RevaHealth.com"s Revolutionary Medical Tourism Search Engine Continues To Grow, Now Covering Malaysia

Dublin, Ireland (PRWEB) March 3, 2009

Malaysia has long been a popular destination amongst those seeking a holiday in the sun, a bargain shopping spree or a modern city break. Now more and more savvy travellers are adding cosmetic treatment in the South East Asian country to their to-do lists, with a tummy tuck in Malaysia costing as little as MYR11,500 (GB

RevaHealth.com"s Revolutionary Medical Tourism Search Engine Continues To Grow, Now Covering Malaysia

Dubai Property Investment from £31,000

(PRWEB) January 19, 2005

Dubai’s mission is to be the Hong Kong, Monaco and Orlando of the Middle East, the financial hub and the tourism and leisure destination that will outstrip anywhere else. Its geographical position in the globe, where East meets West, suggests that it has access to a enormous market covering Middle East, India, Pakistan, Central and Western Europe, Africa, and the Russian Federation and so forth.

Dubai has a good number of all-natural advantages for UK investors – like direct flights of less than 7 hours, relative security and safety, tax absolutely free shopping, no tax on earnings or capital, and of course the sunshine!

The house market place right here is expected to encounter robust demand and growth from indigenous as well as external investors. Aspects driving this continued demand involve:

Government backing for sizeable scale tourism-related projects

Restrictions on foreign-owned property being lifted

Freehold ownership becoming legally instituted shortly

No tax on capital and earnings

A high normal of living in a stable financial climate, all year round sunshine

A residency visa obtainable to purchasers when a home is purchased

The government’s development forecasts are that visitor numbers to Dubai will develop from 5 million to 15 million by 2010. Within this thrilling development market place is a project known as International City.

It is a new development inside Dubai, located just 12 km from the Dubai International Airport, set within 800 hectares, which will reflect the varied designs of globe architectures, such as Italy, Spain, Russia, Morocco, Persia, Greece, France, Thailand Indonesia, China and England. In all, the residential development functions 21,000 expertly planned however cost effective studio and one particular bed apartments that will become house to 60,000 residents.

The development also functions an exciting blend of leisure, retail and home business developments, including exhibition halls, such as the Dragon Mart and Dubai Gate, and Central District industrial area, as properly as schools and hospitals.

The International City improvement is a great deal in demand from investors and potential residents alike, due to the particularly competitive prices that these are being released at. The advantages of owning property in Dubai at these rates will make sure a lively secondary marketplace.

International City apartments consist mostly of studio and a single bed apartments. The house development organization in charge of the project is Nakheel, Dubai’s government-backed developer, and construction is now under way, with anticipated completion in Dec 2006. All the buildings in International City regions have been sold and bargains are now becoming traded in a secondary market. The Chinese quarter is closest to completion, with occupancy now taking place.

Investors Provident have secured an chance with the possible to invest for either short term achieve, or lengthy term equity development inside this region. The prices are 20% under market place value and should really beat anything that investors will see on the net. With exclusive access to a number of studios and one bed apartments with really competitive costs – Studios are 220,000 AED and 1-beds are 320,000 AED, i.e. £31,000 and £46,000 respectively.

If you think that now is a fantastic time to be investing in dollar-denominated assets, then it is an advantage as investors have the alternative to sell prior to completion if the dollar strengthens over the subsequent two years.

Crucial Facts

Enormous 20% discount to presently out there rates – your personal tax efficient investment home from only £31,500

Only a £1,000 reservation fee secures your apartment.

2 years to completion to provide maximum capital uplift (Dec ’06)

Extremely good rental potential – circa ten% p.a.

Proximity to forthcoming Dubai Land (http://www.dubailand.ae) and other big attractions

Tremendous international home business exhibition market – e.g. Dragon Mart location appealing to Chinese providers

Invest 50% now and take benefit of the dollar strengthening against the £ more than the subsequent year, hence lifting the AED higher.

Residency visa on completion such as tax absolutely free status of Dubai.

