Van 9 tot 12 april 2010 staat Taiwan in de kijker op de internationale postzegeltentoonstelling ‘Antverpia 2010’ in Antwerp Expo. ‘Chunghwa Post Taiwan’ zal er een unieke collectie postzegels tentoon stellen, in het bijzonder over ornithologie en de natuurlijke rijkdommen van het Eiland.

De Post van Taiwan schenkt bij deze gelegenheid postzegels ter waarde van € 11.000 aan CliniClowns België, een vzw met thuisbasis in Antwerpen die wekelijks onder het motto ‘Lachen maakt gezond’ een glimlach op de gezichten van tientallen jonge patiëntjes tovert. Indien de CliniClowns erin slagen deze donatie te gelde te maken, kunnen er het komende jaar 780 extra kinderen worden bezocht.

Filatelisten die CliniClowns wensen te steunen, kunnen terecht op de geanimeerde stand van Taiwan in Hal 2 om de prachtige geschenkverpakkingen met postzegels te kopen. Zij krijgen er een gratis kalligrafie van hun naam in traditionele Chinese karakters bovenop en kunnen er genieten van live muziek en andere verrassingen.

Wij nodigen u graag van harte uit op de officiële overhandigingceremonie, in aanwezigheid van de CliniClowns en begeleid door een spectaculaire Leeuwendans, op vrijdag 9 april, om 11u30, op het grote podium in hal 1 van Antwerp Expo (inkom gratis).

Voor meer informatie;

* CliniClowns België, Tel. 03/458.79.00,  valerie@cliniclowns.be of jacques@cliniclowns.be

* Dienst Pers & Informatie, Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium,
Tel. 02/517.17.23,  karin@taipei-office.be (Karin De Backer)

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From April 9-12, the renowned international stamp exhibition, ‘Antverpia 2010’, will have a special focus on Taiwan. The ‘Chunghwa Post Taiwan’ will present a unique collection of its stamps, in particular about ornithology and the natural resources of the island, at the Antwerp Expo exhibition centre.

To mark the occasion, the Post of Taiwan will donate stamps worth €11,000 to CliniClowns Belgium, an Antwerp-based non-profit organization whose motto is ‘Laughter is the best medicine’ and which entertains young patients in hospitals. If the CliniClowns succeed in selling the donation, they will be able to visit an extra 780 children in hospital in the coming 12 months.

Philatelists, who wish to support the CliniClowns, can visit the animated stand of Taiwan in Hall 2 to buy these beautiful stamps. Buyers will receive a free calligraphy of their name written in traditional Chinese characters while enjoying live music and other surprises.

We would like to invite you to the official handing-over ceremony in the presence of CliniClowns and featuring a display by a spectacular duo-lion dance at 11.30am on Friday, April 9 on the central stage in Hall 1 of Antwerp Expo (free entrance).

For more information:

* CliniClowns Belgium, Tel. 03/458.79.00,  valerie@cliniclowns.be or
jacques@cliniclowns.be

* Press & Information Division, Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium,
Tel. 02/517.17.23,  karin@taipei-office.be (Karin De Backer)

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L’Exposition internationale de philatélie ‘Antverpia 2010’, qui se déroulera du 9 au 12 avril prochain à ‘Antwerp Expo’, mettra Taïwan en lumière. ‘Chunghwa Post Taiwan’ y exposera une collection de timbres unique, notamment sur le thème de l’ornithologie et les ressources naturelles de l’Ile.

A cette occasion, la Poste de Taïwan offrira des timbres d’une valeur totale de 11.000 € en faveur des CliniClowns Belgique, une Asbl basée à Anvers, qui, chaque semaine, sous la devise ‘Rire, c’est Guérir’, fait rire des centaines d’enfants malades dans les hôpitaux belges. Si les CliniClowns réussissent à vendre cette donation, ils pourront rendre visite à 780 enfants de plus l’année prochaine.

Les philatélistes qui souhaitent soutenir les CliniClowns, peuvent se rendre au stand animé de Taïwan (hall 2) afin de se procurer ces magnifiques timbres. Les acheteurs y recevront une calligraphie gratuite de leur prénom et pourront écouter de la musique traditionnelle chinoise et découvrir de nombreuses surprises.

Nous avons le plaisir de vous convier à la cérémonie de remise officielle en présence des CliniClowns. A cette occasion, vous pouvez admirer une spectaculaire danse du lion. Rendez-vous le vendredi 9 avril, à 11h30, sur le grand podium dans le hall 1 d’Antwerp Expo (entrée gratuite).

