Cendant posts US$4.2 billion in revenues in the first quarter

Cendant Corporation has shared that its revenue in the first quarter this year totaled $4.2 billion, an increase of seven percent over first quarter 2005.

The result reflected growth across each of the company’s core operating segments.

Commenting on the results, Cendant’s president and chief financial officer, Ronald L. Nelson said that each of the spin-offs remains on track.

The timeshare resorts segment generated double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth. “In particular, our online travel businesses generated 29 percent growth in gross bookings, lodging RevPAR increased 10 percent organically, and car rental produced 15 percent revenue growth, including the first year over-year price gain since 2004,” said Nelson.

The quarterly profit from continuing operations was $135 million, or 13 cents per share, compared with a profit of $63 million, or six cents per share, a year earlier.

By segment, revenue rose one percent to $1.43 billion in Cendant’s Realogy real estate services unit; rose four percent to $409 million in hospitality services; rose 11 percent to $407 million in timeshare resorts; rose 13 percent at Avis to $1.32 billion; and rose 17 percent to $645 million in travel distribution services.

For second quarter 2006, the Company expects revenue from core operations to increase four – six percent and EBITDA from core operations (before separation costs) to increase marginally versus second quarter 2005.

Cendant Travel Distribution Services (TDS), a division of Cendant Corp., announced a multi-year agreement that provides Virgin Blue Airlines with Cendant TDS` Passenger Services System (PSS), aiRES. Virgin Blue is the third high-profile customer to sign-up for aiRES, which provides airlines the most innovative and flexible technical foundation to fully support their business and the efficiency needed to compete in today`s ever changing airline industry.

aiRES is built from the ground up on open systems technology and is designed to replace less flexible, more expensive legacy systems now common in the industry. The new, more efficient system supports future growth by providing comprehensive passenger reservations, inventory control, fares, ticketing, and departure control functions. It also offers a myriad of different airline business models for today`s ever-changing competitive environment. Designed to be fully configurable, aiRES allows airlines to respond quickly to an evolving market, without the need for complex and costly development. With its customer-focused design and CMM level 5 development processes*, aiRES can reduce passenger service costs, improve customer service, and enable customer self-service, while maintaining the flexibility to effectively compete in the marketplace.

"aiRES is filling the industry need for an integrated, multi-hosting system built around a customer-focused-design that will provide the right foundation for an airline`s future success," said Flo Lugli, senior vice president, Airline Solutions, Cendant Travel Distribution Services.

"Virgin Blue is a highly successful airline, known for its savvy and innovative business approach," adds Lugli. "We are extremely proud that one of the most reputed new generation airlines in the world has chosen aiRES. Our vision for aiRES is to make it the leading passenger services system for the air transportation industry, and this agreement with Virgin Blue indicates that we are capable of achieving this significant milestone."

Through its open architecture, aiRES enables airlines to broaden their customer service offerings by integrating their distribution channels with other travel services. For example, when returning a rental car, a customer could also receive an airline boarding pass. When checking in at the airport kiosk, a traveler could book a hotel or make dinner reservations at their destination. The new technology also enables other important customer service functions, including a three-step booking process and a seven-second check-in at the airport, resulting in improved customer service and increased airline efficiency.

"Virgin Blue was impressed with the functionality and flexibility that aiRES provides, and recognized that aiRES could position the airline for continued success in an ever increasing competitive market," said Kevin Haskins, Director of Hosting Systems for Cendant TDS. "The entire team is especially excited to be able to provide this state-of-the-art technology to Virgin Blue as it launches new business initiatives and further strengthens its position as a new generation airline."

Cendant has brought aiRES to market through a business alliance with IBS Software Services, a SEI CMM Level 5 assessed company and a leader in software solutions and services to the global travel, transportation and logistics industry. This partnership between two industry leaders attributes the primary responsibility for product development and support to IBS and the primary responsibility for product management, sales, marketing, and customer relationships to Cendant TDS.

In September 2005, Cendant TDS announced WestJet Airlines as its aiRES launch customer and in late March, TDS announced the signing of Virgin America as its second customer.

THE US has vowed to be more welcoming to foreign visitors after its share of international travel has plummeted 35% since 1992 to an all-time low – costing the economy $286 billion a year in lost revenue.

Washington rolled out a clutch of top-level government officials at last week’s World Travel and Tourism Council annual Global Travel and Tourism summit, a move WTTC chairman Vincent Wolfington said showed the US means business when it says it must do more to facilitate the free-flow of travel and salvage its image overseas.

US secretary of homeland security Michael Chertoff said: “The US recognises we will damage ourselves if we don’t distinguish between our large number of friends and small number of enemies.”

Cannery Row Company chief executive Ted Cannery said: “For years, the US has taken tourism for granted – it’s time we woke up.”

US officials were vociferous in their call for a more welcoming policy and a more competitive approach to tourism. Travel Industry Association of America chairman Roger Dow pointed out the US is one of the few countries in the world with no minister for tourism.

“We’re sending out mixed messages of warning and welcome,” he said.

US chamber of commerce president Thomas Donohue said the US must move quickly to get over its paranoia. “Where business travel goes, leisure and luxury travel follows. Because of US immigration laws, if the business community want to do business with the Arabs, you have to go to London.”

Tim Zagat, chairman and chief executive of Zagat Survey, said it took the September 11, 2001 attacks to make retailers, museums and restaurateurs realise they were part of the tourism sector.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Jay Rasulo said there is a need for a national tourism policy, coupled with a significant and sustainable marketing campaign. Tourism is one of the US’s biggest industries but spending falls far behind the $60 million budget of Canada.

A RULING against Thomas Cook by advertising watchdogs has stirred fresh calls from travel agents for published fares to include fuel surcharges.

The Advertising Standards Authority found that a promotional e-mail sent by Thomas Cook retail division headlined ‘late deals from £69’ was misleading because it did not include a mandatory £30 fuel supplement.

The ruling has highlighted widespread flouting of the Committee of Advertising Practice code administered by the ASA. It says the decision has implications for the entire industry. It comes in the same week that US crude oil hit $71.60 a barrel – its highest level in more than 20 years – prompting British Airways to react by increasing its long-haul return fuel surcharge from £60 to £70, its seventh surcharge hike since May 2004.

In making its ruling against Thomas Cook, the ASA stressed the CAP code, which applies to all UK advertising except for material on companies’ own websites, states “advertisers must quote prices inclusive of VAT and other non-optional taxes and duties”.

According to an ASA spokesman, the case “has ramifications for anyone quoting prices across the travel industry”.

“Certain sectors of the industry will not know the fuel costs in advance. Thomas Cook did,” he said.

Travel agents welcomed the ASA’s decision, but did not think it went far enough.

“What you see should be what you get but it has got to apply to everyone,” said Wish You Were Here manager Linsay Flowers. “When we do window cards, fuel is included in the advertised price it is not shown as an optional extra.

“Why don’t the tour operators and airlines simply hide their fuel costs inside their banner prices? It would make it a lot less confusing.”

Epsom Worldchoice director Mike Tattersall also wants airlines and operators to be forced to offer prices inclusive of fuel as an unavoidable operating cost.

“The current situation of having these massive fuel supplements and charges is wrong. It’s misleading and they should not be allowed to do it,” Tattersall said.

Following the ASA judgement, Thomas Cook agreed to add a footnote to its e-mails explaining that extra charges may apply, but the ASA insisted it advertise fares in full.

However, Thomas Cook said it did not accept it breached advertising regulations. A spokesman insisted fuel supplements – even though they are compulsory – should be seen as “variable charges” levied by operators and airlines, not as taxes or duties.

There is further confusion regarding supplements and surcharges because airlines such as British Airways advertise all-inclusive prices, while others such as Ryanair do not.ABTA said it supported the ASA ruling and urged members to take it into account – even though its Code of Conduct currently gives members the option of listing extras alongside the banner price in brochures if they don’t cause confusion. A spokeswoman said: “We are always in favour of a level playing field across the industry.”

A man who hopes to develop an 18-acre parcel in Stateline was sued by shareholders of his former time-share company, Sunterra Corp., in 2000.

