With just over a month to go until the world's top athletes descend upon London to compete for gold, the latest figures from Hotels.com show that travellers planning to visit London to watch the games, but who have yet to book accommodation, are better placed to find value for money, than they were two months ago.
Hotels.com has reported that the average price of a London hotel room during the Olympics has risen by approximately 93% year-on-year to HK$2,525 per night. However, historical data from Hotels.com shows that the average price has actually decreased by about HK$138 a night, when May is compared to March this year.
Jessica Chuang, Senior Marketing Manager, Hotels.com Greater China, said, It's inevitable that prices rise in host cities during major sporting events. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Hotels.com saw hotel prices in Cape Town rise 71% compared to the corresponding period in 2009 ... In London, hotel prices have come down as there are still good deals and availability during the Olympic period. That's not to say prices will continue to drop further so travellers are advised to book now if they see a good deal and not to wait for bargains at such a busy time of year.
The online hotel booking website found that rates on accommodation vary greatly depending on how close the hotel is to the Olympic action.
The most popular nights for hotel bookings are for the Opening Ceremony on 27 July, and the first day of the athletics on 3 August.
On the night of the Opening Ceremony, travellers can get a four-star hotel in Central London for around HK$1,813. In West London, travellers can stay in a three-star hotel for around HK$1,288 per night and there still seems to be plenty of budget accommodation available.
Interestingly, search figures from Hotels.com shows demand for hotel rooms reflects the top of the medal table from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Searches are up a whopping 300% in China and 206% in Russia, first and third on the 2008 podium of best-performing countries. Searches are up 92% in the US, which ranked second on the 2008 medal table. Searches among Hong Kong travellers are up by 54% too.
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Multiple Maintenance Approvals for Hongkong Jet
Civil aviation authorities for Mainland China, Macau and Canada have accepted Hongkong Jet as an approved aircraft maintenance organization.
The company has also been awarded 145 maintenance approval by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands.
The recognition of aircraft maintenance standards from the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD), General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC), Civil Aviation Authority of Macau (AACM) and Transport Canada, enables Hongkong Jet to extend its maintenance services to Mainland-China-registered aircraft, Macau-registered aircraft and Canada-registered aircraft.
Meanwhile, Hongkong Jet's Cayman 145 maintenance approval is recognition of being a qualified maintenance organization approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands after thorough inspection of maintenance capabilities and safety management systems, allowing the organization to provide maintenance services to Cayman-registered aircraft.
?I am very pleased that we have achieved the recognition of various civil aviation authorities so soon after receiving our HKAR-145, said Chris Buchholz, CEO of Hongkong Jet. This further highlights that Hongkong Jet's world-class standards and five-star service have been internationally recognized. Being able to provide maintenance service for aircraft under various registrations in parallel with being able to operate aircraft registered in different countries, truly consolidate Hongkong Jet?s special advantage in the region. With the strong growth in business aviation in Mainland China and customers' increasing level of sophistication, more and more customers on the Mainland are requesting maintenance services of international standards and as they travel to Hong Kong and beyond. Our dedicated 24/7 AOG GO Team (Aircraft-On-Ground GO Team) is ready to provide maintenance services whenever and whenever it is needed
The company has also been awarded 145 maintenance approval by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands.
The recognition of aircraft maintenance standards from the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD), General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC), Civil Aviation Authority of Macau (AACM) and Transport Canada, enables Hongkong Jet to extend its maintenance services to Mainland-China-registered aircraft, Macau-registered aircraft and Canada-registered aircraft.
Meanwhile, Hongkong Jet's Cayman 145 maintenance approval is recognition of being a qualified maintenance organization approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands after thorough inspection of maintenance capabilities and safety management systems, allowing the organization to provide maintenance services to Cayman-registered aircraft.
