Surin Phuket to Open 21 December 2011

The Surin Phuket (formerly The Chedi Phuket) will re-open its doors on 21 December 2011 after extensive renovations.

 Located on one of the most popular Thai islands known for its lush tropical landscape and sandy beaches, the resort is found on Pansea Beach. 

The 108-cottage seafront retreat has been redesigned by Paris-based architect and interior designer Ed Tuttle, who was also the resort’s original architect.

In addition to showing off the new beach bar and gym, the resort will showcase larger and brighter cottages and public areas, as well as a revamped chill-out lounge and restaurant.

Bright Public Spaces and Larger Rooms

The redesigned interiors give a fresh interpretation to the Thai beach house. To retain its rustic ambience, the resort has been fitted with a roof of sustainable cedar-like shingles. Frameless windows allow more natural light into its spaces and the golden teak and natural gray makkar wood tones make for an airy and spacious feel.

With a new lease of life, the 108 cottages remain connected by elevated walkways and sit under the shelter of coconut palms on landscaped slopes that gently descend into the smooth sandy beach. Earthy colors and abundant natural light dominate the newly renovated cottages. Each cottage showcases pearl granite flooring, polished makkar wood tops and redesigned features such as the spacious vanity and dressing area. New amenities make efficient use of the space, from sleek mini-bars to flat screen televisions. As a private retreat, each cottage is fitted out with its own veranda and spacious sun deck.

From Sun-Bathing to Gym Workouts

A long staircase that runs the length of the pool connects the resort to the white sandy beach and grants guests immediate access to the Andaman coastline. Guests have the best of both worlds – whether they choose to sunbathe on the Pansea Beach or enjoy the private sanctuary of the resort. Sunbeds line the terrace as soon as guests reach the foot of the stairs, which open out onto the beach. For those who fancy drinks and a hangout space against the lapping waves, The Surin’s latest beach bar stays open late into the night. There is also a new 90m² gym with sea views, above which is a private outdoor terrace that can be used for parties and events.

Chill Lounge and Restaurant

Clean lines, natural light and thakianthong wood frame the lobby and other public spaces, which contribute to the open and spacious ambience at the resort. The lobby features low tables and lounge seats that add to the relaxed atmosphere and extends onto an outdoor terrace. In addition to breakfast and dinner, guests can also use this area as an all-day chill-out spot. The Sunset Café and Bar serving Asian and international tapas style specialties has been transformed into an intimate lounge space with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the pool and the sapphire blue sea.

Location and Rates

The Surin Phuket is located on Pansea Beach surrounded by the azure waters of the Andaman Sea. The hotel is approximately 25 minutes by car from Phuket International Airport. Early bird 60 days advanced bookings receive 10% discount for stays between 1 March and 15 April 2012.

Nagaland Hornbill Festival

The Hornbill festival held in the first week of December shows that with its stunning natural beauty and great cultural traditions, Nagaland can offer a rich fare to tourists.

NAGALAND, with its diverse tribal culture, is a land of festivals. A narrow strip of mountainous territory with rugged hills, emerald valleys, sparkling streams and a rich variety of flora and fauna, the 16th State of the Indian Union has salubrious climate throughout the year. It is bounded by Assam in the west, Myanmar in the east, Arunachal Pradesh in the north and Manipur in the south. Sometimes referred to as the `Switzerland of the East', Nagaland represents unimaginable beauty, moulded perfectly for a breathtaking experience. For the adventurous, the State is an ideal place for trekking and jungle camping and offers limitless possibilities for exploring its lush sub-tropical rainforests, which are a treasure trove of medicinal plants. The 20-lakh-strong Naga people, by nature, are fun lovers, and life in Nagaland is one long festival.
 
Tourists from across the country and abroad thronged Nagaland for the annual Hornbill festival held recently.
The festival is organised to showcase the cultural mosaic and the rich heritage of Nagaland.
The state government organises the week-long festival every year to promote tourism and highlight the socio-cultural panorama of Nagaland.

All Naga tribes unite to celebrate the occasion, which is also a tribute to the hornbill, the most revered bird of the Nagas.

Hornbill is closely associated with the social and cultural life of the Nagas, as reflected in the tribal folklore, dances and songs.

The traditional tribal headgear worn during the festivals also reflects how much the bird is cherished.

Novotel Bangkok Platinum Opens

The Novotel Bangkok Platinum located on top of Platinum Fashion Mall, which is one of Thailand’s largest fashion malls, has opened. 

Featuring 283 rooms, the hotel offers two bars, and one restaurant, three meeting rooms, one Ballroom, free Wi-Fi internet, iMac internet corner, in-room LED flat screen TV, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and free indoor secured car park.

