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Volume 2, Issue 9, February 26, 2009 |
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Xola Consulting released a report entitled “Exploring the Effects of Climate Change and Sustainable Development in the Adventure Tourism Industry”, revealing how climate change is predicted to affect global tourism traffic patterns. The report discusses the changes relative to the adventure industry.
As our climate changes, travel patterns will too. Indicators suggest popular tourist destinations such as Greece, Jamaica and Thailand, all of which are largely dependent on tourism, will face rising temperatures and water shortages.
It is unlikely that climate change will affect the amount of tourism in the future — but it will affect where people choose to go and what they choose to do. Research shows that tourism in northern-hemisphere countries is likely to increase while southern-hemisphere countries will need to start anticipating and shaping their tourism policies and products to manage the effects of climate change.
Governments seeking to create adventure markets are applying sustainable market development practices and recognizing companies and destinations taking a sustainable approach to tourism. The adventure industry is uniting around a set of market development standards, discussing climate change issues at gatherings such as the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s World Summit, scheduled this year for Oct. 19–22 in Quebec, Canada. 
Emirates has unveiled plans to increase flights across its network by 14 per cent this year. The Dubai-based carrier will add 18 new passenger aircraft to its fleet. The additional flights will give passengers more frequent connections and shorter, more convenient connection times. Emirates currently has a fleet of 129 wide-bodied aircraft. The carrier will welcome seven A380s in fiscal year 2009–10.
Philippine Airlines has reduced its fuel surcharge by USD 38 on selected international flights departing Manila (MNL) in response to a drop in world oil prices. The latest fuel surcharge reduction took effect Feb. 20 and will be applied to one-way tickets from Manila to selected international destinations.
Virgin Blue will launch five new services on its network including daily return flights between Canberra (CBR)–Hobart (HBA), Canberra–Townsville (TSV), Townsville–Gold Coast (OOL), Townsville–Rockhampton (ROK) and Townsville–Cairns (CNS). The new services will start April 6. Virgin Blue Chief Executive Brett Godfrey said: “The redeployment of some of our Embraer fleet to previously un-serviced routes is great news for these ports, because it means more convenient, regular and affordable direct air services which will provide plenty of choice for travellers.”
India’s Jet Airways and Malaysia Airlines have signed a codeshare and frequent flyer partnership to provide customers with enhanced travel connectivity. Customers will benefit from a wider choice of flights between India and Malaysia. Jet Airways will place a 9W flight code on flights operating between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and five Indian cities: Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), Chennai (MAA), Bangalore (BLR) and Hyderabad (HDD). Malaysia Airlines will place a MH code on Jet Airways’ daily services between Chennai and Kuala Lumpur. Tickets are now available for travel commencing March 3.
Best Western has become the latest hotel to give travellers free Internet access. Guests can enjoy unlimited high-speed Internet access in guestrooms and public areas at over 4,000 Best Western hotels around the world. Glenn de Souza, Best Western International vice president international operations Asia, said: “Despite the much-discussed industry-wide challenges and complexities going forward, these are exciting times for us. We are tailoring strategies accordingly to offer more benefits to our guests including free hi-speed Internet access.”
Dashi Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou
phone 86 20 84783333
xjzoo.com.cn
Xiangjiang Safari Park is the largest Safari Park in China. It is home to over 20,000 animals including giant pandas, polar bears and koalas and white-tigers. The massive zoo combines fauna breed and protection, science research and education, aiming to protect wildlife and natural resources. Since opening doors to the public in 1997, the park has received over 10,000,000 tourists.
The zoo is split into two sections: the Safari on Foot Section where guests can walk around freely, and a Safari on Wheels Section where guests board road trains and travel through open plains. I chose to go by foot, so I could go up close to the animals.
It takes well over three hours to take a complete tour of the zoo. Of all the different sections, I found Dragon Hill particularly fascinating as it houses a collection of some of the rarest reptiles. Everything from the giant salamanders to pythons to huge boas could be found there.
Monkey Hill is also loved by folks young and old. Baboons, chimps, orangutans and golden monkeys all call Monkey Hill their home. Many other species of primate live there as well.
Score: ••••• Joyce Woo
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will host a Path to Balance Retreat from March 10–30, offering guests a comprehensive lifestyle and wellness makeover in a paradise setting. From weight loss to stress relief, the seven-day Ultimate Transformation package costs USD 13,750 per couple and includes accommodation in Spa Water Villa for seven nights, return seaplane transfers, a naturopathic consultation, a Reiki session, yoga classes and four 90-minute massages at the Spa Retreat.
Air China and India’s Jet Airways are now included in the list of more than 20 airlines that offer mileage to guests staying at Carlson hotels. This applies to Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts for Air China, plus Park Inn and Country Inn & Suites By Carlson for Jet Airways. Guests can collect mileage by presenting Air China’s Phoenix Miles or Jet Airways JetPrivilege membership cards at check-in, to earn mileage directly with the airlines’ programmes.
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok has launched the Summer in the City promotion at THB 9,000 per room per night (based on double occupancy). The deal includes accommodation, complimentary daily breakfast, the third night free with any two consecutive nights booked and a chilled martini at Aqua outdoor lounge. The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok offers one of the largest lap pools in Bangkok.
The Singapore Tourism Board has launched Fly On Us, an online promotion which runs until the end of May. Participants simply need to log onto www.visitsingapore.com/FlyonUS to invite friends and family on board the virtual Uniquely Singapore flight. Every 2009th qualifying name will win a pair of complimentary return air tickets to Singapore. Overseas friends and family who have been invited to board the virtual flight stand to win up to SGD 500,000 worth of air tickets before May 31.
Through March 31, JIA Shanghai boutique hotel is offering a two-night Weekender Escape package complete with Italian family-style Sunday lunch for two at RMB 2,660. The package includes accommodation in a studio room, complimentary breakfast at Issimo, 24-hour beverage service, afternoon cakes and evening wine in the lobby plus a chance to win dinner at Sundissimo, normally priced at RMB 375.