The class action alleged top executives cooked their books by $40 million and issued false financial statements to make the company look profitable, so they could sell it to a larger company.

The suit was settled for $4.5 million last May. Settlement papers state the defendants, including Steven Kenninger, denied all liability and only chose to settle to avoid expensive litigation.

When contacted via e-mail last week, Kenninger referred comments to his lawyer Leif Reid. Reid referred comments on the class action to Bob McKirgan, who represented Kenninger in the lawsuit. McKirgan could not be contacted Tuesday because he was on an airplane.

Kenninger was the chief operating officer of Sunterra. He was co-founder, president and co-chairman of Signature, which changed its name to Sunterra in 1998.

Sunterra is formerly Argosy/ KOAR, which owned Tahoe Seasons Resort and Tahoe Beach and Ski Resort.

The class action alleged the company's top executives committed accounting fraud by overstating their financial situation.

Accounting irregularities were discovered during a routine audit as the company was sealing a merger deal, according to the original complaint. The deal was dropped after the audit and Sunterra declared bankruptcy.

Once under new leadership, Sunterra disclosed that all financial statements issued in 1999 or before should not be relied upon, and said it was suing its former managers, directors, auditors and IT consultants, according to the complaint.

Kenninger was named 41 times in the 143-page complaint. The case number is 6:00-cv-79-Orl-28B. The settlement was largely paid by insurance companies and accounting firm Arthur Andersen, which was also a defendant, according to the settlement agreement.

On Jan. 20, 2000, the company announced its fourth quarter earnings would come in far below analysts' predictions and that its balance sheet was off by between $38 million and $45 million, according to the complaint. Stock plummeted from $13.50 in late 1999 to eight cents a share in October 2000 on the New York Stock Exchange.

Special ceremonies have marked the official opening of the 30th timeshare property by Hilton Grand Vacations Company (HGVC) in Hawaii, the holiday ownership division of the Hilton hotel group.

Located at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on The Big Island, it incorporates 120 units, a heated swimming pool with children’s area, whirlpool spa, pool bar and picnic areas with barbecue grills.

Antoine Dagot, president and chief executive of HGVC, said: “Throughout the past six years, we have progressively strengthened Hilton’s leadership presence in luxury timeshare development in Hawaii.”

With this latest property and the success of two others, there are plans for “additional brand expansion in the region”.

He added: “We truly regard Hawaii as one of our mega-markets.”

Dr Richard Ragatz, respected timeshare guru and research pioneer, has announced the re-formation of his own firm as a totally independent organisation after a 10-year association with RCI and its parent company Cendant Corporation.

Founded in 1974, Ragatz Associates has worked with most major players in the resort industry on a global basis and conducted close to 2,000 studies for resort developments in the US and over 70 other countries.

The firm specialises in the shared-ownership leisure property industry including resort timeshare, fractional interests, destination and private residence clubs. Specialities include feasibility studies and market research. Clients represent both the private and public sectors.

Last month Dr Ragatz was honoured by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) at its Convention and Expo in Las Vegas where he received the ACE Lifetime Achievement Award.

The accolade is given to an individual whose pioneering efforts have had a major positive impact on the direction and standards of the industry. Recipients possess an outstanding body of work with a minimum of 15 years’ involvement in the industry with demonstrated leadership, integrity, creativity, innovation and quality standards and ethics.

Dr Ragatz is the research pioneer who has completed the first study by the British government on holiday homes, an economic impact study of timeshare in Spain, the first US study of resort timeshare buyers, the first national survey of ‘fractional interest’ purchasers and the first world-wide study of the resort timesharing industry.

Based in Eugene, Oregon, the firm was acquired by RCI in the mid-1990s to operate as its research division. Last month it was announced that Dr Ragatz would step down from his role with the RCI Global Vacation Network.

A £500 million development in Scotland will incorporate timeshare and whole ownership units as well as two golf courses, a five-star hotel and a golf academy.

The man behind the project is American property and casino mogul Donald Trump.

The development will be on the 800-acre Menie estate outside Aberdeen, according to a statement by the development agency, Scottish Enterprise.

Work on the golf courses is scheduled to start in September. The first will open in the second half of 2008.

In addition to the hotel, Mr Trump wants to build “hundreds” of holiday homes and timeshare units as well as primary dwellings, according to Neil Hobday, Trump’s project director.

Golf generates about £300 million of Scotland’s £4 billion annual tourism income, said the tourism agency, VisitScotland.

Donald Trump is half-Scottish. His mother lived on Stornaway in the Western Isles before emigrating to New York.

The European Commission (EC) aims to have new proposals for revised timeshare legislation – if required at all -- by the end of the year. Next month it will publish an issues paper prior to a full public consultation.

The Organisation for Timeshare in Europe has been in regular contact with the EC in recent years. In February OTE was formally invited to advise the Commission on the functioning of the Timeshare Directive in an official consultation exercise that aims to determine whether it needs to be updated.

On a consistent basis, OTE has supported the European Union’s new approach to better enforcement, smarter and better laws and analysing the effectiveness of existing laws before possibly updating them.

The European Commission has embraced an agenda of economic growth, based on making the European economy more competitive. As part of this programme, it is favouring not only a better regulatory approach including legislation that applies to all sales activity as embodied in the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive but also possibly by cross harmonising all four current Directives on sales practices.

Concurrently the Commission is finalising a study to determine how current consumer protection laws have worked in practice. The results could form the basis for new legislation if necessary also covering timeshare.

OTE continues to engage European institutions in discussions on how enforcement of current legislation can be enhanced and how new (horizontal) legislation will improve the timeshare market and better protect consumers.

OTE believes its enforcement project will make a positive contribution to the effectiveness of those agencies charged with combating fraudulent companies thereby further reducing consumer complaints and unfair competition to legitimate timeshare companies.

Tangible results have emanated from OTE efforts that reflect the ongoing decline of consumer complaints about timeshare – a key indicator that the Timeshare Directive is working in practice and that the industry is capable of effective self-regulation.

OTE continues to meet with EC officials as well as member state experts who will participate in the review process. The Brussels Secretariat is also working closely with National Chapters and individual members.

BIAC has decided to make Brussels Airport 100 % smoke-free. Smoking is no longer allowed in any of the public areas of the airport buildings. Restaurants, bars and lounges are smoke-free too. The few dedicated smoking areas for passengers and visitors that remained after the introduction at the start of the year of the general smoking ban in public places, have now also been put out of use. As a result ashtrays are no longer available in any of the public areas of the airport.

This measure by airport operator BIAC is based on the strict application of the Royal Decree of 13 December 2005 which prohibits smoking in public places.

Although the airport community sympathizes with the smoking passenger who from now on will have to do without a smoke even longer, most travellers applaud the new measure.

All public areas of the airport are now 100 % smoke-free. This measure also applies to the non-public areas intended for common use by the airport staff such as corridors and staircases. The smoking ban in offices and working spaces at the airport is based on the separate legislation with regard to smoking at work that applies to every company in our country. This legislation guarantees a smoke-free working environment to all employees.

Cendant Corp. has selected a prominent technology executive to head its travel services division.

Jeff Clarke, chief operating officer at the former Computer Associates Inc. (now called CA Inc.), on Tuesday was named chief executive and president of Cendant's Parsippany-based Travel Distribution Services (TDS).

The division, to be renamed Travelport Inc. when it is spun off as a separate company in October, includes three major travel brands -- Orbitz, Galileo and Gullivers Travel Associates -- that handle a variety of travel services for consumers and businesses.

Clarke takes over on May 1 for Ronald Nelson, Cendant's president and chief financial officer, who has served as interim president and CEO of the travel services division since December. That's when Samuel Katz was ousted as chairman and CEO after the travel unit had "fallen short" of 2005 targets because of slower overseas growth, Cendant CEO and Chairman Henry Silverman said at the time.

Clarke will join Gordon Bethune, former chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines, who was named chairman of Cendant's Travel Distribution Services division last month. Bethune will serve as non-executive chairman when Cendant spins off Travelport.

"Jeff Clarke has been a rising star in the technology sector for many years and I am delighted that he has agreed to accept the position as CEO and president," Silverman said in a statement.

