Code-share agreement LOT and Air Serbia,JetBlue

La Vendée met les voiles
250 km de côtes (protégées à 80%), 140 km de plages de sable
fin, 18 stations balnéaires, deux îles et 15 ports, 120 clubs
ou associations développant des activités nautiques, la Vendée
est une terre iodée, au potentiel de sport de loisirs
nautiques sans limite !
Les stations tendances en Vendée
Le Pays de Saint Gilles Croix de Vie constitue un terrain de
jeu idéal à la pratique des sports nautiques (surf, kitesurf,
char à voile, téléski, paddle,aquakart…), avec comme toile de
fond 32 km de côtes, 22 plages de sable fin, 5 bases de mer et
2 plans d’eau, 1 port de plaisance en centre-ville, berceau
des chantiers Bénéteau. Surfez sur vos envies, au Pays de St
Gilles Croix de Vie !
www.payssaintgilles-tourisme.fr
Les Sables d’Olonne restent
un lieu incontournable pour les amateurs de sports de glisse
et la voile. Surf, wave ski, bodyboard, longboard,stand up
paddle, sorties voiliers font partie des activités possibles
tout comme la plongée, le kayak, le scooter des mers…
www.lessablesdolonne-tourisme.com
La Tranche sur Mer est le « spot » multi glisse vendéen par
excellence, station écotouristique, Pavillon Bleu d’Europe
depuis 1985 et labellisée Famille Plus depuis 2006. On y
pratique surf, kitesurf, catamaran, planche à voile, stand up
paddle… Laissez-vous tenter par les plaisirs des sports de
glisse à La Tranche sur Mer !!!
www.latranchesurmer-tourisme.fr
Le Sud Vendée propose des bases de loisirs, où ces activités
se pratiquent dans un décor verdoyant et unique ! La nouveauté
2015 ? L’Atlantic Wake Park et l’Ukulaylé Sport Nature * !
www.sudvendeetourisme.com
European Latvian Song and
Dance Celebration Concert
ELKS2015
@ Latvian
Archives
Folk
Art
Centre
UNIQUE LATVIAN MIDSUMMER SHOW IN A UNIQUE SETTING
Premiere for Belgium and Europe
Brussels, June 20th – Imagine 1,000 Latvian singers and dancers
gathering from all over Europe to present a special midsummer
show on the magnificent Mont des Arts in Brussels, against
thebackdropof the beautiful old city centre. In a three-hour
open-air concert they offer a mix of traditional and
contemporary Latvian music combined with wonderful
choreographies. Unlike anything else, the ELKS 2015 concert is
the first Latvian song and dance celebration concertonsuch a
scale outside Latvia in more than 25 years, rooted in a great
tradition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYIgwyML7WQ
At this time of the year many populations in Europe honour the
sun and nature, before the sun starts to wane and the nights
become longer: from Galicia to Brittany and Normandy,
Scandinavia, Poland and the Baltics. In our latitudes only a
few people are aware of such traditions.
@ Latvian Folk Art Centre Archives
To celebrate the end of the first Latvian presidency of the
EU, 1,000 people of Latvian origin living in 14 different
countries have decided to bring a typical song and dance
festival concert to the heart of Europe, where they will share
it with the generalpublic. ‘The ELKS 2015 concert is a true
premiere for Belgium and Europe. For the first time in more
than 25 years, we will have the chance to experience a Latvian
song and dance celebration concert on such a scale outside
Latvia!’ says Aldis Austers, director of ELKS and chairman of
the European Latvian Association (ELA).
@ Latvian Folk Art Centre Archives
UNESCO world heritage
Anybody who has ever seen asong and dance celebration in
Latvia is overwhelmed by its beauty and grandeur. Every five
years a choir of 20,000 singers provide an incomparable
concert drawn from a repertoire of more than 1,000 songs.Add
to this incredible eight-voice music the gorgeous
choreographies presented by 15,000 dancers, and you get a
picture of the wonderfully high standard visual show!
Given their quality and because they are so deeply anchored in
Latvian culture (as in the other Baltic States), UNESCO has
recognized these celebrations as a Masterpiece of Oral and
Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The last All Latvian Song and
Dance Celebration took place in Riga in 2013.
