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Weekly UpdatesJun 7, 2009
Global airlines, still reeling from the H1N1 flu-virus scare, have stepped up efforts to protect passengers from health risks on international flights. In Asia, carriers spooked by the memory of SARS have stepped up cabin cleaning, installed state-of-the-art air filters and allowed in-flight staff to wear face masks. For example, Cathay Pacific now replaces used pillows, blankets, headset covers and headrest covers, spokeswoman Carolyn Leung said. China Southern Airlines has been disinfecting the cabins of all aircraft. China Eastern Airlines flight attendants are required to wear disposable face masks, gloves and hats and even disposable overcoats during flights to some destinations. Mexicana Airlines uses high-efficiency filters that can trap small particles that would normally recirculate back into the air, spokesman Adolfo Crespo said. The H1N1 flu virus has been confirmed in 20,000 people in 68 countries, killing at least 126, according to the World Health Organization. Although it appears mild, experts are concerned that the disease could change into a more dangerous form. In the wake of the spread, some countries have intensified health precautions. Singapore saw its first case of the H1N1 flu in late May, after a native student flew home from New York on a Singapore Airlines flight. Singapore has been thermal-screening everyone coming into the country. The method, which identifies travelers with a fever, did not help authorities spot the sick student, as she had not yet developed a fever. The government quarantined the passenger and about 60 other people on the same flight who were sitting within three rows. "This won't be the last case in Singapore unless we could stop people from traveling," Singapore's Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said. Singapore Airlines, the world's biggest by market value, is giving passengers traveling to the United States health kits that include a thermometer, masks and antiseptic towels. Its cabin and flight crews are getting mandatory temperature checks before flights. Jun 4, 2009
Australian Pacific Touring
Australian Pacific Touring is including a stopover in Fiji on its 22-day or 23-day Australia & New Zealand escorted vacation with air from LAX. It calculates to a savings of USD 1,190 per couple. The bookings must be made by July 3. When booking just ask for your free two nights in Fiji at the Outrigger on the Lagoon. The Outrigger on the Lagoon is a beachfront resort with an island ambience reminiscent of a traditional Fijian village. Clients will stay in a luxurious Superior Resort View Room with a private lanai (balcony) and air-conditioning. The warm hospitality of the Fijian people will instantly make you feel at home on your stopover at Outrigger on the Lagoon. APT is a USTOA member and has been showing visitors around their homelands for over 80 years. www.aptouring.com. Jun 5, 2009
Banyan Tree Hotels
To celebrate Banyan Tree Hotels and ResortsO 15th anniversary, the group is offering a selection of packages that showcase its two brands, Banyan Tree and Angsana. The Best of Banyan Tree and Best of Angsana packages are available now through Sept. 30, for stays through Sept. 30. As an added bonus, guests who book now through June 15, for stays from now through Sept. 30, will also receive 50 percent savings. The Best ofE packages include a two-night stay, daily breakfast for two, dinner for two at the hotelsO restaurants and a 90-minute spa session for one person during the stay. www.banyantree.com Jun 4, 2009
Mvenpick Hotel
The Mvenpick Hotel Hanoi held its official grand opening with a spirited bash for some 600 people late last month. The 154-room hotel had executed a soft opening in December 2008, and its Mangosteen restaurant debuted in early February. Today, with final touches applied to its suites, and the christening of its health club and massage rooms on the third-floor level, all systems are go. OMost new hotels make a claim about being OdifferentO but this is integral to the Mvenpick philosophy and we have taken this to still another level here,O said Mvenpick Hotel Hanoi General Manager Knuth Kiefer. www.islanddestinations.com Jun 4, 2009
North Korea
North Korea has become another third-world communist country using nuclear terror to gain influence and respect. The second underground nuclear explosion, a ballistic missile test and a series of tactical missile launches by North Korea are certain signs of more trouble to come, say top U.S. military officials stationed in South Korea. But a major military event - either civil war or a major strike into the south - is considered remote. "It's more likely that something will happen than not [as part of a string of continuing provocations], most probably clashes in the western sea [where South Korean, North Korean and Chinese fishing interests conflict]," says Brig. Gen. Mike Keltz, vice commander of 7th Air Force. Analysts point to the upcoming start of crabbing season as a possible flash point. The method, hidden in this chaotic behavior, is that North Korea cannot embrace peace, because it would then become simply another third-world country with no influence; nor does it want to start a war that it could not possibly win. "All of this is utterly predictable," says a senior, Pacific-based Air Force official who has watched the peninsula for years. "North Korea simply can't stand to be ignored. They have learned that we react, so they act. We're silly to do that. They are utterly rational. From a strategic sense, we already know pretty much what we need to know to be active rather than reactive. Indications and warnings are no longer relevant. We can't predict precisely when they'll act, but we know they will. U.S. overreaction is a horrible approach to this situation." The U.S. and South Korea raised the alert status on their military forces after a North Korean statement that the truce ending the Korean War was dead and it was ready to attack. Other provocative events could include additional tactical and ballistic missile firings, another nuclear test, restarting the nuclear program, a return to export of missiles and nuclear technology, cyberattacks that are undisguised as a demonstration of pride of authorship and, possibly, some clashes in the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas, say Air Force analysts. Of international concern is an anti-ship missile that has been developed and tested by North Korea. Analysts say it is referred to by Western intelligence as the KN-01. It is thought to be based on the Soviet-era "Styx," although there are indications that the weapon could be a class similar to the Russian SS-N-25 "Switchblade." A genuine, sea-skimming missile with a medium-range capability would pose a credible threat if it has entered production and is deployed in operationally significant numbers reported AWST. Jun 1, 2009
Seychelles
Seychelles President James Michel has welcomed the signing of the European Union agreement for a OShort-Stay Visa-WaiverO that enables Seychellois to travel to the European Union without a Schengen visa. Jun 3, 2009
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau GM Vipula Wanigasekera is upbeat about the countryOs prospects for boost tourism and MICE business. OThe time is right to reap the benefits of tourism. WeOre preparing to welcome tourists and MICE delegates for the upcoming period,O he said. OOur president has declared the country Oliberated from terrorism,O ending more than 30 years of armed conflict in the north east of the country. In the aftermath of the victory, which will ensure peace on the island, Sri Lanka launched a new brand and a comprehensive communications campaign. Sri Lanka was receiving over 400,000 visitors every year despite the conflict. We can now expect an influx and the industry is gearing itself to cater to increasing numbers of arrivals in the coming months.O www.visitsrilanka.net. Jun 4, 2009
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