Korean Air is providing 60 tons of relief goods, including 54,000 liters (36,000 1.5-liter bottles) of mineral water and 60,000 cups of noodles, to flood victims in Thailand.
The first relief goods were delivered to Bangkok via the KE653 flight from Seoul/Incheon on 31 October 2011 and the rest will be transferred through Korean Air?s regular scheduled flights with timing dependent on the situation in Thailand and flight schedules.
Once the relief goods arrive in Bangkok, they will then be handed over to the Thai government for distribution via the Korean embassy in Bangkok.
Due to the devastating flood in Thailand, which started in July, more than 8 million civilians are estimated to have been affected so far and more than 600,000 workers have lost their jobs as industrial areas have been flooded.
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Tuesday, 8 November 2011
SkiJapan Launches Four Free Nights Promotion
Up to four nights free accommodation is being offered to skiers and snowboarders who visit Niseko, Japan, during the coming northern hemisphere ski season.
Inbound tour operator SkiJapan.com is making the free nights offer for accommodation between 17 December 2011 and 2 March 2012 as an incentive for skiers to travel to Niseko, which this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first ski lift opening in the area.
Now with 61 ski runs and 30 lifts in the four-resort area, including a new high-speed gondola that opens this year, Niseko attracts more than 20,000 foreign skiers and snowboarders each season, making it one of the leading ski destinations outside Europe and North America.
The SkiJapan.com 'Free Nights Frenzy' package applies to its self-contained apartments and provides four nights free accommodation for visitors who pay for ten nights. Those paying for seven nights receive three free nights, while five paid nights receives two free nights and four paid nights receives one night free.
"Niseko was completely unaffected by the earthquake in March and is more than 600 kilometres away from the affected area on Honshu," said SkiJapan.com general manager, Marcus William. "Being situated on the northern island of Hokkaido, Niseko, its businesses and people have not been directly affected."
Nevertheless, as an extra assurance, SkiJapan.com is offering customers staying in selected properties an 100% money-back guarantee if their clients' home government raises a 'Do Not Travel' warning and they are forced to cancel within thirty to seven days of their scheduled arrival date in Niseko.
Another option is for Niseko visitors who do not wish to travel through Tokyo to fly via Hong Kong, from where there are direct connections to Sapporo on Cathay Pacific.
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Inbound tour operator SkiJapan.com is making the free nights offer for accommodation between 17 December 2011 and 2 March 2012 as an incentive for skiers to travel to Niseko, which this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first ski lift opening in the area.
Now with 61 ski runs and 30 lifts in the four-resort area, including a new high-speed gondola that opens this year, Niseko attracts more than 20,000 foreign skiers and snowboarders each season, making it one of the leading ski destinations outside Europe and North America.
The SkiJapan.com 'Free Nights Frenzy' package applies to its self-contained apartments and provides four nights free accommodation for visitors who pay for ten nights. Those paying for seven nights receive three free nights, while five paid nights receives two free nights and four paid nights receives one night free.
"Niseko was completely unaffected by the earthquake in March and is more than 600 kilometres away from the affected area on Honshu," said SkiJapan.com general manager, Marcus William. "Being situated on the northern island of Hokkaido, Niseko, its businesses and people have not been directly affected."
Nevertheless, as an extra assurance, SkiJapan.com is offering customers staying in selected properties an 100% money-back guarantee if their clients' home government raises a 'Do Not Travel' warning and they are forced to cancel within thirty to seven days of their scheduled arrival date in Niseko.
Another option is for Niseko visitors who do not wish to travel through Tokyo to fly via Hong Kong, from where there are direct connections to Sapporo on Cathay Pacific.
See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, FFP, Inflight, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Interviews, Videos, Niseko, Ski, Japan
Marriott Signs New JW in Bahrain
Marriott has signed a management agreement with Khaleejcapita B.S.C. for a new JW Marriott hotel in Bahrain.
The JW Marriott Manama, Bahrain Hotel is scheduled to open in 2016. The hotel will have 274 rooms and suites and 102 residences in Bahrain Bay, adjacent to Bahrain Financial Harbour and opposite the diplomatic quarter.