For further data, please contact Investors Provident

Email: info@investorsprovident.com

Internet site: http://www.investorsprovident.com


Tel: +44 () 870 1999 859

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Dubai Property Investment from £31,000

Patients Beyond Borders Author Josef Woodman to Deliver Plenary Session at CISTM 2009

Chapel Hill, NC (PRWEB) March 23, 2009

Josef Woodman, President and CEO of Healthy Travel Media, has been selected to be a featured expert panelist at the 11th Conference of the International Society of Travel Medicine (CISTM). The conference, which historically attracts up to 2,000 delegates from 50 countries, will be held in Budapest, Hungary, May 24-28, 2009. Plenary sessions throughout the 4-day event will highlight issues of global healthcare and medical tourism, with noted speakers and industry leaders from around the world.

Woodman’s plenary session, entitled “Globalized Healthcare and Medical Tourism: Definition, Scope, Impact, and Players” is slated for Monday, May 25, 9:00-10:30 A.M. Woodman will address new trends in medical tourism vis-

Patients Beyond Borders Author Josef Woodman to Deliver Plenary Session at CISTM 2009

Medical Tourism is Good Therapy for the Hotel Industry

Bangkok, Thailand (PRWEB) April 22, 2009

Over the past decade, Asia has been the preferred destination for many people seeking less expensive but high quality medical treatments. The increase is partially due to high medical costs in western countries like the United States and United Kingdom. Specialized treatments, surgeries and therapies are being offered in Asia at a fraction of the cost, yet with bigger perks when it comes to hospitality and patient comfort. The hospitality industry has recognized this growing trend and is beginning to target travelers looking to have their treatments performed overseas. Agoda.com, an online hotel booking service, confirmed the bourgeoning nature of this type of tourism and the positive effect it has on the hotel industry.

A study by Deloitte Consulting in 2008 notes that medical tourists to Asia are estimated to reach 10 million by 2012. Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia are favorites among medical tourists mainly because of the significantly cheaper health care which can cost as little as 10 percent of comparable care in the US, but still provide quality treatment(s) by medical experts who have been trained in the US, UK and other western countries. Most medical tourists confirmed that the medical and travel expense combined are still much cheaper than costs incurred paying for treatments alone in their home countries.

A favorable exchange rate of the US Dollar to the Thai Baht makes medical procedures an incredible value to foreign visitors. Cheaper medical costs mean more money is available for family members and friends to accompany the patients. It’s those family and friends that seek accommodation near the hospitals so they can visit the patients yet at the same time have a comfortable stay affording them access to the rest of the city’s attractions. It seems obvious medical tourism has tertiary advantages to other travel-related industries.

Thailand is well known for its warm and generous hospitality in addition to its well-educated medical community and modern facilities; Bangkok’s Bumrungrad Hospital, whose patient-base is 50% foreign nationals, was the first to receive JCI Accreditation in Asia. Medical tourism is not only set to boom in Bangkok, but also other areas in Thailand with a high concentration of foreign tourists. Bangkok General Hospital, where Japanese and Middle Eastern nationals make up a significant portion of the inpatient list, is now present in major centers like Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Phuket.

Michael Kenny, CEO of Agoda remarked, “We are definitely seeing a rise in medical tourism to Asia. For instance, our hotel partners in Bangkok such as the Ariyasomvilla and FuramaXclusive, which are both located very close to Bumrungrad Hospital, confirmed that 30 – 40% of their guests are either medical tourists or their family members and friends. Following this trend, Agoda has made improvements to our site to make it easier to identify hotels which are near to popular hospitals, as well as negotiate long-stay discounts at a number of these hotels.”

Operations Manager of FuramaXclusive Sukhumvit, Mr. Pomchai Chairungsinun, addressed his hotel’s continuing influx of medical tourists by saying, “Medical tourist make up about 30 – 35% of our clientel each year with June, July and August being our busiest months. The majority of patients usually have families visiting and will therefore request two to three rooms. Medical tourism is highly beneficial for us, as guests will generally stay for at least a week during their checkups and treatments. Our close proximity to Bumrungrad Hospital is a big bonus for visitors to the hospital.”

