Be in New York on February 11th when fashion’s finest descend upon New York City and the Fall 2010 collections are unveiled. At the Tribeca and Soho Grand Hotels, New York, guests get a taste of the downtown lifestyle; the concierges use their connections to get dinner reservations or tickets to the hottest Broadway shows. Guests at the Soho Grand Hotel and Tribeca Grand Hotel have access to Grandlife’s exclusive New York City guide; read about the newest restaurant openings, listen to the latest in cutting edge music, and find out where to shop for those coveted designer labels.

For more about the Tribeca Grand Hotel and Soho Grand Hotel, visit their websites – http://www.tribecagrand.com/ and http://www.sohogrand.com/

The Soho Grand Hotel and Tribeca Grand Hotel are centrally located in the heart of downtown Manhattan alongside world renowned art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Stay minutes away from all major Manhattan attractions including Ground Zero, Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park, and adjacent to notable downtown NYC neighborhoods like the Financial District, Chinatown, Little Italy, West Village, and the Meat-Packing District.

With 24-hour guest services and impeccably designed guestrooms, Soho Grand and Tribeca Grand offer visitors the comfort of luxury boutique hotels while offering authentic, downtown New York lifestyle experience.

For reservations

reservations@sohogrand.com enter promo code GRANDINT

Tel. 00 800 7646 4726

Fax: 212 965 3200

Soho Grand Hotel

310 West Broadway

New York, NY 10013

http://www.sohogrand.com

Tribeca Grand Hotel

Two Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10013

http://www.tribecagrand.com/

About Grand Hotels, NYC

The Soho and Tribeca Grand Hotels are operated by Grand Hotels NYC.

A pioneer in the industry, Grand Hotels NYC was the first company to establish luxury Manhattan boutique hotels in the downtown New York neighbourhoods of SoHo and TriBeCa. Grand Hotels NYC is renowned for offering the highest level of personalized service and has continually set industry standards for premier amenities and guest services.

Grand Hotels NYC also reinvented the traditional hotel bar concept by blending nightlife and dining with the opening of Grand Bar & Lounge and Church Lounge – two of Manhattan’s key destinations for day or night and a favorite haunt for celebrities, savvy locals and refined travelers alike.

Grand Hotels NYC is owned by Leonard and Emanuel Stern of Hartz Mountain Industries. To find out more and to make reservations, please visit – http://www.sohogrand.com
and http://www.tribecagrand.com/

-ends-

For media enquiries, please contact

Lori De Blois

ldeblois@grandhotelsnyc.com

Director of Public Relations

Grand Hotels NYC

Soho Grand | Tribeca Grand

310 West Broadway

New York, NY 10013 USA

Tel. 212-965-3057

fax 212-965-3517

The list of big summer events in Reykjavik has come to a head with last Saturday’s Culture Night – but summer events are only a small part of the Icelandic capital’s year-round roster.

Reykjavik’s yearly Culture Night happened on Saturday with events taking place all over the city all day and all night. Iceland has a packed schedule of interesting cultural and sporting events throughout the year, and Culture Night is the biggest of them all.

The day begins early with the Reykjavik Marathon – Iceland’s biggest running event which was won this year for the second year in a row by David Kirkland from the UK and the women’s race by Veronika Sigridur Bjarnadottir from Iceland.

Next, with the weather unable to decide between sunshine and light rain, Reykjavik’s streets filled with people taking advantage of the hundreds of activities on offer. The day was characterised by countless new art exhibitions, demonstrations including aikido and fencing, as well as graffiti shows, clowns and metaphorical ‘carrot chasers’ getting progressively more frustrated and hungry (guess you had to be there…)

The official programme ended with a very well-attended fireworks display which saw cars and people thronging the shoreline in a disorderly, enthralled mass. As spectacular as Reykjavik fireworks displays always are, but ever so slightly shorter, the fireworks display was the only telltale sign of economic crisis in the entire day.

Reykjavik’s legendary nightlife staged a brave last stand and the city centre streets were packed like no other Saturday right into the early hours. Despite the rowdy street party atmosphere and unusually high attendance, police reported fewer crimes than expected.

Iceland events of particular interest to tourists include the Iceland Airwaves music festival, Gay Pride, Reykjavik International Film Festival, the Food & Fun gourmet festival and the Winter Lights festival, to name just a few.