@ Latvian Folk Art Centre Archives
Tradition in a new form
Titled “Tradition in a New Form”, the ELKS 2015 concert will
be a unique three-hour visual show (including an interval)
with a few added surprises. Based on the celebrations in
Latvia, it presents a mix of traditional and contemporary
music and dances. The programme consists of songs that are
only sung at this time of year, bringing a message of freedom
and love for nature and humanity. Many songs are therefore
very symbolic.
Some remarkable solos will be performed by Kristīne KārklePuriņa (folk) and Renars Kaupers (Brainstorm – pop). All music
is performed live on stage by the Latvian folk band Raxtu
Raxti. For the finale and most festive part of the concert,
the Belgian choir ‘Choeur de la Vallée’ has taken up the
challenge to participate as the only non-Latvian special guest
choir.
@ Latvian Folk Art Centre Archives
Staying connected
Today 1 out of 4 Latvians live abroad. During its history,
because of wars and long periods of occupation, but also since
Latvia joined the EU in 2004, Latvians have left their country
and built up their lives elsewhere. For generations choir
music has been a way for people in the Latvian diaspora
communities to stay connected with their cultural roots.Many
of them love to go to Latvia to participate in the traditional
Song and Dance Celebrations.
Outrigger Resorts Announces
Global Conservation Program
PHUKET,
THAILAND – In
conjunction
with
World
Oceans
Month, Outrigg
er Resorts has
announced the launch of OZONE (Outrigger’s ZONE) – a global conservation
initiative centered on coral health and resiliency in the waters
surrounding the iconic beach destinations of Outrigger Resorts. With over
60% of the world’s reefs under immediate threat, Outrigger is making it
their mission to work with conservation partners to protect coral reef
systems in tropical destinations around the world.
Among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth, coral reefs provide humans
with billions of dollars in economic and environmental services such as
food, protection for coasts, and tourism. In fact, according to The
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reefs alone
provide up to 15 tons of seafood per square kilometer each year. However,
coral faces serious dangers, including the negative impact of climate
change, unsustainable fishing, and land-based pollution.
“OZONE is an action plan that charts a clear course for Outrigger to make
a positive impact in helping to save and protect coral reefs and
ultimately the wellness of waters around the world,” said Bitsy Kelley,
vice president of corporate communications for Outrigger Enterprises
Group. “As a lifelong surfer, swimmer and snorkeler, ocean health is near
and dear to my heart and I’m extremely proud that Outrigger Resorts has
pledged significant resources and is aligning with key conservation
partners for this important cause.”
Inspiration for OZONE originated from Geoffrey Shaw, former owner of
Castaway Island, Fiji Resort and chairman of the Mamanuca Environment
Society – a group passionately committed to protecting the stunning
marine and terrestrial environment of the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji. Due
to his vision, guests of Outrigger will have the opportunity to be part
of the solution, by helping to plant coral at participating properties,
such as Castaway Island Resort.
Guest participation in planting new corals
Download image here
“With more than 500 million people around the world depending on coral
reefs, it is our responsibility to ensure their future – however, we are
the ones threatening its survival the most,” stated Kelley. “And since
coral grows at such a slow rate, the time is now to make a change.”
OZONE will generate awareness surrounding the status of coral reef
systems while simultaneously enhancing the Outrigger Resorts guest
experience through education. Guests will have the opportunity to learn
more about the platform via in-room videos, on-property lectures, while
also being a part of the solution by planting a coral at participating
properties.
To mark World Oceans Month, Outrigger kicked off its commitment to ocean
health on June 6 at the Waikiki Aquarium in Hawaii, one of the likeminded partners standing behind OZONE. June 6 also marked the signing of
a memorandum of agreement between Outrigger and NOAA, stating both
parties’ commitment to work together to support the conservation and
education needs of the public.
“NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is extremely proud to
participate in the launch of the OZONE project. This unique partnership
is quite rare in the federal government and the only one at NOAA between
a federal agency and an international hotel chain,” stated Allen Tom,
regional director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“Our mission of protecting life and property, while conserving this
natural resource can only benefit from the collaboration with Outrigger
Enterprises group.”
Strategic international partnerships for OZONE include the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Polynesian Voyaging
Society (PVS), and the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS).
Regionally, Outrigger Resorts will be partnering with local organizations
where its beachfront destinations are located. For example: The Waikiki
Aquarium in Hawaii, Underwater World in Guam, the Mamanuca Environment
Society in Fiji, Reef Conservation in Mauritius and more. Corporate
partners include Maui Divers Jewelry, Tori Richards, and Best Dives
Maldives.
