n Bennett to develop e-commerce venture
Former Going Places chairman Tony Bennett is believed to be developing a new travel e-commerce venture. Bennett, who left Going Places last year, said he did not want to comment at this stage.
n virgin to refurbish ecomony cabins
Virgin Atlantic is refurbishing its Economy and Premium Economy cabins this year. The revamp includes new seat coverings, a new range of colours and carpeting for both cabins. Meals will also be improved to reflect regions which Virgin flies to. A spokeswoman said the cost will come out of the £37m Virgin is spending on installing new bed-seats into Upper Class. Virgin’s move follows British Airways’ announcement of a new premium economy cabin. (see page 5).
n p&o to set up separate cruise division
The P&O Group is to set up its cruise division as a separate company, if shareholders agree. The demerger, to be concluded by the end of 2000, will allow the new company to concentrate on its three cruiselines, P&OCruises, Princess Cruises and Swan Hellenic. Princess Cruises president Peter Ratcliffe, also a board director of P&O, will be chief executive of the company, overseen by P&OGroup chairman Lord Sterling.
n regal and vista suspend takeover talks
Regal Hotel Group and London Vista Hotel have suspended takeover talks. The companies made a request to the takeover panel to suspend the offer timetable until a code issue is resolved. The last day for posting an offer and the last day for the offer to be unconditional have been postponed. Neither company will comment but state this move does not relate to the financial positions of Regal or London Vista.