walk.

5. Passporty.co.uk is a useful little website launched by a photography business in South Yorkshire. The service on offer is the production of passport and visa photographs from digital camera stills. You email them a picture of you, taken according to their instructions, e.g. good light, plain facial expression etc., then they touch it up and send it back to you in the correct format for a cost of around £10.

Of course, you could always visit your local passport photography studio, but for those who can’t find the time, this is a useful option – and even if you don’t use the service, the tips are handy.

6. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is celebrating after it snatched the top website award at the Enjoy England Excellence Awards 2008. The site relaunched in October 2006 with improved search feature and multimedia content. Judges of the awards praised it for its podcasts, seat view pictures, and “remind me about this event”. There’s even an online car-sharing service for concert-goers.

7. Lonely Planet has launched its own travel channel on YouTube. The guidebook publisher has got 27 videos online at the moment – but more are being added every week. They are an entertaining mixture of energetic shorts compered by bright young things.

The videos are more professionally produced than your normal YouTube film, and are short, punchy and fun – a good addition to your travel research. There’s clips from LonelyPlanet.tv, the company’s user video upload site, and behind-the-scenes footage from Lonely Planet TV shows.

8. Thomas Cook is planning to launch a section on its website for hotel reviews written by its customers. The reviews will launch by the end of July with around one million ratings that have been collected on paper from holidaymakers over the past year.

All reviewers will have to prove they stayed at the hotel by producing a booking reference and they will be incentivised to write reviews from time to time with prizes or vouchers. Thomas Cook has promised not to weed out any negative reviews and says it will link to the reviews from various pages across the site.

9. Low cost airline in shock positive news story? easyJet has impressed the fastidious readers of Which? Holiday magazine. The carrier was voted the number one website for booking flights in a survey of 3,000 flyers. Easyjet.com was praised for its intuitive design, and facility to filter search results.

According to the consumer magazine, website users are most frustrated by having to register with a website before using it, slow loading times, and inflexible search dates.

10. Apparently a simple “Do not Disturb” sign is too boring for hotels these days, so they’re coming up with more imaginative ways of letting guests tell staff to leave them in peace? In a bid to come up with a witty slogan, The Embassy Suites hotel chain in America invited people to send in their best efforts.

The winner was: “Shh! I’m hatching a plan to bust some little soaps out of here.” To see some of the other entries, which range from the amusing to the saccharine, go to www.embassysuitesdndcontest.com/winners.

http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/news/article3848828.ece



 

Bartlett targets high-end market

Jamaican Government is currently working on a Timeshare legislation to re-introduce the concept of vacation ownership to the Jamaican market, which it beleives will be a gateway for the country to penetrate the luxury tourism market.

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, made the announcement at a timeshare symposium held at the Hilton Hotel on Tuesday. He noted that Cabinet has already approved and given the green light to proceed with the development of the legislation, which he is anticipating will be passed by the House in 2009. A team has been established consisting of various government departments and agencies to create the legislation.

The minister said that the timeshare concept will be an integral development tool for Jamaica to make inroads in the high-end tourist market, a market in which he said Jamaica is way behind its regional competitors.

"I thought that one of the things that really required a will to do was to bring timeshare legislation to Jamaica," said Bartlett. "We decided to pull things together because this political administration has the will to do it and we know that 'where there is a will, there is a way'.

"We wanted to do this because the Caribbean area is now a very hot spot for development and when you look at what is happening in Turks and Caicos, St Lucia, St Barts and some of the other destinations that are tapping into the top end of the market, the question has to be asked what is happening to Jamaica?" continued the minister.

Conceptualised in Europe in the 1960's, timeshare is a property, typically a resort condominium unit, in which multiple parties have rights to use. The notion essentially provides more options for holidaymakers, and by bringing it to Jamaica, the minister said that it will increase both visitor arrivals and the spend of the tourists.

In terms of driving traffic, Bartlett said that "timeshare is second to none".

When someone comes, for example, to visit their room, you can have an infinite number of visitors just coming to view before they actually sign and make a decision to purchase," noted the minister. "After the purchase, you have the vacation time which they spend and even after that, there is multiple use of that same space by scores and scores of individuals.

Bartlett reasoned that the wider economy will benefit as timeshare users are typically tourists whose preference is not limited to the all-inclusive resort concept.

"We not only want visitors to come, we want them to spend and we want them to spend and spend and spend," noted Bartlett. "We dont have timeshare that lends itself to the all-inclusive concept; the tendency is for condos to operate as each and the more you have is the more expenditures they are using on the ground so the communities around can benefit from the floating effect of the dollar in the economy.

However, the minister stressed that it is imperative that the country has the infrastructure in place to facilitate the benefits that timeshare can bring to the island's tourism product. He specifically highlighted the government's exploration of the idea to build a jet airport in St Thomas, and the multibillion dollar Harmony Cove and Palmyra developments in Trelawny and Montego Bay respectively.

"We want to make a statement to the world that Jamaica is open and ready for business in all areas of the luxury tourism market; we can't make a statement if we are lacking in the infrastructure to support the development," said Bartlett.

Present at the symposium were executives from Resort Condominums International (RCI), the premier company in the timeshare exchange market. Timeshares offer owners the possibility of exchanging their rights to stay at one of the thousands of other resorts worldwide. RCI represents 66 per cent of the over 7300 resorts in the global timeshare market.

Juan Rodrigues, RCI vice president of business development, said that, for timeshare to work in Jamaica, it is both critical that government implements the appropriate framework, as well as for many hotel developers to come on stream to widen the product offering.

"This is a joint effort because we need the government; if this is not in policy, this won't happen," said Rodrigues. "Also, we need the developers; the entrepreneurial minds that every country needs, and groups like us, RCI, that can be percieved as facilators."

Rodrigues emphasised that Jamaica needs to revisit its tourism product to create a niche in the market.

We need to create, together, the Jamaican story," noted Rodrigues. "It is a very different thing when one talks about 'I am going to Jamaica for holiday' than 'I am going to invest my money in Jamaica for vacation ownership'.

The RCI executive said that it is going to be very hard for Jamaica to penetrate the luxury market if it doesnt start "changing the story". He said that the island should revolutionise its heavily dependent all-inclusive concept.

Innovation for me in Jamaica would be moving from the concept that you can go there and take the all-inclusives," said Rodrigues. "The perceived value of the all-inclusive is 'I don't want to go out there'.

People think of the all-inclusive as having a hamburger and a beer by the pool, and from a timeshare perspecive they say they'll rather have a kitchen," continued Rodrigues. "So you have to create a different story and provide different types of experiences...Jamaica has very nice people, great beaches, beautiful spots etc.

However Rodgrigues noted that security measures will be integral to Jamaica being able to indeed shift from the traditional all-inclusive concept.

"People want to be in a safe place; they don't want the hassle. They want to go to the airport and get to a shuttle with no problems," he said.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/html/20080501T230000-0500_135164_OBS_JAMAICA_TO_INTRODUCE_TIMESHARE_LEGISLATION.asp