South African Airways Celebrates fREEDOM dAY By Offering Customers Up To $300* Off Flights From The U.S.

3-Day Sale Offers $150 Off of Economy and $300* Off of Business Class Fares

Fort Lauderdale, FL (April 25, 2013) – South African Airways (SAA), Africa’s most awarded airline, is celebrating South Africa’s Freedom Day with a 3-day sale offering customers $150* (restrictions apply) off of the lowest available published Economy Class fares, and $300* (restrictions apply) off of the lowest available published Premium Business Class fares to South Africa. The fares are valid on SAA’s flights from New York JFK or Washington, DC (Dulles) to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, East London or Port Elizabeth. To celebrate Freedom Day with SAA and take advantage of these discounts, customers should call 1-800-722-9675, and mention “SAA Freedom.” The sale is valid now through 4:00 PM EDT on Saturday, April 27^th.

“The Freedom Day holiday celebrates the first democratically-held elections in South Africa,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president, North America, for South African Airways. “On this holiday, South Africans celebrate the strides that have been made to ensure a democratic South Africa and a better life for all. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and celebrate the country’s successes by inviting our customers to visit South Africa with this discount.”

South Africa’s first democratically-held elections took place on April 27, 1994, when Nelson Mandela was voted as president of the newly democratic republic. Since then, South Africans celebrate April 27^th each year as a day to commemorate the sacrifices that were made to achieve equality, to strengthen democratic ideals, and to reflect on the country’s successes in fostering a free South Africa. For more information on Freedom Day, visit http://www.info.gov.za/events/national/freedomday.htm.

About South African Airways

South African Airways features daily nonstop service from the U.S. to South Africa with morning departures from New York JFK and afternoon direct service from Washington Dulles (with a stop in Dakar, Senegal) that offer travel convenience and award-winning service. Travelers in Premium Business Class enjoy 180° fully flat-bed seats, and in Economy Class enjoy the most legroom versus competitors.  Every seat on board offers an individual on-demand entertainment system, plush pillow, warm blanket and amenity kit.  SAA’s unrivaled network, featuring seamless connections to nearly 20 destinations within South Africa, and more than 25 cities across the rest of the continent, makes the airline the savvy traveler’s “gateway to Africa.”  To complement this network, a world of privileges awaits those who join Voyager, South African Airways’ premier mileage program.  To sign up, visit www.flysaa.com, and link to the Voyager icon. As a Star Alliance member, South African Airways is able to offer its customers 1,329 destinations in 194 countries and more than 21,900 flights daily, including convenient connections from more than 25 cities in North America through code share service with Star Alliance members United Airlines, US Airways and Air Canada. Members of United’s, US Airways’ and Air Canada’s frequent traveler programs are able to earn and redeem miles on all SAA flights.  For more information on South African Airways, please call (800) 722-9675 or visit www.flysaa.com, where travelers can sign up to be notified of other great travel deals and vacation packages.  For information about South Africa, visit www.southafrica.net.

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*RESTRICTIONS: Discount valid on itineraries originating from SAA’s US gateways (New York or Washington) to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, East London or Port Elizabeth. Travel must commence by December 10th, 2013. Only flights operated by South African Airways (flight numbers 001-999) qualify for this offer. Itineraries containing code share flights operated by other carriers, including SA Express, Mango and Airlink, do not qualify. Normal fare rules apply and will be advised at time of booking. Infants not occupying a seat pay a minimum of $25 plus applicable taxes/fees. All reservations must be ticketed by 4:00PM ET on April 27th, 2013. Bookings made 7 days or more prior to scheduled departure may be cancelled without penalty up to 24 hours after the reservation is made. Baggage and optional service fees may apply.

South African Airways Extends Fare Sale

Sale Fares Now Available through May 16^th for Flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Dakar, Kigali, Dar es Salaam and Entebbe

Fort Lauderdale, FL (April 23, 2013) – South African Airways (SAA), Africa’s most awarded airline, has extended its fare sale for flights to Africa, with sale fares to seven cities on the continent now available for purchase through May 16th. The Super Sale for flights from New York to Kenya continues, with fares starting as low as $999* (restrictions apply). Fares start as low as $1,160* (restrictions apply) for travel from New York JFK or Washington, DC (Dulles), to Johannesburg, South Africa.  Fares to Cape Town start at $1,190* (restrictions apply), with the following fares also available: $1,200* to Kigali (Rwanda); $1,210* to Dar es Salaam (Tanzania); $1,220* to Entebbe (Uganda); and $1,250* from Washington Dulles to Dakar (Senegal) $1,210*.  The fare sale is available for purchase now through May 16, 2013, for flights departing by May 31^st.  In some cases, sale fares for departures from Washington, DC, are slightly higher. To book the super sale, please call 1-800-722-9675, visit www.flysaa.com, or call your travel agent.

