Clarifications about Olympic Airlines privatization process,TAM to

Swiss flights now bookable
online by mobile phone
SWISS customers can now book their flights
online from their mobile phone. The new portal created for the
service also features further useful information on departure
and arrival times along with SWISS’s full flight schedules.
SWISS customers anywhere in the world can now book any SWISS
flight online from any mobile phone with internet capability
via the mobile.swiss.com portal. SWISS has introduced the new
service in response to the growing need for mobility among its
international clientele. The new portal enables customers to
book their flights or obtain useful travel information
whenever they wish and wherever they may be.
The booking procedure for the new mobile.swiss.com portal is
the same as on the established SWISS.COM website. As soon as
the customer has selected their route and travel dates, the
available fares (including the final price payable) will be
shown in the corresponding currency. To make their booking,
the traveller can either enter their personal details or call
up their pre-registered profile. Payment is effected swiftly
and simply via the customer’s credit card.
Une exposition à New-York sur
les
bouleversements
climatiques
Cette exposition aura pour but de sensibiliser le visiteur au
réchauffement climatique en partie causé par l’Homme, menant
de plus en plus souvent à des catastrophes naturelles telles
que les les tempêtes ou les sécheresses provoquant
inéluctablement des séquelles sur la bonne santé de la société
et de l’environnement.
Accessible du 18 octobre au 16 août 2009, elle sera ensuite
visible à travers le monde.
Plus de renseignements sur la ville de New York
Contact : Cellet Marketing & RP France, Représentation de New
York City, Mme Charlotte Larronde, Tel : 01 41 05 49 81, Email : [email protected]
Le Vendée Globe
Les Sables-d’Olonne, fournisseur officiel
de la ligne de départ
Tous les quatre ans, les plus grands navigateurs se retrouvent
à Port Olona pour prendre le départ de la seule course autour
du monde sans escale et sans assistance. En solitaire, les
marins passeront d’Est en Ouest par trois caps avant de
rallier le port des Sables-d’Olonne, où ils seront accueillis
en héros. Qui des Le Cam, Desjoyeaux, Peyron, Dinelli,
Golding… succédera à Vincent Riou, à moins que ce dernier ne
rafle le doublé ? Réponse… en février 2009 !
– Ouverture du Village-Départ : le 18 octobre –
– Départ de la course : le 9 novembre –
• Edition 2008 : Disponibilités Hébergements
• Présentation-Parcours-Palmarès
• Edition 2008 : Actualités / Animations
• Edition 2008 : Jour J & le Village
• Edition 2008 : les Skippers
Day Of Reckoning WTM World
Responsible
Tourism
Day
Programme
WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Day event
programme on Wednesday 12 November at ExCeL London aims to be
the most ambitious and controversial ever.
The series of presentations, debates, seminars and workshops
are expected to rocket responsible tourism issues to the very
top of the agenda, pushing boundaries to a new level of
scrutiny.
“World class leaders, international responsible tourism
experts and many respected leaders with passion and commitment
to a more sustainable world will be taking a lead in the
sessions”, said World Travel Market’s Fiona Jeffery.
“We want to inspire, provoke and above all, make delegates
think more deeply about the kind of legacy the industry wants
the next generation to inherit.
“We will be asking the kind of difficult questions the
industry frequently shies away from; we want to make people
stop and think.”
WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Day, now in its second year,
is in association with the UNWTO and backed by all the leading
industry organisations. It is designed to encourage
collective day of global action on responsible tourism.
a
WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Key Events
10:30
11:00
Official
WRTD
Opening
Chairperson WTM, featuring Mark
photographer and part of his
with
Fiona
Jeffery,
Edwards, international
dramatic ‘Hard Rain’
presentation, with the music and words of singing icon Bob
Dylan.
11:00 – 12:00 Hosted by Stephen Sackur, presenter, BBC World’s
‘Hard Talk’ presentation of the Virgin Holidays Responsible
Travel Awards
12:00 – 12:30 Stephen Sackur puts Ed Fuller, Marriott
International’s president, head of the world’s biggest hotel
group, in the ‘Hot Seat’
12:30 – 12:40 Earth Lung presentation with Sri Lanka and the
UNWTO
The afternoon will focus on the role of operators and
hoteliers in developing the sustainable tourism agenda and the
issues they can impact and influence:
14:00 – 15:00 WTM WRTD Tour Operators debate
15:30 – 16:30 WTM WRTD Hoteliers debate
16:30 – 17:15 Hard Rain presentation
17:15 WTM WRTD Networking Reception
For details of the complete WTM’s World Responsible Tourism
Day programme and participation log on to www.wtmwrtd.com.
