Hong Kong Visitor Arrivals in August 2012

Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong in August 2012 rose 20.5% year-on-year to 4,898,843. [See: Hong Kong Visitor Arrivals in August 2011]

 In the first eight months of the year, visitor arrivals rose to 31,591,383, 16.0% more than in the corresponding period in last year.

In August 2012, Hong Kong received about 2.48 million overnight arrivals, which represented approximately 51% of all visitor arrivals to the city and more than a 10% increase over the same month in 2011.

 Same-day visitor arrivals exceeded 2.42 million (49.4% of total arrivals), up 32.2% compared with the previous August.

Cumulatively, overnight arrivals and same-day arrivals between January and August stood respectively at 15.68 million and 15.91 million, or 49.6% and 50.4% of overall arrivals.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has also just published the “Total Tourism Expenditure Associated to Inbound Tourism” (TEAIT) for the first half of 2012, which was HK$138.37 billion, a year-on-year increase of 17.7%.

 The per capita spending of visitors also went up – with that of overnight visitors up 7.8% to HK$7,736 and that of same-day visitors up 3.8% to HK$2,075.

AirAsia to Become First Airbus A320 Sharklets Operator

AirAsia will become the first operator of the A320 with ‘Sharklets’ when it takes delivery of the first A320 equipped with these fuel-saving wing-tip devices at the end of this year.

The aircraft exhibited on static and flying display at the ILA Berlin Air Show is the flight test aircraft for CFM engines and will also be delivered to AirAsia in 2013.

"The A320 has played a key role in our success, enabling us to offer our passengers the lowest fares possible and completely redefine short haul travel in Asia.” said Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO. “Now we are looking forward to become the first airline in the world to start operating this most fuel-efficient aircraft.”

Sharklets will be fitted on previously ordered, newly-built A320s for AirAsia, scheduled for delivery from the end of 2012.

They are expected to result in close to 4% fuel savings on longer sectors, corresponding to an annual CO2 reduction of around 1,000 tonnes per aircraft.

Altogether, AirAsia has ordered a total of 375 single aisle aircraft, comprising 200 A320neo and 175 A320ceo, of which 103 have been delivered to date.

10 cool destinations to beat the summer heat

The monsoon may have cooled the southern states but northern India is still reeling under the heat wave. Most conversations still start with weather reports. The hot topic: Where are you headed while there’s still a bit of summer to weather? The mountains, where else? From the cool springtime of the Himalayas to the moist, temperate Western Ghats, here is our list of the coolest destinations.

 10. MUNNAR
Located at the confluence of the three rivers on the Western Ghats in Kerala is Munnar. Wrapped in a fabric of tea plantations, Munnar is a biodiversity hot spot surrounded by wildlife sanctuaries, although its habitat is now fragmented. If you are a wildlife enthusiast or a birder or just a pantheist, Munnar is the place for you.

 9. COORG

They don’t call it the Scotland of the East for nothing. The fabric of green is only interrupted by waterfalls, rivers and streams. The mist comes calling – be it at Talacauvery where the River Cauvery has its origins or at Raja’s Seat in Madikeri, which offers some spectacular views. The Western Ghats are covered with forests, while coffee and spice plantations fill their slopes. If you haven’t been to Coorg, then you surely have no idea what bliss is.

8. KODAIKANAL
Call it the Gift of the Forests or the Princess of the Hill Stations, Kodaikanal is nestled high up in the Western Ghats. Dense shola forests, grasslands, tall eucalyptus groves – Kodaikanal is drenched in fog and mist most of the time. Caves, hidden waterfalls, lakes tucked away inside lush forests – Kodaikanal is indeed nature’s own destination.

7. SIKKIM
Imagine sitting outside your little homestay , sipping chai and losing yourself in a misty sky and then all of a sudden, the mist parts ways just to give you that little glimpse , for a few seconds of the mighty Kanchenjunga. That is Sikkim for you. You will be walking up a knoll and suddenly you see an old monastery. I prefer Pelling to Gangtok as it is quieter and offers better views of the mountain. And while you are there, visit Yuksom, the old capital of the state. Tsango Lake and Nathu La can be visited from Gangtok but if you want to visit Gurudogmor Lake, give yourself a few more days to travel up north.

6. MASHOBRA
Barely a few kilometres away from Shimla, Mashobra is an escape from the touristy capital. Wake up to a Himalayan sunrise, do a bit of birding, admire the contours of the mountains, drive up to Chail to see the palace or just lose yourself in the verdant forests around – Mashobra is an ideal getaway to beat the heat.

5. NAINITAL
It may be crowded and filled with loud tourists but my vote goes for Nainital. The Himalayas circle you and, on a clear day, you can see the peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul if you take the cable car up to the Snow View. The colonial atmosphere takes you to the days of the Raj, but Nainital also has its bit of mythical influences. Be it the grace of the Goddess Naini Devi who gives the town its name or the eye-shaped lake, Nainital is both mystical and magical.

