Francis Chin's Smart Traveler Blog

Friday, October 15, 2010

Wyndham Signs Three New Hotels in Boao, Hainan

Following the recent opening of two luxury hotels in the cities of Shanghai and Chengdu, Wyndham Hotel Group, one of the world?s largest hotel companies with nearly 7,200 hotels and 13 brands, has signed management agreements for three new Wyndham Hotels and Resorts properties in Boao, located in south China?s Hainan Island province.

The properties include the 300-room Wyndham Grand Boao Resort and Spa, to be part of the brand?s prestigious Wyndham Grand Collection; the 106-room Wyndham Boao Resort; and the 350-room Wyndham Boao Resort and Conference Center.

The three hotels are owned by Hainan Baolian City (Boao) Company Limited, led by Chairman Weijie Zhu, who also is developing the 337-room, luxury Wyndham Grand Baolian Hotel Shanghai, scheduled to open in late 2011.

?We are especially proud to work with Chairman Weijie Zhu and look forward to welcoming these magnificent properties to the Wyndham family as part of this major development project in Boao,? said Eric Danziger, Wyndham Hotel Group president and chief executive officer. ?These resorts set new expectations for luxury hospitality in China and demonstrate our commitment to developing hotels of similar high caliber throughout Asia.?

The new Wyndham properties in Boao will join the 1,000 room Ramada Hotel & Suites Boao, also developed by Zhu. The Ramada Hotel & Suites Boao currently has 400 rooms open and available to guests, with the remaining 600 rooms expected to open by the end of 2010. The hotel complex is part of a larger plan by the developer to transform more than two square kilometers of the city?s ocean front real-estate into an upscale resort destination that will feature multiple retail and entertainment spaces.

?These spectacular projects will result in world-class service and accommodations in exceptional surroundings for the growing business and leisure market in Boao,? said Zhu. ?By partnering with a growing multinational company like Wyndham, we hope to introduce our resorts to an even greater number of Chinese guests and international visitors.?

The 300-room Wyndham Grand Boao Resort and Spa, ideal for a luxury retreat, will feature an indoor swimming pool, extensive spa and fitness facilities, two restaurants, bar and 2,500 square-meters of meeting space. The property is due to open in 2017.

The 106-room Wyndham Boao Resort, offering ocean views, will be situated on a private beach with three outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, spa, two restaurants, lobby lounge and over 2,000 square meters of state-of-the-art conference space. Currently under construction, the luxury resort is due to open in 2013.

The 350-room Wyndham Boao Resort and Conference Center will specialize in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions with over 3,600 square meters of meeting and event space. Hotel facilities will include three restaurants, bar, indoor swimming pool, fitness center and spa. Currently under construction the hotel is due to open in 2019.

All Wyndham Hotels and Resorts guests can take advantage of Wyndham ByRequest, the brand?s free to join guest recognition program offering complimentary benefits including high-speed Internet access and choice of favorite welcome snack and beverage.

Wyndham ByRequest members also earn Wyndham Rewards points, which can be redeemed for complimentary hotel stays, airline tickets, name-brand merchandise and dining and shopping gift cards, among other options. In lieu of points, members may elect to earn airline or rail miles with a variety of carriers.

See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Interviews, Free Deals, Videos, Wyndham, China, Boao, Hainan

View the original article here

SIA Signs FHS Contract with Airbus for A340-500 Support

Singapore Airlines has signed a ?Flight Hour Services - Tailored Support Package? (FHS-TSP) contract with Airbus to integrate and provide full component support, line and base airframe maintenance, as well as fleet technical management services for SIA?s five A340-500 ultra long-haul all business-class aircraft.

Under this six year agreement with Airbus, SIA will benefit from the experience and expertise offered by Airbus and its OEM and MRO partners in the areas of maintenance, engineering, reliability and supply chain management. As part of this, Airbus will procure MRO services from SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC). SIAEC is a member of the Airbus MRO Network.

This contract builds on two existing FHS delivery commitments to SIA: an A330 FHS-TSP agreement signed in July 2008, and also an FHS components support agreement signed in July 2007 for its A380 fleet.