“On Island Earth, our future depends on our ability to care for our
ocean. Our partnership with Outrigger Resorts for the Mālama Honua
Worldwide Voyage will be key in raising awareness of ocean health through
OZONE,” said Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging
Society. “Throughout the Worldwide Voyage, we will be celebrating World
Oceans Day five times, but in reality, we celebrate our ocean every day.”
Outrigger will continue to demonstrate its dedication to the environment
through existing and future sustainability and conservation initiatives
present at a number of their premier beachfront destinations. With the
conception of OZONE, Outrigger will grow its impact for years to come as
the hospitality company continues to champion ocean health to travellers
and consumers alike.
About Outrigger Enterprises Group
Outrigger Enterprises Group is one of the largest and fastest
growing privately-held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality
companies operating in the Asia-Pacific, Oceania and Indian
Ocean regions. As part of its unique hospitality offering, the
values-based company extends exceptional hospitality and
authentic cultural experiences, incorporating local traditions
and customs into the guest experience at each of its
properties worldwide. Guided by more than 67 years of family
leadership, Outrigger runs a highly-successful, multi-branded
portfolio of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort
properties, including Outrigger® Resorts, OHANA® Hotels and
Resorts, Embassy Suites®, Holiday Inn®, Best Western®, Wyndham
Vacation Ownership® and Hilton Grand VacationsTM. Currently,
Outrigger operates and/or has under development 43 properties
with approximately 10,000 rooms located in Hawaii; Australia;
Guam; Fiji; Thailand; Mauritius. Upcoming Maldives, Vietnam;
and Hainan Island, China. For online information, log on
at www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com and www.outrigger.com.
Join Outrigger’s social network to Find Out. Find Outrigger!
Follow @OutriggerResort on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/OutriggerResorts.
A Story
Music
of
Salt,
Sea
and
The 46 kilometres of Slovenian
coastline is dotted with a
number of small, romantic towns.
The most picturesque is the
medieval Piran, a town that
prospered
thanks
to
salt
production. The Sečovlje Salina
Nature Park, the Mediterranean
northernmost saltworks, still produces salt following 14th
century guidelines. Besides the roar of the sea, listen to
melodies of the oldest Slovenian chamber music festival
organised in July and August.
The Slovenian coast and its relaxed atmosphere attracts
numerous visitors. The area features lush olive groves
and abundant vineyards. Olive oil and wine are two main
ingredients of seaside cuisine. Take your time and try the
tasty local delicacies. Spoil yourself with the Piran sea
bassand dip a piece of bread in one of the world`s best green
olive oil – the Istrian White. A special experience is found
at a typical local inn called ‘Osmica’, where small winemakers
serve homemade wines and cold cuts. Have you tried chocolate
with fleur de sel yet? Enjoy the perfect mixture of coastal
flavours.
Enhance your holiday on the Slovenian coast with a scenic ride
along the Parenzana. Fill your lungs with sea air on
the picturesque cycling trail running along the former Istrian
railway connecting Trieste and Poreč. The Mesečev zaliv Bay
in Strunjan is very idyllic. Freshen up by jumping into the
sea or climb the top of the highest flysch cliff on the
Adriatic Coast, which is 80 m high.
Evenings in Piran are particularly
exciting thanks to many traditional musical evenings, held
since 1978 and considered the oldest chamber music festivals
in Slovenia. In July and August, you can enjoy chamber music
every Friday in the acoustic splendour of the Cross Hall at
the Convent Saint Francis or in the nearby convent Church of
Saint Francis. Organ concerts are held at the Saint George
Church in Piran and Saint Mary of the Rosary Church in
Portorož.
For the last thirty years, the Piran Musical Evenings have
been featuring recognizable programmes enhanced by Slovenian
and international artists. They have become an important part
of the city life, cultural environment and identity. Welcome
to the romantic city of Piran.
Fifth year of Surf & Style at
the airport: Big wave set to
roll again this summer in the
Munich Airport Center
The countdown is on for one of Munich Airport’s most popular
and spectacular events. For the fifth anniversary edition of
“Surf & Style”, surfing enthusiasts will be trying out their
best moves in the Forum of the Munich Airport Center starting
on July 31, 2015. Surfers of all skill levels are welcome to
ride the world’s biggest standing wave until August 23. The
competitive highlight of the event is the European
championship in Stationary Wave Riding from August 14 to 16.
