The global economic slowdown has put renewed focus on intra-Asian travel and travel suppliers must better understand the current mood of the Asian traveler, their changing psyche and, increasingly, how they are behaving online. P@SSPORT reports.

The pressure was on the inaugural ITB Asia to deliver. There was the weight of the brand behind it which brought with it high expectations. Then there was the timing, taking place as it was in the midst of a slowdown.

TUI Travel PLC, one of the world's largest tour operators and now with a presence in Asia through its acquisition of Pacific World, sees huge growth opportunities in Asia and Russia.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) was named Airline of the Year and Changi Airport International Airport of the Year in the prestigious Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) Awards of Excellence 2008, held in conjunction with its fifth annual Asia Aviation Outlook summit held in Singapore from 30 to 31 October 2008.

For the first time in its 145-year history, Monte Carlo SBM, which runs Monte Carlo's most distinctive assets including a string of luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and casinos, is seriously looking east for new customers and is opening an office in Asia.

In the August 2008 survey conducted by HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International) Asia Pacific, people and technology surfaced as the main preoccupations of hoteliers in Singapore.

Is it efficiency? Is it fun? Is it service? What differentiates Singapore as a business events destination and how should it further differentiate itself? A panel takes on the question. P@SSPORT reports on the answers.

Leading travel management company, BCD Travel, is set on an expansion path in Asia Pacific and will be making sizeable investments in technology as well as acquisitions in key corporate markets.

For the first time, The Contender, the Emmy-award winning television reality series, is being filmed outside the United States, in Singapore, where its crew spent most of September filming.

The Singapore Stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009 has just sailed off to a great start with the signing by UBS as the title sponsor of the first and only Southeast Asian stopover for the race.

The public relations and communications industry is facing challenges PR legend and guru, Mr Al Golin, never dreamt about when he began his career as a field press representative with MGM Studios in 1951.

Dr Martin Buck, the man in charge of putting together the inaugural Asian edition of ITB, recounts the lessons learnt and what customers can expect from the first event opening in Singapore this month.

Manpower challenges, the changing competitive landscape and the consumer-driven experience economy are what's keeping Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Asia Pacific's membership awake at night, according to a survey done by the sales and marketing association of hospitality professionals.

Other than reducing total costs of travel, corporate customers cited traveler satisfaction and traveler safety and security as their number two and three programme objectives for 2008 in the BCD Travel "Insight On Corporate Travel" survey.

According to top business prosfessionals, the humble biscuit plays an integral role in influencing company directors, entrepreneurs and budget holders at boardroom meetings.

There is no doubt that of all the nightspots in Singapore, Clarke Quay ranks among the most visited by foreign visitors.

Singapore River Cruises & Leisure, which runs the popular Bumboat Cruises, hopes that the development of the Singapore River Festival will lead to a "more colourful, lively and vibrant" waterway like the bustling trading port Singapore River used to be.

You would expect Chong Phit Lian, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jetstar Asia, not to be so chirpy and cheerful when you meet her. After all, high fuel prices are expected to hurt low cost airlines like hers the most because their key to survival is, well, keeping costs low.

Anyone who has used the new Terminal 3 at Changi Airport cannot help but be impressed by the facility and the promise it holds for the bright future of Singapore as a travel and transportation hub.

To celebrate the official opening of Changi Airport Terminal 3, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has organised a 66-day "Terminal 3 Celebration" shopping promotion that will run up to September 28.

Meet June Lee, 50, and Mohamed Hassan, 50, who are both with the service crew at American restaurant, Billy Bombers.

In an attempt to rejuvenate itself and change the image that it's a "retired men's" club, and in recognition of the talent crunch facing Singapore's hotel industry, the Skal Club of Singapore has launched the Paul Armstrong Scholarship.

In current times when good talent is hard to find and keep, companies need to do more than keep employees motivated and committed. They also need to keep them engaged and that means letting employees know what they have to do, and having them aligned with the company's vision.

Sell-out ITB Asia will have strong focus on travel distribution and technology

In the dynamic world of entertainment, where new clubs pop up and disappear faster than you can say "hip", longevity is a rare commodity.

Following the critical success of its debut in 2006, the Singapore Biennale, Singapore's premier international contemporary visual arts event, returns for its second season from 11 September to 16 November 2008, as part of the Singapore GP Season. Organised by the National Arts Council (NAC), the Singapore Biennale 2008 (SB2008) will feature works of more than 50 artists and art collectives...

