- Best Western to Take ver Laguna Phuket Property
- Courtyard By Marriott Resorts In Phuket Appoint Cluster General …
- Island Crown at Kata Beach From September 4-6 Will Conclude …

Best Western to Take ver Laguna Phuket Property
ASIATravelTips.com
The property which is part of Laguna Phuket will be rebranded the Best Western Laguna Phuket Resort. The rebranding is expected to take place before the beginning of Phuket’s traditional high season which is supposed to begin in November. With 120 keys in the Allamanda’s rental pool the property will complement a number of other flagged Best Western hotels on the island including Bangtao Pa Klok Karon and a.

Courtyard By Marriott Resorts In Phuket Appoint Cluster General …
eTravelBlackboard – Asia Edition
He takes up the newly formed position to oversee operations finance marketing and sales at Courtyard By Marriott Phuket at Kamala Beach Courtyard By Marriott Phuket at Patong Beach and Courtyard By Marriott Phuket at Surin Beach with immediate effect. The move sees Mr Stoss continue his relationship with Marriott in a 12-year career with the hospitality giant during which time he has held senior postings in Russia Hungary China and most recently as General Manager of the Renaissance Makati City Hotel Manila in the Philippines. Mr Stoss said he was excited about the challenge that lay ahead to establish the newly fashioned holiday destination hotels in Phuket through emphasis on a family leisure experience that would stress creating space and entertainment for children though its Kid¡¯s World facilities and current Kid¡¯s Rock campaign. ¡°Courtyard By Marriott is a new and energetic brand for Phuket and I am thrilled to be a part of taking its development to a new level¡± Mr Stoss said. ¡°There are over 800 Courtyard properties around the world mainly in city locations. Thailand is the first country to launch the resort concept catering not only to adults but we have made sure to provide first-class facilities for children through our Kid¡¯s Rock scheme and dedicated kid¡¯s facilities overseen by qualified supervisors. ¡°We believe that this segment is very underserved currently.
Related from Yydxyey: Kindergarten transition session for educators set

Island Crown at Kata Beach From September 4-6 Will Conclude …
Surfline.com Surf News
From our point of view there is great potential here so wed like to assist in both the development of surfing in Thailand and to promote issues that are important to us as a company namely keeping the beaches and water in pristine condition so we as surfers can enjoy them for years to come. The Quiksilver Thailand Surf Series is hosted and supported by the following: Quiksilver SEA Phuket Provincial ffice Thailand Tourism and Sport Department Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Patong Municipality Kamala BT and the Karon Municipality with media sponsors Phuket Gazette PG TV Blue Wave 90. 5FM B95FM Phuket Bulletin Art and Culture Magazine MTV and the Phuket Neo Photo Club as well as Jim Beam Nok Air Kingfisher Print Kamala Resort the Jungceylon Shopping Center the Patong Paragon Hotel the Kata Beach Resort the Absolute Resort. To register for the event and to get more information see www.

- Phuket Report Shows 48 Percent f All Hotel Projects Delayed
- Patong Hill Reopens: VIP Caught in Phuket Storm
- Marriott appoints Stephan Stoss as Cluster General Manager in Phuket
- Phuket Report Shows 48% of all Hotel Projects Delayed
- MediaWATCH: Three ‘Guilty of Expat’s Murder’

Phuket Report Shows 48 Percent f All Hotel Projects Delayed
Bernama
The Phuket Hotel Market Update mid-year report by the hospitality consulting firm C9 Hotelworks showed that the slowdown in hotel construction sites has however not dented developers’ enthusiasm for entering the accommodation market on the island. C9’s managing director Bill Barnett said that despite the delays new developments continued to enter the stream with 38 properties offering 6231 rooms at various stages of advancement in the construction cycle. “Non-traditional products such as hotel managed villas and condos now represent 34 percent of the upcoming inventory” he added. Currently there are nearly 40000 rooms in the country’s top tourist destination ranging from guest houses up through to branded hotels. Approximately 10000 of these or 25 percent of total supply is international star rated.

