Intrepid Travel is offering travelers the chance to enjoy an early Christmas present with their Real Life Experiences competition. This competition allows travelers to win one trip every day for 30 days during. Participants choose the adventure tour they want to be a part of.

Intrepid begins this giveaway with some incredible trips to Asia. Travelers can imagine themselves spending the night in a Ger (a traditional Mongolian dwelling) in Russia, waking up on the mighty Ganges River in India, giving alms to monks in Laos, or even walking along the Great Wall of China. Asia’s diverse culture, food, history, and sights, are fertile ground for finding a unique real life experience.

One of these incredible tours explores the beauty of Thailand. Northern Thailand is a treasure trove filled with glittering temples, ancient ruins, exotic markets and sumptuous foods. Travelers will explore the capital of Siam’s golden age at Sukhothai, ride an elephant through the rainforest of Lampang, and browse the bustling markets of Chiang Mai. On this Thailand adventure tour they will stay at a special homestay with local friends and enjoy a traditional khan toke dinner in Thailand’s northern kingdom. For more information on this Thailand adventure tour, visit: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/TSK/USPR

Travelers also have an opportunity to win a travel experience in China on Intrepid Travel’s Iconic China tour. Travelers will take in China’s iconic sights and highlights on this in-depth adventure.

 From Hong Kong to Beijing, passengers will discover ancient relics, natural wonders, vibrant cities and a culture and history dating back thousands of years. Whether they’re standing atop the Great Wall, checking out the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, cycling past paddy fields or roaming the markets of Shanghai, they’ll be creating memories of China to last a lifetime. For more information on China travel, visit: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/CSA/USPR

Ten winners have already been selected, however, there is still time for twenty more to get their Asia trip on the road. Which experience will travelers choose? For more information visit the competition page at www.RealLifeExperiences.com/USPR

About Intrepid Travel

With over 19 years of experience, Intrepid Travel is one of the world’s leading small group adventure tour operators. Intrepid offers over 450 itineraries in more than 90 destinations worldwide. Intrepid trips are designed to go off the beaten track, meet the locals and travel in an unconventional way, joining locals on their transport, in their markets and even in their homes.

BANGKOK, THAILAND - It’s time to refresh, re-energize and re-evaluate your lifestyle by getting away from tension filled days and spending the holidays rejuvenating both the mind and body. As traditional Asian treatments become the preferred choice for tourists, Agoda.com, an Asian online hotel reservations service, offers a myriad of enjoyable ways to spend wellness vacations with 10 world renowned holistic health resorts in Asia.

When people start the journey back to healthy living it begins by being proactive and determined, discovering new ways to create a healthier and less stressful lifestyle. Wellness Travel is all about finding balance in one’s life; achieving, and maintaining maximum health and a sense of well-being. Over the past decade, Asia has become an increasingly popular destination to fulfill these purposes, with plenty of health resorts that showcase traditional Asian healing arts, spa treatments, healthy eating as well as both physical and educational programs for healthy living habits.

Michael Kenny, CEO of Agoda.com commented, “Tourists are learning more about the benefits of traditional Asian treatments and their worldwide reputation. Thailand is famous for its traditional massage that incorporates meditation treatments, while India is well known as the Yoga and Ayurveda birthplace. China is unique for its acupuncture and traditional body exercises, such as Tai chi and Jigong, and Japan has the Onsen hot springs with mineral properties that provide natural restorative qualities. Tourists are now able to determine the most suitable path for their return to healthy living.”

Agoda.com, an expert in Asian hotels, has surveyed the top 10 health resorts that provide holistic treatments. These resorts integrate traditional Asian medicinal practices with western philosophies, to produce a wide array of slimming, detoxification, and revitalizing therapies to enhance health, vitality, and physical beauty.

Agoda’s Top 10 health resorts are

Absolute Sanctuary, Samui, Thailand

Thailand’s premier Detox & Yoga Resort, located on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, blends luxurious accommodations with a wide range of vibrant detoxification programs, yoga classes, spa treatment menus, healthy and organic food, and other dynamic therapies. Absolute Sanctuary caters to those seeking a journey back to balance, rejuvenation, and wellness. This oasis of relaxation helps guests re-fuel with good energy, nutritious cuisine, and healing therapies.

