I&MI Media Newsletter Asia-Pacific August 2008 Edition


Europe, Middle East, Africa Newsletter February 2008
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! I&MI Media is introducing a new service to showcase select international destinations to qualified buyers of MICE programs. http://www.i-mi.com It is I&MI Media's pleasure to bring this collection of hotels, congress centers, destinations and DMC's that have recently been added to our website and will be a part of our annual directory, The Workbook, in the 2008 edition.

Europe, Middle East, Africa Newsletter February 2008

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!

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

It is I&MI Media's pleasure to bring this collection of hotels, congress centers, destinations and DMC's that have recently been added to our website and will be a part of our annual directory, The Workbook, in the 2008 edition.

In This Issue	Editors Note
Hong Kong: Harbour Plaza Hong Kong "Best Independent Hotel" Australia: Hosted Buyer Program - AIME 2009 Macau: Four Seasons Comes to the Cotai Strip China: Sheraton Haikou Resort Thailand: Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui Completes Renovation In The Air Qantas' First A380 Air Asia Increasing Lift to Kuala Lumpur Pacific Blue Flying to Auckland	Awards Awards Awards – TravelWeekly (Asia) presented the 2008 Industry Awards at the Marriott Hotel Singapore in July. One of the big winners is Harbour Plaza Hong Kong, which was voted "Best Independent Hotel." Lightening did strike twice for the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, which received the 'Best Exhibition and Convention Centre in Asia' award for the second consecutive year. The three-year-old convention center beat such esteemed regional contenders as Suntec Singapore and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Westin Auckland, Lighter Quay received Tourism and Leisure's Property Excellence Award at the annual New Zealand Property Council Awards. Over 850 guests, including the mayor of Auckland, attended the award ceremony, which was held at the 5-Star property, a 100% non-smoking property. Until next time Best Helena Miele, CITE Editor electronic newsletters
Hong Kong: Harbour Plaza Hong Kong "Best Independent Hotel"
Hong Kong's Harbour Plaza Hotel, flagship property of the Harbour Plaza hotel group, won the "Best Independent Hotel" award from TravelWeekly's (Asia) Industry Awards 2008. Jonathan A. Wilson, General Manager of the hotel said "We are extremely proud of having won this award and are honored to have our hard work recognized … This award will inspire us to work even harder to exceed expectations and reach new heights." With 554 guest rooms and suites and ample meeting space, the Harbour Plaza Hotel is an excellent choice for events in Hong Kong. The Grand Ballroom offers 418 sqm (4,500 sqft) of pillarless space and three Salons can accommodate 48 to 120 attendees. The hotel provides a dedicated Meetings and Incentive team. The Business Centre features a high-tech boardroom, private offices, reading room, secretarial, translation and interpretation services. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Additional facilities include a fitness center with sauna, steam bath and Spa Services, a rooftop pool overlooking the harbor and seven restaurants. Website: www.harbour-plaza.com
A respite in the heart of the city, the Westin Tokyo’s understated European elegance creates an ideal venue for productive and successful meetings where delegates can rejuvenate the body, energize the mind and reflect on the business at hand. Sophisticated, yet welcoming surrounds reflect rich textures, fine furnishings and absolute comfort. Unprompted, distinctive service awaits delegateson arrival and during their conference or meeting. Try Tokyo’s most refined meeting experience with our simple and sophisticated meeting package. Meeting and stay: 50,000JPY(appx. US$415) per person per day Package includes 2 coffee breaks with refreshments, lunch box, Meeting Room rental fee, and projector & screen Contact sales office: call +81 3 5423 7760 or e-mail twtbaqt@westin-tokyo.co.jp the westin tokyo 1-4-1 mita, meguro - ku tokyo 153 8580 japan URL: www.westin.com/tokyo
Australia: Hosted Buyer Program - AIME 2009
AIME 2009, the 17th annual Asia-Pacific incentives and meetings expo, is accepting applications for Hosted Buyers. The expo takes place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Melbourne, Australia on 17 & 18 February. More than 850 exhibitors from 50 countries and over 500 Hosted Buyers are expected to participate in the 2009 event. Attending AIME as a hosted buyer affords planners with an excellent opportunity for one-stop shopping for destinations, accommodations and destination management companies worldwide and the chance to get to know Melbourne and Australia first hand by participation in pre and post tours. Those who qualify for the program will receive airfare, airport transfers, accommodation, and entry to AIME 2009, the Business Events Forum, the AIME Welcome Reception and exclusive access to the Hosted Buyer Lounge at AIME. For more information on AIME 2009 and to apply for the Hosted Buyer Program, please go to the AIME website. Website: www.aime.com.au
Macau: Four Seasons Comes to the Cotai Strip
Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts will open the Four Seasons Macau, Cotai Strip in October. The property is presently accepting reservations for 1st October and beyond. The Four Seasons Macau Cotai Strip is located next to the Venetian. The hotel has 360 guest rooms including 84 suites all outfitted with spacious marble bathrooms with separate rain showers and deep soaking tubs, broadband and wireless Internet connections, in-room voicemail system and plasma TV’s. 2,555 sqm (27,500 sqft) of flexible meeting and conference facilities include two ballrooms, three function rooms and a boardroom. Dining options include two restaurants, the pool bar and grill and two lounges. For relaxation, the spa and fitness club are on-site and the 18-hole championship golf course, the Orient Golf (Macau) Club is a short drive from the hotel. Website: www.fourseasons.com