Patong Hill Reopens: VIP Caught in Phuket Storm
Phuketwan
nly after the emergency call was it discovered that Dr Weerasak was on Phuket making the visit in a private capacity with friends. In a report of the incident published online the Thai newspaper Khaosod said that Dr Weerasak would usually have been expected to attend an important parliamentary meeting in Bangkok today with his minister and other ministers and their permanent department heads. Although Dr Weerasak was visiting Phuket in a private capacity Khaosod reported that he received a VIP escort from police and hotel accommodation had been booked through the Commerce Department. After their adventure on the usually uneventful 30-minute trip to He island Dr Weerasak’s group was returned safely to Chalong. Today’s storm was just the latest symptom of a change in weather patterns for Phuket and the region in August. Normally August has 10 rainy days according to the bureau but this year wet weather had come ”on almost every day” a spokesperson said. Phuket in the May to ctober wet season is being marketed as ”Summer” for the first time this year.
Related from Freewheelintornados: 5 Twisted Tornado Myths

Marriott appoints Stephan Stoss as Cluster General Manager in Phuket
ASIATravelTips.com
Marriott has appointed Stephan Stoss as its Cluster General Manager in Phuket responsible for its three Courtyard By Marriott Hotels and the soon to open Marriott Hotel and Spa at Kamala Cove. hotels business travel news trade industry agents operators airlines daily latest.

Phuket Report Shows 48% of all Hotel Projects Delayed
nline-Magazin Business Traveler.eu
deliveringcommunications. C9’s Managing Director Bill Barnett said despite the delays new developments continue to enter the stream with 38 properties offering 6231 rooms at various stages of advancement in the construction cycle.

MediaWATCH: Three ‘Guilty of Expat’s Murder’
Phuketwan
All three people implicated in the shooting death of a Canadian in Ranong have been convicted and sentenced to life in prison according to a relative of the victim the calgaryherald. Richard Henry whose brother Dale 48 was killed in Ranong province north of Phuket in February 2008 said that the three convicted of murder were Maneerat ”Nee” Henry Dale’s wife; Khun Nee’s boyfriend; and a man who acted as the hit man in the shooting.

- Phuket Report Shows 48 Percent f All Hotel Projects Delayed
- LaTour Signature Group and IndoChine Group Launch Hospitality …
- Phuket Report Shows 48% of all Hotel Projects Delayed
- Banyan Tree moves into Vietnam.
- Phuket as Paradise: How Real is Today’s Dream?
- 48% of all Phuket hotel projects delayed: report

Phuket Report Shows 48 Percent f All Hotel Projects Delayed
Bernama
The Phuket Hotel Market Update mid-year report by the hospitality consulting firm C9 Hotelworks showed that the slowdown in hotel construction sites has however not dented developers’ enthusiasm for entering the accommodation market on the island. C9’s managing director Bill Barnett said that despite the delays new developments continued to enter the stream with 38 properties offering 6231 rooms at various stages of advancement in the construction cycle. “Non-traditional products such as hotel managed villas and condos now represent 34 percent of the upcoming inventory” he added. Currently there are nearly 40000 rooms in the country’s top tourist destination ranging from guest houses up through to branded hotels. Approximately 10000 of these or 25 percent of total supply is international star rated.

LaTour Signature Group and IndoChine Group Launch Hospitality …
PR Newswire (press release)
Realizing the potential of this market and other areas around the globe LaTour Signature Group a joint-venture enterprise with ResortCom Elite that provides management services to small luxury fractional ownership properties and IndoChine Group an international lifestyle brand have teamed up to create the LaTour IndoChine Hotel Group. The newly formed hotel management company is also announcing its first project the IndoChine Resort and Villas in Phuket Thailand. Based in Singapore the LaTour IndoChine Hotel Group will provide comprehensive specialized services to developers entering the realm of boutique hotels and six-star hotels as well as whole and fractional ownership villas. The group plans to expand further into Asia in addition to the Middle East New Zealand and Australia. “By combining the strengths of the LaTour Signature Group and the IndoChine Group we are able to further assist developers and manage properties with global influence” said Tom LaTour founder of LaTour Signature Group. “For example the IndoChine Resort and Villas represent an ideal opportunity to create a premier hybrid luxury resort for the region and Middle East overall.

Phuket Report Shows 48% of all Hotel Projects Delayed
nline-Magazin Business Traveler.eu
deliveringcommunications. C9’s Managing Director Bill Barnett said despite the delays new developments continue to enter the stream with 38 properties offering 6231 rooms at various stages of advancement in the construction cycle.

