Qatar Airways Holidays is to offer tickets to the 2nd Annual Doha Tribeca Film Festival and the WTA Championships ? Doha 2010 with a hotel stay booked at select hotels. This means that any passenger travelling on Qatar Airways stopping over in Doha will be able to enjoy exclusive access to these Qatar Airways sponsored signature events.As the Doha Film Institute's (DFI) annual celebration of all things film, the Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) is a community-minded five-day event that showcases the best of Arab and international films.The WTA Championships ? Doha 2010 is the season ending finale of the WTA Tour. World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki and US Open winner Kim Clijsters are among the players that will compete for the coveted title and a piece of the $4.55 million in prize money. Both events take place from 26 October till the end of the month. With Qatar Airways Holidays? special offer, any passenger travelling on Qatar Airways is able to book tickets for these events with a hotel stay. Reservations can be booked for a minimum of one night up to five nights, and includes daily entrance to either event. Breakfast and airport transfers are included and packages start from US$415 per night for single occupancy. Partner hotels are the Ramada, Movenpick Tower, Marriott, and the W. For the regular package, hotel rooms start from US$275 per night for single occupancy.VIP packages include courtside seats to tennis matches and access to the VIP Village where unlimited drinks (non-alcoholic) and first-class food will be served. The Film Festival VIP package includes an invitation to the Opening Night Gala, access to screenings, and/or the Grand Closing Night festivities.Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said, ?Qatar Airways? expansive route map of 93 destinations makes our Doha hub easily accessible for the travelling public to come and enjoy top-rated talent. As the national carrier, we are proud to support prominent events in the film and sport industries.?The offer is valid for 26 ? 31 October 2010. Terms and conditions apply.
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010
SIA Cargo to Launch Services to Tokyo via Bangkok and Taipei
SIA Cargo is to launch new freighter services to Tokyo Narita via Bangkok and Taipei to offer freight forwarders and exporters greater convenience in shipping their cargo.SIA Cargo will operate two new freighter services a week between Singapore and Tokyo via Taipei from 19 October 2010, continuing into the peak year-end season.A third weekly freighter service via Taipei to Narita will start on 6 November 2010.SIA Cargo will also mount new direct freighter services from Bangkok to Tokyo Narita with effect from 3 November 2010. The twice-weekly services will operate every Wednesday and Friday.SIA Cargo?s parent company, Singapore Airlines, will also be operating new twice-daily passenger services between Singapore and Tokyo Haneda airport from 31 October 2010, complementing the existing twice-daily passenger services to Tokyo Narita.Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan are major trading partners and these additional freighter services will enhance the movement of manufactured goods, electronic devices, food products, machinery and computers between these markets.?We are pleased to mount new freighter services between these four cities in response to demand for capacity and we look forward to the support of our customers,? said Mr Tan Tiow Kor, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing.
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Marina Bay Sands launches Autumn Promotion
[HD video below] The iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore has launched a promotion for the months of October and November.Under the Autumn Special Offer, guests can enjoy rates that start from Sin$309++ per room per night (average room nights during this period typically start from Sin$379++ per night).Hotel guests also get rewarded with a Sin$50 Destination Credit per night which they can redeem against F&B expenditure in the hotel?s restaurants and bars such as RISE, Fuse, Sweet Spot etc, and even for in-room dining.The package also includes unlimited access to the Sands SkyPark infinity pool and complimentary access to the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck.The Autumn Special Offer is available 26-28 + 31 October, 1-4, 7-8, 14-17, 21-25, and 28-29 November 2010.See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Interviews, Free Deals, Videos, Sands, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Jetstar to Codeshare with American Airlines
Jetstar has launched an interline agreement with American Airlines and is aiming to commence a codeshare partnership exclusively for Jetstar?s expanding New Zealand presence.Delivering enhanced customer access and travellers from the United States across Jetstar?s growing Australian and New Zealand flight networks (JQ), the now operable interline and ticket settlement agreement builds on Jetstar?s growing base of 14 established interline airline partners that include Qantas, Air France/KLM, Etihad, Japan Airlines and Air Calin.On Jetstar?s New Zealand domestic network a future American Airlines code will be placed on Jetstar domestic NZ services between Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown across five routes totaling up to 116 weekly return flights.The Jetstar-American Airlines codeshare agreement for New Zealand domestic services represents the low cosy carrier?s third codeshare agreement - and a first with a US based carrier - alongside existing arrangements with Qantas and Japan Airlines.?Our proposed codeshare agreement with American Airlines will enable its customers to combine travel on Jetstar, American Airlines and other codeshare carriers such as Qantas as part of a single booking,? said.Jetstar Group Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan. ?The US is both Australia and New Zealand?s third largest international tourism market in terms of visitor arrivals, and worth more than NZ$530 million to the NZ economy alone each year ... It is through such innovative arrangements that deliver real ways to grow this market even further and demonstrate our strong long term commitment to the New Zealand tourism industry.?Both commercial arrangements will allow a combination of Qantas services via Los Angeles-Auckland, (which also holds an American Airlines code) and onwards throughout New Zealand with Jetstar.Jetstar remains ticketless for non-interline transactions through the GDS, while interline itineraries are e-ticketed on the stock of Jetstar?s interline partners.
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New Security Program for Passengers Departing Philippines for US
Airline passengers from the Philippines bound for the United States are now required to provide detailed personal information before taking their flight in compliance with the Secure Flight Program, a new security measure being implemented by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).Starting today (15 October 2010), US-bound passengers of Philippine Airlines (PAL) will be asked to give their complete name (as reflected in the passport), date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, visa number and address at destination in the US.This information will be asked for when booking a flight or buying a ticket either by phone through PAL Reservations, the PAL website, at any PAL ticket office or any accredited travel agent.The information shall be transmitted by PAL through its Departure Control System (DCS) for matching against the US DHS database. Results of the data matching would be reflected in the PAL DCS when a passenger checks in for the flight.The Secure Flight Program requires specific data from passengers of all flights (including code share flights) by US-based and non-US-based carriers that fly to/from/within/over the US, including Guam and Saipan.The program seeks to facilitate passenger handling by screening out those tagged as inhibited/prohibited from entering the US, starting at point of origin.Passengers who would be misidentified for someone else in the database and eventually cleared to take their flight should submit a Redress Control Number (RCN) issued by the US DHS. Affected passengers are advised to always give their RCN in subsequent bookings or ticket purchases to avoid any future mismatch and inconvenience.According to the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website ? "Secure Flight is a behind the scenes program that enhances the security of commercial air travel through the use of improved watch list matching. By collecting additional passenger data, it will improve the travel experience for all airline passengers, including those who have been misidentified in the past."PAL is implementing the program starting 15 October 2010 for flights beginning 1 November 2010.
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Egypt the Official Partner Country of ITB Asia 2010
ITB Asia has confirmed that Egypt is the official partner country for the 2010 show which will take place at Suntec Singapore between 20 - 22 October.Egypt, which positions itself under the tagline, ?Where it all begins?, will use Egypt Night when ITB Asia opens on 20 October to showcase the best of the destination to hundreds of travel industry leaders from Asia and beyond.Egypt, a land of ancient pyramids and magnificent heritage, attracts around 12.5 million tourists each year. It is now focusing on the Asian market.?Messe Berlin Singapore is delighted that Egypt has chosen ITB Asia to announce its intent in the Asian travel market,? said Dr Martin Buck, Vice President of Messe Berlin. ?It is the beginning of a new relationship between Asia and Egypt. ITB Asia is proud to be at the foundation of that partnership.?Egypt?s First Assistant Minister, Ministry of Tourism, Mr Hisham Zaazou, added, ?Asia is among the most favoured tourism markets for Egypt. We are always looking for opportunities to attract more tourists to the jewels of Egypt. It is our pleasure to participate in large scale events like ITB Asia and promote Egypt as an emerging international holiday destination.?In the first eight months of 2010, international visitor arrivals to Egypt increased at a rate of 18.7% compared to same period last year.This year Egypt will focus on promoting Luxor City, known as ?the world?s greatest open air museum? which has remarkable ruins and temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor. Luxury River Nile cruises on the MS Darakum are also being promoted as a serene new way to take in the ancient historic sites along the River Nile.The Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, Mr Amr El Ezaby, said, ?We are honoured to be the official partner country for a premier event like ITB Asia 2010. Asia is one of the biggest markets for us. An event of this scale allows us to showcase Egypt and its attractions to a larger audience.?
