http://www.ttgasia.com TTG Asia RSS Feeds http://www.ttgasia.com/ en-us 22 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3144 THE STRONG Australian dollar has drawn more meetings and incentives overseas and raised the quality of land components purchased, reported some local event organisers. 22 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3145 STARTING next month, Chinese nationals will be able to avail of visas for independent travel to Taiwan from 11 mainland cities, up from three. However, Taiwanese travel consultants are not hopeful of a big boost in business just as yet. 22 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3146 EVENTS headed to South Korea from now until 2015 can qualify for goodies handed out by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) as part of its 2012 Korea Convention Year campaign. 22 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3147 STARWOOD Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts today announced its newly-launched StarwoodMeetings.com, while also reiterating its aggressive growth plan in Asia-Pacific with 50 hotel openings this year. 22 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3148 SWITZERLAND Tourism is opening a regional office in Singapore to tap more arrivals from South-east Asia, its fourth "booming" market after China, India and Russia. 22 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3149 VIETNAM-based Jetstar Pacific has undergone a change in ownership, with Vietnam Airlines (VNA) picking up a majority stake in the low-cost carrier, which previously belonged to the Vietnamese State Capital Investment Corporation. 21 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3132 SINGAPORE-based conference organiser, Aonia, has taken its new website www.aoniamice.com online, flaunting a section that allows hotels to list their latest meeting package deals for free. 21 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3133 OUTBOUND Chinese MICE agents at AIME have dismissed reports of China's slowing economic growth and are projecting good business this year, with increased frequency of events and attendance numbers expected. 21 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3134 PANORAMA Group's hospitality arm, PHM Hospitality, has unveiled two new brands, Alaia and BnB, adding to its existing portfolio of The Haven and The 101 offerings. 21 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3135 GARUDA Indonesia shareholders approved earlier this month a motion to buy 97 new aircraft by 2016, a huge jump over the 36 planes it was originally planning to add to its fleet (TTG Asia e-Daily, January 13, 2011). 21 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3136 JAPAN registered a sharp decline in international arrivals in 2011, which can be attributed to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, as well as the ensuing nuclear crisis. 21 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3137 AIME 2012, which starts today at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), will be the first-ever show to feature the venue's new smartphone application, MConnect. 21 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3140 THE MALAYSIAN government's move to relax the visa application process for Chinese FITs is expected to boost overall inbound numbers from mainland China. 20 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3123 THE ST. REGIS Tianjin has appointed Paul Cunningham as general manager. 20 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3124 FCM Travel Solutions has appointed Alex Armstrong as global director of sales, based in the company's regional head office in London. 20 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3125 LYN Lewis-Smith has been officially appointed as Business Events Sydney's (BESydney) chief executive. 20 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3126 PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport has embarked on a three-year refurbishment exercise that will see an overhaul of its meeting rooms, guestrooms and restaurants. 20 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3127 THE ASSOCIATION Francaise des organisateurs d'evenements (AFO) is rolling out a series of new initiatives under the direction of its president Serge Tapia, including a stronger push for Asian destinations. 20 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3128 TRAFALGAR, which specialises in European and North American guided vacations, has reported a twofold increase in 2012 forward bookings out of Asia and Singapore, as compared to the previous year. 20 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3129 MEGA Maldives is planning to hike frequencies to Beijing and Shanghai, and will be adding three more aircraft to its fleet this year. 20 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3130 OVOLO Group, a Hongkong-based hotel and serviced apartment owner and operator, will open its first overseas property in Melbourne, Australia in third quarter 2012. 20 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3131 THAILAND is reconsidering its open-door policy for international visitors after it was established that the three Iranians accused of planning an attack on Israeli diplomats in Bangkok had spent time in Pattaya prior to visiting the capital. 17 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3115 AIR Australia was placed into voluntary administration earlier today after creditors discovered the airline had insufficient funds to cover basic operational expenses. 17 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3122 DESPITE the grim economic outlook in certain source markets, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is targeting 44.2 million visitors this year, a 5.5 per cent jump over 2011. Shorthaul inbound traffic is forecasted to grow by 3.1 per cent, making up for the expected 1.9 per cent dip in longhaul numbers. 17 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3116 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will offer additional flights from Singapore to Denpasar starting March 26, boosting frequency on the route from five-weekly to daily. 17 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3117 THE CHARTERHOUSE Causeway Bay has joined Great Hotels of the World as the only member of its classic collection in Hong Kong. 17 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3118 TRAVEL insurance will become compulsory for all outbound tour packages sold by members of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), starting March 1. 17 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3119 INDONESIAN carriers are putting on a show of might at the ongoing Singapore Airshow 2012, and are splashing the cash on a range of new aircraft purchases to expand their domestic and international networks. 17 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3120 TWELVE at Hengshan, branded under the Luxury Collection by Starwood Hotels and Resorts banner, will open in August in the heart of Shanghai's former French Concession. 17 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3121 MALDIVES authorites have pleaded with foreign media outlets to be more objective when reporting about the political crisis in the country, saying it was beginning to affect its tourism industry. 16 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3109 THE ANNUAL World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit will proceed in Japan this April as planned, with part of the programme hosted in Sendai to demonstrate the city's rapid recovery from the earthquake and tsunami disaster last March. 16 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3110 MALAYSIA generated RM58.3 billion (US$19.5 billion) in tourism revenue in 2011, a three-per cent increase over the RM56.5 billion earned the year before. The country received 24.7 million international visitors in 2011, only a marginal rise over the 24.6 million registered the previous year. 16 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3111 DESPITE mainstream media reports that sales were mostly brisk during this year's series of pre-NATAS consumer travel fairs, several travel company spokespersons whom TTG Asia e-Daily spoke to painted a different picture. 16 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3112 LOCATED at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, the city of Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of mainland China is looking to grow various aspects of its fledgling economy, with tourism being prioritised as one of its pillars of development. 16 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3113 ZAIA, a Cirque du Soleil stage production based at The Venetian Macao, will bid farewell to audiences on Feb 19, after completing just 3.5 years of its 10-year contract. 16 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3114 NO changes are on the horizon for Costa Cruises' plans in Asia-Pacific despite the Costa Concordia tragedy in January. 15 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3103 SPECULATION is rife that Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and chairman of Six Senses BVI, is close to signing a deal with an American company, which may result in different shareholdings in the Soneva and Six Senses brands. 15 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3104 BEST Western International is continuing its rapid expansion in South-east Asia with the addition of two new properties in Thailand and the Philippines. 15 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3105 THE EUROZONE crisis is not all bad news for Asian tour operators, at least not for Indonesia's Pacto, which has managed to secure two accounts from Italy and Spain. 15 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3106 MYANMAR's Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is pushing for a significant liberalisation of the country's visa regulations, and is planning to introduce an electronic visa application system from next month. 15 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3107 KHUN Malai Sakolviphak, a former Skal International (SI) Thailand president, SI Bangkok president and SI Thailand councillor, has passed away. 15 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3108 DESPITE setting a target of 10 million international arrivals by 2015, India's inbound market has so far failed to live up to expectations. 14 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3095 THE FEDERATION of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) has been formed to unite India's travel associations on a national level, giving the industry the common voice it needs to move India tourism forward. 14 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3096 INDIA'S outbound market will continue on its expansion trajectory in 2012, but there are signs of fragility that could hurt longhaul destinations and benefit its Asian neighbours. 14 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3097 RESORTS World Sentosa (RWS) will open the doors to two new luxury properties on February 16-the 172-key Equarius Hotel and 22 exclusive Beach Villas. 14 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3101 CODESHARE arrangements between SilkAir and Bangkok Airways on selected flights between Singapore, Koh Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai will come online tomorrow, allowing travellers greater ease in multi-destination travels within the country. 14 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3098 MÖVENPICK Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket, a 40-key suite and penthouse boutique resort that opened in Q2 2011 targeting the leisure segment, is pulling in unexpected bookings from high-level meeting and incentive groups. 14 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3099 ARGENTINA is making moves to court the Indian outbound market, with the Argentinean National Institute of Tourism Promotion planning to participate at all major trade events in India this year and sponsoring a series of fam trips for key industry players. 14 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3100 THE TRAVEL Corporation has kicked off its five-year Look East For Growth strategy that aims to tap into Asia's burgeoning outbound boom to grow bookings for tour programmes under its brands, which includes Insight Vacations, Trafalgar Tours, Contiki Holidays and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. 14 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3102 AIRASIA has launched daily services between Kuala Lumpur and Semarang, the capital of Central Java, bringing 160 passengers on its maiden flight on February 6. 13 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3085 THE WESTIN Beijing Financial Street has appointed Lillian Tan as director of sales and marketing. 13 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3087 GRAND Hyatt Hong Kong is offering great value group rates starting from HK$2,012 (US$259) per room per night for all MICE groups. 13 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3088 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai has introduced a Heritage Discovery Package, which includes a private excursion to Chiang Mai town and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, located on a mountain 15 km from the city. 13 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3089 LEADING Indian DMC Creative Travel will launch its third venture outside of India on February 20, going into a 50:50 ownership model with Nepalese tour operator Yeti Holidays to set up Creative Travel Nepal. 13 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3090 THAI operators are looking to tap soon-to-be-launched direct flights from New Delhi and Mumbai to Phuket, which has been less popular than Pattaya among the Indian market due to accessibility issues. 13 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3091 A SIGNIFICANT portion of the Philippines' 2012 infrastructure budget of PHP 182.2 billion (US$4.28 billion) has been earmarked for the development of airports, roads, and bridges to increase tourist influx into the country. 13 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3092 HAVING identified a potential growth segment in Asia-Pacific's MICE industry, global hotel chain Marriott International is making moves to sharpen its forte in serving the corporate travel and events segment. 13 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3093 JETSTAR Japan expects to take to the skies ahead of schedule on July 3, 2012, with operations to five Japanese destinations. 13 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3094 BRANDUSA, a public private partnership with the mission of promoting increased international travel to the US, will formally start its advertising blitz in spring 2012 after postponing its original ITB Berlin launch date. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3059 Dancing flight attendants are old news. But when a crew of Finnair flight attendants surprised passengers by breaking into a lively Bollywood dance routine on the overnight flight from Helsinki to Delhi in celebration of India's Republic Day on January 26, we just had to take our hats off. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3057 TTG Asia calls Kerala Travels Interserve (KTI) for a polar excursion 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3060 Can't quite remember how the surface of your work desk looks like because of those wads of print-outs from last month's meeting, shuffles of hand-written notes from a recent fam trip and a colourful mix of destination brochures, sample incentive itineraries, stationery and tidbit wrappers? 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3062 Medical tourists are flocking to India as it offers quality care at little cost 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3063 Smartphone apps can be a boon for event planners looking to boost attendees' experience and information access. Crowdcomms Asia's Jeremy Ducklin shows you how 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3067 With economic uncertainty in the winds, caution is the common song among many of Asia's MICE players 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3068 A SNAP poll conducted among 16 buyers and sellers who attended the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Manado revealed that this year's edition was a logistical nightmare for the majority, although they were fairly positive about the business outcomes. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3070 Theme parks in Asia continue to excite, but they must reinvent, says the trade. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3072 MINOR Hotel Group (MHG) has appointed Michael Marshall as senior vice president Commercial Operations, based in the group's corporate office in Bangkok. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3073 THE TRAVEL Corporation has appointed Darshan Maheshwari as its country manager for India. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3074 LEGOLAND Malaysia, the first Legoland theme park to open in Asia-Pacific, has appointed Thila Munusamy as director of sales and marketing. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3075 AGAINST the backdrop of Peach Aviation, AirAsia Japan and Jetstar Japan launching flights this year, Tokyo's Ibaraki Airport is eyeing a slice of the aviation pie. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3076 ASIAN low-cost carriers (LCC) have managed to grow their footprint significantly in the past decade, but there is room for them to expand their operations even further. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3077 JAPAN's first-ever pure low-cost carrier (LCC), Peach Aviation, is set to kick-off operations on March 1, inaugurating four daily flights from Osaka-Kansai Airport to Sapporo, and three daily flights from Osaka-Kansai to Fukuoka (TTG Asia e-Daily, August 25, 2011). 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3078 AIRLINES and hoteliers are starting to sit up and take notice of Myanmar, which is expected to see an upsurge in leisure and business arrival numbers as it emerges from fifty years of military rule. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3079 SWISSÔTEL Le Concorde Bangkok is to embark on a 345-million Thai baht (US$11.1 million) upgrading, and will be repositioned as a MICE hotel to serve the burgeoning business meetings and conventions market in Bangkok's Huay Kwang district. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3080 THE MACAU Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has launched an Incentive Travel Stimulation Program, an extension of its Strategic MICE Market Stimulation Program introduced in May 2009. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3081 PLANS are underway for a new PHP12-billion (US$282 million) budget terminal at Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), also known as Clark International Airport. 10 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3082 TRIPADVISOR is rolling out a series of master class events to help Asia-Pacific hotel businesses thrive online. 9 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3055 TTG ASIA's ongoing Facebook competition has found its January 2012 winner in Sidney Chua, a travel consultant with Mines Global Holidays in Malaysia. 9 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3056 SURPRISE, surprise: Despite the trials and tribulations that many delegates were subjected to at this year's ATF in Manado, Indonesia, most were still supportive of secondary destinations hosting the annual conference and mart. 9 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3058 THE NEWLY-established Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group brings together a consolidated footprint it will jointly market, clinching it the ninth position among the largest hotel companies worldwide. It will also see global alignment and management of its brands, and collaboration on revenue generation engines, purchasing opportunities and staff development. 9 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3061 WORD-of-mouth endorsements and participation in trade exhibitions are crucial to securing incentive business, according to the latest Incentive Travel Survey Report released by The Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration (SMTA). 9 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3065 SIX of the world's leading hotel chains have ganged up to launch Roomkey.com - a move seen as an arrow at powerful OTAs - but skepticism is high whether the venture will work. 9 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3064 VIETJET Air, which made its debut last December with four-daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (TTG Asia e-Daily, December 16), is thinking of spreading its wings beyond Vietnam. 9 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3066 AIRASIA and Expedia are scheduled to combine their inventories by end of this month, some 11 months after coming together in a 50:50 joint venture (TTG Asia e-Daily, March 29, 2011), but have so far failed to convince the rest of the travel trade community of the viability of their partnership. 9 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3069 MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) took one step closer to becoming a full member of the oneworld airline alliance (TTG Asia e-Daily, June 6, 2011) with the inclusion last week of its international flight schedule in Global Explorer, which covers all routes offered by the alliance's member airlines. 9 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3071 SATTE 2012 will be the first time that new owners UBM Asia will be organising the annual B2B travel trade show, after having bought over the event from Cross Section Publications last April (TTG Asia e-Daily, March 31, 2011). 8 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3047 SCOOT has unveiled Australia's Gold Coast as its second port of call, having already chosen Sydney as its first stop (TTG Asia e-Daily, December 1, 2011). 8 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3048 THE POLITICAL crisis unfolding in the Maldives has not impacted the local tourism industry thus far, according to tourism stakeholders whom TTG Asia e-Daily spoke to. 8 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3049 SILVERNEEDLE Hospitality, an integrated investment, development and management firm that manages over 4,000 keys in Asia-Pacific, has appointed Iqbal Jumabhoy as its managing director and CEO, based in Singapore. 8 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3050 AUSTRALIA's Tourism Northern Territory has appointed Pacific Leisure Marketing as its marketing representative in Singapore. Adventure travel and MICE have been earmarked as key focus areas for development. 8 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3051 BHUTAN flag carrier Druk Air intends to launch twice-weekly services between Paro and Mumbai on September 1, coinciding with the scheduled introduction of flights to Singapore around the same period (TTG Asia e-Daily, February 6, 2012). 8 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3052 BHUTAN's MICE industry will get a much-needed hardware boost in the near future, if plans for a new conference centre in the capital Thimpu come to fruition. 8 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3053 AIRASIA Philippines yesterday received its air operator certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and is planning to launch three domestic and three international routes from its hub at Clark International Airport. 8 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3054 SAM How has been reappointed general manager of Singapore-based Asia-Euro Holidays, a travel firm he headed from 2006 to 2008. 7 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3039 A NEW wholesale tour operator formed by a group of former Gullivers Travel Associates (GTA) staff is hoping to tap Asian group outbound travel to the tune of 25 million euros (US$32.8 million) a year, pitting itself against other European operators such as Kuoni, which is also going after a bigger slice of the market. 7 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3040 AIRASIA Japan, the low-cost carrier joint venture between AirAsia Berhad and All Nippon Airways, received its Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau on February 1. 7 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3041 AUSTRALIA has become the latest beneficiary of the Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau's (MyCEB) successful Twin Deal corporate incentive programme, which has secured over 9,000 participants since it debuted in China last September. 7 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3042 TRAVELPORT has appointed Nicolas Pierret to the role of senior director of corporate development for Asia-Pacific. 7 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3043 THE SANDS Expo and Convention Centre will see a coming together of Asia-Pacific's leading travel industry stakeholders when it plays host to Low Cost Airlines (LCA) World Asia Pacific 2012 and Travel Distribution World Asia from February 8-10. 7 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3044 HOTEL Zhiwaling and Yangphel Adventure Travel, both part of the Yongphel group of companies, became the inaugural private enterprises in Bhutan to adopt the national philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), when they launched in 2011 a three-year programme to integrate sustainable business practices into their operations. 7 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3045 DESPITE concrete moves to expand its tourism product offerings and seasonality (TTG Asia e-Daily, February 6, 2012), Bhutan is contemplating raising its minimum daily tariff to US$300 or more within the next four to five years, to restrict the profile of targeted source markets to a select few. 7 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3046 SINGAPORE earned an estimated S$22.2 billion (US$17.8 billion) in tourism receipts for 2011, while 13.2 million overseas visitors were recorded for the year-both new records, according to the latest figures from the Singapore Tourism Board. 6 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3031 MARRIOTT International has appointed Paul Rushton as its regional director of MICE sales Asia Pacific. 6 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3032 AIR Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, has appointed former Etihad Airways regional general manager Asia Pacific South and Australasia, Cramer Ball, as its CEO. 6 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3033 ROYAL Brunei Airlines will be increasing its services between Melbourne and Bandar Seri Begawan from four-weekly to daily starting March 25. 6 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3034 DRUK Air, which signed a memorandum of understanding with Changi Airport Group last August to start Singapore-Paro direct flights this March, is expected to carry through with the route launch just before Bhutan's peak autumn holiday season in September-November. 6 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3035 THE THAILAND Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is planning to declare 2013 as the Year of MICE, as part of an aggressive strategy to win more major events for the country. 6 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3036 BHUTAN, where the annual tourism season runs for only five and a half months each year, is looking to transform itself into a year-round destination through a series of product, marketing and infrastructural developments. 6 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3037 GARUDA Indonesia is looking to boost its business from Hong Kong and Macau through the development of trade partnerships across all sectors in the region. 6 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3038 THIS YEAR's ITB Asia will take place at The Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from October 17-19. 3 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3024 STARWOOD Asia-Pacific Hotels and Resorts has rolled out a campaign to rebuild MICE business at its Thailand properties after the floods. 3 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3025 INDONESIA'S Mandala Airlines, which suspended operations last January due to financial difficulties, may take to the skies again in April if it regains its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). 3 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3026 BERT Lambrichs passed away on February 1 from a heart attack while on a business trip to Luang Prabang, Laos, on behalf of his employer, Burasari Hotel Group. 3 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3027 THE SOUTH Korean capital will welcome a number of high profile congresses in 2012, with the Nuclear Security Summit in March being the year's heavyweight event. 3 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3028 THAILAND's Onyx Hospitality Group, which is also behind Amari Hotels and Resorts, will debut its first Ozo branded property in Hong Kong. 3 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3029 INTERCONTINENTAL Samui Baan Taling Ngam has opened, a new flag after several different managements including Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts. 3 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3030 AMADEUS has appointed hotel industry veteran Jeff Edwards to lead its expanding hotel business. 2 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3018 WELCOME to Yorkshire, the official destination management organisation for Yorkshire county in the UK, is looking to boost relations with the travel trade in Asia through a series of annual trade missions held in conjunction with VisitBritain. 2 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3019 PALACE Hotel Tokyo, located right next to the city's Imperial Palace, is scheduled to open on May 17 following a 90-billion Japanese yen (US$1.2 billion) investment in the mixed-used development. 2 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3020 AIRASIA X will hike the frequency on its Kuala Lumpur-Tokyo Haneda route from three flights weekly to six weekly, effective March 23. The carrier will up the services to a daily starting June 22. 2 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3021 MYANMAR's Ministry of Hotels and Tourism intends to implement a star rating system for hotels in the country. 