What's New in Pacific Asia - October 1997

AUSTRALIA

Australian Tourist Commission Posts New Internet Industry Site
The Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) has created a new web site to keep tourism professionals up to date on the latest news in the industry. Located at http://www.atc.net.au, the site features tourism data listed by country, important dates and information relating to trade events, advertising and MICE opportunities, marketing advice, promotional materials, instant access to media releases and newsletters, and links to travel industry news sites around the world. Check out ATC's consumer web site at http://www.aussie.net.au. Media contact: Ms. Maggie Warner, [email protected].

Aussie Specialist Tour Preps Agents to be Savvy About Down Under Destination
The Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) will hold its first worldwide Aussie Specialist Convention and Exhibition May 23-26,1998, in Brisbane. The convention, which was previously only available to North American delegates, is designed to provide travel agents with the training and tools they need to become destination experts when selling Australia. The three-day event will feature marketing seminars, workshops, product knowledge sessions, a trade show and plenty of pre- and post-touring options. To qualify as an Aussie Specialist, agents must complete a comprehensive at-home training programme. For more information about the programme and convention, call the Aussie Helpline in Chicago at (1-800) 433-Aussie. Check out ATC's web site at http://www.aussie.net.au. Media contact: Ms. Heather Kowadla in New York, tel (1-212) 759-G DAY.

Australian Theme Park Launches Into Cyberspace
Dreamworld has made its way onto the web at http://www.dreamworld.com.au. The web site, designed to introduce and educate viewers about the 30-hectare theme park, features information about Dreamworld's rides, attractions, general facts, restaurants and eateries, and night-time special events. Unique details of the site include QuickTime download graphics and animation. The site is updated regularly to notify visitors of holiday activities, extended operating hours and current media releases. Media contact: Ms. Paula Macdonald, tel (617)55881111 or e-mail [email protected].

Summit Hotels Offer Honeymooners Sweet Deals
Two Summit International Hotels, the Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns and the Hotel Como in Melbourne, are offering honeymooners special packages through March 1998. Priced at A$802 per person, the Reefs honeymoon package includes four nights' accommodation in a Deluxe Australia suite with butler service, return limousine transfers from Cairns Airport, a tropic breakfast daily, a three-course dinner and chilled champagne on arrival. The Hotel Como's package features a chilled bottle of French Champagne and a dozen red roses awaiting newlyweds in the Como Suite or the Penthouse Suite. The Como Suite is A$1 ,350 per night and the Penthouse Suite is A$1 ,050 per night. For reservations or more information, call (1-800) 801 855 in Australia, or (852) 2965 1902 in Hong Kong. Media contact: Ms. C.J. Hwu in Singapore, tel (65)434 3199.

CAMBODIA

Travel Company Changes Phnom Penh Premises
Diethelm Travel Cambodia recently moved from its previous location on Samdech Sothearos Boulevard to its new Phnom Penh address at No.65, Street 240. Rapidly increasing business motivated the move to a larger building. Media contact: Diethelm Travel, tel (855-23) 26648.

CANADA

New Pan Pacific Hotel to Open in Whistler
Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts will open its fourth North American hotel in Whistler, B.C., Canada, in December 1997. The Pan Pacific Lodge Whistler will house 121 rooms--including studios and one and two bedroom suites--each featuring a fireplace, refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher, coffee/tea maker and table seating with china. The lodge also features an upscale restaurant, gift shop, health club, outdoor heated pool, jacuzzi and laundry facilities. Sports enthusiasts can play a few rounds in the resort's designer golf courses, or hit the ski slopes. Fishing, boating, hiking and horseback riding are some other activities available during the spring and summer seasons. For reservations or for more information, call any Pan Pacific reservations office or call (800) 339-6322 in Singapore.

CHINESE TAIPEI

China Airlines and Continental Airlines Announce New Taipei-Texas Service
China Airlines and Continental Airlines have inaugurated a codeshare service between Taipei and Houston via San Francisco. The service offers customers one-stop check-in, through-baggage service, and a joint frequent-flyer programme is in the works. Since the implementation of the codeshare arrangement, the two airlines are looking to expand their cooperation on trans-Pacific routes. Media contact: China Airlines, tel
(886) 2 506 2345.

