tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23020925632522662902023-06-20T18:31:33.967+05:30Travel NewsWelcome to the this Blog to get the Travel/Airline & Hotel Industry News. Keep visiting this blog to get the upto date updates on the aviation industry.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-68143188389161480402012-06-24T00:01:00.000+05:302019-10-01T17:55:26.302+05:30Kejriwal says Kingfisher did not let him fly,IAC protests - Indian Express<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal on Friday alleged that he was not allowed to board a Kingfisher flight from Delhi to Dharamsala, despite having a boarding pass. <br />
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The flight with 77 passengers was later cancelled because of inclement weather in and around Dharamsala. <br />
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Kejriwal claimed that he was prevented from entering the plane at the boarding gate, though he arrived an hour and 15 minutes before the flight was to take off. <br />
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?I was carrying a valid boarding pass. After I cleared the security check, I was told that my ticket has been sold to another person,? he said. <br />
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?When I asked how that was possible, they told me that 15 minutes before the flight they called me to check whether I would be travelling or not. I apparently replied that I would not, they said. This is bunkum because I didn?t get any such call. Why would I say no when I have been waiting at the airport for more than an hour,? the RTI activist alleged. <br />
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Soon after, volunteers from Kejriwal?s India Against Corruption held a demonstration in front of the Kingfisher office at Terminal 3 of the IGIA. Kejriwal demanded that the airline should give it in writing that he had been offloaded. <br />
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?They said all they can write is that I missed the flight. That?s wrong. They claimed they gave me a call and the number they referred to was displayed on my phone as a missed call,? he alleged. <br />
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Kingfisher has yet to give an official statement. Sources said Kejriwal was to board Kingfisher?s IT 4355 to Dharamshala at 3 pm, but the flight was delayed by an hour when he was cleared to board the plane. <br />
Tags: Team Anna, Arvind Kejriwal, Kingfisher flight, Dharamsala <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-52466368350920531912012-06-23T18:18:00.000+05:302012-06-23T18:18:00.115+05:30Rain is 26 pc deficient so far this season - Deccan Herald<P><STRONG>Scanty rainfall in the first four weeks of monsoon has resulted in a deficiency of 26 per cent rainfall but the weather off?ice has forecast a normal mo?nsoon albeit with less heavier rain.</STRONG></P><br /><P>“Monsoon set in over Kerala on June 5 (delayed by four days). The cumulative seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole during June 1-21 is 76 per cent of total average rainfall. Till now, monsoon rain is 26 per cent deficient. But we are not worried as such delays are usual. It is ok if monsoon is delayed by a week,” Laxman Singh Rathore, director general, India Meteorological Department (IMD), disclosed at a press meet here on Friday.</P><br /><P>However, in what would bring relief to the farmers and policy makers alike, the IMD estimated that the country will receive normal monsoon this year. There will be 96 per cent of the long period average (LPA - 50 years) rainfall as against the earlier predicted 99 per cent. A normal monsoon means rainfall between 96-104 per cent of a 50-year average rain during the four-month season from June to September.</P><br /><P>As per the latest monsoon update, rainfall over the country as a whole for July 2012 is likely to be 98 per cent of its LPA and that for August is likely to be 96.</P><br /><P>Over the four broad geographical regions of the country, rainfall for the 2012 southwest monsoon season is likely to be 93 per cent of its LPA over North-West India, 96 over Central India, 95 over South peninsula and 99 per cent over North-East India. </P><br /><P>The IMD announcement came at a time when various sectors of the economy and the government were grappling with low economic growth and industrial output. A less than normal monsoon would have further pushed the growth into negative, putting a heavy burden on the already strained economy.</P><br /><P>During the current week, southwest monsoon has further advanced into some more parts of central Maharashtra, interior Karnataka, most parts of Tamil Nadu, remaining parts of south Bay of Bengal and some more parts of Central and North Bay of Bengal, remaining parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, some more parts of east Madhya Pradesh and east Uttar Pradesh.</P><br /><P>On the monsoon pattern so far, the Met office said: “On June 6, it rapidly advanced mainly along the west coast and over northeastern states and covered entire Kerala, coastal Karnataka, Goa, southern parts of Konkan, central Maharashtra, entire Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and parts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. </P><br /><P>“After a hiatus in the advance of monsoon for a period of about one week, on? 13, the monsoon further advanced into some more parts of central Maharashtra, interior Karnataka, most parts of Tamil Nadu, remaining parts of south Bay of Bengal and some more parts of central and north Bay of Bengal. By June 21, monsoon covered most parts of Arabian Sea, extreme south Gujarat, most parts of Maharashtra, entire Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal and Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Bay of Bengal and some parts of east Madhya Pradesh and east Uttar Pradesh.”</P><br /><P>Sounding a word of caution, the weather office said: “ There is also substantial probability (about 36 per cent) for emergence of weak El Nino conditions during later part of the monsoon season. However, the probability of reemergence of La Nina conditions during the monsoon season is very less.</P><br /><P><STRONG>Clouding over</STRONG></P><br /><P>* Cumulative seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole during June 1-21 is 76 pc<BR>* A week’s delay in monsoon onset is ok, says Met office<BR>* Weatherman says monsoon will be normal, but with less heavier rain<BR>* Southwest monsoon has covered some more areas of the country this week<BR>* Substantial probability of weak El Nino conditions, says the forecast </P>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-27654919099921080772012-06-23T12:35:00.000+05:302012-06-23T12:35:00.137+05:30AirAsia earmarks Jakarta as regional base<P>AIRASIA is establishing a strategic planning centre in Jakarta, called AirAsia Asean, and restructuring its management to focus on regional growth as the budget carrier enters its second decade.