Singapore visitor arrivals registered 24.1 percent growth to reach 1,095,000 in July 2010, the highest ever recorded visitor arrivals in the month of July. This is also the first time that visitor arrivals have exceeded 1 million in a single month.
The positive growth in visitor arrivals this month can be largely attributed to improved travel sentiment, the draw of our Integrated Resorts and the Great Singapore Sale, and tactical promotions by airlines and hotels.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Etihad Airways launches Australia Skypass
Etihad Airways launched a major fare sale to mark the announcement of its new partnership between with the Virgin Blue Group.
Return fare deals from around Australia to Europe and the Middle East, inclusive of taxes and charges, start from AUD 1834, with comparable deals on inbound fares from Europe to Australia and New Zealand.
Return fare deals from around Australia to Europe and the Middle East, inclusive of taxes and charges, start from AUD 1834, with comparable deals on inbound fares from Europe to Australia and New Zealand.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
AirAsia launches Merdeka Sales Promotion
AirAsia launched a Merdeka Sales promotion with fares from as low as RM9 to domestic destinations and from RM29 to international destinations.
Special Merdeka Sales fares are available up to 12 days from 24 August – 5 September 2010 on a first come first served basis. The travel period for this Merdeka Sale promotion is from 3 January 2011 to 31 March 2011.
Special Merdeka Sales fares are available up to 12 days from 24 August – 5 September 2010 on a first come first served basis. The travel period for this Merdeka Sale promotion is from 3 January 2011 to 31 March 2011.
Monday, August 23, 2010
American Airlines launches Express Seats
American Airlines has launched an Express Seats service allowing travellers to purchase seats in the first few rows of Coach, including bulkhead seats in that cabin.
Additionally, customers who purchase an Express Seat are able to board with Group 1 of General Boarding for their flight, providing them the convenience of being among the first Coach customers on and off the plane.
Express Seats are available to all American Airlines customers and can be purchased exclusively via airport Self-Service Check-In machines anytime from 24 hours to 50 minutes prior to scheduled flight departure for travel wholly within the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Additionally, customers who purchase an Express Seat are able to board with Group 1 of General Boarding for their flight, providing them the convenience of being among the first Coach customers on and off the plane.
Express Seats are available to all American Airlines customers and can be purchased exclusively via airport Self-Service Check-In machines anytime from 24 hours to 50 minutes prior to scheduled flight departure for travel wholly within the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Garuda Indonesia Appoints Risnandi as Senior General Manager
Garuda Indonesia appointed Risnandi as Senior General Manager, Area Asia replacing Iswandi Said, who moved on to head up the airline’s operations in Europe.
Risnandi who will be based at the airline’s office in Singapore, assumes this leadership role after having held various management positions with the national carrier since 1989. Over the years, he worked in various departments namely, maintenance, finance and procurement before moving on to network planning in 1998. Prior to taking up his latest role, he spent five years heading the network management division as Vice President, taking charge of the airline’s network operations at the company headquarters in Jakarta.
Risnandi who will be based at the airline’s office in Singapore, assumes this leadership role after having held various management positions with the national carrier since 1989. Over the years, he worked in various departments namely, maintenance, finance and procurement before moving on to network planning in 1998. Prior to taking up his latest role, he spent five years heading the network management division as Vice President, taking charge of the airline’s network operations at the company headquarters in Jakarta.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Travel Industry Goes Social
It is not surprising that companies would get around to exploiting the house from facebook. That goes triple for travel-related industries, whose clientele tend to be extremely active on social networks.
Portland-based Second Porch — an online vacation rental site that lists 4000 properties in more than 100 countries — existed wholly as a Facebook app until it launched its own base of operations, secondporch.com, in June. Browse its listings, and you’re able to navigate between Facebook profiles of owners and past renters, or see which properties your current Facebook friends recommend. And likewise, if you make an inquiry, owners are able to sniff around your profile.