Further details on what to do when you visit Iceland can be found on www.visiticeland.com

Photo: Flickr.com/olafur

Is autumn the most beautiful season? Or does its promise of looming winter make it the most depressing? Visit Iceland this autumn, and you’ll soon see that its unrivalled beauty can convert even the harshest cynic. And besides, winter’s not that bad anyway, right?!

It is the time of year when nature is at her most colourful and when a bit of sensible clothing means you can get out and about without getting too cold and without the throngs of summer tourists. In autumn the red and gold leaves are interspersed with mushrooms and an abundance of tasty berries used by locals to sweeten up daily life for centuries.

Though tourism in Iceland has been non-stop over recent years, it is still true that there are fewer tourists outside the summer high season, which means it will generally cost less to witness nature’s slow descent into peaceful hibernation.

September in Iceland enjoys a reputation for good weather and sheep. Rain and wind are never out of the question; but the word on the street is that September is often stiller and sunnier than August, despite the resurgent chill in the air – a clear portent of winter’s stirring desire to rule again.

It is that winter threat which also sends the farmers out into the highlands to collect their sheep and horses for the winter. The event is a huge undertaking which turns into a big community celebration throughout the countryside – and tourists are more than welcome to come and lend a hand too!

The old Icelandic calendar only had two seasons: the warm, light one and the cold, dark one. Consequently, Iceland’s first official day of winter is on Saturday 24th October this year, despite the fact that not every leaf will yet have fallen and that the snow will (probably) not yet have made an appearance. Conversely, Icelanders gleefully celebrate the first day of summer in April; at around the time spring is making its first feeble, faltering attempts to breathe life back into the world.

Just before winter makes its official entrance, the Iceland Airwaves music festival steps in to give summer the raucous send off it so richly deserves from 14-18 October.

Iceland Airwaves is the international music press’s favourite festival. Its mix of big international and local talent and the ‘next big things’ makes Airwaves a great place to find something new and to rock out with next year’s chart topping acts before they loom headlong into the world’s conscience.

So, for something a little different this autumn, a holiday in Iceland could be just the surprise you’ve been looking for. More details are available at www.visiticeland.com

Photo: Flickr.com/olafur

P&V currently operates self-catering apartments and hotel accommodation throughout France, all of which are eligible for a ‘Eurobuster’ discount of at least 22 per cent. The deal has been introduced to offer the Euro-Sterling exchange rate of 2008 when holidays were at least 22 per cent cheaper than they are today. Holidays of two weeks or more will also be eligible for an additional 20 per cent long stay discount.

Below we have listed holidays that are still available from Saturday 22nd August – Saturday 5th September 2009. All of P&V’s self-catering apartments’ are furnished and include a fully equipped kitchen area and living room. Unless otherwise stated, we have given examples of two-bedroom apartments, which will comfortably sleep a family of four. Smaller and larger rooms and chalets are of course available.

Résidence Pierre & Vacances Belles Rives, Argentat
£326 (previously £418) for one week in a one-bedroom apartment suitable for up to five people
Lying on the bank of the Dordogne overlooking the river, this property offers an exceptional location opposite the old village of Argentat. The relaxing property has large gardens and a heated outdoor swimming pool, as well as canoeing, fishing and hiking on offer throughout the summer. Shops and services in Agentat are just 500m from the residence and all apartments have a view over the Dordogne.

Résidence Pierre & Vacances Omaha Beach, Normandy
£402 (previously £516) for one week in a one-bedroom house suitable for up to six people
The Pierre & Vacances Omaha Beach Resort is a newly constructed property that provides a relaxing location from which to visit Normandy and Brittany, including the famous World War II D-day beaches, the town of Deauville and the renowned Mont St Michel. On-site activities and leisure facilities include: two heated swimming pools; a sauna; children’s play area and access to one of France’s Top 50 Golf Courses – the International Omaha Beach Golf Club. The resort offers comfortable and spacious accommodation, all boasting a balcony or terrace with a view of the golf course.

