Hilton Hotels joins Thai golf consortium

Hilton Hotels, has joined the Thai marketing cooperative Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience. As new hotel partners, Hilton properties across Thailand - in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Phuket - are now preferred lodging options, along side the country’s top golf courses, in variety of stay-and-play itineraries offered and executed by tour operator Golfasian.

“To have Hilton as a partner is another ringing endorsement of what we’re doing with Golf in a Kindgom - that is, make Thai golf holidays easier to book and formulate, while guaranteeing international standards of quality with every course and hotel on each itinerary,” said Mark Siegel, CEO of Bangkok-based Golfasian. “Hilton doesn’t throw in with just anyone, of course. Hilton welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand, 76 countries across six continents, if I’m not mistaken. Their involvement is a feather in our caps, but it is also another incentive for golfers who recognize in Hilton another guarantee of quality.”

The four Hilton properties that have joined Golf in a Kingdom include:
- The Hilton Pattaya, located in the heart of this coastal city, overlooking Pattaya Beach, and situated atop the new Central Festival Pattaya Beach complex, with its 200 international-caliber shops, restaurants, cinemas and recreational facilities.
- The Millennium Hilton Bangkok, standing imperiously on the banks of the Chao Praya River, boasting sweeping city views and incomparable access to the varied delights of Thailand’s capital.
- Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, a stunning resort set on sandy Karon Beach and comprising 75 acres of lush tropical gardens. Karon Beach is the quiet, upscale alternative to raucous Patong Beach just up the coast.
- The Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, a 17-story tower in the center of this royal enclave overlooks the Gulf of Thailand and serves as home to distinctive mix of dining options, including the Hua Hin Brewery Company, a former fisherman’s shack dating from 1923.

“I think it’s instructive for traveling golfers in Europe and North America to recognize that Thailand is equipped with 5-star hotel brands like Hilton, and Marriott, along with world-class golf, superb food, unmatched nightlife and a first-world, modern transportation infrastructure,” said Siegel. “Of course, there is a difference - Thailand is tropically temperate 365 days a year, and golfers can spend a week here for a fraction of what they’d pay in European or North American destinations.”

By banding together to form Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience the country’s top courses and hotels have created a cooperative itinerary that matches the most desirable “stay” options with its most desirable “play” options. Those play options include the creme of Southeast Asian resort tracks:

- Banyan Golf Club, also in Hua Hin, voted top new course in Asia by readers of Asian Golf Monthly in 2009
- Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort, recently voted the top course in Southeast Asia by SEA Globe magazine.
- Muang Kaew Golf Club, a lush urban retreat in the heart of Bangkok.
- The Old Course at Siam Country Club in Pattaya, host of the 2010 Honda PTT LPGA
- Siam Country Club’s Plantation Course, host of the same LPGA event in 2009
- Thai Country Club in Bangkok, voted ‘Best Championship Course in Asia’, as voted by Asian Golf Monthly readers in 2008.
- Black Mountain Golf Club, just three years old but already a bona fide “championship” layout, having played host to the Asian Tour’s Black Mountain Masters in 2009.

Fairmont Pittsburgh receives U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Gold Certification

Fairmont Pittsburgh is pleased to announce that it has received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Gold level from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The announcement was made by Leonard S. Czarnecki, general manager of the luxury hotel.

“We are proud to continue Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ tradition of operational sustainability and responsible tourism here at the Pittsburgh location,” states Czarnecki. “In fact, Fairmont Pittsburgh is the first LEED certified project for Fairmont, and we are looking forward to growing our reputation as a responsible member of this community.”

Fairmont Pittsburgh which opened on March 29, 2010, is part of Three PNC Plaza, a 23-story high-rise owned by The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Three PNC Plaza, which is one of the nation’s largest green, mixed-use buildings, expands upon PNC’s commitment to environmental responsibility and green building practices.  PNC has more newly constructed LEED certified buildings – 80 – than any company on earth.

The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. In order to receive Gold certification, Fairmont Pittsburgh had to meet strict sustainable design and construction guidelines set by the USGBC.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is recognized worldwide for its commitment to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. The Fairmont Green Partnership program was pioneered by Fairmont’s Canadian hotels in 1990 and has become a core value of the Fairmont brand. The program focuses on improvements in waste management, sustainability, and energy and water conservation at Fairmont properties, and innovative community outreach programs involving local groups and partnerships.

