Saturday 29 October 2011

Vladivostok Air Launches Flights to Singapore

Russia?s Vladivostok Air has launched twice-weekly services between Singapore and Vladivostok via Hong Kong.

Vladivostok Air will operate the A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration on the route, departing Vladivostok International Airport on Tuesday and Friday mornings to arrive in Changi Airport at 18:20 on the same day.

 The return flight will depart Changi at 20:10 hours to arrive in Vladivostok the following morning.

Vladivostok, in the Russian Far East, is the ninth new city link for Changi this year. Since the launch of the Russia-Singapore Business Forum in 2006, bilateral trade between the two countries has more than doubled to reach Sin$5.2 billion in 2010.

With several Singapore-based companies already establishing inroads to the Russian Far East, Changi?s new connection to Vladivostok will stimulate further business links between Singapore and Vladivostok as well as the greater Primorsky Krai region ? the largest economy in the Russian Far East.

Passenger traffic between Singapore and Russia reached an all-time-high of 65,000 in 2010, representing a 31% growth year-on-year. Singapore also welcomed 55,000 Russian visitors in 2010, an increase of 9% compared to 2009. During the first eight months of this year, air traffic movements and visitor arrivals from Russia increased by a further 34% and 5% respectively compared to the same period last year.

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Apple iPod USB Travel Kit with Car Charger, Travel Adapter & Cable

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Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD)

Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD)The Traveling Wilburys were one of the few supergroups that lived up to their promise, because they didn't try to. Things started inauspiciously when George Harrison, needing a B-side for a 1988 single, called in friends Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison for assistance. Two albums later--the second without Orbison, who had passed away shortly after the first was released--the loose-knit collective had recorded material that was as durable, and occasionally eclipsed, the participants' legendary solo work. The Wilburys succeeded due to a genial and contagious camaraderie that permeates both discs. What could have been a train wreck of ego clashes instead resulted in a frothy meeting of the minds. These guys are having a blast, trading lead vocals and harmonies on energetic folk-rock, quirky rockabilly, and Beatlesque pop that shimmers with the respect and esteem the members clearly hold for each other. Harrison and Lynne's rather slick production polishes off edges that might better have been left unvarnished, but there's no denying the loosey-goosey craftsmanship at work in tunes such as "Handle with Care," "End of the Line," and a striking Orbison performance on "Not Alone Anymore" that ranks with any of his finest. Both albums were million-sellers, but oddly went out of print for about a decade until Rhino resurrected them, adding two rare tracks per disc as well as a DVD of music videos and a band documentary. The resulting package is a comprehensive overview of a once--well, twice--in-a-lifetime project that, especially after Harrison's passing, will never be repeated. --Hal Horowitz

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Friday 28 October 2011

All-in-One Travel Power Plug Adapter for US, UK, EU, AU

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Vladivostok Air Launches Flights to Singapore

Russia?s Vladivostok Air has launched twice-weekly services between Singapore and Vladivostok via Hong Kong.

Vladivostok Air will operate the A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration on the route, departing Vladivostok International Airport on Tuesday and Friday mornings to arrive in Changi Airport at 18:20 on the same day.

 The return flight will depart Changi at 20:10 hours to arrive in Vladivostok the following morning.

Vladivostok, in the Russian Far East, is the ninth new city link for Changi this year. Since the launch of the Russia-Singapore Business Forum in 2006, bilateral trade between the two countries has more than doubled to reach Sin$5.2 billion in 2010.

With several Singapore-based companies already establishing inroads to the Russian Far East, Changi?s new connection to Vladivostok will stimulate further business links between Singapore and Vladivostok as well as the greater Primorsky Krai region ? the largest economy in the Russian Far East.

Passenger traffic between Singapore and Russia reached an all-time-high of 65,000 in 2010, representing a 31% growth year-on-year. Singapore also welcomed 55,000 Russian visitors in 2010, an increase of 9% compared to 2009. During the first eight months of this year, air traffic movements and visitor arrivals from Russia increased by a further 34% and 5% respectively compared to the same period last year.

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Hilton Unveils LightStay 2010 Results

Hilton Worldwide and its portfolio of 10 hotel brands has unveiled the 2010 results of LightStay, its sustainability measurement system.