Since it opened in 2007, the Link Hotel has been quietly making waves, running occupancies of above 78%. At 288 rooms, it calls itself Singapore's largest boutique hotel. Its location in the heartland district of Tiong Bahru area also gives it a special air of being in an oasis of heritage amid a modern city. It was also the first conversion of a public housing project, built in the 1950s, into a commercial hotel. P@SSPORT reports.

What gives Singapore its unique character is also what makes its food unique and special. No one understands that better than its very own street food guru, Mr KF Seetoh, who won the Special Recognition Award in the Singapore Tourism Board's Tourism Awards 2008.

Which regional destinations do travellers in the Asia Pacific region most want to visit?

Amadeus, the travel technology solutions provider, and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) have released results of a report titled "Upwardly Mobile", which revealed that mobile technology is set to transform the entire travel experience for business travellers, improving their access to information and services.

The inaugural ITB Asia, taking place from 22 to 24 October 2008 in Singapore, has signed partnerships with three specialist travel trade events that will give delegates the chance to attend all four events in just one trip to Singapore.

It is a sign of the maturing of Singapore as a destination that it now offers accommodation choices of all types to cater to all kinds of travellers, said Mr Scott Hetherington, Managing Director Asia, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Hotels.

Each year, hundreds of places scramble to be placed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), knowing that a listing will bring with it international recognition as well as a platform to build local awareness and pride in a historic or natural site.

The General Manager of Scarlet Hotel, which bagged the Best Accommodation Experience - Superior award at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2008, is a man who believes in continuous learning and education. Recently, Mr Fong Kah Seng became the first Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) Scholarship recipient to study at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Singapore's William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.

Hoteliers in Singapore are beginning to see a slight softening in demand in the corporate sector and all are keeping a watchful eye on the situation to see how the next couple of months will play out.

A new survey finds that American business travellers want hotels that allow them to multi-task as much as they do at home. With the rapid pace of technology adoption by consumers and the blurring of work and home lives in the global workplace, the new survey also has relevance for the Asian market. P@SSPORT reports.

The findings are as mixed as the weather forecast when it comes to determining the impact on the corporate travel market from the litany of woes afflicting major economies around the world.

The good news for travel agents is that with the current crisis in fuel prices, airlines are no longer preoccupied with distribution costs the same way they were four to five years ago.

At that time, airlines were realigning their distribution strategy to go for more direct channels, leading many to sound the death knell for travel agents and...

With airlines facing one of their most challenging periods ever, Changi Airport took time out to recognise those that have carried the most passengers and cargo through its terminals, as well as airlines that achieved the highest year-on-year growth in passenger and cargo throughput.

Sabre's watcher of airline trends, Mr Gordon Locke, shares his vision of the airline industry with P@SSPORT in a wide-ranging interview that covers the move from price to choice, and the evolution of pure low cost to hybrid.

Mr Gordon Locke sees a future where there will be less stratification of airline models and consumers will find it easier to choose which airline they want to fly...

Two global carriers reported stronger than expected results for the full year ended 31 March 2008, on the back of higher air fares and still strong demand. But warning signs loom. Amid all these, a new airline model is emerging. P@SSPORT reports.

To compete for the consumer dollar, many low cost carriers (LCCs) have added characteristics of full service carriers. This, in turn, has led to the emergence of a new set of players - the "hybrid" carriers.

According to a global study by the Sabre Airline Solutions of 540 airline, 59% of the123 self-nominated Low Cost Carriers (LCCs) had added enough complexity...

Business travellers in the region continued to pay more to fly in the first quarter of 2008, as revealed by the latest American Express Asia Pacific Business Travel Monitor which reported that business class air fares jumped four percent in the first quarter of the year.

Passengers using Changi Airport will have a new area to amuse and entertain themselves while waiting for their flights.

The one-stop integrated entertainment zone – the Entertainment Deck – is located on the third level of Terminal 2's Departure Transit Mall. It features a free LAN gaming room, Xbox® 360 and Playstation® 3 game consoles, cosy music corners...

How do Singapore hotels fare when it comes to service at the frontline? In a recent service audit conducted by IFH® Asia Pacific for the Association of Rooms Division Executives – Best Front Office Award and Best Concierge Award competition, Singapore hotels demonstrated their flair for "First Impressions". Mr Lucas Peng, Managing Director, IFH® Asia Pacific, prepared this report.

The Regent Singapore, a Four Seasons Hotel, has become the first hotel in Singapore to receive the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)'s Green Mark Award (Gold Plus).

The award recognises the hotel's efforts in promoting environmental awareness through energy and water savings, waste reduction and the adoption of green...