4. DIRANG
An obscure little hill station, Dirang is located in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India. Quiet and sleepy, the town is my favourite stopover en route to Tawang. Walk around and you will find houses huddled along the banks of a small stream. You could drive up to see ancient monasteries or visit the ruins of the 17th century fort.

3. LADAKH
I cannot think of any place on earth that can be more breathtaking, challenging and fascinating than Ladakh. There is beauty in its barrenness. The colours are stark. The Indus River beckons you, curving along the path, taking you to lands forgotten. Clothed in snow, the mountains encircle you as you climb the steps to monasteries perched precariously on cliffs. Watch the lakes change colour every minute as you drive through the land of high passes, and feel humbled in the barren landscape. My favourite is Pangong Tso, although Tso Moriri comes a close second. If you are up to it, cycle or hike up to Khardung La or lose yourself in the colours of the Nubra Valley.

2.OOTY

Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is the "Queen of hill stations" and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. An added attraction for the tourists to Udagamandalam is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens. 

 1.MANALI

Just 40 kms away from Kullu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Bara Bhangal (Kangra), and Zanskar ranges. From temples to antiquity, to picturesque sight-seeing spots and adventure activities, Manali is a popular resort for all seasons and for all travellers.

Dubai reveals plans for amazing underwater hotel

Dubai shipbuilder Drydocks World has inked a deal with Swiss-based BIG InvestConsult, on behalf of partner Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) to create Water Discus Hotel - a leisure facility with a structure that is partly above water and the rest underneath.

Water Discus Underwater Hotel will comprise two discs - an underwater and above-water one. This combination will allow guests to admire the depths of the ocean while making the most of the warm climate.

 

The two parts of the structure are connected by three solid legs and a vertical shaft containing a lift and stairway. The size of each disc has been adjusted to local conditions.

The Water Discus complex was designed to ensure safety at all times, even in the most adverse weather conditions. The structure sits up on three sturdy legs fixed to the seabed, and the upper disc is suspended above the water surface. These two technical solutions will ensure that Water Discus remains safe even in the event of a fairly high tsunami, which can normally flood the nearest coastal areas

 

The complex is surrounded by a beautifully vibrant coral reef. This unique location will allow visitors to enjoy the tropical weather and the colourful underwater world. The disc, located up to 10 metres beneath the surface of the sea, is composed of 21 hotel rooms adjacent to the underwater dive centre and a bar. Each room is integrated with the underwater world as closely as possible, offering a surprisingly direct, yet safe contact with the local flora and fauna.

The disc and its adjacent satellites located 5 - 7 metres above the water surface comprise a restaurant, a spa and a special recreation area.

A multifunctional lobby built inside an enormous swimming pool shows the centre of the disc. The area around the underwater part of the complex and diving activities may be watched as they happen on the screens hanging on the lobby walls. This part of the complex is connected to the satellites with glass-walled tunnels cutting through a training pool for divers.

Dubai shipbuilder Drydocks World has inked a deal with Swiss-based BIG InvestConsult, on behalf of partner Deep Ocean Technology DOT) for creation of the hotel.

Rosewood to Open its First Hotel in China in 2013

The very first Rosewood hotel in China is scheduled to open next year.

The 279-room Rosewood Beijing, designed by Melbourne-based Bar Studio, will be located in the central business Chaoyang District, opposite the iconic CCTV Tower.

The hotel will offer a lot of landscaped outdoor spaces, with terraces, gardens and balconies integrated into the design of many of the restaurants, spa, recreational facilities, meeting and function areas. Bangkok-based P Landscape, acclaimed for its resort landscaping, is in charge of this aspect of the hotel.

With their residential-style layouts and floorplans, guestrooms are designed to evoke sensations of luxury apartment living and, at 538 square feet (50 square meters), they will be amongst the largest in the city. The wide proportion of the rooms will allow maximum window aspect, enhanced by window seats. Natural finishes and textural overlays, spacious bathrooms and walk-in closets, and non-traditional, residential components and accessories with subtle Oriental overtones, will complete the sophisticated, homelike surroundings. 

Seven restaurants and lounges will serve international cuisines. The Chinese restaurant will feature a casual and contemporary lower floor restaurant as well as nine private dining suites on the floor above. The spacious dining suites - up to 1,200 square feet (110 square meters) in size – will be designed for exclusivity and luxury, including dining area, separate lounge, cloak room, and outdoor terrace.

The Rosewood Sense spa brand, featuring treatments reflecting the location’s cultural and natural environment, will make its first appearance in Asia and be accompanied by another Rosewood first: five spa suites designed for overnight stays.

Complementary recreational facilities will include an indoor swimming pool, gym and yoga studio.

An exclusive access lounge will be a spacious venue with an open kitchen, free-standing bar, Internet corner, boardroom and outdoor terrace.

Meeting and function space will total almost 33,000 square feet (3,048 square meters.) This will include a pillar-less ballroom of 8,252 square feet (767 square meters) featuring an adjacent outdoor garden for weddings and other special occasions.