2 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3022 TRAVEL companies around the world are keen to sell ancillary airline products but seek a more efficient booking process, preferably through the GDS, according to findings of Travelport's global airline merchandising survey. 2 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3023 AMADEUS has acquired Frankfurt-based Airconomy, an international strategy consultancy that supplies data on air passenger demand, a move that will see the latter developing new market intelligence products which Amadeus will market. 1 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3013 BANGKOK's Don Mueang International Airport is set to re-open for commercial flights on March 6, following its closure last year due to extensive flooding (TTG Asia e-Daily, October 25, 2011). 1 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3012 SUNTEC Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre (Suntec Singapore) has promoted Ong Wee Min to the position of CCO and Arun Madhok to the position of COO. 1 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3014 MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) will reintroduce direct flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Sandakan from February 18, with a frequency of 11 flights a week. 1 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3015 THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) has appointed Runjuan Tongrut as the director for its New Delhi office, effective February 3. 1 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3016 MOVENPICK Hotels and Resorts will open nine new hotels across Asia by 2014, adding to existing properties in Thailand (two in Phuket), Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) and one each in India (Bangalore), the Philippines (Cebu) and Singapore. 1 Feb 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3017 CEBU Pacific will launch thrice-weekly direct flights from Manila to Siem Reap starting April 19, representing a breakthrough on the monopoly on transit services to the destination. 31 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3006 FOLLOWING the collapse of Spanair, Singapore Airlines' (SIA) codeshare partner on the Singapore-Barcelona-Sao Paulo route (TTG Asia e-Daily, January 30, 2012), the Singapore flag carrier is remaining steadfast in operating the thrice-weekly services. 31 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3007 GARUDA Indonesia's LCC subsidiary, Citilink, is one step closer to being spinned off from its parent airline (TTG Asia e-Daily, August 4, 2011), having been granted a scheduled commercial airline license by Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation. 31 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3008 AIR New Zealand (ANZ) CEO, Rob Fyfe, will be stepping down from his role on December 31, 2012. 31 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3009 DAVID Barrett has left Diethelm Events, which he headed for 12 years, and "is keeping all doors open and exploring every opportunity to work in conjunction with hotels, corporates and DMCs in Thailand and further afield". 31 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3010 THE TAIWAN Tourism Bureau has appointed New Delhi-based Think Strawberries Luxury Travel Marketing as its marketing representative in India. 31 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3011 THE UNITED States has announced a series of initiatives to increase its share of the international travel market, especially from emerging economies with growing middle classes - such as China, Brazil and India. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2993 HANSAR Bangkok is offering a special anniversary package, valid for stays from now till May 31, 2012. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2994 U PAASHA Seminyak Bali is offering introductory rates starting at US$170 for a suite between April 1 and August 31, 2012. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2995 THE LUXE Manor is celebrating its fifth anniversary by organising the Our Anniversary, Your Celebrations lucky draw campaign. The grand prize is a one-night stay in one of its themed suites. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2996 MANILA's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 will be lowering airport taxes for all international travellers from PHP750 (US$17.40) to PHP550 by February 1, and has kickstarted long overdue renovations worth a reported PHP 1.16 billion. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2998 MYANMAR's Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has unveiled plans to roll out an electronic visa system sometime this year. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2997 FOURTEEN Hilton Worldwide properties in South-east Asia have joined hands to roll out a promotional campaign to boost their MICE business, and are offering rewards to event planners who book the most meetings. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2999 HILTON Worldwide has appointed Marc de Beer as general manager for Hilton Beijing Wangfujing. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3000 CATALONIA-based Spanair, a member of Star Alliance, ceased operations last week after Qatar Airways halted takeover talks and the regional government refused to provide further funding to sustain the airline. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3001 OAKWOOD Asia Pacific has appointed Edward Lim as general manager of the Oakwood Premier Guangzhou, opening soon in Guangdong province, China. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3002 MANDARIN Oriental Hotel Group has appointed Pierre Barthes as general manager of Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3003 RAGHU Menon has been promoted to the role of hotel manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing and JW Marriott Hotel Beijing. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3004 AIRASIA X will introduce direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney's Kingsford Smith International Airport starting April 1, 2012. 30 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=3005 TIGER Airways, which purchased a 33 per cent stake in Mandala Airlines last September (TTG Asia e-Daily, September 28, 2011), expects the Indonesian carrier's air operator's certificate to be reactivated next month and services to resume in April. 27 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2987 INDIA is planning to extend visas on arrival (VOA) to nationals of 13 more countries including Malaysia and Thailand, revealed a source from the country's Ministry of Tourism. 27 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2988 IN A bid to showcase its MICE facilities, DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur is planning to hold a national 'Dream Team' contest targeted at corporations in Malaysia and Singapore. 27 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2989 AIRASIA is facing legal action from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) over certain misleading airfares published on its website. 27 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2990 MIHIN Lanka will boost its Jakarta-Colombo services from thrice- to four-weekly starting February 2, and is looking to tap the budget traveller and backpacker segments to fill the extra capacity. 27 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2991 SINGAPORE Changi Airport handled over 45 million passengers for the first time ever last year. 27 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2992 KOREAN Air launched twice-weekly direct flights between Seoul (Incheon) and Danang on January 19. 26 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2981 SWISS-Garden International (SGI) Hotels, Resorts and Inns has been appointed to manage the Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka, which is scheduled to open in 2014. 26 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2982 SHANGRI-La Hotels and Resorts has appointed Elaine Yue as general manager of Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang. She is the first female to be appointed to this position. 26 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2983 THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mumbai office has launched an online training and certification programme for members of the Indian travel trade. 26 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2984 IT's almost business as usual in Thailand, as the hysteria propagated by the international media over the kingdom's end-2011 flooding gradually ebbs away. 26 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2985 INTERNATIONAL tourist arrivals grew by 4.4 per cent to 980 million in 2011, up from 939 million the year before, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. 26 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2986 CAMBODIA is emerging as a cultural destination where visitors expect more interaction with local people and culture, according to a report by SNV, a non-profit, international development organisation based in the Netherlands. 25 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2971 THAI AirAsia will trim its daily Bangkok-New Delhi flights to thrice-weekly starting February 14, and completely withdraw the service by March 24. 25 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2972 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will launch on March 25 a daily nonstop service from Amsterdam to Taipei using a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. The flight will continue onwards to Manila, effectively replacing the carrier's current nonstop services from Amsterdam to the Philippine capital. 25 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2973 GARUDA Indonesia will reduce the frequency on its Jakarta-Amsterdam route from daily to four-weekly from March 1. 25 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2974 TRAVELPORT will roll out its latest product, Travelport Universal Desktop (TUD) in Asia in 2012. 25 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2975 THE RENAISSANCE Koh Samui Resort and Spa, Thailand, has added 33 new beachfront pool villas to its list of accommodation options. 25 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2977 KHIRI Travel has launched a private jet tour targeted at high-end clients who want to experience the cultural and natural attractions of central Myanmar. 25 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2979 BANYAN Tree Holdings has made several changes in its hotel management structure. 20 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2965 THE INTERNATIONAL Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Shanghai Convention and Exhibition Industries Association (SCEIA). 20 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2966 PATA has released details of its new webinar series, which will tackle a range of topics such as social media, sustainability and crisis management. 20 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2967 STARWOOD Hotels and Resorts Worldwide's China portfolio will get a major boost when the Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central opens on September 15. 20 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2968 INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels Group (IHG) will launch the first-ever Crowne Plaza hotel in Central Java on January 22. 20 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2969 LA RESIDENCE Hotel and Spa in Hue, a member of Accor's MGallery collection, has opened a new representative sales office in Ho Chi Minh City. 20 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2970 MYANMAR's tourism stakeholders have expressed concern over the lack of hotel and transport capacity in the country, even as the government has revealed it is considering the implementation of tourist-friendly policies in the areas of hotel development, air access and visas (TTG Asia e-Daily, January 13, 2012). 19 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2957 AJIT Singh, the founder and chief of the Rashtriya Lok Dal political party in Uttar Pradesh, was appointed as India's Civil Aviation Minister in December. 19 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2958 JETSTAR will launch a new four-weekly Osaka-Singapore Airbus A320 service (via Manila) on March 25, which will add about 1,400 seats per week in and out of Japan. 19 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2959 THE VICTORIAN state capital, which is gearing up to host Amway India this December (TTG Asia e-Daily, March 10, 2011), is hungry for more Indian meetings and is devising "smarter" ways to get them. 19 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2960 MACAU's inbound visitor numbers hit a new high in 2011, according to the country's Statistics and Census Service department. 19 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2961 THE MYANMAR Investment Commission (MIC) has put four buildings in Yangon up for tender in a bid to ease the capital's shortage of hotel rooms. 19 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2962 GRAND Mercure Roxy Singapore has unveiled a host of revamped offerings, including 11 new deluxe poolside rooms, and renovated recreational and MICE facilities. 19 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2963 TAIWAN and Hong Kong signed a civil aviation agreement in December, which will allow both sides to boost the number of regular scheduled flights between their main airports from 170 to 198 per week. 19 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2964 ACCOR has taken over the management of Hotel Nikko Jakarta, which had been run by Nikko Hotels International for the past 39 years, and rebranded it as Pullman Jakarta Indonesia. 18 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2948 SWISS-Belhotel International has appointed Yann Fruchart as senior group director e-commerce, based at its Indonesia regional office in Jakarta. 18 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2949 ABSOLUTE Hotel Services has appointed Anan Phongsuriyahchote as director of sales - leisure, based in Thailand. 18 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2950 RAFFLES Hotels and Resorts has ceased management of the Raffles Tianjin due to irreconcilable differences with the owner, according to a statement released yesterday by the hotel group. 18 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2951 BANGKOK Airways will begin a new direct daily Koh Samui-Kuala Lumpur service from March 31, which will boost connections between the two destinations to 13 flights per week (TTG Asia e-Daily, September 27, 2011). 18 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2952 CAMBODIA's government is in talks with various airlines to open new routes to its capital, as part of a strategic plan to boost tourist arrivals. 18 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2955 DAFAM Hotel Management has signed an agreement with Istana Group to manage Dafam Istana Luwuk, the first-ever star-rated property in Luwuk, the capital of Banggai Regency in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. 