Since the introduction of LightStay, the company continues to improve sustainability and economic performance and has saved more than US$74 million in utility costs as a result of the following reductions:

? 6.6% reduction of energy use
? 7.8% reduction of carbon output
? 19% reduction of waste output
? 3.8% reduction of water use

To date, Hilton Worldwide?s efforts are equivalent to the removal of more than 50,000 cars from the road, water savings that could fill more than 1,000 swimming pools and energy conservation that could provide power to nearly 20,000 homes a year.

?Sustainability is a priority for Hilton Worldwide and a central part of how the company does business,? said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton Worldwide. ?LightStay has provided us with a platform to measure hotel performance and economic improvement, proving to be invaluable given today?s increased operational demands and resource constraints.?

 All of the more than 3,750 Hilton properties are required to use LightStay by this December, bringing the company even closer to its long-term goals.

New features were recently built into LightStay to allow hotels to track projects, share best practices and communicate with one another through a ?social network? dashboard. Thus far, LightStay has more than 1,200 projects in the system, which is expected to double by next year conserving additional resources.

As a result of these actions, Hilton Worldwide recently earned ISO 14001 certification for Environmental Management Systems.

Over the next three years, Hilton Worldwide will continue to invest in its owned assets to improve building performance, illustrating the company?s commitment to both long-term cost and energy savings. Projects will include the installation of energy-efficient chillers, boilers, motors, building automation systems, water reclamation systems, high-efficient windows and white roofs. Hilton New York, for example, with be installing an onsite cogeneration system, which will offset 54% of its electrical needs and 33% of its thermal needs.

By 2014, Hilton Worldwide is aiming to reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions and waste output by 20%, as well as reduce water consumption by 10% from direct operations within the company?s owned hotels and corporate properties.

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AAPA Reports Asia Pacific Airline Traffic for September 2011

Preliminary traffic figures for the month of September 2011 show sustained growth in international air passenger traffic, whilst international air freight markets continued to soften.

According to figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), Asia Pacific based airlines flew a total of 16 million international passengers in September 2011, a growth of 5.4% compared to the same month last year, underpinned by business and leisure demand on Asian routes.

 Measured in revenue passenger kilometre terms (RPK), international passenger traffic grew by 5.2%. With available seat capacity expanding by 6.8%, the average international passenger load factor fell 1.1 percentage points to 77.3%.

As a result of a slowdown in trade activities, Asia Pacific international air cargo demand, in freight tonne kilometre (FTK) terms, declined by 6.5% compared to the same month last year. Offered freight capacity contracted by 1.3%, resulting in a 3.5 percentage point decline in the average international air cargo load factor for the region?s carriers to 63.8% for the month.

 ?Overall, for the first three quarters of the year, Asia Pacific airlines saw a 3.7% increase in the number of international passengers carried, whereas international air cargo demand fell by 4.1%,? said Mr. Andrew Herdman, AAPA Director General. ?Resilient Asian economies, with relatively strong domestic spending power, helped support leisure and business travel markets. However, a slowdown in export demand, as a result of the ongoing European economic crisis and softening North American economies, contributed to the fall in overall cargo traffic. As a result, Asian airlines have seen only modest revenue growth this year. At the same time, airlines have had to grapple with a 40% increase in jet fuel prices, squeezing what are typically already very thin margins.?

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aTiX Scanner Gains EU Approval for Checked Baggage Screening

Smiths Detection?s explosives detection scanner for carry-on baggage, the HI-SCAN 7555aTiX, has gained EU Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) approval for hold luggage.

The 7555aTiX is now the only multi-purpose, multi-threat detection system for aviation security applications, which is officially EU standard approved and can be used either for liquids detection or bulk explosives screening.

The EDS Standard 2 approval for the 7555aTiX adds to the previously received liquid detection approval, in which Smiths Detection?s aTiX product line achieved the EU?s most stringent screening (LEDS Type C Standard 2) requirements.

Mal Maginnis, President of Smiths Detection, said, ?Our advanced scanners for multi-purpose, multi-threat detection provide detection capabilities for liquid and bulk explosives that meet the most stringent international security requirements. They are also designed for easy application of software enhancements to meet evolving threats and regulatory requirements. These latest approvals underline Smiths Detection?s technological leadership.?

