M&S Money Urges Travellers to Put Insurance at the Top of Their Christmas Card List

December 11, 2008

M&S Money, the financial services division of Marks and Spencer, has reported that up to one million people are planning on visiting friends and family abroad this festive season. As such, the financial services company is encouraging those travelling to make sure travel insurance is at the top of their Christmas shopping list.

M&S Money has revealed that DIY holidays have become more popular than traditional package holidays in recent times, increasing by six million in just five years*, with fewer than half of Christmas trips abroad booked as complete packages from a travel agent.**

The rise of independent travel makes insurance even more important, but further research reveals that 49%*** of consumers don&39;t know what their travel insurance (http://www6.marksandspencer.com/pages/default.aspPageId=home&Product=TI ) covers them for. For example, most policies don&39;t offer cover for the collapse of an airline, as thousands of people found to their cost in recent months.

However, M&S Premier Travel Insurance now includes independent traveller cover (http://www6.marksandspencer.com/pages/default.aspPageId=ITC&Product=TI ) as part of its annual multi trip policy and as an optional extra with single trip and standard trip travel insurance. This means people who book a holiday without using a tour operator will be covered if their flight is cancelled and if other parts of their holiday are affected.

Judith Roberts, M&S Money Insurance Manager, commented: "For most people, Christmas is all about spending time with friends and family, even if that means making a trip abroad. Travel insurance was originally designed for the package holiday market and we felt that it was time to improve our policy as so many people now book independently. For example, if your flight is cancelled you may be unable to claim for subsequent connections and face the cost of new flights or accommodation. M&S Premier Travel Insurance is one of only a few policies that covers these types of situations that are often not included in traditional policies."

Notes To Editors:
*Mintel - Holiday Review, Leisure Intelligence, March 2007 - 19 million holidays booked independently in 2002, compared to 26 million in 2006.
** YouGov - 2,002 adults (18+) surveyed online between 14-16 April 2008
*** YouGov - 2,002 adults (18+) surveyed online between 14-16 April 2008

About M&S Money:
M&S Money (a trading name of Marks and Spencer Financial Services plc) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc. The company is now a top-ten credit card (http://www6.marksandspencer.com/pages/default.aspPageId=home&Product=CC ) provider and the second-largest travel money retailer in the UK. M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including home insurance (http://www6.marksandspencer.com/pages/default.aspPageId=home&Product=HI ) and car insurance (http://www6.marksandspencer.com/pages/default.aspPageId=HOME&Product=CI ), as well as loans, savings and investment products.

In November 2004, Marks&Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC, one of the world&39;s largest banking and financial services organisations with over 9,500 offices in 85 countries and territories.

With a market capitalisation of US$190 billion (as at 7 October 2008), the HSBC Group is one of the world&39;s largest financial services organisations. Over 100 million customers worldwide entrust HSBC with US$1.2 trillion in deposits. With a tier one capital ratio of 8.8% and a loan to deposit ratio of 90% as at 30 June 2008, the Group remains one of the most strongly capitalised and liquid banks in the world.

M&S Money has an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks&Spencer.

The company employs 1,200 staff at its headquarters in Chester, delivering personal financial services to its customers, reflecting the core values of Marks&Spencer - quality, value, service, innovation and trust.

PR Contact:
Liz Neild
Marks&Spencer Money
Kings Meadow
Chester
CH99 9FB
01244 686 068
www6.marksandspencer.com

Hot Tips for Valentines Gifts from Kiki James

London, UK February 6, 2007

To help those looking for that something special, Kiki James has pulled together a list of hot Valentine&39;s gift ideas to help customers make the most of buying luxury leather goods online. Most products are available with personalisation, meaning that customers can still get that personal touch whilst shopping online.

Hot gifts from the Kiki James ladies&39; range include cute heart shaped key rings, heart trinket boxes, jewellery boxes and a gorgeous range of ladies&39; purses that will add a touch of elegance to any handbag. Kiki James&39; selection of handmade leather bound journals are the perfect place to write down love&39;s sweetest dreams.

