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Volume 2, Issue 4, January 22, 2009 |
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Fiji declared a state of emergency and imposed curfews after severe storms and flooding struck the Pacific island nation early January, killing at least 11 people and forcing thousands to evacuate homes. The flooding was particularly destructive in the weekend of Jan. 3 to 4 and heavy rain continued until late last week.
The floodwaters hit along the west coast of Fiji's main island of Viti Levu. Popular tourist areas including Denarau Island were cut off from the airport after the only road in was inundated by flood waters.
Fiji’s Interim Provincial Development Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said in a press conference on Jan. 19 that the flooding was the worst ever, eclipsing floods in 1956, 1972 and 1999.
As of Jan. 20th, the latest estimated cost of damage is FJD 55 million (USD 30.5 million). Agriculture accounted for almost half of the estimated damage, particularly in the key sugar industry. Damage to roads, water and sewerage accounted for most the rest.
The figure did not include the losses to private houses and shops in areas such as the tourist hub Nadi, where the business centre was inundated by flood waters up to three metres high.
The Fiji Meteorological Service warned of further heavy rain and strong winds for the northern parts of the country but said conditions would gradually improve elsewhere. 
Malaysian low-cost carrier, AirAsia, has implemented a new baggage policy. Passengers can now choose from three tiers of baggage sizes when purchasing tickets. For domestic flights, customers can choose from Supersize Regular for baggage weighing up to 15 kg at MYR 5, Supersize Medium for up to 20 kg at MYR 43 or Supersize Large for up to 25 kg at MYR 80. For international sectors, the charges are MYR 5, MYR 55 and MYR 105 respectively.
Delta Air Lines has reaffirmed its commitment to China by announcing a new direct service between Detroit (DTW) and Shanghai (PVG). The route, scheduled to open in June, will add to Delta’s existing Atlanta (ATL)–Shanghai services and will be served using Boeing 747-400 aircraft. “We want to affirm the importance of China to our global network and to launch the brand here,” said Delta’s CEO, Richard Anderson.
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced that all outbound passengers from Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) will be charged a User Development Fee of INR 260. Albert Brunner, CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited said: “UDF is a crucial revenue stream for us and although we have not been allowed to charge the amount we requested for, this is a beginning.” The airport already charges a UDF of INR 1,070 for international passengers. The new fee went into effect Jan. 16.
Japan Airlines is offering codeshare flights operated by British Airways from London (LHR) to Lisbon (LIS) as well as to four destinations in the United Kingdom: Aberdeen (ABZ), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA) and Newcastle (NCL). Japan Airlines and British Airways — both members of the oneworld alliance — first started codesharing in February, 2004. This latest codeshare agreement further expands JAL’s Japan–Europe network: The airline now connects Japan to a total of 31 cities in Europe on 43 routes.
Bangkok Airways has reduced fuel surcharges on international and domestic flights. The charge for international flights between Thailand and Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam has been reduced to USD 15 per sector (from USD 25) while flights from Bangkok (BKK) to Macau (MFM) have been reduced to USD 25 per sector (from USD 30). The charge for domestic flights between Bangkok and Sukhothai (THS), and between Pattaya (UTP) and Phuket (HKT) has been reduced to USD 12 per sector (from USD 20).
Shuiwan Road, Gongbei, Zhuhai 519020, China
www.gbvh.com/en/introduce.aspx
I have stayed at many hotels in Zhuhai, but Grand Bay View has to be the most comfortable and affordable stay so far.
The hotel is located a short walk from "Bar Street" — a section of side-walk restaurants and night clubs, 15 minutes from the GongBei Border and 45 minutes from the Zhuhai International Airport (ZUH).
I was pleasantly surprised by the grandeur of the hotel, but most of all by the excellent service provided by the staff, from front desk to the housekeeping. Prior to my departure, the hotel staff kindly offered to help print my boarding pass through the Internet.
My room on the executive floor was spacious and clean, with dramatic views of Macau and the South China Sea. All rooms have a luxury en-suite bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities, mini fridge and free Internet access.
The complimentary buffet breakfast was excellent; I enjoyed the freshly cooked pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Dining options at the hotel include Cantonese cuisine at Yuet Heen Cantonese Restaurant and Chao Zhou restaurant, as well as western cuisine at Harbor Café. The hotel has a fully equipped 24-hour business center.
I would definitely recommend this property to anyone looking for a very reasonably-priced 5-star hotel. It is a good choice for a weekend break or a business stay.
Score: ••••• Joyce Woo
China Airlines has launched a number of promotions and reduced ticket prices. Through Jan. 31, economy-class return tickets on the cross-strait charters are priced NTD 5,600, while economy-class return tickets to Japan are priced at NTD 7,800. Special promotional fares to Southeast Asia start at NTD 6,500. In addition, CAL is offering attractive promotional fares for its Dynasty Tour Packages to mark its 50th Anniversary in 2009.
Korean Air has unveiled a free car rental service to members of the carrier’s frequent flyer programme, Skypass. Members can now rent a car for 24 hours on Jeju Island, Korea with a 8,000-point deduction. The usual price for renting a 2,000cc car for a day is KRW 59,000 at Hanjin Rent-A-Car, Jeju. Travellers are advised to make reservations through Korean Air’s Web site at least two days in advance.
Through Dec. 29, the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is offering the Road Warrior promotion with savings of up to 40 per cent. At SGD 590 per night, the package includes one-night Deluxe Kallang Bay View room accommodation, round-trip airport transfer in a hotel limousine, American buffet breakfast for two at the Greenhouse, complimentary shoe-shining service and pressing of two pieces of clothing.
Through March 31, Bangkok Airways is running a Thanks Fares promotion with all-inclusive fares on domestic and international routes. One-way fares from Bangkok (BKK) to Chiang Mai (CNX) start from BHT 1,900, while fares from Bangkok to Samui (USM) start from BHT 2,750 and Bangkok to the Maldives start from BHT 18,000.
Stay seven nights on the exclusive Turtle Island in Fiji and pay for only five. This unique, all-inclusive offer includes meals, beverages and activities including scuba, snorkeling, horseback riding, private beach picnics, deep sea fishing and much more. Through April 30, the offer is valid for a minimum seven-night stay. Airfare is not included.