18 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2953 VANCOUVER-based Rocky Mountaineer, the train holiday specialist for British Columbia, Canada has appointed Scenic Travel as its GSA for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. 18 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2954 MYANMAR's tourist arrivals hit a record high for the second year running in 2011, rising more than 20 per cent over the year before, according to figures from the country's Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. 18 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2956 THE LANGHAM Xintiandi, Shanghai is celebrating the unveiling of its hotel lobby and ballroom by extending its Linger Longer for Less package until February 29, 2012. 17 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2938 BRUNEI Tourism has lined up some 69 projects from this year - including strategic marketing tie-ups with the trade and the introduction of new attractions and tour packages - even as its long-serving chief, Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed prepares for his swansong. 17 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2939 MONEY is being poured into infrastructure, products and marketing, as Laos suits up for an action-packed year ahead, banking on three major events to raise its profile among international tourists. 17 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2940 OPERATORS and tourism stakeholders in East Malaysia have been forced to rethink their marketing strategies due to Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) impending withdrawal of direct flights between Kota Kinabalu and South Korea, Japan, and Australia (TTG Asia e-Daily, January 9, 2012). 17 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2941 PANORAMA Group's hotel arm, PHM Hospitality, will unveil two new brands and at least two openings by year-end. 17 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2942 LIMITED accessibility and insufficient marketing promotions have been identified as hurdles to growing Indonesia as a tourist destination. 17 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2943 THE OLD boys' club seems to be taking advice from the right people, with its Next Gen logo now imprinted on the association's namecards and marketing collateral, in addition to a recent hire said to embody its new philosophy. 17 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2945 SINGAPORE's Commonwealth Travel Corporation Services (CTC Travel) has been appointed the official travel agency partner for KidZania Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. 17 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2944 JILL Henry has stepped down from her role as CEO of the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB). 17 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2946 THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) will launch in the second quarter of the year a new B2B campaign, Exotic Usakhane, to promote its UNESCO World Heritage Site guidebook and website introduced last October. 17 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2947 MORE females and young professionals in Singapore are travelling for leisure, according to a recent survey by Insight Vacations of about 5,000 of its Singapore-based customers. 16 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2932 IN A significant first, Thailand and Cambodia have announced they will issue a single 30-day tourist visa to non-ASEAN visitors from February 1, with Vietnam and Laos to be brought into the ambit by end-2012. 16 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2933 TOURISM Malaysia will focus its global marketing efforts on promoting events and festivals taking place in the country this year, with a first-of-its-kind Malaysia International Tourism Exchange (MITE) to be a calendar heavyweight. 16 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2934 A NEW initiative to attract inbound traffic from Singapore to Sulawesi is in the making with a plan to sell Manado-Makassar packages riding on a codeshare agreement between SilkAir and Garuda Indonesia. 16 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2935 INDIA and ASEAN member states made history on January 12 by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will lead to cooperation on several levels to boost each other's tourism business. 16 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2936 MYANMAR Airways International (MAI) is starting a new daily flight in the Bangkok-Singapore-Bangkok sector from February, deploying Airbus A320 with 150 seats and A321 with 210 seats. 16 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2937 AIRASIA X's impending pullout from Europe (London, Paris) and India (Delhi, Mumbai) (TTG Asia e-Daily, January 13, 2012) has drawn a mixed bag of reactions from the travel trade. 13 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2915 Kuala Lumpur is main beneficiary, while the rest are in Malacca and Sabah. 13 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2921 Asia's waters will see even more cruise activity in 2012. TTG Asia examines several expansion plans* 13 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2922 Our first View From the Top in 2012 is a feel-good story of how a director of sales rose to become the CEO of a growing Asian hotel chain based in Singapore. Raini Hamdi finds out how Peck did it 13 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2923 Pin these up on the wall and start your journey to becoming better travel experts.* We also kick off the travel trade's very own crossword puzzle to help you gain knowledge in a fun way. Have a great start to 2012 13 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2924 Whether it's discovering new revenue streams or warding off existing threats, travel companies across Asia are evolving. Take a leaf from success stories told to TTG Asia 13 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2925 LONGHAUL low-cost carrier, AirAsia X will suspend services to India and Europe by the end of March in response to the combined impact from a weak global economy, rising jet fuel prices and soaring taxes, and instead, focus on developing its core markets. 13 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2926 A FAR-SIGHTED new government in Myanmar has revealed that it is studying the implementation of several tourist-friendly changes in the areas of hotel development, air access and visas. 13 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2927 THE NATIONAL Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) has taken over the lead in giving Singapore a face at some major travel tradeshows this year, following the Singapore Tourism Board's (STB) move to cut back on its tradeshow presence. 13 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2928 THE LOCAL travel trade is hoping that the Philippine lawmakers will approve the abolishment of an airline tax, which has been roundly criticised for its detrimental effect on the destination. 13 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2929 MANADO will receive charter flights from Guangzhou this month, the first direct charter service from China. 13 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2930 THE NEW Indonesia Tourism Promotion Board (ITPB), run independently by the private sector, has been formed to support the government's destination promotion efforts and to replace the former IPTB which became inactive in the early 2000s. 13 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2931 TOURISM cooperation between ASEAN and South Korea took a turn for the better in 2011, with the latter implementing measures that paved the way for more ASEAN arrivals. 12 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2914 THAI tourism players' confidence in the industry has risen to 112 points in the first quarter of this year and stands at 117 points for the entire 2012, according to the latest Thailand Tourism Confidence Index released by the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT). 12 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2916 THE PROMOTION of ASEAN under the Southeast Asia: Feel the Warmth branding is finally set to hit the ground running, after being plagued by disagreements over the inclusion of the 'ASEAN' word and funding. 12 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2917 VISITORS from ASEAN will stand to benefit from a host of new initiatives spearheaded by the India Development Corporation (ITDC), as it aims to bolster tourism infrastructure, attract more hotel investment, strengthen product development and train up human resources needed. 12 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2918 NEW Philippine tourism secretary Ramon R Jimenez has instituted changes that will revitalise the destination's tourism performance, starting with a marketing strategy that relies heavily on going viral. 12 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2919 THIS YEAR's ASEAN eTravel Mart, an annual event organised by the Bangkok-based Tourism Technology Association (TTA) with support from ASEANTA, is set to be bigger in scale and see more participation from both regional and overseas travel industry stakeholders. 12 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2920 AIRASIA has taken several steps to enhance its image as an ASEAN airline, including joining ASEANTA last year as a chapter member and recently opening a dedicated ASEAN outreach office in Jakarta. 11 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2907 THE Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), in collaboration with Malaysia's tourism ministry and Tourism Malaysia, will organise the World Islamic Tourism Mart 2012 (WITM 2012) from May 31 to June 1 in Kuala Lumpur. 11 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2908 THE Lufthansa Group expects to incur additional expenses of 130 million euros (US$166 million) this year from having to buy emission rights. It will pass this on to consumers. 11 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2909 GOVERNMENT regulations on airport security, emissions and taxes are a key issue negatively impacting global airlines' revenues over the next 18 months, according to a bi-annual Sabre Airline Solutions survey of executives at nearly 80 regional and global airlines worldwide who were asked to rank what positively and negatively impacts airline revenue. 11 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2910 JAPAN Travel Bureau (JTB) Foundation is forecasting a 2.7 per cent growth in outbound demand this year to 17.4 million travellers, based on a full-year 2011 estimated result of 16.95 million. 11 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2911 GARUDA Indonesia has appointed TransViet Promotion as its local representative to manage its sales, marketing and reservation activities in Vietnam, reinforcing the airline's commitment and growing confidence in the market. 11 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2912 EXOTISSIMO has appointed Ron Dreyer vice president sales North America. He was previously with G Adventures in the US. 11 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2913 MANFRED Weber has been named general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. 10 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2901 TRAVEL agencies and TMCs can now access a new set of services and technologies that will raise business competitiveness, improve access to relevant hotel content and save time for travel consultants. 10 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2902 AIRCRAFT chartering company, Chapman Freeborn, and luxury yacht charter and management company, Aqua Voyage, have come together to create innovative travel itineraries that feature a combination of high-end sea and air travel experiences for local and international clients. 10 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2903 AIRASIA will launch a new daily flight between Bangkok and Colombo, Sri Lanka, from March 1. 10 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2904 AN AGREEMENT inked between InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and RB Capital Group will give Kuala Lumpur its first Holiday Inn Express hotel by 2015. 10 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2905 PATA has appointed Ivy Chee its regional director-Asia, who will take charge of promoting the association's Next Gen range of membership benefits to travel and tourism industry companies, and carving out business avenues for itself and members in Asia. 10 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2906 TWO new attractions have opened in the Galaxy Macau integrated resort, offering more entertainment and event venue options to leisure and MICE clients. 9 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2895 THE ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2012 travex will welcome over 1,400 delegates to the newly constructed Golden Kawanua Exhibition Hall in Manado, Indonesia from January 13-15. 9 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2896 SEVERAL infrastructure projects planned for Bintan Island's ongoing Lagoi Bay integrated resort development will break ground this year. 9 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2897 MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) kicked off on January 6 the first in a series of pre-determined route cuts with the termination of twice-weekly services between Kota Kinabalu and Osaka. 9 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2898 ALAN Leibman has been appointed CEO of Kerzner International Holdings with immediate effect. 9 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2899 DESPITE the continuing economic uncertainty, global hotel transaction volume is expected to hold steady in 2012, to again reach upwards of US$30 billion in deals, according to initial results from Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' Hotel Investment Outlook 2012 report. 9 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2900 ARRIVALS in Sri Lanka rose 30 per cent last year to 855,975 and officials are expecting 925,000 visitors this year. 6 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2889 ACCOR opened last week the Sofitel Mumbai BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex), the group's flagship Sofitel property in India. 6 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2890 INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels Group (IHG) will launch a new upscale hotel brand in China by the middle of the year and is planning to eventually expand the brand across Asia-Pacific, according to a report in MarketWatch. 6 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2891 THE PHILIPPINE Department of Tourism (DOT) has revealed a new international tourism brand for the country, incorporating a revamped slogan, It's more fun in the Philippines. 6 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2892 INDONESIAN airline operators are feeling the heat from a new set of government measures implemented since January 1 to raise industry service standards. 6 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2893 THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) has decided to focus on promoting its niche tourism offerings as it adjusts its marketing strategy in anticipation of a slowdown in longhaul demand. 