HONG KONG

New Travel Card Offers Visitors Easy Access to Local Transportation
Hong Kong has recently launched the Octopus Card, an electronic travel card featuring a built-in microchip that enables holders to travel cashfree on various forms of transportation throughout the city. Transit Systems that currently accept the card are the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), the Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) East Rail, the KCR Light Rail (including the Light Rail shuttle buses), the majority of Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) and Citybus cross harbour routes, and the Hong Kong & Yaumati Ferry route to the outlying island of Peng Chau (with other ferry routes to become available in December). The Octopus Card costs HK$100 for adults, HK$50 for students and HK$20 for children and senior citizens, not including a HK$50 refundable deposit that can be retrieved upon return of the card. Buyers can purchase the card at the ticket offices or customer service centres of many of the aforementioned transportation stations, as well as at Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) information counters. For more information, call your nearest HKTA office. Media contact: HKTA, tel (852) 2807 6543.

Hong Kong Arts Festival Highlights International Cultural Endeavours
The 1998 Hong Kong Arts Festival, which will take place February 10-March 8,1998, will spotlight a variety of world-renowned theatre groups, ballet companies, orchestras and musicians. The event is part of the five-year "Spotlight Hong Kong--Towards the Millennium" programme, launched by the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) in late 1995. Next year's festival will feature the Los Angeles Opera's version of Richard Strauss' Salome, with dramatic soprano Maria Ewing singing the title role, and a new production of Shakespeare's Othello by the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain. Jazz great Wynton Marsalis will also play at the festival, and classical music will be provided by the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra. Asian groups include a Japanese puppet show and a Cantonese opera, A Poor Scholar Advance booking for the festival begins on November 7 and ends on November 29. For booking forms and further information, call your nearest HKTA office or visit the association's web site in early November at http://www.hk.artsfestival.org. Media contact: HKTA, tel (852) 2807 6543.

Chinese Opera Festival Highlights Traditional and Modern Repertoires
Hong Kong will hold its Chinese Opera Festival from October 17 to November 8. The festival, organised by the Provisional Urban Council, will consist of performances by 18 groups from China and 26 local groups. Both traditional and modern repertoires will be represented in both familiar and rare forms of opera, including Cantonese, Peking, Hui, Qin, Han, Ping and Wu. In addition to the opera, the festival will feature a concert by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, as well as free programmes, seminars, lecture demonstrations and exhibitions. Tickets are priced from HK$55 to HK$280; discounts are available for group bookings. For programme details and booking information, contact the Provisional Urban Council at (852) 2734 2900 or fax (852) 2366 5206, or call your nearest HKTA office. Media contact: HKTA in Hong Kong, tel (852) 2807 6543.

Kowloon Hotel Offers Executive Deal
The Hong Kong Renaissance Hotel, managed by Great Eagle Hotels International, recently introduced a comprehensive room package tailored for business travelers. The Executive Value Programme offers five room categories: Courtyard View, Plaza View, City View, Harbour View and Suite, ranging from HK$2,400 to HK$4,000 (both single and double occupancy available). The exclusive package features complimentary round-trip airport transfer, guaranteed room upgrade to next category, complimentary laundry and pressing services, complimentary buffet breakfast, guaranteed late checkout until 6 p.m., among other amenities. The hotel's business centre also offers full secretarial services and business aides, including boardrooms and computer stations. For reservations or for more information, call (852) 2378 9351. Media contact: Ms. Fanny Sit, tel (852) 2378 9309.

Package Deals at Kowloon Panda Hotel
The Kowloon Panda Hotel, a branch of Golden Tulip Worldwide Hotels, is offering two special packages until December31. The three-night Honeymoon Package, priced at HK$2,777 net for double occupancy includes three nights accommodation, round-trip airport transfers for two, buffet breakfast for three days, cocktails for two at the Palmetto Lounge, 10 percent discount on hotel limousine service, and late check-out till 4 p.m. The hotel's two-night Gateway Package, priced at HK $1,922 net for single occupancy and HK $1,922 net for single occupancy and HK$1,100 net per person sharing a twin, features early check-in, roundtrip airport transfers, daily buffet breakfast and one buffet dinner, welcome drink and fruits, 10 percent discount on hotel limousine service and late check-out till 4 p.m. Both packages include upgrade to a Superior Room, 20 percent discount on laundry; late check-out subject to prior confirmation. For reservations or more information, call (852) 25276395. Media contact: Ms. C.J. Hwu in Singapore, tel (65) 434 3200.

