Brussels Airlines increases frequencies to Bristol and Newcastle,Air
Transcription
Brussels Airlines increases frequencies to Bristol and Newcastle,Air
Thomson and First Choice Shops offer holidaymakers “redundancy cover” as expert predict a further 250,000 job losses in 2010 With unemployment figures set to break the three-million barrier this year, the UK’s leading holiday companies offers a redundancy-proof money back guarantee exclusive to Thomson and First Choice Retail. On 29th December 2009, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) warned in its Annual Barometer Forecast that there would be further job losses this year as the effects of the recession, heightened inflation and increased VAT bite. The organisation, which represents many of the country’s human resources professionals, suggested that a slower than expected recovery could threaten to raise peak unemployment to at least three-million by the summer. Thomson and First Choice, whose holidays are financially protected under the Government backed ATOL scheme, are only too aware that in a world of economic uncertainty, customers will think twice before committing their money to a Summer holiday. However, with less capacity in the market and some fantastic holiday deals available for summer 2010, it is never the less the right time to snap up a bargain. Therefore, the holiday companies have come together to offer Redundancy Protection on all holidays booked in their retail shops up to and including 28th February 2010, which will offer peace of mind to any customer looking to book a Thomson or First Choice package holiday this year. In what is traditionally the busiest month for holiday bookings, customers who want to make the most of the many early booking offers available can do so, knowing that if they lose their job and can no longer afford the holiday, their money will be refunded without penalty. The offer is valid on all bookings for Thomson and First Choice branded summer 2010 package holidays made in Thomson or First Choice Shops nationwide up until 28th February 2010 for holidays departing between 1st May 2010 and 30th April 2011. When claiming a refund, customers need to show proof of two years employment and that it has been terminated. Those claiming will be entitled to a refund of their deposit and of the final balance up to one month before departure. Among the fantastic holidays currently on offer are: 5T Sensatori Resort, Tenerife – Thomson Thomson offers seven night holidays in Tenerife staying at the 5T Sensatori Resort, Tenerife with prices starting from £719 per person, based on two people sharing, staying on a full board plus basis, departing 7th May 2010 from London Gatwick Airport. For more information or to book this holiday, visit your local Thomson shop. 5 Sun Holiday Village Rhodes – First Choice First Choice offers seven nights all-inclusive at the 5 Sun Holiday Village Rhodes from £959 per adult, £279 for the first child and £419 for the second, based on two adults and two children sharing, departing on the 22nd May 2010 from London Gatwick. For more information or to book this holiday, visit your local First Choice shop. All holidays are subject to availability and booking terms and conditions. Prices include flights, fuel charge and air passenger duty and are correct at the date of issue. Maleisië presenteert échte Azië op Vakantiebeurs het de Amsterdam, januari 2010 – Divers, charmant en ongekend gastvrij. Redenen genoeg voor Lonely Planet om Maleisië uit te roepen tot één van de must visit bestemmingen van dit jaar. Want of je nu graag op het strand ligt, een jungle trekking doet of liever een moderne stad bezoekt – hier kan het allemaal. En dan hebben we het nog niet eens over de mensen, die iedereen van harte welkom heten in hun land én in hun huis. In Maleisië bestaat namelijk de mogelijkheid bij de mensen thuis te overnachten. Een onvergetelijke manier om kennis te maken met de cultuur, het dagelijks leven in de kampung en de prachtige omgeving. Kan je niet wachten? Ga dan naar de stand van Tourism Malaysia op de Vakantiebeurs, doe mee aan de prijsvraag en win twee tickets naar Kuala Lumpur! Toegankelijk Maleisië is misschien wel het meest toegankelijke land van zuidoost Azië. De infrastructuur is uitstekend, de mogelijkheden zijn eindeloos en de mensen zijn gastvrij. Meet the locals is dan ook het thema van Tourism Malaysia op de Vakantiebeurs. Want niet alleen het land is divers, de bewoners zijn dat ook. Terwijl een deel van de bevolking gehoor geeft aan de oproep van de Imam, worden om de hoek voor een Hindoetempel bloemenkransen verkocht en ruik je even verderop de wierookgeur van een Boeddhistische klooster. Die afwisseling zie je overal terug. Zowel in het brede