Ananda In The Himalayas Hotel Rishikesh, India

Ananda in the Himalayas offers special workshops and private sessions with various visiting Masters of Well-being. These teachers, therapists, healers, Ayurvedic doctors, and guides visit from around the world to share their talents and gifts with those who choose to explore and understand the deeper realms of holistic well-being for the body, mind, and spirit. With a unique focus on the traditional Indian sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda, Ananda Spa creates a skillful synthesis between age-old therapies and modern spa technology.

 Bagus Jati, Bali, Indonesia

The Health and well-being program is totally focused on the individual guest as they learn to be fit, eat healthier, and reduce stress. For those interested in food planning or weight management, healthy cooking classes are also available. At certain scheduled times throughout the year guests can also choose from private consultations and workshops addressing lifestyle changes, with visiting international specialists who reside at the resort. Bagus Jati is more than pleased to welcome non-hotel guests to join the health and well-being programs.

Baan Thai Wellness Retreat, Bangkok, Thailand

The Baan Thai Wellness Retreat offers an extensive range of anti-aging, therapeutic, and detoxifying treatments, in addition to pampering beauty therapies delivered in the comfort and privacy of spa therapy rooms and suites. These include a range of authentic Thai treatments, Ayurvedic, Asian and Tibetan therapies. A team of holistic health practitioners provides professional consultation in Diagnostic Reflexology, Homeopathic Consultations, Acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang, Rebirthing Sessions, and Deep Tissue Massage, while total detoxification programs are supervised by the retreat’s resident medical professionals.

 Chiva Som International Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand

Chiva Som Health and Wellness center provides complimentary treatments ranging from Medical Holistic therapies to Spa, Medi-Spa, Physiotherapy and Fitness programs. Treatments are customized for individuals to improve lifestyles through the integration of naturopathic and conventional medicines. ‘Ultimate Detox Retreats’ are recommended for those who wish to experience deeper detoxification in five-star Thai surroundings.

Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri Hotel Bali, Indonesia

Como Shambhala Estate in Bali is a residential health retreat that offers different treatments to improve body, mind, and spirit. The Estate offers various Wellness Programs incorporating different lengths of stay with therapies aimed towards a specific purpose. They include the Bespoke Health Program that targets a particular concern, the Ayurvedic Program which uses ancient healing techniques for body and mind, and a Cleansing Program to cleanse the body of toxins accumulated through a bad diet and polluted environments. The Get Fit Program and Rejuvenation Program combine the beneficial effects of beauty and spa treatments with healthy eating and positive thinking to help recapture youth, while the Stress Management Program is designed to make positive lifestyle changes to combat the pressures of the busy modern world.

Hanafubuki, Shizuoka, Japan

Experience the Japanese art of healing with six Hot Springs, known as Onsen, located in the forest. By appreciating the nature of Japan and the hot spring’s water, guests are relaxed and healed mentally and physically by the natural healing powers. Long-term use of Onsen has natural effects that cure neuralgia, poor blood circulation, and many gynecological diseases.

Jirung Health Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Guests are provided with health care based on Oriental wisdom that balances mental attitudes in order to achieve happiness, fulfillment, and protection from illness. Treatments include nutrition and wellness programs as well as activities designed to rejuvenate and restore healthful bodily functions. These treatments are simple practices that can be applied to clients’ daily activities back home in order to continue the benefits, and maintain balance in everyday work and social environments. Additionally, “Personal Coaching” is provided to create effective programs and methods suited to each person’s individual needs.

Kamalaya, Samui, Thailand

Recently voted the “Best Wellness Retreat” by the Spa Asia Crystal Awards, this resort is surrounded by lush green forests, streams, and boulders while overlooking an exquisite private cove. It is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful detox destinations. Stay in earthy yet well-appointed villas with Naturopaths, Traditional Chinese Medical and Allopathic doctors at your disposal. Their seven-day Essential Detox Retreat includes seven nights accommodation, transfers, all organic meals and juices, nutritional supplements, herbs and homeopathic remedies, one BIA analysis, six Infrared Saunas, seven spa treatments, cooking classes, educational discussions, cleansing and holistic activities.

