Regional Sales office in Dubai

Regional Sales office in Dubai
Bahrain Air, the second flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the official opening of its regional sales office in Dubai.
Recently restructured as a hybrid Airline offering both business and economy class service, Bahrain Air now operates to 18 destinations across the GCC, African region and the Indian sub-continent.
Bahrain Air operates 16 flights a week in and out of Dubai. It is one of the busiest routes within the network. Bahrain Air presence in Dubai will enhance both the distribution and visibility in this vibrant market.

Adventurous Sri Lanka

Adventurous Sri Lanka Once known as Ceylon

Once known as Ceylon, the tear drop shape island of Sri Lanka has a whole host of things to see and do. From the romantic couple to the excited family, Sri Lanka is a destination that won’t fail to deliver. However where Sri Lanka truly excels is with adventure, so whether walking a rain forest trail or scaling down the side of a mountain is your idea of a fun then Sri Lanka is the perfect consider when looking to book your holidays.
The Topography of Sri Lanka

The island of Sri Lanka is incredibly diverse, few if any other small island has as much geographical variety. The island is rich with wildlife, and what better way to explore the 86 species of mammals than on a safari. You’ll be able to get pretty close to the country’s magnificent elephant, golden jackals, sloth bears, monkeys and if you’re lucky enough even the beautiful solitary leopards. Once you’ve enjoyed the wildlife, you can see what else the island has to offer from the back of the Jeep on Sri Lanka’s 4WD adventures. The expedition is much more than just a drive, you’ll be taken over the sand dunes of the Kalpitiya lagoon, crossing the streams of dragon drive and even up the 32 hair pin road that is the Devil’s staircase. The 4WD adventure will take you from one part of Sri Lanka to the other, avoiding as many bitumen roads as possible.  When it comes to mountain activities, Sri Lanka excels. If mountain biking or hiking is more for you then there are plenty of interesting trails available to suit all levels of experience. The trails also involve going through some beautiful landscapes and locations such as the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa as well as plantation fields of spices, tea and rubber. Of course with so many mountains around, it’s also possible to enjoy some mountain climbing. There are many exciting routes available, both for experienced and beginner climbers, including one that involves scaling Bambarakanda, Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall.
For those wishing to explore, the island has exhibitions involving caves and its rain forest. Caving is relatively new in Sri Lanka, however with a vast amount of caves available, it’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed. The rain forest has a collection of some of the most beautiful flora and fauna on the island. The rain forest is protected and is the perfect playground for those explorers out there, just be sure to take the right clothing, as the name suggests, you’re likely to get wet.

The Seas Surrounding Sri Lanka
Being an island, Sri Lanka has its fair share of access to the sea and with this a lot of water activities available for Sri Lankan holiday makers to enjoy.
Nicknamed the ”Pearl in the Indian Ocean”, Sri Lanka has a whole host of fantastic diving and snorkelling sites for you to explore. Considered world class, each site is teeming with beautiful coral reefs, fascinating marine life and spectacular ship wrecks, however for the ultimate diving experience; you should head to Pigeon Island, Sri Lanka’s ultimate diving paradise.
Above the water, Sri Lanka has many great locations for surfers and wind surfers alike. However for the ultimate rush on the water, why not try your hand at water skiing. From beginners to the most experienced, you’re guaranteed to have a good time, there’s also a few slalom and jumps available for those eager to try.
Not only that, more adrenaline pumping fun can be had on the way to sea, either while white water rafting, kayaking or even canoeing down one of Sri Lanka’s many rivers. These tours are great for first timers as well as experts and can take anywhere from an hour to a day to complete depending on the package.
Sri Lanka by Air
If you think Sri Lanka is beautiful from the ground, then touring the island from the air might just take your breath away.
You can choose to explore the island either by sea plane, helicopter or hot air balloon. Each offers its own experience, however for the ultimate air tour, you should try hot air ballooning. It offers a completely unique flying experience, which is far more relaxing than any other form of flight.
Touring via hot air balloon will allow you to enjoy the sights of the country in peace, while giving you time to take everything in. And for an even more surreal experience, take a sunrise flight and enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful countryside as it awakens, while getting back in time for breakfast.
Courtesy by Travel Article.

EY Launches New Promotional Fares

Etihad Launches special promotion fares for members of Government Employee Travel

Etihad Airways has launched exciting new deals for members of the recently launched Abu Dhabi Government Employee Travel Programme, offering return Coral Economy and Pearl Business class air fares at up to 40 per cent off regular prices. The offer is available until October 16, and travel must be completed by November 30.

Benefits of joining the Abu Dhabi Government Employee Travel Programme include not only special fares, enhanced frequent flyer benefits and priority ground services, but also tailored Etihad Holidays deals for personal travel.

