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11 Nov, 2010
WTM Special
11 NOV 2010
14
Vietnam’s Top Hotels Dreaming
of a Bright Christmas
25 It’s time for Asia
Japanese aviation hoping to hit the skies
Taiwan Tourism Bureau unveils its Tour Taiwan
40
100 campaign promoting 100 themed tour
WTM 2010 Experiences Phenomenal itineraries on the first day of WTM
Visitor Numbers
www.travelweekly.com.vn
11 Nov, 2010
WTM Special
11 NOV 2010
14
Vietnam’s Top Hotels Dreaming
of a Bright Christmas
Dear Travel Weekly readers! 25
Japanese aviation hoping to hit the skies
It’s time for Asia
Taiwan Tourism Bureau unveils its Tour Taiwan
40
100 campaign promoting 100 themed tour
WTM 2010 Experiences Phenomenal itineraries on the first day of WTM
Visitor Numbers
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Thursday 11.11.2010
VIETNAM NEWS 04 FEATURES
04. Phu Quoc Airport to be operational by
05
14
October 2011
Vietnam’s Top Hotels Dreaming
05. Montgomerie links completes of a Bright Christmas
prestigious Vietnamese Golfing “Double” 06
As you prepare your December coverage, you may
08. HCMC to welcome 3.5 million foreign want to consider some news about how Christmas
arrivals in 2011 07 is celebrated in Vietnam. While the rest of the world
scales back on Christmas, in Southeast Asia, and in
12. 2011 National Tourism Year themed Vietnam in particular, they are ramping up, spending as
“Beach and Island Travel” 08 much as $10,000 per property on decor alone. Please
enjoy the Christmas and New Year Day in your own way
13. Life Heritage Resort Hoi An Hailed as
and make this festive season truly wonderful.
one of Asia’s Top Ten Resorts 09
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
10
18. Maldives to undergo rebranding
exercise
11
19. CAG and Henan Province sign MOU
to develop air routes
12
23. International cruise specialists win
one of the annual Hong Kong Australia
Business Awards 13
25
24. Malaysia Airlines showcases Japanese aviation hoping to hit
partnerships with US companies 14
the skies
26. MasterCard and Starwood Collaborate
16 To make the airline industry more profitable Japanese
Again to Reward MasterCard Cardholders
government has decided to realise the plans to expand
This Travel Season
current airports. The extension of Tokyo International
TRAVEL EXPO 18 Airport at Haneda should bring more foreign tourists
to Japan thus also helping tourism industry. Please see
29. Full speed ahead out of the recession article for detail.
– the travel industry remains a mainstay of 21
the global economy
30 - 31. Rotana announces its participation 23
at the ATM 2011
32. MeetingMetrics used to evaluate 2010 25
CIBTM Educational Seminars
34. GIBTM 2011 Rapidly Gaining Momen- 28
tum
36 - 37. New survey shows resilience 30
40
remains defining feature of association
WTM 2010 Experiences
38. Jeju Island, off China travel visa mad- 31 Phenomenal Visitor Numbers
dening
World Travel Market, the premier global event for the
DO YOU KNOW 33 travel, has experienced a phenomenal WTM 2010 with
visitor numbers significantly higher than at WTM 2009,
showing a 21% increases in visitors with 6,665 senior
42 - 43. Top 5 bicycle friendly cities 35 industry buyers on the first day, a 41% increase in min-
isters and aides attending the fourth UNWTO Ministers’
37 Summit at WTM, and up 18% on the third day against
2009. See more for detail.
39
40
42
44
Vietnam News
Earn 200 bonus miles with Web
Check-in facility
In Brief During period from November 1, 2010
to March 31, 2011, Golden Lotus Plus
members will earn 200 bonus miles when
using Vietnam Airlines’ web check-in
facility.
Le Meridien hotel project
underway Web Check-in facility is launched from
August 16, 2010 at www.vietnamairlines.
Construction of the five-star Le Meridien
hotel started in Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City
com to serve passengers travelling on
on Nov. 2. Le Meridien will be built with domestic and international flights depart-
24 storeys and 3 basements for a five-star ing from Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh city
hotel and A-class office space. The project, (Vietnam), Vientiane (Laos), Phnom Penh,
with an investment capital of almost 120 Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Seoul, Pusan
million USD, is expected to be completed (Korea).
in May 2012 and will be operated by the
US’s Starwood group. Simple and user-friendly, passengers
connect to www.vietnamairlines.com,
Children’s traffic safety park enter passenger details, reservation code,
choose their seat, and print out their
opens boarding pass.
Non-profit organisation Asia Injury Preven-
tion Foundation and express delivery
company FedEx opened a “traffic safety
park” at a school in Dong Nai Province.
The 1,700sq.m park in Quang Bien Primary
Phu Quoc Airport to be
operational by October 2011
School is designed like a small town to
provide a realistic environment for stu-
dents to practice traffic safety skills. It has
highways, one- and two-way streets, a pe- Deputy Prime Minister, Hoang Trung Hai, is 100 per cent invested in by the com-
destrian bridge, railway line, traffic signs,
has just instructed the Southern Airports pany.
sidewalks, and intersections.
Corporation to actively collaborate with Under the design, a modern airport will
the Kien Giang People’s Committee to be built on the Phu Quoc Island to serve
Fiditour, Laos Airlines join thoroughly settle problems related to large passenger aircraft like the Boeing
hands ground clearing in the project to build 777 and Boeing 747-400 and have a ca-
Laos Airlines has picked Fiditourist Tan Phu Quoc Airport. pacity of 7 million passengers and 27,600
Dinh Travel JSC (Fiditour) as an agency to He also urged the company to mobilise tonnes of cargo per year.
sell airfares in HCM City and tours using all of its efforts and assets to accelerate The project is one of key projects on the
the Lao carrier’s flights between HCM City the project implementation and to put the island as Central and local authorities
and Vientiane. According to director of airport into operation by October 2011. wished to develop Phu Quoc as an inter-
Fiditour’s PR and communication division, According to Southern Airports Corpora- national financial, economic and tourism
to visit Laos, formerly travellers had to fly tion, the project covers over 900 ha and center and a national and regional com-
to Hue and from the historic city a 10-hour
will cost some VND 16,200 billion, which munication hub.
bus ride would take them to Vientiane.
Now it takes nearly three hours to fly from
HCM City to Laos.
Danang Hi-Tech Park to be
established
The PM has decided to establish the
Danang Hi-Tech Park, administered by the
Danang People’s Committee, in an area of
1,010 ha in Hoa Vang District. The park’s
functions include researching, incubating,
developing, transferring and applying high
technologies, training human resources,
incubating hi-tech firms, producing, trad-
ing and providing services relating to high
technology, intensifying the commercial-
ization of scientific research results, and
involving in venture investment.
4 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Vietnam News
Montgomerie links completes
prestigious Vietnamese Golfing “Double”
C
olin Montgomerie’s 2010 will be Indeed, the club recently celebrated its determined via a competition among the
remembered for his captaincy first anniversary and the awards are only courses and driving ranges in Vietnam,
of the winning Ryder Cup team. the most tangible measures of achieve- is currently being used in support of the
A formidable achievement, but no more ment. Other notable milestones included club’s Grow-the-Game / Let’s Go Golf
eventful than the corresponding period at Montgomerie Links hosting the inaugural initiative, which runs through 31 January
Montgomerie Links Vietnam, the course Ambassador’s Cup, convocation of diplo- 2011.
he designed and formally christened last matic and business leaders, last Septem-
April. ber; the national match-play champion- The program builds on momentum that
ships; numerous clubs, charity, corporate, started in the summer of 2009, when the
Montgomerie Links has just been named and other tournament events; and, Montgomerie Links Golf Academy hosted
Best Course in Vietnam in a region-wide most recently, the visit by the first installment of the Let’s Go Golf
survey by Asian Golf Monthly Monty himself. event. It attracted 125 children – twice the
readers. Last December, it anticipated number.
was named Best New Course Also intangible is
by Vietnam Golf magazine, a the club’s evident “I guess we have to concede that the
selection process that included beneficial effect on Ryder Cup thing was a bigger deal for
a panel of experts, as well as the surrounding Monty than setting the course record at
golfers, who also named the 12th community. The Montgomerie Links,” joked Tomlinson,
hole at Montgomerie Links the determination to recalling the 68 that included six birdies
country’s best par 5. promote participation and two bogeys. “But he was overjoyed
in the game across all to learn that the course had been named
“It’s a good year to be Monty socioeconomic strata Vietnam’s best, just as he was thrilled with
and to be Montgome- rie in the Central Coast how his design turned out.
Links,” said general man- ager region was pivotal in
Jon Tomlinson, “and the approval Montgomerie Links “What’s more, our members had a great
of both industry col- leagues and recently winning a day with him. We’re proud of the associa-
rank-and-file golfers is especially USD $10,000 grant tion and happy to think the roll he’s on is
encouraging. So is the fact that from the Asian Golf one we share.”
these accolades came within the Industry Founda-
same calendar year.” tion. The award,
which was
5 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
6
Vietnam News
New
Hanoi
master plan
unveiled
The Construction Ministry has submitted a revised Hanoi Master Plan
draft to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung for approval.
The draft confirms that Ba Dinh District is the country’s political
centre. The municipal administrative centre would remain near Hoan
Kiem Lake.