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2010 Beaujolais Nouveau on Air Tahiti Nui
During November, Air Tahiti Nui passengers travelling in First, Business or Economy Class will have the opportunity to sample the 2010 Beaujolais Nouveau.This exclusive red wine, renowned around the world for its unique harvesting and fermenting process, will be offered aboard all Air Tahiti Nui flights from 18 November 2010 for approximately two weeks.The rapidly fermented wine, which is made from Gamay grapes produced in the Beaujolais region of France, is designed to be consumed as young as possible when it is at its freshest and fruitiest.Exclusively shipped once a year on annual Beaujolais Nouveau Day - the first Thursday of November - the wine will compliment Air Tahiti Nui?s inflight menu designed by the airline?s French chef Michel Sarran.
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Choice Opens Clarion Hotel in Sydney
Clarion, a division of the Choice Hotels Group, has launched its third Sydney property, and its 16th in Australia, with the opening of Clarion Hotel on the Park at Parramatta.Formerly the Courtyard by Marriott Parramatta, the rebranded property will be totally refurbished over the next 12 months, with work due to commence in the first quarter of 2011.Clarion and the Clarion Collection are the prestige brands of the Choice Group, with properties in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Tasmania and North Queensland.Located at 18-40 Anderson Street, Parramatta, the six-storey Clarion Hotel on the Park has 181 rooms ? 150 standard rooms and 30 suites. It also has 11 meeting rooms, covering a total of 371 square metres.Louise Byrom, newly appointed as General Manager of the Clarion Hotel on the Park Parramatta, said the property would focus on business clientele during the week and leisure visitors from regional NSW or the local community during weekends and holiday periods.Ms Byrom was previously General Manager at the property when it was part of the Courtyard by Marriott network before transferring to her most recent position as General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott North Ryde.?Parramatta is a major commercial hub in western Sydney, and we will redevelop this property to offer a fresh option for business travellers to this region,? Ms Byrom said. ?We also will offer a high quality option for leisure visitors and groups from regional NSW and local communities, particularly those seeking ease of access to the entertainment, sports and exhibition centres of Homebush Bay and the Sydney Olympic sites.?
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Qatar Airways Launches Phuket Flights
Qatar Airways has launched its second destination in Thailand following the commencement of scheduled flights to Phuket.The Thai holiday resort island becomes the airline?s 93rd destination and the eighth new route launched by Qatar Airways so far in 2010.The flights operate from Doha to Phuket via Kuala Lumpur and are scheduled to provide connections from several of Qatar Airways? key markets in Europe, which form the bulk of tourist traffic to the holiday island.The Phuket services are part of an overall capacity increase to Thailand, which sees Qatar Airways boost its Doha ? Bangkok frequencies from twice daily flights to triple daily effective from 1 November 2010.?Visitor numbers to Phuket are on the rise and Qatar Airways will look to take advantage of our European connections from countries like Russia, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, the UK and other parts of Europe to bring them to Phuket. Foreign visitors are expected to top 4.5 million in 2010 and with only a handful of airlines offering flights from Europe, the opportunity is there for us to acquire market share,? said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker.On board the airline?s first flight to Phuket was Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Commercial East Asia & Southwest Pacific Marwan Koleilat, who said that the airline will also target outbound business traffic from across the southern Thai province.?As the second wealthiest region in Thailand, Phuket Province is an ideal city for Qatar Airways to serve. It has a population of over 1.5 million, which swells during the tourist season, and the airline is ready to welcome onboard local executives and, in particular international hotel brands who will benefit from the convenience and connectivity that this flight creates,? said Koleilat.By 2013, Qatar Airways plans to serve 120 key business and leisure destinations worldwide with a modern fleet of 120 aircraft. Today, the airline?s fleet stands at 89 aircraft, flying to 93 destinations across Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North and South America.See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Interviews, Free Deals, Videos, Doha, Qatar Airways, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Thailand, Phuket
Turkish Airlines Takes Delivery of First Boeing 777-300ER
Turkish Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER.The milestone delivery marks many firsts for the airline. The new airplane is Turkish Airlines' first 777 directly purchased from Boeing and the first of 12 777-300ERs Turkish Airlines has on order with Boeing from 2009. The aircraft is also the first to feature Turkish Airlines' new "Comfort Class" cabin."Turkish Airlines continues to grow as a global airline with the 777 helping us to expand into new markets in Asia and the Americas," said Hamdi Topcu, Chairman of Turkish Airlines. "The addition of new Boeing 777-300ERs exemplifies our commitment to delivering high quality service and comfort to our passengers, while enabling us to continue our profitable growth."The 777-300ER brings new twin-engine efficiency to the airline's long-haul fleet. The airplane is powered by General Electric GE90-115BLs, the world's largest and most powerful commercial jet engines.With this delivery, Boeing is scheduled to deliver four additional 777-300ERs to Turkish Airlines by the end of 2010.The Boeing 777-300ER can seat up to 365 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).
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83 Finalists Vie for 27 Awards in Singapore Experience Awards
A total of 83 finalists have been shortlisted for 27 award categories at this year?s Singapore Experience Awards organised by the Singapore Tourism Board.Featured in this year?s finalists repertoire are established players, past Singapore Experience Awards winners, and new tourism products like ION Orchard and Shanghai Dolly. Also included in the mix are new entrants like the People?s Association?s Chingay Parade Singapore 2009 ? a local favourite which has evolved over the years to become a highlight on Singapore?s events calendar.Strong submissions also featured prominently in this year?s new award categories ? Best Education Experience, Best Enrichment Experience, and Best Healthcare Experience ? reflecting the creativity, quality and diversity of experience providers beyond traditional tourism.Winners will be unveiled at a gala presentation ceremony on 28 October 2010 at the Shangri-Lla Singapore graced by Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ministry of Education, Mr S Iswaran.Singapore Experience ConversationThis year, the Singapore Experience Awards introduces The Singapore Experience Conversation - an exclusive, by-invitation-only annual forum. The forum will provide an opportunity for experience providers to have an open dialogue about inspirations and challenges arising from an ever-changing consumer landscape.Forum participants this year will hear from special guest speaker B. Joseph Pine II, internationally acclaimed author of the published best-seller in 1999, ?The Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage?, on how businesses should keep adding value to their economic offerings by continually redesigning their experiences.Highlighting the importance of businesses to constantly innovate in order to create compelling and memorable experiences, Mr Tony Lai, STB?s Assistant Chief Executive for the Sector Planning and Development Group, said, ?Businesses today compete on experiences and one way they can better engage their customers is by creating a personalised, user-centric experience. This is what the Singapore Experience Awards celebrates ? individuals and organisations who push the bar by thinking of creative ways to make their customers? experiences memorable on their first visit, and even better on their next.?The Singapore Experience Awards will round off TravelRave 2010, a platform for industry leaders, experts and professionals to uncover business opportunities, share insights and best practices, showcase industry innovations and celebrate tourism achievements.
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Interview with Mr. Lee L. Tabler - TDIC Abu Dhabi
This week, the Conde Naste Traveler 2010 World Savers Congress took place for the first ever time outside of the United States of America.Held on 20 October 2010 at Suntec Singapore, the event attracted some of the top travel and tourism related CEOs from around the world. In this HD video ASIA Travel Tips.com interviews Mr Lee L. Tabler, the CEO of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Development & Investment Company.The one-day congress, discussed initiatives to limit the environmental impact of tourism, and to improve the health, education and economic well-being of communities worldwide.ASIA Travel Tips.com will have a lot more from the World Savers Congress plus some of the Press Conferences from ITB Asia as well as interviews with Mr. Sonu Shivdasani - CEO of Six Senses Resorts & Spas, as well as Mr. Pinto Dennis the MD of Micato Safaris.