Pour plus amples renseignements:

* CliniClowns Belgique, Tel. 03/458.79.00, valerie@cliniclowns.be ou
jacques@cliniclowns.be

* Service Information, Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium,

Tel. 02/517.17.23,  karin@taipei-office.be (Karin De Backer)

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The European Parliament said Taiwan’s role in the two international organizations is key to the interests of both the European Union and the rest of the world, the ministry said in a press release.

In a resolution passed a day earlier after reviewing the EU’s 2008 Common Foreign and Security Policy submitted by the EU Council, the European Parliament gives its support for Taiwan’s participation in the two international organizations as an observer.

The European Parliament says in the resolution that it welcomes the efforts made by both Taiwan and China in improving cross-Taiwan Strait relations, and adds that the developments will help ensure stability and security in East Asia. It also urges both sides to continue dialogue, enhance substantive cooperation and build mutual trust.

The ministry noted that the European Parliament passed two resolutions in February last year extending its support for Taiwan’s participation in related international organizations.

(By Shih-Hsin-yao and Bear Lee)

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Airline becomes 33rd customer for newest Airbus model

United has formalized a commitment originally announced in December 2009, signing a firm order for 25 A350-900 XWB aircraft, the newest twin-engine widebody from Airbus. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin in 2016 and run through 2019.

“This is the latest chapter in a very strong relationship that has spanned two decades,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “From the delivery of the first United A320 in November 1993 to today, Airbus and United have worked together successfully to weather challenging market periods. It’s a true testament to what the A350 XWB has to offer that one of the largest airlines in the world has selected it to be an instrumental part of their future.”

“With this order we are investing in United’s future, gaining a widebody aircraft that will help us reduce operating costs while still providing state-of-the-art comfort to our customers,” said John Tague, President of United Airlines. “The A350 XWB will also help us reduce fuel burn and our overall environmental footprint in comparison to older technology aircraft.”

Mark King, President – Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, added: “This represents a significant endorsement of our Trent XWB technology and its operational advantage. We are delighted that United Airlines has put its trust in the long-term performance advantages of Trent technology and TotalCare®.”

The A350 XWB is a new family of mid-size widebody airliners. The highly efficient aircraft brings together the latest in aerodynamics, design and advanced technologies to provide a 25-percent step-change in fuel efficiency compared to current aircraft in the same size category. The A350 XWB airframe will have 53 percent composite materials, lightening the weight thereby maximizing fuel economy. Featuring an entirely new, very quiet, cabin with extra space and comfort, passengers will enjoy more headroom, wide panoramic windows and more overhead storage area.

The three passenger versions have true long-range capability and flexibility. The A350-800 will fly 270 passengers in a three-class configuration 8300 nautical miles. The 314-seat A350-900 and 350-seat A350-1000 will offer similar long-range performance.

The order book for the aircraft type now stands at 530 aircraft. Final assembly of the first aircraft is anticipated in 2011, with the first delivery (of an A350-900) scheduled for 2013.

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Comme chaque année l’Office Allemand du Tourisme convie ses nombreux amis à l’occasion d’un workshop qui a réuni plusieurs centaines de participants.

Nous en avons profité pour photographier la sympathique équipe belge de l’Office du Tourisme à Bruxelles.

Les plus importants thèmes de l’année 2010 en Allemagne

Essen – capitale européenne de la culture 2010

Ruhr2010: capitale européenne de la Culture

Les Jeux de la Passion 2010 à Oberammergau

Escapades de charme dans une Allemagne proche

Mur de Berlin: 20 ans après la chute

Allemagne: Coupe du monde de foot féminin 2011!

Tradition & shopping de Noël en Allemagne

Vacances à la neige en Allemagne: entre ski et surf!

Nouvelles attractions au Nürburgring

L’Allemagne: la qualité à bon marché!

Du nouveau au pays de l’Automobile

Pour plus de renseignements : http://www.vacances-en-allemagne.be/

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S.E. Monsieur Howard Gutman, Ambassador of the United States of America in Belgium entouré de Madame Brigitte de Stexhe, Commercial Advisor American Embassy et Monsieur Bernard Guisset, External Communication & Sales Support Manager Continental Europe, Jet Airways et Président Belgique et Luxembourg du Visit USA

Le Visit USA Marketing & Promotion Bureau est une association composée d’organisations publiques et privées qui s’engagent à promouvoir les voyages vers les Etats-Unis. Parmi ses membres se trouvent des Convention & Visitor Bureau’s, des tour-opérateurs, des compagnies de location de voitures, des compagnies de croisières, des lignes aériennes, des hôtels, des attractions et des agences de voyages.

