The Hilton Pattaya introduces the “Hilton Huanying” programme to ensure that Chinese travellers find familiar comforts upon arrival, both in their guest rooms and at breakfast.

The programme includes a greeting upon arrival at the hotel by a front desk team member fluent in Mandarin; a selection of Chinese tea, tea kettles, slippers and a dedicated television channel with Chinese programming available upon request at the guest rooms and authentic Chinese breakfast items such as congee, dim sum, fried rice and noodles.

Grapes aplenty in Khao Yai

PB Valley Khao Yai Winery opens its vineyard for the wine buffs to experience grape harvesting every weekend this month and next. Beginning this Saturday, the vineyard will organise private wine tasting tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Grape cutting competitions and special PB Valley tours are also part of harvesting ceremony. For details and reservations, call (02) 262 0030 extension 107 or (036) 226 415-6. Visit www.KhaoYaiWinery.com.

Culture in the month of love

Nitasrattanakosin Exhibition Hall marks the month of love and Valentine Day by offering punters the chance to buy one ticket and get another for free. The promotion is available throughout February. Nestled on Rajdamnoen Avenue, the exhibition hall hosts collections from the Rattanakosin era. Visit www.Nitasrattanakosin.com.

Rocking in Phuket

Laguna Phuket will host Phuket International Blues Rock Festival on February 24 and 25. This charity music event features Chris Thomas King, Grainne Duffy, John Meyer’s Blues Express and local blues musicians. Thai delicacies and Western treats will be available at the food stalls and the kids can enjoy a bouncy castle and other fun activities. Proceeds go to an education fund for local children. For tickets and more information, visit www.LagunaPhuket.com,

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Vie Hotel’s stylish interlude, C’est L’amour.

The C’est L’Amour package, available from now until March 31, starts from Bt5,400 per couple per night with accommodation in a Deluxe room, Grand Deluxe, or Duplex Suite. Included are breakfast at Vie Wine Grill, choice of in-room music, a selection of herbal tea, 60-minute spa treatment and 15 per cent discount on food and beverage. Email info@viehotelbangkok.com or visit Facebook.com/VieBangkok

PHUKET

Romantic retreat

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket offers lovers a romantic treat all this month with accommodation at its finest Laguna Pool Villa, a bottle of wine and a candlelit dinner for a couple going for Bt21,000. The price includes private check-in, breakfast for two, afternoon tea and 20 per cent off a 120-minute spa treatment. Call (076) 362 999 or e-mail dtlp@dusit.com. Visit www.DusitThaniLagunaPhuket.com.

KOH CHANG

Indulgence on the isle

Ramayana Koh Chang is offering an Indulgence Package from now until March 31 at Bt9,000 for couples sharing the two-night programme. Included are two night’s accommodation, daily breakfast, one welcome BBQ set dinner, one Thai set dinner, full-day snorkelling with lunch box and selected other benefits. Find out more by calling (02) 261 6364, e-mail: rsvn@ramayana.co.th or visit www.Ramayana.co.th.

PHUKET

Focused by the beach

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach is offering a seamless “Stay Focused” meeting package for groups of 10 or more. The cost starts at Bt5,900 per person per night and the package, which runs until April 30, includes accommodation in a Deluxe Garden View Room with daily breakfast buffet, morning and afternoon themed coffee breaks, buffet lunch, use of a well-equipped meeting room from 8am to 6pm and 4pm check-out. Find out more from Siriporn Salika at (076) 603 699 or e-mail: salesmgrhkt@holidayinnmaikhao.com.

SAMUI

Hands on at Hansar

Hansar Samui is offering romantic Valentine Indulgence Package. The retreat includes private round trip airport transfers, three nights accommodation, welcome cocktail, local fruit selection, daily a la carte breakfast, a romantic private dinner, a hands-on “Pamper your Partner” massage lesson, a healing Reiki session plus many other benefits for the two of you to enjoy. The package starts at Bt37,500 and the deal is good until April 30. E-mail: reservation@hansarsamui.com or visit www.HansarSamui.com.

