V Australia has initiated flights between Sydney (SYD) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) in the United Arab Emirates. V Australia is the first Australian airline to offer direct flights to the U.A.E. The Sydney–Abu Dhabi service will operate three times a week with three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. V Australia says it plans to offer Brisbane (BNE)–Abu Dhabi flights three times a week by February 2012. The new V Australia Abu Dhabi service is a key part of the partnership between Virgin Blue Group and Etihad Airways that will eventually see the airlines offer a total of 27 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Australia.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is inviting all its Facebook friends and fans to enjoy a complimentary meal on their birthday at one of the hotel group's restaurants. To take part in the celebration, register on Shangri-La's Facebook fans-only page. From the Michelin-starred Petrus at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong and Nadaman at Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo to Altitude Restaurant at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, there are more than 300 participating restaurants. The offer is valid through Dec. 31, only on the birthday of the Shangri-La Facebook fan.

To celebrate the opening of the Hotel de Edge, Rhombus International is offering special rates on its latest Hong Kong property. The luxurious boutique hotel is scheduled to open in mid-March. Already a landmark on the Hong Kong Island skyline, the Hotel de Edge is on situated on Connaught Road West in Sheung Wan within walking distance of the Macau Ferry Terminal and Hong Kong Central Station. Designed by award-winning Hong Kong architect Antony Chan, the majority of the open-plan rooms boast panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and nearby Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park. To celebrate the opening of Hotel de Edge by Rhombus, guests can enjoy a special rate of HKD 898 per night for superior rooms.

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts is launching a campaign to recognise guests who book early. The Karma Comes Around online campaign will give guests staying at Banyan Tree and Angsana properties credits equivalent to one night's room rate for every booking of two nights or more. The complimentary credits — up to a maximum of USD 2,500 in value — can be used to offset charges for spa treatments, dining and purchases at the retail galleries. The Karma Comes Around campaigns runs for bookings made through March 15 for stays through May 31.

Through April 30, The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing is offering a special Club Level Package. Centrally located in Beijing's China Central Place, The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing is 30 minutes away from the Beijing International Airport (PEK) and offers easy access to the city’s historical and cultural landmarks. Guests staying a minimum of four nights will earn one additional complimentary night, return airport transfer and all club privileges. Room rates start from RMB 3,000 per room per night.