?I am very pleased that we have achieved the recognition of various civil aviation authorities so soon after receiving our HKAR-145, said Chris Buchholz, CEO of Hongkong Jet. This further highlights that Hongkong Jet's world-class standards and five-star service have been internationally recognized. Being able to provide maintenance service for aircraft under various registrations in parallel with being able to operate aircraft registered in different countries, truly consolidate Hongkong Jet?s special advantage in the region. With the strong growth in business aviation in Mainland China and customers' increasing level of sophistication, more and more customers on the Mainland are requesting maintenance services of international standards and as they travel to Hong Kong and beyond. Our dedicated 24/7 AOG GO Team (Aircraft-On-Ground GO Team) is ready to provide maintenance services whenever and whenever it is needed
Qatar Airways to Launch Mozambique Flights
Qatar Airways will expand its African operations on 31 October 2012 with scheduled flights to Mozambique.
Thrice-weekly flights will operate from Doha to Mozambique?s capital city of Maputo via Johannesburg, becoming the 20th African destination served by the airline.
The Maputo service will be operated by the airline?s flagship long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft.
This truly is the year of an African adventure for Qatar Airways with the introduction of four new routes on this Continent of diverse landscapes, diverse peoples, diverse cultures and diverse natural attractions, said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker. Mozambique is a great example of a market that we believe has great potential linking up with key feeder markets in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world.
The former Portuguese colony in southern Africa is Qatar Airways fourth new route across the diverse African continent to be launched during 2012.
Bordering the Indian Ocean, Mozambique has an economy based on natural resources, largely agriculture. Chemical manufacturing, aluminium and petroleum production are significant growth sectors, attracting investment from around the world. Maputo is a city steeped in colonial architecture reflecting its strong Portuguese heritage.
Thrice-weekly flights will operate from Doha to Mozambique?s capital city of Maputo via Johannesburg, becoming the 20th African destination served by the airline.
The Maputo service will be operated by the airline?s flagship long-haul Boeing 777 aircraft.
This truly is the year of an African adventure for Qatar Airways with the introduction of four new routes on this Continent of diverse landscapes, diverse peoples, diverse cultures and diverse natural attractions, said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker. Mozambique is a great example of a market that we believe has great potential linking up with key feeder markets in Europe, Asia and other parts of the world.
The former Portuguese colony in southern Africa is Qatar Airways fourth new route across the diverse African continent to be launched during 2012.
Bordering the Indian Ocean, Mozambique has an economy based on natural resources, largely agriculture. Chemical manufacturing, aluminium and petroleum production are significant growth sectors, attracting investment from around the world. Maputo is a city steeped in colonial architecture reflecting its strong Portuguese heritage.
Tiger Airways Launches Promotion
Tiger Airways has launched a promotion that offers travellers up to 50% off its fares.
Fares to 15 popular destinations across Asia, including Bangkok, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Phuket and Manila are now on sale until 25 June 2012.
It's a double celebration for us. We want to showcase the best of Asia to mark the annual Great Singapore Sale that is now a permanent feature on everyone's calendar. We have also been performing consistently well in our flight punctuality, and we want to celebrate this with all our customers, with this incredible offer,? said Tiger Airways Singapore's Managing Director, Stewart Adams.
The travel period for the promotional fares varies with the route. Terms and conditions apply.
Fares to 15 popular destinations across Asia, including Bangkok, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Phuket and Manila are now on sale until 25 June 2012.
It's a double celebration for us. We want to showcase the best of Asia to mark the annual Great Singapore Sale that is now a permanent feature on everyone's calendar. We have also been performing consistently well in our flight punctuality, and we want to celebrate this with all our customers, with this incredible offer,? said Tiger Airways Singapore's Managing Director, Stewart Adams.
The travel period for the promotional fares varies with the route. Terms and conditions apply.
World's Largest Holiday Inn Hotel Launches Promotion
The world's largest Holiday Inn hotel, the Holiday Inn Macau Cotai Central at the Sands Cotai Central integrated resort, has launched a very special promotion with accommodation for two in a King Superior Room starting from HK$488 for stays until 12 July 2012 inclusive.
The Holiday Inn Macau Cotai Central has 1,224 guestrooms and suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and offering all the latest facilities, amenities and services that travellers today demand.
