Northstar

NEWS www.travelweeklyweb.com Prana Resorts and Spa rebrands THAILAND – Prana Resorts and Spa is now Prana Hotels & Resorts, following its plans to streamline its portfolio for expansion. "This new identity spearheads our drive to build a strong resort brand throughout the region – a brand that will continue to be synonymous with the personalised service and welcoming hospitality that Prana has come to be associated with," said Mirko Francioni, general manager, Wellness Division, Q Lifestyle. Key characteristics of Prana properties include integrating local culture into the building's design and architecture, and promoting a concept of "wellness Abacus strengthens foothold in India SINGAPORE – Abacus International announced a new partnership with Cox & Kings Ltd, India's leading travel company, further cementing its position as India's premium travel distribution partner. The agreement will see Abacus equip Cox & Kings with solutions such as Abacus WorkSpace, Abacus TicketingExpress and Abacus Mobile, all aimed at increasing the productivity of the company, allowing them to service Jeet Sawhney with John Nair customers more effi ciently. "Abacus took the necessary steps to understand our requirements and to address them fully. With their suite of products to improve productivity and ease the travel booking process, we see the positive impact that Abacus can offer right from the outset. We have been impressed by how the Abacus portfolio of solutions can help us to further differentiate ourselves in our long- term vision," said John Nair, vice- president, Business Travel, Cox & Kings Ltd. Cox & Kings Ltd. (CKL) is the longest established travel company in the world since 1758. Headquartered in India, it is a premium brand that caters to the overall travel needs of the Indian and International traveller. It operates across 4 continents and 25 countries through branch offi ces, subsidiaries, representative offices, franchised sales shops as well as through our global network of sales agents. The company has a network of 163 offi ces across 20 states in India. "Abacus is very pleased to be able to partner with Cox & Kings. This partnership is a testament of Abacus' position as India's premium travel distribution partner. We are honoured that Cox & Kings have chosen to work with us to grow their business further," commented Jeet Sawhney, managing director, Abacus India. Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas calls at Kobe JAPAN – Voyager of the Seas made its maiden call at Kobe on July 9, 2012, as part of the seven- night cruise from Shanghai, with stops at Fukuoka and Busan. The customary plaque exchanges were officiated by representatives Tatsuo Yada, Mayor of Kobe and Captain Charles Teige of Voyager of the Seas at Cleopatra's Needle, in commemoration of the ship's In the Coming Issue... We feature a selection of hotels in the Indochina region that focus on providing key solutions to every business traveller's needs. Send us your comments or give us a shoutout via Twitter, @TravelWeeklyWeb. 10 | ■ TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA | 17 JULY 2012 www.travelweeklyweb.com maiden call. Kelvin Tan, Royal Caribbean's regional director, Asia Pacific said at the ceremony, "We are pleased to offer Kobe as the latest Japanese port-of-call for Voyager of the Seas' North Asian cruises. Kobe, with its cosmopolitan dynamism and rich culture, has always been one of Royal Caribbean's top destinations in the region. What's more, with the from within". The sprawling, low- rise resort of 60 rooms will also feature a dedicated spa facility with fi ve treatment rooms and an al fresco massage sala – an open pavilion. Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas overnight stays we have lined up for Kobe, our cruisers will be able to discover and experience more of its attractions day and night."

• Cover