AirAsia's chief executive is "keen" to operate in Singapore, and the Malaysian airline will soon base some aircraft there in a move that may presage an AirAsia Singapore unit launch.
Recent advertisements for cabin crew positions at AirAsia Singapore are hoped to be the first step, Tony Fernandes told Dow Jones Newswires in an interview. AirAsia will be "night-stopping" aircraft there, in order to make morning flights out of the Southeast Asian island nation.
There have been rumors that Australia's Qantas is interested in its low-cost unit, Jetstar, making a similar move into Singapore to save on costs by hiring locally.
Fernandes also said that its two, 49% owned units, AirAsia Thailand and AirAsia Indonesia, remain on track for separate initial public offerings later this year. The pair may go public simultaneously, or Thailand may go first and Indonesia second, depending on a number of factors.
The IPOs come at a good time for AirAsia, he said, as the moves will free up the balance sheet and allow the low-cost airline to launch new AirAsia units in Vietnam and the Philippines in the near term. The CEO said Vietnam's new government is "much more receptive" to the company's ideas on branding and its websites, and Vietnam's tourism industry is growing quickly, so Fernandes doesn't anticipate the problems that caused its first foray into that country to fail.
Fernandes said he was pleased by remarks made earlier Tuesday by the Malaysian prime minister at the Invest Malaysia conference at the New York Stock Exchange, in which the prime minister expressed a desire to make Malaysia the economic center of Southeast Asia.
AirAsia doesn't believe it can beat the market, so it doesn't do much hedging against rising oil prices, he said, and it is currently about 10% hedged at a cost of about $120 a barrel. Similarly, it doesn't hedge much against currencies, and noted that many forecasts call for the Malaysian ringgit, which has risen sharply, to hover in the MYR2.90 to MYR2.95 range to the dollar, near current levels.
Its long-haul international unit, AirAsia X, is slated to announce a pact with General Electric Co.'s (GE) aviation unit on Wednesday. Fernandes didn't want to steal the unit's thunder, but hinted that the pact could involve aircraft engines, a new type of Airbus aircraft AirAsia X hasn't purchased before and new routes for AirAsia X to Europe.
GE lost out on a previous contract to supply AirAsia X airplane engines, and has been aggressively courting AirAsia for new business, he said. GE CEO Jeff Immelt has been "a fantastic friend" of AirAsia.
In U.S. dollars, AirAsia has about $3 billion market capitalization, and posted annual revenue of about $2 billion and earnings of about $400 million, which excludes the contributions of the Thailand and Indonesia units, Fernandes said.
"We've proven the model," he said of the airline that has grown from 2 two planes to around 100 planes, and there is "great upside" for AirAsia, even after the marked increase in its share price, as it continues to extract even more "ancillary" revenue from passengers for things like food and insurance. AirAsia now extracts $16 of such revenue per passenger, up from $5 in the past.
Source : Dow Jones
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Showing posts with label singapore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label singapore. Show all posts
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tourism Malaysia Strategises To Woo More Singaporeans To Malaysia
The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board has lined up strategies to introduce affordable new tourism products and packages to attract more Singaporeans to Malaysia.
Malaysia Tourism Singapore director Zalizam Zakaria said Singapore was a "very big and important market for us".
"It has always been the biggest contributor to our nation's tourism economy," he told Bernama after the launch of the Central Region Seminar and Travel Mart 2011, here.
Zalizam said Malaysia Tourism Singapore contributed nearly 53 per cent of the total tourist arrivals from Singapore to Malaysia, saying: "In 2009, we had about 12 million Singaporeans visiting Malaysia. Last year, the number was up by four per cent to 13 million." This year, he said, although the target set by the Tourism Ministry was only 12 million tourists but "I think we can match the same number or little bit higher than that."
Explaining that Singapore has only five million population and how did Malaysia received 13 million Singaporean tourist arrivals, Zalizam said this was because of repeat visitors. "On the average, at least one Singaporean goes to Malaysia 2.5 times. After two or three times, where do they go, that's why we have to expose new places for them. Our strategy now is to open new places and new products for them," he said.
Citing east coast states (Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang), Perak, Sabah and Sarawak as well as the rest of Malaysia are popular but were getting less visitors.
He said Tourism Malaysia Singapore was aggressively working with various state governments to woo Singaporeans to these places. Zalizam said Tourism Malaysia Singapore initiated this seminar and travel market last year by focusing on region by region.
"We started with the east coast last year and today we are organising the event to promote the central region comprising Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya," he said. He said the seminar and the travel market served as a fitting platform for tourism players from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya to meet Singapore travel and tour agents.
"The objective of organising this session is to allow the states to update their latest tourism development happenings and to introduce these new products and packages in their future travel itineraries," he added.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Malaysia Tourism Singapore director Zalizam Zakaria said Singapore was a "very big and important market for us".
"It has always been the biggest contributor to our nation's tourism economy," he told Bernama after the launch of the Central Region Seminar and Travel Mart 2011, here.
Zalizam said Malaysia Tourism Singapore contributed nearly 53 per cent of the total tourist arrivals from Singapore to Malaysia, saying: "In 2009, we had about 12 million Singaporeans visiting Malaysia. Last year, the number was up by four per cent to 13 million." This year, he said, although the target set by the Tourism Ministry was only 12 million tourists but "I think we can match the same number or little bit higher than that."
Explaining that Singapore has only five million population and how did Malaysia received 13 million Singaporean tourist arrivals, Zalizam said this was because of repeat visitors. "On the average, at least one Singaporean goes to Malaysia 2.5 times. After two or three times, where do they go, that's why we have to expose new places for them. Our strategy now is to open new places and new products for them," he said.
Citing east coast states (Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang), Perak, Sabah and Sarawak as well as the rest of Malaysia are popular but were getting less visitors.