VIETNAM

Ho Chi Minh on the hop

Turkish Airlines is offering group travellers from Thailand the chance to visit Ho Chi Minh City with a round-trip air ticket starting at Bt2,000. The price, which is valid through May 31, excludes service fees and fuel surcharges. From Bangkok, Turkish Airlines passengers are able to fly TK068 daily at 3.15pm from Suvarnabhumi Airport, arriving in Ho Chi Minh City at 4.55pm.On the return flight, TK069 departs Saigon daily at 8.50pm and arrives Bangkok at 10.25pm. Call (02) 231 0300-7 or visit www.TurkishAirlines.com.

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For example, do women need to cover their heads, shoulders or arms? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks a lot. Jane

The Borobudur Temple in Central Java is an ancient Buddhist temple that was built in the eighth Century during the golden era of the Buddhist kingdom. It is still considered a holy place and is used for prayers and ceremonies as well as serving as a major tourist attraction in Central Java.

Under a new plan to protect the dignity of the holy place, tourists wearing shorts and mini-skirts are not allowed to enter the temple. Instead, they are politely asked to don a sarong provided by the temple management before entering Borobudur. The dress code was introduced last year.

Besides shorts and mini-skirts, there is no other restriction on dress code. Female visitors should dress politely and modestly as they would to visit any religious place. It’s always wise to show a sense of respect for Buddhist and Hindu temples in this predominantly Muslim country. Other Hindu temples such as the Prambanan and Ratu Boko temples have not enforced an official ban, though officials request that visitors cover themselves decently.

In reality, the dress code for men and women is very much for religious places all over Southeast Asia. Always wear cool, loose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Women should ensure they are wearing a bra, as seeing nipples is inappropriate and they should also avoid showing too much cleavage. Sandals are fine here so you don’t need to wear proper shoes, though all footwear will need to be removed before entering the principal hall of the temples.

If you turn up in shorts and singlets to religious places in this region, you will be regarded in much the same way as if in you went out in the street in your home country wearing nothing but your underwear. Local people won’t say anything, though, as they are much too polite.

In addition to being careless about the dress code, many visitors tend to ignore – or are perhaps unaware of – the need to respect the places they are visiting, even ruins like Borobudur or Pramnaban. That means not climbing up the stupa to take photographs or touching the bas relief – both of these activities can cause damage to ancient sites.

I’m returning from Laos to Europe via Bangkok and have two full days in the City of Angels. Can you please give me some tips on what to see in this very short time? Thanks, Karen

There are plenty of places to visit in Bangkok in two days and highlights of even the shortest stay should include seeing some temples and markets and enjoying a river cruise, Thai food and a Thai massage. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho are all in the same area and can be seen in half a day. After visiting them, you can have Thai massage at Wat Pho in the early afternoon then board a boat from a pier near the temple or just relax and stroll around the street market and take a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya river instead. You’ll enjoy a pleasant breeze if you stay on the upper deck and you’ll also see Bangkok illuminated at night.

Later in the night, there are places to check out nightlife like Silom or Sukhumvit. You may like stroll along and enjoy the street scene or hang out at a bar in the city.

If you’re town at the weekend, take the Skytrain to Chatuchak Weekend Market. If you are here on a weekday, you can sign up for a Thai cooking class, head to Jim Thompson House near the National Stadium Station and just shop around Siam BTS at Siam Paragon, Central World or MBK. If you want clothes at wholesale prices, head to Platinum mall in Pratunam. Enjoy Bangkok!

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The adventure race returns to Nong Chok next Saturday

Rice paddies, lakes, canals, buffalo swamps, wooden bridges and even temple grounds become the playground of weekend warriors next weekend as the Essilor Bangkok Eco Challenge Adventure Race returns to Nong Chok on Bangkok’s eastern outskirts on February 11.

The adventure race was supposed to take place last year – but was postponed to mid February this because of flooding.

Part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series, the Essilor Bangkok Eco Challenge Adventure Race takes place over three to eight hours.

It takes teams of two participants through a 50-plus kilometre course of trekking, mountain biking, swimming, and paddling as well as some mystery tests.

“It’s hard to believe that we can set up such an interesting adventure race course at just an hour’s drive from the city centre” says Serge Henkens, the adventure race director. “But after five years, this race has become popular for its unique challenges.”

Nong Chok is about 30 minutes drive to the east of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The course travels through paddy fields, lakes, canals, temples and villages trapped in a time warp. The area offers a recipe for great adventure racing, a memorable experience and a wonderful voyage through the greenery and beauty of the Thai countryside.