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Dheva Spa offers a range of renewing spa programs and packages designed to indulge those looking for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Guests will be pampered and emerge totally relaxed and rejuvenated. The Dheva Spa offers treatments adapted from traditional oriental practices, which can be experienced in half a day. More comprehensive wellness programs start from three days and onward. Professional therapists are trained in anatomy and healing by in-house doctors and health specialists.

For more information regarding Agoda, please go to the website at http://www.agoda.com or contact the Agoda team via telephone at +66 2 625 9100 e-mail at info@agoda.com

About Agoda Company:

Agoda (agoda.com) is an online hotel reservations service which specializes in securing the lowest discount hotel prices in Asia. Agoda is part of Priceline.com (Nasdaq:PCLN). Agoda’s network includes 8,290 hotels in Asia and more than 49,700 worldwide. The staff of over 300 professionals, located throughout Asia, provides a first-rate reservation service that uniquely combines local knowledge and local connections to provide the best hotel deals to both business and leisure travelers.

In addition, Agoda customers participate in the Agoda Rewards Program, earning further discounts and free stays. Unlike programs that limit travelers to a single chain, the Agoda Rewards Program allows customers to redeem Rewards Points at thousands of hotels around the globe, at any time. A member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Agoda’s aim is to promote travel by making it more affordable and more accessible to more people.

Written by expert food lovers who know and love Asia, this 2008/2009 edition will be the first restaurant guide to measure the best restaurants in the region by Asian standards. At the same time, as it sets new benchmarks in the Asian culinary sphere, the very best restaurants in Asia will fittingly be given the credence due to them with the launch of the Guide.

Starting with this first edition, The Miele Guide will annually publish a list of Asia’s 20 best restaurants. These restaurants will be numerically ranked and profiled in-depth. In addition, the Guide will list the other 300 best restaurants from across the region, categorised by country, city and cuisine. This first edition evaluates restaurants in 16 Asian countries—Brunei, Cambodia, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The 2008/2009 edition and this year’s list of Top 20 Restaurants will be unveiled at The Miele Guide Dinner, a chic gala event hosted at the Grand Hyatt Singapore on 31 October 2008. The Dinner will be attended by approximately 350 guests, comprising of a veritable who’s who of Asia’s F&B scene. All chefs and restaurateurs whose establishments have been methodically selected to be in the 2008/2009 edition have been invited.

 “The overarching goal of The Miele Guide is to help the restaurant industry in Asia grow. We hope that by recognising Asia’s best, the industry will continue to flourish and develop. It is also our hope to create awareness internationally that we have amazing dining here in Asia,” says Tan Su-Lyn, Director of Ate Media, the Singapore-based media firm publishing the guide, and one of Southeast Asia’s most established food writers.

“We are proud to be part of this landmark move to recognise the Asian dining scene,” Mario Miranda, Managing Director of Miele Pte Ltd says. “Miele’s sponsorship of The Miele Guide reflects our dedication to helping to encourage and support the food and wine industry in this region. We are equally committed to promoting the enjoyment and understanding of good food among the people of this diverse region.”

Pauline Ooi, The Miele Guide’s Associate Publisher, says, “We are very much looking forward to the launch of The Miele Guide. The dinner will be an exciting night of honouring Asia’s brightest culinary stars. We’re thrilled that many of the region’s culinary luminaries have already responded that they will be in attendance. This, we hope, will become the must-attend event for the region’s best chefs and restaurateurs year after year.”

The Miele Guide is published by Ate Media Pte Ltd and sponsored by Miele, a German manufacturer of premium and innovative cooking appliances for the home. While a naming sponsor of the Guide,
Miele did not exert any influence over the selection and judging process that determined which restaurants appear in The Miele Guide.

Further underlining its independence, neither the Guide nor its contributors accepted any advertising, sponsorship or free meals from any of the restaurants reviewed.

The slim, elegant and affordable Guide, which will retail at US$15, will be for every traveller, foodie and business person looking to dine in Asia.

Available on all flights lasting seven hours or more, the special lunch box contains burgers, chicken nuggets and spaghetti with meatballs, which are available on Singapore Airlines children’s Book-The-Cook program, Yummy. In addition, drinks will be served in an attractive, children-friendly paper cup, also dressed in Cartoon Network livery.

