America’s traffic congestion recession is over. Just as the U.S. economy has regained nearly all of the 9 million jobs lost during the downturn, a new report produced by INRIX and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) shows that traffic congestion has returned to pre-recession levels.
According to the 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard, travel delays due to traffic congestion caused drivers to waste more than 3 billion gallons of fuel and kept travelers stuck in their cars for nearly 7 billion extra hours – 42 hours per rush-hour commuter. The total nationwide price tag: $160 billion, or $960 per commuter.
Washington, D.C. tops the list of gridlock-plagued cities, with 82 hours of delay per commuter, followed by Los Angeles (80 hours), San Francisco (78 hours), New York (74 hours), and San Jose (67 hours).
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7430751-inrix-2015-urban-mobility-scorecard/
Southwest Airlines® (NYSE: LUV) introduced a modern new look to its iconic brand today at an event dedicated to its Employees. The airline proudly unveiled a new aircraft livery, named Heart, airport experience, and logo. The new look puts the airline’s Heart on display, showcasing the strength of the nearly 46,000 Employees Companywide—whose dedication can be felt by every Customer each time Southwest Airlines connects them to what’s important in their life.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7316751-southwest-airlines-unveils-new-heart-look-logo-livery-airport-experience/
Planning a holiday road trip? For some handy hints, watch whitewater kayaker Jim as he prepares to hit the road.
Jim's Road Trip Essentials
• Maps or a GPS
• Mobile phone & charger
• Water and food
• Car Insurance details
• First aid kit and torch
For safety tips on domestic or international travel click here:
http://www.nrma.com.au/travel-insurance/domestic-travel-insurance
http://www.nrma.com.au/travel-insurance/international-travel-insurance
An island off Ireland’s south west coast is wowing audiences at screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Unveiled in the film’s closing minutes, this closely guarded secret ending to Episode 7 was filmed in September 2014 on Skellig Michael Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Since 1977, the record-breaking movie franchise has travelled through many galaxies, and this time, director JJ Abrams along with cast and crew jetted into a little village called Portmagee, County Kerry, on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. From here, they travelled eight miles (12 Km) by sea to a dream film location, Skellig Michael.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7718351-ireland-feels-the-force/
Summertime means vacation time – but, with unpredictable weather patterns, fluctuating gas prices and increasing costs, Americans nationwide are concerned about getting away. Our national travel expert has some great trips on how to survive summer travel – he/she will cover everything from how to get the best deals to planning a vacation suitable for the whole family.
Some of the unique and useful tips Amy can offer are:
• Travel trends: Travelling to destinations during their peak seasons can drive prices up. Visiting during off-peak times can help save money and you’ll have easier access to activities than at busier times of the year.
• Get organized: Planning a fun and successful trip means, setting a budget, researching, and booking early! Shop around to find transportation and accommodations that suit your needs and your budget.
• Get Your Ride Ready: If you’re hitting the open road, make sure any maintenance you need to have done on your vehicle is taken care of including checking your vital fluids, tires, and headlights and break lights.
• First Aid Kit: Make a little room in your luggage for a travel first aid kit. It won’t cost much, and it won’t take up much space but it can certainly come in handy.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today announces the newest evolution of the Holiday Inn® brand’s Journey to Extraordinary campaign. This campaign, now in its third year, celebrates the unique journeys of the many guests who walk through the doors of Holiday Inn hotels each day. In this new year of the campaign, the Holiday Inn brand will highlight the extraordinary journeys of two small businesses – Sword & Plough and Perfect 10 Foods – and how Holiday Inn hotels can be a valuable partner in helping them succeed.
Eric Lent, Vice President, Holiday Inn Brand, Americas said: “The Holiday Inn brand carefully researched nearly 300 businesses before deciding to partner with Sword & Plough and Perfect 10. Both of these inspiring companies have a purpose-led mission to change the way business is done in their respective fields, and therefore have an incredibly unique story to tell. Sword & Plough and Perfect 10 embody the entrepreneurial spirit that is the foundation of the Holiday Inn brand. Founder Kemmons Wilson grew the brand from a small, family-owned business into a global brand that offers a consistent and affordable hotel experience that makes travel more enjoyable for all, and in doing so, changed the way people travel.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7824951-holiday-inn-journey-to-extraordinary/
SLS Las Vegas, the culmination of a years-long, $415 million dollar renovation of the legendary Sahara, opened its doors today welcoming the public back to the North end of the iconic Las Vegas Strip. A fully-integrated, entertainment-driven resort and casino with more than 1,600 guest rooms and suites, SLS Las Vegas features a curated collection of hospitality industry trendsetter sbe’s most beloved brands, refined and reinvigorated for Las Vegas as well as original concepts all set in an atmosphere that’s both dynamic and approachable.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7289852-sls-las-vegas-opens-doors-bringing-new-life-to-the-north-end-of-the-strip/
Booking.com, the world’s number one accommodation site, today announces the launch of the Booking Now app for the Apple Watch. Booking Now, which draws from Booking.com’s vast selection of over 625,000 properties in more than 75,000 unique destinations, is the first and only travel app to enable users to book a stay directly from their Watch, and in just one touch. Through the use of Apple’s new pressure sensitive ‘force touch’ technology, spontaneous travelers are now able to choose and book the nearest relevant hotel in one simple gesture.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7504251-booking-travel-app-for-apple-watch/
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Iceland, known for its welcoming spirit has today launched a unique internet service with a difference; Ask Guðmundur, the world’s first human search engine.
The decidedly Icelandic and truly personable service will see special representatives from each of Iceland’s seven regions offer their insider knowledge to the world via Inspired By Iceland’s social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook and YouTube). Each representative shares the name Guðmundur or Guðmunda, currently one of the most popular forenames in the country with over 4,000 men and women claiming it as their own.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7512351-ask-guomundur-human-search-engine/
Silvercar, an Austin-based technology company, today opened its service to travelers visiting Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The innovative airport-based rental fleet comprises only one make and model of vehicle: the 2013 Audi A4, in silver. Mobile integration is key to the Silvercar experience, as the entire customer journey can be managed from a smartphone. This means no waiting in lines or at counters — ever — when renting with Silvercar.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/59940-silvercar-mobile-integrated-rental-service-dallas-fort-worth-dfw-airport
Successful winter travel is all about successful navigation of winter weather and the holiday crowds. Preparedness and safety are key. Whether it’s a two-hour drive or a two-hour flight, traveling can be one of the most stressful parts of the holiday season. And while there are some things you can’t control, there are ways to make the most of your holiday travels this year.
On Thursday, November 9th, travel pro, Amy Goodman, will be available to discuss how she beats the winter travel blues. She will provide tips on the latest tricks, tools and trends to arm yourself against the mania and keep the holiday cheer alive.