A new report shows a healthy and thriving travel agency market in the US while in Asia, leading players continue to invest in the channel.

For several years now, some people have been saying that travel agents are dinosaurs, destined for extinction.

Travel agents throughout Asia are reporting a growth in electronic travel, that is, e-ticketing and the Internet, according to the newly-released Asia Pacific Retail Travel Agent Benchmarking Survey by Travelport GDS (Global Distribution System).

Mr Tan Beng Huat joined the Ritz-Carlton Hotel as a housekeeping attendant when he was 61 years old. Now at age 72, he continues to be proactive, energetic and is regularly complimented by hotel guests for his "magical touch" and good service. For his dedication and contributions, he was recognised as Ritz-Carlton's 5-star Employee of the Quarter, and as a May Day Model Worker 2007.

To stay ahead of competition, hotels need to focus on their service level and the people who deliver it.

At The Fullerton, which won Best Accommodation Experience – Deluxe, in the Singapore Tourism Awards in March this year, General Manager, Mr Louis Sailer...

Jurong Lake District is to be transformed into a unique lakeside destination for business and leisure under a new development announced by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

15 April 2008 marks the official opening of the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest observation wheel to date.

With over 3,000 invited guests and members of public, Guest-of- Honour Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officiated this milestone as he struck the drum, which initiated a dazzling laser and fireworks display.

Last month, Italian actress and Oscar winner Sophia Loren lent glamour and glitz at the inaugural BikeAsia 2008, the first international exhibition on bicycle, motorcycle, accessories and components in South-east Asia.

Single-day walkabout tickets are now available for the 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix.

The single-day passes are for walkabout tickets and are priced at S$38 for Friday (26 September 2008), S$58 for Saturday (27 September 2008) and S$108 for Sunday (26 September 2008).

Singapore-based interTouch, which was renamed DoCoMo interTouch this month by its parent company NTT DoCoMo, is poised to expand on the back of its recent acquisition of MagiNet.

It has been the biggest lament of airlines about the Global Distribution System (GDS)'s travel agents platform - the inability to differentiate themselves through branding on the system.

Not that she lived in the era then but Professor Judy Siguaw, Dean of the Cornell Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management (CNI) in Singapore, believes that the current boom in the regional tourism industry could be likened to the Californian gold rush - the period when prospectors dreamt of finding that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

It is a sign of the times that the most oft-asked question of Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) is not how it will fill its six hotels (1,800 rooms) or find customers for its attractions, but where it will find its staff.

Banff-born Mr Ian Wilson is the man running the new Fairmont in Singapore and leading the development charge for North America's largest luxury hotel company in Asia. He talks to P@SSPORT about the reflagging of Raffles The Plaza and shares his views on the Singapore, and regional, hotel scene.

The new International Cruise Terminal at Marina South, which is capable of taking the world's biggest ships, will bolster Singapore's status as the cruising hub of Asia.

"What is happening in Singapore? Why are the hotels so bullish? What segments of the industry are buying up the hotel rooms?" These are the frequently asked questions that Ms Judy Lum, Managing Director of Tour East Singapore, faced when she was at the ITB Berlin recently at the Singapore booth.

You could say Mr Don Birch who stepped down as President & CEO of Abacus International this month, is leaving on a high note, after six years of helming the region's leading Global Distribution System (GDS) and that his timing could not be better.

From the new Accor Asia Pacific's office on the 37th level of Raffles City Tower, you can pretty much see most of the cityscape of Singapore.

A few hundred travel industry CEOs will gather in Bangkok from 29 to 30 April 2008 to address climate change, which PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) has identified as the most critical issue facing travel and tourism.

In an interview with Compass, PATA's magazine, Dr RK Pachauri, 2007 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who will deliver the keynote address at the PATA CEO Challenge, called on the travel and tourism industry to anticipate and act on issues before they are legislated against.

European tour operators are starting to accept and get used to the new rate structures in Singapore, said Mr Patrick Fiat, General Manager of the Royal Plaza on Scotts, who attended ITB Berlin.

Uniquely Singapore Award - National E-Card Competition

The National E-Card Competition, which won the Uniquely Singapore Award, is a "unique learning experience" as it exposes students not only to new technologies but also encourages them to learn about Singapore.

He's the man who's been credited with the successful turnaround of the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong BirdPark.

Under his four-year term as Executive Chairman of Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), Mr Robert Kwan helped steer the group, which brought the three parks under one umbrella, into profit as well as embarked on several new initiatives.

Three stars were given recognition - a foodie who is passionate about local makan scene, a devotee to Singapore's rich history and heritage, and an enthusiast who supports STB's marketing and promotional efforts in South Korea.

Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year: Madam Lin Deng Li, Chairman, Golden Travel Services

She started Golden Travel Services (GTS) in 1976. It was then a small operation offering only outbound tours to China mainly because her mother was in China and she wanted to visit her while leading tours to the mainland. She also wanted to...

New Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year - Ms Florence Tan, Director and Mr Soh Kim Teck, Managing Director, Country City Investment Pte Ltd

A few years ago, Dempsey Hill was the place Singaporeans went to for a spot of curry and a bit of furniture shopping. Only a handful knew of the one or two bars there that offered a quiet respite from the urban jungle - a place to chill with...

From a hotel guest relations officer to spa therapist to a taxi driver, P@ssport speaks to the eight Best Tourism Hosts who serve from their hearts.

James Chadwick, a resident in Singapore for the last decade, was among the first folks to take a ride on the Singapore Flyer when it did its inaugural spins for business executives and lovers last month. The Head of Strategy Asia Pacific for Mindshare shares his experience with P@SSPORT readers.

Initiative takes the "hotel towel" programme one step further

Accor, which just moved its Asia Pacific headquarters from Sydney to Singapore, is going big on green initiatives.

On 22 April 2008, the group which operates brands such as Sofitel, Pullman...

You could be forgiven for thinking that National Day had come early to Singapore.

On 21 February 2008, Thursday, at 7.00pm, the Padang was a sea of red and cheer when the news came that Singapore had won the bid to host the inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2010.

Even from downtown Singapore, you could hear the constant roar of jets – only this time, it sounded different from the routine daily aircraft movements at Changi.

Not only were the roars of jet engines more frequent, even after scheduled flights had to be re-timed for a couple of days while the show was on, they also sounded...

Even as spirits soared at the start of the Singapore Air Show with news of mega deals being sealed, the civil aviation industry received a mixed report card from aviation leaders.

The German travel market is continuing to see a strong shift from offline to online bookings.

Mr Jens Uwe Parkitny, Managing Director of Expedia, Germany, told P@SSPORT that the online travel market grew approximately 25% in 2007 compared with...

The School of Media & Info-Communications Technology (SMIT) at Singapore Polytechnic has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with a professional body, the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) Asia Chapter to jointly launch a Certificate in Hospitality Information Technology (HIT) programme for IT and Hospitality professionals.

The Royal Plaza on Scotts, Singapore, is seeing its investment in the online channel pay off, not only in terms of recognition but also revenue.

The independently-managed hotel launched its website in November 2006 following a major renovation, repositioning and rebranding exercise. It won a Web Marketing Award from the global hospitality sales and marketing organisation...

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), which operates InterContinental Hotel in Singapore and is due to open Crowne Plaza at Changi in May this year, reported a record year in 2007, with Asia Pacific as the star performing region.

Even as the ASEAN tourism industry met in Bangkok in late January, with each ASEAN destination announcing buoyant tourism figures, stock markets around the world took a tumble.

While the Singapore Flyer will only open to the public on 1 March 2008, it is preparing for its first commercial "flight" on 11 February 2008, the first of its three-day special Inaugural Flight package for corporate clients.

Just as inbound tourist arrivals into Singapore hit new highs last year, passenger traffic at Singapore Changi Airport also surged to record levels.

Passenger traffic hit an all-time high of 36.7 million in 2007, representing a 4.8% growth over 2006.

Both events to be held together at Suntec City in October 2008

ITB Asia and WIT-Web In Travel have agreed to join forces in an agreement that will see Asia's leading travel distribution and marketing conference held in conjunction with The Trade Show for the Asian Travel market, taking place in Singapore.

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore has received the certificate of approval from Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance for its compliance with the International Organisation for Standardisation 14001 (ISO 14001), the first of its kind to be conferred upon a Singapore-based hotel.

In a report released in January 2008 by American Express Consulting, a division within Global Commercial Card, the emergence of several new trends that will have an impact on a corporation's ability to manage its hotel spend has been highlighted.

A new breed of consumer, new forms of distribution and new business models are factors that are driving change in travel and tourism, said Mr Michael Ball, CEO of WORLDHOTELS at the group's annual conference held in the region last month.

ASEAN award the latest in a series of accolades for its environmental initiatives

The ASEAN Green Hotel Award marks the second time the Grand Hyatt Singapore has been recognised in the ASEAN arena for its environmental actions.

A total of 10 hotels from Singapore received the ASEAN Green Hotel Awards handed out for the first time at the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Bangkok from 18 to 26 January 2008.

