News >> About Members What's New Extra Regularly updated news about PATA members. Subscribe to the What's New Extra RSS feed [? ] for news on the go. PATA members may submit their news to editor@PATA.org at any time. Highlights of PATA member news appear in What's New in Asia Pacific .
N ews about PATA and the industry at large is available at PATA News Extra .
Visit PATA's Premier Partners PATA is proud to be associated with its Premier Partners . Through information sharing and an ongoing dialogue, PATA and its Premier Partners continue to make great strides toward enhancing the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within Asia Pacific; the world’s most dynamic region.
October 31, 2008 Kimberley the Focus of Tourism WA’s ‘Australia’ Campaign
Tourism WA’s ‘Australia’ the movie campaign prospectus is now available, seeking to engage partners offering Kimberley packages.
Tourism WA site .
CAPA Honours JAL Turnaround Story
Japan Airlines has received the CAPA Airline Turnaround of the Year award. Its “affairs have most significantly transformed for the better”.
CAPA site . JL news .
50,000 Hotels “Guarantee” Best Rates: Amadeus
Amadeus says two thirds of hotel customers are covered by “Best Available Rates”, accounting for 75.3% of Amadeus’ hotel bookings.
Amadeus news .
STR Releases 2008, 2009, 2010 Projections
Smith Travel Research has released revised projections for the US hosptiality industry in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
STR news .
Jasons Directory Bucks Trends
‘Jasons Motels, Apartments and Motor Lodges New Zealand Accommodation Directory’ readership has grown 10% year-on-year.
Jasons Travel Media news .
Ritz Rolls out “China Winter Special”
Building on the appeal of China after the 2008 Beijng Summer Olympics, Ritz Tours has introduced the new 10-day China Winter Special.
Ritz site .
Join PATA at ITB Berlin 2009, March 11-15 Co-exhibitors with PATA at ITB 2009 can look forward to the following benefits:-
1) The choice – if you reserve your space quickly -- of a small or large booth space, including corporate name signage
2) Company registration as a co-exhibitor, catalogue listing and ITB virtual market place listing
3) Two exhibitor badges for your representatives to freely access ITB
4) All-day coffee, tea, soft drinks, water and snacks served at the PATA stand for your representatives and guests
5) Message taking service for when you are away from your stand and the use of a storage area
6) Invitation to join the PATA lunch hosted by Messe Berlin
Be quick! Email europe@PATA.org for more information.
October 28, 2008 Faster Link between NRT to Central Tokyo by 2010
The Keisei Skyliner, one of the links between Narita airport and Tokyo city, will shorten its travel time to just over 30 minutes in 2010.
JNTO site .
Sea Bass and Lobster Dinner for TAT Mega Fam Agents
Mom Tri’s Boathouse Wine & Grill hosted Thai Tourism’s Mega Fam “Grande Finale” dinner for more than 30 international participants.
TAT news . Mom Tri’s site .
Sustain: Accor Races to Raise Funds for Fijian Kids
The 2008 Accor Race to Survive has raised nearly US$170,000 for Cure Kids Fiji, for vital medical equipment and hospital supplies.
Accor site . www.PATA.org/sustain .
Corporate Travel Programmes Unsatisfactory: Amadeus
Less than 40% of CFOs are satisfied with the levels of savings delivered by corporate travel programmes in their company, says Amadeus.
Amadeus news .
Going Mobile a Do-or-Die Decision, Says Abacus
Harnessing technology available for the mobile platform must be a central part of travel agents’ strategy for growth, says Abacus.
Abacus site .
Price, Quality of Youth Accommodation Nears “Budget” Levels
A new WYSE study highlights the increased sophistication of the youth travel accommodation sector; worth US$6 billion per year.
WYSE site .
AVIAREPS Wins Sri Lanka Contract
AVIAREPS has won the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) as a new client for the German and Russian markets.
Sri Lanka Tourism site . AVIAREPS news .
JAL Wins Design Award for “Sky Shell Seat”
Japan Airlines (JAL) has won a coveted Good Design Award in 2008 for its international premium economy seat, the Sky Shell Seat.