Compliance under the new Common Evaluation Program (CEP) for deployment in the EU means that strict image quality and detection performance standards for automatic evaluation have been met. Approval, mandatory for use in all EU/ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference) member states, followed lengthy testing under ECAC procedures.

The compact HI-SCAN 7555aTiX is ideal for use at aviation security checkpoints and for checked baggage EDS screening in low bag volume airports. The system joins Smiths Detection?s HI-SCAN 10080 EDX-2is and HI-SCAN 10080 EDtS on the list of hold baggage screeners to have achieved EDS Standard 2 under the CEP.

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BAA to Sell Edinburgh Airport

Following the UK Competition Commission?s decision requiring BAA to sell either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport, BAA has confirmed that it will sell Edinburgh Airport.

BAA is now commencing preparations for a sale and expects to formally approach the market in the New Year with a view to agreeing a sale by Summer 2012.

 ?Edinburgh is a great airport with a great team and a great future and we will be very sorry to see it leave BAA. We remain committed to Scotland and we will continue our long-term investment to improve passenger and airline experience at Aberdeen and Glasgow, as well as at Edinburgh until the sale is complete,? said BAA Chief Executive, Colin Matthews. ?Choosing which airport to sell has been a difficult decision. Edinburgh Airport has shown itself to be a strong and resilient asset throughout the economic downturn. Passenger numbers at Edinburgh have grown by more than 6% over the past year and in an uncertain market we expect it to be an attractive asset to prospective buyers. Glasgow Airport has great opportunities for future growth and development and we think BAA is well-placed to build on its recent success. Both airports are of national importance and have a bright future.?

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland?s largest airport with approximately 9.2m passengers passing through it every year and with over 100,000 flights. 2011 has seen the airport named Best European Airport (5-10m Passengers) by ACI Europe and consolidate its position as the fifth largest airport in the UK with the best passenger numbers in its history. Passenger numbers have grown by 6.1% over the last 12 months and by 9.5% since the start of 2011. Around 40 airlines connect Edinburgh to over 120 destinations. The airport is also a burgeoning cargo hub with 10,200 tonnes of cargo in the past year.

The airport directly employs 485 staff and supports 7,500 jobs across Scotland.

A ?42m investment in 2010 in the departure lounge and security hall has improved the customer experience and provided the airport with the platform to develop and attract further long haul and short haul routes.

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Cathay Pacific Reports Traffic Figures for September 2011

Cathay Pacific?s and Dragonair?s combined traffic figures for September 2011 show a year-on-year increase in passenger numbers that was below the increase in capacity. Cargo and mail tonnage showed a decline for the sixth consecutive month.

Cathay Pacific and Dragonair carried a total of 2,255,605 passengers last month ? up 3.5% on the same month last year ? while the passenger load factor fell by 2.1 percentage points to 79.7%. Capacity for the month, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), was up by 9.8%. For the year to date, the number of passengers carried increased by 2.1% while capacity was up by 9.1%.

Cathay Pacific General Manager Revenue Management James Tong said, ?In September we saw a falloff in demand in the back end, as expected after the summer peak. The Japan route continued to see a recovery, though China was down compared to last year due to the Shanghai Expo effect in 2010. Premium business held up well in September in terms of volume and yield, with currency movements working in our favour, but the outlook is getting more uncertain as companies begin to review their travel policies in light of the economic situation.?

The two airlines carried 131,443 tonnes of cargo and mail in September, a 10.1% decrease compared to the same month last year, while the cargo and mail load factor was down 5 percentage points to 64.8%. Capacity, measured in available cargo/mail tonne kilometres, was down by 0.8%, while cargo and mail tonne kilometres flown were down by 7.9%. For the year to date, tonnage has dropped by 6.4% compared to a capacity increase of 9.8%.

Cathay Pacific General Manager Cargo Sales & Marketing James Woodrow said, ?On the cargo side there was no significant change from the situation in August, with the key Hong Kong and China markets both remaining soft and demand to long-haul destinations, particularly Europe, below expectations. There is no sign yet of the traditional year-end peak beginning. On the positive side, intra-Asia traffic is holding up well and flights from most destinations into Hong Kong have been relatively full. We have recently launched freighter services to Chongqing and Chengdu to boost our presence in the growing Western China market.?

