New Audio Tours Help Guests Uncover Hamilton Island's Hidden Gems

Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island has developed two free audio tours for domestic and international guests These audio tours will help guests on Hamilton Island immerse themselves in their surrounds and provide local knowledge at the touch of a button,.

Available in five languages - English, Japanese, Mandarin, Italian and German, the new audio tours of Passage Peak and the Village Trail enable visitors to be 'personally' guided through the Island's history, stunning vistas and secluded beaches.

With 70% of Hamilton Island considered National Parkland, the Passage Peak tour is an invaluable resource for guests wanting to learn about the region's unique flora and fauna: from cabbage tree palms, to green ants that weave leaves with silk, to the blue tiger butterflies that flit across the Island's paths.
  

Hamilton Island

For history buffs, the Village Trail tour provides an overview of the history of Hamilton Island, taking guests back in time with tales of Captain Cook's first journey through the area on 'Whit Sunday' before educating guests about the Island's recent history, including current owners of Hamilton Island, the Oatley family, their love of the Island and the investment they have made to make Hamilton Island one of the world's favourite holiday destinations.

Both tours also let guests in on little secrets, like the best place to watch the sun set or how best to spend a day in paradise. Glenn Bourke, Hamilton Island's CEO says guests are embracing the new tours.

'The new audio tours are the perfect partner for guests wishing to explore Hamilton Island at their own pace and we have had fabulous feedback from guests who have taken the tours. Guests love the range of information and feel they have a better understanding of their surroundings and the Island's landmarks.'

All content featured in the audio tours has been written by a heritage writer and botanist.

The audio tours are available to download for free through the Apple iTunes store. Guests are also able to stream the Village Trail tour through www.hamiltonisland.com.au/activities/audio-tours and m.hamiltonisland.com.au.

Limited iPod Touches featuring the audio guides are also available to hire for up to four hours, through the tour desks at the Resort Centre or in the lobby of the Reef View Hotel. The iPod Touches are pre-loaded with both tours in all five languages.

Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is located off the Queensland coast of Australia, within the Whitsunday Islands at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here visitors can experience everything that is great about Australia - natural landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather, fascinating coral reefs, diverse flora and fauna. Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, not to mention over 60 activities and all within a short direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns. There are also great connections from other Australian cities.

Visit: www.hamiltonisland.com.au  or  

http://www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland

Epic Kauai Hikes

The stars were aligned in perfect formation for me when The Kauai Adventure Club announced a hike beyond Mahaulepu Beach to Kipu Kai. Of all the epic Kauai hikes, this is a trek beyond the well traveled scenic south shore trail and it was held on a weekday when most responsible people are working.

Shipwrecks beach, adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kauai, is a convenient starting point. There is ample parking, clean restrooms and water, all important elements to a great Kauai hike. It's also an opportunity to meetup, share an introduction which is usually framed like, 'Oh I have seen you around the island for years...." Manfred, who was leading the group is a cautious guide who leaned towards the cold reality check of what the hike entailed. "Better to be honest about the trail than to gloss it over as a cake walk", he warned.

We decided to drive to the end of the beach and begin our journey. All of us had hiked the Mahaulepu Trail on a number of occasions and if we were to include an additional three miles of albeit epic coastline views. We may smack up against the dreaded 6pm gate closure. A note of warning, be aware that Grove Farm Company controls the land surrounding the beach and closes the only access gate promptly at 6pm and will not reopen until 6 am. You do not want to get your car corralled for the evening, it could be a long walk back to the hotel.

Brisk trade winds greeted us when we left the shady protection of the ironwoods. The heat of the sun was hardly noticeable as cool winds pushed us along and we could see Pu'u Pihakapu in the distance. Walking along horse trails and then goat trails we pushed on each at a pace that reflected our own inner thoughts.

Horse trails, friends, are wide and well trampled, sprinkled with processed vegetative gifts to keep you from straying off course. Their shear weight over time pulverizes the soil and weeds creating a powdery cushioned path ideal for walking. Goat trails however, meander in fickle paths, purposefully misleading. Taking you on a journey that can lead you astray and before you realize it the narrow trail you have been following suddenly disappears.  They course around angry shrubbery that pokes and slices unprotected legs. I learned quickly, never trust a goat.

We stopped occasionally to adjust our bearings, take photos, and gingerly sidestep the dagger like thorns of the kiawe bush. Kiawe, or Prosopis pallida is a legume tree more commonly known as mesquite, a native of Colombia, it is considered a noxious weed throughout Hawaii.

