Vietnam's world-renowned Ha Long Bay gets its first international hotel

Vietnam's world-renowned resort destination, Ha Long Bay, is set to enter a new tourism era when Accor opens the Novotel Ha Long Bay on 1 October 2008.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage area, is 165 km from Hanoi in the Gulf of Tonkin and is one of the world's most spectacular destinations. The area offers a series of more than 3000 islands with many beaches and grottos. There are hundreds of caves set into the limestone rocks. The rocks (more like small mountains) rise straight out of the ocean, sometimes rising over 500 metres in the sky.

Two special launch offers are available and valid till 31 December 2008. Opening rates start from US$110++ per room per night, inclusive of buffet breakfast. A Stay & Cruise package that includes a four hour cruise on the Bay is available from just US$145++ for two, also including breakfast. Both packages include a complimentary in-room drink so that guests can make the most of the spectacular views from their private balcony.

Ha Long Bay has a remarkable international reputation and provided a backdrop for many films including the renowned French film Indochine. Since then, tourists have flocked to the site but the lack of suitable accommodation has meant that many tours have been restricted to day visits. The potential to grow the international leisure and incentive business prompted the decision to develop the region's first internationally branded hotel.

The Novotel overlooks Ha Long Bay and offers stunning views from rooms and public areas. The hotel features a harmonious blend of modern European architecture and authentic Asian interior design, with extensive use of polished stone, glass and marble set against delicate Asian silk, wickerwork and carved wood, and accentuated by splashes of bright colors and elaborate design centerpieces.

The Novotel is within easy walking distance of local markets, the beach, and the pier where tourists board sightseeing cruises. The 214-room hotel features an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the idyllic Ha Long Bay, a spa with an extensive menu of treatments to suit all needs, a fully equipped fitness center, the Square restaurant that serves an extensive array of Asian and Western dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, an executive lounge on the 12th floor, which offers an exclusive environment, and a contemporary style lobby lounge bar, where guests can simultaneously enjoy tropical cocktails and the sunset at Ha Long Bay.

In addition to the leisure facilities, Novotel Ha Long Bay has conference facilities capable of hosting up to 300 delegates, supported by the latest in audio and visual equipment.

"Inbound tourism has increasingly become important to Vietnam's economy and Ha Long Bay is one of the major tourist destinations due to its uniquely beautiful scenery and its close proximity to Hanoi. With such a potential, we are delighted to be the first branded international hotel to open in the Ha Long Bay area. Novotel Ha Long Bay is expected to appeal to the leisure travelers because of its location and also be very popular with conference and incentive groups wanting a world-renowned destination backed by excellent conference facilities," said Patrick Basset, Accor Vice President, East & North East Asia.

Reservations can now be made via Accor reservations centres, travel agents and via www.novotel.com/asia.

Novotel Ha Long Bay is the third addition to the Novotel network in Vietnam; Novotel Dalat and Novotel Ocean Dunes and Golf Resort, and the ninth hotel currently managed by Accor in the country. Four other Novotels in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An and Hanoi are under development and expected to join the network in Vietnam by 2011.

Novotel – Designed for Natural Living

Novotel offers nearly 400 hotels and resorts located in the heart of major international cities, business districts and tourist destinations. Everywhere, the brand upholds its fundamental values of modernity, good design, simplicity and efficiency so that today's travelers feel naturally at home.

Through a consistent top quality offer, Novotel contributes to the well-being of business and leisure travelers alike. Guests will always find spacious rooms with flexible features adapted to both work and relaxation, a balanced choice of food and beverages available around the clock, and friendly, attentive staff, plus children's play areas, fitness centers and places to relax.

Novotel has long been committed to promoting sustainable development through its active involvement in the Accor Group's Earth Guest program. Today, it reaffirms this position by pledging to achieve Green Globe environmental certification for its entire network by 2010.

In 2008, the Novotel network includes 382 hotels and resorts, representing a total of more than 66,000 rooms, in 59 countries. By 2010 it will have an additional 20,000 rooms and be present in 70 countries.

Accor, a major global group and the European leader in hotels, as well as the global leader in services to corporate clients and public institutions, operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees. It offers to its clients over 40 years of expertise in its two core businesses:

- Hotels, with the Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1 and Motel 6 brands, representing 4,000 hotels and nearly 500,000 rooms in 90 countries, as well as strategically related activities, such as Lenôtre.

- Services, with 30 million people in 40 countries benefiting from Accor Services products in human resources, marketing services and expense management.

New research finds travel insurance boosts traveller confidence

Australians planning to travel overseas in the next 12 months are more mindful than ever of financially protecting themselves, with 56 percent more likely to take out travel insurance because of the volatile economy.

The American Express Platinum Card Travel Trends Survey* polled 1000 people aged 18 years and over across the country to gauge travel intentions in the current economic climate. It was conducted to mark the American Express Platinum Card's 10th birthday in Australia.