aanbod aan heerlijke gerechten, van Indische curry’s tot Maleisische rijstschotels, als in het reisaanbod. Hier kun je moeiteloos je ideale vakantie samenstellen: een paar dagen in het hectische leven van Kuala Lumpur, duiken op bountyeiland Langkawi en dan de jungle van Borneo verkennen. Wat jij wilt! Thuis Fruit plukken in de boomgaard, het vee voeren en spelen met de kinderen die net thuiskomen van school. Wie een homestay boekt, kiest voor een bijzondere vakantie-ervaring. Er zijn zo’n 1.200 families die hun huis en hun kampung openstellen en je met open armen ontvangen. Misschien val je met je neus in de boter en maak je een traditionele bruiloft, religieuze ceremonie of offerfeest mee. Hoe het ook zij: voor je het weet ben je onderdeel van het dagelijks leven, word je begroet door het dorpshoofd en ken je de geheime ingrediënten van een paar typisch locale gerechten. Tel daar het ontspannen tempo van de dag en de rust van de natuurlijke omgeving bij op en je hebt een topvakantie. Alle kampungs die meedoen aan het homestay programma zijn zorgvuldig geselecteerd en voldoen aan de hoge eisen van het Ministerie van Toerisme. Twee in één Wie naar Maleisië reist krijgt eigenlijk twee landen in één: het schiereiland met het moderne Kuala Lumpur en bountyeilandjes Penang en Lankawi aan de ene kant en het tropisch regenwoud van Maleisisch Borneo met orang-oetangs en inheemse stammen aan de andere kant. Samen een multiculturele bestemming vol verschillende volken, religies, landschappen en vakantiemogelijkheden. Maleisië is één van de veiligste landen van zuidoost Azië, met een ongekend gastvrije en vriendelijke bevolking. Van shoppen in moderne shopping malls tot avontuurlijke jungle trekkings en van rifduiken tot culinair genieten – voor elke reiziger is er een passend aanbod. Zie voor meer informatie www.tourism.gov.my. ITTFA elects new committee for 2010 The International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA) recently elected a new executive committee to lead the Association through the coming year. Tom Nutley, Chairman and founder of ITTFA, comments “All appointments were aimed at strengthening the central administration of ITTFA and providing a firm base for the continued growth of the association across cultural and international boundaries. This year we are delighted to welcome Officers from Italy and the Netherlands, bringing with them fresh ideas and knowledge from their own markets as well as industry expertise.” ITTFA is dedicated to the continual development of the travel trade show industry, increasing participation and setting high standards worldwide. Recent changes to entry requirements and the annual fee structure mean that membership is more accessible to smaller and developing shows, as well as more established ones. This underlines the primary goals of the Association as it strives to improve travel trade exhibition standards across all markets and help maximize the benefits and levels of professionalism for both visitors and exhibitors. Committee members begin their term of office this month, being officially sworn in at the AGM in London. They will remain in their respective roles until the next election in a year’s time. Antonio Dell’ Aquilano, Exhibition & Event Manager of TTG Italia Spa, was elected as president of ITTFA. Nutley commented on the appointments, “We are confident that Antonio’s experience and enthusiasm within both the travel and tourism and exhibition industries will bring new perspective to the association and steer it through another successful year. We look forward to working more closely with him on both new and current projects.” Mr Dell’ Aquilano commented on the role; “I am delighted to take on this prestigious role and look forward to a successful year ahead. We hope to continue to broaden our membership base, particularly in the area of support and guidance for new and upcoming shows in less established markets and I personally look forward to welcoming members from all corners of the tourism exhibition world. The internationalisation of ITTFA is of value to all our members as we take on new challenges and create more opportunities to share ITTFA’s vision and knowledge with a larger audience.” Maria Badakh, Event and Sales Director, ITE Group Travel Division, was elected Vice President. She commented, “As organizer of one of ITTFA’s largest events – MITT (Moscow), we have always been conscious of the important role that the Association plays in supporting events like ours. I am looking forward to my new role and I hope that I can contribute to the development of the Association.” Johan F Lundberg, Exhibition Manager of TUR, who has led the association previously as President, will take up the post of Treasurer. Meanwhile, Zeljka