Desert Venturer 3-Day Tour (Alice Springs to Cairns)

For those who believe that the journey is as important as the destination…

Traveling on an air conditioned coach, Desert Venturer is the perfect way to get from Alice Springs to Cairns. This 3-day package links two of Australia best loved destinations the Red Center and the Reef!

The Desert Venturer will show you the "real Australia" - discover the places and sights only the most adventurous Australians see. Experience Banjo Patterson's Waltzing Matilda country, the magnificent Porcupine Gorge and Millstream Falls amongst other majestic sights! This tour is a must for backpackers.

Some hotels in Alice Springs: Alice on Todd Apartment Alice Springs (The) -Best Western Elkira Motel Alice Springs -Alice Springs Plaza Hotel -Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge Alice Springs -Lasseters Hotel Casino Alice Springs -Desert Palms Resort Alice Springs -Aurora Alice Springs -Diplomat Motel Alice Springs -Crowne Plaza Alice Springs -Novotel Outback Alice Springs -Alice Springs Resort

Day 1 : ALICE SPRINGS TO BOULIA - 741km or 460 miles (L, D)
Your road trip from the heart of the Australian to the Tropics begins early today. Your next set of traffic lights will be in Cairns! A big day is ahead of you as you travel unsealed roads through one of the most remote areas in Australia, where you won't see any townships all day! Lunch today is at Jervois Station, a working cattle station. You then skirt the top of the Simpson Desert (largest in Australia) with its spectacular red sands, stopping enroute to view a 5 metre termite mound. Pass through cattle stations larger than many European countries. Traffic is almost non-existent, with hours between passing cars. Stop at Tobermorey Station before crossing into Western Queensland. If you've never had a feeling of remoteness before, you will today! Take a 'nothing walk' and experience first hand the eeriness of this remote area in the middle of nowhere. Tonight stay at Wirrelyerna Station, an authentic working sheep/cattle station with lots of animals to meet - a fantastic experience!

Day 2: BOULIA TO HUGHENDEN - 572km or 355 miles (B, L, D)
Departing Wirrelyerna this morning, you re-join the sealed Highway passing through Boulia. Your first stop this morning is a little pub in the middle of nowhere, Middleton Pub - population 5 (including kids and pets!). After a refreshment stop here, you continue on to Carisbrook Station where you enjoy a BBQ lunch. Time is allowed to view the basement of the original inland sea from the ochre red escarpments and also authentic aboriginal rock art. Board the coach again for a short drive to the township of Winton, rich in Australian history claiming fame as the birthplace of Qantas (Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service) and Australia's unofficial national anthem, Waltzing Matilda. A complete change of landscape this afternoon as you travel through the flat black soil plains to our overnight destination of Hughenden, and the Western Hotel. Enjoy a hot buffet dinner and air-conditioned multi-share accommodation.

Day 3: HUGHENDEN TO CAIRNS - 754km or 469 miles (B, L, D)
A short drive this morning to Porcupine Gorge, re-joining unsealed roads, where time is allowed to take in the spectacular views of this natural wonder from the Lookout. The unsealed roads and Ironbark eucalypt country provide a great opportunity to spot our unique native wildlife, especially this time of day. The Oasis Roadhouse, Australia's smallest bar, is your first taste of civilization today. After a brief stop, you re-join the sealed road watching the landscape change from Eucalypt Forest to Rainforest. The lush green grass, volcanic soil and dairy farms of the Atherton Tablelands provide us with a different contrast to the morning's landscape. Wooroonooren National Park is your next stop, where you will enjoy lunch. Following lunch, take a breathtaking rainforest walk (relaxed 2 hours) and wash off the dust with a swim at the spectacular Nandroya Falls. Evening arrival into Cairns, where it's time to say goodbye to your travelling companions at the farewell dinner.

Some hotels in Cairns: Reef Palms Apartments Cairns - Nomads Serpent Resort Cairns - Best Western Acacia Court Hotel - Heritage Cairns - Cairns Queenslander Suites & Apartments - Tropical Queenslander - Holiday Studios - All Seasons Cairns Gateway Resort - Figtree Lodge Cairns - Kuranda Resort and Spa Cairns - Queens Court Hotel Cairns - Rainbow Inn Cairns - Comfort Inn City Sheridan Cairns - Club Crocodile Hides Hotel Cairns - All Seasons Sunshine Tower Hotel Cairns - Cairns Plaza Hotel - Coral Tree Inn Cairns - Cairns Reef Apartments and Motel - Bay Village Tropical Retreat Cairns

SAMBA CITY, the latest tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro

Samba City is the latest tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro occupying an area of 114.000 sq. meters, built in the port district by the City Hall, at Rua Rivadávia Corrêa 60, Gamboa, a district neighboring downtown.

Samba City is open for visitors, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from noon to 8pm, with performances, drummers, sewing and sculpture and brief shows at 2, 4 and 6pm. On Thursdays, from noon to 6pm there are workshops at 4 and 6pm and a great show with 100 components starting at 8pm, with a parade in the end with the visitors participation, as well as a firework display.

There is a reason for this choice of location for the thematic city, since it is here, considered to be “Sacred Ground”, that the Carioca samba was born.

The triangle, which includes the districts of Saúde, Santo Cristo and Gamboa has a great concentration of the City´s popular culture, notably the personalities and entities, linked to the Carioca Carnaval.

The design of Samba City forms a geometrical figure, with factories surrounding the main square. They seem like parts of a group, linking hands, forming a large circle. It is as if the world of the samba were embracing its ancestors, who were around here during the 17th and 18th centuries, bringing the art of African dance and music, to be incorporated today to Brazilian cultural traditions.

The thematic city will transform Samba School activities into a permanent practice. More than a tourist attraction, Samba City has become a production center of genuine Brazilian art.

The Factories of Samba:

* Gates measuring 10m wide by 7.5m high allow the passage of the allegoric floats fully assembled.
* Three stories of 600m² are employed as creation and administrative sectors, shops, storerooms, kitchens, cafeterias and restrooms.
* Sewing ateliers, hat fashioning room, adornment room and the workshops for polystyrene and fiber glass modeling are located on the highest floor of 2.700m²
* A cargo elevator services all four stories.
* The 12m high ceiling (void) assures that the allegories can be assembled in their real size.
* From an outside sidewalk, the visitor will go through all factories, watching the allegories construction from an 8m high balcony.
* Permanent cultural Activities.
* There are varied activities at the Samba City.

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is one of the world’s best kept holiday secrets in the Pacific Ocean. They are not only a set of tree-laden islands with stunning white sand beaches to be seen from the top of magnificent dormant volcanoes.

The Cook Islands has its history imbued with a rich infusion of Polynesian and European histories, and is reflected in their lush culture of song and dance, which is so potent that it would make any visitor’s heart sing with joy.

The 15-island self-governing democracy currently holds a free association with New Zealand. With a total of 236km² of land, scattered over two million square kilometres, the coast line stretches a massive 120kms – so there’s plenty of beach-space to go around.

Most people’s first experience of the Cook Islands is most likely to be that of Rarotonga, the youngest island in the Cook Islands southern group. Situated within the Southern group of islands, it’s also the capital of the Cook Islands.

Five Day Legendary Rhine Tour

Germany's Rhine Valley is famous for it's castles, vineyards and spectacular scenery. This is your chance to spend a relaxing five days exploring this beautiful region of the country. Starting in Frankfurt you will take a day trip to Heidelberg before traveling to your second destination for the tour, Cologne. On your way you will pass through Rudesheim and Koblenz. From Cologne its off to Mainz before finishing the tour in Frankfurt.

Day 1: Frankfurt
Arrive at Frankfurt Main Airport, your driver will take you to your Hotel in your private Limousine. Rest of day at leisure.