China: Sheraton Haikou Resort
The Sheraton Haikou Resort will be the Official Hotel of the Grand China Air LPGA, the first LPGA tournament to be played in China. The tournament, which takes place 24-26th October 2008, brings 63 of the world's best golfers to China, including two of the biggest stars of women's golf, world number two Annika Sorenstam and the sixth-ranked Tseng Yani. The Sheraton Haikou Resort sits on the beach on the west coast of Haikou city. The 341 room resort was built three yeas ago and features over 1,300 sqm. (13,993 sqft) of event space with eight function rooms, including the pillarless Grand World Ballroom, which accommodates 341. The Sheraton property is a 10 minute drive to the city center and 40 minutes from Haikou's Meilan International Airport. Website: www.sheraton.com
Thailand: Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui Completes Renovation
The 5-Star deluxe Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui completed a property-wide renovation that costs over Bhat 200 million (6 million USD). The four-story property, designed in colonial architectural style, sits on the beach at Chaweng in Koh Samui. All guest rooms and suites face the sea and have private balconies. Event facilities comprise four meeting rooms accommodating from 50 to 250 attendees and the property's extensive garden areas are available for outdoor functions. Nine indoor and outdoor restaurants and bars serve everything from Brazilian Grill to Japanese cuisine. The Spa Cenvaree, Centara Hotels & Resorts' signature Spa brand, features the latest in health, traditional beauty and wellness therapies in surroundings that blend with the natural environment. E-mail: csbr@chr.co.th Website: www.centarahotelsresorts.com
In The Air
Qantas' First A380
Qantas Airlines will take delivery of its first Airbus A380 on 19 September 2008 having a ceremony at Airbus' Toulouse factory and then fly the new Jumbo Jet back to Oz via Singapore and on to Sydney. Qantas' first commercial A380 service will take place on 20 October 2008 on the Melbourne/Los Angeles route followed by a run on the Sydney/Los Angeles service on 24 October. This is the first of twenty A380s that will become part of the Qantas fleet. Three A380s will be delivered by the end of this year and Qantas will progressively introduce A380 service from Sydney to London via Singapore in early 2009. Qantas Executive General Manager, John Borghetti said, "Our Creative Director, world-renowned industrial designer Marc Newson, has overseen the design and development of all four classes on board – First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy – and all cabins will provide new levels of comfort, innovation, and style…" Website: www.qantas.com
Air Asia Increasing Lift to Kuala Lumpur
AirAsia, which made its début only last May, is already increasing its services. The startup carrier is adding a second daily service as of 27 August from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The increased frequencies were added as a result of heavy demand from both business and leisure travelers. Commenting on the increased frequency Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia, said, "At a time when some airlines are cutting routes and downsizing capacity, AirAsia is breaking the trend with our expansion plans, adding services where there is proven demand, which there certainly is for the Hong Kong route…" Since the launch of the Hong Kong/Kuala Lumpur route three months ago, average load factors have exceeded 85%. AirAsia provides a group booking service and there is a group RFP on the AirAsia website listed on the 'Bookings' heading. The carrier also charters its aircraft for corporate events. Website: www.airasia.com
Pacific Blue Flying to Auckland
Pacific Blue is launching service to Auckland, New Zealand on 22 September. The new service will fly daily from Melbourne to Auckland. Equipment usedon the route will be a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 180 seats. Website: www.flypacificblue.com

