News

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  1. Eurostar to Rename Train in Honor of Fallen WW I Veterans

    Eurostar, the international high-speed passenger train operator which links the U.K. with the continent, will host a train ceremony naming at St. Pancras International by HRH The Duke of Kent on the morning of the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles. The Eurostar train will be named “Remembering Fromelles” and will carry guests to Lille in Northern France which is only a short distance away from the village of Fromelles where the first war cemetery in 50 years will be officially dedicated by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC). This event is the culmination of a significant collaboration between the CWGC, and the Australian and British governments, on whose behalf the CWGC has managed the Fromelles project.


    Eurostar, the international high-speed passenger train operator which links the U.K. with the continent, will host a train ceremony naming at St. Pancras International by HRH The Duke of Kent on the morning of the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles. The Eurostar train will be named “Remembering Fromelles” and will carry guests to Lille in Northern France which is only a short distance away from the village of Fromelles where the first war cemetery in 50 years will be officially dedicated by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC). This event is the culmination of a significant collaboration between the CWGC, and the Australian and British governments, on whose behalf the CWGC has managed the Fromelles project.


    Eurostar will play a pivotal role in carrying over 400 guests, including many of the relatives of those who died during the Battle of Fromelles, to Lille to attend the event. In 1916, the Australian and British forces suffered over 7,000 casualties in little over 24 hours, including over 2,000 killed. Buried by the Germans in several mass graves, the 250 soldiers who were carefully exhumed in 2009 have all now been reburied in individual graves at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, with military honors. Using DNA testing and by gathering other pieces of evidence, 96 Australian soldiers have been successfully identified by name, with a further 109 unnamed Australian soldiers, three unnamed British soldiers and 42 soldiers who remain known unto God. Eurostar takes one hour 20 minutes from London to Lille, a journey that would have taken days for allied troops in both world wars. For more information, visit www.cwgc.org or www.eurostar.co.uk.
     



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  2. Orient Express Adds New Southeast Asian Rail Itineraries

    This November, Orient-Express is introducing the Chronicles of Southeast Asia -- four new journeys that enable guests on the E&O to experience the region in greater depth. The new itineraries will take passengers in comfort to places off the beaten track and essentially turn the train into a touring hotel. To ensure ultimate exclusivity and a more personalized experience, capacity on each trip will be limited to 60 guests and only presidential and state carriages will be in use.


    Amtrak and Concur, a leading provider of on-demand Employee Spend Management services, announced that Concur Travel & Expense and Concur Cliqbook Travel clients now have direct access to book travel on any Amtrak route nationwide. Concur clients may now view, hold, reserve and purchase Amtrak rail travel -- and compare rail and air travel options -- all on one screen.


    With this new direct connection to Amtrak’s reservations system, Concur clients will be able to add rail to their travel plans in the same way they already book air, car, or hotel reservations, and enjoy all of these additional benefits: Expanded route map to include all key Amtrak business travel corridors; mixed rail and air display to allow for comparison of travel options; direct passage of Amtrak Guest Rewards number into the Concur system; full support for Amtrak special rates; ability to book multi-segment trips; ability to cancel or put rail trips on hold; payment and ticketing with no agency intervention; support of all passenger type codes.


    “The direct connection between Amtrak’s reservations system and the Concur Connect program will not only provide easier access for Amtrak passengers booking rail travel, it will also provide a side-by-side comparison of a client’s rail and air travel options,” said Craig White senior director of travel industry sales. “This comparison will show Concur clients that rail travel is a very attractive and viable option, particularly along Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, New York and Boston.”


    Through Concur Connect – the global program that connects suppliers from around the world and provides clients exclusive access to services otherwise unavailable though traditional travel programs – Amtrak joins a growing list of travel suppliers that feed complete electronic folio data in the form of e-receipts directly into Concur Travel & Expense. For more information, visit www.concur.com  or www.amtrak.com.  

     

    Alamos Rent A Car and National Car Rental have re-launched their joint Cash-In Club loyalty rewards program for travel agents with an updated website, flexible rewards and an updated promotion. Since 1995, Alamo and National have partnered with U.S. travel agents who book rental car as Cash-In Club members. The revamp includes new tools and better incentives, according to Ron Cerko, vice president of travel industry relations for Alamo and National.


    The Cash-In Club promotion is being offered to all U.S.-resident travel agents who book a qualified reservation through October 2010. Program members will be automatically entered to win every time they reserve a car with Alamo or National. The grand prize winner will receive 15,000 points. The second place winner will receive 10,000 points and the third place winner receives 5,000 points. Winners will be announced in November 2010.


    Cash-In Club was originally created to offer travel agents the chance to receive competitive rates and quality rental vehicles for their clients and to reward them for their long-term business. The enhanced program agents to also incorporate award points into American Express-branded reward cards. For more information, visit www.cashinclub.travel or www.rewards.cashinclub.travel.
     

