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Volume 1, Issue 13, December 04, 2008 |
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Rampaging anti-government protesters forced the closure of Thailand's main international airport last week as demonstrations in Bangkok descended into violence. The closure left thousands of tourists stranded in Bangkok, disrupting plane schedules and bringing the Thai tourism industry to a virtual standstill.
It was the latest escalation in a four-month campaign by protesters to bring down the Thai government. The protesters overran the country's main gateway, severing the capital from all commercial air traffic and virtually paralysing the government. Meanwhile, thousands of government supporters gathered in the heart of Bangkok for a rally denouncing the protesters, further inflaming tensions.
Tourism officials and economists project the tourism industry's losses over the remainder of the year will balloon to about BHT 150 billion, equal to 1.5 per cent of gross domestic product.
Thai International Airways PLC, losing approximately USD 14 million in revenue a day with its fleet parked on the tarmac, said it would try to operate flights from U-tapao International Airport (PYX), near the resort town of Pattaya. But it was unlikely the tiny airport could handle more than a trickle of extra passengers as the airport's terminal can accommodate only 400 people at once.
Over in Mumbai, multiple tourist sites have come under attack in a four-day terrorist assault. CNN reported that the death toll had risen to at least 217 as of Dec. 1, as well as 300 injuries. The first attack occurred on Nov. 26 at Cafe Leopold when a man fired an AK-47 in the Taj Mahal Palace hotel lobby. The seige ended on Nov. 29, when Indian commandos took control of the Taj Mahal Palace. The cafe and hotel has since then resumed operations. 
Take Five with John Rice,In this issue of eFlyer Asia, we debut an occasional series, Take Five, a five-question conversation with leaders of the business-travel industry. This week’s Take Five conversation is based on a series of questions Global Traveler Publisher and CEO Francis X. Gallagher posed to China World Hotel, Beijing General Manager John Rice. Read now »
British Airways will offer passengers more comfort and privacy in its Club Europe cabin starting Feb. 23, 2009 by removing the use of the middle seat. The new configuration will guarantee customers booked in the airline's short-haul business-class cabin a window or aisle seat, with the middle seat free. Passengers can benefit from a more relaxing travel experience while enjoying the full range of Club Europe services, including extra legroom in a comfortable leather seat and a complimentary bar. Robert Boyle, commercial director at British Airways, said, "We've listened to customer feedback and decided to leave the middle seat unoccupied to give our customers that extra privacy and sense of personal space."
Thai Airways International has revised its baggage policy for flights to and from the United States and Canada. Starting Dec. 1, free baggage allowance for passengers will be as follows: Royal First Class and Royal Silk Class passengers can check in two bags free. The weight of each piece should not exceed 32 kg, while linear measurement (length, width and height) should not exceed 158 cm. The charge for extra baggage or baggage which exceeds the measurement or weight is USD 119 per piece starting Jan. 1, 2009. Royal Orchid Plus Gold Card members can enjoy the privilege of one extra bag on top of the regular allowance in any class of travel.
Ritz-Carlton will launch a new brand extension, The Reserve, with the March debut of the Phulay Bay in Krabi, Southern Thailand. Set on the shores of the Andaman Sea, Phulay Bay will be a pavilion/villa boutique hotel with views of the towering limestone karsts which make up the landscape of southern Thailand. The resort is the vision of Thai architect Lek Bunnag who drew strongly from Thai traditions and cultural heritage to create an environment for guests to relax in. With private plunge pools, sheltered outdoor baths and showers set among lush indigenous flora, guests can indulge in the serene beauty that Thailand has to offer.
Starting Jan. 10, 2009 Japan Airlines will operate flights between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP) with Boeing 767 aircraft. JAL will reduce the number of flights on the route between Kansai and Incheon (ICN), from 21 to 14 flights per week. At present, JAL serves South Korea on 14 routes with a total of 241 round-trip flights per week, linking Busan (PUS) and Jeju Island (CJU) to eight cities in Japan. This service will increase to 15 routes, with a total of 248 round-trip flights per week.