JAPAN

Thai Airline Offers New Service Between U.S. and Japan
Thai Airways International recently announced six new flights per week between Los Angeles and the New Kansai Airport in Osaka. The new flights depart LAX at midnight and arrive at KIX at 3:40 a.m. (+2 days). The Kansai Airport Transportation Enterprise is operating daily bus service from the airport to the downtown Osaka train station to accommodate passengers. For more information, call Thai Airways International in Los Angeles at (1-800) 426 5204.

New Bullet Train Speeds Up Service Between Tokyo and Akita
The Japan Railway Company now offers high-speed service connecting Tokyo and Akita. The Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) notes that the new bullet train, "Komachi," connects the cities in three hours and 49 minutes--saving passengers 48 minutes of travel time and the hassle of the train transfers that accompanied the routes previous service. "Komachi" journeys from Tokyo to Morioka at speeds up to 275 km/hour; from Marioka to Akita, the train slows to 127 km/hour. Other new high-speed services provided by the Japan Railway Company include the "Hokuhoku" line service between Tokyo and Kanazaw, and the new 500 model "Nozomi" between Shin-Osaka and the Hakata station. For more information, contact the JNTO in Los Angeles, tel (1-213)623-1952.

Pan Pacific to Open World-Class Resort in Yokohama
Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts recently opened its first Japanese property in the popular Minato Mirai waterfront area of Yokohama, 30 km south of Tokyo. The 487 room hotel features rooms with private balconies, a rarity in Japan; a childcare centre with its own menu; and the well-known European spa Le Grand Socie, which houses two indoor pools, two saunas and European salt-water therapy. The hotel is conveniently within walking distance to the Convention Centre, Yokohama Museum, Yamashita Parki and China Town. For more information, contact Pan Pacific in Singapore, tel (1-800) 339 6322.

Travel Trade Show to Take Place in Tokyo
According to the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO), the 11th Japan Congress of International Travel & Travel Trade Show will be held November 25-28 at the ShinTakanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo. The JNTO organises the annual congress. For more information, contact your nearest JNTO office.

Budget Tour Highlights Cultural Japan
The Japan National Tourist Organization and Japan Airlines have cooperated with Shogun Tours USA, Inc. to produce a new low-cost cultural tour of the Japan Alps and Kyoto. The eight-day/six-night package features trips to Kyoto, Toyama, Kanzawa and Takayama to explore the country's culture, customs and terrain. The package includes visits to historical landmarks and cultural sites; a sightseeing journey aboard an open box car train (May-October); visits to unique museums and a family-run Japanese-syleinn; along with a dip in a warm Japanese hot spring bath. For reservations or for more information, call Shogun Tours in Los Angeles at (1-800) FLY-TRIP or contact your local travel agent. Media contact: Ms. Marian Goldberg in New York, tel (1-212) 7575641.

KOREA-ROK

Cultural Events Celebrate Korean Folk Arts
This fall, two events held in Chollabuk-do Province (lksan District) will celebrate traditional Korean folk arts. The 38th National Folk Arts Competition, which will take place October 15-17, will feature over 3,000 participants competing in five different folk performances containing farm music, folk dances and folk song. On October 18, the 4th National Youth Folk Arts Festival will represent 1,200 youths from 16 cities and provinces. For more information, call the Korea National Tourism Organization (KNTO) in Los Angeles at (1-213) 382-3435 or (1-800) TOUR KOREA. Media contact: Mr. John Oh in Los Angeles, tel (1-213) 382-3435.

