Jetsettersblog

Pan Pacific Hotels Group has launched two distinct value-driven brand promotions for its Pan Pacific and ParkRoyal brands for the summer season.

Running across Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts, the Pan Pacific “Double Preferences” promotion is offered seven days a week.

On top of a 3 p.m. late check-out, guests who book Pan Pacific “Double Preferences” can choose two additional preferences that best suit their needs.

These include daily breakfast for two, free Internet access, airport transfer, upgrades and more.

Pan Pacific “Double Preferences” can be booked at any time prior to arrival and is offered at all participating hotels below including those located in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, as well as in several international destination cities.

Participating Hotels include Pan Pacific Perth, Australia; Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport; Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, Bangladesh; Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore; Pan Pacific Singapore; Pan Pacific Vancouver; Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside; Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre; Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Bangkok; Pan Pacific Suzhou and Pan Pacific Xiamen; Pan Pacific Manila; Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta; Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort; and Pan Pacific Seattle.

Meanwhile, ParkRoyal Hotels and Resorts will offer the ParkRoyal “Late Getaway” promotion. In addition to a great rate, the ParkRoyal “Late Getaway” can be booked between seven and three days prior to arrival. The package includes a late check-out until 3 p.m. and the guests can choose two benefits such as airport transfer, daily breakfast for two and free Internet. Participating Hotels include ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney; ParkRoyal Parramatta; ParkRoyal Melbourne Airport; ParkRoyal on Beach Road; ParkRoyal on Kitchener Road; ParkRoyal Yangon, Myanmar; ParkRoyal Saigon; ParkRoyal Kuala Lumpur; ParkRoyal Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur; and ParkRoyal Penang Resort. Both Pan Pacific and ParkRoyal promotions are available for stays through Aug. 31. For more information, visit www.pphg.com.

DUBAI, UAE — The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup kicked off with co-hosts India and Bangladesh facing off at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Emirates, in its capacity as an ICC Official Partner, is sponsoring the 10th Cricket World Cup as excitement builds across South Asia ahead of what promises to be a spectacular tournament.
“The ICC 2011 Cricket World Cup will be a truly global event where the eyes of the world will fall on three of our key territories in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka,” said Sir Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline & Group. “We look forward to seeing this exciting tournament unravel and hope that our promotional offerings to fans will be well received across the event.”

Throughout the event Emirates will be running a host of match day promotions to engage the attending crowds, including bringing the airline’s ‘Flying Catch’ to all three countries. Cricket enthusiasts from far and wide will be able to show off their fielding skills and by doing so have a chance of winning much sought after Emirates merchandise.

In the stadium itself Emirates will be running its ‘Upgrade’ promotion where two lucky fans will be picked to enjoy a premium match experience in line with the airline’s famous customer service. Cabin Crew will select spectators at random just before the match starts for the exclusive experience.

Emirates fans will also be handed out to the crowd at selected matches, not only to cool people down but to allow Emirates to run its new ‘Spot the Fan’ competition.

Spectators are encouraged to wave their fan at the correct moment to win a chance of being selected by the Cabin Crew to win a whole host of Emirates merchandise.

The 43-day event will be played across eight cities in India, three in Sri Lanka and two in Bangladesh, ensuring that all host nations have the opportunity to support the tournament. Emirates Airline will be bringing fans closer to the action throughout the event, enabling them to ‘Live the Unforgettable’.

Photocaptions
CWC-1: Emirates Cabin Crew members pose with the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup trophy ahead of the opening match
CWC-2: A fan showcases his fielding skills on the Emirates Flying catch, which spectators will be able to try out at selected stadiums in all three host nations

CWC-3: Bangladesh fans get in the festival spirit with Emirates scorecards

CWC-4: Winners of the Emirates ‘Upgrade’ promotion – where two lucky fans are picked to enjoy a premium match experience – receive their prize

CWC-5: Spectators collect Emirates fans to help keep them cool while watching the match

CWC-6: India and Bangladesh kick-started the festival of cricket when they faced off in the opening match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka

Dubai, UAE, – flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, has doubled its flights between the UAE and Bangladesh with the start of a new service to the country’s capital, Dhaka.