?Our A340-500 ultra long-haul all business class fleet requires undisputed passengers? satisfaction based on absolute fleet reliability. The exceptionally high performance today of our A330 fleet under FHS-TSP gives us confidence to apply this successful concept to our A340- 500 fleet,? said Mervyn Sirisena, Singapore Airlines? Senior Vice President Engineering.

View the original article here

Sydney Harbour Bridge Transformed into Giant Picnic Spot

On Sunday, Sydney?s iconic Harbour Bridge was today transformed into the world?s most unusual picnic spots when 7,500 people enjoyed breakfast with a spectacular harbour view, whilst being suspended 50m above the water.

Breakfast on the Bridge is the centrepiece of the annual Crave Sydney International Food Festival, a month long celebration offering extraordinary food experiences in unique Sydney locations, in all corners of Australia?s global city and across New South Wales (NSW).

Demonstrating Sydney?s support of Australia?s 2022 FIFA World Cup bid, a four metre high giant ?Come Play? football was rolled down the centre of the Australian landmark.

Amongst the excited picnic goers were members of Australia?s national football team, the Qantas Socceroos who beat Paraguay 1 - 0 in a friendly international match at the Sydney Football Stadium the night before and some of the best local and international chefs taking part in the Crave Sydney International Food Festival events.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chairman Frank Lowy said, "It is terrific to see that one of Australia's most iconic landmarks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, has been transformed into a football pitch to show our nation?s united support for our bid. I am delighted to see so many football supporters here today to send a strong message around the world - we want to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup."

"A FIFA World Cup in Australia will be fun, relaxed, safe and secure. We want the world's greatest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup, come to our shores. We invite the world to Come Play! in Australia," said Mr Lowy.

Premier of New South Wales, Kristina Keneally said, "Breakfast on the Bridge is the hero event of the Crave Sydney International Food Festival and highlights our city?s passion for food and love for the great outdoors."

"The festival is a key part of the NSW events calendar and Breakfast on the Bridge is an amazing event experience - where else in the world can you picnic on fresh green grass on the country?s icon, above such a majestic harbour?" added Premier Keneally.

Over 200,000 NSW residents were interested in securing one of the 6,000 spots for the public at the Sydney event with up to 1,000 interstate and overseas visitors also taking part in the event. The world renowned ?coathanger? bridge, was covered in 11,000 square metres of turf which will now be relocated to a Sydney park.

View the original article here

Wotif Opens Cape Town Office

Global accommodation specialist Wotif.com has strengthened its destination focus on South Africa with the opening of an office in Cape Town.

Wotif.com?s Executive General Manager for EMEA Matthew Harris explained the move, ?We had always intended to launch South Africa as a destination and always felt that the World Cup might kindle our customer?s interest but we couldn?t have anticipated this level of response.?

According to Deloitte, South Africa saw an unprecedented 120% increase in RevPAR during the World Cup ? a figure that dwarfs the 33% increase that Germany experienced during the 2006 tournament.

?We are also very fortunate to be able to second experienced product manager Kevin Rautenbach from our Asia business unit to helm our South African operations. A native South African, Kevin's strong hospitality connections will be instrumental to our growth,? Harris added.

View the original article here

Thursday, October 14, 2010

TravelRave in Singapore 18 - 28 October 2010

They have unveiled programme details of TravelRave 2010.