The Pavilion – residential-style meeting and function space – will be a first for the group and debut a signature of all future Asia Rosewood properties. Occupying the Rosewood Beijing annex, The Pavilion will include two combinable areas for memorable events, with dining spaces, bar, lounges and show kitchens, all finished and accessorized as in an elegant private home.

Mr. Marc Brugger has been appointed managing director of Rosewood Beijing.

The Rosewood Beijing is the precursor to fast-paced Asia growth targeted to add 10 properties in operation or in the pipeline in the region to Rosewood’s portfolio within five years.

After plane loses wheel, woman pilot makes emergency landing in Guwahati

Fifty-three people aboard a Guwahati-bound aircraft had a miraculous escape on Sunday when the woman pilot averted a tragedy by her deft handling of an emergency landing.The aircraft had lost one of its nose wheels during takeoff from the Kumbhirgram airport in Silchar.

The ATR aircraft had 48 passengers. Its five-member crew comprised threewomen, including the pilot.

Captain Urmila Yadav circled Air India flight AI-9760 over the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International (LGBI) airport for about one hour and asked the crew to shift some goods from the cockpit to the rear to reduce the load to facilitate safe landing.

The passengers thanked the pilot for saving them.

Gogoi's pat for pilot

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi congratulated Captain Urmila and co-pilot Yashu for saving the passengers' lives. “Hats off to you and your co-pilot for your daring and courageous act which saved the precious lives of passengers,” he told her over the phone, an official release said.

Narrating his experience, noted Assamese linguist and a senior official of the Assam Agricultural University Sumanta Chaliha told The Hindu the passengers got wind of the emergency situation when the crew gave flight safety demonstration for the second time after flying for about 30 minutes.

He said:

“When we asked the crew if anything had gone wrong, we were told that there was a minor technical snag and it was being taken care of. However, after some time they made a formal announcement of an emergency landing. We came to know that the aircraft lost one of its nose wheels. A lady passenger seated in front of me fainted and several passengers started crying. I kept calm and composed, leaving everything to God.

“We came to know that aircraft flew extra time to burn fuel midair and as soon as the aircraft landed the engine was switched off and it came to halt quickly. While getting down I noticed that one of the nose wheels was missing.”

It was the Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the Indian Air Force at Kumbhirgram which noticed that something had fallen off the aircraft after it took off. They then alerted the LGBI ATC.

“We knew that the aircraft was coming with a wheel of nose assembly missing. The pilot was informed and asked if she would land and fly off. When she said she would land, she was asked to do a mandatory low pass so that the ground staff could inspect the nose assembly. We requested her to hold over Guwahati for sometime till we cleared the runway. A Kolkata-bound Spicejet flight was allowed to take off and an in-coming Air India flight from Delhi allowed to land. After the runway was cleared, the aircraft was allowed to land. The pilot really did a skilful landing and did very good handling of the entire situation. If the aircraft had made a normal landing without knowing that one of its nose wheels is missing then anything could have happened,” said an ATC official.

The scheduled departure of the flight from Silchar was 7.20 a.m. but was delayed due to inclement weather and the flight took off at 9 a.m.

Kotagiri – Where the Blue Mountains turn green

About Kotagiri Tourism   Kotagiri, located at an elevation of 1793 metres above sea level in the state of Tamil Nadu, is an old hill station well known for its green spaces and a number of trekking opportunities. History of Kotagiri The name Kotagiri literally means ‘the home of the Kota’ and refers to the Kota tribe who lived here in the past.  Today, the Kota tribe has been reduced to a few thousand and is on the brink of extinction. There is no written record of the ancient history of Kotagiri. All that is present is the history of Kotagiri from the British era to the present. This hill station was the preferred location for the British who looked to escape the heat and the humidity of the plains. In fact, Kotagiri was the summer home of the British in Southern India. Kotagiri is not as well known as some of the other hill stations in South India like Ooty, but it is still a significant one. This small hill station in the Nilgiri Hills was the first one to be discovered by the British. However, when an alternate path was built to Ooty, other than the Horse Trail which passed through Kotagiri, the popularity of Kotagiri started waning until it fell into obscurity. However, of late, tourism has picked up due to various awareness drives undertaken by the government. Kotagiri was originally a coffee plantation. The first coffee plantation was planted in 1843 here which was followed by many more plantations. However, following the first tea plantation in the late 19th century by the daughter of MD Cockburn, tea slowly started taking over coffee until it completely spanned the city. Today, the tea plantations in Kotagiri cover a total area of 30,000 acres. Things to do in Kotagiri The trekking trails in this region go through picturesque tea-estates and lush greenery, meadows and rivers. The most popular trail of the region is the Kotagiri-Kodanad Trail. Kotagiri has many places of tourist interest apart from its trekking and mountaineering opportunities. Some of the tourist attractions here are the Kodanad View Point, Catherine Falls and Longwood Shola. Food & Shopping in Kotagiri Famous for its tea gardens, tourists visiting Kotagiri must try some freshly brewed tea here. It is available in a range of flavours right from ginger to chocolate. Food in Kotagiri is limited to regular snacks and Indian food, which is served at the restaurants in the town. Travelling to Kotagiri Tourists can reach Kotagiri by air as the nearest airport to the destination is in Coimbatore at a distance of about 105 km. Kotagiri is well connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu by road with regular bus plying from Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thirupur and Erode. The nearest railhead to Kotagiri is Coonoor at 21 km.