Flight FZ583 from Dubai touched down on schedule at Shahjalal International Airport at 2015hrs on Monday, where a welcoming committee of government and industry officials received a delegation of senior flydubai executives.

flydubai entered Bangladesh in January with a four-times-a-week service to the port city of Chittagong.

The inauguration of flights to Dhaka, flydubai’s 32nd destination, doubles this tally, further strengthening trade and tourism ties between the UAE and an important emerging economy in South Asia.

flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “The industry and entrepreneurship of the Bangladeshi people have contributed to the growth and success of the UAE in recent years, and it is gratifying to see ties between our two countries grow even closer. Our new service to Dhaka will build on the success of our popular service to Chittagong and open up more promising business opportunities for both countries.”

More than half a million Bangladeshi expatriates live and work in the UAE and send nearly US$2 billion each year in remittances to their home country.

Signifying the ever closer relationship between the two countries, Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina was a keynote speaker at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi last month.

The prime minister signed two strategic trade accords with the UAE and was accompanied by a 30-member delegation from the Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the first time a trade delegation of this size from Bangladesh has visited the country.

HE Ghulam Muhammed Quader, Honourable Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism in Bangladesh, said: “I am delighted to welcome flydubai’s first flight to Dhaka. I am confident these flights will help to increase the opportunities for trade and commerce between the two nations. I wish the operation of flydubai between Dhaka and the UAE great success.”

The flydubai service from Dubai to Dhaka will operate four times a week. Flight FZ583 will leave Dubai at 1340hrs and arrive in Bangladesh at 2015hrs local time. The return flight FZ584 leaves Dhaka at 2115hrs, landing in Dubai at 0100hrs.

A one-way fare to Dhaka from Dubai starts from AED460, including one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and one small laptop bag or hand bag. Checked baggage starts at AED50 for 20kgs. A seat with extra legroom costs AED100. Flights from Dhaka to Dubai start at USD 200.

Flights between Dubai and Dhaka can be purchased from flydubai’s website (www.flydubai.com), its call centre (+9714 301 0800) and through travel partners.

flydubai has a simple model where customers only pay for services they want to receive.

flydubai operates from the modernised Terminal 2 building on the north side of Dubai International Airport.

Best Western International announced a partnership with Fort Hotels Group Ltd. to open the luxury Best Western Premier hotel in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Targeting a wide range of family vacationers to large corporate conferences, the property’s facilities will include four restaurants and two juice bars, three swimming pools, world-class health center and beauty services, spa, bowling track, theater hall, mini golf, tennis court, board room, seminar room, business center and two Grand Banquet Halls with capacity for 3,000 guests.

With the state-of-the-art eco-friendly technology, green architecture and carbon-neutral establishment, the hotel is designed to offer utmost safety and security against natural disasters such as a tsunami of 25 feet high, an earthquake of magnitude 7.5, and 260 kilometer per hour winds.

The addition of this hotel marks the arrival of the chain’s luxury Best Western Premier brand in the country and is part of Best Western’s key strategy to expand the presence in Bangladesh.

Best Western’s growth will add the chain’s world-renowned hospitality to Bangladesh’s tourist appeal, along with its expertise in hospitality and tourism marketing.

Cheap calls to Bangladesh

ZUJI gives travellers in Asia Pacific online access to real-time travel bookings for thousands of hotels and hundreds of airlines, as well as bringing cruises, car hire, attraction bookings, package tours and other inspirational travel offers, products and tools online.

ZUJI operates travel websites in: Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Korea (‘Nextour’), New Zealand (‘Travelocity’), and India (‘Travelocity India’ and ‘Travelguru’), as well as many ‘Travel Partner Network’ sites throughout Asia Pacific.

ZUJI’s ‘Travel Partner Network’ division allows third-party travel suppliers, agents and web sites to harness the travel booking functionality of ZUJI for flight, hotel, packages, activities and other travel content and products. ZUJI’s B2B partners include:

Virgin Blue (Blue Holidays: Australia & New Zealand).

ZUJI is owned by Travelocity®, an international leader in online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation, a world leader in travel commerce.

ZUJI has an online member base exceeding 1 million travellers. ZUJI’s Chief Executive Officer is Mr Roshan Mendis.

