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Showing posts from August, 2017

Ireland will soon have a direct flight to one of Asia's most famous cities

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Hong Kong's famous skyline will be within reach for Irish travellers. Image: Arnold Drapkin/PA Images Hong Kong's famous skyline will be within reach for Irish travellers. Image: Arnold Drapkin/PA Images HONG KONG'S FLAGSHIP airline is to begin direct flights to and from China, marking the first time Ireland will have a direct flight to the Asia-Pacific region. Cathay Pacific will begin the Dublin-Hong Kong route from next June and will operate the service four times per week. The airline's website has the route available next June from €642 for a return flight. The flights will be into Hong Kong International Airport and will provide Irish travellers with more options for connecting travel within Asia. It will also provide a direct option for the estimated 4,000 Irish people who live in the former British colony. Dublin Airport's managing director Vincent Harrison described the new route as "historic" and said today that it w

PATA Pacific Asia Travel Association : Kenny Picken

President & Group MD, Traveltek Kenny, entrepreneurial by nature is Traveltek's Group CEO, founding the Glasgow Head Quartered company in 2002, having previously served his time in a number of low funded and diverse start ups; a very successful senior sales position with Alcatel, the global telecommunications company moving to the very new NCS Group as their first director of sales where Kenny took the company from revenues under £1m to £6m+ in his four years with the company, leaving only to set up his own venture which later became Traveltek. A keen pioneer of travel innovation, Kenny has steered Traveltek through a series of 'first to market' initiatives which have seen Traveltek grow from a standing start to become an award winning global player in travel automation. In Oct 2016, Kenny secured Traveltek's first ever external funding from YFM Equity Partners providing a multi million-dollar investment to help grow Traveltek's ever increasing global foot

FTI Touristic Germany: We love Nepal Tourism, and so do 2200 travel agents

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Nepal Tourism Board successfully participated in the Asia Roadshow. The Asia Roadshow is an annual event organized by FTI Touristik Germany which is the 4th largest Tour Operator in Germany with having more than 2200 agents over Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The Roadshow was held in 5 prominent cities of Germany viz Hamburg, Essen, Mannheim, Wurzburg and Dresden from 21-25th August 2017. This is the first initiative of Nepal Tourism Board to partner with an International Tour Operator for destination promotion. Nepal had an exclusive presentation session in all the events along with 5 other top destinations in Asia. The other destinations included China, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore. Bangkok Airways, Singapore Airlines, Belmond Resorts-Bali, Hilton Hotel, Mulia hotels-Bali, Elephant Hills-Phuket and Interpid were individual tourism properties who were also a part of the Asia Roadshow. Every event witnessed the participation of more than 80 agents where the exhibitors

TRAVEL - MY CUP RUNNETH OVER

Advertisement Published: August 28th 2017 Edit Blog Post INDONESIA - MY CUP RUNNETH OVER There is nothing quite like going on a dive trip and staying for a week or two. I usually plan at least two days of diving when I go to a new country, and as you can see…sometimes I do many more. This is my second trip to Lembeh Straits in Sulawesi, Philippines. It is a marvelous place. I like dive resorts, and dive live-aboards, where the emphasis is on diving. But I also like smaller dive shops so my hotels or hostels are in local neighborhoods and I get to see more of the culture and the people of the country. This trip, which started on December 5th and ended on February 9th was a good mix of diving and travel. I started by joining a friend from my dive club, Emerald Sea Dive Club in Everett, Washington. Sarina and three members of her family allowed me to join them in Costa Rica. It was a fun week, diving with Sarina at an ungodly early hour every morning and being her dive

US Travel Warning for Bangladesh

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MENAFN - Bangladesh Monitor - 26/08/2017 (MENAFN - #Bangladesh Monitor) WASHINGTON DC : The US Department has updated travel warning to reflect the change in the US Embassy in Dhaka's status to 'partially accompanied,' effective August 24, 2017, allowing all spouses/partners of US government personnel to remain in or return to Dhaka. Previously, only adult family members employed by the US government were permitted to remain or return to Dhaka. Minor dependents are still prohibited from residing in Dhaka. The US Embassy remains open and will provide all consular services. This travel warning replaces the travel warning dated January 5, 2017. While Bangladeshi security forces continue to identify and counter terrorist elements, the Islamic State of #Iraq and ash Sham (ISIS) and al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) persist in their efforts to plot and/or carry out terrorist attacks throughout the country. In March, two suicide bombing at

New Zealand, Australia, SE Asia, Japan travel advice needed - Australia Forum

My wife and I are planning a trip next April to Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan. I'm working through AirTreks for flights. With limited time my preliminary plan is to visit: Honolulu, HI for 3 nights, Papeete, Tahiti for 4 nights, Auckland, NZ for 4 nights, Queenstown, NZ for 4 nights, Cairns, Australia, 3 nights, Uluru (Ayers Rock), 2 nights, Canberra (to visit a friend), 2 nights, Sydney, 4 nights, Singapore, 4 nights, Hong Kong, 4 nights, Seoul, Korea, 4 nights, Kyoto, Japan (fly into Osaka?), 4 nights and take train to Tokyo, 4 nights (with a day trip to Hakone). We live on the east coast of the US. With the exception of the train trip from Osaka or Kyoto to Tokyo all travel would be by plane. My questions are: does that order of travel seem most efficient, especially in Australia and Japan, any suggestions on hotels vs Airbnb's (no hostels) or things to see and do. We've gotten travel guides for all of these

