ON
TRACK: Rail Europe Group launched a new airline-style,
point-to-point rail-ticket booking engine featuring live inventory
of European trains at its trade-exclusive http://www.agent.raileurope.com Web site. New
functionality includes: incorporation of seat reservations in
overall ticket fares; online, side-by-side comparison of first- and
second-class fares; and immediate confirmation of ticket purchase
and seat reservations. Agent commission on point-to-point rail
tickets ranges from 4% to 7%. For more information, call Rail
Europe Group companies Rail Europe at (888) 382-7245 and DER at
(800) 782-2424.
DELUXE (MEBOURG) WEB: The Luxembourg National
Tourist Office unveiled a redesigned Web presence at www.visitluxembourg.com. The revamped site offers
information on the nation and its regions; events and attractions;
as well as maps, a calendar and links to relevant travel sites. For
more information, contact U.S. director Brigitte Goergen at (212)
935-8888; by fax at (212) 935-5896; or via e-mail at [email protected].
MORE MADRID, LESS DINERO: The Madrid Card visitor
pass now costs less while offering bearers more value, with free
entrance to three new museums and three more attractions. Priced
10% less this year, the card now costs just 25 euros (about $30)
for 24 hours, 35 euros ($42) for 48 hours, and 45 euros ($55) for
72 hours. The pass provides free entrance to 43 museums and other
attractions; unlimited use of the Madrid Vision tour bus; 36 guided
walking tours; 10% off show tickets; a free guide book and map; and
discounts at shops, restaurants and more. The Madrid Card is sold
in airports and train stations, and on Madrid Vision buses, as well
as at other locations, including online at www.madridcard.com.
WINDOW SEAT: Continental Airlines (www.continental.com) launched previously announced
daily non-stops between Newark and Berlin on June 30, in direct
competition with SkyTeam alliance partner Delta Air Lines, which
began similar service from New York (Kennedy) in May ... also on
the SkyTeam front, Air France (www.airfrance.us) the same day formally
inaugurated its new daily Paris non-stops from Detroit -- main hub
of SkyTeam partner Northwest Airlines --which actually began back
on June 13; officials said that in the first two weeks of
operation, Air France enjoyed 81.5% and 93.1% load factors,
respectively, on the route.
INN-SIDE STORY: The new 34-story, 235-room
Swissotel Krasnye Holmy (www.moscow.swissotel.com ) -- set to open in
Moscow, Russia, on July 18 -- is offering opening rates in Swiss
Business Advantage rooms of 265 euros (about $320), plus $30 for
double occupancy, per night with breakfast through Aug. 31 ... Red
Carnation Hotels (www.redcarnationhotels.com) boutique property
41 (www.41hotel.com) in London is offering a "Showtime"
theater package that combines one pair of tickets to hit West End
musical Billy Elliot with king room accommodations and pre-show
dinner, post-show coffee and dessert and full continental breakfast
the following morning, priced from $509 per room, before tax,
through Dec. 31; for more call (877) 955-1515 or e-mail [email protected].