The Best in China Recognised in Awards

The Chinese tourism industry continues to grow and surpass all expectations. The TTG China Travel Awards is one of the most prestigious travel awards platform in celebrating and honouring China’s travel and tourism industry. The Awards came back for the fourth year this year and applaud exemplary industry partners that strive to maintain quality standards to ensure a stellar experience for all. The 60 Awards given in 2011 were voted by fellow tourism industry colleagues.

It is a pity that that most of the awards were only available to the older well known tourist cities of Eastern China, and only 6 given to other regions in China. The awards would be improved if equal prominence was given to all regions and cities in China. For example, why was there not a category for the Best Meeting and Conventions Hotel in Kunming, which has a world class International Convention & Exhibition Center?

Glance down this list of worthy winners, and please feel welcome to forward a short article to this web site about any hotel you have stayed in and share your experience with other readers.

The China Travel Awards 2011 List of Winners

Airline Awards - For airlines serving and operating in China

1. Best China Airline – Air China

2. Best Asian Airline – Singapore Airlines

3. Best European Airline – Air France

4. Best American Airline – United Airlines

5. Best Middle Eastern Airline – Emirates Airlines

Travel Services Awards

6. Best Travel Agency in China - China International Travel Service

7. Best City in China (Leisure Travel) - Beijing

8. Best City in China (BT-MICE) – Shanghai

9. Best Convention / Exhibition Centre in China - Shanghai World Financial Center Forum

10. Best Cruise Operator - Royal Caribbean Cruises

11. Best Theme Attraction - Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

12. Best Overseas NTO in China - Hong Kong Tourism Board

13. Best Overseas NTO in China promoting T-MICE - Singapore Tourism Board

Hotel Chain Awards

14. Best Global Hotel Chain Operating in Greater China - InterContinental Hotels Group

15. Best Local Hotel Chain Operating in Greater China - Jin Jiang International Hotel Group

16. Best Luxury Hotel Brand in Greater China - The Ritz-Carlton

17. Best Mid-range Hotel Brand in Greater China - Four Points by Sheraton

18. Best Budget Hotel Brand in Greater China - Ibis

Resort Hotel Awards

Mandarin Oriental Sanya

19. Best Resort in China - Mandarin Oriental Sanya

20. Best New Resort in China - InterContinental Sanya Resort

21. Best Spa Resort in China - Banyan Tree Lijiang

Other Hotel Awards

The Opposite House

22. Best Boutique Hotel in China - The Opposite House

23. Best Theme Hotel in China - Chimelong Hotel Guangzhou

Serviced Residence Award

24. Best Serviced Residence Operator in China - Ascott International Management

Individual Hotel Awards

Raffles Beijing Hotel

25. Best Luxury Hotel in Beijing - Raffles Beijing Hotel

26. Best Luxury Hotel in Shanghai - Park Hyatt Shanghai

27. Best Luxury Hotel in Guangzhou - The Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou

28. Best Luxury Hotel in Shenzhen - InterContinental Shenzhen

29. Best Luxury Hotel in Hong Kong - The Peninsula Hong Kong

30. Best Luxury Hotel in Macau - Grand Hyatt Macau

Best Mid-range Hotel

Doubletree by Hilton Beijing

31. Best Mid-range Hotel in Beijing - Doubletree by Hilton Beijing

32. Best Mid-range Hotel in Shanghai - Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Pudong

33. Best Mid-range Hotel in Guangzhou - Holiday Inn Guangzhou Shifu

34. Best Mid-range Hotel in Shenzhen - The Pavilion Century Tower

35. Best Mid-range Hotel in Hong Kong - Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hong Kong

36. Best Mid-range Hotel in Macau - Holiday Inn Macau

Best Business Hotels

Grand Millennium Beijing

37. Best Business Hotel in Beijing - Grand Millennium Beijing

39. Best Business Hotel in Guangzhou - Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao

38. Best Business Hotel in Shanghai - The Garden Hotel Guangzhou

40. Best Business Hotel in Shenzhen - Crowne Plaza Shenzhen

41. Best Business Hotel in Hong Kong - Langham Place Mongkok, Hong Kong

42. Best Business Hotel in Macau - MGM Macau

Meeting & Conventions Hotel

The Westin Beijing Financial Street

43. Best in Beijing - The Westin Beijing Financial Street

