Best Western International expands its presence in Africa with the opening of three new hotels, including the Best Western Premier Accra Airport Hotel in Accra, Ghana, the Best Western Island Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, and the Best Western Port Harcourt Hotel in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

“Best Western membership is a great option for hotel developers in Africa, who want to retain local character in their properties, yet leverage the sales, marketing and brand recognition of a strong global brand,” said Suzi Yoder, vice president of international operations. “We see great potential for continued growth in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa – particularly in west African nations like Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon.”

The Best Western Premier Accra Airport Hotel in Ghana is a newly-built four-star hotel located in one of Accra’s most affluent areas 5 minutes from the Kotoka International Airport. With 89 rooms and 24 suites, each guestroom features free high-speed internet access, mini-bars, flat- screen LCD televisions and bathrobes. The hotel’s centrepiece is its five-story atrium decorated with African art. It offers 24-hour concierge service, complimentary airport transportation and an on-site restaurant, bar and jazz club.

The Best Western Island Beach Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, is also newly constructed. The property is located in the heart of Lagos’ financial and business hub on Victoria Island’s Bar Beach, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel’s 142 guestrooms and suites offer free high-speed internet access, mini-bars and 32-inch flat-screen televisions. The hotel also offers an on-site restaurant and cocktail lounge with free breakfast and 24-hour room service.

Also in Nigeria, the Best Western Port Harcourt Hotel in Port Harcourt opened in 2008 and recently received significant upgrades that will help it earn Best Western’s “Premier” status this year. The hotel offers 89 guestrooms and suites and meeting space for up to 200 people. On- site amenities include a restaurant, cocktail lounge, fitness centre, gift shop and outdoor pool. Guests receive complimentary high-speed internet access and free breakfast.

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As Blossom Japan gears up for its debut in Tokyo early next year, the Japan Tourism Agency has extended its support to the event identifying the opportunity it brings to Japanese tourism.

Hiroshi Mizohata Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency states “I strongly hope that this event will be successfully held and will provide Japan with a precious opportunity to drastically improve its recognition among the global luxury travel experts”. To read the official letter, please click here.

The Government of Japan has adopted a new economic growth strategy with a strong focus on their tourism policy. The Japan Tourism Agency has responded to this strategy by increasing the target numbers of foreign visitors to fifteen million in 2013, twenty million in 2015 and twenty five million in 2019.

The high-end of the tourism market has been identified as “high priority” with serious measures in place to target high net worth individuals from overseas markets.

Blossom Japan will host 200 of the top travel arrangers from around the world, with a strong representation from the Japanese market to participate in its Buyer Programme. Buyers who successfully qualify will have the opportunity to meet and further develop their contacts with International and Japanese luxury travel suppliers, developing both the inbound and outbound travel industry of Japan.

The invitation only event will be held in Tokyo from 18-21 January 2011.

The week-long gathering of the elite will commence with a full day conference followed by a three-day exhibition at the Tokyo International Forum facilitated by pre-scheduled appointments.

One free day in Tokyo is included in the package to allow participants to experience the best that Tokyo has to offer.

For more information, visit the Blossom Japan website at www.blossomjapan.com

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For the discerning traveler, Quincy offers a distinctive all-inclusive stay. The room rate includes a limousine transfer service from the airport – with free Wi-Fi access during the ride, all three meals at the hotel, high-speed Internet connections, all mini-bar amenities, and cocktails and drinks each evening.

The hotel is mere minutes’ walk from Orchard Road, Singapore’s main street which is considered one of the world’s foremost retail and entertainment thoroughfares. Its location also means easy accessibility to the public transport network in the island – with the island’s business and commercial district just a few metro stops away.

Yet, tucked away as it is from the main road, Quincy still offers its guests privacy and exclusivity. With just 108 rooms, this new hotel on Mount Elizabeth will be the smallest amongst the stable of Far East Hospitality’s hotels, but it is big in redefining ‘a stay in Singapore’.