JL news .
SCU Leads Aussie Regional Tourism Initiative
The new Australian Regional Tourism Research Centre at Southern Cross University is helping to develop farm-based and nature tourism.
SCU THM site .
IHG Says Hello Indigo
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has launched its newest lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo in Asia Pacific, IHG’s fifth brand in the region.
IHG news .
Bye Bye Blackout Dates, Says Marriott
Marriott Rewards will say goodbye to blackout dates. From January 15, members will be able to redeem points at 2,900 hotels every day.
Marriott site .
Hotel Investment Forum India (HIFI) to Debut in January
If you are serious about investing in the hotel industry in India, you will want to be in Mumbai in January for HIFI, according to Burba.
BHN site .
IMEX Confident of Growth in 2009
Strong demand from international intermediaries to bring buyers to IMEX 2009, is a clear endorsement of the show say the organisers.
IMEX news .
Six Senses Destination Spa Set to Open on Private Island
Located on private Naka Yai island, 10 minutes by speed boat from Phuket, Six Senses Destination Spa Phuket will open November 1.
Six Senses’ site .
October 17, 2008 Guam Announces Thailand’s Participation in Island Fair
The Tourism Authority of Thailand will participate in the 21st annual Guam Micronesia Island Fair. TAT joins Australia and the Cook Islands.
Guam site .
south-pacific.travel Welcomes Japanese Volunteer
The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has provided south-pacific.travel with an IT volunteer for six months.
south-pacific.travel site .
Sydney Goes Social
NSW wants to “own” the youth travel market with the launch of ‘MySpace MySydney’ on leading social networking site MySpace.
Tourism NSW news .
Tweed Chosen as Pilot Destination for TourismROI
TourismROI.com has selected the Tweed region in New South Wales, Australia as its pilot destination in Asia Pacific.
TourismROI site .
KAL Offers New Service to SMEs
Korean Air’s SME Partner Program simplifies travel planning and allows small and mid-sized companies access to exclusive discounts.
KE site .
THAI Business as Usual to Cambodia
Thai Airways says that it continues to provide normal operations and services on its flights between Bangkok – Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
TG news .
IHG Signs Six-Property Chinese Deal
IHG has signed a multi-brand, multi-property hotel deal with Shimao Group to open six new hotels in four Chinese cities by 2013.
IHG news .
Meet Buffalo Tours at World Travel Market
Buffalo Tours is participating in World Travel Market (stand AS7180) and looks forward to meet anyone interested in “Inspirational Travel”.
Buffalo site .
EUOTI Launches First Online Marketing Conference
EUOTI’s First International Tourism Online Marketing Conference will take place December 15-19 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
EUOTI site . Event site .
New October Releases from Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet has this month released latest editions of ‘Rajasthan, Delhi and Agra’ guidebook and the ‘Melbourne & Victoria City Guide’.
Lonely Planet site .
October 14, 2008 Maldives Boasts World’s Best Island
Maldives has won the ‘Conde’ Nast Traveler’ Best Island Award for 2008, according to the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB).
Maldives news .
‘Te Kaongora’: A New E-Newsletter for Kiribati
Kiribati NTO has launched the first edition of ‘Te Kaongora’, a tourism e-newsletter to build and maintain interest in the destination.
Kiribati site .
Qantas “Pink Link” Raises Half a Million for Breast Cancer
QantasLink has raised AU$516,000 in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) as part of its Diamond Partnership.
QF news . Pink Link .
Sustain: Green Globe Lite Cuts Operating Costs for SMEs
Green Globe Lite offers tourism operators an affordable tool to measure their carbon footprint and environmental performance.
Green Globe Lite site . www.PATA.org/sustain .
Aqua Eighth Fastest Growth Business in Hawaii
Aqua was named #8 in ‘Pacific Business News’ annual “Hawaii’s Fastest 50”, a poll of the fastest-growing businesses based on revenue.
Aqua site .
October 10, 2008 Tourism Australia Invites You to “Walkabout”
The launch of Tourism Australia’s new campaign this week is driving hundreds of thousands of consumers to its website to see the ads.
