Monday, June 13, 2011

Asia travel news

Asia travel news

Tourism Malaysia Jakarta Launches 'Musabaqah Package'

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 09:29 PM PDT

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MALAYSIA- A 'Musabaqah Package' has been launched so that Indonesians can watch International Al-Quran Recital Competition (Musabaqah) and enjoy the Malaysia Mega Sales Carnival at special cost.

Tourism Malaysia Jakarta director Jamil Darus said the package is created with cooperation of Indonesian Muslim Tourism Operators (PKWM), Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI Syariah) and Malaysian Airlines (MAS).Other than watching the musabaqah (July 17-23), buyers can shop during Malaysia Mega Sales Carnival (June 15-Aug 31) and feted to a gala dinner by Tourism Malaysia.

"This package will be promoted jointly by Rakyat Merdeka newspaper, via SMS and radio," Jamil said after the package agreement signing ceremony here Friday.KPWM was represented by its president Syarman Syarif, BRI Syariah by marketing communication head Hanifah Fibianti while Jamil signed on behalf of Tourism Malaysia Jakarta.

Jamil said is expected to sell the packages to at least 500 people while BRI Syariah will promote them via SMS and a series of roadshow in several major Indonesian cities.Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia Jakarta deputy director Norlizah Jahaya said the three days and two nights package from July 16-23 involves four flights from Jakarta.

The package costs RM1,350 (single) and RM1,000 (twin sharing) per person including airfare, two nights stay in Kuala Lumpur, meals and tour guides.Norlizah said the package buyers will save about 20 percent cost compared to usual travel expenses.

Singapore becoming a more expensive place for expats, much to Hong Kong’s delight

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 07:10 PM PDT

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There's long been a heated battle between Hong Kong and Singapore, with both cities claiming rights to being the Asian "hub" of everything from tourism to sport. But the rivalry took another twist this week - for something neither might want to boast too much about.

A cost-of-living index this week for the first time claimed that Singapore was a more expensive place than Hong Kong for expat workers to live.

Compiled twice yearly by the human resources consultancy ECA International (http://www.eca-international.com), the index showed that Singapore has moved to sixth place in terms of cost of living for expats in Asia, up from ninth last year and passing old foe Hong Kong, which moved down one place to seventh.

In Singapore the spin on the result was a positive one - as local media pointed to the strength of the local dollar against foreign currencies as being the reason for the rise and pointing out that also meant that Singapore companies sending their staff overseas were now paying less to maintain a high standard of living for their employees.

In Hong Kong, the media played up the fact that their city was now a more attractive place for international firms to send their workers - as it was cheaper. And they provided the quotes to back their claim up.

"It could be seen as bad news for Singapore, losing its competitive edge - which is what people in Hong Kong had been worried about. It's now Singapore's turn," Lee Quane, regional director for ECA Asia, was quoted as saying.

The report looks at the cost of goods and services likely to be in demand by expats - such as dinner at a restaurant, wine and even imported pasta - and it was first instigated by ECA International in September 2009.

Singapore was the highest mover in the region's top 10, which was again dominated by Japanese cities, with Tokyo coming out not only as the most expensive place in the region but as the world's most expensive place for expats, according to ECA International's global listing.

As has been the case with the Singapore currency, the strength of the Swiss franc has seen Zurich make a major move in the global top 10, rising to sixth from last year's 10th, while the Angolan city of Luanda dropped from third to seventh in another major move.

Asia's top 10 most expensive cities for expats (last year's ranking in brackets):

1 (1) Tokyo

2 (2) Nagoya

3 (3) Yokohama

4 (4) Kobe

5 (5) Seoul

6 (9) Singapore

7 (6) Hong Kong

8 (8) Beijing

9 (7) Shanghai

10 (10) Busan

Singapore Luxury Hotel Celebrates Prestigious Award Win in Shanghai

Posted: 10 Jun 2011 07:10 PM PDT

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2011 Property Summit Recognizes Singapore Marriott Hotel as the Highly Commended Hotel Singapore.

SINGAPORE- Celebrating its exceptional dedication to excellence within the hospitality industry, the Singapore Marriott Hotel was honored with the prestigious Highly Commended Hotel Singapore at the 2011 Asia Pacific International Property Awards during a gala presentation May 31, 2011 at the Longemont Hotel in Shanghai. Distinctive among luxury hotels in Singapore, the Singapore Marriott is an elegant five-star hotel property featuring impeccable accommodations, award-winning restaurants and stunning city views.

The award presentation was made during an extravagant dinner event as part of the two-day Asia Pacific Property Summit 2011 and before hundreds of leading hospitality professionals from across the region who had gathered to celebrate the world-renowned Asia Pacific Property and Hotel Awards. The Asia Pacific region is rapidly becoming the driving force behind the world's economies and companies seeking expansion are looking East for opportunities to forge new business alliances and seek investment opportunities. This year's Property Summit provided the ideal scenario for the region's finest property and hotel executives to connect with global business leaders and participate in a full business-to-business networking event.

The International Property Awards, established 17 years ago, are dedicated to seeking the best hotels whether purpose-built for conventions, spa, airports or resort; or sustainable hotels based on architecture, interior design, marketing and website. Supported by Bloomberg Television and Google, the competition included a number of outstanding entries from 18 different countries. As a recipient of the Highly Commended Hotel honor, the Singapore Marriott will compete against other winning companies from Europe, Africa, the Americas, Arabia and the UK to find the ultimate World's Finest in each category. Final results will be revealed during an elaborate presentation dinner to be held at London's famous Savoy Hotel in January.

The award winning Singapore Marriott features a wide range of elegant and spacious rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the city's skyline. It is also home to The Retreat, an exceptional choice among full-service Singapore luxury spas, and offers exceptional dining options with five different restaurants just steps from your room. Business travelers can take advantage of Singapore meeting facilities with nearly 16,000 square feet of event space, an on-site exhibition area, professional catering services, state-of-the-art equipment and certified event managers dedicated to providing unsurpassed attention to detail.

About the Singapore Marriott Hotel
The Singapore Marriott Hotel towers boldly over Singapore's famous Orchard Road in the midst of the city's prominent business, shopping and entertainment district. Beneath its iconic green pagoda the hotel offers spacious, well-appointed guest rooms and a variety of hotel suites that, when coupled with unsurpassed "At Your Service" attention, offer the ultimate in five-star luxury. Successful social and event planners, business and social travelers will delight in the hotel's extensive facilities and opulent atmosphere. Named one of the finest city center Singapore hotels, there are plenty of exciting sites to see and destinations to explore. From rides at Sentosa to shows at Marina Bay, there are more than enough options to make Singapore Marriott the ultimate destination for all travelers.
at 1:48 AM