44. Best in Shanghai - Renaissance Shanghai Zhongshan Park Hotel

45. Best in Guangzhou - Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou

46. Best in Shenzhen - The Westin Shenzhen Nanshan

47. Best in Hong Kong - Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

48. Best in Macau - The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel 


Best New Hotel

Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport

49. Best New Hotel in Beijing - Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport

50. Best New Hotel in Shanghai - Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

51. Best New Hotel in Guangzhou - Winton Hotel Guangzhou

52. Best New Hotel in Shenzhen - Oasis O City Hotel Shenzhen

53. Best New Hotel in Hong Kong - L’hotel Island South

54. Best New Hotel in Macau - Mandarin Oriental Macau

Hotel Awards - Other Regions within China

Kempinski Hotel Dalian

55. Best Hotel in Northeast Province - Kempinski Hotel Dalian

56. Best Hotel in North China Province - The Westin Tianjin

57. Best Hotel in Northwest Province - Kempinski Hotel Yinchuan

58. Best Hotel in East China Province - Fairmont Yangcheng Lake

59. Best Hotel in Central South Province - Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin

60. Best Hotel in Southwest Province - Sofitel Forebase Chongqing

China - what an adventure!!!

For those who have wondered about why I haven't posted any articles about my adventures in China over the last 10 days - the simple reason is I couldn't access my web site when I was over there. I landed safely this morning at 9.35am at Sydney Airport and alighted from the train at 7.30pm at my hometown of Muswellbrook. After I catch up with things around the home I will post articles about my adventures in China. A warm invitation is extended to any one of my new friends and colleagues I met in China to submit a short article for publication on this web site. It could be about China, another destination, or about the hometown of the author. In fact, anything about holidays, travel and the MICE industry will be welcome. Guest writers can send their article to my email address (theholidayandtravelmagazine at hotmail.com) and I will post it.

UK Young Travellers Head to Australia

In 2009–10 the number of Australian working holiday visas granted to young people from the UK was 28,281. In 2005-06 this figure stood at 37,056.

Young British people apply for, and are granted, more working holiday visas for Australia than citizens of any other country.

So why do so many British young people want to head to Australia on a working holiday visa? The quality of life in Australia is definitely perceived by young people to be attractive lure. Great Britain comes 28th place in the UN’s Human Development Index, while Australia is ranked second. The countries on this list are indexed according to quality of life factors including life expectancy, education and standard of living.

Add to this the fact that the youth unemployment rate in the UK is currently the highest on record, with almost one million young people aged 16 - 24 out of work. That’s nearly 20% youth unemployment. In Australia youth unemployment stands at 11.5%, with a low overall unemployment rate of just over 5%. So in Australia, as a young person you are more likely to find work, albeit temporary work if you have a working holiday visa.

Then there is the weather, the lack of language barrier, and the feeling that Australia is more welcoming to young people than the UK. The Australian working holiday visa programme currently welcomes applicants from 19 different countries. The British version offers working holiday visas to young people from just 5 countries, one of which is Monaco.

Rebecca Jordan of work and travel gap year website http://www.gapwork.com believes that "…as austerity measures in the UK bite, and a double dip recession looms, more and more young British people will be heading to countries like Australia and New Zealand for a year to work, travel and get work experience. We are definitely seeing an increase in enquiries from young people who just can’t find work or even decent work experience at home at the moment. You don't have to be a student or on a gap year to get a working holiday visa, you just have to be aged between 18-30, have enough cash behind you to cover your flights and a few months living expenses, and want to bail out of Britain!"