"Jeff's unique experiences make him a seasoned executive who is well prepared to continue to strengthen TDS' position as one of the world's leading travel distribution services businesses," Silverman said. "Together with Gordon Bethune's extensive background in travel, our world-class management team is now complete."

Clarke, 44, began his career at Digital Equipment Corp. in 1985, holding several financial, operational and international positions before joining Compaq in 1998 as chief financial officer and senior vice president of finance and administration. He later led the company's integration with Hewlett-Packard.

Clarke moved to CA in 2004, and was responsible for sales, services, corporate strategy, business development, finance and information technology for the $3.5 billion company.

Travelport is expected to be the final spin-off in Cendant's strategy to split into four public companies. The real estate services division, to be called Realogy Corp., is expected to go public in June; the hotel division,

Wyndham Worldwide, is expected to be spun off in July or August. When Travelport is spun off, the fourth segment, the yet-unnamed auto rental division, will remain.

The travel services business was originally expected to be based in New York, site of Cendant's corporate headquarters, but plans now call for all four new companies to be based in Parsippany, spokesman Elliot Bloom said.

The potential value of the time share market in the Arab region is $1 billon, according to a study.

The research was commissioned by RCI Middle East, part of the global RCI Global Vacation Network, the largest vacation exchange and vacation rental organisation in the world and conducted across a sample of nationalities including Saudi Arabians, Kuwaitis, Emiratis, Iranians and Egyptians.

A preview of the findings said Arab nationals purchasing various types of shared ownership, is conservatively estimated at well over $1 billion. The research will be unveiled at a major leisure real estate industry symposium in Dubai on April 29.

Vivienne Noyes-Thomas, managing director of RCI Middle East: "The main purpose of the research is to quantify the potential pan-Arab market for luxury timeshare, fractional ownership and other types of shared ownership in leisure developments in the region. There are numerous superb projects in the planning stages, but now we can qualify what the consumer is really looking for and what this product can deliver in increased returns for developers and operators."

"The research is still being finalised so it's too early to be fully precise at this stage. But this news will be welcomed by the many industry delegates already signed up for our Symposium, 'New Horizons in Shared Ownership', taking place at the Burj Al Arab," added Noyes-Thomas.

Possibly one of the most exciting of these is the new trend for what is known as religious timeshare. A number of major projects are already underway in the Islamic centres of Makkah and Madinah and the research indicates these are likely to be highly popular amongst Muslim pilgrims.

Another pattern that the study has quantified is the regional preference to holiday close to home. The domestic tourism market in Saudi Arabia is understandably vast, with nearly half the Saudi respondents expressing a preference to holiday within the Kingdom.

"Our Symposium will not only provide a comprehensive insight into what people from the region are looking for from a purchase of one of these new types of leisure real estate, it will also provide information about the different business models and how they operate, as our many speakers from the industry share their expertise," said Noyes-Thomas.

Value Guaranteed Vacations Inc. (VGV Inc.), a subsidiary of RS GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. (OTCBB: RSGC), announced today that the company's participation at this year's American Resort Development Association (ARDA) convention in Las Vegas from March 27-29 has been deemed a success, as the company develops solid business opportunities.

The ARDA convention is one of the most prominent events in the resort industry. VGV Inc.'s participation at the convention for the past three years has helped build a recognizable presence for the company within the industry. The team attracted industry professionals to its booth with the program's unique Buy-Back Option, which guarantees Members the original purchase price of their timeshare after 10, 15, or 20 years of membership, and its many other benefits.

"Participating at the ARDA convention offers an opportunity to network with prominent professionals in the industry. We were able make solid contacts, and we believe the exchange of information on the convention floor is truly beneficial for all involved," said Betty Hutton, President of VGV (USA).

"The continual growth of the VGV™ Program is a testament to the industry's desire to find new avenues to offer value-added products to its target market. The team is already following up and confirming business opportunities developed at the show. With this success, we are already looking forward to and planning for next year's convention," added Ms. Hutton.

Pictures of the team at this year's ARDA convention are now available to view on the VGV Inc. Web site (www.vgvinc.com).

About Value Guaranteed Vacations Inc.

Value Guaranteed Vacations Inc.'s (VGV Inc.) affinity program, the VGV™ Program (http://www.vgvinc.com), offers, as one of its benefits, a put option which gives timeshare owners who become VGV™ Program members the right to sell their timeshare interests to VGV Inc. after 10 years of ownership for an amount equal to the original purchase price of the timeshare interest, excluding VGV™ Program membership fees and applicable taxes. This timeshare interest put option, which is not transferable, provides a ready-buyer should a timeshare owner wish to sell his or her timeshare interest. This membership program is in the process of being marketed to large timeshare developers and promoters, who will, in turn, offer the program to existing and prospective timeshare owners.

About RS Group of Companies, Inc.

RS Group of Companies, Inc. (http://www.rsgc.com) has developed and is implementing a strategy to design, structure and sell a broad series of pass-through risk specialty insurance and reinsurance platforms throughout North America. The company is structured as a holding company for an integrated group of businesses that operates in four distinct operating segments: residential rental services, timeshare affinity program, financial guarantee, and specialty insurance brokerage. Current offerings include RentShield® (http://www.rentshield.com), a Residential Rental Services Program being offered to North America's $300 billion residential real estate rental market, and Value Guaranteed Vacations, Inc.'s timeshare affinity program, VGV™ Program (http://www.vgvinc.com).

Prince George’s County is gearing up to meet the demand for the thousands of hospitality industry jobs expected to be generated by the National Harbor convention center project.

This week’s announcement that five additional hotel and timeshare chains are coming to National Harbor bumped the number of hospitality jobs to 2,800.

If the jobs were available today, they would not be filled locally, says Daniel Mosser, vice president for workforce development at Prince George’s Community College. But the college, using a $1 million contribution from Gaylord Hotels, plans to launch a Hospitality Institute this fall where local students can be trained. The hospitality industry is expected to grow by 50 percent countywide with the opening of National Harbor.

‘‘We have to build what we call a career pipeline, where youngsters that are interested in this career field will see the opportunities at National Harbor,” Mosser said.

The institute will offer two-year associate degree programs in lodging, culinary arts and food service, and meetings and convention planning.

Mosser said the program will use the kitchens of local high schools for training.

‘‘Our aim is to meet the workforce hospitality needs of the entire county, not just Gaylord,” Mosser said.

National Harbor also is expected to bring thousands of construction jobs to the county.

Prince George’s Community College issued a report last summer that detailed a workforce shortage to hit the county construction, hotel and hospital industries in the next five years. The report forecasts 13,417 new construction jobs in the county by 2010. Last year, county construction workers earned an average of $1,009 per week, according to data from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation in Annapolis, up from $953 per week in 2003.

Besides the 2,000-room Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the National Harbor project also will include units by Westin Hotels & Resorts, Fairfield Resorts, Hampton Inn & Suites, Residence Inn by Marriott and a W aloft Hotel by Starwood Hotels and Resorts. The roster adds 900 units to the project.

County officials and developers remain optimistic that most of the jobs can be filled by Prince George’s workers.

‘‘We certainly have the talent level and the amount of people that want to do it,” said county executive spokesman John Erzen. ‘‘It’s just a matter of getting them trained.”

M.H. ‘‘Jim” Estepp, CEO of the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable, said the community college is fulfilling its role.

‘‘That’s exactly what community colleges ought to be doing, is providing training ... for people in the local workforce,” Estepp said. ‘‘I think we will be able to meet that demand.”

The project is still on track to open in spring 2008, according to Jeff Parana, vice president for The Peterson Companies, which is developing the project. The Gaylord resort has already booked more than 600,000 room nights for conventions.

‘‘The majority of the jobs would be local,” Parana said. He estimated that the project as proposed would generate about 2,500 construction jobs and said developers want to fill them locally.

Peterson has launched a program to track down local and minority companies. Marriott’s minority business program aims to award 35 percent of the construction contracts to minority companies.

Bobby Henry, one of the partners in the Marriott program, said he would also like to see a training program similar to the one at Prince George’s Community College start at Bowie State University.