Novotel Bangkok Platinum is conveniently located, around a 10-minute walk from Chidlom BTS Sky train, Siam Square, Siam Paragon, and a short drive to the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail link and motorway entrance.

Asia’s Travel Market Booming

Rising earnings are fanning people’s desire to travel in the Asia Pacific region.

A year-on-year comparison shows that in the first eight months of 2011 the number of Asians who travelled abroad rose by 6%, and the findings of the latest ITB World Travel Trends Report indicate that next year’s figure is forecast to rise by a further 5%.

China’s continuing economic boom means that its residents are particularly keen to travel their own country, a development which will also benefit the travel industry in both Europe and the Americas.

Increasing prosperity among the middle classes, particularly in China, India and Southeast Asia, is driving the tourism boom in the Asia Pacific region.

The report is compiled by IPK International and commissioned by ITB Berlin. Its figures are based on extracts from the Asian Travel Monitor and on assessments by more than 50 tourism experts and scientists from around the world.

The prospects for Asia remain good. When asked about their travel intentions next year, 32% of the respondents said they aimed to travel more than in 2011, 37% wanted to travel as often, and only 19% said they would travel less.

This trend is also responsible for an increasingly diverse range of travel products. Upmarket urban life in Asia has generated a demand for specialised products, such as history and culture, edutainment parks, adventure holidays, luxury travel and sports tourism.

Next year, Japan’s travel industry will be boosted by the country becoming part of the Asian low-cost carrier network. In recent years the emergence of low-cost airlines has resulted in rising numbers from other Asian countries travelling within Asia. According to the World Travel Trends Report, more and more Middle Eastern airlines flying to Asia will also generate an increasing number of trips.

Dr. Martin Buck, the director of the Competence Center Travel and Logistics at Messe Berlin, said, “Asia remains one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets and also has great potential for the European travel industry. Many tourism companies have already realised this. Simply describing one’s products in Mandarin is not enough. Marketing efforts must also take typical local aspects into account. In China, for instance, firewalls block international networking sites such as Facebook. The best way to reach Chinese people is via a local equivalent called RenRen.”

2011

Travelling in the Asian-Pacific region continues to fascinate people. In particular, countries in Southern and Southeast Asia reported significant growth. The countries ranked highest are Thailand, with close to 16 million visitors per year, and Vietnam with five million tourists from abroad. Other increasingly popular countries include destinations such as Burma, Laos and Cambodia, all of which reported two-digit growth this year. 

By contrast, countries in Northeast Asia experienced a decline, in particular due to a severe fall in numbers of trips to Japan. To date, inbound tourism to Japan has failed to recover since the earthquake disaster in March 2011. During the first nine months of this year the country’s travel industry suffered a 30% drop in tourism.

However, unlike after previous crises, a rapid recovery is taking place. As far as their desire to travel is concerned the Japanese have barely suffered, with trips abroad falling by only 6%. In the months after the disaster it was destinations in Asia which above all benefited from Japanese tourists. According to the Japan Travel Bureau Foundation the stress experienced after the disaster motivated people to travel instead of keeping them at home. What is more, people in Japan began to rethink their priorities, shying away from mass consumption and instead preferring energy saving and greater involvement in social and voluntary work. This also benefits tourism, as people are often now more willing to spend money on an adventure-style experience such as a vacation rather than on retail goods.

Trends

At the ITB Berlin Convention Rolf Freitag, CEO of IPK International, will present the findings for the entire year, as well as the latest forecasts for 2012. 

ITB Berlin 2012 will take place from Wednesday, 7 to Sunday, 11 March, and from Wednesday to Friday will be open to trade visitors only. Parallel with the trade show, the ITB Berlin Convention, one of the largest travel industry events of its kind in the world, will be held from Wednesday, 7 to Friday, 9 March 2012.

Sukanya (Annie) Chuaywang Joins Boathouse Phuket as PR Manager

The Boathouse Phuket has appointed Ms Sukanya (Annie) Chuaywang as Public Relations Manager.

Annie joins the Boathouse team from the Trisara Phuket where she worked for the past seven years, with her most recent position being Personal Assistant to the Managing Director, Resort Manager and Property Sales Manager.

Annie has spent her entire career at Trisara since graduating from the Bangkok University with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Hotels and Tourism, with a minor in Information Technology.

After joining them in 2004 in the Business Centre, her professional and dynamic approach saw her quickly promoted to Assistant Manager and then Property Sales Manager before her promotion to Personal Assistant.

The Boathouse Phuket is now owned by Montara Hospitality Holdings, following its US$ 6 million renovation and refurbishment as well as the addition of the Re Ka Ta Beach Club. Montara Hospitality Holdings also owns the Trisara Phuket.