Subscribe to our free daily newsletter
Luxe, bien-être et voyages
d’affaires en Inde du sud
Offres spéciales Hiver au Leela Palace Kempinski Bangalore
The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, l’une des principales
chaînes d’hôtels de luxe en Inde, propose des escapades
hivernales dans son prestigieux palace de Bangalore, situé au
sud du pays.
Bangalore, la cité des jardins et l’une des villes les plus
élégantes du pays est aussi considérée comme la Silicon Valley
d’Inde.
Situé au Coeur de la ville, à 45 kms de l’aéroport, le Leela
Palace Kempinski Bangalore est inspiré du Palais Mysore et
recrée la grandeur de l’Empire Vijayanagara. Le Palace offre
352 chambres, toutes spacieuses et possédant pour la plupart
une terrasse privée dominant la piscine ou les jardins.
Le Leela Palace Kempinski Bangalore propose également un spa,
véritable oasis de calme et sérénité où chaque sens est
revitalisé.
Bénéficiant d’une surface modulable de près de 2300 m² et
d’équipements hi-tech sophistiqués, l’hôtel est en mesure
d’accueillir tout type d’événements de 20 à 600 personnes.
Reconnu comme le meilleur hôtel écologique d’Inde par le
ministère du tourisme Indien, il a été élu ‘N° 1 mondial des
hôtels d’affaires préférés à l’étranger’ par les lecteurs du
magazine Condé Nast Traveller, Royaume Uni lors des World
Travel Awards 2008.
Quant à son restaurant “Le Jamavar”, il a été classé parmi les
dix premiers lieux où diner par Forbes 2007.
▪ Offre Week-end, valable jusqu’au 31 mars 2009 pour les nuits
du vendredi et du samedi
La nuit à partir de 194 € en chambre simple et 210 € en
chambre double*
▪ Offre Long séjour (14 nuits et plus), valable jusqu’au 31
mars 2009
La nuit à partir de 210 € en chambre simple et 226 € en
chambre double*
▪ Offre “Early Bird”, valable du 19 décembre 2008 au 03
janvier 2009
La nuit à partir du 129 € en chambre simple et 142 € en
chambre double*
*hors taxes gouvernementales
Réservations : [email protected]
Tel : + 91 80 25 21 12 34 – Fax = + 91 80 25 21 72 34
Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez vous rendre sur le
site www.theleela.com
Save
up
to
$2,000
with
AMAWATERWAYS
on
“World’s
Largest Cruise Night”
(Forimmediaterelease.net) CHATSWORTH, CA – Award-winning
European river cruise line, AMAWATERWAYS, the newest member of
the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), is offering
special savings valued at $2,000 in conjunction with this
year’s “World’s Largest Cruise Night” events. Scheduled to
take place across the US and Canada on October 16, 2008, this
year’s “World’s Largest Cruise Night” is expected to generate
record-breaking cruise sales.
As a special incentive for consumers who book a deluxe
European river cruise and pay in full between October 16 and
October 31, 2008, AMAWATERWAYS is offering $2,000 per
stateroom in savings! Additionally, the agent who books the
most AMAWATERWAYS cruises during this promotion period will
win a complimentary stateroom on a select 7-night cruise.*
This very special “World’s Largest Cruise Night” promotion
applies to the following sailings:
Romantic Danube:
Spend 3 nights in historic Prague* followed by a fascinating
cruise on the Danube river from Vilshofen/Passau to Budapest.
The offer is valid for US departures on April 3, April 5,
April 7 and April 9, 2009.
Amsterdam to Paris:
Enjoy a 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Trier on the storied
Rhine and Mosel rivers and then spend 3 nights in Paris. The
offer is valid for US departures on April 18, April 26 and
April 30, 2009.
Tulip Time Cruise:
Experience a breathtaking 7-night cruise through Holland and
Belgium in the Spring, just in time for the tulips! The offer
is valid for US departures on April 3 and April 10, 2009.
This “World’s Largest Cruise Night” promotion includes a
monetary discount of $400 per person ($800 per stateroom) PLUS
a stateroom upgrade from CAT. “E” to a CAT. “B” French Balcony
stateroom. The upgrade value is $599 per person ($1198 per
stateroom) for a TOTAL DISCOUNT of $1000 per person ($2000 per
stateroom).
