>> 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 Tyre bursts as Indonesian jet lands 1 of the tyres of an Airbus A320 operated by Batavia Air burst upon landing but none of the 147 people on board were injured. -AFP Bangladesh hotel blasts injure over 30 people Two explosions rocked the nine-storey Orchard Plaza hotel at the city's Nayapaltal area, setting two upper floors on fire. -Reuters French tour operators say Chinese boycott 'catastrophic' Many cancelled their trips after demonstrators disrupted the Olympic flame's passage through Paris. -AFP Soekarno-Hatta airport plans improved services, infrastructure After training staff at Soekarno-Hatta, the staff in Bali would be given similar training. -The Jakarta Post, ANN Polonia Airport closed for seven hours over Batavia jet's burst tire None of the 147 on board the company's A320 Airbus was injured, but flights were either diverted or returned to their origins due to the closure. -The Jakarta Post, ANN KTM offers entertainment to attract more passengers Commuters can surf the Net, watch live shows and movies and even hold birthday parties onboard. -The Star, ANN Travellers see red over white card Officers ask for cards after miscommunication with KL HQ, causing confusion and chaos at the Causeway. -TNP Opinion: Tour agencies hope for clear skies again The recent fuel price hike will have an impact on tourism but the industry is confident that it will only be for the short term. -NST New Singapore a less friendly city for tourists A long-time admirer of Singapore expresses his concern that the country has been carried away with its own success, and may be riding for a fall. -ST Subang airport to KL Sentral rail link mulled A train service linking Subang Airport and KL Sentral is one of the proposals that will be considered in redeveloping the airport. -The Star, ANN Movies and Web access on trains Trains will have entertainment and Internet access when new coaches are put into use in about three years. -The Star, ANN Rail travel with fun and games Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) plans to make it fun to travel by train. -NST Hitler wax figure sparks controversy in Berlin Plans to include an Adolf Hitler figure in Berlin branch of Madame Tussauds wax museum are being condemned by critics. -Reuters Cheaper travel access to South Korea and beyond Partnership with Incheon government leads to opening of new base in city by Tiger Aviation. -myp Good attitude travels a long way For Chan Brothers Travel?s Jessica Chang (top), the human touch still counts in the tourism industry. -myp Technology has reduced the need for business travel But busy executives still prefer old-fashioned face-to-face meetings with far-flung colleagues. -myp Tiananmen security tight for China massacre anniversary Tight security at the Tiananmen Square after the Tiananmen massacre that happened 19 years ago. -AFP L&T to bid for Muscat airport job The new airport would have a capacity for 12 million passengers that would eventually go up to 48 million. -Reuters Taiwan approves 8.3% hike in airline fuel surcharge The fuel surcharge per passenger for long-haul flights would rise to US$84.50 (S$115.20) from US$78, while those for short-haul routes would rise to US$32.50 from US$30. -AFP Penang a holiday hit Local tourists are flocking to the island for the school holidays. -The Star Hotel manager murdered He was found murdered in one of the hotel rooms in Cameron Highlands with two stab wounds on his chest. -The Star 15,000ha elephant sanctuary for Kenyir Elephant handlers will use the site to tame the animals and train them to perform antics to attract tourists. -The Star Meru Valley Resort wins award The picturesque resort in Meru is now the best golf development property in Asia Pacific. -NST 1901 hot dogs for AirAsia When you next fly on AirAsia and AirAsia X, expect a new addition to its menu of nasi lemak and sandwiches - 1901 hot dogs! -NST Business-class coach to Singapore For RM80, you can travel in business-class luxury to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur. -NST Visiting US? You'll need to register online next year Travellers including Singaporeans, who do not need visas to enter the United States, will soon be required to register online with the US government at least three days before they visit. -AFP 2 die in Genting bus crash Two people were killed and 17 others seriously injured when the express bus they were in plunged into a 20m-deep ravine. Amongst the 41 passengers on board were several tourists from Singapore, Kuwait and other Middle Eastern countries. -NST Two killed in Karak crash, 17 including driver, hurt There were 45 passengers on board the bus and most of them were believed to be tourists staying in Genting Highlands. -The Star Government wants bus passengers to belt up while on the road Particularly those on tourist coaches. -The Star Air travel hard hit by rising oil price Rising international airfares are forcing big businesses to cut down on executive travel and small ones to cancel all overseas trips. -China Daily, ANN Southern Airlines to suspend flights It will suspend 8 international flights from Guangzhou to Southeast Asia countries this month. -China Daily, ANN Boutique hotels show the way Technically, the word "boutique" has not been a good