KUALA LUMPUR – Tune Hotels.com –Tune Hotels.com, the limited service hotel brand providing a “5-star sleeping experience at a 1-star price”, has entered into a strategic partnership with Evolution Capital Public Company Limited to franchise a roll-out of 44 Tune Hotels.com hotels across Thailand, China, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Evolution Capital, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is a real estate investment advisory and management firm focused on the hospitality and branded residential sectors, with ownership interests in resorts currently under development in Thailand.
Under the terms of the strategic partnership, the first 24 Tune Hotels.com hotels are targeted to be in development by early 2010 and operational by 2012 with staggered roll-out of the subsequent 20 hotels to be completed by 2013.

Mark Lankester, Group CEO of Tune Hotels.com said, “This expansion affirms our confidence in Thailand’s tourism and strong commitment to the Thai market. Despite its recent troubles, Thailand remains a great prospect for both leisure and business travelers. With its combination of lower living costs together with an increase in the number of flight deals, it is no surprise it is consistently ranked ‘Best Value for Money’ by the Country Brand Index (CBI).

Thailand has become the globally leading tourism destination for those seeking to stretch their hard-earned income, and it’s a natural fit for Tune Hotels.com to expand our limited-service brand of hotels here. An investment in building hotels is never to be made with a short term view, and while there have been challenges, we believe the Thai government is committed to promoting tourism as one of the most important sectors within the Thai economy and we’re delighted to have found the right local partner in Evolution Capital to work with Tune Hotels.com in assisting the government in that effort. “
Simon Gerovich, Managing Director & President of Evolution Capital, said, “With the proliferation of low-cost air carriers such as AirAsia, passengers are now able to travel, in many cases for the first time, between Asia’s major cities at incredibly competitive prices, but they are challenged by having to pay ‘full service’ prices for hotel accommodation when they arrive.

Travellers these days are more savvy and inquisitive – they want to get out and about, and see as much as they can and because they are spending less of their time in their rooms, they are understandably opting to spend less of their budget within the hotel itself and more on and at the destination’s attractions.

The economy sector of the market in Thailand, and indeed in most parts of Asia, is largely dominated by domestic chains and individual hotels that have variable standards, lacking the consistency of service and facilities that all travelers demand.

There remains a huge demand for clean, safe branded low-cost accommodation in Asia’s most popular destinations.

The Tune Hotels.com limited service model has proven itself to cater very well to this demand and we are very excited to partner with TuneHotels.com in spreading this fresh concept throughout a growing number of destinations in Asia.”
Gerovich continued, “Evolution Capital has always sought out unique investment opportunities in the hospitality industry. The Tune Hotels.com model really stands out in many ways, but particularly in how it gives consumers far greater right over the management of their resources, not just financially but also environmentally. With the spread of environmental conscientiousness there is a corresponding interest in ecologically-responsible consumption.

The Tune Hotels.com pay-as-you-use system for air-conditioning, laundered towels, and other energy-consuming amenities allows travelers to opt in or out of services which have an impact on the environment.

These add-ons are available for a small fee, and should guests choose not to take these options, not only do they save money but also contribute to preserving mother earth’s resources. This directly encourages a less wasteful, more conscientious lifestyle, which an increasing number of travelers and consumers are keen to adopt. TuneHotels.com is an extremely exciting hospitality model and we are delighted to be rolling out this new experience across the region.”

Mr. Gerovich concluded, “Tune Hotels.com’s branded limited service concept presents a great opportunity for Evolution Capital to tap into the value-based travel boom.

Unlike in North America and Europe, here in Asia there has been relative under-investment in the budget hospitality sector, which is a proven business model worldwide.

By placing branded limited service hotels in strategic locations, we shall cater not only to international long-haul travelers but also to the short-haul Asian travel markets.

This is part of the travel market which is underserved by hotel developers, even though this particular market sector is less susceptible to unforeseen adverse global events and economic volatility.

This under-investment creates an opportunity for Evolution Capital to deliver a branded, demand-driven, quality product to the public while also generating attractive financial returns. By leveraging Tune Hotels.com’s proven brand, team expertise, and operational model, Evolution Capital expects that such investment will present significant growth in the near future.”
Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor Marketing Communications, Tourism Authority of Thailand, applauded the strategic partnership between Tune Hotels.com and Evolution Capital PCL to bring the limited service hotel brand Tune Hotels.com into Thailand.

