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Volume 1, Issue 11, November 20, 2008 |
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Travel sentiments across Asia Pacific are 'down but not out', according to a survey by Abacus International. Slightly less than half of the 185 travel agents surveyed felt that travel bookings will fall in the next six months and only 44 per cent felt that prospects for business travel will shrink.
"In the recent weeks, the travel industry is somewhat besieged with pessimistic reports and forecasts for the future. This survey from the ground shows that the people who have the closest and most direct contact with travellers do not see the next six months of travel as all of gloom and doom," said Robert Bailey, president and CEO, Abacus International.
Results from the survey showed 68 per cent of the travel agents surveyed felt that short getaways in the region will be their strongest growing category while 12 per cent felt that long-haul travel to the US, Europe, the Middle East and other destinations will take the lead in their bookings. The survey also revealed that travel agents identified economic downturn (43 per cent), personal financial status (30 per cent) and fuel prices (27 per cent) as the top three factors influencing travellers' plans in the next six months.
Travel agents who responded cited the three hottest destinations for outbound growth: China (42 per cent), Malaysia (31 per cent) and Hong Kong (27 per cent). "In addition, general sentiments are that the much-awaited fall in fuel prices from the peak of USD 140 per barrel will unfortunately on its own not be a big enough catalyst to boost travel in the face of the current slowdown in global markets," said Bailey. 
Malaysia Airlines has teamed up with mobile phone operator AeroMobile to offer in-flight mobile phone and data services. The introduction of these services allow passengers to safely use their BlackBerry, PDA devices and mobile phones to send or receive emails, make or receive voice calls in flight. The system will be available on Malaysian Airlines’ regional and long-haul routes including flights to Japan, Africa, Australia and the Middle East. Malaysia Airlines Managing Director Dato Seri Idris Jala said, “The trial will be conducted for a period of time and if the evaluation findings are positive, we aim to have this facility fully operational in the remaining wide-body aircraft of our fleet by next year.”
In the first major retrofitting of its Boeing 747-400 fleet in years, Philippine Airlines has launched a comprehensive PHP 1.8 billion renovation of its aircraft cabins. Highlights include the installation of in-flight entertainment systems, new business-class and economy-class seats, and the infusion of a modern look that aims to emulate the beautiful coastal areas of the Philippines. The upgrade is being progressively introduced into the Boeing 747-400 fleet. All units will be sporting the new interiors by late 2009. The focal point of the new Mabuhay Class cabin is the luxurious “cocoon” seats which feature fixed privacy shells that enable passengers to enjoy utmost privacy.
Qatar Airways’ passengers departing from the airline’s hub in Doha can now check in online. The service is available for all passengers flying with the airline out of Doha International Airport (DOH) with the exception of those travelling to New York (JFK) or Washington (BWI). The new online check-in service, accessible through the airline’s website, allows passengers in all classes of travel to check in from the comfort of their home or office between two to 36 hours prior to departure. Travellers can choose a seat, print a boarding pass or have a bar-coded boarding pass sent to their mobile phone. Passengers with baggage to check can utilize ‘Fast Bag Drop’ counters located in the departures hall of the main terminal.
SriLankan Airlines has made its Beijing service more convenient for Chinese passengers by introducing Chinese Passenger Assistants on board each flight. The assistants will be on hand to help passengers in flight and at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Capt. Milinda Ratnayake, head of SriLankan Airlines service delivery said “The introduction of Chinese Passenger Assistants will greatly assist our Chinese passengers, many of whom are not fluent in English.” SriLankan Airlines is strongly supporting the efforts of the Sri Lankan government to promote ties between China and Sri Lanka, and has actively participated in travel fairs in various parts of China, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau.
Singapore Airlines is making adjustments to its network during winter schedule to better match capacity with demand. These changes will take place progressively throughout the five-month winter schedule, which started Oct. 26. Flights to Penang (PEN) and Ho Chi Minh (SGN) will be gradually reduced during the winter period. Service to and from Seoul (ICN) will be reduced from the start of the winter season. Flight SQ 608 will be suspended from service completely from Feb. 2 to March 28. Osaka (KIX) will be served once a day starting Nov. 2 by SQ 618 (Singapore-Osaka) and SQ 617 (Osaka-Singapore). Flights SQ 622 (Singapore-Osaka) and SQ 621 (Osaka-Singapore) will be suspended.