fit for the hotel industry ever since companies started pairing it with the word "brand". -myp Mainland-Taiwan charter flights start for festival Charter flights between Chinese mainland and Taiwan started on Tuesday for a national holiday. -China Daily Boiling with anger over water cut The management of several Cherating hotels and resorts are fuming over an unannounced 24-hour disruption of the water supply over the weekend. -NST New gallery for Perak tourism centre Tourists who visit the centre for travel information would find a good introduction to the city's diverse food, culture, arts and heritage. -NST Gearing up for Festa San Pedro The week-long celebration of tradition and culture by the Portuguese community in Malacca opens with Festa San Juang on June 23, and is combined with the opening of Festa San Pedro on June 27. -NST Travelling the Kingdom Discover Thailand in just three days. From June 5 to 8, check out the best places to go at the Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF) 2008. -The Nation, ANN Resorts support 'no turtle eggs' campaign "Welcome to the island, but don't eat turtle eggs!" -NST Hop-on for a fun ride around town Tourists can now enjoy KL sightseeing in a new light. -NST Save Ayutthaya campaign Unesco says area being damaged by vendors and may be taken off its World Heritage list. -Daily Xpress, ANN Web surfing Philippines' islands To meet the growing demand for information about the 7,107 islands, Philippine Airlines has begun an online portal called Onfill for Koreans. -The Korea Herald, ANN VOA to continue for Indian tourists Tourists from India would need a visit pass for two weeks as well as a return air ticket to visit Malaysia. -The Star, ANN Trapped in a tourism-spun matrix Why pay to travel to commune with people, places and objets d'art we cannot possibly lug home? Perhaps it is the lure of things, places and cultures exoticised and romanticised. -ST France still tourism' top spot, ministry says France kept its position as the world's top tourist destination in 2007, ahead of Spain, with nearly 82 million foreign visitors. -Reuters Before check-in, check out eco-policy On green marketing in hotels. -myp Bukit China now in Malacca heritage zone The hill was deemed to have historical value and significance dating back to the 15th century Malacca Sultanate. -The Star, ANN Putrajaya a tourist magnet The administrative capital in Putrajaya is just as popular as Kuala Lumpur - the official capital - with both local and foreign tourists. -The Star, ANN Kuala Terengganu as hub to Far East proposed Terengganu wants the Sultan Mahmud Airport here to be a hub for destinations to China and Vietnam. -The Star, ANN Tourists soak up the charm of Penang Some 2,600 tourists comprising mostly Australians had an enjoyable visit to Penang when their ship docked at the Tanjung City Marina in Weld Quay for half a day. -The Star, ANN Qantas to change flight schedules due to high oil It would withdraw some services to Japan. -Reuters SIA boys get new look From June 30, 2008, SIA's male cabin crew will take on a fresh look - they will wear a new uniform, created by veteran French fashion designer Christophe Galibert, artistic Director of Balmain Uniformes, which will complement the sarong kebaya worn by the Airline's female cabin crew. -AsiaOne Tour agents to wait and see The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents has suggested that inbound tour operators maintain their rates for now. -NST M'sian couple shocked by prostitutes outside hotel Malaysian journalist Fauzi Baharuddin, 28, ended up with more than he bargained for when he realised that his hotel was in the heart of Singapore's red-light district. -TNP Korea targets more Malaysian tourists For many, Korea becomes a dream holiday destination after they have watched the popular Korean drama series on television. -The Star Lion Air connects Singapore with Bali Indonesia's largest private airline Lion Air will start serving the Denpasar-Singapore route Friday. -The Jakarta Post, ANN Get a taste of the Bidayuhs A nine-day Gawai Festival showcasing the Bidayuh culture, music and arts in will kick off from June 21. -The Star, ANN Strong airlines can weather storm of high fuel prices Asia-Pacific will gain from weak US dollar and rising demand, says industry body. -ST Stylish suites Developers are overcoming the space crunch by converting under-utilised areas and carparks into hotel rooms, offices and retail space. -ST Not too late for good deals in June break Tour agenciesduring this usually brisk sales period, have unleashed a slew of cheap holiday packages. -TNP Travellers cry foul over Tiger's new baggage rule PEEVED passengers are speaking out against a new decision by Tiger Airways to charge for checked luggage. MAS passengers get to save rainforests The airline and its subsidiaries have introduced a mechanism aimed at offsetting carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. -NST Holiday? They visit orphanage instead Family group spends $40,000 to do volunteer work in India. -TNP MAS launches third wave of low fares campaign It's offering another two million seats to destinations in Malaysia, South-East Asia, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Australia. -The Star Call to develop Pulau Pisang for eco-tourism As