Friday, August 12, 2011

Asia travel news

Asia travel news

Vietnam Airlines starts selling tickets for Tet

Posted: 12 Aug 2011 01:12 AM PDT

Thailand, Cambodia resume tourism cooperation

Posted: 12 Aug 2011 01:05 AM PDT

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THAILAND-Thai Ambassador to Cambodia Sompong Sanguanbun has vowed to encourage Thai tourists to Cambodia , marking efforts to resume tourism cooperation between the two countries.

In his meeting with Cambodia Minister of Tourism Thong Khon on August 9, Ambassador Sanguanbun pledged to try his best to foster bilateral cooperation in all fields, including tourism.

Over the past years, Thai tourists to Cambodia have continuously decreased due to border disputes between the two countries since July 2008 when the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) named the Temple of Preah Vihear in the list of world heritages.

However, the border tension between the two sides has cooled down since the Peua Thai Party of former Prime Minister triumphed in the parliamentary elections on July 3.

In the first six months of the year, the number of Thai tourist arrivals to Cambodia dropped by 36 percent year-on-year from nearly 75,700 to over 48,000.

Changi Airport reveals most popular gifts and souvenirs

Posted: 12 Aug 2011 12:55 AM PDT

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SINGAPORE-Singapore Changi Airport has analysed sales information from its four terminals, finding that travellers' most preferred gift is chocolate.

In 2010, 4.5 million boxes were sold - that's more than one box per resident in Singapore! Most purchases were made by Americans, followed by Indians, Japanese and Indonesians. Traditional Asian gifts, such as Tiger Balm, Nonya dumplings and Kueh Lapis cakes also proved popular.

AUGUST FABULOUS FRIDAYS DEALS - TRADITIONAL DELICACIES

Great news for travellers who purchase traditional items as gifts - in August, Fabulous Fridays sees several local delicacies available for just $3, in another Singapore shopping exclusive. This includes an astonishing 93% discount on Eu Yan Sang Bottled Bird's Nest with Rock Sugar (available on Friday 12 August).

The weekly deals were kicked-off on Friday 5 August, with a 91% reduction on Begawan Solo Cookie sets. Other offers include 90% off both 600g Bee Cheng Hiang Mini EZ Packs and Begawan Solo Mooncakes.

To enjoy these exclusive deals, shoppers just need to make a minimum purchase of S$30 using their Visa cards or S$60 by other means. Travellers can purchase the products at the central Perfumes & Cosmetics store in the Departure/Transit Lounge at each terminal. Non-travellers can grab the great buys at an event booth set up in the public area of Terminal 3 Basement 2.

Movenpick hotels & resorts opens second property in Thailand

Posted: 12 Aug 2011 12:34 AM PDT

Thai Airways orders 9 Airbus and leases another 8

Posted: 11 Aug 2011 11:41 PM PDT

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THAILAND-Thai Airways International has signed a contract with Airbus covering the firm order of four A350-900s and five A320 aircraft, becoming a new customer for both aircraft types.

The aircraft have been selected by the airline under its fleet modernisation programme, with the A350 XWB set to operate on long haul services to Europe and the A320s on domestic and regional routes.

In addition to the aircraft ordered from Airbus, the airline is also leasing eight additional A350-900s and six more A320s from third party lessors.

The airline is also set to become a new operator of the A380 in the second half of 2012.

"The A350 XWB and A320 will play a significant role in ensuring that THAI operates one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the region moving forwards. They will also help THAI strengthen its competitiveness, increase its market share and ensure its future as a strong and sustainable airline," said Piyasvasti Amranand, President of THAI. "With these fuel-efficient aircraft we will be able to offer passengers the highest levels of comfort on both long haul and shorter regional routes while benefitting from the lowest operating costs and cleaner environmental performance."
at 1:41 AM