Tomljenovic, Events and Sales Manager ITE Travel Exhibitions, will continue to support the association via a new role of Industry Liaison. The Association are also pleased to welcome on board Bart Strijker of Vakantiebeurs, who will be taking up the role of Database Officer. Chairman of ITTFA, Tom Nutley, said that the association had come a long way in the past decade, recognising the huge changes in the travel exhibition industry brought about by the growth in emerging markets, technology and the recognition of the value of the industry in general. He added that in the current, challenging times it is even more important that exhibition organisers work together to promote the benefits and opportunities they offer for all sectors of the travel industry. Wizz Air grew 33% in 2009 Wizz Air, the largest low fare – cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe carried 7.8 million passengers in 2009 representing 33% growth year over year. In the course of 2009 the Company opened a new base in Prague adding up to a total of eleven bases in Central and Eastern Europe; took delivery of 7 additional brand new aircraft bringing the fleet to 27 Airbus A320; and launched 40 new routes, resulting in a network of 147 destinations. ’Wizz Air’s has been one of the fastest growing airlines in the world over the recent years. It will continue to be the case in 2010 when we will be opening new operating bases, launching new routes, adding more capacity and carrying over 10 million passengers.’ – said József Váradi, Chief executive Officer of Wizz Air. In order to confirm its commitment to passengers to offer the most reliable services for the lowest prices, the company launched its traditional ‘Big New Year Sale’ promotion. Tickets can be purchased between 7-14 January on wizzair.com. from as low as EUR 17.49 one way, all inclusive. Le Meridien Angkor Launches ‘You Choose’ Promotion for Meeting Planners Le Meridien Angkor announced the launch of ‘You Choose’ Promotion of Starwood Hotels & Resorts where meeting planners get to choose 3 rewards out of 10 based on their meeting needs when they book meetings in any of the participating 150 Starwood’s hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific between now and end of February 2010 for stays until end of July 2010. Plus, meeting planners will receive an extra bonus when they book their meetings before 31 December 2009. Meeting planners can find more details on this promotion as well as a list of destinations and hotels at www.starwoodmeetings.com/youchoose. “This is a great opportunity for meeting planners to enjoy savings and earn some extra rewards. Following the success we enjoyed when we launched SPG® You Choose promotion in 2008, a similar offer for Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) – Starwood’s award-winning loyalty program, we developed a similar promotion for our meeting planners. Many of them are our SPG members too and they have also feedback to us about their preferences.” Said Alison Taylor, Vice President Sales for Starwood Asia Pacific. “‘You Choose’ promotion helps to stretch the meeting dollars, and at the same time reward them for their continued support to Starwood Hotels and Resorts,” added Taylor. The rewards* include: 1. Double complimentary rooms allocation 2. Double complimentary room upgrade allocation 3. Complimentary suite upgrades 4. Free internet access in guest rooms 5. Free internet access in meeting rooms 6. A 10% saving on the meeting package 7. Free welcome reception 8. Menu upgrades 9. Double Starwood Preferred Planner points 10. A complimentary room prize voucher Meeting planners get to choose an additional reward for bookings before 31 December 2009. In addition, for every 25 room nights booked, meeting planners enjoy 2500 Starpoints® at time of booking. In the event that the meeting group size is reduced not less than 3 weeks prior to the arrival date, meeting planners can reduce the room block up to 25% without penalty. ‘You Choose’ promotion is available in many popular travel and meetings destinations including China, Japan, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Participating brands include aloft, Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Four Points by Sheraton, W and Le Méridien. * Terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.starwoodmeetings.com/youchoose for the full terms and conditions. www.starwoodmeetings.com is one of the most robust meetingsrelated websites in the industry. Featuring a variety of attractive offers, rewards and recognition, and comprehensive search options, it is an easy-to-use, one-stop resource for organising events of any scale. An industry-first MICE widget, which sits on the desktop of event