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Cathay Pacific Reports September 2010 Traffic
Cathay Pacific's and Dragonair's combined traffic figures for September 2010 show rises in the number of passengers and amount of cargo and mail carried compared to the same month in 2009, coupled with increases in both passenger and cargo capacity.The two airlines carried a total of 2,178,726 passengers in September 2010 ? up 18.4% on the same month last year. The passenger load factor was 81.8%, a rise of 1.6 percentage points, while capacity for the month, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), was up by 12.9%. For the year to date, the number of passengers carried is up 10.9% compared to an ASK rise of 3%.Cathay Pacific General Manager Revenue Management Tom Owen said, "Our passenger traffic remained robust as we moved from the summer holiday season into what is traditionally the period when premium demand picks up. High load factors were seen across the system in September and demand in our Economy cabins held firm. Premium volumes and quality grew strongly against 2009 but still lagged 2008, although this gap will begin to close in the months ahead as the negative impact of the financial crisis on premium demand began to bite hard from late September 2008."Cathay Pacific and Dragonair carried 146,152 tonnes of cargo and mail last month, up 9.6% on September last year. The cargo and mail load factor was 69.8%, a drop of 4.6 percentage points, while capacity, measured in available cargo/mail tonne kilometres, was up by 25.4%. For the year to date, tonnage has grown by 20.5% compared to a capacity increase of 12.7%.Cathay Pacific General Manager Cargo Sales & Marketing James Woodrow said, "We increased our capacity in September in preparation for the upcoming cargo peak, with all our freighters back in operation and a number of frequencies added on key trunk routes. Demand was up compared to September 2009, but at the same time we saw a significant increase in competitor capacity to Europe and North America. This led to a decrease in our overall load factor to below 70%."See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Interviews, Free Deals, Videos, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong, September 2010, Hong Kong Visitor Arrivals
HKIA Reports September 2010 Traffic
Air traffic at Hong Kong International Airport continued to perform well in September 2010, with passenger throughput surging 16.9% to 4.1 million and cargo volume going up 13.9% to 346,000 tonnes. Aircraft movements also recorded a double-digit increase of 15.9%, totalling 26,140.Last month saw traffic generated by Hong Kong residents and visitors rising by 19% and 17% respectively compared to the same period last year. All key regions registered year-on-year growth, with the Chinese Mainland and South East Asia remaining the best performers. Transfer / transit passengers also showed a yearly increase of 15% during the month.On the cargo front, the increment in tonnage volume was led by robust exports, which surged 18% year-on-year. Major consumption markets in North America and Europe continued their momentum with double-digit year-on-year growth. During the month, imports grew 9% while transshipments were up 10%.From July to September, the airport handled a total of 13.5 million passengers. This represented a yearly increase of 14.3%, a steady improvement from second quarter's 11.8% and first quarter's 6.6% rise, indicating a vigorous growth momentum in the passenger market. The third-quarter flight movement growth at 15% also outstripped that of the previous two quarters, while the increase in cargo tonnage narrowed down but maintained a healthy rate of 18.4%.Stanley Hui Hon-chung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, anticipated that air traffic would continue to rise in the foreseeable future. He said, "During the 1-7 October National Day Golden Week this year, we handled around 924,000 passengers, 75,000 tonnes of cargo and 6,000 flight movements, representing increases of 10.7%, 20.7% and 13.2% from the corresponding period last year."For the first nine months of 2010, the airport's passenger volume amounted to 38 million, up 10.9% compared to the same period last year. Cargo throughput jumped 28.7% to 3 million tonnes and air traffic movements went up 8.2% to 224,890."If everything goes well, we are confident that HKIA will achieve record volumes in both passenger and cargo throughput this year, strengthening HKIA's position as a leading international and regional aviation centre," Mr Hui added.
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Louie Psihoyos and Carlos Bernard to Headline World Savers Congress
[HD videos below] Academy Award winning director Louie Psihoyos and Hollywood actor Carlos Bernard will headline the World Savers Congress in Singapore today, 20 October 2010.The one-day congress, which is being held outside the United States for the first time will discuss initiatives to limit the environmental impact of tourism, and to improve the health, education and economic well-being of communities worldwide.Keynote speaker Psihoyos is behind the controversial documentary The Cove chronicling the plight of hunted dolphins in Japan. The film won an Oscar for ?Best Documentary Feature? in 2010. He?s currently working on his next film, The Singing Planet and will speak on the perils of environmental destruction at the congress.Hollywood actor Carlos Bernard - best known for his portrayal as ?Tony Almeida? on Fox?s Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning series 24, will be co-hosting the World Savers Awards. The awards honour travel companies from around the world for their leadership in social responsibility in five key areas: education, environmental and/or cultural preservation, health, poverty relief, and wildlife conservation.?The congress has grown in reach and influence year on year since its inception four years ago. The unprecedented move to hold the event in Asia particularly in Singapore this year draws attention to the importance of this region to the global travel industry and the growing awareness of social and environmental issues here,? said Klara Glowczewska, Editor in Chief, Cond? Nast Traveler.This year?s congress will include five feature panel sessions. Examples include a CEO Travel Industry Panel, a panel exploring Success Stories of NGOs and others focusing on initiatives by global travel industry leaders, Poverty Relief & Education, Health, and Preservation & Conservation. The panellists for these sessions feature executives from Anantara, Banyan Tree, Carlson, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Royal Caribbean, Shangri-La, Six Senses Resorts & Spas, and more.Interview with Mr. Lee Tabler, CEO of Abu Dhabi's TDIC.Interview with Mr. Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and Chairman of Six Senses Resorts & Spas.Interview with Dennis Pinto, MD of Micato Safaris.Many more to come, so do check back ...See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Interviews, Free Deals, Videos, World Savers Congress, Singapore, Suntec, TravelRave
JAL to Offer New Executive Class Seat and IFE System
Japan Airlines is to launch a brand new international executive class seat - the JAL Sky Recliner - when it receives delivery of four Boeing 767-300ER aircraft from the manufacturer starting this month. The new 767s are also equipped with the most advanced version of JAL's in-flight entertainment system - MAGIC V, which now offers a touch-screen function and enhanced compatibility with personal electronic devices.Modeled after the JAL First Class seat on domestic routes, the JAL Sky Recliner is shaped like a plush-sofa with removable armrests and made with fine upholstery that further enhances the sense of being pampered.The seats have a pitch of 129.5cm (51 inch), reclines to 132 degrees and are arranged in a spacious 2-2-2 configuration, ensuring ample leg room and comfort throughout the flight.Features of the new design include an optional large partition that separates both seats and thus provide passengers with heightened privacy, as well as expanded seat pockets for better storage of personal belongings. Incorporating the concept of Universal Design, the buttons of the seat control are large and ergonomic.Complementing the updated in-flight entertainment system MAGIC V - the JAL Sky Recliner comes with a personal 10.6 inch TV monitor, new video input capability, a USB port as well as an electrical power outlet.The most current MAGIC V is installed in every seat and customers in every cabin class will be able to control their inflight entertainment network with a touch of the screen in addition to having a handset. They also have the flexibility of viewing their own videos or photographs by connecting a personal gadget such as an iPod, digital camera or video camera to the system.Another highlight of MAGIC V is the Picture In Picture (PIP) feature which enables customers to display a small flight map simultaneously with any other program. Passengers can use the Interactive Map function to select how they wish to view the flight map.The medium-sized Boeing 767-300ER is one of the main models in JAL's international fleet. The aircraft equipped with JAL Sky Recliner will be scheduled on routes to destinations like Singapore and Beijing from this month.
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New Hotel Managers @ Unique Hotels in Thailand
The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts has appointed the following new Hotel Managers:Mr. Peter Dietze has been appointed as Resort Manager of Absolute Sanctuary (Koh Samui). Peter starts his new challenge at Absolute Sanctuary (Koh Samui) today - 20 October, 2010.Peter has over 17 years experience in the hospitality industry and his previous posts include General Manager & Island Chief of Mirihi Island Resort (Maldives), Regional General Manager of Precise Hotel Collection (Berlin), Resident EAM/Director of F & B of Centara Grand (Krabi) and General Manager of LH2 (Austria). With a strong passion for wellness Peter has also been opening GM for Wellness Resorts under the Falkensteiner Hotels & Resorts group.Originally from Germany, Peter?s career has brought him from Munich to Salzburg to Krabi, the Maldives and now to Koh Samui.Mr. Stefan Schmidt has been appointed as Hotel Manager of Ban Sabai Sunset Beach Samui. Stefan started his new challenge at Ban Sabai Sunset Beach Samui on 18 October 2010.Stefan has extensive experiences in hotel hospitality both International and Thailand. Prior to joining Ban Sabai, Stefan?s previous posts included being International Sales Manager at Emerald, Bangkok, Managing Director of JST Hotel Management Corp, Bangkok, Resident Manager at Atlantis Resort & Spa, Koh Samui and Executive Assistant Manager of Novotel Sheremetyevo Airport, Moscow, Russia. Originally from Sweden, Stefan is fluent in German, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian and has a basic knowledge in French and Spanish.Mr. Christoph Behrend has been appointed as Hotel Manager of Samui Palm Beach Resort. Christoph started his new challenge at Samui Palm Beach Resort on 1 October 2010.He has over 13 years experience in hotel hospitality. Prior to joining, Christoph?s previous posts included being a General Manager at The Dewa Koh Chang, Koh Chang, a Resident Manager at Thavorn Palm Beach Resort, Phuket, a General Manager of Panviman Resort, Koh Chang and a Resident Manager/Room Division Manager of Park Hotel Boppard, Germany.Christoph is originally from Germany, and is fluent in English and Thai.Khun Montri Bhamornbutr has been appointed as Hotel Manager of Ranyatavi Resort Phang Nga. Khun Montri started his new challenge at Ranyatavi Resort Phang Nga on 15 October 2010.Khun Montri has over 25 years experience in hotel hospitality. Prior to joining the Ranyatavi Resort, Khun Montri?s previous posts included being a Resident Manager at 5Veronica Residence, Food & Beverage Manager at Bangkok Palace Hotel, Manager at Sea Pearl Residence and General Manager at Royal Park Hotel Ltd., Nigeria. He is fluent in Thai and English.