Commenting on the survey, Luisa Megale, Vice President of Public Affairs for American Express says, "In light of economic conditions as well as unfortunate recent events in popular overseas travel destinations, it's not surprising that people's confidence in overseas travel as been dealt a blow and that travel insurance is now viewed by the majority as an essential travel requirement."

In addition, the research revealed that having travel insurance makes travellers more definite about their travel plans, with those who are more likely to take out travel insurance, more certain of a trip abroad in the next 12 months.

"Australians love overseas adventure, but now more than ever they appreciate the importance of travel insurance and the financial piece of mind it brings. These are uncertain economic times and people are feeling the pinch. Insurance is essential. If an incident was to occur overseas and a traveller wasn't insured, it may now be more financially difficult for them to cover the expense," says Ms Megale.

·While the majority of Australian travellers acknowledge the importance of travel insurance in these uncertain times, the survey reveals that one in ten wouldn't bother with it, and of this group men (51%) are significantly more likely than women (27%) to say "I don't think I'll need it."

Top reasons people choose to travel without travel insurance:

When asked why they would travel without travel insurance in today's climate, the top five responses people gave are:

· It's too expensive – 62 percent
· I don't think I'll need it – 41 percent
· I've never thought about travel insurance – 13 percent
· I'm only intending a short trip – 17 percent
· I don't know anything about travel insurance – 17 percent

"Not taking out travel insurance as a cost-saving strategy is not one we'd recommend," comments Ms Megale. "The potential expense of travel misfortunes cannot be underestimated and are often significantly more than the cost of taking out travel insurance."

Highlighting the importance of travel insurance, the survey reveals that 8.6 million Australians have suffered a misfortune while travelling.

Top travel mishaps:

The most common travel mishaps cited by those surveyed are lost or delayed luggage (31%) and delayed or cancelled flights (31%). Getting sick or injured and requiring medical attention also rates high (17%), while having money lost or stolen comes in fourth (11%).

Cards that cover:

"Many people don't realise that they may already have some form of travel insurance, despite never signing a separate policy, says Ms Megale. There are many financial providers, including American Express, that offer travel insurance as one of the 'built-in' features of their credit and charge cards.

Philip Macleod is one such Card member who knows the value of his Card's insurance. "In 2008 I arrived in Frankfurt on a business trip to discover my luggage hadn't been transferred and all I had were the clothes on my back, recalls Mr Macleod. "With an important business meeting scheduled for the next day, I had no choice but to purchase emergency clothes and toiletries. On the very same trip, I arrived in Bangkok to discover once again my luggage had failed to arrive and I was forced to go on another emergency shopping trip. Finally, when my original luggage caught up with me, I had no choice but to purchase additional luggage to carry the extra clothes home to Australia! The best thing was that as an American Express Platinum Card member, the cost of the emergency clothing and extra luggage were all covered under my Platinum travel insurance."

The Platinum Card is a charge card that encourages sensible financial management. Unlike a credit card, cardholders are required to pay the balance in full every month.

Concludes Ms Megale, "The American Express Platinum Card is celebrating its 10th birthday and over that decade we've seen that things can and do go wrong on holidays which is why insurance is one of its most valued features. Now more than ever people should avoid taking financial risks and I'd encourage them to consider a card that has travel insurance included as a benefit."


* The national online survey was conducted by arnold&bolingbroke. It polled 1001 Australians.

STAY AND PLAY WITH NOVOTEL MELBOURNE ST KILDA AND LUNA PARK

Premier beachside hotel, Novotel Melbourne St Kilda, has completed a million dollar facelift and the hotel is celebrating with another famous St Kilda face – Luna Park - offering a fantastic family package by the beach this summer.

Stay in the comfort of a newly renovated Family Suite including buffet breakfast and enjoy free entry to nearby Luna Park for 2 adults and 2 children from $419 per night; or stay in a Superior Bay View room with breakfast and Luna Park entry included for 2 adults and 1 child from just $319 per night. To book phone Novotel St Kilda on 03 9525 5522 – offer valid until 30 December, subject to availability. More information: www.novotelstkilda.com.au

All 209 bay view and city view rooms and suites have been completely upgraded with a fresh, contemporary new look in keeping with the relaxed beachside vibe whilst offering a chic new style to suit its city fringe location.

The Novotel Melbourne St Kilda is a haven for families with the new Family&Novotel extras introduced by the 4 star hotel brand, available at 22 Novotel hotels across Australia.

One of the major benefits is a 5pm checkout on Sunday, allowing families to enjoy a full weekend of activities at their destination rather than having to check out in the morning. Other family friendly benefits, available with any rate booked, including the Luna Park package, include:

• Bedrooms capable of accommodating up to two adults and two children, with a sofa/bed to allow relaxing during the day
• Two children up to age 16 stay free when sharing their parents'/grandparents' room
• Free breakfast for children under 16
• Extended check-out till 5pm on Sundays
• Welcome gift for children (a range of stuffed animals for under-7s and Sony-BMG music download cards for over-7s)
• Complimentary cartoon network (Nickelodeon)
• Special equipment for babies available to parents (bottle warmers, changing tables etc) making it easier for them to travel with less luggage
• Balanced and nutritious menu for children
• A KAPLA children's play area

Novotel - Over 400 hotels and resorts across the world, designed to help the traveller feel naturally at ease.