The ample Pool Deck and fully-equipped Health Club are among a host of services and facilities readily available to guests, with convenient access to Sands Cotai Central?s luxurious and relaxing spas.
Holiday Inn Macau Cotai Central provides fast, convenient and complimentary shuttle bus service to all major points of entry into Macau and is just a short trip to major attractions in the territory, including UNESCO heritage sites.
The Holiday Inn Macau Cotai Central has 1,224 guestrooms and suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and offering all the latest facilities, amenities and services that travellers today demand.
The ample Pool Deck and fully-equipped Health Club are among a host of services and facilities readily available to guests, with convenient access to Sands Cotai Central?s luxurious and relaxing spas.
Holiday Inn Macau Cotai Central provides fast, convenient and complimentary shuttle bus service to all major points of entry into Macau and is just a short trip to major attractions in the territory, including UNESCO heritage sites.
Wyndham Signs Four New Ramada Hotels in China
Wyndham has signed franchise agreements for four new hotels in China under the company's Ramada brand.
The properties will join Wyndham Hotel Group?s 46 Ramada hotels already in operation in the country.
The 293-room Ramada Plaza Chengdu West, set to include 24 suites, is located at Xingfu Town, Dujiangyan, Chengdu City, which is part of a large scale commerical complex and a major tourism attraction in China. Featuring a fitness center, gift shop, eight meeting rooms as well as three restaurants offering varied dining options, the property is owned by Dujiangyan Bailun Investment Co., Ltd. The hotel is due to open in 2013.
The 289-room Ramada Huizhou South, set to include 39 suites, is located near the world-class Dayawan Petrochemicals Industrial Park and is approximately an hour drive from the Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport and a two-hour drive from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Due to open in 2013, the hotel, owned by Huizhou City Hongye Investment & Development Co., Ltd., will feature an outdoor pool, sauna, a gift shop, a ballroom and also six meeting rooms totaling 2,000 square meters of meeting space.
The 179-room Ramada Kunming North with 24 suites will be situated as part of a mega-sized real estate development area totaling 428 hectares, including a horse racing club, two 18-hole golf courses, a conference center, luxurious residences, shopping and entertainment facilities as well as a natural wetland park. Owned by Kunming Shining Star (International) Club Co., Ltd. the hotel will feature an indoor swimming pool, fitness center and gift shop as well as a grand ballroom, five meeting rooms and six boardrooms totalling to over 1,000 square meters of meeting space. The hotel, due to open by 2013, is approximately an hour drive from Kunming city center and an hour drive from the Kunming Wujiaba International Airport.
The 150-room Ramada Hotel Pingtan, set to include 42 suites, will be situated in Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone, which acts as a free port to attract investors from Taiwan and other countries. Located approximately 65km in distance from the Fuzhou Changle International Airport, the hotel will feature a fitness center, a gift shop and four meeting rooms totaling 500 square meters of meeting space. Owned by Fujian Pingtan Wandefu Property Development Co., Ltd., the hotel is due to open in 2013.
As China remains an important market for us, we continue to look for growth opportunities in new cities and provinces, said Frank Trampert, managing director for Wyndham Hotel Group in Asia Pacific. We are thrilled to announce the signing of these new properties with four different, esteemed and respected Mainland developers. We are confident that our collaborations will not only help cement the Ramada brand?s position in China but strengthen the greater Wyndham Hotel Group portfolio in the region.
The properties will join Wyndham Hotel Group?s 46 Ramada hotels already in operation in the country.
The 293-room Ramada Plaza Chengdu West, set to include 24 suites, is located at Xingfu Town, Dujiangyan, Chengdu City, which is part of a large scale commerical complex and a major tourism attraction in China. Featuring a fitness center, gift shop, eight meeting rooms as well as three restaurants offering varied dining options, the property is owned by Dujiangyan Bailun Investment Co., Ltd. The hotel is due to open in 2013.
