Asia Vacations - Travel, Tourism - Info & Review

Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) is feeling the impact of Lufthansa Group's GDS 16 euros (US$17) fee which came into effect in September, and also frowns at plans by the airline group for exclusive offers outside of GDSs. In November, the airline group, which encompasses Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS, also revealed plans to enable direct connect solutions with various industry partners. Scott Brennan, executive vice president and head of global supplier management at CWT, said there are fundamental issues with these initiatives, due to the following points: Fragmentation of content that creates complex, manual searching and booking. Less comprehensive comparison shopping resulting in reduced visibility of competitive fares. Limitations for TMCs to communicate directly with travelers or to assist with travel changes or during emergencies. Fragmented data for reporting and traveler tracking. Additional cost – even if Lufthansa's €

CALANGUTE: In a second blow to Goa's tourism industry which was already reeling from a reduction in arrivals due to the devaluation of the rouble, India has been struck off the list of safe travel destinations recommended for Russian tourists, according to a report by the Russian news agency INTERFAX. In a statement on Saturday, the Russian information centre in Goa stated that a revised travel advisory had been issued following the blacklisting of Egypt and Turkey. President Vladimir Putin had canceled all flights to Egypt after the October 31 explosion of a Russian passenger plane over the Sinai peninsula, and then called on its citizens to cancel vacations in Turkey after Turkish missiles shot down a Russian fighter jet in Syria. READ ALSO:Russia suspends visa-free travel with Turkey Amongst the destinations now identified as 'safe' are Cuba, south Vietnam and southern China. "Both India and Goa were not considered as good destinations for Russian travellers,"

CALANGUTE: In a second blow to Goa's tourism industry which was already reeling from a reduction in arrivals due to the devaluation of the rouble, India has been struck off the list of safe travel destinations recommended for Russian tourists, according to a report by the Russian news agency INTERFAX. In a statement on Saturday, the Russian information centre in Goa stated that a revised travel advisory had been issued following the blacklisting of Egypt and Turkey. President Vladimir Putin had canceled all flights to Egypt after the October 31 explosion of a Russian passenger plane over the Sinai peninsula, and then called on its citizens to cancel vacations in Turkey after Turkish missiles shot down a Russian fighter jet in Syria. Amongst the destinations now identified as 'safe' are Cuba, south Vietnam and southern China. "Both India and Goa were not considered as good destinations for Russian travellers," said Ekaterina Belyakova, head of the Russian informati

Mega-fare sale to Asia, Hawaii, Africa, India, across US Singapore Airlines has sale fares in both economy class- pictured- and business class (Photo: Chris McGinnis) Airlines are rolling out excellent Black Friday airfare sales — here are a few that caught my eyes today. To get the deal you must book your trip today through Monday night. What's most remarkable about this sale is the length of the travel period– basically the first half of next year.  Cathay Pacific: Cathay's sale fares are probably the broadest offering with economy roundtrip fares ranging from $675 to $800 to cities throughout Asia, including India. Travel window is Feb 9- Apr 30– or Sept 1-Sept 30. US gateways are : Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. See sale fares here.  Virgin America's sale is good, too, and we found SFO-Hawaii fares as low as $418 round trip, plus most intra-California fares running less than $100 round trip. Transcons in the $320 roundtrip rang

HONG KONG - Chinese and Indian corporates continue to increase their travel budgets while spending in the more mature markets of Singapore and Hong Kong is flat-lining, according to new research from industry analysts East & Partners Asia (E&P Asia). East's Asia Corporate T&E market report shows that while travel and entertainment expenditure of the Top 1000 corporates from 10 Asian markets has gone from US$1.52 billion to US$1.62 billion over 2015, China's Top 100 have increased spending by 20 percent over the year, from US$139.6 to US$165.56 million per corporate on average. India is Asia's other growth story, and India's Top 100 have increased their average expenditure from a mean of US$102.3 million to US$118.3 million over 2015. Singapore and Hong Kong corporates continue to have the largest T&E budgets, but growth is flat. The Asia Corporate T&E report is the result of interviews with CFOs and Corporate Treasurers at Asia's Top 10

