Jetsettersblog

 Kempinski Hotels is ratcheting up its expansion in China, considered the world’s most important emerging market for international luxury hotel groups, says René Schmitt, Kempinski’s Senior Vice President for China. 

Kempinski was one of China’s leading hotel pioneers, entering China in 1992 with its flagship hotel, the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center. Since 1992, Kempinski has opened five hotels in major Chinese cities as well as a resort on Hainan Island, that attract international travelers seeking the high service and quality standards offered at more than fifty Kempinski hotels worldwide. With another seven Chinese hotels currently scheduled to open through the end of 2009 (in Huizhou, Qingdao, Shanghai, Sanya, Tianjin, Wuxi and Yinchuan), Kempinski is a major playeer in China, says Schmitt. Based in Beijing, Schmitt has spearheaded Kempinski’s Chinese expansion. “This country is simply on a different scale to everywhere else,” he says. “We initially targeted cities whose populations exceeded 10 million in order to establish the Kempinski name and brand. We are now targeting cities with more than 2 million inhabitants, as this is where the growth is forecast for the coming decade.”

Located at the heart of Beijing’s diplomatic and financial district, the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center offers unrivalled conference, business and leisure facilities. It blends grand Chinese culture with dynamic, modern architecture and the highest levels of service. It includes offices, serviced apartments, showrooms, shopping, fitness center and city spa, several restaurants and Beijing’s premier micro-brewery, the Paulaner Bräuhaus.

Entirely different in ambience is the Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski, set in the awe-inspiring Shuiguan valley, half an hour from Beijing and just a few minutes stroll from a private entry to The Great Wall. Twelve of Asia’s most respected architects were given the commission to create a luxury boutique hotel in a living museum of minimalist architecture. Offering guests anything but a conventional hotel stay, the Commune recently opened a superb Anantara Spa, offering unique, Asian-inspired treatments.

Kempinski also operates major, ultra-modern hotels in the business city of Chengdu, in the elegant port of Dalian and in the Manchurian metropolis of Shenyang. Each is the “trademark” luxury hotel of each city. Kempinski is also opening this summer in Urumqi, capital of the autonomous region of Xinjiang Uyghur near the Mongolian border, and in south China’s Shenzen.

On the tropical island of Hainan, the tranquil Kempinski Boao Canal Village is surrounded by the Wanquan River. The resort’s 115 villas enjoy prime waterfront or garden views and offer a variety of sports facilities and activities as well as the opportunity to soak in island’s famed natural hot springs.

Kempinski Hotels’ portfolio is a collection of unique and prestigious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia. Each Kempinski hotel offers superior standards of service combined with a distinctive style reflecting the individuality of both the property and its location. Kempinski Hotels is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance whose 152 upscale and luxury hotels and resorts are spread over 35 different countries.

Zibo – Ancient Chinese City and Museum Tour Zibo is an ancient Chinese city that dates back to the Stone Age. On this tour you take a step back in time and learn about civilizations that existed here some 7,000 or 8,000 years ago. Visit an excavation site that gives you a glimpse into the world of ancient Chinese Emperors. For those history buffs out there – this tour is not to be missed!

While the Government of West Bengal is encouraging and motivating private entrepreneurs and with improved connectivity in the region, The Peerless Group has been moving ahead towards a brighter future, with a ring of optimism. With the inauguration of the second phase by Shri Mrinal Banerjee, Hon’ble Minister of Power & Labour, Government of West Bengal, an additional twelve centrally air-conditioned deluxe rooms and two new Banquet Halls have been added to the hotel taking the total number of rooms from 49 to 61.

The Peerless Inn Durgapur is outstanding in this industrial hub of West Bengal.

Operational aspect of both hotels — The Peerless Inn Kolkata & The Peerless Inn Durgapur are managed professionally by Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, a reputed organization with adequate experience and expertise in successfully handling hospitality operations all over India. Durgapur is showing positive and tangible signs of growth and development in all respects and has emerged as one of the major industrial hubs of West Bengal.