He said Tourism Malaysia Singapore was aggressively working with various state governments to woo Singaporeans to these places. Zalizam said Tourism Malaysia Singapore initiated this seminar and travel market last year by focusing on region by region.
"We started with the east coast last year and today we are organising the event to promote the central region comprising Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya," he said. He said the seminar and the travel market served as a fitting platform for tourism players from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya to meet Singapore travel and tour agents.
"The objective of organising this session is to allow the states to update their latest tourism development happenings and to introduce these new products and packages in their future travel itineraries," he added.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Singapore Hotel Rooms Most Expensive in Asia
Singapore is the most expensive city in the Asia-Pacific region for hotel rooms, according to a survey of hotel prices in major destinations across the world.
A Singapore hotel room cost an average of S$230 (RM716) per night in the second quarter this year, up 22 per cent from the same period last year, according to a survey by online hotel booking operator Hotels.com.
Tokyo was the second-most expensive at US$156.80 per night, but was down 6 per cent year-on-year, while Sydney was the third at US$148.50 and up 16 per cent.
“We are definitely on a trend up in Asia. When you have more money, travelling quickly becomes an interest and that is going to be reflected in prices in the near future,” Johan Svanstrom, Hotels.com managing director for the Asia-Pacific region, said in an interview.
“The majority of the Asians travel within Asia. China is clearly going to be a very big driving factor for hotels anywhere in Asia,” he added.
Svanstrom cited a recent report by the China Tourism Academy which estimated that 54 million Chinese travellers would go abroad this year.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, this number would nearly double to 100 million by 2020.
Source : TMI
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
A Singapore hotel room cost an average of S$230 (RM716) per night in the second quarter this year, up 22 per cent from the same period last year, according to a survey by online hotel booking operator Hotels.com.
Tokyo was the second-most expensive at US$156.80 per night, but was down 6 per cent year-on-year, while Sydney was the third at US$148.50 and up 16 per cent.
“We are definitely on a trend up in Asia. When you have more money, travelling quickly becomes an interest and that is going to be reflected in prices in the near future,” Johan Svanstrom, Hotels.com managing director for the Asia-Pacific region, said in an interview.
“The majority of the Asians travel within Asia. China is clearly going to be a very big driving factor for hotels anywhere in Asia,” he added.
Svanstrom cited a recent report by the China Tourism Academy which estimated that 54 million Chinese travellers would go abroad this year.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, this number would nearly double to 100 million by 2020.
Source : TMI
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Marina Bay Sands made $128m in first 65 days
The Marina Bay Sands integrated resort has turned in a strong performance, generating US$94 million (S$128 million) in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) in its first 65 days of operation, owner Las Vegas Sands said yesterday.
Source : StraitTimes
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
The US$5.7 billion resort fronting Marina Bay began operating in April.
Las Vegas Sands billionaire founder and chief executive Sheldon Adelson said during a conference call that he still expects the Singapore resort to bring in US$1 billion in EBITDA next year, due in part to a broader-than-expected customer base.
'There are so many people that are coming from different countries in Asia... We have a group of Koreans flying in every week,' he said. 'I think that the outer reaches of our marketing radius is wider than what we thought before.'
Mr Adelson also said in a statement: 'Both gaming volumes and visitation to the property have been robust' in Singapore. 'In Macau, we delivered an all-time quarterly record.'
Aided by the positive showing at the Singapore resort and in Macau, Las Vegas Sands yesterday posted a better-than-expected quarterly profit.
Las Vegas Sands earned US$129.3 million, or 17 US cents a share, in the second quarter after adjusting for one-time items. Analysts on average expected 9 US cents a share, according to Thomson Reuters. Net revenue rose nearly 51 per cent to US$1.59 billion.
'With property performance better than our expectations in Macau and Singapore, and with the Las Vegas Strip weaker than expected, we believe Asia will be the key driver of the story, and the report is bullish for the shares,' said Jefferies and Co analyst David Katz.
Gambling revenue in Macau, the world's largest gambling centre and the only place in China where gambling is legal, has soared this year, most recently rising 65 per cent year-on-year last month.
Las Vegas Sands said second-quarter net revenue at its three Macau properties rose 41 per cent from that a year earlier to US$1.03 billion, while adjusted EBITDA increased 74 per cent to US$307 million.
In contrast, its Venetian and Palazzo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip reported that EBITDA fell 15 per cent to US$66 million, as the casinos won less at the tables.
The company has lined up financing for the development of two sites in a section of Macau known as the Cotai Strip, but construction has not yet started due to government requirements for the hiring of local workers.
After payment of preferred stock dividends, Las Vegas Sands had a second-quarter net loss of US$4.7 million, or 1 US cent a share, compared with a net loss of US$222.2 million, or 34 US cents a share, a year earlier.
Source : StraitTimes
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Marina Bay IR aims to change the game
HEADLINE acts, parachutists and glitterati were all on show as the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) integrated resort celebrated its opening yesterday.
Even the resort owner's predictions glittered: Just as MBS' towers have transformed the skyline, the IR will 'forever change' Singapore's image and give the country's tourism industry a major fillip.
Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson called the US$5.7billion (S$7.9billion) facility a game-changer for tourism here - a magnet for between 125,000 and 150,000 people that he expects to visit it each day.
This would be a record for parent company Las Vegas Sands' (LVS) properties worldwide.
Not surprisingly, all stops were pulled out for the opening ceremonies, which featured a competition to climb the three towers, a black-tie dinner party, a concert and more.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Adelson said 'the integrated resort model is unmatched, and MBS will now be the reference point by which all new tourism projects are judged'.
The 71-year-old American added: 'It's going to change Singapore by providing entertainment amenities that were not here before.
'This will be for the Asian people a very major attraction, and will change the conservative perception of what Singapore has in the night time.'
The Republic will reap many benefits as MBS will transform the tourism industry and attract visitors from countries in the region and further afield, including China, Australia and Europe, he said.