Accordingly, national cultural centres will be linked with the West
Lake-Co Loa, West Lake-Van Tri-Soc Temple, West Lake-Ba Vi axis
and western West Lake transit routes.
Financial and commercial centres will be built in new urban areas.
Transportation routes and key stations will be built in Ha Dong, Dan
Phuong, Hoai Duc, Thuong Tin and Thanh Tri districts. Administrative
agencies for the Party, National Assembly, State and the Government
will remain in Ba Dinh.
According to the draft, the ministry will be able to develop urban cen-
tres along the Hong (Red) River and in the West Lake-Co Loa area.
The city’s southern centre would connect with road 4 and would go
north through Me Linh, Dong Anh, Gia Lam and Long Bien districts.
Infrastructure, architect and green space in the area would be im-
proved. The draft also mentioned that old collective houses would
be upgraded or rebuilt. More trees would be planted and additional
parking lots will be built. The draft also suggested building five satel-
lite urban areas in Hoa Lac, Son Tay, Xuan Mai, Phu Xuyen-Phu Minh
and Soc Son with green corridors and six to eight lane expressways
that directly connect with Hanoi.
The transportation routes would include a north-south expressway;
Thang Long Boulevard to northern Hoa Binh Province; HCM Express-
way; and national highways 1,2,3,5,6 and 32.
The construction of the controversial Thang Long traffic axis, which
would link West Lake and Ba Vi District, was also proposed in the
draft. Under the plan, the capital would build eight urban railways, in-
cluding five approved routes and three new ones that would go from
Noi Bai-Phu Dien-Ha Dong-Ngoc Hoi, Me Linh-An Khanh-Duong Noi
and Mai Dich-Yen So-Linh Nam-Duong Xa.
7 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Vietnam News
Northwestern
provinces build
tourism trade HCMC to
names welcome
A conference to review a cooperative pro-
gramme to develop tourism in 2010 was held in
Sa Pa district, Lao Cai province on November
3.5 million
1. This was the second time the eight north-
western provinces agreed to unite to establish foreign arrivals
tourism trade names in the region.
in 2011
“HCM City plans to welcome 3.5 million foreign arrivals in 2011, 11 percent
more than this year’s figure, said La Quoc Khanh, Deputy Director of the
HCM City’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The city is determined to raise the total revenue of the local tourism industry
in 2011 to VND 49,000 billion, 20% increase against 2010.
To realize the targets, the local authorities will launch different campaigns
to better service quality, select and honor best local tourism products and
services.
In addition, Ho Chi Minh City will maintain existing tourism products and
At the event, delegates drew experience from open new tours, launch tourist promotion activities, and partake in interna-
projects over the two years of the programme. tional tourist events.
They focused on implementing the Northwest-
ern Path in coordination with the Netherlands On the other hand, the locality will attach more importance to bettering and
Development Organisation in Vietnam (SNV), standardizing human force for the industry.
assessing cooperation with the business sec-
tor in developing tourism in the region, and It is reported that in 2010, the city is supposed to welcome 3.1 million for-
preparing to connection Luang Prabang (Laos) eign guests, up 20% against last year and meeting 111% of the year target.
with the four provinces of Son La, Dien Bien, Lai The local tourism sector is expected to pocket around VND 41,000 billion
Chau and Lao Cai. this year.
Bui Thi Kim Dung, Vice Chairwoman of Lao
Cai provincial People’s Committee, suggested
two, three or four provinces should coordinate
to design common tourism products, and all
eight northwestern provinces should create a
regional framework to propose to the Vietnam
National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) and
the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism so
they can develop policies suitable for the tour-
ism in the region.
Delegates also agreed to organise the National
Tourism Year in 2013 and put the northwestern
tourism development cooperation programme
into the national tourism promotion programme
for the 2011-2015 period.
In the future, the VNAT will assist in raising the
quality of human resources, to facilitate the pro-
motion of tourism trade names in the wide-open
northwestern region.
8 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Vietnam News
September 7th - 9th, 2011
The Venetian
Resort, Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
9 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Experience a pure lifestyle...
www. vedanalagoon.com
Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa
Nestled on the shore of a peaceful and serene lagoon, Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa is ideally situated in
a stunningly water view of an immense lagoon, one of the largest lagoons in Southeast Asia. The resort
lies between the two cities well-known for the world heritage sites: Hue and Hoi An.
The resort offers new concept and trendy interior decoration on an area of 27-hectare hilly land and la-
goon surface in calmly picturesque landscape.
Only 25 minutes from Hue airport, 60 minutes from Da Nang International Airport by car, 60 minutes from
Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi to Hue or Da Nang airport by plane. Direct flight from Singapore to Da Nang. Vedana
Lagoon Resort & Spa designed in the stylish harmony between the local traditional culture and modern
art concept includes 27 villas, bungalows and 02 houseboats.
All villas and bungalows feature large bedrooms and living space, luxurious bathrooms with outdoor show-
ers. Each villa occupies its own section of landscaped garden, mountain and lagoon view.
Guests can unwind delicious dishes in each restaurant or enjoy famous spirits in the cape bar at Vedana
Lagoon Resort & Spa.
Located in the middle of the resort, with breathtaking views of the green hills and the immense lagoon,
the tasty horizon restaurant lies on the cape for an invitation to taste and relax.
Have fun in the sun and the stunning water abounds at Vedanāa Lagoon Resort & Spa. We provide you with
an extensive range of activities both in and out of the water.
- Water sports: boat cruise, fishing trips, kayaking, snorkeling trip
- On land: badminton, beach volleyball, billiards, cocktail/ cooking classes, day spa, guided bike tour, fit-
ness center, swimming pool, walking, …
- Spiritual activities: ayurveda, meditation class, reiki class, taichi class, yoga class
- Eco / local touring: fishing tour, heritage tour, mountain trekking, shopping tour.
Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa
Zone 1, Phu Loc Town, Phu Loc District, Hue, Vietnam
t: +(84 54) 3 819 397
f: +(84 54) 3 819 398
info@vedanalagoon.com
www. vedanalagoon.com
Vietnam News
2011 National Tourism
Year themed “Beach
and Island Travel”
The Vietnam National Tourism Administration (VNTA)
has introduced the official logo and theme of national
tourism year 2011 on the South Central Coast – Phu
Yen.
Accordingly, the event will be themed: “Beach and
Island Travel” and its organizing board will use a logo
and the theme in Vietnamese and English for promo-
tion activities.
The National Tourism Year 2011 will be hosted by Phu
Yen Province with the coordination of Quang Nam,
Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh
Thuan Provinces, Danang City, provinces in the Cen-
tral Highlands and big cities nationwide.
As planned, major activities of the event will include:
the international climbing championship at Da Bia
Mountain in March, the Vietnam – Korea cultural
exchange night in April, the opening of the Vietnam
beach and island travel month in April and the festival
of ASEAN traditional music in June.
Phu Quoc Island receives public
infrastructure investment
The PM recently agreed to use 100% State budget to afford site clearance
activities for transport infrastructure construction in Phu Quoc Island of
the Southern province of Kien Giang.
The funding will be spent on building the North-South axis, peripheral
road network, and Duong Dong port.
The local authorities are speeding up infrastructure development proj-
ects. Especially, the Duong To International Airport is under construction
while An Thoi Port was inaugurated.
In the first six months of 2010, the local investment management board
granted 13 licenses with a VND 2,957 billion registered investment capital.
So far, the island has lured 65 investment projects worth of VND 46,938
billion.
International arrivals to Vietnam on the rise
The tallied number of foreign tourists to Vietnam in the first ten Thailand (41.1 percent), Republic of Korea (36.2 percent),
months of 2010 reached 4.17 million, up 39 percent over the Japan (22.2 percent), France (15.4 percent), and the US (7
same period of 2009, announced by Vietnam National Adminis- percent).
tration of Tourism.
During 10 days of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi
Of the total, more than 440.000 foreigners came in October, a (October 1-10), the capital attracted about 1.2 million domestic
99.3 percent increase over October, 2009. tourists and 300.000 foreign travellers.
Vietnam’s main markets for tourism have increased visitation, The tourism sector has set a target of welcoming about 4.2 mil-
including Cambodia (up 97.2 percent), China (90.3 percent), lion visitors to the country in all of 2010.
12 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Vietnam News
Life Heritage Resort Hoi An
Hailed as one of Asia’s Top Ten Resorts
After winning the twelfth spot in the 2009 The Readers’ Choice Awards polled Life Heritage Resort Hoi An evokes the
Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice 25,916 responses from readers who rated colonial splendor of a bygone era on a
Awards last year, Life Heritage Resort Hoi the resort across six categories: activities/ quiet stretch of the Thu Bon River within
An inched up the scale to secure a top-10 facilities, food/dining, location, overall de- walking distance of the trading port’s
spot on one of Asia’s most definitive resort sign, rooms and service. Only candidates world-famous Old Town, a UNESCO
rankings. that received a required minimum number World Heritage Site. On the south-central
of responses were deemed eligible for an coast, the 63-room Life Wellness Resort
Coming in at #9, Life Heritage Resort Hoi award, according to Conde Nast. Quy Nhon is dedicated to the tenets of
shares top-10 real estate with some wellness, from yoga, tai chi and
remarkable company, including Pilates to an ample range of spa
four Four Seasons Resorts and one treatments and anti-stress and detox
Aman resort. programs.
