>> ASIAONE / TRAVEL / NEWS / ARCHIVE 2008 Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2007 Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Virgin grounds in-flight therapists to give more services at lounges Virgin will scrap in-flight manicures and massages offered to premium passengers in favour of more beauty services at its lounges. -BT Aviation companies want five at FBI to testify in 9/11 lawsuits They argue that the Federal Aviation Administration was not alerted that al-Qaeda was poised to launch terrorist attacks. -BT Partying on the Flyer needs at least a beer The proper food-and-drink combination is the difference between wondering what to do with yourself after the first five minutes, and feeling like you're partying on top of the world. -BT South-bound train services likely to resume today Officials declined to speculate on what caused the Singapore-bound Express Rakyat with 210 passengers to jump the rails. -The Star US air fares go up for summer travel 10-15% increase expected in high- demand season due to jet fuel price hike. -BT Airlines face worst crisis since 2001 Major airlines that survived a decade of reorganisation through bankruptcy are now facing their biggest test since the 9/11. -Reuters Air NZ to raise air fares by another 3% Another rise was necessary because it could not absorb the surging cost of fuel. -Reuters Human skulls smuggling foiled at airport The Customs and Excise Office at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport had confiscated three human skulls. -The Jakarta Post, ANN Dubai airport now world's sixth busiest The growing number of passengers in Dubai reached 9.34 million in the first three months of the year overtaking Singapore's Changi Airport. -BT Nine dead in Egypt tourist coach inferno The coach, carrying 40 people, rolled over and burst into flames about 70km south of Suez. -ST China opens one of world's largest bridges China inaugurated the Hangzhou Bay Bridgeas part of its effort to boost economic integration and development. -China Daily, ANN M'sia may allow more flights to and from S'pore next year The two governments are negotiating a bilateral agreement that may take effect next year. -ST Plan for more direct flights from HK Talks are on-going to increase the frequency of direct flights between Penang and Hong Kong. -NST Festive mood in Sabah Sabah's month-long Harvest Festival kicked off with symbolic harvesting of padi amid chantings by Kadazandusun priestesses. -The Star, ANN Three-day festival promises awesome blend of music The event is featuring multicultural 'ensembles' from Malaysia, Australia, US, Mexico, Denmark, Reunion Islands, Ireland, Iran, India, France, Canada, Croatia, Tibet and Kenya. -The Star, ANN KL may open up more Malaysian cities to flights from Singapore There will be unlimited access for low-fare carriers on the route. -BT Railway to start accident inquiry A full investigation would begin today, once the locomotive and coaches had been recovered. -NST Perth airport closed after parcels found More than 3,000 travellers and staff had to be evacuated to a safe place 2km from the affected building. -NST Malaysia Airlines to launch zero fare tickets for domestic destinations. Travel to any domestic destination for zero fare on Malaysia Airlines. -The Star, ANN May Day tourists bring hope to West China tourism industry About 200 people were expected to come to Tibet in small groups during the three-day holiday. -China Daily, ANN 'Magnificent 7' rescue 65 lost hikers They got lost at the top of Gunung Cemerong. -NST Singapore Airlines Received Its Fourth A380 The fourth A380, the world's biggest passenger jet, already arrived in Singapore. -The Nation, ANN Best Western participates in 15th Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held in Dubai Best Western International, The World's Largest Hotel Chain participates at The 15th Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. -The Nation, ANN Bintan casino plan waiting for a green light from Jakarta Casino plan in Indonesia hopes to develop a new destination for tourists. -The Jakarta Post, ANN MAS: No plans to introduce everyday low fare outside Asean Zero fares means that the passengers only pay airport tax, fuel surcharge and administration fees. -NST 30 lost in Botanical Park forest found early today The group lost their their way in the darkness due to lack of preparation. -NST More Middle East tourists expected A total of 245,302 tourists from the Middle East visited Malaysia last year. -NST Malaysia drops idea of travel restriction for women Following an outcry from women's groups. -Reuters Administration considers jumping onboard rail project It is studying a possible railway system to connect the capital to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. -The Jakarta Post, ANN E. Kalimantan airport workers threaten strikes The move is likely to paralyze flights to and from the province. -The Jakarta Post, ANN Bali needs more Japanese and Chinese-speaking guides Of the 8,000 certified local guides on the island, most could only speak English and some European languages. -The Jakarta Post, ANN AirAsia battles it out with MAS Air Asia to announce two initiatives to counter Malaysia Airlines' Zero Fare campaign. -The Star, ANN AirAsia boss: Let us compete against MAS While AirAsia welcomes competition, it