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Singapore Airlines Cargo to Add Frankfurt to Network

Singapore Airlines Cargo is to launch twice-weekly Boeing 747-400 freighter services to Frankfurt in Germany from 2 November 2011.

The freighter services will complement the cargo capacity available on Singapore Airlines? twice-daily passenger flights between Singapore and Frankfurt.

Frankfurt is a major manufacturing and air transportation hub. Its major exports include machinery and automobile parts.

Mr Tan Tiow Kor, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing, said, ?These services are in line with our policy of matching capacity with demand. The freighter services to Frankfurt will give our customers more choice of flights to choose from and will play an important role in expanding two-way trade links with key markets in Asia and Europe.?

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Boeing Delivers No. 300 of its Best-Selling 777

Boeing's best-selling 777, the 777-300ER (extended range), has surpassed 300 deliveries with a delivery late last week to first-time customer Biman Bangladesh.

As of 30 September 2011, the 777-300ER has 543 orders. The 777 program (all models) has received a total of 1,288 orders and the program has a backlog of 325 orders.

"Introduced into service in 2005, the 777-300ER is the best seller for a reason," said Larry Loftis, 777 vice president and general manager. "It is distinguished by its fuel efficiency, award-winning cabin interior, range ? it can fly point to point bypassing crowded hub airports ? and its commonality with the Boeing 767 and 787."

The 777-300ER has been ordered by 37 customers around the globe. Twenty-seven customers now operate the 777-300ER; 10 additional customers will take delivery of their first 777-300ERs through 2014.

Approximately 35% of the 777-300ER was changed from earlier 777 models. Each wing was extended by 6.5 feet (1.98 m) by adding raked wingtips, which reduce takeoff field length, increase climb performance and reduce fuel burn.

The body, wing, empennage and nose gear of the airplanes were strengthened and new main landing gear, wheels, tires and brakes were installed. New semi-levered landing gear permits takeoffs on shorter runways.

The struts and nacelles were modified to accommodate the significantly higher-thrust engines. The airplanes are powered exclusively by the General Electric GE90-115BL engine producing 115,300 pounds (512 kn) of thrust.

Boeing's updated Current Market Outlook forecasts the twin-aisle market a the fastest-growing segment of the market over the next 20 years with a demand for 7,000 new airplanes in the 777 and 787 size range.

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Pegasus Solutions Acquires Open Hospitality

Pegasus Solutions has acquired Open Hospitality in a move that positions Pegasus as one of the top online hotel marketers in the hospitality industry.

With the internet marketing company operating as a division, Pegasus will now offer its own website design, online marketing and booking solutions, search engine optimization (SEO), mobile website development and social media services.

?Pegasus is committed to being the most trusted and valued partner in the travel industry,? said Mike Kistner, chief executive officer of Pegasus Solutions. ?By acquiring an online marketing company known for increasing web traffic volume, improving booking conversion rates and reducing marketing operating costs, we reaffirm that commitment. We can now offer hotel customers our own award-winning web marketing solutions to raise online visibility and increase reservations.?

Open Hospitality delivers a full array of online marketing solutions and accommodation booking options that help independent, group and chain hotels raise visibility and increase reservations online. The company?s expertise will enable Pegasus to design websites optimized for major search engines and create high-impact email marketing campaigns.

Pegasus? Open Hospitality division will be led by David Millili, CEO of Open Hospitality.

Pegasus? New York-based Open Hospitality Division will provide website and mobile site development, internet marketing, search engine marketing, and social media services, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Together with Pegasus? acclaimed reservations and booking solutions, the blended offering will position hotels to market and sell their most profitable room inventories on the internet.

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Christoph Szymanski Appointed Manager of Mandarin Orchard Singapore

Christoph Szymanski has been appointed Manager of the Mandarin Orchard Singapore.

Christoph joins Meritus from his previous capacity as General Manager for Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay where his leadership successfully steered profitability and brand presence for the then newly opened hotel, garnering 3 hospitality awards within just over a year of its 2010 opening.

Before taking the helm at Crowne Plaza, Christophe was Resident Manager at The Holiday Inn Golden Mile, Hong Kong, one of InterContinental Hotels Group?s most profitable hotels in Greater China. In this capacity, he oversaw an extensive renovation of the hotel and repositioned the Food and Beverage department through viable revenue strategies and action plans.