6 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2894 THE MALDIVES government has placed a moratorium on its controversial ban on spa and massage facilities in the country's resort hotels, pending a Supreme Court ruling on whether their operation falls foul of the country's constitution-which is guided by Islamic law. 5 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2884 THE MELBOURNE Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) has managed to secure eight major congresses for Melbourne, worth an estimated A$23.5 million (US$24.3 million) to the Victorian economy. 5 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2883 SINGAPORE Airlines will be making several frequency adjustments to its Northern Summer operating schedule (March 25 to October 27, 2012) to match capacity to prevailing travel demand. 5 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2885 CAMBODIA's southern coastal province of Sihanoukville has finally received scheduled flights with Cambodia Angkor Air's launch of thrice-weekly services from Siem Reap. 5 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2886 THE INDIAN Civil Aviation Ministry has warned that it may be forced to impose a similar tax on all European carriers operating in India if the European Union (EU) enforces a carbon tax on Indian airlines flying to European destinations from this month. 5 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2887 INDONESIA will start promoting its culinary offerings as part of efforts to boost inbound tourism. 5 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2888 INDONESIA's MICE sector is set to get a welcome boost with the establishment of a Directorate of Special Interest Tours, Convention, Incentive and Events Development. 4 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2877 TRANSAERO Airlines, Russia's second largest carrier, made its inaugural flight to Kuala Lumpur on December 31, introducing the first-ever direct air link between Russia and Malaysia. 4 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2878 NAY Pyi Taw International Airport opened for commercial operations on December 19, becoming the country's third international airport after Yangon and Mandalay. 4 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2879 THERE were an estimated 7.6 million overseas visitors to Indonesia in 2011, according to Indonesia Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu. 4 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2880 HONG Kong-based travel management firm Westminster Travel will launch this month a new retail brand, S Travel, which will specialise in FIT packages. 4 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2881 INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels Group (IHG) has signed an agreement with Vietnamese conglomerate the BIM Group for two new-build Crowne Plaza properties in Vientiane and Phu Quoc, both scheduled to open in 2015. 4 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2882 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is set to transform its non-stop Amsterdam-Manila services into a one-stop service via Taiwan or Hong Kong in April. The move would result in a reduction in the number of seats available from Europe and Amsterdam to Manila, since capacity will be shared by both stops. 3 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2869 CARLSON Wagonlit Travel (CWT) has appointed Geeta Jain as CEO India, replacing Praveen Gandhi. 3 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2870 THE HONG Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has appointed Simon Wong as its regional director for South-east Asia. 3 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2871 STAR Alliance has appointed former United Airlines senior vice president alliances, international and regulatory affairs Mark Schwab as its new chief executive. 3 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2872 ANGSANA Hotels and Resorts has launched Angsana Balaclava in Mauritius. 3 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2873 STAR Cruises has embarked on a US$25-million refurbishment of SuperStar Virgo. 3 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2874 TTG ASIA's ongoing Facebook competition has found its lucky December winner in Karen Low, a travel consultant with Citystate Travel in Singapore. 3 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2875 PHILIPPINE low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) will commence from March 23 onwards thrice-weekly Manila-Xiamen-Manila services, the carrier's 18th international destination. 3 Jan 12 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2876 MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) has adopted a new management structure, effective January 1, to ensure the success of its overhaul efforts launched in December last year (TTG Asia e-Daily, December 8). 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2842 VIETNAM's newest airline, VietJet Air, is scheduled to take off on December 25. 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2854 WYNDHAM Hotel Group is planning to introduce more of its brands into China to add to the five existing ones in the market: Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Ramada, Super 8 and Wyndham. 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2855 TRAVEL professionals now have the ability to let clients virtually explore destinations and attractions in minute detail with the click of a mouse through 3rd Planet, an interactive online travel programme that launched on December 10. 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2859 THE SEVEN members of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have been receiving double-digit growth in arrivals from Asia, are banding together to capture a bigger market here, making their first unified roadshow appearance in Asia this week. 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2857 AIR travel between Taiwan and South Korea is expected to surge next year following an agreement last month to launch new flight services and increase the number of seats available on existing routes between the two countries. 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2858 PHASE One of the Laguna Lăng Cô integrated resort development in Vietnam is set to roll out over the next 12 months. 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2860 MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) has followed up promptly on its business plan (TTG Asia e-Daily, December 8, 2011) announced last week by revealing details of loss-making routes to be axed from 2012. 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2861 INDIA will see the arrival of a Ritz-Carlton in 2012, even as the brand continues to plant flags across Asia, targeting 15 new hotel signings in the region by 2015. 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2862 THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) is ramping up its Beautiful Thailand campaign efforts, and is also planning to launch next year a new Thailand Welcomes the World campaign, as part of its strategy to boost the country's image after the recent floods. 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2863 JETSTAR Asia CEO Chong Phit Lian will be stepping down from her position on February 1, 2012 to pursue interests outside of the aviation sector. 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2864 We asked NTO chiefs around the region where they are packing their suitcases for this holiday season and do they ever take a real break? 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2865 It is green for go as travel professionals expect inbound traffic across Asia to get going in 2012 despite the problems holding back some traditional longhaul source markets 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2866 With favourable exchange rates fuelling an outbound boom, what did Asian travellers book this year and where are they going next? 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2867 The ups and downs in a year of aviation are charted. 16 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2868 Hotel chiefs tell Raini Hamdi their must-see places and the activities they dream to accomplish in their lifetime 15 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2844 VIETNAM Airlines' (VNA) new direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to London's Gatwick Airport, launched late last week, are expected to be a boon for the country's inbound tourism prospects. 15 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2849 THE DEAL under which China's HNA Hotel Group was to have bought a 20 per cent stake in Spain's NH Hoteles (TTG Asia e-Daily, December 14) has fallen through because of the current state of international markets. 15 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2850 BUSINESS Event Sydney (BESydney) has so far managed to secure in 2012 a number of conferences, congresses and incentive programmes that will generate over 211,200 delegate days, and contribute an estimated A$191 million (US$191.5 million) to the New South Wales economy. 15 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2851 THE INTERCONTINENTAL Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort, rebranded from Baan Taling Ngam Resort and Spa earlier this year (TTG Asia e-Daily, February 10), is scheduled to open on February 1, following a 10-month US$26 million overhaul. 15 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2852 DEMOGRAPHIC and lifestyle shifts are creating one of the hottest trends in travel and hospitality - multigenerational travel, according to research findings by Preferred Hotel Group (PHG). 15 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2853 QANTAS should base its planned full service Asian airline in Malaysia rather than in Singapore if it is serious about gaining a foothold in the region, said AirAsia group CEO, Tony Fernandes. 15 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2856 TURKISH Airlines will slash Indian travel consultants' commissions from five per cent to none, with effect from January 1, 2012, much to the aghast of the trade. 14 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2841 SINGAPORE's Commonwealth Travel Corporation Services (CTC Travel) has completed a merger with MISA Travel, a local OTA. 14 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2843 MALAYSIAN travel experts whom TTG Asia e-Daily spoke to offered differing opinions on Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) strategy to rebuild its loss-making operations. 14 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2846 THE ECONOMIC crises in Europe and the US will turn the attention of international exhibition organisers to Asia over the next few years, according to Napindo Media Ashatama president director, Herman Wiriadipoera. 14 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2845 VIETNAM Airlines (VNA) will raise from tomorrow onwards its economy- and business-class domestic airfares by 15-20 per cent and five per cent, respectively. 14 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2847 ABOUT seventy per cent of Travelzoo's Asia-Pacific subscribers would rather spend their money on travel than on buying luxury goods, according to a recent survey by the OTA. 14 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2848 CATHAY Pacific Airways has released details of its new premium economy-class product (TTG Asia e-Daily, September 1), which will be progressively introduced on its longhaul services from March 2012, and be available for booking for flights departing from April 2012 onwards. 13 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2835 SILKAIR, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines (SIA), will introduce on March 26, 2012 direct air services between Singapore and Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and the carrier's first destination in Australia. 13 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2836 INDONESIA's MICE industry should capitalise on the country's robust economic growth by encouraging the development of domestic MICE, said Anggito Abimanyu, the former head of fiscal analysis at Indonesia's Ministry of Finance. 13 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2837 MARRIOTT International has just opened in Shanghai its flagship property for the Marriott Hotels and Resorts brand in China. 13 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2838 THE ASIAN Development Bank (ADB) is considering rendering assistance to develop Myanmar's tourism industry, most likely through its Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP), which is currently being implemented in Laos and Vietnam. 13 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2839 SOFITEL will open in early 2015 a new 350-room hotel in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province in China. 13 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2840 THE BOOMING automotive accessories market in China is spawning an ever-increasing demand for exhibition space. 12 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2826 PATRICK Sibourg has been appointed general manager of the 608-key Ibis Bandung Supermal, which is scheduled to open in March next year. 12 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2827 DUSIT International has appointed Alex Willats as general manager of the group's flagship hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok. 12 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2828 TRISARA, Phuket has appointed Leanne Hucker as director of sales and marketing, and Antoine Melon as resort manager. 12 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2829 FORMER Emaar Hospitality Group CEO, Patrick Heuze, has been appointed CEO of Sunland Hotels in the Maldives, a newly created position designed to steer the group's expansion of its Coco Collection in South and South-east Asia, Africa and Europe. 12 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2830 BUSINESS Events Sydney (BESydney) has secured the rights to host the 12th Congress of the International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement in Sydney in 2013. 12 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2831 THE MELBOURNE Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has appointed Peter King, currently the chief executive of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, as it's new CEO. 12 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2832 THE CEO of a Singapore travel wholesaler was the highest paid travel industry professional in Asia this year, recording an annual remuneration of about US$2 million, according to a recent survey by travel recruitment firm TMS Asia-Pacific. 12 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2833 NEXT year's edition of Cruise Shipping Asia is scheduled to take place from October 17-19 at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore. 12 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2834 KOSMOPOLITO Hotels International (KHI) has completed the sale of Central Park Hotel in Hong Kong for a sum of HK$515 million (US$66 million). 