Thai Airways Recognized as the Best Southeast Asian Airline

Thailand’s national airline, Thai Airways International, has been awarded the best Southeast Asian airline and best airline business class by Travel Trade Gazette.

The award presentation took place at the 22nd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2011 Ceremony and Gala Dinner, held at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Center at CentralWorld in Bangkok.

The annual TTG Travel Awards recognizes the finest luminaries in Asia-Pacific’s travel industry, which have consistently shown a strong commitment to service excellence. Thai Airways International was voted for by the readers of TTG Asia and other TTG magazines this year.

Last year, it ranked ninth among the world’s top ten airlines at the 2010 World Airline Awards, which took place in Hamburg. THAI also received an award for Best Intercontinental Airline in the Norwegian Grand Travel Award 2010.

The airline has carried the country’s national flag as a global ambassador, projecting the image and prestige of the country for over 50 years. It serves over 18 million passengers annually, operating more than 850 international and domestic flights each week. THAI has contributed greatly to Thailand’s tourism industry. The country’s promising tourism outlook will benefit the airline, as well.

According to a report from the airline, its flight kitchens in Bangkok produce up to 80,000 meals a day for THAI’s own flights and those of 50 customer airlines. The airline is a massive purchaser of food and materials used for in-flight catering by its flight kitchens. In the past, much of this had been purchased from worldwide sources, but over recent years, THAI has been active in supporting import substitution initiatives, including many of the Royal Project’s crops designed to widen opportunities for Thai farmers.

The Royal Project, an initiative of His Majesty the King, has been successful in encouraging hilltribe villagers to shift away from growing opium poppies to alternative crops. A number of royal development centers under the Royal Project have been set up in northern Thailand to carry out research studies and grow temperate crops so that local people could earn a good living.

Thailand’s national airline is also committed to fulfilling its obligations in regard to the protection of the environment and reduction of carbon emissions to mitigate global warming. It supports the targeted goals that the industry should achieve carbon-neutral growth from 2020 onwards.

THAI was the first Asia/Pacific airline to sign a memorandum of understanding with the International Air Transport Association to provide its passengers with the opportunity to offset carbon generated from flying.

Welsh Pony and Cob Show 2011

The Northern NSW RPG of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Australia Show will be held on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November 2011. The good news is that this is a not a ticketed event and entry is free for spectators. Various types of ponies and horses will be exhibited, including:-

The Mountain Pony does not exceed 12 hh (122 cm) in height. Centuries of ‘survival of the fittest’ has ensured a sound constitution and great intelligence. Combined with the legendary Welsh temperament this makes the Welsh Mountain Pony an ideal child’s pony of today. Welsh Mountain Ponies also make wonderful harness ponies and feature prominently in awards nationally. They are acknowledged as one of the most beautiful of pony breeds in the World.

The Welsh Pony does not exceed 13.2 hh (137 cm) in height. They have all the great attributes of the Welsh Mountain Pony, with greater emphasis being placed on riding pony qualities. It still retains the excellent temperament and true Welsh type with quality and substance. Welsh Ponies have natural jumping ability and the quality and ability to hold their own amongst the top class riding ponies both in performance competitions and in the show ring.

The Welsh Pony of Cob Type does not exceed 13.2 hh (137 cm) in height. The Welsh Pony of Cob Type is a stronger counterpart of the Welsh Pony, with Cob blood. It has a wonderful temperament. They are a great dual purpose animal that is active, sure footed and hardy. They are ideal for both adults and children, whether they wish to compete at the highest level or just for pleasure. Like all the Welsh Breeds, they are very versatile, excel in harness and are natural jumpers.

The Welsh Cob Should be over 13.2 hh with no upper limit in height. Aptly described as ‘the best ride and drive animal in the World’, the Welsh Cob has evolved through the centuries and is known for his courage, tractability and powers of endurance. Cobs embody strength, hardiness and agility, with a wonderful temperament. The Welsh Cob is a most competent performer in all equine sports. The cob has had great success in the International driving world.