    Rail Europe Inc., Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss Travel System are teaming up this summer to offer the Swiss Bliss Deal, inviting all travelers to take advantage of the outdoors and explore Switzerland. The Swiss Pass is an inexpensive way to experience the country by allowing unlimited travel on all trains, boats and postal buses which make up the Swiss Travel System. It is particularly convenient for families, as kids up to 16 years of age always ride for free when accompanied by a parent and all Swiss Pass holders get free access to more than 400 museums in Switzerland. Prices on the four-day Swiss Pass start at $361 in first class and $241 in second class. The Swiss Bliss Deal is available for purchase from July 15 through July 21. Travel must take place from Aug. 1 through Nov. 30.


    The Swiss Bliss Deal includes limited-time offers on special value-added components with a purchase of the Swiss Pass. Passengers who purchase the Swiss Pass through Rail Europe will also receive roundtrip tickets for up to 50 percent off the regularly reduced Swiss Pass holder one-way fare on the mountain railways or cable cars that carry passengers to the Swiss mountain peaks of Titlis, Pilatus, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn and Rocher de Naye; one free fast baggage voucher, which is valid for the transfer of one bag per person one way between most train stations in Switzerland (certain restrictions apply); 20 percent discount from Victorinox on luggage at the Victorinox/Swiss Army stores in Geneva or Basel, Switzerland and New York, N.Y., valid on all purchases made from July 22 through Nov. 30; and a detailed map of Switzerland created by National Geographic Traveler.


    Switzerland Tourism recently named 2010 an official hiking year and outlined 32 trails for travelers to discover some of the world’s finest backdrops. In an effort to promote an active lifestyle, many of the highlighted routes are geared toward families and beginner level hikers. However, the country also offers numerous rigorous trails for more experienced outdoor enthusiasts. For more information, call 888-382-7245 or visit www.agent.raileurope.com.

     

    Amtrak launched a “Create Our Contest Contest,” a summer-long campaign that invites the general public to develop what will become Amtrak’s first user-generated contest. The goal of the campaign is to actively engage Amtrak’s most loyal customers through social networking. To enter the contest users, should log on to www.Facebook.com/Amtrak  and submit their ideas in essay or video form by Aug. 2. All approved entries will be uploaded to Amtrak’s Facebook fan page, where users can vote for their favorite contest idea. Entries that receive the top 25 percent of all votes will be reviewed by a panel of judges to determine the winner. The grand prize -- which will be awarded in September -- is a roundtrip for four to anywhere Amtrak travels.


    “Amtrak’s customers are enthusiastic, highly creative people who showcase their love for train travel in many different ways,” said David Lim, Amtrak’s chief marketing officer. “We want to harness this creativity and engage our fans by asking them to develop their dream contest.” Amtrak partnered with their advertising agency Arnold Worldwide’s D.C. office on the concept and all creative campaign elements for the contest. The contest will be promoted by paid advertisements on Facebook, and social media outreach on Twitter and Facebook, among other efforts. For a complete list of contest rules and regulations, visit www.apps.facebook.com/amtrakcontest/rules.  

     

    This November, Orient-Express is introducing the Chronicles of Southeast Asia -- four new journeys that enable guests on the E&O to experience the region in greater depth. The new itineraries will take passengers in comfort to places off the beaten track and essentially turn the train into a touring hotel. To ensure ultimate exclusivity and a more personalized experience, capacity on each trip will be limited to 60 guests and only presidential and state carriages will be in use.


    The new routes include: Epic Thailand (six nights) -- Bangkok/Isan/Chiang Mai/Lampang/Bangkok visiting sites in Northern Thailand. Highlights include a walking tour through a traditional village in Isan; a sunset candlelight reception at Prasat Sikoraphum (a restored 12th century Khmer Temple), lunch with the first female Thai oenologist at Khao Yai Gran Monte Vineyard, the opportunity to participate in a Bai Sii (sacred thread) ceremony, and touring the town of Lampang "wild-west style" in a traditional pony trap.


    Fables of the Hills (six nights) -- Singapore/Kuala Lumpur/Cameron Highlands (overnight)/Penang/Surat Thani/River Kwai/Bangkok. Highlights include Kuala Lumpur city tour, including a visit to "The School of Hard Knocks" (for the history and facts of pewter), Strawberry and tea tastings in the Cameron Highlands and Surat Thani Monkey Training College.


    Legends of the Peninsula (six nights) -- Bangkok/River Kwai/Trang (overnight)/Penang/Kuala Lumpur/Singapore. Highlights include the River Kwai Bridge, a sojourn at Trang that offers the chance to take part in a range of water sports, Dugong trekking and Thai cooking classes.


    Tales of Laos (three nights) -- Bangkok/Pimai/Khao Yai/Vientiane/Bangkok. E&O passengers are among the few to travel this route. Highlights include stopping at Phimai to explore the Angkor-style Khmer temples, the vineyards of the Khao Yai hills and sampling the "new" latitude wines cultivated there. Prices start at $3,900. For more information, visit www.orient-express.com/web/eoe/chronicles_asia.jsp.