Overnight: Arabella Sheraton Buesingpalais Frankfurt/Offenbach or similar

Day 2: Frankfurt - Heidelberg - Frankfurt
After breakfast depart for a city tour of Frankfurt including Goethes House, the city square named Roemer where German emperors were crowned in the medieval period. Continue your tour along the skyscrapers and banking towers, that gave Frankfurt the nick-name "Mainhattan". Continue to Heidelberg, home of the student prince. Visit the famous castle, stroll through the picturesque old town and enjoy lunch in the famous Ritter, a restaurant built in the 15th century. In the afternoon head back to your hotel in Frankfurt.

Overnight: Arabella Sheraton Buesingpalais Frankfurt/Offenbach or similar

Day 3: Rudesheim - Rhine Valley - Koblenz - Cologne
In the morning your coach will take you to the famous Rudesheim, where after a stroll through the world famous Drosselgasse you board a steamer to take you along vineyards and castles, some of them more than 1,000 years old to St. Goarshausen, just beyond Loreley Rock. Maybe you will see the blond maid combing her hair from the deck of your steamer. Continue by coach to Koblenz, the city, where Moselle river meets the Rhine, and from there you drive on to Cologne. Evening at leisure to explore the local breweries, where the "Kolsch" (light beer served in small glasses) can be sampled.

Overnight: Hotel Jolly Media Park or similar

Day 4: Cologne
Starting at the cathedral of Cologne, which is one of the largest gothic churches in Europe, your city-tour will lead you through small old-town alleys and splendid avenues to the Rhine-River with its bridges and parks. For the sweet-lovers a visit to the Chocolate Museum is planned, where you can learn all about chocolate and then sample from the large chocolate fountain as much as you can. Take your time in the afternoon to explore Cologne on your own.

Overnight: Hotel Jolly Media Park or similar

Day 5: Cologne - Mainz - Frankfurt
After breakfast you will drive to another famous city along the Rhine: Mainz, Old Town, Cathedral and the Museum of Gutenberg (the man who invented the printing press) will be visited before you reach Frankfurt again, where your tour ends in the late afternoon.

Dubai World Central Phase 1 Construction Moves into Top Gear

Dubai World Central (DWC), the 140 square kilometre urban aviation community being built in Jebel Ali, is taking shape with the award of two major construction contracts.
The turnkey construction of its Dhs 1.5 billion Dubai Logistics City (DLC) headquarters and office park has gone to Kuwait-based M.A. Kharafi & Sons - a US$ 3.3 billion privately-owned group with interests across 33 countries. Completion is scheduled for March 2009.
In a second award, the contract for the construction of two Central Utility Complexes (CUC) to meet the district cooling requirements for DWC’s phase 1 facilities has gone to The National Company, part of the Kharafi Group. The first CUC will serve the airport area while the second will cater to DLC’s HQ and Office Park.
“This huge aviation city centred around Dubai World Central International Airport (JXB) will place Dubai in pole position for regional logistics, tourism and commerce,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai World Central – Dubai Aviation Corporation, Government of Dubai.
Dubai Logistics City, which is the world’s first truly integrated multi-modal logistics platform, is central to Dubai’s business proposition as a global and regional hub for integrated supply chain management and multi-modal transport. The project encompasses all transportation modes, logistics and value added services, such as kitting and assembly, in a single bonded and free zone environment.
DLC comprises a headquarters and Office Park, Forwarders Area, Light Industrial Area, Warehousing Area and the Staff Village. Spanning 25 square kilometres, DLC is designed to ultimately handle 12 million tonnes of air cargo annually in up to 16 air cargo terminals.
Michael Proffitt, CEO, DLC said, “The Office Park will respond to administrative space needs for companies wanting to establish a business within the DLC Free Zone but without the requirement of warehouses or similar facilities.
“Transport agents, transport brokers, insurance companies or other service providers, especially those related to the logistics industry, can operate from the state-of-the-art facilities.”
Part of the free zone, but situated outside the customs bonded area, the Office Park combines free zone operational advantages with easy and unrestricted public access. The Park will provide leased office buildings and also host two business hotels, serviced apartments, banks, business centres, coffee shops, restaurants, snacks, prayer rooms, shops and a multi-use convention centre.
Covered parking spaces will be provided for tenants at underground level with easy access to all office blocks. Dedicated visitor parking spaces will be provided within a separate parking structure.
Phase 1 of the Office Park will include 10 six-storey office buildings each with a total built up area of approximately 255,000m2, in addition to 110,000m2 of underground parking and 60,000m2 of an independent parking structure. This will provide a net office space of around 198,000m2.
Eventually, a total of 18 office buildings will be included in Office Park which will be linked to the Emirates Road via a dedicated road network.
“For those who need modular office space, sections of 100 square metres can be combined to create larger integrated offices or merged into entire floors. This allows companies to set up their local operations, administrative offices, showrooms, customer front ends or even entire regional or head offices,” added Proffitt.
Meanwhile, work is moving forward on the first 4.5 kilometre A-380 enabled CAT-III runway that is scheduled for completion by the end of this year. “First flights at JXB are expected mid-2008, when the first passenger and cargo terminals will be ready,” said Abdulla Alfalasi, DWC’s Marketing and Communications Director.

Friday Late Night Shopping Returns to Singapore

Singapore shoppers can look forward to more late night shopping on the last Friday of the month, from 26 January 2007. “Friday Late Night Shopping,” an initiative launched by the Singapore Tourism Board in July last year for five months, is returning as a regular feature. With four times more retailers participating (250 compared to 58 in the first run launched last year), shoppers will have more reason to trawl the malls till the wee hours.
The majority of the new participants are located in four shopping malls along the main shopping belts of Orchard and Scotts Roads, namely Far East Plaza, Centrepoint, Paragon and Pacific Plaza. They will join the pioneer batch of retailers, such as TANGS, Wisma Atria, Borders, Andana Spa (Paragon) and EpiCentre@Orchard, in extending operating hours up till midnight every last Friday of the month.
In keeping with Singapore’s celebrated twin passions for shopping and dining, “Friday Late Night Shopping” will see food and beverage outlets in the malls such as Food Republic, Cosmopolitan Bar & Caffe and Pizza Walker at Wisma Atria, Cream Bistro at Pacific Plaza, Island Café at Tangs Orchard, as well as Gelare Café at Far East Plaza remaining open till midnight, enabling shoppers to refuel after a rewarding night of shopping.
To make it more convenient for shoppers, public transport hours will be extended during “Friday Late Night Shopping”. The last SMRT trains will leave Orchard MRT Station at 12.40am. SBS Transit will extend the last bus operations of six trunk services that depart from the city to selected HDB towns to 12.40am. In addition, the last bus operations of 25 feeder services will also be extended to match the last trains’ timings. SBS Transit’s last North East Line (NEL) train for both the northbound and southbound directions will leave Dhoby Ghaut Station at 12.55am. For SBS Transit's Light Rapid Transit (LRT) Services, the last Sengkang LRT Train will leave Sengkang Town Centre at 1.26am and the last Punggol LRT Train will leave Punggol Town Centre at 1.28am.
Aside from extending their operating hours from 9pm to midnight, some retailers will also be organising individual in-store promotions and activities on top of their tenants' promotions and deals. For example, late night shoppers at Pacific Plaza stand a chance to win attractive F&B, wine and CD vouchers from participating merchants, in addition to a weekend getaway at Changi Village Hotel. Shoppers will also be entitled to participate in the grand lucky draw and win prizes of more than Sin$5,000.

SkyMart Avenue: New Landside Shopping Zone @ Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong SkyMart, the key retail facility inside Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport, has opened 'SkyMart Avenue', a new retail zone that provides landside shopping attractions for visitors, and cabin-size retail space for licensees to test market reception of their products.

