Leading figures discuss key topics of the air travel industry – Lufthansa Group board member Stefan Lauer grants insight into the strategies of the global player

The air travel industry will be facing tough challenges in 2009: highly fluctuating oil and kerosene prices, capital markets shaken by crises, over-capacities and forced climate protection. On March 13, 2009, high profile representatives of air carriers and aircraft manufacturers will be discussing the current topics on the international air travel industry during Aviation Day on the occasion of the ITB Berlin Convention.

The MS Columbus was built in Holland in 1910 and is a living example of maritime history. It used to serve as host for heads of state and wealthy people from all over Europe and led them through the famous waterways of the world.

Today, the ship is part of Sutera Harbour Resort in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It is 31.14 meters in length and can accommodate 70 passengers.

The financial crisis has started to show significant impact on the business travel behavior of the German economy. While in a survey of „Verband Deutsches Reisemanagement“ (VDR) in October 2008, only 14% of respondents had declared that all but the most necessary trips had been cancelled, the percentage climbed to 32% in January. And while almost half of respondents (49%) reported no changes to their travel behavior a quarter of a year ago, the figure has now dropped to a fifth (22%). A mere 2% are defying the crisis with increased mobility.

The east of Germany is gaining popularity in the travel market. According to the tourism barometer of „Ostdeutscher Sparkassenverband“, for example, 63 million over-night stays were counted for 2007, trending upward. This is not surprising, as the New States shine not only with their cultural highlights, but also with their geographical location in the middle of Europe and their modern infrastructure.

by editorial office, ch

Trump Taj Mahal Atlantic City (Atlantic City/USA, January 22, 2009) – A well-known VIP could soon fall victim to the financial and economic crisis: Donald Trump’s casino group in Atlantic City (New Jersey) is facing insolvency. Declining revenues and a missed loan repayment have pushed the hotel and casino empire that comprises the Trump Taj Mahal, the Trump Plaza and the Trump Marina to the edge of illiquidity. The decision will be made today (January 22).

The favorable exchange rate makes shopping mekka London even more attractive: Despite the credit crunch, London is experiencing a real stampede of shoppers from Europe in the beginning of the new year. New West End Company, representing the retailers of West End, for instance, observed more than 10 million shoppers from Europe over the past weeks. An end is not currently in sight.