Pierre & Vacances Port Bourgenay Holiday Village, Vendee
£406 (previously £521) for one week in a two-bedroom apartment suitable for up to five people
The Port Bourgenay Holiday Village is a superb location for a family holiday in the Vendee region of France. Located 9km south of Les Sables-d’Olonne, this 90-hectare car-free village offers numerous activities for all ages, ranging from a nine-hole golf course, an aquatic centre with three swimming pools, a central lake and a glorious beach accessible on foot or by our seasonal tourist train.

Pierre & Vacances Belle Dune Holiday Village, Normandy
£609 (previously £780) for one week in a two-bedroom apartment suitable for up to six people
A great choice for families and amateur golfers, Belle Dune Holiday Village is a family-friendly property located on the edge of the renowned Belle Dune golf course. The Holiday Village is set around a large lake and has activities for all ages including swimming pools, tennis courts and free children’s clubs, as well as a fitness centre. Belle Dune is approximately a 40-minute drive from Calais’ ferry port and preferential rates for all guests are available at the golf course.

Hôtel Latitudes Golf de l’Esterel, Saint Raphaël
£609 (previously £780) for one week in a double room suitable for two people
This recently refurbished hotel is set in a quiet location at the edge of a pine forest, in the heart of the Esterel Golf Course, close to St Raphaël. Onsite facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and a fitness centre with sauna and Jacuzzi. The hotel is located just 800 m from the local shops, and the beach and town centre are both just 3.5 km away.

Pierre & Vacances Branville Holiday Village, Normandy
£650 (previously £834) for one week in a two-bedroom cottage suitable for up to five people
The Branville Holiday Village lies just a few kilometres from the famous ‘Normandy Landing’ beaches and the Fleurie coastline. Accommodation is spread over the property’s 12-hectare site, which also boasts tennis courts, a children’s playground and an indoor ‘Aquaclub’ with heated swimming pools, whirlpools, jacuzzis and waterslides. Free children’s clubs are provided for all guests, as well as an area designed especially for teenagers known as ‘Le Spot.’ Fine sandy beaches at Villers-sur-Mer are also just eight km away. For more information, please visit: http://www.pv-holidays.com/normandy/branville/holiday-village-france_rental_235-2_fp
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About P&V
P&V (also known as Pierre & Vacances or PV-Holidays) is the number one provider of holiday residences, villages and hotels all over France. It offers self-catering and hotel holidays in France, Spain, Italy, Morocco, Tunisia, Switzerland and the Caribbean through its five brands: Pierre & Vacances, Maeva, Residences MGM, Latitudes Hotels and Adagio City Aparthotel.

Further information
For further consumer information on P&V, please visit: http://www.pv-holidays.com or telephone: 0870 026 7144.

Media information
For media information and images and if you’re interested in a press trip, please contact Susie Tempest or Jenny Groutage at The Saltmarsh Partnership on 020 7928 1600 or email susie/jenny@saltmarshpr.co.uk

Reykjavik’s eleventh Gay Pride event is now a mere memory, and there are a whole twelve months to wait until it happens all over again. But although Pride is over, Iceland does not forget about it.

Around 80,000 people converged on central Reykjavik on Saturday to enjoy the eleventh annual Reykjavik Gay Pride parade and the following outdoor concert with Pall Oskar, probably Iceland’s biggest pop star.

There were more carnival floats in the Reykjavik Gay Pride parade than ever before, meaning the crowds did not go away disappointed.

The scale of the event (involving roughly a quarter of Iceland’s entire population) is testament to the country’s excellent equal rights legislation and the people’s inclusive nature.

In fact, Iceland as a gay holiday destination has become increasingly popular recently – partly because of features in major media: Reykjavik was featured as a recent ‘destination of the month’ in Attitude magazine, among others.

There is no gay village in Iceland. In fact there are barely any gay bars at all. But that appears to have nothing to do with Iceland being a strict, conservative society – quite the opposite in fact.

A quick look into one of Reykjavik’s few gay bars will reveal a clientele which is by no means exclusively gay. And if you think all the dozens of other bars in town are straight-only, think again. People in Reykjavik go partying in places dictated by their taste in music, their taste in décor or simply by their bossy friends. They do not need to choose a venue based only on their sexuality.

If you’re looking to visit Iceland as a gay destination, there are a variety of helpful websites available – the GayIce.is site is a great resource including a list of links to other useful sites.

