Pro-X-Travel

Delta Continues to Build Asian Gateway in Detroit

Flights connecting Detroit to Seoul, Hong Kong begin this week

Delta Air Lines this week begins nonstop flights from its Detroit Metropolitan Airport hub to Seoul-Incheon and Hong Kong. The new routes, along with expanded service to Shanghai, continue Delta's development of Detroit as a major gateway to Asia thanks to its strategic geographic position for millions of customers who travel between the U.S. East Coast and Asia. On a year-round basis, Delta offers Detroit customers service to 158 nonstop destinations, including 28 international destinations and five in Asia.

"Delta's development of Detroit as a major international hub and gateway to Asia has been a boon for our customers and this community," said Andrea Fischer Newman, Delta's senior vice president – Government Affairs. "With service to 12 small- and medium-sized Michigan communities, Delta connects not only Detroit but customers statewide to the world with one convenient connection at one of the world's top-rated airports for customer satisfaction."

Delta in October will inaugurate twice weekly service from Detroit to Sao Paulo, South America's largest business market. The new Detroit service will create a second competitive gateway to Brazil from the Midwest region. Delta plans to add service from Detroit to Tokyo's Haneda Airport complementing the airline's current service connecting Detroit to Tokyo at Narita. Service to Tokyo-Haneda is pending final U.S. government approval.

The new and expanded service from Detroit is part of Delta's summer 2010 schedule, the first fully consolidated schedule published following Delta's merger with Northwest. Compared to Northwest's 2007 schedule, Delta has introduced 15 new nonstop destinations from Detroit including eight new international destinations. The merger combined Delta's broad network to Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America with Northwest's Asian network providing single airline access to the world.

New nonstop service between Detroit and Hong Kong begins June 2.
Flight	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
27	Detroit at 3:30 p.m.	Hong Kong at 7:15 p.m.*	Five times weekly
26	Hong Kong at 9:15 a.m.	Detroit at 12:10 p.m.	Five times weekly

Expanded nonstop service between Detroit and Shanghai, China begins today.
Flight	Departs	Arrives	Frequency
19	Detroit at 4:35 p.m.	Shanghai at 7:20 p.m.*	Daily
18	Departs Shanghai at 10 a.m.	Detroit at 12:05 p.m.	Daily
*Flight arrives the following day.

Delta customers flying at Detroit Metropolitan Airport enjoy 579 peak-day departures from the state-of-the-art, 121-gate terminal designed specifically for international connections. Detroit's airport recently was ranked No. 1 among large airports in overall customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.

Customers on the new flights will have the opportunity to experience Delta's award-winning BusinessElite service, including innovative food offerings from celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein and original wine selections chosen by Delta's Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. BusinessElite also features on-demand personal in-seat entertainment boasting more than 20 first-run and popular classic movies, a variety of TV programs, thousands of music titles and a suite of video games.

Routes operated with Delta's new Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, including Detroit to Hong Kong, offer BusinessElite customers a fully flat, six-foot, three-inch bed in a one-two-one configuration, which provides every customer with direct aisle access.

As previously announced, Delta will invest $1 billion, or about $300 million per year, through mid-2013 to improve the customer experience in the air and on the ground. The product investment includes installing full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite on 90 trans-oceanic aircraft, including 14 Boeing 767-400ERs, 52 Boeing 767-300ERs, 16 Boeing 747-400s and eight Boeing 777-200ERs. Upon completion, each of these fleets will have full flat-bed seats on all aircraft. Delta also will add in-seat audio and video on demand throughout Economy Class on 16 Boeing 747-400 and 52 Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. With these additions, Delta will offer personal, in-seat entertainment for both BusinessElite and Economy class customers on all wide-body aircraft. Additional information about these product investments is available at http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=43&item=870.

The new service in Detroit is part of a series of Delta schedule enhancements this summer to strengthen its international network for summer 2010. The changes - which will expand service for customers in 17 cities - leverage Delta's industry-leading joint venture with Air France-KLM, growing alliance relationship with Alaska Air Group and increased fleet flexibility gained from its merger with Northwest. A complete list of Delta's summer 2010 seasonal service is available at http://news.delta.com/index.php?DB=mr4enh_delta&s=11. The airline's expanding global network also benefits Delta Cargo customers, opening up more opportunities to ship directly to more markets than any carrier in the world. More information is available at deltacargo.com.