About AMAWATERWAYS
AMAWATERWAYS has redefined European river cruising since its
founding as Amadeus Waterways in 2002. The line boasts the
newest, most state-of-the-art fleet on Europe’s legendary
Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel rivers. The 148-passenger MS
Amacello and MS Amadante debuted in the spring of 2008,
joining the MS Amalegro (2007) and MS Amadagio (2006). Two
more new ships, MS Amalyra and MS Amadolce, will debut in 2009
and two new vessels are set for delivery in 2010.
The “AMA” ships feature the most spacious staterooms on
Europe’s rivers, with 82 percent boasting French Balconies.
Guests enjoy premium, hotel-style bedding with plush, down
duvets; luxurious terry bathrobes and slippers, as well as
bottled water replenished daily. Marble-appointed baths
feature luxurious, spa-quality toiletries and a sleek, multijet shower system. Flat panel stateroom TVs offer a unique
Infotainment system featuring Internet access, an array of
satellite channels and movies. The vessels also feature a
fitness center, beauty salon, whirlpool and a walking track on
the Sun Deck.
The “AMAWATERWAYS Difference” extends to the myriad of
complimentary amenities onboard, including Wi-Fi in the public
lounges; free-flowing local wines at dinner, a specialty
coffee and tea station and a fleet of onboard bicycles for
passenger use. Each cruise is accompanied by a professional
cruise director. And, accomplished tour guides lead
complimentary city tours in every destination.
For more information about AmaWaterways, please visit our
website at www.amawaterways.com or call 800-626-0126
*Complimentary cruise will consist of either a 2008 “Winter
Wonderland,” “Christmas Time Cruise” or select April 2009
sailings, depending on availability.
**Discount applies to cruise only and doesn’t require purchase
of pre- or-post-land program. Offer applies to new bookings
only and is not combinable with other promotions other than
Past Passenger Discount and AARP Member discount.
Glorious October: A New Start
for Taiwan
Vanessa SHIH
Minister of the Government Information
Office
Republic of China (Taiwan)
The Republic of China, the foremost established democratic
republic in Asia, will celebrate her 97th birthday on October
10th. A look back at our nearly 100-year history reveals many
great sufferings and forced dislocations due to the chaos of
war on the mainland (1912-49). With this painful experience in
mind, we cherish even more the fruits of development and
modernization that we have reaped in Taiwan.
You may have enjoyed the movies of Oscar-winning director Ang
Lee; you may have cheered at the excellent performance of
Yankee pitcher Chien-Ming Wang. Both of these celebrities are
from Taiwan. You may use high-tech products like a laptop or
an iPhone; these are mainly manufactured in Taiwan, the island
of technology. Perhaps you yourself have not been to Taiwan,
but the world’s 17th largest economy is connected to you more
closely than you can imagine.
The diligence and energy of the Taiwanese people created the
economic miracle that Taiwan experienced in the 1970s. The
Taiwanese spirit of compassion and generosity contributed to
the achievement of democracy. In the report Freedom in the
World 2008 by U.S.-based Freedom House, Taiwan was rated as
possessing the highest degree of freedom both in political
rights and civil liberties. Moreover, in the annual report of
France’s Reporters Without Borders, press freedom in Taiwan
was ranked number one in Asia. This March, Taiwan once again
successfully conducted a direct presidential election and
completed its second peaceful turnover of power, making Taiwan
the pride of ethnic Chinese, and a model for Chinese
societies, all around the world.
The new administration of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) has been in
operation less than half a year. In the dramatically changing
circumstances of the world economy, the government is faced
with both opportunities and challenges. We are working to
tackle major issues with a pragmatic vision in tune with this
new era. Economically, the new administration seeks to achieve
institutional reform via deregulation, while simultaneously
taking measures to strengthen the country’s economic
fundamentals through restructuring. After taking office,
leaders of the new administration immediately focused on
expanding domestic consumption, revitalizing industry, and
modifying tax regulations, in the hopes of rebuilding Taiwan
as an “Asia-Pacific asset management center.” At the same
time, the government is devoted to adopting energy saving and
carbon emission reduction measures, in order to help upgrade
our industries.
Socially, the new administration is dedicated to building a
sound social welfare system, caring for underprivileged
groups, and realizing social justice. All these aim to build a
rich middle class and encourage the growth of a moderate
society.
Regarding cross-Strait relations, the new government has
resumed dialogue with the mainland under the principles of
“shelving disputes and pursuing win-win solutions,” in the
hopes of easing the tensions across the Strait and creating a
new, peaceful state of affairs.
Diplomatically, we have switched to a principle of “flexible
diplomacy.” We have been working to fortify the sovereignty of
the R.O.C.; to consolidate our diplomatic ties; and to improve
bilateral relations, particularly those devoted to rebuilding
the mutual trust between Taiwan and the U.S. We have also been
working towards the establishment of a “Taiwan-Japan special
partnership,” as well as eagerly participating in
international organizations and serving as a “responsible
stakeholder” in global security affairs.
