Thailand’s Bid to Host World Expo 2020 Placed on the National Agenda

Ayutthaya Thailand

Thailand’s ambition to host the World Expo 2020 has been included in the national agenda.

The decision was made by the Cabinet, during its meeting on 7 February 2012, when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was assigned to serve as the core agency in the campaign for hosting the World Expo 2020.

A national committee, chaired by the Foreign Minister, will be formed to work out strategic and action plans for the campaign. The Government will call a meeting of related agencies to discuss ways to translate the plans into action. Among the related agencies are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Transport, and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board.

Ayutthaya Thailand

The World Exposition, also known as the World Expo, is one of the world’s oldest and largest international events; it takes place every five years and each time it runs for six months. Since the first exposition, which took place in London in 1851, member countries have taken turns being the host when it joined the 1862 universal exhibition. Thailand became one of the first three Asian nations to participate in the exposition, along with China and Japan.

The Thai government on May 16, 2011 submitted a letter of intent to the Bureau of International Expositions in a bid to host the World Expo 2020 in Ayutthaya province, Thailand’s former capital. Ayutthaya has been cited as a city where industry and agriculture coexist and where tradition and innovation are seen going hand in hand.

Thailand is the only country in Asia that has been successfully nominated as an official candidate to host the World Expo 2020. It was among the five countries submitting a proposal to host this event. The four other countries include Turkey, Russia, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates. The voting on the bid will be held in late 2013. The winner will have to gain the majority vote from 157 members of the Bureau of International Expositions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Cabinet that the campaign for the bid would last two years, from 2012 to 2013. During the period, Thailand needs to submit progress reports on its preparations for hosting this event.

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau attended the General Assembly of the Bureau of International

Ayutthaya Thailand

Exposition in November last year for the presentation of Thailand's bid to host World Expo 2020. It also proposed themes for side-events under the overall concept of "Redefine Globalization: Balanced Life, Sustainable Living", and highlighted progress in the awareness-building campaign for the bid. This was Thailand's second opportunity to join the General Assembly to present progress in the country’s bid to host World Expo 2020.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that the campaign was an urgent task and needed a clear policy from the Government

Garuda to Increase Its Aircraft Numbers

Garuda Indonesia

Garuda Indonesia shareholders have approved a motion to buy 97 new aircraft by 2016, a huge jump over the 36 planes it was originally planning to add to its fleet.

Under the expansion program, Garuda will purchase 20 Boeing B737-800NGs, 24 Airbus A330-200s, 25 five narrow-bodied aircraft for Garuda Citilink, and 18 sub-100 seat aircraft. An original order for 10 Boeing B777-300ERs for longhaul operations will remain or switch to other similar aircraft.

Garuda vice president corporate communications Pujobroto said: “Garuda earlier announced through the Quantum Leap Program that it would operate 154 aircraft by 2015.”

Garuda Indonesia

“With the new fleet expansion programme, Garuda will operate 194 aircraft comprising of 24 A330s, nine B777s, 85 B737-800NGs, 50 A320s for Citilink, 25 Sub-100s and three freighters by 2015.”

According to Pujobroto, the enhanced fleet expansion was in anticipation of significant increases in airline passengers, both domestically and internationally.

“It is also part of Garuda’s efforts to boost efficiency, as the new aircraft are more fuel-efficient and environment friendly," he explained. "Their maintenance cost is also lower."

Exhibition: Delacroix (1798-1863)

Caixaforum Barcelona hosts this exhibition of over 100 works by one of the key figures of the Romantic movement: the French artist Eugène Delacroix.

The exhibition covers the artist's various creative periods, although there is particular emphasis on his historical and orientalist works. The paintings on display include 'The women of Algiers (in their apartments)'. The exhibition as a whole offers a fine example of the drama, exoticism, movement and colour which are the hallmark of Delacroix's production.

Dates: Feb 15 to May 20, 2012

Location: CaixaForum, Avenida Marqués de Comillas 6-8,08038 Barcelona (Barcelona)

Email: caixaforum.fundacio@lacaixa.es
website:http://www.lacaixa.es/obrasocial

Tel.: +34 934768600, Fax.: +34 934768635

Admission: free

Davy Jones, from The Monkees, Dies

Davy Jones

Davy Jones, the singer, maraca- and tambourine-player for the Monkees, has died at the age of 66. He was the frontman and only British member of the ’60s pop band the Monkees. "The Monkees" premiered on CBS in 1966 as a made-for-TV band seeking to capitalize on Beatlemania sweeping the world. The TV show lasted just two years, but hit songs such as "Daydream Believer" and "I'm a Believer" endure even today. Click this link to hear and see "I'm a Believer"  The Monkees - I'm a Believer

He made a name for himself in the ‘60s by making a famous guest appearance on an episode of “The Brady Bunch”. You can view this by clicking onto this link   Davy Jones on the brady bunch   www.youtube.com

The Monkees

Davy Jones had plans to turn an old church he owns in Beavertown into a Monkees memorabilia museum and children's theater.