South African Airways Super Sale Fly to:	From New York:	From Washington:
Nairobi, Kenya	$999*	$1,020*
Johannesburg, South Africa	$1,160*	$1,160*
Cape Town, South Africa	$1,190*	$1,190*
Kigali, Rwanda	$1,200*	$1,220*
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania	$1,210*	$1,230*
Entebbe, Uganda	$1,220*	$1,240*
Dakar, Senegal	$1,250*	$1,240*

About South African Airways^®

South African Airways features daily nonstop service from the U.S. to South Africa with morning departures from New York JFK and afternoon direct service from Washington Dulles (with a stop in Dakar, Senegal) that offer travel convenience and award-winning service. Travelers in Premium Business Class enjoy 180° fully flat-bed seats, and in Economy Class enjoy the most legroom versus competitors.  Every seat on board offers an individual on-demand entertainment system, plush pillow, warm blanket and amenity kit.  SAA’s unrivaled network, featuring seamless connections to nearly 20 destinations within South Africa, and more than 25 cities across the rest of the continent, makes the airline the savvy traveler’s “gateway to Africa.”  To complement this network, a world of privileges awaits those who join Voyager, South African Airways’ premier mileage program.  To sign up, visit www.flysaa.com, and link to the Voyager icon. As a Star Alliance member, South African Airways is able to offer its customers 1,329 destinations in 194 countries and more than 21,900 flights daily, including convenient connections from more than 25 cities in North America through code share service with Star Alliance members United Airlines, US Airways and Air Canada. Members of United’s, US Airways’ and Air Canada’s frequent traveler programs are able to earn and redeem miles on all SAA flights.  For more information on South African Airways, please call (800) 722-9675 or visit www.flysaa.com, where travelers can sign up to be notified of other great travel deals and vacation packages.  For information about South Africa, visit www.southafrica.net.

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*RESTRICTIONS: Fares are round-trip and include all government and airline imposed taxes and fees. Valid for departures from the US between 10APR-31MAY, 2013. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Fares valid for sale until 16MAY, 2013. Cancellations prior to departure: $500. Cancellations after departure: non-refundable. Date change fee: $250 + any applicable fare difference. Baggage and optional service fees may apply. Reservations made 7 days or more prior to scheduled departure may be canceled without penalty up to 24 hours after the reservation is made.

Royal Caribbean Offers Getaways For The Over-Worked And Weather-Worn

5 Revitalized Ships to Offer A Variety of Destinations from 4 Convenient Floridian Ports

MIAMI, Apr. 23, 2013 – One need not take a whole week off to enjoy an exciting Royal Caribbean cruise to some of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. The cruise line renowned for its fleet of the world’s most innovative cruise ships today announced three- to five-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises throughout 2014-15, sailing from Tampa, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades and Miami. Nearly all of these Royal Caribbean ships have recently undergone extensive revitalizations, already offering guests up to 10 onboard dining options, captivating and spectacular signature entertainment in unexpected spaces, and onboard amenities that offer greater convenience and connectivity. On all ships except Majesty of the Seas, guests can enjoy an oversized outdoor movie screen while wading in the main pool, new staterooms featuring flat-panel televisions, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi service, and interactive digital signage, among many others. For a short webisode about all the innovative enhancements that guests are already enjoying, please see http://tinyurl.com/c3au67b. Royal Caribbean’s 2014-15 short Caribbean and Bahamas cruises are open for booking.

From Port Canaveral and Miami respectively, Enchantment of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas will continue year-round three- and four-night Bahamas cruises, calling at Nassau and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise in The Bahamas. On Majesty of the Seas’ four-night sailing, guests also call at Key West, Fla. At CocoCay, guests enjoy a private island with many watersports options; plenty of beautiful beaches to soak up the sun, sip refreshing cocktails, and enjoy a seaside barbeque lunch; and shopping at a colorful craft market.

