Good, good mid week afternoon to you.

Time flies, and soon we will welcome the Yuletide Christmas season and then into 2007 !

So much have happened on the travel front.

1. The ongoing reports on a massive avian flu outbreak if left unchecked. Please be cautious as you travel. Try best not to visit live farming areas.

2. The recent discovery and prevention of the disastrous planned bombing of flights, London across the Atlantic is such a good and relieved news. Please bear with the extra security checks across most airports, baggages, hand carrys and more. We have got news that the airlines security taxes will increase very shortly. And this adds another burden to the total travel costs, its already high and bad enough !. We issued several round the world tickets with airline taxes of almost S$1000. Its just madness !!! Unheard of in yesteryears. If you are unsure of what you can/cannot carry on board, please call us anytime.

3. Year end is coming. Planning for your year end vacation ? Please email/call us early for advance flight reservations/accommodation.

4. We know your most preferred inflight seatings, your special meal requests. If there is any change, please let us know. Its not just reservations and ticket issuance. Its about a great total travel experience, comfort, delight, etc, that we want to see in our serving you..

5. And finally, the new Bangkok International Airport due to open on 3rd week September. I was privileged (special private arrangements) to be driven to the new airport last week. Ohhh, its massive, big, kind of a giant !

I enclosed some basic notes on the new airport. I udnerstand they are now working hard on the baggage system. Remember, Hongkong Airport, the many issues on the baggages when it first opened.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand

The new airport will be opened officially on the 28th of September. The Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra re-affirmed his commitment that all flights will move to the new airport on the 28th of September.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is located around approximately 40 minutes drive South East from the current Bangkok Don Muang International Airport. It is build on 3100 hectares of land in the Samut Prakarn province which you may know is where the famous crocodile farm is located. The main access road is an elevated 10 lane highway which is connected to the outer ring road network and also directiy connects to the Bangkok – Chonburi (Pattaya) motorway. Pattaya is now around a 1 hour and twenty minute drive.
Rail Network - Under construction is the new 26.6 kilometer high speed rail link from the airport to City Airport Terminal in Makkasan. Its planned completion date is November 2007. The City Airport Terminal network is connected to BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) Sukhumvit Line and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) Blue Line at Phaya Thai and Phetchaburi stations respectively. The total journey will take approximately 15 minutes.

So much for now. We are both thankful and grateful for your kind and extraordinary support to our travel services all these many many years. Please continue to keep the reservations coming in. Or you may know of any medium size company, institution, individuals, others, who prefer a small and personalised travel agent. please put us in touch. Thank you and cheers.

1. Please call our mobile 81634544 if you are unable to reach us via the office telephone.

Alice Lim
Tourist World Travel Service Pte Ltd
190 Clemenceau Avenue
# 03-28 Singapore Shopping Centre
Singapore 239924
Tel : 6338 2357
Fax : 6337 1405
Mobile : 81634544 ( new mobile contact )

Access Sri Lanka thorugh World Hotel Link

IFC-SEDF to Help Small Hotels in Sri Lanka Access Markets Through Portal, Worldhotel-Link.com

Worldhotel-link.com will build four travel booking portals in Sri Lanka, working with the IFC affiliate, SEDF. The portals will be owned and operated by locals and will bring online a range of small accommodation providers who do not have a web presence till now.

Colombo, Sri Lanka (PRWEB) July 26, 2006 -- The International Finance Corporation’s South Asia Enterprise Development Facility and Worldhotel-link.com have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to set up four online accommodation booking portals in Sri Lanka as part of an initiative to develop sustainable tourism in the region that benefits local communities.

Gilles Galludec, IFC’s Country Manager and Program Manager for SEDF in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, signed the document on behalf of SEDF. He said, “The partnership between IFC’s South Asia Enterprise Development Facility and Wordhotel-link.com will provide hotels in Sri Lanka’s SME sector with unparalleled market access. They will have the opportunity to showcase their services in a growing market of independent travelers. Wordhotel-link.com places enormous emphasis on sustainable tourism and this project fits perfectly with the IFC model of developing environmental and socially sustainable projects.”