“We wanted a combination of the best international influences, lots of character – and to the mix, we have also added our own years of experience as one of Singapore’s leading hospitality groups with six existing hotels and 11 serviced residences,” said Mr Chia Boon Kuah, executive director in charge of Far East Hospitality’s business.

He pointed out that boutique hotels all over the world have been setting new standards in hospitality. Growth of travel sites and agents in the last three years, which specialize exclusively in this market such as tablethotels.com, mrandmrssmith.com and splendia.com is testimony to the interest and demand for accommodation that offers a distinctive, different stay.
For a start, Quincy departs from the norm with its distinctive façade. Dark grey metal, anodized steel and shimmering windows form large modular shapes – giving the building a strong, modern, almost monolithic air.

But breaking the almost severe lines is a whimsical, illuminated, glass-enclosed pool which is cantilevered from the 12th floor of the building.

Touches of this surprising quirkiness can be found throughout the hotel – from the distinctive furniture including peanut-shaped benches and illuminated torsos, to the surprising messages that appear each day in the lifts, and to the colour-changing LED lights dotting the pool deck.

This is combined with thoughtful hospitality – where 400 threadcount sheets, Molton Brown toiletries and 42-inch TV screens come standard. The hotel will even pick up the tab for two pieces of laundry per room, per night.

The latitude this approach offered allowed Quincy to become a distinctive destination, which serves real wants and needs said Mr Chia: “We unhampered ourselves of rules and set out to achieve what travelers wanted and liked.”

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Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines is now operating direct flights between Brussels Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The flights are offered three times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The launch of the new route coincides with Shanghai 2010 Expo, which will run until the 31 October this year. Liang Pubin, General Manager for Hainan in Europe, commented “Shanghai 2010 Expo is expected to generate the largest number of visitors in the history of the World Expos. However, the Expo is not the only reason why we are starting this service. We expect passenger demand to remain strong, as Belgium has many cultural and economic ties with Shanghai. A number of big corporations in Belgium have operations, manufacturing facilities or subsidiaries in the city and its surrounding region.”

Hainan’s Brussels-Shanghai flights are being offered as a code-share service with Brussels Airlines. Up to 30% of passengers on the new route are taking connecting flights. The airline’s passengers to Brussels benefit from Brussels Airlines’ network of European and African destinations. Beyond Shanghai, passengers can connect to all the cities of China and Far East Asia, by taking advantage of Shanghai Pudong Airport’s comprehensive network. Shanghai is Hainan’s second route to China from the European capital. It also offers services from Brussels to its main hub in Beijing, with four weekly flights.

The Beijing and Shanghai flights are operated with Airbus 330 aircraft, with 36 business class and 186 economy class seats. Hainan Airlines has been rated as an official 4 star airline by Skytrax, for its service in both its economy and business class cabins. Business class is equipped with 180 degree lie-flat bed seats, with generous space allowances for each passenger. The renowned Belgian restaurant, L’Essentiel, has helped Hainan to develop its menu for business class. In addition, Hainan’s business class passengers at Brussels Airport have access to the British Airways business lounge at Pier B.

The launch of the new Brussels-Shanghai service was celebrated by an official inauguration at Brussels Airport, in the Gallery of Light on 28 May. “Shanghai is a great addition to the portfolio of direct long haul destinations from Brussels Airport” said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport at the opening event. “Travel with Hainan Airlines from Brussels Airport to Beijing has tripled over the last four years and we have no doubt that the new Shanghai route will be just as successful. The opening of this direct route to Shanghai opens a powerful and very promising new window to the East”.

“So far the performance on the new Shanghai route has exceeded our expectations in terms of occupancy, revenue and yield” said Liang Pubin. “For the time being there are three flights a week but we expect to raise the number of frequencies some time next year if the success of the route continues to grow.”

