Weekly transport and tourism agenda: Maiden Voyages

(Costa Cruises)

Two new craft will set sail next week, one substantially larger than the other. Costa Cruise's new flagship Costa Deliziosa will commence its maiden voyage from Dubai on February 23, and a new boat designed to complete a round-the-world trip will be unveiled in Germany on February 25.

Duty Free Show of the Americas
February 21-24
Orlando, Florida, USA
As the global travel industry reels from new regulations, the first trade show since the attempted Detroit Christmas day 2009 bombing will see the world's duty-free brands coming together to discuss, lobby and network.
http://www.iaadfs.org

Costa Deliziosa Inaugurated in Dubai
February 23
Dubai, UAE
The first ship to be named in Dubai, the Deliziosa is the new flagship of the Costa Cruise Lines fleet. It features a "4D cinema" and an Italian art collection, along with a 23,000 square-foot (2,136 square-meter) spa and a "PlayStation on Demand" cabin service. The Grand Maiden Voyage will set sail after the naming ceremony.
http://www.costacruise.com

Unveiling of PlanetSolar Boat
February 25
Kiel, Germany
The largest solar boat in the world will be unveiled to the press and the public on February 25. Eventually, the PlanetSolar team plan to sail the boat around the world on solar power.
http://www.planetsolar.org/

New York Times Travel Show
February 26-28
New York, USA
Last year 500 exhibitors from 150 countries attended the show, which opens to the public on its second day. Highlights of the event, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, include exclusive discounts for attendees and entertainment from around the world.
http://www.nyttravelshow.com/

Runway 13-31 closes
March 1
JFK Airport, New York, USA
Airlines are cutting flights and preparing for potential delays following the closure of JFK's longest runway, which handles nearly a third of traffic at the already-packed airport. At 14,572 ft (4,441 meters), it is one of the longest runways in the US. It is expected to reopen June 1.
http://www.jfkiat.com/

MSC Magnifica Maiden Voyage
March 7
Hamburg, Germany
The fourth ship in MSC's "Musica" class includes a 4D cinema onboard, four pools and an onboard spa. Sixty-five percent of guest rooms will feature a balcony and the ship will carry 3,013 guests. A host of celebrities are expected at the christening ceremony on the evening of March 6, including screen legend Sophia Loren.
http://www.msccruises.com

ITB Berlin
March 10
Berlin, Germany
The largest travel fair in the world welcomed 179,000 visitors last year, from 187 countries. Summits on social media and travel, "Aviation Day" and "Hospitality Day" are likely to provide an insight on news and trends in the industry. Turkey is this year's official partner country.
http://www.itb-berlin.de

World Travel Awards Nominations Announced
March 10
Tourism bodies from 162 countries vote for the World Travel Awards, which announces its nominations March 10. The awards are presented in a series of gala ceremonies held around the world, which begin in Dubai on May 3 and end with the grand gala on November 7 in London.
http://www.worldtravelawards.com/

Armani Hotel Opens
March 18
Dubai, UAE
The world's first Armani hotel opens in the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. With rooms and interiors designed by Giorgio Armani, the firm promises that this is the first of a set of global exclusive resorts - a second is due to open in Milan this spring.
http://www.armanihotels.com/