Christoph holds a strong food and beverage background, having gained valuable experience in Michelin-rated restaurants and proving his food and wine knowledge through his successful participation in several European trade competitions.

He had been based in Hong Kong since 1992, working with some of Hong Kong?s most prestigious hotels including The Peninsula Group?s Kowloon Hotel, The Langham Hong Kong, and The Regent, Hong Kong (now the InterContinental Hong Kong). He was also previously with The Harbour Plaza Hotels and Resorts as Group Food and Beverage Director.

A German national, Christoph holds a Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management, majoring in Tax and Finance, from Heidelberg Management School in Germany.

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Latest HD Videos

The HD videos ASIA Travel Tips.com features includes interviews with leading personalities within the travel industry, press conferences, events, travel trade show coverage, traveller's insights into destinations, visual guides to run along with reviews and other articles, stock footage, and of course, a few just for the sheer fun of it.

 Most of the videos are serious, others less so, but we hope that the majority will be of use and/or interest to at least a few people.

All the videos are shot using High Definition (HD) 1920 x 1080 (or greater) video recorders and many of the HD videos are also contained within articles featured here on ASIA Travel Tips.com

Tips on how best to watch the videos are at the bottom of the page. There are many more videos on Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10, Page 11, Page 12, Page 13 and the LATEST ARCHIVE: Page 14. We also have HD Videos from the ATF 2010, HD Videos from the ATF 2011, HD Videos from the Singapore Airshow 2010, HD Videos from Asian Aerospace 2011, HD Videos from the Hua Hin Kiteboarding World Cup 2010, HD Videos from Hua Hin in August 2010, HD Videos from Rest Detail Hotel in Hua Hin, HD Videos from the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens 2010, HD Videos from the 2010 Bintan Triathlon and HD Videos from the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai, with much more on the way.

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Interview with Mr Carlos Guzman, Under Secretary of Tourism Promotion of Ecuador, at ITB Asia 2011.

HD video interview with Elsia Grandcourt, Deputy CEO Seychelles Tourism Board, at ITB Asia 2011.

Classic Room at Conrad Centennial Hotel in Singapore.

Interview with Senior Vice President Park Hotel Group - Mr. Mohd K. Rafin.

Deluxe King Room at the Grand Park City Hall Hotel in Singapore. Great location just opposite Funan Computer Centre and within very easy walking distance of City Hall MTR, Raffles Place as well as Clarke/Boat Quay. The Grand Park City Hall Hotel is a member of the Park Hotel Group.

Plus! There are many more videos on Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10, Page 11, Page 12, Page 13 and the LATEST ARCHIVE: Page 14. We also have HD Videos from the ATF 2010, HD Videos from the ATF 2011, HD Videos from the Singapore Airshow 2010, HD Videos from Asian Aerospace 2011, HD Videos from the Hua Hin Kiteboarding World Cup 2010, HD Videos from Hua Hin in August 2010, HD Videos from Rest Detail Hotel in Hua Hin, HD Videos from the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens 2010, HD Videos from the 2010 Bintan Triathlon and HD Videos from the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai, with much more on the way.

To watch the video, simply click play. If you are not on a fast connection, we suggest you click play, then pause immediately after, so that the video can be downloading as you do other things. Then, once complete (the red bar is all the way across), simply return to this page (without closing the browser window) and watch the video smoothly. If you prefer to watch the video in HD just click the HD button.

If you have any requests for videos on a particular topic, then please do let us know and we will be happy to consider it. To do this, simply send us an email: Contact Us.

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Qatar Airways to Launch Flights to Benghazi

Qatar Airways is launching four-times-a-week non-stop scheduled flights to Libya?s second largest city of Benghazi on 1 November 2011.

Benghazi, Libya?s north eastern Mediterranean port city and major economic centre, is a key destination for trade and exports. Many industries including oil refining, food processing, cement production and tuna fishing, reside in the surrounding region of Cyrenaica, of which Benghazi is the capital.

Qatar Airways has a well established presence in Libya, having initially operated services to the capital Tripoli eight years ago. Flights to Tripoli are currently suspended due to the political situation, but are expected to resume soon.