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Wyndham Signs Three New Hotels in Boao, Hainan
Following the recent opening of two luxury hotels in the cities of Shanghai and Chengdu, Wyndham Hotel Group, one of the world?s largest hotel companies with nearly 7,200 hotels and 13 brands, has signed management agreements for three new Wyndham Hotels and Resorts properties in Boao, located in south China?s Hainan Island province.The properties include the 300-room Wyndham Grand Boao Resort and Spa, to be part of the brand?s prestigious Wyndham Grand Collection; the 106-room Wyndham Boao Resort; and the 350-room Wyndham Boao Resort and Conference Center.The three hotels are owned by Hainan Baolian City (Boao) Company Limited, led by Chairman Weijie Zhu, who also is developing the 337-room, luxury Wyndham Grand Baolian Hotel Shanghai, scheduled to open in late 2011.?We are especially proud to work with Chairman Weijie Zhu and look forward to welcoming these magnificent properties to the Wyndham family as part of this major development project in Boao,? said Eric Danziger, Wyndham Hotel Group president and chief executive officer. ?These resorts set new expectations for luxury hospitality in China and demonstrate our commitment to developing hotels of similar high caliber throughout Asia.?The new Wyndham properties in Boao will join the 1,000 room Ramada Hotel & Suites Boao, also developed by Zhu. The Ramada Hotel & Suites Boao currently has 400 rooms open and available to guests, with the remaining 600 rooms expected to open by the end of 2010. The hotel complex is part of a larger plan by the developer to transform more than two square kilometers of the city?s ocean front real-estate into an upscale resort destination that will feature multiple retail and entertainment spaces.?These spectacular projects will result in world-class service and accommodations in exceptional surroundings for the growing business and leisure market in Boao,? said Zhu. ?By partnering with a growing multinational company like Wyndham, we hope to introduce our resorts to an even greater number of Chinese guests and international visitors.?The 300-room Wyndham Grand Boao Resort and Spa, ideal for a luxury retreat, will feature an indoor swimming pool, extensive spa and fitness facilities, two restaurants, bar and 2,500 square-meters of meeting space. The property is due to open in 2017.The 106-room Wyndham Boao Resort, offering ocean views, will be situated on a private beach with three outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, spa, two restaurants, lobby lounge and over 2,000 square meters of state-of-the-art conference space. Currently under construction, the luxury resort is due to open in 2013.The 350-room Wyndham Boao Resort and Conference Center will specialize in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions with over 3,600 square meters of meeting and event space. Hotel facilities will include three restaurants, bar, indoor swimming pool, fitness center and spa. Currently under construction the hotel is due to open in 2019.All Wyndham Hotels and Resorts guests can take advantage of Wyndham ByRequest, the brand?s free to join guest recognition program offering complimentary benefits including high-speed Internet access and choice of favorite welcome snack and beverage.Wyndham ByRequest members also earn Wyndham Rewards points, which can be redeemed for complimentary hotel stays, airline tickets, name-brand merchandise and dining and shopping gift cards, among other options. In lieu of points, members may elect to earn airline or rail miles with a variety of carriers.
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Changi Airport in Singapore Again Tops Global Airport Poll
For the second successive year members of Priority Pass, one of the world's largest independent airport lounge programs, have voted Changi Airport in Singapore as their favorite, followed closely by Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok.The poll, which had over 9,000 participants from 150 countries, revealed that the two leading Asian airports remain head and shoulders above any others in the world.Next best was Dubai, which is leading the charge of a clutch of airports in the Middle East, vying to capture a greater share of international long-haul transfer traffic.Best in Europe, according to Priority Pass members, are Copenhagen, Amsterdam Schiphol and Zurich, while Lima takes the crown in Latin America and Houston in North America.Jonathan French , Head of Brand at Priority Pass, said, "Priority Pass members take an average of 17 flights a year each, so these results are from a sample of people who, between them, will fly over 150,000 times in 2010. They know what they are talking about! Congratulations are due to the teams at Singapore and Hong Kong airports, where they make traveling a pleasure for our members."The best airports, as ranked by Priority Pass members, are:Changi Airport Singapore
Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Intl
Dubai World Central Intl
Copenhagen
Amsterdam Schiphol
Seoul Incheon International
Zurich
Lima Jorge Chavez Intl
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Intl
Houston TX Intercontinental
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Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Intl
Dubai World Central Intl
Copenhagen
Amsterdam Schiphol
Seoul Incheon International
Zurich
Lima Jorge Chavez Intl
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Intl
Houston TX Intercontinental
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JAL and Toppan Forms Develop New Refrigerant
Japan Airlines and Toppan Forms have developed a high-functional refrigerant, named MechaCool, for inflight beverage services (soft drinks, beers, wines, etc).MechaCool was introduced on JAL flights between Narita and Honolulu on 18 October 2010 and the airline plans to gradually extend the use of this new refrigerant to other flights.Until now, inflight beverages have been rapidly cooled on the plane by dry ice a few hours before flights. In addition to its high costs, handling of dry ice at very low temperatures of -79?C can also cause beverages to either freeze or not be cooled enough when using a buffering agent.Since summer 2009, JAL has been exploring a wide range of options in search for an alternative solution and decided on using Toppan Form's MechaCool refrigerant for its functionality and eco-friendly feature.MechaCool is a cold storage solution utilising the high-functional refrigerant technology developed by Toppan Forms which can replace the conventional use of dry ice.The high-functional refrigerant can be re-used repeatedly without releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, compared with dry ice. By introducing the solution on JAL's Honolulu flights (5 round trips per day), the carrier can reduce approximately 350tons of CO2 per annum. JAL has a target to reduce CO2 output by 2,000 tons per annum by extending to other flights, the use of this new cooler which is also 30% to 40% more cost effective.JAL and Toppan Forms are in the developing stage to expand the application to other cold materials, inflight meals for example.
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Vina Properties Acquires Dalat Palace Golf Club and Hotels
Saigon-based Vina Properties has acquired the Dalat Palace Golf Club, long an iconic presence on the Southeast Asian golf scene. Dalat Palace GC was voted the country?s top course in the most recent rankings from both Vietnam Golf magazine and Golf Digest U.S..Vina Properties? acquisition also includes two hotels, the Dalat Palace Hotel and the Dalat du Parc. Vina?s diversified background in tourism-related development ? which includes hotels, transportation, travel agencies, and other disciplines ? should prove pivotal in the project?s future success. The firm?s other hospitality holding include the four-star Ramana Saigon Hotel, in HCMC, and the Royal Hotel, in Vung Tau.?Operating a national treasure like Dalat Palace presents special challenges, as well as special opportunities,? said Lan Duong, the golf club?s new general manager. ?Our goal is to bring the proper mix of creativity and sensitivity to the task, to update the golf facilities while never compromising the qualities that make it a classic.?There are several new courses poised to open here in the southern highlands. We welcome this development and see Dalat Palace Golf Club as the anchor to a superb new golfing destination ? one that offers what other Southeast Asian destinations cannot: cool highland temperatures and classic golf, all of it accented by French colonial elegance.?While Vietnam has a sizeable and growing number of first-rate golf courses, Dalat Palace stands alone in its combination of history, terrain, climate and charm. Founded in the late 19th century, Dalat was a preferred cool-weather retreat of French colonials and Vietnamese royals; the last emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai, built his summer retreat there. The golf club?s exact provenance remains tantalizingly uncertain, but design and construction began in the 1920s ? at the behest of Bao Dai, an avid golfer ? and the first eight holes were opened for play in the early 1930s.The routing of the original holes is attributed to Colt & Alison, the legendary British golf course architecture firm, after which the layout endured several cycles of disuse and rejuvenation. It was completely renovated, and expanded to 18 holes, in 1995, thanks to a collaboration between U.S.-based Danao International Holdings Limited, the previous owners, and Lam Dong Province.Today, as then, Dalat Palace Golf Club is notable for its clever mix of holes weaving through rolling topography that is nonetheless eminently walkable; for its extraordinary landscaping featuring hydrangea, bougainvillea, red salvia, impatiens, and mimosa; and, thanks to the mile-high town?s cool climate; for its immaculate bentgrass greens, a rarity in Southeast Asia.Plans to revitalize the course itself, according to GM Lan Duong, include bolstering drainage capacity, re-lining bunkers, regarding cart paths and upgrading the golf cart fleet. The Le Tourquet-style clubhouse ? first built as an estate villa during the 1920s, an era that saw construction of the opulent, hillside villas for which Dalat is famous ? is now undergoing a renovation that retains its distinctive design vocabulary while modernizing locker rooms, restaurant and pro shop. Ultimately, a new clubhouse will be built, said Lan Duong, but the existing clubhouse will remain, ?it is too rich an amenity to ever be excluded from the experience at Dalat Palace GC.?Of similar distinguished heritage is the grand Dalat Palace Hotel, a short drive from the golf course around Xuan Huong Lake. Set within a private five-hectare park overlooking the lake, the French colonial structure was built in 1922 and features 38 guestrooms and five suites, as well as fine dining, a spa, and numerous other amenities.After a top-to-bottom restoration in 1995, augmented by another meticulous historical refurbishment in 2009, The Palace retains the period?s elegant style, most notably in its vaulted ceilings, rich wood paneling, and oversized-villa feel. Even the five-star hotel?s restored vintage 1952 Citroen roadster evinces a particular sophistication and gentility ? and more upgrades (to meeting facilities and the pool) are planned.?Fidelity to the the distinguished pedigree at the Palace is paramount in delivering the experience that guests want,? said Nguyen Viet Anh, the hotel?s general manager. ?So improvements to the operation will focus mainly on innovative packages, special offers, and, of course, an approach to personal service to match the glamour of the wonderful atmosphere here.?The Palace?s sister hotel, the four-star Dalat du Parc, is a brief stroll away. Ideal for both the business and leisure traveler, it boasts 140 rooms, multiple dining options, and an ambience that melds small- hotel sensibilities with large-hotel efficiency and versatility.