Wallets and credit card holders, handmade in a range of stunning Italian bridle leathers and crocodile print calf hides, are proving to be among the more popular gifts for men. And for the city slicker boyfriend who rushes around the globe the luxurious range of travel accessories is a must. Sleek travel wallets, passport covers and luggage tags are just a few gift ideas to add a bit of luxury to his hectic world of business travel.

The combination of superb gift ideas, coupled with the option of personalisation, professional gift-wrapping and hand-written messages, means that Kiki James&39; customers have access to a range of gifts and services which deliver a rare touch of elegance and class.

Emirates airlines-CAE Flight Training signs three-year contract with Abu Dhabi Aviation for Bell 412 helicopter pilot training

18th November 2008 Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) has signed a contract with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) to train ADA’s Bell 412 helicopter pilots over three years at ECFT in Dubai. “By training our more than 100 pilots in the CAE-built Bell 412 full-flight simulator at Emirates-CAE Flight Training, we will significantly reduce our fuel costs, maximize the time we use our helicopters for operational needs and at the same time increase safety, said Nadir Al Hammadi, ADA’s Managing Director. ECFT is home to the only Level D Bell 412 full flight simulator (FFS) with JAA and FAA approval in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. To date, more than 30 clients including offshore operators, police forces and companies specializing in search and rescue, train their pilots through various programs offered by the ECFT.

ad:tech Miami Conference and Exhibition

Miami, FL May 9, 2008

ad:tech expositions, LLC (http://www.ad-tech.com), the leading conferences and exhibitions organizer for the global marketing community, today announced its second annual show in Miami, the only digital marketing show with a Hispanic focus. The event will take place from June 3 - 4 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

ad:tech Miami is a 2-day conference providing an in-depth look into the rapidly expanding Hispanic and Latin American online audiences and how best to reach them in a world that is becoming more and more digitalized and globalized. The Miami conference brings together some of the biggest names in the marketing industry, offering attendees the opportunity to learn first-hand the latest trends and innovations shaping today&39;s market.

"ad:tech Miami aims to demystify the untapped potential of Hispanic and Latin American online users through the insights of pioneers in the digital marketing space," said Drew Ianni, Chairman, Programming&Senior Global Analyst for ad:tech. "Our inaugural show last year was well-received and it further opened the dialogue for marketers. For 2008, we have assembled an impressive lineup of speakers and exhibitors who will address the diverse channels and methods to engage these key audiences."

Anchored by an opening day keynote address from Monica Gadsby, CEO of SMG Multicultural, ad:tech Miami will feature more than 125 speakers from the United States, Mexico and Latin America. This includes CEOs and marketing executives from major brands and leading media companies such as, American Airlines, Batanga, Procter&Gamble, Carnival Cruise Lines, General Motors, Mercado Libre, Yahoo!, Terra Networks, Grupo Televisa, Telemundo and many others who will provide their opinion on the growing importance of the Hispanic market and the advantage of addressing this market segment.

According to the 2008 Terra comScore Hispanic Digital Study, 66 percent of online Hispanics report that they are early adopters and influencers among their family and peer groups. The study goes on to highlight that online Hispanics have replaced television time with Internet usage, with 56 percent spending more than 1 hour a day online.

"Hispanics are leading the adoption of new technologies driven by culture and demographics. Culturally, Hispanics who tend to have family outside of the US, embrace digital technologies to communicate more efficiently with loved ones," said Lee Vann, Founder and CEO, Captura Group, and ad:tech Miami guest speaker. "In addition, Hispanics are younger when compared to the general market and, as a result, tend to adopt digital technology related to entertainment and social networking at a more dynamic pace."

The exhibit hall will showcase more than 25 key exhibitors from Latin America, Mexico and the United States. The Convention Center will also house multiple meeting rooms and business presentation rooms for domestic and international organizations along with ample room for networking. For a list of current exhibitors, please visit http://www.ad-tech.com/miami/adtech_miami_exhibitors.aspx

Platinum Sponsors include: Batanga; Terra Gold Sponsors include: cyloop.com; Latin3 Silver Sponsors include: Casale Media; Prodigy MSN; Yahoo! Bronze Sponsors include: Google; iContact; mixplay Media Partners include: CNN en Espanol; Produ; Portada; Merca 2.0; Su Inversion; Advertising Age; Forbes.com; revenue; UOL; Fast Company; iMedia Connection; Digital Moses Confidential; DM News; Folha Online Association Partners include: ahaa; OPA; mma; IAB in Argentina and Mexico; SFIMA; SFAMA

For public information, please visit http://www.ad-tech.com.