</P><br /><P>Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO, said the AirAsia Asean office in Jakarta would serve as the “nerve centre” of the company’s regional expansion.</P><br /><P>A Jakarta base would enable the company to engage more closely with the ASEAN Secretariat headquartered in the Indonesian capital, as well as to raise the profile and branding of AirAsia Indonesia, which was scheduled for listing on the Jakarta Stock Exchange by end-2012, Fernandes explained.</P><br /><P>“AirAsia Asean will also help us to ensure that our voice, concerns and appeals are heard much more clearly in the corridors of power within ASEAN.” </P><br /><P>“While others focus largely on trying to gain market share in domestic markets, we seek to expand our footprint throughout the region. After all, no single domestic market in ASEAN, not even Indonesia, can match the potential of a regional market of 600 million people and a combined East Asian market of two billion,” he added.</P><br /><P>The group headquarters will remain in Malaysia.</P>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-43875818806202126812012-06-23T07:03:00.000+05:302012-06-23T07:03:00.556+05:30Starwood pursues aggressive expansion strategy in China<P>STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is expanding its portfolio in China, fuelled by increasing affluence in the country, as well as growing demand in second- and third-tier cities.</P><br /><P>After surpassing its 100th hotel milestone in China earlier this year (TTG Asia e-Daily, April 25, 2012), Starwood has another 100 hotels in the pipeline. Greater China is the group’s second largest market outside the US.</P><br /><P>Qian Jin, president, Greater China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, said: “Our portfolio of distinct brands and brand recognition across China and around the world allow us to enter multiple resort destinations like Hainan, leveraging collective local scale without cannibalizing business, so we get more than our share of new business.”</P><br /><P>Sheraton, which is leading Starwood’s expansion in China, is on track to reach 90 hotels in Greater China by 2016. Other brands with openings in the works include W Hotels, The Westin, Le Méridien, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft and St. Regis.</P><br /><P>The group's inaugural W Hotel in China will debut in Guangzhou in early 2013. Another four W Hotels are scheduled to open in Macau, Beijing, Shanghai and Changsha by 2017.</P><br /><P>The Hongta Hotel, Twelve at Hengshan in Shanghai, and The Royal Begonia on Hainan Island, China’s first Luxury Collection resort, will open this year under Starwood’s Luxury Collection brand. Five more Luxury Collection hotels will be launched in Dalian, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Xiamen and Nanning by 2016.</P><br /><P>Meanwhile, Starwood’s first dual-branded ski resort, The Westin and Sheraton Changbaishan, will open in July.</P>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-60889215552045644752012-06-23T01:20:00.001+05:302012-06-23T01:20:42.663+05:30Thomas Cook appoints new chief executive to steer the ship<P>THOMAS Cook Group has appointed Harriet Green, current boss of Premier Farnell, a British distributor of electronic components, as its new chief executive.</P><br /><P>Green is the long-term successor to Manny Fontenla-Novoa, who resigned from Thomas Cook last August (TTG Asia e-Daily, August 3, 2011), after spending more than 15 years with Europe's second-largest travel firm after TUI Travel.</P><br /><P>She will join Thomas Cook on July 20, replacing interim CEO, Sam Weihagen, who will step down but remain with the company until September 30 to ensure a smooth transition.</P><br /><P>In a statement, Thomas Cook said Green had overseen a period of strategic transformation at Premier Farnell, "driving industry leading returns and creating a cost-effective multi-channel operation where the majority of business is now transacted through ecommerce channels".</P>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-35681189611209513622012-02-03T08:40:00.000+05:302012-02-03T08:40:00.123+05:30Hilton launches regional campaign miceHilton launches regional campaign mice n. Nithiyananthan, TTGmice, Kuala Lumpur, January 30, 2012<P>Hilton's 14 properties around the world, Southeast Asia joined hands to boost their business promotional campaign mice, and offer awards event planners who book the most meetings.</P><P>& Sea campaign million mice Awards million HHonors points to planning an event with the highest cumulative income books among the participants to the properties of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.</P><P>In addition, the top event planning each of the five countries will win stay of one week two adults and children, including daily breakfast, each of the participating hotels.</P><P>This reservation, you will need to challenge the participants invite new minimum 30 nights event at participating hotels and resorts. All recent event must be approved by 15 March.</P><P>Doubletree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur General Manager of BARROW, Ian, said: "we had great results last year with 73 orders secured between participating hotels package."</P><P>Full details of the campaign can be found on www.hiltonmiceasia.com/news</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width="480" height="3"> <IMG src="/spacer.gif" height="5"><br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2997" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-12169861108539154672012-02-03T02:54:00.000+05:302012-02-03T02:54:00.073+05:30Changi Airport posts busiest year everChangi Airport posts busiest year ever<P>Singapore-Changi Airport handled over 45 million passengers for the first time ever last year.</P><P>Airport egistered 46.5 million passengers, aircraft movements 302,000 until 2011, an increase of 10.7 per cent and 14.5 per cent the year before, respectively.</P><P>December 2011 also airport was the busiest ever month with 4.53 million passengers, 11.4 percent more in 2010. There were 27,700 aircraft movements during the month of 9.9 percent compared to the December jump.</P><P>A strong demand in Asia-Pacific tour was a key growth driver for Changi Airport in 2011. South-East Asia, South-East Asia were the two best performing registry areas, while the digit growth traffic to South Asia, South West Pacific also enjoyed positive growth.</P><P>Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila was occupied the positions of the top five among the top 10 tracks in Changi Airport. Between sectors at least half a million people, Taipei, Manila, New Delhi, Melbourne, Hong Kong registered the strongest percentage increase.</P><P>In 2011, seven new carriers including Air Macau, Hong Kong airlines, TransAsia Airways, Finnair, Indigo Lao airlines joined the portfolio of the airline's airport.