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Airphil Express Takes Delivery of New Airbus A320
Airphil Express has taken delivery of a brand new Airbus A320. This is the fourth Airbus A320 added to the Airphil Express fleet this year. The first two A320 aircraft delivered earlier this year and the third aircraft just last month, have allowed the airline to open new routes in Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga.With its fleet expansion, Airphil Express will commence operations to its first regional destination, Singapore, on 27 October to be followed by Cebu ? Singapore operations on 1 December 2010.In pursuing its commitment to be a major low-cost carrier player in the Philippine market, Airphil Express will continue to grow its A320 fleet with the arrival of two more aircraft before the end of this year.By the end of 2010, the airline will have added a total of six new Airbus A320 180-seater aircraft to its fleet.Airphil Express currently flies to 36 destinations, with hubs in Manila, Cebu, Davao and Zamboanga.
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AirAsia Opens Greater China Call Center
AirAsia has opened a call center in Greater China that will handle the needs of travelers from Hong Kong, China, Macau and Taiwan. The newly established call center is situated in Guangzhou, China.The center uses state-of-the-art telephone terminal processing technology and equipment, with 25 lines and more than 30 professionally trained line controllers.Travelers can use the centre to enquire about flight information, pre-book tickets, proceed with payments, manage their bookings, make payments on optional services (bags check-in, in-flight meals, seats pre-booking, travel insurance etc.) and make complaints in Mandarin and Cantonese.The call centre is open Monday to Sunday between 08:00 and 21:00 Hong Kong time. The numbers to call are:Mainland China (86) 20 2281 7666
Hong Kong SAR (852) 3112 3222
Macau SAR 0800912
Taiwan 00801853031
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Hong Kong SAR (852) 3112 3222
Macau SAR 0800912
Taiwan 00801853031
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Free Night Promotion @ Wolgan Valley Australia
The Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa outside Sydney, is offering a two-night stay for the price of one night, to Emirates passengers booked in First Class or Business Class on all flights to Australia or New Zealand before 15 December 2010.For the price of AED 7,094 (A$1,950) per room per night (based on double occupancy), guests can enjoy a two-night stay in a Heritage suite, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of regional alcoholic beverages with meals and 10% service tax. Also included are two on-site nature-based activities per day. The promotion is valid until 15 December 2010.The Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is located within its own 4,000 acre conservation reserve, and nestled between two national parks bordering the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.The secluded resort, which opened in October 2009, features 40 individual suites surrounded by private decks, each with its own indoor / outdoor swimming pool. Its architecture is designed to be reminiscent of traditional rural Australian homesteads.The A$125 million project was built on the philosophy of complete integration with its environment, and supports wide-ranging conservation practices. These focus on endangered species protection and the planting of thousands of native trees indigenous to the area, including one of the world's rarest trees, the Wollemi Pine.See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Interviews, Free Deals, Videos, Dubai, Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Wolgan Valley
Mandarin Oriental Signs Hotel in Shanghai
Mandarin Oriental has signed an agreement to manage a new, luxury hotel currently under construction in Pudong, Shanghai. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2013.Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai will be located in the heart of the Lujiazui Central Financial District. The property will form part of ?Harbour City? a 25 hectare mixed use development, comprising office towers, a residential complex, significant retail and extensive landscaped gardens that will transform the neighbourhood.The development is within walking distance of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the regional headquarters of major domestic and international financial institutions, and has direct access to the promenade on the banks of the Huangpu River.The hotel will feature 362 guestrooms and 210 serviced apartments offering views of the city skyline and the Huangpu River.Guests will be able to enjoy an array of dining opportunities, with a choice of three restaurants, a lobby lounge and bar, and a Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop.For the local community, an extensive range of stylish banqueting venues, including a grand ballroom, will provide a perfect backdrop for celebrations, while a wide variety of well-equipped meeting rooms will appeal to the business community.The hotel is ideally placed for leisure guests with direct access to extensive gardens. An all-encompassing Spa at Mandarin Oriental, will provide holistic rejuvenation and relaxation in a serene, meditative setting and there will also be 25-metre indoor swimming pool and a fully comprehensive fitness centre.The hotel is being designed by world-renowned architect, Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica.The project owner is Shanghai Rui Ming Real Estate Company; a joint venture between the Hong Kong listed CITIC Pacific Limited and the PRC state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai is approximately 40 minutes from Hongqiao International airport and 50 minutes from Pudong International airport.
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Manchester United and Turkish Airlines Launch New Advertising Commercial
Manchester United recently signed a new three and half year deal with Turkish Airlines for a state of the art TV ad which unveils the airline?s new business class concept.Starring famous players including Edwin van Der Sar, Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra, the commercial depicts the luxury and comfort enjoyed by Turkish Airlines passengers and the surprise ending involves an appearance by Manchester United legend and global football icon Sir Bobby Charlton.Directed by Marco Grandia the commercial, aptly dubbed ?Football on Air?, was filmed in the ?Manchester Studio? at Media City?s Pie Factory.The shoot involved building a full sized passenger jet and the production crew spent a further three weeks preparing for the shoot which took two days to film. The talents of more than 115 people were involved in creating the ad which will air in 80 countries around the world. Demonstrating the playing wizardry of the United team mates the ad demonstrates the brand synergy between Manchester United and their global travel partner.Sir Bobby was delighted to get involved on the day, and said, "For me Manchester United will always be the greatest football club in the world. The partnership with Turkish Airlines brings fans all around the world closer to the Club which is fantastic news."Manchester United Commercial Director, Richard Arnold, added, ?Turkish Airlines are the perfect airline partner for Manchester United. It is an ambitious, innovative and truly global brand."
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Tiger Airways launches Stripes FFP
Tiger Airways has launched Stripes a new frequent flyer programme. Stripes members get access before others to special promotions across the Tiger network, including international flights by Tiger Airways Singapore and domestic flights by Tiger Airways Australia.Rosalynn Tay, Managing Director of Tiger Airways Singapore, said, ?Our promotions are so popular that many customers have suggested special ?members-only previews?. Stripes is our latest innovation that gives customers what they want. It empowers them with choice, without complex membership rules and rewards redemption schemes. For just Sin$29.95 a year, a member gets to enjoy far greater savings. It?s good and simple ? pay once, and get first dip to our famous low fares for 12 months.?The low cost airline also recently launched boardmefirst which gives customers priority boarding for Sin$6.