Editors: For interviews, images or more information, please contact Gracia Larrain at Edelman, ph: 305.358.7643 or gracia.larrain@edelman.com or Latiffe Ghanem at Edelman, ph: 305.358.8042 or latiffe.ghanem@edelman.com

About ad:tech: ad:tech expositions, LLC is the leading organizer of conferences and exhibitions for the interactive marketing community worldwide. ad:tech produces the world&39;s largest interactive marketing events held in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, London, Paris, Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore and Sydney. ad:tech is produced by dmg world media; based out of the company&39;s headquarters in Larkspur, California. For listings of exhibitors, speakers, events and upcoming conference offerings, visit http://www.ad-tech.com.

About dmg world media: An international exhibition and publishing company, dmg world media produces over 300 market-leading trade exhibitions, consumer shows and fairs each year and publishes 45 related magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports. dmg world media employs 700 people and maintains a worldwide presence through more than 30 offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, China, India, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. dmg world media is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), one of the largest and most successful media companies in the United Kingdom. Additional information on dmg world media can be found at http://www.dmgworldmedia.com.

Cornell Study Finds Pricing Issues Top Hotel Revenue Management Concerns Worldwide

Ithaca, NY August 12, 2009

Hotel revenue managers worldwide are looking for ways to maintain rates and avoid price wars, according to a new survey published by Cornell&39;s Center for Hospitality Research. The study, "Hotel Revenue Management in an Economic Downturn: Results from an International Study," by Sheryl E. Kimes, is available from the center at no charge at http://www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/research/chr/pubs/reports/2009.html . In addition to the results of the survey, the report presents commentary from participants in a revenue management roundtable, held in May 2009 in Singapore.

"I conducted this 2009 survey to capture the changes in revenue management that have come about due to economic challenges between 2008 and 2009," said Kimes, who is the Singapore Tourism Board Distinguished Professor of Asian Hospitality Management at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration. "Not surprisingly, the revenue managers&39; top concerns were all marketing and pricing related, including customer rate resistance, contract renegotiations, competition, and price wars. Just a year ago, the top issues involved human resources and technology."

Looking at the results of the survey, participants in the Singapore roundtable agreed that pricing power has shifted considerably toward the customer. However, many hotel revenue management professionals are finding ways to maintain rates by targeting their rate adjustments and focusing on adding value by bundling packages.

In her report, Kimes explains several hospitality revenue management tactics, including those that do not include price manipulation. These non-price techniques include competing on the basis of quality, creating strategic partnerships, taking advantage of your loyalty program, developing additional revenue sources, and developing additional market segments.

Thanks to the support of the Center for Hospitality Research partners listed below, all publications posted on the center&39;s website are available free of charge, at http://www.chr.cornell.edu .

About The Center for Hospitality Research
A unit of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, The Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) sponsors research designed to improve practices in the hospitality industry. Under the lead of the center&39;s 77 corporate affiliates, experienced scholars work closely with business executives to discover new insights into strategic, managerial and operating practices. The center also publishes the award-winning hospitality journal, the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly. To learn more about the center and its projects, visit http://www.chr.cornell.edu .

Center Senior Partners: American Airlines Admirals Club, General Growth Properties, Inc., job.travel, McDonald&39;s USA, Philips Hospitality, Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc., Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, and TIG Global

Center Partners: AIG Global Real Estate Investment, Davis&Gilbert LLP, Deloitte&Touche USA LLP, Denihan Hospitality Group, eCornell&Executive Education, Expedia, Inc., Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Fox Rothschild LLP, FX Real Estate and Entertainment, Inc., HVS, InterContinental Hotels Group, Jumeirah Group, LRP Publications, Marriott International, Inc., Marsh&39;s Hospitality Practice, Mobil Travel Guide, Inc., PricewaterhouseCoopers, Proskauer Rose LLP, SAS, Smith Travel Research, SynXis (a Sabre Holdings Corporation), Thayer Lodging Group, Thompson Hotels, Travelport, WATG, and WhiteSand Consulting