Comme chaque année le Visit USA a organisé son traditionnel workshop. Il y avait donc foule ce lundi 8 mars dans les salons de l’Hôtel Métropole à Bruxelles. Ils étaient en effet nombreux à profiter de cette opportunité unique qu’offre le workshop du Visit USA pour mettre en contact direct acheteurs et vendeurs spécialisés sur les Etats-Unis.

Signalons que le Visit USA dispose d’un centre d’envoi de documentation très utile pour les nombreux voyageurs désirant se documenter avant d’effectuer leur voyage vers les Etats-Unis. Le centre dispose de brochures sur pratiquement tous les Etats ainsi que sur certaines villes et régions. Certains Etats membres du Visit USA, envoient une documentation très complète et détaillée et les voyageurs peuvent la commander par l’intermédiaire:

• du site web www.visitusa.org
• par fax au 03/230 09 14
• par email : info@visitusa.org
• par courrier : P.O.Box 10001, 2600 Berchem

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• Two new ibis hotels for Ho Chi Minh City
• Novotel Imperial Hoi An, Novotel Resort Phu Quoc and Novotel Saigon Centre committed to development
• The second MGallery for Vietnam announced in the capital – Hotel De L’Opera Hanoi
• Le Belhamy Hoi An Resort and Spa opening April 1, 2010
• The introduction of the Pullman brand to Vietnam with Pullman Vung Tau opening later this year
• Mercure Hado Hanoi scheduled to open late 2010
• Accor to double the number of rooms under management in Vietnam by 2012

Ho Chi Minh City, March 10, 2010 – Accor, the largest international hotel operator in Vietnam, announces today its strategic expansion plans for Vietnam. This plan includes additional hotels within the Novotel, Mercure hotel brand, launching of the ibis brand and MGallery label and the ambitious goal of doubling the number of rooms under management in the Vietnam by 2012.

“Vietnam has always been considered as one of the strategic markets in Southeast Asia for Accor, which is demonstrated through Accor’s early entrance and consistent growth in the country since 1991. With signs of both economic recovery and a re-strengthening of tourism arrivals, Accor is confident and ready to selectively expand our presence throughout the country,” says Patrick Basset, Vice President of Operations for Vietnam, the Philippines, South Korea and Japan.

Accor’s multi-brand expansion throughout Vietnam

Accor plans to expand the number of brands on offer in Vietnam to include upscale products such as Pullman and MGallery, through to more economical ibis hotel brand.

In late 2010, Accor anticipates the opening of the first Pullman hotel in Vietnam – Pullman Vung Tao and the second MGallery hotel for Vietnam in the country’s capital – Hotel De L’Opera Hanoi.

Beyond this additional developments include 3 Novotels’ – Novotel Imperial Hoi An, Novotel Resort Phu Quoc and Novotel Saigon Centre. Mercure Hanoi Hado with it’s central location in the city will be the third Mercure for Vietnam.

The first 2 ibis hotels for the country are also announced for Ho Chi Minh City – ibis Saigon and ibis Saigon South. These hotels represent the first two international economy hotels for Vietnam.

“The coming twelve months is sure to be an exciting period for Accor in Vietnam, with many new developments in the pipeline. Pullman Vung Tao will be the first for the brand in the country, while Hotel De L’Opera Hanoi will be the second hotel of the highly distinctive upscale MGallery label.” Mr. Basset further explains.

Accor expansion ambitions

Accor currently has 13 hotels and 2,147 rooms in operation throughout Vietnam and more than 2,000 additional rooms committed through the above mentioned developments.

“Accor has confidence in Vietnam’s continued economic stability and growth, and therefore determined to remain ‘the largest international hotel operator in Vietnam’, with a hotel brand portfolio covering the spectrum of luxury to economy,” Mr. Basset adds.

Mercure’s successful debut and the opening of Le Belhamy Hoi An Resort and Spa

The launch of Mercure hotel brand in Vietnam exhibits a blueprint for success with Mercure Hanoi La Gare achieving remarkable performance since its opening in mid 2009, the introduction of Mercure Dalat Hotel Du Parc to the network, and the recent opening of Mercure Hue Gerbera. These achievements of the Mercure brand in Vietnam have been made in the first twelve months of the brand’s presence in the country, a likely indication of the success that this mid-scale brand of Accor is likely to enjoy in the country into the future.

Today, Accor announces the scheduled opening of Le Belhamy Hoi An Resort and Spa, a 131-room resort hotel located on Ha My Beach and near the Unesco World Heritage site – the Ancient Town of Hoi An, a city on the coast of the South China Sea in central Vietnam. The resort will welcome guests from April 1, 2010.