Forget about an autumnal nip in the air: Americans are looking for sun this Thanksgiving. Florida and California are the most popular destinations for Americans flying for the holiday, according to data provided to CNBC by travel website Priceline.com. Almost half of the states don't appear on anyone's top five. Priceline.com ran the numbers on the top five flight destinations for residents of each state over the week of Thanksgiving to see where people are headed. Residents departing from local airports in different states were excluded (so New Yorkers flying out of Newark aren't counted as spending the holiday in New Jersey). Forty-seven states and Washington, D.C., have California as a top-five destination, according to the data, and travelers from 43 states made Florida a hot spot. Source: Gobble Gobble: ASIA is a top Thanksgiving destination??

LONDON: Heightened terror fears battered tourism sector stocks on Tuesday (Nov 24), with airlines especially affected after Washington issued a travel warning and Turkey shot down a Russian warplane. Shares in airlines as well as in travel and hotel groups slid after the United States issued a worldwide travel alert for its citizens on Monday. Russia meanwhile confirmed that a warplane shot down by Turkey on the Syrian border was one of its fighter jets but insisted the plane had not violated Turkish airspace. In Britain, budget airline Easyjet and British Airways announced it had cancelled all flights to and from the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh until next year over security concerns raised by the downing of a Russian airliner in Egypt last month. Russia last week said the plane was blown up in a "terrorist attack." Brussels will meanwhile stay at the highest security threat level for another week over fears of an imminent terror attack, the Belgian governmen

Gradually-improving economies, lower gas prices and stronger demand will lead to slightly higher travel prices across all regions The American Express Global Business Travel Forecast 2016, predicts air, hotel and ground transportation prices will see modest gains in 2016, as a slowly-improving global economy and stronger demand outpace increases in supply. Led by favorable market conditions in North America and tempered growth in Asia, the airline industry will see slight pricing gains as increased demand is offset by similar growth in capacity partially spurred by lower fuel costs. Global hotel performance is also expected to improve moderately in 2016, as limited increases in inventory fail to keep pace with the growing global appetite for travel. Overall, North America is expected to continue its momentum from 2015 and experience healthy rate increases, while Asia-Pacific and Europe will show moderate gains. Ground transportation rates are expected to remain relatively flat as

India is the fourth most vacation-deprived nation globally, with 65% saying they feel very or somewhat vacation-deprived, according to a survey. About 65% of Indians say they feel very or somewhat vacation-deprived, and 20% said they are very vacation-deprived, full service online travel site Expedia's '2015 Vacation Deprivation' survey has revealed. Marcresearch.com UAE topped the list of most vacation-deprived countries in 2015 (76%), followed by Malaysia (73%) and Singapore (71%). If they had more vacation days, most Indians (67%) would travel to new places (rather than favourite or usual ones), it revealed. The annual 2015 Vacation Deprivation survey is about vacation habits across multiple countries and continents. It was conducted on behalf of Expedia by Northstar, a globally-integrated strategic insights consulting firm. This survey was conducted online from October 6 22, 2015 across 26 countries of North America, Europe, South America and Asia Paci

By Michael Gebicki Nov. 22, 2015, 12:15 a.m. We are six families wanting to holiday together. Any ideas for the Asia-Pacific region? Large group villa holiday in Asia-Pacific ╳ exit WE ARE A GROUP OF SIX FAMILIES AND WOULD LOVE TO FIND VILLA STYLE ACCOMMODATION FOR A HOLIDAY TOGETHER. A NUMBER OF US HAVE HAD BAD EXPERIENCES WITH BALI SO DON'T WANT TO RETURN THERE. DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS  FOR THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION? C. ANDERSON, NEWTOWN There are villas in Thailand that might work for you on the resort islands of Phuket and Koh Samui but if Bali was not a great experience it might be better to look for a non-Asian destination. Villa complexes, which is probably what you're after for six families, are not as common in other parts of the world but one place you could look is Hawaii Head for the Hawaii Villas & Vacation Rentals page on the Luxury Retreats luxuryretreats.com. You'd broade