Visit Iceland also has a website crammed with useful information on things to do in Iceland, from the Blue Lagoon and the hundreds of geothermal pools to glacier hiking and white water rafting.

For more information on Iceland vacations, take a look at www.visiticeland.com

Ski-Direct.co.uk offers reassurance to customers concerned by reports of a rise in ski holiday prices for the 2009-10 winter ski season. As experts in booking family and group skiing holidays, the ski specialists have already put together a range of

Jon Pearce of www.ski-direct.co.uk says: “We think recent reports of a possible rise in prices are irresponsible in an already sensitive market. No-one is pretending that the low rate of the pound to the euro is helping matters, but we are seeing that customers still want to have a special ski holiday and are putting a lot of effort into saving money wherever they can.”

In response to the current economic climate, Ski-Direct report that they have been creating new ski package holidays that offer significant savings, much earlier in the year than usual. Therefore, there are more bargains available to consumers than compared to this time last year.

Jon continues: “Like many operators, we are running at a small margin so we can pass on the most attractive deals to our customers and we are putting together a range of package ski holiday deals that really do offer real savings.”

“We work very hard with our partners to offer the widest range of ski holiday deals possible – across Europe and North America, thus giving our customers great choice of resort, accommodation and facilities.”

Many people choose to travel in large groups, saving money by booking into chalets and taking advantages of the offers from the ski resorts – including free lift passes for children.

Ski-Direct expects more ski resorts across Europe and North America to make announcements about free ski passes and similar deals throughout the summer.

So, the strong message from www.ski-direct.co.uk, is – look for the creatively packaged deals put together by experts who know about the real costs of taking a ski holiday.

Booking early is the best way to get the best deals. Deposits are low, minimising the risk of maximising your budget, Ski-Direct aims to give its customers value for money, as well as great service.

About www.ski-direct.co.uk

Ski direct is one of the UK’s best ski specialists, selling ski & snowboard holidays to Austria, France, Italy, Canada, USA, America, Bulgaria, Andorra, Switzerland, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden. The Ski-Direct team have over 100 years combined experience of Skiing and selling Ski holidays, and they’re people who ski with their families and friends in ski resorts across Europe and North America.

They work with all the major Tour Operators including Inghams, Neilson, Airtours, First Choice and Crystal Ski, as well as the specialist Ski companies such as Ski Total, Ski Esprit, Skiworld and Mark Warner.

Ski-Direct is part of the Midlands Co-operative Society Group and is a member of ABTA. Midlands Co-op Travel, incorporating Ilkeston Co-op Travel, is the No 1 independent travel agent in the Midlands.

Ski-Direct

Central House

Hermes Rd

Eastern Avenue

Lichfield

Staffs

WS13 6RH

Keflavík International Airport is Iceland’s main airport and provides a vital transport link for both passengers and freight. Recent upgrades mean services are better than ever with travellers’ tax refund vouchers now valid for shopping.

Keflavik International Airport is simultaneously a relaxing and exciting environment: travellers can sit down and enjoy the airport’s comfortable ambiance or they can seize the day by taking advantage of all the great shops. Many big brands are available to travellers. Brands like Burberry, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Bvulgari, Boss, Diesel, Breidling, Tagheur and Raymond Weil are cheaper duty free at Keflavik than in many other airports and big cities; and up to 50 percent cheaper than Reykjavik.

Furthermore, it is now possible to redeem tax refunds at the duty-free store – in other words, visitors can use their Iceland Refund cheques to purchase duty-free and tax-free goods without queuing for cash at the bank.

Iceland is one of the few countries in Western Europe that can sell tax and duty-free goods and services to both arriving and departing passengers. This allows arriving visitors to stock up on tobacco, liquor, cosmetics, electronic goods and other gift items.

The airport is not only about airport shopping though. Surrounded by Icelandic art, travellers can enjoy their coffee, meal and drinks in a quiet and a relaxing airport.

The airport covers an area of some 25 square kilometres; it has four runways of more than 3,000 metres capable of handling modern long-haul aircraft. Due to Iceland’s geographical location astride North-Atlantic air routes, the airfield is open 24 hours a day.

Since the recent airport expansion, twelve new shops have opened offering a greater selection of well-known brands and Icelandic designs at the major Atlantic airport. As a special feature passengers waiting for their flight now have the unique opportunity to relax and enjoy massages and spa treatments at the Blue Lagoon store. A Seafood & health bar has opened in the departure lounge on level two, offering renowned Icelandic fish products.