?Qatar Airways continues to strive to provide a network to cater for all travel segments, conveniently connecting through our Doha hub. Almost a year ago in Nice, I spoke about the possibility of expanding our Libyan operations, and I am delighted that we are now, within this short of a period, set to start flights to Benghazi, another key city in the country, said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker. ?We identified Benghazi as an underserved, primarily business destination, and now have the opportunity to bring this city into our fold.?

Qatar Airways will operate the route with an Airbus A320 dual configuration aircraft, offering 12 seats in First Class and 132 in Economy.

Benghazi will be the airline?s 13th route of the year, and precedes two other new route launches ? Entebbe and Chongqing ? starting on 2 November and 28 November respectively.

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Etihad Airways Signs Codeshare with TAP Portugal

Etihad Airways has signed a new codeshare agreement with TAP Portugal, the national carrier of Portugal. The deal offers Etihad Airways passengers a wealth of new flight options to destinations in Portugal including Lisbon, Faro, Funchal (Madeira) and Porto.

The agreement is Etihad Airways? 34th such commercial partnership.

Under the codeshare, Etihad Airways will place its ?EY? code on services operated by TAP Portugal from Lisbon to Brussels, D?sseldorf, Faro, Frankfurt, Funchal, Geneva, London, Milan, and Porto. TAP Portugal flights from Porto to Brussels and Geneva will also carry the ?EY? code.

TAP will place its ?TP? code on Etihad Airways flights to and from Brussels, D?sseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, London, and Milan.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways? Chief Executive Officer, said, ?This new codeshare illustrates Etihad?s growing ambitions in Europe. It opens up four key destinations in Portugal that we have been eager to offer our customers for a long time and we are certain the connections and seamless flight experience offered by Etihad Airways and TAP Portugal will appeal to business and leisure travellers.?

Fernando Pinto, TAP Portugal?s Chief Executive Officer, added, ?TAP has been very active in providing new and more diverse quality services to its worldwide customer base. Through this new agreement with Etihad Airways, TAP will be reaching the United Arab Emirates for the first time ever, not only offering faster and more convenient links between the Gulf region and Portugal, but also attracting and carrying new passengers to its own network, based at its functional Lisbon hub.?

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Positive Q3 2011 for AirAsia X

AirAsia X, the long haul low cost affiliate of AirAsia, has reported strong growth in Q3 2011, carrying 0.62 million passengers, an increase of 21.3% over the same quarter in 2010.

In terms of passenger traffic, AirAsia X grew by 27.2% to 3.6 billion Revenue-Passenger-Kms (RPKs) for Q3-2011, achieving similar levels in the earlier two quarters. Capacity grew by 17% to 4.5 billion Available Seat-Kms (ASKs), resulting in a load factor of 80%. This represents an increase of 6 percentage-points from the same quarter in 2010, where it registered a load factor of 74%.

For the 9-months Year-to-date, AirAsia X has carried 1.9 million passengers, up 42.6% from the previous year?s corresponding period, and a higher load factor of 80%, up 5 percentage-points from the previous year. This brings total passenger traffic to 10.6 billion RPKs and 13.3 billion ASKs, a growth of 46.8% and 37.2% year-on-year respectively.

Cargo operations continue to be strong, with AirAsia X carrying 9,220 tons of freight in Q3-2011, registering a 33.2% growth from a year ago. Cargo load factor stands at 69% while its Flown-as-Booked ratio has reached an industry-leading level of 93%.

 Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X, said, ?In addition to our continued unit cost industry-leadership, AirAsia X has focused on achieving superior on-time performance reliability for our flights, registering an on-time rate of 89% flights departing within 15 minutes of schedule, for both Q3-2011 and 2011 year-to-date. This proves that even though we are a low cost carrier, we do not compromise on reliability.?

Currently, AirAsia X?s aircraft fleet remains at 9 Airbus A330s and 2 Airbus A340 with an order of 3 new A330-200s scheduled for delivery in 2012. This new aircraft purchase will replace the A340 used for flights into Europe and is expected to help increase fuel efficiency.

AirAsia X is expecting further growth in the final quarter of 2011, as it will be launching its flights to Osaka, Japan from 30 November, as well as additional flights to Australia and Taiwan during the peak December period.