Jason Watkins, a former auditor with a Big 4 accounting firm, has constructed an image depicting the findings of his review of information regarding Gospel for Asia's finances for the last eight years. The image speaks for itself: This is an issue I have been raising since June. To date, no explanation has been offered for why the amount reported by GFA as being sent to India isn't reported in India public documents. Even after nearly 6 months, I am receptive to an explanation from GFA. Thus far, there has been no answer. Obviously, this is a huge red flag and should be addressed by the GFA board and leadership. Source: Former Auditor: $128 Million of Funds Sent By Donors to Gospel for Asia over Past 8 Years Can't Be Accounted For

HBO Asia will next week begin broadcasting "Halfworlds," a fantasy horror series that extends its foray into original content production. The eight part show is directed by Indonesian movie maker Joko Anwar and assembles a regional bilingual cast for a show in English and Bahasa Indonesia that is targeted at a young adult audience. The story features a parallel world of bloodthirsty creatures from Indonesian mythology, who have lived among humans for centuries, but whose hidden existence is uncovered as a supernatural day of reckoning draws near. Production was entirely in Indonesia, with eight weeks of studio and backlot shooting at Infinite Studios in Batam and a further week of location work in Jakarta. The series goes to air from Sunday Nov. 29 and with further episodes delivered weekly. Non-HBO subscribers can watch the first episode for free on Facebook. "Halfworlds" is HBO Asia's fourth local production, after a TV movie and two co-produced se

Travel Nov. 19, 2015 - 05:46AM JST ( ) TOKYO — Costa Asia, the first international cruise line to enter the Asia-Pacific region in 2006 and Europe's number one cruise company, held the opening of its Japan office through a series of media and travel trade events in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka this week. These events mark another important step in Costa's expansion strategy in the burgeoning Asian market. In the summer of 2016, Costa will bring the new concept of causal family cruising to Japanese guests on board its ship the Costa Victoria to enjoy memorable, fun-filled cruises over a series of 10 brand-new, Japan-based 6-day itineraries dedicated to Japanese travelers. Costa said it strives to offer the best vacation experience by giving its guests a rich and immersive experience in Italian culture – from hospitality, to cuisine, art and entertainment, and these cruises will feature an Asian touch to make Japanese guests feel right at home. Buhdy Bok, Costa Group

Food&HotelAsia2016 Theodore Koumelis - 18 November 2015, 00:21 Participation of new international pavilions and leading brands affirms importance and relevance of FHA to the food and hospitality industry. SINGAPORE - The international food and hospitality scene is heating up, with Asia taking the lead. In six months, the region's premier industry event, FHA2016 (Food&HotelAsia2016) will bring more than 300 first-time exhibitors to the region's most established and comprehensive food and hospitality trade show, including a host of new international group pavilion entrants. The new exhibitors will bring with them, a range of new products and ingredients, equipment and supplies, and best-of-breed services. This results in a bigger and more diverse exhibition profile, offering more choices than ever before to industry buyers, and adds to FHA's appeal as the tradeshow to see and be seen at. "For the 2016 event, we are seeing many new local and interna

Photo President Obama with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia at the Group of 20 summit meeting in Antalya, Turkey, on Monday. Credit Kayhan Ozer/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images ANTALYA, Turkey — President Obama's arrival in the Philippines on Tuesday morning will kick off five days of presidential diplomacy aimed at bolstering America's allies in the region against China's economic and military might. White House officials said on Monday that Mr. Obama would continue consultations with world leaders about the terror attacks in and around Paris last week, which had already overshadowed the planned economic discussions at the Group of 20 meeting here. But Mr. Obama is eager to press the case for what his administration calls a "rebalance&quo

© CAPA The CAPA Asia Aviation Summit, including the CAPA Corporate Travel Innovation Summit and CAPA Asia Awards for Excellence will be held at the prestigious Capella Sentosa Island, Singapore on 23/24-Nov-2015. As the biggest aviation event in Asia, CAPA's Asia Summits offer unrivalled end-of-year networking and market trend analysis opportunity. For all interested in the aviation and travel sector the Summit is a great way to round off this year's business development activity and positioning.  With some 50 airlines attending, a host of travel buyers and an unparalleled thought leadership programme, the CAPA Asia Summits are must-do events. Airlines make up nearly half of all 300+ registered delegates at the CAPA Summit Airlines already registered to attend the Singapore event include Air France KLM, Air Mandalay, AirAsia, AirAsia X Berhad, All Nippon Airways, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, China Eastern, China Southern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Deutsc