Throughout the summer 2014 season, vacationers also can choose a Caribbean getaway from Port Everglades aboard Vision of the Seas. A four-night itinerary takes guests to Cozumel, Mexico, and two five-night itineraries take guests to Cozumel and Roatan, Honduras, on one, and another to Key West, Fla., and Grand Cayman. Guests also will delight in the high-flying, acrobatic musical production overhead in the four-deck high Centrum, while guests enjoy a cocktail at the new retro-chic R-Bar below.

Also from Port Everglades, Liberty of the Seas will sail four- and five-night Western Caribbean cruises for the winter 2014-15 season, offering the broadest range of innovative and popular amenities and entertainment that were introduced aboard the world-acclaimed Oasis-class and Freedom-class ships on a short cruise. Guests enjoy the FlowRider surf simulator, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom Presidential Family Suite – which can accommodate up to 14, as well as the exclusive DreamWorks Experience, featuring DreamWorks Animations’ lovable ogres Shrek and Fiona, Po the Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar’s Alex the Lion and Gloria the Hippo, a 3-D movie theater showing some of the latest DreamWorks Animation films, Broadway-musical Saturday Night Fever, and more. Liberty of the Seas’ four-night cruise calls at Cozumel, Mexico, and its two five-night itinerary calls at Cozumel and Belize City, Belize, on one, while another at Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination.

From Tampa, Brilliance of the Seas also will offer four-night cruises to Cozumel, and two five-night Cozumel itineraries, which will additionally call at Key West on one, and at Grand Cayman on another.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 40-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry firsts never-before-seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 10 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards.

South African Airways and India's Jet Airways Sign Code Share Agreement

Passengers set to get seamless air travel connection to nine key cities

Johannesburg, Tuesday, 16 April 2013. South African Airways (SAA) and Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, have announced a code share agreement that will enable seamless air travel connectivity to several business centres in India and South Africa. Tickets went on sale on 16 April 2013 with travel effective from 18 April 2013.

Under the arrangement; South African Airways, the only airline with non-stop flights between Johannesburg and Mumbai, will code share on Jet Airways’ operations between Mumbai and Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram. In turn, Jet Airways will code share on SAA’s flights between Mumbai and Johannesburg and beyond to Cape Town and Durban.

Customers who are members of SAA’s loyalty programme, Voyager, will be able to earn miles and obtain tier status when travelling on Jet Airways using SAA-issued tickets. Likewise, members of Jet Airways’ Jet Privilege programme will also be able to earn and redeem JPMiles and earn Tier points/Tier JPMiles when they travel on SAA flights marketed by Jet Airways. This provides an opportunity for customers to spend miles exploring the various Indian and South African destinations on offer.    

“SAA is pleased with this latest offering on the India route. This partnership strengthens the historic commercial, political and cultural cooperation between South Africa and India. In essence, the agreement further supports the objectives of the BRICS member states,” said Mr. Manoj Papa, SAA’s acting General Manager: Commercial.

Mr. Sudheer Raghavan, Jet Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, elaborated: “Jet Airways is delighted to enter into a codeshare partnership with SAA, South Africa’s flag carrier. Besides its global popularity as a tourist destination, South Africa, in its capacity as Africa’s largest economy, is also a strategic trade and investment destination. With the seamless connections offered between India and South Africa, we are confident that this mutually beneficial codeshare will prove extremely popular with both business and leisure travellers.”

A recent study by the Department of Tourism indicated that the number of tourists from India to South Africa has steadily increased in recent years by over 122% between 2005 and 2010 and a further 29% increase between January and September 2011.

“We have been witnessing a steady increase in the number of business and leisure travellers coming into South Africa. Using Johannesburg as a convenient connection hub, a significant number of these travellers are also taking advantage of SAA’s vast route network of 26 destinations across Africa as well as access to over 1300 airports in almost 200 countries through our Star Alliance membership,” explained Papa.

The codeshare agreement will effectively enhance flight choices for customers, whether originating in India or Africa. “In essence we are truly bringing the world to Africa and taking Africa to the world,” Papa asserted.  

About SAA

South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 26 destinations across the continent, as well as major destinations within South Africa and internationally from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA’s core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its four wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low cost carrier; Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA and South African Travel Centre (SATC). SAA is the winner of the 'Best Airline in Africa’ Award in the regional category for ten consecutive years and the winner of ‘Service Excellence Africa’ for three consecutive years. Mango and SAA hold the number one and number two successive spots as South Africa’s most on - time airlines.