Our goal was to look down upon the seldom accessible part of the island, the seaward side of Mt. Haupu where the coastal valley known as Kipu Kai sits nestled between Lihue and Poipu. With over two miles of beach this area was privately owned by John T. Waterhouse and prior to his death in 1984 had bequeathed the area to the State of Hawaii. It is currently a working cattle ranch and Mr. Waterhouse's bequest was that the State would leave it as a nature and wildlife preserve. Its most recent claim to fame is in the recent film, The Descendants. I fielded many calls from well traveled Kauai friends who saw the film and asked where on the island was that scene shot.

We reached the saddle of Pu'u Pihakapu by 12.30 and had a friendly lunch just gazing at the verdant valley with its many shades of olive green. They contrasted soothingly with the blues and aquas of the ocean against the white sand border of the beach.

It was difficult tearing ourselves away from a view that presented us with changing perspectives of Kipu Kai. Initiated by cotton like clouds pushed by trade winds. Bullying them against the mountain range blocking the sun’s rays that resulted in deeper shades of green in the valley at our feet.

The journey back was eventful... but more later.

Kauai hikes are a great way to spend the day. Let us know how you plan to spend your time here on the island.

*Written by Gust Writer Joe Sylvester. Joe has lived in Kauai, Hawaii for the past 31 years he owns and operates Turtle Cove Suites in the resort community of Poipu.

A New Year-Round Soft Adventure Experience for Central Coast, NSW: 5 Lands Coastal Walkway

Over the past seven years the annual winter 5 Lands Walk festival has grown to become one of New South Wales' premier cultural festivals.  Now, with support from Destination NSW, Central Coast Tourism and Gosford City Council, permanent directional signage has been installed to transform the symbolic 9 km walking route from MacMasters Beach to Terrigal into a year-round experience for locals and visitors to enjoy.

The vision for the 5 Lands Coastal Walkway was originally inspired by Italy's Cinque Terres and traverses from MacMasters Beach in the south northwards towards Terrigal via Copacabana, Avoca and North Avoca beaches (lands).

Oliver Philpot, Chief Executive Officer, Central Coast Tourism details that the establishment of this new year-round walking trail directly addresses three of the four Strategic Priorities in the Central Coast Destination Management Plan 2010-2013.

'This new experience would not have been made possible without the combined support of Destination NSW and Gosford City Council' applauded Philpot.

Gosford City Council Coordinator Parks, Playgrounds & Foreshores, Kim Radford said these improvements will allow people to enjoy the 5 Lands trail in their own time, 365 days of the year.

"Enhancements to the 5 Lands Walk route, including the new signage, has built on the success of this unique cultural event and established the walk as a permanent part of our local landscape," said Ms. Radford.

"Community members and visitors to our region will now be able to enjoy the walk as a whole or different aspects of the track all year round at their own pace."

20 newly installed informative directional signage guide walkers through the contours of the coastal and bush landscape.  Walkers can undertake the entire length of the walk in either direction, north or south, or enjoy short sectional bursts as detailed on the main signage located at each of the lands.  The walkway encompasses pathed pathways, bush tracks and a couple of steep inclines/declines providing walking experiences for all levels of fitness.

One of the highlights of the walk can be found between Avoca and Copacabana, Captain Cook Lookout.  Panoramic ocean views north to Terrigal and south to Sydney makes this a nice breather en route, and, during the two whale migration seasons, June/July and October/November, an elevated vantage point for viewing these majestical mammals.

On Saturday, 23 June 2012, the new signage was put to the test guiding an estimated 10,000 participants in the 2012 5 Land Walk festival.

For more information on the walk and map go to

www.visitcentralcoast.com.au/activities/free/5-lands-coastal-walkway

Dungog Film Festival 2012

This weekend, apart from being the start of the NSW school holidays, is  when the annual Dungog Film Festival takes place.

Each year the Dungog Film Festival selects outstanding Australian films for exhibition from hundreds of submissions. More than 9,000 people attend screenings in 2011. In addition to discovering filmmaking's newest talent through the Festival's program of documentary, dramatic, and short films, Festival-goers experience live script reads, master classes with leading filmmakers and industry figures, nightly parties celebrating Australia film, and more. 