Banyan Tree moves into Vietnam.
4Hoteliers
We are confident it has the potential to flourish as an international luxury-tourist destination. This first foray into the Indochina region is a significant milestone for Banyan Tree and we are delighted to share this momentous occasion with our valuable partners in the Fund who have helped to make Laguna Hue a reality” said Banyan Tree’s Executive Chairman Ho KwonPing. Banyan Tree has already developed Asia’s first and largest integrated resort in Laguna Phuket Thailand spanning six hotels a golf course and residential developments. In July this year the Group secured a contract to manage a 1300-key development under its sister brand Angsana Hotels and Resorts. Located in Kunming Angsana Fu Xian Lake is expected to open in 2010. ver the next few quarters the Group will be pushing ahead with its expansion plans with resort and hotel openings expected in Hangzhou China; Bali Indonesia; Ras Al Khaimah UAE and Acapulco Mexico. ~ Important Notice ~Articles appearing here contain copyright material.
Related from Zjhcfw: Banyan Tree Hangzhou To pen In China’s First Wetlands Reserve

Phuket as Paradise: How Real is Today’s Dream?
Phuketwan
how much property ownership is involved?Photo by phuketwan. The most beautiful areas of the island are just remote enough to discourage development by large hotel chains – at least for the present. n these beaches the only man-made structures are thatched-roof straw huts. These straw ”bungalows” rent for $2 a day. They are clean and equipped with veranda double bed shower toilet and plenty of room for two. Electricity is provided by a generator that is turned on at sunset and off at 11 pm.

48% of all Phuket hotel projects delayed: report
The Nation
C9 managing director Bill Barnett said despite the delays new developments continued to enter the stream with 38 properties offering 6231 rooms at various stages of advancement in the construction cycle. "Non-traditional product such as hotel-managed villas and condos now represent 34 per cent of the upcoming inventory" Barnett said. 4 per cent produced an average room rate of US$141 (Bt4800).

- Laguna Phuket Says ‘Good Morning Vietnam’
- Phuket Report Shows 48 Percent f All Hotel Projects Delayed
- MediaWATCH: Thais wn Phuket says Land ffice

Laguna Phuket Says ‘Good Morning Vietnam’
Phuketwan
If that sounds familiar it’s because the model is Laguna Phuket where Banyan Tree was launched as a brand in 1994. The Vietnam project is expected to draw on expertise at Laguna Phuket. ”We have always believed that Vietnam holds the greatest potential of replicating the success of our flagship Laguna Phuket destination resort within Asia” says KP Ho Banyan Tree’s Chief Executive. He rates the project ”a significant milestone for Banyan Tree” with the Banyan Tree Indochina Hospitality Fund fhaving raised $US283 million.

Phuket Report Shows 48 Percent f All Hotel Projects Delayed
Bernama
The Phuket Hotel Market Update mid-year report by the hospitality consulting firm C9 Hotelworks showed that the slowdown in hotel construction sites has however not dented developers’ enthusiasm for entering the accommodation market on the island. C9’s managing director Bill Barnett said that despite the delays new developments continued to enter the stream with 38 properties offering 6231 rooms at various stages of advancement in the construction cycle. “Non-traditional products such as hotel managed villas and condos now represent 34 percent of the upcoming inventory” he added. Currently there are nearly 40000 rooms in the country’s top tourist destination ranging from guest houses up through to branded hotels. Approximately 10000 of these or 25 percent of total supply is international star rated.
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MediaWATCH: Thais wn Phuket says Land ffice
Phuketwan
com Add the Radisson Hotels & Resorts chain to the growing list of businesses reporting significant data breaches that exposed sensitive customer data. In an open letter to guests Radisson chief operating officer Fredrik Korallus said the hotel chain’s computer system was hacked between November 2008 and May 2009 and customer data including credit and debit card numbers was stolen. From the Radisson letter: Radisson has been coordinating with federal law enforcement to assist in the investigation of this incident. The company did not say how many customer records were accessed.

- Phuket Report Shows 48 Percent f All Hotel Projects Delayed
- Pullman Brand Expands with 5 Additional Hotels
- Bangkok loses top spot to Indian city
- Travel & Leisure’s Best Beach Hotels 2009
- Annissa Flynn Wins Both Junior and Women’s Divisions in Quiksilver …
- Phuket Boost as Air Asia Plans More Flights

Phuket Report Shows 48 Percent f All Hotel Projects Delayed
Bernama
The Phuket Hotel Market Update mid-year report by the hospitality consulting firm C9 Hotelworks showed that the slowdown in hotel construction sites has however not dented developers’ enthusiasm for entering the accommodation market on the island. C9’s managing director Bill Barnett said that despite the delays new developments continued to enter the stream with 38 properties offering 6231 rooms at various stages of advancement in the construction cycle. “Non-traditional products such as hotel managed villas and condos now represent 34 percent of the upcoming inventory” he added. Currently there are nearly 40000 rooms in the country’s top tourist destination ranging from guest houses up through to branded hotels. Approximately 10000 of these or 25 percent of total supply is international star rated.
Related from Rizzicreations: Report: Auto Industry Recovery Delayed Several Months From …