Celebrity Cruises Teams Up With AmEx

Travel, style and culinary luminaries will enhance guest experience; 

Travel + Leisure to offer exclusive insider tips and “must sees” in key destinations

MIAMI – April 10, 2013 – Uncovering authentic local finds and having experiences that make you feel like you’ve really connected with a place are important elements in making a vacation extraordinary. Giving travelers the knowledge to make their journeys even better is the inspiration behind a breakthrough collaboration between modern luxury brand Celebrity Cruises and American Express Publishing’s influential brands, Travel + Leisure®, Departures® and Food & Wine®.
The collaboration of the premium brands – all recognized for their commitment to enabling consumers to enjoy outstanding, authentic vacation experiences – includes the formation of “Celebrity’s Global Insiders, powered by Travel + Leisure,” a distinguished group of travel experts, style luminaries, top epicureans, and prominent writers and editors who will help Celebrity’s guests uncover unique and memorable experiences in key destinations on the modern luxury line’s vacations in all seven continents, as well as a series of Destination Guides created by the editors of Travel + Leisure with insider tips and not-to-be-missed spots in 150 of Celebrity’s destinations.
Celebrity’s Global Insiders, powered by Travel + Leisure, are:

• Kate Betts, an award-winning magazine editor and the author of Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style. Betts is a contributing editor at Travel + Leisure and Time and was previously the editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, and the fashion news director of Vogue.
• Julia Dimon, a journalist, TV correspondent for Outside Today, and nationally syndicated columnist. Dimon has been featured as a travel expert on ABC, NBC, MSNBC and in The New York Times, among other publications.
• Jack Ezon, president of Ovation Vacations, a company specializing in luxury travel experiences. He appears on the Travel + Leisure A-List and is one of the  most influential travel advisors in the U.S.
• Marc Murphy, executive chef and owner of Benchmarc Restaurants, Landmarc and Ditch Plains, as well as Benchmarc Events by Marc Murphy. Murphy also is a judge on Food Network’s top-rated show, Chopped.
• Alisa Ng, founder and CEO of L-atitude.com, a curated online marketplace for travel and fashion enthusiasts. Ng launched the site in 2010, and it has since become an e-commerce partner for Travel + Leisure, and was included in “Best of the Web” features in InStyle, Departures and Town & Country.
• Adam Sachs, a freewheeling travel, food and lifestyle writer. Sachs is a contributing editor for Travel + Leisure and Bon Appetit, and also writes for GQ, Details, and T, among other publications.

Celebrity’s Global Insiders will help Celebrity deliver a 360-degree modern luxury vacation experience by infusing the cruise experience with the Insiders’ unique insights in fashion, food, technology and travel in all seven continents.
The Destination Guides created by Travel + Leisure editors for 150 of Celebrity Cruises’ ports of call will include insider tips, local hidden gems, and “must see” experiences in each destination. Celebrity will feature the content on its website, www.celebrity.com, in brochures, and onboard.
“Throughout the year, our Global Insiders will get together to experience Celebrity Cruises first-hand, and to share their insights on everything from the destinations we visit, to the experiences we offer on land and at sea,” said Celebrity Cruises VP of Marketing Lisa Kauffman. “We recognize how precious vacation time is for our guests, which drives us to continuously find ways to make it outstanding and memorable. We’re confident this collaboration will do exactly that.”
Steven DeLuca, senior vice president and publishing director of Travel + Leisure, said, “We’re thrilled to team up with Celebrity Cruises on this exciting new program that gives us the opportunity to bring our expertise and connections to their modern luxury experience. The goal is to make travel better, and this is a great pairing to achieve that.”

About Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers’ precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 11 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity is one of five cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com, or call your travel agent.

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San Francisco's Official Visitor Information Center Transformed

March 27, 2013 - San Francisco’s official Visitor Information Center (ViC), operated by the San Francisco Travel Association, has completed a major transformation.

The emphasis of the new ViC is on a quality “high touch” as well as “high tech” experience.  The ViC’s major asset – the friendly, expert, multilingual staff of San Francisco experts – has been moved from the back of the space to the center, easily visible and accessible to guests and visitors. And, while brochures from many of San Francisco Travel’s 1,500 partner businesses are still available, the racks have been pushed from the center of the room to the walls, making the area much more spacious and welcoming.