The lunch box is already available on flights leaving Singapore and will be available on flights departing from all other destinations from Nov. 1.

Children will also continue to enjoy the much-loved Cartoon Network giveaways available on all Singapore Airlines flights (with the exception of the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur services). The giveaways, which include activity kits and plush toys, are catered to various age groups. Further enhancing their in-flight experience is the wide range of entertainment options available on the new KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ in-flight entertainment system.

This includes the especially dedicated Young Ones section, featuring Cartoon Network shows such as Ben 10, Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends, Hi Hi Puffy Amiyumi and many others. Junior flyers can also tune in to the children’s audio channel and listen to audio stories as well as the latest selection of children’s music, which include albums such as Camp Rock and The Jonas Brothers.

They can also watch the most current children’s movies such as Speed Racer and Kung Fu Panda. In addition, they can enjoy one of the largest games selections in the sky, which include popular games such as Bookworm Deluxe! and Mojo Muncho.

For more information, visit www.singaporeair.com

Traveling within the period of 2008/4/1~2008/12/31, purchase with MasterCard on www.evaair.com flights from 20 Asia Pacific cities will enjoy 5% additional exclusive discount.

Traveling within the period of 2008/4/1~2008/12/31, purchase Economy Class flights with MasterCard on www.evaair.com from New York or Los Angeles to Taipei will enjoy 5% additional exclusive discount.

Terms and conditions apply. During promotion period (“Promotion Period”) from 2008/4/1 to 2008/12/31, MasterCard® branded credit cards primary and supplementary cardholders who use MasterCard® branded credit cards (issued by MasterCard Worldwide) at www.evaair.com and satisfy the eligibility requirement are eligible to receive offers provided by EVA Airways Co. To meet the eligibility requirement for program participation, each transaction has to be made in full by a MasterCard® branded credit card. To meet the eligibility requirement for program participation, cardholders must purchase tickets to Taipei, Taiwan or transfer at Taipei, Taiwan to other cities flied by EVA Airways at www.evaair.com during the promotion period and departure from the following countries (cities):

Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sendai, Chitose, Miyazaki, Komatsu)、Korea (Seoul)、Hong Kong、Macau、Singapore、Thailand(Bangkok)、Vietnam (Ho Chi Ming City)、Philippines(Manila)、Cambodia(Phnom Penh)、Indonesia(Djakarta, Bali, Surabaya)、Malaysia(Kuala Lumpur).
To meet the eligibility requirement for program participation, cardholders must purchase Economy Class tickets to Taipei during the promotion period and departure from the following cities in U.S.A:

BR 31/BR 32 from Newark airport of New York,
BR 167/BR 168 from Los Angeles airport and transfer at Osaka,
Internet booking conditions:

This benefit is limited for e-ticket on internet booking except class H and R.
This benefit only applies to tickets booked through internet booking system for the itinerary provided in this program and departing within the designated period. Tax (including airport tax、security check tax fuel tax) is not included for this benefit.
This benefit can not be combined with other promotion.
Other terms and conditions provided by EVA Airways should apply.

The “Oberoi Exotic Vacations” package offers a great opportunity to experience some of the best hotels in the world and enjoy exceptional value. Priced at $4,194 for a six-night stay and $2,796 for a four-night stay, the package includes accommodation for two persons, breakfast and dinner daily and return transfer from the nearest airport or railway station.

Valid from Oct. 1 to 31 and Nov. 16 to Dec. 19, 2008, this package is available at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra; The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur; The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur and The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore (the package is priced at $4,644 for a six-night stay and $3,096 for a four-night stay in a Luxury Tent). Booked independently of the package the room tariff for a night’s stay for two persons starts from $656.

For more information or reservations, call 800-562-3764 or visit www.oberoihotels.com

• The agreement introduce more choices for travel between Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and rest of Sama destinations

Riyadh 25 Aug 2008: Sama Airlines, the newest low-fares airline in Saudi Arabia, announced a commercial agreement has been signed between Sama and Safi Airways, to provide more choices for travel to the customers of both airlines.

 Safi Airways provide daily flights between Dubai and Kabul, enabling onward travel on Sama’s Saudi domestic and international network via Sharjah.

