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Volume 2, Issue 15, April 9, 2009 |
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There's some cause for cautious optimism in the tourism and travel industry across the Asia Pacific region, according to PATA's Strategic Intelligence Director John Koldowski.
The PATA Tourism Forecasts 2009–2011 suggest growth in international arrivals for many destinations across the region, despite the global economic downturn. The Forecasts indicate a mixed bag of results with significant variations across Asia Pacific.
"The numbers of international arrivals, from both within the region and from long-haul source markets, are expected to remain largely positive — but the strong growth rates of recent years will prove now to be the exception rather than the rule," says Koldowski.
In South East Asia, international arrivals will grow to nearly 77 million by 2011 (compared to 62.2 million in 2007) with only Myanmar likely to record negative growth results.
In Northeast Asia, tourism to Mongolia and Macau is expected to grow at double digit rates, with international arrivals to reach almost 240 million by 2011. 
China Southern Airlines has launched its northern summer flight schedule, with extensive services throughout China. As of April 5, China Southern operates five non-stop flights per week from Sydney (SYD) to Guangzhou (CAN), and two weekly nonstop flights from Melbourne (MLB) to Guangzhou, all with dual-class Airbus A330-200 aircraft. China Southern also offers services to Changsha (CSX), Hangzhou (HGH), Hong Kong (HKT) and Kunming (KMG).
Cathay Pacific Airways has announced another reduction in fuel surcharges. The new levies of USD 6.7 for short-haul services in North and Southeast Asia and USD 30.6 for long-haul services applies from April 1 onwards. The airline is reducing fuel surcharges by 15 per cent for a two-month period, from April 1 to May 31. For more, visit here.
Singapore Airlines has launched Airbus A330-300 flights between Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN) and Brisbane International Airport (BNE). The arrival of the aircraft into Brisbane coincides with the 25th anniversary of the airline’s operation of services into the city. The Singapore Airlines A330-300 is configured in a two-class layout, with 30 new business-class seats, and 255 economy-class seats. The new business-class seat converts to a lie-flat bed. For more on Singapore Ailines, visit here.
The Heavenly Spa at The Westin Beijing has been honoured by the Asia Spa & Wellness Festival 2009 Gold Awards as the “Best Hotel Spa – China”. The criterion for judging this year included considerations such as length of operations, ambience and environment, treatments range and quality, professionalism and standards of service and other qualitative and quantitative criteria. Fore more on Heavenly Spa, visit here.
Tiger Airways is set to launch flights between Melbourne (MLB) and Sydney (SYD) Airports. The flights will commence from July 3 with up to four flights between both destinations daily. Tiger Airways Australia Managing Director, Shelley Roberts, said: “Tiger Airways has always been proud to be Melbourne’s home-town airline, and now we’re even more thrilled to be adding this important interstate route to our schedule, which is great news for visitors and locals alike.”
2 Wenchang Nan Lu
Ancestral Guangzhou, Guangzhou
tel 020 8138 8801
One of the oldest eateries in the city, the Guangzhou Restaurant is an icon located in the old part of Guangzhou.
The setting is classic Canton, with courtyards of flowering bushes surrounding dining rooms of various sizes.
I was seated on a balcony that overlooks the open courtyard/pond area.
As carts roll by your table, you can point to what you want and grab your tab later when you’re ready to leave.
House specialty "Eight Treasures," a mix of fowl, pork, and mushrooms served in a bowl made of winter melon is delightful. Other Cantonese must-try dishes include duck feet stuffed with shrimp, roasted goose, and of course, dim sum.
I recommend going to dinner with some knowledgeable Chinese friends who can help you order. I don't recall a lot of English options being available as far as menus go.
Score: ••••• Joyce Woo
The Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers has launched an early bird promotion giving travellers who book a room in advance a special discount of up to 15 per cent. Through Dec. 31, travellers who book at least 14 days in advance can avail a discount rate starting from HKD 1,300 per room. Booking 30 days in advance gives greater savings with rates starting from HKD 1,400.
Singapore Airlines is marking the 10th anniversary of the KrisFlyer programme by giving members greater redemption value. Members who redeem their miles online between now and Sept. 15 can enjoy a 25 per cent discount on KrisFlyer miles. Members who redeem selected flights online will enjoy a 50 per cent discount of their KrisFlyer miles. The offers are valid for travel to Singapore Airlines and SilkAir destination.
The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore has launched a Gourmet Experience promotion. With rates from SGD 19 per night for a Premier Harbour room, the Singapore Gourmet Experience package includes: deluxe accommodation with a bottle of Champagne upon arrival, daily American buffet breakfast and 20 per cent discount off à la carte spa treatments at The Oriental Spa. The Singapore Gourmet Experience package requires a minimum two-night stay, and is available until Dec. 30.
Until the end of the year, the Langham Place in Hong Kong is offering travellers a Big Deal promotion. Rates start from HKD 1,499 at Langham Place, Mongkok. Bob van den Oord, vice president of sales and marketing at Langham Hotels International said, “In today’s climate, people are making shorter trips, staying closer to home and, most importantly, evaluating the best deals in the market — that’s why we’ve launched the all-in-one Big Deal.”
Priced at RMB 1100, the Westin Recharge Package at Westin Beijing allows guests to renew their mind, body and soul. Through Aug. 31, the deal includes complimentary full buffet breakfast daily and a 15:00 late checkout time. A two-night minimum stay is required. For another great value on Westin Beijing deals, bid a three-night stay in a Westin room with two buffet breakfasts for two persons in our online auction. Bid here.