Carbon emissions reporting to take higher priority in travel

The changing face of climate policy in China is bringing improvements to business travel management, with more local companies seeking to contribute to carbon emission offset programs, according to FCm Travel Solutions Greater China. The Asia-Pacific based travel management consultancy says a regional and global shift towards lower carbon economies has started to influence the way local companies are reporting on their travel. Demand for carbon emissions reporting on air travel is beginning to grow, with more companies prepared to play a part in offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, FCm says.

“There’s an increasing expectation from both government and consumers, for companies to show their commitment to making a difference,” said David Fraser, general manager of FCm Greater China. “As a result of this we have seen a higher level of interest in carbon emissions reporting from our corporate clients, and we believe this trend will continue to develop.”

Mr Fraser said FCm Greater China had launched a new tool that enabled its clients to measure and report on carbon emissions across their business travel.

The new service applies two globally accepted standards for calculating carbon emissions: the World Business Council for Sustainable Development Greenhouse Gas Protocol, and the World Resources Institute Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Both standards deliver average emission values based on weight and distance travelled.

FCm’s tool helps companies prepare a greenhouse gas inventory that provides an accurate snapshot of their emissions. The report provides information by individual travellers, so companies can calculate and compare CO2 emissions for each traveller’s itinerary.

Using FCm’s reports, companies can access detailed data including the date, flight number, origin and destinations. The reports also summarise city pairs (eg. PEK to SHA) with segment numbers, total miles and carbon pounds.

“Using this data, our clients can build an effective strategy to manage and reduce their emissions,” Mr Fraser said. “For example, if their business travel is well planned or can allow some flexibility, companies might be able to explore more carbon efficient routes or consider the fuel efficiency of the aircraft on which they would be travelling. Our solution benefits companies by enhancing their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, which helps ensure their travel is not only safe and comfortable, but also environmentally efficient. In the future, FCm is expecting to see carbon emissions reporting become a more integral part of corporate travel policies in China."

Redspot Car Rentals drive into Asia

Redspot Car Rentals has appointed Travolution Marketing as the General Sales Agent (GSA) to represent it in Singapore and Malaysia. The Redspot GSA will promote Redspot Car Rentals superior products and services to Singapore and Malaysian based travel agents and wholesalers. This appointment will facilitate reservations and allow payment in Singapore Dollars and Malaysian Ringgit.

Due to the growing interest and demand in Australian self drive holidays from both Singapore and Malaysia markets, Redspot sees it as a good opportunity to capitalise on. A dedicated personnel in market will allow Redspot to service the clients' needs more effectively and promptly. Redspot offers a superior product with a comprehensive vehicle fleet and wide network in Australia with competitive rates.

ITB Asia puts association meetings business in spotlight

ITB Asia has attracted over 25 speakers to address Association Day, a specialist forum 20-21 October that is dedicated to understanding and growing the association meeting sector in Asia.

Annual and bi-annual association meetings for doctors, insurance experts, dentists, scientists and other professions are increasingly important because such events take place regardless of global economic conditions. Before, during and after these events, association members spend large amounts of money on shopping, travel, dining and entertainment.

“Such discretionary spend is keenly sought-after by convention and visitor bureaus and national tourism offices,” said Nancy Tan, Managing Director of Ace:Daytons Direct, one of the initiators of the Association Day, which is hosted by Messe Berlin (Singapore). ASAE, The Center for Association Leadership and Suntec Singapore are key collaborators. Association Day is supported by ICCA and the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau.

Traveling with teenagers: How to keep them involved

Families with teenagers often find themselves in the struggle of picking a vacation spot that everyone can enjoy. But it is obtainable, as long as you know what your family enjoys and what travel options you have at your disposal. Before planning your family’s next vacation, check out this advice from ASTA. ASTA members know that planning the perfect vacation is easier with time and good advice on your side.

“As a father of two boys, I know how difficult it can be to create a vacation that appeals to everyone, but that’s where your ASTA travel agent comes in,” said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair. “Working with a professional travel agent can save you time and money. Travel agents work within your schedule, budget and expectations to produce an incomparable vacation experience.”

Religious attraction will open in China

In the north-eastern Chinese province of Liaoning are planning to open a biblical theme park worth 569 million dollars. Some attractions will be based on biblical stories such as Moses and the Israelites, as well as Noah's ark. In Christianity in the park will also present Buddhism and Taoism. In accordance with the statement, the Hong Kong entrepreneur and simply pious man Mr. Leung Munla plans to organize a World of Harmony Park, which tell the history of Chinese and Western civilizations. Source: IP "Voyage"

Schengen visas can cancel in 2010

The following year, the EU can introduce visa-free regime for Russian citizens. "It's very good news awaiting us in 2010, in the sense that the issues of liberalization of the visa regime will now be addressed by a qualified majority vote rather than on the basis of unanimity, - said the Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini in an interview Russia Today." This will enable such country like Italy to make a proposal and say that she believes that the Russians have earned the right to visa-free movement within the EU. Now, any of the 27 EU member states can veto and block any decision, "- said Frattini." 