Malaysia and Singapore are currently promoting their medical tourism industry as well. 35 private hospitals in Malaysia have been identified to promote Malaysia as a medical tourism destination. Hotels like the G Hotel and Berjaya Georgetown Hotel in Penang have begun promoting themselves as medical tourist-friendly hotels, taking advantage of their close proximity to significant institutions like the Gleaneagles Medical Center and Penang Advantist Hospital. Singapore uses its reputation as a clean, modern, technologically advanced country with English as a predominant language, to help calm anxieties of incoming patients looking to take advantage of their world class healthcare. As well, many hospitals are located in and around popular districts with many attractions and nearby hotels. Mount Elizabeth Hospital is located amongst the shopping of Orchard road, surrounded by 4-5 star hotels like the Elizabeth-A Far East Hotel and Meritus Mandarin.

As interest in medical tourism rises, so does the number of hospitals offering services. Unfortunately the inherent risk of choosing an institution that is merely looking to cash-in with substandard facilities increases.

“As with any industry there will be those looking to take advantage of naivety and label themselves as “the top” or “best hospital” for medical tourism. Tourists should be diligent, researching carefully the hospitals and finding out what legal framework exists to protect patient rights. Consideration for the hospital’s recognized accreditations, awards, reputation, facilities and medical staff should be also taken in to account when reviewing institutions.” Agoda’s Michael Kenny added.

With the global economy causing headaches around the world, it isn’t expected the trend of people travelling to find lower costs for medical procedures will be waning any time soon. With the high level of medical expertise, modern facilities, warm hospitality and well located hotels for relatives, SE Asian countries appear well-suited to take advantage of this continuing trend.

For more information regarding hotels near popular international hospitals in Asian countries, please go to Agoda’s website at http://www.agoda.com or contact the Agoda team via e-mail at info@agoda.com

Note to Editors

About Agoda Company Pte., Ltd. :

Agoda Company Pte., Ltd. (http://www.agoda.com) is an online hotel reservations service, which specializes in securing the lowest discount hotel prices in Asia. Agoda.com is part of Priceline.com (Nasdaq:PCLN). Agoda’s network includes over 9,000 hotels in Asia and more than 50,000 worldwide. The staff of over 300 professionals, located throughout Asia, provides a first-rate reservation service that uniquely combines local knowledge and local connections to provide the best hotel deals to both business and leisure travelers.

In addition, Agoda customers participate in the Agoda Rewards Program, earning further discounts and free stays. Unlike programs that limit travelers to a single chain, the Agoda Rewards Program allows customers to redeem Rewards Points at thousands of hotels around the globe, at any time. A member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Agoda’s aim is to promote travel by making it more affordable and more accessible to more people.

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Medical Tourism is Good Therapy for the Hotel Industry

Global Alliance Takes First Major Steps for Medical Tourism from America

Washington, DC (PRWEB) April 8, 2005

Each year, as the cost of healthcare in the U.S. continues to rise; an increasing number of Americans are traveling abroad for medical care. Lured by savings of up to 85% off for procedures ranging from cosmetic to cardiac bypass, Americans, up until recently, have taken this risk with almost no support here at home. At a press conference to take place April 11th at the Malaysian Embassy in Washington, DC, USA-based MedRetreat, LLC will announce a global alliance, designed to advocate for Americans and facilitate “medical tourism” to foreign countries.

“The globalization of science, technology, and communications has led to the development of world class healthcare in certain regions of the world, where treatment is provided a fraction of the American cost,” said Judson Anglin, Founder and President of MedRetreat. MedRetreat, LLC is the first American medical tourism company, acting as an advocate for American’s interested in traveling abroad for medical procedures.

Anglin and his partners have traveled to Thailand, Malaysia, Argentina and India, touring hospitals and facilities and compiling research on standards of care, accommodations and the many cultural nuances that affect American travelers in each country. “Americans need an extraordinary level of care and support when traveling,” said Anglin. “That is why we only partner with organizations that offer ‘door to door’ service.” Last year, MedRetreat partnered with Beautiful Holidays, Southeast Asia’s most popular medical tourism company. Beautiful Holidays is known throughout Europe for combining medical treatment with luxury recuperation at 5-star resorts in Malaysia and Thailand.