Information on Novotel hotels is available at the Novotel.com website and accessible from the Accorhotels.com site.

Accor, world group and European leader in the hotel industry, world leader in services to businesses and public authorities, is present in almost 100 countries and has 170,000 employees. Its customers benefit from the know-how it has gained for over 40 years in its two main sectors:

- the hotel industry, with the Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, All Seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1 and Motel 6 brands, representing over 4,000 hotels and almost 500,000 bedrooms in 90 countries, as well as its complementary activities, especially Lenôtre;

- the service industry: 23 million people in nearly 40 countries benefit from Accor Services (human resources, marketing services, expense account management).

Discover Europe in the Springtime with Eurail

Eurail Group is issuing Special Edition, Extended Rail Passes for use in the Spring

Utrecht, the Netherlands, September 11, 2008 - The Eurail Group is bringing out several special edition extended rail passes which are good for travel throughout Europe in the spring.

With the summer drawing to a close, many of us are already looking forward to the end of the winter and giving thought to next spring. With fewer hordes of tourists, lower airfares and more availability in hotels, spring is the perfect time to travel to Europe. Before the Europeans themselves go away on their summer break, the beginning of the year is the ideal time for an authentic experience of Europe and to encounter European culture at its best. Tourist attractions, such as museums and monuments are less crowded and the weather is also pleasant.

To enable visitors to Europe to make the most of their trip in the springtime, Eurail is launching a special off-peak promotion, offering free travel days on two of its classic products; the Eurail Global Pass and the Eurail Select Pass. The Eurail Select Pass allows customers to choose three or more adjoining countries in which to travel, enabling a practically tailor-made rail pass. For those wishing to cover more ground, a Eurail Global Pass will give travelers access to 21 participating countries from January 2009[1]. Travelers can plan the itinerary to meet their best needs.

Customers buying a 15- or 21-day Eurail Global Pass will instead receive 21 days or 1 month, respectively. The Eurail Select Pass 3 Countries, valid for 6 or 8 days within 2 months, now comes with an additional 2 travel days. These extra travel days will give Eurail's customers time to discover more of Europe at no extra cost.

These promotional passes go on sale worldwide (outside Europe) from 1st October 2008. To be eligible for the additional travel days, passes must be purchased before the end of November 2008. Travel can start as from March 1st and must be completed by May 31st, 2009.

All Eurail Passes are available from Eurail's network of authorised Sales Agents worldwide: ACP Rail International (www.eurail-acprail.com); Eurail (www.Eurail.com); Flight Centre (www.flightcentre.com); www.OctopusTravel.com; Rail Europe (North America: www.raileurope.com, rest of the world: www.raileurope.fr), and STA Travel (www.statravel.com).

________________________________

[1] The Eurail Global Pass is currently valid in the following 20 countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, The Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. From 2009, this pass will also be accepted in the Czech Republic.

Rendezvous Enters Indian Market With Exciting Joint Venture Company

Rendezvous Hotels & Resorts International ("RHI"), a subsidiary of the listed Singapore company, The Straits Trading Company Limited, has entered an exciting new phase of its rapid international expansion, with the announcement of a joint venture agreement with Chennai based Indian developer XS Real Properties (XS Real), pioneer of bungalow apartments in Chennai. The joint venture company (JVCO) which will be called Rendezvous India Hospitality Private Limited will manage hotels and resorts in the dynamic Indian market, where the government estimates an additional 150,000 additional hotel rooms are required to meet demand in areas such as Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.

Rendezvous India will act as a substantial catalyst in RHI's growth, facilitated by XS Real's established and impressive track record in the Indian market. XS Real has been a prominent property developer in this region since 1995, and has won numerous building awards.

RHI will own 51% of the JVCO, undertaking the day to day responsibility for the JVCO, opening and operating the hotels under its management and brands: Rendezvous Hotels & Resorts and Marque Hotels. Meanwhile, XS Real will use its terrain, local market and network expertise to introduce new business opportunities to the JVCO. In addition, they will support RHI in understanding local market conditions, developing contacts, business and brand building strategies, and will help to ensure a secure and prosperous entry for RHI into this exciting market.

Chief Executive of Rendezvous Hotels & Resorts International, Mr Alan Featherby, says, "This JVCO presents a great opportunity for Rendezvous to enter one of the region's fastest growing hotel markets with a reputable local partner. We are thrilled to be working with entrepreneurs of the calibre of Mr Prabhakaran and his executive team and understand their considerable expertise will mean mutual benefits for both companies. This complements our recently announced move into the Middle East and supports our already strong growth in other regional areas, particularly China, South East Asia and Australia".

