Weekly transport and tourism agenda: outdoor holidays in the spotlight

(Courtesy of Boeing)

The first of two cruise liners set to make their maiden voyages in February, sets sail next week, ahead of the International Tourism and Caravaning Exhibition, which welcomes outdoor types from around the world to the Hamburg exhibition center.

Boeing 747-8 First Flight
February 8
Everett, Washington, USA
Boeing's stretched 747-8, designed as a competitor to Airbus's "superjumbo" A380, is set to make its first test flight February 8. Capable of carrying 51 more passengers and said to emit 16 percent less CO2 than existing jumbo jets, the aircraft's high cabins and new lavatories are designed to increase passenger comfort.
http://www.newairplane.com/747/

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, and includes "studio" cabins for single travelers.
http://www.aida.de/

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.
http://www.hamburg-messe.de/reisen/re_en/start_main.php

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 Christmas day 2009 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.
http://www.costacruise.com

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 4-D cinema onboard, four pools and an onboard spa. Sixty-five percent of guest rooms will feature a balcony and the ship will 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