The 50-story hotel tower is part of Bahrain Bay, a $2.5 billion development master planned by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The project is designed by renowned architect Yousif Daoud Al Sayegh and Associates who designed the Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Oman (Winner of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council?s first Estidama Sustainability Award 2008).
?The JW Marriott Bahrain will be a spectacular addition to the Bahrain Bay development,? said Mr. Abdul-Aziz Al-Rabban chairman of Khaleejcapita B.S.C. ?Bahrain has an under supply of luxury 5-star hotels and we are confident that the project will be a great success?, he added. He also explained that this project represents the first entry for the group in the hospitality field and that there are many other hotel and resort projects in the pipeline for Bahrain and Qatar.
The development has a prime business location and will also cater to the thriving fine dining market in Bahrain, with five luxury restaurants.
The hotel will have an executive lounge with ocean view; one casual and five specialty restaurants; four lounges, including a lobby lounge and bar, a pool bar, quiet bar and rooftop lounge/bar; and 17,119 square feet of meeting space.
Recreational facilities will include a health and leisure club and spa, indoor and outdoor pool, tennis and squash courts.
?Our currently open hotels in Bahrain, the Marriott Executive Apartments and The Ritz-Carlton, have been tremendously successful, and we believe that this JW Marriott Manama is ideally located for a luxury hotel in Bahrain?s commercial and financial center,? said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of International Lodging for Marriott International. ?Our JW Marriott brand is reserved for select luxury hotels in key gateway cities around the world, and Bahrain is certainly one of these.?
The JW Marriott Manama Bahrain Hotel will be the first JW Marriott property in Bahrain and the fifth JW Marriott hotel in the Middle East/Africa region. Marriott International will also open a 78-unit Residence Inn by Marriott in 2012 and the 318-room Renaissance Bahrain Amwaj Island Hotel in 2013.
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The JW Marriott Manama, Bahrain Hotel is scheduled to open in 2016. The hotel will have 274 rooms and suites and 102 residences in Bahrain Bay, adjacent to Bahrain Financial Harbour and opposite the diplomatic quarter.
The 50-story hotel tower is part of Bahrain Bay, a $2.5 billion development master planned by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The project is designed by renowned architect Yousif Daoud Al Sayegh and Associates who designed the Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Oman (Winner of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council?s first Estidama Sustainability Award 2008).
?The JW Marriott Bahrain will be a spectacular addition to the Bahrain Bay development,? said Mr. Abdul-Aziz Al-Rabban chairman of Khaleejcapita B.S.C. ?Bahrain has an under supply of luxury 5-star hotels and we are confident that the project will be a great success?, he added. He also explained that this project represents the first entry for the group in the hospitality field and that there are many other hotel and resort projects in the pipeline for Bahrain and Qatar.
The development has a prime business location and will also cater to the thriving fine dining market in Bahrain, with five luxury restaurants.
The hotel will have an executive lounge with ocean view; one casual and five specialty restaurants; four lounges, including a lobby lounge and bar, a pool bar, quiet bar and rooftop lounge/bar; and 17,119 square feet of meeting space.
Recreational facilities will include a health and leisure club and spa, indoor and outdoor pool, tennis and squash courts.
?Our currently open hotels in Bahrain, the Marriott Executive Apartments and The Ritz-Carlton, have been tremendously successful, and we believe that this JW Marriott Manama is ideally located for a luxury hotel in Bahrain?s commercial and financial center,? said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of International Lodging for Marriott International. ?Our JW Marriott brand is reserved for select luxury hotels in key gateway cities around the world, and Bahrain is certainly one of these.?
The JW Marriott Manama Bahrain Hotel will be the first JW Marriott property in Bahrain and the fifth JW Marriott hotel in the Middle East/Africa region. Marriott International will also open a 78-unit Residence Inn by Marriott in 2012 and the 318-room Renaissance Bahrain Amwaj Island Hotel in 2013.
See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, FFP, Inflight, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Interviews, Videos, Marriott, JW Marriott, Bahrain
SIA Names its New Low Cost Airline Scoot
Singapore Airlines has unveiled that the name of its new low cost airline will be Scoot Airlines.
SIA first announced that it would launch a new low cost airline in May of this year.