“Nong Chok is very different from the trails in Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai or even Koh Samui. It’s far flatter here. There’s no high terrain or jungle,” Henkens says.

Over the last 10 years, adventure races have become popular in Thailand among adrenaline-chasers and weekenders.

“What adventure racers like the most and what makes this sport so exciting and unique, is that the racers don’t know what is coming next,” adds Henkens. “They don’t know the course, the exact distances. They must be ready for all scenarios. These unknown factors, combined with the great outdoors, are the main reasons for the tremendous success of this new sport.”

In Nong Chok, the race centre will be the Korean International School of Bangkok. A bouncy castle and other games for children will keep supporters and families chilled out while the racers are sweating it out.

More than 100 teams are expected to race in Nong Chok.

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A beautifully restored Chinese heritage hotel in Penang transports the guest back more than a century

Once the domains of martial art masters, Penang’s inns did not only serve as resting and dining places for these hardy fighters but also doubled as the venues for the kung fu contests.

In George Town, just as elsewhere in Malaysia, the remarkable legend of the Dragon Inn is still cherished.

Anyone that enjoys reliving the past will find a home at 1881 Chong Tian Hotel in Ropewalk. This George Town inn is the oldest in the country and the emergence of the new 1881 spread over three shoplots in town may well mark the resurgence of inn culture in this part of the world. The 130-year-old inn, which once catered to wealthy merchants, today offers 11 rooms, plus a relic hall, a meeting room, activity room, library and mezzanine bar.

The owner, Xie Guo Xing says he wants to revive the Dragon Inn style, which is why he’s been careful in placing his collection of antiques throughout the inn. To Xie, 1881 is more than an inn; it’s also a chic Chinese boutique hotel.

Those who enjoy good food will see the inn as a fine hotel serving the best of Chinese and Western fares while backpackers willing to spend to enjoy culture will most definitely not want to miss an opportunity to put up for a night at the inn.

There is a refined antique wooden bed in the rear hall with a pillow and teapot on top of it. It might look like a set up in a wealthy local family during the olden days, but was in actual fact an opium bed that allowed people to indulge then slowly drift into sleep.

The chairs placed in front of the wooden bed, Xie says, were for the opium smoker’s friends, often addicts themselves.

A golden dragon and phoenix hang on the wall of the dining hall. These two auspicious creatures symbolise eternity and happiness and are also used during traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies.

During the mid-autumn festival, another set of the golden shimmering accessories will be hung opposite the dragon and phoenix to ring in the festive season while announcing to the public that moon cakes are now available for sale at the hotel.

Wooden ladders and bamboo decorate the patio along with water tank complete with duckweed while windows of the guestrooms look down on elaborate ceramic tile paintings.

Explore the inn and be transported back in time to Old Penang!

IF YOU GO

A single night, with breakfast for two, at the 1881 Chong Tian Hotel ranges from RM588 (Bt5,900) to RM2,188. Call (+604) 263 1881 or e-mail: lawrence.seng@1881chongtian.com. Visit www.1881Chongtian.com.

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Chiang Rai celebrates its 750th anniversary this year, making it a perfect time to visit

Eager to escape Thailand’s tropical climes, even if only for a short while, many Thais head to Europe in winter, happily donning their thick coats and woolly hats.

Those with a smaller budget or who don’t want to sit long hours on the plane can instead opt for Chiang Rai, the kingdom’s northernmost province and embrace cool weather along with Lanna culture and history. In fact, this year is the perfect time to visit as the provincial capital is celebrating its 750th anniversary.

Naming the city after himself, King Meng Rai founded Chiang Rai in 1262 and made it the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom before building Chiang Mai and making it the new capital city 34 years later.

Back then, the Lanna Kingdom, or the land of the million rice fields, covered what is now modern northern Thailand, with the exception of Phrae – which was under Sukhothai – and Phayao and Nan – which were under the Kingdom of Payao. However, King Ngam Meuang of Payao, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Meng Rai had sworn an oath of eternal friendship so the northern kingdoms co-existed peacefully.

Dynastic struggles weakened the kingdom and Lanna became a Burmese tributary state in 1558, remaining that way until 1775, when King Taksin the Great of Thonburi reclaimed it for Siam. Chiang Rai was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

We pay homage to King Meng Rai at King Meng Rai Monument in the heart of the city before heading for a light lunch at Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House. Chivit Thamma Da means simple life but the white-painted coffeehouse has so much charm that it takes our breath away.