There are over 44 million uninsured Americans. There are millions more whose health insurance co-pay for a single procedure can be equal to the cost of the entire procedure abroad. Said Anglin: “We are hoping that, through this alliance of nations and service-based organizations, Americans can feel safe and secure traveling abroad for medical care.”

The following representatives will be present to speak and field questions:

H.E. Dato’Ghazzali bin Sheikh Abdul Khalid, Ambassador Of Malaysia, will present an introduction on Malaysia’s strategic global advantage in the growing medical tourism market.

Tederic Mohr, CEO, Penang Adventist Hospital, will present a brief overview of medical facilities, technologies and competencies available to Americans traveling to Malaysia.

Judson Anglin, President & Founder, MedRetreat will introduce MedRetreat, LLC as the first American company to offer medical tourism services, including information, advocacy and facilitation for Americans undergoing medical procedures abroad.

Marloes Giezenaar, Managing Director, Beautiful Holidays, will present a brief overview of the “A to Z” process that Americans experience from arrival to departure.

Katherine Bogardus and Kimberlee Tyner, R.N., recent “medical tourists” will be on hand to share their experiences and answer questions.

Where:

Global Alliance Takes First Major Steps for Medical Tourism from America

Ethiopian Beauty Wins Miss Tourism Africa® 2005 Title

(PRWEB) July 10, 2005

Kabenesh Girma an Ethiopian model has quietly stunned the critics by winning Miss Tourism Africa™ 2005 at the recently concluded Miss Tourism Planet 2005 pageant held in Athens Greece, Kabenesh was representing Ethiopia in the pageant which is an annual event in it 8th year, The objective is to promote tourism and friendship amongst nations.

It is the second time that Ethiopia has participated in the pageant and last years delegate Miss Tourism-Ethiopia 2004 Helina Mezegbu, also won and title of Miss Vivid, so it makes two out of two for the Ethiopian Life Foundation which owns the exclusive licence for Ethiopia, and is proud to be the organisation promoting Ethiopia at these sort of international events.

In other news and events “Miss Nation 2005” Fethiya Mohammed a semi-finalist from the Miss Universe-Ethiopia 2005 pageant, is currently in China representing Ethiopia at the International Queen of Tourism 2005 contest and has been there for the last 3 weeks, and Miss Tourism-Ethiopia 2005 DINA Fekadu departs for Malaysia for Miss Tourism International 2005. In the coming week

Once again young Ethiopian girls are under the guidance and direction of the Ethiopian life foundation and it founder Mr Andy, quietly but proudly showcasing Ethiopian culture and traditions to a global audience, The Ethiopian life foundation is thus unshakable from it position and continues to solidify its position as the largest private Public Relations Organisation Ethiopia has at the moment, and proudly promotes Ethiopia at top international tourism related events.

Kabenesh has been a model of professionalism and loyalty, it should be recalled that she was a participant in the first Miss Ethiopia-World® pageant in 2003, and the Miss Universe-Ethiopia® 2004 pageant and has previously represented Ethiopia in Miss Tourism of the Globe in Russia last year, and continues to show the sort of positive attitude and loyalty that will see her having a very successful future.

Her title of Miss Tourism Africa now gives her a huge platform to promote Tourism in Ethiopia and it is hoped that the momentum gained from her title will be put to good use by Tourism professionals in Ethiopia to further promote Ethiopian tourism in a positive way as part of the official goal of poverty reduction in Ethiopia, Responsible Tourism was a major theme at the 2005 Miss Universe-Ethiopia pageant which was proudly sponsored surprisingly by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and it was noted that over 750,000 tourist fly over Ethiopia annually to go to Kenya for instance, by Mr Andy, the president of Miss Universe-Ethiopia Organisation, and the Ethiopian Life Foundation, and he questioned why this is so, and suggested what we in Ethiopia can do about it, but he did not just “Talk the Talk”, he “Walked the Walk” and went out and did some thing positive about it, like he has been doing for the positive image and promotion of Ethiopia for the last 4 years, representing Ethiopia on the international scene, and Kabeneshes Miss Tourism Africa 2005, title is a positive and huge step to doing something about it, and she and the Ethiopian Life Foundation now have all the moral authority required to promote Ethiopian and African Tourism, as ambassadors, but also not without the necessary support from the various agencies and organisation in Ethiopia who are in the tourism business it will take a concerted effort for all of us to achieve the goals and aspirations set.