Center friends: 4Hoteliers.com American Tescor, LLC Argyle Executive Forum Caribbean Hotel and Restaurant Buyers Guide Cody Kramer Imports Cruise Industry News DK Shifflet&Associates ehotelier.com EyeforTravel Gerencia de Hoteles&Restaurantes Global Hospitality Resources Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) hospitalityInside.com hospitalitynet.org Hospitality Technology Magazine Hotel Asia Pacific Hotel China HotelExecutive.com Hotel Interactive Hotel Resource HotelWorld Network International CHRIE International Hotel Conference International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) iPerceptions Lodging Hospitality Lodging Magazine Milestone Internet Marketing MindFolio Parasol PhoCusWright, Inc. PKF Hospitality Research The Resort Trades RealShare Hotel Investment&Finance Summit Resort+Recreation Magazine RestaurantEdge.com Shibata Publishing Co. Synovate The Lodging Conference TravelCLICK UniFocus WageWatch, Inc. WIWIH.COM

Virgin Atlantic Cargo Steps Up Payment Flexibility With CrossCheck Guarantee

ROHNERT PARK, CA July 22, 2003 -

&194;– CrossCheck, Inc., the nation&194;’s largest privately-held check guarantee provider, has announced that Virgin Atlantic Cargo locations in Miami, New York, Norwalk, Conn., and San Francisco have begun using CrossCheck&194;’s services.

The locations will be protected against bad checks with CrossCheck&194;’s Standard Guarantee and Stop Payment programs, while being able to accept more checks with Premium Approval and COD coverage. They will also be able to accept incremental payments for services with the Multiple Check program.

&194;“We are excited to be serving Virgin Atlantic Cargo,&194;” said CrossCheck President and CEO, J. David Siembieda. &194;“Both CrossCheck and Virgin Atlantic are known for their high-quality customer service. With our programs, the locations can further enhance their customer service by providing payment flexibility while being able to safely and efficiently accept check payments.&194;”

Virgin Atlantic Cargo&194;’s services are aimed at giving freight the &194;“kid gloves&194;” treatment and providing customers with first class, headache-free service from any of its 57 worldwide offices. Virgin Atlantic Cargo is a department of Virgin Atlantic Airways, one of the world&194;’s most-acclaimed carriers.

The airline serves London from nine U.S. gateways and Africa, the Caribbean, China, Hong Kong, India, and Japan. For more information, please visit http://www.virginatlantic.com.

Founded in 1983, CrossCheck provides payment guarantee solutions to more than 79,000 retail and dealer outlets nationwide and handled more than $10.2 billion in guaranteed transactions in 2002. Its goal for nearly two decades has been to provide merchant customers with increased profitability while reducing their financial risk.

CrossCheck is known for industry firsts and cutting-edge technology in the point-of-sale financial services marketplace. For more information, visit CrossCheck&194;’s Web site at http://www.cross-check.com or call (800) 654-2365.

For More Information Contact:

Kristin Coughtry

Phone: (707) 586-0551, ext. 9504 Fax: (707) 586-1884

Email: KristinC@cross-check.com

http://www.cross-check.com

Transportation Development in Hubei Province during 12th Five-year Plan

Luo Qingquan, secretary of Hubei Provincial Committee of the CPC and head of standing committee of Hubei Provincial Committee, Li Hongzhong, deputy secretary of Hubei Provincial Committee of the CPC and governor of Hubeit, Yang Song, deputy secretary of Hubei Provincial Committee of the CPC and secretary of Wuhan Municipal Committee, Zhang Daili, member of standing committee of Hubei Provincial Committee of the CPC and deputy governor of Hubei discussed with Li Shenglin, minister of National Transportation Ministry and Weng Mengyong, executive deputy head of the ministry in Beijing Hubei Building yesterday. They talked about making Hubei transportation program during the “12th five-year plan”period, speeding construction of comprehensive transportation hub and development modern transportation industry.