This year a suite of powerful documentary premieres, compelling new feature films, our legendary Aussie Shorts programs and a screen legend in conversation about her career defining role.  From classics to the cutting edge, works in progress to world premieres, the 2012 Dungog Film Festival program as it all.

The street parade was held today, with a Red Dog theme. Residents joined in  the parade with their own red dog or other pet pooch where the apparently incorruptible local celebrity resident Roy Bean judged Best Red Dog and Best Dog, in the sub category 'A Class of their Own'.

In addition to the canine contingent there were 100 members of the local police force marching to celebrate 150 years of the NSW State Police Force, the oldest police force in Australia, 50 members of the Singleton Town Band, marching children, floats, decorated push bikes and the greatest representation of Ukuleles ever seen in Dungog.

Tomorrow, Sunday July 1, there will be a feature direct from the edit suite, a feast of outstanding new shorts alongside a swag of sessions, forums and kooky cinema celebrations from Dungog locals.

Even on a weekend when the Film Festival is not on, Dungog is a delightful country town to visit and escape the rat race of the city. There are plenty of overnight accommodation options to choose from, and many cafes, restaurants, clubs and pubs to dine at. 

Yilan County Attracting More Visitors

Situated on the north-eastern coast of Taiwan, Yilan County is rich in natural and cultural attractions, drawing holiday-makers with activities such as leisure farming, whale watching and soaks in hot and cold springs.

The opening of the 12.9 km Hsuehshan Tunnel in 2008, linking Taipei City and Yilan in just 40 minutes, has significantly boosted the laid-back county’s tourism popularity. Before that, travel between the two cities took two hours.
   
Government statistics reflected annual growth in local and international arrivals – from 274,700 visitors in 2008, Yilan welcomed 855,400 people last year.
   
Yilan’s improved accessibility has endeared it to MICE planners who recognise the potential of twinning it with Taipei.

Northeast Coast National Scenic Area

Paul Hsieh, deputy general manager of Edison Travel Service which handles English-speaking incentive groups, told TTGmice: “Yilan is a new MICE (destination), as it’s only less than one hour (from Taipei City), but (offers) a completely different landscape and scenery.”

Yilan features attractions such as the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area and Dongshan River Water Park.

The county proved its mettle by successfully hosting the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale-Commission Internationale de Vol Libre (FAI-CIVL) Plenary Meeting 2012 in February. It drew more than 100 participants from 29 countries.

Evergreen Resort Hotel (Jiaosi)

Yilan’s Wai-ao district will welcome the FAI Asian Paragliding Accuracy Championship from June 12-18.

To encourage more MICE flow into Yilan, the county government has recently unveiled a programme to incentivise large Taiwanese companies that bring events to the destination. According to trade sources, Taipei City and Yilan are the only two destinations in Taiwan to offer such initiatives.

Lee Chang-shan, section chief, Tourism Marketing Section of Business and Tourism Department, Yilan County Government, said mid- to large-scale events would be targeted.

Silks Place Yilan

“Although we have only three five-star hotels, namely Silks Place Yilan, Hotel Royal Chiao Hsi and Evergreen Resort Hotel (Jiaosi), these hotels could join forces to handle big events,” said Lee, who added that Yilan’s MICE hardware would be boosted by the opening of the Luodong Cultural Working House which can accommodate events with 2,000 people.

The Luodong Cultural Working House is slated to open in time for the Golden Horse Film Festival this November.

Information released by the tourism bureau revealed that Yilan is also due to welcome several new hotels such as the 146-room Shangrila Resort in August 2013, 99-room Ocean International in December 2013, 84-room Spring Park Jiaoshi Villa Resort in August 2014 and 193-room Sheraton Yilan Resort in December 2015.

Hotel Royal Chiao Hsi

Yilan’s pursuit of strong tourism performance will help to preserve its traditions, as the county government intends to promote fading traditional industries by marketing them as attractions.

For instance, corporate groups can participate in a do-it-yourself pencil programme and create their own pencils with wood.

Thailand's "Creative Tourism" Campaign Generates 24 Million Online Visitors

Contestants from Croatia, Taiwan and Australia each have won free week-long holidays in Thailand after participating in an online competition designed to promote the kingdom as a "Creative Tourism" destination.

The campaign, bearing the theme "Discover the Other You," was organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in a global effort to boost its Internet and social-media profile, especially amongst young people, and attract more repeat visitors in the off-peak season months.