SOURCE Delta Air Lines

Fairmont To Create Archive of Peace Hotel Memories and Memorabilia

Fairmont Peace Hotel General Manager, Kamal Naamani has launched a nationwide hunt to source memories and memorabilia of Shanghai's beloved art deco landmark.  The hotel, which officially opened on August 1, 1929, was widely known as the luxurious "Number One mansion in the Far East" for its prime location along the Bund and for its grandeur, including the distinctive copper-sheathed roof that rises 77 meters above ground, white Italian marble floors, and priceless Lalique glass artwork.

The Peace Hotel has undergone three years of meticulous restoration to reinstate it to its rightful place as Shanghai's most prestigious hotel address. The hotel will have a phased launch with facilities opening from spring onwards culminating in the grand opening later this year. 

Fairmont also plans to open a Peace Hotel Museum and will create an archive showcasing wonderful stories and personal treasures where visitors can learn more about the unique and colorful history of Shanghai's most famous building. 

Whether it is silverware, chinaware, monogrammed goods, historic photographs, postcards, art, past menus, trinkets or great stories or anecdotes, Fairmont is interested "To fully showcase the rich heritage of China's grandest hotel, we'd love past guests to share with us their memories, memorabilia and  'borrowed' items so we can record and preserve history for future generations," commented Naamani.

Contributors who take the time to share their reminiscences and recollections will receive a special invitation to view the exhibition when it opens. Those that temporarily or permanently bequeath special items that are selected to be showcased in the museum will be invited to a cocktail reception hosted by Naamani in the fall.

 "As Shanghai's most beloved hotel, we take great pride in being the custodian of this legendary icon.   We know there are a number of pieces of memorabilia out there that have become personal treasures and wonderful memories.  We are excited to see what memories and items find their way back, and we're committed to creating an archive of this great landmark's history so we can continue to share this with future generations," says Naamani.

Those with submissions should include their name and contact details and send details to peacememories@fairmont.com along with fun stories or anecdotes about the provenance of the piece.

SOURCE: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Hard Rock Hotel Singapore Opens at Resorts World Sentosa

HARD ROCK'S NEWEST LOCATION WILL OFFER GUESTS A LUXURY ENVIRONMENT COMBINED WITH A UNIQUE MUSIC VIBE

Hard Rock International proudly announces the opening of Hard Rock Hotel Singapore.  Launched with a ceremonial lion dance and ribbon-cutting, the luxurious, 360-room hotel is part of Resorts World Sentosa, a US $4.4 billion resort destination on Sentosa Island.

Opened in January 2010, the 49-hectare Resorts World Sentosa is Singapore's first integrated family resort destination, complete with Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park, the world's largest Marine Life Park, six unique hotels offering 1,800 rooms, more than 60 dining outlets and a casino.

Hard Rock properties offer stylish and contemporary design, unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all - music. The properties are situated in resort destinations with unique character and tourist appeal as well as in urban gateway cities. Hard Rock Hotels cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today's experienced, modern travelers, who seek a reprieve from traditional, predictable properties, whether for business or leisure travel. 

"The highly anticipated Hard Rock Hotel Singapore is a welcome addition to the Hard Rock Hotel portfolio," says Hamish Dodds, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hard Rock International.  "This development and our relationship with Genting Group and Resorts World complement Hard Rock Hotel's expansion strategy in premier locations worldwide, and will serve as a perfect backdrop for the continued growth of Hard Rock's portfolio."

The Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, a nearly $223 million venture, is one of six unique destination hotels at Resorts World Sentosa, which include Festive Hotel, Crockfords Tower, Hotel Michael, Equarius Hotel and Spa Villas. The hotel offers 360 keys (including nine suites and 351 rooms), modern conference facilities with 26 meeting rooms and Asia's largest column-free ballrooms with seating for 7,300 guests.  Featuring the latest in audio-visual equipment, the ballroom will be an ideal venue for concerts, seminars, performances and banquets and can be further subdivided into smaller ballrooms or separate conference halls for more intimate affairs.  The Rock Pool, a quintessential Hard Rock element, is a focal area for both music and relaxation, as well as a social gathering place.

The Hard Rock Hotel guest rooms incorporate Hard Rock's tradition of providing luxury, quality service and amenities with a distinctive music edge.   A retreat for chic jet-setters, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore is also the perfect family destination.  Deluxe twin rooms can accommodate up to five guests, with an extra pull-out bed for kids.