Go there .
WA’s Kimberley the “Real Star” in Luhrmann Ads
The Kimberley region is the “real star” of Baz Luhrmann’s new Tourism Australia advertisements, according to Tourism Western Australia.
Tourism WA site .
Millions Roll into New South Wales’ Shores
Tourism New South Wales estimates that surf schools contribute more than AU$11.7 million to the NSW economy each year.
Tourism NSW news .
Qantas Employs Amadeus’ Altea CMS
Qantas is the first airline in the world to employ the state-of-the-art Amadeus Altéa Customer Management System, according to Amadeus.
Amadeus news . QF news .
“Follow Your Dream” with THAI
Thai Airways has launched a new promotion of special international round-trip fares. “Follow Your Dream” until December 31.
TG news .
On the Web: Outrigger Serves up Hawaiian Surf Spots
OutriggerHawaii.com’s new “Learn to Surf” video describes the best surf spots in the US state. The website has other new features as well.
Check it out .
October 7, 2008 Sustain: Sri Lanka Tourism Sets Example for Amazon States
Sri Lanka Tourism’s ‘Towards a Carbon Clean Sri Lanka’ was the curtain raiser presentation for a UN World Tourism Day event in Peru.
Sri Lanka Tourism site . www.PATA.org/sustain .
New Australia Campaign to Launch Tomorrow
The new campaign by Tourism Australia and renowned film-maker Baz Luhrmann will launch tomorrow, October 8.
Tourism Australia news .
Fiji Visitors Bureau to Become “Tourism Fiji” in 2009
The Fiji Visitors Bureau will be known as Tourism Fiji from January 1, a move that positions the NTO as “more savvy” and web-findable.
Fiji site .
Fundamentals Drive India’s Hotel Sector: JLL Hotels
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels has released its latest Indian hotel market outlook report ‘India Digest 2008’. The sector “remains upbeat”.
JLL Hotels news .
Carslon to Quadruple in Thailand in 24 Months
Carlson Hotels Worldwide — Asia Pacific has confirmed details of an expansion in its hotels across Thailand over the next two years.
Carlson news .
Sustain: Sustainable Tourism CRC Offer Free Downloads
Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre’s research reports are available for free download through its online bookshop.
Bookshop . www.PATA.org/sustain .
HICAP Pre-Registration Deadline in Six Days
Pre-registration ends October 13 for the 19th annual HICAP, which will be take place October 15-17 at the InterContinental Hong Kong.
HICAP site .
October 2, 2008 Western Australia Woos US Hospitality Workers
Western Australia recently played host to a group of academics from American universities specialising in hospitality studies.
Tourism WA site .
TourismROI Offers Free Three-Month Trial to Destinations
TourismROI, an online management and investment resource, is offering a free three-month trial subscription to destinations.
TourismROI site .
THAI Looks to Boost Thai Inbound
Thai Airways will hold “Mega Familiarization” trips and events for media and travel agents from around the world next week.
TG news .
JAL Flies in Support Colours for Tokyo Olympic Bid
Japan Airlines will put into service a specially decorated aircraft to support Tokyo’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
JL news .
CS Micro Fly Leading Japanese Journalists to Guam
Continental Micronesia Airlines is sponsering a five-day familiarisation tour of Guam for 13 Japanese journalists, starting today.
CS Micronesia site .
Qantas Honours Aviatrix Nancy-Bird Walton
Qantas has honoured Australian pioneer aviatrix Nancy-Bird Walton at a ceremony to officially name the airline’s first A380 aircraft after her.
QF news .
PATA Members Offer “Ancient Kingdoms” Tour
Bangkok Airways and Indochina Services are combining on a 7-day/6-night tour of Luang Prabang, Laos, and Siem Reap, Cambodia.
PG site . Indochina Services site .
Amadeus Bolsters Rail Group
Amadeus’ new Rail Business Group gives Amadeus access to quality rail distribution technology for global travel agents and rail providers.
Amadeus news .
