Hong Kong, Bali and Noosa Heads the Best Places in the Asia-Pacific

November 15, 1999

What makes the best place in the Asia-Pacific An ongoing survey sponsored by Asian business Web site, the Asia Pacific Management Forum, is attempting to define the meaning of the "Best Place" while providing a leader board of top nominations.

There are some surprises. Hong Kong is well supported, as is Bali, but other lesser known places such as Daylesford, Cairns and Noosa Heads in Australia, Luang Prabang in Laos and Hangzhou, China also have their fans.

Some categories have run-away leaders. The Oriental in Bangkok for example leads by a long way in the Best Hotel category and the Best Bar title is currently held by a similar good lead by the Hard Rock Cafe in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Other categories feature neck and neck struggles for the lead with the two new glamour airports of the region, Chek Lap Kok in Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur International changing leader positions several times.

Is an airline a place The survey thinks that it is, and in this category Singapore Airlines maintains a slight edge over Cathay Pacific.

"What is more interesting however", says survey manager Ms Chiyo Hyiuki, "is the reasons given for nominations. A best place means different things to different people."

"...Several people have nominated Kuala Lumpur International Airport for it&39;s size and modernity. Others say it&39;s size just increases time spent in the airport, and it&39;s location has increased transfer times, costs and inconvenience for many others...". "...Some people nominate places for their tranquility and natural surroundings, other places are nominated for their bustle and excitement..." says Hyiuki.

When pressed however on any common themes, Hyiuki says that underlying many reasons are the need to experience something different.

The Asia Pacific Management Forum was one of the first Asian business Web sites, and attracts over 10,000 business travelers, researchers, international managers and Asia Pacific investors a month.

"...The Asia-Pacific is a big place..", says Hyiuki, "..and successful business in the region requires much travel. We feel the Best Places in the Asia-Pacific survey will continue to provide useful tips for travelers and further define what we really mean by a "Best Place".

Current Leaders in the Best Places in the Asia Pacific:

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http://www.apmforum.com/travel/asiaplacenom.htm

Best Place: Cairns, Australia

Best 5 Star Hotel: Oriental Hotel, Bangkok

Best Bar: Hard Rock Caf&195;&169;, Kuala Lumpur

Best Resort: Amanpuri Resort, Phuket, Thailand

Best Budget Hotel: Ananda Cottages, Ubud, Bali

Best Guest House: Duta Guest House, Yogyakarta

Best Airline: Singapore Airlines

Best Airport: Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong

Best Restaurant: Peking Duck, Beijing

Best Eating: Swatow Lane, Penang, Malaysia

Finnair Selects Phitek Headphones to Enhance Premium Travel

Long Beach, CA September 8, 2008

Phitek Systems, global leader in advanced noise cancellation technologies announced today that Finnair will adopt the Company’s premium noise-cancelling headphone to provide its passengers with the ultimate listening experience.

Mark Donaldson, CEO of Phitek Systems stated that the Company is extremely delighted that Finnair selected its headphones over competitive offerings, citing performance and value as key factors.

“We are very encouraged by the progress we are making in forging strong long-term relationships with our airline partners. This deal reaffirms our leading position in the premium headphone and noise cancellation category and we hope to build on this in future months.

Finnair customers will experience state of the art noise cancellation performance of up to 22 decibels (dB) combined with a dynamic and full range audio responsesays Donaldson. “Our headphones also offer several unique features in design and servicing that simplify procurement and support.

Donaldson adds that Finnair selected Phitek headphones based on the excellent quality of its product combined with competitive pricing.

For further information please contact:

Mark Donaldson, CEO, Phitek Systems Limited, Mobile: +64 29 291 6550

Nicola Gray, Marketing Communications Manager, Phitek Systems Limited, Ph: +64 21 593331

Julien Leys, JML Communications, Ph +64 21 655 598

About Phitek Systems Ltd

Phitek Systems Ltd is the world’s leading supplier of audio enhancement and noise rejection technologies. Focused on innovation and invention, Phitek provides its key global customers with creative advanced analogue and digital signal processing designs for audio enhancement and noise rejection. Phitek manufactures high quality and award-winning premium noise cancellation headphones and ear buds for prestigious global brands. These products have been successfully sold to leading CE brand partners for global distribution. A leader in the commercial aviation market, Phitek proprietary Active Noise Rejection (ANR technologies including its remote-jack-unit SmartJackANRplatform have been installed on the aircraft of major airlines including, Singapore, Emirates, Qatar, Malaysian and Qantas.