In keeping with the positive changes and an evolving cosmopolitan lifestyle, The Peerless Inn Durgapur completed the first phase of its extension project during the financial year 2003-04 by refurbishing the lobby, relaunch of the multi cuisine restaurant Indigo, launch of the eco Bar, High Octane, refurbishment of guest rooms, two new air-conditioning plants and a hydro pneumatic system for guest rooms. Shri SK Roy, Chairman, Peerless Hotels Ltd. also laid the Foundation Stone for the third phase of the hotel’s ambitious expansion plan with a Swimming Pool and Pool side lawns, Mirror Pool, Gym, Wellness Center and Cottages. Sarovar Hotels is the leading multi brand hotel management company in India, spanning business, leisure and religious destinations. The Company manages, franchises and markets 35 hotels and resorts under the Park Plaza, Park Inn, Sarovar Premiere, Sarovar Portico and Hometel brands.

The brand encompasses 3, 4 and 5 star categories. Sarovar Hotels is associated with the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad (Corporate Hospitality Services) and Club Mahindra Holidays (Alliance Partners). Geoffrey’s, Sarovar’s English Pub brand, operates in 10 cities in India

Full day excursion to Agra with Fatehpur Sikri by private vehicle Visit the extravagant monument ever built for love – the Taj Mahal. Marvel at the intricate carving and designs that have withstood the test of time. Mosey around the ‘Alladin’ like streets of Agra and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before exploring the ancient fortified ghost city of Fatephur Sikri – the short lived capital of the Mughal Empire.

First Ever All-China Travel Pass From Nation’s Largest Airline

GUANGZHOU, China – China Southern Airlines, (NYSE: ZNH, HKSE: 1055, SHA 600029) – www.cs-air.com/en – with the largest and most technically advanced aircraft fleet in The People’s Republic of China is pleased to announce its all-new China Air Pass – good now through the end of May 2007 – for $329 (US).

Available only to International passengers traveling inbound into The People’s Republic of China and good through May 31, 2007, the all-new China Southern Airlines’ China Air Pass makes full use of the airline’s extensive domestic flight network – excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

The new China Air Pass is available only to passengers who purchase an in-bound China Southern International ticket originating from America, Australia, Europe or The Middle East. Priced at $329 (US) for the first three domestic flight segments on China Southern Airlines, the China Air Pass is truly a flexible air program that allows passengers to reserve their flight segments before leaving for China – or leave the flight segments open and reserve them while in China.

During peak season, the China Air Pass is priced at $389 (US). All seats are ticketed positive space Economy Class. The China Air Pass requires a minimum of three connecting domestic sectors (expandable up to 10 flight segments) and China Southern is waiving all penalties for changes in flight reservations.

To reserve a flight segment while in China, passengers are kindly requested to call China Southern’s Customer Call Center – available throughout China – at 950-333.

For additional information, please contact the China Southern Customer Service & Call Center Hotline available throughout China at 8620-950-333 or your local China Southern ticket office. The largest airline in The People’s Republic of China for the past 27 years, China Southern Airlines – www.cs-air.com/en – connects more than 80 cities around the globe. Major business and vacation destinations served in China include: Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hong Kong, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan and as well as International service, including: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Paris, Penang, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.

Beijing International Airport (PEK) Transfers Booked your flights and wondering how to get to and from your hotel in Beijing? Look no further. One-way and return transfers are available to be booked online before you go. Be met at the airport by English speaking guides after clearing customs – you’ll only need to look for your name and the famous Gray Line Blue Diamond.

Condé Nast Traveler names St. Clair for his Australia expertise.

Ardmore, PA – Each year Condé Nast Traveler publishes a list of the World’s Most Amazing Travel Specialists. For the fourth year in a row Swain Tours‘ Grant St. Clair has been named to the list as the expert in travel to Australia. Inclusion on the list is an honor that recognizes the expertise of both the individual and the tour company. “We are extremely proud of Grant’s inclusion on the list.