Rising fuel prices as well as the shock waves emanating from the US economy could well have an impact on travel and tourism worldwide. But is Asia sufficiently insulated to be spared the worst of it? P@SSPORT reports from a travel conference that just ended in Singapore.

Since its launch last year at Changi Airport, JetQuay has been earning positive feedback from customers who have used its services.

Trend analyst Mr Michael Tchong, who spoke at Web In Travel (WIT) Conference in Singapore recently and used its services, said: "I believe JetQuay represents...

P@SSPORT was there to watch the filming of CNN Future Summit: Saving Planet Earth. Here's a report of the live debate.

With the environment being the word on everyone's lips in 2007, it was fitting...

They also need to offer better training to retain talent. P@SSPORT reports on the manpower scene in Singapore's travel agency sector.

Singapore's travel agency sector is facing increasing manpower demand and the travel agency community needs to address this urgently or risk slipping service...

Nearly all hoteliers, surveyed in a poll conducted jointly by ZUJI/Travelocity Preferred Programme and Web In Travel (WIT), said the Internet had made their lives better.

Only 2.7% said the Internet had made their lives worse in the survey conducted just prior to the WIT conference which took place in Singapore on 29 and 30...

Low cost airlines will continue to drive growth in the travel industry, says Mr Richard Quest, presenter of CNN's Business Traveller.

In an interview with P@SSPORT, Mr Quest, who was in Singapore to film the CNN Future Summit: Saving Planet Earth programme, said that just as low cost...

Given that the airline industry is usually regarded as the head that wags the travel and tourism tail, it is always prudent to keep an eye on what's going on in the aviation sector.

And with the arrival of 2008, the signs are not that promising with pundits predicting a period of turbulence for the world's airlines.

If you are in the MICE sector, you need to rethink what business you are in and who your competitors are. P@SSPORT reports on what Mr Richard Ireland, Singapore-based CEO of Terrapinn, has to say as he urges players to approach the industry with "A Whole New Mind".

Companies that wish to entertain their clientele at one of the most prestigious events on the Singapore calendar, the inaugural FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, can now purchase the corporate hospitality suites.

Come 9 January 2008, Changi Airport, consistently rated one of the world's best airports, will have its brand new Terminal 3 open for operations.

At a cost of S$1.75 billion, the Terminal 3 will add a capacity of 22 million passengers a year, bringing the total capacity of Changi Airport to 70 million passengers.

The Singapore Zoo was one of the two zoos in Asia which were mentioned in an article by Forbes Magazine, listing "The World's Best Zoos".

The article, titled "From San Diego to Singapore, animals on parade", which appeared on 5 November 2007, says the Singapore Zoo "presents a unique approach to wildlife".

If you have clients interested in Greek mythology or the story of Buddhism, tell them about two special exhibitions being held in Singapore up to March next year.

For the first time, classical Greek masterpieces from the renowned Louvre museum are being presented in Southeast Asia. From 9 December 2007 to 16 March 2008...

Always wanted to know about "The Singapore Story" but never had a chance?

The good news is there is now a new tour, entitled "The Singapore Story Tour" that will take visitors on a four-hour journey into the heart of "The Singapore Story" - the first time a guided tour will so comprehensively share the history of...

Is silver the new gold? A new event which will focus on the silver market and to be held in Singapore from 10 to 13 January next year believes so.

Studies show that Asia will age fastest in the world; presenting a potentially large and affluent consumer market in the coming years. The inaugural Silver Industry Conference & Exhibition (SICEX) 2008, which will be held at the Suntec City...

To meet the growing manpower needs of the tourism sector in Singapore, Nanyang Polytechnic's (NYP) School of Business Management (SBM) has developed and launched a Specialist Diploma in Hospitality and Resort Management.

The programme is designed to prepare individuals for challenging careers in the booming tourism sector, and it offers a comprehensive curriculum that touches...

Singapore's MICE sector is sizzling - which is why more meetings and events are headed the city's way, said a panel discussion at the Asia Connect seminar.

The seminar, organised by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's (HSMAI) Asia Pacific chapter, was held in Singapore in October.

Even when the basics are in place for Singapore to thrive well in trade exhibitions, helped in large part by the strong economy, it needs to carve out its place clearly and it must face up to "lurking dangers" in the region.

As Singapore-based brands expand overseas, they bring a little of the Singapore spirit with them and with that, fresh marketing opportunities and the opening up of new market segments. P@SSPORT looks at how homegrown brands are helping to promote Destination Singapore as they travel beyond the island.

