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Chiang Mai launches aerial tour for aviation enthusiasts
The northern resort province of Chiang Mai has come up
with an idea to arrange airborne adventure activities to lure thrill seekers
to experience the beautiful scenery of Chiang Mai. Saman Pangwacharakorn,
Doi Saket district chief officer said that in cooperation with the private
sector, the district will launch scenic tour services on aircraft and
balloons to fulfill the need of adventure seekers.
He said under the tour program, tourists get a rare
opportunity to get a bird’s eye view over Chiang Mai in a glider or
hot-air balloon flights, provided by private companies. The program which
includes the city tour will bring adventure lovers to visit Wat Phratad Doi
Saket, Mae Kuang Udom Tara Dam and other famous historical sites, said the
district chief.
Apart from getting a first hand experience of rural life,
tourists, almost all of whom are foreign tourists from Japan, England,
France, and China, would also be able to buy local products which could
generate income for poor villagers.
Sqn. Ldr. Prayod Chaimongkol, head of Chiang Mai
Ultra-light Flying Club said that the club - officially certified by the
Department of Aviation - offers flying lessons, training courses and
ultra-light aircraft flying services for tourists to view the mountainous
region of Chiang Mai from the air. "The powered aircraft are
safety-guaranteed as our qualified pilots are well-trained," he said
adding that the club is open everyday from dawn to dusk.
"At 300-500 feet above ground level the spectacular
scenery and rural landscape of Amphur Doi Saket and San Kam Phang can be
seen from the ultra-light aircraft," said Prayod.
Wannapa Takaew, manager of Chiang Mai Balloon Service
said that balloon ride services will start in October as the northern region
is entering its cool season during which the weather will be nice for
balloon flights. (TNA)
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), universities and the private sector jointly launch online ecotourism information center
Somchai Wisetmongkolchai, chairman of Thai Ecotourism
& Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) revealed that TAT, in cooperation
with universities and relevant organizations from the private sector
including TEATA, has compiled information on eco-tourism at the TAT
web-site, www.tat.or.th/ecotourism
In its first phase, the web site contains only ecotourism
information about the northern region of Thailand. However, details of
ecotourism services in other regions of the country will subsequently be
added.
"The information collected was compiled through
local entrepreneurs, students and others who are interested in ecotourism,"
the chairman said.
Somchai explained the web site will eventually be like a
large library containing a massive database and reports on ecotourism,
information about government and non-government organizations, international
seminars, and ecotourism attractions in each part of the country.
Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that
conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people.
"Ecotourism is not just travel to natural places but it provides local
benefits - environmentally, culturally and economically that can lead to
sustainable tourism development," Somchai said.
In developed countries, ecotourism is a significant
issue. It is regarded as a key to sustainable development. Many countries
have experienced adverse effects of reckless management of the tourism
industry. The damage to plants and animals, the destruction of forest areas
and natural resources has led to the greenhouse phenomenon, floods, and acid
rain.
TAT and many other organizations in Thailand want to
promote ecotourism as the new trend to correct the faults of old practices,
which can bring about disaster to our environment. The knowledge of
ecotourism offered on the Internet will help people to learn more about
using the natural resources to benefit the community while doing no harm to
nature. (TNA)
Asia Miles introduces the first three dining partners in Thailand
Asia Miles has become Asia’s first travel reward
program to introduce miles for dinging in a total of 6 significant cities
across Asia: Hong Kong, Beijing, Jakarta, when dining at C’est Bon, a
French restaurant at Le Royal Meridian Hotel, Bangkok, Jasmine, a Chinese
restaurant in Times Square building on Sukhumvit Road and all restaurant
outlets in Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok.
Asia
Miles members can now earn miles when dining at C’est bon, a French
restaurant at Le Royal Meridien Hotel, Bangkok, Jasmin, a Chinese restaurant
in Times Square building on Sukhumvit Road and all restaurant outlets in
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok.
Ron Mathison, general manager of Cathay Pacific’s
loyalty program said, "We intend to bring in more dining partners to
add value to Asia Miles membership and increase the opportunities to earn
free flights. You don’t have to be a frequent flyer to earn free flights -
our members can earn Asia Miles simply by doing what they normally do every
day."
To earn the miles, members simply present their Asia
Miles membership card when paying the bill. The minimum amount is 1,600 baht
and the maximum 55,000 baht excluding tips. Asia Miles members will earn 5
Asia miles for every 42 baht they spend on their meal. In addition, members
who pay with a partner credit or charge card can earn extra Asia Miles for
the card-spend in a single transaction.
Asia Miles is Asia’s leading travel reward programmer
with over 150 partners in 12 categories. There are 14 airline partners
including Cathay Pacific Airways, Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Asiana
Airlines, British Airways, Chaian Eastern Airlines, Dragon Air, Finn Air,
Iberia, Japan Airlines, Lunchile, Qantas Airways and Swiss.