Korea Internet Quiz Tests Tourists. Provides Free Ticket for Trip
The Korea National Tourism Organization (KNTO) is offering an Internet quiz to tourists looking for a free ticket to Korea. The quarterly quiz (presented every three months and available only to those who live outside Korea), which is located at the organisation's web site at http://www.knto.or.kr, is designed to increase interest in Korea and Korean tourist attractions. Quizzes completed by those in the know will be dropped into a computerised lottery system; the winner will receive a round-trip airline ticket to Korea and hotel accommodations at the Westin Chosen Hotel and the Hotel Shilla. Fifty other winners will receive Korean Tourism souvenirs. The current quiz includes questions about Korea's cultural heritage, World Cup 2002 and Korean Ginseng. For more information, call (1-800) TOUR KOREA. Media contact: Ms. Jean Chung in Los Angeles, tel (1-213) 382-3435.

Korean Cultural Revival in the Form of Dance and Folk Performances
Two ongoing theatre events in Seoul revitalise traditional Korean art forms. The Hahoe Mask Dance Drama Preservation Society, in conjunction with the Korea National Tourism Association (KNTO), will perform the ritualistic the mask dance drama every Sunday at the Instruction Building, Hahoe Village, Pungchen, Andong City, Kyungsangbuk-do Province. The Ministry of Culture & Sports, along with the Chollanam-do Province and KNTO, will sponsor the Chindo Saturday Folk Tour, in which the Provincial Folklore Troupe of Chindo will perform every Saturday between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information, call the KNTO in Los Angeles at (1-213) 3823435 or (1-800) 868-7567. Media contact: Mr. John Oh in Los Angeles, tel (1-213) 3823435.

MALAYSIA

Pan Pacific Expands Portfolio
Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts will add three new Malaysian properties to its portfolio when it opens hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Kota Kinabalu this December. The Kuala Lumpur site, located next to the to the new KL International Airport in Sepang, will provide a peaceful lodging option to those just arriving in the urban city. Pan Pacific's Legacy in Malacca, a 16-storey five-star hotel, will feature 260 rooms and suites, banquet facilities, a fitness centre and swimming pool--all right in the heart of the city's commercial and financial districts. Kota Kinabalu's Pan Pacific will boast golf courses, condominiums and a boating marina. For more information, call Pan Pacific in Singapore, tel (1-800) 339 6322.

Ritz-Carlton to Open Hotel in Kuala Lumpur
This December, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. will open its 20-storey, 248room hotel in the Golden Triangle commercial district in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The hotel, within walking distance to the city's upscale shopping centres and many cultural attractions, will offer guests 24-hour room service, turndown service twice daily, executive business services, daily newspapers, and safety deposit boxes, among other services. Each room will feature fax and computer modem capabilities, remote controlled color television, elegant marble bathrooms, European toiletries and many other luxury facilities. The hotel will also have an outdoor swimming pool and fully equipped fitness centre, as well as a signature restaurant serving Cantonese specialties. For more information, call (603) 241-0828. Media contact: Raja Zamilla Mansur.

Hotel Offers New Promotional Packages
The Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel will offer visitors two discounted packages through December31. The Renaissance Business Traveller Programme for a deluxe room accommodation (single/double occupancy), priced at RM320 per night, includes a complimentary daily buffet breakfast and usage of the hotel's health club. The Renaissance Weekend Getaway, good Friday through Sunday, offers guests a deluxe room for RM250 per night (single or twin-sharing) and features buffet breakfast at the Vogue Patisserie Cafe. For reservations or more information, call Renaissance KL Hotel Reservations Hotline at (60-3) 264 8877. Media contact: Ms. Alia HM Jally, tel (60-3) 262 2233 ext 3359/3168.

NEW ZEALAND

Air New Zealand Resumes Service to Vancouver
As the result of a new alliance agreement with Air Canada, Air New Zealand will resume two weekly services between Auckland and Vancouver beginning October 26, 1997. The services will include schedule coordination, through check-in, aircraft exchange and reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits. Southbound services will depart Vancouver on Wednesday and Sunday, while northbound services will depart Auckland on Monday and Thursday. Passengers will travel Air Canada from Vancouver to Honolulu, where they will transfer to Air New Zealand for the rest of the flight to Auckland. Through the alliance of the airlines, daily service from the South Pacific to Toronto via Air New Zealand's Los Angeles gateway will also be available. Visit Air New Zealand's web site at http://www.airnz.com. Media contact: Mr. James Boyd in Los Angeles, tel (1-310) 648-7104.