One of Singapore's most anticipated attractions, the Singapore Flyer, is making a pitch for the corporate market with attractive packages and membership offers.

Every day, a little bit more of the big wheel takes shape, and every day, we draw a little closer to the opening of one of Singapore's most anticipated attractions, the Singapore Flyer.

Travel agents wanting to compete in the online marketplace can now tap into a number of tools which will help them manage client relationships and provide better service to their customers.

Abacus International is one company setting out to equip agents with these...

Singapore-based Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts has won the Hotel and Lodging Standard of Excellence for its portal, panpacific.com, at the 2007 WebAwards, the leading worldwide Internet competition for website development.

The international WebAward Competition recognises web development efforts by the best websites in 96 industries. Panpacific.com won in the hotel and lodging...

In July, founders of IgoUgo, who sold their business to Sabre in 2006, set up an online travel video website, www.tripfilms.com. With the tagline, "travel inspired", the site provides user generated videos of "authentic travel experiences" from around the world.

There's a new technology that anyone working in the Business Travel and MICE sector should be aware of - and it's called "telepresence". Much more than an improved version of video conferencing, it may actually get companies asking whether it is really necessary for their executives to travel as often as they do. P@SSPORT experienced the new technology at the Cisco office in Singapore...

With effect from 1 November 2007, persons who move into or out of Singapore physical currency or bearer negotiable instruments (CBNI) exceeding S$30,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) will be required to give a report by filling up a form and submitting it to the authorities.

Mr John Quelch, Senior Dean of the Harvard Business School, shared tips on how to build a global brand at the Global Brand Forum in Singapore held in August this year.

1. Be synonymous with one word

"Why did Google become the most valuable brand in the world?" Mr Quelch asked. Because it has an ambitious mission - to organise the world's information. With...

Green travel is hot and Asia stands a good chance of capturing a share of the fast growing eco-tourism market, with Singapore well-positioned to take part in the growth.

The Airbus 380 heralds a new beginning in airline segmentation as major carriers go even more upscale and a new model, the long-haul, low cost, emerges.

While the Airbus 380 (A380) is being hailed as the world's biggest jumbo jet, its entry into the skies is actually accelerating an interesting trend going on in the Asia Pacific aviation scene - the chase for the premium traveller.

Cool trends, hot debates and burning issues will dominate the agenda at Wired In Travel (WIT), a leading travel distribution and marketing event, being held in Singapore on 29 and 30 November.

Leading the stellar line-up of speakers is California-based trend guru of Ubercool...

At a time when the hospitality, resort and tourism sectors in Singapore are set for growth, Nanyang Polytechnic is offering a Specialist Diploma in Hospitality and Resort Management commencing 12 November.

The programme is designed to prepare individuals for challenging careers in...

A leading Singapore corporate travel specialist, Safe2Travel, has opened a virtual travel agency in the virtual world of Second Life (www.secondlife.com).

Safe2Travel, 166.241.25, Zafiros, Second Life was unveiled at the Abacus International Conference in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia as part of a collaboration between the agency and the Global Distribution System.

The growth in green travel could mean more than just monetary profits for Asian travel suppliers - it could bring with it an increased environmental awareness in the region and, with this, new challenges for the tourism industry.

President and CEO of Abacus International, Mr Don Birch, sees the growing band of green travellers, along with the specialist travel suppliers that serve them...

At least, as far as the inaugural Singapore Business Events Awards is concerned whose gold-themed awards dinner was graced by the who's who of the Business Travel and MICE* industry in Singapore and the region. P@SSPORT salutes the winners in this special edition.

Event Excellence Awards - Corporate Meeting of the Year: Accor Asia General Managers Conference 2006, Novotel Clarke Quay

Innovation and animation were the key elements behind the Accor Asia General Managers Conference 2006, themed "Textures of Asia". It was these two features which were responsible for Novotel Clarke Quay winning the Corporate Meeting...

Event Excellence Awards - Convention of the Year: 12th Asian-Australasian Congress of Anaesthesiologists, Singapore Society of Anaesthesiologists

It expected 800 delegates, but it got a whopping 1,500. Looking back, Clinical Associate Professor Chan Yew Meng, who accepted the Convention of the Year...

Event Excellence Awards - Exhibition of the Year: Food&Hotel Asia 2006, Singapore Exhibition Services

If you are in the food and hospitality business, chances are you would have heard of Food&Hotel Asia. Owned and operated by Singapore Exhibition Services, the biennial four-day event anchored in Singapore is the largest international food...