If the community college program starts this fall, students could graduate with a hospitality degree before the grand opening of the complex. Mosser said the program will offer a fast track, through which students could study 40 hours a week to earn a degree in eight months.

It may be the only game in town, as the College Park campus of the University of Maryland does not offer a hospitality program.

National Harbor will offer more than just hospitality jobs. The 300-acre completed product on the Potomac by Oxon Hill plans for 40 restaurants, 1 million square feet of retail and 4,000 total hotel rooms, in addition to office space and residential units.

Parana said Peterson still wants to bring high-end retail into the project.

Stars have vied for room at private and opulent One Devonshire Gardens for two decades - now their haven is up for sale

BEHIND the elegant Victorian facade, Rod Stewart has danced the conga and Britney Spears snacked on Tunnock's Teacakes.

Exclusive hotel One Devonshire Gardens celebrates its 20th birthday this year. And yesterday it was put up for sale at £8million.

Any buyer will take on a tradition steeped in celebrity.

Over the years this Glasgow attraction became a magnet for the rich and famous and welcomed a Who's Who of guests, among them Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Sir Elton John and George Clooney.

Devonshire is where the A-list retreat after a busy day's filming or a raucous night playing to sell-out crowds.

Its creator, Scots entrepreneur Ken McCulloch, has described transforming a dowdy townhouse terrace into an international establishment as his "finest hour".

Under his direction, the interior became the epitome of opulence, the service was exemplary and the food Michelin-starred.

Ken said: "I remember walking past a gentleman, saying good evening and then realising it was Henry Kissinger."

Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep described the hotel as "just gorgeous" and movie heart-throb George Clooney was so seduced by its elegance he toyed with buying a house like it in Glasgow.

Devonshire built its reputation on creating a home from home - and no request was too over-the-top.

Composer Leonard Bernstein had a Steinway piano specially delivered to his room, as did Sir Elton.

The latter stayed in the hotel when he performed at Ibrox stadium.

He and his entourage booked out one of the hotel's three townhouses and a vast bedroom was devoted exclusively to his flamboyant costumes and glasses.

One former employer said: "It was incredible. The room was filled with rail after rail of his crazy costumes and his glasses were laid out neatly in rows.

"He wanted to be able to walk in and choose his costume for that night. Then it all had to be packed up again."

Staff - in classic uniforms of pressed white shirts and black aprons - were given forensic briefs on guests and it wasn't unheard of for them to be sent to the library on research duty.

Workers were encouraged to spend one free night at the hotel as guests to see it from the other side. Wine expert Johnny Walker was the hotel's sommelier for 13 years and remembers the briefs from the stars' PRs as more demanding than the guests'.

Pop princess Britney booked the hotel two years ago when she played at the SECC. Her management were so aghast to find other guests there that the hotel agreed to turn all others away.

Then - even though a gym had been set up especially for her - she sat in her room scoffing Tunnock's Teacakes.

When Justin Timberlake stayed staff were warned not to look at him.

Johnny said: "Tina Turner's people were very forceful but she wasn't.

"We were told to order in crates of Diet Coke and that she would only drink Veuve Clicquot champagne.

"But it was an anti-climax. She drank tea and ordered in a Chinese takeaway."

He recalls the staff being nervous when INXS - then with late frontman Michael Hutchence - were due to arrive.

He said: "They had a wild reputation. Everyone thought they would smash the place up.

"But they were nice guys. Someone told Hutchence one of the waitresses was also Australian. He found her, gave her a kiss and the harmonica he had just been playing at his gig."

Wayward guests were treated with characteristic aplomb.

When a "tired" Bob Dylan wandered into a cupboard thinking it was a toilet, staff discreetly ushered him out.

Billy Connolly stayed for three months in 1998 while he filmed The Debt Collector but was politely refused when he'd wander into the kitchens begging master baker Jimmy Burgess to part with his secret shortbread recipe.

Johnny said one of the smartest moves McCulloch ever made was to keep the front door locked.

He said: "It made it private for visitors and the glitterati using the restaurant."

It also kept out another regular fixture - screaming girls.

They would stand in the cold for hours hoping to see their heroes.

Some celebrities were too precious to acknowlege them, but Johnny recalls Robbie Williams as attentive to his fans.

He said: "He would stick his head out the window and shout or wave to them. He seemed to have a lot of time for his fans." Another staff member remembers Rod Stewart and pals doing the conga through the hotel during a visit to Glasgow to watch Celtic.

The line disappeared into the cloakroom only to re-emerge led by Rod with a laundry basket over his head.

McCulloch sold the hotel for £3million in 2000 to luxury timeshare developer Residence International.

The new owners offered freebies to customers willing to hear a sales pitch.

When Michelin-starred chef Andrew Fairlie left, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay launched his restaurant Amaryllis in the hotel. However, it wasn't a success.

With £2million debts, Devonshire was placed in the hands of the receivers.

But it returned to profit under its latest owners, the Citrus Hotels Group who installed the £1000 Mews Suite and the upmarket brasserie, Room.

Three months ago, Room's trendy S Bar boasted Motley Crue in one corner, REM in another and Robert Carlyle in the middle.

Angelina Jolie has eaten there, as have Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, who chose a quiet spot to feed toddler Apple.

Twenty years on, and One Devonshire is still a celebrity favourite.

Lake Delton - Bluegreen Corporation wants to build a 76-unit timeshare development at Treasure Island resort, the Lake Delton plan commission and village board heard Monday.

Village engineer John Langhans recommended approving the conceptual plans for the development, provided issues with watermains, easements, new roads, and parking and internal signage are taken care of.

"We are recommending that the water main shall be extended along Clara Avenue to serve this development. So an extension of the Clara Avenue water main is to extend to the east of the proposed access drive to the property line. The developers have proposed the interconnection of the private Treasure Island main to the existing private main to connect that to this proposed Bluegreen system," Langhans said.

However, due to differing interpretations of municipal codes, Langhans said connecting the private main to the proposed development is not allowed.

"Both myself and the developer's consultants are trying to work with the regulatory agencies Department of Commerce and PSC, as well as DNR to find out if this is actually a legal situation," Langhans said. "Future determination on the feasibility of this shall be made pending code clarification from the regulators."

Langhans told the board the shared water main issue may not be a problem at all because the Bluegreen parcel could use a separate main. "Then this issue goes away," Langhans said.

The existing 40 foot access easement off Clara Avenue has been looked at, and Langhans said it would need to be expanded to 66 feet so that the easement could connect Clara Avenue and Highway 12. "All of that would be on currently Mattei-owned property," he said.

The easement would allow for shared access and possibly a future right of way between Clara Avenue and Highway 12, Langhans said.

Langhans also recommended a new roadway be installed from the existing Treasure Island parking lot to the proposed shared access for Bluegreen off Clara Avenue.

Internal signs will need to be developed by Bluegreen and Treasure Island to instruct guests where and how to exit the property on Clara Avenue. The main exit for the proposed development would be off Clara Avenue, so as to not further congest Highway 12.

Langhans asked that the proposed Bluegreen parking lot be revised so it would not encroach onto the proposed easement. "It looks like that can be easily accommodated," he said.

A three-party development agreement will be necessary to address development issues with the project, Langhans said.

Since this project is only at the conceptual stage, further plans would need to be submitted for final approval.

Carter Arndt, an architect with ADCI also spoke at the plan commission meeting. He told the commission Bluegreen, which is a vacation timeshare company, was looking forward to coming to Lake Delton. Bluegreen is not new to the area, as one of its timeshare developments, Christmas Mountain Village, is off County H in Dellona.

Arndt told the commission he feels the plans submitted to the village are consistent with Langhans' recommendations and concerns.

Village trustee and commission member Jeff Hynum asked Langhans about the impact of the traffic on Clara Avenue. Langhans said right now, Clara Avenue already gets quite a bit of traffic from Treasure Island, and he doesn't think an exit on Clara Avenue would be a problem. Down the road, Langhans said, traffic issues on Clara Avenue may need to be revisited.