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W New York – Downtown and Aloft Harlem Open Next Month

One in Four New NYC Hotel Rooms in 2010 will Fly Starwood Flag

White Plains, New York – July 26, 2010 –Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced that it will grow its New York City portfolio by 50% this year and open more hotels in New York in 2010 than any other city in the world.  Today, Starwood operates 12 hotels in the Big Apple across six of its nine distinct and compelling brands. The company’s NYC boom will result in 18 high-caliber Starwood hotels including the debut of Starwood’s two newest brands in Manhattan – Aloft and Element. The company’s bullish focus on NYC is illustrative of its meaningful global growth strategy – Starwood is on track to open more than 80 hotels in key markets around the world this year.

Starwood’s Growth in NYC to Bring 500 New Jobs

During the remainder of 2010, Starwood will open six new hotels in neighborhoods across Manhattan, as well as in Long Island City and Brooklyn, representing 25% of the new hotel rooms in New York City – one out of four new hotel rooms slated to debut in the city this year will be branded Starwood.  In May, the highly anticipated Sheraton Brooklyn opened its doors – bringing the total number of new Starwood hotels to open in the Big Apple in 2010 to seven. The company’s aggressive growth will bring 1,712 new hotel rooms and more than 500 new jobs to New York City.

“While nearly 80% of our future hotel pipeline is outside of the United States, we have more hotels in New York City than any city in the world and we will open more hotels right here in our backyard than anywhere else, which speaks to New York’s enduring stature as the most global gateway city in the world,” said Frits van Paasschen, CEO of Starwood Hotels and Resorts.  “New York continues to be a beacon for international business and leisure travelers alike, and as we look to the future, we expect that as masses of travelers from China, India and other emerging markets begin to travel internationally, New York will be at the top of their list.  We couldn’t be more bullish on New York near or long term.”

Travelers Return to NYC

Over the past several months, NYC occupancy has continued to surpass last year’s levels:  June occupancy averaged 86.4%, up 5% over last year at the same time.  In addition, 45.25 million tourists visited in 2009, exceeding expectations by 7%.  By 2012, New York City anticipates attracting 50 million visitors annually and there is a need for new hotels to meet this demand.  New Yorkmaintained its position as the world’s most popular tourist destination for international visitors last year, and emerged as the top choice for domestic travelers for the first time in nearly 30 years.  Starwood is well prepared for the influx of travelers with product that is the best it has ever been. In fact, by 2011, 75% of Starwood’s portfolio in New York will be brand new or freshly renovated.

“In 2010, we will further diversify our strong portfolio in New York City by adding seven strategically located hotels, all backed by our powerful Starwood Preferred Guest program,” said Denise Coll, President of North America Division for Starwood Hotels and Resorts. “We have spent the past three years preparing for New York City’s economic recovery by working closely with our proven development partners on the right properties in the right places. As a result, we’re ready to meet the resurgence in demand for our high-quality lifestyle brands in neighborhoods across the city.”

Starwood to Debut Aloft and Element in the Big Apple

This year, Starwood will debut its two newest lifestyle brands in New York Citywith the opening of Aloft hotels in Harlem and Brooklyn and its first Element hotel in Times Square. Aloft and Element have proven to be popular among the hotel development community as consumer demand for stylish, comfortable and affordable accommodations in Manhattan and the outer boroughs continues to rise. The Aloft and Element brands redefined the select service segment when the first hotels opened in 2008, and by the end of the year will have a combined portfolio of nearly 59 properties worldwide. Aloft is the stylish new select service lifestyle brand derived from the DNA of W Hotels, and Element, which is inspired by Westin Hotels & Resorts, and offers an eco-savvy experience for longer-stay guests.