     



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  3. Amtrak, Concur to Provide Business Travelers with Rail Options

    Amtrak and Concur, a leading provider of on-demand Employee Spend Management services, announced that Concur Travel & Expense and Concur Cliqbook Travel clients now have direct access to book travel on any Amtrak route nationwide. Concur clients may now view, hold, reserve and purchase Amtrak rail travel -- and compare rail and air travel options -- all on one screen.


    Amtrak and Concur, a leading provider of on-demand Employee Spend Management services, announced that Concur Travel & Expense and Concur Cliqbook Travel clients now have direct access to book travel on any Amtrak route nationwide. Concur clients may now view, hold, reserve and purchase Amtrak rail travel -- and compare rail and air travel options -- all on one screen.


    With this new direct connection to Amtrak’s reservations system, Concur clients will be able to add rail to their travel plans in the same way they already book air, car, or hotel reservations, and enjoy all of these additional benefits: Expanded route map to include all key Amtrak business travel corridors; mixed rail and air display to allow for comparison of travel options; direct passage of Amtrak Guest Rewards number into the Concur system; full support for Amtrak special rates; ability to book multi-segment trips; ability to cancel or put rail trips on hold; payment and ticketing with no agency intervention; support of all passenger type codes.


    “The direct connection between Amtrak’s reservations system and the Concur Connect program will not only provide easier access for Amtrak passengers booking rail travel, it will also provide a side-by-side comparison of a client’s rail and air travel options,” said Craig White senior director of travel industry sales. “This comparison will show Concur clients that rail travel is a very attractive and viable option, particularly along Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, New York and Boston.”


    Through Concur Connect – the global program that connects suppliers from around the world and provides clients exclusive access to services otherwise unavailable though traditional travel programs – Amtrak joins a growing list of travel suppliers that feed complete electronic folio data in the form of e-receipts directly into Concur Travel & Expense. For more information, visit www.concur.com  or www.amtrak.com.  

     



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  4. Rail Europe, Switzerland Tourism Offer Swiss Bliss Deal

    Rail Europe Inc., Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss Travel System are teaming up this summer to offer the Swiss Bliss Deal, inviting all travelers to take advantage of the outdoors and explore Switzerland. The Swiss Pass is an inexpensive way to experience the country by allowing unlimited travel on all trains, boats and postal buses which make up the Swiss Travel System. It is particularly convenient for families, as kids up to 16 years of age always ride for free when accompanied by a parent and all Swiss Pass holders get free access to more than 400 museums in Switzerland. Prices on the four-day Swiss Pass start at $361 in first class and $241 in second class. The Swiss Bliss Deal is available for purchase from July 15 through July 21. Travel must take place from Aug. 1 through Nov. 30.


    Amtrak and Concur, a leading provider of on-demand Employee Spend Management services, announced that Concur Travel & Expense and Concur Cliqbook Travel clients now have direct access to book travel on any Amtrak route nationwide. Concur clients may now view, hold, reserve and purchase Amtrak rail travel -- and compare rail and air travel options -- all on one screen.


    With this new direct connection to Amtrak’s reservations system, Concur clients will be able to add rail to their travel plans in the same way they already book air, car, or hotel reservations, and enjoy all of these additional benefits: Expanded route map to include all key Amtrak business travel corridors; mixed rail and air display to allow for comparison of travel options; direct passage of Amtrak Guest Rewards number into the Concur system; full support for Amtrak special rates; ability to book multi-segment trips; ability to cancel or put rail trips on hold; payment and ticketing with no agency intervention; support of all passenger type codes.


    “The direct connection between Amtrak’s reservations system and the Concur Connect program will not only provide easier access for Amtrak passengers booking rail travel, it will also provide a side-by-side comparison of a client’s rail and air travel options,” said Craig White senior director of travel industry sales. “This comparison will show Concur clients that rail travel is a very attractive and viable option, particularly along Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, New York and Boston.”


    Through Concur Connect – the global program that connects suppliers from around the world and provides clients exclusive access to services otherwise unavailable though traditional travel programs – Amtrak joins a growing list of travel suppliers that feed complete electronic folio data in the form of e-receipts directly into Concur Travel & Expense. For more information, visit www.concur.com  or www.amtrak.com.  

     

    Alamos Rent A Car and National Car Rental have re-launched their joint Cash-In Club loyalty rewards program for travel agents with an updated website, flexible rewards and an updated promotion. Since 1995, Alamo and National have partnered with U.S. travel agents who book rental car as Cash-In Club members. The revamp includes new tools and better incentives, according to Ron Cerko, vice president of travel industry relations for Alamo and National.


    The Cash-In Club promotion is being offered to all U.S.-resident travel agents who book a qualified reservation through October 2010. Program members will be automatically entered to win every time they reserve a car with Alamo or National. The grand prize winner will receive 15,000 points. The second place winner will receive 10,000 points and the third place winner receives 5,000 points. Winners will be announced in November 2010.


    Cash-In Club was originally created to offer travel agents the chance to receive competitive rates and quality rental vehicles for their clients and to reward them for their long-term business. The enhanced program agents to also incorporate award points into American Express-branded reward cards. For more information, visit www.cashinclub.travel or www.rewards.cashinclub.travel.
     

