news to use ASIA Thai plans low-cost domestic airline
BY LAURA GELDER Thai Airways is to go ahead with
plans to launch a new low-fare airline next July. Thai Smile Air will operate out of
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, employing a fleet of 11 Airbus 320 aircraft that will serve routes less than two hours' flying time from the capital. The airline will initially fly to domestic destinations such as Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai (pictured), and Surat Thani, although the plan is to consider adding international destinations in 2013. Thai Airways president, Mr. Piyasvasti, said Thai Smile will not affect the airline’s
Consider the Imperial approach Agents looking for fresh ideas for
their Far East-bound clients should consider two brand new tours – in Shanghai and Hong Kong – from China- based operator Imperial Tours. The Jazz Tour explores Shanghai’s
glitzy history during the 1920s & ‘30s by visiting several legendary hotel venues and dance halls where jazz is still played today. The outing ends at a modern jazz club, but the evening can continue into the night at one or other of Shanghai’s current crop of buzzing jazz clubs. Squid fishing is a unique Hong Kong
evening experience on-board a luxury yacht. As nocturnal creatures, squid and cuttlefish hunt at night and can be found in abundance not far offshore. Participants will be rewarded with the chance to sample their fresh catch cooked on-board accompanied by a selection of fine wines.
www.imperialtours.net
ASIA IN BRIEF
Mövenpick heads to India The Mövenpick Hotel and Spa
has opened in Bangalore. The hotel group’s first property in India is located 30 minutes from the airport and is the first hotel in Bangalore to offer complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas. Features include four dining options and an infinity pool.
www.moevenpick-bangalore.com
08 October 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Time for Grace in Beijing Grace Beijing has opened in China’s
capital in the iconic 798 Art District, once a 1950s industrial complex. The boutique property’s individually-styled 30-rooms/ suites was formerly the Yi House Art Hotel. Amenities include a restaurant and Bar 798. The hotel is the first in Asia for Greek-owned Grace Hotels.
www.gracebeijing.com
St. Regis new for Hainan Island St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort
opens on Hainan Island, China’s southernmost tip, next month. Introductory two-night packages start from RMB 4,388pn (£440) and include transfers, breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner. The resort is located on one of Yalong Bay’s best beaches.
www.stregis.com
plans to also launch Thai Tiger Airways, a discount carrier in partnership with Singapore’s Tiger
Airways, which will materialise “as soon as possible.”
www.thaiairways.co.uk
China Holidays adds on Taiwan China Holidays has introduced its
first-ever standalone Taiwan tour in response, it says, to growing numbers of clients choosing Taiwan as an add-on to a China itinerary. The 15-day Taiwan package is a highlights tour which takes in Taipei, Taroko Gorge, Kenting, Sun
ANITA SACH PATA UK Chapter Editor
ukchapternews@pata.org.uk www.pata.org.uk London’s Borough Market was taken over by a selection of tourist boards from the Pacific Asia region last month for our Taste of PATA evening, which was attended by over 200 travel agents and trade buyers. The event, in its second year, is a
Moon Lake and Foguangshan Monastery. Priced from £2,495pp, it includes return flights with Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, four- and five-star hotels and most meals. Private tours of Taiwan cost from £2,895pp.
www.chinaholidays.com
Burma a focus for Travel Indochina Travel Indochina will offer 24
departures on its nine- and 13-day Burma tours, which start in January 2012. The nine-day tour, starting from £1,045pp, will include Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake. Experiences will include a horse-and-carriage ride through the Bagan Plains (pictured) and lunch at a local nunnery. The 13-day tour will feature additional
visits to the Pindaya Caves, Kalaw and a hill tribe trek in Intha and the Pak-oh villages. Guests will visit a local countryside school run by monks in Ava.
forum for destinations to show what they have to offer in an informal atmosphere. Guests enjoyed an Aussie BBQ, food, beers and wines from across the Asia Pacific region. Destinations represented included
Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, India and China as well as Emirates Airlines. There were a number of prizes on
offer for guests, who gathered information from exhibitors and completed a questionnaire. These included an accommodation package in Thailand, destination-themed goody bags, restaurant vouchers and cases of wine and beer. Ian Hawkes, executive director of
Prices start from £1,340pp, international flights are not included. The brochure is overwrapped by Travel
Indochina’s trade partner, Travel 2.
www.travelindochina.co.uk
the PATA UK Chapter, commented: "The huge response and interest in an event in only its second year is a marvellous tribute to the enduring appeal of the Asia Pacific region." The event will again take place next
year, along with similar events around the country. See this space for details.
Tourism Update PATA UK
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