To mark the occasion yesterday, some 2,500 guests were invited, as well as 1,100 members of the media from 17 countries who were specially flown in.
International superstars such as Diana Ross and Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child added a touch of glamour to a gala celebratory concert last night.
MBS first began accepting guests on April27, when the casino, meeting and convention centre and one-third of the hotel rooms opened.
From today, the rest of its 2,560 hotel rooms, more shops, restaurants and meetings facilities will also be open.
The Sands SkyPark, a surfboard-shaped attraction perched atop the three towers, will accept its first public visitors at 2pm today. Its features include a 150m-long swimming pool and spa.
But the resort will not be fully ready until next year, when it opens a theatre to host its Lion King show and two pavilions - one housing nightclubs Pangaea and Avalon, the other featuring a Louis Vuitton boutique.
Yesterday, MBS chief executive officer Thomas Arasi said the IR has drawn 500,000 visitors so far this month.
The big draw? Its casino, which attracts about 25,000 visitors daily, a third of them Singaporeans and permanent residents.
Such numbers, the company's chief operating officer Mike Leven forecast, indicate annual revenues of about US$1billion, and will allow its parent company to recoup its investment in just four to five years.
The company is looking beyond that, however.
MBS, Mr Adelson said, is the second step in his plan to expand further into Asia, which he sees as having an almost insatiable appetite for gambling.
Indeed, he said, even having the equivalent of five Las Vegases with 140,000 hotel rooms each in five different Asian locations would not satisfy demand.
An indication: In 2006, Macau overtook the Las Vegas Strip as the world's biggest gambling centre.
Last year, it drew about US$14.5billion in gaming revenue, compared to the entire US market's US$30.74billion.
Asia accounted for about 73per cent of LVS' revenue at the end of last year, he said, adding: 'We are an Asian company with a presence in the United States.'
By 2020, he expects this figure to hit 90per cent. But Macau will complement, not compete with Singapore, he said.
Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China, gets the bulk of its visitors from the mainland, whereas Singapore will draw customers from other parts of Asia.
Mr Adelson said LVS is exploring markets like Japan, South Korea and even China itself.
Analysts contacted yesterday said MBS' projections on earnings and visitors were on the high side.
Nonetheless, Barclays economist Leong Wai Ho said MBS' prime location in the heart of the city, and a critical mass of close to five million people here, mean the projections are attainable.
Source : Strait Times
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Friday, May 21, 2010
Vacationers dump Bangkok, fly to Singapore & Malaysia
The summer season for places like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong has never been so busy. Due to political unrest in Bangkok and volcanic ash eruptions in Europe, a lot of tourist traffic is diverting to these places, thereby, generating an extra 25-30 per cent bookings for them.
Travellers who had booked their holiday packages for Thailand and European destinations are left with a few options -- either to cancel their bookings or postpone their trips. However, some of them, who want to spend their summer vacation abroad, have just transferred their booking to other nations. This has resulted in big business for destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Macao.
“June is going to be fully booked for Singapore, Malaysia. They are going to get over 25 per cent extra traffic this season,” Kapil Goswamy, managing director of New Delhi-based Trans World Travels, said.
While the Bangkok bookings are being diverted to Asian regions, European cancellations are diverted mainly to the US. “It is mainly people who have combined packages of Bangkok-Phuket, who are cancelling their travel plans. Similarly, people who had plans for Europe are choosing to go to the US now,” Richa Goyal Sikri, director, group business development, STIC Travel, said.
Singapore and Bangkok are established tourism markets in India. They account for over 50 per cent of the total international bookings of many travel companies. But this time, the share of Bangkok would get transferred to other markets.
The additional traffic, however, does not mean extra money. There has been no impact on pricing as of now with the sudden growth in demand. According to travel firms, the reason why it has not affected demand is that there was already an inventory with hoteliers and airlines.
Source : MyDigitalFC.com
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Travellers who had booked their holiday packages for Thailand and European destinations are left with a few options -- either to cancel their bookings or postpone their trips. However, some of them, who want to spend their summer vacation abroad, have just transferred their booking to other nations. This has resulted in big business for destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Macao.
“June is going to be fully booked for Singapore, Malaysia. They are going to get over 25 per cent extra traffic this season,” Kapil Goswamy, managing director of New Delhi-based Trans World Travels, said.
While the Bangkok bookings are being diverted to Asian regions, European cancellations are diverted mainly to the US. “It is mainly people who have combined packages of Bangkok-Phuket, who are cancelling their travel plans. Similarly, people who had plans for Europe are choosing to go to the US now,” Richa Goyal Sikri, director, group business development, STIC Travel, said.
Singapore and Bangkok are established tourism markets in India. They account for over 50 per cent of the total international bookings of many travel companies. But this time, the share of Bangkok would get transferred to other markets.
The additional traffic, however, does not mean extra money. There has been no impact on pricing as of now with the sudden growth in demand. According to travel firms, the reason why it has not affected demand is that there was already an inventory with hoteliers and airlines.