well as a proposal to return the operation of the lighthouse to Malaysia. -NST New visa rules for waiver countries not cumbersome: Bush The new US regulations aim to make it more difficult for potential terrorists to enter the United States. -AFP Attractions too pricey for families Parents say that high admission fees and miscellaneous charges at spots like the Night Safari or Singapore Flyer are pricing them beyond a regular family's reach. -ST Largest mall in Borneo opens The opening of Borneo's largest hypermall has the potential to place Sabah among the top regional shopping destinations. -The Star, ANN Airport's laptop checks linked with terrorist activity, drug smuggle ecurity at Soekarno-Hatta International airport will be tightened for passengers carrying laptop computers. -The Jakarta Post, ANN Casinos look to technology to reduce Macau's baccarat addiction Culturally-specific slot machines and computerised games to lure Asians away from baccarat. -AFP M'sia airports infested by taxi touts Tourists are confronted by taxi touts the moment they step out of the arrival lounge. -The Star Lufthansa launches two new Asian routes It would run 5 flights a week between Singapore and Munich as well as thrice weekly flights from Shenyang in China to Munich via Seoul. -AFP Thailand confident on tourism despite fuel costs, protests Around 14.5 million foreign tourists are expected to visit Thailand this year. -ST The better way to fly It might be more worth it at times to fly a premium, full-service carrier than a budget one. -ST Asia's casino jackpot In four years, region's gambling revenues will overtake those of US. -myp Serving corporate clients a 24-hr calling The ability to facilitate smooth transitions is one of the attributes a corporate travel agent should have, and the industry is in need of such talents. -myp Let's face it, airfares will have to go up If ever any business faced a perfect storm, it must be the global airline industry. -myp Operator fails to extend DHL balloon lease The DHL balloon at Tan Quee Lan Street, which has become an icon of sorts, will go on its last flight on Aug 3. -myp How Macau casinos lure gamblers to the slot machines While gaming revenues in Macau last year overtook those of the Las Vegas Strip, figures show up to 88 per cent of it was spent on baccarat tables. -AFP AirAsia slashes fares to just RM1 AirAsia has returned with irresistible promotions with some 250,000 seats up for grabs with fares from as low as RM1. -The Star, ANN Hotels issue wake-up call about being 'wiped out' Hoteliers are worried about being "wiped out" by the government's decision not to hold functions at hotels, unless they were international events. -NST Shrinking airlines mean higher fares, fewer routes The new pricing power is long overdue - and consumers will just have to accept that cheaper air fares have disappeared for now. -Reuters Cathay Pacific defends ad campaign from stereotype jibes Cathay said accusations that its adverts only valued its male passengers and played to cliches of Asians serving western clients were 'misleading and unfair.' -AFP Fear of flying infections exaggerated: study The belief that passengers crowded aboard airliners are exposed to a high risk of catching infectious diseases is exaggerated. -AFP UN calls for lifting travel restrictions on HIV carriers Latest call comes as UN chief Ban Ki Moon seeks to end discrimination against people carrying the dreaded Aids virus. -AFP Skyscraper of steel toy parts sparkles in New York American artist Chris Burden's latest project is a nearly seven-storey model skyscraper made from a million pieces of stainless steel toy parts.- Reuters Plane bursts into flames in Sudan; dozens reported killed About 200 passengers were thought to be aboard the Sudan Airways plane when it landed in bad weather. -The Nation, ANN Malacca outlines strategies to lure 6.8 million visitors Among the strategies to be adopted were developing more quality products and enhanced transportation services for tourists in line with the state's Open Theme Park concept. -The Star Russian tourists spend big in S'pore Their numbers are also rising fast; tourism board to set up office in Moscow later this year. -ST Raffles Hotels to bring its brand to Moscow Hotel management firm signs agreement to open a hotel in the Russian capital in 2011. -ST A taste of Singapore at Taiwanese night market STB woos Taiwanese tourists with local fare such as satay. -ST Kuantan set to be AirAsia's eastern hub AirAsia plans to have direct flights from Kuantan to international destinations like Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok. -The Star Travel agents expect domestic travel to increase Matta is expecting over 80,000 people to buy their local and regional travel packages during the fair in September. -The Star Hoteliers turn price hike guru for tourism sector Maha will forward several proposals to the state in a bid to help prepare the tourism sector absorb the effects of the fuel price increase. -The Star Tourism in Iskandar Government had made plans to develop tourism in the mega project in line with its vision of creating a metropolis in the region. -The Star Save by holidaying locally, says Azalina Forget overseas vacations and opt for local destinations. This is what Malaysians should do in view