Sitting on the banks on the Kok River, the English-style café adds a European flair to the small town. The scents of rosemary, lavender and strawberries draw us out of the sunroom to the open air terrace where we enjoy a delicious meal of salad, pasta, cake and tea.

Our hunger satisfied, we move to Rai Boonrawd, 8,000-rai of tea plantations and orchards owned by the Singha Corporation. We ride in an open sided tour bus around the property, as the guide tells us how at first only barley was grown but that cultivation has now expanded to include vegetables, jujube fruit and strawberries.

“We also cultivate Oolong tea, mainly for export to Taiwan,” he says.

The scenic view of the setting sun over the tea plantation is mesmerising but the weather is getting chilly and our fingers are starting to get numb.

A night in Chiang Rai is not complete without a visit to the night market and a glimpse of the light and sound show, which is held from 7 to 9pm at the new clock tower.

The next day we visit Wat Phra Kaew, originally called Wat Pa Yeah or Wat Pa Yah, in honour of the dense yellow bamboo grove that surrounded it. The temple is where the Emerald Buddha was discovered in 1434. When lightening struck the temple’s original octagonal pagoda, it also cracked open the mud plaster covering the Buddha statue, revealing a shiny greenish stone underneath. When the plaster cover was removed, the monks discovered the jade Buddha image inside. The temple was called Wat Phra Kaew in honour of the Buddha statue. During the conflicts between kingdoms, the statue was moved to Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane before finally being enshrined in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew in the Royal Palace during the reign of King Rama I.

Our next stop is Doi Tung, about an hour’s drive from the city centre and we are greeted by the blaze of colour. All the flowers in the Mae Fah Luang garden, it seems, are in full bloom. The latest addition to this Royal project is the “Hall of Inspiration”, formerly known as the Princess Mother’s Commemorative Hall, which has been completed renovated. It covers the story of the Mahidol family, from His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol, Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra the Princess Mother, Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, His Majesty King Ananda Mahidol and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Each exhibition shows the character, philosophies and working principles of the Royal Family and their work in finding ways to improve the lives and livelihoods of the Thai people.

“The Princess Mother would like her children to be healthy and good. She let them play and create their own toys. Father also wants you to be healthy and good, my son,” says a Chinese tourist, busily translates part of the exhibition for his young son. Seeing the boy smile up at his dad, I realise that inspiration has no boundaries and really is contagious.

The writer travelled as a guest of Nok Air and Le Meridien Chiang Rai

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If you go

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Spend a “sweet and sour” weekend in Nakhon Nayok, a small province to the northeast of Bangkok where local farmers host the Marian Plum Festival in the park next to City Hall.

With more than 100 growers offering their best plums, you can enjoy fruit tasting and a chat. This juicy festival takes place from February to March. The size of an egg, the marian plum is “mango’s cousin” with a sweet and sour taste. For more information, call (037) 312 282 or e-mail tatnayok@tat.or.th.

Direct flights from KL to Samui

Bangkok Airways is now flying daily between Koh Samui in Thailand’s South, and Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia’s capital. The flight on Airbus 319, with a capacity of 138 economy class seats, departs Kuala Lumpur at 8.20am, and arrives Koh Samui at 9am. The evening flight travels from Koh Samui at 5.55pm, and lands in Malaysia’s capital at 8.25pm.

Better life for Mai Khao communities

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach launches “Better Life Project”, supporting local communities and environment around Mai Khao Beach. Sustainable farm and education programmes are among four activities being run by the newly built hotel. “As a new resort to Phuket, we believe the “Better Life Project”, will be the beginning of a long term sustainable programme and look forward to building a better life for those around us in need,” notes the Holiday Inn’s general manager.

On your feet in Isaan

Khon Kaen International Marathon marks its ninth anniversary this Sunday with more than 40 international runners competing against the local folk. Races come in four categories – Marathon (42.195 km.), Half Marathon (21.10 km.), Mini Marathon (11.55 km.) and Walk Fun Run (4.5 km.). For on-line application, visit www.KhonKaenMarathon.com.

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If chocolates and red roses have lost their magic, perhaps you should woo your sweetheart with a trip to Europe this Valentine’s Day.