organisers, provides organisers with the most relevant information on promotions, meetings packages and updates within the shortest time. About Le Meridien Angkor As the closest hotel to the legendary temples of Angkor Wat, Le Méridien Angkor placidly places guests footsteps from the sites of ancient Cambodia. It is only 14 kilometres from Siem Reap International Airport. Our 223 guest room hotel exudes a dynamic synthesis of Khmer and contemporary décor with rich timbers and exotic silks, creating a culturally refined, meaningful, and stimulating atmosphere. At the Le Méridien Angkor, meeting packages are tailored to suit all your requirements, held in one of our 2 meeting spaces. The main room measures 320 square meters, accommodating up to 220 delegates. A separate boardroom is available for smaller business meetings. A selection of smaller meeting areas is available, complete with polished wooden floors and natural daylight. Additionally, our hotel is entirely wireless – with everything you need to conduct business right at your fingertips. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com. Taiwan seeks World Heritage status for traditional Chinese characters President Ma Ying-jeou announced on December 26 that he has asked the Executive Yuan to begin the application process for placing traditional Chinese characters on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Speaking at the Ninth International Conference on Chinese Language Teaching organized by the World Chinese Language Association, the president referred to traditional Chinese as the oldest and most beautiful written language in the world. As the culture with the longest history, richest content and widest influence, Chinese culture has been able to survive and thrive for thousands of years mainly because of its use of a beautiful writing system to pass down traditions, Ma said. In recent times, growing economic and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and mainland China as well as the shifting balance of power in the world economy have sparked an enormous interest in Chinese-language learning. Increasing numbers of people around the world are studying Chinese in order to better understand the culture. As President Ma emphasized, language determines culture and culture determines people’s identity. For instance, mainland China has also seen a social shift over the past decades, departing from Marxism-Leninism and returning to Chinese culture. Although this shift has been largely limited to linguistics, it still signifies an important development. More than 1.3 billion people throughout the world today use simplified Chinese characters, while only about 40 million people use the traditional form, mostly in Taiwan, Hong Kong and overseas communities. This represents a margin of one to 33 users of the simplified system. However, as Taiwan accounts for more than half of the 40 million users, it occupies a critical position in the development of traditional Chinese characters. Therefore, President Ma urged the people of Taiwan not to discount themselves or overlook this great responsibility of preserving Chinese culture. Explanations on the Achievements of the Fourth Chiang-Chen Talks The Fourth Chiang-Chen Talks were held in Taichung on December 22, 2009. During the talks, the two sides signed three agreements, including the “Cross-Strait Agreement on Cooperation in Agricultural Product Quarantine and Inspection,” “Cross-Strait Agreement on the Cooperation in Respect of Fishing Crew Affairs,” and “Cross-Strait Agreement on Cooperation in Respect of Standards, Metrology, Inspection and Accreditation.” Major Results of the Talks Signing three agreements During the talks, the two sides signed three agreements, including the “Cross-Strait Agreement on Cooperation in Agricultural Product Quarantine and Inspection,” “Cross-Strait Agreement on Cooperation in Respect of Standards, Metrology, Inspection and Accreditation,” and “Cross-Strait Agreement on the Cooperation in Respect of Fishing Crew Affairs.” On the issue of “Cooperation on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Strengthening of Tax Cooperation,” the relevant authorities on both sides have been communicating and negotiating steadily during this period and have reached consensus on the main contents. However, further communications and discussions are needed between officials of the two sides on the more technical issues. It is hoped that the negotiations in this regard can be completed and the agreement promptly signed and implemented in the near future to help eliminate double taxation across the Taiwan Strait, improve the competitive conditions for Taiwanese businesses, and further attract transnational corporations(INCs) to invest