Weekly transport and tourism agenda: Boot Düsseldorf

(boot Düsseldorf)

The world's largest boat show opens in Düsseldorf January 23, proving that enthusiasm for on-water entertainment hasn't been dampened by the recession. On a larger scale, two cruise liners are set to make their maiden voyages in February.

Boot Düsseldorf
January 23- 31
Düsseldorf, Germany
Boot Dusseldorf is renowed for being the world's largest and most important boating show. Over 1,550 exhibitors will attend to display some 1,700 boats and yachts. Features include a dedicated hall for diving fans and an exhibit showcasing "trendy sports" such as stand-up paddling, winch waking, skimboarding, kiteboarding, surfing, wakeboarding, and water-skiing.
www.boot.de/

European Yacht of the Year Award
Expected January at Boot Düsseldorf (TBC)
Düsseldorf, Germany
The European Yacht of the year is decided by journalists from 11 yachting magazines across Europe and includes nominees in five categories - Performance, Family, Luxury, Multihull and Special yachts.
http://www.yachtoftheyear.org/

HOScar Awards
January 25
Dublin, Ireland
The eighth annual Hostel Awards, from Dublin, Ireland, honor budget travel locations from around the world. Over 20,000 hostels are eligible and 800,000 votes counted - can Lisbon keep its spot from last year as top hostel city?
http://www.hostelconference.com/

Singapore Airshow
February 2-7
Singapore
The Singapore Airshow welcomed 130,000 visitors and 800 exhibitors in 2008. Primarily a business-to-business event (only the final two days are open to the public), Singapore 2010 will feature a "Green Pavilion," showcasing the industry's efforts at clean aviation technology. The event is an aviation networking hub for Asia, with several airlines in the region placing orders in the range of billions of dollars.
http://www.singaporeairshow.com.sg

AIDAblu Maiden Voyage
February 9
Hamburg, Germany
The sixth ship in the German cruise line's fleet takes to the seas on its inaugural voyage to Majorca, Spain. The 2,050 passenger ship contains six restaurants and ten bars.

International Tourism and Caravaning Exhibition
February 10-14
Hamburg, Germany
More than 900 exhibitors descend on Hamburg for this annual exhibition, dedicated to the world of active holidaying. Specialist tour operators will be on display next to big-name global brands for trade professionals and public visitors alike.

Duty Free Show of the Americas
February 21-24
Orlando, USA
As the global travel industry reels from new regulations, the first trade show since the attempted Detroit 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 "4-D 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.

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/