In This Issue

Editors Note

Hong Kong: Harbour Plaza Hong Kong "Best Independent Hotel"

Australia: Hosted Buyer Program - AIME 2009

Macau: Four Seasons Comes to the Cotai Strip

China: Sheraton Haikou Resort

Thailand: Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui Completes Renovation

In The Air

Qantas' First A380

Air Asia Increasing Lift to Kuala Lumpur

Pacific Blue Flying to Auckland

Awards Awards Awards – TravelWeekly (Asia) presented the 2008 Industry Awards at the Marriott Hotel Singapore in July. One of the big winners is Harbour Plaza Hong Kong, which was voted "Best Independent Hotel." Lightening did strike twice for the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, which received the 'Best Exhibition and Convention Centre in Asia' award for the second consecutive year. The three-year-old convention center beat such esteemed regional contenders as Suntec Singapore and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Westin Auckland, Lighter Quay received Tourism and Leisure's Property Excellence Award at the annual New Zealand Property Council Awards. Over 850 guests, including the mayor of Auckland, attended the award ceremony, which was held at the 5-Star property, a 100% non-smoking property.

Until next time
Best

Helena Miele, CITE
Editor electronic newsletters

Hong Kong: Harbour Plaza Hong Kong "Best Independent Hotel"

Hong Kong's Harbour Plaza Hotel, flagship property of the Harbour Plaza hotel group, won the "Best Independent Hotel" award from TravelWeekly's (Asia) Industry Awards 2008.

Jonathan A. Wilson, General Manager of the hotel said "We are extremely proud of having won this award and are honored to have our hard work recognized … This award will inspire us to work even harder to exceed expectations and reach new heights."

With 554 guest rooms and suites and ample meeting space, the Harbour Plaza Hotel is an excellent choice for events in Hong Kong. The Grand Ballroom offers 418 sqm (4,500 sqft) of pillarless space and three Salons can accommodate 48 to 120 attendees. The hotel provides a dedicated Meetings and Incentive team.

The Business Centre features a high-tech boardroom, private offices, reading room, secretarial, translation and interpretation services. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Additional facilities include a fitness center with sauna, steam bath and Spa Services, a rooftop pool overlooking the harbor and seven restaurants.

Website: www.harbour-plaza.com

A respite in the heart of the city, the Westin Tokyo’s understated European elegance creates an ideal venue for productive and successful meetings where delegates can rejuvenate the body, energize the mind and reflect on the business at hand. Sophisticated, yet welcoming surrounds reflect rich textures, fine furnishings and absolute comfort. Unprompted, distinctive service awaits delegateson arrival and during their conference or meeting.

Try Tokyo’s most refined meeting experience with our simple and sophisticated meeting package.

Meeting and stay:

50,000JPY(appx. US$415) per person per day

Package includes 2 coffee breaks with refreshments, lunch box, Meeting Room rental fee, and projector & screen

Contact sales office: call +81 3 5423 7760 or
e-mail twtbaqt@westin-tokyo.co.jp

the westin tokyo 1-4-1 mita,
meguro - ku tokyo 153 8580 japan

URL: www.westin.com/tokyo

Australia: Hosted Buyer Program - AIME 2009

AIME 2009, the 17th annual Asia-Pacific incentives and meetings expo, is accepting applications for Hosted Buyers. The expo takes place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Melbourne, Australia on 17 & 18 February. More than 850 exhibitors from 50 countries and over 500 Hosted Buyers are expected to participate in the 2009 event. Attending AIME as a hosted buyer affords planners with an excellent opportunity for one-stop shopping for destinations, accommodations and destination management companies worldwide and the chance to get to know Melbourne and Australia first hand by participation in pre and post tours.

Those who qualify for the program will receive airfare, airport transfers, accommodation, and entry to AIME 2009, the Business Events Forum, the AIME Welcome Reception and exclusive access to the Hosted Buyer Lounge at AIME.
For more information on AIME 2009 and to apply for the Hosted Buyer Program, please go to the AIME website.