The placement is a noteworthy The 187-room Life Resort Da Nang,
achievement for a resort whose one of the group’s two managed
Internet rates currently start at $122 properties, opened in the spring
per night. That compares to $2,450 of 2010 on one of Vietnam’s most
for a one-night stay at the Four renowned stretches of beach. Its
Seasons Tented Camp Golden flagship restaurant, Senses, and
Triangle in Chang Rai, the list’s #1 Lobby Bar offers stunning sea views,
resort. and its Nang Spa is one of the most
expansive in the region. Four hours
“I’m not going to say that a night from Ho Ch Minh City, Life also man-
at Life Resorts is a night at the ages the 84-room Blue Ocean Resort
Four Seasons,” said Chris Duffy, general Life Heritage Resort Hoi An also won a at Mui Ne, featuring a 153-meter beach, a
director of the Life Resorts. “But I will say placement on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold 26-meter swimming pool and lush tropical
what Conde Nast has said – that we’re List earlier this year. grounds.
both among the top-10 resort experiences
in Asia.” ABOUT LIFE RESORTS The Dutch resort company is also devel-
oping a property on Halong Bay, sched-
Indeed, Life’s 89.7 ranking bested the Life Resorts owns and operates two re- uled to open later in 2010.
score obtained by the Four Seasons on sorts in Vietnam and manages two others.
Bali. On Vietnam’s central coast, the 94-room
13 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Vietnam’s
Vietnam News
Top Hotels
Dreaming of a
Bright Christmas
B
ritain’s straitened ing the season with Francophone
finances may have flair – a cornucopia of lights and
caused the Queen the capital’s tallest Christmas tree
to cancel her an- counting among the hotel’s array
nual festive bash, but of uplifting attractions.
Christmas 2010 is colonizing new
ground in the Far East, so much “We are well aware that some peo-
so that ol’ St. Nick’s usual haunts ple find it hard to get their head
are being put to shame. Look around the concept of celebrating
no further than Vietnam, where Christmas in Vietnam,” says John
a communist government is no Gardner, the general manager of
impediment to making merry at the Caravelle Hotel, “but, in fact,
Christmas. weather-wise, it’s one of the best
times of the year to be in Saigon.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Caravelle And more than that, the holiday is
Hotel is planning the grandest remarkably well suited to the fes-
festive celebrations in its storied tive nature of the country’s culture.
51-year-history. Further north, The The Western traditions of illumina-
Sheraton Nha Trang will be mark- tion, especially, are really popular
ing its first Noel in the country’s in Vietnam, so when the interna-
top beach resort with a $10,000 tional calendar licenses a light-up,
extravaganza. Meanwhile, up in it’s go go go.”
Hanoi, the Metropole will be mark-
14 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Vietnam News
Not so back in the Old World. The On the south-central coast, the hotel – a landmark in Vietnam’s
UK is one of many European coun- new Sheraton Nha Trang is also capital since 1901 – will be strewn
tries to have implemented harsh pushing the boat out for the sea- with ornaments and decorations
austerity measures in an attempt son of goodwill. The hotel, which while approximately 5,000 lights
to cut its huge budget deficit. held its grand opening last month, will be strung along the façade
And with many of her subjects is dishing up all the trimmings in and the interior gardens.
facing up to a long, hard winter, its first Christmas as the resort
the British monarch has vetoed town’s only internationally renown On December 1st, the country’s
the $75,000 shindig at Bucking- five-star property. In addition to biggest Christmas tree, a 15-meter
ham Palace as a way of showing its 6-metre high tree, there will be pine imported from Hong Kong,
empathy. a gingerbread house to enter- will be displayed in the Metropole
tain youngsters while Director of courtyard. Over the course of De-
Meanwhile, some of the most de- Rooms Nick Lee will be moon- cember, the tree will be hung with
sirable addresses in Vietnam are lighting as Santa Claus on Dec. 18 ‘wishing cards’ – hopeful notes
pulling out the stops to ensure that when the hotel turns on its Christ- written by local orphans. Guests
Christmas in eastern Indochina mas lights. will be invited to pluck a red wish-
goes off with a bang. ing card from the tree and to make
A little farther up shore, the ac- an orphan’s dream come true.
Guests at the Caravelle are claimed Nam Hai is trucking in a
unlikely to complain about any pair of 2-metre high evergreens “It’s completely in keeping with
half-heartedness on the part of down from nearby Hai Van Pass for the overarching message of
their host. The hotel has given a guests to decorate while sipping Christmas,” says Kai Speth, the
renowned local interior decora- Christmas concoctions in the bar, hotel’s general manager. “Yes,
tions company carte blanche to whose combination of white lights there are the lights, there is the
transform the property into a glit- and dark woods make for one of music, there is Santa Claus, but it’s
tering winter wonderland. Utiliz- the coziest watering holes in the also a time to give, whether you
ing the biggest budget ever made country. are in New York, in Bethlehem, or
available for festive decoration at in Hanoi.”
the hotel, the firm is set to produce With the majority of Vietnam’s
a lavish display of violet and silver Catholic population residing in
lights and Christmas balls. the south of the country, Hanoi has While the rest of the world scales back on
historically been something of a Christmas, in Southeast Asia, and in Vietnam
The extravaganza is due to be humbug when it comes to cel- in particular, they are ramping up, spending
unveiled on Dec. 3 at the hotel’s ebrating Christmas.
annual Christmas light-up which Nevertheless, no expense has
as much as $10,000 per property on decor
will also feature a performance been spared to ensure that guests alone. Please enjoy the Christmas and New
of festive favorites by a 30-strong at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Year Day in your own way and make this fes-
children’s choir from Thang Long Hotel don’t miss out on the festivi- tive season truly wonderful.
School in Saigon. ties. The halls of the legendary
15 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
International News
Malaysia Airlines in flight comedy act
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has teamed up with tional over the past five years has culminat-
MasterCard to offer 30 spending customers ed in this unique experience for our custom-
an exclusive all expenses paid holiday with ers in order to increase their loyalty with us,”
In Brief a twist of comedy.
The lucky winners will not only receive
MAS Executive Vice President, Sales and
Marketing Datuk Bernard Francis said.
flights and accommodation but also be the 30 MasterCard members who used their
first to experience an in flight comedy act cards to pay for a trip with MAS and their
from Malaysian comedian Andrew Netto, spouses will win a two day and one night
Bernama.com reported. trip to Pulai Springs Resort, Johor Bharu.
WTTC to hold 2012 summit in “Our collaboration with MasterCard Interna-
Tokyo
The World Travel & Tourism Council
(WTTC) will hold its 2012 Global Travel &
Tourism Summit in Tokyo, Japan. Due to
a convincing presentation in the destina-
tion and evidence of accelerating GDP
growth and a re-emerging Japanese tour-
ism market help ensure the Summit is the
must-attend event of the year. The 100 year
anniversary of Japan Tourism Board that
same year will also guarantee the Sum-
mit is a resounding success. WTTC 11th
Global Travel & Tourism Summit takes
place in Las Vegas, Nevada USA on 17-19
May 2011.
ONYX to manage Maldives Maldives to undergo rebranding
resort
ONYX Hospitality Group, Thailand’s lead-
ing hotel management company has been
exercise By Sophie Griffiths
appointed by the Maldives Tourism Devel-
opment Corporation Plc (MTDC) to man-
age the Herathera Island Resort commenc-
ing 1 December 2010. During the course
of 2011, the resort will undergo significant
upgrades including enhancements to the
beach and villas as well as the addition of
numerous sports and children’s facilities.
The resort will then be re-launched as an
Amari, the centrepiece brand of the ONYX
portfolio and be positioned as a leading
destination in the Maldives for activity and
family holidays.
UNWTO helps develop
China’s national tourism law
UNWTO will assist the government of
China in the formulation of its first ever The Republic of the Maldives is set to will spearhead the exercise, focussing on
national tourism law. Visiting the organisa- undergo a destination rebranding initiative strengthening the nation’s tourism image. It
tion’s headquarters, a high-level delega- to enhance its global image and broaden its also wants to broaden the country’s appeal
tion led by parliamentarians of the China appeal to wider markets. to wider audiences and emerging niche
National People’s Congress and the China The rebranding will commence immedi- markets.
National Tourism Administration (CNTA)
ately, and will result in a new logo, slogan, Simon Hawkins, consultant to the Maldives
agreed to request the technical and politi-
advertising strategy and worldwide cam- Tourism and Promotion Board said: “The
cal support of UNWTO to design its norma-
paign, which will launch in 2011. new face of the Maldives will give travellers
tive framework for tourism. This announce-
ment follows last year’s identification by Commenting, Thoyyib Mohamed, Minister from across the spectrum even more rea-
the Chinese government of the tourism of State for Tourism said: “We aim to unite all sons to come and experience a truly diverse
sector as one of its strategic development of the country’s unique natural, cultural and array of island experiences.”
areas. Accordingly, China will follow the historical attributes and enliven them with
positive experience of different UNWTO fresh dynamism to position the Maldives as The Maldives will also seek to present itself
member countries in implementing na- the must-see destination of our time for all as a destination with opportunities for busi-
tional tourism legislation. travellers.” ness and investment.