Pullman Brand Expands with 5 Additional Hotels
Focus on Travel News
Pullman Pattaya Aisawan (currently Aisawan Hotel Pattaya) will be re branded at the end of 2009 following the completion of extensive renovations that have already commenced. Renovations will see the addition of Pullman identifying elements such as innovative food and beverage concepts Co Meetings and signature services such as Pullman Welcomers and dedicated Event Managers. This beachfront hotel with 353 guest rooms is located on Wongamart Beach. Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithorn Beach will be a new beach front hotel situated at one of Phuket’s newest and most promising bays. With 260 guest rooms and 20 villas the hotel is just 15 minutes from the Phuket International Airport. The hotel will open in late 2011. Pullman Hanoi Horison after extensive renovations which are due for completion in mid 2011 the Horison Hotel Hanoi will join the Pullman network.

Bangkok loses top spot to Indian city
บางกอกโพส
The rooms are located on the same floor as the health club and spa facilities. pening last December the hotel designed in French colonial style boasts 154 rooms. Movenpick is a Swiss hotel chain operating 90 hotels in 26 countries in Europe Africa the Middle East and Asia. Tourist arrivals downTourist arrivals in Phuket declined 14% during the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2008 according to C9 Hotelworks an asset management and hospitality consulting firm that recently presented its “Phuket Hotel Market Update Mid-Year Report. According to the report negative market sentiment and media perception linking Phuket to Thailand’s larger political dilemma were strongly at play during the first six months of 2009. Key competing destination in the region Bali easily surpassed Phuket helped in part by high profile anti-government demonstrations in Thailand and airport closures the past two years. The report put hotel occupancy in Phuket at 60.

Travel & Leisure’s Best Beach Hotels 2009
Comparecarhire.co.uk
The Fountainbleu oozes rat-pack chic following a $1b renovation including plasma screens and iMacs in its 1504 rooms. The 450-room Ritz Carlton Sanya on China?s boasts a Forbidden City like retreat with reflection pools and the sea-water themed Espa along with your own personal butler to drive you around. The Six Senses Destination Spa in Phuket Thailand has been at the fore of the renaissance of the popular Thai city most notably with its four separate spas dedicated to Thai Indian Chinese and Indonesian themes over 10 hectares. In Hong Kong The W Hotel lives up to the ?Whatever Whenever? motto of its Starwood owners with the concierge being able to arrange you a private jet for that last minute meeting in Shanghai. Rooms feature blackout curtains iPod docks and multicolored mood lighting. Jetsetters beware though the ICC tower blocks views on the Hong Kong side ? make sure you ask for a harbour facing room. With thanks to www.

Annissa Flynn Wins Both Junior and Women’s Divisions in Quiksilver …
Surfline.com Surf News
Don’t miss the third and final event of the series the Island Crown at Kata Beach which will be happening from September 4-6. It is sure to be a memorable event with all the local crew frothing to make a run for the series titles in each division with a great after party already in the works!The Quiksilver Thailand Surf Series is presented by Quiksilver South East Asia supported by the Phuket Provincial ffice Thailand Tourism and Sport Department Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Patong Municipality Kamala BT and Karon Municipality with media sponsors the Phuket Gazette PG TV Blue Wave 90. 5FM B95FM Phuket Bulletin MTV Phuket Neo Photo Club and sponsors Jim Beam Nok Air Kingfisher Beer Jungceylon Shopping Center Patong Paragon Hotel and the Print Kamala Resort. King of the Jungle Contest Results:Men’s pen:1. Nopphasit Boonchuy4.

Phuket Boost as Air Asia Plans More Flights
Phuketwan
While other older airlines were struggling Air Asia passengers increased by 20 percent in the first half of 2009 he told a business conference at Royal Phuket City Hotel in Phuket City. Seventy percent of customers were expats Khun Tossapon added. As many as 85 percent of bookings were now made online.

- 48% of all Phuket hotel projects delayed: report
- MediaWATCH: Probe on Samui Air Crash to Begin
- Juan Carlos Gonzalez Appointed Director Travel Industry Sales …
- Phuket Protest Traps Thaksin’s Sister in Hotel
- IFA Hotels & Resorts Increases Shareholding In Raimon Land In Thailand
- Accor commits to five new Pullman hotels in Asia
- Leaders of the pack: Travel + Leisure readers give the Leading …

48% of all Phuket hotel projects delayed: report
The Nation
C9 managing director Bill Barnett said despite the delays new developments continued to enter the stream with 38 properties offering 6231 rooms at various stages of advancement in the construction cycle. "Non-traditional product such as hotel-managed villas and condos now represent 34 per cent of the upcoming inventory" Barnett said. 4 per cent produced an average room rate of US$141 (Bt4800).