Located in the non-restricted area at the Level 7 Departures Hall of Terminal 1, SkyMart Avenue consists of the following ten retail concepts:

Giorgio Fedon 1919: With stores in Paris, Milan and New York, this is the brand’s first standalone shop in Asia Pacific. Combining innovative technology and traditional craftsmanship, Giorgio Fedon 1919 offers luxury life style products including travel and office accessories, bags and briefcases, personal and game accessories and more.

China Mobile (GoTone VIP) Airport Lounge: An active player in providing VIP centers in mainland airports. This lounge provides their members services from free snacks and beverage to internet surfing, mobile phone rental for Korea/Japan, phone card add value, car rental arrangement, mobile phone sales etc.

Garona: The first Garona image store in Hong Kong. Garona is a watch brand designed by Italian designers with over 70 point of sales locations globally.

TDC Design Gallery: Run by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Design Gallery displays a wide range of quality products which showcases the unique Hong Kong design as well as innovative concepts.

Art Gallery: With a contemporary Chinese shop design, Art Gallery offers an array of folk products such as Chinese musical instruments, tea sets, stationery, icy crispy dragon beard candy, etc.

Mattel: First Mattel Toy Store in Asia featuring global brand names, e.g. Barbie, Hotwheel, Fisher Price, UNO, Scrabble, dictionary, etc.

Bose: Founded in 1964 in the US, Bose now has more than 130 patented technologies and 400 unique products. The Bose outlet at HKIA not only displays, demonstrates and sells Bose audio products but also provides full demonstration to customers.

OTO: An innovative brand of fitness and healthcare products with 4 product lines in relaxation, fitness, therapeutics and diagnostics.

Temptation: This Temptation store is set up to provide travelers pre-check-in purchases of duty free perfumes, cosmetics, and other liquid items, providing greater convenience in line with the latest travel security measures on European and US bound flights.

3: “3” is the renowned brand of Hutchison Telecom’s world-class mobile communication services with a rich portfolio of handsets, round-the-clock video infotainment contents, comprehensive voice and data roaming services and tailor-made corporate e-mail solutions.

2006 was a very successful year for Hong Kong SkyMart in terms of sales. Despite an earlier projection of a 12.2% sales increment, Hong Kong SkyMart actually attained a 14.3% figure, comparing to passenger growth at 9.1% per annum.

Hotel of the Day - Nassau Palm Resort Nassau

Nassau Palm Resort Nassau Come experience Nassau at its best. Enjoy spectacular views of clear water, stroll to exciting local attractions, and relax in the lap of luxury. It is all right here when you stay at the ideally located Nassau Palm Resort. Ideally located on West Bay Street, overlooking Nassau Harbor, the resort is across from popular Junkanoo Beach, with its 1500 feet of white sand. The property is a short walk to Nassau's authentic Straw Market and duty-free shopping, just half a mile from downtown Nassau's business and financial centres and minutes from Nassau Port and beautiful Paradise Island. The Nassau Palm Resort boasts 183 elegant and spacious guestrooms and suites. The beautifully appointed Nassau accommodations feature all the necessary extras to make you feel special. Wake up to sunny skies and a tasty breakfast served with a sparkling view of beautiful Nassau Harbor. Enjoy great indoor or outdoor dining in the Tropical Courtyard at the full service restaurant, featuring the best in Continental and Bahamian cuisine, or casual menu and cocktails at the lobby lounge. Whether you are planning a romantic wedding, a splashy reunion, or a serious business conference, the staff is ready to assist you. Furthermore, recreational options include two outdoor swimming pools in lush garden setting, a fitness and massage centre as well as a game room. Click here for more information and Booking Details

Celebrate Valentine's Day at the Hip Veranda Resort and Spa in Hua Hin, Thailand

The Veranda Resort and Spa, an hip hotel in historic Hua Hin, Thailand, is offering a romantic Valentine’s Day break for just 19,600 Baht for two nights in one of their brand new Jacuzzi Sea View Rooms between 8-14 February 2007.

The package is valid for two people and includes round trip transfers, by hotel mini bus, between Bangkok International Airport and the resort.


The new spacious Jacuzzi Seaview Rooms have 180 degree views over the Gulf of Thailand and a private Jacuzzi on the wooden balcony. The package includes a bottle of sparkling wine that couples can enjoy in the privacy of their own Jacuzzi.

Guests will be provided with a welcome drink, fresh fruit in their room, a complimentary newspaper and daily buffet breakfast as part of the package.

Couples will also be able to book a romantic beachside meal with a 10% discount at the funky Rabiang Lay, a Thai fusion seafood restaurant, which offers views over the Gulf of Thailand.

At the Veranda Spa couples can immerse themselves in a sanctuary of relaxation with a 10% discount where body, mind and spirit can be fully restored. The Spa offers an array of signature treatments including massages, foot reflexology, body exfoliation and facials.

Veranda Resort and Spa, situated on the beachfront between the traditional Thai resort towns of Cha Am and Hua Hin. It is only 40 minutes by plane or a two and a half hour drive from Bangkok.

The Baray in Hua Hin, Thailand

A new spa concept called The Baray is heading for the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin in Thailand in March 2007. It is an exclusive 8-suite hotel and spa that sits adjacent to the main resort. Positioned on the beachfront in almost 5 acres of mature trees and landscaped gardens, The Baray will offer an extensive range of spa treatments, as well as luxurious accommodation. There will be 18 private spa rooms, a tranquillity court and pool, yoga and meditation sessions, and an elegant dining venue in the form of McFarland House.

China : Beijing to speed up building of Fashion Capital

The building of a ‘Fashion Capital’ has been a big event in Beijing’s development. In particular, as the host city for the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing has attracted the attention of the entire world.

The implementation of the strategic concept of ‘New Beijing, New Olympics ‘ has provided a rare developing opportunity to Beijing garment industrial upgrading and brand management.

A large number of well-known local brands, such as Li Ning, not only have achieved great success in Beijing and the country, but also actively explore the international market and become the speakers of ‘fashion capital’. In addition, the collective effect of the garment industry has been emerging. There are indications showing that Beijing has taken a solid pace in building the ‘Fashion Capital’.

“Beijing has five major edges in building the fashion capital.” Changqing, deputy director of Beijing Municipal Industrial Promotion Council, said. Beijing, with its long history and unique culture of the capital, possesses the basic elements of building the fashion capital.

All of the basic elements can be summed up in five major advantages: prominent market position, certain scale and quality for being an industrial base, abundant human and organizational resources, brisk fashion exhibitions and professional fashion atmosphere, a rare opportunity created by the 2008 Olympics.

Relevant data show that when per capita GDP is over US $5,000, people will go for thepursuit of significant changes in clothing, and pay more attention to quality, style, fashion and personality.

Last year, per capita GDP of Beijing surpassed $6,000, the total value of retail sales in wear category stood 25 billion yuan, accounting for more than 10 percent of total retail sales of social commodities. Thus, along with the sustained, rapid economic development and the improvement of people's living level, clothing demand will show a strong growth.

Beijing's huge market demand space, developed commercial facilities, unmatched consumer model and radiation effects have attracted popular fashion brands from home and abroad to enter this city. Currently these pop clothing brands have formed a significant trend of congregation in some large malls.

At present, Beijing city has over 1,000 enterprises in garment processing, annual sales income reaches 15 billion yuan, an annual increase of 36.2 percent. The number of employees was 120,000 in previous year, accounting for 34.16 percent of the urban industrial employment, and 10.46 percent of Beijing city’s industrial employment.

According to Changqing, the promotion of the fashion capital will be focused on the aspects such as design, brand, supporting policies and situation.