At a time when world focus in increasingly on Africa, the time has come for us all to step up to the plate and make our achievements and tourism attractions in Ethiopia known to a global audience.

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Ethiopian Beauty Wins Miss Tourism Africa® 2005 Title

New Guide Showcasing Malaysia"s World-Class Medical Tourism Offerings Now Available in Digital Formats

Chapel Hill, NC (PRWEB) August 4, 2009

Healthy Travel Media is pleased to announce that the newly released Patients Beyond Borders: Malaysia Edition is now available as an eBook on Lulu.com as well as in print at all online retail outlets, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, both domestically and abroad. This latest entrant to the Patients Beyond Borders series of country-specific editions will soon be available to all Kindle and Sony Digital Book owners, as well as downloadable to iPhone and other mobile devices.

Produced in collaboration with Malaysia’s Tourism Ministry and supported by hospitals and related private organizations, the 240-page guidebook features 16 pages of color inserts and offers an in-depth overview of Malaysia’s 20+ international hospitals, selected health travel agents, nearby recovery and guest accommodations, and area travel information.

“We are excited to see new digital avenues that provide consumers the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare,” says Healthy Travel Media CEO Josef Woodman. “We can slice and dice the data found in our printed books to meet a wide array of customer demand for online health information.”

About Healthy Travel Media

Healthy Travel Media, an independent imprint based in Chapel Hill, NC, publishes books, eBooks, and Web-based consumer reference information on medical tourism and wellness travel. Patients Beyond Borders is available at Amazon and bookstores everywhere. Patients Beyond Borders: Malaysia Edition is one of a series of country-specific editions. For more information, visit http://www.patientsbeyondborders.com.

For media queries, please contact:

United States

Judy Orchard

Tel: +1 919 545.0668

http://www.patientsbeyondborders.com

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New Guide Showcasing Malaysia"s World-Class Medical Tourism Offerings Now Available in Digital Formats

Thailand"s Medical Tourism is Booming - Thailand on its Way to Become Asia"s Medical Hub

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 5, 2009

The Royal Thai Government’s strategy in 2004 for Thailand to become Asia’s medical hub is becoming a reality as Thailand continues to see an increase in medical tourism. With an annual growth rate of 14% for the sector, ahead of the county’s GDP, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) expects to see two million visitors wanting to take advantage of lower medical treatments by 2010.

In 2008 Research and Markets reported that, although Thailand is faced with tough competition from India and Malaysia, Thailand has treated the highest number of international tourists in Asia. High health care costs, overloaded medical facilities and the fact that Thailand provides the most advanced treatments by internationally trained medical staff are reasons why medical tourists are choosing Thailand. “Thailand’s ultra-new and modern hospitals are less than a decade old and feel more like luxury hotels catering to tourists, than places to treat the infirm” (Tourism Authority of Thailand). The cost for health care in Thailand is about one fifth of what you would pay in the United States or Europe, making it more significant that in 2008, foreign patients generated an estimated $ 6 billion USD for Thailand. According to one international medical travel journal, the Royal Thai Government has put together a five-year plan that aims to double this revenue by 2014.

Deloitte Consulting estimated 750,000 Americans traveled abroad for health care services in 2007, a figure that was expected to double last year, with a forecasted global market expansion of more than 20% annually going forward to 2012. Thailand is ready to meet the growing industry by continuously making sure international standards are met and offering a level of hospitality not found in any other medical center around the world at affordable prices.

People are traveling to Thailand for routine maintenance like dental to cosmetic surgery, gastric bypass surgery and heart surgery. Medical tourists can undergo and recover from many non-invasive procedures during a normal two-week holiday in Thailand. A new guidebook Patients Beyond Borders: Thailand Edition released on Monday by Josef Woodman, CEO of Healthy Travel Media, offers an in-depth overview of Thailand’s international hospitals, selected health travel agents, nearby recovery and guest accommodations, spas, and area travel information so that travelers know where to go in Thailand to get their world-class medical treatment.