Mr. S.G. Prabhakaran, Vice Chairman, XS Real Properties informed the media that XS Real will use its local knowledge and expertise to support the JVCO with infrastructure and opportunities to sign up hotels under the JVCO. "XS Real will also support Rendezvous Hotels & Resorts International in understanding local market conditions, developing contacts, and business and brand building strategies, and will help to ensure a secure and prosperous entry for Rendezvous Hotels International into this exciting market," he said.

Mr. S.G. Prabhakaran further added that with an acute shortage of hotel rooms in India across the mid and luxury segment the JVCO brings in two brands, Rendezvous and Marque which can address the needs of this segment. XS Real is a premium real estate developer that has set high standards of quality and character to its constructions. The tie up with Rendezvous will give XS Real the partner it required to enter the hospitality field. The entry into this field will see XS Real move up the value chain and to use its expertise in building and construction for asset management While explaining the marketing strategy Mr. Prabhakaran said, "Stand alone hotels which are not able to retain their market share for the lack of a brand, international expertise, network would be the ideal partners to enter management contracts".

RHI's sales network and representation at all major international and regional trade shows and events, ensures access to significant leisure and corporate accommodation programs. Via its partners, they also offer connectivity to more than 600,000 travel agents worldwide, with seamless display to Global Distribution Systems, plus online booking with all of the global and regional online travel sites, as well as www.rendezvoushotels.com or www.marquehotels.com

A Joint Venture agreement was signed today in Chennai.



Rendezvous Hotels International Pte Ltd is part of the Singapore listed company, The Straits Trading Company Limited. The Rendezvous Hotels & Resorts International group operates a total of 19 hotels, existing or under construction, in the Asia Pacific and Middle East:


Rendezvous Observation City Hotel Perth
Rendezvous Sanctuary Resort Broome
Rendezvous Allegra Hotel Adelaide
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
Rendezvous Stafford Hotel Sydney
Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane
Rendezvous Reef Resort Port Douglas
Rendezvous Hotel Singapore
Rendezvous Merry Hotel Shanghai
Rendezvous Hotel Auckland
Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch (opening 2008)
Rendezvous Hotel Kuala Lumpur (opening 2009)
Rendezvous Hotel Fujairah (opening 2009)
The Marque Hotel Brisbane
The Marque Hotel Sydney
The Marque Hotel Canberra
The Marque Hotel Perth
The Marque Hotel Guilin (opening 2009)
The Marque Hotel Yu Garden Shanghai (opening 2009)

International visitors stay longer and spend more in Brisbane

Despite a three per cent decline, Brisbane still enjoyed the largest share of international visitors to Queensland in the year ended June 2008 and they're staying longer and spending more.

Brisbane welcomed 897,000 international guests according to figures released by Tourism Minister Desley Boyle – 48,000 more than any other Queensland region - but really triumphed on length of stay and dollars spent.

The Queensland capital achieved 15.1 million international visitor nights and a total expenditure of $1.35 billion - $254 million than the $1.1 billion spent by global guests in Brisbane in the year to December 2007.

John Aitken, Chief Executive Officer of Brisbane Marketing, said he was particularly pleased to see the increase in visiting friends and relatives or in tourism terms, VFR, buoyed by international immigration and a growing student market.

"Brisbane Marketing identified this market as being one of our most important more than a year ago and has been focusing on educating residents, many of whom were not born in Brisbane or even Australia, about their city and inspiring them to show it off to their guests," Mr Aitken said.

"They are becoming our staunchest advocates and generate powerful word-of-mouth commendation to reinforce the Brisbane 'buzz' and encourage lucrative repeat visitation.

"We are currently developing more VFR campaigns to build on this momentum."

Brisbane Marketing is currently gearing up for its summer tourism campaign, which will entice visitors with an outstanding events calendar.

Starting with the Rugby League World Cup in November, Brisbane will also play host to the First Cricket Test at our world-famous Gabba, The Australian Hardcourt Championships at the new State Tennis Centre, the State Library's Game On exhibition and GoMA's Contemporary Australia blockbuster 'Optimism' – a fitting title according to the CEO.

"Brisbane offers the visitor a youthful and dynamic city experience located between rainforest to the west and beautiful beaches to the east," John Aitken said, referring to Brisbane's lush Scenic Rim and the glorious islands of Moreton Bay.

"However we have noted the downturn in holidaymakers and know we still have work to do to spread this message and change the perceptions of Brisbane as just a business or gateway destination.

"We are working closely with Tourism Queensland and industry in identifying key market segmentation to determine the direction of our future product development and communications campaigns," Mr Aitken said.

"We're in it for long term and will not be resting on our laurels."

