The FINANCIAL -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) on December 23 announced that it will launch seasonal daily non-stop service between its Cleveland hub and London's Heathrow Airport, effective May 2, 2009 (eastbound). The new route will replace the current seasonal service between Cleveland and London/Gatwick Airport.

The FINANCIAL -- JW Marriott Hotel Medan opened its doors this week on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, making it Marriott International, Inc.’s (NYSE: MAR) first branded property on the island and its fourth in the country.

The FINANCIAL -- According to caterersearch, Whitbread has announced plans to launch its first floating Premier Inn hotel, dubbed the “Floatel”.

The FINANCIAL -- Fly to New York for as little as £259 (saving £78) in the British Airways New Year sale that starts on Tuesday, December 23.

The FINANCIAL -- American Express announced today the United States Department of Treasury has provided preliminary approval for the company to participate in the Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program.