The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
18 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
International News
CAG and Henan Province sign MOU
to develop air routes
Changi Airport Group (CAG) and the Henan Civil Aviation Development and Construction Committee (HCAD-
CC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop air connectivity between Singapore and
Henan’s cities, primarily the capital of Zhengzhou. Changi Airport is presently not connected to Henan.
The MOU was signed in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, by Mr Yam Kum Weng, CAG’s Executive Vice President,
Air Hub Development, and Mr Yue Wenhai, Office Director of HCADCC. Mr Yue is also the Vice Secretary-
General of The People’s Government of Henan Province and General Manager of Zhengzhou Xinzheng Inter-
national Airport.
Besides working towards establishing direct flights between Singapore and Henan, both parties will work
together to support airlines and promote the air routes when these are established. In addition to route devel-
opment, the MOU covers tourism cooperation and airport collaboration. For instance, both CAG and HCADCC
will support their respective tourism authorities in promoting bilateral tourism flows and to strengthen tourism
links through joint marketing efforts.
With strong economic growth and trade volumes, Henan Province presents growing business opportunities,
and with higher incomes, a greater demand for travel. This MOU paves the way for CAG and our Henan coun-
terparts to collaborate to tap this potential.” In recent years, air travel and connectivity between Singapore
and China has grown. Passenger movements registered strong growth of 22% to 2.5 million between the two
countries for the first nine months of 2010, compared to the same period in 2009. As at 1 October 2010, Changi
Airport is connected to 24 cities in China, up from 18 cities four years ago. Currently, there are more than 380
weekly flights connecting Singapore and China.
19 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
International News
S
tar Alliance, the way the Earth Connects,
is the first aviation alliance to sell multiple
fare products on the internet. In addition to
the Round-the-World Fare, all Star Alliance
Circle Fares can now be booked and purchased
on www.staralliance.com. This allows customers
Star Alliance offers to plan their journeys from the comfort of their own
home, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Bookings
can be made anywhere in the world, with tickets
multiple fare products online being automatically issued electronically. The
booking engine is currently available in English
Book and Purchase Star Alliance Circle Fares via the Web Only and Japanese, with further languages to be added
at a future stage.
Airline Alliance to Offer Multiple Fare Products Online
“In today’s world, selling through the internet is
an essential distribution channel. Our alliance fare
products offer a unique way of exploring the vast
number of destinations served by our member air-
lines; however the complexity of these multi-airline
fares does not allow for easy automation. Hence it
is even more satisfying that with the Circle Fares,
we now have multiple products available for online
booking and ticketing”, said Christopher Korenke,
Vice President Commercial, Star Alliance.
Star Alliance has three different Circle Fares on
offer: Circle Asia, Circle North Asia and Circle
Pacific. These fares are designed to facilitate travel
between destinations across the Pacific Rim using
various Star Alliance member carriers. The Circle
Asia Fare allows travel between South East Asia,
North Asia and the South West Pacific, while the
Circle North Asia Fare is for travel between Japan,
Korea, Mainland China (including Hong Kong SAR
and Macao SAR). Taking customers the furthest is
the Circle Pacific Fare, which allows travel between
Asia, Australasia and the Pacific Coast of Canada
and the USA. Customers select the destinations
covered by the respective Circle Fare, creating a
personalised circular itinerary. The fare is calculat-
ed by the total distance travelled and cabin class,
whereby passengers have the choice of purchas-
ing First, Business or Economy Class. Travel needs
to begin and end in the same country.
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997
as the first truly global airline alliance to offer
worldwide reach, recognition and seamless ser-
vice to the international traveller. Its acceptance
by the market has been recognised by numerous
awards, including the Air Transport World Mar-
ket Leadership Award, Best Airline Alliance by
both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax.
The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean
Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand,
ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Blue1, bmi, Brus-
sels Airlines, Continental Airlines, Croatia Air-
lines, EGYPTAIR, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa,
Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South
African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAM Airlines, TAP
Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US
Airways. Air India and Ethiopian Airlines have been
announced as future members. Overall, the Star
Alliance network offers 21,000 daily flights to 1,160
airports in 181 countries.
20 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
International News
29
21 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
International News
31
International cruise specialists’ ecruising.travel has become Australia’s
first travel-based organisation to win one of the annual Hong Kong Austra-
lia Business Awards.
Chairman Brett Dudley has revealed that his company was the winner of
one of just six of the prestigious awards at a function held in Sydney at the
Four Seasons Hotel.
ecruising.travel won the contribution to industry award sponsored by Qan-
tas.
The award is for achievement through global contributions to industry by
an organisation in New South Wales. Entrants to the competition must be
exporters or importers of goods or services between Australia and Hong
Kong SAR/China.
ecruising.travel has become a leader in the Australian cruise industry
since it was established in January 2000.
International cruise The company has offices in Sydney and Hong Kong, employs 21 people
between the two offices and each year sends thousands of Australians on a
specialists win variety of sea voyages all over the world including Hong Kong.
Accepting the award at Friday’s function Mr Dudley said, “After winning
one of the annual the City of Sydney awards last year and now recognised by HKABA, it
proves we are not just a travel agency, we have a solid business that stacks
Hong Kong up against any type of company or business in Australia and is a compli-
ment to our staff who work very hard to keep us at the forefront of the cruise
industry”.
Australia Business He continued to say that after opening their Hong Kong office late 2008, the
Awards Hong Kong Government has been very supportive ecruising.travel and a
pleasure to work with.
23 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
International News
Malaysia Airlines showcases
partnerships with US companies
Malaysia Airlines showcased gine, Kong said, “The United US to broaden and deepen our full service airline in the world
its long standing partnerships States is Malaysia’s largest economic relationship. to operate and PW engines,
with US companies, featur- trading partner. Malaysia is the which will power our incoming
ing collaborations with key 15th-largest trading partner of Malaysia Airlines Chairman, A330-300.”
partners; Boeing, Pratt and the U.S. Annual two-way trade Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid said,
Whitney, and GE. amounts to more than USD40 “Malaysia Airlines is proud Malaysia Airlines has ordered
billion. Two-way trade in ser- to partner with Boeing, Pratt up to 55 B737-800, 25 A330-
The guests of honour for the vices adds another $3.3 billion. & Whitney and GE as these 300 and 6 A380. By 2015, the
event were US Secretary of partnerships are the backbone national carrier will have one
State, Mrs Hillary Clinton and “Our economic partnerships of our operations – our fleet of the youngest and most en-
Minister of Transport Malaysia, are diverse and expanding, comprises Boeing planes, as vironmentally friendly fleets in
YB Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha. and the Government of Malay- well as US made engines. Asia Pacific.
sia will continue to provide a
Against a backdrop of Ma- conducive environment and “We are proud to be able to Munir added, “We will start
laysia Airlines’ new B737-800 explore avenues to increase showcase the B737-800 with receiving the A330 from April
which was parked on the tar- bilateral trade. We are eager the new Boeing Sky Interior, 2011 which will provide guests
mac and a Pratt & Whitney en- to continue working with the of which we will be the first with a better travel experience.
Powering the new A330 will
be Pratt and Whitney engines.
We are happy with the per-
formance of the PW engines
with our current fleet of A330
and B747 aircraft. And we are
confident of even better en-
gine performance with the new
engines to come.”
Malaysia Airlines also enjoys
a good partnership with CFM
and its key partner, GE which
supplied engines for its B737-
400. The new 737-800 will also
be powered by CFM engines.
The B737-800 with up to 6
hours flight time arrived in Ma-
laysia on Monday, 1 Novem-
ber. The aircraft left Boeing
field in Seattle, United States
on 29 October on a 3-day
multi leg journey, stopping at
Hawaii, Marshall Islands and
Guam before arriving at Sky-
park, Subang.
The inaugural flight for the
B737-800 is scheduled for 15
November 2010; Kuala Lumpur
to Kota Kinabalu, and from
Kota Kinabalu to Haneda,
Tokyo.
24 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
International News
Japanese
aviation hoping
to hit the skies
To make the airline industry more profitable Japa-
nese government has decided to realize the plans
to expand current airports. The extension of Tokyo
International Airport at Haneda should bring more
foreign tourists to Japan thus also helping tourism
industry.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya
Japan plans to expand current airport facilities
to increase incoming and outgoing traffic. Since
Japan is a relatively small country with a large
and growing population, the public response to
giant building projects is not often favorable. The
celebrates double green awards
Japanese were also always complaining about
The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya has received room lighting and air-conditioning to
airport noise and pollution. However, such com-
two accolades for its commitment to ensure its highly efficient operation.
plaints slowly died away as the noise from planes
has been significantly reduced. Airports are running and operating an environ-
now viewed as facilities necessary for economic mentally conscious hotel: The Gold In addition, the hotel reduces the use
growth of the country and as important hubs for Leaf Grade ‘China Green Hotel’ and of water by a sewage disposal system
passenger transportation. The ‘Top 10 Green Hotel Room’. and solar energy usage to protect our
These awards by given to the hotel natural resources. A further highlight
The government views the revitalization of by the National Green Hotel Com- is the Uncle Martin’s Secret Garden
Japanese airports as more important than many mittee and China Hotel Association which is built by Martin Li, the Direc-
other projects within the framework of improving – which are the highest certifications tor of Engineering, which aims at
tourism industry in Japan. The biggest project, for recognising a hotel’s contribution advocating the concept of a green life
unsurprisingly, is Haneda in Tokyo. The new fourth toward environmental conservation, by offering guests the opportunity to
runway there will become a gateway to 17 Euro- greening programmes, food safety plant organic vegetables and create a
pean cities, directly from the Japanese capital. and hygiene, and energy efficiency. truly natural paradise.
