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Volume 2, Issue 20, May 14, 2009 |
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Business travellers and tourists who were quarantined for seven days at Hong Kong’s Metropark Hotel last week, have been praised and thanked by the Hong Kong government for their understanding and patience. There were jubilant scenes on the Wan Chai streets outside the hotel on May 8, as guests stepped outside the building for the first time in a week.
The 286 guests and hotel staff were quarantined after health officials learned that a Mexican guest who developed H1N1 had stayed at the hotel. Critics described the moves as overkill, while guests complained and questioned the need for the total quarantine. The Hong Kong government took the line that it was prepared to be "draconian" as they did not know enough about the virus at that point, citing the 2003 SARS outbreak that killed over 299 people in Hong Kong and almost 800 worldwide that was traced back to a guest at a Hong Kong hotel who had infected fellow guests through fairly limited contact.
Nobody developed H1N1 during the quarantine, though boredom was a common complaint among the guests. British businessman Leslie Carr posted videos on You Tube and blogged to pass the time. “I don’t have a bad impression of HK, we all have laws, health and safety for others is what’s important here, one week quarantine is nothing, if this had been a deadly virus, we may have helped saved lives so small price to pay,” said Carr.
The Metropark Hotel became a focus for the media and well-wishers in Hong Kong during the quarantine week. All the guests received numerous gifts including tickets to local attractions and two additional free nights at another hotel. The Hong Kong Tourist Board said it was hopeful that the incident would not dampen visitors' intentions to re-visit Hong Kong. 
Emirates has increased its free baggage allowances by 10kg for passengers in all classes across its network. Economy passengers can now carry 30kg, business-class 40kg and first- class passengers have an allowance of 50kg. Gold and Silver members of Emirates frequent- flyer programme Skywards are entitled to an additional baggage allowance of 16kg and 12kg, respectively. Codeshare passengers travelling on Emirates-operated flights are also eligible for the revised free baggage allowances. The new baggage allowance does not apply to flights from countries such as the United States, Canada and Brazil, which apply a "piece concept" for check-in luggage. For more information visit www.emirates.com.
Korean Air has added two flight routes from Seoul Incheon International Airport (INC) to two popular tourist destinations in China starting May 27. Both routes will utilize 149-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft. KE will operate five flights per week between Seoul and the ancient Chinese capital of Xian (XIY), home of the Terracotta Army. The airline will also fly three times a week to Mudanjiang (MDG) in Heilongjiang province. Travellers from the Americas and Europe can check in baggage to their final destination and transit through Seoul (INC) for these new flights and any of the 30 routes Korean Air operates to China.
The opening of The Langham, Yangtze Boutique, Shanghai on May 1 is an opportunity to experience all the glamour of 1930s Shanghai. The 96-room hotel is a beautifully restored Art Deco masterpiece that was originally built in 1934. Located close to Nanjing Road and People’s Square in central Shanghai, the hotel combines Old World charm with spacious rooms, some of which have balconies. It is also equipped for the modern business traveller, and every guestroom and suite features broadband Internet and wireless access, Internet protocol phones, iHome iPod docking station, DVD player, a 42-inch LCD TV in the bedroom and a 19-inch LCD screen in a spacious marble bathroom, as well as a generously sized desk.
Jet Airways' JetPrivilege, India's largest frequent- flyer programme, has entered into a partnership with three hotel groups: Preferred Hotels, Harbour Plaza Hotels & Resorts and WelcomHeritage-Palaces, Forts, Hotels and Resorts. JetPrivilege members staying at any of Preferred brands, which include Summit, Preferred Boutique and Sterling Hotels, will earn 600 JPMiles per qualifying stay. Members will earn 500 JPMiles per stay at Harbour Plaza’s properties in Hong Kong and China. WelcomHeritage-Palaces, Forts, Hotels and Resorts will reward members with 250 JPMiles and will also offer an additional range of discounts at their unique heritage properties across India.
Melco Crown Entertainment Limited has re-branded the Crown Macau as the Altira Macau. The re-branding of the 38-storey luxury hotel and casino complex comes ahead of Melco Crown Entertainment’s June 1 launch of its mega resort, the City of Dreams in Cotai, Macau. The City of Dreams will feature three luxury hotels includinged a new Crown-branded hotel. The stylish Altira Macau opened in 2007 with the promise of a 6-star experience of luxury and has been acclaimed for its sophisticated interior design. Melco Crown Entertainment said that the Altira Macau would now provide a “distinctly Asian-oriented proposition” for gaming customers. The company hopes to develop the brand throughout Asia.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Asia Pacific have launched a new Smart Savers promotion to reward travellers who book early — from seven to 30 days in advance. The Smart Savers Promotion will run until Oct. 31 and includes reduced room rates and complimentary breakfasts at more than 140 Starwood properties, including the aloft, Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Four Points by Sheraton, W and Le Méridien brands in the Asia-Pacific region. Bookings can be made by contacting participating hotels, or calling any Starwood Customer Contact centres worldwide or by going online to the Smart Savers website.
To celebrate its 50th anniversary the Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh is cutting its room rates by 50 per cent for all bookings made during May, for stays up until Dec 31. The Caravelle Hotel first opened its doors on May 8, 1959 when the city was known as Saigon. Fifty years on, it is one of Vietnam’s best hotels and has added a 24-storey tower to the original 10- storey building. The 5-star hotel now boasts 335 guestrooms. This 50 per cent discount is only available for bookings made via the Caravelle’s own website.
Cathay Pacific is offering a promotional fare from Hong Kong to the capital city of the Philippines, Manila, for just HKD 1,190 return, for travel before May 31. A limited number of Manila Smart Saver seats are available on daily flights between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Manila (MNL). Maximum stay is 14 days. To book flights or for more details of Cathay Pacific’s promotional fares and packages out of Hong Kong check out the Offers & Promotions section on the Cathay website.
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels is offering a special holiday package at two of its hotels in Thailand and is discounting the hotel room rates by 70 per cent. Between May 1 and June 15, 1,000 room nights are available for THB 1,000 (USD 28) at 5-star Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok and the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket. The promotional rates are valid for a maximum two-night stay and include a 30-minute massage at the hotels’ spas. Rooms must be booked online through the hotel group’s website. Additional room nights are also available at highly discounted rates at both hotels.
Asia Miles members can earn double Asia Miles at selected Peninsula hotels until Aug. 31. Asia Miles members can stay at The Peninsula in Hong Kong Tokyo, Bangkok, Beijing or New York at special rates, which include different additional benefits at each property. For example, the superior room at The Peninsula Tokyo is JPY 48,000 and includes daily breakfast for two, USD 100 hotel credit to spend in the hotel’s restaurants, bars, spa or boutique, plus a gift certificate for one complimentary night at any Peninsula hotel. For more details visit the Peninsula Hotels website.