Starwood’s Iconic Sheraton Brand is Tribeca and Brooklyn Bound

Within the upper-upscale segment, New York is proving to be fertile ground for Sheraton, Starwood’s largest and most global brand. Among the new hotels Sheraton is adding worldwide, two are in New York City.  The summer opening of the highly anticipated Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel will be followed by the opening of Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel in September. Sheraton and its partners are also continuing to invest in upgrading its existing flagship hotel, the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, which is slated to begin a $100 million renovation later this year. These enhancements to the Sheraton brand’s NYC portfolio stem from its recently completed $6 billion global, multi-year revitalization program, which resulted in $2 billion in new hotels and $1.3 billion in renovations.

W Brings Style to Wall Street with New Downtown Hotel

New York City remains the epicenter of W Hotels Worldwide, with four currently open in the metro area, and the new W New York - Downtown Hotel & Residences opening this summer.  W continues to evolve its existing landmark hotels, recently renovating W New York and W New York - Times Square. Since the very first W opened in New York City in 1998, the hotel category buster and industry innovator has evolved from a New York City phenomenon to a global powerhouse with a portfolio of 35 W Hotels around the world and plans to more than double its portfolio by the end of 2011.

Four Points by Sheraton Heads to Long Island City

Four Points by Sheraton continues to make inroads in New York City with the upcoming opening of Four Points by Sheraton Long Island City this summer. The fast-growing brand made its debut just six years ago in the Big Apple, where it expects to have a total of seven hotels by 2011.

Starwood Moves Design Headquarters Downtown

Earlier this spring, Starwood also relocated its Manhattan-based luxury and design-led brands from Chelsea to new headquarters on Varick Street at the junction of Soho and Tribeca, two of New York City’s most creative neighborhoods.  The new design offices house the design and brand marketing teams across the company’s W, Le Meridien, St. Regis and Luxury Collection brands.

About Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1000 properties in nearly 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element ^SM.  Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

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Alexandria, VA (22 July 2010) – The Board of Directors for the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) (http://www.acte.org) unanimously appointed Susan Shaid, Global Director, Business Travel Sales, Omni Hotels & Resorts, as ACTE Regional Chair, United States. A 25-year industry veteran, Shaid will assure that regional ACTE activities throughout the United States are aligned with the Association’s global mission and vision.

“I have worked with ACTE on a local level for several years, and I am looking forward to expanding that role to communicate with ACTE members and attendees throughout the United States,” said Shaid, “It will be exciting to talk with the leaders of the industry, discuss what issues are impacting their business operations on a day-to-day basis, and learn how ACTE can better support them through its education and networking events.”

In her position with Omni Hotels & Resorts, Shaid is responsible for negotiations with the world’s largest corporate travel buyers, as well as providing them with effective methods for managing their hotel expenses. She has held a similar position with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, beginning her career in business travel sales for several of New York City’s landmark hotels, including The Plaza and Four Seasons.

“Susan knows many of the industry’s key players in the United States and she understands the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis,” said ACTE’s United States Board Representative Bruce Finch, Director, Global Travel and Workplace Sustainability Programs, AutoDesk, Inc. “This understanding, along with Susan’s passion for success, will enable ACTE to leverage a stronger volunteer network and enhance its events throughout the region.” Throughout her two year term, Shaid will work closely with Finch as well as ACTE Executive Director Ron DiLeo and the ACTE staff.

Susan joins other ACTE Regional Chairs around the world including Georgie Farmer, Asia Travel Manager, Microsoft Corporation (Asia-Pacific); Gillian McCormack, Manager, Business Development, American Express Business Travel (Canada); Yves Galimidi, Global Travel Purchaser, IKEA (Europe); ACTE Regional, Latin America, Mario Hidalgo, Manager, Multinational Customers, Latin America, Amadeus (Latin America); and Imran Changezi, Director, Corporate Sales, Jumeirah Group (Middle East and Africa).

For more information on ACTE United States, the volunteer leaders, and upcoming events, please visit the ACTE’s website: www.acte.org (http://www.acte.org).