Source : MyDigitalFC.com
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Thursday, May 20, 2010
$50 million makeover: Rasa Sentosa Resort to become Shangri-La
Following the completion of a $50 million makeover the Rasa Sentosa Resort will be renamed Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort. Ogie R. Manuel, Director of Sales & Marketing said the all new and improved hotel will cater to both business and leisure guests. The resort renovations, which began in March, include a full revamp of guestrooms and facilities, including the swimming pool, the gym, the spa, the children’s club, food and beverage outlets and function rooms. Following the renovations, the resort will reduce its room inventory from 459 to 454 rooms and revise its room types to better cater to the needs of different groups of travellers. For example, a guest travelling with children can book a larger family room with child-friendly facilities and extra luggage space, while a couple on their honeymoon can check into a corner room featuring an open concept bathroom with panoramic sea views. Business travellers will be able to make use of the resorts newly refurbished function rooms, which will feature a new stage, lighting, soundproof double walls and the latest equipment. Guests can also expect more dining choices with a brand new three-in-one dining concept that features an all-day buffet outlet with live cooking stations, a Chinese noodle house and a casserole section. The hotel will also feature a dedicated juice bar and a stand-alone bar where guests can enjoy live entertainment over cocktails. The façade of the resort will also be improved with a lush landscape and a new porte cochère in the lobby area. A grand staircase will lead from the ground floor up to the reception area on level five. Boasting the only beachfront address on Sentosa Island, the resort enjoys close proximity to mainland Singapore, which is conveniently linked by a causeway. In addition to numerous island attractions and VivoCity - one of the largest shopping malls in Singapore - the resort is also minutes away from Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios. The project is targeted for completion in early 2011, after which Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore will officially re-open as Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort. |
Source : ETBMICE
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Marina Bay Sands Opens Today at Sentosa
The Marina Bay Sands Opens at 3.18pm Today at Sentosa, Singapore
Equipped with Casino, Hotel, Meeting & Exhibition Facilities, Restaurants & Shops
Contact : Tel: 65 6688 8868
Website : http://www.marinabaysands.com/
Friday, April 09, 2010
Raffles Hotel Sold to Qatari Diar for $275m
The historic Raffles Hotel in Singapore, famed for its colonial grandeur and the Singapore Sling cocktail, is to change hands in a deal worth $275 million (£180 million).
Source : eHotelier
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
The luxury 103-room hotel, a favourite watering hole of literary figures including Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling, looks set to be acquired from Fairmont Raffles Hotels International by Qatari Diar, part of the state-controlled sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority.
Talks over a deal come a year after The Times reported that Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, the Saudi billionaire who controls Fairmont Raffles, had secretly put the 123-year-old hotel up for sale with an asking price of more than $350 million - a story that was later denied by the Prince's Kingdom Holding Company.
News of a possible sale of Raffles comes hot on the heels of the purchase this week by Qatari Diar of a 40 per cent stake in Fairmont Raffles itself, a deal that reduces Kingdom's stake from 58 per cent to 35 per cent. Colony Capital, the American property and private equity investor, is cutting its holding to 22 per cent.
The $847 million headline price comprises $467 million for a 40 per cent stake, another $105 million in the form of hotel management contracts that Qatari Diar will award to Fairmont Raffles on a number of other hotels it owns, plus $275 million for an unnamed hotel property.
Source : eHotelier
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Singapore Marina Bay Sands to open in late April
Casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp. said Wednesday that it lost money in the fourth quarter on expenses to open its Singapore resort and charges to write down the value of properties in Macau and Pennsylvania.
Company officials said its Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore would open in late April.
Adelson told investors in a conference call that an opening date will be announced next week.
Sands said it spent $42.1 million on pre-opening expenses in the fourth quarter, primarily on the Singapore resort.
The company led by billionaire Sheldon Adelson saw improvements in its gambling business in Macau but no sign of a rebound in the Las Vegas market, which has been battered by the recession and high unemployment.
Growth fell in Macau with the onset of the economic crisis, but has since recovered because of a robust Chinese economy and relaxed visa restrictions on mainland Chinese tourists.
Macau has surpassed the Las Vegas Strip as the world's most lucrative gambling market.
The loss of $113.9 million, or 17 cents per share, compares with a loss of $136.5 million, or 27 cents per share, during the same quarter a year ago.
Excluding the one-time costs, adjusted net income was $20.9 million, 3 cents per share.
Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters, whose estimates generally exclude one-time items, expected Sands to earn 3 cents per share on revenue of $1.23 billion.
Sands said it lost $540 million for all of 2009, compared with $188.8 million in 2008.
The Las Vegas-based company said it had $1.88 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter and $4.56 billion for all of 2009, compared with $1.09 billion in the fourth quarter one year ago and $4.39 billion in 2008.
Sands owns the Venetian Macao, Sands Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao and Plaza Casino in Macau and and the Venetian and Palazzo casino resorts in Las Vegas.
Its fourth-quarter revenue at three casinos in the Chinese gambling enclave were $952.8 million, compared with just $263.7 million from its Las Vegas operations.
Sands said it had an operating loss of $15.7 million at its Venetian Las Vegas and Palazzo Las Vegas casino-resorts.
Adelson said record revenues in Macau were helped by strong gambling revenue and cost cuts implemented last year.
It reported $154.5 million in depreciation and amortization expenses for the quarter.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Company officials said its Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore would open in late April.
Adelson told investors in a conference call that an opening date will be announced next week.
Sands said it spent $42.1 million on pre-opening expenses in the fourth quarter, primarily on the Singapore resort.
The company led by billionaire Sheldon Adelson saw improvements in its gambling business in Macau but no sign of a rebound in the Las Vegas market, which has been battered by the recession and high unemployment.
Growth fell in Macau with the onset of the economic crisis, but has since recovered because of a robust Chinese economy and relaxed visa restrictions on mainland Chinese tourists.
Macau has surpassed the Las Vegas Strip as the world's most lucrative gambling market.
The loss of $113.9 million, or 17 cents per share, compares with a loss of $136.5 million, or 27 cents per share, during the same quarter a year ago.
Excluding the one-time costs, adjusted net income was $20.9 million, 3 cents per share.
Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters, whose estimates generally exclude one-time items, expected Sands to earn 3 cents per share on revenue of $1.23 billion.
Sands said it lost $540 million for all of 2009, compared with $188.8 million in 2008.
The Las Vegas-based company said it had $1.88 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter and $4.56 billion for all of 2009, compared with $1.09 billion in the fourth quarter one year ago and $4.39 billion in 2008.
Sands owns the Venetian Macao, Sands Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao and Plaza Casino in Macau and and the Venetian and Palazzo casino resorts in Las Vegas.
Its fourth-quarter revenue at three casinos in the Chinese gambling enclave were $952.8 million, compared with just $263.7 million from its Las Vegas operations.