Further information about the air terminal, security, passport control, customs regulations, transport etc. can be found on our website: www.kefairport.com

Season Car hire have gone live with the new online booking system. The new system allow customer from anywhere around the world to book a car online whether it is budget car or a sports car they can check availability and book it online.

The car hire system was developed by carhiresystem.com which has used the latest technology AJAX power by MYSQL to provide the powerful system

The customer can book the car securely and rest assure as all the database use the latest encryption technology.

Season Car hire new system has proven to be popular among its customer and new customer.

There are 5 steps to hire a car, simply input the dates, and birthday, the system will return cars suitable for your age requirements and period.

Once click book now, the user can select extra options and then proceed to the login page. Registered can pull the account information through or go to registration, once all the details are complete, the user can select the different payment method.

The customer will use the 3D secure technology to make payments.

A national park is usually a part of a nation preserved and protected due to its unusual natural beauty. National parks are, by their very nature, pleasant places and always well worth a visit. In a country as naturally beautiful as Iceland, it stands to reason that the national parks are even more special.

Iceland has three national parks in the west, the southwest and the southeast of the country. Each is totally unique and each holds a special place in people’s hearts.

There used to be four Icelandic national parks, but two of them were merged and expanded to form the single biggest national park in Europe – the Vatnajokull National Park.

Covering 11 percent of Iceland, the Vatnajokull National Park encompasses an unrivalled variety of landscapes and ecosystems, from Europe’s largest glacier (in its entirety) to active volcanic areas, immense waterfalls and lush reindeer grazing grounds.

The national park is so large and varied that Iceland’s highest and lowest spots fall within its boundaries – as do Iceland’s warmest and coldest places and Iceland’s wettest and driest locations!

On the other side of the country lies the Snaefellsjokull National Park, miniscule in comparison to Vatnajokull – but no less beautiful. Snaefellsjokull is a tiny, ice cream shaped mountaintop glacier visible from Reykjavik on the clearest of summer days. The glacier is said to be at the meeting point of ley lines and the most mystical place in Iceland.

The glacier was the starting point for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth and the surrounding national park is among the most relaxing, pleasant and beautiful countryside in Iceland. Snaefellsjokull is the country’s only national park to extend all the way to the seashore and the setting for some of the most memorable of the Viking sagas.

Finally there is Thingvellir National Park, a site of unrivalled human history and geographical intrigue.

Thingvellir is Iceland’s oldest national park as it is the birthplace of the Althingi – the world’s oldest parliament which still governs Iceland today from its new home in Reykjavik. Thingvellir is the place the new Icelandic republic was declared in 1944. It would not be an exaggeration to say that nearly all the notable events of Icelandic history before 20th century took place at Thingvellir. They even used to drown “witches” there.

Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to Iceland’s largest lake and an impressive canyon where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are literally tearing the earth apart. The park has a huge variety of bird, plant and animal life as well.

Icelandic national parks are open all year round, but their beauty and accessibility are never better than right now in high summer. While the wild flowers bloom, the glacial melt water turns rivers to raging torrents and the night sky won’t go dark at all until the end of July, the parks’ shops, museums, guides and other facilities are working at full steam. More information at www.visiticeland.com

With the low exchange rate of the Icelandic krona, tourists are visiting Iceland in their thousands and enjoying unprecedented spending power. As a result, more people are taking personalised Iceland tours and one company is going all out to make trips really special.

High North provides tours in Iceland in super jeeps with experienced and friendly guides who can organise almost any sort of tour for almost anyone.

Iceland holidays are always quite exciting: the breathtaking landscapes and the waterfalls, geysers and hot springs all add an element making Iceland quite unlike anywhere else on Earth. But with all this variety and rugged terrain, a coach tour can never give a proper taste of Iceland. And a few days spent only in pretty Reykjavik City can’t either. For a real Iceland adventure you need to take a thrilling ride in a super jeep!

High North offers a variety of package tours showing off all the biggest highlights of southern Iceland with a unique twist. For example, the eternally popular Golden Circle tour includes off-roading to the top of a glacier and optional snowmobiling – something no coach tour could ever dare do!