Snapshot:

- Total international visitors: 897,000, down 3%
Total international visitor nights: 15.1 million, up 24%
- Average length of stay: 16.8 nights, up 3.7 nights
- International holiday visitors: 494,000, down 6%
- International visiting friends or relatives: 240,000, up 3%
- International Business visitors: 112,000, down 4%
- Total international expenditure: $1,354 million, up 30%
- Spend per visitor: $1,505, up 34%
- Spend per night: $86, up 2%

RARE COMBO: QM2 CRUISE, AFRICAN SAFARI – AND SINGAPORE

A rare opportunity to get in early and save on a unique 25-night package that includes 17-nights aboard Queen Mary 2 from Sydney, 3-nights in Cape Town including sightseeing, and a 4-night African wildlife safari, is selling through ecruising.travel in March of 2010 from an enticing $10,699pp twin-share… with a bonus free stop-over in Singapore on the way home.

QM2 will sail from Sydney on March 8 2010 for Adelaide, Fremantle, Port Louis on Mauritius, Durban and Cape Town where there's 3-nights at the historic Mount Nelson Hotel, a full-day's Table Mountain, City and Winelands Tour, a half-day's Kirstenbosch Garden and Groote Schuur Tour, and dinners at Cape Town's renowned Beluga and Pepernero Restaurants.

Guests fly to Nelspruit for 2-nights at the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve with all meals, two games drives per day, walking safaris and selected beverages and South African wines, followed by 2-nights at the Royal Livingstone Hotel with breakfasts, dinner on the Royal Livingstone Express Train, and a Chief Mukuni Village Tour with dinner that night under the stars.

Five-star service aboard Queen Mary 2, air and land travel within Africa, air back to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane with a free stop-over in Singapore at the Fairmont Hotel, are all included in this 25-night package; air taxes applicable at time of booking are additional.

Full details on 1300 369 848 or www.ecruising.travel

Thailand as a Film Location

Thai cinema may not be the best known in the world, but Thailand is certainly gaining fame as a country in which to make films. It has countless, hugely varied locations, a wide range of accommodation, well equipped studios, knowledgeable and hard-working crews, a welcoming culture, an attuned administrative infrastructure and represents excellent value for money. Little wonder then that film-makers from around the world are zeroing in on Amazing Thailand as one of the places to make films.

Major foreign films have in fact been shot in Thailand for more than four decades. They include Tarzan in 1962, The Man with the Golden Gun (ninth in the James Bond series) in 1974, and Oscar-winning The Killing Fields in 1984. Of late, the country has been gearing itself up for even more productions from different parts of the world, notably India’s fabled Bollywood.

In many productions, Thailand’s excellent film infrastructure makes it ideal for doubling up for somewhere else. Recent examples include Burma in Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo 4, China in John Cusack’s Shanghai, and Hong Kong and Venice in Michael Clark’s Street Fighter. These followed in the footsteps of some other major productions, including Oliver Stone’s Alexander, Beyond Borders with Angelina Jolie and Around the World in 80 Days with Jackie Chan.

A veritable Who’s Who in international cinema have made films in Thailand — Brian De Palma, Michael J. Fox, Sean Penn, Mel Gibson, Nicholas Cage, Hugh Grant, Renée Zellweger, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Amitabh Bachchan, Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Leonardo DiCaprio, Colin Farrell, Roger Moore, Denzil Washington, Sylvester Stallone, Chuck Norris — to name but a few.

The Bangkok International Film Festival, now in its sixth year and due to be held again in the last week of September, has helped showcase the riches of the kingdom to the international film community.

When international stars like Miranda Richardson and Oscar-winners Michael Douglas and Jeremy Irons attended, they were treated to glimpses of Thailand’s vast film-making resources. Such visits have helped get the word out and put Thailand firmly on the world’s cinematic map.

As a result, Thailand has benefited from an increasing number of creative collaborations. World-famous Australian cinematographer Chris Doyle has made two Thai films with local director Pen-Ek Rattanaruang. Celebrated French director Luc Besson’s EuropaCorp production house backed talented Thai director Wisit Sasanatieng. Top Hong Kong film-maker Wong Kar-wai has chosen to edit some of his films at Kantana Group’s Bangkok facilities.

A Hollywood great, director Francis Ford Coppola, meanwhile came to Bangkok to edit Suriyothai for international distribution. This epic, amazingly sumptuous costume drama about courtly intrigues in ancient Siam was made by Coppola’s old friend, the veteran Thai director Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol. This year, independent Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul raised Thai cinema to an altogether new level when he was invited on to the main jury at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

Last year, it was reported that as many as 523 shoots (which include feature films, shorts and a large number of commercials, music videos and episodes for television series) took place in Thailand, generating an estimated 1,072 million baht in revenue. By June 2008, a total of 297 feature films and shorts had already been shot in what could turn out to be a record year.

Accor targets the boutique hotel sector with launch of the MGallery collection

Accor announced today the launch of MGallery, a collection of distinctive, high-quality upscale hotels that have an exceptional personality through one or more of four principal elements: Vision, Design, History and Location.

The collection will launch with eight hotels – Grand Hotel Melbourne (Australia), St Moritz Queenstown (New Zealand), Hotel am Konzerthaus in Vienna (Austria), the Continental Hotel Zurich and Rotary in Geneva (Switzerland), and the Baltimore in Paris, Le Royal Hotel Lyon and Grand Hotel Beauvau Marseilles (France).