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Cebu Pacific Launched Online Check-In Service

Cebu Pacific has launched a web check-in service with free seat selection, in anticipation of high passenger traffic at the airport this November and December travel peak.

Passengers automatically get assigned a seat for free during the web check-in process. The airline also added flights and seat capacity in the last quarter of 2011 to cope with demand.

?Passengers on Airbus flights can check-in online from 48 hours up to 4 hours before their flight, and get assigned a seat for free. We hope this added service will help minimize lines at the airport and provide added convenience to our guests,? said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

Passengers on international flights with no check-in luggage need to drop by the web check-in counter for verification of travel documents at least 45 minutes before departure time.

Those on domestic flights with no check-in luggage can go straight to the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before departure time.

Passengers with check-in luggage have to drop their bags off at the web check-in counter at least 45 minutes before the flight.

CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 17 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. By the end of 2011, CEB will be operating a fleet of 37 aircraft with an average age of less than 3.5 years. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 23 Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders, and 2 Airbus A320 aircraft on operating lease agreements.

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Syna Tiger Resort Opens in India

The Syna Tiger Resort opens today, following a four-year development at a cost of approximately $1.8 million.

The luxury jungle resort, a member of the Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection, is located right on the edge of Bandhavgarh National Park in central India.

 Stretching over 437 square kilometres, the surrounding forest was once the hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa, and renowned as the home of the big cats. The resort serves as the ideal base from which you can explore the territory of the Royal Bengal tiger.

The resort setting is picture perfect, with an azure plunge pool surrounded by fifteen exclusive luxury cottages and one signature tree-house, all complete with modern amenities, network connectivity, private walled gardens and a jacuzzi.

The resort offers a wealth of offerings including the Wildwood spa, which provides guests with a variety of holistic and indigenous treatments, state-of-the-art fitness centre, pool, a restaurant that serves international and local cuisine, and a bar.

The real thrill of Bandhavgarh is the opportunity to see the big cats roam freely in the jungle. The Syna Tiger Resort provides special guided jeep and elephant safaris with experienced naturalists who aid in making trips more enriching. There are also various bird walks that guests can enjoy as well as separate cycling tracks.

Syna Tiger Resort also offers a naturally inspiring venue for corporate clients, featuring a fully equipped, modern day ?tapovana? ? an outdoor space for spiritual practice, used for holding effective training programmes.

Syna Tiger also has facilities to host weddings and banquets. The resort prides itself on being eco-friendly by harvesting rainwater and recycling.

 The resort is free of plastic and no chemical is allowed to seep back to the earth, via meticulous water treatment. By using local produce, employing local people and utilising locally relevant skills the resort keeps its carbon-footprint to a minimal level.

Arpan Dutta, chairman of Modus Vivendi Hospitality, said, ''This property is definitely one of the finest. Syna Tiger Resort will set an example for other resorts to follow. We aim to deliver the best of services with a rural touch and have a rural kitchen concept where guests are served authentic cuisine, cooked in a village style mud oven. Syna Tiger Resort will take tourists? expectations to a deeper and higher level.''

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Singapore Zoo Launches Chinese Mobile Interactive Trail

Singapore Zoo, one of four wildlife parks managed by Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) including the first river-themed attraction River Safari, has launched a Chinese mobile interactive trail for students.

The new visitor experience uses location-based and Image Recognition Technology to create new learning activities for children at the zoo.

The trail employs the neumind approach, which focuses on visual recognition, and promotes words recognition, powerful memory ability and Chinese literary appreciation.

 Instead of park guides and worksheets, trail participants will be equipped with specially configured smart phones. Pre-loaded content will be triggered by the phones? Global Positioning System (GPS) as they move around the park.

Upon arriving at a designated site, such as the Wild Africa exhibit for example, the mobile phones will come alive with specific instructions prompting participants to conduct a mini treasure-hunt to look for a specific object within an animal enclosure. Taking a picture of the correct object will enable the children to access imbedded interactive content related to the specific animal at the exhibit. This includes fascinating video clips showing zebras escaping attacks, cheetahs running at top speed and rhinos marking their territories.

?We are very excited about introducing this first of its kind student experience which places great emphasis on real-life usage and interaction skills through the learning of the Chinese language. We are confident this digital generation of young people will appreciate the interactivity and rich content provided by this mobile trail. At the same time, we hope they will take away valuable lessons about wildlife and conservation while becoming proficient and comfortable users of the language,? said Ms May Lok, Director for Education, WRS.