The SME sector hotels in Sri Lanka have not had the benefits that typically accrue in a tourism-dominated economy. They are poorly served by both the traditional wholesale tour industry and the online sites targeting independent travelers. As part of the new agreement, SEDF and Wordhotel-link.com will work together to develop portals that provide local SME sector hotels and other operators of accommodation facilities with significantly better market access.

“SEDF will assist us in building capacity and a resource network that will enable us to run our Sri Lankan operations smoothly,” explained Leonard Cordiner, CEO of Wordhotel-link.com. “In addition to assisting the local SME hotel industry, the portal will give independent travelers access to book lesser-known guesthouses and hostels through one e-marketplace network – so it’s a win on both fronts,” he added.

High costs and a lack of skills typically keep smaller providers of accommodation from being able to leverage the Internet to market their properties. By creating a local e-marketplace that shares the costs, centralizes the necessary skills and, most importantly, provides an interface between the accommodation provider and travelers, these constraints can be minimized. Wordhotel-link.com’s local e-marketplaces collect and maintain member information on the Web and take bookings via e-mail (working in English with travelers and in the local language with members). This model is helping develop the local industry.

Wordhotel-link.com was pioneered by IFC’s Mekong Private Sector Development Facility and was spun off as a separate company by IFC in March 2006. Its Web application is unique: while it is a global network service, the individual e-marketplace operations are locally owned and operated. For more information about WHL, visit Worldhotel-link.com.

SEDF Sri Lanka-Maldives is a multidonor funded facility managed and operated by the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. It is funded by IFC and the governments of Norway and the Netherlands with the objective of promoting the growth of small and medium enterprises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. SEDF increases SMEs’ access to financing and quality business development services. It is also involved in value addition to firms and the creation of an enabling business environment.

The International Finance Corporation is the private sector arm of the World Bank group and is headquartered in Washington DC. IFC coordinates its activities with the other institutions of the World Bank Group but is legally and financially independent. Its 178 member countries provide its share capital and collectively determine its policies.

The mission of IFC is to promote sustainable private sector investment in developing and transition countries, helping to reduce poverty and improve people’s lives. IFC finances private sector investments in the developing world, mobilizes capital in international finance markets and helps clients improve social and environmental sustainability, and provides technical assistance and advice to governments and businesses. From its founding in 1956 through FY05, IFC has committed more than $49 billion of its own funds and arranged $24 billion in syndications for 3,319 companies in 140 developing countries. IFC’s worldwide committed portfolio as of FY05 was $19.3 billion for its own account and $5.3 billion held for participants in loan syndications. For more information, visit IFC.

###

Press Contact: Leonard Cordiner
Company Name: WORLDHOTEL-LINK.COM LIMITED
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 61298161774
Website: www.worldhotel-link.com

Skydive in Singapore : Ariel views of the Metropolis

Skydiving in Singapore

Wow, I just found this site, so who else is game to try a new perspective on the island ? Lets hope our landing target is far far away from the prickly arts esplanade durian.

tablet.com

tablet.com

Sutera harbour looks to rock the Mountains

Kota Kinabalu. Population :
Seafront : Protected Alcove, close to mountain regions.


http://malaysia.sawadee.com/sabah/places.htm

Kinabalu Park And Mt Kinabalu
the journey by road to the Kinabalu Park takes some 11 and half hours. It is a natural haven for a variety of plant and animal species and a must for nature lovers. The mighty Mount Kinabalu at 4095.2 meters is within the park. This is the biggest tourist attraction in Sabah, luring flocks of mountaineers to scale to the summit. There is a thermal —pool system at Poring Hot Springs to offer a Japanese- style hot spring bath in the open air.

Kota Kinabalu
The State capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu has a population of 300,000. The town was built from the ruins of the Second World War.

Semporna
Located on the southeast coast of Sabah, Semporna is the jumping-off point for Pulau Sipadan, a diving paradise, and Pulau Gaya, the island where Sabah pearls are cultured.