The hotel offers destination dining venues and high-energy bar locations providing both locals and hotel guests a place to see and be seen. Starz Restaurant, a stylish modern restaurant designed in contemporary style, offers a relaxing al fresco dining area overlooking the Rock Pool.  Inspired by the healthy and energetic lifestyle of Singapore, the restaurant's buffet-style dining with live cooking stations complements an A la Carte menu with the culinary flavors of Morocco, Europe, Middle East and Australia.  The Rock Bar, located on the second level of the hotel, is a trendy lounge and bar complete with a DJ spinning rock and techno music.  The menu features a selection of premium wines, liquors and champagnes, as well as Hard Rock's famous cocktails.  Finally, the award-winning Rang Mahal Group's latest dining concept of Indian cuisine is housed at the Hard Rock Hotel Singapore.  With the dining mood and decor inspired by the colorful celebrations of India using vivid colors and ethnic Indian instruments, the stylish restaurant pays tribute to "a celebration of Indian cuisine" with its menu highlighting classical Indian favorites as well as new, trendy dishes that embody the new generation of fusion flavors.

Chief Executive Officer of Resorts World Sentosa, Mr. Tan Hee Teck said, "We are excited to welcome our guests to the renowned Hard Rock Hotel in Singapore.  As a family destination with two of Asia's largest attractions, Universal Studios Singapore and the Marine Life Park, we believe that Hard Rock Hotel adds not only sizzle to our appeal, but excitement to accommodation options in the region.''   

"The Seminole Tribe of Florida is excited about the opening of our newest Hard Rock development in Southeast Asia," noted Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International. "It's a testament to the brand that we have such incredible strategic partners and ample opportunity for global growth in emerging locations."

SOURCE Hard Rock International

Continental Airlines to Move Tokyo Flights, Check-In to South Wing of Terminal 1 at Narita International Airport

Move follows harmonization of services with United Airlines at Beijing, Shanghai

Continental Airlines and United Airlines today announced that Continental will move its Tokyo operations to the South Wing osf Terminal 1 at Narita International Airport, effective Nov. 1, with Continental flights departing and arriving at the terminal's south gates and the check-in counter relocating to the South Wing main lobby.

The relocation will enable customers to connect seamlessly at Narita between Continental's five daily transpacific and Micronesia flights and United's 11 daily transpacific and intra-Asia flights departing from Tokyo. In addition, when Continental joins Star Alliance at the end of October, the relocation will facilitate connections with ANA and other Star Alliance member airlines, including Air China, Asiana Airlines, Singapore Airlines and THAI, all of which operate from the South Wing of Terminal 1. Star Alliance airlines offer a total of 77 daily departures from Narita.

Continental customers in Tokyo will receive the same airport services currently offered for all of Continental's long-haul international flights including designated OnePass Elite and BusinessFirst check-in and priority baggage handling and BusinessFirst concierge service.

Continental Presidents Club members and BusinessFirst customers will have access to United's Red Carpet Club located in Airside Satellite 3, as well as to two lounges operated by ANA.

"This move will occur right after we join Star Alliance and will give our customers better connections to more destinations throughout Asia with United and other Star Alliance member airlines," said Mark Erwin, Continental's senior vice president of corporate development and alliances.

"Continental's move to the South Wing of Terminal 1 at Narita will give United's customers in Asia additional options for travel throughout Asia and Micronesia, and more convenient service to New York, Houston, the southern U.S. and Latin America," said Mark Schwab, United's senior vice president of alliances, international and regulatory affairs.

Continental's move in Tokyo follows a similar aligning of customer service and ground operations at Beijing International Airport and Shanghai's Pudong International Airport.

SOURCE Continental Airlines; United Airlines

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Opens Its 28th Hotel in China

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, opened Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo today - its third property in the Zhejiang province after Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou and Shangri-La Hotel, Wenzhou - to complement its current portfolio of 27 mainland China hotels.

Long known as a major trading and shipping hub, Ningbo is situated across the Hangzhou Bay from Shanghai. It is one of China's oldest cities, steeped in history and boasts a number of cultural relics. In modern times, Ningbo has become a major exporter of consumer and electrical products, textiles, food and industrial tools, and is one of China's busiest port cities.

