|
Volume 2, Issue 21, May 21, 2009 |
   |
A recent survey by CNN International reveals that despite the recession, more people plan to travel for leisure in the next 12 months, but 20 per cent expect to make fewer trips. The results for Asia Pacific revealed that 46 per cent of business travellers in the region claim that the economic environment has had no impact on their business travel plans, and almost four out of five say they are likely to take a vacation in the region within the next 12 months.
The survey was conducted via CNN’s English websites in December 2008 and January, and attracted 5,353 respondents from around the world.
Results revealed that brand and reputation also remain critical factors when choosing air travel, particularly for travellers in Asia Pacific, who were most likely to say that they were “willing to pay more to travel with my preferred airline” — 58 per cent as compared to 50 per cent globally and just 41 per cent of North American respondents. Also, 61 per cent of Asia Pacific air travellers said that they would prefer to fly with a trusted brand regardless of cost.
“What’s interesting about these results is that they point to a strong degree of resilience for the travel and tourism sector in the face of the global economic downturn,” commented Duncan Morris, vice president, research, Turner International Asia Pacific. "Although there is some trepidation about how respondents might finance their travel over the next 12 months, respondents have no intention of stopping altogether and, in fact, half of the business elite won’t change their plans at all.” 
Japan Airlines will start offering codeshare flights between Japan’s new Shizuoka airport (FSZ) and Seoul (INC) operated by Korean Air. The codeshare flights will start on June 4, which is also the first day of operation of the new airport. The new codeshare flights will expand Japan Airlines’ network out from Shizuoka, which is now the closest airport to Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. JAL will be operating three daily return flights between Shizuoka and Fukuoka (FUK), and one daily between Shizuoka and Sapporo(CTS). Korean Air and Japan Airlines will operate two flights daily each way between Seoul and Shizuoka.
Qatar Airways has announced plans to invest USD 1 billion into expanding facilities at Doha International Airport(DOH), including the extension of the exclusive Premium Terminal, to handle growth in traffic ahead of the opening of New Doha International Airport in 2012. Speaking at the recent Arabian Travel Mart in Dubai, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said that the global tourism industry remained resilient despite the current economic climate. The carrier is continuing with its plans for six new routes across India, Australia and Europe over the next 10 months. It is adding new aircraft to its fleet at an average rate of one a month, which will boost the airline’s fleet size of 68 aircraft to more than 110 planes by 2013.
Following the successful opening of its first property, award-winning The Opposite House in Beijing last year, Swire Hotels is set to open two more luxurious hotels in Hong Kong. The Upper House, which will open in Hong Kong’s Pacific Place in October, promises a luxury residential atmosphere, in contrast to neighbouring 5-star hotels. Its 117 guestrooms, including 21 suites and two penthouses, begin at 730 square feet, making them the largest guestrooms in Hong Kong. In January 2010, Swire Hotels will open the 345-room lifestyle business hotel called East in Quarry Bay on Hong Kong Island.
Virgin Blue will launch direct flights between Sydney(SYD) and Hamilton Island (HTI) in the Whitsundays, Queensland from July 4. Known as the gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island recently achieved global fame through Tourism Queensland’s Best Job in the World competition, which attracted 34,000 applicants and worldwide media coverage. Virgin Blue’s daily direct flight will depart Sydney at 10:15 and touch down at Hamilton Island at 12:45 before departing HTI at 13:15 and landing at SYD at 15:45.
Summit Hotels & Resorts, a Preferred Hotel brand, has added a boutique property on Phuket Island in Thailand to its collection of more than 150 luxury hotels. La Flora Resort Patong is a contemporary-designed hotel with 67 suites and villas and two swimming pools. Situated in 1.2 acres beside Patong Beach, the resort provides peaceful privacy, yet is close to a variety of international restaurants, nightlife and shopping. The resort is a 45-minute drive from Phuket International Airport(HKT), and golf courses at Phuket Country Club and Loch Palm Golf Club can be reached within 15 minutes by car. Visit Summit Hotels for more information.
To celebrate the May opening of the Horizon Club facilities, Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen, has a special introductory Horizon Room rate available until Aug. 31. Designed around the concept of a “hotel within a hotel” for discerning business travellers, the Horizon Rooms are located on the 33rd to 39th floors of the 40-storey hotel, which opened in October 2008. Starting from RMB1,528 per night plus 15 per cent per room, Horizon Club privileges include private check-in and check-out in the Horizon Club lounge, plus complimentary breakfast, juices and soft drinks, complimentary evening cocktails and canapés, and tea and coffee served throughout the day.
This year, the Great Singapore Sale — Singapore’s annual eight weeks of shopping promotions — will also be one of the first chances to see the newly rejuvenated Orchard Road, Singapore’s main shopping area, after its SGD 40 million renovation. Tourists visiting Singapore are eligible to enjoy special offers with the GSS Tourist Privilege Card, which can be downloaded online and is valid from May 29 to July 26 when presented with a valid passport. The GSS card can be used at selected retail outlets, dining and entertainment venues. For information on promotions and to download the Tourist Privilege Card visit the Great Singapore Sale website.
Four Seasons Hotel Macao is offering a Golf and Stay package in partnership with the nearby Caesars Golf Macau, located at the south end of Cotai, a five-minute drive from the hotel. The package starts from HKD 2,788 for deluxe room accommodation, with breakfast and one round of golf inclusive of cart for one person. Caesars Golf Macau is a 175-acre golf facility featuring an 18-hole, links-style, 7,068-yard, par-72 course and a 280-yard driving range. A fee of HKD 1,200 per person applies for additional golfers.
Travellers from Hong Kong and Singapore can enjoy “Three Nights for the Price of Two” at GHM’s luxury resort, The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, located in Ubud, in Bali’s lush interior. Package rates start from USD498 plus taxes per night for a one-bedroom pool villa that includes butler and club service benefits such as complimentary minibar, transfers to Ubud centre, return airport transfers and daily afternoon refreshments and snacks. This offer is valid from May 15 to July 14 and Sept. 10 to Dec. 21. For details, visit GHM Hotels.
Air New Zealand is promoting special fares between Hong Kong (HKG) and London (LHR) this summer. Its Business Premier fare is HKD 20,990 plus tax and is available for travel to the U.K. until Aug 31. Air New Zealand’s Pacific Economy HKG-LHR return fare is HKD 3,580 plus tax and is valid for travel June 1–18 and Sept. 11–Nov. 30. For details of schedules and other promotions visit Air New Zealand.
