TTGWeb | Travel News

Guests at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport in Singapore now get an added bonus when they stay at the 320-room city-style resort.

Guests can now literally “check in” as they “check out”: check into Singapore Airlines or SilkAir flights from a dedicated counter in the lobby of the hotel, at the same time as they check out of their rooms.

The unique new service is operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) personnel, who take care of check–in baggage and issue boarding passes. Read the rest »

Jet Airways launched daily direct service to Kuwait from Mumbai. This is the airline’s second daily service to Kuwait from India, complementing the airline’s existing Kochi-Kuwait service. Jet Airways operated the new flight aboard a state-of-the-art Boeing 737-800 aircraft .

Flight 9W 572 departed Mumbai at 1900 hrs, and will arrive in Kuwait at 2030 hrs. Flight 9W 571 will then depart Kuwait at 2130 hrs and arrive in Mumbai at 0400 hrs, the following day. Read the rest »

Ritz-Carlton hotel in Shenzhen opened on March 15, 2009. The opening of this hotel further demonstrates the exceptional brand growth of The Ritz-Carlton in China, with five new luxury hotels having opened in the space of slightly more than two years.

Contemporary in design, The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen comprises 282 luxurious guestrooms, including 43 suites that offer magnificent views of the city – nine of which feature signature balconies. The 446-square meter (4,801 square feet) Ritz-Carlton Suite features a magnificent two-storey grand entrance with floor-to-ceiling, offering a 270-degree panoramic view of the city, a steam room, Jacuzzi, study, library and games room. Read the rest »

Singapore Airlines started operating flights between Kuwait and Singapore, via Abu Dhabi. SQ458 departed Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 1305hrs and is expected to arrive in Kuwait at 1830hrs (all times local).

For the return leg of the trip, SQ457 will depart from Kuwait at 2120hrs, and arrive in Singapore at 1230hrs the next day. Both legs of the flight will operate via Abu Dhabi.

This new four times weekly service will operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, using the Boeing 777-200 aircraft. Read the rest »

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts opened two new hotels on 2 March 2009, bringing the total number of hotels in the strong network to 62. The two new hotels are Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo and Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, Philippines. Read the rest »

Priority Pass members now have access to over 600 airport VIP lounges around the world – an increase of 100 over 2008, reinforcing its market leadership. Priority Pass is one of the beneficiaries of the uncertain economic climate, as more travelers seek to cut travel costs and downgrade from business class. By joining Priority Pass, travelers can ensure that they can gain access to the facilities of VIP lounges, even when flying economy class. Lounges offer refreshments, business facilities and, above all, peace and quiet. Read the rest »

Starting on March 29, 2009 Thai Airways International will operate all domestic and international flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thai Airways will move a total of 23 domestic flights from Don Muang Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

By shifting all flights to Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thai Airways will achieve a strategic objective of promoting the airport as a major THAI and Star Alliance hub. The move will enable Thai Airways to develop network of operations, improve handling efficiency and reduce operating costs. It will also increase convenience for passengers and cargo shippers, not only for Thai Airways flights, but also for those of other Star Alliance member airlines operating to and through Bangkok. Read the rest »

Visitors looking for adventure in one of Asia’s most popular vacation hot spots now have a value for money option in the 390-room Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Patong Beach that features room amenities such as 32” flat screen TVs, luxurious bedding, DVD players and high speed internet. Within walking distance to major shopping outlets and the beach, the hotel offers an ideal location and boasts a rooftop pool where guests can enjoy the idyllic Patong Beach sunset.

The 180-room all-suite Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Kamala Beach is the ideal getaway for families, offering one, two and three bedroom options, fully equipped with kitchenettes, private balconies and living rooms. The family oriented resort style hotel has six meeting rooms, perfect for parties, family reunions or business retreats. Read the rest »

Despite the global economic slowdown in the second half of 2008, Singapore Changi Airport handled a higher volume of passenger traffic, with 37.7 million passenger movements handled in 2008, up 2.7% from 2007.

Among the top 15 markets by passenger traffic, both regional and long-haul sectors registered growth. In the region, the sectors of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, grew 6.5%, 9.4%, 11.9% and 19.4% respectively, while the long-haul sectors of Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom grew 5.6%, 5% and 7%. Declines of 10.9% and 5.2% were registered in passenger traffic from Thailand and China. Read the rest »

Bali will become the first location in Indonesia to have a Holiday Inn resort. On the “Island of the Gods,” the beachfront Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali is named after Baruna, the Balinese God of the Ocean. Located on three hectares of beautifully terraced tropical gardens and set to open in March, this contemporary, Balinese-inspired resort features 195 guest rooms and suites along a perfect stretch of white sandy beach. The Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali is the only hotel in the Tuban area to have a direct access to the beach. The resort is set to provide guests with what they expect from a modern, affordable, idyllic and relaxing resort accommodation.

Appealing to families and couples alike, Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali is situated in the secluded enclave of Tuban, a 10-minute drive from the airport, and a short stroll to the vibrant shopping and entertainment area of Kuta. It is also only 30 minutes from Denpasar, Bali’s capital city, and 60 minutes from Ubud, Bali’s artistic centre. Read the rest »