Thailand’s rapid growth into becoming Asia’s medical hub is also creating great opportunities in related fields. The medical device sector is continuing to see healthy growth to meet the demands of health care facilities for new upgraded medical machinery and devices. Research and development for tropical diseases like malaria and dengue fever are areas also open for further investment. As Thailand’s medical tourism industry continues to grow, its health care industry will flourish as well.

About the Tourism Authority of Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) was established in 1960 by the Royal Thai Government to be specifically responsible for tourism promotion. In 1965, TAT opened its first overseas office in New York. Since then, TAT has established 21 offices in different parts of the world including the Los Angeles office. TAT aims to provide the best Thailand traveling information to the public and media members as well as work closely with our travel partners to develop new deals and packages.

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Thailand"s Medical Tourism is Booming - Thailand on its Way to Become Asia"s Medical Hub

Miss Tourism-Ethiopia 2005 Dina Fekadu Triumphs in Malaysia

(PRWEB) August 2, 2005

Miss Tourism-Ethiopia 2005 Dina Fekadu has triumphed over adversity by being crowned Miss Goodwill 2005 at the Miss Tourism Intercontinental contest held in Malaysia. She contestetd with the other 30 contestants for the ultimate title of Miss Tourism Intercontinental 2005

Dina Fekadu, who was the 2nd runner up and crowned “Miss Tourism-Ethiopia 2005″ at the 2005 Miss Universe-Ethiopia pageant in March this year, was attending her first international pageant and proudly represented her country to the best of her ability and is a testament to her positive attitude and dogged determination that despite the setbacks she faced she was still able to win a title, Dina Fekadu fly’s back to Addis Ababa and can proudly hold her head high in the knowledge that she did a great job for Ethiopia, Dina now gets a few weeks rest and immediately stars her preparations for her debut at Miss International 2005 being held in Tokyo Japan at the 2005 World EXPO in September.

Miss International is the 4th biggest beauty pageant in the world, and the Ethiopian life foundation which owns the licence for Ethiopia is very optimistic about her chances at the contests this year. More so because the pageant is being organised in conjunction with the 2005 Expo in Japan and is a wonderful chance to show Ethiopia’s culture to the world again.

Dina has shown that a positive mental attitude is also required to win international contests, not just good looks alone, and she is an example to all young Ethiopians the world over who dream of representing Ethiopia in any international event, she never forgot her duty, and that she was representing her country, and represented Ethiopia very well.

Dina follows the continued success for our young Ethiopian models and beauty queens who have under the exclusive sponsorship and guidance of the Ethiopian Life Foundation and it President Mr Andy, proudly represented Ethiopia at several International Tourism events this year and in several previous years.

Keabnensh Girma is currently MISS TOURISM AFRICA 2005 winning in Greece at the 2005 Miss Tourism Planet contest last month.

Fethiya Mohammed is currently BEST AFRICAN QUEEN from the Miss Tourism Queen International held in China also last month,

And Dina Fekadu, is now MISS GOODWILL 2005.

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Miss Tourism-Ethiopia 2005 Dina Fekadu Triumphs in Malaysia

Thai Sea Gypsy Islands Get Year Round Access

(PRWEB) August 12, 2005

A new cross border ferry service from Langkawi, Malaysia, to Ko Lipe is opening up Thailand’s Tarutao islands to year round tourism.

The ferry service is the result of government cooperation between the Thailand and Malaysia and the recent opening of a Thai Consulate in Langkawi.

The islands in Thailand’s Tarutao National Park were for centuries famous as a pirate base that made sea travel in the area dangerous. Later they were given by the Thai government to local Sea Gypsies, or Chao Leh people who have roamed the islands for centuries harvesting fish, shellfish, coconuts and plants. These ancient people have their own language, maternal culture and animist religion.

The islands have until now only been accessible by small boat from Satun which operates for 6 months per year. With strong year-round tourism, Langkawi island is expected to provide a steady and growing stream of day-trippers to Ko Lipe and Ko Adang, which will provide a strong economic boost to the Thai islands.

The ferry service already leaves from Telaga Harbour Park in Langkawi for the one-hour trip to Ko Lipe every Saturday. From September 2005, the service will operate daily.