in Taiwan. The three agreements signed by both sides at the Fourth ChiangChen Talks are directly related to the rights and interests of the people. The “Cross-Strait Agreement on Cooperation of Agricultural Product Quarantine and Inspection” and “CrossStrait Agreement on Cooperation in Respect of Standards, Metrology, Inspection and Accreditation,” in addition to the “Cross-strait Food Safety Agreement” signed at the second Chiang-Chen Talks, form a safety net to protect the health and consumer safety of the people of Taiwan with regards to the cross-strait trade of various goods (including food, agriculture and fishery products, animal feedstuffs and general industrial products). The “Cross-Strait Agreement on the Cooperation in Respect of Fishing Crew Affairs” leaves the current “offshore employment” policy unchanged, while, creating a more institutionalized and secure basis for the employment of Mainland fishing crews through the negotiation of a more sound management mechanism. Reviewing and expanding the implementation achievements of previous agreements The two sides also reviewed the implementation of the nine agreements signed at the previous three Chiang-Chen Talks. In particular, they exchanged views on Mainland tourist visits to Taiwan, increasing the number of cross-strait flights, providing assistance related to the melamine-tainted milk incident, jointly fighting crime, promoting Mainland investment in Taiwan, and establishing a renminbi clearance mechanism. The two sides will continue to discuss improvements through the established channels and platforms. Reaching consensus on issues for follow-up negotiations The fifth talks between the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) in the first half of next year will focus mainly on the CrossStrait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), as well as address the issue of protecting intellectual property rights (IPR). Significance of the Talks Benchmark of stability in the Taiwan Strait Since the resumption of institutionalized liaison channels between the SEF and the ARATS, the two sides have held four Chiang-Chen Talks, signed 12 agreements, and reached one consensus, thus turning a new page in cross-strait relations. The Fourth Chiang-Chen Talks have made clear that institutionalized negotiations between the SEF and the ARATS now have entered a stabilized phase. This signifies that cross-strait relations are developing orderly towards benign interactions, which can help establish a secure and stable environment for national development. It is also a benchmark for the protecting peace and stability across the Strait. Safeguarding the core value of “putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people” “Putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people” is the highest guiding principle in current cross-strait interactions. “Putting Taiwan first” means protecting Taiwancentric identity. The four Chiang-Chen Talks have proceeded under the principle of “equality and dignity” and developed a new negotiation model for gradually expanding official interactions. They have not only pragmatically resolved various issues stemming from cross-strait exchanges, but they have also highlighted the position of equality and mutual nondenial between the two sides. “For the benefit of the people” means that the good results of cross-strait negotiations should be enjoyed by all of the people. The negotiation issues at the Fourth Chiang-Chen Talks are vital to protecting the rights and interests of the Taiwan people, strengthening the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s industries, and upgrading Taiwan’s position in international division-of-labor networks. As with the previous three Chiang-Chen Talks, the fruits of this round of negotiations will be jointly shared by all of the people. Prioritizing the economy and livelihood of the people The three agreements signed at the Fourth Chiang-Chen Talks all concern economic issues that urgently require priority handling to respond to the development of cross-strait economic and trade relations and strengthen the order of cross-strait economic and trade exchanges. They further realize the spirit of prioritizing the economy and livelihood of the people in cross-strait negotiations and facilitate the normalized and institutionalized development of cross-strait economic and trade relations. Conclusion Over the past 19 months, Taiwan has worked hard through institutionalized negotiations to improve cross-strait relations and promote cross-strait and regional peace and stability. These efforts have already won the unanimous support of the international community. In the future, Taiwan will continue to adhere to the principle of “economic