 Currently, the programme is only available to school groups.

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Singapore and Ethiopian Airlines to Codeshare

From 1 November 2011, Singapore Airlines? customers will have the option of flying to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia?s capital city, through a codeshare agreement with future Star Alliance partner Ethiopian Airlines.

Under the agreement, SIA will add its ?SQ? code to Ethiopian-operated flights operating daily between Dubai and Addis Ababa. On a reciprocal basis, Ethiopian Airlines will add its ?ET? code to seven SIA-operated flights per week between Singapore and Dubai. SIA serves Dubai with 11 flights per week.

Ethiopian Airlines is currently working towards membership in the Star Alliance, which will enable Singapore Airlines? KrisFlyer members to accrue frequent flyer miles when travelling on Ethiopian?s flights. Ethiopian?s Sheba Miles members will also be able to accrue miles when travelling on SIA?s flights.

Tickets for the codeshare flights are now open for sale for travel from 1 November 2011.

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TravelRave 2011 Opens in Singapore

TravelRave 2011, a mega travel and tourism festival, opens in Singapore today with a compelling programme of anchor events, content from new partners, and delegate representation from the entire spectrum of the travel and tourism industry.

?Last year was a significant year for Asia and the travel and tourism industry. This year, set against a challenging environment and a slowdown in international tourism, Asia has once again proved its mettle, growing at a healthy rate of five per cent for the first half of the year. It is becoming increasingly imperative for the different sectors of the travel and tourism industry to come together and discuss how to not only leverage this growth, but to sustain it in the future as well,? said Ms Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). ?This year?s TravelRave will see the return of key events such as the Asia Travel Leaders Summit and ITB Asia, while delivering an exciting line-up of business events with new partners on-board.?

To be held from 17 to 23 October 2011, TravelRave 2011 will comprise six existing anchor events: the Asia Travel Leaders Summit, Web In Travel, Singapore Experience Awards, Cond? Nast Traveler World Savers Congress, ITB Asia, and Aviation Outlook Asia.

In testament to the strategic role that TravelRave plays in the Asian tourism industry, this year?s TravelRave also brings with it four new events: the UNWTO High Level Meeting in Asia, the Asia Pacific Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference 2011, the Cornell Hotel Society Asia Pacific Regional Meeting, and Asia for Asia ? a high level meeting of Asia?s MICE industry leaders.

Mr. Zubin Karkaria, Chief Executive Officer and Managing director of VFS Global Group, as well as Chairman of Kuoni for India and South Asia, said, ?When I heard of TravelRave and the Asia Travel Leaders Summit, I felt it was a great opportunity to make contact with like-minded individuals who had the same agenda to not only leverage but also sustain Asia?s growth. The bringing together of thought-leaders from across the sectors to collaborate and discuss the challenges and opportunities presented in the region will enable us to fully realize the potential of Asia?s travel and tourism industry.?

International partners and event organizers are also launching new and original content, furthering catalysing opportunities for investment in new tourism products, services and capabilities in Asia.

Questex Media Group will bring together hotel owners and investors to showcase distinctive opportunities for Asia. They will launch the Asia Pacific Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference 2011, a strategic half-day meeting that will lead up to the full-fledged International Hotel and Tourism Investment Forum (Asia Pacific) in 2012. The inaugural event will showcase distinctive opportunities for the Asia hotel travel and tourism investment sector.

ITB Asia, a main anchor event at TravelRave, will launch new dedicated forums including an Associations Conference and a one-day travel agent conference.

In addition, Travel + Leisure?s Luxury Travel Insights Paper and latest findings from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) on the Economic Impact of Business Travel will be shared for the first time at TravelRave 2011.

WTTC?s President and Chief Executive Officer David Scowsill, one of the distinguished speakers who has chosen to attend several TravelRave events as a delegate, said, ?TravelRave creates synergies across diverse travel and tourism sectors by locating related business events and gathering industry leaders who share best practices, expand business networks and set the stage for collaboration to leverage and sustain Asian?s tourism growth. I am delighted to take part and attend some very important events in the same city in only one week.?

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