In this exciting contest, Munich’s “urban surfers”, who hone
their skills in Munich’s chilly Eisbach stream, will be up
against the international surfing elite. For the fifth
anniversary event, the temporary wave pool will have an extra
pump to make the wave even higher and more challenging for the
professional competitors.
The wave in the MAC Forum will roll daily from 10:00 am until
8:00 pm. Again this year, the day will start with Kids’ Camps,
where young surfers can learn and have fun with professional
instructors. In the afternoons the wave will then be open to
all comers, from beginners to experts, to surf free of charge.
The necessary equipment will also be provided by Munich
Airport at no cost.
For more information on Surf & Style 2015, please
visit: www.munich-airport.de/en/consumer/erlebnis/events/mac_f
orum/surf_style_15/
Taoyuan airport to enter new
era after runway overhauls
completed
Taipei, June 12 (CNA) The 36-yearold Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport will begin a new
chapter in its history after the renovation of its two runways
is fully completed by January next year as scheduled.
The overhaul of the 3,360-meter northern runway is scheduled
to be completed by Jan. 8 next year, airport authorities said.
Work to renovate the 3,350-meter southern runway was finished
this January, allowing the airport to use its full capacity to
complete the overhaul of the second runway.
Since the new southern runway was reopened in January, it has
been operating smoothly and it fully satisfies the
requirements for takeoffs and landings of A380 superjumbo
jets, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, Taiwan Taoyuan
International Airport Co. said Friday.
The runway overhauls began in February 2014, with the
renovation involving digging up and repaving the runway to lay
underground cables that will upgrade the airport’s navigation
system, according to the company.
Thanks to the inauguration of the overhauled southern runway,
89.3 percent of takeoffs and landings at the airport — which
handles more than 600 flights a day — were made on schedule
between January and May, the airport said.
Unfavorable weather conditions and flow controls exercised by
neighboring airports are the main factors leading to delays,
it added.
Over 35 million travelers came through the airport in 2014,
representing a growth rate of 11.4 percent over last year,
which the airport said was the biggest growth in Asia over the
year.
In 2014, it was ranked as the fifth-best airport in Asia by
the Guide to Sleeping in Airports website, 10th in Skytrax’s
rankings of best airports in Asia, and 18th in Skytrax’s
rankings of best airports in the world.
(By Chiu Chun-chin and Elizabeth Hsu)
ENDITEM/J
Asustek mulling acquisition
of HTC
SONY DSC
Taipei, June 12 (CNA) Taiwanese PC maker Asustek Computer Inc.
(華碩) said Friday it will not rule out the possibility of
acquiring HTC Corp. (宏達電), as the local smartphone maker is
facing another quarter of operating loss.
Asustek Chairman Jonney Shih (施崇棠) told the press after the
company’s annual general shareholders meeting that Asustek had
held internal “informal” discussions about acquiring HTC.
“Before making such a decision, however, Asustek will
definitely consider the intentions of both parties and
determine the correctness and overall synergy of such a
strategy,” Shih said, but he declined to elaborate.
Shih said he thinks HTC is working on its own strategies to
address its problems, and he hopes the company will succeed in
turning its business around, which would encourage other
Taiwanese brands.
HTC declined to comment on Shih’s remarks, saying only that it
will continue to hold on to the spirit of “pursuing excellence
and perfection” and release amazing products to promote HTC
around the world.
Shih’s remarks came a week after HTC cut its sales forecast
for the second quarter, citing lower-than-expected global
demand for high-end Android devices and the company’s weak
sales in China.
HTC lowered its second-quarter sales forecast to NT$33
billion-NT$36 billion (US$1.06 billion-US$1.16 billion) from
its previous estimate of NT$46 billion-NT$51 billion, which
was made April 28.
The company also projected a net loss of NT$9.7-NT$9.94 per
share for the April-June period, a revision from an earlier
forecast of NT$0.06-NT$0.34 in earnings per share.
HTC’s smartphone shipments are likely to decrease from 21.2
million units to 17.9 million units this year, according to
market analysts.
In contrast, Asustek has forecast smartphone shipments of 17
million to 25 million this year, a leap from 8.5 million units
last year.
HTC shares closed up 0.66 percent at NT$76 Friday in Taipei,
while Asustek shares fell 0.34 percent to NT$292.