Pacific Resort Aitutaki Represented in Australia
Cook Islands hotel group Pacific Resort has appointed Revolve Communications to promote its three properties in the Australian market.
Pacific Resort Aitutaki site .
September 26, 2008 300+ “Aussie Specialists” Bound for Australia in 2009
Two large famil programs will be combined when Corroboree UK and Discover Germany unite to become Corroboree Europe 2009.
Tourism Australia news .
Kiribati Arrivals Strongly on the Up
Kiribati NTO reports receiving 22.7% more visitors in the first six months of 2008 compared to the first six months of 2007.
Kiribati site .
Guam Supports US DOI’s “Island Business Link”
Guam Visitors Bureau held a workshop last month to support the US Department of the Interior’s new IslandBusinessLink.com website.
Guam site .
Marianas, Asiana Combine ‘Fam’ously
Marianas Visitors Authority and Asiana Airlines are holding a Fam Tour for travel agents from today to September 29 on Saipan and Rota.
MVA news . OZ site .
Sustain: Marianas Opens its Doors to the Future
Students from the Northern Marianas College visited the Marianas Visitors Authority office recently to learn about the tourism industry.
MVA news . www.PATA.org/sustain .
Sustain: CMA Flies Rare Birds Home to Guam
Continental Micronesia successfully transported two live Micronesian kingfishers back to Guam 25 years after the birds first faced extinction.
CS Micronesia site . www.PATA.org/sustain .
Amadeus, Jet Airways Renew Distribution Deal
Amadeus and Jet Airways have announced a three-year renewal of its global distribution contract.
Amadeus news . 9W site .
United Carries “Best North American Airline” Gong
For the eighth consecutive year, Business Traveller Asia-Pacific readers have voted United Airlines the "Best North American Airline".
UA news .
TMS Beefs Up F&B Recruitment Capabilities
TMS Asia-Pacific has announced the creation of a dedicated F&B division to be headed up by specialist F&B recruiter Axel Dinesen.
TMS site .
Sustain: Six Senses’ Still or Sparkling Sourced Locally
Six Senses Resorts & Spas will discontinue offering imported drinking waters at all their resorts, from October 1.
Six Senses’ site . www.PATA.org/sustain .
September 12, 2008 Thailand Situation Update from the TAT
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) released a fact sheet today (September 12) regarding the state of emergency in the Kingdom.
Read it .
Sustain: Will Kalpitiya be the Next Hot Spot in Asia
India, Italy and UK investors are interested in developing the coastal bay village of Kalpitiya into an integrated and sustainable destination.
Sri Lanka Tourism site . www.PATA.org/sustain .
Truly Wong’s Moment at Tourism Malaysia Campaign Launch
Malaysian singer Michael Wong extended his contract as Tourism Ambassador for Malaysia at the official launch of TM’s new campaign.
Tourism Malaysia site .
Tourism NSW Welcome News State Minister for Tourism
Tourism NSW has welcomed the appointment of Jodi McKay as the new New South Wales State Minister for Tourism.
Tourism NSW news .
Sustain: Victorian Wildlife to be Better Protected
Tourism Victoria says whales, dolphins and seals will be better protected through new amendments to the State’s ‘Wildlife Act’.
Tourism Victoria news . www.PATA.org/sustain .
QF to Expand Check-in Options
Qantas will introduce new online check-in options, including paperless check-in, from early 2009, to make the process faster and easier.
QF news .
Aqua Becomes Hawaii’s First Employee-Owned Hotel Company
Mike Paulin, Owner & CEO of PATA member Aqua Hotels & Resorts, has executed the final details of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
Aqua site .
IHG to Open 1,300 Rooms in Wuhan New City
IHG has signed two new hotels in the upcoming Wuhan New City, continuing its adventures in Central and Western Chinese markets.
IHG news .
Inner Maldives to Celebrate 10 Years
Inner Maldives Holidays, founded in 1998, is setting the stage to celebrate its 10th anniversary with some of its key partners this November.
Inner Maldives news .