Sands said it had an operating loss of $15.7 million at its Venetian Las Vegas and Palazzo Las Vegas casino-resorts.
Adelson said record revenues in Macau were helped by strong gambling revenue and cost cuts implemented last year.
It reported $154.5 million in depreciation and amortization expenses for the quarter.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Resorts Worlds Singapore 3D2N at only S$335 Nett
A Whole New World Opens Up.
Resorts World™ Sentosa – Asia’s most anticipated destination – welcomes you!
Marvel at the 6m tall, naked and rotund bronze statues of Adam and Eve.
Be among the first to shop at Asia’s first Victoria’s Secret boutique .
Drop by the Chihuly Studio and be inspired by the glass masterpieces.
Feast on authentic Tuscan cuisine at Palio in Hotel Michael™ or
indulge in fine European and Asian pastry creations at Boulangerie in Festive Hotel™... That’s not all!
Immerse in endless fun on Sentosa and finally, cool your heels in the comfort of a hotel in the city.
3D2N Package starts from S$335 Nett
Book now to enjoy:
• 2-night accommodation in a city hotel* of your choice
• Resorts World™ Sentosa gift voucher worth SGD50
• A pair of limited edition Universal Studios Singapore™ Baseball caps (not available at retail stores)
• Seamless access to Sentosa with our complimentary shuttle to and from selected city hotel
Visit www.rwsentosa.com/partnerpackages for details.
Bookings are open between 10 Feb – 21 Feb 2010 and valid for stay between 12 Feb - 21 Feb 2010
Call 6577 8899 or email partner.packages@rwsentosa.com for bookings.
*Terms and Conditions Apply.
Battlestar Galactica ™ Universal Studios. © Universal Network Television LLC. All rights reserved. ©Resorts World at Sentosa Pte. Ltd. 2010 All rights reserved.
Universal Studios Singapore ® & © Universal Studios.Universal Studios, the Universal globe logo and all Universal indicia ™ & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
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[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Resorts World Singapore Gets Ready for Chinese New year
The interior of a room in Festive Hotel, one of the four hotels in Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). The room has been especially decorated for children. RWS, one of Singapore's integrated resorts (IRs), held its soft opening for all the public areas that are ready for visitors on 20 January 2010. -BH
Entrance to the Festive Hotel. The Hard Rock Cafe Hotel and Festive Hotel of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) are already receiving guests as a soft launch to their official opening on the 20th. These guests are family members and friends of the staff of Resorts World Sentosa, and they enjoy an overnight stay for just $38 per room. - Ashleigh Sim, ST
With the cutting of the ribbons and lion dance at 8.18am sharp, RWS CEO Tan Hee Teck, and Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman of RWS and Genting Group, declared the four hotels, 10 restaurants and lounges, and five retail shops open. The opening was a relatively low-keyed one attended by RWS and Genting top suits, their business partners and the media. -ST
Customer service ambassadors dressed in safari outfits stood and mingled around, ready to direct visitors. -TNP
Resembling an elephant with spider’s legs, the sculpture, which has a gold obelisk on the animal’s back, looks similar to the ones made by Spanish artist Salvador Dali. -TNP
Sculptures of a nude "fat" man and woman in the walkway between the Hotel Michael and Crockfords Tower. The statues, possibly sculpted by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, is titled "Adam and Eve". -TNP
Potted yellow chrysanthemums standing around a small makeshift stage just outside the casino. -TNP
Resorts World Sentosa expects 13 million visitors for first year
Resorts World Sentosa, the Genting Group’s latest and largest family destination in Singapore, expects 13 million visitors in its first year of operations.
The resort, spanning over 49 ha on Sentosa Island, is built at a cost S$6.45bil, and is Genting Group’s most expensive, most exquisite and ambitious project.
Schduled to open soon, Resorts World Sentosa will be home to South East Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park, six luxury hotels, marine life park and a casino, among others.
Robin Goh The Festive Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Crockfords Tower and Hotel Michael opened to the public on Jan 20.
Visitors to Universal Studios alone is expected at 4.5 million per year, said Resorts World Sentosa Pte Ltd assistant director Communi-cations Robin Goh to Malaysian reporters on a familiarisation trip to the resort recently.
The first weekend opening to the public saw the resort commanding more than 90% hotel occupancy, mostly local guests.
Goh said the resort expected more foreign visitors when Universal Studios and the casino open.
“Preparation work is almost done at Universal Studios and the park’s operation team are gearing up for the opening. We have not got the casino licence yet and are working closely with the authorities to obtain all necessary licences.
“The date depends on certain factors as safety is our number one priority,” said Goh.
As for Malaysian visitors, he said: ”The Malaysian market is very important to us. After all, we are a Malaysian group and we want all Malaysians to be part of this (resort).
“We also want Malaysians to come and enjoy all the offerings, including Universal Studios, and be proud because this resort is built by a Malaysian company,” he said.
For the convenience of prospective visitors from Malaysia, the resort has tied up with Malaysian travel agents who can facilitate their trip and offer them better rates.
“They (Malaysian travel agents) have different packages to offer which include transport (by air or bus), hotel accommodation and universal studio tickets. We also have a Malaysian bus programme which brings people from different states in Malaysia straight to Resorts World Sentosa,” he said.
Source : AsiaOne StarResorts World Sentosa expects 13 million visitors for first year
Resorts World Sentosa, the Genting Group’s latest and largest family destination in Singapore, expects 13 million visitors in its first year of operations.
The resort, spanning over 49 ha on Sentosa Island, is built at a cost S$6.45bil, and is Genting Group’s most expensive, most exquisite and ambitious project.
Schduled to open soon, Resorts World Sentosa will be home to South East Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park, six luxury hotels, marine life park and a casino, among others.
Robin Goh Visitors to Universal Studios alone is expected at 4.5 million per year, said Resorts World Sentosa Pte Ltd assistant director Communi-cations Robin Goh to Malaysian reporters on a familiarisation trip to the resort recently.