The Welsh Pony and Cob Show will be held at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC), 503 Goonoo Goonoo Road, Tamworth NSW 2340 Australia

For more details contact the

Welsh Pony and Cob Society of Australia

Phone: (03) 5941 3288

Fax: (03) 5941 2248

Email: office@wpcs.com.au

Website: http://www.wpcs.com.au/

Top 10 Food & Wine Destinations in Canada

TripAdvisor has recently announced its Travellers’ Choice winners of its Top Food and Wine Destinations in Canada. These Awards are based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions from travellers around the world. The Top 10 destinations in Canada for 2011 are:-

1 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Niagara on the Lake Restaurants offer what is considered to be among the finest dining experiences in all Ontario. With everything from home baked goods to 5 star gourmet meals there is something for all tastes. Enjoy people watching with a glass of wine on the patio. Sip a cold beer on the veranda overlooking the golf course. Canada is a beautiful country. There is no better place to sit back, relax, and unwind

2 Montreal, Quebec

Known as Canada's cultural capital, Montreal offers visitors beautiful architecture, art, music, film and a noticeable European vibe. Canada's second largest city also boasts an ethnically diverse and creative culinary scene with a selection of restaurants that are sure to appease every palate. Travellers might be overwhelmed by Montreal's extensive dining scene. One can grab a quick bite at an inviting street-side cafe, enjoy an evening on the town at a live music club or choose from the many different regionally and internationally inspired restaurants. Montreal certainly has it all when it comes to eating out.

3 Vancouver, British Columbia

From casual to gourmet, Vancouver has it all! Experience fine cuisine in any one of the area's restaurants, or for a more quaint experience, enjoy your meal at a smaller establishment.

4 Quebec City, Quebec

Although the Québec City area is often referred to as Canada’s fine dining capital, it could also be called its casual dining capital, its sidewalk café capital, its bistro capital, its wine & cheese capital… In fact, food in Québec City is one of the great pleasures of life—and one of the best reasons for traveling to the city and area time and again!

5 Victoria, British Columbia

Restaurants in Victoria serve up deliciously unique dining experiences with menus featuring fresh, local ingredients from growers, artisan food producers and the waters of southern Vancouver Island

6 Toronto, Ontario

Whether it's a simple snack or a deliciously entertaining meal, every kind of culinary desire can be satisfied in Toronto.

7 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

British Columbia's emerging Okanagan Valley has the makings of a serious wine producing region. It showcases wine bars and restaurants focused on Canadian wine and food.

8 Banff, Alberta

Contemporary cuisine elections, exquisite wines and fusion dining experiences of an upscale nature are available at independent establishments and at Banff area hotels. Visitors travelling with children will appreciate the abundance of kid-friendly dining options while in Banff. Alternatives to fast food and room service are plentiful and provide amenities catering to the needs of families, including high chairs, child menus and budget-minded promotions for travellers with tiny tykes. Buffets, pizza and pasta restaurants, chain establishments, food court selections and home-style cooking at casual hotel eateries are just a small sample of the choices available. Take-out and delivery services are also a viable option for busy families who prefer to dine in the comfort of their guest room or suite.

9 Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa loves to eat out. Ottawa has a restaurant to represent just about every nationality — from African to Vietnamese. Whether visitors are looking for fine dining or take-out, they will find lots of delicious choices in this city.

10 Whistler, British Columbia

Fresh food, amazing views, mountaintop venues—experience gourmet cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere; have a casual fireside meal with friends; or grab a quick bite on the go. Whistler's extensive selection of award-winning restaurants and chefs offer appetizing fare from different ethnicities and regions, with many of them featuring organic and locally sourced ingredients.

Cape Town Voted Top Destination in World

Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa, has been awarded The 2011 Travelers’ Choice World Best Destinations. These awards are based on millions of real and unbiased opinions from the TripAdvisor web site readers. Award winners are determined based on a combination of travellers’ favourite places and overall destination popularity.