Beijing's goal is to build a research and development center, an information release center, a fashion fair center, a high-end and famous product business center, an integrated featured industrial chain center, which will lead the development of China's garment industry. Finally Beijing will establish the city’s image of a ‘Fashion Capital’.

A delicacy not just for the haves

The central coast city of Nha Trang is famous for Yen Sao, the name of the nest of Salangane or swifts. The bird nest is a delicacy used to make soups, which were eaten daily by the country’s kings in the past.

Nha Trang is the capital city of Khanh Hoa Province on the coast of the East Sea with a population of about 300,000. For years, the city has been a well-known tourist attraction because of its natural beauty, such as the sandy beaches and Nha Trang Bay, which is one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

The city is also well known for its 12 islands that are home to salangane. Each year, local residents exploit about 2,000 kilograms of swifts.

The birds build their nest high on the walls of the caves on the islands. To reach the nest, harvesters must climb on bamboo ladders, so they should be brave and cautious. It may be a lucrative business but hanging off the roof of a cave and it is dangerous to make a living and there have been fatalities in the past. Moreover, the birds only produce one nest a year.

The bird nest comes in two types, white and red. The nest is made out of the bird’s saliva. Usually, a bird creates one nest a year during springtime, using both parents’ saliva. Since there is such demand for their nest, which is believed to have medicinal properties, locals remove the nest several times a year, forcing the birds to continue producing the nests.

At present, the exploitation of bird nests is under the management of Khanh Hoa Swift Co. They apply many advanced methods to harvest swift with an aim to preserve and protect the precious birds. This variety of nest costs their weight in gold and the main processed swift nests are exported to foreign countries.

The price is about VND60 million per kg, so some residents have never tried swift-made meals because of the high price.

To bring king-favored meals to ordinary people, the company has designed a Dao Yen-Hon Noi tour that helps visitors learn more about swift life and enjoy the natural landscapes of the famous islands.

Travelers will have the chance to enjoy salangane soup at a price of only VND180,000 per bowl. The soup is made from swift nest mixed with sugar and it is believed to improve dinners’ health. The tour has lured many foreign and local visitors.

People can now easily purchase processed swift nest distributed by Khanh Hoa Swift Co. at stores.

Changi Airport looks to the Middle East for future growth

Despite receiving an all time high of 35 million passengers in 2006, Singapore Changi Airport faces increasing competition from several regional hubs.

According to the Executive Chairman of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, Peter Harbison, “The increasing threat of Dubai is well documented, but Changi is also losing ground to traditional rivals like Hong Kong, as Mainland travel impacts increasingly and new carriers emerge in Hong Kong.”

Instead, Changi’s future growth could lie in the booming Middle East region.

In addition to a recent management contract, Changi Airport’s advisory unit has won a contract to advise Abu Dhabi Airports Co (ADAC) on the development of a Midfield Terminal Complex at Abu Dhabi International Airport, worth a whopping USD 6.8 billion.

More importantly, this advisory agreement could lead to an equity deal later on, as the ADAC moves towards privatisation.

“Middle East airports are drawing interest from several foreign airport groups, including Changi's rival, Malaysia Airports, so competition for contracts will be intense,” concluded Mr Harbison.

Private Convoy Transfer from Hurghada to Luxor

Ready for a bit of history and culture? Book your Private Convoy Transfer from Hurghada to Luxor for an easy ride to ancient Egypt.
Click here for more information and Booking Details »

Hotel of the Day - B P International Hong Kong

B P International Hong Kong
Located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui in the Kowloon Peninsula, B P International is close to the lush, calming green of Kowloon Park as well as the convenience of a flourishing business district. Shopping and leisure opportunities are everywhere, including Nathan Road, Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard, Harbour City on Canton Road and China HK City. All 529-guestrooms at the B P International are designed and furnished for your comfort and convenience. Each room is well lit and equipped with a full range of modern facilities. Most of the rooms have a view of the Hong Kong's iconic and beautiful Victoria Harbour or the lush green of Kowloon Park against the backdrop of our city's spectacular skyline.
In the comfortable and relaxed environment, the in-house restaurant offers patrons a wide range of foods like international buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also serves a la carte menu of Asian and Western specialties throughout the day. With an open layout, casual atmosphere and nightly live music, the Flamingo Lounge is the perfect place to unwind with friends. B P International offers a wide range of services for your convenience, including a spacious, multi-purpose function hall fully fitted with the latest equipment. It is the ideal venue for hosting banquets, conferences, exhibitions, concerts and even car shows.
>> click here for last minute offers | >> click here for year round hotel reservation

Freezing Is In Fashion

The Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris opened a luxury ice bar, bringing a Gallic twist to a Nordic novelty.
The bar was built entirely of ice in a refrigerated cube in the hotel's courtyard. Guests are given a black rabbit-fur Kaufman Franco poncho for their 30-minute session inside the boudoir-style interior, which is kept at a frosty 18 degrees. While the hors d'oeuvres won't cure frostbite (ice bars and sorbet), the flavored vodkas (ginger, cinnamon and vanilla, among others) served at the glacial bar just might.

Hotel of the Day - Dubai Palm Hotel

Dubai Palm Hotel Dubai  

Placed at the Al-Muteena Street in the downtown Deira, the Dubai Palm Hotel is
only a short stroll from the Al Ghurair Centre and is close to airport. The
nearby attractions include Dubai Gold Souk, Dubai Museum, Wonderland, Dubai Zoo
and Golf Clubs. This contemporary property has tastefully decorated 81 luxurious
guest rooms and suites that are equipped with all the possible standard
facilities. Guests can choose from the 2 dining venues that serve an extensive
selection of South Indian and international specials. The Lounge Bar is an ideal
choice to unwind after a tiring day. Leisure activities at the hotel premises
include billiards, swimming pool and jacuzzi.


Click here for last minute offers -
Click here for more information and Booking Details

Gullin becomes 1st UNWTO tourism observatory

One of the world’s outstanding scenic destinations has been selected as the location for the first UNWTO observatory to carry out a monitoring system for the sustainable development of tourism. The town of Yangshuo, at the end of the Li river boat-trip through the famed karst scenery of southern China, will be the centre for a project that will be managed by Guilin City Council and Zhongshan University.

What is scheduled to be the first in a network of similar centres around the world will implement a monitoring system based on the UNWTO methodology for sustainable tourism indicators that will aid in the planning and management of tourism. Information gathered on the “triple bottom line” — the social, environmental and economic impacts of tourism will help policy makers decide on future developments and improve co-ordination between private and public sectors.

Guilin currently receives around 12 million visitors a year. More than one million of them are foreigners, who go primarily to visit the distinctive rock outcrops, rivers and caves around the city. But it is also an area rich in history and folklore that has become increasingly aware in recent years of the need for careful development, particularly where it involves the protection of the environment.

UNWTO’s Regional Representative for Asia, Xu Jing, speaking at a ceremony in Madrid for the Mayor of Guilin, Zhang Xiulong, said it was yet another example of the “exemplary co-operation” with the city, which has recently agreed a UNWTO project for development of a new diploma programme in hospitality management.
By becoming an observatory for UNWTO, the city will be able to offer its culture and scenery “not only for the benefit of China but all the world,” Mayor Zhang said. “We shall do our utmost to do a great job as our contribution to tourism.”

Vietnam Tourism 2007 - 4.4m visitors expected

About 4.4 million foreign visitors are expected to arrive in Viet Nam this year, an increase of 800,000 over 2006.

The Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) deputy director Hoang Tuan Anh said that targeted markets for the VNAT this year remain China, the US, Japan, South Korea and Australia.

In the first days of 2007, Tan Son Nhat Airport in HCM City was seeing about 5,000 tourists per day pass through customs. Saigontourist operator said, on the first day of the year, it welcomed 1,300 foreign tourists.