    Rail Europe Inc., Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss Travel System are teaming up this summer to offer the Swiss Bliss Deal, inviting all travelers to take advantage of the outdoors and explore Switzerland. The Swiss Pass is an inexpensive way to experience the country by allowing unlimited travel on all trains, boats and postal buses which make up the Swiss Travel System. It is particularly convenient for families, as kids up to 16 years of age always ride for free when accompanied by a parent and all Swiss Pass holders get free access to more than 400 museums in Switzerland. Prices on the four-day Swiss Pass start at $361 in first class and $241 in second class. The Swiss Bliss Deal is available for purchase from July 15 through July 21. Travel must take place from Aug. 1 through Nov. 30.


    The Swiss Bliss Deal includes limited-time offers on special value-added components with a purchase of the Swiss Pass. Passengers who purchase the Swiss Pass through Rail Europe will also receive roundtrip tickets for up to 50 percent off the regularly reduced Swiss Pass holder one-way fare on the mountain railways or cable cars that carry passengers to the Swiss mountain peaks of Titlis, Pilatus, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn and Rocher de Naye; one free fast baggage voucher, which is valid for the transfer of one bag per person one way between most train stations in Switzerland (certain restrictions apply); 20 percent discount from Victorinox on luggage at the Victorinox/Swiss Army stores in Geneva or Basel, Switzerland and New York, N.Y., valid on all purchases made from July 22 through Nov. 30; and a detailed map of Switzerland created by National Geographic Traveler.


    Switzerland Tourism recently named 2010 an official hiking year and outlined 32 trails for travelers to discover some of the world’s finest backdrops. In an effort to promote an active lifestyle, many of the highlighted routes are geared toward families and beginner level hikers. However, the country also offers numerous rigorous trails for more experienced outdoor enthusiasts. For more information, call 888-382-7245 or visit www.agent.raileurope.com.

     



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  5. Amtrak Launches "Create Our Contest Contest" on Facebook

    Amtrak launched a “Create Our Contest Contest,” a summer-long campaign that invites the general public to develop what will become Amtrak’s first user-generated contest. The goal of the campaign is to actively engage Amtrak’s most loyal customers through social networking. To enter the contest users, should log on to www.Facebook.com/Amtrak  and submit their ideas in essay or video form by Aug. 2. All approved entries will be uploaded to Amtrak’s Facebook fan page, where users can vote for their favorite contest idea. Entries that receive the top 25 percent of all votes will be reviewed by a panel of judges to determine the winner. The grand prize -- which will be awarded in September -- is a roundtrip for four to anywhere Amtrak travels.


    Amtrak and Concur, a leading provider of on-demand Employee Spend Management services, announced that Concur Travel & Expense and Concur Cliqbook Travel clients now have direct access to book travel on any Amtrak route nationwide. Concur clients may now view, hold, reserve and purchase Amtrak rail travel -- and compare rail and air travel options -- all on one screen.


    With this new direct connection to Amtrak’s reservations system, Concur clients will be able to add rail to their travel plans in the same way they already book air, car, or hotel reservations, and enjoy all of these additional benefits: Expanded route map to include all key Amtrak business travel corridors; mixed rail and air display to allow for comparison of travel options; direct passage of Amtrak Guest Rewards number into the Concur system; full support for Amtrak special rates; ability to book multi-segment trips; ability to cancel or put rail trips on hold; payment and ticketing with no agency intervention; support of all passenger type codes.


    “The direct connection between Amtrak’s reservations system and the Concur Connect program will not only provide easier access for Amtrak passengers booking rail travel, it will also provide a side-by-side comparison of a client’s rail and air travel options,” said Craig White senior director of travel industry sales. “This comparison will show Concur clients that rail travel is a very attractive and viable option, particularly along Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, New York and Boston.”


    Through Concur Connect – the global program that connects suppliers from around the world and provides clients exclusive access to services otherwise unavailable though traditional travel programs – Amtrak joins a growing list of travel suppliers that feed complete electronic folio data in the form of e-receipts directly into Concur Travel & Expense. For more information, visit www.concur.com  or www.amtrak.com.  

     

    Alamos Rent A Car and National Car Rental have re-launched their joint Cash-In Club loyalty rewards program for travel agents with an updated website, flexible rewards and an updated promotion. Since 1995, Alamo and National have partnered with U.S. travel agents who book rental car as Cash-In Club members. The revamp includes new tools and better incentives, according to Ron Cerko, vice president of travel industry relations for Alamo and National.


    The Cash-In Club promotion is being offered to all U.S.-resident travel agents who book a qualified reservation through October 2010. Program members will be automatically entered to win every time they reserve a car with Alamo or National. The grand prize winner will receive 15,000 points. The second place winner will receive 10,000 points and the third place winner receives 5,000 points. Winners will be announced in November 2010.


    Cash-In Club was originally created to offer travel agents the chance to receive competitive rates and quality rental vehicles for their clients and to reward them for their long-term business. The enhanced program agents to also incorporate award points into American Express-branded reward cards. For more information, visit www.cashinclub.travel or www.rewards.cashinclub.travel.
     