Newcastle Airport international travel facilities provide more than just tourism opportunities

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Bali, Fiji, Auckland, Singapore and Queenstown remain on top of Newcastle Airport's hit list. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance and Newcastle Airport CEO Peter Cock in the control tower. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance and Newcastle Airport CEO Peter Cock in the arrivals section. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance addresses the crowd. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance cutting the ribbon while Newcastle Airport chairman Peter Gesling and CEO Peter Cock watch on. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers exit Bali, Fiji, Auckland, Singapore and Queenstown remain on top of Newcastle Airport's hit list, after the transport hub's new international terminal was opened on Friday. But the state's transport minister says international travel would boost more than just tourism. S

STR: Asia Pacific hotel performance for July 2017

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Performance24 August 2017 LONDON – Hotels in the Asia Pacific region reported positive results in the three key performance metrics during July 2017, according to data from STR. U.S. dollar constant currency, July 2017 vs. July 2016 Asia Pacific Occupancy: +3.8% to 74.4% Average daily rate (ADR): +1.9% to US$97.67 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): +5.7% to US$72.66 Local currency, July 2017 vs. July 2016 Indonesia Occupancy: +11.1% to 68.0% ADR: -1.5% to IDR1,090,890.60 RevPAR: +9.4% to IDR741,434.78 The absolute occupancy level was the highest for a July in Indonesia since 2012, while RevPAR reached its highest July level since 2011. With substantial demand increases in both the Transient and Group (bookings of 10 or more rooms at once) segments, STR analysts attribute the performance to routine post-Ramadan increases in corporate travel and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) business. Japan Occupancy: +0.7% to 85.1% ADR: -0

citizenM Taipei North Gate takes brand in Asia for first time

Artyzen Hospitality Group has welcomed the opening of the inaugural citizenM hotel in Asia. Located in Taiwan's cosmopolitan capital directly opposite the city's historical site, North Gate, citizenM Taipei North Gate is within short walking distance of both Taipei Main Station and the Airport Express terminal, which offers an efficient 35-minute direct train to Taoyuan International Airport. Near to the popular shopping and tourist area of Ximending, the 267-room property boasts stunning Tamsui River views, contemporary design, efficient service and cutting-edge technology – all at a smart price. A significant milestone for the young and innovative Dutch hotel brand, the debut Asian property in Taipei is the eleventh citizenM hotel to open worldwide since its 2008 launch. A concept brought to life by award-winning Dutch designers, Concrete, citizenM Taipei North Gate breaks the rules of traditional hospitality, with just one room category ingeniously designed aroun

Qatar Airways boosts frequencies on key Asia routes

Qatar Airways continues to demonstrate strong global growth with the announcement of new flights to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The airline has responded to continued robust demand from passengers by increasing its Colombo service from four to five flights per day from September 1st, just one month after the last frequency increase. Its Dhaka service will increase from two to three flights per day, also effective from September The additional non-stop, daily services to and from Colombo and Dhaka will each be serviced by Qatar Airways modern A320s, adding more than 1,000 seats to the current weekly capacity to and from both exciting destinations. Qatar Airways chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: "We are again delighted to be able to cater to business and leisure growth in both of these vibrant gateway cities. "When passengers travel with us on our non-stop service to Doha and onward to destinations in Europe, Americas and the Middle East, these additional fre

Alibaba-Marriott site aims at Chinese boom in travel plans: Executive

Alibaba and Marriott hope to offer Chinese travelers a seamless booking experience from rooms to local services, says Peggy Fang Roe, chief sales and marketing officer, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. READ MORE SEE LESS Source: Alibaba-Marriott site aims at Chinese boom in travel plans: Executive

These travel apps will help you find flights and secret destinations

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When planning a vacation, no matter the destination or length of stay, there are many variables to consider. You have to find the right accommodations and book flights that fit within your budget. It gets even more difficult when you start planning for a group. Thank God for technology because there are apps you can download to make this process easier. Below is a list of apps that offer offline maps, a group planner, and more. Download them and start planning your next vacation. CURRENCY Photo: Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network When shopping abroad, you have to be mindful of the prices so you know if what you're spending on is worth it. This converter gives up-to-date rates so it also helps when you're exchanging money from one currency to another. Download: Available on iTunes App Store and Google Play. CITYMAPS2GO Photo: Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network Find your way around cities you've never been to with these maps.