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IHG and Las Vegas Sands Corp Sign Strategic Agreement
IHG has signed a ten-year license agreement with Las Vegas Sands Corp. to affiliate The Venetian and The Palazzo with the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts global portfolio.The Venetian and The Palazzo will maintain their independent and established identities. Both resorts combined offer more than 7,000 all-suite accommodations, as well as world-class gaming and entertainment, convention and exhibition facilities, luxury shopping and celebrity chef restaurants.The Venetian and The Palazzo will gain access to IHG?s global operating system, which includes websites in 13 different languages, 10 worldwide call centers, global sales force, as well as Priority Club Rewards, one of the world?s largest hotel loyalty programs with 52 million members.?This alliance with Las Vegas Sands Corp. and IHG?s InterContinental brand creates a shared opportunity to give our guests access to leading luxury resorts in Las Vegas,? said Jim Abrahamson, president, the Americas, IHG. ?Las Vegas is the most requested destination for our Priority Club Rewards and Ambassador members, and these resorts epitomize the glamour of Las Vegas and provide world-class experiences that perfectly fit with what our guests want from InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.?Members of IHG?s Priority Club Rewards and Ambassador loyalty programs will have the opportunity to enjoy for the first time membership benefits and recognition at two award-winning flagship resorts in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. And The Venetian and The Palazzo Resorts guests will benefit from IHG?s loyalty programs, by earning points at these resorts that they can redeem for stays at any of IHG?s 4,500 hotels worldwide, including 168 InterContinental hotels and resorts.?This is a perfect marriage between two world-class resorts and one of the most prominent hotel companies in the world,? said Michael Leven, president and chief operating officer, Las Vegas Sands Corp. ?We are especially excited by the opportunity to provide more than 52 million IHG Priority Club members the ability to earn and redeem their points at two of Las Vegas? most luxurious and exciting destinations.?The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino Las Vegas, the largest resort complex in the US to receive AAA?s Five Diamond Award, is one of the Vegas? most luxurious resort and convention destinations, with more than 4,000 all-suite accommodations. Recreating Venice?s legendary landmarks, the resort is located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Venetian features The Grand Canal Shoppes, an indoor streetscape complete with gondolas and singing gondoliers, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, world-class gaming, exquisite restaurants, and a wide variety of entertainment such as Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular. The Palazzo Las Vegas Resort, also a AAA Five-Diamond property, has over 3,000 suites, luxury shopping and world-class dining and entertainment. The $1.9 billion Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified resort is highlighted by a flagship, 85,000 square-foot, Barneys New York store, with The Shoppes at The Palazzo featuring more than 60 luxury boutiques, featuring brands such as Chlo?, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg and Anya Hindmarch. The Palazzo also offers a variety of cuisines from award-winning chefs such as Carnevino by Mario Batali, CUT by Wolfgang Puck and Table 10 by Emeril Lagasse. Other unique offerings include Tony Award winning Broadway musical Jersey Boys and the chic dining and nightlife club LAVO.
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Etihad Airways to Increase Jeddah Flights for Hajj Pilgrims
Etihad Airways will increase its services from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia in November, providing additional flights to Jeddah for Muslims making the annual Hajj pilgrimage.In addition to its regular daily Jeddah service, Etihad will offer 11 extra flights to the city between 2 and 20 November 2010, offering a capacity increase of 1600 seats during the period.The additional services will be operated by Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft. ?The Hajj pilgrimage is a very important experience for Muslims around the world and Etihad is proud to help our customers make this significant journey. The demand for the Hajj flights has always been very strong and we are expecting the services this year to be equally popular,? said Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways? Chief Commercial Officer. ?In addition to carrying pilgrims from the UAE, we anticipate many Muslims will fly from around the world to Jeddah, via our home-base in Abu Dhabi.?More than two million pilgrims make the journey every year to Saudi Arabia, which is the custodian of the two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.Makkah is located 73 kilometres inland from Jeddah, with Muslims regarding the al-Masjid al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque) as the Holiest place on earth.Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, launched daily services to Jeddah in May 2006. The airline also offers a non-stop, eight-flights-per-week service to the Saudi capital Riyadh, and 13 flights-per-week to Dammam.
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Interview with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
At the ITB Asia held in Singapore last week, ASIA Travel Tips.com sat with Ms. Gillian Taylor the Business Events Manager of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.In this HD video interview, Ms. Taylor tells us how Abu Dhabi differs from Dubai, what new attractions are opening soon, how many hotel rooms are now open and how many will open, a little about the exciting Ferrari World development as well as which countries within Asia Pacific Abu Dhabi is targeting.We also touch briefly on whether a major Hollywood blockbuster movie was actually filmed in Abu Dhabi, or not. The answer may surprise you.See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Interviews, Free Deals, Videos, Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways
Regal Kangbo Hotel Opens in Dezhou, Shandong
The Regal Kangbo Hotel has opened in the city of Dezhou, China. The hotel is easily accessible from the Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, only 70 minutes drive away and 10 minutes from the railway station of Dezhou.The hotel is one of the highest buildings in the city at 100 metres high and comprises a 22-storey diamond-type tower and 3-storey podium.The hotel includes a total of 215 guestrooms, Regal Club Floors and 25 suites. The guest rooms are equipped with the latest technology including broadband internet access, 42-inch LCD television with extensive choice of national and international satellite TV channels. In addition, a selection of rooms is furnished with kitchenette facilities to cater for long-stay guests.Three restaurants and bars offer Chinese, Western and International cuisine.Regal Kangbo Hotel has 7 function rooms and a 650 square metres grand ballroom, with a maximum capacity of 800 persons.Other facilities include a Business Centre, Health Club, beauty salon, yoga room, chess room and spa room.
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Jet Airways Signs On as Official Airline for Hong Kong Cricket Sixes
India?s Jet Airways has signed on as the official carrier for the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament which commences 6 November 2010 at the prestigious Kowloon Cricket Club.The airline will fly the English, South African, Indian and Sri Lankan teams to the event, featuring such cricketing stars as Anil Kumble, Imran Nazir and Chris Nash, via its hubs in Mumbai and Delhi respectively.Jet Airways currently flies twice daily, non-stop to Hong Kong from Mumbai and Delhi respectively aboard state-of-the-art Airbus 330-200 aircraft.Mr. Nikos Kardassis, CEO, Jet Airways, said, ?We are delighted to be the official carrier for the prestigious Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament, featuring some of the best teams in international cricket today, in a fast-paced, exciting format. The tournament has grown rapidly since its inception in 1992, and has now emerged as a thrilling sports extravaganza viewed by by millions of cricket fans from around the world, besides helping promote and nurture cricket in Hong Kong.?Jet Airways has also introduced exclusive holiday packages for guests travelling to the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament, from INR 34,625/-(ex-Delhi)* and INR 36,710/- (ex-Mumbai). Rates are per person on a twin-sharing basis 3-star accommodation. Subject to availability and as applicable at the time of booking. Terms and conditions apply.The SixesThe annual Hong Kong Cricket Sixes is a quality international gala cricket tournament, attracting the biggest names and teams in world cricket, aiming to put Hong Kong cricket on the map internationally and strengthen the sport locally with funding and promotion.In 2008 the Sixes arranged the biggest TV deal in the event?s history when HKCA signed a 3 year TV deal with Taj TV (Tensports) to produce and distribute coverage of the tournament, which resulted in the Sixes being broadcast to 80 million households worldwide including live into the Indian Subcontinent. The HK Government has recognized the Sixes as a signature Hong Kong event by the award of the prestigious ?M Mark?, also held by events such as the Hong Kong Marathon and the Rugby Sevens.Played in an lively atmosphere at Kowloon Cricket Club, the Cricket Sixes consistently delivers highly competitive, non-stop action, as hosts Hong Kong compete against teams from top Test playing nations in this two day, twenty-two match event ? the perfect format for a fast-living, multicultural city and the only annual cricket tournament at which multiple Test countries compete.The Sixes is sanctioned by the International Cricket Council and organized by the Hong Kong Cricket Association with all surplus funds from the event being put back into cricket in the territory through the HKCA?s Junior Development Program, community projects and other initiatives to strengthen the sport in Hong Kong.
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Near 100% Rise in Passenger Self-Service Check-In at Johannesburg
The SITA/Air Transport World Passenger Self- Service survey of the world?s leading airports reveals an almost 100% rise in self-service check-in among travellers passing through OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg. A 75% growth in demand for off-airport bag drop-off was also recorded.The survey shows that self-service check-in grew to 17% of survey respondents in Johannesburg compared to 9% in 2009. While this usage rate lags behind the global rate of 67% there is significant willingness to use kiosk check-in (71%), web check-in (54%), and mobile check-in (54%).Across all airports surveyed, almost half of the respondents who checked in at a desk rather than through self-service did so because of the need to check-in a bag. Overall, the survey found that 75% of respondents would be interested in off-airport bag drop-off. While only 34% of the total surveyed would pay for such a service, 67% of those passing through Johannesburg would be willing to do so. The survey sample in Johannesburg included 54% business travellers.The 5th annual SITA/Air Transport World Passenger Self-Service Survey is an in-depth look at the attitudes and habits of a representative sample of the 287.6 million passengers who use seven leading international airports. Along with OR Tambo Airport, it includes Beijing International Airport; Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta; Frankfurt; Mumbai International; Moscow Domodedovo; and Sao Paulo Guarulhos, Brazil.The popularity of online booking continues to grow at Johannesburg. Almost 70% of interviewed passengers book their flights online when they can, and on the day of travel over 40% of passengers at OR Tambo had used this facility. Passengers are also willing to use more self-service, for example, interest in using automatic boarding gates has increased significantly from 45% last year to 61% in this year?s survey.Rob Watkins, SITA Regional Vice President for Africa, said, ?SITA is pleased to see that self-service check-in at Johannesburg has almost doubled in the last year as there was heavy investment in SITA check-in technology across South African airports in advance of this year?s very successful World Cup tournament. South African travellers are tech savvy and we expect there will be increasingly rapid uptake of self-service technology as there is a great awareness of the benefits.?The survey data is extracted from interviews with 2,490 passengers travelling on 106 airlines, conducted at the departure gates earlier this year. Main nationalities interviewed were American, 17%; Indian, 12%; Chinese, 12%; Brazilian, 11%; German, 8%; South African, 8%; UK, 1%; others, 23%.