also should be allowed to compete against MAS, said AirAsia group chief executive officer. -The Star, ANN Travellers advised to get suitable flu vaccine for their destination People travelling overseas advised to read up on strains common to their destinations. -myp Cruise liner with 984 on board runs aground in Baltic Sea Passengers safe; rescuers try to free ship from sand bank. -BT 12 dead after boat sinks in Amazon A boat ferrying more than 100 people home from a party sank in Brazil's Amazon region, killing at least 12 and leaving dozens missing. -BT Open up aviation sector fully: Fernandes Liberalisation should include allowing AirAsia to mount increased flights to S'pore, fly into the island republic from other points in M'sia as well as fly to international destinations. -BT Travel consent letter meant for those below age 21: M'sian minister Women above 21 years old are adult enough and do no need supervision. -The Star, ANN Floral fest bigger and better this year This year's Malaysia Flora Fest may no longer be a strictly Malaysian affair. -NST Visitors from China to be screened for EV71 With immediate effect, all visitors arriving from the provinces of Zhejiang, Anhui and Guangdong in China to Malaysia will be monitored for EV71. -NST SIA banking on a premium way to fly SIA will launch its first all-business-class direct flights to New York and Los Angeles later this month and the move will be closely watched by its Asia Pacific rivals. -BT Where guests help in conservation Thanks to the enthusiasm of guests at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge in Sabah, there are now more lush trees growing in the area. -NST Chips are down in Las Vegas Casinos and hotels feel the pinch as recession forces Americans to tighten their belts. -ST Airbus warns Emirates of further A380 delays Its first delivery due this year is already almost two years behind schedule. -Reuters Privatise US airports to reduce congestion: economist US air travellers would have less congestion and fewer flight delays with airports and air-traffic control shifted to private hands. -BT Flights to Burma back to normal as clean-up begins Travel agents say great damage inflicted. -The Nation, ANN New "U Hotels & Resorts" launches its web site U Hotels & Resorts launches its web site with luxurious stay at U Chiang Mai. -The Nation, ANN How about gourmet tourism? Health and sports tourism have been keenly promoted but I think what we also need to promote our gourmet tourism. -NST 'Mini tsunami' at Terengganu waterfall kills 3, injures 7 It was supposed to be a relaxing outing for the swimmers at Sekayu Waterfalls, but disaster struck when a strong gush of water swept them away. -TNP Travel consent too cumbersome Parents and teachers should remind children of the danger of accepting 'great deals' online and being greedy. -The Star, ANN MAS: We're not cutting into business of others The new product was also aimed at boosting domestic tourism and countering inflation. -The Star, ANN Ancient totems ruined Four 200-year-old burial totem poles and 37 units of the Punan Bah longhouse in Belaga were destroyed by fire. -NST Shafie: New strategy to promote local arts abroad A strategic marketing effort was needed to add value to local products so that they would be accepted in the international market. -NST Azalina: Spend holidays here Malaysians should visit more local destinations during their weekends and leave period instead of travelling abroad. -NST Malaysia woos Arab tourists with eco-tourism Malaysia is putting up a strong presence at the four-day Arabian Travel Mart 2008 to woo Arab tourists to the country. -NST Transport Ministry to conduct safety audit of railway tracks An independent body conduct the audit. -NST SIA to fly A380 to Beijing on Olympics demand Singapore Air will fly the A380 on one of its three daily flights to China's capital for one week in early August. -ST Le festival If you have a fondness for all things French, all you have to do is go next door to Malaysia. -The Star, ANN S'pore Airlines to raise fuel surcharge from May 12 Surcharges on SIA and SilkAir flights to increase by US$5 to US$20. -ST 'City won't invest in airport train' The administration would take the idea seriously if the project was designed mainly in the interest of Jakartans. -The Jakarta Post, ANN British Airways aware of T5 issues before opening Delays had led to a compromise on both baggage systems testing and staff familiarisation with the terminal's workings. -Reuters SIA, SilkAir up fuel surcharges On regional routes, passengers will pay $95 for a round-trip ticket, for long-haul flights to the US and Canada, the surcharge will be US$300 and everyone else will pay US$190 for a round-trip flight. -ST Transport fares set to rise in Indonesia It is in anticipation of a government hike in the price of fuel. -AFP KL relooks highway toll rates in concession review Road charges may drop, helping to offset rising fuel and food costs. -Reuters Fly on the A380 to Beijing for the Olympics SIA to use aircraft on one of its thrice- daily flights for one week in August. -BT Senate wrangling derails US bill to overhaul air traffic The bill was to modernise the US air traffic system, increase safety oversight and improve customer service. -Reuters Dewan Rakyat: Highway concession, tolls to be reviewed A toll review mechanism