Travel News Europe - #75 - July&August 2007 - (Page 9)

I news FROM EUROS TO US DOLLARS ynamic Conversion from National Car Rental promises to make it easier to keep track of travel budgets easier by allowing overseas customers renting in the UK to have rental costs converted into, and paid in, their own billing currency. Overseas customers will be asked at the check out desk whether they wish to pay in their own currency and the rate of exchange used at check out will be held and applied during the course of the rental. The final charges on the credit card statement will reflect that rate of exchange. These customers will have the benefit of knowing in advance what the cost will be at the end of the rental and will also avoid any adverse fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The service, designed to make travelling as easy and straightforward as possible, is currently available in 12 major currencies and at all of national’s UK locations. According to Rebecca Madden, Director of EMEA Corporate Marketing at National Car Rental, there are now ‘no surprises when the credit card statement comes in, because National allows travellers to see exactly what they’re paying, when they pay for it.”. I BRITISH AIRWAYS FAMILY DEAL Some Dubai Hotel Reservations Fail To Measure Up Reservation staff at Dubai’s finest hotels are making a poor first impression with visitors, according to International Hospitality Check (IHC), a Dubai-based mystery shopper research company. “As the busy tourist season begins an upcoming new hotels, some of Dubai’s four and five start hotel and residence properties might be driving guests straight into the arms of their competitors because of poorly trained reservation staff and less-than-professional said Elisabeth telephone etiquette,” Brehl, Manager of IHC. IHC has released the results of an anonymous survey where agents posing as potential guests attempted to make a hotel reservation via an international call during Dubai office hours. What should have been a straightforward task of booking a room, proved to be a challenge at the majority of hotels. IHC noted several obstacles that hindered the interaction between reservation staff and customers, most of which came down poor communication skills and lack of employee training. Hotel and Residential property managers who would like an assessment of their reservations department can visit www.internationalhospitalitycheck.com for more information. ritish Airways, operating 49 weekly services from the GCC to London Heathrow, has launched a family deal for Club World (business class) customers which offers two adult and two children (under 12 years) tickets for less than the standard price of two full-fare Club World seats. The offer is subject to a 30-day advance purchase condition and is part of the airline’s ongoing celebrations in the run-up to its 75th anniversary of Middle East services and runs throughout the summer. “London is an extremely poplar destination for the world’s travellers during the summer and our family bargain deal literally puts the charms of England’s capital at the doorstep of GCC families,” said Paul Starrs, British Airways Commercial Manager of the Middle East. British Airways is currently rolling out its next generation Club World seat, available on more than a quarter of the airline’s Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft. The airline which operates 14 weekly flights from Dubai and seven weekly flights from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow, marks its official 75th Landmark anniversary in October this year. I http://www.internationalhospitalitycheck.com http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my http://www.virtualmalaysia.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Travel News Europe - #75 - July&August 2007

Cover&Contents
NEWS
- INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS & RESORTS INCREASES ITS ITALIAN PRESENCE
- PAFOS APHRODITE FESTIVAL PRESENTS VERDI’S “IL TROVATORE”
- QATAR AIRWAYS LAUNCHES FLIGHTS TO GENEVA
- BRITISH AIRWAYS FAMILY DEAL
DESTINATIONS
- Japan
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
BUSINESS
- Car Hire
- Exhibitions

Travel News Europe - #75 - July&August 2007