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Volume 2, Issue 3, January 15, 2009 |
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Travelling the world just became easier with the launch of a revolutionary booking tool developed by Innovata which allows travellers to book ’round-the-world tickets online.
Innovata's SRS Flight Maps Service shows the entire network of direct flights and connection routings for all member airlines in the Oneworld alliance — including Japan Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair and Qantas Airways, offering 9,000 departures a day on a network serving almost 700 destinations in 150 countries. The service enables travellers to plan, book and validate a ’round-the-world itinerary from the comfort of their homes.
Richard Thorne, managing director business development worldwide for Innovata, said: “It is a major and dramatic step forward in helping to make ’round-the-world trip planning easier and more convenient for travellers.”
Innovata maintains one of the world's largest flight databases representing over 900 airlines and more than 99 per cent of the air segment miles flown worldwide. 
Cebu Pacific has announced the removal of all fuel and insurance surcharges for domestic flight bookings, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation has reported. Additionally, the airline has cut fuel and insurance surcharges for selected international routes. Manila (MNL)–Bangkok (BKK), Manila–Osaka (KIX) and Manila–Hong Kong (HKG) have all seen reductions.
Delta Air Lines’ subsidiary, Northwest Airlines, will delay the start of its proposed Detroit (DTW)–Shanghai (PVG) and Seattle (SEA)–Beijing (PEK) routes, following an almost 30 per cent drop in advance bookings to China. In addition, Delta will temporarily scale back its overseas expansion, delaying new flights to Paris (CDG), Tel Aviv (TLV) and Gothenburg (GSE), citing the need to demonstrate capacity discipline during the current the global economy.
JAL will offer a carbon offset programme starting Feb. 3 enabling passengers to voluntarily offset CO2 gases generated by their trips. Japan Airlines has teamed up with Recycle One, the Japanese agency of the Carbon Neutral Company to offer passengers the service. Passengers can visit JAL’s website to calculate CO2 emissions generated by their journey, then choose a sustainable development project to support by purchasing credits to offset all or part of the emissions generated by their journey.
Effective Jan. 12, travellers who travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program need online authorisation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before they leave. Travellers are advised to register at least 72 hours before departure using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Japan is one of 34 countries affected by the move.
The New Year is bringing cheer for Indian air travellers, with most major domestic airlines announcing fare cuts. Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher and IndiGo have all announced domestic fare cuts of between 21 and 65 per cent due to lower jet fuel prices and duty cuts. The airlines are not only giving cash rebates but also freebies to enhance the market share in an environment of declining air traffic. King Club, Kingfisher Airlines’ frequent flier programme, will offer incentives and rewards, including free travel on its international routes.
The Aqualuna, named after and owned by the Aqua Restaurant Group, is a traditional Chinese Junk with a nouveau twist. The Junk sails with diesel power in Hong Kong Harbour.
I picked up the Junk at Hong Kong Pier 9 in Central on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The service onboard was impeccable. Relaxing, inspiring music plays while you make your way past Central, through Causeway Bay to Stanley Market. Each passenger is entitled to a cocktail as part of their fee which runs HKD 150.
The Aqualuna departs every Saturday and Sunday at noon for its 90-minute sail. A local said: “It's great, I take all my visitors and I enjoy the ride myself!”
At Stanley, there really is not much of interest to buy: I did get some tee shirts, but the same merchandise repeats over and over. The best bet is to quickly tour the marketplace, and then have lunch at one of the many cafés and pubs near the pier. This is well worth it and very relaxing.
All in all, this is an incredible half-day trip. You'll be home in time for dinner!
Score: ••••• Francis X. Gallagher
Melbourne is opening a new tourist attraction, the Southern Star observation wheel. Located at Waterfront City in Melbourne Docklands, the wheel offers spectacular views of Victoria Harbour. The ride is priced at AUD 29 per adult and AUD 17 per child. Cabins are available for private hire. At the base of the wheel, the three-level Star Building houses a number of cafés, kiosks, souvenir and retail outlets.
To celebrate the New Year, InterContinental Hotels Group is giving travellers a big return for their stays. Through April 30, members of Priority Club Rewards will earn 3,000 bonus points or 1,000 bonus miles for every third qualifying night stayed at any InterContinental Hotel worldwide. To participate in the bonus points or bonus miles offer, register at priorityclub.com and enter promo code 5263 prior to staying at any IHG location.
To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Metropolitan Bangkok is offering the Hong Pau Package at USD 155 for two per night. Guests will stay in a Metropolitan Room, enjoy complimentary Thai set lunch or dinner for two, yoga/stretch classes at Como Shambhala, access to the gym, hydro pool, steam rooms and outdoor lap pool. Guests can also enter a lucky draw for prizes including massage at the hotel's health and well-being centre, gift vouchers and complimentary martini at the members-only Met Bar.
Vietnam is planning a series of measures to combat the global economic slowdown and lure visitors back to the country. A number of hotels have committed to reducing their prices by 30 to 50 per cent, while national carrier Vietnam Airlines has pledged to provide special ticket offers, lowering fares by 30 to 50 per cent for domestic and international flights. The plan was spelled out by Tran Chien Thang, director of the Vietnam Administration of Tourism, at a press briefing in Hanoi on Jan. 5.
JIA boutique hotel, Shanghai is offering a number of luxurious Valentine's packages. At RMB 2995 for two per night, couples can stay in a bedroom suite and enjoy a seductive selection of treats: chocolate covered strawberries or handmade dessert from Issimo and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot or Moet Rosé. Those seeking total decadence can opt for the JIA Intimate Indulgence Package, priced at RMB 9995, which includes one night's accommodation at the Penthouse Suite. Couples will receive a 'Proposal Box' including sweetened fruits, massage oil from l'Occitane and aromatic candles.