Hynum said, "If we recommend it to them (Bluegreen) that we would like them going out the back rather than out the front because it would impact Highway 12, that same impact could have an impact on Clara Avenue - not necessarily traffic wise but road widths, road quality-wise."

Village trustee and commission member Tom Diehl said it was like Noah's Ark, with one entrance on Highway 12 and two exits not on Highway 12. Internal signs, Diehl said, would direct traffic to where it needed to be.

Langhans said he did not recommend a traffic impact analysis for this particular development.

Hynum asked Langhans if he had ever driven on Clara Avenue at night, to which Langhans said he didn't think he had.

The commission approved recommendation to the village board.

At the village board meeting the same day, Diehl read Langhans recommendations to the board. Without any discussion, conceptual approval was given to Bluegreen, provided they clear up the issues Langhans described.

Grandview of China, a company based in Tennessee, has signed an exclusive agreement with Shenyang Sing Feng Da Tour Consultation and Service Ltd to provide its expertise in the establishment and development of timesharing and fractional property laws, oversight, enforcement, licensing, training as well as selling, managing and developing holiday exchange.

The agreement includes 422 resorts located in Beijing, Shanghai and other cities in southern China. More than half are five- and four-star resorts. All in all there are 75,000 exchange weeks covered in the agreement.

In addition to providing all training and continuing education necessary to ensure the Chinese meet or exceed U.S. and international standards, Grandview of China will also offer travel packages.

Brian Kemp, chief operating officer of Grandview, with the counsel of Gray Sasser – son of a former US Ambassador to China – and Joe Looney, former legal counsel for Fairfield Communities, drafted the laws enacted on March 20 for the purpose of regulating timeshare fractional and holiday club offerings for all provinces in the People’s Republic of China.

Mr Kemp said: “Although China had enacted Real Property Law recently, nothing had been codified in the timeshare/fractional sector. Now that it has, our industry may move forward with providing the best vacation products possible to the Chinese public as well as tourists and visitors from abroad.”

Police in the Canary Islands have arrested a gang which defrauded European tourists out of millions of euros in a holiday club scam.

According to press reports, police carried out five raids and arrested 28 people. Eight luxury cars were seized along with various documents and €60,640 in cash. Bank accounts with deposits of €372,783 were also frozen.

Victims of the fraud came from across Europe although the gang appeared to target German nationals. The holidaymakers were offered discount trips all over the world on payment of deposits between €1,000 and €10,000. Subsequently they never heard from the gang or the conditions of their ‘membership’ were dramatically changed.

The company, called Design Vacations, was based in the Seychelles but registered in Gibraltar.

When a government-funded Consumer Direct help-line took a call from a Yorkshire couple seeking advice, it set in motion a chain of events that led to the company being wound up by the Department of Trade and Industry.

The couple had been to a presentation by PR Holidays Ltd., a Liverpool company offering membership of an internet-based holiday club called Network Vacations. It offered lifetime access to a wide range of discount holiday accommodations all over the world.

The idea appealed to the couple who were looking to end a timeshare deal which tied them to the same place every year. They had also been convinced by the company’s ‘soft-sell’ approach and subsequently signed a membership contract that gave them the option to trade-in their timeshare as part payment.

On returning home they became suspicious when they noticed that some of the accommodation on offer was, in fact, available at cheaper rates through other deals. They then contacted Consumer Direct, the DTI-backed consumer help-line, who told them that Network Vacations – the web site being promoted by PR Holidays – was already in liquidation after a separate DTI action, saving them from a costly mistake. Consumer Direct also referred the matter to local Trading Standards for action.

Gerry Sutcliffe, consumer affairs minister, said: “Consumer Direct is playing a crucial role in helping consumers and in ensuring that its Trading Standards partners are able to focus on clamping down on rogue traders.”

The company was closed down by the High Court and in his summing up the Judge agreed there were “serious irregularities” and an “unsavoury feel” to the company’s dealings.

RCI Global Vacation Network, formerly Cendant Vacation Network Group, has announced that the new name of its Leisure Real Estate Solutions business is NorthCourse. The two components of the company are NorthCourse Advisory Services and NorthCourse Turnkey Solutions.

Preben Vestdam will continue as president and chief executive officer and oversee all of NorthCourse’s global business activities. Kevin Wallace – former managing director of Ragatz Consulting – has been appointed chief executive officer of NorthCourse Advisory Services. He succeeds veteran research guru Richard Ragatz who has stepped down from his role with the RCI Global Vacation Network.

Mr Vestdam said: “The leisure real estate market is rapidly growing and our range of services can help new real estate developers interested in the shared ownership industry achieve their goals.”

The NorthCourse workforce comprises industry experts who are able to help developers with everything from pre-development feasibility studies to sales and marketing. Their areas of expertise include consulting, business development, project management, financial planning and market research.

They operate out of offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, China and Singapore.

OTE-member Hapimag, the self-styled European leader in the market for ‘holiday rights of residence,’ achieved a consolidated group profit of CHF 1.6 million in 2005.

The Swiss-based company “was driven by the clear need to reach breakeven in the company results”. It hailed the achievement as a major milestone in the consolidation of its traditionally run business activities.

The number of Hapimag members rose in 2005 to 138,425.
Long-term changes were forming a strong foundation for new activities, the company said in a statement.

They include a plan to bolster membership through golf activities. Hapimag is reviewing its overall product and portfolio strategy to ensure that its services are ‘genuinely future-proof’. At the same time core business processes – sales, member and holiday services and properties – are also being upgraded with the aid of improved use of Information Technology.

RCI is to close its offices in Verona at the end of the month. The Italian headquarters of the exchange company will relocate to Monteriggioni in Tuscany, effective 1 May.

RCI joined forces with the Vacation Rental Group last year to form the Cendant Vacation Network Group. Subsequently it spent a number of months evaluating the structure of the business and exploring opportunities to improve customer focus and operations throughout Europe, said the company.

All existing departments in Verona will move to Monteriggioni and a number of new staff will be hired from the local area.

The first full service spa hotel and timeshare resort will open in St Petersburg next year.

The project is a cooperative venture between Holiday Club Finland and the Finnish real estate company Dividum, owned by London & Regional Properties. It will feature a series of timeshare apartments in accordance with Holiday Club’s city spa concept that combines a versatile, quality spa hotel with timeshare units.

Other features of the development include 285 hotel rooms, a full service spa, sauna, pool as well as a wide range of physical and mental fitness services for adults.

The St. Petersburg project continues the company’s expansion in the Nordic countries and the Baltic States. Vesa Tengman, president and CEO of Holiday Club, said his company had a goal of €200 million for its turnover in 2010. One of the cornerstones of growth is taking the successful city spa concept to new towns and cities in the Baltic States, the Nordic countries and Northwestern Russia.

The spa hotel in St. Petersburg is an extension of the Tallinn (Estonia) spa project and the spa hotel that was opened in Åre (Sweden) in 2005. “We are still surveying the expansion of the spa concept to other major cities in the Baltic and Nordic countries,” said Mr Tengman.

The new city spa will be situated at the historical city centre on Vasili Iland, near The Hermitage and other important landmarks. Its location makes it “a good pilot for this huge market”. Mr Tengman added: “When the product and services are at the level of Holiday Club, the timeshare sales potential is excellent. We are looking forward to a major level of increase in the sales of timeshare apartments in Russia and the Baltic States as well as in Finland and Sweden.”

Nick Knowles wants your help, questions, challenges and advice. Following on from holiday-hit, Departure Lounge, he's presenting a new series for BBC One, going on air in May, but it's you, the holiday-taking audience, who'll set his agenda.

Nick wants to hear from you, he wants your travel questions, your challenges, your ideas about taking a great holiday, to hear about your holiday experiences, good and bad.

Holiday alternative
For example, if you always go on holiday to the same place every year, tell us about that place and what the usual cost of your holiday is. Nick and the team will try to come up with an extraordinary alternative for you - instead of two weeks in Spain, you could be going to South Africa with us.

Alternatively, you might be thinking about visiting a destination that may just be past its sell-by-date, so do you want to know: would Croatia be a good, similarly priced, sunny and fun alternative to the Costas?