MediaWATCH: Probe on Samui Air Crash to Begin
Phuketwan
The board said a contributing factor was the captain’s previously undiagnosed severe obstructive sleep apnoea. The aircraft later landed safely. Bernama Up to 48 percent of all new hotel developments in Phuket are experiencing major construction delays says the Phuket Hotel Market Update mid-year report by the hospitality consulting firm C9 Hotelworks. C9’s managing director Bill Barnett said that despite the delays new developments continued to enter the stream with 38 properties offering 6231 rooms at various stages of advancement in the construction cycle. ”Non-traditional products such as hotel managed villas and condos now represent 34 percent of the upcoming inventory” he added. The report also noted that branded hotels outperformed non-branded properties rate wise by 33.

Juan Carlos Gonzalez Appointed Director Travel Industry Sales …
Hotel Interactive Inc.
Regent Seven Seas operates a fleet of medium-sized luxury cruise ships that visit over 300 ports on all seven continents including Antarctica and is consistently ranked among the world’s top cruise lines. Regent Hotels & Resorts offers a global portfolio of luxury properties in Beijing; Singapore; Taipei; Berlin; Zagreb; Bordeaux; and Turks and Caicos. Future global developments include properties in The Republic of Maldives; Bangkok Thailand; Phuket Cape Panwa Thailand; Dubrovnik Croatia; Manila Bay the Philippines; Kuala Lumpur Malaysia; Palmas del Mar Puerto Rico; and Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates. For more information visit www.
Related from Sales-monster: Pro Travel Network Wins Award for Sales Professionalism and Marketing

Phuket Protest Traps Thaksin’s Sister in Hotel
Phuketwan
The yellow shirt supporters carried placards saying that the Shinawatra family was not welcome on Phuket. They chanted and waved hand-clappers. Khun Yinglak told Phuketwan that she had come to Phuket to give students an opportunity. Her presence had nothing to do with her brother except that it was his charitable foundation.

IFA Hotels & Resorts Increases Shareholding In Raimon Land In Thailand
Zawya
Raimon Land recently handed over The Heights Phuket project to its customers. The company’s Northpoint Pattaya residential development is on track and scheduled for completion towards the end of this year followed by handing over to owners shortly after. Construction of The River a major condominium project in Bangkok continues to make good progress with the landmark project rising steadily on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is scheduled for completion by 2011. Al-Bahar concluded: “ur strategy has always been to focus on emerging markets; Asia is a key region for us with excellent growth potential which we plan to capitalise on.

Accor commits to five new Pullman hotels in Asia
Asia Property Report
The beachfront hotel with 353 guest rooms is located on Wongamart Beach, only 30 minutes from Pattaya´s U-Tapao International Airport. It will have extensive meeting and conference facilities that cater for up to 500 people and a poolside beach front area that can also be used for more informal events. Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach will be a newly built beach front hotel situated on Naithon Beach, one of Phuket’s newest and most promising bays only 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport. With 260 guest rooms and 20 villas, the hotel´s facilities include three restaurants, a lobby bar, two pools with pool bars, a fitness centre, day spa and meeting facilities. The hotel will open in late 2011. Pullman Shanghai Pudong Zhangjiang will be a new 300 room hotel located in the high-tech development and trade zone in Pudong, Shanghai. With three restaurants and a bar, the hotel will also feature a swimming pool, health centre, business centre and extensive conference facilities, including a 650sqm ballroom and six additional venues.

Leaders of the pack: Travel + Leisure readers give the Leading …
eTravelBlackboard MICE News
Australia New Zealand and South Pacific Among the Top 15 Resorts were Hayman Great Barrier Reef Australia at #4 and Huka Lodge Taupo New Zealand at #8. The Langham Melbourne in Melbourne Australia was named #1 among the Top 20 City Hotels in the region. And making the magazine’s It List: 45 Best New Hotels of 2009 were: The Dolder Grand Zurich Switzerland; Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa Phuket Thailand; Encantado An Auberge Resort Santa Fe New Mexico; and The Resort at Pelican Hill Newport Coast California. Methodology: A questionnaire developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure- in association with Harris Interactive an independent research firm was made available to Travel + Leisure readers at tlworldsbest. com from January 15 2009 to March 29 2009. In the February and March 2009 issues of Travel + Leisure readers were invited to participate. A select group of readers also received invitations via e-mail.