(By Jeffrey Wu)
ENDITEM/pc
Belgian parliamentarian lauds
President
Ma’s
peace
initiative
Brussels,
June
11
(CNA)
Peter
Luykx, co-chair of the Belgium-Taiwan Friendship Group in the
Belgian Parliament, lauded the “South China Sea peace
initiative” proposed by the Republic of China’s President Ma
Ying-jeou as a contribution to the realization of peace and
restoration of international order.
Luykx pointed out that disputes over the overlapping
territories of several countries have led to escalating
tensions, and President Ma’s proposal to shelve the disputes
and start peaceful negotiations can help achieve peace and
order in the region.
To express support for the “South China Sea Peace Initiative,”
Luykx and his colleagues in the Belgium-Taiwan Friendship
Group are lobbying to adopt a parliamentary resolution
demanding the Belgian government pay more attention to South
China Sea issues.
(By Leave Chiang and Lillian Lin)
Enditem/ke
Chinese
supply
chain
seen
unlikely to hurt Taiwan PC,
LCD makers
SONY DSC
Taipei, June 11 (CNA) The rise of China’s technology supply
chain is unlikely to pose a threat to Taiwanese manufacturers
of personal computers and liquid crystal displays in the near
term, according to a Japanese brokerage.
The brokerage said it had just completed a one-day marketing
trip to Malaysia, where investors asked about whether the
Chinese tech supply chain would be a formidable threat to
Taiwan in the near future.
“We believe the PC market is already ex-growth and hence
appears to be less attractive to Chinese competition, while
Taiwanese manufacturers are already running at an ultra-lean
cost structure,” the brokerage said in a note to clients dated
June 8.
“So we don’t think Chinese competitors could be any meaningful
threat to the Taiwanese PC supply chain in the near term,” the
Japanese brokerage said.
Under Taiwanese regulations, the name of the brokerage cannot
be reported because it was offering specific forecasts that
could influence the market.
On the LCD sector, the Japanese brokerage said Chinese
competition has been in the market for a while and that Taiwan
panel makers have been able to defend their average selling
prices of products and protect their operating margins through
screen size diversification and feature upgrades.
As a result, Taiwan LCD makers should be able to maintain
their profitability in the next two to three quarters, the
brokerage said.
It retained its “buy” rating for Taiwanese flat panel makers
AU Optronics Corp. (AUO, 友達) and Innolux Corp. (群創), and PC
brand Asustek Computer Inc. (華碩) and contract notebook maker
Quanta Computer Inc. (廣達).
(By Jeffrey Wu)
ENDITEM/pc
CAL to display Oriental-style
Boeing 777-300ER at Paris air
show
Taipei,
June
11
(CNA)
China
Airlines (CAL, 華航), Taiwan’s leading international carrier,
said Thursday that it will display its Boeing 777-300ER with
an Oriental-look cabin style at the upcoming Paris Air Show
2015.
Invited by U.S.-based aircraft maker Boeing, CAL will showcase
the design of its Boeing 777-300ER at the air show, one of the
world’s largest, which is scheduled to kick off June 15 and
run through June 21.
CAL took delivery of the first of the planes in October 2014.
The airplane has a brand new interior design concept that
combines Chinese tradition with modern amenities with a
“unique and beautiful Oriental look,” according to CAL.
The interior design features Song Dynasty-style art depicting
the works of the period’s famous poet Lu You.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo3s_XLXToU
The airline has shown the aircraft’s design details, including
offering “a taste of Taiwan” in the Sky Lounge, with coffee
and tea served alongside beloved Taiwanese treats like
pineapple cakes.
CAL Chairman Sun Huang-hsiang (孫洪祥) and the carrier’s chief
interior designer Ray Chen (陳瑞憲) will attend the Paris air
show to introduce the design to international visitors.
Ray Conner, president and chief executive officer of Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, gave the design a thumbs-up, describing
it as one of the most beautiful design works among the 777s.
CAL’s design has won several interior design awards at home
and abroad, including the prominent Red Dot Design Award and
the Golden Pin Design Award.
So far, CAL has received five Boeing 777-300ERs, assigning
them to serve routes from Taiwan to Los Angeles, New York,
Shanghai and Hong Kong.
The one to be displayed at the air show will be the carrier’s
6th, and will fly direct from Seattle to Paris for the air
show ahead of delivery later this month.
(By Wang Shu-fen and Frances Huang)
ENDITEM/J