9 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2820 SCOOT, which recently unveiled plans to operate Singapore-Sydney flights starting June 2012 (TTG Asia e-Daily, December 7), is trying to develop strong relations with the travel trade to boost its reach, as part of its two-year marketing strategy. 9 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2821 INDIAN tourism authorities are dishing out incentives to local filmmakers in a bid to persuade them to showcase the county's various destinations and attractions. 9 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2822 THE SURIN Phuket, formerly known as The Chedi, will reopen its doors on December 21 after undergoing an extensive refurbishment. 9 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2823 AIRASIA X, the longhaul affiliate of Malaysia-based LCC AirAsia, has launched four-weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka, the carrier's second destination in Japan after Tokyo and sixteenth overall. 9 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2824 HOTEL transaction volumes in Thailand have risen and even surpassed yearly average rates following the devastating flood crisis that affected the country, according to the latest figures from HotelClub. 9 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2825 SRILANKAN Airlines will boost the frequency on its Colombo-Chennai route to four-daily starting December 23. 8 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2813 THE INDIAN Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has elected Subhash Goyal, founder and chairman of Stic Travels, as its president for a two-year term. 8 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2814 BEST Western International has boosted its Japan portfolio with the opening of two hotels in Nagoya and Yonezawa, the first Best Western properties in each destination. 8 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2815 STARWOOD Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts will kick off a recovery initiative for Thailand by January next year to recoup business lost during the recent flood crisis. 8 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2816 TIGER Airways has aborted plans to launch a new regional budget carrier together with Thai Airways International (THAI), due to its failure to obtain the necessary approval from Thai authorities. 8 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2817 MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) unveiled yesterday a plan to revamp its loss-making operations, which involve a multi-prong strategy to streamline the flag carrier's network, reduce costs and win back customers. 8 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2818 THE THAILAND Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has turned its attentions to the country's foreign affairs and commerce ministries in its bid to host the World Expo 2020 in Ayutthaya, as its request for a 300-million baht fund boost from the government had been turn down. 8 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2819 AYUTTHAYA is starting to see a recovery in tourist numbers as restoration and rehabilitation efforts gather pace following the subsiding of floodwaters, which completely submerged the ancient Thai capital for more than a month. 7 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2802 STAR Cruises has appointed Sandy Wee to the newly created position of vice president of sales, Singapore. 7 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2803 JIN JIANG International Hotel Management Company has appointed Bernold O. Schroeder as its CEO. 7 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2804 ACCOR has appointed Robert Murray to the newly created role of COO for South-east and North-east Asia. 7 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2805 SCOOT, Singapore Airline's (SIA) new low-cost spin-off, stands to gain much from its decision to operate Singapore-Sydney flights starting June 2012 (TTG Asia e-Daily, December 1, 2011). 7 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2806 TTG ASIA's ongoing Facebook competition has found its lucky November winner in Prasert Srikureja, managing director of Romeo Tour and Travel in Bangkok. 7 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2807 LEGOLAND Malaysia has made public the pricing structure for tickets and annual passes to its theme park in Nusajaya, Johor, which is on schedule to open by end-2012. 7 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2808 SEVERAL Singapore-based coach tour operators are attempting to cash in on the anticipated flood of Singaporean bargain hunters headed for the Johor Premium Outlets shopping mall, which opened on December 3. 7 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2809 THE SINGAPORE Tourism Board (STB) launched today a series of tailored marketing campaigns to be rolled out in phases across its top-five source markets-Australia, China, India, Indonesia and Malaysia. 7 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2811 WEGO.COM claims to have pioneered in Singapore a new 'popular search' tool that enables customers to view destinations and accommodation options ranked according to community preferences. 7 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2810 INDONESIA's Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has earmarked 50 destinations in the country to be developed for tourism until 2025. 7 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2812 A RECENT report by Travel Impact Newswire, entitled Travel and Tourism in the New World Order, has identified a significant disconnect between the development agendas being pursued by global leaders and the travel and tourism industry. 6 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2796 THE INDONESIA government is setting aside 400 trillion rupiah (US$44 billion) in funds for infrastructure development, as part of a plan to improve connectivity within the country by 2014. 6 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2797 INDONESIA's Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has decided to focus on coaxing growth out of ASEAN, Asia, Australia, Russia and the Middle East next year, due to the economic slowdown in Europe and the US. 6 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2798 INDONESIA's Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy, Hatta Rajasa, has called upon the country's regional tourism stakeholders to focus on drumming up 'tourism fever' in their respective precincts, as the country's burgeoning middle class continues to develop a taste for travel. 6 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2799 THE SINGAPORE Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre is looking to attract events beyond its core segment of business events and trade shows, as its surroundings gradually take on a livelier feel through the emergence of new retail, commercial and hotel developments. 6 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2800 STARWOOD Hotels and Resorts Worldwide's Aloft brand made its official South-east Asian debut today with the launch of Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11. 6 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2801 SRI Lanka is extending the use of its free visa-on-arrival (VOA) facility for overseas visitors till March 31, 2012, after previously deciding to replace it with a fee-based online application service from beginning of next year. 5 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2790 EXPEDIA has launched its Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) in Malaysia, and is offering a 300 ringgit (US$96) bonus on top of commissions for the first 3,000 ringgit worth of bookings for new partners. 5 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2791 EXOTISSIMO Travel has published a 48-page guide detailing its MICE services in the region. 5 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2792 THE SRI Lanka government has approved a proposal by India's ITC Hotels, a franchise of US-based Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, to set up a Sheraton hotel and mixed-use development in Colombo. 5 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2793 VISITBRITAIN's marketing efforts in Hong Kong have been incorporated into the NTO's greater China operations, as part of a restructuring that saw its long-serving manager for Hong Kong and South China, Jane Fong, leave in September. 5 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2794 MANDARIN Orchard Singapore, Dynasty Travel and Vital Shared Services have emerged as the winners of PATA Singapore Chapter's second Our Productivity Story competition. 5 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2795 THE THAILAND Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO) are joining hands to provide professional development training for congress organisers in South-east Asia. 2 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2780 CENTARA Hotels and Resorts has appointed Andreas Korf as general manager of Centara Grand West Sands Resort and Villa Phuket. 2 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2781 JOHN Rolfs is making a return to The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company as general manager of the group's flagship hotel in China, The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai. 2 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2782 DUSIT International has appointed Jiri Kobos as vice president operations. 2 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2783 SOME S$32 million (US$24.9 million) has been invested in an extreme makeover for Singapore Marriott Hotel, which is said to be the largest-ever refurbishment in the property's 16-year history. 2 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2784 JAPANESE hospitality group Fujita Kanko Inc. has set its sights on growing its MICE business. The company's function space has so far largely been devoted to smaller events and the local weddings market. 2 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2785 PULLMAN Bangkok King Power has spent about US$900,000 on transforming an entire guestroom floor into meeting space to serve the increasing demand for small- to medium-sized venues. 2 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2786 QATAR Airways is contemplating deploying the larger Airbus A330 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on its Doha-Kolkata-Doha service, less than four months after the launch of Airbus A320 flights to the eastern Indian metropolis. 2 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2787 QANTAS CEO Alan Joyce has sought to address the uncertainty surrounding the carrier's efforts to set up a full service Asian airline (TTG Asia e-Daily, November 28). 2 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2788 A VISITBRITAIN entourage consisting of 32 UK-based organisations and 75 travel experts embarked last week on a series of B2B appointments in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. 2 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2789 A SINGAPOREAN family is set to become the first from Asia to head into outer space, once Richard Branson's space tourism company Virgin Galactic begin its once-weekly spaceflights starting 2013. 1 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2770 PHILIPPINE-based low-cost carrier Zest Air is making a major push into mainland China and South Korea. 1 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2771 EVENT specialist Pacific World has consolidated its worldwide operations under a single brand umbrella as part of its ongoing global expansion. 1 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2776 SINGAPORE Airlines' new medium- and longhaul low-cost subsidiary Scoot has unveiled Sydney as its inaugural destination. 1 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2777 SHERATON Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort, which opened last month in Xixi National Wetland Park (TTG Asia e-Daily, November 25), is gearing itself for MICE business. 1 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2778 INDONESIA's Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu, is optimistic that the country will achieve its target of 7.7 million overseas arrivals this year, despite the economic turmoil in Europe and the US. 1 Dec 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2779 INDIA's tourism minister Subodh Kant Sahai revealed last week that an outlay of 10 billion rupees (US$200 million) would be allocated for building 20 tourism parks across the country. 30 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2764 DESTINATION New South Wales (NSW) has decided to open an office in Mumbai, in recognition of the importance of the Indian market for the state's tourism industry. 30 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2765 BANGKOK and Japan have lost little of their lustre with Asian travellers, while New Zealand is on the rise as a longhaul destionation, according to HotelClub's inaugural Hotel Index. 30 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2766 THE THAI Hotels Association (THA) is collaborating with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to launch a 1+1 tactical to help stimulate bookings from December 15 to January 15 following the flood crisis in the country. 30 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2767 THE Colombo-Tuticorin passenger ferry service between Sri Lanka and India, started with much promise in June, has been suspended indefinitely on November 22 due to being economically unviable. 30 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2768 HILTON Worldwide signed an agreement with Les Roches Jin Jiang International Hotel Management College (LRJJ) in China for a Hilton Class programme that will offer workplace training and other curricula for students. 30 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2769 THE PARENT company of American Airlines Inc. (AA), AMR Corporation, yesterday filed voluntary petitions for bankruptcy protection in the US, citing the need to achieve industry competitiveness. 29 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2762 LOMBOK is starting to feel the positive impact of the opening of the new Lombok International Airport, with the arrival of the Russian market via Nordwind Airline chartered services. 29 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2758 SHANGHAI is planning to double its exhibition space to 15 million square metres by 2015 as part of its 12th Five-Year Plan (2011 to 2015), with 80 per cent of the area devoted to hosting international trade fairs. 29 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2759 AIR FRANCE KLM (AFKL) is poised to increase its capacity to Asia-Pacific in the next five years, as it anticipates the addition of one to two destinations annually to its coverage. 29 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2760 THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the Beautiful Thailand recovery campaign to accelerate efforts to encourage market confidence, as the flood situation in the country is now starting to stabilise. 29 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2761 FORMER PATA CEO, Peter de Jong, is joining Sao Paulo-based Student Travel Bureau (STB) as vice president, business development, operating out of New York and Bangkok, effective January 1. 