to gauge traffic volume and toll collected at the 22 highways nationwide could result in lower toll and re-negotiations of the agreements. -NST Three-phase plan to develop Sabah World-class tourism infrastructure and services will be put in place, including nurturing a vibrant arts and culture scene. -NST Safety checks for rail tracks It is to be done by an independent body. -NST Airport workers strike hits 5 airports The coordinated 6 hour strikes were due to continued disagreements between state-owned PT Angkasa Pura I and its labour union over salaries, pensions and health insurance. -The Jakarta Post, ANN Airplane JV firm to take off on Sunday The aim of the company will be to manufacture passenger jets with at least 150 seats, enabling it to compete with Boeing and Airbus in the fast-growing aviation market. -China Daily, ANN Budget airline war spawns new hybrid carriers They offer some of the services of regular carriers. -ST Travel Bargains Now is a good time to stay at the sumptuous five-star Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa in Krabi, Thailand. -ST "I felt so lucky to be alive" S'porean Subari Sukaini relates his experience of the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) express train accident last Saturday, which killed the driver and injured 14 others. -TNP Released Japanese tourists apologise over Yemen kidnapping The two women, who appeared to be unhurt, were taken hostage by tribesmen as they travelled by road to the ancient Marib Dam, a major visitor attraction. -AFP Top US-based firm to design new Marina South cruise terminal The Marina South facility, dubbed the International Cruise Terminal, will be Singapore's second terminal. -ST Expect little respite from the heat Travelling to Singapore and want to know the weather? Temperatures are set to climb as May and June are traditionally the hottest months here. -ST International air accident rate up: Iata Increase due to incidents in Africa, Indonesia, Brazil; but global fatalities fall. -BT 1 in 3 travel sites contains hidden costs: EU survey Some websites conceal the true cost of flights until consumers are close to booking. -BT Dubai aims to avoid Heathrow 'big bang' chaos It plans to open its new US$4.5 billion airport terminal gradually. -Reuters Hot acts at Port Dickson fest The stars of the massive Ministry of Sound in Singapore are ready to set the night on fire. -NST Airport workers threaten more strikes Despite an intervention by lawmakers, board directors of state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I are still in disagreement with employees, over salaries, pensions and health insurance. -The Jakarta Post, ANN England a not so green and pleasant land: tourist guide It is a nation of "overweight, sex-and-celebrity-obsessed TV addicts", according to new book. -AFP Tidal flood wreaks havoc on flight plans A tidal flood saw the temporary closure of the toll road between Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Jakarta. -The Jakarta Post, ANN Thai, Brunei airlines in code share deal This will apply to flights between the capitals of the two countries. -AFP Thai Air Asia carries donations for free to Myanmar It is extending help to cyclone-ravaged Myanmar by offering to carry to Yangon for free donations from the public and by continuing to provide regular flights to the country. -AsiaOne Shanghai-HK passengers hurt in turbulence: report An ambulance was made to stand by when the China Eastern aircraft landed. -AFP HK jewellery tycoon jailed for tourist scam: report He bribed travel agents to bring tourists to his company's showrooms. -AFP S'pore's half price surprise for M'sian tourists Under special promotion Malaysians visiting the island can just show their passports and embarkation cards to enjoy discounts on entrance fees at 16 attractions paid in Malaysian ringgit. -The Star 3 injured in evacuation from China plane: media Controls warned of a fire while the plane was taxiing to the runway. -Reuters Lost luggage at UK airport finds new home at the auctions Lost bags - and their contents- get new lease of life as they get sold off to highest bidders. -AFP China unveils new jumbo jet company It is in a move that could eventually rival Airbus and Boeing. -AFP 6 detained over fatal China rail accident The six people detained include a train driver but there was no mention whether it was the person who had been driving the Qingdao-bound train. -AFP To London and back - for $515 AirAsia X would start with five flights a week using the first aircraft. -The Star AirAsia goes head-to-head with MAS by slashing fuel surcharge AirAsia will not only offer passengers at zero fare, it is also offering RM5 off on fuel surcharge for domestic routes. -The Star, ANN Hotels discharging sewage into the sea Certain hotels and resorts in Malaysia are among the culprits damaging the rich coral ecosystem. -The Star, ANN Zuji's new tool will let users create own travel packages Package Guru is a tool that allows customers to bundle services for a personalised travel experience. -BT China's flight plan: To build commercial jets New company set up to reduce reliance on Airbus, Boeing. -Reuters Ryanair says high oil prices will break some airlines If the high prices remain or rise over the next 12 months, some Ryanair competitors will go out of business. -AFP Three-day sport