Saigontourist projected that about 2.7 million tourists would arrive in HCM City in 2007, an increase of 15 per cent over 2006.

As the Tet (lunar new year) festival approaches, the number of overseas Vietnamese coming home for the holiday was also increasing. The Committee on Overseas Vietnamese predicted that some 140,000 overseas Vietnamese would travel home for Tet this year. Revenue from tourism nationally in 2006 reached about VND 36 trillion (US$2.3 billion), according to VNAT. Viet Nam welcomed about 3.6 million foreign visitors and 17.5 million domestic visitors, Anh said.

The State invested about VND620 billion ($38.8 million) in tourism development in 2006, he noted, in 59 out of 64 provinces and cities nationwide, and about $2.2 billion in official development aid (ODA) was channelled into the tourism sector in the first nine months of the year.

VNAT has targeted becoming one of the best ten countries for foreign tourists and a major tourist destination in the region.

"Viet Nam is a reliable and safe destination for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists," said Anh.

As the nation joins the WTO, he said, it was facing both opportunities and challenges. "Butthe opportunities will slip away if the country don’t know how to seize them."

A top priority for the VNAT was to develop human resources in the tourism sector. In September, VNAT decided to establish three secondary vocational schools of tourism in Can Tho, Da Lat and Nha Trang, with ten more planned over the next four years, including the Da Nang Tourism College, expected to be established in 2007, and the Rach Gia – Kien Giang and Sa Pa-Lao Cai tourism secondary vocational schools.

The central city of Da Nang is also in the forefront of a national effort by VNAT to present a better image to tourists. The city’s tourism department has already completed its four-year tourism development plan for and its vision for 2020.

The Central Highlands resort city of Da Lat also has plans to turn the old Ankroet (known as Suoi Vang) hydroelectric plant into a tourist attraction in 2007 in addition to many renowned tourist sites such as Dan Kia Lake, Vang (Golden) Valley and the Villa 118 on February 3 Street.

Ankroet was Viet Nam’s first hydroelectric plant, built in 1943. It is located in an evergreen forest about 20km northwest Da Lat. The plant has a unique French architectural style and became a museum in 2005, after 60 years of operation.

Ho Chi Minh City Airport Arrival Private Transfer
Save time and money and book your transfer services before you go! You will travel in an air-conditioned vehicle which will take you from Ho Chi Minh Airport to your Ho Chi Minh City hotel - without the hassle of picking up a rental car, negotiating unfamiliar traffic and maps. Take the easy way - book this efficient service online now and save time at your destination!

Special Offer - Price displayed currently includes 15% off the regular retail price - BOOK NOW!"

Turkey Ranks 9th In Most Tourist Attracting Countries List

Turkey which has a great potential in "winter tourism" with its climate, geography and thrusts in tourism sector, was ranked the 9th among the most tourist attracting countries list and the 8th in the list of countries with greatest income in tourism sector according to World Tourism Organisation data.

Of the 19 winter sports and tourism resorts in Turkey, Uludag (Bursa), Palandoken (Erzurum), Erciyes (Kayseri) and Koroglu-Kartalkaya (Bolu) are the most prominent.

The two skiing tracks of Turkey that are officially registered to the International Ski Federation are in the eastern city of Erzurum which will be hosting the Winter Universiade in 2011.

Queen Victoria meets the water for the first time

Cunard’s latest ocean liner the Queen Victoria has met the water for the first time.

The festivities for the event took place in Venice, with a bottle of Italian prosecco smashed against the 90,000-ton ship’s hull. Two Euro coins and a gold Queen Victoria sovereign were welded beneath the mast for good luck.
The ceremonial event also involved the opening of the valves of Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard near Venice to meet the sea for the first voyage.
Queen Victoria is the second largest Cunarder ever built and will make her maiden cruise from the UK in December this year. A confirmed world voyage means that it will be the youngest linger to ever visit Australia in February 2008. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Port Douglas have confirmed to be ports of call for the liner.
The debut of Queen Elizabeth marks the first time three Cunard Queens have been in service together in the company’s 167-year history. Her famous sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 will join her at sea.
Cunard Managing Director Carol Marlow commented: “Cunard came into being at the very beginning of the Victorian era- Queen Victoria had been on the throne for only three years when Samuel Cunard’s first ship set sailed. And there followed, throughout her reign, a huge expansion in the Cunard fleet until by the end of it the company was the pre-eminent force in British shipping. Today the company is probably the most famous name in shipping and the birth of this great liner confirms for all the continuing renaissance of the great name of Cunard. The Cunard lion roars again!”
It was reported that the Queen Victoria will be furnished tastefully, paying homage to the golden age of ocean travel with a modern twist. Highlights onboard include the first traditional West End-style private boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre, the first floating Cunardia museum and the first two-story ‘spiral staircased’ library at sea. The ship will also feature a variety of dining options including restaurants and bars to indulge in.

Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain Tour

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - This is an excellent option to see the best of Rio de Janeiro if time is limited. Two of the best tours combined to make one great day!

Corcovado Tour
The tour begins as you head to the Cosme Velho station to catch the cog train (ticket is included) for a journey through the dense Atlantic Rain Forest of Tijuca, and on to the statue of Christ Redeemer on Corcovado mountain. You will spend between 40 and 60 minutes here with your tour guide, who will show you the wonderful sights of Rio.

After the morning tour, relax and enjoy lunch at a seafood restaurant.

Sugar Loaf Tour
In the afternoon, join the Sugar Loaf tour, driving by downtown Rio, with its fine colonial-style Portuguese buildings, and continuing on to the cable car at Prai Vermelha (red beach). A ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain gives the visitor a wonderful view of the city nestling between the mountains and the sea, and the sight of the sun going down over Copacabana beach is magical.

Click here for more information and Booking Details »

Three Day "Zimbabwe" Victoria Falls Fly-In Tour

Experience the immense power of The Victoria Falls, a World Heritage Listed site and natural wonder of the world.
At a little over a mile (1,708 meters) wide and with a vertical drop of 295 - 351 feet (90 - 107 meters), the Victoria Falls drops an average of 550,000 cubic meters of water over its edge into the Zambezi Gorge every minute.
During your stay you will see the "African Spectacular" tribal dancing, take a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls, visit a craft market and sit back and relax on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Johannesburg - Victoria Falls
Mid-morning departure. Hotel transfer on arrival at Victoria Falls. Late afternoon "African Spectacular" tribal dancing.

Overnight accommodation: A'Zambezi River Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or Victoria Falls Hotel

Day 2: Victoria Falls (B)
After breakfast, a guided tour of the Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This walking safari takes one through the magnificent rain forest to view the Cataracts, Livingstone's statue and a wide variety of birds and plants. Visit the craft village with opportunity to see traditional lifestyles and markets. Afternoon sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

Overnight accommodation: A'Zambezi River Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or Victoria Falls Hotel

Day 3: Victoria Falls - Johannesburg (B)
After breakfast transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for return flight to Johannesburg International Airport.

Click here for more information and Booking Details »

South Australia Gourmet Events in 2007

South Australia is gearing up for a flavoursome year of gourmet events in 2007, including the biennial Tasting Australia, which is aimed at promoting the State’s best food and wine to the world.

More than 100 food and wine writers from around the globe and Australia will converge in South Australia for eight days of culinary splendour from October 13 to 20 October for the 2007 Tasting Australia event.

South Australian Tourism Commission Chief Executive Mr. Bill Spurr said the 2007 Tasting Australia festival is set to be bigger and better than ever before, and will showcase a fabulous selection of South Australian food, wine, beer and hospitality to visitors.