Ningbo is a two-hour drive from Shanghai via the Hangzhou Bay Bridge and a two-hour flight from Hong Kong. The 563-room Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is located in the heart of the central business district, at the confluence of the Fenghua, Yuyao and Yong Rivers. As the city's latest luxury hotel, it is a 20-minute drive from the airport and within walking distance of Ningbo's largest shopping area, Tianyi Square, and major tourist attractions.

"The city of Ningbo is fast becoming an integral centre of trade and commerce on China's East Coast. The launch of Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is a natural step in strengthening our presence in the Zhejiang province and meeting the needs of increasingly sophisticated business travellers," said Madhu Rao, managing director and chief executive officer, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. "More importantly, the opening of Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is an affirmation of our strong commitment to maintaining Shangri-La's position as the largest luxury hotel group in China."

With luxury and technology in mind, the guestrooms at Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo feature broadband internet access, as well as integrated audio-visual equipment. Guests can interface personal electronic devices such as MP3 players, iPods and digital cameras in their rooms - the first hotel in Ningbo to offer such technology. Guestrooms measure from 45 square metres upwards, while suites range in size from 90 to 225 square metres.

Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo also provides comprehensive event solutions to corporate clients, meeting organisers and the local community. With 5,000 square metres of meeting and banqueting space, facilities include a 2,000-square-metre, column-free grand ballroom - the largest of its kind in the Zhejiang province - and a variety of function rooms suited for any event. In addition, a purpose-built VIP interview room, the first-of-its-kind in the city, offers an excellent facility for guests to hold high-level dialogue.

With a health club comprising the city's largest lap pool (25 metres), a gym and two tennis courts, Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is the ideal location for business travellers and local residents to unwind. A fully-equipped and spacious spa with nine private treatment rooms further complements the leisure facilities at the hotel.

Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo also offers guests a range of dining experiences, including 13 private dining rooms at the hotel's signature Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, which serves fine Cantonese cuisine and local culinary delights in a contemporary, yet elegant setting. Yi Cafe, showcasing open kitchens and views of the city's three rivers, provides all-day dining. The Lobby Lounge is the ideal venue for meetings and relaxation. Featuring seafood and the most premium cuts of meat, the Lobster Bar and the Grill also provides guests with nightly live jazz performances and chic cocktails.

To celebrate the opening of Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo, a special introductory rate of RMB818 per night is available for single or double occupancy in a Deluxe room, including daily breakfast. The rate is subject to a 15 per cent surcharge.

Continental Airlines Begins New Nonstop Service From Honolulu and Guam to Nadi, Fiji

Twice-weekly flights offer convenient connections from U.S. mainland and Japan

Continental Airlines today announced new service from its Guam hub and Honolulu to Nadi, Fiji beginning Dec. 18, 2009. The flights will also offer convenient connections from the U.S. mainland, Japan and Continental's Micronesian network to Nadi.

"We are pleased to add Nadi to our portfolio of Pacific destinations," said Jim Compton, Continental's executive vice president of marketing. "Fiji is a popular vacation spot that attracts visitors from around the world, and we see a strong demand for leisure travel to the area."

The service will be operated by Continental Micronesia using two-cabin Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 155 seats.

The flights from Guam's A.B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) will operate on Mondays and Fridays departing at 10:55 p.m. and arriving at Nadi International Airport (NAN) at 7:30 a.m. the next morning. Return flights will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays departing Nadi at 12:40 a.m. and arriving in Guam at 5:10 a.m. the same day.

The flights from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) will operate on Mondays and Fridays departing at 6:55 p.m. and arriving in Nadi at 11:40 p.m. the following day. Return flights will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays departing at 8:50 a.m. and arriving in Honolulu at 5:25 p.m. the previous day, after crossing the International Date Line.

Fiji, located in the heart of the South Pacific, is a group of more than 300 islands and atolls dotted across 200,000 square miles of sea. The islands are known for their picturesque coasts, tall coconut palms and brilliant turquoise lagoons fringed by coral reefs and white sandy beaches. Travelers from around the world visit Fiji for its pristine beauty, varied activities including diving and surfing, and relaxed lifestyle.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,750 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 133 domestic and 132 international destinations. More than 750 additional points are served via current alliance partners. With more than 43,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For the sixth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World's Most Admired Airline on its 2009 list of World's Most Admired Companies. For more company information, go to continental.com.

Wyndham Hotel Brand Debuts in China With Xiamen Opening

Hotel Group, a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of hospitality companies, has launched the Wyndham® Hotels and Resorts brand in China with the opening of the brand's first property here: a newly constructed, 588-room luxury hotel.