The new airline will compete directly with AirAsia X, the long haul affiliate of the hugely popular Malaysian low budget airline AirAsia, as well as other low cost long haul airlines in the region.
Operations are expected to begin within the next six months, though no firm date has been fixed. The airline is wholly owned by Singapore Airlines, but will be operated independently and managed separately from SIA.
Scoot will use Boeing 777-200 aircraft, but more details of its branding, terminal to be used, products, services, and exact route network have not yet been revealed.
SIA first announced that it would launch a new low cost airline in May of this year.
The new airline will compete directly with AirAsia X, the long haul affiliate of the hugely popular Malaysian low budget airline AirAsia, as well as other low cost long haul airlines in the region.
Operations are expected to begin within the next six months, though no firm date has been fixed. The airline is wholly owned by Singapore Airlines, but will be operated independently and managed separately from SIA.
Scoot will use Boeing 777-200 aircraft, but more details of its branding, terminal to be used, products, services, and exact route network have not yet been revealed.
Starwood Launches Online Ratings and Reviews
Starwood is now inviting guests to contribute ratings and reviews directly on its hotel websites.
In a recent survey, nearly 85% of Starwood Preferred Guest members said they find value in consumer ratings and reviews on travel sites.
The open forum gives travelers a place to share and search for genuine hotel reviews ? both the positive and the negative says Starwood ? so they can plan their ideal hotel stay.
Taking authenticity a step further, Starwood is also making sure all comments are from guests who actually stayed at the hotel. Reviews are verified by a hotel reservation confirmation.
?Our goal is to provide everything a guest needs to select and book their best hotel experience and there?s no better place to offer this information than on our own websites,? said Chris Holdren, Senior Vice President, Starwood Preferred Guest. ?Starwood?s new ratings and reviews platform provides a valuable new way for guests to learn from the experiences of fellow travelers.?
Guests can now post ratings and reviews based on a variety of criteria including: Overall Rating, Room Comfort, Staff Met My Needs, Room Cleanliness and SPG Recognition.
Helping to create a more personalized experience, guests can also filter review content to see the information that is most relevant to them including: Star Rating, Purpose of Travel, Frequency of Travel, SPG Level, Above/Met Expectations and Below Expectations.
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In a recent survey, nearly 85% of Starwood Preferred Guest members said they find value in consumer ratings and reviews on travel sites.
The open forum gives travelers a place to share and search for genuine hotel reviews ? both the positive and the negative says Starwood ? so they can plan their ideal hotel stay.
Taking authenticity a step further, Starwood is also making sure all comments are from guests who actually stayed at the hotel. Reviews are verified by a hotel reservation confirmation.
?Our goal is to provide everything a guest needs to select and book their best hotel experience and there?s no better place to offer this information than on our own websites,? said Chris Holdren, Senior Vice President, Starwood Preferred Guest. ?Starwood?s new ratings and reviews platform provides a valuable new way for guests to learn from the experiences of fellow travelers.?
Guests can now post ratings and reviews based on a variety of criteria including: Overall Rating, Room Comfort, Staff Met My Needs, Room Cleanliness and SPG Recognition.
Helping to create a more personalized experience, guests can also filter review content to see the information that is most relevant to them including: Star Rating, Purpose of Travel, Frequency of Travel, SPG Level, Above/Met Expectations and Below Expectations.
See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, FFP, Inflight, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Interviews, Videos, Starwood
Monday, 7 November 2011
TravelRave 2012 Closes
TravelRave, a Singapore-based mega travel and tourism festival, came to a close on Sunday after a weeklong celebration of Asian tourism.
In its second year, TravelRave 2011, consisting of ten events, each with their own unique, yet synergistic attributes, started with the Singapore Experience Awards, and culminated on a high note with the Cornell Hotel Society Asia Pacific Regional Conference.
The festival saw more than 9,500 attendees, representing a 15% growth over 2010.
?It has been a fruitful week of meaningful discussions and meetings. Many who attended TravelRave this year have made valuable contacts and gained useful insights from the various sessions. All in all, we have seen the industry really coming together to make TravelRave a success, and it would not have been possible to achieve this without the strong support of all our partners,? said Ms. Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). ?With the satisfactory conclusion of TravelRave 2011, we look forward to an even bigger and extensive edition in 2012, as the cluster of events grows into a platform for Asian tourism.?