Bad experience?
Not everyone has a great time on holiday, we want to hear about your experiences:

- If you've had an awful time at a reputable hotel tell us about that.
- If you're single, you'll know all about the 'single room' supplement, but do you have other examples from your holidays where being single has cost you an excessive amount?
- What are your experiences of holidaying with school-aged children? Have you tried travelling during term-time to avoid paying the high prices during the summer holidays?

Whatever the issue or problem, let us know and we will try to investigate.

Do you need an 'International Rescue'?

- Are you anxious about a holiday you are about to go on OR are you on holiday already and having a disastrous time?

We're here to help; contact us and tell us what the problem is and let's see if our crack holiday task force can solve it.

Challenge Nick
Maybe you'd like to see a famous New Yorker's guide to that city. Can Nick organise it? Maybe you're planning to get married in Las Vegas, but can you just turn up and hope to get the best tickets to the best show in town as a celebration on your honeymoon? Nick will fly there and find out, and if he can, then you can.

Nick and the team are planning weekly visits to short-haul destinations served by the budget airlines - Easyjet, BMI Baby, Flybe, Ryanair etc - BUT we'd like your advice on what to do when we get there. This is your chance to tell US what is best AND worst about a destination.

So if you've been to Genoa, Gdänsk, Krakow, Bergerac, Oslo, Brno, Ljubljana, Split or anywhere else to which the budget airlines fly, then tell us where our reporters should stay, what they should not miss while they're there and where they should eat, drink and be merry...

This is your show, get in contact and we’ll make sure YOU are the stars.

All you need to do is email them at holiday@bbc.co.uk. Please put FAO of Nick Knowles Programme in the subject line to ensure that it reaches them.

RCI Travel has stopped selling Freedom Flights because the operator is cutting commission to 10%.

The Cendant-owned holiday timeshare company has sold Freedom Flights to clients for the past two years but will now use alternatives, said commercial director UK travel Martin Andrew.

RCI Travel is one of Freedom Flights’ top five customers.

“We had an agreement with them and they are not honouring it,” said Andrew.

“We are not ruling out working with Freedom Flights again, but the company must be prepared to offer the commercial terms we agreed.”

Freedom Flights will reduce agent commission from its current average of 14% to a blanket 10% from April 3, in line with UK seat-only rivals including Thomas Cook and Thomson (Travel Weekly March 10).

Freedom Flights managing director Paul Moss said most agents understand the commercial reasons behind the decision.

He said Freedom Flights had not seen any fall in sales since the announcement, but a few agents had been “very, very disappointed”.

“RCI has been a valuable customer of Freedom Flights and it is with great regret we are unable to continue that relationship,” Moss said.

Meanwhile, Avro managing director Michael Vinales has cut commissions to most agency partners in a bid to “stay competitive”.

Vinales declined to give details however until now, Avro has paid an average 13%-14% commmissions to agents.

TRAVEL agents have been advised to prepare for disruption to British Airways' services amid fears of another summer of strikes.

The carrier is in talks with unions over its plan to raise staff retirement age and cap pension payments to help close a £1 billion deficit in its pension funds.

Both sides insist there has been no discussion of strikes, but industrial action has not been ruled out if a deal can¹t be reached, threatening a fourth successive summer of disruption.

Advantage business travel director Norman Gage has advised agents to consider how to minimise disruption for clients if industrial action goes ahead.

Gage advised agents to sell other airline carriers where possible, and warned customers of the risk of booking direct if a strike is likely. He also suggested double-booking customers whose travel plans are inflexible.

"Agents should be asking questions now because it will allow them to react quickly should strikes occur," he said.

"As we saw last summer, what looks like a negative thing for agents can become a positive if they look after clients in ways the Internet can't."

Peregrination travel agency managing director Geoff Dykes said speculation about strikes at BA "will certainly colour our decisions regarding who we recommend to customers".

However, Major Travel general manager John Dellaway said it will be impossible to avoid disruption if BA workers go on strike again. "The only thing an agent can do is warn clients likely to book online that they will be on their own in the event of a strike.

"That might just convince people to book with a travel agent."

Hotel and tourism bosses in Spain are fuming over the consequences of the country's new anti-smoking law.

Professionals attended a meeting held in Valencia and claim revenue in hotels, cafes and bars has fallen by 50 percent, as smokers prefer to go and have a coffee or a drink in smaller bars where the rules don't apply.

According to the new anti-tobacco laws in Spain, smaller premises can permit smoking as long as a notice is displayed in the window to this effect.

Representives from different hotel and tourism associations told the media they were extremely worried about the negative effect the smoking ban was having on profits, and they fear there's worse is to come.

The tourism industry across Europe is rejoicing at the new relaxed rules for duty-free goods which will comes into force next year (2007).

The new European Commission Directive nearly triples allowances for items purchased outside the EU and will lift the spirits of 1.5 million UK holidaymakers who visit the top two shopping destinations outside the EU - New York and Dubai.

The limits for general goods has increased from £175 to £500 for air travellers (Approximately £120 to £340) and £220 for car and boat passengers.

Meanwhile there will be an increase from 2 to 4 litres on wine
and no limit for perfume and eau de toilette. For fortified and sparkling wines, spirits and tobacco there will be no change but a limit of 16 litres will be introduced for beer.

ABTA spokesman, Keith Betton told Real Holiday Guides: "For many holidaymakers, shopping and bargain hunting is an integral part of
experiencing the delights of a destination. This increase will give them more freedom, even though we would have liked to see a bigger rise."

The cost of making mobile phone calls on holiday in Europe will be cut by up to sixty per cent.

The move comes after the European Union said that it would abolish unacceptable surcharges imposed by operators for using phones abroad.

The new costs should come in by the summer of 2007 in a major effort to scrap the "unjustified" high costs customers are charged.

The Commission said it would draft a law that could eliminate charges by next summer for receiving a call in another EU country, meaning travellers would be charged the same price they face at home. That could mean savings of 40% to 60%.

EU Information Society Commissioner Viviane Reding said: "Today it is only when using your mobile phone abroad you realize that there are still borders in Europe."

Thousands of British property buyers who have homes in the plush Spanish resort of Marbella are facing the bulldozers after a €1 billion scam was uncovered.

The mayor, councillors, developers, notaries, lawyers and businessmen are among 23 people arrested in connection with an alleged racket.

It is estimated that in the past decade 30,000 illegal buildings have been erected in Marbella, of which 4,500 face court decisions as to whether they will be demolished.

Many of the buildings were constructed too close to the sea, on public parkland or in the green belt.

Rising demand among Britons for second and retirement homes in Spain has helped to fuel an epidemic of illegal construction on the costas.

Nearly 500,000 Britons live in Spain, 95 per cent of them in coastal areas and 300,000 in the Costa del Sol alone. On average they spend £86,000 to £92,000, although many properties are sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds.

More than a million Georgians could be evacuated after being told they are at risk from catastrophic flooding, landslides and mud flows, says the country's chief environmental adviser.
Geologists and other experts are examining mountainsides and river valleys so people in disaster-prone areas can be evacuated in time.

The homes of 400,000 families in 3,000 settlements are at risk, says Emi Tsereteli, of the State University of Georgia, head of the environment ministry emergency taskforce. He blamed Georgia's worsening problems on climate change and man-made factors such as illegal logging on steep mountainsides.

What Prof Tsereteli fears most, however, are the heavy rains, which have caused serious flooding across much of central Europe, falling on the snow-covered Caucasus mountains to the north. The spring snow melt in Georgia is also expected within two weeks.
Typical of precautions is the emptying of the Zahesi hydro-electric dam 45 miles north of the capital, Tbilisi, to manage floodwaters on the Aragvi river. An emergency committee advised the move to prevent floodwater spilling over the dam and wrecking the power station below. Even so, homes on the riverbanks upstream are expected to be damaged or swept away by the spring floods.

"Mud flows, landslides, flooding and other gravitational processes are costing Georgia at least $150m (£85m) a year in damage, and it could easily reach as much as $1bn," the professor said.

The situation was particularly bad now because of heavy winter snow. "As soon as the temperature rises the snow will melt. If it rains at the same time then the floods and subsequent landslides would be very serious."