Davy Jones was born in Manchester, England, on Dec. 30, 1945. He became a child star in his native England and appeared on television and stage, including a heralded role as "The Artful Dodger" in the play "Oliver."

Jones is survived by his third wife, Jessica Pacheco, and four daughters from his previous marriages.

Theme for IT&CM China 2012

Each IT&CM in China has special theme, and the one selected for this year is “Advancing MICE and Business Minds”

Since its inception, IT&CM China has always been at the forefront of delivering an international program that caters to the multifaceted objectives of its global and Chinese delegates. In 2012, the show will turn the spotlight on its established business, networking and education elements.

IT&CM China 2012 will offer delegates plenty of opportunities to advance MICE business in both formal and informal settings.  The various components of IT&CM China 2012 will inspire and nurture the minds of industry professionals to think, innovate and spur on progress through new insights.

For further information:

Website: http://www.itcmchina.com/

International Inquiries
TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd
1 Science Park Road #04-07 The Capricorn, Singapore Science Park II Singapore 117528
Tel: +65 6395 7575 Fax  +65 6536 0896
Email:     itcmchina@ttgasia.com

China-Based Inquiries
CITS International M.I.C.E. Co., Ltd.
Room 01, 07-09, 11 Floor, 168, Xizang Road, The Headquarters Building, Shanghai, 20001, China
Tel: +86 021 3304 9999, Fax: +86 021 6350 9030
 Email:     itcmchina@cits.com.cn

 

Alfie Boe & Olivia Newton John at Sydney Opera House

Alfie Boe

One of the world's great voices is coming to Australia this week. Britain's favourite tenor, Alfie Boe, makes his debut Australian trip to tour and promote the release of his eagerly-awaited album 'Alfie'.

He will be On Tour in Australia with Olivia Newton John at the Sydney Opera House March 1, 2 and 3.

I have seen him on our Les Miserables DVD, and am impressed with his strong voice.

 

Combine the bloke-ish charm and showmanship of Hugh Jackman with the spirit of young Aussie tenor Mark Vincent and top it all off with the operatic-pop power of a Pavarotti-style voice and you have UK star Alfie Boe one of the world's great voices to visit Australia this week Britain's favourite tenor, Alfie Boe, makes his debut Australian trip to tour and promote the release of his eagerly-awaited album 'Alfie'.

Olivia Newton John

After winning a TONY award for his role in Baz Luhrmann's Broadway production of La Boheme in New York in 2002, life has only accelerated for Alfie Boe.

After solo performances around the world, he went on to take the lead role of Jean Valjean in London's West End production of Les Miserables, a role that he is now internationally renowned for.

Currently performing his solo 23-date national tour of the UK, it's hard to believe that Boe has had time to record a new album but in 'Alfie', he presents a collection of the most beautiful and timeless songs, sung just the way you want to hear them.

The spine-tingling, lump in your throat cliché’s all come true when hearing his delivery of such romantic classics as the forever popular 'When I Fall In Love', Leonard Bernstein's impassioned 'Maria' from West Side Story and Ewan MacColl's heartfelt "folk song" 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face'.

Having teamed up with good friend Matt Lucas (Little Britain) for a duet on his first album (see the hilarious YouTube clips here), Alfie Boe continues to surprise with his unlikely, but perfect, pairings by being joined here by one of his heroes, Led Zeppelin rock legend Robert Plant. After a chance meeting in a bar, the two singers were soon in a studio recording an extremely moving version of Tim Buckley's Song 'To The Siren'. Having been called "Boe, the Bad Boy of Opera" it is entirely fitting that Boe should welcome Plant onto his new record, and, somewhat surprisingly, their voices blend beautifully against the delicate orchestration. This collaboration may soon be witnessed in the flesh.

Alfie Boe

Alfie's versatile voice takes us on a journey through the musicals, with the uplifting 'Being Alive' from the musical Company, the all-time favourite 'Music Of The Night' from Phantom of the Opera, George Gershwin's jazz standard 'Someone to Watch Over Me' from Oh, Kay!, 'Wheels of a Dream' from the musical Ragtime and of course Jean Valjean's own 'Who Am I' ("I'm Jean Valjean!") from Les Mis.

With Alfie Boe's ringing tenor voice, the magic of the musical has never sounded more enchanting.

Volunteer at Elephant Park in Thailand

Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park, in Thailand, is a small elephant sanctuary that specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of abused elephants. They have been involved in dozens of rescues to create their thriving elephant herd. The park provides a natural environment for elephants and other animals under their care. Volunteers and visitors contribute to the healing while learning about their lives past and present.

The elephants may seem big and intimidating, but they’re also gentle and soulful. After a few days at the park, you’ll quickly be able to recognize each spunky personality; we challenge you not to fall in love.