</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width="480" height="3"> <IMG src="/spacer.gif" height="5"><br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2991" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-70002484040558390202012-02-02T21:54:00.000+05:302012-02-02T21:54:00.197+05:30AirAsia x to run Sydney servicesAirAsia x to run Sydney services<P>AIRASIA x will introduce flights Kuala Lumpur to Sydney from vanta international on April 1, 2012.</P><P>The Kuala Lumpur-Sydney running every day, using an Airbus Airbus A330-300 ???????? 12 premium economy seats and 365.</P><P>"Australia is a key market for AirAsia X, the track Sydney has long been a priority due to demand people all over the world especially Asia," said AirAsia X CEO azran Osman-Rani.</P><P>Sydney, the fourth target of Mr. AirAsia X in Australia after the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth, will also be available for orders for fly-Pack Indonesia (Bali, Medan, Surabaya, Jakarta), Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket), Singapore, Viet Nam (Ho Chi Minh City), Orissa smoothly to purchase two air sectors and connect via Kuala Lumpur.</P><P>CEO of destination INFORMATION BUREAU, Sandra Chipchase said: "you can spend the destination INFORMATION BUREAU in conjunction with the Sydney Airport, Australia tourism and AirAsia X in the year-old AirAsia X new promotion Kuala Lumpur Sydney route."</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width="480" height="3"> <IMG src="/spacer.gif" height="5"><br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3004" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-17173328148267799992012-02-02T16:07:00.000+05:302012-02-02T16:07:00.126+05:30Swiss-Garden Hotel Malacca managedSwiss-Garden Hotel manage Malacca n. Nithiyananthan, Kuala Lumpur, 26 January 2012<P>Swiss-Garden International (SGI) hotels, vacation and & was appointed to manage the Melaka hostels Swiss-Garden Hotel, which is about to open in 2014.</P><P>Offers an inventory of 306 rooms in the Tower 32 floors, the hotel is part of a project that involved development of apartments and commercial. Hotel facilities include a large hnshpim which can contain up to 1000 guests, a swimming pool.</P><P>Central station is located next to district Malacca monorail fronting Melaka River, the hotel is within walking distance of Jonker Street, a city's heritage.</P><P>Swiss-Garden International Vice President of business development, sales, marketing, &, Francis Lee said: "Swiss Melaka-garden is an ideal Avenue for expanding our brand, as demand and growth opportunities, service apartments hotels Malacca has escalated."</P><P>SGI now manages, operates 10 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments in Malaysia and Australia, with a total inventory of 2,000 rooms.</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width="480" height="3"> <IMG src="/spacer.gif" height="5"><br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2981" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-652251678289179282012-02-02T10:32:00.000+05:302012-02-02T10:32:01.011+05:30Korean Air shows Danang serviceKorean Air shows Danang service<P>Korean Air has launched two direct flights between Seoul (Incheon) Danang on 19 January.</P><P>Danang, Vietnam, the flag of a third destination must be submitted by Boeing B737-800 seats 145.</P><P>Korean Air operates 18 flights a week between Seoul and Viet Nam, including the seven-week services and services 27-week Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City.</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width="480" height="3"> <IMG src="/spacer.gif" height="5"><br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2992" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-62926158153763786972012-02-02T05:00:00.000+05:302012-02-02T05:00:00.171+05:30Manila's airport, lowers tax starts Terminal, runway revampManila's airport, revamp the tax starts, Terminal route Carandang Marian, Manila, January 30, 2012<P>Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal (NAIA) of Manila 1 be downloading the airport taxes international travelers from PHP750 (u.s. $ 68.50) to PHP550 by 1 February, kickstarted overdue restoration long equal 1.16 billion reported PHP.</P><P>Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) also archive the security facility upgrade tax PHP200 imposed since February 2007, and the renovation of structural funds spending retrofitting terminal building, landscaping, upgrading facilities such as the immigration counters and more rest.</P><P>More than a third of spending funds taxiway construction aimed at reducing congestion feed fast flight, allowing flights from 40-50 per hour.</P><P>Emy Malate, Vice President of marketing batmona to & trips and their teachers said: "(lower taxes) are good news since it reduces the overall travel costs".</P><P>She added: "what we expect to hear about is transferring flights Terminal 1 3, which is much more convenient for visitors sendoff, welcoming".</P><P>Meanwhile, General Manager of the MIAA Honrado Angel contract approved last week, construction supervision of PIATCO entity NAIA Terminal 3, along with the German firm Fraport, decided to release the 565 million dollars claim against the Philippine Government. Honrado said development should "pave the way for full commercial operations at the NAIA 3".</P><P>Many commercial airlines operating in the Philippines, represented by the representatives of the airlines have long clamoured for 3 new console from a Terminal 1, which according to Tourism Department runs 66 percent of capacity, compared to 165 percent from the end of the 1.</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width="480" height="3"> <IMG src="/spacer.gif" height="5"><br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2996" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-9794415351408309312012-02-01T23:42:00.000+05:302012-02-01T23:42:00.674+05:30Myanmar to introduce e-VisaMyanmar to introduce e-Visa Rahul Khanna, Yangon, January 30, 2012<P>Ministry of hotels and tourism of Myanmar unveiled plans to spread electronic visa system, sometime this year.</P><P>"At the end of December, we had a meeting with Minister of hotels and tourism, and so the rollout of e-visa entry and exit points, airports, seaports, the barriers to make it more convenient for visitors to Myanmar," said Foreign Ministry spokesman.</P><P>"We discussed about boat journeys, trips to kawthoung development of Dawei and Myeik, establishment of more hotel zones in the high season. All these programs are discussed, we will try to implement them very soon – before the next season. "</P><P>The speaker went on to be examined before being introduced to Visa online system. "We hope to start the e-visa system as soon as possible this year, but currently we are not in a position to say exactly when," he said.