Hareb Al Muhairy, Vice President Sales in the UAE, said: “We are very excited to offer these special fares designed to suit the needs of employees in government and semi-government organisations.

We will be working hard with our partners to ensure the highest standards of service and the best value to members of Abu Dhabi Government Employee Travel Programme as one of our most important customer segments, and to demonstrate the value of being an enrolled member of the new service,” he said.

The discounted economy class fares are offered to the following destinations;
• Larnaca from UAE DHS 1,360;
• Dublin from UAE DHS 2,300;
• Geneva from UAE DHS 2,410;
• Casablanca from UAE DHS 2, 680 and
• Frankfurt from UAE   DHS 2,140.

Destinations and fares available for business class travellers are:
• Kuala Lumpur from UAE DHS 6,540;
• Bangkok from UAE DHS 5,690;
• Munich from UAE DHS 11,010
• Cairo from UAE DHS 3,070 and
• Beirut from UAE DHS 2,760.

All prices above are based on return travel from Abu Dhabi, including applicable surcharges, taxes and fees.

Developed jointly by Abu Dhabi General Services Company ‘Musanada’ and Etihad Airways, the programme aims to enhance Government travel services, by offering simplified procedures and tailored services and benefits for employees to ensure the most seamless and rewarding travel solutions for all of their government-funded travel and personal leisure travel.

Musanada, which played a crucial role in developing the new partnership, holds a mandate to support the Emirate’s government entities and help Abu Dhabi become one of the top five governments in the world, by providing the Government of Abu Dhabi with international best standards and cost effective quality services.

To access the fantastic offers please enrol first in the Abu Dhabi Government Employee Travel Programme through its website etihad.com/travelcard. The promotion is only available for sale through the website.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Major disruption at Athens Airport

A General Strike in Greece Flights Cancelled

Flights and ferry services in and around Greece are expected to be severely disrupted once again today as unions call members out on strike against proposed austerity measures.
The 24-hour general strike got underway at midnight, ahead of a meeting later today by the European Commission to discuss propping up failing banks in Europe.  Schools in the country are also expected to be closed while hospitals will be working with reduced staff.  The action is the first general strike in Greece since the government announced an emergency property tax last month.  For the first time this year, air traffic controllers will stop work for 24 hours.
This is likely to cause major disruption at Athens airport. 

TK Website redesigned

Turkish Airlines’ Corporate Website redesigned

Turkish Airlines’ corporate website has undergone a radical redesigned as the world-leading carrier seeks to maintain its position in a fiercely competitive market.
The website was originally created in 1996.
In an era when consumers increasingly use online tools for all kinds of transactions, Turkish Airlines is committed to keeping its Internet portal relevant, useful and attuned to the needs of its customers.  The new site was designed to create a more elegant interface and to be more user friendly, allowing better access to promotional offers, network information and improving the online purchase process.
Following eight months of work by a staff of 20, the site is more intuitive and improves information access.  The new site is also closely integrated with social media sites.
Passengers will find the new site to be faster, more comprehensive and easier to use as it is fully aligned with the corporate identity of Turkish Airlines; its products and services.
Turkish Airlines is one of the fastest growing Airlines in the world, providing award- winning service to an expanding network of destinations.
There is more information on the new Turkish Airlines website.
The carrier was recognised as offering Europe’s Leading Airline Business Class at the World Travel Awards in 2010.

