Weekly transport and tourism agenda: New York Times Travel Show

(NYT Travel Show)

This weekend the New York Times Travel Show opens with 150 countries presenting at the Jacob Javits convention centre. Airlines and travelers are also bracing themselves for flight delays following the closure of JFK's largest runway on March 1.

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 be able to 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/

Ritz-Carlton LA Live Opens
March 15
Los Angeles, California, US
The Ritz-Carlton tops - metaphorically and literally - the enormous LA Live, a $2.5bn (€1.85bn) downtown Los Angeles sports, residential and entertainment district. 123 rooms will be on offer in the 54-storey tower.
http://www.ritzcarlton.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/

Trump SoHo Hotel Opens
April 9 ( unconfirmed)
New York
Rumors abound that the 46-storey luxury Trump SoHo will open from April 9, although the exact date is still to be confirmed. Suites include floor-to-ceiling windows and the hotel boasts an indoor-outdoor pool area with private cabanas and outdoor deck.
http://www.trumpsohohotel.com

P&O Azura Naming Ceremony
April 10
Southampton, UK
Ballet superstar Darcey Bussell will smash the bottle against P&O Cruises' lastest ship, the 115,000 ton Azura. The liner can carry 3,100 passengers and 1226 crew and features ten restaurants and a 750-seat theater.
http://www.pocruises.com