    Rail Europe Inc., Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss Travel System are teaming up this summer to offer the Swiss Bliss Deal, inviting all travelers to take advantage of the outdoors and explore Switzerland. The Swiss Pass is an inexpensive way to experience the country by allowing unlimited travel on all trains, boats and postal buses which make up the Swiss Travel System. It is particularly convenient for families, as kids up to 16 years of age always ride for free when accompanied by a parent and all Swiss Pass holders get free access to more than 400 museums in Switzerland. Prices on the four-day Swiss Pass start at $361 in first class and $241 in second class. The Swiss Bliss Deal is available for purchase from July 15 through July 21. Travel must take place from Aug. 1 through Nov. 30.


    The Swiss Bliss Deal includes limited-time offers on special value-added components with a purchase of the Swiss Pass. Passengers who purchase the Swiss Pass through Rail Europe will also receive roundtrip tickets for up to 50 percent off the regularly reduced Swiss Pass holder one-way fare on the mountain railways or cable cars that carry passengers to the Swiss mountain peaks of Titlis, Pilatus, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn and Rocher de Naye; one free fast baggage voucher, which is valid for the transfer of one bag per person one way between most train stations in Switzerland (certain restrictions apply); 20 percent discount from Victorinox on luggage at the Victorinox/Swiss Army stores in Geneva or Basel, Switzerland and New York, N.Y., valid on all purchases made from July 22 through Nov. 30; and a detailed map of Switzerland created by National Geographic Traveler.


    Switzerland Tourism recently named 2010 an official hiking year and outlined 32 trails for travelers to discover some of the world’s finest backdrops. In an effort to promote an active lifestyle, many of the highlighted routes are geared toward families and beginner level hikers. However, the country also offers numerous rigorous trails for more experienced outdoor enthusiasts. For more information, call 888-382-7245 or visit www.agent.raileurope.com.

     

    Amtrak launched a “Create Our Contest Contest,” a summer-long campaign that invites the general public to develop what will become Amtrak’s first user-generated contest. The goal of the campaign is to actively engage Amtrak’s most loyal customers through social networking. To enter the contest users, should log on to www.Facebook.com/Amtrak  and submit their ideas in essay or video form by Aug. 2. All approved entries will be uploaded to Amtrak’s Facebook fan page, where users can vote for their favorite contest idea. Entries that receive the top 25 percent of all votes will be reviewed by a panel of judges to determine the winner. The grand prize -- which will be awarded in September -- is a roundtrip for four to anywhere Amtrak travels.


    “Amtrak’s customers are enthusiastic, highly creative people who showcase their love for train travel in many different ways,” said David Lim, Amtrak’s chief marketing officer. “We want to harness this creativity and engage our fans by asking them to develop their dream contest.” Amtrak partnered with their advertising agency Arnold Worldwide’s D.C. office on the concept and all creative campaign elements for the contest. The contest will be promoted by paid advertisements on Facebook, and social media outreach on Twitter and Facebook, among other efforts. For a complete list of contest rules and regulations, visit www.apps.facebook.com/amtrakcontest/rules.  

     



    read more >>>
  6. Alamo, National Re-Launch Cash-In Club for Travel Agents

    Alamos Rent A Car and National Car Rental have re-launched their joint Cash-In Club loyalty rewards program for travel agents with an updated website, flexible rewards and an updated promotion. Since 1995, Alamo and National have partnered with U.S. travel agents who book rental car as Cash-In Club members. The revamp includes new tools and better incentives, according to Ron Cerko, vice president of travel industry relations for Alamo and National.


    Amtrak and Concur, a leading provider of on-demand Employee Spend Management services, announced that Concur Travel & Expense and Concur Cliqbook Travel clients now have direct access to book travel on any Amtrak route nationwide. Concur clients may now view, hold, reserve and purchase Amtrak rail travel -- and compare rail and air travel options -- all on one screen.


    With this new direct connection to Amtrak’s reservations system, Concur clients will be able to add rail to their travel plans in the same way they already book air, car, or hotel reservations, and enjoy all of these additional benefits: Expanded route map to include all key Amtrak business travel corridors; mixed rail and air display to allow for comparison of travel options; direct passage of Amtrak Guest Rewards number into the Concur system; full support for Amtrak special rates; ability to book multi-segment trips; ability to cancel or put rail trips on hold; payment and ticketing with no agency intervention; support of all passenger type codes.


    “The direct connection between Amtrak’s reservations system and the Concur Connect program will not only provide easier access for Amtrak passengers booking rail travel, it will also provide a side-by-side comparison of a client’s rail and air travel options,” said Craig White senior director of travel industry sales. “This comparison will show Concur clients that rail travel is a very attractive and viable option, particularly along Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, New York and Boston.”


    Through Concur Connect – the global program that connects suppliers from around the world and provides clients exclusive access to services otherwise unavailable though traditional travel programs – Amtrak joins a growing list of travel suppliers that feed complete electronic folio data in the form of e-receipts directly into Concur Travel & Expense. For more information, visit www.concur.com  or www.amtrak.com.  