"We view transparency as critical to overcoming one of the vacation rental industry’s issues: the fear of renting from an unknown person. So requiring a Facebook account largely overcomes that," said president Brent Hieggelke.
Portland-based Second Porch — an online vacation rental site that lists 4000 properties in more than 100 countries — existed wholly as a Facebook app until it launched its own base of operations, secondporch.com, in June. Browse its listings, and you’re able to navigate between Facebook profiles of owners and past renters, or see which properties your current Facebook friends recommend. And likewise, if you make an inquiry, owners are able to sniff around your profile.
"We view transparency as critical to overcoming one of the vacation rental industry’s issues: the fear of renting from an unknown person. So requiring a Facebook account largely overcomes that," said president Brent Hieggelke.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Finnair launches Stuttgart and Stockholm Bromma Flights
Finnair launched flights between Stockholm and Helsinki as well as flights to Stuttgart.
Finnair customers now have the option of choosing Bromma, situated very close to the centre of the Swedish capital and close to the Kista district, in addition to Stockholm's main Arlanda airport.
Finnair has also just launched flights to Stuttgart, the capital of the German state of Baden-Württemberg.
The airline flies to Bromma twice a day on weekdays and once on Sundays. The airport benefits from its proximity to many international companies.
Finnair customers now have the option of choosing Bromma, situated very close to the centre of the Swedish capital and close to the Kista district, in addition to Stockholm's main Arlanda airport.
Finnair has also just launched flights to Stuttgart, the capital of the German state of Baden-Württemberg.
The airline flies to Bromma twice a day on weekdays and once on Sundays. The airport benefits from its proximity to many international companies.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Emirates to Increase Flights to Houston and Los Angeles
Emirates will launch second daily flights to Los Angeles and Houston. Start at 31 October 2010 for Los Angeles and 1 November 2010 for Houston, Emirates will fly non-stop to both cities twice a day on Boeing 777 aircraft.
The airline, that recorded a significant increase in revenue for the Americas in 2009-10, will soon offer over 15,000 seats on 98 return flights per week to the United States.
Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said, “The additional services will provide customers in the Middle East and Asia with even easier access to the largest cities in Texas and California, supporting the burgeoning business and leisure traffic between these markets and the United States.”
The airline, that recorded a significant increase in revenue for the Americas in 2009-10, will soon offer over 15,000 seats on 98 return flights per week to the United States.
Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said, “The additional services will provide customers in the Middle East and Asia with even easier access to the largest cities in Texas and California, supporting the burgeoning business and leisure traffic between these markets and the United States.”
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Garuda Indonesia to Launch Jakarta - Tokyo Flights
Garuda Indonesia Airlines will launch direct flights between Jakarta and Tokyo at the end of August. From 31 August 2010, GA 884 flying Jakarta - Tokyo will depart at 23.50 to arrive in Tokyo at 09.00.
The return flight, GA 885, will leave Tokyo at 12.00 to arrive in Jakarta at 17.45. The new service uses Airbus 330-200 that has a capacity of 222 passengers with a seating configuration of 36 passengers in Executive Class and 186 passengers in Economy Class.
Garuda Indonesia President and CEO, Emirsyah Satar said, “In light of with the growing trade relations between the two countries, we dedicate this direct service from Jakarta-Tokyo to passengers who are traveling on business to and from both countries. This service will ultimately add to the comfort and facility of traveling between Jakarta and Tokyo, particularly for Garuda Indonesia passengers.”
The return flight, GA 885, will leave Tokyo at 12.00 to arrive in Jakarta at 17.45. The new service uses Airbus 330-200 that has a capacity of 222 passengers with a seating configuration of 36 passengers in Executive Class and 186 passengers in Economy Class.
Garuda Indonesia President and CEO, Emirsyah Satar said, “In light of with the growing trade relations between the two countries, we dedicate this direct service from Jakarta-Tokyo to passengers who are traveling on business to and from both countries. This service will ultimately add to the comfort and facility of traveling between Jakarta and Tokyo, particularly for Garuda Indonesia passengers.”