The company’s headquarters is located in Auckland, New Zealand with operating offices production facilities, and worldwide sales locations in Hong Kong, San Jose - California, Canada, Yokohama - Japan, and Shenzhen - China.

For more information about Phitek Systems Limited please visit http://www.phitek.com

Citibank Australia premium Visa Signature card

Citi will chart a new course for premium credit cards in Australia with the launch of a bold new card that exceeds Platinum credit cards in prestige and exclusive benefits.

When it hits the market in July, the Citi Select card will be the first to be launched on Visa's Signature platform, which provides a new tier of services and benefits that have never been offered before in Australia.

The Visa Signature card sits above Platinum and entitles customers to an extensive list of exclusive offers including invitations to events and unique experiences such as behind the scenes tickets to major sporting and cultural events.

Travel benefits sit at the heart of the card Citi Reward point redemption for multiple airlines including Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Virgin and Singapore Airlines, along with VIP travel services including airport lounge access across the globe and boutique travel offers.

Madeline O'Connor, Head of Citi Credit Cards said the product will be the first to cater to a discerning customer segment whose needs aren't currently being met with the current crop premium credit cards.

"When the first platinum card came to market in 1993, it provided a level of service and benefits not seen before. This product will now exceed Platinum, taking the credit card experience to a tier above and beyond anything offered in the Australian market place today," Ms O'Connor said.

"Customers of 'Select' can realistically expect to be at the forefront of the most sophisticated, luxurious and unique travel and entertainment experiences available, and enjoy access to superior, around-the clock account servicing."

Visa's General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Chris Clark, said customers of the card would have access to Visa's global concierge service, as well as additional extras like the ability to book tickets to major sporting events, restaurants and shows.

"Visa Signature offers a new level of exclusivity and tends to appeal to higher income earners who are technologically savvy, frequent overseas travelers and looking for something over and above the everyday," he said.

In addition to travel and lifestyle rewards, the card also provides customers with access to Citigold, Citi's premium banking service which combines special savings and rewards with unparalleled access to local and international investment opportunities, expert advice and invites to exclusive seminars.

Newsroom - Citibank Australia

Twin Welcome for Emirates Twin Delivery of Boeing 777s

Airline now has 63 Boeing 777s in 111-strong passenger fleet, 39 more on firm order worth US$10.1 billion DUBAI, U.A.E., 30th August 2008 Emirates Airline’s twin delivery of two Boeing 777 aircraft arrived in Dubai yesterday afternoon (29th August), to a special welcome from twin sisters Petra and Michaela Mohylova, both of whom are cabin crew with Emirates. The arrival of both long-range models, a Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER, brings Emirates all-wide bodied passenger fleet to 111 aircraft, and adds a further 620 seats to the fast-growing airline’s capacity. The two new jets will be deployed on Emirates long-haul routes, and have already been earmarked for its first journeys to North and South America. Emirates received its first 777, a Boeing 777-200, in 1996. Today, the airline has 63 Boeing 777s in its modern fleet, and it is set to become the world’s largest 777 operator with another 39 of these jets, worth US$ 10.1 billion at list prices, on order. Designed to provide customers with the greatest travel comforts on long-range journeys, both brand-new 777s have been equipped with Emirates award-winning ice Digital Widescreen system in all classes, which delivers over 1,000 channels of on-demand entertainment on personal digital TV screens. In a three-class cabin configuration, Emirates 777-200LR offers eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat massage seats in Business Class, and 216 ergonomically designed seats in Economy Class. The 777-300ER also features private suites and lie-flat seats in the premium classes, in addition to 304 seats in Economy. Last month, Emirates received the first of its 58 Airbus 380s, which could transport up to 489 passengers per flight. Including its 10 freighters, Emirates all wide-bodied fleet now totals 121 aircraft. Emirates operates services to 101 cities spanning over 60 countries on six continents.