Air France offers a Valentines special rate to many cities in Europe – Brussels (Bt27,640), Amsterdam (Bt34,810), Barcelona (Bt30,960), London (Bt34,480) and Rome (Bt31,225). The all-inclusive price is for return tickets in Economy Class from/to Bangkok and the destination of your choice. Tickets are available for purchase from now until January 31, and good for travel from February 1 to March 30. Visit www.AirFrance.co.th or call (02) 610 0808.

PATTAYA

Loving spoonfuls

Valentine’s is just around the corner so start making plans for that romantic dinner now. Pattaya Marriott Resort Spa offers a Valentine Dining package for lovers on February 14 with a choice of Western or Thai cuisine paired with sparkling wine for Bt5,999. For more information and reservations, call (038) 412 120 or e-mail pattayamarriott@minornet.com.

Moonlight and wine

Holiday Inn Pattaya is also offering to arrange your romantic dinner on the day of love. Set up around the outdoor infinity pool, the dinner is orchestrated by the chef serving a five-course set. Each dinner course will be served with fine wine selected to complement the meal. You’ll enjoy dinner with the view of Pattaya Bay lights. The price is Bt4,999 for two. Book your table at (038) 725 555 extension 3202 or visit www.Dining-Experience.com/pattaya.

CHIANG MAI

Younger in Lanna

Fly to Chiang Mai and enjoy the last of the wintry breeze. Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai offers Rejuvenate package to Thai and expatriates working in Thailand. A single costs Bt3,500 per person and includes buffet breakfast for two people and Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. Billed as “city resort”, this luxury hotel is located on Chang Klan Road. The offer is good from now until March 31. Call (053) 253 888, or e-mail reservations.slcm@shangri-la.com. Visit www.Shangri-la.com/en/property/chiangmai/shangrila.

RIO DE JANEIRO

Copacabana for the Carnival

Sofitel Rio De Janeiro Copacabana, in Brazil, is offers a promotion during Rio Carnival – the world’s most famous festival. A four-night Carnival package in sea-view Luxury room starts at R$9,880 (Bt177,600) The Rio Carnival kicks off on February 18, and you can check in either on February 17 or 18. Sofitel Rio De Janeiro Copacabana is on Copacabana Beach, where Brazilian beachbums horse around for beach volleyball and surfing. For reservations call (55-21) 2525 1235 or e-mail reservas.sofitelrio@sofitel.com.

KOH SAMUI

Romantic retreats

Centara, Thailand’s home-growth hospitality group, offers special room rates at its three properties in Koh Samui – one of the country’s finest beach destinations. A single night in Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui costs Bt5,250 per person, while Bhundhari Spa Resort Villas Samui is Bt4,200 per night. Centara Pariya Resort Villas offers a one-night stay on idyllic Koh Pha Ngan at Bt4,000 per night. Call (02) 101 1234 extension 1 or e-mail reservations@chr.co.th. Visit www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com.

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Can you recommend some places where I can sample the local favourites? Thanks, Meiji

Eating in Singapore is as much fun as in Thailand, as the city state offers a wealth of flavours ranging from Chinese, Indian and Malay to Italian and French. Singapore’s multi-cultural diversity has given rise to a variety of local cuisine, with many of its Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes influenced by westerners who arrived in Singapore a century ago. Look for Singapore specialities like Bak Kut Teh – Chinese pork ribs soup cooked in herbs and eaten with rice as well as with fried dough and salted vegetables. Worth checking out are Ng Ah Sio on Rangoon Road and Leong Kee on Beach Road. I’d also recommend the wonderfully fragrant Hainanese Chicken Rice, which is popular for both lunch and dinner. You’ll find it at stalls all over the city, as well as at Heng Ji Chicken Rice in Chinatown and Boon Tong Kee (Katong) on East Coast Road. For a grand dinner dish, locals enjoy Chilli Crab, which is covered with rich tomato gravy and eaten with fried buns. Favourite restaurants for this dish are Long Beach and the No Signboard Seafood restaurants. Both have several branches citywide. You should also try Satay, Roti Prata (Indian “pizza”), Hokkien seafood noodles and some of local desserts like Ice Kachang, ice flavoured with red bean and jelly. Head to Maxwell Road Hawker Centre for tasty food on a budget.