The by-invitation only Asia Travel Leaders Summit once again gathered leaders for an intimate dialogue on issues pertinent to the Asian travel and tourism industry. Leaders in attendance included Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWO), David Scowsill, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Zhuang Chenchao, Co- Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qunar, and Rattan Keswani, President of Trident Hotels.
Speaking from the viewpoint of someone who attended TravelRave for the first time, Mr. Henning Boysen, Chairman of the Kuoni Group, said ?The way TravelRave has been put together and run has been seamless, professional and very efficient. The whole set up has been organized the way we try to put together travel experiences for our guests - seamless travel. Absolutely, if you want to grow and develop your business in this region, you'll greatly benefit from participating at TravelRave.?
Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, added ?UNWTO is very happy to have been part of TravelRave with the organization of a High Level Meeting dedicated to debate tourism opportunities and challenges in Asia. TravelRave is an innovative initiative and a perfect platform to leverage the dynamism of Asian?s tourism. According to UNWTO?s longterm forecast Tourism Towards 2030, Asia will be the fastest growing region for international tourism within the coming two decades. TravelRave enables the sector to harness this vast growth potential."
Apart from congregating travel and tourism industry professionals and opinion leaders to leverage the growth presented in Asia, there is also a need to develop and interest the next generation of industry leaders. To this end, a regional youth competition, the inaugural TravelRave Talent Challenge, was launched this year.
The challenge winner was a student from Singapore Management University, and sharing her experiences in TravelRave, Ms. Mabel Fu said, ?It was a great opportunity for me to attend the events held during the TravelRave week. I was exposed not only to the business side of travel and tourism, but also to more in-depth industry insights, the current issues prevailing, entrepreneurial ideas and the future of the sector. Through interaction with these thought leaders, I have gained a better understanding of the sector and it has opened my eyes to parts of the business I never knew existed. Their passion for the travel industry is truly inspiring. I would definitely consider joining the industry upon my graduation.?
Mr. Kerry Gumas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Questex Media Group, said, ?Without question, for anybody who has not been to TravelRave, the key business benefit of coming here is that you have all of the different participants in the industry here at one place, at one time. Although they are different events, they take place at one very convenient, fun, informative location where you can get all of your networking and business meetings done while having a good time. We think it has been a total success, and we are very much looking forward to coming back again in 2012.?
See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, FFP, Inflight, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Interviews, Videos, TravelRave, ITB Asia, Singapore, Suntec
In its second year, TravelRave 2011, consisting of ten events, each with their own unique, yet synergistic attributes, started with the Singapore Experience Awards, and culminated on a high note with the Cornell Hotel Society Asia Pacific Regional Conference.
The festival saw more than 9,500 attendees, representing a 15% growth over 2010.
?It has been a fruitful week of meaningful discussions and meetings. Many who attended TravelRave this year have made valuable contacts and gained useful insights from the various sessions. All in all, we have seen the industry really coming together to make TravelRave a success, and it would not have been possible to achieve this without the strong support of all our partners,? said Ms. Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). ?With the satisfactory conclusion of TravelRave 2011, we look forward to an even bigger and extensive edition in 2012, as the cluster of events grows into a platform for Asian tourism.?
The by-invitation only Asia Travel Leaders Summit once again gathered leaders for an intimate dialogue on issues pertinent to the Asian travel and tourism industry. Leaders in attendance included Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWO), David Scowsill, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Zhuang Chenchao, Co- Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qunar, and Rattan Keswani, President of Trident Hotels.
Speaking from the viewpoint of someone who attended TravelRave for the first time, Mr. Henning Boysen, Chairman of the Kuoni Group, said ?The way TravelRave has been put together and run has been seamless, professional and very efficient. The whole set up has been organized the way we try to put together travel experiences for our guests - seamless travel. Absolutely, if you want to grow and develop your business in this region, you'll greatly benefit from participating at TravelRave.?
Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, added ?UNWTO is very happy to have been part of TravelRave with the organization of a High Level Meeting dedicated to debate tourism opportunities and challenges in Asia. TravelRave is an innovative initiative and a perfect platform to leverage the dynamism of Asian?s tourism. According to UNWTO?s longterm forecast Tourism Towards 2030, Asia will be the fastest growing region for international tourism within the coming two decades. TravelRave enables the sector to harness this vast growth potential."
Apart from congregating travel and tourism industry professionals and opinion leaders to leverage the growth presented in Asia, there is also a need to develop and interest the next generation of industry leaders. To this end, a regional youth competition, the inaugural TravelRave Talent Challenge, was launched this year.
The challenge winner was a student from Singapore Management University, and sharing her experiences in TravelRave, Ms. Mabel Fu said, ?It was a great opportunity for me to attend the events held during the TravelRave week. I was exposed not only to the business side of travel and tourism, but also to more in-depth industry insights, the current issues prevailing, entrepreneurial ideas and the future of the sector. Through interaction with these thought leaders, I have gained a better understanding of the sector and it has opened my eyes to parts of the business I never knew existed. Their passion for the travel industry is truly inspiring. I would definitely consider joining the industry upon my graduation.?
Mr. Kerry Gumas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Questex Media Group, said, ?Without question, for anybody who has not been to TravelRave, the key business benefit of coming here is that you have all of the different participants in the industry here at one place, at one time. Although they are different events, they take place at one very convenient, fun, informative location where you can get all of your networking and business meetings done while having a good time. We think it has been a total success, and we are very much looking forward to coming back again in 2012.?
See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, FFP, Inflight, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Interviews, Videos, TravelRave, ITB Asia, Singapore, Suntec
Travelport Signs Six New Test Partners in Asia Pacific
Travelport has signed agreements with six travel agencies in the Asia Pacific region to participate in the regional testing and development of its Travelport Universal Desktop.
The new contracts follow successful agency trials and positive feedback from global launch partner, Flight Centre and UK beta test customer Global Travel Management in the UK.
The new Travelport Universal Desktop test partners in the Asia Pacific region are: MP Travel and Orba Travel Brokers in Australia, Quotient Travel and Serangoon Air Travel in Singapore as well as SkyJet and Shalom in Hong Kong.
All customers are expected to commence beta testing shortly.
Travelport Universal Desktop provides travel agents with an intuitive interface and access to multi-source content and pricing. It is designed to improve efficiencies and boost productivity, through its introduction of clever travel management tools and streamlined workflow processes.
?Travelport Universal Desktop delivers our travel partners with a revolutionary new way to search and book travel. It reflects our ongoing investment in innovative technology and builds on our position as Asia-Pacific?s leading GDS,? said Simon Nowroz, President and Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Travelport. ?We are committed to ensuring Travelport meets customer needs in today?s marketplace, but also identifies the opportunities of tomorrow.?
The desktop tool is currently being launched across the Flight Centre global network following a successful pilot program. UK travel management company, Global Travel Management has also just commenced accessing a live version following its own successful beta trial.
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The new contracts follow successful agency trials and positive feedback from global launch partner, Flight Centre and UK beta test customer Global Travel Management in the UK.
The new Travelport Universal Desktop test partners in the Asia Pacific region are: MP Travel and Orba Travel Brokers in Australia, Quotient Travel and Serangoon Air Travel in Singapore as well as SkyJet and Shalom in Hong Kong.
All customers are expected to commence beta testing shortly.
Travelport Universal Desktop provides travel agents with an intuitive interface and access to multi-source content and pricing. It is designed to improve efficiencies and boost productivity, through its introduction of clever travel management tools and streamlined workflow processes.
?Travelport Universal Desktop delivers our travel partners with a revolutionary new way to search and book travel. It reflects our ongoing investment in innovative technology and builds on our position as Asia-Pacific?s leading GDS,? said Simon Nowroz, President and Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Travelport. ?We are committed to ensuring Travelport meets customer needs in today?s marketplace, but also identifies the opportunities of tomorrow.?
The desktop tool is currently being launched across the Flight Centre global network following a successful pilot program. UK travel management company, Global Travel Management has also just commenced accessing a live version following its own successful beta trial.
See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, FFP, Inflight, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Interviews, Videos, Travelport
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