Global warming threatens the popular tourist destinations

As a result of the Copenhagen Conference on the Environment, taking place this week in Denmark, HolidayCheck called well-known tourist destinations, whose existence threatened by global warming. Here are the five most risky areas.

Athens - one of the oldest cities in the world with an incredible amount of architectural monuments. Unfortunately, the temperature rise in the Mediterranean region is faster than anywhere else. The scientists suggest that by 2020 the city chart ranks the growing cloud of smog, and the temperature in this part of the world will be over 40 ° Celsius.

Militancy, floods hit Pak tourism industry

The absence of tourism regulatory framework, fragile security situation in the country and recent floods have all contributed to the ranking of Pakistan as low as 103 out of the 124 countries in terms of tourism.

Starwood Hotels plans to launch Element in India

Shweta Bhanot Posted: Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 0024 hrs IST Updated: Friday, Aug 27, 2010 at 0024 hrs IST Mumbai: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, a US hospitality major that runs brands like Sheraton and Le Meridien, plans to bring its four-star brand Element to India.

3 Hotel Stocks to Buy Now

Stocks in the hotel sector were mostly in positive territory Friday, with Orient-Express Hotels and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide leading the pack in terms of share price gains among hotel companies with a market cap larger than $100 million.

Orthodox Christians held historic Mass at monastery in Turkey

Around 2,500 Orthodox Christians held the first Mass in 88 years at the ancient Sümela Monastery in Turkey’s north-eastern province of Trabzon on Sunday, August 15.

 

Trabzon Governor Kizilcik said that the service, which was held first time after 88 years, was attended by Orthodox Christians from Greece, Russia, Georgia, USA, Turkey and led by Patriarch Bartholomew I; the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians.

“We are most thankful as this day is sacred for not only believers in the Black Sea but for all Orthodox and the Christian world as it is the Assumption Day of Mother Mary. We are blessed to celebrate this day here in Sümela. First it is grace from God and then it is grace from the government,” said Patriarch Bartholomew I.

Almost 50% of people plan to marry abroad

Almost half of people want to get married abroad to avoid distant relatives and unwanted acquaintances, according to new research conducted by Sandals Resorts, the Luxury Included Caribbean hotel company. 47 per cent of those surveyed said they would like to or are planning to marry abroad to avoid inviting distant relations and acquaintances that they don’t really want to be there.

The survey conducted with 2000 respondents shows that weddings abroad are now just as popular as those at home, with an equal number of people saying they would like to get married overseas (40 per cent) as at home in the UK (40 per cent). Just among those planning to marry within the next 12 months, 54 per cent said they’ll marry at home and 46 per cent are actually planning a ceremony abroad.

Top 10 most popular tourist destinations for Russians in 2010

Analytical Group of the Association of Travel Agencies of Russia (ATOR) prepared a report of tours to abroad requested at the search engine, Yandex. By the end of seven months of 2010, the number of requested tours abroad increased an average of 40% compare to the same period last year
.

Top 10 most popular countries in July among users of the Yandex:

1-      Over a quarter (26%) of all requests were Turkey.

2-      The second most popular search is Egypt, which in July requested by 11% of “Yandex” users.  In absolute terms, tours in Egypt has requested by 123 thousand people (compared to 112 thousand in July last year).

New three-star hotels may appear in Moscow

Metropolitan Government before the end of the year is planning to build eight three-star hotels for 2500 travelers, said the prefect of the Central Administrative District Alexei Alexandrov. The increase in room capacity in Moscow could contribute deficit of sleeping places and to reduce prices for a hotel room. However, market analyst’s doubt that the hotels could be ready before the end of this year.

“Today we focus on the three-star hotels, which are not enough in the center of Moscow. They affect the image of the capital, because both Russians and foreigners are staying there “- bragged Alexei Alexandrov.

Note, that the need to increase  the number of 3-stars hotels in capital is consistently on discussion by metropolitan government at least for the last 10 years. However, a significant number of new hotels in the city have not yet appeared. Moreover, a significant blow to the market suffered demolition of the “Hotel Russia”, resulting in a shortfall of hotels only worsened.

Maldives: on the sunny side of life

If you are going to go in February in some warmer climes seek summer, a great place for this would be the Maldives.