This new resort comprises a mix of garden rooms, together with bedroom villas and pool villas. The resort’s facilities include the all-day dining Champa Restaurant with a terrace overlooking the beach-view swimming pool, the Nam Dinh Restaurant in a 100 year-old traditional timber home setting, a poolside bar, two swimming pools and a spa.

“Le Belhamy Hoi An Resort and Spa, although not branded as a Mercure, delivers the same key brand initiatives and promises – unique personality, in harmony with the surroundings, and is to provide top quality services focusing on making guests’ experience a memorable one,” comments Mr. Basset on this new resort hotel on the beachfront of Hoi An.

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Berlin, 9 March 2010 The year 2009 was the most successful year ever for Berlin tourism.
Around 8.3 million persons visited the German capital last year, an increase of 4.5 percent.
During the same period, the number of overnight stays in commercial accommodations rose by 6.2 percent to 18.87 million.

Last year, a total of 5.4 million visitors from elsewhere in Germany traveled to Berlin, where they spent 11.4 million nights. That represents an increase of 4.5 percent in arrivals and 6.4 percent in guest-nights. The number of visitors from abroad grew as well. There were 2.88 million visitors from outside Germany, which is 4.6 percent more than last year. They accounted for 7.5 million guest-nights, an increase of 5.9 percent. The most important foreign markets were the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit comments, “Berlin is one of the big winners in urban tourism.

Hardly any other major city can point to an increase in visitor numbers even in times of crisis.

Whether they come for shopping, culture, or sporting events, tourists from around the world are very fond of our city, and we come across as an open and liberal metropolis. Certainly, 2009 was a special year for the German capital. The IAAF World Championships in Athletics and the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall were exceptional events that drew many visitors from around the world. But the great potential of Berlin is also getting a long-term boost from the tourism strategy of the Berlin legislature. This is allowing us to preserve jobs and strengthen the economic resources in Berlin.”

Professor Ulrike Rockmann, president of the State Statistical Institute Berlin-Brandenburg, notes, “There was growth in Berlin tourism, contrary to the trend for the country as a whole.

Significantly more visitors from Germany and abroad traveled to the city. And the guests also stayed longer than in Hamburg or Munich, an average of 2.3 days.”
Burkhard Kieker, President/CEO of Berlin Tourismus Marketing GmbH, says, “Berlin is a winner in the crisis. That’s also evident from the comparison with our competitors. The world is interested in what Berliners have made of their city. And the latest numbers show that visitors like the result.”

The total number of beds rose by 10.1 percent. In December, there were 109,700 beds available to Berlin tourists in 726 commercial accommodations (including holiday camping sites).

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Berlin, Germany, 9 March 2010 – Working together to ensure that global policies are supportive of the sustainable growth of tourism and position travel and tourism as one industry speaking with one voice were some of the challenges highlighted by UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, speaking on the occasion of the opening of this year’s ITB Travel Trade Show (Berlin, Germany, 10-14 March 2010).

ITB 2010 kicks off as the tourism industry is starting to leave behind one of the most difficult years of its history, after international tourist arrivals fell by 4% in 2009, while earnings are estimated to have fallen by approximately 6%.

The return of growth to international tourism in the last quarter of 2009 and the first results from January 2010 suggest that recuperation is underway. In this framework, UNWTO forecasts a growth of 3% to 4% in international tourist arrivals for 2010.

“Though there are positive signs emerging from the global economy, we all recognize that recovery is still weak, uneven, easily reversible and that many downside risks remain”, said Mr. Rifai. “It is therefore key to devise ways for tourism to be well positioned in any new economic cycle”, he added.

At the same time, Mr Rifai highlighted the lessons learned from the UNWTO Roadmap for Recovery process: countries which were quick in reacting to and implementing measures to mitigate the crisis have seen that their initiatives have made a difference.

He also recalled that “tourism can rapidly create jobs” inviting the sector to consider a “collective initiative that stimulates the preservation and creation of decent jobs and qualifies human resources to be part of the transformation to the green economy”.

In considering the roots of the still persisting challenges, Mr. Rifai said “it seems that our global economic order and our global ecological balance are both challenged at the same time”. He added, “the entire development model of the last 60 years seems to be unsustainable and in question”.

Against this backdrop, UNWTO Secretary-General underscored that “recent developments have revealed some of the structural weaknesses of our sector, both within the private and the public realms.”

“There is clearly a need to revisit our business models in order to master innovation and technology as much as there is a need to develop comprehensive, clear and strong public policies. We cannot build a meaningful public-private partnership without strong, healthy and identifiable national public policies on travel and tourism”., he concluded.

Read the full speech at: http://www.unwto.org/pdf/ITB2010EN.pdf

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