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Travelport Promotes Niklas Andr�en
Travelport has promoted Niklas Andr?en to the role of Group Vice President, Hospitality and Partner Marketing.With global responsibility for Travelport?s hotel distribution and advertising businesses, Andr?en will lead a team charged with working closely with suppliers and customers to deliver industry leading hospitality content and advertising solutions.The investment in this team forms part of an ongoing strategy to heighten Travelport?s focus on the growing hospitality sector and to work even more closely with key stakeholders to ensure that hotel content is distributed as widely as possible to travel retailers across the globe.Andr?en, who was previously Managing Director for Travelport?s Eastern Europe and Nordics region, will assume the global role with immediate effect and report directly into Chief Commercial Officer, Kurt Ekert.Andr?en joined Travelport in 2003, bringing with him a wealth of travel industry and management consultancy experience including a strong track record in innovation and growth. Most recently, he formulated and led Travelport?s expansion plans in Russia and Eastern Europe where the company has lately been enjoying a string of successes including a ground-breaking new partnership with Russia?s largest domestic GDS, Sirena Travel.
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Travelport Restructures its Commercial Organisation
Travelport is restructuring its Airline IT Solutions (AITS) and realigning the operating structure of its Commercial GDS function. Travelport?s Commercial teams in both its GDS and AITS divisions will be integrated under Kurt Ekert, Chief Commercial Officer.AITS provides hosting and/or IT software services to leading global airlines such as Delta, United Airlines, Emirates and Air New Zealand, as well as to other providers of airline IT such as TravelSky of China and SITA, and was previously led by Sue Powers. Powers has decided to retire, having spent over 30 years working in the industry for a number of organisations including United Airlines, Covia (Apollo), Worldspan and Travelport.Former Hewlett Packard executive, Derek Sharp, will lead Travelport?s AITS commercial team in the new structure. Sharp recently joined the company from HP where he held a number of senior strategy, account management and commercial roles. He also has extensive experience in the travel and transportation sector from his work at EDS prior to its acquisition by HP.All IT application development will be integrated under the leadership of Chief Information Officer, Mark Ryan, supporting Travelport?s commitment to ongoing modernisation of its technology environment and delivery of next generation travel transaction processing systems and an industry-leading airline IT suite.Earlier in the year, Travelport announced a significant multi-million dollar (US) investment in next generation software, and an upgrade to the IBM z/Transaction Processing Facility (zTPF), enabling it to more than double the information it processes in 160 countries and providing one of the most stable and secure technology environments in the travel industry.Within the Travelport Commercial team specialised in GDS sales and services, the following changes have also been confirmed: - Bryan Conway will head up the company?s global commercial operations function;
- Rabih Saab is appointed President and Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa;
- Jason Clarke is appointed President and Managing Director for Europe;
-Jon Hall is appointed to the position of President, Corporate Sales.Bryan Conway, currently President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, and one of Travelport?s most experienced leaders, will become Senior Vice President, Global Commercial Operations. In this role, he will assume primary ownership for the deployment of Travelport?s new products - Travelport Universal Desktop, Travelport e-Pricing and Travelport Universal API - as well as taking global responsibility for customer service and support. He will also own Travelport?s global strategy for airlines and other customers for whom Travelport provides vital global distribution services.As a result of this appointment, Rabih Saab, who has recently led the successful set up of Travelport?s new direct operations in the Middle East, has been appointed President and Managing Director for the MEA region.Jason Clarke, currently heading up global operations, has been appointed President and Managing Director for Europe, replacing Olaf Gueldner who has decided to leave Travelport. Clarke has broad experience in customer service and support gained through his most recent position as well as other high profile roles within the business, including running the company?s operations in the UK and Ireland, Spain, Benelux and France.Jon Hall, who joined Travelport in March 2008, has been appointed President, Corporate Sales. He will lead the Travelport team which engages directly with corporate travel buyers for on-line corporate booking tools such as Traversa, and other software and services developed for the corporate travel sector and provided through Travelport?s third party technology partnerships.Sharp, Conway, Saab, Clarke and Hall will all report into Chief Commercial Officer, Kurt Ekert, alongside Travis Christ who runs Travelport?s Americas region, Simon Nowroz who runs the Asia Pacific region, Sandra McLeod who leads Global Travel Management Accounts and Niklas Andr?en, who was recently appointed to the post of Group Vice President Hospitality and Partner Marketing.?These changes enable an even tighter alignment of Travelport around the commercial objectives of our customers. They will also better enable Travelport to commence the large scale introduction of its new products, in which we have made considerable investment this year, such as the Travelport Universal Desktop, Travelport Universal API and Travelport e-Pricing. Our airline IT customers are also now able to take advantage of a more holistic offering as we leverage our recent IT investments,? said Gordon Wilson, Deputy Group CEO of Travelport. ?On both a personal and professional level, I would like to thank Sue and Olaf for their notable contribution and commitment to our business. Sue specifically for her role in growing our AITS business, and, prior to that, operating as CIO for Travelport and Olaf for his contribution to our market leading position in many European countries. I wish Sue the very best for a long and healthy retirement and Olaf every success in his future career.?
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- Rabih Saab is appointed President and Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa;
- Jason Clarke is appointed President and Managing Director for Europe;
-Jon Hall is appointed to the position of President, Corporate Sales.Bryan Conway, currently President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, and one of Travelport?s most experienced leaders, will become Senior Vice President, Global Commercial Operations. In this role, he will assume primary ownership for the deployment of Travelport?s new products - Travelport Universal Desktop, Travelport e-Pricing and Travelport Universal API - as well as taking global responsibility for customer service and support. He will also own Travelport?s global strategy for airlines and other customers for whom Travelport provides vital global distribution services.As a result of this appointment, Rabih Saab, who has recently led the successful set up of Travelport?s new direct operations in the Middle East, has been appointed President and Managing Director for the MEA region.Jason Clarke, currently heading up global operations, has been appointed President and Managing Director for Europe, replacing Olaf Gueldner who has decided to leave Travelport. Clarke has broad experience in customer service and support gained through his most recent position as well as other high profile roles within the business, including running the company?s operations in the UK and Ireland, Spain, Benelux and France.Jon Hall, who joined Travelport in March 2008, has been appointed President, Corporate Sales. He will lead the Travelport team which engages directly with corporate travel buyers for on-line corporate booking tools such as Traversa, and other software and services developed for the corporate travel sector and provided through Travelport?s third party technology partnerships.Sharp, Conway, Saab, Clarke and Hall will all report into Chief Commercial Officer, Kurt Ekert, alongside Travis Christ who runs Travelport?s Americas region, Simon Nowroz who runs the Asia Pacific region, Sandra McLeod who leads Global Travel Management Accounts and Niklas Andr?en, who was recently appointed to the post of Group Vice President Hospitality and Partner Marketing.?These changes enable an even tighter alignment of Travelport around the commercial objectives of our customers. They will also better enable Travelport to commence the large scale introduction of its new products, in which we have made considerable investment this year, such as the Travelport Universal Desktop, Travelport Universal API and Travelport e-Pricing. Our airline IT customers are also now able to take advantage of a more holistic offering as we leverage our recent IT investments,? said Gordon Wilson, Deputy Group CEO of Travelport. ?On both a personal and professional level, I would like to thank Sue and Olaf for their notable contribution and commitment to our business. Sue specifically for her role in growing our AITS business, and, prior to that, operating as CIO for Travelport and Olaf for his contribution to our market leading position in many European countries. I wish Sue the very best for a long and healthy retirement and Olaf every success in his future career.?