Ritz Upgrades Online Presence
To strengthen its online presence, Ritz Tours has redesigned its website with a user-friendly interface and enhanced content and features.
Ritz site .
Sustain: IMEX Green Awards 2009 Now Open
Nominations are now being invited for the IMEX Green Awards 2009, which are presented during the IMEX’s Gala Dinner in Frankfurt.
IMEX news . www.PATA.org/sustain .
Careers: UH Mānoa Seeks Dean for TIM School
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa seeks an innovative, experienced leader to serve as Dean of the School of Travel Industry Management.
www.PATA.org/careers .
September 8, 2008 Thailand Situation Update from the TAT
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) released a fact sheet regarding its state of emergency yesterday (September 7).
Read it .
Air Access for Kiritimati (Christmas Island)
Following suspension of Air Pacific services, Kiribati has set up a temporary service for travel between Honolulu and Kiritmati.
Kiribati site .
53 Travel Agents Certified ‘South Pacific Specialist’
Since the launch of the 13 module e-learning training tool by south-pacific.travel last May, 53 agents have completed it at their own pace.
south-pacific.travel site .
New Aussie Research Underpins Future Development
Tourism Research Australia has released 80 Regional Tourism Profiles containing valuable insights for tourism regions across Australia.
Tourism Australia news .
Aqua Support Oahu VB’s Breast Cancer Initiative
Aqua Hotels & Resorts’ new ‘Pamper Me Pink’ special supports the Oahu Visitors Bureau’s breast cancer awareness campaign.
Oahu site . Aqua site .
Make a ‘FORTUNE’ with MICE Report
By sponsoring the MICE Report Section in ‘FORTUNE’’s October 27 Asia edition, PATA members will be able to target frequent travellers.
More information .
United Taps Melbourne’s Summer Travellers
United Airlines will operate a daily non-stop flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles to cater for increased demand over the Christmas period.
UA news .
Saroma Makes Kerala More Accessible
Saroma Holidays has introduced vehicles specially designed to cater to wheel-chair users to transport them to accessible houseboats.
Saroma site .
Six Senses Samui is “The Best in the World”
Six Senses Hideaway Samui has walked away with ‘Conde Nast Traveller’s’ “The Best in the World” award.
Six Senses’ site .
Centara Chooses Maldives for First Offshore Property
Centara Hotels & Resorts will invest in and manage a new property on South Ari Atoll in The Maldives, its first property outside of Thailand.
Centara site .
Starwood Takes No Blackouts Higher in Loyalty Programme
Starwood’s SPG Flights programme allows members to book air travel on hundreds of airlines with no blackouts using SPG Starpoints.
Starwood news .
Lonely Planet Releases in September
This month, Lonely Planet will release ‘The Travel Book Mini’ and new titles on ‘Ko Samui, Phuket’ and ‘Angkor War & Siem Reap’.
Lonely Planet site .
September 1, 2008 Sustain: Is Sri Lanka as Green as it Gets?
Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful and interesting places, writes Russell Johnson in an introduction to a video he has produced.
Full story and video .
www.spto.cn 2.0
south-pacific.travel yesterday launched a revamped version of its Chinese website www.spto.cn . A student intern helped update the site.
South-pacific.travel .
PolyU Sets Dates for Fifth China Forum
Hong Kong PolyU’s SHTM and partners will organise the Fifth China Tourism Forum, December 13-14, in Huangshan, Anhui, China.
PolyU site .
A Slice of the Gold Coast Served up in Japan
A new Gold Coast themed café at Shinjuku Station, one of Japan’s busiest railway stations, has been set up to entice Japanese travellers.
Tourism Australia news . Tourism Queensland . Gold Coast Tourism .
Sydney to Host High Yield Travel Symposium
Sydney has been chosen to host an international symposium for high yield travel advisors; the Virtuoso Symposium; April 20-27, 2009.
Tourism NSW news .
Qantas Expands North American Codeshares
Qantas wil grow its North American network with expanded codeshare relationships with US carriers Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air.
QF news .
THAI Caterers in the Pink of Good Health
Thai Airways’ Catering Services Department has been awarded OHSAS 18001:2007 for occupational health and safety at airports.