This, naturally, is great news also for Europeans
and Americans. Indeed, the Japanese are hardly Continuing The Ritz-Carlton brand’s The Green Hotel Award stands for en-
known for being mean when on holiday. The num- longstanding Community Footprint ergy and resources saving, resource
ber of slots will be gradually increased to 450,000 and Give Back Getaway activity, The protection and food safety. With a
a year, 90,000 of which will be international flights. Ritz-Carlton, Sanya has established a strong commitment to the environ-
This entails an increase of 50% for just the airport long-term programme based on envi- ment and saving resources, the hotel
in Tokyo. Once other Japanese airports have un- ronment protection. It embraces the employs technology that makes more
dergone similar change, Japanese skies should be “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” philosophy efficient energy use possible.
busier than ever since mid 1940s. in order to minimize the amount of A “Green Hotel” must be energy-effi-
It is now the job of the remaining part of Japanese waste sent to landfill; this is achieved cient and environmental-friendly. The
tourism industry to respond by improving its through a combination of garbage Ritz-Carlton, Sanya will continually
services and keep up with the airports. If it does, sorting and temperature controlling, contribute to environmental protec-
Japan could become one of the world’s tourism maximizing new technology and tion and to incorporate the concept of
giants. Indeed, getting the tourists there and back innovative practices to conserve en- sustainable development to protect
is the first step. ergy, including the INNCOM system the environment, conserve resources
which intelligently manages guest and maintain the ecological balance.
25 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
International News
MasterCard and Starwood Collaborate Again to Reward
MasterCard Cardholders This Travel Season
MasterCard Cardholders Eligible for a According to the results of MasterCard’s Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts.
Free Weekend Night’s Stay for Three Hotel travel survey conducted in Mar-Apr 2010,
Stays at Participating Starwood Hotels and one in four consumers surveyed across “MasterCard is delighted to work with
Resorts Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa wanted Starwood again on this promotion. Our re-
to take a trip abroad in the six months search shows that travel is an integral part
MasterCard Worldwide and Starwood ahead. Many of these would-be travelers of consumers’ lives, and we are happy to
Hotels and Resorts are joining hands once ranked destinations within their region as offer them excellent privileges as they set
again to reward MasterCard cardholders places they were likely to visit. about their year-end trips. With the program
who are members of Starwood Preferred being expanded to exciting destinations
Guest, with a Free Weekend Night Award at “We are excited to continue our partnership across Middle East and Africa this year,
over 250 Starwood Hotels and Resorts. The with MasterCard and to reward our guests our cardholders have more memorable
promotion, in its fourth year now, has been with such a rich offer. In busy times like vacations to look forward to!” said Nagesh
expanded to include selected Starwood this, it is important to have a short break to Devata, vice president, Market Develop-
properties in the Middle East and Africa. recharge and rejuvenate and this promotion ment, Asia/Pacific, Middle East & Africa,
is a great opportunity to do so.” said Nelli MasterCard Worldwide.
To qualify for this privilege, guests need Yong, Vice President, Brand Marketing,
to stay three times at a minimum of one
night per stay, at any of the participating
hotels from 1 November 2010 to 31 Janu-
ary 2011, and pay for their stays using a
MasterCard card. Cardholders who are
not SPG members can simply join online
for free. The Free Weekend Night Award
can be redeemed for a Friday, Saturday or
a Sunday night at the participating hotels
and resorts, except in properties in select
countries in the Middle East and Africa,
where it can be redeemed on a Thursday,
Friday or Saturday.
The expansion of the program to cover the
Middle East and Africa means travelers to
popular destinations in the two regions,
such as Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mo-
rocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United
Arab Emirates and Yemen, can also enjoy
this promotion.
26 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
International News
35
27 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
34
Travel Expo
Full speed ahead out of the recession – the travel industry remains a
mainstay of the global economy
Full speed ahead out of the recession and back on course for expansion. After the
ITB Berlin
worst losses in recent history due to the worldwide economic and financial crisis
in 2009, the world’s travel industry is back on course for success, much faster than
expected and defying the predictions of international industry analysts. Speaking
on Thursday at the 18th World Travel Monitor Forum in Pisa, Rolf Freitag, President
Organiser: Messe Berlin GmbH of the consultancy IPK International, said: “The world’s international travel industry
is back and now even more dynamic, and this year has underlined its role as one of
Dates: 09-13 March 2011 the mainstays of the global economy”. According to Rolf Freitag, Asia in particular is
driving international growth.
Venue: Messe Berlin
According to IPK, in 2010 year-on-year worldwide growth in domestic tourism will
Country: Berlin, Germany
reach five per cent, in international tourism seven per cent, while growth in inter-
Website: http://itb-berlin.com/ national arrivals will be in the order of six to seven per cent, a new all-time record.
However, around the world growth rates vary. In South America growth is currently
Overview at 13 per cent, in Asia, Oceania and the Middle East at twelve per cent, and in Africa
growth in domestic and international flights is at seven per cent. By contrast the
ITB Berlin is the B2B-Plattform for trade visitors - an ex- markets in North America and Europe have lagged behind, and figures have yet to
cellent opportunity to meet business partners and to reach pre-recession levels. For Europe the year-on-year growth figure is three per
do business. For all other visitors ITB Berlin is a won- cent, while for North America it is only one per cent.
derful possibility to discover the whole world within a
few hours. Launched by the consultancy IPK International and sponsored by ITB Berlin, every
year at the World Travel Monitor Forum in Pisa 50 tourism experts and scientists
Products from around the world present currents statistics and the latest trends in international
tourism.
Airlines, Hotels, Serviced Apartments, Rail Operators,
Car rental, Online booking companies, Credit / com- The hotel industry has a long way to go before making a similar recovery. Rolf Fre-
pany cards, Business travel agents, Air Charter, Air- itag: “We have yet to see a recovery from 2009 that saw year-on-year growth drop by
ports And many more. seven per cent. Compared with last year growth has now reached five per cent, but
travellers are booking shorter stays.” Travellers’ spending behaviour was similarly
restrained, he added.
According to IPK, in 2010 Germany’s market share will reach ten per cent and 72.6
million trips, confirming it as the world’s most travelled nation. The USA ranks sec-
ond, with a market share of nine per cent and 64 million trips, followed by the UK and
France in third and fourth place.
“Against the backdrop of the global recession, the dynamism with which the world’s
travel industry has recovered from last year’s slump is quite remarkable and encour-
aging. We are confident that the markets in Europe and North America will move in
a positive direction too, and that when ITB Berlin takes place in March next year that
they will be able to report promising developments”, said Dr. Martin Buck, Director,
Competence Center Travel and Logistics, Messe Berlin.
29 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Travel Expo
Rotana announces its participation at the ATM 2011
Rotana the leading hotel management company in the Middle East and North Africa,
announced its participation at the Arabian Travel Market to strengthen its presence
and to support its expansion plans reaching a portfolio of 70 properties by 2014.
Arabian Travel Market 2011
Since inception, the company has grown to be the region’s largest hospitality man-
Organiser: Reed Exhibitions Ltd. agement company, and a brand that is widely recognized and much admired. Ro-
tana is geared towards another challenging year, as we continue to develop. The
Dates: 2-5 May 2011 expansion is taking us into new markets such as Bahrain, Baghdad, Jordan, Oman,
Iraq, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Venue: Dubai International Convention & Exhibition
Centre For the next four years, Rotana will open 10 hotels per year. The plan is right. The
strategy is there. The execution and know-how are there. The objective is clear. Ro-
Country: Dubai, UAE
tana is positive that as long as the company is able to manage growth in an efficient
Website: www.arabiantravelmarket.com way, then there is the scope to take up further properties.
Overview Earlier this year, we have seen the opening of Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, Dubai’s
latest landmark which is certified as the tallest hotel in the world by the Guinness
Reflecting the remarkable growth and diversity of the Book of World Records.
region, this event attracts industry and government
decision-makers at the very highest level. With the lat- The second quarter of 2010 witnessed the opening of Rotana’s first resort in Dubai
est industry news, leading edge products and thought- Amwaj Rotana and Centro Barsha, Rotana’s first property to open in Dubai under the
provoking educational content, Arabian Travel Market brand Centro Hotels by Rotana, following the opening of Centro Yas Island in Abu
Dhabi.
is an exhilarating and dynamic business environment
delivering growth opportunities for your business.
Located on Jumeirah beach, Amwaj Rotana will be part of the new Jumeirah Beach
Products Residence complex and is a significant move into the resort arena for Rotana in
Dubai. The property will consist of 301 deluxe rooms and suites, flexible and multi-
Airlines, Coach Operators, Conference/Incentive/ purpose ballroom and meeting rooms and state-of-the-art fitness facilities. In addi-
Meeting Venues, Cruise/Ferry Companies, Health Re- tion the resort will have an all-day dining restaurant serving international cuisine, a
pool-side bar and lobby lounge, an Italian restaurant and a Japanese restaurant and
sorts & Spas, Hotel/Accommodation Providers, Tour-
sushi bar. All restaurants will have outdoor terraces for al fresco dining. Guests will
ism Developments, Tourist Attractions, Tourist Boards/
also have access to a beautiful beach.