“Tasting Australia, held every two years, is one of the most significant events of its kind in the culinary calendar. Some of the most influential national and international food and wine media can taste for themselves exactly what makes our State so special,” Mr Spurr said.

Festivals such as the Adelaide Food Summit, Feast for the Senses, and the James Squire Food, Beer and Wine Writers’ forum are also part of the program of events during Tasting Australia in 2007.

South Australia also hosts a number of regional food and wine events throughout the year, including the Barossa Vintage Festival, the Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, the McLaren Vale Sea and Vines, the Ceduna Oysterfest and more.

Etihad Airways launches Flights between Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur

Earlier this week, Etihad Airways completed its maiden flight from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, the first of a six-times-a-week, non-stop service between the two capitals.

The airline’s CEO, James Hogan said, “This new service is set to become one of Etihad’s most popular with Kuala Lumpur an established and highly popular business and leisure travel destination for UAE and Middle Eastern nationals.”

Kuala Lumpur is Etihad Airways’ fourth destination in the Asia Pacific region after Bangkok, Jakarta and Manila. The city joins other recently launched routes, including Tehran, New York, Casablanca and Dhaka on Etihad’s network.

Etihad operates one of its three-zone Airbus A340-300 aircraft between Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur. The aircraft is configured to carry 10 passengers in the Diamond Zone, 30 in Pearl and 225 Coral.

The service operates every day of the week except Saturday. Outbound, EY405 departs Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at 02:40 hours, arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) at 14:15 hours. The return flight EY406 departs Kuala Lumpur at 15:00 hours, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 18:15 hours.

Six new SWISS destinations from Basel

Flight LX 1934 from Basel to Barcelona, operated by aircraft HB-IXN, took off on time at 09:55 on Monday as the first of SWISS's six new services from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. The new connections raise to ten the number of destinations with non-stop service to and from Basel. The six new routes, along with attractive round-trip fares of as little as CHF 99 (including all taxes and fees), will help SWISS further strengthen its position in the trinational Basel region market.

In addition to Barcelona (which receives five weekly services), SWISS will introduce service this week between Basel and Nice (four times weekly), Prague (four times weekly), Budapest (four times weekly), Manchester (three times weekly) and Warsaw (three times weekly). SWISS passengers will benefit from the new non-stop services in pricing terms, too: the fares on the new routes of as little as CHF 99 (EUR 63) offer excellent value for money. The new frequencies will also make day trips to these destinations a far more attractive proposition, eliminating the need to change planes in Zurich for either the outward or the return journey.

SWISS continues to serve its established Basel destinations of London City and Brussels (which each receive two daily services) and Amsterdam and Zurich (which each have one daily flight). SWISS's Basel-based network also extends to Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf and Vienna, which are served under codeshare arrangements with Star Alliance partners Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines. So a total of 14 destinations can now be reached non-stop from the EuroAirport on LX-numbered flights.

With its new non-stop routes, SWISS has further enhanced its range and network of services to and from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. Needless to say, all flights offer excellent value for money, SWISS's quality inflight service (including free food and drink) and mileage-earning opportunities.

Angelina Jolie and Tom Hanks love Benihana

Since 1964, Benihana has often been imitated but never duplicated. Benihana is beyond a doubt, the longest running lunch and dinner show in the world! What would a show be without great food? Not Benihana!

A total of four restaurants are in Asia and only two in Thailand, Benihana is a modern Japanese steakhouse called Teppanyaki where your meal is prepared and served by performing chef, right at your table. The restaurant has also paved the way in Asia and Thailand for the popularity of other Japanese cooking styles.

By bringing Japanese food into the mainstream and pioneering its "Eatertainment" style of presentation and one of many reasons that brought Angelina Jolie and her kids to Benihana in Santa Monica as well as Tom Hanks who loves to visit his favorite chef -Tommy Saisrunual at Benihana in Santa Monica and other world famous celebrities.

You don’t have to go that far because Benihana is also located right here in Bangkok at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa sits on the banks of the beautiful Chaopraya River. It is the only in-city riverside resort, spread over 11 acres of tropical gardens, and Pattaya, the restaurant set in Royal Garden Plaza, the heart of the city and so central that guests are just steps away from the best shopping and entertainment areas.

Each month, the talent chefs also come up with creative ideas to prepare delicious dishes for your lunch and dinner with great fun and enjoyable.

Three airlines move back to old airport to make Suvarnabhumi less crowded

Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi Airport has caused a few more headaches for the government, airlines and passengers with overcrowding resulting in long check-in queues, long waits for baggage, long walks to boarding gates and airlines being subject to flight delays due to poor traffic management and congestion. As a result, three airlines have put up their hands to move their non-connecting domestic operations back to Don Muang Airport.

The older airport was closed on September 28 when Suvarnabhumi was opened. Now THAI, One-Two Go and Nok Air have are reopening the airport and bringing their non-connecting domestic operations back.

“We are ready to go back to Don Muang on 30 days’ notice,” said Nok Air CEO Patee Sarasin. This is convenient for Nok Air seeing as their current flights fly domestically, point-to-point.

This is different from Thai AirAsia and Bangkok Airways saying that all their operations were based around Suvarnabhumi and the high costs of operating two sites would not be a feasible option. The airlines also considered the factor of not wanting to lose international flight connections. As Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijeveld said: “We cannot afford to split our operations at two sites. It doesn’t make economic sense.”

One-Two-Go vice chairman Kajit Habanananda has said that the airline was also willing to absorb the costs that would arise from the move and would not incur an increase on their passengers. It is predicted that flights will recommence out of Don Muang on March 15.

It is not certain whether the move of only three airlines will take affect on the draining effect that overcrowding has been taking on Suvarnabhumi, but aviation analysts have estimated that the reopening of Don Muang would see between 15 to 30% reduction.

Hotel of the Day - Chumphon Cabana & Diving Resort, Thailand

Chumphon Cabana & Diving Resort
A wish comes true for all who dream of sitting back and relaxing in the arms of nature. The Cabana overlooks mountains and green on one side, and the blue of sea on the other. As well, you can enjoy various activities during your stay with us - including sight seeing tours, PADI Scuba diving courses and Scuba & Snorkeling trips. According to your wishes, we can take you to a variety of popular dive sites, each with their own unique attractions.
We also have a river rafting trek which will take you through a range of mountains on the way to Pa Toh where you will start your rafting journey. Later you will enjoy lunch in a fruit garden with freshly prepared local foods such as steamed rice in bamboo, banana leaf omelets and fresh fruit in-season.
Click here for more information and Booking Details » - Click here for a Last Minute Offer

More about Chumphon, Thailand

Thais to return to Don Muang, new airport too expensive

A proposal to move all of Thailand’s domestic flights back to Don Muang has been approved in principle by the Airports of Thailand’s (AOT) board due to many complaints made by carriers concerning higher costs at Suvarnabhumi.

Many budget airlines have complained that Bangkok’s new airport operating costs were far too high. Even Thai Airways had recently announced that the move to Suvarnabhumi had added THB3.7 Billion (USD103 million) to its annual operating costs.

The national carrier has said that once the move is finalised officially they will be shifting all their domestic routes, except those involving Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen back to Don Muang.

The destinations that will remain in Suvarnabhumi are those that carry more international passengers, who will be more likely to need connecting international flights.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that such a move by the AOT is likely to dampen Bangkok’s potential for becoming an aviation hub.

Albert Tjoeng, IATA spokesman Asia-Pacific said, “Imagine a passenger arriving in Suvarnabhumi and having to catch a connecting domestic flight or no-frills flight from Don Muang. How long will that connection take including baggage collection, travel from Suvarnabhumi to Don Muang and then check-in for the next flight? If an airport wants to be a hub, it is important to keep the connection time low.”