</P><P>The Myanmar Government has introduced a visa on arrival (VOA) on May 1, 2010 authorized foreign visitors from each country of international aviation avail VOA Yangon, Mandalay, and without prior coordination with the tour management company.</P><P>However, the VOA suspended four months later by the immigration and national registration Department.</P><P>VOAs can now Myanmar Airways International passengers arrive from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Guangzhou of China.</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width="480" height="3">VOA good-better still when valid visas free 2015 AEC.<B>Written by: Thongchai Phithakstrakul</B> <IMG src="/spacer.gif" height="5"><br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2998" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-86703164812915965772012-02-01T18:25:00.000+05:302012-02-01T18:25:00.419+05:30Shanghai, KL activities for renovationShanghai, KL tasks for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong, 25-30 January 2012<P><IMG alt="" src="/Pierre20Barthes.jpg" width="100" height="150"><IMG alt="" src="/Frank20Stocek.jpg"></P><P>Barthes ' Pierre ' (left) and Frank Stocek</P><P>Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has appointed Pierre Barthes General Administrator of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Pudong, Shanghai.</P><P>Barth moves, Mandarin Oriental hotel Kuala Lumpur, where he was General Manager in four years.</P><P>The success of the Barth as General of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur is Frank Stocek, who was previously the General Manager of elbow Beach, Bermuda, a post he held since 2001.</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width="480" height="3"> <IMG src="/spacer.gif" height="5"><br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3002" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-61828104651981286452012-02-01T12:42:00.000+05:302012-02-01T12:42:00.101+05:30SIA to stick with actions São PauloSIA to stick with actions São Paulo Sim Kok Chwee, Singapore, January 31, 2012<P>Following the collapse of Spanair, Singapore Airlines (SIA) codeshare partners in Singapore-Barcelona-São Paulo (TTG Asia e per day, January 30, 2012), the Singapore flag company remains steadfast that the services three times a week.</P><P>SIA spokesman Nicholas Ionides said: "we remain highly committed to the Singapore-Barcelona-São Paulo. We discussed the matter with the relevant factors, for now, there is no change to our operations – three-times-weekly route. "</P><P>Back when the Spanish Government to grant fifth freedom rights-first movement between Barcelona and São Paulo, SIA SIA was right that the passenger ferry to Barcelona and São Paulo were depends on codeshare arrangements with Spanair.</P><P>When this service launched last March, SIA, cited large ?????? of South-East Asia (especially Indonesia), in China, as well as of Brazil hosting events every year — including more than 90,000 with a formula one Grand Prix, 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympics chatrkciot for key path.</P><P>Singapore concludes open skies agreement with Brazil in 2010.</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width="480" height="3"> <IMG src="/spacer.gif" height="5"><br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3006" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-53103648433958355392012-02-01T07:07:00.000+05:302012-02-01T07:07:00.112+05:30Taiwan Tourism appoints India proxyTaiwan Tourism appoints India proxy<P>Taiwan Tourism-New Delhi-based counter think luxury travel marketing marketing Berry as her in India.</P><P>Think strawberries, niche marketing firm to promote travel products international representation in India and Dubai, will be responsible for raising awareness of Taiwan such as mice and leisure.</P><P>Meanwhile, Taiwan's tourism have arranged a workshop in New Delhi on 23 February and March, Mumbai to educate Indian travel trade about various products, targets in Taiwan.</P><P>A number of senior representatives from the five leading htiwanit DMCs, as well as tourism officials be present during the workshops htiwanit, to interact with local travel trade.</P><P>About 80 members of the Indian travel trade are expected to participate in any of the workshops.</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width="480" height="3"> <IMG src="/spacer.gif" height="5"><br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3010" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-10930461607843465532012-02-01T01:35:00.000+05:302012-02-01T01:36:11.902+05:30Us aims to grow share of China, Taiwan leaves <P>United States has announced a series of initiatives to increase the share of tour market economies with growth mainly middle-class as China, Brazil and India.</P><P>Secretaries of Commerce and Interior to co-binargoni task force to develop somewhat of a tourism strategy and coordinate with & Travel, National Corporation for tourism promotion (now known as BrandUSA) and tourism policy to ensure private sector participation and coordination between the Agency.</P><P>And State security departments will work towards capacity processing in China, submitted by 40 percent in 2012, and aiming for 80% of the interviewees in the three weeks these candidates receive their application.</P><P>Other efforts include change plan and pilot for visa processing in China-to simplify, speed up or even give up the process, some candidates, as well as an extension of the General Plan of expedited disposition value, makes it easier for pre-approved, low risk upon arrival in the United States.</P><P>In addition, nominated to join Taiwan visa waiver program that allows participating citizens to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less.</P><P>Mike McCartney, President, Executive Director of the Hawaii tourism authority, said: "processing of initiatives to increase the number of visas, and to ensure that visas for applicants who were interviewed within three weeks, a huge milestone for the Chinese tourism and Hawaii."</P><P>According to McCartney, Chinese arrivals expected to reach Hawaii 125,394 year, to 28 percent over 2011. Chinese tourists spend US $ 380 per person per day, more than any other market, he added.</P><P>Visa waiver status for Taiwan to be a significant advantage, said McCartney.</P><P>Visa waiver program "with South Korea 2008, arrivals from the region grew 35 percent, growing year after year," he said. "We expect to see similar growth out of Taiwan."</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3011" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-72417147447339123762012-01-17T05:46:00.000+05:302012-01-17T05:46:00.502+05:30WhiteHall Suites to expand its operations to Toronto, Canada <P>Mississauga, Ontario (January 09, 2012) ? The WhiteHall Suites is all set to expand its operations in the city of Toronto in Canada. According to Mr. Ed Molson, the Leasing Manager, WhiteHall Suites is one of the fastest growing providers of corporate housing in the Greater Toronto Area. ?Being an upscale company, our focus is on the modern corporate traveller, which is looking for a home away from home? said Mr. Ed Molson.