Maldives - a 1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls southwest of Sri Lanka on the equator. Maldives stretched for 820 kilometers from north to south and 120 km from west to east. 202 inhabited islands, 87 islands - exclusive resorts.
The climate is mostly warm and humid. The sun shines all year. Average annual temperature - 29-32 degrees Celsius.
Dress code is mostly casual: t-shirts and cotton clothing - the most suitable. In Male, the main island, women are advised to dress modestly and not too laid bare.

Greek island of Rhodes

Coming summer - time to leave. The time when you want to change the situation, go to the not very ordinary, but hopefully the budget the country ...

Greece long ago does not apply to countries uncommon, however, tended to stay within budget and drastically change their environment. Perhaps this is why Greece and its islands is so popular among tourists. And Rhodes slightly distracting from the overall tourism picture.
Rhodes - Greek Island, about 18 km south-east of Turkey in eastern Aegean Sea. This is the largest island of the Dodecanese in area and population, half of whom reside in the capital island of the same name.
It has long been famous for the legendary statue of Rhodes Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the world. The medieval old town of Rhodes was declared part of world heritage.

Such different tourism

We all have different views on life in general and on holidays in particular. Someone from work feels "squeezed lemon" and dreams endure to leave, to get to the deck chairs in the hotel «all inclusive», and so there ... lie, lie and lie, turning occasionally. Hotels in Turkey just created for such a pastime. And someone in my heart feels like Viking or Amazon and ready to conquer the world, only there's nowhere to turn.

If you are tired of discussing the number of stars, the value of the pool, the quality of buffet and a shortage of sunbeds, and discover the amazing and diverse world of tourism. After all, instead of the photo next to the hotel pool and flower bed can bring home photos conquered the mountain pass, the ruins of an ancient temple, or you caught a huge fish.

Amazing Santo Domingo

Private beach Aura Beach, located behind the border of the city, not even close to similar to something that imagine when you think about the beaches of the Dominican Republic. Sunbeds are not stand in rows, and is no struggle for a better place. Every place here is as comfortable as it is adjacent. In contrast to the island resorts of this region, here - just a few steps from Santo Domingo, really lies the place where you can spend hours on end just bask in the sun.

Before dawn, you can catch dinner pasta with seafood, which will be served directly to your personal chairs, standing at the edge of the ocean. Where, if not here, you can taste the exquisite bliss of decadence.

What you may not know, so it is that Santo Domingo, in fact - a city with rich historical and cultural heritage. Here was a road trodden simultaneously discoverers, conquerors and pirates. Here every cobblestone pavement breathes history, and houses in colonial style pose stories about winners and losers. In the end, it is here leg Conqueror first set foot on the land of the Americas.

Morocco - hit parade of the best beaches.

You ever been in a place where many resorts collected immediately that you had to choose, where you will relax today? In the summer you love to travel to where sea, sun and heat?

If you answered yes to the second question, and plan to spend your summer vacation somewhere in the southern sea, do not miss the opportunity to visit Morocco! There are so many resorts, beaches and just a place for relaxation that you're allotted rest time you will be able to move from one town to another, eating more and more new ways of enjoyment and relaxation. Believe me, the beaches of Morocco, located on the shores of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea - is exactly what is required to see and try every self-respecting lovers of the sea.

One of these pampered sun, sea and beaches, this Calida, also called blue pearl. Salida - the beach, ideal for you, whoever you are, and whatever love. In addition to the ever-warm sand, sun and relaxation, there is certainly food for thought: Nature lovers will appreciate the violence of trees surrounding the beach, and fans of architecture - the beauty of the city port. Here you can enjoy a workout in sports and have fun - we now offer golf, tennis, or select one of the many types of water activities, under which reserved an entire seaside cove.

On vacation with children

HB depending on the age and temperament of your children, take them on vacation, on holiday or on some excursion, often means to accept a real challenge. When the children are still very tiny for them need constant supervision, which means that parents need different places and devices to help with baby. However, all this is not always available on travel or on vacation, so the usual procedure can cause unusual hardship.
Come to mind!
  One of the common mistakes committed by their parents - especially if parents are still inexperienced - it is the desire to pack literally everything. The result is that they take the children a lot of things that only aggravate suitcases, but at their leisure and can not use. Remember - going on vacation with his family, the child is not planning to play with each of their toys. He therefore will be plenty of impressions. And the great toys they do not need - as it often happens that even the size of your room will not allow the child to full power to deploy favorite designer. Take a couple of small toys from the number of loved ones, as well as a couple of small surprises that the child had not yet seen - so you are interested in him when he got to play with familiar toys.