Mrs. Rerngronasa said, “The TAT believes that Tune Hotels.com’s arrival into Thailand will do much to grow the pie of tourism dollars in total, non-Thai as well as Thai. With the Tune Hotels.com limited service concept encouraging guests to spend less within the hotel itself, more spending power will be activated outside the hotel, within the local business ecosystem.

With more consumers opting to have a ‘5-star sleeping experience at a 1-star price’ so that they can spend their hard-earned income on shopping, dining and recreational pursuits outside the hotel, I can only imagine that this partnership will be lauded not only by consumers, but also Thai companies catering to both the leisure and business tourism markets.”

Mrs. Rerngronasa continued, “We have studied the Tune Hotels.com model, and its optimised use of all resources, right from its space-efficient building design, to the omission of costly, underutilized full service facilities, all the way through to Tune Hotels.com’s innovative pay-per-use concept for energy consuming amenities like air-conditioning and laundered towels.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand commends Tune Hotels.com in-built commitment to responsible tourism, welcomes Tune Hotels.com’s new pay-per-use concept and hopes the propagation of such conscientious consumerism will further develop Thailand’s responsible tourism strategy. ‘’

Similar to low-cost carrier airlines, Tune Hotels.com employs a self-service online booking system that encourages guests to book as far in advance as possible on www.tunehotels.com to enjoy exceptionally low prices.

Tune Hotels.com’s rates are kept low by employing a ‘limited service’ concept where underutilized hotel-operated facilities like swimming pools and gyms are omitted and cost savings are passed on to the guest.

For more information email michelle.iking@tunehotels.com , biresh@tunehotels.com  or info@evolution.co.th , and for hotel bookings visit www.tunehotels.com

Do you need to learn how to say ‘not too spicy’ while travelling in Vietnam?

Perhaps you’re a vegetarian and want to avoid ordering a goat curry in Nepal?

Intrepid Travel in conjunction with their friends at World Nomads, today launched free language guides for travellers.

Travellers can visit the Intrepid website from today and download the portable mp3 guides for their travels around the world.

The unique guides are available in 20 languages ranging from Arabic to Indonesian, Portuguese, French, Hindi and more.

Intrepid Travel CEO and Co-founder Darrell Wade said, “Intrepid are passionate about educating our travellers before they arrive in a country. These portable language guides are another way that Intrepid demonstrates its commitment to responsible travel.”

“We are dedicated to offering extraordinary travel experiences from the initial purchase of an Intrepid trip right through to the last day of their trip. We’ve always said to our travellers not to be afraid of using the language – simple pleasantries will help break the ice – so keep practicing!” he said.

“I only wish the technology was available when we began our business 20 years ago!” he continued.

Each of the conversational lessons follows Intrepid traveller Scott as he picks up essential phrases from the locals. The language guides range from 10 to 16 minutes.

The files can be stored on a portable mp3 device and take up less space than a full CD.

The Facts

What: Intrepid launches free language guides for travellers

Range: 20 languages including Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Lao, Malay, Mandarin, Nepali, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese.

Cost: FREE!
Visit: www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides

In its first foray out of the United Kingdom, hospitality giant Thistle Hotels will be making its presence felt in Asia through two key hotel properties in Malaysia – Thistle Johor Bahru and Thistle Port Dickson Resort.

The Thistle brand is part of Guoman Hotel Management (UK) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GuocoLeisure Limited. Both companies are members of the Hong Leong Group whose hospitality and leisure business is spread across the globe. In Malaysia, Thistle will be managing properties owned by GuocoLand Malaysia, also a member of the Hong Leong Group of companies. The two properties are slated to open middle of 2009.

“Investing MYR 50 million in the refurbishment of both properties, Thistle’s expansion into Malaysia is part of the hospitality brand’s two-year strategy to expand its business to an international scale. The hotels will be the first properties opened under the Thistle name outside of the UK,” said Ian Jones, Regional Director of Guoman Hotels Asia.

For his part, GuocoLand Malaysia Managing Director Paul Poh said, “We are very pleased to welcome Thistle to Asia and are especially proud to have the first two properties right here on Malaysian shores.

