Thursday, August 18, 2011

Asia travel news

Asia travel news

Record number of Koreans take to the sky

Posted: 18 Aug 2011 12:58 AM PDT

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KOREA-Nearly four million people flew into and out of Korea last month as traveller numbers hit a record high for July. 

The 3.94 million figure represented a 10.6 per cent increase on the year before.

Overseas bound holidaymakers accounted for the majority of the spike in passenger numbers as travel to South East Asia and Europe rose by 27.1 per cent and 15.2 per cent respectively.

Travel to Japan declined by 6.6 per cent in July, comparing favourably with the 30.3 per cent drop recorded in April following March’s earthquake and tsunami.

Domestically, passenger numbers grew 3.3 per cent to 1.73 million.  

Seychelles congratulates India on 64th Independence Day

Posted: 17 Aug 2011 08:53 PM PDT

U Paasha Seminyak Bali to open by early 2012

Posted: 17 Aug 2011 08:07 PM PDT

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INDONESIA-The new U Resort in Bali, the U Paasha Seminyak Bali is scheduled to open its doors to guests by early 2012.

U Paasha Seminyak Bali features 103 suites, located in a prime location of Seminyak.

 All suites have their own private balconies plus other facilities including LCD television with satellite feed, IDD telephone, iPod and docking with speakers, mini bar, safety box, hairdryer, coffee/tea making facilities and free Wi-Fi internet connection.

The open plan bathroom of each suite offers large shower stall equipped with a rain showerhead, double vanity and deluxe bathroom amenities.

For leisure activities, the resort also provides large rooftop swimming pool and fitness center.

The resort also offers U’s welcome concept of services including 24 hours use of the room, no matter what time the guests check in they can enjoy their stay until the same time on their day of departure, breakfast whenever/wherever as well as international and local calls at cost.

The main restaurant located on the lobby level will be the signature dining venue, operating daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant will feature a visually dramatic show kitchen as well as decor and interiors that reflect a contemporary cafe that embodies all aspects of Mediterranean cuisine.

The ‘Rooftop Lounge’ adjacent to the swimming pool will be the place to view sunsets. There will be a blend of facilities at the guests disposal including a chill out lounge centered with a large pool, surrounded by a collection of lounge style day beds, large bean bags and cushions so guests can lounge around and soak up the sun during the day and view memorable sunset by night.

Another venue not to be missed is the street level New York influenced lounge bar that offers premium drinks and variety of snacks for the post dinner crowd in a hip and cool setting.

MGM Macau to host International Lion Dance Championship

Posted: 17 Aug 2011 07:58 PM PDT

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MACAU-MGM Macau will host the 2nd “MGM Macau International Lion Dance Championship” on 20 and 21 August 2011 at Grande Praça.

With the slogan “The Leading Lion Reaching New Heights”, MGM has invited 10 prominent lion dance troupes from all over the world to compete for the Championship.

The 10 lion dance troupes are from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, U.S.A., Hong Kong and Macau SAR, all of whom are the creme de la creme of their own region, including last year’s champion Singapore Long Tian Pugilistic Dragon and Lion Dance Group, the first runner-up of last year’s competition Macau Associação Desportiva e Recreativa Hong Vai, the 40-time international winner Malaysia Kun Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Dance Association, celebrated Hong Kong Ha Hon Hung Sports Association, Chinese Taipei Wenyang Dragon and Lion Dance Association, Guangdong Zhongshan Technicians College Neon Dragon and Lion Association, Thailand KhonKaen Dragon and Lion Athletic Association, U.S.A. Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association, Vietnam Doan Truong Doan Lan Su Rong Nhon Nghia Duong and Macau Clube Desportivo Wai Ieong.

All participating teams will be required to finish different themed forms of movement in 10 minutes to demonstrate vivid gestures and expressions of the lion. The judging criteria will follow international rules and regulations, and based on the difficulty of the footwork, as well as coordination between the lion and the music. Each team’s final score will be the average of the scores from both 20 and 21 August.

The champion, the first and second runners-up will receive cash prizes of 50,000, 30,000 and 20,000 patacas and tailor-made trophies, respectively. The remaining teams will each be awarded an 8,000 patacas cash prize and trophies.

This year’s event has introduced new programs including the first-ever Female Lion Dance Performance Competition, Creative Lion in Style, Fun-filled MGM Macau Lion Dance iPhone App with attractive lucky draw prizes.

Five female lion dance troupes from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau SAR are definitely one of the new highlights of the event.

Riding on the success of the Guinness World Record “The Largest Dancing Lion” in 2010, new and contemporary elements have also been added to the event and this year MGM is presenting two exclusive lions specially designed with brand elements in style. The MGM lions will be presented during the competition in a special performance.

The competition is organized by MGM Macau with the support of Macau Government Tourist Office and Macau Sport Development Board. The judging panel is supported by representatives of Wushu General Association of Macau.

Blossom Japan appoints MENA Sales Agent

Posted: 17 Aug 2011 07:31 PM PDT

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JAPAN-Blazon Communications has been appointed as Exclusive Sales Agent for the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region for Blossom Japan, a high-end international travel exhibition held annually in Kyoto, Japan.

Organised by Lucioles, Blossom Japan is a dedicated invitation-only event that connects buyers from across the world looking for exciting new products to present to their clients with exhibitors representing premium travel experiences.

“Some of the world’s finest hotels and travel services are available in the Middle East and therefore it is vital that this part of the world has a strong representation at Blossom Japan. We are confident that, with our strong network of contacts in the travel and hospitality sectors, we will bring a high-profile, high-end portfolio of products to Kyoto in 2012,” said Sarah Campbell, Director of Public Relations, Blazon Communications.

Blazon Communications will represent Blossom Japan across the entire MENA region, providing sales support and public relations services.

Jay Martens, CEO of Lucioles, said, “We are pleased to welcome Blazon Communications to our extended team; their boutique approach complements Blossom Japan’s unique and quality focused event style. Their expertise will help us deliver amazing products and experiences in the MENA region to our buyers and media attending the next edition.”

Exhibitors already confirmed for Blossom Japan 2012 include Silversea Cruises, Orient-Express, Amanresorts, Naiade Resorts and Ayana Resort and Spa Bali.

Blossom Japan 2012 will take place 13-16 February and will commence with a full-day conference followed by a three-day exhibition at ICC Kyoto. The exhibition will be facilitated by pre-scheduled appointments ensuring that all attendees are conducting serious business by day, and will be supplemented by a series of networking events by night for all Buyers, Exhibitors and Media attending.

Thann Sanctuary

Posted: 17 Aug 2011 07:23 PM PDT
at 1:38 AM