PHILIPPINES

Pan Pacific Opens its Doors in Manila
Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts will open its first Philippines property in December The 20-storey Pan Pacific Manila, which will be located in the Manila Bay area with panoramic views of Roxas Boulevard and Manila Bay, will feature food and beverage and entertainment outlets, as well as specialty stores. Just a short drive away from the Philippines Convention Centre, the hotel will house 250 rooms and suites, four function rooms, health and fitness centre, and a pool and spa. For more information, call Pan Pacific in Singapore, tel (1-800) 339 6322.

SINGAPORE

Carlton Hotel Offers Suite Special
Through the end of the year, the Carlton Hotel Singapore is offering a special rate of S$260+++ for a two-night minimum stay in its Executive Suites. The package includes personalised check-in and check-out, fruit basket, in-room safe and suit pressing. Other amenities featured in the deal are access to the Carlton Club Lounge, where complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails are served, and a one-way complimentary transfer to the airport in the hotel's luxury taxis. All rooms have panoramic views of the city or harbour. For reservations or for more information, e-mail [email protected] or Room [email protected]. Media contact: Ms. Chaim La Kwan, tel (65) 3303525.

TAHITI

Outrigger to Manage Second Hotel in French Polynesia
Hawaii's Outrigger Hotels & Resorts will manage the 90-room Outrigger Bora Bora Resort, its second hotel in French Polynesia, in the first quarter of 1999. The lagoon front resort, which is being built on the western coast of the island of Bora Bora near the main town of Vaitape, will offer guests a selection of overwater and hillside bungalows scattered across lush tropical landscaping. Hotel amenities include a fitness center and spa, swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Beach services will be available, and a private dock will provide guests easy access between the hotel and the island's airport. For reservations or for more information, call Outrigger Hotels & Resorts at (1-800) 6887444 within the U.S. or Canada, or at (1-303)369-7777 outside of these countries. Access Outrigger online at http://www.outrigger.com. Media contact: Ms. Sandi Yara in Hawaii, tel (1-808) 921-6803.

THAILAND

Blue Canyon Retreat Package
Phuket's Blue Canyon Country Club, a member of Insignia Resorts, is offering two options of "The Ultimate Retreat Weekday Package" until October 31. One option, which includes one night and two days from Bt 6,100 for a single to Bt 9,450 for a twin (2 golfers), features standard accommodations, one round of green fees (not including caddy), one special Andaman dinner, one American breakfast, airport transfers and tax and service charge. The two-night/three-day package, priced at Bt 11,700 for a single and Bt 17,900 for a twin, provides the same amenities as the shorter package, plus an extra round of green fees and an additional breakfast. The resort boasts one of Asia's finest golf courses. Reservations can be made via Utell International in Singapore, tel (65) 4343279. Media contact: Ms. C.J. Hwu.

UNITED STATES

Mauna Lani Bay Reopens After Restoration
Pan Pacific's Mauni Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows in Hawaii reopened August 1 after undergoing an extensive restoration programme. The US$10-million renovation programme included an upgrade of guest bathrooms; expansion of the hotel's poolside Ocean Grill bar, kitchen and seating area; and re-decorating the Bay Terrace. For reservations or for more information, call (1-808) 885-6622 or fax (1-808) 8854556. Media contact: Ms. Maria Dempsey in San Francisco, tel (1415) 732-7747.

Best Western Launches Consumer Credit Card
The new Best Western Visa Card allows customers to conveniently dine, shop and drive during their travels, while enjoying the gift certificates that result from points earned when the card is used. The card is designed to honor the frequent user, and it builds business through the rapid accumulation of points. When cardholders earn 2,500 points, they receive gift certificates to restaurants, retail outlets, air travel, gasoline purchases or additional Best Western room nights. The card has a low-rate and no annual fee. To apply for the Best Western Visa, call (1-888) USE-BEST. Media contact: Ms. Gillian Silver in Arizona, tel (1-602) 957-5802.

Editor's Note: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to present the What's New in Pacific
Asia release--a quarterly update on activities in the region and news about many of our 2,200 members
The information is also available on the Internet http://www.pata.org. If you would like the information
sent via email please contact us at [email protected].