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Volume 1, Issue 12, November 27, 2008 |
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Imagine yourself in Taipei, eager for directions to the Shi Lin Night Market but lost in a language you can neither read nor pronounce. Do you shout at the nearest policeman until he becomes proficient in English? Or do you wander the streets until a local takes pity on you?
A fledgling service for mobile phones — your new best travelling friend — can solve your problems. Introducing Wikitude, which merges the navigational help of Google maps with the information on Wikipedia. Wikitude is a handy application for planning a trip or for finding out about landmarks in your surroundings: search as many as 350,000 worldwide points of interest by GPS or by address.
Key in any destination and Wikitude will deliver a map with a red pin marking the destination, the estimated distance from your current location, as well as Wikipedia's entry on the topic.
Alternatively, you can enter a general search for any type of tourist destination (e.g. ‘museums’) and see a list of nearby choices. You can even point your phone at a landmark, send its image to Wikitude and receive information on the mystery site.
Since Wikitude can be updated around the clock, its arrival does not bode well for competitors like Lonely Planet, and Let's Go. Who need’s a heavy guide book when the information can be accessed via your mobile?
This information comes at a cost in the form of download charges to your mobile. Of course, many people who can afford a mobile advanced enough to use Wikitude are already on a payment plan that allows generous online usage. 
The Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket has completed its refurbishment programme and is now welcoming guests to its upgraded facilities. More than 75 per cent of the resort’s guestrooms have been given a new look whilst maintaining the popular Sino-Portuguese architectural style in the main building. “All the rooms are bright and airy and follow the Dusit style, in that they combine Thai tradition with modern style and convenience,” said general manager, Mr. Peter Komposch. Room facilities include TV with satellite channels, built-in safe, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, hi-speed wireless Internet connection and a spacious bathroom. For those who are looking for accommodation large enough for a family, the Dusit Thani Pool Villas are now open.
Delta Air Lines is adding 15 new international routes to its summer 2009 schedule, including service to 12 destinations not flown by any other U.S. carrier. In particular, three new non-stop trans-Pacific flights will be added between the United States and Tokyo (HND), including new non-stop flights from Salt Lake City (SLC) and New York (JFK) and daily service connecting customers beyond Tokyo to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Glen Hauenstein, executive vice president of network planning and revenue management said, “Smart growth to unique and emerging markets across the globe is a key ingredient of Delta’s proven business strategy.”
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and lifestyle brand, Aloft hotels has announced the opening of Aloft Beijing, Haidian. The 186-room hotel is the first Aloft in Asia Pacific and the first to open outside North America. Aloft Beijing, Haidian is located in the Zhongguancun Science Park near the 4th Ring Road. The hotel is minutes from attractions including the Summer Palace, the CCTV tower and the Bird’s Nest, the National Stadium featured in the 2008 Summer Olympics. More than 500 Aloft hotels are scheduled to open in markets including China, United Arab Emirates, India and Thailand in the next five years.
Air New Zealand, Rolls-Royce Group Plc. and Boeing Co. will conduct the first trial flight of a Boeing 747-400 partly run on sustainable biofuel on Dec. 3 from Auckland (AKL). Using advanced processing technology, Air New Zealand and Terasol Energy have successfully converted crude oil into biojet fuel for aviation use, marking the world's first large-scale run of sustainable biofuel for commercial aviation. Billy Glover, Boeing Commercial Airplane's managing director of environmental strategy, said, "Laboratory testing showed the final blend had excellent properties, meeting and in many cases exceeding the stringent technical requirements for fuels used in civil and defense aircraft."
