n cimtig to hold debate on future of gDSs
The Chartered Institute of Marketing Travel Industry Group is holding a debate on the future of global distribution systems at the IBMAuditorium on the South Bank on October 26 at 6pm. Mike Thorne from Galileo UK, FSS’s Ian Champness and IBM’s Richard Whitaker will all speak at the seminar.Tickets cost £16 per person for guests and £12 for members. Call 01959 577469.
n Tropicale returns to Carnival operation
Carnival’s cruise ship Tropicale is to return to operation today a month after catching fire off the coast of Florida. The ship was returning from afour-night cruise to Mexico when a blaze ignited in the engine room. The operator cancelled six voyages but brought in its ship Imagination to take three of the trips. Passengers not on the Imagination trips were given a refund.
n air canada schedules shareholder meeting
Air Canada has set a meeting for November 8 for shareholders to vote on the hostile bid for the carrier (Travel Weekly September 27). The airline’s board has told shareholders to reject the bid from Onex Corporation to merge with Canadian Airlines in a £2.4bn deal. Air Canada warned shareholders who tendered their shares could have their rights made void. Canadian Airlines is backing the plan from Onex.
n Olson to quit top hertz post in December
Hertz chairman and chief executive officer Frank Olson is to retire at the end of the year, ending a23-year stint in the top job. President and chief operating officer Craig Koch will take overOlson’s chief executive role. Olson, who joined Hertz 35 years ago, will become non-executive chairman.