issues first and political issues later,” “easy issues first and difficult issues later,” and “urgent issues first and less pressing issues later.” Priority will be given to negotiations on handling issues related to the livelihood of the people and economic development. This is aimed at making join efforts to create a win-win outcome for both sides to benefit the people across the Taiwan Strait. It is also hoped that the two sides can continue, through institutionalized negotiation mechanism, to create historic opportunities for the welfare of the people on both sides and benign cross-strait interactions, jointly promote the development of cross-strait relations towards peace and stability, and create lasting peace in the region. CEPD Approves 2010 National Development Plan The Executive Yuan’s Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) on December 21 approved the Republic of China 2010 National Development Plan to implement the second year of the four-year Third-Term Plan for National Development in the New Century (2009-2012). The 2010 National Development Plan, once it is submitted to the Cabinet and ratified, is set to take effect on January 1, 2010. The CEPD stated that the 2010 plan focuses on creating a highquality and stable investment environment to increase privatesector investment capacity, improving employment to raise the labor remuneration allocation rate and stimulate private consumption, promoting import/export diversification and service industry exports to boost export competitiveness and providing diversified employment and training opportunities to create jobs and lower the unemployment rate. The CEPD indicated that, based on consideration of the global situation and domestic conditions, the 2010 National Development Plan parameters are: 4.8 percent national economic growth, per capita GDP of US$17,541, 4.9 percent unemployment (a 2.4 percent increase in employment and a 58 percent labor participation rate) and a less than 1 percent rise in the consumer price index. The CEPD also expressed the hope that negotiating and signing a cross-strait economic cooperation framework agreement, boosting the number of inbound tourists from the Chinese mainland and increasing wage subsidies for private businesses would improve the domestic labor market and reduce unemployment. Implementation of employment stimulus measures, such as increased wage subsidies for private businesses and hiring by government agencies, will add at least 100,000 employment opportunities next year. Talent will also be cultivated for the six key emerging industries (tourism, medicine and health care, biotechnology, green energy, culture and creation, and high-end agriculture), key service industries and the newly emerging ICT industry, and government promotion of such large-scale investment projects as Kuokuang Petrochemical Technology Co. and the fifth phase of Formosa Petrochemical Corporation’s No. 6 Naptha Cracker will boost economic development. In addition, legislation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act shall be completed and the Energy Management Act shall be amended to achieve clean industries and attain the objective sustainable development of the environment. of Star1 of Lithuania increase frequency on London Stansted to Vilnius From April 29th 2010 „Star1 Airlines“ is increasing the number of flights it operates each between London Stansted and Vilnius. By adding an additional flight Thursdays the route from London Stansted to Vilnius will now be operated six times per week with no flight on Saturdays. “The route between London and Vilnius is now well established with a strong base of regular passengers from both the business community and London-based Lithuanians.” said Jurate Rupsiene, Manager Communication at „Star1 Airlines“. The announcement of increased frequency comes in the week that a competing airline has cancelled all its regular flights between Vilnius and London Gatwick as of spring 2010. As of April 29 „Star1 Airlines“ will fly to London Stansted airport every day, except Saturday. This is already the second increase this year – as of January 2nd the company increased the number of weekly flights to London from 4 to 5. “Star1 Airlines” is a part of “Star Team Group”, which also contains tour operator “Star1 Holidays”. Currently the company operates direct scheduled flights from Vilnius to London and Milan. For telephone bookings please call UK reservations on 01293 874901 or book on-line at www.star1.aero WORLDHOTELS Annual Conference 2010 Themed ‘RAISING THE BAR’ to Confront Challenging Economy Asia Pacific hoteliers gathered in Bali for first of three regional annual conferences Hoteliers from 33 cities in 15 Asia Pacific countries convened