Red Beach is located in Panjin — China

Red Beach is located in Panjin, Liaoning Province, in northeastern China. It is the largest and best protected wetland in the world with rare and precious red reed marshes. The ebb and flow of the sea forms the beach, while the infiltration of salts and alkali contributes to its red appearance. The 100 square kilometers of reed marshes turn color during September, becoming spectacular vistas. The well-preserved wetlands are also home to large numbers of wild birds, including red-crowned cranes and Saunders' gulls.  The beach is a popular tourist site for those who live inside and outside Liaoning Province. more images after the break...

         

        

     

Jetstar Launches Singapore - Beijing Flights

Jetstar has launched daily flights between Singapore and the Chinese capital, Beijing.

 Jetstar’s fares for travel between Singapore and Beijing (one way, including all fees and taxes) start from Sin$248 for Economy Starter and Sin$598 for Business Class.

Sale fares on the inaugural six hour flight were as low as Sin$98 one way for Economy Starter, inclusive of fees and taxes.

“The growth of our Singapore hub is strengthened by our maturing product. As well as lower fares, we offer an expanding network, a choice of business or economy class and on-board innovations like iPads,” said Jetstar Group CEO, Bruce Buchanan.

CEO of Jetstar’s Australia & New Zealand operations David Hall, in Singapore for the inaugural Beijing flight, said the new route was also expected to increase inbound visitors from Australia.

“Numbers of Australian visitors to China are showing double digit growth this year and this route encourages people travelling to Beijing to see what Singapore has to offer as well,” said Mr Hall.

Jetstar will operate an Airbus A330 on its Singapore-Beijing service, configured for 303 passengers across business and economy classes.

 Jetstar will also be one of the first low cost carriers to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which will gradually replace its A330s from mid-2013.

Jetstar’s Singapore hub now connects to 27 destinations, including 14 in South East Asia, 10 in China and three in Australia.

China's richest village

The newly inaugurated skyscraper tower of Huaxi village is seen in Huaxi village, Jiangsu province, October 7, 2011. Huaxi, also known as China's richest village, celebrates its 50th anniversary with the inauguration of a massive 328-meters (1,076 feet) high skyscraper that screams for attention from its lowly skyline.

A woman stands next to a solid gold statue of an ox during the official inauguration of a skyscraper tower in Huaxi village, Jiangsu province, October 8, 2011. A solid gold bull weighing a tonne also greets visitors at a viewing area on the 60th-floor of the tower, a testament to the wealth of the village.  

Guests attend a dinner at the new skyscraper tower of Huaxi village before its official inauguration, in Jiangsu province, October 8, 2011. In Huaxi, those from the original 2,000 residents have at least a house, a car, and $250,000 in the bank and enjoy universal health care and free education. 

A view of villas built for residents in the Huaxi village of Jiangyin, Jiangsu province May 31, 2010. In 2003, Huaxi village became the first village to generate 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) of gross domestic product, Xinhua News Agency reported. 

 

JetLite Enhances Services with Amadeus Ticket Changer

JetLite, a wholly owned subsidiary of Jet Airways India, is to implement the Amadeus Ticket Changer solution, allowing travel agencies in India to change and modify flight bookings in just seconds.

In a first for India, Amadeus Ticket Changer is designed to automatically manage the necessary calculations to reissue a ticket, and to store the results in the correct ticketing formats.

Amadeus Ticket Changer allows all kinds of itinerary changes, including date, flight and routing, and processes a vast range of tickets, giving the end-consumer unprecedented control over their itineraries.

 Tickets for several different passengers can all be changed at the same time in one transaction and with the multi re-issue function an unlimited number of successive key customer benefits:

• With Amadeus Ticket Changer travel agents can service customers’ change requests, in a matter of seconds – giving them the right fare and price

 • Saves up to 25 minutes per re-issued ticket

• Offers unique integration benefits with Amadeus Ticketing Solutions to improve productivity changes can be made to the ticket before departure.

Sudheer Raghvan, Chief Commercial Officer, Jet Airways said, “JetLite is delighted to partner with Amadeus, due to the numerous accruing benefits both on the front and back-end ticketing functions. While our guests may now more easily control and modify their itineraries at their convenience, Amadeus Ticket Changer will also help provide us with streamlined process to handle various policies and simplify the entire booking process.”

Additionally, with this new solution, travel agents can reduce the risk of any calculation errors. Amadeus Ticket Changer incorporates numerous airline policies into one easy to use solution and can also enable the reissuance of tickets, reporting and results in the reduction of debit memos.