Thailand and India to Play Single-Match Rugby World Cup 2015 Qualifier

Thailand held on in a tight wire match against Malaysia in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) Division II final in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, winning 22-19.

China was relegated to Division III for 2013 after a 52-3 loss to Iran in the Division II 3rd/4th place play-off.

Despite having a man advantage for most of the second half after a Malaysian red card, the Thais were unable to close out the game against a gritty Malaysian team that pushed the visitors to the limit until the final whistle.

 Saturday’s HSBC A5N Division II final was a tight encounter throughout with neither team able to enjoy a comfortable lead. Malaysia was the first team on the scoreboard today with a penalty in the 5th minute from fullback Zulkifli Azmi.

Thailand replied in the 11th minute with a penalty from star fullback Walongkorn Khamkoet to level the scores. Four minutes later Khamkoet put Thailand further out at 6-3. Shortly thereafter, Malaysian winger Dinesvaran Krisnan was sin-binned, giving Khamkoet the opportunity to slot his third penalty as Thailand took a 9-3 lead.

The kicking battle continued as Zulkifli converted his second penalty attempt to edge Malaysia close at 9-6. A Thai sin-bin soon leveled the numbers on both sides, but it was Thailand that scored next through Khamkoet’s fourth and final penalty of the half, taking the score to 12-6 at the break.

Unfortunately for Malaysia, flanker Kini Rasolosolo had a moment of insanity as he lost his cool and punched his opponent, earning a red card and leaving his side to play a man down for the entire second half. The sending off may well have lost Malaysia the match as the hosts at full strength would likely have been too much for the visitors to handle.

Even with the numbers disadvantage, Malaysia came back from halftime firing on all cylinders. The hosts got a break shortly after the start of the second half as Thai hooker Jayasevi was sin-binned, leveling the sides for ten minutes. Malaysian flyhalf Timoci Nocakula immediately punished the Thais for the sin-bin as he scored from a tap and run penalty to pull his team into the lead 13-12 after Zulkifli’s conversion.

Malaysia coach Boon Hoon Chee’s strategic adjustments at halftime seemed to be paying dividends as Malaysia focussed on maximizing their size advantage by keeping the ball in close to their forward pack, frustrating the Thais who were intent on stretching the undermanned Malay defence.

Malaysia’s forward pressure soon told as Thailand conceded a sitter penalty on their 22, which Zulkifli slotted to push Malaysia out at 16-12 after 48 minutes. But Malaysia then conceded a penalty that was nailed by Khamkoet from 35 metres to bring them nearly level at 16-15, with 20 minutes remaining.

The final quarter of the HSBC A5N Division II final was a tense and exciting affair. At one point, Thai indiscipline saw a difficult penalty kick advanced ten metres into kickable territory after the Thais were penalized for backchat. Zulkifli converted the shorter kick as Malaysia took a 19-15 lead.

With ten minutes remaining, all Malaysia had to do was to control the ball and maintain calm under pressure but the Thais had other plans. A well-weighted kick ahead from a Thai offensive move put Malaysia’s cover defence under real pressure. A hasty clearance kick was beautifully charged down by Thai winger Wongsalankarn, who followed through on his solo effort to touch down before the ball crossed the dead ball line for Thailand’s first try of the match. Khamkoet slotted the conversion to put Thailand ahead 22-19 with less than ten minutes remaining.

The Malaysians lifted themselves again, working the ball into Thai territory and forcing what seemed like a sitter penalty just outside the 22-metre line. But Zulkifli’s boot deserted him at the worst possible moment and he shanked a kick that would have drawn his team level and forced extra-time.

The desperate Malaysians again put forward a heroic effort, eventually winning a scrum on Thailand’s five-metre line. The Malaysians rolled off the back using their bigger backline to try for a pushover try from close range, but the ball was held up. Another penalty conceded by Thailand on the last play of the match saw Malaysia go for the tap and run but they knocked on over the line. The resulting scrum saw Malaysia concede a penalty, which the Thais kicked into touch to close out a thrilling encounter.

 “We were concerned because we were playing Malaysia at home and they always have strong support. They are bigger than us and we knew that we would have to play smarter today, especially after playing another big team in Iran in the semi final,” said Thai captain, Tanyavit Kuasint. “Khamkoet came up huge again and the whole team was very cool under pressure. At halftime with the man advantage we knew we would have to stay calm and just take what was in front of us. Malaysia is a great team and they have many skillful players but in the end we came here to win a chance to qualify for the Rugby World Cup and I knew that even though we were giving up a lot of size that our heart is bigger than the other teams and that if we play as a team we can beat anyone.”