Suppliers Excellence Awards - Business Event Venue Excellence: Suntec Singapore

Industry Achievement Awards – Most Innovative Marketing: Joint Marketing Alliance Initiative, Suntec Singapore

Winning two out of the seven Business Events awards was sweet victory indeed...

Suppliers Excellence Awards – Service Partner Excellence of the Year: Kingsmen Exhibits Pte Ltd

Its focus on partnership paid off for Kingsmen Exhibits which won the Service Partner Excellence Award

Industry Achievement Awards - Most Innovative Marketing: Joint Marketing Alliance Initiative, Suntec Singapore

The Joint Marketing Alliance, headed by Suntec Singapore, was an integrated campaign which ran from June 2005 throughout the whole of 2006.

Individual Award - Business Event Ambassador: Dr Choo Teck Chuan, FDI Programme Director, FDI World Dental Federation, for his contributions to bringing in the 2009 FDI World Dental Congress to Singapore

When he accepted the award for Business Event Ambassador, Dr Choo Teck Chuan described himself as a "simple dentist".

Women travellers are emerging as a market force to be reckoned with. Who are they and what makes them tick? P@SSPORT gets under the skin of this new, feminine force.

Look around you on most flights today and chances are you will spot more than a handful of women around you.

Mr Michael Roche of Lushington Entertainments recalls two acts which played to sell-out crowds with exclusive performances in Singapore - Damien Rice and the double act of Travis and Coldplay. "That was pretty unique," he said.

Often though, the boss of the entertainment company that has been bringing in acts to Singapore since 1990, says the typical concert tour takes in Bangkok...

Since time immemorial, the hotel concierge has been your Mr Fix-It. Remember the concierge in "Pretty Woman" who made Julia Roberts' dreams come true?

Okay, in real life, he may not be able to find you true love but if you want seats to the hottest concerts or reservations for the trendiest restaurant in town or even a dog to keep you company, the concierge was the man or woman to call.

Mr Bentley Williams, author of "Wow! Giving Your Customers The Wow! Experience To Grow Your Business", will be conducting a two-day interactive seminar in Singapore on 30 and 31 August.

Organised by Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the event, at the Singapore Marriott Hotel...

Asia-Pacific's leading travel facilitator, Abacus International, says it and its airline partners are on track to meet e-ticketing deadlines set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Last month, the IATA extended its deadline for electronic ticketing (ET) readiness to 31 May 2008, citing concern among airlines in India and Africa that they...

Cruising in Singapore is picking up speed. Hot on the heels of Silversea Cruises setting up its Asian office in Singapore, two other major cruise lines have made further forays into the region.

Costa Crociere, which made initial dips into Asian waters last year, has announced plans to use Singapore as a key base and has formed a global strategic marketing...

Prepare yourself for 13 days of world-class arts performances, lifestyle activities and wellness events when the Singapore Sun Festival comes to town from 18 to 30 October.

The first Asian country to host the internationally recognised festival that celebrates the "art of living well", Singapore will be the third continent and...

Sleeping beauty on the road

• 48% of women use extra pillows while in a hotel room (39% men).
• 15% of women vary their beauty routine while on the road compared to 8% of men, with 22% of women spending less time and 16% wearing more makeup.

Climate change and carbon emissions have become the hot topics driving the travel and tourism industry. They could change the way we fly, operate our hotels and take travellers around. P@SSPORT reports.

At every conference, be it the World Travel & Tourism Summit in Portugal or the...

Mr Giovanni Angelini, CEO and managing director of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, who was also on the Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' conference panel, said the hotel industry has not done a good enough job of addressing the climate change issue.

As a first step, he said he had asked his hotels to set targets to reduce energy consumption by 12%. "I don't know if this is the right thing, but we have to...

It's a bullish market out there for hotel investments and Singapore is emerging as the darling for investors in a capital-rich environment.

The outlook couldn't be more bullish. The hotel industry is awash with capital looking for homes. The economies in Asia are booming, fuelled mainly by China and, to a lesser degree, India.

Even as it welcomes the 11 millionth visitor to the Night Safari, the Wildlife Reserves is adding a new attraction called Splash Safari to the Singapore Zoo.

Madam Hing Siew Ling, a 37-year old housewife from Malaysia and her family were the lucky visitors following the countdown that started in April when visitors...

Travellers in Singapore are becoming more comfortable with making online travel purchases, according to ZUJI in its first quarter Online Travel Report.

The report, which tracks online travel trends for flight, hotel and other bookings every quarter on all ZUJI sites across Asia Pacific, revealed an all time high for online travel purchases on ZUJI Singapore – 87% of travel bookings made on...