High North’s Ultimate Iceland tour is the highlight of any Iceland vacation, it includes many of the country’s unique features: towering waterfalls, lava caves, a glacier, off road driving in the highlands, a truly immense hot spring and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge running through Iceland’s most famous and popular national park.

If the freedom of the open road isn’t enough, High North is only too happy to give all clients the freedom to change and adapt trips to their personal desires. This runs from adding a single extra stop to a package tour all the way to creating your very own personal Iceland adventure from scratch.

If you love the idea of a week’s fishing in Iceland’s remotest and best salmon fishing rivers, High North can arrange it. If you want to trace the footsteps of the Viking saga heroes, just ask High North. In fact High North could probably even arrange a tour of Iceland’s most fascinating garden sheds if you really wanted…

To summarise this article in a nutshell: High North provides the most exciting way to tour Iceland. They are always willing to let you steer the trip to your personal taste and whim, and the weakness of the local currency means you can probably afford the luxury of a private tour even if you couldn’t this time last year.

For more information about High North jeep safari tours in Iceland, go to www.highnorth.is

Ja.is is often called Iceland’s Yellow Pages. But whatever it’s called, the online font of information is one of the most useful and most visited websites in the country.

Ja.is has been giving contact details and other info to Icelandic speakers for years: the site has contact details for almost all businesses and individuals everywhere in Iceland. But the new, improved version of the website offers services in English for the first time – as well as a tranche of other extra features and tools.

The recently redesigned website now features detailed maps which show Iceland in a new light and can be used to pinpoint the exact address of every business and person in the registry with the user’s choice of street map view or high-res satellite photo view.

Using GPS technology, ja.is interactive mapping provides highly accurate search results that can be printed off and taken away for use as personalised and easy to use street maps.

On the other hand, the site’s vCard allows people to have their required contact details delivered straight to their email software – thus eliminating the need for pen and paper, or a good memory.

With carefully categorised sections users can easily access specific information or browse for more general ideas. For example, it is just as quick and simple to find a hotel in the Westfjords as it is to find out that there (unfortunately) is not yet an Indian restaurant in the East Fjords: as a source of Iceland travel information, ja.is can hardly be matched.

In addition to helping users find details of specific individuals and companies, ja.is also has maps with details of key travel services all over Iceland – golf courses, police stations, fuel stops, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, campsites, swimming pools, golf courses and fishing sites are all conveniently plotted on maps for the traveller.

To start using the Yellow Pages of Iceland as a vital source of information, go to http://en.ja.is

When asked what makes them choose a holiday in a particular holiday destination, the answer most often given by holidaymakers is:  “We want a holiday in the sun!”

The Canary Islands (Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria) offer year-round warm sunshine, which is one of the reasons they are perennial favourites for family holidays, for couples of all ages and for group holidays

Positive customer reviews of the hotels and destinations are also vital for most people choosing their holidays, the www.holidays-direct.co.uk customers said.  Referring to holiday reviews of hotels has proved to be especially true for people booking all-inclusive holidays.

Cost is obviously vital, but the wide choice of bargain holiday deals for Summer 2009 means that many travellers are already confident of getting a good deal.

The top 10 reasons for picking a holiday as reported by www.holidays-direct.co.uk customers are as follows: -

1. Good climate – guaranteed sun
2. Customer reviews of hotel /area
3. Cost
4. Things to see / excursions
5. Lively nightlife
6. Good beach
7. Can fly from local airport
8. Good food
9. Easy to get to from airport
10. Child-friendly resort

For parents travelling with children under the age of 10 years old, choosing a child-friendly holiday resort was often given as the most important factor, especially when choosing to go on all-inclusive holidays.

For younger people, especially those booking group holidays, a good beach and lively nightlife competed to be the most important thing about choosing a summer holiday destination.

About www.holidays-direct.co.uk

Online travel agency www.holidays-direct.co.uk is part of the Midlands Co-operative Society Group and is a member of ABTA. They specialise in providing affordable flights and accommodation in the top holiday destinations around the world.