As this week’s HSBC A5N Division II and III are doubling as Asian qualifiers for Rugby World Cup 2015, Thailand will now progress to a one-off match against Division III champions India later this summer in Thailand. The winner will be promoted to Division I next season and continue their march along the road to Rugby World Cup 2015. Next year’s Asian qualifiers for RWC 2015 will be the Division I and Top 5 competitions of the HSBC A5N.

Looking ahead to the Division I / Rugby World Cup 2015 play-off, Kuasint said, “If we can make it to Division I it will be the first time for us since 2009 and it will be a great experience for Thailand, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We will host the play-off and I think our support will be a key to helping us win and continue our Rugby World Cup qualification.”

In the 3rd/4th place play-off a disappointed Iran team made up for an earlier loss this week against Thailand with a convincing 52-3 win over China. The result was never in doubt as Iran took China’s first scrum against the head in the opening moments and continued to exert their dominance throughout the match.

Iran’s first try came in the 12th minute after a long period of sustained pressure as prop Anoghin Rozbeh drove the ball from the back of the maul over the line. The try was converted by flyhalf Amin Hosseinzadeh to set Iran off to the races.

Iran’s second try came through the loosehead prop Hassan Nowzad in the 28th minute with a second conversion from Hosseinzadeh. Iran truly began hitting their straps then, taking the ball straight from the re-start through the middle of China’s defence for a third try in the first half, this one finished off nicely by centre Naser Eslamimanesh.

Moments later, the Iran front row completed a hat trick of sorts as hooker Asmer Rasoul scored, giving each of the front row a try in the first half – a great effort from the heroes of the coalface. A third conversion from Hosseinzadeh saw the score reach 28-0 at halftime.

Iran ran in four more tries after the break while China could only muster a single penalty from scrumhalf Zhan Xi Chun to bring the final score to 52-3 Iran. It is the second year that Iran have managed to remain in Division II rugby, while China will be relegated back to Division III (which they won last year in Jakarta) for next season.

Indian Army Woman Scales Everest

Discovery Channel will air a programme on the Indian Army's women scaling Mount Everest.

This is the first time an army women's contingent has scaled the Everest summit from the South Ridge route. The route was used by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

The Indian Army has appreciated the efforts of Discovery Channel to undertake the coverage of such an expedition for the first time. "Such coverage ... will provide a platform for future joint ventures with the Discovery Channel on issues related to sports and adventure in the Indian Army," Lt. Gen. S.P. Tanwar, director general of military training, said in a statement.

The collaboration with the Indian army was also a first for Discovery.

The production team of the channel went with the expedition to capture the grueling attempt on the summit by a group of seven Indian Army women officers.

The first army women's team to scale Everest in 2005 had approached from the North route via Tibet.

"Discovery Channel is delighted to cover this unique and distinguished expedition by Indian Army's women officers. We are committed to present stories of success and achievement from India to audiences around the world," said Rahul Johri, senior vice president and general manager - South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific.

The army team was led by Col. Ajay Kothiyal and included seven Indian Army women officers: Capt. Deepika Rathore (Rajasthan), Capt. Namrata Rathore (Uttarakhand), Capt. Prachi R. Gole (Maharastra), Maj. N. Linyu (Nagaland), Maj. Neha Bhatnagar (Rajasthan), Capt. Poonam Sangwan (Haryana) and Capt. Smitha (Karnataka).

The programme is expected to be aired later this year.

Ritz-Carlton Montreal to Reopen on 28 May 2012

On Monday, 28 May 2012, the Ritz-Carlton, Montreal will reopen after an extensive $200 million restoration.

 Under the direction of Quebec architectural firm Provencher Roy + Associés, the building’s facade was preserved and restored, public spaces were renovated and upgraded, and the guestrooms were redesigned.

 The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal now has 98 rooms and 31 suites. The 4,700-square-foot Royal Suite is the largest hotel suite in Montreal.

 Montreal’s mayor, Gérald Tremblay, said, “The Ritz-Carlton is reclaiming its rightful place here in Montreal and among the guests who stay there. Since it opened in 1912, the hotel has been one of the most elegant addresses in our city and the jewel of the storied Golden Square Mile, close to high-end boutiques, galleries and museums. Our city has changed a great deal—for the better. The reopening of The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal makes a notable contribution to what makes our city different.”

The building’s façade was preserved and restored, as were the Lobby, the Palm Court, the Oval Room and the hotel’s famed garden. Many decorative details from 1912, such as marble fireplaces in some of the suites, reflect this masterful blend of old and new.

The guestrooms also feature high-tech amenities, such as thermostats that intuitively remember a guest’s temperature preferences upon check-in, and motion sensors that activate lights when guests enter a dark room.

