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Volume 6, Issue 35, September 3, 2008 |   
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The 2008 election is full of hot-button issues. An important issue for the frequent business traveler is what the future president will do to repair what the Travel Industry Association calls “ America’s deteriorating air travel system.” Last week’s FAA communication breakdown, one that left hundreds of flights delayed up and down the Eastern seaboard, prompted both Republican candidate John McCain and Democratic candidate Barack Obama to issue statements.
McCain declared the situation “another example of Washington failing the American people.” He went on to say that there is a need to repair and reform the broken system before these types of occurrences become commonplace in the future.
Obama, calling the air-traffic control system antiquated, promised that if elected he will overhaul the system and order the FAA to work to minimize these types of delays.
The Coalition for an Airline Passenger Bill of Rights implores travelers to continue urging Congress to pass the FAA Modernization Bill and FAA reauthorization bill. These bills would require major overhauls of the current technology and ensure passengers have basic rights when traveling. 
Changi Airport Singapore recently launched a Butterfly Garden in the airport’s Terminal 3. Located in the Departure/Transit Mall, the 330-square-meter garden gives passengers the chance to observe the life cycle of butterflies. Forty-seven species, native to Malaysia and Singapore — more than 1,000 butterflies — will inhabit the garden. The two-story structure with a curvilinear roof and stainless steel mesh and glass panels will maintain the right levels of wind and air to sustain the butterflies.
With the 2008 Summer Olympics now just a memory, Beijing officials have announced that Olympic venues will open to tourists for the week-long National Day holiday. Beginning Oct. 1, Bird’s Nest National Stadium and Water Cube National Aquatics Center will appear as they did during the games. The city is drawing up plans for continued use of the venues. The Water Cube will become an aquatic amusement park with renovations beginning late 2008. As for the Olympic village apartments — almost 80 percent have already been sold and buyers could move in by the end of year. Other facilities will be transformed into conference and exhibition centers.
Zoom Airlines, a U.K.-based budget airline, is the latest victim of high fuel prices. Founded by two Scottish millionaires, the airline connected regional airports in the U.K. to destinations in Canada, New York and the Caribbean. Zoom planes were grounded in Scotland and Canada, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and 600 employees out of work. Virgin Atlantic and British Airways have offered reduced fares to Zoom ticket holders.
Troubled times for the travel industry are not stopping hotel chains and airlines from expanding. Marriott announced plans to open three Courtyard by Marriott hotels in France over the next 36 months. InterContinental Hotels Group has signed an agreement with MBLand ( Military Bank Land) to open the first Holiday Inn Hotel in Hanoi. The hotel will open in 2012. In December, Delta Air Lines will add two new routes to Brazil: Atlanta (ATL)- Manaus (MAO) and Atlanta and Fortaleza (FOR) via Recife (REC).
American Airlines ground workers’ union, the Transportation Worker’s Union, is striking back at the company’s management. Last week, the union ran ads in three city newspapers blasting management as “tearing apart a once-proud airline.” Relations continue to be strained as both sides refuse to reach an agreement on a new labor contract. Union members also criticize stock-based compensations given to executives, while lower level employees face layoffs. Ads ran in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Tulsa World and the Chicago Sun-Times.
373 Park Ave. S.
New York, NY
tel 212 294 1000
brguestrestaurants.com/restaurants/dos_caminos_park
In New York City for a lunch meeting, I walked from Penn Station to Dos Caminos Mexican Kitchen in about 20 minutes. I had made reservations for four the previous day and we were seated immediately upon arrival. There are several Dos Caminos locations throughout the city.
The restaurant comprised a bar and three main dining rooms. We were seated in the room to the right of the entrance. The tables were incredibly close to one another and I found myself hoping no one was seated at the table next to us. The table we sat at worked for our meeting because, luckily, no one was immediately around us, but I would not choose this venue for a meeting in the future. I can imagine that it is almost impossible to move in the restaurant on a busy Friday or Saturday night.
We started with fresh, homemade guacamole that was quite good. I chose the chicken quesadillas, which were also good. My dining companions ordered shrimp quesadillas (which looked more like a pizza than quesadillas), mahi tacos and a Mexican chopped salad. They raved about their choices. All in all, the food was good, but not excellent. With a number of other Mexican restaurants in the city, you may not find the best food here, but you probably will not be too disappointed. The margarita I had after lunch was superb — delicious and refreshing!
Score: ••••• Kimberly Krol
Becoming a member of Amtrak Guest Rewards for Business will help you expand your business while riding the train. As a member, you earn points in your personal Amtrak Guest Rewards account while your business earns points at a 25 percent Point Match Rate. Plus the Point Match Rate rises as spending increases. Join before Sept. 30 and earn 1500 bonus points. Enroll online using code NEC08.
With soaring prices at the gas pumps, discount offers from Thrifty Car Rental make renting a car feasible. Through Oct., save 10 percent off time and mileage whenever you rent a mid-size vehicle. Book your car rental 24 hours in advance and watch the savings pile up.
The Millennium Hilton in New York City has introduced its Discover Downtown package. The package include 2-for-1 museum admissions, a gift certificate to a local superstore, discounts on tours, a gift bag and discount dining certificates. Rates begin at $225 and are available through Dec. 31. Call 1-800-HILTONS or book online.
Next time you are in Spain, treat yourself to that one extra night. The Westin Palace Madrid is offering one complimentary night when you book three to five nights. A six-night stay earns you two free nights. Or stay at the Westin Valencia and save 20 percent on a two-night stay. Each promotion has varying applicable dates. More information is valid on both offers online.
Singapore will host its Grand Prix on Sept. 28. The first-ever night race is being celebrated through a variety of packages available at local hotels. Check out packages at Fairmont Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel and The Mandarin Oriental. Book now and be a part of the historic race.
