MCDONALD’S MOVE
McDonald’s fast-food chain is entering the hotel business with the opening of a property at Kloten Airport in Switzerland. The US burger giant said it was having problems getting planning permission to build one of its restaurants at the site and the only way round was ‘a clever real-estate deal’ that meant it had to build a hotel as well.
CONTINENTAL OFFER
Continental Airlines is offering 11% commission on its Virgin Atlantic codeshare flights until December 11. The deal is valid on Continental flight numbers 4400-4444. The move follows Virgin Atlantic chairman Richard Branson’s pledge to keep commission at the current 10% rate if agents support the airline (Travel Weekly July 19).
JERSEY DROPPED
Cadogan Holidays has axed its upmarket programme to Jersey after admitting it did not generate enough sales. Managing director Gary David reported 2,300 bookings so far this year for the programme, which operates until December. Jersey will be featured in Cadogan’s City Breaks brochure until the end of March 2000.
ITT CLUB LAUNCH
The Institute of Travel and Tourism is planning to launch a Millennium Club targeted at people aged between 21 and 39. Benefits and events will be arranged for the new club.
HOVERSPEED SERVICE
Hoverspeed is to operate its Newhaven to Dieppe SuperSeaCat service year round. It will run thrice-weekly services until the end of the year and resume operations in February after a six-week refit.