The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal offers guests a wealth of amenities at their fingertips. The 10,000 square feet of meeting space are flexible and offer event planners the possibility of accommodating up to 300 people. Guests can dine at acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant, Maison Boulud, in the 130-seat dining room, the 46-seat year-round greenhouse, or on the new terrace on Sherbrooke Street. They can enjoy afternoon tea in the hotel’s gardens, work out at the gym or take a dip in the new indoor salt-water pool.

“We are extremely proud to reopen this emblem of the very best Montreal has to offer," said Andrew Torriani, president and general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal. “The hotel today is a showcase of modern luxury, but it has not lost the discreet charm of the past or the patina of history.”

To ease traffic woes, water taxis launched on Jhelum River in Kashmir

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion on the streets of Jammu and Kashmir and to attract tourists, the state government has launched a water taxi service on the Jhelum River.

The service is a joint effort of the state government and state Irrigation and Flood Control Department.

The first taxi service, having the capacity of eight persons, was flagged off by Kashmir Divisional Commissioner, Asgar Samoon, from Peerzoo to Chattabal Weir on Saturday.

Samoon said besides providing a cheap alternative transport facility, it would also attract tourists.

"It is an alternate form of transport because this water transport is cheaper. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department will monitor the services and issue the license. However, the state government has initiated the project but the connected departments like tourism and municipality are helping out. Two-three water boats are deployed and these will operate for 15-20 days till private players enter the field and tenders will be announced for them by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.

The private parties will provide water transport to people. This facility is not just for tourists but actually for the locals, for their daily travelling, we would also be using these water boats from tomorrow for travelling to our offices," said Samoon.

The fare for the whole stretch has been fixed at Rs. 60, while charges from one bank to another would be Rs. 25 per passenger, he said.

The boarding and de-boarding operations would be carried out from the existing banks till a permanent infrastructure is established.

Happy with the new service, locals said this would generate employment opportunities in the city.

"This is a good step initiated by the government. This will reduce traffic congestion from the city streets and the river will also remain clean. The people living in Srinagar will realise the importance and benefits of water transport. This will also boost tourism and locals will get employment opportunity," said Reyaz Ahmed, a local.

Tourism is one of the biggest means of earning for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Kashmir of northern Jammu and Kashmir state was once a top Asian tourism destination, popular among honeymooners, skiers, trekkers and anglers, and attracting about a million tourists a year until 1989, when a simmering anger against New Delhi's rule burst into a violent rebellion. And the numbers of visitors shrunk to only a few thousand a year.

However, with peace being restored in the province, the influx of tourists has increased. (ANI)

Songkran Splendours Festival 2012

Travellers from all over the world are visiting Thailand this week and next to enjoy the Songkran Splendours Festival, which highlights the many traditional celebrations that take place during Songkran, the festival that marks the Thai New Year.

 The Songkran Splendours Festival offers a range of cultural events that will take place in Bangkok and 12 history-rich cities across Thailand from 9 to 24 April 2012.

“Songkran is the annual festival that all Thais look forward to, as it brings together families and friends to celebrate the Thai New Year by honouring their elders, while relieving the summer heat by joyfully splashing each other. It's a uniquely Thai combination of honouring ancient traditions while having a good time together, which makes the Songkran Festival popular with visitors who want a memorable Thai experience,” said Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Despite in recent times becoming more of a fun mass water fight/party, the Songkran Festival is actually based on ancient traditions that recognize the importance of family ties and the progression of life by honouring family elders.

A word with roots in the Sanskrit language, “Songkran”, means “move into”. Historically, it marked the end of a twelve-month cycle and the beginning of a new solar year. Water plays a major role in the Songkran Festival, symbolizing the cleansing and purification process.

Communities throughout Thailand really come to life during the Songkran Festival. Cultural traditions include cleaning temples, making merit with monks, bathing Buddha statues and images with scented lustral water to show respect, and decorating temple grounds. Many communities also feature parades, street parties and other events that offer visitors to Thailand a chance to immerse themselves in Thai culture in a fun and fascinating way. 

“During the 2012 Songkran Festival, visitors to Thailand can enjoy a series of events taking places throughout the country, so they can experience how people living in different areas of Thailand celebrate the Songkran Festival," Mr Suraphon added.

Highlights of the Songkran Splendours Festival and the 13 provinces include:

Bangkok Songkran Splendours Festival (10 - 15 April 2012)

Songkran Festival in the Capital include pouring scented water on Buddha images, sampling delicious Thai cuisine, and enjoying cultural performances at Nagaraphirom Park during 10-15 April 2012, from 10.00 to 20.00 hrs. (The Opening Ceremony was held on 9 April 2012).

Songkran is also the perfect time to visit royal temples including Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Pho, Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Wat Ratchaorasaram, Wat Ratchaphradit, Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Bowornniwet, Wat Suthat, Wat Phraram Kao, Wat Chanasongkhram, Wat Saket (The Golden Mount), Wat Rakhang, and Wat Kanlayanamit. 