This agreement follows the signing of a similar agreement with Bahrain Air, facilitating for Sama’s guests more choices to Manama, Kabul, Mashad, and Kochi.

Mr. Andrew Cowen, Chief Executive Officer of Sama said: “Sama is continuing its work to expand access to international destinations not directly served by Sama such as Manama, Kuchi, Kabul, and Mashad to its guests.

The cooperation with Safi Airways and Bahrain Air is allowing Sama to direct sell to those destinations with these partner airlines.

This latest agreement supports Sama’s continuing efforts to meet growing demand for travel market in the Middle East, as part of our objective of becoming the preferred low-cost carrier for travelers in the region.”

Orient Lines, the destination cruise specialists, has announced that its new flagship – Marco Polo II – will carry 650 guests in 325 staterooms, two thirds of which are outside. The cruise liner, which most recently sailed as Maxim Gorkiy, will make her maiden voyage for Orient Lines in April 2009.

Marco Polo II is rich in character and history with proven ocean-going capabilities, including an ice-strengthened hull, deep draft, Denny Brown fin stabilizers, bow thrusters and ample provisional stores, essential for cruising to all seven continents. The vessel has a classic interior décor and handsome exterior profile with a raked bow and traditional cruiser stern.

At nearly 25,000 tons Orient Lines’ new flagship is larger in size then Marco Polo yet carries nearly 200 fewer guests. The added space translates to a greater number of public areas and amenities including an indoor spa pool and four separate dining venues, six bars, a show lounge, cinema, casino, library, Internet center, card room, state-of-the-art fitness center and outdoor pool. Marco Polo II will maintain the line’s proven service formula with European officers, American and British social staff, and a friendly and gracious Filipino crew.

“We’re delighted to introduce Marco Polo II to Orient Lines’ large and loyal family of past guests,” said Wayne Heller, Orient Lines’ president and CEO. “In the very near future we will announce her maiden voyage and inaugural cruise schedule.”

Marco Polo II was originally built in 1969 for the German Atlantic Line. She underwent multi-million-dollar refurbishments in 1988 and 1995 and will receive additional enhancements to be fully compliant with Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 2010 requirements.

To receive additional ship and itinerary news electronically or by mail, please register at www.orientlines.com or call toll-free 800-333-7300.

Pacific Delight Tours grouped five of its most popular tour packages in one easy-to-read “2009/10 Quick Guide,” with offerings suitable for every level of traveler. To kick off this new brochure, Pacific Delight is giving early-booking savings of up to $500 per couple for bookings made by Dec. 31.

Program choices include major highlights of China: magnificent Yangtze River scenery on three- and four-night cruises; imperial Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City; the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs; Shanghai’s Shanghai Museum and Jade Buddha Temple; Xi’an’s famed legions of terra-cotta warriors; Lhasa, Tibet’s mountainous capital; and the vibrant city of Hong Kong.

Prices range from $1,588 to $7,588 per person, double, before the early-bird savings. One of Pacific Delight’s most sought-after trips is the 17-day Classic China & Yangtze River Gold Experience — an intimate, one-of-a-kind perspective into the country’s ancient history and culture, escorted by knowledgeable guides exclusive to the company.

This deluxe vacation, limited to just 16 guests, features accommodations in Asia’s best hotels; Junior Suites with balconies aboard Victoria Cruises’ newest and most luxurious ships; private shore excursions; superb meals; front section seats to many performances; and exclusive sightseeing. Cities include Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guilin and Hong Kong.

Land-only prices are $6,788 to $7,588 per person, double, with 12 departures between April and October 2009; early-bird savings are $500 per couple. With no more than 26 participants, the upscale, fully escorted 13-day Historic Cities & Yangtze River Imperial Experience, provides an in-depth view of each city visited: Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Great Wall and a pedicab ride through Beijing’s old Hutong area; Xi’an’s 2,200-year-old terra-cotta warriors and horses, the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, which includes a Pacific Delight exclusive – a white-glove handling of treasures in the private artifact room; and Shanghai’s Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Museum and renowned acrobatic show.