Mature animal loving couple looking for longer term homesits worldwide - currently in Asia - willing to travel for the right assignment

About this sitter We are an outgoing and friendly, mature couple, who left Scotland UK in 2014 to travel the world. Janice continues to be a writer and published novelist and Trav is a retired engineer and now a PADI Staff Instructor (scuba diving). Our plan has always been to travel and have adventures and to live like locals not tourists wherever possible. Now that we are into our fourth year of travelling, we are looking to take things a little more slowly. For this reason, we are mostly looking for longer term housesits of several weeks to several months and we are willing to travel internationally for the right assignment. We are both animal lovers and have lots of experience with pets and livestock. We are practical and skilled in looking after a home and we promise to attend to your home and to your animals as carefully as you would while you are away. Why they want to house sit We are committed to long term travel outside the UK as we wish to experience other countrie

100 trips everyone should take in their lifetime, according to the world's top travel experts

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Facebook/Clem & Agathe Over The World No matter how many countries you've been to, there's always somewhere new to discover. But with so many cultures, countries, and landscapes to explore, it's hard to prioritise one dream destination over another. Business Insider UK asked 20 top travel bloggers and writers/editors from the likes of Lonely Planet, Suitcase, and Airbnb for the top five destinations they've ever visited — or the ones that are at the top of their bucket list. Based on their advice, we've compiled a list of must-see places across the globe that everyone should visit in their lifetime. From off-the-beaten-track hidden gems to well-recognised yet stunning locations, prepare to get hit with some serious travel envy as you scroll on to see the 100 destinations everyone should visit in their lifetime — along with why everyone should experience each trip. View As: One Page Slides Source: 100 trips everyone should take in their lif

Budget Travel Guide: 12 Spots in Asia to Get the Most Incredible City Views

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Klook x TripZilla: Introducing our "Klook & Save" series! We know the pain of budgeting for trips. There's just so much to see and so much to do! Quit putting yourself through all that headache; with Klook, you'll be guaranteed quality experiences at more affordable prices. Travel paperless and hassle-free – just the way we like it. If you're a first-time user of Klook, use the promo code "TRIPZILLA5" to get S$5 off any of your activities. Adventure starts NOW! What's the one thing we all love about visiting cities? The VIEW. Just imagine: an endless sea of twinkling lights spread as far as the eye can see. It's simply indescribable! If, like us, you're one who ravishes the beauty of concrete jungles, here are 12 spots in Asia with a kickass city view – guaranteed to give you that million-dollar #gram that'll spark the envy of all your friends.P.S. Use the promo code "TRIPZILLA5" to get S$5 off any of your Klook bo

Jetstar Asia Will Soon Have Direct Flights Between Singapore and Clark, Pampanga

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Jetstar Asia will fly direct from Singapore to Clark, Pampanga, Philippines starting 28 November 2017. This return flight service will run three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Jetstar Asia CEO Mr Bara Pasupathi said that with the addition of this new route, Jetstar Asia now provides more than 410,000 seats a year in total capacity between the Philippines and Singapore. The new Singapore-Clark service, which offers 56,000 extra seats per year, is Jetstar Asia's support towards the Philippine Government's agenda to ease congestion in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Clark International Airport Departure Hall | Image credit: TheJMP617 Located northwest of Manila, Clark International Airport provides convenient access to most of Central and Northern Luzon cities and provinces, where a number of underrated Philippine attractions can be found. Through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, which extends to the North Luzon Expres

Issyk Kul Lake – pure beauty in Central Asia

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Issyk Kul Lake is one of the biggest lakes in Asia. Over 180 km long and 70 km wide is biggest lake in Kyrgystan and of course in central Asia. Location of the lake and amazing landscape around make this lovely place to be magnet for a adventuress  like me. Long time was thinking about going to Issyk Kul Lake  and finally one spring day 2013 i booked my flight to Kyrgyzstan and start my trip from the dreams. Thanks to Fly Pegasus low cost airliners from Turkey i was able to find very reasonable price for the flight. Symbolically i start my trip on 2nd of May for my birthday. After some journey i got to Bishkek International Airport  . Pass the control and all that procedures and head to my hotel , place that was located in the city center. Nice and lovely building with cool deco and i would say wonderful service . But as i was going to fall a sleep i was thinking about how gonna be the adventure on the  Issyk Kul Lake.  Next day i rent  car and head to the lake. 229 km from the

12 Most Incredible National Parks in Asia

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SPONSORED The continent of Asia is such a huge and diverse place that it should come as no surprise that there are many national parks here worth visiting.  With breathtaking natural landscapes, colorful flora and fauna, and some of the most endangered species of wildlife on the planet, outdoor lovers owe it to themselves to travel to Asia and set out on a journey of exploration. So if you're looking to add some new items to your travel bucket list for the new year, here are 12 incredible national parks to visit in Asia. They're all highly recommended for different reasons but are all totally worth a trip overseas. We've also included some nearby towns to each of these parks to help you find accommodations for your trip. Jiuzhai Valley National Park Jiuzhai Valley National Park – China Crystal clear blue and turquoise lakes are what people often remember most about Jiuzhaigou National Park. However, there are plenty of other things to take notice of here