Although it was a worldwide campaign, key target markets were Singapore, Japan, Australia, UK, Germany, Scandinavia, the U.S. and Canada.

The campaign generated 24,008,170 views from 119 countries across all the various online media within 2 months. The Creative Tourism activities video was viewed by over 1.2 million visitors, and the Digital Brochure downloaded by over 3,724 people.

The 3 winners of the "Free 7 Days/6Nights Trip in Thailand" won round trip air-tickets, accommodation for 6 nights, meals, tour package with personal guide. The total package prize is valued USD 8,000, plus cash prize of USD 2,000, for a total value of USD10,000. Each winner is entitled to bring along one accompanying person.

Suraphol Svetasreni

Mr.Suraphol Svetasreni, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: "Creative Tourism is an increasingly popular trend that gives visitors a chance to really experience host destinations up close. In an era when people seek out unforgettable special experiences, the ability to learn-by-doing about Thai art, culture and traditional practises is truly unique."

He said the TAT launched the "Discover the Other You" campaign in order to brand Thailand as "the first Creative Tourism destination in Asia".

The Governor added: "The concept of tourism marketing in the Marketing 3.0 era must have three-dimensional elements which are useful to society, save the environment and achieve sustainable profit for all relevant sectors irrespective of tourists, tour agencies and entrepreneurs.

"Creative Tourism fits the Marketing 3.0 concept very well and Thailand has various distinguished art and cultural heritages as unique places in the world that are ready to add value to tourism resources in the form of Creative Tourism.

"If entrepreneurs want to capture Creative Tourist market groups, they will have to create added value for their products by presenting an "Experience" to the tourists that make their products unique and different. This becomes a sustainable selling point because the experience cannot be easily imitated," Mr. Suraphon said.

The campaign was heavily promoted across social media, both in English and Japanese. The content was designed to narrate stories of Thai lifestyle and Thainess experiences in order to inspire viewers "to discover the other you" and "have new perspective on life".

Viewers were invited to participate in the online game by first watching a video series on specific creative tourism themes -- Adventure, Culture and Local Wisdom & Spirituality.

They could then join the game and answer specific questions on the theme that most inspired them.

The response also generated some valuable market-research data. For example:

 1. The top 5 countries that joined the online activities were Australia, England, USA, India and Singapore.
 2. The top 3 Creative Tourism activities that potential tourists want to experience are Thai massage, Thai cooking and Thai boxing.
 3. Expatriate groups or foreigners who work in Asia are most interested in bringing their families to learn about rice farming in Thailand because they want their kids to experience nature and local culture.
 4. The top 3 countries that saw a large participation by young people were USA, England and Australia.
 5. Young people believe that acquiring new skills and experiences via travel can be listed on their resumes and thus help them get better jobs.

Mr. Pandit Chanapai,

The campaign has also won the support of Thai Airways International PLC. Mr. Pandit Chanapai, Executive Vice President of Commercial Department, said the airline is promoting the Creative Tourism program to Royal Orchid Plus card members as part of a special offer that is valid until October 2012.

"Our direct marketing promotion targeted at our card holders will certainly encourage potential visitors to plan a Creative Tourism journey to Thailand," Mr. Pandit said.

More information on the Discover the Other You campaign is available here: www.discovertheotheryou.com

For additional information, please contact Khun Jantornthanee Pisittiporn, Tel. 086-886-4816, Email: jantornthanee@gmail.com

Go for Gold in Queensland Australia

 Lady Elliott Island

Budget can't quite stretch to tickets to the London 2012 Olympic Games? With one month to go until the opening ceremony signals the start of TV lockdown in households across the world, avoid becoming a couch-bound patriot and go for gold with a decathlon of outdoor events in Queensland.

1500m Race 

Leave the SKINS and running shoes at home and feel the sand between your toes with a leisurely stroll around Lady Elliott Island. The island has a circumference of approximately 1500m and is home to some of the best sights Queensland has to offer. If you're there at the right time of year you may even share the sand with hundreds of tiny turtle hatchlings as they make their way out to sea. www.ladyelliot.com.au

AJ Hackett Cairns

Diving 

Olympic divers display acrobatic excellence while leaping from platforms of up to 10 metres, but in Tropical North Queensland you can take it to a whole new level with a 50-metre plunge at Australia's only bungy experience - AJ Hackett Cairns. With a menu of 16 different jump styles including everything from a swan dive to a rooftop or BMX jump on offer; you can work your way up to the perfect 10 score. www.ajhackett.com.au 

