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Volume 2, Issue 18, April 30, 2009 |
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A Global Market Institute study commissioned by Visa polled 5,539 international travellers in 11 countries in the past two years.
According to the new survey, 44 per cent of respondents say the last 12 months has not affected their willingness to travel abroad and 23 per cent of international travellers are more willing to travel abroad compared to one year ago.
A majority (83 per cent) of international travellers are modifying their plans in response to the economic environment. They plan to do so by travelling during the off-peak season for lower prices (52 per cent), travelling to countries where the cost of visiting is less (33 per cent), travelling to countries where the exchange rate is more favorable (29 per cent) and travelling closer to home (27 per cent).
Most popular destinations among international travellers are the United States, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Canada. Overwhelmingly, 89 per cent cited leisure as the purpose of travel.
The survey is part of Visa’s Tourism Outlook reports, a series of reports that combine the international survey insights with actual Visa card spending for 2007 and 2008. 
Emirates is to launch double-daily services between Dubai (DXB) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and add three additional weekly flights from Dubai to Jakarta (CGK), starting May 1. Emirates will expand its current daily service to Jakarta to 10 flights a week. The three additional flights will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and will introduce more than 1200 passenger seats and approximately 50 tonnes of cargo capacity per week per direction.
Jet Airways fuel surcharge is now INR3,000 for distances above 750km and INR2,150 below 750km. The total fuel surcharge levied by Kingfisher Airlines now stands at INR3,250 and INR2,400 per ticket. The hike in fuel surcharge will also be applicable on flights of the airlines’ subsidiaries, JetLite and Kingfisher Red. The increase in fuel surcharge follows hike in aviation turbine fuel prices earlier this month.
AirAsia X will increase the frequency of its London Stansted (STN)–Kuala Lumpur (KUL) flights to a daily service starting July 1. The increase comes less than four months after its maiden flight in March. The airline’s CEO, Azran Osman-Rani, was quoted saying that the increase was due in part to unprecedented demand from business travellers and students.
Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista has officially opened in Bangkok. The property marks Marriott International’s second extended stay property in Bangkok. The property offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites ranging from 65–165 square meters, combining amenities such as minibar, high-speed Internet and LCD TVs in all bedrooms and living rooms, with home conveniences of a fully equipped kitchen, bathrobes and DVD players.
IndiGo Airlines, Kingfisher Red and Kingfisher Airlines are the first airlines to operate from the brand new Domestic Terminal 1D at Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi (DEL). IndiGo and Kingfisher Red will shift from Terminal 1B to Terminal 1D, while Kingfisher Airlines will shift from Terminal 1A. Other airlines would be shifting their operations to the new terminal in next phase.
Ngerkebesang Island
Koror, Palau
tel 680 488 8866
Located on Palau’s Ngerkebesang Island, just minutes from the Palau Pacific Resort, Elilai is a grill restaurant and bar with a fresh fusion of international dishes and a stunning view of the Blue Lagoon. Owner Takuya Tetsuzo created the Thai-inspired fusion menu and, with his practice in design, Tetsuzo successfully created something that emulates a trendy L.A. dining venue. The combination of ambiance and food offers an unforgettable experience.
Elilai has a very modern feel. With both terrace seating and private dining, Elilai caters to large groups, intimate dining and private parties. The dining space is relatively large, but the lighting and décor offer a very cozy and personal feel — especially at night. In a separate room near the bar, patrons can lounge on a large bed-like sofa and view a large projection screen while enjoying a fruity cocktail or a savory dessert — this is a great option for entertaining large parties.
Elilai has an impressive open kitchen showcasing six talented chefs. Its seafood and organic greens are local, offering a fresh, healthy and tasty menu. An Elilai classic is the pineapple fried rice. Sweet and salty, this dish is delicious and fun as it is served inside a hallow pineapple.
Score: ••••• Courtney Centeno
Bangkok Airways has launched a Summer Fly Summer Fares promotion valid for those who book flights through June 30 via the airline’s Web site, for travel through June 30. The discounts for domestic routes are BHT 250 per sector or BHT 500 discount for roundtrip.
To celebrate its new Taipei (TPE)–Singapore (SIN) daily route, China Airlines is offering a discounted ticket price of about TWD 8,500. CAL will operate the Taipei–Singapore–Surabaya (SUB) route on a daily basis. Surabaya is the capital of the province of East Java. Surabaya's tourist attractions include a towering volcano, a famous ‘wild zoo,’ and an atmospheric mosque, among others.
Millennium & Copthorne International’s Advance e-Saver programme offers travellers the chance to save on hotel stays at M&C Hotels in Asia through Dec. 31. Travellers who book 14 to 30 days in advance can enjoy reduced room rate of up to 20 percent and a 20-percent discount off the buffet breakfast rate.
Earn a Free Weekend Night Award for every two stays at participating Starwood hotels and resorts, including Le Méridien, St. Regis, Westin, and more, between May 1 and July 31. Earn and redeem at over 875 properties worldwide. Awards can be used for any Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night through the end of September 2009. There are no limits and no blackouts.
Book the Hyatt Business Plan and enjoy amenities each day of your stay. Travellers who book a Business Plan Package will receive full breakfast, Internet access and one piece of laundry pressed or washed. Hyatt Gold Passport Members can also earn up to 20,000 Hyatt Gold Passport bonus points at any Hyatt worldwide through April 30.