Website: www.aime.com.au

Macau: Four Seasons Comes to the Cotai Strip

Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts will open the Four Seasons Macau, Cotai Strip in October. The property is presently accepting reservations for 1st October and beyond. The Four Seasons Macau Cotai Strip is located next to the Venetian.
The hotel has 360 guest rooms including 84 suites all outfitted with spacious marble bathrooms with separate rain showers and deep soaking tubs, broadband and wireless Internet connections, in-room voicemail system and plasma TV’s. 2,555 sqm (27,500 sqft) of flexible meeting and conference facilities include two ballrooms, three function rooms and a boardroom. Dining options include two restaurants, the pool bar and grill and two lounges. For relaxation, the spa and fitness club are on-site and the 18-hole championship golf course, the Orient Golf (Macau) Club is a short drive from the hotel.
Website: www.fourseasons.com

China: Sheraton Haikou Resort

The Sheraton Haikou Resort will be the Official Hotel of the Grand China Air LPGA, the first LPGA tournament to be played in China. The tournament, which takes place 24-26th October 2008, brings 63 of the world's best golfers to China, including two of the biggest stars of women's golf, world number two Annika Sorenstam and the sixth-ranked Tseng Yani.
The Sheraton Haikou Resort sits on the beach on the west coast of Haikou city. The 341 room resort was built three yeas ago and features over 1,300 sqm. (13,993 sqft) of event space with eight function rooms, including the pillarless Grand World Ballroom, which accommodates 341. The Sheraton property is a 10 minute drive to the city center and 40 minutes from Haikou's Meilan International Airport.
Website: www.sheraton.com

Thailand: Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui Completes Renovation

The 5-Star deluxe Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui completed a property-wide renovation that costs over Bhat 200 million (6 million USD). The four-story property, designed in colonial architectural style, sits on the beach at Chaweng in Koh Samui. All guest rooms and suites face the sea and have private balconies.

Event facilities comprise four meeting rooms accommodating from 50 to 250 attendees and the property's extensive garden areas are available for outdoor functions. Nine indoor and outdoor restaurants and bars serve everything from Brazilian Grill to Japanese cuisine. The Spa Cenvaree, Centara Hotels & Resorts' signature Spa brand, features the latest in health, traditional beauty and wellness therapies in surroundings that blend with the natural environment.
E-mail: csbr@chr.co.th
Website: www.centarahotelsresorts.com

In The Air

Qantas' First A380

Qantas Airlines will take delivery of its first Airbus A380 on 19 September 2008 having a ceremony at Airbus' Toulouse factory and then fly the new Jumbo Jet back to Oz via Singapore and on to Sydney.
Qantas' first commercial A380 service will take place on 20 October 2008 on the Melbourne/Los Angeles route followed by a run on the Sydney/Los Angeles service on 24 October. This is the first of twenty A380s that will become part of the Qantas fleet. Three A380s will be delivered by the end of this year and Qantas will progressively introduce A380 service from Sydney to London via Singapore in early 2009.
Qantas Executive General Manager, John Borghetti said, "Our Creative Director, world-renowned industrial designer Marc Newson, has overseen the design and development of all four classes on board – First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy – and all cabins will provide new levels of comfort, innovation, and style…"

Website: www.qantas.com

Air Asia Increasing Lift to Kuala Lumpur

AirAsia, which made its début only last May, is already increasing its services. The startup carrier is adding a second daily service as of 27 August from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The increased frequencies were added as a result of heavy demand from both business and leisure travelers. Commenting on the increased frequency Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia, said, "At a time when some airlines are cutting routes and downsizing capacity, AirAsia is breaking the trend with our expansion plans, adding services where there is proven demand, which there certainly is for the Hong Kong route…" Since the launch of the Hong Kong/Kuala Lumpur route three months ago, average load factors have exceeded 85%.
AirAsia provides a group booking service and there is a group RFP on the AirAsia website listed on the 'Bookings' heading. The carrier also charters its aircraft for corporate events.
Website: www.airasia.com

Pacific Blue Flying to Auckland

Pacific Blue is launching service to Auckland, New Zealand on 22 September. The new service will fly daily from Melbourne to Auckland. Equipment usedon the route will be a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 180 seats.
Website: www.flypacificblue.com