Equestrian 

Swap the dressage and show jumping for a horseback adventure on Noosa's pristine North Shore. Equathon, run by three-time Olympian Alex Watson, offer two-hour rides through surrounding bushland and along Noosa North Shore beach. For the true equestrian enthusiast, they also offer seven-day tours through south-east Queensland's finest trails. www.equathon.com

Sailing 
Sure, Olympic sailing has its share of thrills and spills, but nothing beats the feeling of the wind in your hair as you sail your way around the Whitsunday Islands. Sign up for an Intro Sail Course with Sailing Whitsundays and you might just hook yourself a new hobby while also exploring some of the best snorkelling spots and relaxing on famous Whitehaven Beach. www.sailing-whitsundays.com

  

Boxing

Boxing bouts don't come any tougher than in Outback Queensland when Fred Brophy's nomadic boxing tent comes to town. Travelling since the '70s, the iconic Mount Isa Rodeo and Birdsville Races are now two of only a handful of events where the boxing tent - the likes of which have been banned in all other states and the USA - makes an appearance. www.isarodeo.com.au 

Swimming 

Aussies don't belong in chlorinated pools - they belong in the ocean, stroking through salty brine under a glorious sun. Challenge yourself in the Great Barrier Reef Swim, Heron Island (18-22 October) and instead of following a black painted line, you'll swim amongst coral gardens and abundant marine life. www.heronisland.com/oceanswims12.aspx   

Triathlon 

The backdrop to the triathlon at the London Olympics will be typically British, boasting a swim and ride through Hyde Park and a run past Buckingham Palace, but the Sunshine Coast gives the Queen a run for her money in November when the Noosa Tri races into town. Entries are closed for this year but you can still cheer from the sidelines or take the opportunity to pace out the course yourself on any other weekend. www.noosatri.com.au 

Cycling  

Not quite up to Olympic standard? Bunyip Bike Tours are all about taking your time and soaking up the scenery of the Gold Coast coastline and hinterland. Opt for a Beach Safari, Wild Kangaroo Experience or Wine, Worms and Waterfalls tour. www.bunyipbiketours.com.au  

Canoe Sprint 

It's not a race when it comes to canoeing or kayaking your way around Queensland. Enjoy a paddle at your own pace and discover Brisbane's winding river on a kayaking tour with Riverlife. For a different spin (or stroke) try the popular Friday night Paddle and Prawns or Saturday night Paddle and Riverside BBQ. www.riverlife.com.au 

Trampoline 

Trampoline Gymnastics is a relative newcomer to the Olympic program but Circus Espace at Novotel Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast has been bouncing around for years. Test out your gymnastic ability on the bungee trampoline and perform flips and tricks eight metres up in the air. www.cirqueespace.com 

Solis Hotels & Resorts expands reach in China

Singapores Solis Hotels & Resorts will open its third property in China by the end of 2013.

The 260-room Solis Guangzhou, which is currently under construction, will feature a cultural centre, four restaurants, a library, a spa, a fitness centre, an executive club lounge and a rooftop infinity pool. It also offers 1,780m2 of meeting space, including a Grand Ballroom that can seat up to 350-pax, a VIP stateroom and a VIP private banquet room.

Solis Guangzhou is said to be the only five-star hotel along the Pearl River and the only one with its own jetty and docks.

The property is a partnership between the Singapore-based hotel group and Guangzhou-based Jiachuang Investment Group, a hotel, commercial and retail real estate company.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Tops 100th Hotel in China

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Opening 23 Hotels in 2012

Frits van Paasschen

With recent hotel openings in Ningbo, Sanya, Yangzhou and Xian, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced it has surpassed the opening of its 100th operating hotel in China with plans to open 15 additional hotels by the end of this year.  With eight hotels already opened in the first quarter of 2012, Starwood will open a total of 23 hotels in China in 2012, which is on pace with 2011 openings making 2012 the second consecutive year the company has opened a record number of hotels here in any one year.    

"In addition to the record-breaking pace at which we are opening hotels in China, we've signed 12 new deals in the first three months of 2012 and Greater China accounts for 44 percent of our global pipeline driven by an ever-increasing Chinese domestic travel market, as well as the fast-growing international inbound market," said Frits van Paasschen, President & CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.  "Additionally, China continues to be the richest source of new Starwood guests with more than 600,000 active Starwood Preferred Guest members which is up 62 percent from last year." 