The 289-room Ramada Huizhou South, set to include 39 suites, is located near the world-class Dayawan Petrochemicals Industrial Park and is approximately an hour drive from the Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport and a two-hour drive from the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Due to open in 2013, the hotel, owned by Huizhou City Hongye Investment & Development Co., Ltd., will feature an outdoor pool, sauna, a gift shop, a ballroom and also six meeting rooms totaling 2,000 square meters of meeting space.
The 179-room Ramada Kunming North with 24 suites will be situated as part of a mega-sized real estate development area totaling 428 hectares, including a horse racing club, two 18-hole golf courses, a conference center, luxurious residences, shopping and entertainment facilities as well as a natural wetland park. Owned by Kunming Shining Star (International) Club Co., Ltd. the hotel will feature an indoor swimming pool, fitness center and gift shop as well as a grand ballroom, five meeting rooms and six boardrooms totalling to over 1,000 square meters of meeting space. The hotel, due to open by 2013, is approximately an hour drive from Kunming city center and an hour drive from the Kunming Wujiaba International Airport.
The 150-room Ramada Hotel Pingtan, set to include 42 suites, will be situated in Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone, which acts as a free port to attract investors from Taiwan and other countries. Located approximately 65km in distance from the Fuzhou Changle International Airport, the hotel will feature a fitness center, a gift shop and four meeting rooms totaling 500 square meters of meeting space. Owned by Fujian Pingtan Wandefu Property Development Co., Ltd., the hotel is due to open in 2013.
As China remains an important market for us, we continue to look for growth opportunities in new cities and provinces, said Frank Trampert, managing director for Wyndham Hotel Group in Asia Pacific. We are thrilled to announce the signing of these new properties with four different, esteemed and respected Mainland developers. We are confident that our collaborations will not only help cement the Ramada brand?s position in China but strengthen the greater Wyndham Hotel Group portfolio in the region.
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
South African Airways starting non-stop flights to Beijing, China
South African Airways will start flying non-stop to Beijing, China, for the first time in the history of the airline, from January next year.
The inaugural flight is scheduled to leave Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday 31 January 2012, and is set to arrive in Beijing, China on Wednesday 1 February 2012.
These flights are now available for sale at great fares through SAA’s reservations department, the flysaa.com website and the travel agency community.
“SAA is most pleased to introduce non-stop flights to Beijing, China. This new route is in line with SAA’s strategy to expand its network to Asia, the fastest growing market in the world,” says SAA’s CEO Siza Mzimela.
China and South Africa established a comprehensive strategic partnership in August last year. The countries subsequently entered into bilateral agreements for cooperation on infrastructure construction, transportation, water resources utilisation, housing, health and education. The introduction of non-stop flights between the two destinations promises to facilitate business and leisure travel between the two countries.
“Introducing direct flights between China and South Africa will promote tourism and trade, not only to South Africa, but also to all the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other African countries. South Africa and neighbouring destinations such as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are already popular destinations for Chinese tourists.
“Similarly, for South Africans and other African countries, the flight will open up China as a new tourist destination and create a bridge between South America and China, connecting three very important BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries and promoting trade amongst these countries,” says Mzimela.
Beijing Capital International Airport (BJS) is the main international airport serving Beijing, China and one of the busiest airports in the world. It is located 32 kilometer northeast of Beijing’s city center, owned and operated by the Beijing Capital International Airport Company Limited, a state-controlled company. There are three terminals at the airport and SAA will operate in and out of terminal three, which is also the designated terminal for Star Alliance partners.
SAA will operate the route non-stop three times a week with its A340-600 long haul aircraft.
Business Class on these aircraft offers theaward winning lie-flat seat which reclines to a complete bed and has various seating position settings. Each business class seat is equipped with a privacy screen, a personal reading lamp and leg-rest, footrest, telephone and entertainment handset. All seats are also fitted with a personal television. The seats in economy class on SAA’s long haul aircraft offer a very comfortable pitch of between 33 and 34 inches for increased flying comfort.
Flying time between Johannesburg and Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China takes almost 15 hours. Beijing is one of the most populous cities in the world and the country’s political, cultural and educational centre and the headquarters of most of China’s largest state-owned companies.
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