The first weekend opening to the public saw the resort commanding more than 90% hotel occupancy, mostly local guests.
Goh said the resort expected more foreign visitors when Universal Studios and the casino open.
“Preparation work is almost done at Universal Studios and the park’s operation team are gearing up for the opening. We have not got the casino licence yet and are working closely with the authorities to obtain all necessary licences.
“The date depends on certain factors as safety is our number one priority,” said Goh.
As for Malaysian visitors, he said: ”The Malaysian market is very important to us. After all, we are a Malaysian group and we want all Malaysians to be part of this (resort).
“We also want Malaysians to come and enjoy all the offerings, including Universal Studios, and be proud because this resort is built by a Malaysian company,” he said.
For the convenience of prospective visitors from Malaysia, the resort has tied up with Malaysian travel agents who can facilitate their trip and offer them better rates.
“They (Malaysian travel agents) have different packages to offer which include transport (by air or bus), hotel accommodation and universal studio tickets. We also have a Malaysian bus programme which brings people from different states in Malaysia straight to Resorts World Sentosa,” he said.
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Friday, November 13, 2009
Singapore Hotels here going the extra mile to welcome Apec visitors
[Photo above: WELCOME TO SINGAPORE: Guest services manager of Orchard Hotel Rajagopal Rajkumar with a tray of mocktails specially prepared for Apec delegates. With him are three members of his team.]
WHAT do you do when a hotel guest says he can’t touch any electrical appliances?
That was the predicament staff at Rendezvous Hotel Singapore faced recently when they had to host a group of Jewish guests.
Mr Kellvin Ong, the hotel’s general manager, told The New Paper: “(They were) escorted up the lift by our staff as they (could not touch the lift button).
“The room was also kept in darkness and the door was kept open.”
Although the guests did not say why they could not touch any appliances, it is believed the reasons had to do with their religious beliefs.
Some Jewish schools of thought say the use of electricity is prohibited during the Shabbat (the Sabbath, in Hebrew), which is observed on Fridays and Saturdays.
With a flood of high-powered individuals converging in Singapore for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings, hotels here are bracing themselves for unusual requests.
After all, the rich and powerful can have their quirks.
Take Ms Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska and the Republican running mate in the US presidential elections last year.
Entertainment website TMZ.com reported that she takes her mocha very seriously – no whip, with a specific “thin red straw”.
Red, after all, is the Republican colour.
Local hotels would not say if they had received outlandish demands from Apec visitors, citing privacy concerns. But they said they were ready for any unusual requests that may come their way.
Mr Antoine Chahwan, regional vice-president and general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, said: “As long as the requests are legal and above-board, we’ll try our best to fulfil them.”
The Regent Singapore – reported to be where Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will be staying - also believes in going above and beyond the basics.
A spokesman for the hotel said they once had a guest from Hong Kong who insisted on Chinese medicated oil from a Chinese medicinal shop.
But the nearest shop to the hotel in Tanglin Road was at Bugis.
So a concierge offered to buy it for her, as there was a shop near his own home. He got her 10 bottles.
Said a spokesman: “The guest from Hong Kong was touched and very appreciative of the gesture.”
At Orchard Hotel, Mr Rajagopal Rajkumar, 51, has been appointed its Apec ambassador to handle the delegates’ concerns.
Recently promoted to guest services manager from chief concierge, one of Mr Rajkumar’s new tasks is to ensure the delegates have newspapers from their own countries, as well as sufficient copies of the International Herald Tribune (IHT).
He said that because Singapore is the host country for Apec, it’s significant that they understand the needs of their guests.
“So we have swung into full gear, running into details to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.”
With 30 years of hospitality experience under his belt, he is no stranger to dignitaries. He said he once served former US president Bill Clinton, who visited Singapore in 2005 as a special United Nations envoy for the tsunami reconstruction efforts.
Mr Rajkumar said: “My impression is that he’s a down-to-earth gentleman.”
Orchard Hotel will be hosting delegates from eight countries and has ordered newspapers from those countries.
The hotel’s spokesman said they have also ordered extra copies of major financial newspapers such as the IHT, Asian Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and Business Times.
She added: “Other foreign papers are also available on request as we work with foreign newspaper vendors.”
Other delegates have asked for non-smoking rooms and specific types of pillows which includes feather, therapeutic, anti-snore, hypoallergenic, high-density foam, cotton and buckwheat.
Sensitive
Mr Rajkumar said: “We have to be very careful because people can be sensitive to smoke and dust.”
The hotel also has stocks of extra ties, tuxedos and cuff links in case the delegates lose their luggage.
Mr Rajkumar said: “We have associates available 24 hours to provide these things. Sometimes, incidents such as lost baggage may occur so the guests may not have the clothes they need.”
Over at Fairmont and Swissotel the Stamford, at Raffles City, a group of delegates have asked for access to their local TV channel to keep abreast of the news in their native language.
The hotel spokesman said: “We’ll be specially subscribing (to the channel) just for this period, to cater to their needs and, in the process, turning the moments into beautiful memories for our delegates.”
At the Royal Plaza on Scotts, there are dedicated staff members attending to the VIPs, which include finding out their likes, dislikes and dietary requirements.
All the hotels hosting Apec delegates have been given the recipe for the Apec mocktail, to be served at check-in and on request.
Source : AsiaOne
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Thursday, October 29, 2009
M'sia Records Double-digit Growth In Visitor Arrivals To S'pore
Malaysia and Indonesia, which were two of Singapore's top five visitor-generating markets last month, recorded double-digit growth in their tourist arrivals to the city-state.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said Malaysia and Indonesia registered double-digit growth of 51.2 per cent and 26.8 per cent respectively compared to the same period in 2008 due to the Hari Raya holidays taking place last month.