Elephant Nature Park

Each day you'll participate in feeding the elephants. Machete in hand, you’ll feel like a true Thai mahout (elephant driver), slicing melons in half, and throwing them into the gaping mouths of the waiting elephants. If you aren’t careful, the babies will sneak up and extend their long trunks into your basket, stealing a cucumber or two.

The baby elephants in the park have the most personality. Spirited and wild, they don’t understand their own strength; when your back is turned, a gang of babies will shoot out of the tall grass and come running toward you expecting to play. It felt just like a cartoon when a baby elephant picked up my water bottle and repeatedly stomped on it. RIP Nalgene.

Elephant Nature Park

One of the best times of the day is bath time. Grab your buckets and scrub brushes and head down to the Mae Taeng River, it’s time to get up close and personal while you scrub down the elephants. Always remember to stand upstream—you won’t enjoy the stinky gifts the elephants are sending your way.

Even if you only have a day or two to spare, the experience is worth the trip to Northern Thailand.

Two New Hotel Brands Unveiled

Panorama Group

Two new brands, Alaia and BnB, have been unveiled by Panorama Group’s hospitality arm PHM Hospitality. These add to its existing range of  The Haven and The 101 hotels..

PHM Hospitality managing director Kristian Kuntadi said: “Alaia, adopted from the name of the first surfboard in Hawaii, is our new three-star premium thematic hotel brand."

"The properties under this brand will be specially designed with different themes depending on location and target market, and will each offer 100-150 rooms.”

Canggu Echo Beach

Due to launch by year-end, the inaugural Alaia property on Canggu Echo Beach, a well-known surfing area in Bali, will feature facilities catering to surfers’ needs, such as dedicated surfboard racks, and flexible service centre opening hours depending on the time of day when wave height is prime for surfing.

Meanwhile, BnB has been chosen as the group’s brand banner for budget properties, with the inaugural BnB hotel to open in Jakarta by year-end.

“The concept is similar to the ones already in the market, but being a new player, we need to provide more than others,” said Kuntadi.

The Haven Seminyak

“Some of the features will be bigger rooms (18m2), WiFi access in the room, a minimum of two towels instead of one, and better standard of amenities than the average hotels of this class," he added.

PHM Hospitality currently manages The Haven Seminyak and The 101 Legian, both in Bali, with another six properties under construction in Jakarta, Bogor, Jogjakarta and Bali.

Panorama Group CEO Budi Tirtawisata said PHM was aiming to develop ten new hotels this year. The group is expected to manage 15 hotels by 2013, and 30 by 2015.

More Chinese FIT Visas to Taiwan

Taiwan

Taiwan is only small, but a large number of tourists and business people visit each year. A lot of visitors come from China, as it is so close. Chinese nationals will be able to obtain visas for independent travel to Taiwan from 11 mainland cities in China later this year.

The three current cities that do this are Shanghai, Beijing and Xiamen.

It is hoped that more Chinese will find it easier to travel to Taiwan for holidays.

Clean Up Australia Day !!!

Clean Up Australia Day

Australia’s largest community-based environmental event - Clean Up Australia Day –is held each year on the first Sunday of March, and was first held in 1990 commencement in. Clean Up Australia Day inspires and empowers communities, schools and businesses to clean up, fix up and conserve their local environment.  The event has grown to become the nation’s largest environmental community participation event.

This year Clean Up Australia Day will be on Sunday, 4 March 2012.

Being part of an Australian team is an opportunity of a lifetime so why not join the 2012 Clean Up Australia Day team and take action to clean up, fix up and conserve our prized Australian environment. 

Clean Up Australia Day

Last year 565 510 volunteers together cleaned up over 16,454 tonnes of rubbish at 7,479 registered sites across Australia. So be a good sport and join the team to Clean Up Australia on Sunday 4 March or learn more about Year Round Clean Ups by going to: http://www.cleanupaustralia

Just 1 piece of rubbish can make a difference. Come along and join in a family day and make a difference to the local environment. If each and every Australian picks up just one piece of rubbish, over 20 million pieces of rubbish would be picked up.

What To Bring:
Yourself, family, friends, workmates or club members. Enclosed shoes, hat, sunnies, sunscreen and a drink!

Muswellbrook

Meeting Point: Simpson Park, Market Street

Time: 9:00 am – 12pm

Site Coordinator: Jennifer Longstaff
email: Jennifer.Longstaff@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au

Denman

Meeting Point: Denman Wetlands, Merino Street,

Time: 9:00 am – 12pm

Site Coordinator: Jennifer Longstaff
email: Jennifer.Longstaff@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au

Scone
Meeting Point: Elizabeth Park Rotunda

Time: 9:30 am – 12pm

Site Coordinator: Kerri Cone
email: kcone@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

 

Merriwa
Meeting Point: Rotary Park

Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Site Coordinator: Phoebe Richard
email: prichard@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

Aberdeen

Meeting Point: Aberdeen - St Andrews Reserve

Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Site Coordinator: Jodie Phelps
email: jphelps@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

So make a difference to our local environment. Join one of the work parties in your town, or do your bit and clean up an area near you.