From 9 to 17 April 2012, from 10.00-18.00 hrs., visitors should go to the information booth at each temple to receive a souvenir passport for collecting a stamp from each location. Once the passport is filled with stamps, visitors can receive a special gift at Wat Pho.

Visitors can also join in the Songkran Festival activities at Rattanakosin Royal Square, as well as in the neighboring areas including Bang Lamphu, Khao San Rd., Phra Athit Rd., Santhichaiprakan and Wisut Kasat.

 Chiang Mai Songkran Festival (12 - 15 April 2012)

Chiang Mai is renowned for holding one of the grandest Songkran celebrations in Thailand. Visitors can participate in the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Songkran Festival by joining in the wonderful procession that takes place around Chiang Mai city. They can also pour scented water on a Buddha image and willing elders, delight in cultural performances and traditions that reflect the Northern style and enjoy a variety of foods available along the streets.

Chon Buri Songkran Festival (13 - 21 April 2012)

There are four key venues for the Songkran festival in Chon Buri province, which are Ko Si Chang, Wan Lai Bang Saen, Wan Lai Pattaya, and Si Maha Racha.

 The "Kong Khao" religious ritual, which is also related to the Thai New Year, includes a procession of ‘kong khao’ floats and Buddha images, plus the ritual bathing of Buddha images. Visitors should also make sure they see the tradition of local men carrying a lady to the sea and back at Ko Si Chang, which is followed by a folk dance.

Hat Yai Midnight Songkran Festival, Songkhla (11 - 13 April 2012)

In the south of Thailand’s largest city, Songkran includes water-splashing, beauty pageants and other activities such as Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image and Songkran Goddess procession. The Midnight Songkran Festival also features late-night fun on Niphat Uthit Road and Odian Intersection in Hat Yai.

Isan Songkran Festival, Dok Khun Siang Khaen Festival, and Khao Niao Street (11 - 18 April 2012)

Khon Kaen lies in the heart of the Northeast, and is a very nice city to visit. Here, visitors can experience the longest human wave in the world and take part in the water splashing on "Sticky Rice Street or Khao Niao Street" and watch the Flora Cart and Songkran Procession that starts out from Fountain Park. There is also a variety of entertainment to choose from; a mountain bike competition, volleyball tournament, petanque competition for the Royal Cup from HRH Princess Sirindhorn, cooking contest, OTOP product fair, folk plays, and a food fair at Kaen Nakhon Lake in Khon Kaen.

Maha Songkran Festival – Hae Nang Dan Muang Nakhon (11 - 15 April, 2012)

Visitors to this southern province can participate in the Songkran festivities by bathing the Phra Phuttha Sihing image. Other highlights include the Nang Kradan procession and a Swing Ceremony to welcome the god Shiva. Exciting activities will take place at Wat Phra Borom That and Si Thamma Sokarat Park, Sanam Na Muang, Phra Isuan Hall, and Phra Narai Hall.

Nakhon Phanom Songkran Festival (11 - 15 April 2012)

At Sai Thong Sri Kottabun Beach in Muang District and Renu Nakhon Municipality, Nakhon Phanom, visitors can join in a Buddha image bathing ceremony at the birthday pagoda. To encourage good fortune, they can pour some flower-scented water on the seven pagodas that signify the seven days of birth.

Other activities include creating a sand pagoda and participating in the Buddhist ceremony, and making offerings to Phra That Si Khottabong in Lao PDR. For a special cultural experience, visitors can join in making a sand sculpture that is believed to bless people with good health, as well as watch a procession done in the Renu Nakhon tradition.

Nong Khai Songkran Festival (12 - 15 April 2012)

Visitors will find the beautiful procession at Wat Pho Chai enchanting and can see water being sprinkled on the sacred Luang Pho Phra Sai Buddha image in Nong Khai province. Of course, there is plenty of water splashing, while the cultural heritage of the Mekong River area is celebrated through ethnic performances and entertainment.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Songkran Festival (13 April 2012)

In Thailand's ancient capital, Songkran celebrations take place at various sites around the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya City Island. Visitors can experience Buddhist merit-making and join elephants and their mahouts for some Songkran water-splashing fun. Mon Songkran Celebrations will also be held at Wat Tong Bo in Sao Kradong in the Bang Pa-In district of the province. For great photo opportunities, visits should not miss the procession of swan and centipede flags, as well as the Mon-style Buddha image bathing ritual.

Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival, Samut Prakan (22 - 24 April 2012)

This is one of the few places in Thailand that celebrates the Songkran Festival in the Thai-Mon style. The not-to-miss highlight is a magnificent parade. Visitors can learn how to play saba, enjoy a Mon folk play and many other forms of entertainment, and also see a procession of swan and centipede flags.

Songkran on the Beach, Phuket (12 - 13 April 2012)

Visitors can join in a communal Thai New Year merit-making ceremony, witness a procession of Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha images along Patong Beach, and pay homage to elders with scented lustral water. A range of events will be held at Loma (Dolphin) Public Park and the port, and the Jungceylon activity plaza overlooking Patong Beach.