tourism conference The conference will discuss how the benefits of sport tourism can be maximised and its negative impacts minimised. -NST China trains guides as tourists flock to mountains The first group of guides trained by an expert Frenchman will soon graduate - part of a government drive to boost safety standards. -AFP Port Dickson folks irked by youths' out of control behaviour at rave event Thousands of teenagers, many drunk and wearing skimpy clothing were misbehaving and some were even involved in substance abuse. -The Star Uluwatu Temple at center of controversy The temple is standing at the heart of an ongoing public controversy over the rampant development of new villas inside the "sacred" 5km area of the temple. -The Jakarta Post, ANN Building on Phuket bay Government puts Bt100-bn tourism project back on the 'fast track'. -Daily Xpress, ANN Singapore's SilkAir flight to Chengdu diverted SilkAir said it diverted a flight headed for Chengdu after pilots were told that the Chengdu airport was shut following an earthquake. -Reuters Malaysians advised not to travel to Lebanon Malaysians already in Lebanon were also urged to avoid unnecessary travel. -The Star, ANN Cathay Pacific to offer fourth direct flight to HK The new additional A330 non-stop flight will start service from June 5, increasing its flight frequency to four times direct weekly from Penang. -ST China's new jumbo-jet firm no threat to Airbus, Boeing It will pose no threat for 20 years and will require the help of foreign technology. -AFP China travel agents seek to cash in on torch euphoria Travel agents in Guangdong could start offering a one-day tour along its route to relive the moment. -Reuters NY man sues US airline over flight spent in toilet He says he was denied a seat on a five-hour jetBlue flight and was instead told to 'hang out' in the plane's bathroom. -Reuters Ugly side of Langkawi One of M'sia's most popular tourist destinations is now dotted with unsightly construction sites with the mushrooming of unlicensed chalets, pubs, eateries and makeshift stalls. -The Star, ANN Political will needed to solve beach problem The council is aware of the problem but cannot simply demolish illegal structures because such drastic action will definitely cause negative repercussions to the state's tourism sector as well as the livelihood of the locals. -The Star, ANN Don't chop down the trees Some of the trees that were marked for felling a week ago have been chopped down despite objections from nature lovers. -The Star, ANN 100,000 expected at Chinese festival A mini Olympic-style torch run would be held across the country in the run-up to the event in October. -The Star, ANN Popular seafood joint in Kelana Jaya closed after 18 years The land would be used for its future development. -The Star, ANN Day-long carnival at Zoo Negara It is in conjuction with the upcoming school semester break. -The Star, ANN E-ticket for Cityliner buses in Klang KTB, which owns Cityliner, has implemented the e-ticket system in Kuala Lumpur, Klang, Kuala Selangor and Banting. -The Star, ANN Stricter rules for beach parties Organisers of parties or similar events at the popular beach destination will be subject to more stringent rules in the future. -NST More stringent rules for events in PD Although the state had big plans to promote Port Dickson as a tourist destination, it would not allow event organisers to simply do as they wished. -The Star, ANN Airport cabbies hard hit by touts Taxi touts are now going about luring passengers discreetly at both the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal and the KLIA main terminal in Sepang. -The Star, ANN S'pore holiday tours in Sichuan face disruptions, cancellations Massive quake led to cancellation of tours in Si Chuan. -AsiaOne Earthquake kills 37 tourists, 2,000 unaccounted for The tourists were travelling in Sichuan province in southwest China when the devastating quake struck. -AFP High-end hip hotels fuel design innovation in Thailand While other Asian metropolises such as S'pore, KL, HK and Beijing all boast cutting-edge new buildings recognisable around the world, one would be pushed to name a famous modern building in Bangkok. -AFP New A380 delays could impact SIA, airline says Beyond these aircraft, the changes in production schedules will potentially have some impact. -AFP Free seats at AirAsia This international free seat campaign is AirAsia's commitment to the lowest fare online to their guests and despite rising fuel cost, AirAsia says its fuel surcharge for its international routes is the lowest in the region. -AsiaOne 300 S'porean tourists stranded after Sichuan quake: reports Six travel agents queried said they had ongoing tours when the disaster hit. - AsiaOne, AFP Canadian parents board flight, leave toddler at airport A family boarded a flight in westernmost Canada, and forgot their toddler at the Vancouver international airport. -AFP Cops to help curb hotel thefts The police will work closely with the Malaysian Association of Hoteliers in a move to curb thefts in hotels. -The Star, ANN More tours to Sichuan cancelled More tours to Sichuan have been cancelled in the aftermath of the earthquake which has killed over 13,000 people. -ST Malaysia asks Sichuan govt's help to find missing tourists They have not been contactable since Monday's massive earthquake. -AFP