Travel & Places

Air New Zealand has reported a four-fold increase in profits for 2009, prompting speculation the global aviation industry may be emerging from the recession.

After taxation, the airline made a profit of NZ$82 million for the year ending June 30th, up from NZ$21 a year earlier.

Fuel hedging losses at the airline also dropped to NZ$8 million from $130 million.

Virgin Blue Holdings has seen stocks soar this morning following a return to profitability for financial 2010 and confirmation of a major linkup with Etihad Airways.

The agreement will see VBHs international arm - V Australia - launch direct services to Abu Dhabi in 2011, with the two airlines subsequently offering a joint network of more than 100 destinations.

Hotel City Tourist Class ab 932.-
Hotel Grand Beach First Class ab 932.-
Hotel Leonardo Basel Tourist Class ab 932.-
Hotel Leonardo Plaza First Class ab 1014.-
Hotel Prima First Class ab 1195.

carnaval.inthetube.tv is a video web guide to global carnival celebrations, parades, and travel info for their host cities.

Watch Carnaval video clips and experience a cultural travel for New York, London,
Toronto, San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador Bahia, Trinidad, New Orleans and others.

Discover the myth & magic of the dance of life. Emphasis on syncretic cultures of the New World and music like steelpan, samba and calypso.

If youve got 6 months to travel, chances are youll be thinking about a Round the World trip (and fending off the jealousy of your friends).

But its not as simple as jumping on a plane. Theres an art to the Round the World trip or RTW travel to those in the know and Thorn Tree is chock-full of great advice. Here are some great tips from Lonely Planet members

With South Africa revelling in World Cup glory, a delegation of sport tourism leaders gathered in Johannesburg for the landmark World Sport Destination Expo to gain further insights into the fastest growing sector of travel.

One of the success stories to emerge from the tournament has been the growth of new markets. These include India, growth up 17 percent last month compared to the same period last year, China up 12.5 percent, Holland up 22 percent and Argentina up an incredible 43 percent.

Sao Paulo and its rival, Rio de Janeiro, are often compared to New York and Los Angeles respectively. If Rio has gained fame for its striking natural setting, Sao Paulos attraction lies in its people and its vibrant cultures.

Brazils business capital, São Paulo is the biggest city in the country and the third largest in the world.

Located in the south-east of Brazil, it is nicknamed Terra da Garoa (Land of the Drizzle) after its copious rainfall.

Dubais aircraft leasing company is to postpone a $27 billion order for new aircraft as the emirate continues to struggle with its debt mountain.

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), which is owned by a number of Dubai state-owned investment vehicles, is negotiating with Boeing and Airbus to postpone delivery of more than 200 aircraft for its leasing division, according to The Times.

Asia Pacific is set to dominate both the inbound and outbound tourism sector over the coming decade, with China leading the way.

That is the view of speakers and panellists at the Asia Luxury Travel Market, taking place this week in Shanghai, China.

Most tours of Jaffa start off at its most famous landmark, the Turkish Clocktower Square, site of the clock tower erected in 1906 to mark the 30th anniversary of Sultan Abed-El-Hamid II as ruler of Turkey. (Similar towers were constructed simultaneously in Jerusalem, Nablus and Ramle). Four separate clocks grace the top of the tower, one on each of its sides. On the metal-barred windows and openings of the tower, the history of Jaffa has been recorded.

The Jaffa flea market is a few minutes away. Spend some time here wandering through the alleyways and rummaging through the amazing assortment of items for sale. You also might try your luck at haggling.