Lonely Planet opts for digital

The layoff plan will cause 80 of the 400 staff worldwide to lose their jobs. Founded by Tony Wheeler, the first Lonely Planet guide to India was released in 1981. The guidebook was sold to BBC in 2011 before being bought by NC2 Media. The new owner steps intends to marry Lonely Planet’s great travel content with digital platforms – apps, social media and content generated by users and readers. However, Lonely Planet will continue to publish guide books, though it is unclear how many. The company currently publishes more than 500 titles, covering 195 countries. 

 

Laos amends tourist legislation

Laos has made some legislative changes in a bid to improve conditions for the country’s tourism industry, which is currently earning around US$500 million a year. Amendments to 33 articles in the nine-year-old tourism law and the addition of 11 new articles have now been approved by the National Assembly and include setting food safety standards at entertainment venues and the prohibition of buildings and attractions that might damage cultural sites. The new law also encourages investments in hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and “trading zones” in what it described as “service areas”. In 2012, more than 3.3 million foreign tourists visited the country, equal to half of Laos’ total population, earning more than $513 million dollars in foreign exchange. – DPA

 

New home for AirAsia

AirAsia has moved its Indonesian operation base from Medan’s Ponoa International Airport to the new Kualanamu International Airport in Sumatra. Located in the north of Sumatra, the newly built airport is able t accommodate 33 aircraft. AirAsia is currently Medan’s busiest international carrier, serving Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Pekanbaru domestically as well as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. To navigate through Medan’s new airport, the passengers can download a guidebook at www.AirAsia.com/id/en/welcome-to-kualanamu.page. 

 

Beautiful in Beibei

Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei is set to open in Chongqing, China, with introductory room promotions. Featuring an exclusive sanctuary of 107 suites and villas with their own private hot spring pools, Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei, also has an additional nine hot spring pools with different themes, both indoors and outdoors. With the resort’s open bamboo-lined courtyard, traditional Minguo era design, and contemporary interiors, guests can experience a combination of nature, culture, and history. The Escape to Chongqing Beibei promotion starts from August 1, 2013, when the resort will receive its first guests. Visit www.BanyanTree.com/en/chongqing_beibei

 

A Lion for all Seasons

The Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace in the Russian city of St Petersburg started welcoming tourists to the historic Admiralteysky district early this month. The six-year construction project remodelled an 1820-vintage luxury apartment house, later adapted as a czarist defence ministry and a Communist city planning studio, into a 177-room hotel. Restored historic details include vaulted ceilings, wood-panelled walls, a grand granite staircase and the original facade shade of yellow, determined after experts examined 40 coats of paint on the exterior. Modern additions like the pool and spa and two restaurants are still under construction, with one restaurant set to open August 15 and the other September 1. Rooms currently start at US$450 and at $330 per night in winter.

 

Best Western signs up for Nay Pyi Taw

Best Western International has signed up for its first ever hotel in Myanmar’s capital, Nay Pyi Taw. The 205-room Best Western Premier The Grand At Nay Pyi Taw is scheduled to welcome its first guests in mid 2014. Following Myanmar’s opening up to international community, the country keeps drawing visitors into for both business and leisure. Nay Pyi Taw, as the country’s modern capital, is at the very heart of this change, and the city needs standard accommodation for surging number of visitors. Earlier this month, Best Western announced it would be opening the Green Hill Hotel in Yangon.