     

    Alamos Rent A Car and National Car Rental have re-launched their joint Cash-In Club loyalty rewards program for travel agents with an updated website, flexible rewards and an updated promotion. Since 1995, Alamo and National have partnered with U.S. travel agents who book rental car as Cash-In Club members. The revamp includes new tools and better incentives, according to Ron Cerko, vice president of travel industry relations for Alamo and National.


    The Cash-In Club promotion is being offered to all U.S.-resident travel agents who book a qualified reservation through October 2010. Program members will be automatically entered to win every time they reserve a car with Alamo or National. The grand prize winner will receive 15,000 points. The second place winner will receive 10,000 points and the third place winner receives 5,000 points. Winners will be announced in November 2010.


    Cash-In Club was originally created to offer travel agents the chance to receive competitive rates and quality rental vehicles for their clients and to reward them for their long-term business. The enhanced program agents to also incorporate award points into American Express-branded reward cards. For more information, visit www.cashinclub.travel or www.rewards.cashinclub.travel.
     



    read more >>>
  7. Hertz Purchases 1st Call Studio Equipment Rental Firm

    Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. has acquired 1st Call Studio Equipment from RoadSafe Holdings. 1st Call is a leading equipment rental company to the film and television industry. Headquartered in Sylmar, Calif., the company services clients throughout the U.S. and has offices in Hollywood, on the Universal Studios Hollywood Lot, Albuquerque Studios Lot, and in Louisiana. Hertz is looking for opportunities to grow its Entertainment Services business, said Mark P. Frissora, chairman and chief executive officer of Hertz. 1st Call Studio Equipment rents booms, scissor lifts, fork lifts, light towers, gators and other equipment to production companies working on feature films, episodic television shows, reality shows, commercials and music videos. For more information, visit www.hertz.com.


    Eurostar, the international high-speed passenger train operator which links the U.K. with the continent, will host a train ceremony naming at St. Pancras International by HRH The Duke of Kent on the morning of the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles. The Eurostar train will be named “Remembering Fromelles” and will carry guests to Lille in Northern France which is only a short distance away from the village of Fromelles where the first war cemetery in 50 years will be officially dedicated by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC). This event is the culmination of a significant collaboration between the CWGC, and the Australian and British governments, on whose behalf the CWGC has managed the Fromelles project.


    Eurostar will play a pivotal role in carrying over 400 guests, including many of the relatives of those who died during the Battle of Fromelles, to Lille to attend the event. In 1916, the Australian and British forces suffered over 7,000 casualties in little over 24 hours, including over 2,000 killed. Buried by the Germans in several mass graves, the 250 soldiers who were carefully exhumed in 2009 have all now been reburied in individual graves at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, with military honors. Using DNA testing and by gathering other pieces of evidence, 96 Australian soldiers have been successfully identified by name, with a further 109 unnamed Australian soldiers, three unnamed British soldiers and 42 soldiers who remain known unto God. Eurostar takes one hour 20 minutes from London to Lille, a journey that would have taken days for allied troops in both world wars. For more information, visit www.cwgc.org or www.eurostar.co.uk.
     

    Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. has acquired 1st Call Studio Equipment from RoadSafe Holdings. 1st Call is a leading equipment rental company to the film and television industry. Headquartered in Sylmar, Calif., the company services clients throughout the U.S. and has offices in Hollywood, on the Universal Studios Hollywood Lot, Albuquerque Studios Lot, and in Louisiana. Hertz is looking for opportunities to grow its Entertainment Services business, said Mark P. Frissora, chairman and chief executive officer of Hertz. 1st Call Studio Equipment rents booms, scissor lifts, fork lifts, light towers, gators and other equipment to production companies working on feature films, episodic television shows, reality shows, commercials and music videos. For more information, visit www.hertz.com.



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  8. Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Boosts Earnings Estimates

    Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., provided an update on preliminary estimates for second-quarter results and its outlook for the full year of 2010. The company announced that it expects second-quarter Corporate Adjusted EBITDA to be within a range of $70 million to $75 million, up significantly from $20.9 million in the comparable quarter of 2009. The company further noted that it recorded approximately $5 million of expenses related to the proposed Hertz transaction during the quarter. Excluding these transaction costs, Corporate Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter is projected to be within a range of $75 million to $80 million.


    Eurostar, the international high-speed passenger train operator which links the U.K. with the continent, will host a train ceremony naming at St. Pancras International by HRH The Duke of Kent on the morning of the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles. The Eurostar train will be named “Remembering Fromelles” and will carry guests to Lille in Northern France which is only a short distance away from the village of Fromelles where the first war cemetery in 50 years will be officially dedicated by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC). This event is the culmination of a significant collaboration between the CWGC, and the Australian and British governments, on whose behalf the CWGC has managed the Fromelles project.