- 48% of all Phuket hotel projects delayed: report
- MediaWATCH: Probe on Samui Air Crash to Begin
- IFA Hotels & Resorts Increases Shareholding In Raimon Land In Thailand
- Phuket Protest Traps Thaksin’s Sister in Hotel
- Leaders of the pack: Travel + Leisure readers give the Leading …
- Accor commits to five new Pullman hotels in Asia
- BP Sharpens Duty-f-Care Focus

48% of all Phuket hotel projects delayed: report
The Nation
C9 managing director Bill Barnett said despite the delays new developments continued to enter the stream with 38 properties offering 6231 rooms at various stages of advancement in the construction cycle. "Non-traditional product such as hotel-managed villas and condos now represent 34 per cent of the upcoming inventory" Barnett said. 4 per cent produced an average room rate of US$141 (Bt4800).

MediaWATCH: Probe on Samui Air Crash to Begin
Phuketwan
The board said a contributing factor was the captain’s previously undiagnosed severe obstructive sleep apnoea. The aircraft later landed safely. Bernama Up to 48 percent of all new hotel developments in Phuket are experiencing major construction delays says the Phuket Hotel Market Update mid-year report by the hospitality consulting firm C9 Hotelworks. C9’s managing director Bill Barnett said that despite the delays new developments continued to enter the stream with 38 properties offering 6231 rooms at various stages of advancement in the construction cycle. ”Non-traditional products such as hotel managed villas and condos now represent 34 percent of the upcoming inventory” he added. The report also noted that branded hotels outperformed non-branded properties rate wise by 33.

IFA Hotels & Resorts Increases Shareholding In Raimon Land In Thailand
Zawya
Raimon Land recently handed over The Heights Phuket project to its customers. The company’s Northpoint Pattaya residential development is on track and scheduled for completion towards the end of this year followed by handing over to owners shortly after. Construction of The River a major condominium project in Bangkok continues to make good progress with the landmark project rising steadily on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is scheduled for completion by 2011. Al-Bahar concluded: “ur strategy has always been to focus on emerging markets; Asia is a key region for us with excellent growth potential which we plan to capitalise on.

Phuket Protest Traps Thaksin’s Sister in Hotel
Phuketwan
The yellow shirt supporters carried placards saying that the Shinawatra family was not welcome on Phuket. They chanted and waved hand-clappers. Khun Yinglak told Phuketwan that she had come to Phuket to give students an opportunity. Her presence had nothing to do with her brother except that it was his charitable foundation.

Leaders of the pack: Travel + Leisure readers give the Leading …
eTravelBlackboard MICE News
Australia New Zealand and South Pacific Among the Top 15 Resorts were Hayman Great Barrier Reef Australia at #4 and Huka Lodge Taupo New Zealand at #8. The Langham Melbourne in Melbourne Australia was named #1 among the Top 20 City Hotels in the region. And making the magazine’s It List: 45 Best New Hotels of 2009 were: The Dolder Grand Zurich Switzerland; Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa Phuket Thailand; Encantado An Auberge Resort Santa Fe New Mexico; and The Resort at Pelican Hill Newport Coast California. Methodology: A questionnaire developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure- in association with Harris Interactive an independent research firm was made available to Travel + Leisure readers at tlworldsbest. com from January 15 2009 to March 29 2009. In the February and March 2009 issues of Travel + Leisure readers were invited to participate. A select group of readers also received invitations via e-mail.
Related from Yptulsa: Woman Sues Tulsa’s Leisure World

Accor commits to five new Pullman hotels in Asia
Asia Property Report
The beachfront hotel with 353 guest rooms is located on Wongamart Beach, only 30 minutes from Pattaya´s U-Tapao International Airport. It will have extensive meeting and conference facilities that cater for up to 500 people and a poolside beach front area that can also be used for more informal events. Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach will be a newly built beach front hotel situated on Naithon Beach, one of Phuket’s newest and most promising bays only 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport. With 260 guest rooms and 20 villas, the hotel´s facilities include three restaurants, a lobby bar, two pools with pool bars, a fitness centre, day spa and meeting facilities. The hotel will open in late 2011. Pullman Shanghai Pudong Zhangjiang will be a new 300 room hotel located in the high-tech development and trade zone in Pudong, Shanghai. With three restaurants and a bar, the hotel will also feature a swimming pool, health centre, business centre and extensive conference facilities, including a 650sqm ballroom and six additional venues.