29 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2763 MELBOURNE has secured the right to host the International AIDS Conference in 2014, which would be the largest-ever medical conference to be held in Australia. 28 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2751 JETSTAR has strengthened its position in mainland China, with the launch of its direct Singapore-Beijing flight on Thursday, becoming the very first low-cost carrier to operate flights between Singapore and the Chinese capital. 28 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2752 CHINA Airlines is gearing up for the launch of new routes and services between Taiwan and Japan early next year in the wake of the November 10 signing of an open skies agreement between the two countries. 28 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2753 THE WYNDHAM Hotel Group is expanding in China and India, signing franchise agreements for five new construction hotels under the company's Ramada brand in China and three hotels under the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Ramada brands in India. 28 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2754 THE NUMBER of visitor arrivals from India, one of Thailand's fastest-growing markets, is expected to reach the one million mark next year, as the target eyed for this year is expected to be affected by the flooding situation. 28 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2755 BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL and Golden Mountains Company are set to open the Best Western Premier Erbil and Best Western Premier Erbil Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan in 2014 and 2013 respectively. 28 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2756 FACED with multiple challenges, including strained relations with unions and opposition in Singapore for the establishment of a premium subsidiary airline, Qantas is reportedly rethinking its plan, according to Australian media reports. 28 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2757 DISCOVERY Hotels and Resorts is expanding its brand portfolio in Indonesia, including plans for South-east Sulawesi and Papua. 25 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2743 HONG Kong will finally have its own homegrown low-cost carrier (LCC) when Hong Kong Express Airways - part of the Hainan Airlines group - adopts a low-cost model in mid-2012. 25 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2744 LAO Airlines has signalled its intention to tap into the rest of the world with its latest expansion: thrice-weekly Vientiane-Singapore services that started yesterday. 25 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2745 OAKWOOD Asia Pacific will be debuting its Oakwood Premier brand in China with the launch of the 225-key Oakwood Premier Guangzhou in first quarter 2012. 25 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2746 IN A bizarre turn of events last week, about 600 passengers flying on a Comtel Air charter flight from Amritsar to Birmingham were asked to pay a fee of around 23,000 pounds (US$35,570) when the plane landed in Vienna for refueling. 25 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2747 STARWOOD Hotels and Resorts Worldwide will open another four Sheraton branded properties in China before the end of 2011. 25 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2748 CHAN Brothers Travel has reported a strong showing in the second half of 2011 so far, with overall sales for the year projected to reach the S$200 million (US$152 million) mark, a 20 per cent increase over 2010. 25 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2749 US PRESIDENT Barack Obama and the 21 leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic cooperation (APEC) forum launched earlier this month a new APEC Travel Facilitation Initiative that will progressively expedite the flow of business passengers within Asia-Pacific. 25 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2750 THE HERTZ Corporation has launched a new ExpressRent Kiosk programme to offer faster and more flexible car rental transactions for its customers. 24 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2735 SINGAPORE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has released a statement saying it no longer advises Singaporeans to consider deferring non-essential travel to Bangkok. 24 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2736 ASCOTT has clinched management contracts for two serviced residences in Foshan and Hong Kong. 24 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2737 RESORTS World Manila (RWM) has opened the Remington Hotel, the latest addition to the integrated resort's lodging brands. 24 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2738 INDIA's Jet Airways will introduce new direct daily flights on its Mumbai-Riyadh and Mumbai-Bangkok routes starting December 14. 24 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2739 IGNATIUS Ong, currently the regional senior vice president, Australia, New Zealand and South West Pacific (ANZ) at Malaysia Airlines (MAS), will be replacing Eddy Leong, who submitted his resignation as CEO of Firefly and COO of MAS shorthaul operations two days ago (TTG Asia e-Daily, November 23). 24 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2742 THOMAS Cook is seemingly headed for a financial overhaul after one of the banks with which it is engaged in ongoing discussions indicated it was keen for an expedited resolution of the tour operator's debt crisis, according to a report in The Financial Times. 24 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2740 THE HONG Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has boosted its ongoing Hong Kong Rewards incentive programme for MICE groups with two new features. 24 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2741 THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning to reintroduce a tourist visa fee waiver scheme for China, India, Russia and Taiwan nationals, as part of a wider stimulus initiative to boost inbound traffic and help local tourism operators affected by the floods. 23 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2727 FEELING the heat from fierce Asian competition for MICE business, Japan is taking this challenge seriously, with plans to renew a focus on the market next year. 23 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2728 AIDADIVA, one of eight ships operated by AIDA Cruises, made its inaugural call to Singapore on Wednesday, with approximately 2,000 passengers on board. 23 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2729 MAJOR Japanese outbound travel group H.I.S. Co. is aggressively building its inbound business, having recently acquired key land operator Japan Holiday Travel and created an inbound division. 23 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2730 SPANISH hotel chain Meliá Hotels International had added two properties in Xian and Danang to its portfolio of new hotel projects in Asia. 23 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2731 EDDY Leong, CEO of Firefly and COO of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) shorthaul operations, submitted his letter of resignation yesterday. 23 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2732 OVERSEAS visitors to Sri Lanka during the first 10 months of 2011 surged to 667,569, overtaking the 654,476 recorded for the whole of last year. 23 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2733 BUYERS from South-east Asia said they were banking on the fast growth in the FIT market to make up for a dismal year of Japan sales, as group business had suffered in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami. 23 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2734 TRANSASIA Airways signed last week a NT$5.5 billion (US$181 million) syndicated loan agreement for the purchase of two new Airbus A330 aircraft. 22 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2721 SYDNEY has clinched a 2,000-pax Indonesian incentive group that was also aggressively wooed by the Australian states of Victoria and Queensland. 22 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2722 JAPAN, whose inbound tourism took a hit from the March disasters, is intending to launch several new initiatives to bring recovery to visitor numbers, once a bigger promotional budget is approved by year-end. 22 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2723 INDONESIA is intent on growing its cruise industry, with a chain of infrastructural and policy developments, particularly in Benoa on Bali, scheduled to take shape over the next three years. 22 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2724 STARWOOD Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts has reported that MICE recovery initiatives implemented in Japan since April have netted more than US$6 million in meetings-related sales for its 15 properties in the country. 22 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2725 INDONESIA's Sriwijaya Air and Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) have introduced the Sriwijaya BNI Travelling card, a virtual credit card designed to replace the cash deposit that the airline's travel trade partners usually have to make. 22 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2726 THE THAILAND Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is working on a three-stage strategy to battle the impact from the flood crisis, which is expected to cost the country's MICE industry up to 3.32 billion baht (US106.5 million) in revenue and 250,860 foreign visitors in 2012. 21 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2715 FORMER Hilton International and Accor Asia-Pacific chiefs Koos Klein and Ray Stone are bringing an Asian vision to Ayers Rock Resort, Australia's largest integrated resort comprising five hotels. 21 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2716 AT the rate China is growing for Australia, the country's tourism vision 2020 of boosting Chinese arrivals to 876,000 and their travel spend to A$7 billion (US$6.97 billion) to A$9 billion is turning out to be an easy target. 21 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2717 SHANGRI-LA Hotels and Resorts officially opened its second Kerry Hotel on Saturday, marking the completion of the first phase of a multimillion-dollar refurbishment of Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing. 21 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2718 THAI Airways International (THAI) has successfully launched two new longhaul routes in mid-November, as the Thai government confirmed last week that flood threats to inner Bangkok had passed. 21 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2719 ANGSANA Laguna Phuket, the newest property within the Laguna Phuket integrated resort, will open on December 1 following an extensive US$30 million refurbishment. 21 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2720 AS part of South Korea's broader tourism strategy, policymakers there are lining up a series of initiatives to bolster the development of the country's domestic cruise industry. 18 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2707 FACED with fierce competition for Asian visitors from cities such as Singapore, Macau and Melbourne, Sydney is fielding The Star, an A$870 million (US$876 million) makeover of Star City - New South Wales' only casino - into a leisure and MICE destination which happens to have a casino. 18 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2708 JEJU province needs more MICE-friendly hotels and venues and more direct international flight access, as well as raise MICE practitioner standards if it wants to become a stronger MICE destination, said the island's industry players. 18 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2709 SPANISH charter airlines are cashing in on a lack of regional aircraft to meet the heavy seasonal demand of Muslim pilgrims wanting to fly to the holy cites of Saudi Arabia from eastern Asia. 18 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2710 THE FIRST Global Tourism Mart India, which aims to unite the diverse Indian travel trade under one event, will be held in either New Delhi or Hyderabad on December 12 next year, according to India tourism minister Subodh Kant Sahai. 18 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2711 PULLMAN Jakarta Central Park (PJCP), the second Pullman property in Indonesia after Bali, officially opened yesterday. 18 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2712 THE TOURISM Council of Thailand (TCT) will be lobbying for flood relief measures to help Thai tourism-related operators affected by the floods in the central provinces and parts of Bangkok. 18 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2713 CRUISE stakeholders are pouring their resources into education and training, saying this is what Asia needs in order for the industry to take off. 18 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2714 AFTER a tumultuous 2011, Japan is looking forward to welcoming the highest number of foreign cruise ship calls on record in 2012. 17 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2696 THERE is great potential for the meetings industry in China to be managed more effectively, according to American Express Meetings and Events director for Japan, Asia-Pacific and Australia, Danielle Puceta. 17 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2702 WESTIN Hotels and Resorts will open three new hotels in the Chinese cities of Ningbo, Xian and Xiamen over the next six months, according to its parent company Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. 17 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2697 TOURISM Australia says Qantas Airways' recent grounding of its fleet has had minimal impact on international inbound traffic at best, and dismisses as "ridiculous" that tourism is "ailing" based on just one month's performance in September, when arrivals slumped nine per cent. 17 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2701 AIRASIA Indonesia (AAI) is moving all its international operations to Terminal 3 of Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport starting today. 17 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2703 A NEW international cruise terminal in South Korea's Yeosu City, due to be ready by next March, is expected to give the destination an edge in courting foreign visitors. 17 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2704 DESPITE the flooding in Thailand's central provinces and parts of Bangkok, many upcoming tourism events and activities are still scheduled for other parts of the country. 17 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2705 THE JEJU Tourism Organisation (JTO) is eyeing the youth traveller segment in its goal to grow international arrivals, with plans to hold a lengthy K-Pop music and dance festival on the resort island in 2012. 17 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2706 ASIA's popularity as a cruise destination is on the rise, with a number of international cruise liners scheduled to embark on their maiden Asian voyages in 2012, in addition to existing ships calling at new ports in the region. 