by Joachim Fischer, Shanghai

The name of the mascot of World Expo 2010 Shanghai China is Hai Bao, which means the treasure of the sea. The name of Hai Bao is easy to remember, echoes with the color of its body and is a typical lucky name in Chinese tradition.

Hai Bao is the good will ambassador of Shanghai Expo. He embraces friends from all over the world with his arms and confident smile.

The industry celebrates as 50 outstanding organisations clinch the prestigious award

TTG China Travel Awards 2009, dubbed the ‘Oscars of China’s Travel Industry’, was presented on Thursday at the Shanghai World Financial Centre to 50 exemplary travel organisations who have made an indelible mark on readers of TTG China, TTG Asia, TTGmice and TTG-BTmice China.

The heavyweights of China’s travel and tourism industry came together for a night of celebration at the second TTG China Travel Awards. These 50 winners have emerged as the crème de la crème of the industry, even as competition stiffens, with new travel organisations joining the playing field yearly.

by editorial office, bw

Taiwan Tourism Bureau welcomed its first millionth visitor to Taiwan at Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2. The lucky visitor arrived from Malaysia, and is in Taiwan on incentive tour with her company Cheerful Marketing. Here on a seven-day tour, she arrives in Taiwan during the Tung Blossoms season, and in order to promote Taiwan Hakka culture, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau has specially arranged for Hakka-themed performances and gifts to be given.

On April 14, 2009, AIRMILES, the UK’s leading reward scheme, with 20 years experience and expertise in the travel and leisure arena, launched ‘The Mileage Company’, a specialist provider that can help companies develop and manage existing or new loyalty programmes.

A wholly owned subsidiary of British Airways, The Mileage Company will run AIRMILES and also take responsibility for maximising the commercial success globally of British Airways’ own reward currency BA Miles, which frequent flyers collect as members of BA’s Executive Club. The Mileage Company will also market its expertise to run other frequent flyer and leisure reward programmes for UK and world-wide airlines and brands.

by editorial office, mas

Grand City Central Hotel Berlin Airport has been awarded three stars by the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga). The classification took place after a complete renovation of the hotel and in accordance with the trade association’s strict nationwide guidelines.

The 70 room hotel managed to satisfy the discerning Dehoga critics with its comfortable room furnishing, its design elements, and special services, such as wireless Internet throughout the building and location benefits, including convenient access to Tegel Airport, the ICC trade fair grounds and to the Autobahn.

by Joachim Fischer, Shanghai

Kuala Lumpur. There could not have been a better gift for Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen who celebrates her 63rd birthday I this days. She has been given a new lease of life as Tourism Minister, from her previous portfolio as Women, Family and Community Develop­ment Minister. Dr Ng, who will be sworn in today together with the rest of the Cabinet, pledged to give her all. “I will give my very best to ensure the tourism industry reaches its peak and will make Malaysia the best tourist destination in the world,’’ she declared proudly.