In its monthly report released today, the STB said that visitor arrivals to the city-state registered its first growth of 7.1 per cent on year to reach 799,000 in September 2009.
However, hotel room revenue was estimated to reach S$140 million last month, a drop of 28.0 per cent against September 2008.
Among the top five markets, Indonesia led the pack with 183,000 visitors, followed by Australia (73,000 visitors), Malaysia (68,000 visitors), China (60,000 visitors) and India (57,000 visitors).
These five markets accounted for 55.2 per cent of total visitor arrivals for the month.
The STB said that Japan posted its first growth of 7.7 per cent this year due to the country's Silver Week holidays.
Other markets that also saw growth compared to September 2008 were Vietnam (9.0 per cent), India (6.7 per cent), Germany (5.0 per cent), the United Kingdom (1.4 per cent) and Australia (0.8 per cent).
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said Malaysia and Indonesia registered double-digit growth of 51.2 per cent and 26.8 per cent respectively compared to the same period in 2008 due to the Hari Raya holidays taking place last month.
In its monthly report released today, the STB said that visitor arrivals to the city-state registered its first growth of 7.1 per cent on year to reach 799,000 in September 2009.
However, hotel room revenue was estimated to reach S$140 million last month, a drop of 28.0 per cent against September 2008.
Among the top five markets, Indonesia led the pack with 183,000 visitors, followed by Australia (73,000 visitors), Malaysia (68,000 visitors), China (60,000 visitors) and India (57,000 visitors).
These five markets accounted for 55.2 per cent of total visitor arrivals for the month.
The STB said that Japan posted its first growth of 7.7 per cent this year due to the country's Silver Week holidays.
Other markets that also saw growth compared to September 2008 were Vietnam (9.0 per cent), India (6.7 per cent), Germany (5.0 per cent), the United Kingdom (1.4 per cent) and Australia (0.8 per cent).
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Resorts World Sentosa offers 45,000 jobs
Resorts World Sentosa, which is expected to open its doors early next year, will provide up to 45,000 job opportunities.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
The resort’s assistant director of communications, Robin Goh, said the vast employment opportunities created would also help boost the economic situation in the region.
“Resorts World Sentosa is a one-of-a-kind destination and will definitely attract much interest,” he said during a media familiarisation tour on Tuesday.
He added that the company had already sent a batch of employees to be trained overseas.
“They have been sent to Universal Studios in Orlando, United States, for robust training exercises and have returned to share their knowledge with the locals,” he said.
Goh said most Singaporeans did not have experience in the casino or theme park industry as the organisation was the first to open one in the city-state.
He said various jobs with specific expertise would also be offered to international employees.
“Employment priority will be given to locals but if we cannot get them, we will open it to those from other countries,” he added.
Resorts World Sentosa CEO Tan Hee Teck said the project, one of the most expensive tourism projects in the world, cost over US$4.4bil (RM14.8bil).
“One of the main draws of the resort will be Universal Studios Singapore, which will feature more than 24 different rides for visitors,” he said.
He said the park was expected to generate over S$4.5mil (RM10.8mil) in the first year.
Universal Studios Singapore includes seven different themed zones such as Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away and Madagascar.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Get ride of your life on twin roller coasters at Universal Studios Singapore
THEME-PARK lovers will soon get the chance to ride on the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters and escape from a Tyrannosaurus rex on a whitewater raft.
Universal Studios Singapore in Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) has unveiled 20 out of its 24 slated rides and attractions– 18 of which are unique to Singapore.
The highlight of the theme park is the duelling roller coasters.
Standing at 42.5m, it is the tallest pair of its kind and the first to have two different types of coasters – one seated and the other suspended.
Both will be launched at the same time and experience near misses with each other.
There will also be 13 eateries serving classic American food and Asian cuisine, and 12 retail outlets selling souvenirs, apparel and film merchandise.
An RWS spokesman said that the remaining four attractions would be introduced progressively to encourage repeat visits.
RWS, which has invested over US$1 billion (S$1.4 billion) in the park, expects 4.5 million visitors in the first year.
Opening hours have not been finalised and admission fees will be announced at a later date.
Said Mr John Hallenbeck, director of park operations: “The pricing structure is in its final stages right now so we don't have the exact prices, but they will be competitive with those of the other theme parks.”
There are three other Universal Studio theme parks – in Hollywood and Orlando in the United States, and Osaka, Japan.
A day pass to the park in Hollywood costs US$69 (S$96), while Osaka charges 5,800 yen (S$89).
And visitors need not worry about Singapore’s tropical heat– 70 per cent of the park will be sheltered.
There will also be air-coolers and fans around the park, and some queues will be air-conditioned.
The 20ha theme park is at the end stages of construction.
It is the first in South-east Asia and will open to the public in the first quarter of next year.
Source : AsiaOne
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Perak attractions at Singapore travel fair
The state government plans to promote its food and tourist destinations with the theme Perak — The Gateway To Nature during the Fascinating Malaysia Travel Fair in Singapore next month.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
State executive councillor Datuk Hamidah Osman, who heads the state Tourism Commit-tee, said the state had booked 14 booths at the Suntec City Mall from Oct 13 to 15.
“We want to sell famous foods and tourist destinations in Perak to the Singaporeans.
“We will even promote dry food like the kacang putih from Buntong, Kampar chicken biscuits and Ipoh white coffee,” she said at a press conference here yesterday.
Tourist destinations to be highlighted include the Royal Belum state park, the Matang mangrove forest in Kuala Sepetang, Taiping Zoo, the Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar, Gua Tempurong, the state herbal park, Sungai Klah Hot Springs, Ipoh limestone hills and Pangkor island.
Hamidah said the basic infrastructure and services must be upgraded at tourist spots.
She said information for tourists needed to be coordinated and made readily available to visitors in hotels, at the airport and in the various districts.