In his inaugural speech on May 20th, President Ma Ying-jeou
said that he hopes to be a peacemaker between the two sides of
the Taiwan Strait, under the principles of “no unification, no
independence, and no use of force.” His plan includes resuming
negotiations, relaxing limits to economic investment on both
sides of the Strait, and opening up to mainland visitors via
regular weekend direct charter flights, the latter of which
began on July 4. Taipei and Beijing have plans to discuss
issues regarding increased cross-Strait charter flights, cargo
flights, and new flight routes by the end of this year, with
the goal of achieving peace and co-prosperity on both sides of
the Taiwan Strait. As cross-Strait solutions progress, we
shall follow the principles of “put Taiwan first and work for
the interests of the people,” and continue to defend Taiwan’s
dignity, rights, and wellbeing.
The Republic of China has survived many trying and challenging
times in our history. We have relied on our brave, resolute,
diligent, and practical “Taiwan Spirit” to overcome obstacles
and struggle forward. This has helped Taiwan transform
successfully from an agricultural society into the world’s
pivotal information giant; from an authoritarian regime into a
free democracy. It is a great achievement of which we are
proud. In the future, we will continue to forge ahead with
self-confidence and courage, while working towards a global
system that strengthens the links between Taiwan and the
international community. With Taiwan’s vibrant democracy,
flourishing culture, and admirable economic development, we
are confident that we will win international respect and
recognition.
Singapore
ranked
Top
International Meeting City in
the world for meetings and
business
For the first time in history,
Singapore has been nominated the “Top International Meeting
City” by the Union of International Associations (UIA) in its
2007 Global Rankings beating out perennial favourites Paris
(ranked 2nd) and Vienna (3rd).
Pitted against the best of the best from around the region,
Singapore also topped the rankings in Asia and was nominated
Asia’s top country and city for meetings, a position it has
held for the last 24 consecutive years.
“The strong showing by Singapore reflects its strengths and
sustained popularity as a leading business destination,” said
Mr Kevin Leong, Regional Director Oceania, Singapore Tourism
Board.
“Over the past ten years, the number of international meetings
staged in the Lion City has grown by more than 250%, and these
latest rankings reflect the city’s popularity as a preferred
destination for the business traveller,” added Mr Leong.
In 2007 Singapore’s business and MICE industry accounted for
close to 3 million visitor arrivals and contributed over $5
billion or 40% of total Tourism Receipts – a new record for
Singapore which takes it closer to its target of $10.5 billion
in tourism receipts by 2015.
Last year saw Singapore host 465 international meetings that
met UIA’s qualifying criteria, representing a significant 56%
growth over 2006. Most notable among these were The 3rd Hague
International Model of United Nations, the 27th International
Epilepsy Congress, the 2nd World Glaucoma Congress &
Exhibition, the 18th Wonca World Conference 2007 and
International Bar Association Conference 2007 which
cumulatively drew close to 12,700 delegates to converge in
Singapore.
Singapore was also recently awarded the title of ‘Best
Business City in the World’ by Business Traveller Asia Pacific
for the 10th consecutive year, and for the third year running
it has also been ranked as the easiest place in the world to
do business – edging out New Zealand and the United States in
the “Doing Business 2009” ranking by the World Bank.
2010 will see the opening of Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands
integrated resort which will provide the meetings and
incentives industry with more options and flexibility when
choosing their next venue in the Lion City. And while
Singapore continues to provide first class facilities, it also
offers business meeting organisers a variety of events to
coincide their meetings with, including the hugely successful
Singapore Grand Prix Formula One™ night race, which was staged
for the first time on September 28.
As cities around the world ramp up their efforts to capture a
slice of the growing business events market, the Singapore
Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) has laid the
foundation to surge ahead in this area. Two years ago, SECB
launched a new business strategy to foster an even closer
partnership with other Singapore government agencies in
growing, attracting and creating business events that are
centred on Singapore’s key economic clusters such as
Biomedical Sciences, Infocomm Technology and Digital Media,
Environment and Water Technologies, and Banking and Finance.
To strengthen its competitiveness, a SGD $170 million ‘BE in
Singapore’ or ‘Business Events in Singapore’ incentive scheme
was introduced in 2006 to enable the industry to bid for,
attract and anchor a critical mass of business events to
sustain a robust business pipeline.