Emirates Adds Flights for Umrah

1st September 2008 This month, Emirates Airline will operate 47 extra flights from Dubai to Jeddah, in a move aimed at facilitating travel for the millions of pilgrims visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the Holy month of Ramadan. These additional services, starting from today until 15th October, can be accessed by travellers holding a valid Umrah visa. Those wishing to travel to the kingdom for reasons others than Umrah can fly on any of Emirates regular, scheduled flights that operate 17 times a week from Dubai to Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. These extra flights will depart Dubai at 0900hrs and 1245hrs local time, providing Umrah passengers with more flexibility, and ensuring convenient connections for pilgrims arriving from around Emirates global network, especially from the Indian sub-continent, and the Far East. Adnan Kazim, Emirates Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Iran said: “The Umrah is a unique spiritual experience for Muslims, and Emirates is glad to be able to facilitate travel arrangements for scores of pilgrims during their special journey, through services in the air and on the ground. Emirates would like to thank the government and authorities in Saudi Arabia for granting it the permission to introduce extra frequencies for Umrah pilgrims. UAE-based travellers can call (04) 214 4444 or email at hajandumrah@emirates.com to receive information on flights, book their travel, request special services, or make changes to their travel itineraries. Alternatively, bookings can also be made through preferred travel agents. Likewise, the hotline number 800-8-971-487 will operate round the clock and is toll-free to Emirates passengers calling from Jeddah, Makkah and Medinah.

Visiting the hometown of reindeers in China|china travel

In the hinterland of northeast China's Daxinganling Range, lives a mysterious minority who raise reindeer. They are China's last hunting tribe, the Ewenki ethnic group.

Two reindeer play with each other in the woods. [lifestyle.com.cn]

Most of Ewenki people live a half nomadic wandering and hunting life in the forest. Reindeer are their closest friends. Located in Genhe city, the hometown of Ewenki ethnicgroup is 100 kilometers away from Mohe, which is China's North Pole. Genhe is the hometown of reindeer in China. Because they hunt and raise reindeer, Ewenki people don't have fixed dwellings in the forest. They usually make simple tents with pine wood, and name their dwellings "Zuoluozi".

The surface of Zuoluozi is made of the birch bark in the summer and deerskin in the winter. Reindeer used to be the only means of transport for the Ewenki people, and are named "the Boat in the Forest".

The skull of reindeer is used as decoration for a Ewenki family. [lifestyle.com.cn]

Tips:

The Ewenki people live in the west suburb of Genhe city. Their dwellings are a 15-minutedrive from the city.

Food:

Mainly meat. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy dry reindeer meat, reindeer milk, wine, and some wild delicacies.

Hemudu site: Living exhibit of Neolithic Age|china travel

Hemudu Cultural Site Museum reveals the life of a tribe active 7,000 years ago.[China Daily]

Exhibits of primitive life are not always confined to a showcase. At the Hemudu Cultural Site Museum in Yuyao city, Zhejiang province, visitors can delve into the wilds to experience a way of life long past.

A replica of wild fields at the site is open to tourists to explore the life of a tribe that was active 7,000 years ago when people hunted wild animals, cultivated rice and fished in the area's rivers and lakes.

Huts and wells dot the meadow where various plants bloom, while timbers and rails remind visitors of the structures of the Neolithic Age. Pillars supporting crossed beams show the mortise and tenon joint techniques used at the time.

Grains, birds and the sun are major motifs in objects discovered at the site. Among the more than 3,000 items from early Hemudu people discovered in the 1970s during excavations is a depiction of a legendary bird of prey spreading its wings

Other items include remains of rice kernels, ceramic fragments with carbonized rice and husks, wooden joints, ivory artifacts in the shape of birds and ivory carved plates with sun motifs.

The field also features a display of family and kinship of the Hemudu people, illustrating that their life may have been primitive, but their affections and emotions were not. Mothers were encouraged to bear more children to make a thriving family, while the fathers worked very hard to harvest grain, hunt animals and spear fish to feed them. Parents took great care to protect their children from the dangers of wild animals.

The Hemudu site has attracted a range of researchers who found that its people turned from gathering wild food to rice farming 7,000 years ago. The people are now recognized as the Hemudu Neolithic Culture by professors Dorian Fuller from University College London and Zheng Yunfei from Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Antiquity and Archaeology.

The Hemudu people eventually domesticated rice, though they might not have been the first, according to Zhang.

The exhibition hall beside the field reopened to the public in 2009 after a 21 million yuan renovation. It now includes displays of relics unearthed from across eastern Zhejiang province.