The Ascott Limited, the world’s largest international serviced residence owner-operator, has presented its 25th Anniversary grand prize of complimentary stays for 25 years to a lucky winner.

Mr Tomo Takuma, who stayed for a year at Citadines Shanghai Biyun from April 2008 to March 2009, was picked from a whopping four million chances.

Ascott flew the 35-year-old Shanghai-based Japanese expatriate to Singapore for the recent prize presentation at Ascott Raffles Place Singapore. “I can’t believe my luck. In Japan, winning a prize of such magnitude is unheard of.

Ascott 25th Anniversary Grand Prize Presentation

I have never won such a big prize in my life,” said Mr Takuma upon receiving the grand prize from Mr Chong Kee Hiong, CEO of Ascott Residence Trust Management Limited. Continue Reading

Brookfield Properties announced today that three new alfresco food kiosks – featuring the culinary stylings of some of New York City’s best-known restaurateurs – are open for business at the World Financial Center Plaza in Battery Park City, just outside the Winter Garden atrium fronting the Hudson River.

The three kiosks represent the first phase of an array of new dining options that will be coming to the WFC over the next several months. Ed’s Lobster Bar, Harry’s Italian and Quality Burger all bring a fresh and unique dining experience to Lower Manhattan.

Each will offer a quick, affordable way to enjoy cuisine from some of the city’s most highly regarded eateries within the picturesque setting overlooking New York Harbor.

Harry’s Italian

“The World Financial Center Plaza is truly one of the great outdoor public spaces in Manhattan – especially during the spring and summer months,” said Ed Hogan, national director of retail leasing for Brookfield Properties. “We’re pleased to offer these exciting new alfresco dining options to our building tenants as well as area residents and visitors.” Continue Reading

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Are you one of the many people planning a road trip with your pet this summer? Over 49% of adult travelers consider their pet to be part of the family and 18% of adult travelers can’t imagine a vacation without Fido.

Leading Slipcover and Home Solution company Sure Fit is thrilled to introduce their Auto Friends Collection, an easy budget-friendly way to help keep your pet safe and your car protected. The hammock one-piece style secures to car seat headrests, keeping your pet from tumbling to the floor during sudden stops while working double duty to protecting the seats from fur and stains.

The Sure Fit Auto Friends Collection is available in Car Seat, Cargo Mat, Floor Mat, and Car Hammock styles in a variety of colors on www.SureFit.com. All covers have a waterproof lining and no-slip grips, protecting from any accidents along the way ($14.99-29.99).

Travel with Pets

Now that your pet is ready, below is a list of Sure Fit’s Top 10 Pet Friendly Cities to help plan your road trip:

1. New York City – Between winding trails, off-leash hours and fenced-in dog parks, NYC’s Central Park is the perfect pet hang-out. Plus, pet daycare can be found in nearly every Big Apple neighborhood. Continue Reading

Cebu Pacific (CEB), one of Asia’s fastest growing airlines, continues its advocacy of promoting travel as it launches the first ever Wandering Juan Blog Contest. This contest recognizes travel bloggers who share Cebu Pacific’s vision of frequent travels for every one through their informative and inspiring narratives.

The Wandering Juan Blog Contest is open to all Philippine residents who blog about traveling. Blog post nominations can be made for the following categories: Leisure and Relaxation (spa/medical tourism, shopping, entertainment, special events, among others), Culture and Heritage (food, history, landmarks, local festivals, among others), or Adventure and Sports (indoor and outdoor sports, sports events, extreme sports, camping, hiking, wildlife encounters, and more). Blog entries can be nominated just by filling out the nomination form on www.WanderingJuan.com from June 1 to July 31, 2010.

CEB, in cooperation with Mozcom, Inc. and contest partners will reward the best blog entries with unlimited travel passes to any CEB domestic destination from September to October 2010, and a Fun Tours package to Cebu’s top resorts and hotels, inclusive of 3 days, 2 nights accommodations for two.

These Fun Tours Packages are for Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa (Leisure and Relaxation category), Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (Culture and Heritage category) and Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa (Adventure and Sports category).

Castle in Osaka

There will also be a special Fun Prints Picturebook Travelers Edition package (where the winner can put together their own travel story book containing photos, captions, plane tickets and other travel memorabilia) for the Best Travel Blog Photography or blogs with the most enticing travel photos. Continue Reading

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With less than six hours flying time and no jet lag, Parque das Dunas Hotel (www.parquedasdunas.com) on Boa Vista, Cape Verde is a great destination for frantic families seeking a sunshine break. And now with the announcement by The Cape Verde Experience of two new flight routes out of Bristol and Stansted from December 2010, this sand dune isle is more accessible than ever before!

The perfect place for parents to relax and unwind, Parque das Dunas Hotel is an established boutique hotel that boasts seven miles of white-sand beach, guaranteeing plenty of space for both sandcastle competitions and a relaxing sunbathe.

In addition, a tropical warm sea awaits, perfect for water babies (or perhaps their older siblings) looking to try windsurfing or even kite-surfing for the first time as well as plenty of fun activities inland, including a thrilling dune buggy ride through the impressive desert-like dunes.