Cape Town is commonly known as the, Mother City of Africa. It is the provincial capital of the Western Cape Province, and is the second most highly populated city in South Africa. The area is regarded as one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Cape Town is a rare cultural gem, resulting from the amalgamation of Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, the local Bushman and Hottentot tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north.

Cape Town

The impressive presence of Table Mountain, flanked by the legendary Devil's Peak and historical Signal Hill, stands proudly above the city. Beautiful white sandy beaches along a peaceful coastline frame the Cape Peninsula, which is famed for its unique floral kingdom, bountiful rivers, vleis (areas of low marshy ground),dams and magnificent countryside. The surrounding area extends far into the winelands, green in summer and red-gold in autumn.

Greenmarket Square Flea Market

Cape Town boasts a multitude of entertainment, ranging from outdoor activities and adventures in the sun to a roaring night life under neon signs. The vast range of shopping opportunities includes haggling with shopkeepers at Greenmarket Square Flea Market, as well as breezing through sophisticated and stylish shopping malls. The huge variety of Cape Town restaurants reflects the multicultured history of the Cape and caters for everyone's taste, from fast-food outlets and casual to the chic to the very elegant.

Camps Bay

Cape Town provides a setting for many scenic wonders, magnificent seascapes and panoramic vistas. The beautiful coastal areas of Camps Bay, Clifton, Llandudno, Bantry Bay, Hout Bay and Blouberg surround the breathtaking tranquility of the winelands, Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.

Cape Town is a city of culture, built on a history that reflects in the architecture, cuisine, music and dance. Together with a warm summer and temperate winter climate and a friendly community, the Western Cape and the Mother City are an ideal holiday destination throughout the year.

Kunming International Convention & Exhibition Center Hosts CITM 2011

The China International Travel Mart (CITM 2011) will be held in the Kunming International Convention & Exhibition Center. This is located in Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province, which has a spring-like climate all the year round. The Exhibition Centre is located with the Kunming International Airport in the south and Kunming Railway Station on the east side

Kunming International Convention & Exhibition Center covers a huge area of 225,000 sq metres. The 100,000 m2 indoor exhibition area of the Center includes 6 single-story, large-span and column-free exhibition halls, the gross floor space of which has added up to 50,000 m2. Among the 6 exhibition halls, the No. 1 and No. 2 exhibition halls measure 72 meters in length, 70 meters in width and 11 meters in height; the No. 3 exhibition hall measures 100 meters in length, 70 meters in width and 16 meters in height; the No. 4 exhibition hall measures 156 meters in length, 70 meters in width and 16 meters in height; and the No. 5 and No. 6 exhibition halls measure 128 meters in length, 70 meters in width and 11 meters in height.

The indoor exhibition halls can be partitioned into 5,000 international standard exhibition booths, all of which are furnished with wireless or wired broadband Internet interfaces. In addition, the Center has 30,000 m2 of outdoor exhibition area, which can be built into 1,500 international standard exhibition booths.

Matching facilities of Kunming International Convention & Exhibition Center include a grand banquet hall that can simultaneously cater 2,000 guests, while the hall can also be used for conferences supported by simultaneous interpretation facilities with 2,000-plus receivers and 2 sets of 200-inch, high-brightness display boards.

The matching facilities also include multi-function halls, office buildings, hotels, a fitness center and a parking lot for 1,500-plus motor vehicles. Theses facilities of the Exhibition Center make it ideal for all sorts of international or domestic conferences with 50 — 5,000 participants. Being a modern conference-and exhibition-oriented enterprise, the Center hosts many exhibitions, conferences, business and trade events, catering functions and entertainment. These are enriched by the Center’s rich experience in operating conferences and exhibitions as well as offering top-quality comprehensive services.

Thanks to all these, the Kunming International Convention & Exhibition Center has become the first choice for holding large-scale international or domestic conferences and exhibitions. The Exhibition Center has been admitted to the International Association of Exhibition Management (IAEM).  The China Convention and Exhibition Annual Assembly has evaluated Kunming International Convention & Exhibition Center as the “Convention and Exhibition Site that Offers the Best Comprehensive Services”.