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House has gone to great lengths to show that President Barack Obama isn't a lame duck. It's less worried about showing he's not a lame tourist. Departing on Saturday on a trip that will take him to Turkey, the Philippines and Malaysia, the president will experience the beauty of the Turkish Riviera and bustle of Southeast Asian capitals — largely from the inside of heavily secured hotels and convention centers. Obama's nine-day schedule leaves little room for the light sightseeing or "cultural stops" typically part of presidential travel. There appears to be no visit through the Roman ruins at Aspendos or time to gawk at shining gold shrines at Batu Caves. There are, however, at least eight bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, a series of working lunches and dinners, and four summits. The "all work and no play" itinerary is notable for a president — the son of an anthropologist — who o

Although the Asia Pacific (APAC) region has had a difficult year, the travel industry is doing well, according to research released today by Phocuswright. A growing middle class continues to spend more on travel, and increases in travel supply are bolstering the market. The APAC market rose 4% in 2014, to $340.4 billion – 30% of the global travel market. India will be APAC's fastest-growing major travel market between 2013 and 2017, achieving a growth rate of 11%, in line with China. This is due to loosening of travel restrictions, investment in infrastructure, and a continuously expanding middle class. China will be the first travel market to have the majority of its online bookings through mobile; by 2016, 53% of online travel will come through mobile devices. --Anna Gleksman Pic:Asian Pacific American Heritage Program Source: Asia Pacific Sees A Boost In Travel Despite Economy

Phocuswright selects LeisureLink to present the company's latest travel innovations that are shaping the future of the vacation rental industry LeisureLink™, the industry leader in vacation rental distribution and technology,   announced today that CEO Julian Castelli has been selected among the top travel industry innovators to present its latest advancements at Phocuswright's Travel Innovation Summit. The two-day summit showcases the next wave of transformation in travel technology and takes place in Hollywood, Florida.  LeisureLink has been at the front-line of vacation rental industry innovation since 2007 and has delivered over $1 billion in bookings to its property manager clients.  The Company connects its clients with the largest network of top distribution partners, collectively reaching 80 million monthly travelers.  Leisurelink serves over 1,000 property managers with over 200,000 commerce-enabled vacation rental units.   "This opportunity provides us wi

Demonstrators walk during a candle march to demand justice for attackers of publishers and bloggers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photograph: Bernat Armangue/AP The US state department issued a travel alert for Bangladesh, saying there's reliable information that terrorist attacks could occur against foreigners in the traditionally moderate South Asian country. Bangladesh has been rocked by a series of attacks this year claimed by Islamic extremists, including killings of secular bloggers and of Italian aid worker and a Japanese agricultural worker. The US alert says there's ongoing potential for extremist violence, including against large gatherings of foreigners. The state department declined to provide more information on the nature of the terrorist threat, saying it does not comment on intelligence matters. The alert notice says strict restrictions have been imposed on movements of US government officials and their families, prohibiting them from most public places and f

The combination of vivid cultures, tempting cuisine, white sandy beaches and steamy jungles make South East Asia to a perfect travel destination. If you are thinking of taking your first trip to this region, here are 10 of the most beautiful places you should visit. (Photo: The College Tourist) Luang Prabang, Laos French colonial buildings, Buddhist temples and extensive natural beauty make this little town an unforgettably beautiful destination. Take a cooking class, rent a bicycle, read a book by the Mekong River or have a coffee in one of the local bakeries. There so many reasons to fall in love with this place! One thing you shouldn't miss is the ancient Buddhist tradition of Tak Bat, the morning alms round. Each day at dawn, hundreds of barefoot monks in orange robes walk through the streets to collect food from the local people. (Photo: The College Tourist) Halong Bay, Vietnam With its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological values Halong