Spearheaded by STB, TravelRave, which takes place between 18 - 28 October 2010, brings together various sectors of the tourism industry with six landmark co-located events: Asia Travel Leaders Summit, ITB Asia - the Tradeshow for the Asian Travel Market, World Savers Congress, Web in Travel (WIT), Aviation Outlook Asia and the Singapore Experience Awards.
This is an exciting time to be in the travel and tourism sector as the industry continues to experience positive growth, especially in Asia,? said Ms Melissa Ow, Singapore Tourism Board?s assistant chief executive of the Industry Development II Group. ?In creating and hosting TravelRave, STB seeks to propel the industry forward by providing a platform to foster collaboration and accelerate growth in the Asia-Pacific tourism industry. The coming together of Influential speakers and leaders will be a meeting of some of the best minds in the industry and encourage tourism players to share ideas, develop solutions and collaborate to leverage Asia?s economic vibrancy.?
Delegates of TravelRave can look forward to a series of prominent speakers ranging from A-list celebrities to high-ranking leaders in the tourism industry.
American writer and futurist Alvin Toffler will kick off TravelRave with a keynote address at the inaugural Asia Travel Leaders Summit (18-19 October). Toffler, who largely created the role of the futurist with his ground-breaking work Future Shock, will provide a glimpse into the future of Asia and the travel industry.
Lending further insights at the Summit are global thought leaders such as Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Travel & Tourism Council; Randy Tinseth, Vice President of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; and Julian Persaud, Managing Director of Google Southeast Asia.
The Summit's series of talks and panel discussions will examine timely issues including Asia as a growth engine over the next decade, the evolving needs of the modern Asian traveller, tourism talent, sustainability, and the future of online travel.
Web in Travel (19-22 October) will delve into the changing customer in Asia against a backdrop of a very dynamic online travel market, and the factors contributing to the growth of online travel in the region.
The prestigious World Savers Congress (19-20 October) by Conde Nast Traveller, will also bring in Academy Award winners Mira Sorvino, and director Louie Psihoyos. They will be the keynote speakers to start the Congress? discussions on global social responsibility.
Held outside the United States for the first time since its inception in 2007, the World Savers Congress will discuss initiatives on the environmental impact of tourism, health, education and the economic well-being of communities worldwide.
The Congress will feature five panel sessions, including a CEO Travel Industry Panel, a panel exploring success stories of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and others focusing on poverty relief and education, health, preservation and conservation.
ITB Asia (20-22 October) for example, will enable international exhibitors, leading companies and emerging small and medium-sized enterprises from the Asia Pacific to meet with top buyers from the MICE, Leisure and Corporate Travel markets.
Aviation Outlook Asia (20-22 October) will explore business trends in the aviation industry.
TravelRave will culminate with the Singapore Experience Awards on 28 October 2010.
Recognising individuals and organisations from sectors encompassing hospitality, retail, dining, entertainment, attractions, education, healthcare, business travel and MICE, the Awards celebrates the industry?s contributions to providing outstanding customer experiences and enhancing Singapore?s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
CNBC in Asia, one of the primary partners for the Asia Travel Leaders Summit, will also be introducing an inaugural award for those in the Travel and Tourism industry. More details about this special award will be revealed during the Summit's gala dinner on 18 October 2010.

Need to travel to Singapore ? Check out PYOTravel.com for Flights & Hotels

See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Interviews, Free Deals, Videos, Singapore, Travel Trade Shows
View the original article here

Thailand’s never-die tuk-tuks now a global export

Here's a look inside one of the country's four tuk-tuk factories, which churns out about 200 of the popular tourist icons every year

This partially completed tuk-tuk will soon be ferrying hotel guests around Bangkok.

After 25 years of service, a company traditionally rewards a loyal employee with a gold watch. But for Win van Rootselaar of Dutch company Cryovat Internationaal, his reward for working for the family company for a quarter of a century is considerably larger and infinitely more unique -- a Thai-made tuk-tuk.
For more than 50 years tuk-tuks have been burping their way around the cities and villages of Thailand, a legacy of the Japanese World War II occupation of most of the region.

Though Indonesia’s Bajaj and India’s auto rickshaw bare remarkable similarities, the stainless steel “Thailand” plate on the rear, liberal chrome plating and the distinctive blue and yellow livery applied to Thailand’s taxi tuk-tuks have seen them become a unique symbol identified with Thailand the world over. Not to mention a vehicle tourists to the country can’t get enough of.

No robots on this production line. All welding is done by hand. Here the roof support is welded for the canvas top.As a frequent traveler to the company’s Thailand division, Win’s brother Tim was familiar with the tourist appeal of tuk-tuks and concluded that nothing short of a genuine Thailand tuk-tuk would suffice as a suitable silver anniversary gift for his brother.

Though the Thai government will not register any new tuk-tuks for private use, export orders, along with larger variants used by hotels, resorts and shopping malls throughout the country are such that four factories still specialize in their production.

Originally fitted with a single or twin cylinder 350cc two-stroke Daihatsu engine, the cause of the high-pitched burping noise they make as they zip around Thailand’s streets, modern-day tuk-tuks are fitted with 660cc four-stroke Daihatsu or Suzuki engines, making them as quiet as a family sedan.