Thailand picked up the largest number of awards at the AsiaSpa Awards Ceremony, which was held in The Salon at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. The awards celebrated the best spas in terms of innovation and quality, and are voted on by 29 independent judges. Holistic Spa in Koh Samui took home Destination Spa of the year, while The Oriental Spa, Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok lay claim to the Best Urban Spa award. The Spa at Shangri-La, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok won the Spa Treatment Award. Bali walked away with Spa Capital of the Year, while Spa Village Resort snapped up the New Spa Award. Socially Responsible Spa of the Year went to The Shinta Mani Spa, Shinta Mani Hotel, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Beijing (PEK) To Incheon (ICN)
www.flyasiana.com
I arrived a little early for my flight as I had finished my morning appointments and had checked out of my hotel. I was escorted through security after checking a bag full of promotional materials I would need on the next leg of my trip.
Once through security and passport control, all of which took no more that five minutes, I made my way to the Air China First Class lounge (shared by Asiana) where I was able to log onto their gratis WiFi while I waited for my flight to board.
Boarding was swift. A smiling and gracious Asiana flight attendant welcomed me to my seat. She informed me regarding the flight time to Incheon and said we might experience some turbulence. I was in business class and the seat was roomy and comfortable. It was a short flight, but I was able to enjoy a few short-subject films from the entertainment selection.
In-flight meal service included a choice of beef or seafood. I chose the latter which was served with fresh fruit and a salad and complemented by a selection of Californian wines and Piper Heidsieck Champagne.
Once the meal service was complete, the plane swiftly landed uneventfully at Incheon. Top honours to Asiana's courteous staff!
Score: ••••• Francis Gallagher
With the introduction of the SkyTeam Mileage Upgrades programme, SkyTeam Frequent Flyers on international flight itineraries can use their miles to upgrade to business class on most SkyTeam member airlines. To take advantage of SkyTeam Mileage Upgrades, passengers must purchase an international, full-fare economy-class ticket on one of the 10 participating SkyTeam member airlines. Alternatively, passengers can call the award reservation line at least three days in advance of departure to verify eligibility, check account balance and confirm if upgrade seats are available. All requests must be made via telephone. The number of miles necessary for an upgrade varies according to different frequent flyer programmes and itineraries. Passengers should consult the individual award charts for approximations.
Aqualuna the Chinese junk from Aqua Restaurant group has launched a new sailing route to tourist favourite Stanley Market, Hong Kong every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. The new route navigates the pretty waters and rocky coastline of Hong Kong’s unspoilt south side. Guests can enjoy a relaxed 90-minute cruise of Hong Kong’s pristine waters before arriving in style at Blake Pier at 13:45. Once there, guests can step into Stanley’s colourful market and hunt for bargains galore, lunch at one of the many street-side cafes or restaurants, visit the Tin Hau Temple before boarding Aqualuna at 15:30 to head back to Central. The cruises are priced at HKD 190 one way and HKD 290 for a round-trip journey, including one beverage each way. For reservations and enquiries email aqualuna@aqua.com.hk.
The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, has launched a Winter Delights promotion with rates starting from HKD 2,900 per night. Valid from Dec. 1 to Feb. 28., Winter Delights provides the incentive to visit Hong Kong this winter for an indulgent getaway in the hotel’s luxurious, spacious rooms. Guests can earn HKD 300 credit per room per night for any room stay or HKD 500 credit per room per night for a suite stay. Credit can be used towards incidental charges including restaurant meals, in-room dining, spa treatments, laundry and dry cleaning.
The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, has launched a range of Wellness Programmes, ranging from women’s healthcare to Ayurvedic balance and back relief. Accommodations at the resort start from THB 17,000 per night, and wellness programmes start at THB 23,500 for a minimum three-day experience. Each programme includes four hours of treatment, therapeutic head and body massages, personalised health assessment, wellness education and complimentary use of steam, chromo bath and fitness facilities.
Westin Hotels & Resorts is giving guests more time to recharge with the launch of the Westin Recharge Package. Guests who stay at participating Westin hotels can enjoy complimentary breakfast and a late checkout time, any day of the week. Valid through March 31, the Westin Recharge package is available at Westin hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific, in China, India, Fiji, Indonesia, Guam, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand and Bangladesh.