BP Sharpens Duty-f-Care Focus
The Transnational
‘ and I am putting lines through it because I just won’t accept that someone can indemnify themselves from everything. You can’t indemnify yourself from your own negligent actions. As part of BP’s duty-of-care efforts the company uses “a laborious process where we check every single hotel that we use” against various criteria Reid said. “The bigger hotels we do more often; some we only do every two or three years. The assessment includes what BP calls the “one block rule” Reid explained “which is: how safe is it if you walk out of the property and go one block in any direction? They may be great properties but if you go one block it may not be a great place to be. All Puzzle PiecesBP also tracks the safety records of airlines and requires employees to use only approved suppliers including charter operators “the taxi operator the tour operator you name it” Reid said. “Every piece of the puzzle is assessed to make sure it meets our own standards.

- MediaWATCH: Protest Crushing Alarms Malaysia
- Tessa! : Shopping eating relaxing–in Thailand / Tessa Prieto-Valdes
- New luxury hotel for Phuket
- The most romantic wedding & honeymoon destinations
- Arroyo meeting with Clinton pushes through

MediaWATCH: Protest Crushing Alarms Malaysia
Phuketwan
Colonic irrigation is back in fashion and the workout of the moment is kinesis. Six Senses is a mecca for macrobiotic A-listers. The raw food is seriously impressive while the hotel’s carbon footprint is tiny as 95 percent of everything consumed is local which is why they have no meat. Choosing between Six Senses off Phuket and Hua Hin’s Chiva-Som is tricky. But both prove one thing: in economically uncertain times there’s only one solid investment.

Tessa! : Shopping eating relaxing–in Thailand / Tessa Prieto-Valdes
Inquirer.net
Tim and Steph did enjoy the ride wearing their raincoats and vests. Though birthday girl Charina had fear in her eyes we knew we were safe with those three fast engines. nce we hit land all was forgotten and we celebrated the night with the hotel’s Pinoy band. Kilo damageShopping was limited in Phuket because it was raining so most of the kilo damage was accumulated in Bangkok. ur hotel Centara Grand at Central World is the best location to be if you are a die-hard shopper. There are over four or five huge malls within walking distance to the hotelCentral World Plaza Siam Square Gaysorn Plaza and Siam Paragon. Thai fashion designers are awesome in using interesting fabrics and color combinations.

New luxury hotel for Phuket
Phuket Gazette
The new hotel is aimed at the luxury market and is currently under development by the owners of the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort. Despite the economic downturn investment in hospitality assets is on the rise with 38 new properties in the pipeline according to C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett.

The most romantic wedding & honeymoon destinations
TravelBite.co.uk
As the icing on the cake Turtle Beach is also offering a further three-night stay to celebrate your first wedding anniversary. Luxury honeymoon in ThailandIn Thailand Sarojin has created a six night luxurious honeymoon experience designed to provide a level of personalised service and hospitality that makes the honeymoon just as special as the wedding day. The experience begins with a luxury private car transfer from Phuket airport with refreshments and cold towels on hand during the 55 minutes journey to the 56 room resort. Upon arrival guests are escorted to one of beautifully decorated guest residences where a chilled complimentary bottle of sparkling wine awaits together with flowers and a basket laden with Thailand?s exotic fruitsAlso included in the package and to be arranged at your convenience is a private Candlelit Jungle Waterfall Dinner Experience just for two as well as two 90 minute Royal riental Spa treatments at the Sarojin?s award winning Pathways Spa and daily a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine. The Sarojin?s unique style of hospitality is further enhanced by its very own Imagineer an ultimate personal concierge whose expertise and imagination helps turn guests? wishes into reality. Jowell Philemond-Montout is The Sarojin?s Imagineer and his in-depth knowledge of the hidden treasures of the surrounding five national parks combined with the amenities of The Sarojin allow him full reign to create unique guest experiences. A deluxe holiday experience it is a wonderfully indulgent romantic retreat and priced from approximately £1560 per couple and the Luxurious Honeymoon Experience includes the extras that make such an occasion truly memorable.
Related from Ko-ox: Mexico’s 10 most romantic honeymoon hideaways

Arroyo meeting with Clinton pushes through
Inquirer.net
Earlier Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the meeting between Arroyo and Clinton had been cancelled. Remonde in a press conference at the Beacon Hotel had said the Palace decided it was too soon for the President and Clinton to meet again as they had just met for 30 minutes last February at the US State Department headquarters. Also Remonde pointed out that Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo had met Clinton during the Asean Summit in Phuket Thailand a week ago. A senior US State department official had reported last Wednesday that Clinton would hold a separate meeting with Arroyo this Friday.

- New luxury hotel for Phuket
- Thailand offers deals and discounts in face of tourism slump
- Arroyo Clinton meet behind closed doors

New luxury hotel for Phuket
Phuket Gazette
The new hotel is aimed at the luxury market and is currently under development by the owners of the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort. Despite the economic downturn investment in hospitality assets is on the rise with 38 new properties in the pipeline according to C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett.