For a long-time the bane of environmentalists due to their lead-fuel operating engines and smoky two-stroke exhaust, all of Bangkok’s taxi tuk-tuks today run on CNG, the result of a government campaign that funded the cost of conversion.
At Tuk Tuk Thailand in the Bangkok suburb of Bang Khae, Chett Taikratoke has been turning out tuk-tuks for more than eight years, prior to that working for Thailand’s largest tuk-tuk factory, which was a casualty of the Asian economic crisis of the late 90s.
“Every tourist who comes to Thailand wants to ride in a tuk-tuk. I even get emails from people wanting me to pick them up from the airport in a tuk-tuk," Chett says.
While road-regulations prohibit tuk-tuks on the country’s expressways and hence entry to the airport, there’s no shortage of affection for the vehicles from tourists, who leap at the opportunity to sit in the open-sided vehicles in the blistering heat or monsoonal rain, choking on the acrid black exhaust fumes expelled by Bangkok’s buses and cars, in preference to air-conditioned taxis.
Click through for the rest of this story and more images. Or, want to visit Bangkok ? Check out PYOTravel.com for great Flights and Hotel Deals.

View the original article here

Just How Adventurous are Singaporeans?

A recent survey commissioned by Guinness as part of the Guinness Adventures campaign has revealed that almost 60% of Singaporeans have participated in an adventurous sport ? including wakeboarding, bungee jumping or mountain climbing.

Despite only 30% of the population considering themselves to be adventurous, over three quarters believe there is strength in numbers, with 83% of respondents saying they would be more inclined to embark on an adventure if they are with their buddies.

Well over a third (46%) are also more likely to be experimental with food when they?re with their friends.

1 in 2 Singaporeans have travelled to between 4 to 9 countries and more than half (53%) would choose the snowy peaks of the Himalayas as their ultimate holiday destination over a range of options including jungle trekking and a staycation.

There is this perception that Singapore is a safe nation. We adhere to the rules, study hard, work hard and spend the weekends at shopping malls. We decided to put that stereotype to the test and find out if Singaporeans are really as conservative as they think. That is why we decided to commission this survey ? to determine how adventurous Singaporeans really are,? said Mr Paul Bisson, Marketing Manager of Guinness at Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS). ?The Guinness Adventures campaign is our opportunity to reward and celebrate the spirit of adventure in Singapore. We will be sending one winner and two friends on an experience of a lifetime ? an all-expense paid 14-day trip to the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest. Based on our findings, we are confident that this will be an attractive prize for adventurous Singaporeans.?

Besides determining Singapore?s adventure rating in areas of sports and travel, the survey has reaffirmed the nation?s favourite pastime ? food. A majority of Singaporeans would risk their lives for a taste of the exotic, with almost half (47%) of respondents revealing that they were willing to eat the potentially deadly puffer fish if given the chance. However, only 1 in 5 Singaporeans would consider trying duck egg foetus, a popular Filipino delicacy.

Singaporeans also tend to be more adventurous when it comes to work, with almost 70% of respondents saying they would consider making a radical career change in order to pursue their passions. When it came to selecting their dream jobs, the adventurous streak was clearly evident, with a majority choosing to be travel hosts (35.5%), followed by helicopter pilots (17.6%) and archaeologists (14.3%).

It comes as no surprise that buildings and rooftop bars in Singapore keep getting higher, as the findings also revealed that Singaporeans are more afraid of snakes (62.4%) than they are of heights. The nation?s biggest fears also include ghosts (40.4%) and cockroaches (33%).

In the Guinness Adventures campaign teams of three are required to register online and obtain a series of unique codes via purchase, in order to begin their ascent and scale the virtual peak. At the end of the campaign, the teams that succeed in reaching the virtual peak will be in the running to win the Grand Prize of an all-expense paid 14-day trip to the base camp of Mount Everest.

In addition to the Grand Prize, Guinness is also giving away a series of other prizes depending on the different ?altitudes? each team reaches. The prizes include $2,000 worth of Guinness and dining experiences at high-altitude locations such as The Sky on 57 at Marina Bay Sands, Equinox @ Swissotel and 1-Altitude by 1 Rochester Group.

Launched in early September, the Guinness Adventures contest will run until 1 November 2010.

View the original article here