16 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2688 HILTON Worldwide fully intends to have a lifestyle brand at the appropriate time, according to its president of global brands and commercial services, Paul Brown. 16 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2689 AIR France has planned a series of adjustments to its services in Asia for the summer 2012 season. 16 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2690 THE THAILAND Medical Tourism Federation (TMTF) is in the process of getting registered, two years after a group of industry players have started to jointly promote the country's medical tourism facilities and services. 16 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2691 KINGFISHER Airlines has only been operating 269 out of its winter schedule of 418 flights last week, amid speculation that it might need a financial bailout by the government, since oil companies have insisted on cash payment for aviation fuel purchase. 16 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2692 BARELY a month after Raja Kamar International (RKI) was formed, the Indonesian hotel distribution company has announced its full acquisition of MG Holiday, a leading hotel wholesaler in the country. 16 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2693 CRUISE leaders believe the Asian cruise industry is primed for further growth, but pointed out that there was still a slew of obstacles to overcome, including distribution and operating cost. 16 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2694 THREE new homegrown cruise operators are set to launch in Asia over the next 12-18 months, with at least one of them rumoured to be from China. 15 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2679 ALBERT Cheong has been appointed as area general manager of Landmark Lancaster Hotel Group, Thailand. 15 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2680 US-BASED Sabre Travel Network is building the world's first B2B application store for the travel industry. 15 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2681 ABSOLUTE Hotel Services has appointed Sirintorn Varatorn as director of sales - South East Asia. 15 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2682 INTERSTATE China Hotels and Resorts Company, a joint venture between US-based Interstate Hotels and Resorts and China's Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels Company, has appointed Max Ng as its senior vice president of development. 15 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2683 THAILAND's main gateway, Suvarnabhumi Airport, has seen a 23 per cent reduction in the number of passenger arrivals, due to the floods. 15 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2684 FINNAIR is planning to operate a series of charter flights between Helsinki and Langkawi during the upcoming Northern winter season. 15 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2685 WEGO.com has introduced a new part-payment process for flash sales in travel purchases, a departure from the standard on other generic discount sites requiring full settlement upfront. 15 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2686 SOUTH Korea's Yeosu City, which will host the World Expo in 2012, has rolled out a number of solutions to address the expected strain on accommodation supply during the event. 15 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2687 PALACE Hotel Cipanas, officially opened yesterday by Indonesia Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu, is aiming to revive the Puncak area in West Java as a MICE and family weekend destination. 14 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2673 HONG Kong-listed Kosmopolito Hotels International Limited (KHI) has placed the MICE segment high on its business agenda and strategy, and is making moves to include event facilities in all six of its upcoming properties. 14 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2674 AMERICAN Express Global Business Travel will begin rolling out in the second quarter of 2012 a new web-based tool for companies to maintain enhanced mobile communications with their employees on overseas business trips. 14 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2675 TO ACHIEVE its target of establishing the country as one of the top five convention destinations in the world, the South Korean government has declared the upcoming year as the 2012 Korea Convention Year. 14 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2676 THE MALAYSIAN Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) launched on Friday the MATTA Academy, with the aim of providing skills-based and vocational training for members and their employees, as well as for the tourism industry as a whole. 14 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2677 OVERSEAS tour operators can help keep Thais afloat by getting their facts right before cancelling, according to Bill Heinecke, head honcho of the Minor Group. 14 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2678 INDONESIA is set to host the ASEAN Film Festival in a bid to promote the country as a filmmaking destination, and to heighten international awareness of its cultural and tourism products. 11 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2667 MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS) is set to axe its services to Buenos Aires, Dubai, Cape Town and Johannesburg as part of a cost cutting exercise, according to a report in The Star yesterday. 11 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2668 PHOENIX Tours International became Taiwan's first travel consultancy to be publicly traded when it was listed on the Taiex stock exchange last month. 11 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2669 SEVERAL Thai carriers have had to make adjustments to their operations in Bangkok as a result of prolonged flooding in some parts of the capital. 11 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2670 SHANGHAI-based DMCs who have been complaining for the longest time about the lack of large venues in downtown Puxi, will welcome the new Sofitel that will open on West Beijing Road by end-2012. 11 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2671 OUTRIGGER Hotels and Resorts will manage the Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort and Spa as its third hotel property in Thailand. 11 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2672 TOURISM New Zealand has decided to base its newly appointed regional manager South-east Asia and India in Singapore, in a bid to enhance existing partnerships with airlines and travel trade partners in the region. 10 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2661 TTG ASIA's ongoing Facebook competition recently found its first lucky winner in Chiew Chi Yuen, a travel consultant with Malaysia's SandC Leisure. 10 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2662 CHINA's significant growth in GDP continues to steer the progress of the local MICE and business travel industry despite the lacklustre global economy, according to findings from the 8th Annual China Business Travel Barometer. 10 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2663 THE SEVENTH China Business Travel Forum came to a close in Shanghai yesterday, with the annual B2B conference having provided a series of educational insights for those seeking a better understanding of the Chinese business travel industry. 10 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2664 THE ABU Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) -owned Hyatt Capital Gate hotel will become the first independently-branded Hyatt property outside the US when it opens by year-end. 10 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2665 OKAY, so it's that time of year again…when the Christmas greetings and promotional mailers start flooding our email inboxes. 10 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2666 FASTBOOKING, a Paris-based specialist in web-driven hospitality sales and marketing programmes, has set its sights on expanding its reach within Asia, especially in the flourishing markets of China and India. 9 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2655 AN OPERATIONS attachment programme involving the founding members of the Asia Cruise Terminal Association (ACTA) - Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) and Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal Development Co (WSK) - kicked off yesterday, ahead of the association's official launch on November 15. 9 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2656 LE MÉRIDIEN is making a comeback in Bali following an agreement between Tiara Raya Bali International (a company of Ristia Group) and Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide to jointly develop an existing resort there. 9 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2657 SRI Lankan tourism authorities have buckled under industry pressure and agreed to reduce new online visa processing fees for overseas visitors, which were due to take effect beginning next year (TTG Asia e-Daily, September 30). 9 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2658 ASIAN Trails has urged overseas tour operators to think twice and consult their handlers for an accurate picture on the ground before cancelling trips to Thailand, after a New York-based client axed two groups in a row without seeking its opinion. 9 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2659 IT'S BUSINESS as usual in Thailand's far north and southern regions, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand scheduled to bring in about 300 international buyers to attend two travel marts in Chiang Mai and Phuket this month. 9 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2660 THE OPENING of Ibis Tokyo Shinjuku on November 1 marked the debut of Accor's economy hotel brand in Japan. 8 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2646 WARWICK International Hotels intends to make further inroads into North and South-east Asia, with plans to grow its regional portfolio of five hotels-which includes KC Beach and Pool Villas in Koh Samui, scheduled to open in April next year. 8 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2647 ASTON International has discontinued its management of the three-star Aston at Grand Kuta Hotel and Residences, Bali. 8 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2648 EFFECTIVE today, TTG Asia Media is dropping the title 'travel agent', and substituting it with 'travel expert', 'travel consultant' or 'travel professional'. 8 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2649 ETIHAD Airways commenced on November 1 direct daily services from Abu Dhabi to Male, the Maldives capital. 8 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2650 ONYX Hospitality Group Foundation is joining hands with CARE Thailand (Raks Thai Foundation), its CSR partner in the country, to provide emergency help and support for flood victims through two relief initiatives. 8 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2651 THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) is going all out with its efforts to woo the Latin America market, with plans to appoint a dedicated representative for the region next year, and a series of marketing initiatives due to begin this month. 8 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2652 WILDLIFE Reserves Singapore (WRS) has appointed Freddy Ong as COO. 8 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2653 MILLENNIUM and Copthorne (MandC) International has appointed Andrew Tan as general manager of Orchard Hotel Singapore. 8 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2654 ACCOR has appointed Sagar Naker as general manager of Novotel Bangkok Platinum. 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2627 Here's a really good question: What is it that you are selling? A product? A service? A dream? 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2628 India's Birla Sun Life Insurance shows luxe events are still alive by going all out to impress its top advisors in an opulent gala dinner fit for millionaires 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2631 Natural disasters and potential security threats are among the top concerns of the MICE industry today, and venues need to prepare for disruptions. Singex's Ian Goh shows you how 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2642 THE NUMBER of foreign visitors to this year's edition of EXCO Taiwan was double that of last year's, as organisers continue to step up efforts to broaden the show's MICE range. 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2639 COMPETITION in the online travel retail space in Asia ratcheted up a notch with the launch of CheapTickets.sg on Monday. 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2634 Pressure, conflict, stress and fatigue are mounting as companies grapple with the global economic uncertainty. Here are some prescriptions for a happy and productive team. 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2635 Upscale hotels in Asia have started to tap into the revenue-generating powers of elaborate Indian weddings, even though not all have the necessary facilities for such celebrations yet. 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2636 More visionary Asian travel agents, with the appetite and guts to become global players, will emerge, Nowroz tells Raini Hamdi. And he wants to give them the wings to fly farther 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2637 Ten years and 46 chapters later, Thomas Khoo's book on the exhibitions industry has finally gone to print. 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2638 ACCOR will add 10 new properties to its current crop of four in Malaysia by 2014, the majority of which will belong to its Ibis brand-which is making its debut in the country. 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2640 GREEN MICE practices took centre stage at this year's EXCO Taiwan 2011, the third edition of the annual exhibition and convention-focused show. 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2641 KAHA Group, a major Indonesian travel consultancy, is entering the e-commerce arena through Karya Harmoni Indonesia, a joint venture with former Wotif product director Thailand, Indonesia and Indochina, Yusuf Ijsseldijk, who has been appointed managing director and CEO of the new entity. 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2643 INTERNATIONAL boutique hotel chain, Grace Hotels, has opened a 30-key property in the Chinese capital city, marking its entry into Asia-Pacific. 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2644 THE SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) Group recorded significantly lower half-year earnings, as higher jet fuel prices took a toll on the company's bottom line. 4 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2645 VOTE for your favourite productivity videos in PATA Singapore Chapter's Our Productivity Story competition and you could be one of three lucky winners to walk away with an Apple iPad2. 3 Nov 11 http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=2625 BANGKOK's hotel industry started to see major declines in occupancy and rates from October 23 onwards as a result of the floods, according to daily performance data from STR Global.