As one of the premier travel magazines in the US inclusion is always an honor” said President and Owner, Ian Swain.

There is a rigourous selection process that Condé Nast Traveler implements prior to the release of the list. The recommended specialists must undergo an intense screening process that includes a 25-question application, sample itineraries, extensive phone interviews and numerous client references.

Each year the editors of the list evaluate hundreds of new applicantions while previous experts must meet or exceed the editors expectations. This includes receiving postive feedback from the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. Characteristics that they look for in their experts include; specialized knowledge, insider connections, user-friendliness, and value for money. Grant’s expertise in travel to the Australia and the South Pacific has developed over his sixteen years with Swain Tours. A native Australian, Grant maintains and develops his knowledge through regular product training and over 40 return trips to Australia. This philosophy of first hand experience of the destination in one that Swain Tours has embraced through its 20 years in the travel industry.

The “World’s Most Amazing Travel Specialists” will be featured in the August issue of the publication, on sale in late July. It will also be include online at Concerige.com, the website for Condé Nast Traveler. About Swain Tours Swain Tours specializes in providing custom vacations to the world’s most remarkable destinations.

Expert trip advisors tailor inspiring travel experiences that suit the needs and wants of individual and group travelers. Swain experts take care of every detail from the magnificent accommodations and delectable cuisine to the enchanting excursions. Currently Swain coordinates tours to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, Africa, Asia and India.

For more information visit www.swaintours.com

Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise to Reefworld (ex Daydream Island) Add some adventure to your relaxing Hamilton Island holiday. Take this day cruise out to Hardy Reef, moor up next to Reefworld and explore these tropical waters ’til your hearts content! You may wish to just observe the reef from a submersible or underwater observatory. Either way, what a great day out on Great Barrier Reef…

More than 1,100 Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn rooms opened in June and July

Shanghai– InterContinental Hotels Group, the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, marked a new milestone in China with the opening of four hotels and 1,100 rooms during the one-month period from June to July 2006.

The recent openings of Crowne Plaza Changshu, Crowne Plaza Fudan Shanghai, Holiday Inn Jasmine Suzhou and Holiday Inn Seaview Qinhuangdao bring the Group’s portfolio of hotels in China to 57, the largest of any international hotel company. It also brings the company a step closer to its goal of having 125 hotels open in China by 2008. The Group’s pioneering effort in China is also evident as two of the hotels – Crowne Plaza Changshu and Holiday Inn Seaview Qinhuangdao – opened as the first internationally managed hotels in their respective cities.

The four hotels which opened during the period include: o Crowne Plaza Changshu – Opened on 12 July, the strategically located 275-room hotel is adjacent to both the new International Exhibition Center and the newly built Sports Stadium. Part of the Jiangsu province, Changshu is one of China’s most developed counties and known for its historical, cultural and scenic attractions. o Holiday Inn Sea View Qinhuangdao – Opened on 1 July, the 290-room beachfront hotel will play a key role in the growth of Qinhuangdao, one of China’s upcoming tourist destinations.

In addition to being a seaside resort, Qinhuangdao is a major port city and home to the eastern end of the Great Wall. o Holiday Inn Jasmine Suzhou – Opened on 28 June as the first Holiday Inn hotel in Jiangsu province, the 287-room hotel is located in a main shopping district in downtown Suzhou. The hotel provides easy access to the growing commercial zones in the east and west of the city. o Crowne Plaza Fudan Shanghai – Opened on 12 June with a strategic location in Shanghai’s ‘University Town’, opposite the prestigious Fudan University. This 309-room hotel is targeted at academic and institutional conferences as well as travellers who prefer upscale accommodation away from the buzz of downtown Shanghai, yet near enough for convenient access.

Edmond Ip, chief operating officer, North Asia, InterContinental Hotels Group, said: “China is a key market for InterContinental Hotels Group and where a significant portion of our global expansion strategy will be carried out. We continue to open new hotels in key cities and secondary locations.