Transport Minister Admiral Thira Haocharoen has warned carriers not to get ahead of themselves as the decision to relocate has not yet been finalised and that further talks are scheduled to take place later this month concerning the matter.

“The move of domestic flights to the Don Muang Airport will have wide-ranging repercussions. So, it needs to be studied in detail with caution,” Mr Haocharoen said.

“The news that the matter will go before a Cabinet meeting in one or two weeks and that domestic flight services will be re-launched within one to two months cannot yet be affirmed. We need first to consider to the opinions of all parties concerned”

This new move will also enable the AOT to save money as further expansions for Suvarnabhumi will be able to be delayed.

Bilbao

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Bilbao

Look at Bilbao from a different point of view. Hop on a double-decker bus and discover the highlights of the city.

The precise origins of Bilbao have not been determined. However, a settlement had already been established and had significantly developed on both banks of the "ria del Nervion" before it officially became a villa. It was Don Diego Lopez de Haro V, lord of Vizcaya, who gave the city his title in the year 1300, due to its great importance as a commercial and maritime center at the time.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Bilbao was the great economic icon of the Basque Country and amongst the most important cities in the State. The city is now undergoing a new physical transformation, becoming more and more appealing to visitors.

You will be able to travel to The Guggenheim Museum (Click here to see a video), the Euskalduna Palace, a conference and music center, the plaza Ensanche, the Jardines de albia and San Vicente Church, the Abando area and the commercial center Zubiarte, the Gran Via, the Corte Ingles, the church of the Sagrado Corazon, The Arriquibar square, the Casa Alhondiga, Indautxu aera, the Bizkaia square, the commercial area, the Moyua square, the Bellas artes museum, the Dona Casilda Park, the Sagrado Corazon square, the University of Deusto and all the main buildings that represent the transformed image of this city.

Basic Thai - Thai Words for beginner

Thai is one of the oldest languages in East and South-East Asia. It is a monosyllabic language which uses five tones (high, mid, low, rising, and falling tone) to alter the meaning of a single syllable. This makes it rather tricky to learn for most Westerners used to speaking non-tonal languages.

The Thai script, introduced by King Rham Khamhaeng in 1283, consists of 44 consonants and 48 vowels, and is of Sanskrit origin.

Click here for more information and a selection of the most common Thai words including a link to listen to the word.

First Angsana Spa in Japan to Open @ Plaza Kobe

The first Angsana Spa in Japan is to open on Friday, January 15, 2007 at the recently re-branded Crowne Plaza Kobe. The hotel was formerly known as the Shin Kobe Oriental Hotel and is managed by Panorama Hospitality. Angsana Spa, a luxury spa brand of Singapore based Banyan Tree Holdings, has grown to 28 establishments covering Australia, China, Hong Kong and Thailand since its launch in 2000.

Angsana Spa therapists undergo professional training at the Banyan Tree Spa Academy located in Phuket, Thailand. The academy which is accredited by Thailand’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, trains therapists to deliver consistently high quality treatment to meet the expectations of spa enthusiasts from all over the world.

The high profile Crowne Plaza Kobe was acquired by Morgan Stanley’s real estate funds in 2004 and has since undergone a comprehensive renovation program that emphasizes guestrooms, restaurants and public areas. It was re-launched as the Crowne Plaza Kobe on December 15, 2006. The addition of Angsana Spa will be a milestone in the hotel’s rebirth as an upscale international hotel.

JAL to Increase Flights between Nagoya and Tianjin

JAL is to increase flight frequency on its popular Nagoya – Tianjin route, from 2 to 5 flights per week, from March 1, 2007.

The airline currently offers passengers round-trip services between Nagoya's Chubu International Airport and Tianjin, departing every Tuesday and Friday. Once the flight frequency is increased, passengers will also be able to travel between the cities on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays.

JAL first started flying on the Nagoya – Tianjin route on April 20, 1998. To accommodate this increase in flight frequency on the Nagoya – Tianjin route, JAL will be reducing the flight frequency on its Nagoya – Beijing route from 5 to 2 flights per week.

Singapore group to build central Vietnam tourism complex

Singaporean Banyan Tree group has pledged US$200 million to build an international standard tourism and services complex in an economic zone in central Vietnam.

The 200 ha complex in Thua Thien-Hue province's Chan May-Lang Co economic zone (EZ) will include six resorts and hotels with 2,400 rooms, according to a memorandum of understanding the firm signed recently with the local government.

Banyan Tree has invested in 60 such complexes in 22 countries.

The Chan May-Lang Co EZ, located some 70 km from the provincial capital Hue, was established in January last year.

The 27,000 ha zone boasts a seaport and Lang Co, one of the country's most beautiful beaches.

It offers various incentives to investors and has attracted 61 projects, including 23 involving tourism.

Queens ahoy!

Cunard’s massive Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 have both set sail yesterday from Florida’s Fort Lauderdale, at Australian time 9am, and are heading down under.

In a rare move, the two cruise liners departed together on their separate world voyages and were farewelled by thousands of spectators. Sydney will be the only other port where the two Queens will reunite once again.

The 151,400 ton Queen Mary 2 will be the largest ship to ever visit Australia when it pulls into Sydney Harbour at 0630 on the 20th of February. Her highness is larger than 132 Manly ferries and is the world’s longest, tallest and widest ship.

Queen Mary 2 will be joined in the Harbour by Queen Elizabeth 2 when she pulls into port at approximately 1915 on the same day, at which time both ships will sound their 2.1 metre long signalling horns, which should be audible for 16 kilometres.

This historic visit will then be celebrated with a fireworks display at the harbour at 2040 just before Queen Mary 2’s 2300 departure.

The combined visit to Sydney is expected to generate AUD3 million for the city, and deliver more than 6000 passengers and crew, which is the equivalent of more than 17 jumbo planes.

Sydney will be the only Australian port of call for Queen Mary 2 on her 81-day maiden world voyage, while Queen Elizabeth 2 will be stopping at Hobart, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns during her 108-day ‘Silver Jubilee World Cruise’.

The last time two Cunards met in Sydney was when the original Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth docked there during WWII as troop carriers.

Shop till you drop

Over the last few decades, Dubai has become synonymous with shopping ("Do buy"). However, every year starting from the last days of December, Dubai organises a month-long Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), when over three million visitors come to Dubai to take part in the festival. A large number of them are from India.
However, last year starting from 20 December 2006, the DSF is going to be a 45-days-long affair. And they expect nearly four million visitors this year to the DSF.

Click here for more about Shopping in Dubai

Private Full Day Dendara Tour by Boat - Luxor, Egypt

The approach path to the Temple of Hathor is between two Roman fountains that end at the massive entry gate. Hathor was the goddess of pleasure and love and was generally shown as a cow, or woman with a cow's head.
The enclosure walls are mud-brick and date to the Roman era. Within the walls are the temple, two birth houses, a Coptic Basilica, a sanitorium, a sacred lake and the Temple of the Birth of Isis.
The temple has a long history with evidence that Pepi I (Old Kingdom) rebuilt the temple, while other texts refer to reconditioning by Thutmose III, Amenhotep III and Rameses II and III (New Kingdom).
Additions were made during the Greek, Roman and Ptolemy periods.