All day island hopping tours stop to enjoy the best snorkeling spots and explore five or more of the 50 islands that comprise the Tarutao National Park.

Alternate tours including scuba diving, game fishing (catch and return), bird watching and eco tours with trained naturalists are offered. All tours are eco-friendly with great care being taken not to damage the unspoiled island environment.

The Tarutao National park islands offer some of Asia’s best underwater coral and marine life. More than 130 species of coral have been identified and a huge variety of colorful tropical fish are abundant. Other marine treats include dolphins, whale sharks, whales, turtles, shellfish and large fish. The area is famous for its crystal clear azure water and sparkling white sand beaches, with many visitors proclaiming them fantasy islands.

LANGKAWI

Langkawi island is one of Malaysia’s leading tourism destinations for honeymooners with idyllic nature, ancient rain forests and mountains, stunning colorful birds, caves, mangroves, a cable car and its own international airport with direct flights from London. It hosts one of Asia leading yachting regattas, a leading international bicycle race and was chosen by Four Seasons Hotels as the perfect Asian destination for their latest hotel and sap which opened here recently to international acclaim.

The opening of a new Thai consulate in Langkawi is sure to make this a favorite venue for visa renewal by expats living in Thailand. The island’s duty free status means that liquor, cigarettes, perfumes and other items are much cheaper than almost anywhere else in Asia.

Access Langkawi by air direct from London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Flights are expected to start soon from Bangkok and Phuket, and ferry service to Langkawi runs daily year round from Penang, Satun and Alor Star. Star Ferry cruises also stop in Langkawi to enjoy the many sights and experiences the island has to offer.

For latest information, photos and trip booking please visit http://www.langkawi-insider.com.

For further information & story verification please contact:

CONTACT 1 (online information & booking)

Bill Gee – Chairman

Tourism Online Promotion

TOP-Lah Promotion Sdn Bhd

Tel + 6017 466 1022 (Malaysia time GMT + 8 hours)

CONTACT 2

The Royal Thai Consulate – Langkawi

Kampung Tok Senik

Langkawi 07000 Malaysia

Tel +604 955 5240 / 3240

CONTACT 3

Lambaian Pelangi Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd

Managing Director: Mr Mahadzir

Lot 1577 Tok Senik

Langkawi 07000 Kedah, malaysia

Tel +604 955 7260

H/P 019 518 1618

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Thai Sea Gypsy Islands Get Year Round Access

Top GCC Tourism Officials To Attend Branding Workshop In Dubai

Sumner, MI (PRWEB) September 11, 2005

High ranking officials from the Gulf’s tourism sector will attend an intensive two-day branding workshop organised for the GCC Tourism Committee at the Fairmont Hotel in Dubai on the 20th and 21st of September.

“The workshop in Dubai has been designed to provide a seamless transfer of knowledge and skills,” said the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s, Director Operations & Marketing, Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb who represents the UAE on this committee. “The objective is to make the high-calibre participants attending the event, self-reliant in branding matters for the future,” he remarked.

Senior officials involved in the branding and marketing of destinations within the GCC have confirmed their participation at the event. This includes officials involved in the promotion of tourism in the UAE as well as Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait & Saudi Arabia.

“We have identified Temporal Brand Consulting, the leading branding consultancy in Asia to conduct these workshops and the program will focus on brand strategy implementation,” Mr. bin Hareb remarked.

Branding guru Dr. Paul Temporal, author of seven best sellers on branding in Asia with his unrivalled knowledge of the markets and cultures in the region would be conducting both the workshops.

“Building powerful brands is all about adding perceived value to a company, product or service, so that each brand has a unique identity,” said Dr. Temporal. “It is also about creating and developing the emotional associations that attract consumers, and this is best done by adding personality to the brand. The development of a strategic brand platform therefore depends on careful selection, development and management of a brand personality, and proposed ownership of a specific and unique position in the minds of consumers,” he observed.

Temporal Branding Consulting’ experience spans a wide spectrum of industry sectors from governments to powerhouse global brands to entrepreneurial local companies.