JNB Welcomes A380

Johannesburg Welcomes First Emirates A380

Johannesburg welcomed its first scheduled Emirates A380 service yesterday, as flight EK761 from Dubai arrived at O R Tambo International Airport.
Johannesburg, the economic powerhouse of South Africa, is the first destination for the double-decker in Africa and the sixteenth destination on the Emirates A380 network. “The demand for Emirates’ services in and out of Johannesburg has always been high, with passenger growth of more than 27 percent over the last year. It is fitting that our A380 is now serving South Africa and we would like to thank the Department of Transport and OR Tambo International Airport for their efforts in enabling us to bring this exceptional aircraft to Johannesburg,” said Jean Luc Grillet, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Africa.
“The UAE and South Africa’s strong and successful relationship has been built on the twin pillars of trade and tourism. In introducing our flagship aircraft and the extra capacity it offers, Emirates will help to further boost this important partnership,” added Mr Grillet.
Over the last year, Emirates has carried more than 900,000 passengers across its three South African gateways – Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. In the first eight months of 2011, the airline also carried more than 37,500 tonnes of high value cargo on its South African routes, with exports up 26 percent from the same period in 2010.
“Our world-class infrastructure investment in O R Tambo International Airport is integral to the continued economic growth of Johannesburg, the primary passenger and freight gateway into Africa,”  said Vuwani Ndwamato, Director Air Transport at the Department of Transport. “The introduction of the Emirates A380 exemplifies our efforts to power a world-class city and stimulate investment to strengthen South Africa’s position as a major player in the global economy,” Mr Ndwamato added.
On the flight deck of today’s A380 flight to Johannesburg were Captain Christos Panagiotopoulos and First Officer Kenneth Hubbard, both from South Africa. Emirates employs a total of 176 pilots and 389 Cabin Crew from South Africa.
Guests invited to a special reception at O R Tambo International Airport were given the chance to explore the superjumbo - with its 399 seats in Economy Class, 76 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 14 First Class Private Suites.
No matter what class they travel in, passengers on board the Emirates A380 will enjoy the highest levels of comfort in the air, including the airline’s multi award-winning ice entertainment system, which features 1,200 channels of movies, television, music and games. Customers in First Class and Business Class can also enjoy an exclusive Onboard Lounge at 40,000 feet, while First Class passengers can freshen up in one of two Onboard Shower Spas.
Emirates is the largest operator of the environmentally friendly double-decker aircraft, flying the A380 to London Heathrow (double-daily), Manchester, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Toronto, Seoul, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, Jeddah, New York, Hong Kong, Sydney and Auckland.
From 1st December 2011, the A380 will also begin serving Kuala Lumpur and Rome, followed by Munich from 1st January 2012.
So far in 2011, Emirates has launched passenger flights to Basra, Geneva and Copenhagen. St Petersburg will be launched on 1st November, followed by Baghdad on 13th November; and Dublin, Rio and Buenos Aires in January 2012. Emirates’ 20th and 21st destinations within Africa - Lusaka and Harare - will launch on 1st February 2012.
The Johannesburg A380 service will operate daily as EK 761, departing Dubai at 0440hrs (local time) and arriving at O R Tambo International Airport at 1050hrs (local). The return flight, EK762, departs Johannesburg at 1410hrs (local) and arrives in Dubai at 0010hrs (local) the following day. 

Asia’s most popular spa destination

Thailand’s Spas heading for World Travel Awards

In recent years, Thailand has emerged as one of Asia’s most popular spa destinations, with its traditional ancient healing techniques that draw visitors from all over the world.
At the World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia gala ceremony set to place in Bangkok on Wednesday, Thailand’s leading spa operators will be amongst leading travel organisations who are recognised for their achievements. 
With such a great diversity in spa services – which range from destination, hotel and resort spas to medical and day spas, Thailand is now firmly established as the spa capital of Asia.
In recent years, the spas services available have developed significantly, as evidenced by the number of spa resorts that have been nominated by the World Travel Awards. 
Raising the bar for the global spa industry, the following resorts have been nominated in the category of Thailand’s Leading Spa Resort: Amanpuri, Anantara Resort Hua Hin; Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa; Banyan Tree Phuket; Chiva-Som International Health Resort; Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket; Evason Phuket; InterContinental Hua Hin Resort; Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort and The Evason Hua Hin Resort & Spa.
Meanwhile four of Thailand’s spas resorts have been named in the nominated in the category of Asia’s Leading Spa Resort, including: Amanpuri, Thailand; Anantara Phuket; Layana Resort & Spa, Thailand and The Evason Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Thailand.
Thailand has set itself out as a one-stop spa destination where visitors can select treatments ranging from traditional techniques, to more cutting-edge technology as well as the old fashioned, indigenous Thai spa treatments that are so unique to Thailand.
Authentic Thai treatments range from Thai massage, Thai herbal steam, Thai herbal compress and indigenous herbal ingredients that constitute the real Thainess in the Thai spa experience.
Thai-style spa treatments find their origins as ancient Siamese health and beauty therapies in healing traditions that have been practised by local people for centuries.
But in recent months, there has been more emphasis on evidence-based treatments. According to the Thai Spa Association, ‘Thailand’s spa operators are looking to prove the scientific merits of their folk wisdom’.
According to reports, traditional Thai doctors, are being consulted for some of the treatments as spas look to integrate into the health care industry.
In a bid to further raise its profile, the Thai Spa industry has rolled out a number of spa-related Thai products, such as oils, scrubs, body lotions and shower gels. The ASEAN countries, China, India, Russia and Europe are being targeted for these.
On September 28, a distinguished line-up of travel industry professionals, senior executives from renowned travel companies representing Asia & Australasia’s leading hotels, as well as media from 60 countries will gather at the luxurious Dusit Thani Bangkok in Thailand to find out who will take home the coveted awards.