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Volume 2, Issue 13, March 26, 2009 |
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Asia is poised to become the next great growth opportunity for the cruise industry and Taiwan plans to be one of the reasons, according to Michael Chang, director of the Taiwan Visitors Association. Chang said Taiwan is experiencing record-high numbers of cruise visitors as more cruise lines continue to add Taiwan to their Asian itineraries.
“Asia is what Europe was to cruising 20 years ago — a new discovery — and we all know what has happened there. As they expand their operations globally, Taiwan is getting strong interest from major cruise lines, particularly as relations with China continue to improve,” Chang said.
Approximately 450,000 cruise passengers are expected to visit Taiwan in 2009, representing a 15 per cent increase over last year. Forty-two cruise calls are scheduled to visit Taiwan’s international ports in 2009, which is a 75 per cent increase over the prior year.
“As the international economic crisis turns around, the Far East will become an increasingly appealing cruise destination, offering outstanding value as well as attractions, history and culture unique to Asia,” Chang said. 
Ritz-Carlton has expanded its portfolio of hotels in Asia with the March 15 opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen. As a key destination for business in the city, the Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen offers a variety of meetings and function space. In total, the hotel will offer 1,319 square metres of meeting space, all of which will be equipped with the most advanced technology, including a broadcasting system. Read more about Ritz-Carlton here.
Following the successful deployment of Emirates’ Airbus A380 to Sydney (SYD) and Auckland (AKL), Dubai-based airline Emirates has confirmed it is to soon launch A380 flights to Bangkok (BKK). The existing EK 372/373 daily service will, from June 1, be serviced by Emirates’ A380. EK 372 departs Dubai (DXB) at 09:40, arriving in Bangkok at 19:00. EK 373 departs Bangkok at 21:25, arriving in Dubai at 00:30 the following morning. Read more about Emirates here.
Virgin Atlantic Airways has put the brakes on its Mumbai (BOM)–London (LHR) operations starting May. The airline currently operates daily direct flights from both Mumbai and Delhi (DEL) to Heathrow. Virgin’s exit comes at a time when Indian carriers —Air India and Jet Airways — are aggressively pursuing international routes, especially to European and South Asian destinations. Read more about Virgin Atlantic here.
Virgin Blue has announced new direct services from Perth (PER) to Darwin (DRW) starting April 28. The new Perth–Darwin route continues Virgin Blue’s expansion of operations in Perth. Virgin Blue will operate the daily service to Darwin on B737’s. The service will depart Darwin at 07:00 and arrive in Perth at 09:20 before turning around for Darwin on the same day. Read more about Virgin Blue here.
Radisson Plaza enters Southeast Asia this year with the opening of the new Radisson Plaza Resort Panwa Beach in Phuket. The new Radisson Plaza will be the first of seven Radisson Plaza properties set to open in Asia Pacific under the Carlson Hotels Worldwide portfolio. It will feature three free-form swimming pools, Talay Spa and a lifestyle fitness centre.
No. 30, Sec 2 Xinguang Road
Taipei City
http://english.taipei.gov.tw/zoo
I’ve visited Taipei many times, but it’s only recently that I visited the Taipei Zoo.
I arrived at around 10 a.m. and headed directly to the most popular site of all — the Panda Hall. Even that early on in the morning, it was already surrounded by crowds of local school children.
The panda exhibit is pretty popular, so special ticket-viewing times are issued to limit the time visitors can stay inside the hall. I was just starting to enjoy watching the pandas when zoo workers began ushering me to move along.
The zoo’s lush, green landscape is a very welcome change from the city. I particularly enjoyed the Formosan Animal area and the butterfly exhibit in the Insectarium.
You could easily spend most of the morning and afternoon in the zoo then walk over late afternoon to the gondola that runs up the mountain (even though the gondolas were under repair when I went).
A tip to travellers: Be sure to wear your walking shoes, as the zoo is quite large, covering some 182 hectares. There are also shuttle services between the attractions within the zoo.
Score: ••••• Joyce Woo
United Airlines has extended its economy- and business-class fare promotions for Hong Kong customers travelling to the United States. Roundtrip economy-class fares to San Francisco (SFO) start from HKD 4,600 for one ticket or HKD 4,400 each for two tickets and HKD 6,200 to New York(JFK). Tickets under this promotion must be purchased before April 30 for travel out of Hong Kong (HKT) before June 11.
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is helping shoppers beat the recession via a special Beat the Recession promotion which rewards shoppers with Changi shopping vouchers. SGD 700,000 worth of Changi vouchers will be given away during this month-long shopping promotion. To qualify for the deal, travellers must spend SGD 801 or above at any outlet at the Departure Transit Malls of Terminals 1, 2 or 3. The promotion ends on April 30.
Jet Airways is now offering JetPrivilege members an opportunity to earn free flights faster with the Jet Airways Citibank Credit Cards. Cardholders can earn double JPMiles for ticket spends on Jetairways.com, additional benefits when flying on Jet Airways, luxury golf holidays, special offers from Visa and MasterCard and much more. For more information, visit here.
The Thailand-based President Park Group of hotels and serviced apartments has launched a Super Suite Deal promotion offering a three-night stay for the price of two. The Super Suite Stay 3, Pay 2 deal is valid from April to May and has suites starting from THB 1,933 per night. The package includes complimentary buffet breakfast for two persons, daily local newspaper, 10 per cent discount on laundry, food and beverages as well as on overseas calls.
Valid from April 6–12, Pan Pacific Singapore is offering an Easter Getaway special. Bask in the warmth of spring and enjoy a one-night getaway in a contemporary room inclusive of the following: complimentary buffet breakfast for two, dining credit worth SGD 20 per night and a late check-out time of 15:00. Bid on a three-night stay at Pan Pacific, Singapore on Global Traveler’s online auction. Click here to bid.