Friday, August 13, 2010
Cathay Pacific Reports July 2010 Traffic
Cathay Pacific and Dragonair’s combined traffic figures for July 2010 make a significant increase in the number of passengers and amount of cargo and mail carried compared to the same month previous year.
Cathay Pacific and Dragonair carried a total of 2,485,244 passengers in July – up 19.5 percent on the same month previous year. The passenger load factor was 87.5 percent, a rise of 4 percentage points, while capacity for the month, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), was up by 8.8 percent. For the first seven months of 2010, the number of passengers carried was up by 10.1 percent compared to an ASK rise of 1.1 percent.
Cathay Pacific General Manager Revenue Management Tom Owen said, “Passenger demand remained firm as we moved into the normal summer peak month. In particular, demand to and from Hong Kong grew on both long-haul and regional routes compared to previous year. The China market was also quite solid. Responding to the seasonal demand, we operated a number of extra sectors to cater for our Hong Kong based passengers. We are also adding capacity in the previous quarter to enhance the network available from the Hong Kong hub as well as providing more scheduling convenience for our customers.”
Cathay Pacific and Dragonair carried a total of 2,485,244 passengers in July – up 19.5 percent on the same month previous year. The passenger load factor was 87.5 percent, a rise of 4 percentage points, while capacity for the month, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), was up by 8.8 percent. For the first seven months of 2010, the number of passengers carried was up by 10.1 percent compared to an ASK rise of 1.1 percent.
Cathay Pacific General Manager Revenue Management Tom Owen said, “Passenger demand remained firm as we moved into the normal summer peak month. In particular, demand to and from Hong Kong grew on both long-haul and regional routes compared to previous year. The China market was also quite solid. Responding to the seasonal demand, we operated a number of extra sectors to cater for our Hong Kong based passengers. We are also adding capacity in the previous quarter to enhance the network available from the Hong Kong hub as well as providing more scheduling convenience for our customers.”
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Glow Trinity Silom launches Promotion
Glow Trinity Silom launched a 20 percent discount promotion for guests that stay 2 nights or more.
Travellers who book a Superior Room at the hotel for 2 nights or more will get a 20 percent discount off the internet rate of THB 2,300 nett per night. The rate is inclusive of breakfast for two persons and free Wi-Fi internet access everywhere in the hotel. The offer is valid until 31 October 2010. Terms and conditions apply.
The 104-room Glow Trinity Silom is the first managed hotel using the Glow Hotels brand in Thailand. The hotel is located in the heart of Bangkok on Silom Road, Soi 3 and within walking distance to the BTS Sky-Train (Chong Nonsi Station).
Travellers who book a Superior Room at the hotel for 2 nights or more will get a 20 percent discount off the internet rate of THB 2,300 nett per night. The rate is inclusive of breakfast for two persons and free Wi-Fi internet access everywhere in the hotel. The offer is valid until 31 October 2010. Terms and conditions apply.
The 104-room Glow Trinity Silom is the first managed hotel using the Glow Hotels brand in Thailand. The hotel is located in the heart of Bangkok on Silom Road, Soi 3 and within walking distance to the BTS Sky-Train (Chong Nonsi Station).
Monday, August 09, 2010
Fewer doctor trips
Imagine your cell phone ringing, and when you answer, it is not your spouse, the boss or a friend. It is an automated message from the office of your primary care physician reminding you to take antibiotic dose number three for that sinus infection you've been battling.
While large health groups teams are moving quickly on the journey to put their medical records on computer systems, others teams - often within the same organizations - are working just as hard on developing alternative technological avenues to improving health care and lowering costs.
Oakland-based Kaiser Permanente is engaged in developing cell phone applications to remind patients when it's time to take a medication, test blood/sugar levels or start to fast for the next day's blood work.
"The focus would be nonroutine things," said Dr. John Mattison, chief medical information officer for Kaiser Permanente's Southern California region.