To ensure success of the China International Travel Mart (CITM), Kunming International Convention & Exhibition Center will strive to offer top-quality services to all participatory foreign and domestic customers, so as to contribute to the development of the world tourism industry.

Contact details of the Kunming International Convention & Exhibition Center are:-
Address: 289 Chuncheng Road, Kunming 650200, Yunnan Province, China
Tellephone: 0086-871-3513442
E-mail: citm1998@yahoo.cn
Fax: 0086-871-3513440

Free Twilight Classic Hits Concert in Sydney

Classic Hits Twilight Concert

The Ku-ring-gai Council will host a free open-air concert this month. The Classic Hits Concert will be held from 5-8pm on 29 October 2011.

The Concert will feature:-

- the Endless Summer Beach Party, who will bring alive the sounds of the classic 60s, mixing it with the retro sounds of the 70s and 80s and spicing it up with the modern classics

- the High Rollers Band

- the Boys in the Band, who celebrates the world's greatest hits from the most iconic bands of the 20th century including The Jersey Boys, The Beatles, The Jackson 5 and The Bee Gees, Beach Boys, Creedance, Doobie Brothers, and more.. Accompanied by The High Rollers Band, the Boys in the Band will perform classic tunes such as Walk Like a Man, Sherry, Can't Buy Me Love, Blame it on the Boogie and Staying Alive.

Endless Summer Beach Party

The free concert will be staged at Wahroonga Park, located between Coonanbarra Road, Stuart Street, Illoura Avenue and Millewa Avenue, Wahroonga. Wahroonga is a suburb on the Upper North Shore of Sydney, NSW Australia, and is located about 22 kilometres north-west of the Sydney CBD. Bring your own picnic rug or low chairs to enjoy the twilight concert under the stars!

The best way to get there is to catch a train and alight at Wahroonga station. It's a short 2-3 minutes walk to the venue from the station and will save the trouble of finding a car park spot.

Top 10 Funny Signs In Kunming, China

As I can not read Chinese writing, I will need to read English versions of Chinese signs everywhere I go when I will shortly visit Kunming. These are some of the signs that visitors have spotted in Kunming which I may come across. On a serious side, it is not that easy to translate the Chinese language into English. Some Chinese words may match English words, but Chinese phrases do not easily match English phrases. These sign writers did the best they could !

.



Meaning - Complaint Box for Tourist’s

Meaning -  Restaurant

Meaning - Your Position/Location Now! or This is where you are now! or This is your location!

Meaning - Crowded passage or road, beware of your safety

Meaning -  (1) 上：Entrance (2) 下：Exit

Meaning - (1) Glass! (2) Beware of the Glass! (3) Glass Here!

Meaning - (1) Service Break; (2) Closed; (3) Service Unavailable

Meaning - (1) Exit; (2) Exit Passage

Meaning - (1) Open; (2) In Business

Meaning - (1) Staff Only; (2) Employees Only

Meaning - Please do not walk on the grass.

The Most Beautiful Harbour Walk in the World Over 7 Bridges

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Some people say that the best thing about Sydney, Australia, is that it is located on a beautiful harbour. Other people find the harbour a nuisance as they have to drive over its many bridges to travel from one side of Sydney to the other side. When driving a vehicle on the bridges the eyes are concentrating on the driving habits of the other drivers rather than the view.

An opportunity is available on foot to enjoy the views from some or all of seven bridges that cross the harbour is available on Sunday 30 October when the annual Seven Bridges Walk is being held. This is a great way to get active and experience some of the worlds most spectacular harbour views.

