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Volume 1, Issue 5, October 9, 2008 |
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There are clear signs that business travel behaviour is beginning to change in response to climate changes, a study by MasterCard Worldwide Index of Travel has revealed.
Results from the latest report showed that while 70 per cent of Asian travellers say that global warming issues do not affect their travel plans, 30 per cent say they are concerned, and seven in 10 of those said they would travel less due to global warming concerns. More respondents from Malaysia (35 per cent vs. 26 per cent), Philippines (29 per cent vs. 10 per cent) and Singapore (28 per cent vs. 21 per cent) said that global warming will make them travel less, compared to a year ago. Taiwan (86 per cent), New Zealand (85 per cent) and Vietnam travellers (83 per cent) were the most indifferent, saying global warming would not affect their travel plans.
This year’s World Tourism Day (WTD), held on Sept. 27 in Lima Peru, had the theme “Tourism Responding to the Challenge of Climate Change.” A group of leading public and private tourism stakeholders, representatives of civil society and of the U.N. system highlighted the need to promote sustainability goals by the tourism sector.
The think tank concluded that tourism growth must be pursued with increasing emphasis on ethics and local community involvement as well as reducing carbon emissions systematically. “Tourism must grow in a smart way. The commitment to credible sustainability criteria will represent big opportunities for new entrepreneurs in this smart growth economy, involving businesses, communities and innovative governments,” said Geoffrey Lipman, assistant secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. 
Cathay Pacific opened Hong Kong International Airport’s first airline-branded arrival lounge, The Arrival, on Oct. 1. The facilities and services offered at The Arrival include a buffet dining area with a wide selection of quality food and drinks, desktop computers with Internet access and WiFi connections, a range of local and international newspapers and fully equipped shower suites. The interior design of The Arrival — located in the centre passage connecting Terminal 1 with Terminal 2 — features key elements developed from Cathay Pacific’s award-winning departure lounges in Hong Kong, The Wing and The Pier.
AirAsia is increasing its number of flights to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) from its hubs in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Bangkok (BKK). Effective from Oct. 26, flights from Kuala Lumpur will increase from seven to 11 flights weekly, while Bangkok flights will go daily from four to seven flights weekly. Kathleen Tan, regional head of commercial, AirAsia, said, “The demand for the existing routes made it very clear for the need to introduce additional flights. We are pleased to be able to unveil the additional flights to cater for the demand.”
Continental Airlines is catering to the increasingly popular Japanese ski season by introducing additional services to Sapporo (CTS). Travellers who want to experience Japan’s famous ski fields can now fly to Sapporo from Guam (NRV), which will operate daily between Dec. 28 and Jan. 20, 2009. Continental’s twice-weekly flights from Cairns (CNS) to Guam will connect with the Sapporo flights. The flights from Cairns to Guam depart every Monday and Friday morning and are operated with Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
China Airlines is to launch a new Kaohsiung (KHH) – Manila (MNL) daily service on Oct. 1. Flight CI 637 will depart at 09:05 from Kaohsiung, and arrive in Manila at 10:45. Return flight CI 638 will leave at 11:45 and arrive in Kaohsiung at 13:25. The new schedule provides more frequencies and greater convenience for passengers from southern Taiwan. An Embraer E190 jet will serve this route. It is configured into two classes with eight seats in premium economy class and 88 in economy class.
Philippine Airlines is increasing flights to key destinations across Asia Pacific in time for the peak Christmas holiday season. Osaka (KIX) and Fukuoka (FUK) in Japan, and Singapore (SIN) all receive new frequencies in PAL’s winter 2008 timetable. Service to Osaka will upgrade to a daily frequency from Oct. 26, with the addition of flights every Tuesday and Saturday to the current five-times-weekly schedule. Operating times will change slightly to conform to winter hours.
6101 West Century Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
tel 310 642 1111
www.starwoodhotels.com
Ever get the impression it’s offensive to a cab driver to leave an airport with luggage? After safely landing at Los Angeles Airport (LAX), I waited no more than 15 minutes before the Sheraton Gateway shuttle arrived to transport me to my hotel, less than a mile from the airport. And they were happy to take my bags.
I noticed the slightly dated outside structure of the Sheraton Gateway did not agree with the hotel’s interior renovation. With a black-and-red modern décor, the lobby generated a classy and sophisticated feel without overwhelming the guest. Upon checking in at around 11:30, I was pleased to be informed that my corner suite on the 11th floor was ready for me. Much like the outside structure of the hotel, the bland hallways did not contend with the classy style of my suite. Adjustable lighting and soft grey walls added much warmth and comfort in my room.
Amenities included a Starbucks coffee maker, a good selection of cable channels (I always enjoy travel channels while travelling) and a Bose Wave Radio CD, which I always appreciate when travelling alone. Internet cost USD 10.95 per day, which put a damper on things. The bathroom offered optimal counter space and included a mirror that covered the length of the bathroom, with an extendible magnifying vanity mirror for spotting those imperfections.
Room service was prompt and friendly. Shuttle services to LAX were convenient and ran every 15 minutes. My favourite part about my room had to be the large windows. A great view can make one feel pretty important — I felt very important at the Sheraton Gateway.
Score: ••••• Courtney Centeno
Through to Dec. 15, aqua enthusiasts can take advantage of the Water Adventure promotion at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu. The package offers guests a choice of water activities, including 30-minute daily jet ski use, a 10-minute banana boat ride, a 10-minute parasailing ride, a 30-minute introduction to scuba diving and a 30-minute sub-sea boat ride for viewing the corals and marine life below waters. Rates start from PHP15,000 for a superior garden-view room, with daily buffet breakfast for two adults and round-trip airport transfers.
Emirates has launched a new offer in partnership with the Atlantis, a luxury resort and water park which recently opened on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. Passengers flying Emirates’ first class or business class to or via Dubai will receive a complimentary stay at the hotel and enjoy unlimited access to the water playground, Aqua-venture, as well as The Lost Chambers, a maze of underground tunnels offering underwater views. The promotion is valid for bookings made on flights between Oct. 4 and Dec. 24, excluding Nov. 18–Nov. 23.
The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has launched an All Wrapped Up Christmas promotion. Priced from HKD 14,500, the offer includes a stay in a deluxe room with a personalised guided shopping tour of Hong Kong’s most renowned shopping areas. The shopping tour can include visits to designer stores for custom-made jewellery or to a local tailor for hand-stitched suits or dresses or a cobbler for made-to-measure shoes. The hotel will collect, gift-wrap and deliver the purchases to the hotel room. Rates are valid from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31.
To celebrate the addition of four daily direct flights between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Singapore (SIN), AirAsia is giving away 51,000 free seats and, unlike other airlines with similar offers, is also waiving fuel surcharges. Passengers will only bear the airport tax and administrative cost for the new frequencies. The additional services will commence on Dec. 1.The promotion is valid for the booking period Sept. 26 to Oct. 3 for travel between Dec. 1 and July 31, 2009.
Anatara Resorts is offering the rare opportunity to dine with elephants at the secluded Golden Triangle facility in Northern Thailand. Diners can enjoy a selection of prime meats and seafood in the serene, candle-lit outdoor dining area. Priced at HKD 1,170, the package includes private limousine service to and from Chiang Rai Airport (CEI). AirAsia offers flight services between Chiang Rai and Bangkok (BKK). Room rates start at HKD 1,500 per night, and dinner is priced at HKD 800 per person.
