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Volume 2, Issue 16, April 16, 2009 |
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As the global recession continues, Asia is seeing an upswing in domestic tourism. The finding is based on the ITB World Travel Trends Report, a study that draws on results from the World Travel Monitor, a continuous and representative survey interviewing 500,000 persons in 58 countries around the world each year.
The survey shows Chinese tourists have started travelling within Asia more. The ITB World Travel Trends Report showed a 10 per cent growth.
In terms of relative growth, India did even better in 2008 than the Chinese market. Indian trip volume grew 13 per cent and exceeded all growth expectations.
But the report also reveals a continued interest in travel to the Americas which saw a 16 per cent year-over-year increase in Chinese visitors in 2008. 
Qantas has just completed a program of improvements to its terminal at Canberra Airport (CBR) to provide enhanced facilities to passengers, aircraft and baggage services. The improvements include a new business lounge, expanded check-in facilities, installation of an additional security lane, expansion of the baggage system to provide added capacity, improved access and quicker delivery times.
V Australia has launched new routes between Brisbane (BNE) and Los Angeles (LAX). The flight will depart at 11:00 from Brisbane and arrive in Los Angeles at 07:00. Virgin Blue Group Chief Executive Brett Godfrey said, “While it’s early days, V Australia is performing to our expectations and based on feedback to date, exceeding those of our guests.” The flight offers seamless connections with V Australia’s interline partner Delta Air Lines to more than 25 destinations in North America.
The Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast opened its doors recently in the heart of Beijing’s busy Chaoyang business district. Marriott International’s ninth hotel in China’s capital operates under a management agreement with Beijing Kehang Investment. The 321 spacious guestrooms are equipped with amenities to satisfy guests’ every comfort, from luxurious bedding to iPod docking stations. At 200 square meters, presidential suites offer stunning views of the city and features a living and dining pavilion.
Air China is increasing its number of flights to the Asia Pacific region. The airline has added an extra flight on the Beijing (PEK)–Jakarta (CGK), via Xiamen (XMN) route. The flights depart on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Air China also has also added two additional flights to the Chengdu (CTU)–Kathmandu (KTM) route, which now depart on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Jetstar will add a third daily Singapore (SIN)–Bangkok (BKK) service. The new daily Airbus A320 return flight which commences Oct. 1 increases Jetstar’s existing Singapore–Bangkok flights from two to three times daily. Jetstar CEO Bruce Buchanan said, “This new daily Singapore–Bangkok service will be the first of future planned growth in Jetstar Group affordable services into and across Asia through better alignment of our airline businesses.”
Futou Shan, Northern Suburb
Chengdu, Sichuan Province
Anyone visiting Chengdu must take an afternoon to visit the Giant Panda Reserve, a place where you see the animals without cages, under the open sky and with lots of space around them. It is about an hour outside the city centre by taxi. A cab ride from central Chengdu costs approximately 40RMB and will take about 20–25 minutes.
The pandas were incredible to watch. They frolicked about, eating bamboo and playing and sleeping, completely unbothered by the visitors (who are usually observant of signs asking them keep their voices low).
I paid RMB 1,000 to hold a baby Panda (about 5 months old) for a few minutes. It is quite a steep price but well worth it, especially knowing that all the money goes back to the research base.
My advice would be to go as early in the day as you possibly can. Once it gets a bit warm, they take the young ones inside and you can only see them through a glass wall.
Score: ••••• Joyce Woo
LAN Airlines has launched a range of Super Sale Special fares for travel from Australia to 50 destinations in 12 countries. Through April 30, travellers can take advantage of LAN’s special sale, with return economy-class airfares starting from AUD 1,009 from Sydney (SYD) to Santiago (SCL). Fares are valid for travel until Sept. 30.
Thai Airways International has launched a series of summer promotions. The Cooling Summer 2009 offers discounted airfares on domestic routes including one-way and round-trip tickets starting from BHT 765. The deal is available to those travelling from Mondays to Thursdays only, and is valid until Sept. 30.
The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo has launched a Solar Eclipse promotion, giving guests an opportunity to observe a total solar eclipse on July 22. Priced at JPY 15,000,000 for two, the deal includes, a two-hour chartered flight in a Beechcraft Model 200T plane to view the solar eclipse, two nights in a presidential suite, a two-hour spa treatment for two in a luxurious spa suite, one night in a hot spring villa in Kagoshima and return air tickets for domestic commercial flights between Tokyo (HND) and Kagoshima (KOJ).
Sheraton Hong Kong has launched a Pinnacle of Indulgence offering guests the chance to relax in the hotel’s suites with magnificent harbour views. Package includes accomodation in a Main House Suite, Sunday Brunch for two at Oyster & Wine Bar and a late checkout at 16:00. Packages start from HKD 2,680 per night and is valid through Dec. 31.
Wines by Italian vinter Michele Chiarlo will be the focus during a May 21 wine dinner at Four Seasons Bangkok. Admission to the gourmet event is BHT 3,200 per person. Guests will enjoy specialties from Italy’s Piedmont region — such as lobster, salmon trout terrine wrapped in silver beet, salmon roe, young vegetable or braised beef cheek with polenta Pecorino crutin and cauliflower cream brulé — paired with Michele Chiarlo wines supplied by Independent Wine & Spirit of Thailand.