Shimizu River Ngchesar State, Palau 96940
tel 680 488 1188
Located in Ngchesar State, the Jungle River Boat Cruise is one of Palau’s most eco-friendly tours, giving travellers a chance to see nature firsthand. Guests will embark on an exciting journey down the Shimizu River on an aluminium boat fit for 40 passengers. The tour covers a total of five miles or 2.5 miles each way. The entire cruise takes about one hour. Visitors can purchase packages that include the boat cruise, barbecue, basket weaving and a Babeldoab tour.
This exciting tour is the brainchild of Billy Takamine, a native of Ngchesar State. Takamine had dreams of starting his own tour cruise since he was 16, but had to wait until roads were paved in Ngchesar State before he could realise his dream. Growing up in a nearby local village, Takamine knows the area like the back of his hand.
With a gift shop and two picnic areas constructed to look like Palau’s ancient bais (meeting houses), Takamine provides a comfortable space for dining, entertainment and even basket-weaving demonstrations. Sixty per cent of this eco-friendly establishment is made from the area’s natural resources.
The atmosphere is relaxing and the staff is friendly and helpful. It is evident that the place is a labour of love. Currently, there is no electricity at the establishment, but it seems to operate fine without it.
Score: ••••• Courtney Centeno
The Sentosa Private Villas and Spa in Bali has launched a series of new signature spa treatments, the most decadent of which is the Chocolate Fondue Spa, a special two-hour chocolate treatment that helps release endorphins in the brain. The treatment begins with a gentle exfoliating massage followed by a rich and creamy milk chocolate body mask. The experience continues with a hot chocolate bath and an application of chocolate body lotion. For those wanting to stay away from the temptation of chocolate, there are alternative pampering packages ranging from the Floral Princess Experience to Citrus Luminous Body Shine.
Stylish apartments and penthouses are available for rent at Phuket’s luxury lifestyle yachting community, Royal Phuket Marina. Visitors and holiday-makers can now rent luxury waterside apartments for romantic getaways or family vacations at the maritime resort starting from USD 250 a night. The fully serviced residences include four-bedroom penthouses with private rooftop pools and gardens, along with two and three-bedroom apartments with pool decks and balconies beside a swimming pool. The rental packages also include boat trips to explore the myriad of deserted tropical paradise islands in the Andaman Sea.
Phuket’s exclusive Sri Panwa Resort is hosting festive promotions highlighted by the residency of famous DJ Arthur Baker. The resort will be transformed into ‘party central’ after sundown throughout Christmas and the New Year. A seven-night package for two in a one-bedroom ocean-view pool villa priced at THB 473,620 from Dec. 20 to Jan. 10 includes welcoming champagne, daily breakfast and dinner at BABA dining lounge, along with airport transfers, a personal villa assistant, and an exclusive gift set. Boston-born, London-based DJ/Producer Arthur Baker heads a team of DJs tempting guests on the dance floor of the resort’s biggest villas.
Best Western International is celebrating the grand openings of its hotels in Asia with the “Great Grand Opening” promotion. Guests can enjoy a 40 per cent discount off a two-nights-stay at the Best Western Hotel New City Hirosaki in Japan and Best Western Mayfair Suites Hotel in Bangkok. In Bangkok, the offer includes a 40 per cent discount on rooms and a 15 per cent discount on dining, spa and massage services. In Japan, the offer includes 10 per cent off laundry service. Alternatively, guests can opt for a complementary second night with every one-night-stay at Best Western hotels in Japan and Vietnam. All promotional deals are valid until March 31.
Hotel Jen is providing affordable, stylish and chic accommodation to visitors to Hong Kong with Christmas & New Year packages priced from HKD 988 per room per night. Available from Dec. 16 to Jan. 6 on stays of a minimum of two nights, guests can enjoy the great rate to stay in a Jen Mountain View Room, savouring panoramic views of Hong Kong’s famous city skyline. The package also includes breakfast for two at Sky Lounge, complimentary 'happy hour' beverages and canapés from 18:00-20:00, and a HKD 100 voucher for food & beverage and laundry services.
