In opening a branch in Hanoi Downtown, Avis will be the first international car rental company to venture into the Vietnamese market. “Vietnam was one of the few countries that Avis did not yet have a branch in – something we had to change. The great demand among our clients – in both the tourism and business segments – showed us that there is a need for an internationally operating car rental here,” said Eric Brun, General Manager, Avis Asia.

by editor’s office, l/p

In an unprecedented step by the current administration, Bernhard Bohnenberger is the first foreigner appointed as an Honorary Advisor to the President of the Senate of Thailand. As a member of an elite panel, he may be called upon to advise Professor Prasobsook Boondech – President of the Senate, on all matters relating to high-end tourism, which is a focus for the country’s important inbound leisure sector.

by editor’s office, l/p

Those planning to travel to Bangkok in the near future should take a look at the lunar calendar, for it is exclusively during full moons that Millennium Hilton Bangkok organizes exquisite picnics on the hotel’s rooftop. Rising 32 stories high, the rooftop garden places guests in lofty heights, ensuring an undisturbed view of the entire metropolis. With the sparkling city lights, the glistening river bends of Chao Phraya river and the far-away bustle of Bangkok at night, the evening is bound to leave a lasting memory.

When times get tough, it’s time for training. There is no better time than now to opt for more training. In fact, the current economic slowdown has seen more and more companies sending their staff as well as individuals signing up for courses to upgrade themselves or to learn new skills with the objective of increasing productivity or improving their employability.

In line with the “Feast on Asia!” theme for this year’s IT&CMA (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia) & CTW (Corporate Travel World) Asia-Pacific, feeding the minds of delegates is the ultimate goal of the region’s combined premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) and business travel event.

by editor’s office, ch, tophotel

War of the hoteliers: Uwe Klaus, head of Octavian Hotel Holding, announced the withdrawal of Kempinski-run luxury hotels Taschenbergpalais Dresden and Schloss Reinhartshausen bei Eltville from renowned marketing organization Leading Hotels of the World (LHW).

This decision was triggered by the expulsion of Kempinski Hotel Bristol Berlin, another property run by Klaus, which was accused of “quality defects“ despite prior renovations amounting to ten million euros. Kempinski Hotel Atlantic Hamburg, too, was excluded from LHW, though this decision came as a surprise to no one, considering the building’s evident need for rehabilitation. Klaus described the decision made by the New York-based organization as “unprofessional”. LHW has yet to comment on the issue.

MITM Americas, Meetings and Incentives Travel Market, is an international travel trade show directed to the incentive and meeting markets which, for the last 12 years, has been held in 14 cities of seven countries in the Americas, including in the USA.

During the 18th and 19th of November of this year MITM will be held in Havana, Cuba, where 12 countries from the Americas will be selling their venues and services for incentive travel, meetings and events to buyers from Europe.