Once people get established taking maintenance medications, like those frequently prescribed for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the reminders would no longer be necessary, he said.
While large health groups teams are moving quickly on the journey to put their medical records on computer systems, others teams - often within the same organizations - are working just as hard on developing alternative technological avenues to improving health care and lowering costs.
Oakland-based Kaiser Permanente is engaged in developing cell phone applications to remind patients when it's time to take a medication, test blood/sugar levels or start to fast for the next day's blood work.
"The focus would be nonroutine things," said Dr. John Mattison, chief medical information officer for Kaiser Permanente's Southern California region.
Once people get established taking maintenance medications, like those frequently prescribed for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the reminders would no longer be necessary, he said.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Asian Traffic
Finnairs traffic, in passenger kilometres, grew by 3% in July 2010 compared with July the last year.
Growth came from Asian traffic, which was up by more than 11%. The load factor for Asian traffic improved by nearly one percentage point to 85%, with capacity increasing 10% compared with previous year. There were nearly 12% more passengers on Asian flights than in the last July.
"Growth is good in our main strategy area, namely Asia - Europe traffic. We have increased capacity and we will increase it further. Flights will be added to existing destinations and a new destination, Singapore, will be opened next spring," said Finnair's SVP Communications Christer Haglund.
Growth came from Asian traffic, which was up by more than 11%. The load factor for Asian traffic improved by nearly one percentage point to 85%, with capacity increasing 10% compared with previous year. There were nearly 12% more passengers on Asian flights than in the last July.
"Growth is good in our main strategy area, namely Asia - Europe traffic. We have increased capacity and we will increase it further. Flights will be added to existing destinations and a new destination, Singapore, will be opened next spring," said Finnair's SVP Communications Christer Haglund.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Hawaii, the wonderful place
Are you looking for a travel destination which features white sand beaches with a difference, plenty of activities for the adventurous and natural landscapes? Hawaii would be your best bet. Unlike the typical beach resorts with jet skiing activities on the side, I found Hawaii to be ideal for a truly well-rounded experience - whether one is a daredevil itching to try surfing or skydiving, or a nature-lover waiting to walk the heart of the volcanic lands that make up this group of islands in the Central Pacific.
Most first-timers to Hawaii would make the capital of Honolulu on the island of Oahu their first stop, with the option of venturing to the other five main islands like Big Island or Maui during the trip. My friends and I allocated about a week for Oahu, and a few days to check out the volcanic landscapes on Big Island. We kept our schedule lax, visiting just one or two places a day. This turned out to be a wise move because Hawaii is not your typical sight "seeing" place - it isa "doing" place.
Hawaii is world-renowned as a surfing paradise, particularly on Oahu's North Shore, where waves can get up to 5m to 8m during winter from November to March. We checked out two of the most popular surf beaches - Sunset Beach and Haleiwa Beach.
Most first-timers to Hawaii would make the capital of Honolulu on the island of Oahu their first stop, with the option of venturing to the other five main islands like Big Island or Maui during the trip. My friends and I allocated about a week for Oahu, and a few days to check out the volcanic landscapes on Big Island. We kept our schedule lax, visiting just one or two places a day. This turned out to be a wise move because Hawaii is not your typical sight "seeing" place - it isa "doing" place.
Hawaii is world-renowned as a surfing paradise, particularly on Oahu's North Shore, where waves can get up to 5m to 8m during winter from November to March. We checked out two of the most popular surf beaches - Sunset Beach and Haleiwa Beach.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Tiger Airways launches 15-Cent Fares Promotion
To celebrate the carriage of 15 million passengers today, Tiger Airways is offering fares from 15 cents (Sin$) excluding taxes.
The celebratory 15 cent fares (one way, excluding taxes and charges) are for limited seats to Hat Yai, Phuket, Krabi, Kuching and Kuala Lumpur. Other routes on promotion are Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila (Clark), Haikou and Macau, with fares from only Sin$15 plus taxes. Travel periods vary for each route, and terms and conditions apply.