“Through this new business approach, Singapore has been able
to support, attract and anchor some 450 business events,”
explained Mr Leong. “This has translated into a year of high
calibre events in 2007, including Cityscape Asia, BioMedical
Asia, Carbon Forum Asia and the inaugural Singapore
International Water Week.”
For details on Singapore’s MICE capabilities and events coming
up visit www.visitsingapore.com/businessevents or for
Australian meeting planners seeking more information about how
to plan their next event or meeting in Singapore log onto
www.conference-singapore.com
Delta to Offer 180-Degree
Full Flat Beds to Heathrow
from New York and Atlanta
Joint venture partner Air France
to add third daily nonstop flight from New York-JFK,
complementing Delta’s existing service
Customers will have the option of morning, early evening or
late evening departure
ATLANTA, Oct. 8, 2008 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) customers
flying Business class between the United States and London’s
Heathrow Airport will enjoy the comfort of a 180-degree full
flat bed on every flight beginning summer 2009.
Delta customers also will enjoy the convenience of a third
daily nonstop flight between New York’s John F. Kennedy
International Airport (JFK) and London-Heathrow, operated by
joint venture partner Air France. The service will complement
Delta‘s two existing flights between New York and Heathrow and
one flight between Atlanta and Heathrow and will give
customers the scheduling flexibility of a morning, early
evening or late evening departure.
“Delta continues to listen to our customers’ requests for
enhanced service in the world’s major markets and we are
pleased to add the consistency of 180-degree full flat beds to
all Delta flights operating at the world’s No.1 business
airport – Heathrow,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s executive
vice president – Network Planning and Revenue Management. “The
introduction of full-flat service onboard the Delta 767 fleet
will enhance our position in the highly competitive U.S.-toHeathrow market.”
Effective summer 2009, Delta’s flights between the United
States and Heathrow will be upgraded to feature Boeing
767-400ER aircraft with 40 new 180-degree full flat beds in
the aircraft’s BusinessElite cabin. The seats, designed by
Thompson Aerospace and engineered and manufactured by Contour
Premium Aircraft Seating, recline to 77-inch-long beds in a
one-two-one configuration giving every BusinessElite customer
direct aisle access. Delta is reconfiguring seven of its
767-400 aircraft with the full-flat beds.
In total, Delta and Air France plan to offer customers four
daily nonstop flights between the United States and London-
Heathrow next summer – one from Atlanta and three from New
York-JFK. Delta also currently offers service between London’s
Gatwick Airport and Atlanta twice daily and between LondonGatwick and Cincinnati once daily. Air France has announced
that it intends to discontinue service between Los Angeles and
Heathrow as it adds the new nonstop Heathrow flight from New
York.
Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide
destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection
flights to 287 destinations in 58 countries. Delta has added
more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during
the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with
flights to 42 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the
Caribbean, Delta offers 315 weekly flights to 43 destinations.
Delta’s marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and
redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam
and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a
global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive
worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its
SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights
to 500 worldwide destinations in 105 countries. Customers can
check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and
flight status at delta.com.
ASTA Releases Travel Agent’s
Management Toolkit
Alexandria, VA- Today, ASTA announced its
newest member benefit—the Travel Agent’s Management Toolkit.
Sponsored by Best Western, this interactive toolkit combines
the best of the Model Agency I and II programs and is designed
to provide ASTA members with the essential tools to assist
them in running their businesses in a more efficient and
profitable way.
“Whether you’re an agency owner, a manager or run your own
home-based business, by the time you’ve finished this course
you will find that you not only have explored new information
and approaches to running your business but rediscovered old
skills and practices,” said Chris Russo, ASTA president and
CEO. “To maximize their potential, it is imperative that
travel agents have a solid understanding of the relationship
between revenue sources and cost structures, service and sales
goals, focused marketing and business strategies. Now, thanks
to the generosity of Best Western, we are able to offer this
course at no cost so there really is nothing to stop ASTA
members from reaching their highest potential.”
This course is interactive in that, where appropriate, it
links to tools found on ASTA.org—such as the Financial
Benchmarking and Salary tools—and encourages agents to input
the data requested as they work through the course so that
when complete they will have actionable data.
Once completed, travel agents will be able to:
·
Chart their agency’s progress against industry
benchmarks;
·
Develop an income statement, balance sheet and key
financial ratios;
·
Forecast profitability by using financial
forecasting tools;
·
Assess their agency’s staffing needs;
·
Develop a simple marketing plan; and
·
Write a successful business plan.
For more information, go to www.ASTA.org/education
The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is
to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective
representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of
professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that
is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to
work, invest and do business.