of rising costs, says M'sian Tourism Minister. -NST Fuel prices force Thai Airways to raise surcharge by $123 The increase will take effect from June 25. -AFP Oil costs will push some Asian airlines under Many of the region's airlines are ill-prepared to cope with the soaring oil prices. -AFP Scaling Great Heights for a Good Night's Sleep 'Climbing into bed' takes on a whole new meaning as ANA Crowne Plaza offers Tokyo's Best Bedroom View - in a bed half way up a Ginza building. -AsiaOne HK budget airline Oasis formally wound up Employees, passengers left with useless tickets and others believing they had a claim would now be invited to apply for compensation. -AFP Amazing travel packages on offer At the Malaysian International Travel Mart on July 25 to July 27 in Johor Baru. -The Star Travel agents cut tours to Beijing during Olympics Travel agents here have decided not to offer tours to Beijing while the Olympic Games are on. -ST Khartoum plane fire kills at least 28 people The airport authorities said the engine fire spread to the fuselage. -AFP Budget no more With regular airlines dangling promotions and increasing fuel surcharges, budget travellers are eyeing full-service carriers. -ST Airlines get creative in cutting cost They are power-washing jet engines more often to get rid of grime, carrying less water for the washroom taps and toilets, and replacing seats with lighter models. -myp Why are travellers on foot not allowed through Tuas exit? A reader was told by an officer that nobody is allowed to enter or leave the said checkpoint by foot due to security reasons. -myp Budget vs Regular It pays to shop around as promotional fares of regular airlines can be cheaper than budget fares. -ST Tioman and Labuan ferry operators forced to charge extra They would be forced to impose surcharges of between RM10 and RM30 if the authorities continue to ignore their request for subsidised fuel. -The Star Granddad to cycle to Beijing for Olympics He has embarked on a 4,400km-long solo bicycle tour to China. -The Star Attacked for picking up tourists Tourist van driver claimed he was sent to pick up a group of Indonesian tourists at the Penang International Airport but ended up having to leave the place empty handed with a painful limb. -The Star Terengganu hoteliers told not to raise rates The state government has opposed any move by hoteliers on holiday islands to increase rates following the rise in fuel prices. -The Star New lease of life for old building Plans are underway to convert the 96-year-old dilapidated building owned by the Penang Municipal Council into a museum and art gallery. -The Star Sound of soca and jamoo at rainforest fest They are Trinidad and Tobago's royal family of music and will be performing at the upcoming Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak from July 11 to 13. -The Star FAA using more inexperienced controllers US FAA has failed over 4 years to fill gaps in how it trains its air traffic controllers. -Reuters Travellers choosing cheaper ways to fly Some companies are increasingly relying on online booking tools. -BT SIA, Tiger offer promotional fares to regional hotspots With the Great Singapore Sale well under way, even some airlines are trying to get in on the action. -BT China, Taiwan sign landmark flight deal The deal will launch regular flights between the long-time rivals, though they will be limited to weekend charters. -Reuters 'Excite tourists with round-the-island cruise' The local tourism industry players should expand activities by introducing round-the-island cruises. -NST AirAsia will not reduce routes It will also not increase the fuel surcharge. -NST Monthly ticket offered for Shanghai-HK flights Hong Kong Express Airways will soon offer unlimited flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong for no more than US$886 per month. -China Daily, ANN China gives its climbing industry a leg up Government runs courses for guides to cash in on climbing?s growing popularity. -AFP Lijiang balances protection and modernisation Despite the big challenges ahead, the local government has found a new way to protect the precious world heritage through close cooperation with enterprises. -China Daily, ANN NParks to consult Australian institute on guide training scheme Recommendations from the government-linked William Angliss Institute Specialist Centre for Tourism are likely to form the basis of a proposed NParks scheme to accredit guides. -ST S'pore tourism, air services push bode well for aviation sector China, India and Vietnam expected to contribute to traffic growth. -BT Tiger to add international routes Tiger Airways is now in talks with the Australian government to add international routes to its network, using Australian-based crews and aircraft. -BT Tourists, eat your way through M'sia Malaysia wants to draw tourists to its shores through gastronomic tourism. -TNP World-class airport? Not with apathetic service Reader: How can Changi Airport be world-class when service staff are unconcerned about well-being of sick passenger? -ST US airlines seek help to defer China, other service US airlines say they cannot afford to fly new routes or maintain all flights to China and other countries that restrict access, but they still want to keep their rights to serve those destinations. -Reuters