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IATA Reports September 2010 Traffic
IATA has released the international traffic results for September 2010, that show international passenger traffic had a 10.5% year-on-year increase which is significantly stronger than the 6.5% rise recorded for August. International freight traffic recorded a 14.8% year-on-year increase, which is significantly weaker than the 19% rise recorded in August.The contrast between the performance of freight and passenger markets provides a mixed picture for industry performance. Seasonally adjusted figures show that, compared to the previous month (August), passenger traffic expanded by 2.1% while freight markets contracted by an equal 2.1%.The rebound in growth in passenger markets during September can be attributed to normal volatility in travel patterns accentuated by special factors such as the effect of the Ramadan. Passenger capacity expanded by 7.3%, below the 10.5% growth in volumes, pushing global load factors up to 80%. This is a significant improvement on the 77.7% recorded for September last year.While freight markets were expected to weaken towards year-end, September?s decline was larger than anticipated. Consumer and business confidence remains weak in many parts of the world. Re-stocking lifted freight markets earlier in the year, but this has not been followed by spending to solidify the economic recovery. Compared to September 2009, freight capacity has increased by 11.9%, below the 14.8% increase volumes, pushing cargo load factors to 52.4%.?It is good news that the recovery in passenger markets continued in September. But the freight numbers are worrying. Freight activity has fallen 6% since May?s post-crisis peak. What we see in air cargo markets is inevitably reflected in the broader economy,? said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA?s Director General and CEO. As international air cargo accounts for 35% of the value of goods traded internationally, it is a leading indicator of economic activity.International Passenger Traffic? North American carriers saw their traffic climb back to pre-recession (early 2008) levels during the month with an 11.1% increase in passenger demand compared to the previous September. This outstripped a 7.2% capacity expansion. The region recorded the strongest passenger load factors at 84.1%.? European carriers met an 8.4% increase in demand over the previous year with a 5.9% increase in capacity. The region?s carriers reported an average load factor of 82.6%. The region is now 2% above pre-recession levels.? Asia Pacific carriers posted an 8.6% traffic increase over the previous September against a capacity increase of 6.9%. While the region led the recovery with an early surge in demand, growth in 2010 has been largely flat. Traffic in the region remains 2% below the pre-crisis peak of early 2008.? Middle Eastern carriers led the industry growth with a 23.9% increase compared to 2009. The earlier occurrence of Ramadan dampened demand in August, but boosted September?s traffic. This outstripped capacity growth of 15.3%. Nonetheless, load factors of 76.8% were below the industry?s 80% performance.? Latin American carriers posted the industry?s weakest growth at 6.6% with a 0.5% increase in capacity. The weakness is largely due to the ceasing of all operations by Mexicana.? African carriers reported a 16% growth in demand over the previous September against a 10.1% increase in capacity. The region is now 7% higher than the pre-recession levels of early 2008.International Freight Traffic? September marked the second consecutive month of seasonally adjusted declines in freight demand (-1% in August, -2.1% in September). Freight volumes are 6% below their May peak and is equivalent to pre-crisis levels.? European carriers recorded an 11.1% increase in freight demand compared to the same month in 2009. Although European exports have been helped with the weak Euro, freight demand for European carriers remains 14% below pre-recession levels.? North American carriers recorded a 13% growth in September, down from the 21.2% recorded in August, which leaves the region 1% below pre-recession levels.? Asia Pacific carriers recorded a 15% increase in freight demand over the previous year, a significant decline from the 22.3% growth recorded in August. This took the region?s carriers back to the pre-recession levels of early 2008 and, with their 44% market share, contributed the most to the global drop in freight demand.? Middle East carriers bucked the declining trend with a 24% increase over previous-year levels. Even through this is less than the 24.2% recorded in August, when adjusted for seasonality this represents an increase of 1.4% over August levels. Moreover, when compared to pre-recession levels, the region?s carriers are carrying a third more traffic than they did prior to the recession.?The industry?s situation is volatile. Passenger traffic represents about three quarters of the industry?s revenues. While September?s passenger growth is reassuring, the accelerating decline of air freight, including in Asia, is an early indicator of some turbulence ahead,? said Bisignani. ?Government actions can impact the sustainability of the recovery. Austerity measures will dampen demand. When combined with new or increased taxation, as we have seen in Germany and the UK, the challenges are even greater,? Bisignani added. ?Governments must understand that air transport is an economic catalyst. Last year, we saw that a EUR312 million departure tax in the Netherlands cost the Dutch economy EUR1.2 billion. Further taxing the industry makes no sense when the focus of governments should be on making the recovery sustainable.?
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Hong Kong Visitor Arrivals in September 2010
Hong Kong recorded a total of 2,728,107 visitor arrivals in September 2010, 21.2% more than the in September 2009. Cumulatively, arrivals in the first three quarters of 2010 reached 26,175,950, which is a 23.7%-increase year-on-year.In September 2010, Mainland arrivals increased by 22.7% to more than 1.62 million, driving further gain in overall visitor arrivals. Such momentum of growth, which sustained after the summer holidays, showed that since the implementation of measures under the Individual Visit Scheme in Shenzhen, Mainland visitors no longer travel to Hong Kong only during the peak travel seasons and festive holidays, but that they also come for consumption visits over the weekends.For short-haul markets, expanded flight capacity between Hong Kong and South and Southeast Asia brought along remarkable growth in arrivals from these markets, which increased by 20.3% compared to September 2009.As for North Asia, appreciation of the WON currency continued to stimulate travel among South Koreans, causing arrivals from the country to more than double (+106.9%) and overall arrivals from North Asia to rise by 20.4% year-on-year. Arrivals from Taiwan also grew by 14.8%, reflecting an increasing number of vacation travellers from the island.Further away, double-digit growth was registered in all three regional long-haul markets, with a satisfactory increase of 18.5% in overall long-haul arrivals. In particular, North American arrivals went up by more than 20%, indicating a growing number of both business and vacation travellers as the economy stabilises.For emerging markets, benefitting from such favourable factors as economic improvements and expanded flight capacity, continual growth was registered in arrivals from Russia (+107.2%) and the Middle East (+31.7%). In India, the country?s fast-growing economy has led to strong demand for outbound travel, especially among both family and business segments, causing overall arrivals to Hong Kong to increase by 27.7% in September 2010.In September 2010, overnight visitor arrivals to Hong Kong totalled 1.44 million, representing 53% of the total arrival figure and a 17.6%-increase from the 2009 figure. Most key market regions, especially Taiwan (+28.4%) and the Americas (+26.4), showed prominent growth in overnight visitor arrivals.For the first three quarters of 2010, overnight visitor arrivals cumulated to 14.71 million. This number represents 56.2% of all visitor arrivals in the same period and is 21.8% more than the figure last year.See also: Hong Kong Visitor Arrivals in September 2009, Hong Kong Visitor Arrivals in September 2008 and Hong Kong Visitor Arrivals in August 2010See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Interviews, Free Deals, Videos, Hong Kong, September 2010, Hong Kong Visitor Arrivals
Interview with Pieter Idenburg - CEO of Suntec Singapore
What does it take to be one of the very best MICE venues in the whole Asia Pacific region? What high tech panels is Suntec Singapore installing in its halls and what will they do for visitors, and how much have they cost? What impact have the two IRs - Resorts World Sentosa / Universal Studios Singapore and Marina Bay Sands had on business? In this HD video interview with Mr Pieter Idenburg who is not only CEO of Suntec Singapore, but also CEO of Suntec International, we discuss all these things plus much, much more.See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Interviews, Free Deals, Videos, Singapore, Suntec
Pipeline Imbalance Presents Great Opportunities in Russia
Horwath HTL, one of the world?s largest hotel consulting networks, hosted a plenary session on pipeline and development at the fourth Russia and CIS Hotel Investment Conference on Tuesday, held at the Renaissance Moscow Monarch Centre Hotel.Michael O?Hare, Managing Director of Horwath HTL Russia and a leading industry expert in the region, led the session and was joined by senior developers from Hilton, Hyatt, IHG and Starwood Hotels and Resorts.The session addressed whether Russian hotel development had begun to move again after a difficult 2009, where financing was scarce and opportunities were limited. Michael O?Hare talked about the huge disparity in supply of International Hotel Brands compared to demand and how this would be the driving force for opportunities as the financial markets loosened and bank lending began again.The general feeling among the brands was that projects were beginning to move again, and that those hotels whose construction had been delayed due to a freeze on financing were now finding new sources of capital to enable completion.Michael O?Hare said, ?It was positive to hear that projects and demand for opportunities are beginning to grow again. Russia, in particular Moscow and St Petersburg, had a period of very strong growth in the middle of the decade until the financial crisis. Those brands will now need to take the opportunity of an upturn to gain critical mass and look outside of the two major centers to the vast majority of Russian cities that have no International presence at all. There are over 50 cities in the Region with over half a million inhabitants that could support new hotel supply and that is where we expect the focus to be in the coming years.?
See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Interviews, Free Deals, Videos, Horwath HTL, Russia, Moscow
See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Interviews, Free Deals, Videos, Horwath HTL, Russia, Moscow
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