Over the past 30 years, he said, 50,000 families had been relocated due to environmental disasters but every year Georgia faces a worse situation, he said.

A major fear is mudslides, caused by melting glaciers which have cut deep into the hillside, as happened on the Russian side of the Caucasus when the Kolka glacier collapsed in September 2002. The resultant avalanche of ice, snow and rocks travelled 8 miles, swallowing the village of Nizhny Karmadon and killing 125.

Prof Tsereteli said the highway running north through the mountains to Russia could be cut by landslides, along with a vital gas pipeline. The annual Aragvi river flood is expected on April 15, said Emzar Chachkhiani, technical director at the Zhinvali dam. He said the Zahesi dam had already been half-emptied.

The new lounge, part of a £10 million re-development of Glasgow Airport’s international pier, is scheduled to open at the start of April, but already over 2,500 advance bookings have been taken through BAA’s partner website holidayextras.

Passengers using the new lounge are in for a tasty treat. The holiday wing will be sponsored by one of Scotland’s most famous brands, Tunnock’s, the Uddingston based makers of Tunnock’s Teacakes, Caramel Wafers and Snowballs.

A new prestige business lounge, Glasgow Airport’s first dedicated business lounge, will also open to cater for the growing business market. The business wing will be sponsored by Glasgow: Scotland with style.

Both lounges will be marketed under the new brand, ‘skylounge’ and will offer state of the art facilities. The holiday lounge is aimed at the family market. Children will be kept entertained with toys, games consoles, DVDs and digital TV, while their parents relax and enjoy the contemporary surroundings.

Business travellers are also catered for with a dedicated, adults only, wing offering commanding views of Ben Lomond. Business passengers flying with Emirates, Icelandair, American Airlines and flyglobespan, amongst others, will enjoy free access to the new business wing. Priority Pass card holders will also be entitled to access the skylounge.

Both lounges will offer internet access, newspapers and magazines, tea, coffee, snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Paul White, commercial manager at Glasgow Airport, said: "The new lounges offer superb facilities for leisure and business passengers. Whether you’re travelling on business to Dubai, or planning a fun family holiday in Spain, Glasgow Airport’s skylounge is the perfect way to start your trip."

"We are delighted with the support of our two principal sponsors, Tunnock`s and Glasgow:Scotland with style, two very different, but distinctive, Scottish brands that in their own way reflect the spirit of skylounge."

skylounge opens to the public on 1 April and is part of a £10 million overhaul of Glasgow Airport’s international pier which also includes new retail units, bars and restaurants in the existing international departure lounge.

Cendant Travel Distribution Services (TDS), a division of Cendant Corp. announced a multi-year agreement to provide Virgin America with Cendant TDS` next-generation Passenger Services System (PSS), aiRES. Virgin America, a new U.S.-based airline start-up company, will utilize aiRES as a foundation in its strategy to utilize the world`s most advanced technologies to provide customers with best-in-class service and operational integrity as key differentiators.

aiRES provides the most innovative and flexible technical solution available in the industry today, and its extraordinary customer-centric design was a key consideration in the decision by Virgin America to select the system. aiRES is built from the ground up on open systems technology and is designed to replace less flexible, more expensive hosting systems common in the industry.

The new, more efficient system is able to support growth by providing comprehensive passenger reservations, inventory control, fares, ticketing, and departure control functions and sustains a myriad of different airline business models for today`s evolving environment. Designed to be fully configurable, aiRES allows airlines to respond quickly to changing competitive initiatives and market changes, without the need for complex and costly development. aiRES can reduce passenger service costs, improve customer service, and enable customer self service, while maintaining the flexibility to compete and succeed in this evolving market.

"The industry-leading, customer-centric functionality and flexibility that aiRES provides will enable Virgin America to provide our customers with state-of-the-art access and ease of use through advanced technology," said Brian Clark, vice president - Planning and Sales, Virgin America. "The open architecture and extended configurability will allow Virgin America to extend our business model in an efficient and cost-effective manner."

Through its open architecture, the new technology enables a number of attractive customer service functions, including a three-step booking process and a seven-second check-in at the airport, improving customer service and resulting in increased efficiency for the airline. aiRES also enables airlines to broaden their customer service offerings by integrating their distribution channels with other travel services. For example, when returning a rental car, a customer could also receive an airline boarding pass. In addition, the architecture can enable real time customer notifications of service impact situations, such as a weather delay or other flight schedule changes.

"aiRES is filling the industry need for an integrated, multi-hosting system built around a customer-centric design that will provide the right foundation for future success for an airline," said Flo Lugli, senior vice president, Airline Solutions, Cendant Travel Distribution Services.

"Virgin America`s goal is to build an innovative, new breed airline based on safe and efficient operations, low costs and outstanding guest service," adds Lugli. "We are pleased to provide this new generation solution for Virgin America and to partner with its management team to help make this vision a reality."

In September 2005, Cendant TDS announced WestJet Airlines as its launch customer for aiRES. Cendant has brought aiRES to market through a business alliance with IBS Software Services, a eader in software solutions and services to the global travel, transportation and logistics industries. This partnership between two industry leaders attributes the primary responsibility for product development and support to IBS and the primary responsibility for product management, sales, marketing, and customer relationships to Cendant TDS.

Air France to fly first aircraft with inflight mobile phone system

Air France will take delivery in early 2007 of the first Airbus aircraft line fitted with the OnAir GSM equipment enabling the use of mobile phones on board, it was announced at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.

Air France will receive the first aircraft, a single-aisle Airbus A318 that will have the OnAir system pre-installed, and will conduct a six month commercial trial using the new service. The passenger trials will take place on short-haul flights within Europe and to and from North African destinations, and will help Air France to consider every impact this new service may have on the cabin environment and the travel experience.

George Cooper, OnAir CEO, said: "Delivery of the first aircraft to be fitted with our system is a landmark development in this industry. It prepares the ground for many types of aircraft to be similarly equipped."

"OnAir is pleased that an Air France A318 aircraft will be the first off the Airbus assembly line with this equipment installed and that the airline has committed to a six months trial of our system. This is a further endorsement of our service. This aircraft will be flying as part of one of the world’s largest airlines and this therefore represents a very significant step forward for OnAir."

Rudiger Fuchs, Airbus SVP Cabin & Cargo Customisation and member of the OnAir Board points out: "By introducing onboard mobile communication services Airbus underlines its leadership in cabin innovations. As a very important Airbus customer, we are particularly delighted to deliver the first aircraft to Air France; for the airline industry in general, we expect this to be the first of many line- and retrofit aircraft, enabling airlines to respond to growing passenger demand to communicate onboard."

The OnAir service will allow Air France travellers to use their own GSM mobile phones and GPRS-enabled devices such as the BlackBerry or Treo, to make and receive voice calls or to send and receive SMS messages or emails during the flight without harmful interference to the aircraft navigation systems.

For the tenth consecutive year, Interval International is a platinum sponsor of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC) slated for April 4-6, 2006 at The Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda. Founded by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the conference’s objectives are to improve the tourism investment and operating climate across the Caribbean, increase awareness of the development opportunities available in the region, and stimulate a continuing flow of both equity and loan capital into the market.

"Our alliance and financial support of CHA and CTO endeavors is consistent with Interval International’s long-term commitment to the Caribbean tourism and hospitality industry," said David Callaghan, vice president, resort sales and service for Interval International. "Vacation ownership continues to grow in the Caribbean region and the investment opportunities for both brands and independent hoteliers are tremendous."

"Interval International has supported this conference from its inception and has continued to help the Caribbean Hotel Association put many aspects of the program together," said Alec Sanguinetti, chief executive officer, CHA. "They also have a proven track record in stimulating new investment opportunities and encouraging investment-related initiatives throughout the Caribbean."

This event has become a premier forum for government officials, industry leaders, and the investment community to study key issues, which impact the future of investment and development in the Caribbean region.

"Interval International’s long-standing dedication has been a considerable factor in the growth of this program and the Caribbean region as a whole," said Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Secretary General, CTO. "We appreciate the company’s loyalty and their unfailing support of our efforts and look forward to their continued participation in future Caribbean hotel, tourism and investment conferences and other activities.