TG news .
TMS Asks: “Who’s a Lucky Duck?”
TMS Asia-Pacific is offering industry personnel a simple opportunity to win a state of the art Apple iPhone; catch 20 ducks with a lifebouy.
TMS site .
Mom Tri’s Wins Accolades for its Wine List
For the third consecutive year, Mom Tri’s Boathouse has won accolades from ‘Wine Spectator’ magazine’s annual awards programme.
Mom Tri’s site .
August 26, 2008 Travellers Looking for More of China (PRC): Visa
Visa research shows that China (PRC)’s tier two and three cities including Xi’an and Guilin are beginning to capture tourists’ attention.
Visa news .
south-pacific.travel Launches Market Access Guide to Japan
south-pacific.travel members will this week receive their 33-page electronic copy of the first in a series of Market Access Guides – ‘Japan’.
south-pacific.travel .
Guam Preparing for the Biggest Cultural Event of the Year
The 21st Guam Micronesia Island Fair, Guam’s largest cultural event, will be held at Guam’s Ypao Beach Park from October 17-19
Guam site .
JNTO Introduces New Spanish Market Website
The Japan National Tourist Organization’s new website accommodates the growing demand for Japan travel information in Spanish.
JNTO site .
United Airlines Beds Down with Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin and United’s new partnership marks the first time that hotel-branded bedding and amenities have taken to the sky on a US airline.
UA news . Starwood news .
United Airlines to Remain US Olympic Team Sponsor
United says it will renew its sponsorship agreement with the US Olympic Committee through 2012, extending its 30-year partnership.
UA news .
IHG to Add 1,000 New Rooms in Korea (ROK)
IHG has signed an agreement with to manage two “Resorts” and “Suites”, doubling the IHG portfolio in Korea (ROK).
IHG news .
Harbour Grand to “Redefine” Hong Kong Luxury
Harbour Plaza Hotels & Resorts says the opening of Harbour Grand Hong Kong, owned by Hutchinson Whampoa, is set for Spring 2009.
Harbour Plaza news .
Lonely Planet Launches Phrasebooks for Apple Devices
Lonely Planet’s Audio Phrasebooks for iPhone and iPod touch are now available for sale on the Apple App Store in all territories.
Lonely Planet site .
Ritz Offers Bangkok in a Week
Ritz Tours is selling a seven-day “Bangkok in a Week” programme priced from US$1,509 per person, based on double occupancy.
Ritz site .
August 19, 2008 Sri Lanka Woos Gulf Travellers
Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Tourism Faizer Musthapha plans to visit Doha and Dubai this month to help capture the Gulf market.
Sri Lanka Tourism site .
United Airlines Animates Olympics Campaign
United Airlines has launched five new animated TVCs in the US during the Olympics, featuring Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang.
UA news .
Qantas Launches Website for iPhone 3G Users
Qantas has launched a version of the airline’s website especially for the new Apple iPhone 3G. Other mobile devices will come soon.
QF news .
Sustain: HICAP Seeks to Honour Sustainable Hotels
The annual HICAP 2008 Sustainable Hotel Awards are now open for submission of entries. Up to three hotels will be honoured at the event.
Information at the HICAP site . BHN site . www.PATA.org/sustain .
Three Days until ATEC Meeting Place Early Bird Deadline
ATEC Meeting Place 2008, December 3-4, will introduce a new session; The Forum; an interactive session open to all ATEC members.
Register (PDF). ATEC site .
Marketing Masterclass in Melbourne Opens for Business
Bookings are now open for Tourism Victoria's 2008 Marketing Masterclass, October 8, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Tourism Victoria news .
Tanoa Hotels Run Circles around Quality
Since December, Fiji’s Tanoa Group of Hotels has taken quality more seriously, which culminated last month in its first “QC Convention”.
Tanoa site .
Rose Garden’s Special 45th Anniversary Deal
Rose Garden Riverside is celebrating its 45th Anniversary with a special package two people valid until November.
Rose Garden site .
What's New Extra Archives