    Eurostar will play a pivotal role in carrying over 400 guests, including many of the relatives of those who died during the Battle of Fromelles, to Lille to attend the event. In 1916, the Australian and British forces suffered over 7,000 casualties in little over 24 hours, including over 2,000 killed. Buried by the Germans in several mass graves, the 250 soldiers who were carefully exhumed in 2009 have all now been reburied in individual graves at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, with military honors. Using DNA testing and by gathering other pieces of evidence, 96 Australian soldiers have been successfully identified by name, with a further 109 unnamed Australian soldiers, three unnamed British soldiers and 42 soldiers who remain known unto God. Eurostar takes one hour 20 minutes from London to Lille, a journey that would have taken days for allied troops in both world wars. For more information, visit www.cwgc.org or www.eurostar.co.uk.
     

    Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. has acquired 1st Call Studio Equipment from RoadSafe Holdings. 1st Call is a leading equipment rental company to the film and television industry. Headquartered in Sylmar, Calif., the company services clients throughout the U.S. and has offices in Hollywood, on the Universal Studios Hollywood Lot, Albuquerque Studios Lot, and in Louisiana. Hertz is looking for opportunities to grow its Entertainment Services business, said Mark P. Frissora, chairman and chief executive officer of Hertz. 1st Call Studio Equipment rents booms, scissor lifts, fork lifts, light towers, gators and other equipment to production companies working on feature films, episodic television shows, reality shows, commercials and music videos. For more information, visit www.hertz.com.

    Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., provided an update on preliminary estimates for second-quarter results and its outlook for the full year of 2010. The company announced that it expects second-quarter Corporate Adjusted EBITDA to be within a range of $70 million to $75 million, up significantly from $20.9 million in the comparable quarter of 2009. The company further noted that it recorded approximately $5 million of expenses related to the proposed Hertz transaction during the quarter. Excluding these transaction costs, Corporate Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter is projected to be within a range of $75 million to $80 million.


    The company noted that it is lowering its guidance for vehicle rental revenue for the full year of 2010 to an increase of 1 to 2 percent compared to 2009, down from its prior guidance of 2 to 4 percent. In addition, the company lowered its expected fleet cost target from $275 per unit per month to a range of $245 to $255 per month.


    Based on the company"s estimated results through the second quarter and its outlook for revenue and fleet costs for the remainder of 2010, the company expects Corporate Adjusted EBITDA, excluding expenses related to the Hertz transaction, to be within a range of $200 million to $220 million for the full year of 2010. The company"s previous guidance range for 2010 was $170 million to $190 million, and the company"s 2009 Corporate Adjusted EBITDA was $99.4 million.


    The company also provided an updated outlook for fleet cost per unit per month for 2011, lowering its outlook for fleet cost to a range of $300 to $310 per month, compared to its previous guidance of $325 per month. The company noted that the ongoing positive effects of changes made in its operations and fleet management, combined with solid macroeconomic factors in the used car market, are expected to impact fleet costs in 2011 and beyond. For more information, visit www.dtag.com,  www.thrifty.com  or www.dollar.com.

     



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Private Customised Tour

What to Do | Stung Treng | Cambodia

Fresh Water Dolphin

Bavet International Border

Located 48 kilometers from Svay Rieng provincial town is the international border with Vietname. The Bavet checkpoint is the main international border crossing for people traveling between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City.

Bavet's main attractions are two casinos that are within short walking distance of the border. This casinos are very popular with foreigners crossing the border. There is also a market, Psar Nat, where goods are transferred between Cambodia and Vietnam.

 


Hang Kho Ba Pagoda

Hang Kho Ba Pagoda is the cultural and historical site, located at Hang Kho Ba Village, Hang Kho Commune, Steung Treng District in Six-Kilometer distance from the provincial town by the road to the airport, then turning left across the river of Se Kong. The pagoda of Hang Kho Ba is over 300 years. The local people there speak Lao majorly.

Steung Treng province has been recognized in two special characteristics:
- The province riches in sweet tamarind fruit.
- The province riches in Pa Si Yi fish
- Pava fish.

 


 

Kantuy Ko

Kantuy Ko is located in Samki Village and Commune, Steng Treng District, about 4 kilometers (15mn) from Provincial Town. It is the Nature Wildlife and Preserves.

 


Koh Ksach Resort

Koh Ksach Resort is located along the river of Se Kong in 5 kilometer distance from the provincial town. The site features a beautiful sandy beach, 2 kilometers long and one-half kilometer wide, where visitor can swim or relax. A natural site, it can be visited only during the dry season and especially popular during Khmer New Year.


Mekong River Trip to Laos

The Mekong River between Stung Treng and the Laos border is very light on population and heavy on beautiful scenery. Boulder outcroppings, numerous sets of rapids, swirling pothole currents, wide sweeping stretches of river and forested landscape along the banks all await the boat traveler. It makes for a great trip, either for the traveler that wants to continue on to Laos or for those wanting to enjoy a wild stretch of the Mekong in Cambodia.

The trip is difficult to downright impossible to make on this shallow stretch of the Mekong during the dry season, with cont less sunken islands and a virtual forest of trees growing right in the middle of the river. The trip becomes an obstacle course for the boat drivers this time of the year, as they carefully try to choose the best way to guide their craft through the maze that nature has created without losing a propeller to the river. The best time of the year to take this trip is from May to November when sufficient upstream rains have raised the river to a level that allows the boats to pass through carefully.