in Bali over the past weekend for the first of the WORLDHOTELS Regional Annual Conference in 2010, themed ‘Raising the Bar’ to highlight new initiatives for success in the face of challenging economic times. Nearly a hundred delegates representing 80 established affiliate hotels and 13 new entrants to the Asia Pacific portfolio of WORLDHOTELS, the leading global hotel group for independent hotels, gathered at the Ayodya Resort Bali for the three-day event from 15 – 17 January. The platform designed primarily for General Managers, Directors of Sales & Marketing and Revenue Managers was the first of three regional WORLDHOTELS annual conferences worldwide. It enabled fellow hoteliers to get together with WORLDHOTELS Specialist Teams from around the globe, and was an opportunity to celebrate successes, share new business initiatives, launch new technologies and strategic partnerships, and exchange experiences in the wake of the global downturn. WORLDHOTELS Managing Director Robert Hornman reviewed highlights of 2009 before focusing on essential strategies for success in 2010. Explaining how the theme ‘Raising the Bar!’ applies to all areas of business, he said: “In challenging times like these, the greatest opportunities lie in stretching ourselves and each other beyond the status quo to achieve more, together.” WORLDHOTELS Asia Pacific Vice President Roland Jegge reviewed major developments in Asia over the year – including a significant expansion of the affiliate portfolio in India and China – and his prognosis for 2010. As he noted: “2009 has been an unprecedented year in the light of the global economic situation not seen since the last Great Depression! But being armed with the group’s ”IMPACT 2009” strategies and new initiatives for 2010 can ensure that hotels emerge stronger ahead of competitors, regardless of any downturn or unexpected crisis.” Break-out ‘Knowledge Sessions’ provided insight into critical strategies, trends and best practices ranging from making the most out of consortia investment and online platforms, including WORLDHOTELS.resmaster, to maximising regional sales & marketing resources and capitalising on growth markets. Fresh perspectives were presented on staying ahead of the competition in Meetings & Events amid higher costs and lower margins, effectively managing the Corporate and TMC segments and invaluable sales tips in a recession Industry experts addressing the conference on key issues included Jonas Ogren, Area Director, Asia, STR Global, and Malcolm McLeod of Motivation Worldwide, discussing roadmaps to success. Joe McCormack, General Manager, Global & Client Hotel Programmes for FCm Travel Solutions presented his views on how consortia have evolved their business models in the face of challenging times – and how to ensure they deliver on investments. Anthony Ku, Regional Vice President Asia Pacific for Trust International, outlined latest trends and enhancements in the ‘distribution highway’. An E-Commerce panel discussion addressed the thin line between being social and anti-social on the web – from common sins to how to win friends and not make enemies to build a brand. Addressing the topic were Craig Hewit, Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Wego; Victoria Chen, Manager, Media Sales & Partnerships (Zuji) Travelocity; Leonie Ameringer, Director E-Marketing, WORLDHOTELS; Arnaud Girodon, General Manager, Indigo Pearl; and Morris Sim, Co-Founder and CEO, Circos.com. One2One meetings with preferred partners, specialists and technology experts were arranged to showcase opportunities for joint collaborations. A plenary on human resources advised how to best harness talent; with the essential issue that “the selection process is king” in recruiting personality types for a winning team. The conference closed with a spectacular Gala Awards Dinner, showcasing the unique colour, mystique and charm of Bali, as WORLDHOTELS saluted the year’s best performers. Awards in five categories went to: Furama Resort Danang, Vietnam (Best E-Commerce Impact); Stamford Plaza Adelaide, Australia (Best Revenue Impact); Indigo Pearl, Phuket, Thailand (Best Website Impact); Harbour Grand Kowloon, Hong Kong (Best Cooperation and Sales Engagement); and StarWorld Hotel & Casino, Macau (Best Marketing Engagement). The conference is one of three regional WORLDHOTELS Annual Conferences in 2010. The EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Conference will be held in Paris on 29 January to 1 February, followed by The Americas conference in Dallas, Texas on 8 – 11 February. The need for three conferences underlines the global nature of WORLDHOTELS, which currently represents almost 450 affiliate properties in 250 destinations across 65 countries worldwide.