The MGallery label enables Accor to respond to a rapidly growing group of travellers who prefer boutique-style hotels with genuine character, often a destination in their own right.

MGallery hotels will be included according to four major principals:

- Their history, whether a historical building or location, whose past is tied to famous people or major events that took place within the hotel's walls;

- Their exceptional setting in a city or resort destination;

- The vision behind the creation of the hotel;

- The exceptional exterior or interior design of the hotel.

The network has been originally created from existing Sofitel and Grand Mercure hotels selected for their special character, and located in city centre or resort destinations. A number of new MGallery hotels are expected to be announced over the next three months.

By the end of 2010, Accor plans to have grown the collection to more than 40 hotels.

"Launching the MGallery label opens a new horizon for Accor. We will prove that we have the requisite legitimacy and know-how, using in particular the Group's expertise and experience as springboards to conquer the market of upscale, individual hotels with a marked identity," states Gilles Pélisson, the Accor's Director and CEO.

He adds, "We are aware that a growing number of our clients want their hotel to have that extra bit of character that will make their stay unique and unforgettable. It was with this trend in mind that we started the MGallery collection."

A new website for MGallery hotels has been launched at www.mgallery.com.

Accor, a major global group and the European leader in hotels, as well as the global leader in services to corporate clients and public institutions, operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees. It offers to its clients over 40 years of expertise in two core businesses:

- Hotels, with the Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1 and Motel 6 brands, representing 4,000 hotels and nearly 500,000 rooms in 90 countries, as well as strategically related activities, such as Lenôtre.

- Services, with 30 million people in 40 countries benefiting from Accor Services products in employee and public benefits, rewards and loyalty and expense management.

China Insider - Issue 16

JUST THE TICKET
The Olympic Games may be over, but tickets to China’s next big attention-grabbing event are about to go on sale. From September 28 punters will be able to purchase tickets to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, with the asking price set at the very reasonable RMB160 (US$23). Officials estimate that the Expo will cost Shanghai over RMB20 billion (US$2.9 billion), with around 70 million visitors expected to attend over the course of the 184-day event (May 1 to October 31, 2010).

SICHUAN ON THE MEND
Slowly but surely, Sichuan is beginning to rebuild and reopen to tourists after the devastating May 12 earthquake. All tourist attractions in Chengdu have now reopened to visitors, and a number of panda breeding centers in the region are also operating again. In fact, three pandas were born at the Chengdu Research Centre for Giant Panda Breeding in July. Work continues on the panda research centre in Wolong, which suffered major damage during the quake.

ALL ABOARD
Not looking forward to spending hours caught in traffic jams en route to Beijing’s Great Wall? Last month the government unveiled the new Great Wall Express – a sleek new train service that will whisk tourists to China’s most famous landmark in record time. The new train will take just one hour to reach the foot of the World Heritage-listed site at Badaling, around half the time required to drive. Tickets are a snip at RMB17 (US$2.50) for first class.

OPEN HOUSE
Following a multi-million dollar facelift, He Shen’s former residence (aka Prince Gong’s Mansion) in Bejing is now fully open to visitors. The richest official of the Qing Dynasty, He Shen didn’t skimp on the niceties, and his boudoir is decked out with just about every luxury imaginable. Until last month, much of the Mansion was off limits with tourists restricted to wandering Prince Gong’s gardens. Nestled beside Houhai Lake, the new-look mansion will host regular Kunqu Opera performances as well as art and furniture exhibits.

FINGER ON THE PULSE
Those looking to cure what ails them have a new remedy in Hangzhou: the Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum, at the foot of Wushan Hill on the southeast bank of Hangzhou’s beautiful West Lake. Spread over 4,000 square metres, the museum features an exhibition space (with TCM apparatus and more than 10,000 medicinal plants) as well as a healthcare clinic, a pharmacy, and even a restaurant serving medicinal cuisine.


THE HOTTEST NEW VENUES IN CHINA

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

BRAVO BOULAD
The hottest new restaurant in Beijing, Maison Boulud de Peking (www.legationquarter.com), finally threw open its doors in the century-old Legation Quarter complex (the former site of the Qing Dynasty US Embassy) in Beijing last month, allowing diners to sample the cuisine of celebrity chef Daniel Boulud. The stylish eatery dishes up sublime French cuisine, including a full page of desserts dedicated to chocolate. Don’t miss out on a pre-dinner cocktail on the upstairs balcony overlooking the quarter’s landscaped gardens.

WHAT A DOLL
The second China Doll (www.chinadollclub.cn) club in Beijing opened its doors last month after model and actress Ai Wan split from the debut club to branch out on her own. The new incarnation of the popular nightspot, located in Sanlitun’s 3.3 building, has adopted the maxim, “the art of play.” Needless to say, design is as stylish (and provocative) as they come, and the entertainment is not half bad either, with regular international DJs as well as flame-throwing bartenders and bar-dancing hostesses.