The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel

Since Starwood's landmark debut of The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel in Beijing in 1985, China has now become Starwood's second largest market in the world after the United States and Starwood continues to lead as the largest high-end hotel operator in the country.  Looking ahead, Starwood's growth in China is being  fueled by the power of its Sheraton and Westin brands and, increasingly, the momentum of the company's mid-market brands - Aloft and Four Points by Sheraton which now boasts the company's second largest pipeline in China behind Sheraton.

Sheraton and Westin Continue to Fuel Growth in China, Including Starwood's Largest Hotel - Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central

Sheraton Macao Hotel,

Sheraton is slated to open nine new hotels across China in 2012, reaching a total of nearly 80 hotels there by 2015.  More than one-third of Starwood's new hotels in China will fly the Sheraton flag, building on the brand's 30-year legacy in the country.  In mid-September, the iconic Sheraton brand will also celebrate the opening of the first phase of the 3,863-room Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central which will be the largest Sheraton, as well as the largest Starwood hotel, in the world.  Offering three restaurants with poolside cafes, 20,000 sq m of meeting space and two outdoor swimming pools, Sheraton Macao is a highly anticipated addition to Cotai Strip, also known as the "Las Vegas of Asia."

Westin will open four new hotels in China in 2012, resulting in a portfolio of 18 properties in this key market by year's end, extending the brand's reach in second and third tier cities.  The new Westin hotels will open in fast-growing cities across China, including Ningbo, Xiamen, Changbaishan and Taiyuan. 

"About 70 percent of our hotel openings in Asia this year are in China," said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood.  "The incredible growth of our portfolio owes itself to the strength of our brands, our strong teams, and the confidence from our investors and owners in delivering world-class hotels and personalized services to our guests."

Starwood Continues to Grow Luxury Brands in China

The Astor Hotel - in Tianjin.

After a successful year in 2011 opening St. Regis hotels in Tianjin, Sanya, and Shenzhen, Starwood's Luxury Collection brand will open two hotels this year - Twelve at Hengshan in Shanghai and The Royal Begonia on Hainan Island, China's first Luxury Collection resort.  The Luxury Collection launched in China in 2010, with a suitably iconic property - The Astor Hotel - in Tianjin.

Starwood Rolls Out Global Starwood Personalized Travel to 1,100 Hotels Around the World

Following the successful pilot in key gateway cities across the globe, Starwood rolled out Starwood Personalized Travel to its nearly 1,100 hotels worldwide.  Chinese guests are now able to experience personalized home-away-from-home touches, including in-room tea kettles, slippers, translated welcome materials and on-site translation services, as well as familiar Chinese favorites like congee.

Miguel Ko

"With 100 million outbound travelers by 2015, China will become a major global travel force, and in fact, the largest travel market in the world," said Miguel Ko, Chairman and President, Starwood's Asia Pacific Division.  "When they travel abroad, the Chinese will stay with the hotel brands they know from home, which underscores the significance of our growing footprint of flagship hotels in China and its halo effect on Starwood's hotels around the world.  Now with the global roll out of Starwood Personalized Travel, we have once again taken the global hospitality standard to the next level - delivering personalized services to our Chinese guests anywhere in the world."

Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE) 2012

BITE 2012 concluded on a high note after a three-day showcase at the China National Convention Centre in June.

Specially designed to help industry players meet up with their potential business partners, the Pre- Scheduled Appointment (PSA) programme served as the main highlight for all exhibitors present.

Through a pre-arranged business matching programme, the exhibitors were appointed to different buyers based on their respective business aims, goals and requirements. Having received positive feedback from our buyers and exhibitors, the PSA program is indeed a powerful and formidable platform that has opened doors to key markets and new business opportunities!

“The BITE series has grown steadily over the years and has now successfully positioned itself as the magnet for regional tourism organizations, travel associations, travel agencies, destinations, hoteliers and airlines to congregate, network and do business in one of the world’s booming tourism markets – China,” shared Mr. Edward Liu, Managing Director of Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd.

Themed “One Platform; Many Possibilities”, the exposition has certainly lived up to its name as one of the leading expositions catering to the travel and tourism industry in Beijing. Exhibitors from all sectors of the industry have also gained and benefited from this exposition, thus successfully gaining a strong foothold in the robust tourism market of China!

For more information, visit www.bitechina.com.cn