</P><P>After a very successful year in Mississauga, the company is now focusing on acquiring more furnished apartments in Toronto. ?At WhiteHall Suites, our philosophy is to provide upscale living at affordable prices. Good value is not the only thing, it is everything? said Ed Molson.</P><P>WhiteHall Suites provides fully <A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.whitehallsuites.com/" target="_blank">furnished apartments in Toronto</A> and Mississauga for weekly and monthly rentals. Facilities include wireless high speed internet, maid service, free local calls, underground parking, flat screen TV with cable, in-suite laundry, swimming pool and gym. For more information about WhiteHall Suites, please visit <A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.whitehallsuites.com/" target="_blank">www.WhiteHallsuites.com</A><BR></P><BR>Related Links<A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.whitehallsuites.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WhiteHall Suites provides fully furnished apartments for short term in Toronto & Mississauga, Canada</A>WebWireID151287</P><A class=twitter-share-button href="http://twitter.com/share" data-count="horizontal">Tweet</A> <A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Toronto+AND+furnished+AND+suites" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Toronto furnished suites</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Furnished+AND+apartments" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Furnished apartments</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Toronto+AND+Mississauga" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Toronto, Mississauga</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Short+AND+term+AND+apartment" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Short term apartment</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Toronto+AND+Extended+AND+Stay" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Toronto Extended Stay</A>Contact InformationAdnan KhanMedia ManagerDesign 8<A href="about:contact-submitter.asp?aId=151287">Contact via E-mail</A><BR>This news content may be integrated into any legitimate news gathering and publishing effort. Linking is permitted.</P><A href="http://www.webwire.com/news-release-distribution.asp">News Release Distribution</A> and <A href="http://www.webwire.com/press-release-distribution.asp">Press Release Distribution</A> Services Provided by <A title="Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire" href="http://www.webwire.com/">WebWire</A>.</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151287" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-24107158360475720192012-01-17T00:29:00.000+05:302012-01-17T00:29:00.104+05:30Eurostar announces early sale for Provence service <A href="http://www.webwire.com/">WEBWIRE</A> – Tuesday, January 03, 2012<P>Eurostar has announced that its popular direct summer services to Avignon will open for sale earlier than usual, available from 20 December 2011. The early sale is to cope with traveller demand for its services to the stunning Provence region of France.</P><P>Holidaymakers are advised to book early to avoid disappointment for the weekly direct services that will run from 7 July to 1 September 2012. With direct journey times of less than six hours from St Pancras International in London and Ashford International in Kent, the summer service is a favourite with travellers and tickets sell fast every year. Customers can take advantage of these Eurostar deals by boarding a Eurostar service in the UK, then travelling non-stop through the magnificent French countryside, directly to Avignon in the heart of Provence.</P><P>Nick Mercer, commercial director for Eurostar commented: "Our direct Avignon summer services grow in popularity each year, as people across the country see how easy and enjoyable it is to travel across Europe by high-speed rail. By opening sales to Avignon earlier than usual we are giving customers even more flexibility when planning their summer trip to Provence. Journeys with Eurostar avoid the summer scramble at the airports and increasingly, passengers see their journey as part of the holiday itself"</P><P>Direct Eurostar tickets are available in both Standard class Standard Premier. If direct services are full, Eurostar offers connecting services all year round that arrive into Avignon TGV station, which is located just outside the town centre.</P><P>Tickets for the Avignon direct summer service and for connecting services all year round are available from <A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.eurostar.com/" target="_blank">www.eurostar.com</A>, by calling 08432 186 186, at Eurostar stations or from travel agents.</P><P>About Eurostar:<BR>Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps. The company allows its users to take advantage of cheap tickets to Paris on the London to Paris train, and also offers services such as the London to Brussels train and services to Holland - allowing holidaymakers convenient travel whilst on Amsterdam city breaks.</P><P>Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR.</P><P>The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph. Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 115 million passengers between London and the Continent. Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet.</P><P>The Eurostar Ashden Award for Sustainable Travel:<BR>Since 2001 the Ashden awards have been supporting sustainability projects across the globe and now they?re working with Eurostar to promote sustainable travel</P><P>As part of the Tread Lightly programme to cut carbon and get people thinking differently about their journeys, Eurostar has launched the Ashden Award for Sustainable Travel.</P><P>PR contact:<BR>Aude Criqui<BR>Senior Press Officer<BR>Eurostar Press Office<BR>Times House<BR>Regent Quarter<BR>Bravingtons Walk<BR>London<BR>N1 9AW<BR>0044 (0)20 7843 5405<BR><A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.eurostar.com/" target="_blank">www.eurostar.com</A></P><BR>Related Links<A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/eurostar_deals.jsp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eurostar deals</A><A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.eurostar.com/static/micro_site/eurostar_faq_en.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cheap tickets to Paris</A><A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.eurostar.com/static/micro_site/eurostar_london_to_paris.