Midlands Co-op Travel, incorporating Ilkeston Co-op Travel, is the No 1 independent travel agent in the Midlands.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Jenny Simpson
Online News & PR Manager
WebCertain Global Ltd.
Northminster Business Park
York
YO26 6QW
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1904 780030

MRL Insurance is targeting the ever growing culture of BECCYs (Brits Escaping Credit Crunch Year) with the launch if its new Gap Year travel insurance policies for adults up to the age of 45.

The new policies cover travel from between one and 12 months and are specifically designed for those enjoying an extended holiday or gap year or for travellers working abroad.

There are two choices of policy – Standard and SuperCover. SuperCover is designed for anyone living outside of the UK but in the EU and also for more adventurous travellers who intend to partake in hazardous activities or winter sports.

Prices start from just £19 for European cover for one month, through to just £179 for a 12 month Worldwide policy – both standard policies which can be upgraded to SuperCover.

Alan Reif, Director, MRL commented: “We wanted to offer a Gap Year policy that did not penalise against age. After all the redundancies in the past year the average age of a gap traveller is increasing and we can now provide comprehensive cover for them for up to a year, whether they are travelling as a holiday or seeking overseas work for an interim period.”

What is covered?
 Medical Emergency & repatriation
 Additional accommodation & travelling costs
 Personal accident
 Redundancy cover
 Supplier Failure Cover
 Scheduled airline failure
 Personal assistance services
 Emergency dental treatment
 Missed departure
 Luggage delay
 Travel delay
 Hospital benefit
 Personal liability
 Legal protection
 Hijack
 Disaster/catastrophe
 Variety of sporting activities

For additional sporting cover, including skiing and more dangerous activities, travellers can upgrade to SuperCover, which also includes assistance for cancellation or curtailment, and loss of money, passport and luggage.

For a full breakdown of everything that is covered by these policies visit www.mrlinsurance.co.uk or call 0845 676 0691.

- ends -

For media information please contact Samantha Marsh at Infinity Public Relations on 020 8640 4031 or 07711 265666. Alternatively email samantha@infinitypublicrelations.co.uk.

Notes to editors:
• MRL Insurance is part of Rock Insurance Services Ltd which also incorporates AIS Direct, Insureplc and Insurefor.com.
• Rock Insurance Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
• All policies are provided by and underwritten by Europ Assistance Holdings Ltd

May 14, 2009

Icelandair Group, parent company to Icelandair, released better than expected first quarter 2009 results on Friday, buoyed by Icelandair and Travel Service.

In spite of the extremely challenging operating environment, Icelandair Group Friday released better than anticipated first quarter results.

Iceland’s biggest airline, Icelandair gave its best first quarter performance since the company took its current form in 2001; due largely to foreign travellers wanting to visit Iceland for the favourable exchange rate of the Icelandic krona.
Passenger numbers have increased considerably on flights from Paris to Reykjavik and Amsterdam to Reykjavik, among others.

Travel Service was not a part of Icelandair Group in the first quarter of 2008.

Icelandair Group’s total turnover in the first three months of the year increased 48 percent on 2008 to ISK 20.7 billion; but EBITDA was negative by ISK 2.3 billion, compared to 0.9 billion last year. The first quarter is always the hardest and usually returns a loss; and this year’s predicted loss was ISK 4.1 billion – nearly double the actual figure.

EBIT was negative by ISK 3.5 billion and was negative by ISK 1.7 billion last year. First quarter losses this year after tax amounted to ISK 3.6 billion, compared to ISK 1.7 billion in 2008.

The Group’s assets amounted to ISK 98.1 billion at the end of March 2009, as compared to ISK 98.9 billion at year-end 2008. Icelandair Group’s cash position has not been severely affected either; taking a drop from ISK 3.3 billion first quarter 2008 to ISK 2.8 billion in 2009. The equity ratio was 17.2% at the end of March 2009, down from 20.3% at the end of 2008.

EBITDA for the whole year 2009 is estimated to be approximately ISK 6 billion.

Icelandair Group is an Icelandic travel company comprising Icelandair, Air Iceland, Travel Service, Icelandair Hotels, Bluebird Cargo, Icelandair Cargo, Financial Services, Iceland Travel, Icelease, IGS, Loftleidir Icelandic, and SmartLynx.

Icelandair and Travel Service were the Group’s strongest first quarter performers.

Icelandair CEO Birkir Holm Gudnason says the company’s ability to instantly shift sales focus from the Icelandic market to overseas helped to offset a serious drop in Icelandic passengers travelling overseas following the banking crisis.

