Single visa policy discussed

The proposed move aims to boost tourist arrivals in these countries, whose combined international arrivals in 2012 saw 18-per-cent growth to reach 37 million. The ministers met at the ACMECS conference on the sidelines of the 9th International Travel Expo, which ran from September 12 to 14. Cambodia and Thailand launched a pilot scheme in January that allows tourists who obtain a visa to enter Thailand to also enter Cambodia. – Vientiane Times/ANN

 

Film fest appoints travel partner

Khiri Travel has been appointed the Official Travel Partner of this year's Luang Prabang Film Festival, a charitable cultural event that celebrates Southeast Asian cinema and supports the region's filmmakers. The festival, which will take place from December 7 to 11 is free. Screens are rigged on garden lawns, at the central market and on the walls of hotels and businesses around the former royal capital of Laos, which is now a scenic riverside World Heritage Site. As a partner, Khiri Travel will provide all related travel services. Any hotel, flight or tour query that the festival receives will be handled by Khiri Travel. 

 

Flying on top of the world

The world's highest civilian airport has opened at an altitude of 4,411 metres on the Tibetan plateau in the south-western Chinese province of Sichuan. The Daocheng Yading airport in Ganzi prefecture's Daocheng county, or Dapba in Tibetan, launched its first commercial flights recently, shortening the travel time from the provincial capital of Chengdu from two days by road to about one hour by plane. Daily flights will initially operate between Daocheng and Chengdu, but the government plans to open routes to major Chinese cities such as Chongqing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, the official Xinhua news agency quoted Yexe Dawa as saying at the opening ceremony. – DPA

 

Westin to open in Singapore

Starwood will expand its portfolio of hotels in Singapore when the group's first Westin hotel there opens in November. The upscale hotel is located on levels 32 to 46 of the brand new Asia Square Tower Two development, overlooking Marina Bay. Each of the 305 guest rooms and suites have been fitted with floor to ceiling windows, offering views of the city, come equipped with the signature Westin Heavenly Bed, signature Westin Heavenly Bath with signature Westin bath amenities. The hotel has launched a “Renewal Opening Offer” which includes buffet breakfast, high-speed Internet access and double SPG Starpoints. Rates start from S$345++ (Bt8,600) per night. Visit www.Westin.com/singapore.

 

Fun at the casino

Authorities in the southern province of Kien Giang, Vietnam, have approved a casino eco-tourism resort project in Phu Quoc Island District. Foreign investors participating in the bid to develop the project must prove their financial capacity and pledge to invest at least US$4 billion (Bt124 billion). The casino is designed to cover an area of 30,000 square metres accommodating 2,000 slot machines and 200 to 400 table games. The duration for the casino operating license will be 30 years. – Viet Nam News/ANN

 

Hail to Hallyu

K-pop lovers should book their flights and tickets now for the Hallyu Dream Festival, which takes place Gyeongju, South Korea on October 5 and 6. The line-up for the upcoming Hallyu Dream Concert, which will be held on the second day of the festival, includes big-name K-pop acts such as TVXQ, 4minute. Sistar, Crayon Pop, 2AM, KARA, T-ara, Ailee, UKiss, A-Pink, Davichi, A-Jag, BTOB and many others. The cover dance contest will take place on day one and will allow domestic and international K-pop lovers to strut their stuff on the stage in front of the audience in hopes of proving they know their K-pop. Visit www.HallyuDreamFestival.or.kr.