Qatar Airways was recently awarded Inflight Services of the Year by Aviation Business. The award recognises the airline's excellent inflight experience, including entertainment, cuisine and customer service. Among its onboard innovations, Qatar Airways offers personal video screens in all classes, featuring interactive audio and video-on-demand entertainment, a first-class lounge on Airbus A340s and 180-degree flat beds on Boeing 777s. In addition, Qatar Airways was the first international carrier to offer live digital satellite television on board its A330, A340 and Boeing 777 aircraft on selected routes.
Malakal Harbor, Koror, Palau
www.samstours.com/kayak.html
Sam’s Kayaking Tours offers a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Palau's rock islands. There’s no better way to explore Palau's hidden network of marine lakes, mangrove channels, marine tunnels and tropical beaches.
All of the tours are a well-balanced mix of light paddling through calm waters with a combination of birding, snorkelling, hiking and exploring. The tours are led by naturalist guides, armed with maps, books, specimens and binoculars to help highlight the treasures of Palau.
Guests can take part in a wide range of outdoor touring activities, including an introduction to Palauan history and culture. The guides provide a wealth of information on Palau’s history, covering everything from World War II to the indigenous Palauan tribes, marine and island life, and even offer instructional demonstrations on how to shimmy up and slide down coconut trees. I very much enjoyed the history on Palau as it deepened my understanding of this beautiful, serene area.
Sam’s Tours offers PADI training courses for less-experienced scuba divers as well as yacht trips for diving and fishing, camping tours and cultural tours. This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Score: ••••• Courtney Centeno
Grand Park Xian has launched the Ancient Xian Winter Exploration Tour package designed to showcase the many fascinating attractions of China’s ancient city of Xian, home to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. Available from Dec. 1 to Feb. 28, 2009 and priced at RMB 2, 800 per person, the four-day, three-night package includes accommodation, complimentary buffet breakfast, round-trip airport transfers, day-trips to the Museum of Terracotta Warriors and the recently opened Hanguangmen Museum.
The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has launched the Maldivian Delight promotion which offers accommodation and complimentary daily breakfast and dinner. The promotion includes an exclusive sunset fishing trip and the opportunity to have your freshly caught fish prepared as a tantalising meal by the resort's F&B team. Rates start at USD 560 from Dec. 1 and USD 375 from May 1, 2009 for a Beach Front Deluxe Room. The promotion is valid through Aug. 31, 2009 and is only applicable to stays of seven nights or more.
The Strictly Dance Weekend promotion at Renaissance London Chancery Court offers guests a chance to pick up some slick dance moves from professional instructors. The package includes deluxe accommodation for two, complimentary English breakfast for two, a two-hour dance lesson, cupcakes upon arrival and complimentary cocktails at the CC Bar. Priced at GBP 285 per room per night, available Friday through Sunday nights (with dance lessons available on Saturday and Sundays only), the package is valid through August 2009. Bookings must be made at least 14 days prior to arrival.
Tee off with The Golf and Spa Getaway at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. The promotion includes two nights at the JW Marriott Orlando, two rounds of golf with a caddie concierge, two one-hour golf lessons, two Arnica-Friction Massages, complimentary breakfast buffet for two at Citron and USD 50 credit toward purchases at the Golf Shop, which has a large selection of women’s apparel and golf accessories. The package is available for all two-night stays or more. Rates start from USD 838 for two nights for two guests.
MSC Cruises has launched a special two-for-one promotion, giving two guests the chance to see the best of the Mediterranean on breathtaking routes for the price of one. MSC Fantasia departs from Genoa, Italy, on Jan. 16 or Jan. 27, 2009. Passengers can explore the magical cities of Barcelona and Gibraltar, the historic town of Funchal, Portugual, and enjoy the beauty of Tenerife and Arrecife in the Canary Islands. The cruise also stops by the quintessentially Spanish city of Malaga before docking in Civitavecchia, Italy, and returning to Genoa.