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">London to Paris train</A>WebWireID151089</P><A class=twitter-share-button href="http://twitter.com/share" data-count="horizontal">Tweet</A> <A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Eurostar+AND+deals" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Eurostar deals</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Cheap+AND+tickets+AND+to+AND+Paris" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Cheap tickets to Paris</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=London+AND+to+AND+Paris+AND+train" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">London to Paris train</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=London+AND+to+AND+Brussels+AND+train" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">London to Brussels train</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Amsterdam+AND+city+AND+breaks" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Amsterdam city breaks</A>Contact InformationAude CriquiSenior Press Officer44 (0)20 7843 5405<A href="about:contact-submitter.asp?aId=151089">Contact via E-mail</A><BR>This news content may be integrated into any legitimate news gathering and publishing effort. Linking is permitted.</P><A href="http://www.webwire.com/news-release-distribution.asp">News Release Distribution</A> and <A href="http://www.webwire.com/press-release-distribution.asp">Press Release Distribution</A> Services Provided by <A title="Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire" href="http://www.webwire.com/">WebWire</A>.</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151089" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-30024072655633153182012-01-16T19:11:00.000+05:302012-01-16T19:11:00.702+05:30Kuoni launches 'Limited Release Holidays' range <A href="http://www.webwire.com/">WEBWIRE</A> – Wednesday, January 04, 2012<P>Kuoni, the award-winning travel brand, has launched its range of affordable offers, known as "Limited Release Holidays".</P><P>The range of offers are targeted towards holidaymakers after five particular types of holiday - ?Great value holidays?, ?Away from it all?, ?Discover?, ?Mind, body and soul? and ?For the kids?. Each holiday type has been designed around the needs of travellers after a particular type of break, and include transfers, flights (including taxes and surcharges), pricing per person and savings per couple.</P><P>The ?Great value holidays? are designed for customers who want the best prices and savings in quality locations, the ?away from it all? holidays aim to appeal to those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The ?discover? holidays are aimed at explorers, adventurers and culture connoisseurs, while at the other end of the spectrum, the ?mind, body and soul? holidays are designed for those that want serenity and luxury in natural surroundings. Finally, the ?for the kids? holidays are tailored towards children?s needs, offering suitable activities and places to explore in exotic locations.</P><P>The Limited Release Holidays is a part of Kuoni?s new multi-media, tactically led brand campaign, which includes a significant digital display campaign, colour advertisements in the national press (including augmented reality), a Kuoni store centric radio campaign and a Kuoni Facebook poster campaign.</P><P>Naomi Wilkinson, Kuoni?s head of marketing, said: "Kuoni have a brand new campaign which has evolved from our customer proposition research in 2011. We have invested in a multi-million pound campaign in media across the marketing mix. The campaign is running across traditional and digital channels to communicate to customers at various touch points in the customer journey"</P><P>For more information, customers can visit <A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/limitedrelease" target="_blank">http://www.kuoni.co.uk/limitedrelease</A>.</P><P>About Kuoni:<BR>Kuoni was established in 1906 in Switzerland by Alfred Kuoni, a visionary adventurer and explorer of his time who opened some of Europe?s first travel agencies. It has branch operations in over 40 countries. For 105 years Kuoni has been creating holidays with a spirit of adventure and has been recognised consistently, winning coveted awards such as The World?s Leading Tour Operator for 11 years in a row at the World Travel Awards, Best Large Tour Operator at the 2011 Daily Telegraph Ultratravel 100 Awards for five consecutive years and scored most highly in the Which? top 20 travel company survey 2011. Kuoni has also been voted Britain?s Best Long-haul Tour Operator by travel agents for the past 29 years. Kuoni offer holidays in a wide variety of destinations, including Maldives holidays, Mauritius holidays, Dubai holidays and holidays to Thailand.</P><P>PR contact:<BR>Anne-Marie Hansen<BR>Kuoni Travel Ltd<BR>Kuoni House<BR>Deepdene Avenue<BR>Dorking<BR>Surrey<BR>RH5 4AZ<BR>01306 744 173<BR><A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.kuoni.co.uk</A></P><BR>Related Links<A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/en/holiday/indian-ocean/maldives/pages/default.aspx/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maldives Holidays</A><A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/en/holiday/indian-ocean/mauritius/pages/default.aspx/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mauritius Holidays</A><A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/en/holiday/asia/united-arab-emirates/dubai/pages/default.aspx/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dubai Holidays</A>WebWireID151123</P><A class=twitter-share-button href="http://twitter.com/share" data-count="horizontal">Tweet</A> <A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Maldives+AND+Holidays" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Maldives Holidays</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Mauritius+AND+Holidays" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Mauritius Holidays</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Dubai+AND+Holidays" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Dubai Holidays</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Holidays+AND+to+AND+Thailand" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Holidays to Thailand</A>Contact InformationAnne-Marie HansenPR ContactKuoni Travel Ltd<A href="about:contact-submitter.asp?aId=151123">Contact via E-mail</A><BR>This news content may be integrated into any legitimate news gathering and publishing effort. Linking is permitted.</P><A href="http://www.webwire.com/news-release-distribution.asp">News Release Distribution</A> and <A href="http://www.webwire.com/press-release-distribution.asp">Press Release Distribution</A> Services Provided by <A title="Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire" href="http://www.webwire.com/">WebWire</A>.