JUST LAN-DED
With a highly-coveted location in a renovated heritage mansion near the Bund, LAN Club Shanghai (www.lan-global.com) follows in the footsteps of its older sister in Beijing, wowing guests with over-the-top décor and glamorous parties. The “new China” design comes courtesy of French Gilles & Boissier: there’s a lipstick-red Chinese lounge on the ground floor; a chandelier-lit dance floor; a members-only cigar lounge; and a white-marbled seafood restaurant and private dining area. The fourth floor is a stunner—an open-air garden and dining area filled with lush foliage.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Shanghai’s most prolific chef has done it again. This time, Eduardo Vargas presents Closed Door – a cozy wine bar and restaurant that is open to reservations only. The food is traditional Italian and includes fine antipasti dishes as well as hearty homemade pastas. The small courtyard garden is the ideal location for enjoying a post-meal Moscato.


SHOPPING

SPORTING SUPERSTORE
The first store to open in Beijing’s highly anticipated The Village shopping precinct does not disappoint. Set over four floors, the new Adidas brand centre is the biggest in the world, and is so sleek and sexy that even couch potatoes will be inspired to pick up a new pair of running shoes or maybe just designer street wear from the likes of Stella McCartney and Yohji Yamamoto.

NESTING INSTINCT
The latest addition to Shanghai’s earth-friendly lifestyle movement is design collective Nest (www.nestshanghai.com). Located in a loft space in Taikang Lu, the boutique features exclusive product lines with intelligent design and responsible manufacturing. There are homewares made of bamboo, organic cotton clothes, and “sustainable furniture” made from plywood. There’s also a colourful collection of Himalayan rugs from local company, Torana Carpets.


Destination: NINGBO

Often outshone by its northern neighbours of Shanghai and Hangzhou, the coastal city of Ningbo in eastern Zhejiang Province has a lot more going for it than first meets the eye. Like its more glamorous sisters, Ningbo boasts an impressive waterfront along the Yangze River Delta, peppered with colonial buildings and somewhat reminiscent the Bund. Like Shanghai, the city is one of China’s most important economic hubs, built around its development as a port city for foreign trade since the 7th century. Ningbo is also one of China’s oldest cities, dating back to 4,800 BC.

With a population of around 5.5 million people today, Ningbo (which translates as “tranquil waves”) enjoys a booming economy. It’s a pleasant city to while away a few days before or after a trip to the nearby sacred mountain of Putuoshan, but it’s also worthy of a visit in its own right, particularly if you’re a seafood connoisseur.


CHINA INSIDER’S LOOK AT NINGBO’S ATTRACTIONS, DINING, ART, CULTURE AND SHOPPING

ATTRACTIONS

BACK TO NATURE
Although many visitors to Ningbo are on their way to the famed Putuoshan, there are a number of natural attractions closer to home. Not far from the city centre, Tianhe is awash with green valleys, cragged peaks, volcanic caves, emerald rivers, and waterfalls. The scenic area's main geographical feature is Dasongxi Gorge – a great spot for a trek and picnic.
Insider’s Tip: A number of operators organize boat rides (from the Water Sports Area) along the Baixie River that splices the gorge. Bring along a hamper and enjoy your lunch waterside enroute.


SOMETHING’S FISHY
Ningbo fisherman have earned themselves a pretty sturdy reputation as among the best in China, and their “craft” is on display at the China Fishing Village theme park and adjacent Shipu Ancient Village. Around an hour’s drive out of town, the two attractions are a little corny, but are a fun way to learn about the region's cultures and customs, not to mention feast on fresh seafood.

FEELIN’ HOT HOT HOT
Located amidst the Tiantai and Siming Mountains just outside of town, the Nanxi Hot Springs are the ideal remedy for weary climbers fresh off the Putuoshan trail. The geothermic waters of the springs bubble up from deep beneath the earth's crust, rich in minerals and trace elements to leave the skin feeling supple and smooth after a dip.
Insider’s Tip: There are a number of small, guesthouses in the area for those who wish to extend their soaking experience.

ART AND CULTURE

BOOKWORMS’ PARADISE
Thought to be the oldest surviving library in China, the Tianyige Library near Moon Lake (Ningbo’s main park) dates back over 500 years, but houses books even older including a selection of woodblock and handwritten manuscripts penned during the 11th century.
Insider’s Tip: The library’s garden is shrouded with bamboo groves and water features, and is a great place for a picnic or quiet contemplation.

TEMPLE PILOTS
Dating back over 100 years, the beautiful Baoguo Temple was one of the first in China to be listed for preservation. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Feishilin, the temple features one of the oldest, and largest, wooden structures in the Middle Kingdom: the Grand Hall, constructed without the aid of a single nail.
Insider’s Tip: There’s an English-speaking guide at the temple who can show you around for a couple of Yuan.