Associations, etc.
Centro Barsha, Dubai is conveniently located close to the business districts of Me-
dia City and Internet City. The hotel is also in close proximity to the commercial
areas of Sheikh Zayed road and the Dubai Financial Centre. The hotel comprises
246 rooms, features a lobby lounge, abuzz with activity and designed to provide
a number of informal zones for business gatherings and entertainment. Advanced
business facilities are built into every room with high speed Wi-Fi internet access.
Providing unique living spaces in a contemporary environment, Centro Barsha of-
fers amenities specifically geared to the needs of the travelling executive including
a three meal restaurant, bar, deli take-away, well appointed business centre, 2 meet-
ing rooms, gymnasium and a swimming pool.
Nour Arjaan by Rotana – opened in October 2010, the hotel is situated in the pictur-
esque emirate of Fujairah and offers 252 rooms, meeting rooms, an all day dining
restaurant and a café. It will also feature a rooftop swimming pool and an extensive
gym.
End of 2010 will see the opening of the 300-room Centro Sharjah Airport. The prop-
erty which will include both rooms and suites will provide comfort and convenience
for travelers passing through one of the region’s fastest-growing airports as well as
for visitors to the emirate.
Moving to the capital, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana has opened its doors in
September 2010. Situated on the beautiful shores of the Arabian Gulf, this fabulous
alcohol free city resort is only 30 minutes drive from the Abu Dhabi International Air-
port and a few minutes away from one of the largest malls in the capital. The prop-
erty will feature 443 luxurious rooms, suites and serviced apartments, outstanding
food and beverage venues, six meeting rooms, business facilities, a state-of-the-art
fitness centre and extensive watersport activities on one of the country’s most stun-
ning beaches.
30 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Travel Expo
Oryx Rotana – Doha – our first property in Qatar Opened in August 2010 in a close
proximity to Doha International Airport, 5 minutes away from the City Centre and
Corporate District and 20 minutes away from the Diplomatic Area and Exhibition
Centre. The 400 rooms five star hotel will offer a wide variety of food and beverage
venues, ballrooms and flexible meeting rooms, state-of-the art business services
and fitness centre.
Also in Doha, City Centre Rotana will open at the end of 2010. The hotel is part of
the City Centre Doha shopping complex and is located in the West Bay area, near
the business district, the Diplomatic area, the Exhibition Centre and minutes away
from the Doha Golf Club and the airport. The property offers 300 luxurious rooms
and suites, 100 serviced apartments along with 4 food & beverage outlets, meeting
rooms, state-of-the art business services and fitness centre.
Erbil Rotana – Iraq, the property is scheduled to open towards the end of 2010 – A 5
star hotel is ideally located close to the ministries area and near Erbil International
Exhibition fair in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. The property will feature 201 luxurious
rooms and suites; all includes TV & IDD telephones, 5 Food & Beverage venues,
and complete recreational areas including Bodylines health and fitness club and a
swimming pool.
The Rotana brand is driven by passion, personal warmth, and the delivery of con-
sistent quality standards, combined with a keen understanding of regional markets,
commitment to research, and significant investment in systems and people. Devel-
opment of the brand is rigorously planned and meticulously managed across all
operations - simultaneously evoking confidence and trust among property owners,
and creating satisfying experiences for corporate and leisure travellers alike.
31 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Travel Expo
MeetingMetrics used to evaluate 2010 CIBTM Educational Seminars
CIBTM
Organiser: Reed Exhibitions Limited
Dates: 31 August – 2 September 2011
Venue: China National Convention Center (CNCC)
Country: Beijing, China
Website: www.cibtm.com
Overview
CIBTM is the leading exhibition for the Meetings, In-
centives and Events industry in China and Asia. The
event provides a dedicated three-day business plat-
form focused on the rapidly expanding and develop-
ing Chinese outbound, inbound and intra-regional
market.
Products
Airlines, Cruise Lines, Luxury Trains, Hotels/Spas,
Incentive Destinations, Tourist Organisations, Media,
Trade Associations, Special Interest Travel, Attractions
& Entertainment, etc.
For the first time, CIBTM’s educational seminars have been evaluated questions and enquiries, and the same percentage thought the speakers
using MeetingMetrics’ online survey and reporting tools, helping to en- organised the sessions well.
sure the continued delivery of top-quality sessions for visitors. The event, Mandy Torrens, Head of Marketing and Buyer Programmes, Meetings
which took place in Beijing recently, included 17 education sessions and and Events Portfolio for Reed Travel Exhibitions comments: “Following
the results were collected from nearly 200 delegates. the successful pilot at last year’s EIBTM, we have now signed a global
The data for the MeetingMetrics CIBTM Evaluation survey was gained agreement with MeetingMetrics. Reed Travel Exhibitions has established
by asking those who attended any of the educational sessions for their a strong industry reputation for creating and delivering first-rate, topical
comments on speaker and topic content. Participants were encouraged educational programmes. The valuable feedback that we capture using
to log onto the system as soon as each educational session had ended, to MeetingMetrics’ tools helps ensure that we are able to continue providing
provide important feedback on the sessions. world-class programmes to inspire knowledge-sharing and best practice
The findings from the CIBTM survey concluded that over 80% of respon- for delegates at EIBTM, CIBTM, GIBTM and AIBTM.”
dents reported that the content of the sessions was important and rel- With less than one month to go until EIBTM (30th November to 2nd De-
evant. 70% said they acquired new, useful information and ideas, whilst cember), those attending any of this year’s 58 educational sessions at the
over 65% of those surveyed said they would be able to apply what they show, will be asked by MeetingMetrics for their comments on speaker
learned to their jobs. and topic content.
The easy-to-use professional tools created by MeetingMetrics greatly Participants at EIBTM will be encouraged to log onto the system at www.
simplify the process of collecting and reporting participants’ session eibtm.com/surveys [RTE to confirm URL] through PCs, notebooks and
feedback in a timely and cost-effective manner. A full selection of key ana- PDAs as soon as each of the educational sessions ends for their valuable
lytical reports including sessions, speakers, learning effectiveness rating feedback. Ira Kerns, Managing Director of MeetingMetrics added: “We
reports plus CEU (Continuing Education Unit) reports are automatically are exceedingly pleased to be working with RTE. The quality of profes-
produced in minutes. sional education delivered to attendees is steadily improving, as leading
Over 80% of those surveyed thought CIBTM’s speakers effectively com- event sponsors like RTE place greater emphasis on evaluating and en-
municated information and knowledge during the sessions. Nearly 80% hancing this aspect.”
believed the presenters knew the subject matter and clearly addressed
32 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Travel Expo
EIBTM highlights commitment to Spanish Meetings Industry with dedicated
Spanish Language Seminars in New Lecture Theatre on show floor
The Spanish Education Programme training. The session will be highly
EIBTM
at this year’s EIBTM (www.eibtm. interactive and will encourage audi-
com) will feature eight sessions ence participation.
focused on the latest issues in the Creativity in Events, produced in as-
regional and international meet- sociation with MPI’s Spanish Chap-
Organiser: Reed Exhibitions UK Limited ings and events industry, underlying ter, will focus on the importance that
EIBTM’s commitment to dedicating creativity plays in events and face-
Dates: 30 November – 2 December 2010 a proportion of their programme to to-face communication.
the Spanish market. Renowned experts will provide ad-
Venue: The Global Meeting & Event Exhibition Fira Gran
Running over the three days of the vice on positioning for destinations
Via show (30 November to 2 December and hotels in the association market,
at the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona), using examples, in Five Keys to Suc-
Country: Barcelona, Spain
the programme has been created cess in the International Association
Website: www.eibtm.com in partnership with MPI’s Spanish Market, produced in association
Chapter, Korazza Consulting and with ICCA’s Iberian Chapter.
Overview ICCA’s Iberian Chapter. Finally, the session dedicated to stu-
The seminars, taking place in the dents, And Now Where Do I Work?,
EIBTM is the leading global event for the meetings and events new Lecture Theatre created on the looks to inspire and educate on the
industry, held in the vibrant business and tourism destination show floor, will be led by some of reality of the market, providing a
of Barcelona. The event delivers three days of focused ac- the most influential industry experts, solid overview on the knowledge
cess to a dynamic business environment, thought provoking will be free to attend, and will offer and skills that various sectors re-
professional education and business networks for exhibitors, cutting-edge professional educa- quire in the workplace.
tion opportunities, available to all Erica Keogan, EIBTM’s Education
Hosted Buyers and trade visitors.
visitors at the show. Content Manager comments: “This
Products The Power of Coaching in the year we have increased the number
Workplace will look at the benefits of sessions in the overall Education
Airlines, Conference Venues, Convention & Visitor Bureaux, and impact that coaching has on Programme and the Spanish semi-
Cruise Lines/Luxury Trains, Health Resorts/Spas, Hotels, individuals within a company in re- nar sessions for two key reasons:
Meeting & Conference Planners, Destination Management lationship to their capabilities and last year the sessions had a record
Companies, Incentive Destinations, Ground Transportation, improving performance. attendance; and the post show re-
TheCreative Catering seminar will search clearly showed that EIBTM
Incentive Houses/Specialists, Tourist Organisations, Tech-
discuss the importance of surprise is an important annual event for the
nology Providers, Trade Associations, Other C & I Services.
factors and the value that culinary Spanish market. Visitors provided
creativity can contribute to the suc- crucial feedback on the sort of top-
cess of an event. ics they wanted to see featured in
ROI in Event Communication con- their programme.”
siders a variety of communications For more information on the EIBTM
campaigns and effective ROI mea- Spanish Sessions and the full educa-
surement of these campaigns. tion programme of over 58 sessions,
Visitors who wish to learn about the please visit www.eibtm.com. Pre-
technology available to help save registration for visitors to EIBTM is
resources and achieve better results free of charge and includes access
for events should attend Technology to the Spanish sessions.