Hamidah added that the state also had a six-month course for those interested in becoming licensed tour guides.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Auto system entry into Malaysia for frequent Singaporean visitors
An automated clearance system, initially introduced for investors coming into Iskandar Malaysia, is now open to all residents from the Island Republic.
Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam said that Singaporeans frequently travelling between both countries could apply for the Malaysian Automated Checkpoint System (MACS), which was introduced five months ago.
Besides Singaporeans, foreign nationals living there can also apply for this sticker which costs RM30 annually.
“We have already prepared about 100,000 stickers for those who are interested in using the MACS,” he said, adding that the authorities were confident that this move would ease the congestion at both the land entry points into the country.
The present entry points are the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine in Bukit Chagar and the Second Link.
“We have received numerous complaints on the long queues that people have to go through on a daily basis especially those who frequent the causeway daily,” he said.
He added that the system was set up in April but many still were not aware of it.
He was speaking during a press conference after handing out Hari Raya cookies to staff working at CIQ on Sept 20.
“If more Singaporeans apply for the system, it will definitely help smoothen the clearance process at the check points,” he said adding that the RM30 was a yearly fee for the sticker.
He also explained that special lanes had been set up for MACS users and with the system, it would take them less than three seconds to get through the immigration checks.
“The system is simple, once applied, a sticker will be attached to the passport of the user which will contain all the information needed to clear the check point.
“The user just has to touch the passport onto a scanner before placing his thumb onto a reader to pass through,” he said.
Mahmood added that fliers and other information relating to the system would also be distributed to the public to ensure that more people were aware of the facility.
Those interested in applying for the sticker can do so at the immigration office at the CIQ in Bukit Chagar.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Tourism boost with Singapore F1
The 2009 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix, to be held from Sept 25 to 27, will have a spillover effect on Malaysia’s tourism industry, said Singapore Tourism Board regional director Geraldine Yeo.
“It will be a win-win situation for both countries. While the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix is a daytime event held in the first half of the year, ours is a night race held in the second half.
“It offers different propositions and experiences for the audience. It’s a beneficial arrangement for the region as a whole,” she said.
Last year, the event attracted more than 100,000 people, 40% of them foreigners, said Yeo.
“Although ticket sales are lesser than last year due to the economic climate, this year, we expect the same huge turnout of foreign audiences.
“We also expect a fair share of Malaysian race fans, due to the nation’s strong history in motorsports. Moreover, air-fares are more affordable these days,” she said.
The entertainment events in store include performances by international stars like Beyonce and Black Eyed Peas, and these would be a big draw as well, Yeo added.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Malaysians no longer putting travel plans on hold
The travel bug is back in Malaysia after an initial knee jerk reaction to the H1N1 flu outbreak.
Malaysians are no longer putting their travel plans on hold.
If the response at a recent travel fair in Kuala Lumpur is any indication, Malaysians are starting to come to terms with the H1N1 flu outbreak that has claimed more than 70 lives in the country.
Nearly 65,000 people thronged the three-day event organised by the Malaysia Tour and Travel Association - snapping up cheap air tickets and travel packages.
Retiree Madam Soo and her husband are planning their year-end getaway before winter - when a second wave of the flu is expected.
She said: "I should not worry, I should not wait. How long can we wait ? (There are) a lot of offers now...(so we) should take this opportunity to travel."
Mrs Mohd Ali, who has been keeping her three children at home over the past months, is also planning to take a break with her family.
She said: "Maybe (we will go to) Langkawi and Terengganu, where there are beaches...(these are) the best places right now."
Indeed, many tour and travel companies are now factoring the flu pandemic in their itineraries.
Consumers are opting for shorter holidays to domestic or nearby destinations instead of long haul travel to the US or Europe.
Chan Meng Fatt, senior general manager, Mayflower Travel, said: "On our planning side, what we do is that we emphasise on cleanliness, explore more open areas...whereby (people) do not get contained in enclosed areas, so our product emphasis is always on open space..."
Still, many travellers are not taking any chances.
Donning masks and observing safety precautions have become a routine for some families.
One person said: "I am not worried about H1N1, because we can protect ourselves."
Another added: "I wear a mask and take a bottle of hand sanitiser with me ."
So masks or no masks, Malaysians are travelling again. In fact, some argue that this is the best time to travel when traffic is low and you get real bargains at unbeatable prices.
Source : Channel News Asia
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Malaysians are no longer putting their travel plans on hold.
If the response at a recent travel fair in Kuala Lumpur is any indication, Malaysians are starting to come to terms with the H1N1 flu outbreak that has claimed more than 70 lives in the country.
Nearly 65,000 people thronged the three-day event organised by the Malaysia Tour and Travel Association - snapping up cheap air tickets and travel packages.
Retiree Madam Soo and her husband are planning their year-end getaway before winter - when a second wave of the flu is expected.
She said: "I should not worry, I should not wait. How long can we wait ? (There are) a lot of offers now...(so we) should take this opportunity to travel."
Mrs Mohd Ali, who has been keeping her three children at home over the past months, is also planning to take a break with her family.
She said: "Maybe (we will go to) Langkawi and Terengganu, where there are beaches...(these are) the best places right now."
Indeed, many tour and travel companies are now factoring the flu pandemic in their itineraries.
Consumers are opting for shorter holidays to domestic or nearby destinations instead of long haul travel to the US or Europe.
Chan Meng Fatt, senior general manager, Mayflower Travel, said: "On our planning side, what we do is that we emphasise on cleanliness, explore more open areas...whereby (people) do not get contained in enclosed areas, so our product emphasis is always on open space..."
Still, many travellers are not taking any chances.
Donning masks and observing safety precautions have become a routine for some families.
One person said: "I am not worried about H1N1, because we can protect ourselves."
Another added: "I wear a mask and take a bottle of hand sanitiser with me ."
So masks or no masks, Malaysians are travelling again. In fact, some argue that this is the best time to travel when traffic is low and you get real bargains at unbeatable prices.
Source : Channel News Asia
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
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