The fares are available for booking before sunrise on 5 August and until 11 August 2010, while stocks last.
Rosalynn Tay, Managing Director of Tiger Airways Singapore said, “Tiger Airways is recognized as the fastest growing carrier in Singapore, and the biggest low cost carrier in Singapore. Our growth will accelerate as we expand our fleet, fly to more destinations such as Taipei, and increase flights to hotspots like Hong Kong and Jakarta. We look forward to serving many more million passengers with our low fares and innovative services such as boardmefirst.”
The celebratory 15 cent fares (one way, excluding taxes and charges) are for limited seats to Hat Yai, Phuket, Krabi, Kuching and Kuala Lumpur. Other routes on promotion are Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila (Clark), Haikou and Macau, with fares from only Sin$15 plus taxes. Travel periods vary for each route, and terms and conditions apply.
The fares are available for booking before sunrise on 5 August and until 11 August 2010, while stocks last.
Rosalynn Tay, Managing Director of Tiger Airways Singapore said, “Tiger Airways is recognized as the fastest growing carrier in Singapore, and the biggest low cost carrier in Singapore. Our growth will accelerate as we expand our fleet, fly to more destinations such as Taipei, and increase flights to hotspots like Hong Kong and Jakarta. We look forward to serving many more million passengers with our low fares and innovative services such as boardmefirst.”
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Turkish Airlines Signs Codeshare with US Airways
Turkish Airlines and US Airways, two Star Alliance members, have signed a codeshare agreement with the first flights to commence on 1 September 2010.
The codeshare agreement will enable both airlines to use each other’s flight codes.
US Airways customers will have access to Istanbul via Turkish Airlines service from Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich, as well as four new destinations in Turkey via Istanbul: Adana, Izmir, Antalya and Ankara. They will be able to travel nonstop to Istanbul via Turkish Airlines service at New York and Chicago.
Conversely, Turkish Airlines customers gain access to Charlotte, Philadelphia and Phoenix via US Airways, flying from Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Chicago and New York.
The codeshare agreement will enable both airlines to use each other’s flight codes.
US Airways customers will have access to Istanbul via Turkish Airlines service from Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich, as well as four new destinations in Turkey via Istanbul: Adana, Izmir, Antalya and Ankara. They will be able to travel nonstop to Istanbul via Turkish Airlines service at New York and Chicago.
Conversely, Turkish Airlines customers gain access to Charlotte, Philadelphia and Phoenix via US Airways, flying from Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Chicago and New York.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Charleston, Capital City of West Virginia
Charleston is the Capital City of West Virginia. Its name is derived from Charles Town, which was founded in 1670, and later relocated to Oyster Point on the banks of the Ashley River in 1680, where it was officially renamed Charleston in 1783.
One of the ten largest cities in the United States prior to the 1840 census, Charleston is also known as The Holy City because of the large number of church steeples that lift above the low-rise cityscape. It was also one of the earliest centers in the original thirteen colonies to allow a degree of religious freedom – although this was originally restricted to non-Catholics.
There is a great deal to see and do in this historic seat of government on the crossroads of the Mountain State.
The Capital Legislative and Administrative Buildings are located along the banks of the scenic Kanawha River, which provides opportunities for leisurely walks along the riverbanks in warm summer months. Many tourists enjoy taking a guided tour through the historic, golden domed Capitol Building.
One of the ten largest cities in the United States prior to the 1840 census, Charleston is also known as The Holy City because of the large number of church steeples that lift above the low-rise cityscape. It was also one of the earliest centers in the original thirteen colonies to allow a degree of religious freedom – although this was originally restricted to non-Catholics.
There is a great deal to see and do in this historic seat of government on the crossroads of the Mountain State.
The Capital Legislative and Administrative Buildings are located along the banks of the scenic Kanawha River, which provides opportunities for leisurely walks along the riverbanks in warm summer months. Many tourists enjoy taking a guided tour through the historic, golden domed Capitol Building.
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