ENTERTAINMENT

MAKING A SPLASH
Sprawling over 10,500 square metres, Ningbo Ocean Word (www.nbhysj.com) is a living tribute to all things aquatic. Aside from the entertainment (there are daily mermaid and seal shows), the amusement park features one of the largest aquariums in China. There’s also a penguin enclosure, a coral reef zone, a shark feeding area, an amphibian display, and much more.

WINING AND DINING

It’s no great surprise that Ningbo’s cuisine revolves around tentacles, fins, and flippers. There are hundreds of seafood restaurants in town, ranging from cheap-and-cheerful waterside kitchens to opulent fine-dining establishments dishing up rare underwater crustaceans. Another local specialty is Ningbo tang bao - small steamed buns stuffed with pork and minced vegetables and filled with a hot broth (somewhat similar to Shanghai’s famous xiaolong bao).


ROUND ABOUT
For a slap-up meal in one of the most impressive dining rooms in town, head to the Tianxiang Yuan Kong Zhong Shi Shang Restaurant - a revolving dining room located on the 35th floor of the building at 181 Zhongshan Dong Road in the centre of town. The eatery takes two hours to fully rotate, giving guests ample time to soak up impressive city and river views. The menu is extensive and dedicated to seafood, so bring your appetite.

EATING NEMO
With five outlets around town, Shipu Restaurant is considered one of the best restaurants in Ningbo. The bustling establishments dish up consistently good Ningbo-style cuisine. Begin the evening browsing dozens of fish tanks that line the walls. Then, when you’ve found something that tickles your fancy, have the kitchen whip it up with all manner of sauces.
Insider’s Tip: Be sure to inquire about the price of seafood before it’s removed from the tank. Once it’s out of the water, it’s yours.

QING FEASTING
Despite its rather uninspired moniker, Feast Modern Restaurant features one of the most inspired interiors in Ningbo. Located in a 200-year-old Qing dynasty mansion, the renovated restaurant oozes charm and sophistication. The food isn’t bad either – don’t miss the steamed buns stuffed with seafood, rather than pork.

RETAIL THERAPY
Ningbo is famous for its handicrafts, most notably gu mu xiangqian, which is thought to be inspired by artisans during the Sui dynasty (581-618). Sheet copper, boxwood, or shells are carved into flowers and birds and then inlaid into rosewood to be used as furniture or wall hangings. Ningbo is also heralded for its bamboo offerings, in particular fanhuang, in which bamboo is boiled, pressed, polished and turned into vases, boxes, and furniture.

IT’S HIP TO BE SQUARE
The best place to pick up handicrafts in Ningbo is at Tianyi Square in the CBD: the huge shopping precinct is overflowing with stalls and markets.
Insider’s Tip: Although many shops in the square will have marked prices, everything is negotiable, so be prepared to bargain.

ART AND SOUL
Tucked down Huayan Street in Ningbo you’ll find a number of quaint art galleries including Showsy Gallery – one of the best places in town to peruse or purchase original paintings. There’s a calligraphy school on the premises, which means you can take lessons or drop by to get your name penned on a traditional Chinese scroll.

HOT EVENTS

TOO SEXY FOR MY…
Recently named China's most influential international festival, the Ningbo International Fashion Festival this October is expected to draw crowds in the thousands. Now in its twelfth year, the festival is a chance for up-and-coming Chinese designers show off their wares and take inspiration from visiting international designers.


UNDER THE SEA
For those who can’t get enough of Ningbo’s fine underwater offerings, be sure to stop by in September when the city hosts the annual Fisherman's Festival. Held at the Shipu Ancient Village, the festival features traditional fishing songs, water sports, and seafood eating competitions.


UPCOMING CHINA EVENTS

MOONCAKE MADNESS
The festival that has dentists across China rubbing their hands in glee hits China this month. The Mid-Autumn Festival may have its roots tied to China's 14th-century uprising against Mongolian occupation, but these days is more famous for its sticky, sweet treats. Falling on September 14, the festival is seen as a time for families to gather, give thanks, gaze at the full moon, and indulge in yuek beng (moon cakes) - pastry filled with sugary fillings such as lotus seed paste or red bean paste.
** All Shangri-La China hotels are selling gift-boxed mooncakes from which RMB40 each will be donated to Care for Children - a Beijing-based organisation working in partnership with mainland China’s government to provide foster care programmes for needy and abandoned children in mainland China.

LIQUID GOLD
Having hosted the Olympic sailing events last month, Qingdao has gold of a different type on its radar in September: liquid gold. The Qingdao International Beer Festival (www.qdbeer.cn) will run from September 19 to October 5, and is China’s largest tribute to the bubbly beverage brewed in Qingdao. Aside from beer tasting and drinking games, the festival features loads of entertainment including live music, beach games, and food stalls.

WHERE FORE ART THOU?
It’s time to don your favourite beret and pretend like you’re Picasso for the 10th annual Shanghai International Arts Festival. The month-long event (from October 18 – November 18) features a program packed with more than 50 performances, covering the spectrum from symphony orchestras, dance and opera to acrobatics, magic and drama. And then there are the art exhibitions… enough to tire even the most avid art aficionado.