The country is undergoing rapid development and we look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the country’s tourism and hotel industries.”

The Great Wall Tour See 2 of the most popular destinations in Beijing in just one day – the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs. Included in your tour is an English speaking guide, all admission fees, lunch and pick up and drop off at your hotel in Beijing. You will also enjoy a stop at the world renown Bohua Jade Factory to indulge in a shopping spree fit for a King… or an Emperor!

The Environment Community Club of Marriott Hotels in Jordan organized a nature outing for the staff of Amman Marriott Hotel, Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa and the Petra Marriott Hotel.

The group was warmly welcomed by the management and staff of the “Royal Society for the conservation of nature, RSCN guides and echo tourism manager of the reserve gave us a very interesting presentation and guided the group for an hour in the forests whilst explaining and pointing out the specialties of the trees and vegetation that grow in this lush forest, also explaining the different threats that face the green space in Jordan. The guides explained that Jordan unfortunately has less than 1% of its land as green areas, which is an alarming number!!

The Environment Community Club organizes such field trips in order to educate and spread awareness to the environmental issues as well as to show associates the natural beauty of Jordan.

The objective was clearly achieved by the end of the tour, the group was very impressed with what they have seen and everyone was thinking of the next time to visit the reserve again with their families and friends.

Private Full Day Petra Just like that of Indiana Jones! Only reachable by foot, this ancient wonder beckons you to walk the awesome ‘Siq’ in order to reach the treasure trove of 2000 year old secrets and impressive monuments it beholds. Come and explore the world’s wonders of architectural engineering combined with the ingenuity of carving. Decide quickly as this tour is so popular it quickly sells out!

Motorcycle Travel Network, MTN, the Only Bed and Breakfast Network for the Traveling Motorcyclist, Announces It Has Gone International With the Addition of Members in Canada and the UK!

NASHVILLE, Ind.- Members are now in 42 states and four Canadian provinces. MTN is no longer just in North America, though, since they recently had their first member join from the UK. MTN grows daily and looks forward to its expansion into other countries. MTN, a bed and breakfast network, is by motorcyclists, for motorcyclists.

Members are not B &B proprietors. They are individuals who agree to host other network members in their homes helping them to travel inexpensively and enjoy the company of other motorcyclists at the same time.

A small gratuity is paid by the traveler/guest to the host, $15 for a solo traveler, $20 for a couple. The host provides breakfast and sleeping accommodations, which may range from a separate apartment or guest room with a private bath to a pull out couch and a shared bath.

Each member provides an online listing stating the accommodations and amenities they provide, often accompanied with a photo. Such amenities might include covered parking, hot tub or laundry facilities. Only members can access the listings online of other MTN members through the use of a log on and password. Since this is a reciprocal organization, members must have the ability to host other members in their home. However, hosting is never mandatory. Members host only when they want and when it is most convenient for them. According to Scott Reynolds, co-founder of MTN, there are hosting organizations for a wide range of special interests including, tandem bicyclists, Quakers, women, educators and even Mensa members.

After having good experiences with other networks, Scott and his wife, co-founder Christi Reynolds, realized the need for a hosting organization devoted to motorcyclists. They know that only other motorcyclists understand the unique issues and demands of traveling by bike. Thus, they launched the Motorcycle Travel Network in 2005. Both Scott and Christi have been riding motorcycles since they were teenagers.

Their love of riding continued as they raised a family, often traveling by motorcycle with their daughters on many family vacations. In 2004 Christi and Scott took off for a planned two-year trip around the US and found that hosting organizations were an inexpensive and interesting way to travel.

They didn’t want to stay in hotels for two years, as they can be expensive and impersonal. Camping, which they enjoy, required quite a bit of gear. Staying with hosts that provide breakfast and knowledge of the area was much more fun and interesting. “This is such a great way to travel,” say members Ron and Aliceann from Tennessee, “not only is it inexpensive, but also you meet such great people. Since the hosts are ‘locals’ they can tell you the great roads to ride in the area, as well as the places to eat and what not to miss.” MTN member, Richard from Indiana said, ” Hosting a MTN couple was great fun. I had someone new to tell my stories to and we already had something in common — motorcycles.” Motorcycle Travel Network is the only network exclusively for motorcyclists.

