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Volume 1, Issue 14, December 11, 2008 |
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Recent Mumbai terrorist attacks and Thailand’s political protests have not deterred travellers from visiting the troubled regions, according to leading flight search engine Skyscanner. There has been no significant reduction in the amount of flight search traffic on Skyscanner to Indian and Thai cities.
Since last Friday, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) has returned to full operation. Initial inspection by the International Civil Aviation Organization and International Air Transport Association found no damage to taxiways, runways and key systems as the demonstrators occupied only the front area of the passenger terminal.
Likewise, in India, all major airlines are now flying to and from Mumbai (BOM) after minor rescheduling, with no further disruption expected. Barry Smith, co-founder and business director of Skyscanner said: “India is a very popular winter and spring destination and despite the recent attacks, it seems travellers are not being deterred from visiting Mumbai or India in general.”
Barry Smith continued: “So far, flight search traffic for UK-Bangkok routes is normal for this time of year. Thai tourism authorities are warning of a drop in visitors, but we haven’t seen it yet. As with India, travellers are unlikely to be deterred for long.”
Typically, areas affected by terrorism or political unrest do see a short term reduction in visitors, but tend to recover quickly as long as the incidents are not sustained. 
Take Five with Diderik Van Regemorter,This week’s Take Five conversation is based on a series of questions Global Traveler Publisher and CEO Francis X. Gallagher posed to The Regent Beijing General Manager Diderik Van Regemorter. Read now »
LAN Airlines is launching a premium business class on its Australasian routes starting April, combining the current business- and first-class cabins on its long-haul Airbus A340-300 aircraft. LAN premium business cabins offer more personal space with 180-degree full reclining seats and 74 inches of legroom between each seat (a 32 per cent increase over the space currently offered in business class). In preparation for the introduction of the reconfigured A340s, LAN has stopped selling first class on services between Sydney (SYD) and Auckland (AKL), offering 42 business and 218 economy seats instead.
Tokyo’s restaurants made waves last year when they received 191 stars by Michelin guide, beating their Parisian counterparts by almost twice the number of stars. This year, Tokyo continues to lead the way. Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo’s luxury comfort ranking rose from last year’s second place to first, and its restaurants Signature (French), Sense (Cantonese) and Tapas Molecular Bar (innovative molecular cuisine) each received a single star. Michelin uses criteria including product quality, preparation and flavours, cuisine personality, value for money and consistency to evaluate restaurants.
Pan Pacific Singapore and Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) have been awarded World’s Leading Business Hotel and World’s Leading Airport Hotel at the 15th World Travel Awards. The World Travel Awards honours the travel industry’s very best, and is voted on by travel professionals, travel agencies, and tourism organisations in more than 160 countries. The hotels’ proximity to central business and financial hubs, as well as their magnificent views and attentive service make them a preferred choice of accommodation for business executives.
Award-winning Chef Heiko Nieder is flying high, creating gourmet menus for Swiss International Airlines. His cuisine will be served on the airline’s first and business class from Nov. 26 to Feb. 24. The new menu includes appetizer choices of goose-liver terrine with carrots and coffee and trout with water cress and celery, followed by spiny lobster with fennel, lychee and vanilla. The main course is a choice of duck with quince, beef with endive or veal with carrots, black cumin and polenta. Dessert is a choice of seasoned chocolate with sweet corn ice cream and coriander or frozen apple juice with cardamom, yoghurt and grapeseed oil.
JAL will be reinstating its second London (LHR) – Tokyo (HND) flight starting March 28. This will replace the London – Osaka service (KIX), which will cease on March 28. The second Tokyo flight means JAL will be providing a double daily London – Tokyo service from summer onwards. Dec. 1 marked the first anniversary of the introduction of premium economy class on the London – Tokyo route, while the London – Osaka service also offers premium economy up until March 28.
Hong Kong (HKG) to Incheon (ICN)
www.flyasiana.com
I arrived at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) with about an hour to spare. I always wonder why airports make it difficult to find your check-in location, but Hong Kong has to be the worst. Luckily, I spotted the Asiana service desk quickly and staff directed me to the appropriate counter. I was travelling with golf clubs on this trip so I wanted to make sure I arrived with time to spare. Fortunately, there was no wait at check-in.
Once ticketed, I received the VIP treatment and was escorted through security and to the Dragon Lounge, which Asiana shares. About an hour later, I was escorted to the aircraft and we were airborne in less than 30 minutes.
Lunch selections were beef tenderloin steak, lobster tail and Korean bi-bim-bab which is steamed rice, minced beef and vegetables with hot pepper sauce. I chose the latter, which I had on a previous flight and found it to be refreshing. The course began with mixed canapés and a salad. A fine list of wines complemented the menu.
As always, the Asiana in-flight service and attention to detail was impeccable. Flight attendants treated each passenger with individual care.
I think most airlines can learn from the attention to detail that Asiana Airlines shows passengers.
Score: ••••• Francis Gallagher
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) has launched series of Christmas and New Year promotions for shoppers. Through to Jan. 6, shoppers and diners at all retail, entertainment and dining outlets in Terminal 1 and two are eligible to win gifts worth more than HKD 1 million. For every HKD 300, HKD 500 or HKD 2,000 spent, shoppers will receive gift redemption cards, which can be exchanged for gifts at redemption booths.
The Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island has launched an Early Bird Stay promotion, giving holiday makers five nights’ accommodation at the price of three. Valid through March 31, the deal is applicable to all room types. Guests can opt to stay in a regular guestroom, a one-bedroom suite or a two-bedroom suite with views of the gardens, lagoon or ocean. Also included in the package are unlimited use of non-motorised watercraft, broadband Internet access, and a welcome drink upon arrival.
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of its frequent flyer programme, Miles & More, Lufthansa has joined forces with New Wave Rewards to offer members a chance to redeem miles for lifestyle merchandise. Members can now redeem their earned miles for a wide array of merchandise available on the New Wave shopping Website, including electronics, household items, fashion, sportswear, travel goods and more. Payment can be made by credit card or a combination of miles and cash.
Phuket’s lifestyle resort, Indigo Pearl, is offering a three-night Chinese New Year package for couples at THB 32,000 and families at THB 35,000. With activities ranging form Muay Thai boxing, diving, biking, jungle walks, Thai cooking classes and yoga, Indigo Pearl offers an activity for everyone. Valid from Jan. 20–28, the 'CNY Couples Getaway' includes three-night accommodation in a Pearl Bed Suite, complimentary daily breakfast, airport transfers and a one-hour Thai or aromatherapy massage. The charge to upgrade to a Private Pool Pavilion is THB 2,000.
More than 20 Melbourne restaurants are offering exclusive discounts to those attending the 17th Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo in Melbourne next February. All delegates are entitled to discounts at a number of Melbourne’s restaurants including Nobu, Silks, Koko’s, JJ’s, No 8, Breezes, Brassiere and Conservatory on the evening of Feb. 17. Bookings are recommended and the AIME badge must be shown on arrival.