Within Your Reach to Do More with
Less. The session will analyse On-
line Interactive Management and
Marketing, interactive voting sys-
tems, online surveys, data transfer
and data sharing.
Key Factors to Recruit and Build
Member Loyalty, created in partner-
ship with Korazza, will focus on ef-
fective networking, member recruit-
ment and retention, planning, and
33 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Travel Expo
GIBTM 2011 Rapidly Gaining Momentum
The results of this year’s Middle East regional MICE buyers. These initia-
Meetings Industry Report announced tives are already paying dividends,
GIBTM at GIBTM 2010 indicated that confi-
dence in the Middle East meetings
market is unwavering with buyers and
with an increase in group co-ordina-
tors to encourage participants in the
event’s Hosted Buyer programme.
Organiser: Reed Exhibitions Limited suppliers both tipping the region for
future growth. With more than three New for 2010 is the relocation of the
Dates: 28-30 March 2011
months to go before the fifth GIBTM, event’s Education and Seminar ses-
Venue: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (AD- taking place at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi sions, Hosted Buyers and trade visi-
NEC) from 28 – 30 March 2011, next year’s tors will be able to attend the semi-
event will be the focus for the launch nars within a new theatre created
Country: Abu Dhabi, UAE of many new products and services within the exhibition.
from the industry.
Website: www.gibtm.com The driving force behind the develop- A number of new exhibitors have also
ment of the meetings (MICE) industry confirmed their participation at this
Overview across the Middle East, Reed Travel year’s event, including The Emirates
GIBTM is the leading event for the rapidly developing Exhibitions (RTE) are running MICE of Fujairah, and several, such as Jumei-
Middle East meetings, events, incentives and business educational presentations in Kuwait, rah International; have increased their
travel industry. The event brings together a combina- Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria stand space, testament to the show’s
tion of regional and international industry buyers and and Lebanon as part of the continu- market-leading position for the rap-
suppliers for three days of business opportunities, net- ing development of the sector in the idly developing Middle East Meet-
working and professional education. region. ings, Events, Incentives and Business
Travel industry. Already contracted
Products To further intensify the industry focus exhibitors are up by 5% compared to
in the Middle East, RTE has recruited the same time last year.
Airlines/Air Charters, Attractions & Entertainment, a local team within the U.A.E. It has
Cruise Lines, Hotels/Resorts/Serviced Apartments, In- also organised networking events in For further show details, please visit
centive Specialists, Media, NTOs, Travel Management the region to help promote GIBTM, www.gibtm.com
Companies, Trade Associations, etc and to identify and recruit local and
34 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Travel Expo
35 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Travel Expo
New survey shows resilience remains defining
feature of association
The Association Meetings Forecasts and Trends Report 2011, an annual research
survey which is conducted jointly by IMEX in Frankfurt and ICCA, shows that resil-
IMEX Frankfurt ience remains a defining feature of the sector and that many association meeting
planners believe the most dramatic cuts and changes are now behind them.
Organiser: Regent Exhibitions Ltd. When asked if the economic downturn had had a significant negative impact on their
association during the past year, 74 per cent answered ‘no’, compared to 65 per cent
Dates: 24-26 May 2011 who confirmed they had felt the impact during the same period in 2009.
Venue: Hall 8, Messe Frankfurt On the subject of which cost-savings they are currently employing as a means to
respond to economic challenges, 49 per cent are still tending to select lower costs
Country: Germany destinations and venues, although virtually the same number are not taking that
route to reduced spending. 51 per cent are also opting for lower cost delegate ac-
Website: http://imex-frankfurt.com/
commodation whereas 46 per cent of respondents are not.
Overview
Similarly when asked if they “intend to renegotiate existing contracts for future
IMEX is the show that exceeds your expectations ev- events”, 40 per cent either agreed or strongly agreed, whilst 33 per cent neither
ery time. The trail-blazing exhibition has unleashed the agreed nor disagreed. A further 33 per cent said they have no intention of rene-
energy of the global meetings industry with new ideas, gotiating existing contracts, possibly suggesting that the hardest cuts and contract
revisions have already been made, with little remaining margin to be won from ex-
new vision and a passion for business amongst record
isting suppliers. Similarly 35 per cent of respondents declared they do not intend to
numbers of exhibitors.
significantly cut down on costs at future meetings (e.g. cutting out banquets, recep-
Products tions, number of days in the programme); although 40 per cent do expect to cut such
costs. However, with 22 per cent unable to state a clear intention either way, results
Airlines, Cruise Lines, Destination Management Com- in this category (and generally in other parts of the survey) suggest that perhaps
panies, Hotels/Hotel Chains, Luxury Trains, Service many planners are still unsure about what the future holds. Nevertheless, 68 per cent
Suppliers, Special Event Venues, Technology Provid- still expect to hold about the “same number of meetings” in 2011 as this past year. An
encouraging 19 per cent expect their meetings calendar to be slightly busier, whilst
ers, Tourist Offices, Trade Associations, Transportation
13 per cent expect to be planning fewer meetings.
Companies, etc.
36 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Travel Expo
45 per cent of planners said their attendance this appears to be impacting more on inter- cent. Concerns about security also appear to
numbers for their largest annual meeting nal meetings, such as board meetings, rather have faded away, with 83 per cent currently
were in line with expectations, although for than larger external events. considering them unimportant.
nearly 10 per cent, attendance at their main
annual event was significantly higher than As in 2009, none of the association planners 19 per cent also see the issue of climate
previously, and for 19 per cent it was slightly had been forced to cancel their largest annu- change and managing their carbon footprint
higher than before or what was expected. al meeting for any reason. Given a challeng- becoming more important in their meetings
Looking at the total number of meetings and ing year in terms of air transport disruption planning, although the majority, 63 per cent,
events planned for 2011, 48 per cent antici- through strikes and natural disasters, in Eu- believe its ongoing importance has remained
pate no change in attendee numbers com- rope in particular, this suggests that planners “the same” (compared to 61 per cent previ-
pared to 2010 and 87 per cent also expect and their suppliers have become enormously ously).
those meetings to be of the same duration. resourceful and creative in the face of logis-
tical and operational set-backs and, once 151 association meeting planners, managers
When asked anecdotally to describe the im- an important meeting is planned, a ‘can-do, and directors working in the association sec-
pact of the changing economic climate on must-do’ attitude takes hold. tor responded to the survey. They represent a
their association activities over the past few cross-section of global markets including the
years many confirm “no significant or seri- Respondents were also questioned about UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, India, vari-
ous impact”, although some comment that other long-term trends and corporate social ous Asian countries and Europe, including
sponsorship and additional revenue sources responsibility issues (CSR). “How to attract Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France
now take more time and are harder to identify higher attendance” remains “very important” and Switzerland amongst others. For 35 per
than in previous years. They point towards for 51 per cent of respondents. A further 45 cent of those respondents, their largest an-
the corporate sector’s struggles as having per cent rated this factor “quite important.” nual meeting of the year was for between
a knock-on effect in some cases. Many offer The constant need to deliver “conference 200 and 499 delegates. For 22 per cent it was
up comments on how their continuing drive programmes that appeal to the broadest 500 – 999 delegates, and for nearly nine per
to deliver quality and value for delegates has audiences” is also very important for 63 per cent their largest meeting saw over 5000 del-
ensured good attendance. The use of elec- cent of those asked. The single issue of “how egates attending.
tronic, social media and online communica- to appeal to younger delegates”, however,
tion tools is also mentioned in parts, although was deemed “not at all important” by 50 per
37 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Travel Expo
Jeju Island, off China travel visa maddening
WTF 2011 – World Travel Fair
Organiser: VNU Exhibitions Asia
Date: 12-15 May 2011
Venue: The CIAE Exhibition Center
Country: Beijing, China
Website: www.worldtravelfair.com.cn
Overview
The World Travel Fair (WTF), annually located in
Shanghai, is a business expo that one will not miss.
As the most famous integrated travel resource expo
in China, WTF has successfully built communicat-
ing bridge for business people to extend the social
circle, build co-operation partnership, and expand
new markets.
Products
Tour Operators/Travel Agencies, Hotels & Resorts,
Airlines, Cruises, Travel Insurance, Travel Equip-
ment Manufactures, Travel Finance Companies,
Health & Wellness Resort and leisure travel, MICE,
Travel Media, Golf Courses, Travel with Education
Purpose, Travel Media, etc.