Through MTN, riders of all brands can participate and enjoy the camaraderie of other motorcyclists with similar needs and interests. Join today and become part of this exciting and unique community! Currently, MTN is offering a two-year membership special for only $30. That is a $10 savings over the $20 for one-year rate.

Join today online at www.motorcyle-travel.net or call toll free, 877-408-0471 for more information. Motorcycle Travel Network is a privately owned company and hosting organization started by Scott and Christi Reynolds in July of 2005.

 

AMA Ride Guide to America: Favorite Motorcycle Tours in the USA  From the corkscrews of California to the scenic mountain notches of New England, the AMA Ride Guide to America reveals the enticing backroads that motorcyclists dream about. With maps and point-to-point trip outlines for 36 different trips; this full-color travel guide includes 40 detailed, topographic road maps. Trips in the Pacific Northwest, California, the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest, Texas, the Appalachians and the mid-Atlantic, and New England.

Recipient of Two Readers’ Choice Awards Plans to Complete Refurbishment Program in July 2006
MANILA, Philippines – The 547-room Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa, the Philippines’ largest deluxe resort located on Mactan Island off the coast of Cebu, was recently cited for excellence in readers’ choice polls announced by both Condé Nast Traveler and Time Magazine.

Readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine recently named the Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa to the publication’s 2006 “Gold List” properties located in the Asia, Australia and Pacific region. The “Gold List,” an annual readers’ choice poll, names “’the best”’ hotels, resorts and cruise lines around the world, rating them on criteria including location, service and guestrooms (nearly 28,000 responses were received).

The hotel also took “first” honors in Asia, Australia and Pacific nations as “The Best By Activities.” In Time Magazine’s 2005 Travel Choice survey, the Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa was named “The Favorite Resort Hotel in Asia” for the third year in a row.

The survey closed with a total of 2,193 replies with nominations in 11 categories to honor the best in business cities, airports, resorts, holiday destinations, airlines and hotels around the region. “Shangri-La is not one to rest on its laurels.

Their properties are maintained at the highest level of excellence that has been recognized by some of the world’s most knowledgeable travelers,” observed Emma Ruth Yulo, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York.

“They will be opening a sixth property in the Philippines very soon,” she added. To further its appeal to visitors, the Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort & Spa has nearly completed a major renovation at its Ocean Wing.

“With its new guestrooms and restaurant outlets, our guests will experience premier amenities, premier services and premier accommodation,” notes General Manager Timothy Wright. When renovations are complete at the end of July 2006, guestrooms will be equipped with the latest in-room technology with broadband Internet access and big flat-screen television. Guests will pamper themselves with the best amenities and services at the comfort of their own rooms.

The interiors will have a splendid mix of eye-soothing colors in earth tone shades evident in the beautifully painted walls, stylish furniture, contemporary upholstery and carpeting. Indigenous materials and creative art pieces done by local artists complement the ambience reflecting the warmth and uniqueness of Philippine culture. For the convenience of guests, the Ocean Wing will also have a separate entrance and reception area apart from the hotel’s Main Wing.

It will also house family guestrooms that are over 40 square meters in size. The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) is one of the Executive Departments of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines responsible for the promotion of travel to the Philippines, tourism investments, and enhancement and preservation of tourism products in the country.

Field offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco provide the following services free of charge on a selective basis: dissemination of tourism information, maps, brochures and posters; lending out of videos, CDs and other tourism-related materials; recommendations on places to visit; endorsement of relevant entities; and assistance to those traveling to the Philippines. These offices also engage in a number of promotional activities: presentations to travel organizations, travel trade shows, media inserts and joint marketing arrangements.

The Philippine Department of Tourism is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, with offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

For more information, visit www.wowphilippines.com.ph