Thailand offers deals and discounts in face of tourism slump
USA Today
Hotels on the resort island of Phuket are offering a fourth night free. And mountain lodges up north are offering free golf and spa pampering.
Related from Abnthailandhotels: Thailand offers deals and discounts in face of tourism slump

Arroyo Clinton meet behind closed doors
Manila Bulletin
“There is no more meeting between the President and Secretary Clinton for two reasons. They met already when the President was here. Secretary Clinton and Secretary Romulo just met in Phuket one week ago. More or less the issues they need to discuss were already both discussed in the meeting between Secretary Clinton and President Arroyo a month or so ago” he told reporters here. Remonde also said the United States wanted to reinvigorate its relations with Asia under the bama administration as mentioned by Clinton recently. “The US is back in this part of the world because for a while really in the previous administration nawala sa US radar screen ang Asia” he said. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita a member of the President’s official party said he was also unaware about the meeting with Clinton.

- New luxury hotel for Phuket
- Arroyo Clinton meet behind closed doors
- Thailand offers deals and discounts in face of tourism slump
- Take a dip: five must-see hotel pools
- Westin to launch its first location in Phuket
- Security Tight for ASEAN Meetings
- Dubai’s Jumeirah to manage new resort in China

New luxury hotel for Phuket
Phuket Gazette
The new hotel is aimed at the luxury market and is currently under development by the owners of the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort. Despite the economic downturn investment in hospitality assets is on the rise with 38 new properties in the pipeline according to C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett.

Arroyo Clinton meet behind closed doors
Manila Bulletin
“There is no more meeting between the President and Secretary Clinton for two reasons. They met already when the President was here. Secretary Clinton and Secretary Romulo just met in Phuket one week ago. More or less the issues they need to discuss were already both discussed in the meeting between Secretary Clinton and President Arroyo a month or so ago” he told reporters here. Remonde also said the United States wanted to reinvigorate its relations with Asia under the bama administration as mentioned by Clinton recently. “The US is back in this part of the world because for a while really in the previous administration nawala sa US radar screen ang Asia” he said. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita a member of the President’s official party said he was also unaware about the meeting with Clinton.

Thailand offers deals and discounts in face of tourism slump
USA Today
Hotels on the resort island of Phuket are offering a fourth night free. And mountain lodges up north are offering free golf and spa pampering.

Take a dip: five must-see hotel pools
Examiner.com
Its open-air heated infinity swimming pool offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean of the Amalfi Coast. Hotel Caruso is part of the exclusive rient-Express collection.
Related from Mommie-care: Volunteers check up on tide pools’ tiny ecosystems

Westin to launch its first location in Phuket
eTravelBlackboard MICE News
Westin has already set up a pre-opening office and will be accepting group inquiries at this time for dates beyond the 1st of March 2010 opening date but individual reservation are yet to be opened. “We are excited to introduce the first Westin resort in Thailand! The soon to open Westin Siray Bay Resort will also further strengthen the position of Starwood as one of the largest international upscale hotel chains in the Thailand and Indochina region” said Miguel Ko Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific Chariman & President. “We are looking forward to offering travellers to Phuket a retreat from the rigors of travel with our signature Westin services products and amenities that will allow them to relax rejuvenate and recharge during their stay. Westin Siray Bay Resort will include 258 rooms and suites its own private beach and a location which is eight minute drive away from the Phuket township. In the next 12 months Westin will launch five other Asia Pacific properties including hotels in Shenzhen China and Hyderabad India.

Security Tight for ASEAN Meetings
Voice of America
Terrorism will be fresh on the minds of delegates after twin hotel bombings in Jakarta Friday killed at least nine people. Relations with Burma and North Korea will also top discussions.

Dubai’s Jumeirah to manage new resort in China
Reuters
Jumeirah famous for managing the sail-shaped Burj al-Arabhotel in Dubai may not open the first of six hotels planned inChina until 2010 as the project faces another delay due to thefinancial crisis its executive chairman Gerald Lawless toldReuters in May. [ID:nL3112766] The group owned by the ruler of Dubai missed its originaltarget to open the 338-room Jumeirah Han Tang Xintandi Hotel inShanghai China’s financial hub in late 2008 and in Januarypushed it back to later this year. The group has 14 hotels under construction from Shanghai toPhuket Thailand and the Maldives and looks to hit a target of60 hotels under management by 2012. Jumeirah also has management agreements in Argentina U. Virgin Islands and Costa Rica. (Reporting by Jason Benham; editing by Simon Jessop).