Private Full Day Dendara Tour by Boat		Starting from EUR €66.03 per person
Cruise along the Nile to the ancient city of Dendara where the Temple of Hathor, a Coptic Basilica and Temple of the Birth of Isis await your arrival. Spend the day exploring Dendara and its sites with the assistance of an English speaking guide. Click here for more information and Booking Details »

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Spa

The spa concentrates on the ancient holistic techniques of the Nusantara region of Asia, the archipelago that stretches from Myanmar to Peninsula Malaysia and includes the islands of Indonesia and the Philippines.
Located on the 4th floor of the new 5-star, luxurious serviced apartments, The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, the Spa Village spans 12,000 square feet and is designed as a haven for rejuvenation. Featuring 8 spacious treatment suites with outdoor showers and sunken baths, a sensory room, 3 private outdoor cabanas for Thai massage, a 25-meter lap pool, hot spa and cool dip and a hair and nail salon with a spa boutique.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
The Ritz Carlton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur is located near Bintang Walk, the Kuala Lumpur's upscale and trendy business and entertainment hub.
This is the Malaysia's first boutique hotel with distinctive interior design blending old world European elegance with fine Malaysian art and craftsmanship.The hotel's prime location in the city's business and financial hub, makes it the preferred choice for business travellers. The hotel provides 219 guest rooms which are decorated in traditional Ritz Carlton style including a collection of 19th and early 20th century genre artwork.Combining a distinctive sense of style with unparalleled personal and friendly service.The Ritz Carlton, Kuala Lumpur offers guests an ambience that is exciting and refreshing.

Facelift to the massive gates of the famous Taj Mahal

Archaeologists and conservationists have begun giving a facelift to the massive gates of the famous Taj Mahal.
They are repairing weather damage to the 17th-century monument, a symbol of India and a crucial tourist attraction.
Two of the three stone gates, decorated with black and white marble slabs, were being repaired and restored with the help of local stone carvers and masons, an official said today.
"The southern gate and the main gate of the Taj Mahal needed restoration involving the engraving of intricate designs to match the original 17th-century decorative motifs," Rohit Bhalla of the Archaeology Department of India said.

"At present, they are working to strengthen and restore the gates," Bhalla said.

The Taj Mahal, built by Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, houses the graves of the Muslim emperor, his wife and other Mogul royalty.

The white marble-domed monument is among India's most popular historical sites. Each year, about three million domestic and foreign tourists visits the world's most famous monument to love.

However, pollution and weather have decayed and worn the gates.

"Worn-out stones and marble plates are being repaired or replaced," Bhalla said. "Some of these stones will be replaced by new ones as a part of restoration work."

The restoration was expected to be completed by March, Bhalla said.

The Taj Mahal is in the northern city of Agra, about 210 km southeast of India's capital, New Delhi.

Talks of SAS - Lufthansa merger sends shares flying

The rumour mill has been running full time of late with more talks about another merger between airlines. This time, the market has speculated that the Scandinavian-owned airline SAS will be forming an alliance with German airline Lufthansa.

This rumour is a repeat of the comments made in September by the new Swedish government that suggested that SAS was a potential privatisation target.
A German trader commented to Reuters that “rumours are circulating that they [Lufthansa] are in merger talks with SAS, but that could be based on the fact that Goldman suspended its investment rating and price target due to compliance issues.”

The speculations have been quashed by many others even on the reasons that the involvement of three governments in the ownership of SAS would complicate the issue. Any sale would be a long and arduous process, particularly when 14.3% stakeholder Norway has been against any sale of its stake.

Despite the many voices saying that the rumour is purely a rumour, SAS shares have seen a boost in the past day with shares going up more than 5%.

Pézenas

Pézenas - The town is situated on the River Peyne and has a population of about 7,000. As each summer begins - Pézenas paints her face with special care and in courtly robes assumes her role as the Doyenne of Culture - in this place of Molière.
From Pézenas – it’s fun to visit the beach at Cap d’Agde for its many activity-attractions, the pulsing electric-music and excitement. Pézenas is between Montpellier (with its museum and university cosmopolitan lifestyle) and Béziers (renowned for its Féria in August, as well as its flower markets). To the east are the seemingly endless beaches of the Mediterranean from Sète to Marseillan Plage to Cap d’Agde (20-25 minutes). To the north and west, within easy reach, are the hills of St.Chinian, Faugères and Minervois - all regions known for their excellent wine.

List properties for sale in the Pezenas area

Orchard Hotel Singapore appoints Ruprecht Schmitz as Executive Assistant Manager

The Orchard Hotel Singapore has appointed Mr Ruprecht Schmitz as the Executive Assistant Manager.
Mr Schmitz was previously the Rooms Division Manager of the Millennium Hotel Paris Opera. Before that, Mr Schmitz has worked in management positions with various International hotel chains in Europe. With over ten years of international experience in the hospitality industry, he has had extensive knowledge in the areas of Front Office and Rooms Division Operations.

Langham Hotel Auckland opens 3 New Meeting Rooms

The Langham Hotel Auckland is opening three new meeting rooms which will be available for use from 1 February 2007.
Each of the new rooms have been given Maori names. Named after native trees the Nikau Room is 96 sqm and is able to host up to 60 people, the Matai Room is 56 sqm and is able to host up to 30 people, and the Kowhai Room is 48 sqm and able to host up to 25 people.
With the three additional rooms, the Langham now has 16 function rooms plus two ballrooms catering for any number of guests up to 600 banquet style or 900 theatre style.

Halong Bay on 'Jewel of the Bay' Overnight Cruise

Halong Bay on 'Jewel of the Bay' Overnight Cruise
Imagine waking up to the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay - one of Vietnam's most spectacular natural wonders. Explore the vast bay dotted with tiny limestone islands aboard the luxury junk cruise, the 'Jewel of the Bay'. While you cruise the bay, enjoy a seafood lunch, dinner, swimming, kayaking (optional) and a visit to one of the many limestone caves.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders. The tiny limestone islands are dotted with many beaches and grottoes created by the wind and the waves that provide an excellent backdrop for swimming or just lazing about from the deck of our luxury boat. The drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes approximately 3 hours by road. Once at Halong Bay, board a private boat for a cruise of this stunning area, stopping along the way for a swim as well as a visit to one of many limestone caves in the area. Whilst on board, you will indulge in two seafood lunches, one dinner and one breakfast. Stay overnight in one of the comfortable AC cabins with ensuite facilities.

The lavish Jewel of the Bay is akin to a floating hotel. Here are some of the junk’s facilities:

• 5 ensuite twin cabins with air-conditioning and ensuite tiled bathroom
• Hot and cold running water and shower in each bathroom
• Dining room serving Vietnamese and continental fare. (Including complimentary welcome drink and free tea and coffee throughout trip).
• Fully licensed bar with extensive wine list.
• Games area with assortment of board games, books and magazines
• Sun tanning area with eight adjustable sun loungers.
• 5 lightweight western made (New Zealand) sea kayaks
• Night fishing from the boat
• Fully staffed crew of 7 including Customer Services Manager

Seven Shangri-La hotels featured in Conde Nast Traveler's 2007 Annual Gold List

The 13th annual ‘Gold List’ was featured in the current January 2007 issue of Conde Nast Traveler. The prestigious list features the world’s best hotels, resorts and cruise lines chosen by readers.

The results are based upon the 2006 Readers’ Choice survey, where readers are asked to rate properties according to criteria including service, rooms, design, dining and location. It was reported that nearly 21,000 readers responded to the survey.

The Shangri-La hotels named among the 85 ‘Gold List’ properties in Asia, Australia & Pacific Nations were:
*China World Hotel, Beijing
*Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong
*Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong
*Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
*Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
*Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore
*Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok

The coveted list also includes reserve properties that did not score high enough overall to appear on the Gold List but were also worth highlighting. Shangri-La hotels listed as reserve properties include:
*Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
*Makati Shangri-La, Manila

A selection of beach hotels in Vietnam

Sandy Beach Resort Danang

Palm Garden Resort Hoi An

Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa at Ana Mandara Nha Trang

Nha Trang Lodge Hotel

Ana Mandara Resort & Six Senses Spa Nha Trang

Sunrise Beach Resort Nha Trang

Novotel Coralia Ocean Dunes & Golf Resort Phan Thiet

Furama Resort Danang