The number of foreign visitors to Iceland using Icelandair increased by 11 percent in the first quarter and now account for over half the airline’s passengers for the first time ever. The airline has also forged ahead with plans for new, ambitious routes.

More details on Icelandair, including Friday’s first-quarter investors’ report, can be found at http://www.icelandairgroup.com/investor-relations/news/

All prices below are per apartment, per week and are based on an exchange rate of £1 = €1.10 (as of 7th April 2009). All apartments come fully furnished and include a fully equipped kitchen area. One-bedroom apartments include one double bedroom with a separate double sofa bed in the living room.

Pierre & Vacances Caledonia Golf Resort, Estepona
£267 (previously £380) for a studio apartment sleeping two people
The Pierre & Vacances residence in Estepona is a brand new holiday destination for summer 2009 located just 25km from Marbella on the Costa del Sol. All 301 apartments are spacious, comfortable and equipped with air-conditioning, a balcony and a fully fitted kitchen area. The property is set around a large swimming pool and is close to ‘Los Flamingos’ golf course, as well as the luxurious marinas of Puerto Banus, just 12km away. Free recreational activities are provided for adults and children throughout the day and the beach is only 1.5km away. Fore more information, please see: http://www.pv-holidays.com/costa-del-sol/estepona/caledonia-golf-resort_rental_469-2_fp?

Pierre & Vacances – Bonavista Resort, Costa Dorada
£280 (previously £400) for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four people
Located on the sun-blessed Costa Dorada, the Pierre & Vacances Bonmont resort is located in the grounds of the prestigious Bonmont golf course. All self-catering apartments are spacious and air-conditioned and onsite facilities include a large, heated swimming pool, a children’s playground, beach volleyball, a restaurant, bar and children’s clubs for all ages. The Platja Cristal beach is just 5km away and the Aquapolis water park and Port Aventura theme parks are both just 20km from the property. For more information, please visit: http://www.pv-holidays.com/costa-dorada/bonmont-costa-dorada/bonavista-holiday-apartments_rental_345-2_fp?

Pierre & Vacances – Terrazas Costa del Sol Holiday Village
£336 (previously £460) for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four people
The Pierre & Vacances Terrazas Costa del Sol Holiday Village is a brand new holiday destination offering fully equipped self-catering apartments with panoramic views of the Costa del Sol and the rock of Gibraltar. Developed around a main square dominated by patios, fountains and palm trees, the village offers many leisure activities including a swimming pool and kids clubs for 3-18 year olds. Located less than an hour’s drive from Malaga airport, the property features a large infinity pool, private beach area with tapas bar, fitness clubs, kids playground and bike rental. For more information, please visit: http://www.pv-holidays.com/costa-del-sol/manilva-malaga/costa-del-sol-holiday-village-spain_rental_472-2_fp?

Hôtel Latitudes Golf de l’Esterel, Cote d’Azur
£420 (previously £628) for a double room sleeping two people
This recently refurbished hotel is set in a quiet location at the edge of a pine forest, in the heart of the Esterel Golf Course. Onsite facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and a fitness centre with sauna and Jacuzzi. The hotel is located just 800 m from the local shops and the beach and town centre are both just 3.5 km away. For more information, please visit: http://www.pv-holidays.com/cote-d-azur/saint-raphael/golf-esterel-hotel_rental_173-2_fp?

Ends

About P&V
P&V (also known as Pierre & Vacances or PV-Holidays) is the number one provider of holiday residences, villages and hotels all over France. It offers self-catering and hotel holidays in France, Spain, Italy, Morocco, Tunisia, Switzerland and the Caribbean through its five brands: Pierre & Vacances, Maeva, Residences MGM, Latitudes Hotels and Adagio City Aparthotel.

Further information
For further consumer information on P&V, please visit: www.pv-holidays.com or telephone: 0870 026 7144.

Visit the P&V blog at http://blog.pv-holidays.com.

For further trade enquiries, please go on http://trade.pv-holidays.com or telephone 01273 560475.

For media information and images, please contact Susie Tempest or Jenny Groutage at The Saltmarsh Partnership on 020 7928 1600 or email susie/jenny@saltmarshpr.co.uk.