ABOUT ACTE:

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) represents the global business travel industry through its international advocacy efforts, executive level educational programs, and independent industry research. ACTE’s membership consists of senior travel industry executives from 82 countries representing the (euro)463 billion business travel industry. Our members serve more than 12 million business travelers worldwide. With the support of sponsors from every major segment of the business travel industry, ACTE develops and delivers educational programs in key business centers throughout the world. ACTE has representation in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and the United States. For more information on ACTE, please go to www.acte.org (http://www.acte.org).

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Du 25 août au 18 septembre 2010, des éléments désormais « collectors » de l’ancienne génération de trains Thalys pourront être achetés sur le site de vente aux enchères eBay.

Au terme du plan de rénovation de l’ensemble de son parc entamé début 2008, Thalys a souhaité faire profiter à tous les amoureux des trains, aux collectionneurs d’objets rares, aux voyageurs passionnés ou à tout un chacun de quelques pièces maîtresses qui ont fait le succès de son parc depuis 1996. Un peu de nostalgie et beaucoup de passion vintage au rendez-vous !

Une vente aux enchères exceptionnelle en collaboration avec eBay

120 objets Thalys composeront la boutique dédiée sur eBay : 10 sièges Comfort 2, 10 sièges solo, 20 lampes de table « Cobra », 10 tables de vis-à-vis Comfort 1 avec lampe, 20 poubelles et 50 têtières Comfort 1. Dès le 25 août, les internautes pourront faire monter les enchères sur  HYPERLINK “http://www.thalys.com/renovation” www.thalys.com/renovation pour mettre la main sur l’un de ces collectors pendant plus de 3 semaines jusqu’au 18 septembre. Les enchères démarreront à 1€.

L’ensemble des bénéfices récoltés à l’occasion de cette vente exceptionnelle sera reversé à l’UNICEF.

Clou de l’opération : 3 sièges Comfort 1 relookés par le graffeur Sozyone

Plébiscité par les voyageurs après avoir graffé l’une des voitures Thalys à l’occasion du lancement de la grande vitesse vers Amsterdam et Cologne (ce train graffé a circulé de septembre 2009 à janvier 2010), Sozyone, artiste belge, a répondu présent à l’invitation de Thalys. Pour fêter cette vente exceptionnelle et célébrer d’un coup de maître l’achèvement du processus de rénovation de Thalys, il s’est approprié trois des sièges Comfort 1 qui seront mis en vente sur eBay dès le 25 août.

Dans le style urbain et aux couleurs tranchées qui le caractérisent, Sozyone signe pour Thalys une série limitée de trois œuvres uniques, conciliant objet rare et art contemporain. Numérotés et pièces uniques, ces trois sièges seront disponibles à la vente sur la boutique dédiée à Thalys sur eBay, au même titre que les autres objets.

Masque africain…Monochromie…Dandi…… trois œuvres uniques signées Sozyone – série limitée Dandi Demonio

Adieu les anciens Thalys !

Achevée en décembre prochain, la rénovation intérieure et extérieure des rames a été confiée à un consortium de designers belges et français, Avant-Première Design Graphique (France) et Enthoven Associates Design Consultants (Belgique).

Le nouvel univers combine confort, service de qualité et modernité, tout en valorisant l’identité multiculturelle de Thalys. En quelques mots, le nouveau design fait la part belle au bien-être, à l’ouverture, à la sensation de liberté. Il est fonctionnel, humain, culturel et imaginatif.

Le Thalys Bar est décliné en trois ambiances différentes, trois intensités chromatiques « medium », « light » ou       « dark ». Les voitures bénéficient d’une plus grande luminosité, de sièges ergonomiques dont la cinématique et l’espace aux genoux offrent un confort maximal, de prises de courant pour chaque siège, en Comfort 1 comme Comfort 2. Un salon est créé en Comfort 1 pour permettre notamment les réunions à bord.

A l’extérieur, l’impression de fluidité et de vitesse est renforcée, soulignée par une ligne chromée qui parcourt le train sur toute sa longueur et affirme son identité.

