World Travel Awards News
Alex Willats takes top job at Dusit Thani Bangkok
Alex Willats has been appointed as general manager of the Dusit Thani Bangkok, Thailand. Dusit Thani Bangkok welcomed the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony earlier this year.
Breaking Travel News Interview: Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur Hotel taps into MICE market
Seeking to capture some of 31.7 million international travellers expected to visit Malaysia by the end of 2015, the award winning Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport Hotel – with average occupancy levels of 85 per cent - is about to undergo a major refurb programme that will result in a fresh look and feel for all its guest rooms. Mr Hans Winsnes, general manager of the property, speaks to BTN about his cautious optimism for 2012 and why so many guests return to the Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur time after time.
World Green Tourism conference opens in Abu Dhabi
The World Green Tourism conference opened in Abu Dhabi earlier with a declaration that a new kind of sustainable tourism can help protect the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, secretary general of the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, told an audience of travel trade professionals the tourism sector has a crucial role to play in reducing footprint carbon footprints and combating climate change.
oneworld seeks to reassure passengers following AA bankruptcy
American Airlines stressed earlier that it remains part of oneworld after its parent company AMR Corporation voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 reorganisation under United States law. American said it expects to continue normal business operations throughout the reorganisation process - with normal flight schedules operating, tickets and reservations honoured as usual, along with normal refunds and exchanges.
Thailand ‘open for business’ claims new campaign
As the flooding situation in Thailand has stabilized and flood waters are receding, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is accelerating its efforts to ensure travellers worldwide understand the tourism sector is open for business. As part of its efforts the destination had launched a new recovery campaign called ‘Beautiful Thailand’.
AirAsia X boost Japan cheap flight offering with Osaka departure
Flight D7536 has touched down at Kansai International Airport as AirAsia X launches a new service to Osaka. The third largest city by population after Tokyo and Yokohama, Osaka serves as a gateway to the popular historical city of Kyoto and Kobe, both of which are accessible in less than 30 minutes by the highly efficient local rail network.
Qatar Airways continues operations to Syria despite unrest
Contrary to recent media reports, Qatar Airways has confirmed scheduled passenger flights to and from Syria are fully operational and that reports the airline has suspended services are completely unfounded. Qatar Airways has only reduced frequency from ten flights a week to seven services each week to and from Damascus due to a reduction in traffic.
Sandals teams up with National Geographic Society for dive course
Sandals Resorts has teamed up with the National Geographic Society, a United States-based non-profit scientific and educational institution, to invite guests to dive into its new PADI National Geographic Diver Course. The new specialty programme, scheduled to roll out at all Sandals and Beaches resorts across the Caribbean in the coming months, is a collaborative effort with National Geographic and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.
Qatar Airways expands China offering with Chongqing flights
Qatar Airways has expanded operations in China with the launch of scheduled flights to Chongqing. The launch is the fifth new Chinese destination added to schedules at the airline this year and the 15th route start-up overall.
Qatar/Korea to host annual UN climate change conference
Qatar and the Republic of Korea have agreed to closely cooperate to make the next major UN Climate Change Conference at the end of 2012 a success. Very much the rising star of the Middle East, Qatar was also recently selected to host the annual World Travel Awards Grand Final.
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort to host Sicilian Open
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Rocco Forte Hotels’ Sicilian jewel, has been selected as the preferred course for the prestigious 2012 Sicilian Open. The tournament, part of the PGA European Tour will be held at the resort from March 29th to April 1st 2012 and will welcome more than 140 European professional players.
RedBall Project visits Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi
The acclaimed RedBall Project has appeared at Emirates Palace, the five star luxury destination situated on the beautiful Abu Dhabi coastline. Recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel by the World Travel Awards the installation was completed in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Municipality and the National Day Celebration Committee ahead of the 40th UAE National Day.