This endeavor demonstrates GuocoLand Malaysia’s commitment to the Malaysian hospitality industry. This partnership with Thistle proves our commitment to continue to enhance the value of our properties. ”

Delivering an informal upmarket environment of comfort, relaxation and style, the two Malaysian properties are designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers providing an atmosphere of true Asian hospitality with classic British touches.

Thistle Port Dickson Resort opening in June 2009 will have 251 bedrooms set upon 90 acres of stunning green resort space. The beach hotel boasts a nine-hole golf course, two tennis courts, three restaurants, two bars and three outdoor swimming pools, with views out over the beach and sea.

In July 2009, Thistle Johor Bahru will open its doors as the second Asian Thistle property. Located in one of Malaysia’s most important commercial cities, just across the border from Singapore, this high end yet affordable hotel will cater primarily to business visitors.

The hotel offers 381 bedrooms including 125 luxury rooms, two restaurants, two bars, large events space with a capacity for 650 persons and an outdoor “resort style” swimming pool.

For its long-term guests, the hotel also has 19 units of apartment for rent.

“The two hotels provide different offerings, but one thing is clear: both will contribute to the regeneration of the localities. Thistle Port Dickson which will be of international standard is sure to attract leisure and MICE audience from around the world. Thistle Johor Bahru, capitalizing on its prime location at the gateway to Singapore, will cater primarily to the business community supporting inward investment to the area and offering a hotel standard that the city of JB has never seen before,” concluded Jones.

Cathay Pacific’s All-Asia Pass allows travelers to visit to 24 of Asia’s hottest destinations for three weeks at a low starting price of $1,499.

The All-Asia Pass is eligible for Asia Miles, which means one trip can earn free future flights, upgrades and other lifestyle rewards.

With the newly added destination of Hanoi, a city boasting French-Colonial influences, the All-Asia Pass features everything travelers need in one single trip — low fares, exciting destinations, mileage earning opportunities and the flexibility of customizing their flight itinerary.

The All-Asia Pass includes Economy Class round-trip travel from Los Angeles, New York or San Francisco to Hong Kong — plus 21 consecutive days of travel to four other destinations chosen from 24 Asian cities.

Popular destinations include Bangkok, Busan, Cebu, Denpasar, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kaohshiung, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Nagoya, Osaka, Penang, Phuket, Phnom Penh, Sapporo, Seoul, Singapore, Surabaya, Taipei and Tokyo.

The All-Asia Pass starts at $1,499 for travel to Hong Kong plus two cities, $1,799 for travel to Hong Kong plus three cities, and $2,099 for travel to Hong Kong plus four cities.

Departure dates are  to May 17 and Aug 17 to Dec 9. Summer travel, extension options up to 90 days and departures from other U.S. gateway cities are available for an additional fee. For those seeking adventures beyond the basic cities, the All Asia Pass also offers add-on destinations to selected cities in Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal and Vietnam.

Flights must be booked by a travel agent. For more information, visit www.cathayusa.com/offers/AllAsiaPass

Jiva Spas introduces holistic yoga retreats at six scenic Taj Hotels locations: Taj Exotica, Goa; Rambagh Palace, Jaipur; Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur; Taj Green Cove Resort, Kovalam; Nadesar Palace, Benares; and Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Mauritius.

Jiva Spa yoga retreats provide an overall exposure to the basic principles and practices of yoga and its lifestyle.

The yoga retreats are offered at various skill levels, ranging from an intensive introductory course for beginners to a progressive course for those with previous experience in yoga.

Each Jiva Spa yoga retreat includes airport transfers, room, specially-designed wellness menu for breakfast and lunch, yoga courses and theoretical classes. Guests have the option of a four-night or seven-night program.

A combination of group classes and one-on-one interaction with yoga instructors will be held, with a maximum of 15 participants per retreat.

Each retreat features five yoga sessions daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., including morning and evening yoga class, theory class, yoga nidra, evening meditation and chanting.

Guests will have free time from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to enjoy lunch and the Jiva Spa facilities.

The package is available at participating properties from January to April 30, 2009 and from May 1 to Sept. 30, 2009; rates start at $1,010, based on double occupancy. For more information, visit www.tajhotels.com