Northstar

FEATURE www.travelweeklyweb.com July August High growth Central Asia to boost arrival by threefolds Positive news surrounds the travel trade in the month of July this year. Hotel Reservation Service, Europe's hotel portal, reports high growth from the Asia-Pacific market. HRS also announced its expansion into Singapore, making the country its regional headquarters. Wego.com closes a US$17 million deal through the completion of Series C Preferred Share Offering. The Westin Singapore started its recruitment drive with some 300 jobs to offer, prior to its opening in November. In the August issue of TravelWeekly, we chatted with the deputy prime minister of Kazakhstan who shared on the tourism development plans that his team has put in place, to put interesting destinations to the world map. In the pipeline, Kazakhstan ine will be joining China and Europe in the building of the modern Silk Road, that will pass through China, Kazakhstan, through to Russia, giving the adventurous travellers another option to explore the region. September October On high speed ITB Asia Kuala Lumpur-Singapore commute may be in the form of high-speed rail, seven years from now. As soon as the announcement broke, the project has gained a high momentum, to the delights of technology and engineering firms. The rail system is slated to be up and running by 2020, and is targeted to boost economic relations and tourism potentials, running across Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, Muar, Melaka and Seremban. This issue we spoke with Arup's director, Global Rail Leader, on the possibilities and challenges in building a rail network between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. While this year's ITB Asia took place at the Suntec Convention Centre, which provided a fantastic façade following its refurbishment, the next three years will see the trade show moving back to Marina Bay Sands, following an agreement between MBS and ITB Asia. The partnership aims to provide ITB Asia with the space it requires to grow the industry platform over the next few years, reaching out to more delegates and exhibitors. Singapore Tourism Board and ITB Asia have also signed a three-year agreement, giving focus on a stronger conference line-up, beginning next year. November December Asia's first Redefining travel Royal Brunei Airlines made news when its Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Southeast Asia's first, touched down in Singapore from Bandar Seri Begawan. The Dreamliner is known for its composite construction and advanced aerodynamics that make for a smoother ride and noise reduction. The 787 Dreamliner is able to accommodate a total of 254 passengers; 18 on Business Class and 236 on Economy. On the LCC front, Amadeus reported a 6.8 per cent growth for bookings across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, compared to the same period last year. Further reports added that this is further propelled by capacity increases in emerging Asian capital cities, such as Jakarta and Bangkok. As we move into the new year, travel takes on a new meaning with bigger developments taking place at facilities such as Changi Airport's Terminal 4 and even with airlines like Lufthansa, which is offering a new flight connection from Frankfurt to Southeast Asia. In Hong Kong, Plaza Premium Lounge has also launched Asia's largest pay-in lounge to enhance the ambience, and offerings for travellers at the Hong Kong International Airport. www.travelweeklyweb.com DECEMBER 2013 | TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA ■ | 5

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