Earthpacs : Travel Adventure Gear

Luxury Travel Adventure Gear
ENTER EARTHPACS WEBSITE

Travel Gear for the Adventurer

Asia's first medical spa : The Med Spa at Camden Medical Centre.

Asia's first medical spa

Have you ever been to a spa and been freaked out by dirty finger nails, bad hygiene and turned up with more acne, rashes and skin break outs ?

Well I have. And it taught me a lesson or two. When dealing with the body, mind and soulful things, only go for the best, or pay for the error with your own face...! But true to form, I only list the good things here. So this one is a must !( Don't worry, I'll have a list soon enough of the places NOT TO GO. That list is VERY LONG! )

The MedSpa is in a league of its own. Perhaps its the attention to the details, from the finishing of the interiors to the lush padded sound proof rooms, and the clean linens, impeccably designed environment for "the five senses"....... you can rest assured you are in good hands. The treatments ranging from treating Teenage acne ( SG$120 ) to Stimushape, aka Radio frequency Infra-Red Endermologie ( SG$900 ) , are developed specifically by qualified plastic surgeons and dermatologists. But before you go into a seizure from the wide ranging price tag, might I suggest you give this little gem a try.

I can't speak for all the treatments as there are over 20 treatments, as I only had a "UltrasonoPeel Microdermabrasion" trial, and the entire experience felt safe. Yes, I mean safe ! I have been in far worse situations where the "skin" and "spa" treatments have been worse than jumping into a pile of gargabe face first. And this is the polar opposite ! I call it the "Giorgio Armani" of Skin treatments. This experience will set the standard for you. And hopefully save you from the trauma I once had from "trial and major errors" of believing that MOST spas and "beauticians" are made equal. If you are a virgin or seasoned connossiuer of spa and wellness centres, give this one a try. If only once, coz I am positive, that with the founders close to the business, and the heart of the operations run by good people,
this one will grow into a gem of a beauty hub, or remain a luxurious well kept secret by discerning men and women. So get in there soon, before the waiting list gets longer than the line for Tetsuya's Restaurant.

And if you have any feedback, I'd love to hear from you. Be it good bad and Ugly, the world needs more gems, so we can grow the good stuff.

Alila Jakarta - Jakarta, Indonesia - Superb Photos, Independent Review and Exclusive Online Specials

Alila Jakarta - Jakarta, Indonesia - Superb Photos, Independent Review and Exclusive Online Specials,Alila Jakarta
Location:
Jalan Pecenongan Kav, 7-17
Jakarta 10210, Indonesia

General Information:
260 Rooms

Rates from US$80.00 - US$175
Style: Cutting-Edge
Atmosphere: Happening

Como Hotels : Best List

COMO Group - endframe

Southern Laos bicycle tours: cycling and biking in Vientiene, Luang Prabang, Muang Sing, Vang Vieng, Pakse, Khon Islands, Bolaven, Luang Namta.

Southern Laos bicycle tours: cycling and biking in Vientiene, Luang Prabang, Muang Sing, Vang Vieng, Pakse, Khon Islands, Bolaven, Luang Namta.

The following is a status report on i-escape featured hotels located in areas affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Asia:


SRI LANKA

UK Foreign Office Advice Following the recent tsunami, we advise against all but essential travel to affected areas on Sri Lanka's eastern, southern and south western coasts until local conditions improve. There were extensive casualties and damage along these coasts including to tourist resorts. For further details please refer to www.fco.gov.uk. Visitors are able to travel as normal to parts of Sri Lanka unaffected by the tsunami.

The South coast (including Galle), East coast (including Arugam Bay) and parts of the South West coast (including Bentota) were affected by the tsunami. The following properties in these regions are featured on i-escape:

Taru Villas and River House (Bentota): no damage and operating as usual from 15 January
Club Villa (Bentota): no damage and operating as usual from 15 January
The Villa (Bentota): no damage and operating as usual from 15 January
Saman Villas (Bentota): no damage and operating as usual
Taprobane Island (Weligama): incurred damage and currently closed, expected to re-open July 2005
Beach House (nr Tangalle): suffered serious damage and currently closed, expected to re-open July 2005
Sun House and Dutch House (Galle): no damage due to hillside location
Apa Villas (nr Galle): some damage, currently closed, expected to re-open June 2005. Any guests booked here have been re-located to Illuketia
Illuketia (nr Galle): no damage and operating as usual
Secret Garden (Unawatuna): suffered extensive damage and will remain closed until the end of 2005.
Kudakalliya (Arugam Bay): incurred minor damage but closed as the surrounding area and infrastructure was very badly hit
Claughton (Dikwella): no damage and operating as usual

Kandy, the Hill Country and Cultural Triangle were unaffected. Helga's Folly, Stonehouse Lodge, Villa Rosa, Paradise Farm, Boulder Garden, Galapita, Rafters Retreat, Tree Tops Jungle Lodge, Elephant Corridor, Kaladiya, Ulpotha, Colombo House, Horathapola, Havelock Place and Mount Lodge are all open for business as usual.

British nationals in Sri Lanka caught up in the tragedy should contact the British High Commission in Colombo if they have not already done so. The High Commission is open on an emergency 24-hour basis. Its telephone number is: (00-94) 112437336.


THAILAND

UK Foreign Office Advice Following the recent tsunami, until local conditions improve we recommend against all but essential travel to affected resorts and towns along Thailand’s west coast, in particular Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak. Some coastal areas of Thailand were hit by a large tsunami on 26 December, resulting in widespread flooding and damage. Large numbers of casualties have been reported. The infrastructure and public services are severely disrupted. For the latest information please refer to www.fco.gov.uk

The following hotels on i-escape.com were affected…

Golden Buddha (Koh Phra Thong): extensive damage to property, loss of life confirmed and many more missing, island has been evacuated. No word yet as to when the resort could be up and running again.

Sri Lanta (Koh Lanta): suffered no structural damage or casualties but the gardens and furnishings in the lower public areas were destroyed. Scheduled to re-open about 20 January 2005.

The East coast of Thailand (including Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan), was untouched and the hotels there are functioning as normal

British nationals in Thailand caught up in the tragedy should contact the British Embassy in Bangkok, which is open on an emergency 24-hour basis. The telephone number in Thailand is 02 305 8333. A team of officers from the British Embassy and the Honorary Consul have opened an emergency office in Phuket, which will aim to provide immediate practical advice for British nationals in Phuket and other adjoining areas. Its numbers are 076 264 473/4/5 and 076 264 484.

INDIA - Kerala

None of our hotels or houseboats in Kerala appear to have incurred any damage and are operating as usual. The Kerala Tourism Board has stated that all tourist destinations are functioning as usual.

INDIA - Goa

None of our hotels have incurred any damage and are operating as usual.

MALDIVES

UK Foreign Office Advice Like other countries in the region, the Maldives was hit by a series of tidal waves on 26 December 2004 A State of Emergency has been declared. There has been serious damage to a number of islands, including some resort islands. Before travelling, those planning a holiday in the Maldives should check with their tour operator that their resort island is operating normally.

The following hotels in the Maldives are featured on i-escape.com

Soneva Fushi: Buildings received minor damage that will be repaired by 30 December 2004

Soneva Gili: Incurred some damage and is officially closed now. It is their intention to reopen the resort by 1 February 2005. A firm re-opening date will be given as soon as possible.


Contact Numbers

The FCO has issued an emergency number 020 7008 0000 for relatives and others who wish to report missing relatives and friends affected by the tsunami in Asia or to pass on information about them. (Please note that the emergency number is only for people in the UK who are concerned about the welfare of UK nationals they believe may have been in the affected areas).

For travel advice only please telephone 0870 606 0290.

Sri Lanka: Travel and Exports Information - Sri Lanka News

Sri Lanka: Travel and Exports Information - Sri Lanka News

Asia Tsunami Aid Relief Organizations & Volunteers

How you Can Help : Asia Tsunami Aid Relief Organizations & Volunteers

ow you Can Help : Asia Tsunami Aid Relief Organizations

Asia Tsunami Aid Relief Organizations

In wake of tsunami, Asia considers warning system

In wake of tsunami, Asia considers warning system