The 11 non-airline partner categories include financial
services, hotels, telecommunications, car rental, insurance, dining, tour
operators, health and beauty, florists, wine merchants and internet. Members
can earn Asia miles with any of these partners and redeem for free flights,
upgrades and companion tickets as well as other exciting rewards.
Asia Miles is free to join, simply enroll online at
www.asianiles.com or visit the web site for further in formation.
British Airways takes off with seven top awards
British Airways emerged as the most successful airline at
the prestigious 2002 Business Traveler Awards, winning a total of seven
categories, as well as winning the blue ribbon Best Airline award. British
airways also regained top spot in the Best Business Class category by
ousting Virgin Atlantic.
Chief executive, Rod Eddington attended the ceremony at
the London Hilton to also collect five further awards for Best Cabin Crew,
Best Short-haul Flights, Best First Class, Best Frequent Flyer Program and
Most Innovative Airline.
The annual poll conducted by Business Traveler Magazine,
the world’s leading business travel magazine, is the only travel survey
conducted by a UK-based publication which is independent and complies with
the rules laid out by the Market Research Society.
Eddington said, "In a tough year for the industry,
it’s particularly heartening for us that our staff have been able to
continue to deliver excellent service which has been recognized in this way.
Winning seven awards means a great deal to us."
Swiss International Airlines holds seminar for agencies in Pattaya
Swissair has changed its name to Swiss International
Airlines. The Amari Orchid Resort Pattaya recently hosted a Swiss
International Airlines seminar, attended by over 100 people from various
agencies in the city.
 Nanthika
Asavasatitporn held a seminar in Pattaya to announce Swissair’s name
change to Swiss International Airlines.
Led by Nanthika Asavasatitporn, sales executive, the
seminar focused on notifying the agencies about the name change.
The seminar included information on new promotions
including a package tour of three days and two nights to Singapore at only
7,860 baht with special prices on other tour packages to Switzerland.
Changes of airfares were also announced at the seminar, which ended with
draw prizes and a nice luncheon.
Japan Airlines orders two 747s, moves up 777 order
Boeing Co. has confirmed Japan Airlines says it will
order two new Boeing 747-400 freighters and upgrade a previously announced
order for three jets. The announcement from one of Boeing’s largest Asian
customers comes during one of the steepest economic downturns in the history
of commercial aviation.
The two cargo jets - which run between $187.5 million and
$214.5 million according to Boeing’s Web site - are for delivery by March
2004. In addition, JAL said it wants to swap previous orders for three
777-200 passenger jets for the larger 777-300 version. It is not changing
another two orders for 777-200s.
A 777-300 carries 368 to 550 passengers, while a 777-200
carries from 305 to 440 passengers, depending on configuration.
The -300 versions also cost more, ranging between $178.5
million and $203.5 million each compared with a -200 version, which runs
between $153.5 million and $171 million.
JAL also pushed up the delivery date for two of the
777-300s by one year and wants to have them delivered by the end of March.
Boeing spokesman Tom Brabant confirmed that the two
companies have come to an agreement, but are still drawing up the contract.
Excluding JAL’s orders, Boeing has received only two
orders for 747s and 15 orders for 777s this year.
Emirates opens new arrival lounge for special travelers
Emirates’ special customers now have their own Arrivals
Lounge at Dubai International Airport where they can be reunited with their
loved ones. Upon arrival, Unaccompanied Minors (UMs) and customers requiring
wheelchair assistance are escorted to the lounge, which is located within
the main Arrivals Hall.
Family members and friends meeting UMs or
wheelchair-assisted customers can wait in the lounge in comfort where they
will receive hospitality from dedicated Emirates staff members.
Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Airport Services general
manager said, "We are pleased to be able to provide this very important
service to our special customers and their families and friends. This new
lounge will give our customers peace of mind, knowing that their families or
friends are being looked after in comfort until they can be reunited."
The lounge is shared between the Emirates Special
Services facility and Dnata Special Handling which caters to all other
airlines using Dubai International Airport.
Emirates’ network recently expanded to 59 destinations
with the start of services to Perth in Western Australia. Additionally, new
destinations this year include Mauritius from 1st September and Osaka from
1st October.
The airline is planning to start operations to North
America in 2003, with the delivery of the long-range Airbus A340-500
aircraft.
Emirates is the main launch customer for the airbus A380
Super Jumbo, with a firm order for 22, plus 10 options. Other aircraft
orders, including eight Airbus A340-600 aircraft and 25 Boeing 777s in two
versions, will boost Emirates’ fleet to 100 aircraft by the year 2010.
Farewell & welcome for GM’s at the Amari Airport Hotel
The Amari Airport Hotel
management team organized a party to say "goodbye" to
Pierre-Andre Pelletier, who has been appointed as GM of the Amari
Watergate Hotel and to welcome back Robert U. Jaermann, who previously
managed the Amari Airport Hotel from 1992-2000. Photo shows Pierre-Andre
Pelletier (3rd left, seated), Robert U. Jaermann (4th left, seated),
Sompop Boonyaseth (1st left, seated) deputy general manager and managerial
staff.
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