I&MI Newsletter Asia-Pacific November 2007 Edition

THAILAND: Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa, RAWI WARIN

THAILAND: Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok

In The Air

The I&MI On-Line Seminars are a new feature designed to help planners get a more in-depth overview of featured destinations and suppliers in an interactive format. Click the logo of the destination you wish to view and enjoy the trip!
http://www.i-mi.com

Incentives & Meetings International is introducing a new service to showcase select international destinations to qualified buyers of MICE programs. http://www.i-mi.com

Please visit our main website for detailed information on 100s of international suppliers
http://www.i-mi.com

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, one of Thailand's largest hotel brands, is expanding its influence beyond Thailand and Asia. With this international expansion, the hotel group is changing its name to Dusit International. The first property to open outside Thailand was in Dubai. Now, there are plans to open more properties in the Middle East, India, possibly China and Australia.

The Japan National Tourist Organization is accepting applications for Meet Japan 2008, a hosted buyer program for organizers of international conventions to Japan. The program, which takes place 6-12 March, arrives and departs from Tokyo and will include visits to Japan's international convention cities and a trade mart in Tokyo. Attendees will visit convention and tourist facilities and experience specialties from all parts of the country.
If you are interested in participating in Meet Japan 2008, further information and an application form (deadline for applications is 18 January 2008) are available at the following web site: http://www.jnto.go.jp/MI/eng/MJ/MJ.html

Until next time
Best
Helena

Helena Miele
Editor, Electronic Newsletters

Eye on Malaysia

Malaysia is celebrating its 50th anniversary of nationhood with Visit Malaysia Year 2007. One of the bigger attractions during Visit Malaysia Year is the 'Eye on Malaysia' observation wheel in Kuala Lumpur. The 60 m/190 feet high portable wheel is located at Titiwagsa Lake Gardens in KL. The giant Ferris wheel gives visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur and its surroundings, including the beautiful Petronas Twin Towers. Similar to the ‘London Eye’, ‘Eye on Malaysia’ has 42 gondolas, 39 of which accommodate up to 8 passengers.
‘Eye on Malaysia’ is only one of many attractions in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. The country is like one big amazing adventure land with great people and fantastic destinations. Kuala Lumpur, combined with one or more of Malaysia's states like Penang, Langkawi, Sarawak or Sabah makes for an unforgettable incentive program. Malaysia also offers great value for money.
Web site: http://www.eyeonmalaysia.com.my
Tourism Malaysia: http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

Langham Hotels International is opening a 5-Star, luxury eco resort in southern Thailand. The property, Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa, is located on the island of Koh Lanta in Krabi province. The resort has 185 guest rooms and villas, meeting facilities, 6 restaurants, a spa and 4 swimming pools... and it's all environmentally friendly! The resort uses renewable energy and practices energy and water conservation, recycling, habitat protection, environmentally responsible purchasing and works closely with the local community.
All the hotel rooms and villas have ocean views. The property is well suited to incentive travel programs and small meetings. The meeting rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and WIFI and can accommodate up to 100 attendees for a reception or 80 attendees theater style. There is also a spacious reception area outside the main room that can be used for coffee breaks. Outdoor events can be held on stunning beachfront locations. The property's 6 restaurants have indoor and outdoor dining and feature international cuisine, freshly caught fish, tapas and deli.
For R&R, the Chuan Spa, housed in a group of Thai-style pavilions situated next to a natural waterfall, offers a wide variety of services. The fitness center is filled with natural light and state-of-the-art equipment. Fitness trainers are on hand to assist and provide workout instruction. The resort's ocean pool is really unique, being actually in the ocean and anchored 100 m/330 feet out to sea.
E-mail: lpkbv.resv@langhamhotels.com
Website: http://krabi.langhamplacehotels.com

The 5-Star, Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok re-opened its doors on 1st November. Formerly the Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel, the property has been renovated and re-branded as the Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok. The stunning 325-room property is located on Asoke Road, adjacent to subway and skytrain stations. The hotel is only one subway stop from the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Meeting facilities include 2 ballrooms and 9 meeting rooms accommodating from 10 to 500 attendees. Six F&B venues offer international and regional cuisines including Japanese, Italian, Spanish Tapas, Indian, Cantonese and Thai. Hotel facilities include a business centre, swimming pool, the Antidote lifestyle spa and fitness centre, and a golf putting green.
E-mail hotel@grandmillenniumskv.com
Web site: http://www.grandmillenniumskv.com

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide is planning to open a second W property in Thailand, following the opening of the W Koh Samui. The property, which will be located in the capital city of Bangkok, will be part of Sathorn Square, a luxury multiple use development, and have 400 guest rooms with W beds complete with feather top mattresses. W will have 30,000 sqf /2,787 sqm meeting space, a W kitchen, W Living Room, Sweat Fitness Center, outdoor pool and signature spa.
There are plans to open W properties in Barcelona, Istanbul, Athens, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Koh Samui, Dubai, Doha and Macau.
Website: http://www.starwood.co

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide is opening a W Hotel in Yokohama, Japan. Yokohama is Japan's largest port city. This new-build property will be located on the waterfront, next to the Red Brick Warehouse, a shopping and entertainment center with boutiques, restaurants and live music venues.
W Yokohama will feature 245 guest rooms, over 10,000 sqf/929 sqm of meeting space, a W Living Room Bar, 2 restaurants and a signature spa.
Yokohama, located 16 miles/26 km west of Tokyo, is experiencing growth in biotechnology and semiconductor business as well as continuing growth in conventional business. Nissan is moving its headquarters to Yokohama in 2010. Haneda, Tokyo's main domestic airport is less than a 30 minute drive.
Website: http://www.starwood.com

Singapore Airlines has much to be proud about these days. The airline was named #1 International Route Airline in the Conde Nast Reader's Choice Awards. Singapore Airlines has led this category for 19 of the past 20 years (Swissair received the award in 1994) and it is the only carrier to earn an overall score above 90.0.
On 26 October, Singapore Air made history with the first commercial flight of the Super Jumbo Airbus A380. Seats for the inaugural flight were sold in an auction for charity and raised US$1.26 million (approx AU$1.4 million), which was donated to the charities of Médecins Sans Frontieres, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and the Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.
Web site: http://www.singaporeair.co