Beijing Korean Tourism Board head of- mission ambassador outreach Korea, adjust the pattern of Korean
fice branch office interviewed recently tourism industry and attract inbound tourists. “Visit Korea Year”
said that China is now the second larg- project carried out with the next 3 years, major events held in South
est Korean immigrant source coun- Korea to synchronize marketing activities, according to 2010 World
try market in 2009 to South Korea the Design Capital Seoul, 2011 track and field world championships in
number of Chinese tourists increased Daegu, 2012 Yeosu World Expo and other activities, launched vari-
by 14.9% over 2008 to reach 1.34 mil- ous publicity points and set about development related topics. In
lion passengers. Less than two hours addition, in order to allow foreign tourists to see the colorful style
of flight time, frequent flights and developed water transportation, of Korea, Korea Tourism Board has also prepared a seven special
Chinese tourists can easily travel weekend or mini vacation. China events, such as the “Korean Wave” and food, movies, and many ROK
has always attached great importance to South Korea, signed for the factors related activities. Meanwhile, in order to provide more prac-
Chinese tourists Card measures to keep open, Jeju Island is the im- tical for foreign tourists, cheap and convenient concessions, is also
plementation of a visa to travel more, which tourists travel to China preparing massive discount sale activities.
provides great convenience. Meanwhile, the Chinese service facili- “Visit Korea Year” period, visitors to Korea can participate in various
ties in Korea is constantly being improved, lifting all of you worried activities organized by South Korea, such as the “Han” Close con-
about the language barrier in a foreign land. tact with South Korean star concert, the taste of world culture, world
Beginning last year, Korea Tourism Organization Seoul to visit culture exhibition, all taste like Korean food and world cuisine of the
friends to provide free exercise of visitors, including restaurants, world food travel shows and other activities; for Chinese tourists,
shows, duty-free shops, theme parks and many other activities, dis- young and old to provide for the exchange of tourism projects to
count coupons, responded enthusiastically. This year we launched enhance; for female tourists show fashion, beauty, and other tourism
the Seoul traffic t-money card, and through field test Individual Visi- products.
tors Seoul after the police tailored to the free exercise manual and For the individual, Korea Tourism Board has also launched relief
other utility class for free promotional materials. activities, accommodation, that foreign tourists stay in Korea more
2010-2012, “South Korea visit year” period, the Korean Tourism than 4 days accommodation can be removed from the day the aim
Board have invited President Lee Myung-bak on behalf of his wife is to extend the stay of foreign tourists in Korea time and attract the
Jin Runyu as chairman, Bae, Kim as a child ”visit in Korea,” the Com- second visit.
38 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Travel Expo
Global Travel and Tourism Industry growth stronger than
expected, sat WTTC at WTM
World Travel
Market (WTM)
Organiser: Reed Exhibitions Limited
Dates: 8-11 November 2011
Venue: Excel London
Country: London
Website: www.wtmlondon.com
Overview
Staged annually in London, World Travel Market - the The global travel and tourism industry growth trend we would normally see in
premier global event for the travel industry - is a vi- has grown at a stronger than expected the second year of a global recovery,”
brant must attend four-day business-to-business event rate this year, but this will be at the ex- he said.
presenting a diverse range of destinations and indus- pense of 2011, the World Travel & Tour- The WTTC has downgraded growth
try sectors to UK and International travel professionals. ism Council has forecast. forecasts in all markets, with the big-
It is a unique opportunity for the whole global travel Latest WTTC figures revealed at WTM gest fall seen in the Middle East,
trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct busi- show that travel and tourism’s gross do- which is now forecast to grow at 4.1%,
ness under one roof. mestic product is expected to rise by one percentage point less than previ-
2% this year, compared with a forecast ously assumed. Europe is predicted to
Products in January of only 0.5%. The spurt has grow 1.4%, a change of 0.2 percentage
led the WTTC to downgrade its 2011 points.
Accommodation, Air Travel, Airports, Business & Fi-
growth forecast from 3.2% to 2.7%. Baumgarten added that the industry
nancial Services, City Tourist Boards, Golf Related
WTTC president and chairman Jean- would also have to learn to live with
Services, Land Travel, Media, National Tourist Boards,
Claude Baumgarten said 2010 had yields that were depressed for several
Professional Conference Organisers, Regional Tourist
been “very good news for everybody”, years to come.
Boards, Tourist Attractions & Entertainment Providers,
but Adrian Cooper, managing direc- “Customers are not paying what they
Tours, Travel Agencies, etc.
tor of Oxford Economic Forecasting, paid in 2008 and 2009 and it is going
warned: “Things have been stronger to take a couple of years to get that
than expected this year, we expect to back.”
see the global recovery slowing next He warned that tourism’s fragile recov-
year.” ery would be greatly affected by any
Cooper warned that government aus- adverse measures such as this month’s
terity measures in countries like Greece rise in UK Air Passenger Duty.
and the UK could affect travel and tour- “We, all of us, have to give strong mes-
ism in 2011, together with a desire by sages to our governments not to get too
consumers to pay down debts. harsh with our industry with their taxes.
“We are not expecting to see the We are on a crusade against APD.”
39 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Travel Expo
WTM 2010 Experiences Phenomenal Visitor Numbers
W
orld Travel Market, the premier
global event for the travel, has
experienced a phenomenal
WTM 2010 with visitor numbers significant-
ly higher than at WTM 2009.
The first day of WTM 2010 saw a record
number of visitors attend the event under
the My Invitations system, which allows
exhibitors to invite their key contacts and
people they want to conduct business with
over whole event on Monday November 8.
Onsite unaudited figures show a 21% in-
creases in visitors with 6,665 senior indus-
try buyers attending WTM 2010 on the first
day.
This increase in My Invitations visitors led
to an amazing participation in the expand-
ed Meet The Meridian Club Buyers (Speed
Networking) session. Almost 300 buyers
took part in the six sessions compared
to around 100 when the programme was
launched in 2009.
Impressive visitor figures continue on Tues-
day with a 41% increase in ministers and
aides attending the fourth UNWTO Minis-
ters’ Summit at WTM, making it a record at-
tendance for the event.
Overall onsite unaudited visitors figures for
Tuesday November 10 were up 18% on the
equivalent day in 2009 with almost 17,000
visitors attending WTM 2010 to meet and
negotiate contracts with exhibitors.
World Travel Market Exhibition Director
Simon Press said: “I am delighted with the
visitor figures for WTM 2010. The impres-
sive increase in My Invitation visitors and
buyer participants in the Meet The Meridi-
an Club Buyer (Speed Networking) session
on the first day supports the conversations I
have been having with exhibitors and buy-
ers that a high amount of business has been
conducted at WTM 2010.
“Furthermore, the impressive number of
visitors has continued on the second day
of the exhibition and is further enhanced by
the record number of ministers and aides
attending the highly successful UNWTO
Ministers’ Summit at WTM.”
40 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Travel Expo45
41 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Do You Know
TOP 5 BICYCLE FRIENDLY CITIES
More and more people realize that bicycles
can be much more useful than cars. A bicycle
is cheap and in a city sometimes, considering
the traffic jams, even faster than a car. Bikes are
ecological and also keep their owners in good
health. Bicycles are often a favorite means of
transport for travelers exploring their destina-
tion. This is why several cities, such as Vienna
or London, decided to provide rent-a-bike ser-
vices, where you rent a bike and then return it
in other part of the city. Tourism-Review.com
brings you the top 5 most bicycle friendly cities
in the world according to Askmen.com.
42 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
Montreal, Canada Do You Know
Montreal has recently invested 134 million dol-
lars to revamp and establish new biking trails.
Part of the plan was also expanding the number
of bicycle friendly lock points. Currently, there
are 2,400 miles of bicycle trails available to the
locals as well as tourists. Montreal also has the
first urban bike share infrastructure in the North
America. It is called Bixi bike sharing program
and provides over 5,000 bicycles and 400 sta-
tions.
Curitiba, Brazil
Curitiba in Brazil is considered to be one of
the best planned cities in the world. No won-
der that according to the American magazine
Reader’s Digest, it is also the best place to live
in Brazil. Brazilians have made a commitment
to eco friendly fuels and alternative transporta-
tion methods and in 2010 the city was awarded
the Globe Sustainable City Award. The bike
infrastructure is very good in Curitiba and bi-
cycles are thus quite popular among the local
community.
Bogota, Colombia
Only 13% of all inhabitants in Bogota own cars so
the city does not need any special campaign to
support the bike traffic as is the case in the U.S.
and Europe. Riding a bike is a matter of need
there. It is no wonder that Bogota has become a
bicycle friendly city.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The landscape of Denmark is quite flat, which
makes it easy for the locals as well as visitors to
use bikes for traveling to work or for pleasure. Ac-
cording to the statistics, 32% of all Copenhageners
ride a bike to work on regular basis. The city has
repeatedly been recognized as one of the com-
munities with the best quality of life and is also
viewed as one of the world’s most environmentally
friendly cities. No wonder that the local town hall
offers the visitors rental bikes for free.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Similarly to Denmark, the Netherlands is a very
flat country, which makes it an ideal destination
for cycling, even for those who are not that much
trained. Nearly 40% of all commutes in the city are
done on bike. Locals as well as tourists can also
rent a public bike for a reasonable price. Many
visitors thus opt for bicycles when sightseeing and
exploring the city’s canals, parks and museums.
43 Thursday 11.11.2010 www.travelweekly.com.vn