Anzac Bridge

The seven bridges are:-

1) Sydney Harbour Bridge

2) Pyrmont Bridge

3) Anzac Bridge

4) Iron Cove Bridge

5) Gladesville Bridge

6) Tarban Creek Bridge

7) Fig Tree Bridge

Walkers can commence their journey at any of the seven villages along the walk dotted around the city.  The walk can be started at any suitable time to the walker after 7.30am, as there is not just the one official starting time. This is not a race, and walkers are encouraged to walk at their own set pace in a clockwise direction around the walk. Walkers are encouraged to bring along a water bottle, which can be refilled at each of the seven villages. Food, music and entertainment will be provided along the way.

The seven villages are:-

1) The Rocks Village – Cadman's Cottage, Circular Quay Way, opposite OPT

3) Pyrmont Village - Pyrmont Bay Park, Pirrama Rd, opposite Star City Casino

3) Rozelle Village - King George Park, Manning Street, near Rozelle Hospital

4) Hunters Hill Village - Hunters Hill Scout Hall, Durham Street, near the Church Street overpass on Burns Bay Road

5) Lane Cove Village - Blaxlands Corner - Central Park, William Edward Street and Kenneth Street

6) Wollstonecraft Village - Brennan Park, Hazelbank Street and King Street

7) Milsons Point Village - Burton Street, Corner of Alfred Street and Burton Street

Gladesville Bridge

The cost to walk part of the way over one of the bridges, or over all the seven bridges along the entire 27km route, is $15 if registration is completed online before the day on the web site 7bridgeswalk.com.au. People can still register on the day of the walk, but the cost will then be $20 and involve joining long queues. It is a great family walk, so children under 12 are free. Walkers can set up a fundraising page or make a donation to the Cancer Council of NSW if they like.

For those people who would like to only walk part of the way, free buses will be available along the course to take walkers back to where they started from. For people who would just like to help out on the day and not walk, volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks to make the day a success.

For more information see the web site. www.7bridgeswalk.com.au

Thai Airways Voted The Best Southeast Asian Airline

Thailand’s national airline, Thai Airways International, has been recently received two major awards - the best Southeast Asian airline and best airline business class.

The award presentation took place at the 22nd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2011 Ceremony and Gala Dinner, held at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Conventions Center at CentralWorld in Bangkok.

The annual TTG Travel Awards recognizes the finest luminaries in Asia-Pacific’s travel industry which have consistently shown strong commitment toward service excellence. Thai Airways International has been voted by the readers of TTG Asia and other TTG magazines this year. Last year, it ranked ninth among the world’s top ten airlines at the 2010 World Airline Awards, which took place in Hamburg. THAI also received an award for Best Intercontinental Airline in the Norwegian Grand Travel Award 2010.

Thai Airways has carried the country’s national flag as a global ambassador, projecting the image and prestige of the country for over 50 years. It serves over 18 million passengers annually, operating more than 850 international and domestic flights each week. THAI has contributed greatly to Thailand’s tourism industry. The country’s promising tourism outlook will benefit the national airline, as well.

According to a report from the national airline, its flight kitchens in Bangkok produce up to 80,000 meals a day for THAI’s own flights and those of 50 customer airlines. The airline is a massive purchaser of food and materials used for in flight catering by its flight kitchens. In the past, much of this had been purchased from worldwide sources, but over recent years, THAI has been active in supporting import substitution initiatives, including many of the Royal Project’s crops designed to widen opportunities for Thai farmers.

His Majesty the King

The Royal Project, an initiative of His Majesty the King, has been successful in encouraging hilltribe villagers to shift away from growing opium poppies to alternative crops. A number of royal development centers under the Royal Project have been set up in northern Thailand to carry out research studies and grow temperate crops for local people to earn a living.

Thailand’s national airline is also committed to fulfilling its obligations in regard to the protection of the environment and reduction of carbon emissions to mitigate global warming. It supports the targeted goals that the industry should achieve carbon neutral growth from 2020 onwards.

THAI was the first Asia/Pacific airline to sign a memorandum of understanding with the International Air Transport Association to provide its passengers with the opportunity to offset carbon generated from flying.