This year’s conference will feature a session titled “Timeshare & Fractional Deals,” which will educate attendees on the opportunities associated with investment in the vacation ownership industry.

As a Strategic Partner of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and a Board Member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Education Foundation, Interval has been a long-time supporter of the tourism industry in the Caribbean. Interval is committed to understanding the unique needs of the Caribbean region and providing products and programs tailored to this market.

"Interval continues to be a very valuable Strategic Partner of the CHA based on the quality and caliber of their operations and their dedication to the Caribbean hospitality industry," said Sanguinetti. "The enduring commitment of companies such as Interval allows us to meet our long-term objectives in the region."

In the Caribbean, Interval is the leading provider of quality vacation ownership exchange services. For its current roster of Caribbean resort developer clients, and new entrants into the vacation ownership development industry, Interval offers a range of services including program design, sales and marketing support, reservations, travel and financial services.

Hyatt Launches Non-Smoking and Bed Type Room Guarantees

Today, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts launches non-smoking and bed type room guarantees at its properties around the world, ensuring guests receive the accommodations they requested at the time of reservation.

Under the non-smoking guarantee, if the non-smoking room is not available upon check in, the guest will be given choice of $100 Hyatt gift card or 5,000 Hyatt Gold Passport bonus points as compensation. 5,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points is equivalent to one free night at select Hyatt Hotels & Resorts worldwide.

The bed type guarantee is available exclusively for Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond and Platinum members, the two highest tiers in Hyatt's frequent guest program, and ensures that if the reserved room with preferred bed type is not available upon check-in, the guest will be given 5,000 Hyatt Gold Passport bonus points to add to their account.

"Hotel guests have come to deserve a certain caliber of service and accommodations from Hyatt and we strive to continually raise the bar," said Matt Adams, vice president of operations, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. "With these new guarantees, we are reassuring our clientele that they will receive exactly what they requested when making the reservation, and if by chance they don't, we will make it up to them generously."

About Global Hyatt

There are 216 Hyatt hotels and resorts (over 90,000 rooms) in 44 countries around the world, operating under the Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Grand Hyatt® and Park Hyatt® brands. Currently, there are an additional 29 Hyatt hotels and resorts under development, including 10 new hotels in China. Hyatt Corporation (domestic U.S., Canada and Caribbean hotels) and Hyatt International Corporation (international properties) are subsidiaries of Chicago-based Global Hyatt Corporation. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc. (timeshare), Hyatt Equities, L.L.C. (hotel ownership), and U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. (which franchises Hawthorn Suites and Microtel).

In January 2005, Global Hyatt Corporation also added an additional 143 U.S. properties to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of the upscale, limited service AmeriSuites hotel chain. These properties will be renovated and repositioned under the new Hyatt Place select service brand in 2006.

From the U.S. and Canada, reservations for any Hyatt hotel worldwide may be obtained by calling 1-800-233-1234 or logging onto www.hyatt.com.

InnSeason Resorts, a hospitality and resort ownership brand, based on Cape Cod (MA), announces the addition of the Mountainview Resort in Jackman, Maine to its portfolio of resort properties. Mountainview Resort becomes InnSeason Resorts second Maine property and first resort encompassing the many vacation opportunities found in the states interior.

Noted for its four-season vacation experience, the Mountainview Resort is nestled in the rugged mountains of Western Maine and features both individual log homes and spacious units in the resorts main lodge. All accommodations afford spectacular mountain views and numerous on-site amenities, including two swimming pools, fitness area, sauna and recreation center.

InnSeason Resorts will brand Mountainview Resort as one of its own vacation properties. "InnSeason Resorts Mountainview will offer our members a new and exciting four-season option in Maine, perfect for the real outdoorsman", notes William E. Billy Curran, Chief Executive Officer of InnSeason Resorts. "We are passionate about our vacation owners getting the best in accommodations, service and hospitality when they visit our resorts. InnSeason Resorts Mountainview provides another exciting new option to the Northeast Experience."

Curran continues: "Everyone knows that Maine is special. With this resort, we can now provide InnSeason Resorts members with the opportunity to learn just how special."

InnSeason Resorts plans include continued improvements, as well as an expansion of the resort, with ongoing upgrades and the construction of additional residence cabins. InnSeason Resorts anticipates inaugurating sales and re-development in mid-2006.

The on-site management team of Phil and Sandy Stevens, who founded the resort eight years ago, will remain in place, ensuring a timely and smooth transition.
"I am very excited that Mountainview Resort is the newest InnSeason Resorts property", states Sandy, Mountainview's resort manager. "Their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction will definitely enhance the vacation possibilities for Mountainview's owners."

InnSeason Resorts delivers the Northeast Experience to vacationers worldwide. Headquartered on Cape Cod, InnSeason Resorts provides over 100,000 customers with ownership opportunities, managing over 219,000 lodging nights each year across nine hotel, timeshare and condominium properties in the New England.

InnSeason Resorts, is a regional brand of family-oriented resorts that combine the marketing resources of Curran Management Services and its founder, William E. Billy Curran, president and CEO; and the development and operations expertise of Dennis M. Ducharme, RRP, managing partner. InnSeason Resorts provides professional property management services to its resorts and affiliates, with locations stretching from the beaches of Massachusetts' Cape Cod and coastal Maine, to the mountains of New Hampshire and Western Maine.

InnSeason Resorts, The Northeast Experience, include: InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook and InnSeason Resorts South Mountain, Lincoln (NH); InnSeason Resorts Falls at Ogunquit (ME) and InnSeason Resorts Mountainview, Jackman (ME); InnSeason Resorts Captains Quarters, Falmouth (MA). Managed Resorts include: The Holly Tree Resort, West Yarmouth (MA); and the Surfside Resort, Falmouth (MA). For more information, go to www.innseason.com or call 1-866 8-SEASON.

Cendant Corporation Announces Filing of Realogy Corporation Registration Statement

Cendant Corporation today announced that Realogy Corporation, its wholly owned subsidiary and intended parent company of its Real Estate Services Division, has filed a registration statement on Form 10 with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with Realogy's planned separation from Cendant pursuant to Cendant's previously announced separation plan. The separation of Realogy continues to be expected in June 2006.

It is also expected that Realogy will apply to have its common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "H".

Cendant also announced that its next major milestone in its plan to separate Cendant into four companies will be the filing of a registration statement on Form 10 for Wyndham Worldwide, the intended parent company of Cendant's Hospitality Services and Timeshare Resorts businesses

Firefighters rescued 10 people from several second-story balconies as a fire raced through a timeshare apartment building early Sunday.

The blaze, which was reported at 3:32 a.m., destroyed the 14-unit building. The building was part of the 256-acre Powhatan Plantation, a guarded resort on Ironbound Road.

Firefighters arrived nine minutes after the fire was reported and immediately realized that people were in danger, said James City County Fire District Chief Buster Canaday.

"It was a pretty serious situation to where time was of the essence," Canaday said. "I'm amazed that there were no (serious) injuries."

The fire forced at least 12 people to the back of the building. Ten people were helped out by the firefighters and two people jumped from balconies, Canaday said.

Two children and 14 adults were examined at the scene but were not hospitalized.

Firefighters aren't sure where the blaze started or what caused it, Canaday said.

Witnesses said the fire was fast moving and cars could be seen exploding in front of the building.

Canaday described the blaze as "spectacular."

It took about two hours for 50 firefighters from James City, Williamsburg and York County to get the blaze under control, Canaday said.

Firefighters returned to the scene Sunday afternoon to search for any pockets of fire inside the rubble.

Eight vehicles remained in front of the building. There was so much damage to the vehicles that it was hard to tell their color.

Heat from the fire melted the siding from another apartment building, about 50 feet away from the building that burned.

Twenty-six people were staying in 10 of the units, said Canaday and Harry Myrin, the resort's interim manager.

Many of those guests were set to leave in the next day or so, Myrin said.

The resort provided the displaced guests with other places to stay.

The resort also was working to provide transportation home for those whose vehicles were destroyed.

"We're blessed that everyone got out," Myrin said.