Special meals include a Beijing Duck welcome dinner, Defachang Restaurant dumpling lunch and Tang Dynasty dinner and show. March 2009 to March 2010 departures are $2,918 to $3,688 for land only; early-bird savings are $300 per couple.

Two of Pacific Delight’s Deluxe SuperValue Tours, offering value and variety, are highlighted in the Quick Guide. The 12-day Historic Cities & Yangtze River provides travelers with an affordable way in which to delve into China’s Imperial cities — Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing — and receive a strong understanding of the country’s history, art, archeology and architecture. The land portion of the tour is complemented by four nights of Yangtze River cruising aboard Victoria Cruises’ Premier Series five-star fleet, sailing the most spectacular portions of this legendary waterway. Land-only prices are $1,588 to $2,288 for departures between March 2009 and March 2010; early-bird savings is $100 per couple.

The 11-day Golden Route SuperValue is similar to the Historic Cities & Yangtze River but substitutes the Yangtze River cruise with a two-night stay in Guilin, a city set among some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. While there, guests visit the magnificent rock formations at Reed Flute Cave and Fu Bo Hill and take a cruise on the Li River, passing lush green landscapes and picturesque villages.

The land-only prices range from $1,648 to $2,188 on year-round departures; early-bird savings is $100 per couple. Pacific Delight’s China Escapade Series of vacations offer off-the-beaten-path itineraries to some of China’s most exotic regions. The 15-day Tibet & Yangtze River Escapade is an escorted journey that takes adventurous travelers to Tibet’s 1,300-year-old capital city of Lhasa, nearly 12,000 feet above sea level.

Guests explore the many monasteries and palaces, including Norbulingkha, Sera or Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and the greatest architectural structure in Tibet, the 1,000-room Potala Palace, once the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. A Tibetan dinner and show includes the traditional Yak Dance. Other special sites include the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, with its Imperial Vault of Heaven; the terra-cotta warriors and Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an; and the Giant Pandas at the Chongqing Zoo.

A three-night Yangtze River cruise and three nights exploring Shanghai conclude the adventure. Land-only prices for the April-October 2009 departures are $3,918 to $4,388; early-bird savings is $100 per couple. The programs include pre-confirmed hotels, intra-Asia air/land transportation, most meals, sightseeing, local guide or tour escort, transfers, hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling. Transpacific air is available at attractive rates. Prices are subject to change. Pacific Delight Tours offers escorted and independent tours to China, the Orient and Southeast Asia.

For more information, call 800-221-7179 or visit www.PacificDelightTours.com

Passengers have ranked EVA Air’s Elite Class cabin to be the Best Premium Economy Class in Skytrax’s annual World Airline Survey 2008. UK based Skytrax invited 15,500,000 airline passengers from over 97 countries to participate in its annual airline ranking survey. This is the first time Skytrax has ranked premium economy classes.

Participating passengers were surveyed by telephone, email questionnaires and through Skytrax’s website during an 11-month period. Respondents rated airlines’ class categories on cabin comfort, including cleanliness and amenities, airport and cabin-staff service. The survey examined the smallest details of air travel, asking passengers about inflight safety procedures, catering and onboard shopping as well as specifics relating to seats and service. The overall survey listed more than 170 airlines.

EVA Air was one of the first in the industry to create a distinctive premium economy cabin in-between economy and business and to give its passengers an attractive, affordable and very comfortable travel option. The airline launched this innovative cabin on its first flight to North America in 1992 and further upgraded the cabin as Elite Class in 2005 with the launch of its first brand-new Boeing 777-300ER. EVA’s Elite Class is comparable to many domestic carriers’ business class in service, comfort and amenities, yet typically costs only about 25 per cent more than the price of economy.

As early as 1992, every one of EVA’s premium economy passengers had individual, adjustable, seatback-mounted entertainment systems. Today, the personal touch screen audio/video on demand (AVOD) entertainment systems in Elite Class have expanded 8.4-inch touch-screens offering movies, features, music, video games and shopping.

Fully adjustable ergonomic seats in Elite Class are 18.5 inches wide and have a roomy 38-inch pitch. The also have leg and footrests, moveable headrests, tray tables that fold into extra-wide armrests and added conveniences such as personal coat hooks.

For more information on Skytrax World Airline Awards visit www.worldairlineawards.com