If you’re not quite sure where to start, you might want to contact Tony Tan, who runs Food Walk Singapore (www.BetelBox.com). The “eating marathon” takes you through an old neighbourhood of Paranakan shophouses. Billed as a Walking Wikipedia, Tan will show you the real Singapore both on and off the plate.

I’m going to be in Bali at the end of February, spending four days in Ubud then three days at the beach, I’d like to do some diving and chill on the white sand. Where do you recommend? Sam P

Bali has many great beaches – some are good for surfing, some for swimming and others for sunbathing. It also depends on the season. In Bali, the wet season runs from November to March, while April to October is considered the dry season. The trade winds tend to blow from the east during the dry season and the west during the wet. So the west coast beaches like Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran and Legian in February can have a lot rubbish on them, blown in by on-shore winds, but are calm and clean during the dry season. So Nusa Dua and Sanur on the east coast offer better beach quality in February. As for going in the wet season, there is nothing to worry about, as the weather in Bali is often fine through the day with showers in the morning or night.

If you want to include diving, look at Padang Bai in Klungkung, which has some good beaches on the east coast. The most popular one is called Blue Lagoon and has a small white sandy beach and the other is White Sand Beach or Secret beach, as it sometimes called. Scuba diving and snorkeling sites are accessible by boat as are the nearby islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Further north, Tulambem and Amed offer great WWII shipwreck diving just 50 metres off the shore, but you will have a black sandy beach instead of white.

The best white sandy beach in Bali is Mengiat near Nusa Dua’s five-star hotels and between Nusa Dua and Geger beaches. It’s protected by an offshore reef, which prevents waves from breaking on the beach. It has a clean white stretch of sand and clean blue water with waves small enough to make it very safe for swimming. Enjoy Bali!

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Mumbai, New Delhi, London and Paris will be off limits to AirAsia X after March, as the low-cost airline is axing four routes.

Flight to Mumbai will last until January 31, and the rest will be withdrawn in March. The airline reports that it has hardly made a profit from its European and Indian routes because of fuel charges and airport taxes. Tony Fernandes, AirAsia’s CEO, announced that AAX would fly its passengers to London for as low as RM9.90 one way back in 2007.

Maldives reserves spa ban

The Maldives government has revoked a recent ban ordering hotel spas and wellness centres to shut down operations. President Mohamed Nasheed announced the change of heart after protests from the tourism industry, the Haveeru Online website reports. The Maldives government in December bowed to demands from Islamists who wanted the spas closed. Supporters of the closure claimed the facilities were effectively brothels and said they posed a danger to public morals.

A visit to the Eastern Front

A new trail in Poland is designed to take tourists on a tour of key World War I sites. The route leads through eight provinces and will be completed in 2014, in time for the 100th anniversary of the start of hostilities, Polish tourism officials said in Berlin. One of the initial route segments is already in place and takes visitors to 50 former battlefields and military cemeteries along what was once the “Eastern Front” in southern Poland. (www.Polen.travel). – dpa

Victoria turns 150

The city of Victoria in the Canadian province of British Columbia will be 150 years old on August 2 and it is staging a major celebration to mark the occasion. Festivities focus on Centennial Square, which was created in 1963 at the beginning of a huge scheme to preserve, restore and revive downtown Victoria. Throughout the year a programme of parades, art projects and festivals will highlight the founding of the city. (www.Victoria.ca/victoria150).

Japan out to woo Korean tourists

Japan is looking to Korea to revive is tourism industry following last year’s tidal wave disaster. Korean tourists are crucial to Japanese tourism, making up about 28 per cent of the country’s foreign visitors. Unfortunately, the number dropped to nearly half that after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and recorded a 32.2 per cent drop overall for 2011. Radiation might worry Korean tourists, but the Japanese are trying hard to convince their neighbours that other areas, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, are safe for travel. – The Korea Herald/ANN

SQ introduces A380 services to New York

Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A380 is now flying to Frankfurt and New York. Flight SQ26 lands in Frankfurt at 6.10am, after which it departs the German city at 8.20am to arrive at New York’s JFK airport at 11.10am. The daily A380 flights replaces an existing daily Boeing 747-400 service to JFK Airport via Frankfurt, and represents a daily increase of 25 per cent in seat capacity. The airline currently has 15 A380s in service and four more on firm order.

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Article Courtesy: The National