Beach Bungalow in Cape Verde

The charming and informal hotel comprises 48 bungalow-style rooms, each with patio and stunning sea-views and many with direct access to the beach, in addition to an open restaurant, bar and large swimming pool with kids section. Continue Reading

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“For the average hotel guest, dining can make up anywhere from a third to a half of the total spend on an average trip,” noted Lisa Grossberg, General Manager of the historic Buckingham Hotel in Manhattan which has eat-in kitchens in every apartment-style suite.

Whether you’re headed to a tropical island or a major city, here are 5 simple ways you can save hundreds of dollars on your next trip:

1) Book a condo-style hotel room with an eat-in kitchen. If you’re headed to a major city, you’ll find that many of the early and mid-century hotel buildings, like the Buckingham, came installed with private kitchens. And if you’re jetting to an island destination, more and more hotels are renting out their dormant condo and timeshare units.

“The overdevelopment of timeshares in 2008 has left a lot of hoteliers with a wider inventory than they anticipated. As a result, travelers can find cheap hotels, some with Viking kitchens and high-end appliances!” notes Grossberg.

2) Stock your fridge. Even if you have plans to dine out every night of the week, you can still skip paying $40 for a below-average continental breakfast by bringing your own eggs, bagels and coffee.

“We have the great fortune of being located in midtown Manhattan, so we’re blocks from some of the best bagels and lox in the country,” said Grossberg. “But every city and town has its own food gems. It’s a great loss if you don’t take advantage. When in Rome!”

And if you want to spice things up with a mimosa, pick up a bottle of Freixenet cava. It retails for just $10 at the liquor store and is what many restaurants use behind the scenes. Just pour out half a flute of Freixenet and top off with another half of OJ — and you’re set, brunch style… Continue Reading

Cebu Pacific (CEB) is now the Philippines’ largest airline by total number of passengers flown on domestic and international routes.

Based on Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) data, CEB flew 2,448,990 domestic and international passengers from January to March this year, almost 110,000 more than Philippine Airlines’ system-wide figures of 2,339,788.

CEB claimed the No. 1 domestic carrier last year when it captured 50 percent of the domestic market share. It remains the number one carrier in 2010, with 51 percent market share. It started operations only in 1996.

“Our consistent focus and commitment to offering the lowest fares for value service continue to pay off. We expect to grow even more in the coming years as we take delivery of more brand-new planes which we will use to expand our capacity, increase frequencies, and fly to more local and foreign destinations,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

CEB is buying 22 more 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft for delivery starting in Oct. this year till 2014, which by then would make the airline’s Airbus fleet the largest in the country as well.

The airline currently operates the youngest aircraft fleet in the country, composed of 21 Airbus and eight ATR 72-500 aircraft.

“Our expansion will drive our costs lower, benefiting the flying public with CEB’s trademark low fares,” said Iyog.

Last year, CEB flew 8.8 million domestic and international passengers, with a 31% year-on-year growth. This year, it expects the number to rise to 10 million. By 2013, CEB expects to carry a total of 15 million passengers, exceeding the capacity of the NAIA Terminal 3, its home base.

From the last quarter of 2010 onwards, CEB expects to strengthen its network of 33 domestic and 15 international destinations with more routes and increased frequencies. It just recently announced its newest Brunei route, slated to start this Aug. 21. Continue Reading

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The great aspect of booking and paying online is that Tour de Force offers a 15% deduction off the regular price in June 2010. So, it doesn’t matter if you plan your St. Petersburg excursion in august or the following months, if you book it and pay for it in June 2010 the deduction applies. All the online operations are totally secure and discreet.

Tour de Force is a travel company that appeared on the market in 2000. With 5 million dollars insurance, the company is designed to make everything easy for its clients.

All you have to do is go online and make all the arrangements from the comfort of your living room, without having to make unnecessary calls, write tons of emails or waste your time on the road going from travel agency to travel agency.

France Tourist Destinations

The website is really intuitive and easy to use, giving you all the information you need with a simple click of a button. Continue Reading

Is your dad the George Clooney “Up in the Air” character in your life? The type of traveler who just might be approaching 10 million frequent flyer miles?

The Sure Fit Transit Cover is a great gift for the frequent traveler, business or pleasure.

Market leader Sure Fit Furniture Covers is applying its 95 years of innovation to create budget friendly and stylish covers for everything from couches to airline and bus seats.

The Sure Fit Transit Cover provides a barrier between you and the travelers that came before, slipping over almost any plane or bus seat.

The Transit Cover has been tested on airlines including American Airlines, Jet Blue and Delta as well as most commercial buses. It is machine washable and comes in the same signature stretch fabric used on modern sofa slipcovers.

Traces of E. coli have been detected on the faucets, doors and handles of airplane toilets. People take those germs back to their seats, where the next person who sits down is exposed to them. Even worse – the powerful flush of airplane toilets can spray bacterial water all over you, which you then take to your seat. The Sure Fit Transit Cover can help protect you against these germs and bacteria.