The Singapore Zoo has collaborated with National Geographic WILD to further conservation education and awareness. This time, the Zoo is highlighting the plight of sea lions losing their habitat to marine pollution throughout the world.

Ms Fanny Lai, Executive Director of Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, said:...

Energy-reducing initiatives started in 2000 have saved the Grand Hyatt Singapore about $1.1 million a year in energy costs.

This year, it is continuing its efforts with a list of new "green" projects and initiatives.

Now that Changi's Terminal 3 has set an opening date - 9 January, 2008 – all eyes are on what the spanking new facility will offer that will set it apart from its competitors in the region.

That it will be bigger and better than Terminal 1 or 2 is a given. At 380,000sqm, it is bigger than Terminal 2's 358,000sqm and Terminal 1's 280,000sqm.

The Middle East is booming and everyone's out there wooing the Middle Eastern traveller, as seen at the recent Arabian Travel Market. And Singapore is getting its bite of the pie.

As the economies in the Middle East boom, so do prospects for outbound travel and from the participation at the 14th ATM this year, it is clear the Middle East is in...

Accor Asia Pacific, the region's largest hotel group, is moving its headquarters from Sydney to Singapore, to look after its rapidly expanding network in the region better.

The group, which has more than 100 projects underway in the region, has been based in Sydney since the early 1990s, and also maintains a regional office in...

Accor Asia Pacific will develop the largest Ibis hotel in Asia Pacific, indeed the largest outside Paris, in Singapore.

Ibis Bencoolen Street is the group's first new-build development in Singapore, costing S$145 million, and is being developed in partnership with LaSalle Investment Management. Land for the hotel is being leased from Singapore's Urban...

More halal dining options and other facilities and services to make Singapore a friendlier destination to travellers from the Middle East…

These were the top items mentioned by some of the industry partners taking part in the Singapore pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), when asked what else the destination could do to attract the Middle Eastern customer.

One of the biggest takeaways for hoteliers attending the STB Tourism Industry Conference on 14 May was, even with the two Integrated Resorts (IRs) Singapore would still be short of rooms.

"We have been worried that with the addition of 4,300 rooms, we would have an...

While Singapore can learn from the Las Vegas experience, Dr Andy Nazarechuk, Dean of the University of Nevada Las Vegas (Singapore), said it was also setting its own style and benchmarks in its tourism development.

Asked by P@SSPORT what Singapore could learn from Las Vegas, the Dean who runs the William F Harrah College of Hotel Administration in Singapore said: "Singapore...

Even before the ink was dry, the travel trade in Singapore was buzzing with excitement over the deal that would see Singapore host a leg of the Formula One 2008 World Championship race series in September or October 2008.

Hailed as the first Formula One street race in the ASEAN region, as well as the first ever night-time event in F1's history, the agreement had been eagerly...

The Middle East is fast becoming one of the key markets tourism industry players are targeting. Below are some fast facts to help you decide if this is the market for you:

Among the world's top 10 exhibition companies, Messe Berlin brought in the big guns to announce its plans to launch ITB Asia in 2008. They shared the confidence they feel in Singapore as a staging venue and their optimistic outlook of the growth potential for tourism in the region.

ITB Asia is set for October 22 to 24, 2008. It is clear the Germans mean business.

Is there room for another travel trade fair in Asia?

That's the main question being asked as Messe Berlin, organisers of the world's largest travel trade event, ITB Berlin, rolls out its plans for ITB Asia.

Asia remains the destination many travellers want to visit next, according to a survey by Visa International and PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association).

The 'Asia Travel Intentions Survey' reported that of those intending international travel in the next two years, 52% were considering Asia as their next travel destination. This is a 9% increase on the previous year's survey results and an...

They are dubbed the "Google" of travel. What they do is enable travellers to search on one site the various airfares and rates options available, and then link them directly to supplier websites where the transactions are made.

It is said that after all that the average online travel consumer compares prices from at least three websites before making a purchase decision.

Underscoring its interest in the Asian cruising market, luxury cruise operator, Silversea Cruises, opened its Asia regional office in Singapore this month.

"The opening of our sales office in Singapore further marks Silversea's commitment to the burgeoning Asian cruise market," said Mr Steve Odell, Senior Vice...

It's one of the latest trends wafting through the global travel industry - people making their decisions at the last minute to travel and booking within days, sometimes on the day itself, of travel.

From Japan to Germany to the US to Singapore, the last minute trend, which surfaced a few years ago, has been driven largely by technology, the Internet...