Wyndham Hotel Group is the world's largest U.S. based hotel company in China, currently franchising 175 hotels and five brands throughout the country. This also marks the first Wyndham-branded hotel managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc. in the Asia Pacific region.

The 26-floor, five-star Wyndham Xiamen hotel, owned by Xiamen He Ping Li Hotel Ltd., features five food-and-beverage outlets, 37,000 square feet of meeting space, a 2,658-square-foot business center and diverse fitness facilities.

"We are honored to debut the Wyndham brand in China," said Jeff Wagoner, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts president. "This magnificent hotel represents one of the very best the Wyndham brand has to offer and demonstrates our commitment to developing similar luxurious hotels throughout Asia."

According to Wagoner, the introduction of the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand in China fulfills a strategic objective to develop the chain and Wyndham Hotel Management capabilities in Asia.

In a country that revels in architectural excellence, the Wyndham Xiamen does not disappoint, with a 66-foot-high waterfall; 23-foot-tall lobby chandelier glistening with 882 large crystal drops and 88 light bulbs; and the hotel's front face, which includes 460 energy-efficient lights that create a kaleidoscope of changing colors and designs at night. Completing the decor is a 23-foot-high statue at the hotel's entrance named the Goddess of Heping, representing an interpretation of the indigenous goddess of the sea, Mazu, considered to be a protector of East Asian fishermen and sailors.

Guest rooms include 161 suites, 216 non-smoking rooms and 130 serviced apartments, ranging in size from 500 to 1,065 square feet, all with views of the ocean or city skyline. The top five floors comprise the Wyndham Club, with 90 executive rooms, library, business services, meeting room and split-level lounge.

Each guest room features high-speed Internet service, stunning glass-design bathrooms with separate shower and bath, feather-down bedding, 32-inch, flat-screen LCD TVs, a safety deposit box with power to recharge laptops while stored and nightly turndown service, room cleaning and refreshed linens.

The centerpiece of the meeting facilities is a 13,558-square-foot, pillarless grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The hotel has 11 additional meeting rooms for small- to medium-sized groups. Services include state-of-the art meeting rooms, independent audio visual facilities, Internet access and translation equipment.

The business center offers four workstations with Internet access, facsimile machines, photocopiers and color laser printers. A concierge is available to arrange city tours, limousine service, same-day laundry and golf services at nearby courses.

Wyndham Xiamen's fitness center features an exercise room, indoor heated swimming pool and weight-lifting equipment. Personal instructors and trainers are available to all guests.

Five food-and-beverage outlets offer an array of international cuisine, including an all-day restaurant, Japanese restaurant, Chinese restaurant, lobby lounge and the Wyndham Club lounge, which serves breakfast and drinks with a sea view.

The hotel staff represents 20 of China's 34 provinces and speaks 19 Chinese dialects or languages and five international languages. Hotel General Manager Dominique Galperti, who has directed the hotel project, brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience in both Asia and Europe.

Located along the southeast coast of China, Xiamen is a key gateway city and a favored destination for foreign investment. The city has commercial links with Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Xiamen's primary economic activities include fishing, shipbuilding, food processing, tanning, textiles, machine tools manufacturing, chemical industries, financial and telecommunication services.

Xiamen also is a tourist city widely known for its seaport and coastline. The city's tourist attractions include Gulangyu Island also known as Piano Island, Nanputuo Temple, stores featuring local products including tea leaves and sugar canes and water tours of the many small islands that are clustered along the coast near the city.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC and its affiliates, members of the Wyndham Hotel Group family of lodging brands, offer upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, China and the Caribbean. All Wyndham hotels are either franchised or managed by us or managed through a joint venture partner. For additional information or to make a reservation, go to www.wyndham.com.

Wyndham Hotel Group, one of three principal components of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), encompasses approximately 7,000 hotels and 588,500 rooms in 66 countries under the hotel brands: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Ramada®, Days Inn®, Super 8®, Wingate® by Wyndham, Baymont Inn & Suites®, Microtel Inn & Suites®, Hawthorn Suites®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge® and Knights Inn®.

All hotels are independently owned and operated excluding certain Wyndham and international Ramada hotels which are managed by our affiliate or through a joint venture partner. Wyndham Hotel Group is based in Parsippany, N.J. Additional information is available at www.wyndhamworldwide.com.