Le dernier train entre en atelier pour rénovation en novembre 2010. Ce nouveau design (contemporain, chaleureux et… exceptionnellement confortable) concernera 100% du parc dès le début 2011.

À propos de Thalys

Thalys est le train rouge à grande vitesse qui relie Bruxelles à Paris en 1h22, mais aussi à Cologne et à Amsterdam en 1h47 et 1h53 seulement. En effet, depuis le 13 décembre dernier, Thalys circule à grande vitesse sur toutes ses lignes. Thalys est une offre de la SNCF, de la SNCB, de la DB AG et des NS. Thalys est membre de Railteam, coopération entre les principaux opérateurs ferroviaires à grande vitesse européens, de la CER (Community of European Railway and Infrastucture Companies) et de l’UIC (Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer). Depuis mai 2008 toutes les voitures Thalys proposent une connexion WiFi à bord (service fourni par 21Net et activé par Nokia Siemens Networks et Telenet). En outre, la rénovation complète des rames sera achevée fin 2010 ; elle combine un nouveau design, le confort de sièges ergonomiques et une restauration renouvelée. Le programme de fidélité Thalys TheCard permet de cumuler des Miles et offre accès à une palette de services. Il est accessible à tous les voyageurs sur www.thalysthecard.com.

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The Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) conducted a survey in April and May to find out the level of brand-awareness for MEET TAIWAN in the MICE (Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions) industry.

About 58 percent of the respondents who have held conferences and exhibitions in Taiwan said they knew about MEET TAIWAN. As many as 82 percent of the participants said they would consider holding future events in Taiwan, showing positive results from MEET TAIWAN’s marketing efforts.

Ninety-two percent of those surveyed also expressed satisfaction with their experience in Taiwan. Convenient transportation, safety, cultural characteristics, cuisines and quality of service were some of the things that the survey participants were most satisfied with. Taiwan’s rich experience in organizing international exhibitions, high service quality, diverse culture, competent professionals and transportation are some of the focuses of future marketing plans.

MEET TAIWAN’s website (www.meettaiwan.com) serves as an important promotional platform for Taiwan’s MICE industry. Half of the survey participants were satisfied with the ease of navigation and design of the website. Those surveyed found travel information, MICE-related news and overall introduction of the MICE industry useful. The website went through revisions last year and will be revised again this year to improve even more for Internet users.

The survey provided important information on future promotions. The results show what magazines are popular among the survey participants, such as Business Traveler Asia, M&IT, and MICE ASIA.NET and AMI. All of them are publications about Taiwan’s exhibition environment. They also reveal that MEET TAIWAN made the right decision to focus this year’s promotional efforts on the IMEX in Germany and EIBTM in Spain. Many of the survey participants planned to visit the events.

After one year of promotions, MEET TAIWAN has successfully introduced the island as a new destination for MICE in Asia. MEET TAIWAN will make good use of the survey results to continue promoting Taiwan’s MICE environment, so that visitors will understand the true meaning of “Taiwan, the place to meet.”

Taiwan – the Place to Meet!

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The agreement gives Taiwan certain competitive edges in the global market and is expected to facilitate the development of the country’s MICE industry and other related industries. While Taiwan and China are both members of the World Trade Organization, trade between the two countries was subject to many limitations in the past. ECFA can help to “normalize” the trade relations between the two sides.

China is currently Taiwan’s most important export destination. ECFA can help Taiwan sign free-trade agreements (FTAs) with other counties, preventing Taiwan from becoming marginalized. The agreement will also help Taiwan become part of the global economic system by attracting foreign investment. With ECFA signed, Taiwan can now provide conference services in China as long as the terms of the agreement are met.

According to the Bureau of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the signing of ECFA helps attract Chinese enterprises to Taiwan to hold conferences or cooperate with Taiwanese enterprises in holding exhibitions. Increased cooperation between Taiwan and China and the expansion of Taiwan’s MICE industry will increase Taiwan’s competitive edges.