</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151123" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Source</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-47889304206225719132012-01-16T13:54:00.001+05:302012-01-16T13:54:02.621+05:30Kuoni announces the launch of 'Requested by you…Crafted by Kuoni'<A href="http://www.webwire.com/">WEBWIRE</A> – Tuesday, January 03, 2012<br /><P>Kuoni, one of the world?s leading travel brands, has launched its biggest ever campaign - ?Requested by you?Crafted by Kuoni?. The campaign, which started on 26 December 2011, aims to offer a range of value holidays with exceptional service in stunning destinations.</P><br /><P>To convey this message in an engaging way, Kuoni, in association with Brighton based advertising agency Designate, has designed a multi-media campaign that resonates with customer sentiment and needs as they think about planning their time away from it all. As such, the campaign will include outdoor media in key locations including London, Bristol, Liverpool and Sheffield and Manchester, escalator panels in the Bank, Knightsbridge and High Street Kensington tube stations, and radio advertising for 14 Kuoni stores and two Kuoni partner stores, as well as brand advertisements in a range of glossy travel and lifestyle magazines throughout 2012.</P><br /><P>Naomi Wilkinson, Kuoni?s head of marketing said: "This campaign brings the essence of Kuoni alive - that we listen to our customers? needs and are specialists in creating unique travel memories that endure - as our Personal Travel Experts can craft the perfect holiday for you. The themes of the campaign are based around customer requests and real customer behaviour"</P><br /><P>Alongside the brand campaign runs a multi-million pound tactically-led brand campaign including synergy of creative across all media channels, supported by stunning imagery to mirror customers? needs. These needs were highlighted in an extensive customer centric research carried out by the company earlier this year. All the activity is designed to showcase Kuoni?s hand-made approach to personalised holidays and service which all serve to underpin Kuoni?s values of authenticity, reliability and passion.</P><br /><P>Jason Triandafyllou, Designate?s MD said: "We were excited when we won the pitch, and we are thrilled to see the work come to fruition and go live. Kuoni are a great, truly prestigious brand and they gave us an exciting advertising brief to work to. We think that with our ?Requested by you... Crafted by Kuoni? concept we?ve come up with a strong memorable idea that will stretch across all media and deliver on a truly integrated level"</P><br /><P>-ENDS-</P><br /><P>About Kuoni:<BR>Kuoni was established in 1906 in Switzerland by Alfred Kuoni, a visionary adventurer and explorer of his time who opened some of Europe?s first travel agencies. Today it has branch operations in over 40 countries. For 105 years Kuoni has been creating holidays with a spirit of adventure and has been recognised consistently, winning coveted awards such as The World?s Leading Tour Operator for 11 years in a row at the World Travel Awards, Best Large Tour Operator at the 2011 Daily Telegraph Ultratravel 100 Awards for five consecutive years, best Luxury Tour Operator at the Sunday Times Travel Magazine Readers? Awards and has also scored most highly in the Which? top 20 travel company survey 2011. Kuoni has also been voted Britain?s Best Long-haul Tour Operator by travel agents for the past 29 years.</P><br /><P>Kuoni offer tours across the globe, including Caribbean holidays, holidays to Maldives and Thailand holidays. In addition, Kuoni offer many tours suited to honeymoons.</P><br /><P>PR contact:<BR>Anne-Marie Hansen<BR>Kuoni Travel Ltd<BR>Kuoni House<BR>Deepdene Avenue<BR>Dorking<BR>Surrey<BR>RH5 4AZ<BR>01306 744 173<BR><A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.kuoni.co.uk</A></P><BR>Related Links<A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/en/holiday/indian-ocean/maldives/pages/default.aspx#/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Holidays to Maldives</A><A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/en/holiday/asia/thailand/pages/default.aspx#/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thailand holidays</A><A onclick="return clickTrckng();" href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/en/honeymoons/pages/honeymoons.aspx#/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Honeymoons</A>WebWireID151102<br /><P></P><A class=twitter-share-button href="http://twitter.com/share" data-count="horizontal">Tweet</A> <A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Holidays+AND+to+AND+Maldives" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Holidays to Maldives</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Thailand+AND+holidays" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Thailand holidays</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Honeymoons" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Honeymoons</A><A href="about:/SearchResults.asp?sch=Caribbean+AND+holidays" rel="tag nofollow"><IMG alt=" " src="/tag-icon-16x13.png">Caribbean holidays</A>Contact InformationAnne-Marie HansenPR ContactKuoni Travel Ltd<A href="about:contact-submitter.asp?aId=151102">Contact via E-mail</A><BR>This news content may be integrated into any legitimate news gathering and publishing effort. Linking is permitted.<br /><P></P><A href="http://www.webwire.com/news-release-distribution.asp">News Release Distribution</A> and <A href="http://www.webwire.com/press-release-distribution.asp">Press Release Distribution</A> Services Provided by <A title="Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire" href="http://www.webwire.com/">WebWire</A>.<br /><P></P><br /><P><A href="http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=151102" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</A></P>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-70871266894282145552011-11-02T02:00:00.000+05:302011-11-02T02:00:01.405+05:30Myanmar sees strong forward bookings for peak season <P>HOTELS in Myanmar are recording strong forward bookings from all markets for the upcoming high season from October 2011 to March 2012.</P><P>Chatrium Hotel Yangon sales and marketing director, May Myat Mon Win, said the hotel had so far recorded a 25 per cent growth in advance bookings for the high season.</P><P>The hotel’s occupancy rates for the January-July period had already risen by about 20 per cent year-on-year, she added.</P><P>At Shwe In Thar Floating Resort in Inle Lake, forward bookings for the high season were up 20 per cent over last year, with the hotel already fully booked from October to December.</P><P>According to Didier Belmonte, general manager of The Strand Yangon, European markets accounted for the majority of high season bookings at his hotel – 2,042, compared to 1,489 during the same period last year.</P><P>Belmonte added that guests from Asian markets were showing the sharpest (46 per cent) increase for stays during the peak period – 1,059, compared to last year’s 721.