The Sure Fit Transit Cover is a perfect gift for Dad! The Transit Cover retails for $14.99 and it available at: www.surefit.com.

A long-standing Florida tradition returns for the 14th year this August. In a celebration of the Gulf region and Florida’s “Forgotten Coast,” the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce hosts the Florida Scallop & Music Festival, formerly known as the St. Joseph Bay Scallop Festival, which brings arts and crafts, music, and the ocean’s bounty to the Waterfront at Shipyard Cove on Friday, Aug. 6 through Sunday, Aug. 8.

A weekend of fun with attractions from local businesses, such as some free bingo, and regional food at an inexpensive price gives the Southeast an easy way to experience the best of the Port St. Joe area while supporting the economy and culture of Florida’s Gulf area.

The kickoff on Friday features an all-day merchant sidewalk sale, where local vendors and artists will showcase their best, and will include a Patron Dinner featuring James Beard Award-winning Chef Louis Osteen, of Watermark, Miro District, and the soon to open The Blind Pig No. 55, all in Nashville; James Beard Award-winning Chef Martha Foose, author of Screen Doors and Sweet Tea; Chef Todd Richards of Rolling Bones Premium Pit BBQ in Atlanta; and Chef Jason Alley of Comfort Restaurant in Richmond, Va. General festivities begin on Saturday with the traditional opening ceremony.

A variety of vendors will serve scallops to festival-goers and other vendors will also be serving refreshing snacks and meals. While feasting on the festival’s namesake, guests can also peruse the merchandise of many artists and craft vendors throughout the day, and enjoy live music from Amanda Shaw, Bo Spring Band, Eric Lindell, The Tams and Treme Brass Band. The fun continues on Sunday with the returning vendors and activities. Scallops and snacks will be served by various vendors until Sunday evening.

The Florida Scallop Festival promises fun for the whole family. Admission for children ages 10 and younger is free, as is for those 65 years and older and military personnel with valid I.D. General admission to the festival is $5.00 per person on Saturday, and $5.00 per person on Sunday.

For more information on the Florida Scallop & Music Festival, visit www.gulfchamber.org/scallopfestival.
2010 Florida Scallop & Music Festival

The 2010 Florida Scallop & Music Festival is taking place August 6 – 8, 2010. The festival, once named The St. Joseph Bay Scallop Festival, is in its 14th year. Recreational-harvested scallops are enjoyed and celebrated during this event featuring live music, arts and more. The Florida Scallop & Music Festival is held in downtown Port St. Joe on Florida’s beautiful “Forgotten Coast” in Gulf County. The area is located in Florida’s Northwestern Panhandle, approximately 35 miles southeast of Panama City. For more information, please visit www.gulfchamber.org/scallopfestival.

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Situated in an exquisite position overlooking Lake Windermere, the Hillthwaite House Hotel offers luxury accommodation whilst being family owned and run.

Hillthwaite House Hotel understands how important the internet is and how it continues to grow in its importance within the travel and tourism industry. The hotel’s newly designed website, http://www.hillthwaite.com launched yesterday was commissioned to keep them up to date within the industry.

The new, fresh look website has coincided with the recent refurbishment of the lounge, entrance hall and four bedrooms at Hillthwaite House Hotel. The lounge has been fully decorated and refurbished throughout including new carpet, furniture and sparkling chandelier.

The entrance hall has also been redecorated to complement the lounge and four of guest bedrooms have had brand new en suite bathrooms installed.

The new images of the refurbished rooms are shown off to their best potential within the new design and if a new website and major refurbishment wasn’t enough, a new streamlined online booking system provided by Guestlink has been incorporated making it even easier for guests and visitors to check real time availability and make bookings.

Purchased in 1971 by the present owners John and Marjorie Sodeau, the house was then called Hoggs Hill Close and was a six bedroom private residence from which a small private hotel in Windermere was born.

The house was very different then, with a stable block in the area to the rear of the building and a tennis court at the front. Continue Reading

WATER BABIES BARGAIN – Enjoy A Family Diving Holiday In Egypt This Summer
For families wanting more than the typical beach holiday this summer, Tropical Sky Family Diving Holidays (www.familydiving.co.uk / 01342 310585) are offering a seven-night package to the Sierra Hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from just £2,476 for a family of four (Adults from £679 and children aged 12 and under from £559).

Valid for departure on 3 July, the price includes scheduled flights from Gatwick, accommodation in a garden view room on an all-inclusive basis, transfers, taxes and surcharges.

Perfect for parents who love to dive and wish to introduce their children to the wonders of the under-water world, the family-friendly Sierra Hotel is situated directly on a beach and has fantastic diving facilities. In addition there are a wealth of amenities for adults and children to enjoy, including two restaurants, five swimming pools, floodlit tennis, a spa and a nearby 18-hole championship course.

Scuba Diving in the Carribean

Children’s facilities include a Kid’s Club for those aged 2 – 12; swimming pool, playground and indoor games room equipped with various entertainment including PlayStation sets. Tropical Sky Cheap Holidays To Egypt offers a fantastic introduction to diving courses aimed at those aged eight upwards. Continue Reading

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