ECFA allows Taiwanese enterprises to have sole proprietorships in China and gives them more flexibility. This will help Taiwanese businesses expand their markets. On the other hand, more jobs will be created in Taiwan as Chinese companies will do most of the hiring on the island when they come to attend conferences and seminars or do business. According to the Bureau of Foreign Trade, if Chinese service providers should ever become threats to the interests of their Taiwanese counterparts, Taiwan can always activate trade remedy measures and negotiate with China to find solutions together.

The ECFA has opened a new era for MICE marketing, according to the Chinese National Federation of Industries. The federation hopes the government will be able to sign free trade agreements with other countries. “The Taiwan market is small and therefore the scale of conference enterprises is also small. After the signing of the ECFA, the next step is to sign FTAs. Taiwan can extend its exports to the entire Southeast Asia once the FTAs are signed,” said Director General Nieh Kuo-wei (聶國維) of the Taiwan Convention & Exhibition Association.

Taiwan – the Place to Meet!

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Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau is promoting travel without a car this summer by providing shuttle buses in 10 of Taiwan’s cities and counties. Excursionists can save money and limit their carbon emissions as they travel on 21 routes connecting railway and high-speed rail stations with scenic spots through the bureau’s “Tour Taiwan Sightseeing Shuttle Service.”

From now until the end of September, shuttle buses to the following 11 destinations may be ridden free of charge: Dongshan River and Jiaoxi in Yilan County; Lion Mountain in Hsinchu County; Nanzhuang, Penglai, and Xiangtian Lake in Miaoli County; Xitou in Nantou County; Chiayi City; and Taitung City, Eastern Coastal Areas and Offshore Islands, and East Rift Valley-Luye in Taitung County. Stops for these shuttle buses are located at railway stations and high-speed rail stations near scenic spots and are marked by large, red signposts bearing the Tour Taiwan logo.

Shuttle buses are scheduled one every hour on weekdays, and one every half-hour on weekends and holidays. Tickets may be purchased at stations or the fare may be paid on the bus, with the 11 aforementioned routes being free during the summer. For details, please visit http://www.taiwantrip.com.tw.

One item never far from the top of a traveler’s list is food, and it’s not just leading hotels that serve up Taiwanese delicacies. Steamed dumplings, stinky tofu, and pearl milk tea are local specialties that have gained global fame in recent years. If you were at a night market in Taiwan, which would you choose: stinky tofu or pig-blood cake? What if the choice were between pearl milk tea and mango shaved ice? Perhaps you’d like to try one of each as you make your way through the night market.

The Government Information Office is holding an online contest on Taiwan’s foods, entitled “Taiwan’s Yummy Snacks.” The four rounds of the contest will be held between July 15 and September 28.

For this event, eight of Taiwan’s specialty foods have been chosen to face off in four rounds. In the first round, pig-blood cake battles stinky tofu; then in round two, it’s oyster omelet against Taiwanese meat ball; in the third round, steamed dumplings will be matched up against braised pork rice; and to close things off, pearl milk tea will go toe-to-toe with mango shaved ice. Participants need only log on to the contest website to vote for their favorite food. Contestants may only cast a single vote each round, and all those who voted for the winner will be entered into a prize drawing. The top prize for each round is a Garmin portable GPS system.

Those who have participated in all four rounds and have chosen the winner each time will be entered in the drawing for a special prize—an HTC smartphone. To access the contest website, please visit the Republic of China Government Entry Point at http://www.taiwan.gov.tw.

Pig-blood cake was voted the world’s weirdest food in a contest run by a British travel agency. While this has caused this local specialty to become more well known worldwide, at present, the dish has garnered only 120 votes to stinky tofu’s 1,816. Unless this trend changes, it looks like pig-blood cake will be the loser come the close of the contest’s first round on August 2.

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