</P><P>He said most Asian guests were from Singapore (259, up from 120) and Hong Kong (98, up from 32), but the biggest growth was from Thailand (157, up from a base of zero).</P><br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2252" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-32760832678673819162011-11-02T01:59:00.000+05:302011-11-02T01:59:00.491+05:30Strategic Airlines rebranded as Air Australia Strategic Airlines rebranded as Air Australia <P>BRISBANE-based Strategic Airlines will be rebranded as Air Australia from October 31.</P><P>The airline will continue to operate the twice-weekly Melbourne-Phuket and Brisbane-Phuket routes, which it started on February 22 and 24, respectively.</P><P>Launched in 2009, the airline also operates Brisbane-Bali, Brisbane-Port Hedland and Perth-Derby services.</P><P>The carrier is planning to introduce domestic flights from Melbourne to Brisbane, while international services from Melbourne and Brisbane to Honolulu will commence in December.</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width=480 height=3> <br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2250" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-35929790064756470132011-11-02T01:58:00.001+05:302011-11-02T01:58:33.900+05:30Bangkok to host F1 race? Bangkok to host F1 race? Sirima Eamtako, reporting for TTGmice, Bangkok, September 2, 2011 <P>THE THAILAND Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is pressing ahead with plans to host a Formula One race in Bangkok. <P>This is part of TCEB’s strategy to bring high-profile events into the country, including the World Expo 2020 (TTG Asia e-Daily, August 24).</P><P>TCEB president Akapol Sorasuchart said an initial feasibility study for hosting the race in Bangkok had been completed, while preliminary discussions with Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone in June had yielded promising results.</P><P>The only stumbling block left is persuading the Thai government to lend its support. “We plan to propose the event as part of our 2012 budget,” Akapol said, but declined to pin down an exact date for the event.</P><P>TCEB is considering a street-racing model for the race, running over a period of three days including practice and qualifying runs, around Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok’s historical quarter.</P><P>The MICE bureau is currently seeking a consultancy firm to study the event’s potential benefits, which include increased tourism spend from parking and docking fees for private jets, helicopters and yachts, hotel stays, and ticket and corporate booth sales, on top of invaluable media exposure.</P><P>“If the event can be held as planned, we expect a ticket sell for about 100,000 seats and a total of one million spectators during the period,” Akapol said.</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width=480 height=3> Fine, the city was laking a bit of traffic this last decade... after the red shirts in 2010 to block 1/4 of the city, the F1 in 2012! <br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2251" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-4105613641021907172011-11-02T01:57:00.000+05:302011-11-02T01:58:29.322+05:30Malaysian team heads to South China to promote Penang Malaysian team heads to South China to promote Penang N. Nithiyananthan, Kuala Lumpur, September 2, 2011 <P>A FIFTY-pax trade delegation from Malaysia, led by Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng, has been in Guangzhou since Wednesday to promote the island destination to the South China outbound market.</P><P>The team, including representatives from the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents, the Malaysian Association of Hotels, and the Budget Hotel Association, will meet the city mayor of Zhongshan, a prefecture-level city in Guangdong province, as well as provincial leaders.</P><P>Lim’s press secretary, Cheong Yin Fan, said: “The market in Guangzhou and China has vast potential. Without the China tourism market, it would be difficult to achieve Penang’s aspirations of (achieving) more than 50 per cent of its gross domestic product from the services and tourism sector.”</P><P>The delegation is also due to attend the China (Guangzhou) International Tourism Expo 2011 following the conclusion of the trade mission. There, the state Tourism Development and Culture Office will promote Penang together with Tourism Malaysia at the Malaysia-Penang pavilion.</P><P>Specially identified for promotion are Penang’s culinary scene, seascapes, natural hills, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Georgetown.</P><P>“Penang offers a unique and yet certain familiarity for Chinese tourists who are comfortable in the culture and language,” Cheong said.</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width=480 height=3> <br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2249" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2302092563252266290.post-74129050024610309602011-10-29T20:08:00.000+05:302011-10-29T20:09:03.815+05:30Expedia expands agents programme Expedia expands agents programme Amee Enriquez, Singapore, October 3, 2011 <P>EXPEDIA aims to draw more business from travel agents in Singapore, with the expansion of its Travel Agents Affiliate Programme (TAAP) from just hotels to other related services, offering attractive commissions for bookings.</P><P>Dan Lynn, CEO, AirAsiaExpedia, said: “With the launch of the full service (programme), we now offer packages on flights, and for our package business, we offer fantastic commissions.”</P><P>Charee Guico, manager Expedia, Travel Agent Distribution, SEA, said aside from the 10 per cent commission agents get on bookings of Expedia Special Rates hotels, and less than five per cent on other GDS hotels, they will also get six per cent for car rentals, 10 per cent for destination services/tours, and 1.5 per cent for flights booked as a package with another component.</P><P>Expedia also has added incentive tier schemes for agents, from Standard to Platinum, depending on booking volume. “As you go up the tier, your commission goes up,” Guico said.</P><P>“We have some agents who were already on the Silver tier just on their first month. In fact, since we launched (TAAP) in June (in Singapore), we already have some Platinum members.”</P><P>One advantage for agents using Expedia is that they can easily access the system for as long as they have Internet connection. “It's Expedia everywhere. Even if they're outside the office, there is no system requirement. As long as they have Internet, they're ready to book,” Guico added.</P><P>There are currently 500 agents in Singapore under the TAAP programme. Plans for TAAP in South-east Asia include Malaysia by the end of the year.</P><IMG src="/horizontalline.gif" width=480 height=3> <br /><p><a href="http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2440" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0