news

Singapore Air takes industry by shock with latest announcement

Wed, 25 May 2011 13:32:56 +0100

Singapore Air has shocked the travel industry with the announcement that it will establish a wholly-owned low-cost airline for medium and long-haul flights.

This is in contrast to its positioning as one of the globe's best luxury airlines.

The new airline, yet to be named, will start operating within the next year.

Goh Choon Phong, chief executive of Singapore Airlines, said: “As we have observed on short-haul routes within Asia, low-fare airlines help stimulate demand for travel, and we expect this will also prove true for longer flights.”

Ascott Secures New Management Contracts in Malaysia and Indonesia

Tue, 24 May 2011 15:17:46 +0100

The world's leading international serviced residence owner-operator, The Ascott Limited, has recently secured two management contracts in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia.

The 200-unit Somerset Damansara Uptown Petaling Jaya and the 187-unit Somerset Kencana Jakarta are slated to open in 2016 and 2014 respectively.

The latest additions brings Ascott's global portfolio to over 27,000 keys across Asia, Europe and the Gulf Region.

Mr Alfred Ong, Ascott’s Managing Director for Southeast Asia and Australia, said: “As foreign investments continue to increase in Malaysia and Indonesia, we expect strong demand for our serviced residences. By securing our 10th property in each country, we are able to reap greater economies of scale and position Ascott for further growth in both countries.”

For more information, please visit www.the-ascott.com

Stellar Cast for Grand Opening of Universal Studios Singapore

Tue, 24 May 2011 15:18:19 +0100

By Edith Fang

Get ready for the likes of international superstar Jet Li and renowned singer Paula Abdul and many other celebrities as Universal Studios Singapore celebrates its grand opening on 27 and 28 May 2011.

The highlight of the ceremony will a colourful ceremony at the signature 21-metre tall archway entrance of Universal Studios Singapore, featuring a grand and exuberant character procession of the theme park’s world renowned resident stars.

Mr. Michael Silver, President of Global Business Development, Universal Parks & Resorts, said: “With the Grand Opening filled with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, this event is set to bring guests a spectacular once-in-a-lifetime experience. What excites us is that these superstars bring magic, movies and entertainment to life. And this epitomizes what Universal Studios Singapore is all about.”

Universal Studios Singapore’s Grand Opening activities kick off on the evening of May 27, with the transformation of the park’s Hollywood and New York zones into a glamorous Hollywood gala dinner party for 1,600 invited guests. Red-carpet arrivals will include many widely famous cast and West superstars and Singapore celebrities strolling down the traditional Hollywood red walkway.

For more information, please log on to www.facebook.com/ResortsWorldatSentosa

Ash Cloud Mars Travel Industry

Tue, 24 May 2011 15:18:04 +0100

By Edith Fang

As many as 500 scheduled flights were cancelled due to the volcanic ash blowing through the continent.

While the effects were not as bad as last year's, the latest crisis has threatened the travel industry greatly with the cancellation of many flights.

Irish-based airline Ryanair has defied orders from the Irish Aviation Authority and has pressed for bans on air travel to be lifted.

Travel Advisory:
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Video-Volcanic-Ash-Cloud-Travel-All-Your-Questions-Answered-About-Air-Delays-And-Cancellations/Article/201105415998497?lpos=UK_News_Top_Stories_Header_2&lid=ARTICLE_15998497_Video%2C_Volcanic_Ash_Cloud_Travel%3A_All_Your_Questions_Answered_About_Air_Delays_And_Cancellations

http://news.cheapflights.co.uk/2011/05/flights-cancelled-by-ash-cloud/

Get a Home-Away-From-Home with a Serviced Apartment

Thu, 19 May 2011 14:12:47 +0100

Serviced apartments are fully furnished apartments that are for stays of a day, a week, a month or even a year. They are an alternative for hotels for a short stay or a longer one, either for business or for leisure travelers. The main feature of a serviced apartment is a fully equipped kitchen, which allows the guest to cook for himself, giving him that homely experience away from home. It also offers privacy with more space to work and relax. It also offers the benefit of being around 30% economical compared to hotel accommodation of the same quality.

This accommodation allows the guest to live along with his family unlike a hotel. As they have their own kitchen, they can cook their home food and need not depend on the local food, which may not be to their taste. There are many types of serviced apartments that are available for travelers as per their needs and budget. Needless to say, they are all fully furnished.

Extended stay hotels or “apart-hotels” are for travelers who are planning to stay for longer periods. These types generally come with a 24-hour reception and they are normally located in down town of a city. They try to give the guest the best possible home away from home experience. They have all the advantages a hotel has along with the benefits of a serviced apartment. They come in a big range from budget to luxury and one room apartment to two to three bedroom apartments.

Adapted from: http://www.itweb7.com/travel-2/homeawayfromhome-serviced-apartment/