Each year, the ViC receives 400,000 visitors from around the world.  It has welcomed 13.5 million visitors since it opened in 1976 in Hallidie Plaza, outside the Powell Street BART and Muni station and near the cable car turnaround.  The team of 15 staff and 15 volunteers speaks 14 languages: Cantonese, English, French, German, Greek, Hindu, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.  Many of the team have been working at the ViC for 10 years or longer.

"For many of our worldly visitors, San Francisco Travel’s visitor information center is their first introduction to San Francisco," said Mayor Edwin M. Lee.  "The transformation of the City's official visitor information center combines technology and innovation to include greater emphasis on human interaction and making a more personal connection.  It's that type of positive visitor experience that draws travelers back to the Innovation Capital of the World again and again."

“The new space matches San Francisco itself – wide open, modern and inviting,” said Joe D’Alessandro, San Francisco Travel’s president and CEO.  “We provide personalized service and recommendations to help visitors make the most of our 49 square miles.”

“We call it the ‘ViC’ with a small ‘i’.’  That’s the international symbol for visitor information and it’s what we’re all about,” added Matt Stiker, San Francisco Travel’s executive vice president/chief marketing officer.  “About a third of the 16 million visitors who come to San Francisco annually are from outside the United States and we want to make it clear that this is the place for them.”

At the center of the 4,000 square foot facility are two clusters of blackjack-style tables, each with three service counters.  Here, visitors can work with the staff “geniuses” to plan their itineraries, book tours and reserve hotel rooms.  The ViC sells attraction packages like CityPASS, Wharf Pass, and the Go San Francisco Card.  Visitor can purchase tickets for the famous cable cars and Muni Passports good for one, three or seven days’ use of the city’s public transit system.

Two floor-to-ceiling wooden maps dominate the back wall of the Visitor Information Center. One shows the entire city of San Francisco with the major neighborhoods and attractions clearly marked.  The other shows the city’s location on a map of Northern California, clearly showing the proximity to wine country, Yosemite, Monterey and other famous attractions of the state.

“We often use laser pointers to indicate directions and distances to our guests,” said Erin Gaenslen, director of visitor experience.  “This is a great place to get their bearings, whether it’s their first visit to San Francisco, their fourth or they’ve decided to venture out and explore beyond the bridges.”

Panels around the center feature illustrations by local artist Erna Kristin (www.ernakristin.com). Overhead, two Big Ass Fans (www.bigassfans.com), each one more than 20-feet wide, circulate the air as the staff circulates ideas and information.  Large clocks make it easy to check the time “back home” in London, Sydney or Tokyo.  And video monitors provide even more ideas of what to see and do in and around San Francisco.
The ViC has also added a pop-up store from SFMade (www.sfmade.org), which supports and promotes manufacturers located in San Francisco.  Visitors can purchase unique, top quality items that are truly authentic San Francisco gifts and souvenirs.

Visitors are welcome to check email and print out boarding passes at two computer stations and the ViC is also equipped with free Wi-Fi service.

“When we first approached this project, we saw other destinations delivering a ‘high tech’ solution.  Although we are surrounded by the most innovative companies in the world, we felt it was important to strike a balance between the ‘high tech’ and the ‘high touch.’  Our partners Gensler and Webcor really understood our vision and made it a reality,” Stiker said.

“We’re honored to be a part of a project that is so fundamental to the visitor experience in San Francisco,” says Jeff Henry, Design Director for Gensler. “We have designed a space that emphasizes service and hospitality while celebrating San Francisco’s distinct culture.”

The San Francisco Travel Association is the official tourism marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. For information on reservations, packages, activities and more, visit www.sanfrancisco.travel or call 415-391-2000.  The Visitor Information Center is located at 900 Market St. in Hallidie Plaza, lower level, near the Powell Street cable car turnaround.

For an insider’s perspective, join more than 500,000 people who follow San Francisco Travel on Facebook at www.facebook.com/onlyinsf and more than 100,000 who follow “OnlyinSF” on Twitter at http://twitter.com/onlyinsf.

American Express® is the official Card partner of the San Francisco Travel Association.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 31 international points on 30 international carriers. The Bay Area's largest airport connects non-stop with 75 cities in the U.S. on 15 domestic airlines. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit flysfo.com. Follow SFO on twitter.com/flysfo and facebook.com/flysfo.