Sukhothai Songkran Festival (9 - 19 April 2012)

The Songkran celebration in Sukothai includes a variety of entertainment and performances, a parade, and food fairs at Si Satchanalai district, as well as at the Sukhothai Historical Park, and Thai Phuan Buddhist Ordination on Elephant’s Back at Ban Hat Siao. Visitors who want to truly experience the the roots of traditional Thai culture must not miss exploring this city.

Suphanburi Maha Songkran 2012 (13 - 16 April 2012)

Along Nean Kaeo Road in Suphanburi, in the heart of Thailand's central region, visitors can enjoy a procession featuring the golden Luang Pho To Buddha Image, along with other processions put together by public and private entities in the province. There will also be folk music performances, a Miss Songkran beauty contest, and water splashing with Suphanburi artists.

Those in Bangkok and less interested in the traditional side of Songkran and just want to get wet, and enjoy a mass water fight/party, should head to Khao San road if they are in Bangkok. There are other areas along Silom and Sukhumvit but Khao San seems to have become party central.

Water guns are readily available throughout Bangkok, but you may want to bring your own water proof protection for mobile phones and the such. You will get wet, very wet, so if you head to any of the main party areas be prepared and dress appropriately. And remember, it is all about fun, so enjoy!

Record-Breaking Bridges

At 1,102 feet up and 3,858 feet across, the ambitious suspension bridge in China's Hunan province has become the highest and longest in the world. The Anzhaite Long-span Suspension Bridge in Jishou was officially opened to motorists Tuesday, Daily Mail reported. 

 

The bridge, which is lit up at night with 1,888 lights, is the fourth suspension bridge to cross a valley so wide it seems to be connecting two mountain ranges, the Mail said. The bridge is a key part of the Jishou-Chadong Expressway, a 64-km road which has 18 different tunnels that cover about half of its length. Once on the bridge cars and lorries can motor along a two-way, four-lane motorway at about 50 mph. Pedestrians can also walk along it on a special walkway under the road. Here’s a look at some record-breaking bridges from around the world.

Train to five Sikh shrines in December

A luxury train covering all the leading Sikh shrines in the country will be flagged off in December this year, a Punjab official said Tuesday.

Principal Secretary Tourism Geetika Kalha said an agreement had been signed between Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corp (IRCTC) and Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) to run the train.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal would flag off the train Dec 26 this year.
The train would cover Akal Takht in Amritsar, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur), Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Patna) and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib at Nanded in Maharashtra.
Starting from Amritsar, the train will embark on a nine-day journey via Delhi, Agra and Gwalior and culminate at Nanded.
At a meeting here Tuesday, Badal approved the name of the train as "Panj Takhts Yatra Express".
Kalha sought the personal intervention of the chief minister with the central government for the grant of subsidized tariff rates, as allowed to the Buddhist circuit train.

Carlson Opens 2nd Radisson Blu Hotel in Chennai

Carlson Rezidor has opened the Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre in India.

The hotel is the second Radisson Blu hotel to be established in Chennai, and Carlson Rezidor’s 51st hotel in India.

“We achieved unprecedented growth across Asia Pacific in 2011 and we are building upon this momentum in 2012 to establish a stronger presence across Asia Pacific,” said Simon C. Barlow, president, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Asia Pacific. “The opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre, together with another 13 scheduled openings in India will bring our India portfolio to 64 operating hotels by year end. This will entrench our leadership position in India and places us closer to doubling our Asia Pacific portfolio to achieve our Ambition 2015 goal of more than 150 operating hotels.”

Located in the heart of Chennai City, Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre offers 162 guest rooms and suites and complimentary high-speed internet access for all guests.

 The hotel is ideal for business and leisure travelers as it is within easy reach of the airport and railway station. The hotel is also just minutes away from the city’s main commercial and business hubs, including Express Avenue, Spencer Plaza and Raheja Towers. It provides a good base to explore the cultural capital of South India with its temples, art galleries, artists’ villages and centers of performing arts.

Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre has 9,700 square feet of conference and meeting space that can accommodate up to 800 people. It also has a business center offering the latest business facilities and full secretarial support.

 Recreational facilities at the hotel include a world class spa - Chakra by Thai Sabai, a gymnasium, an outdoor swimming pool and a discotheque.

The hotel also offers a range of food and beverage options, including one of the largest bars in town with a separate cigar lounge, signature restaurant - The Great Kebab Factory - and specialty coastal Asian Cuisine restaurant - Coast to Coast.

“It was a strategic decision to partner with Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. It has an excellent global revenue generation infrastructure, extensive hotel management experience and the expertise to ensure the success of Radisson Blu Chennai City Centre,” said Vikram Aggarwal of VVA Hotels Pvt Ltd, the hotel’s owner. “The globally well known Radisson Blu brand has a strong appeal to business and leisure travelers and this will greatly benefit the hotel and put it on the global map.”