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Volume 2, Issue 14, April 2, 2009 |
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Even in these tough times, holidaymakers will pay extra for good service as well as the thrill of an exotic destination and the opportunity to experience another culture, according to a global poll of travellers.
The online survey of more than 5,500 people commissioned by Visa and the Pacific Asia Travel Association was conducted in 11 key markets for Asia Pacific tourism — Australia, China, Taiwan, France, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United States and Britain.
Almost 60 per cent of men and women surveyed cited experiencing another culture as the top item they would spend more on during a vacation.
"As time is precious, people want to make the most out of their holidays and so are willing to spend more to have a unique experience that goes off smoothly," Visa executive and PATA board director Meranda Chan said.
Australians and Japanese were seen to be the most willing to pay extra for experiencing the local culture, while cultural immersion programme were the most popular among Chinese tourists. More women than men, however, were keen for an exotic destination, the survey showed. 
Indian travellers to Singapore can now get their visa in a one working day. The city state introduced e-visas for Indian travellers as of April 1. "Singapore has always been the top outbound destination from India and we want to maintain this position through the launch of measures like e-visa," said Randall Tall, Singapore Tourism Board regional director for South Asia, Middle East and Africa.
Viva Macau Airlines has announced the introduction of checked baggage fees for economy-class passengers. As of April 1, a service fee applies to each economy-class passenger with checked baggage for all flights except charters to Tokyo (HND). For flights under five hours, passengers will be charged MOP 70 for every checked baggage up to 15 kg; for flights over five hours, the fee is MOP 110.
Accor is expanding its Novotel portfolio in Indonesia with the opening of the Novotel Manado on May 9. The Novotel Manado is part of an integrated development with Manado’s largest convention hall, Grand Kawanua International City. Hotel facilities include WiFi in all rooms and public areas, business centre with full secretarial services, swimming pool, 18-hole golf course and a children’s club for the younger guests.
Continental Airlines has launched daily non-stop flights between New York (EWR) and Shanghai (PVG). Flight 87 will depart Newark Liberty at 11:20, arriving in Shanghai mid-afternoon the following day at 13:45. The return flight 86 will depart Shanghai in the afternoon at 15:45 and arrive at Newark Liberty in the evening of the same day at 18:20. The airline will operate with a Boeing B777-200 aircraft.
Emirates is continuing to add its AeroMobile in-flight mobile service. The AeroMobile system, which allows passengers to make and receive calls during flights, has now been fitted on a total of 32 Emirates aircraft, making it available on one-in-four of Emirates’ services.
Conrad Hong Kong
88 Queensway
Hong Kong
tel 852 2521 3838
This Northern Italian restaurant offers some breath-taking views of the Hong Kong skyline. Its stylish interior is noteworthy for its high ceiling and classic decor with soft shades of light and dark brown.
The menu presents a wide range of delicious homemade pastas and seafood complemented by an impressive wine list.
A must-try is the exquisite Mediterranean assorted seafood in fresh tomato, basil and thyme baked in carta fata, slow roasted pork confit marinated in mustard apple purée and slow-braised Wagyu beef cheek on lemon sauce which delights with a explosion of flavours.
Prices are somewhat on the high side: Lunch is around HKD 250–400, dinner is around HKD 500–700 and Sunday brunch is around HKD 500.
Dress is casual to smart casual (though no jeans or tennis shoes are allowed).
Score: ••••• Joyce Woo
To celebrate its upcoming 50th Anniversary, China Airlines is offering discounted mileage redemptions to frequent flyer members. Through Sept. 30, China Airlines Dynasty Flyer members will be eligible to earn a seat upgrade or a free ticket on long-haul flights with only half the number of air miles that are normally required.
The Eastin Hotel Makkasan, Bangkok has launched a meetings promotion at BHT 750 for a full-day and BHT 650 for a half-day. The promotion includes free LCD projector, screen, Internet usage and a choice of international buffet lunch or Thai set lunch. Room rates start from BHT 3,699 with a minimum booking of two consecutive nights.
As of April 1, members of the Korean Air frequent flyer program Sky Pass can earn 500 miles per stay at Pullman Hotels and Resorts. Sky Pass members staying between April 1 and June 30 will receive triple miles (1500 miles) per stay on a bonus launch offer.
Marriott Rewards has lowered the points required to redeem three night stays at participating Marriott, JW Marriott, Renaissance and Courtyard by Marriott resorts. Through Sept. 7, members will receive a third night free when redeeming points for a three-night stay. Members who redeem points for a six-night stay will get two nights of their stay for free.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has launched CustomStay, a programme designed to give guests the flexibility to tailor their own hotel package. After selecting the preferred room category, guests can choose from a range of services such as airport transfers, dining credits, buffet breakfast, laundry, spa treatments and resort activities to complete a customised package.
