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Volume 2, Issue 7, February 12, 2009 |
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Nearly half of travel transactions take place online, but new findings from RBS WorldPay reveal that 62 per cent of consumers say they feel their security is at risk purchasing over the Internet.
With more than 55 per cent of consumers ranking security as the most important factor when making an online purchase, RBS WorldPay’s data suggest travel providers may be missing out on potential transactions due to customers’ security concerns. While consumers are comfortable making small purchase online, nearly a third of consumers said they feel more comfortable booking offline when it comes to large transactions.
In addition to security issues, the new research also shows that technology failure halfway through the transaction process is a further bugbear of online bookers. It was cited as an issue by 26 per cent of travellers surveyed. Furthermore, 22 per cent of consumers specifically said they want faster payment solutions when paying for travel.
Ron Kalifa, managing director of RBS WorldPay, explains: “This study clearly shows that consumers buying travel services and packages want to see changes in the way they pay — be it in speed or security, on or offline. Security fears could deter transactions, which often involve large sums of money. This is unnecessary when you consider that developments in card payment technology can give everyone peace of mind. Security shouldn’t be an issue for consumers or any travel business, regardless of size.” 
Air New Zealand is suspending its trans-Tasman service into and out of Hamilton (HLT). The airline announced earlier that it was suspending services between Hamilton and Sydney (SYD) and Hamilton and the Gold Coast (OOL) during the traditionally lower demand period from March 29 to Oct. 24. Now the remaining Tasman service between Hamilton and Brisbane (BNE) will also be suspended from April 25. Air New Zealand General Manager Tasman Pacific Airline Glen Sowry said: “Air New Zealand regrets having to suspend the Hamilton–Brisbane service but it was no longer viable due to weak demand.”
Singapore Airlines has reduced its fuel surcharges on short- and medium-haul sectors for tickets issued starting Feb. 4. The reduction ranges from 5 per cent to 21 per cent, with highest reduction for short-haul sectors in economy class. The reduction is the third since fuel prices began easing.
Emirates Airline has stepped up its presence in Australia with the introduction of a second daily service to Brisbane (BNE) and a third daily service to Melbourne (MLB). Closely following the launch of Emirates’ A380 service to Sydney (SYD) on Feb.1, the two new services to Brisbane and Melbourne will operate non-stop and boost the airline’s weekly capacity to 63 flights to four Australian gateways. The additional flights will introduce over 3,600 seats per week per direction.
Singapore Airlines is making substantial adjustments to its route network to better match capacity with current and projected demand. The changes will take place progressively and will apply for the rest of the Northern Winter schedule until the end of March. On India routes, Hyderabad (HYD)–Singapore (SIN) services will be reduced from four to three times weekly, with the suspension of the Saturday service from Feb. 21. In Southeast Asia, services between Singapore and Bangkok (BKK) will be suspended from Feb. 2 till the end of March.
JAL has confirmed its flight frequency and fleet plan for fiscal year 2009, beginning April 1 through to March 31, 2010. Daily service between Osaka (KIX) and London (LHR) will be suspended, while flight frequency between Tokyo (SBG) and London will be doubled from seven to 14 flights per week. Flight frequency will decrease on three international routes: Tokyo–New York (JFK) route, Tokyo–Bangkok (BKK) and Tokyo–Seoul (ICN). The airline’s business-class seat, the JAL Shell Flat Seat, will be introduced on four more routes: Flights in and out of Milan (MXP), Mexico (MEX), Rome (FCO) and Vancouver (YVR).
2 Lower Albert Road
Hong Kong, China
852 2877 4000
www.m-restaurantgroup.com
Located in the city's former Ice House, M at the Fringe is in one of the few historic buildings left in Hong Kong. With romantic décor, intimate atmosphere, fabulous food and great service, the celebrity-frequented joint is one of the most prestigious and sought-after dining venues in the city.
Here, guests are served in a gorgeous high-ceilinged room above the Fringe Club, a contemporary art and performance space that is a Hong Kong landmark. The quirky, romantic design of the dining room, though 19 years old, remains contemporary, fresh and comfortable. It is gorgeous and cosy at the same time.
The food is essentially European, with dishes from the Middle East and North Africa often making an appearance. For an appetizer, I ordered the hearty, beefy Russian borsch, which was rich and meaty. Main course, I had the crispy pan-roasted New Zealand flounder sauced with burnt butter, salty capers and tarty lemon with green beans and small sweet potatoes.
The dishes were absolutely divine. My companion raved about the crispy suckling pig, served with smashed roots, roasted bulbs, fava beans and savoy cabbage. For dessert, I sampled the rich creaminess of Arabian kunafa filled with homemade cheese and candied fruits, served with rosewater sorbet and fairy floss.
Score: ••••• Joyce Woo
Air Tahiti Nui and the Tahiti Travel Connection have launched a special Les Amoureux Bora Bora promotion. The package starts from AUD 4,940 per person. Valid between April 1 and May 31, the promotion includes round-trip economy-class airfares flying Air Tahiti Nui, five nights accommodation at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa in a Beach Villa with free breakfast daily and a romantic sunset sailing cruise.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has become one of the few international hotel groups to offer free WiFi and wired Internet to guests. In response to the current economic downturn and its impact on business travel budgets, Shangri-La guests can now enjoy unlimited high-speed Internet access in all areas of the group's hotels, including guestrooms, public areas, restaurants, lounges and function areas.
United Airlines is offering special fares for Hong Kong customers travelling to Singapore (SIN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) on the carrier’s all-new business class. Round-trip business-class fares start from HKD 5,587 to Singapore and HKD 4,441 to Ho Chi Minh City. Special fare tickets to Ho Chi Minh City must be purchased for travel out of Hong Kong before March 31.
Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel has launched a getaway promotion with rates starting from just HKD 1,688. The deal is available through March 31 and includes an upgrade to the deluxe ocean room for two, buffet breakfast at SkyCity Bistro, 50 per cent discount on dinner buffet at SkyCity Bistro, 25 per cent discount at all restaurant dining outlets and complimentary use of health club, pool, steam room and sauna. The promotion is only valid on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Mandarin Oriental has opened its latest hotel in Sanya, Hainan island, a popular holiday destination. To celebrate the opening of the resort, Mandarin Oriental has introduced a special Suite package with splendid benefits, starting at CNY 3, 499. Under the promotion, guests can enjoy a complimentary room night when they stay for three consecutive nights or more. The deal also includes continental breakfast for two and spa credits.