There is not a whole lot to do once you get to the border area, but travelers can leave their passport with Cambodian immigration (at the small checkpoint on the west bank of the river) and cross to the Laos side to eat at a riverside restaurant and look at the tiny market in the Laos village of Geedahn. Cambodian immigration officers may ask you see them, but it is not a fee set by the central government so you don’t have to pay it. There is also a guesthouse to stay at near this village (on the Laos side of the river, but a couple of hundred meters south along the riverbank where it is still Cambodia). Which was built here for border traders that lose the day light hours and need a place to spend the night. It’s a nice enough place, but overpriced, with a room that includes two big beds and a fan going for US$ 8 a night. Electricity is running between dusk and midnight. To take the trip, head down to the riverbank area (near the small bullet boats just east of the pier) in Stung Treng town before 8:30 am and talk to one of the operators of the small freight boats. The fare is 15,000 riel (one way) and the trip to the border area takes about 5 ½ hours, but is cut down to just over three hours on the trip back south as the swift current on this stretch of the Mekong pushes the boats right along.

If you want a faster journey, approach one of the small fiberglass boat operators, the ones that have the 40-hp outboard motors-they want US$ 20-$25 (one-way) to make the trip- but if you are looking for a quick trip or fast fun, the trip time going upriver is cut down to only 1 ½ hours. The slow boats are fast enough coming back downstream so you could save money by grabbing one of those on the return trip. For those wanting to cross into Laos using this route you will need a Laos’s visa in your possession and you also need to stop at the main police station in Stung Treng town (see map) to get a letter of permission to cross the border at this point. This is shown to Cambodian immigration will not let you stamp out of the country without this letter.


Ou Pong Moan Resort

Ou Pong Moan Resort is the natural and man-made resort which locates at Pong Moan village, Ou Pong Moan Commune, Steung Treng District in nine-Kilomter distance from the provincial town. The resort locates at the turning point to the provinces of Ratanakiri, Kratie and Steugh treng. At Ou Pong Moan resort, tourists are usually interested in:
- Ou Pong Moan has water source from the ground. The water source locates at 80-kilometer distance from the recreational site and flows all seasons. The water is suitable for swimming.
- At the riverside, there are small Kho Chos for leisure and resting.
- 10 Kwh electricity dam which is favorable for tourist development activities.


Phnom Preah Theat

Phnom Preah Theat is located in Thmey Village and Commune, Stung Treng District, about 2 kilometes (5mn) from Provincial Town. It is a Nature Wildlife and Preserves.


Preah Ko Temple

Preah Ko Temple is located in Intersection of Sékong River and Mékong River, Thla Borivat District, about 3.5 kilometers (10mn) from Provincial Town.


Pream Buorn Lveng Temple

Pream Buorn Lveng Temple is located in Kang De Sor Village, Thala Bariwatt Commune, Thala Bariwatt District, about 6 kilometers (15mn) From Province. It is the Historical Site.


Wat Phnom, Stung Treng

Wat Phnom, Stung Treng Borrowing the name of the famous land mark temple in Phnom Penh, this one isn’t high enough for a good view of the area, though you can see the mountains along the Lao border to the north. Anew wat is currently under construction on the site. River Scene, from Here to Laos The San River is fronted in Stung Treng by a nice stretch of paved road. It’s the center of socializing (as in most Cambodian river towns) in the late afternoon and early evening hours as the locals ride up and down the stretch enjoying the view and each other. Drink and dessert stands spring up earlier to serve the daily merrymaking crowd. It’s a nice spot for a walk or jog any time of the day as the river road turns into a pleasant rural road that leads to the airport 4 km north of town.

The river port area just in front of the small city park is fairly busy, handling trade between Cambodia and Laos. The ferry across the San River to where Highway 7 continues north to the Laos border is also at this pier. The fare is 300 riel per head. We went for a ride on this stretch (2,000 riel for taking a big bike on the ferry), but there is not much to see along the way besides jungle and the remnants of a road that was a target of carpet bombing during the Vietnam War years. The road works its way eastward so it does not afford views of the Mekong River as one would hope. The few residents we saw along the way were truly amazed to see the likes of us, would want to be there.

 


Thala Barivat Resort

Thala Barivat Resort is located at Thala Barivat district in 4 kilometers distance from the provincial town. This area can be accessible by going across Se Kong river and Mekong river to the provincial road of Preah Vihear.

Thala Baricvat is the historical resort in which the Preah Ko timple built in 7-8 century, made of red bred during the feign of the king, Javvarman I. In front of the temple, there is a statue of Preah Ko ( sacred cow) available in Cambodia next to the Preah Ko statue, there is a space having 10-squar meter area for playing the game of Viey khil annually, before the Khmer New Year. The game played during four days and three nights. It starts in the afternoon at 2 O’clock and lasts for two hours. The game played during the festival of the ethnic minority of Kouy.

There are many small, ancient temples near the Thala Barivat, but most of them, such as Prambuon Lveng temple, Srei temple and Angkor Kmao temple have been heavily damaged over time.

 


 



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