Public sector assignments successfully completed by Temporal Brand Consultancy include: Advisory work on re-positioning Canada in Asia; Brand strategy advice to the government of China on how to develop China’s top 100 brands for global competition; Re-positioning Britain in Asia working for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department of Trade and Industry, the British Council and other organizations to gain inclusivity in brand strategy formulation and implementation; Global research and brand strategy to develop Malaysia’s image as a top tourist destination; Worked with New Zealand government and private sector to develop a new brand strategy for Asia; Global positioning strategy development for Singapore.

Dr. Temporal is one of the world’s leading experts on brand strategy and the thought leader for branding in Asia. Temporal Brand Consulting has offices in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, London, St. Louis (USA) Shanghai & Beijing.

For media information, please contact:

BIZ COM – “For PRoactive Communications”

P.O. Box 48889,

Dubai – UAE

Tel: +971 4 332-0888

Fax: +971 4 332-0999

Email: info@bizcom.ae

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Top GCC Tourism Officials To Attend Branding Workshop In Dubai

Limerick man joins house-building effort in Sri Lanka.

LIMERICK, Ireland (PRWEB) September 3, 2005

The longest-lasting impression left on Limerick-man, Kevin Doyle, after returning from tsunami-ravaged Sri Lanka last week, was the resilient politeness of its poverty stricken people and their sincere gratitiude for the help the West is continuing to give them.

“They are a very retiring, self-deprecating people, and despite what has happened to them, always smiling. They call that day the worst day in the history of their country and they are immensely greateful for the help they are continueing to recveive”.

41-year-old Kevin, originally from Lansdowne Park and now the operations project manager with Halifax Insurance Ireland Ltd in Shannon, was the only Irish person to join a UK group on a company-sponsored trip to Sri Lanka to help re-build the many houses that were swept away last Christmas in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

“We worked for a charity called Habitat for Humanity which has been building basic housing for homeless people for over 20 years and currently operates in over 100 countries worldwide,” he explained.

The charity’s activities are only just beginning in Sri Lanka but they built their 200,000th house, worldwide, last week. They plan to have 10,000 houses built in Sri Lanka alone by 2007.”

For Kevin, spending eight days in the former surfing resort of Hikkaduwa, near Galle on the South West coast, plastering, tiling and roofing tiny two bed-roomed houses for tsunami survivors, was an eye-opening change from the computers, graphs and suit-clad professionals he normally spends his days with in HIIL in Shannon.

“When I heard about this appeal, I thought it would be an opportunity to do something more concrete and more personal for the victims of the tsunami rather than just sending money. Obviously, it was also an opportunity to see a part of the world that wouldn’t normally feature in my travels.”

Knowing of the billions of euro that have already been pumped into the devastated areas, Kevin expected to see the towns and villages well on their way to getting back to the states they had been prior to the giant wave. But the reality is that that millions of people are still homeless and living in extreme poverty in makeshift houses of waste wood and sheets of tin.

An enormous stumbling block to the rebuilding of the people’s homes is two new laws introduced by the Sri Lankan Government. To aid tourism, no-one can build within a 100 yard metre distance of the shore, so that the beaches look more attractive to tourists which they are again trying to attract. But with much more serious ramifications is the law preventing anyone who cannot prove he owns his plot of land from rebuilding his home.

“As you can imagine, when you have lost everything in the tsunami, including the deeds to your house, that’s pretty difficult to prove,” explains Kevin.

The houses being built by Habitat for Humanity are basic to say the least, according to Kevin, just two rooms, but properly roofed, floored, plastered, painted and tiled. There’s no plumbing or central heating, an outside toilet, but there is electricity.

“But they seemed like palaces to the local people and their gratitude was obvious. While we were there, another house on the scheme was finished and was handed over to a man and his wife. Just the expressions on their faces was unbelievable. They were really, really beaming!”

Asked what had made the biggest impression on him during his stay, Kevin replied that it was two events in the hotel in which the group of 20 was staying.

“When we arrived, all of the staff and the manager were lined up in reception. The manager made a welcoming speech, we were all given garlands of flowers and invited to light a candle each as a representation of the group. I wondered what this was all about and thought they couldn’t be doing this every time guests arrived but then I discovered that we were the first group of this size to stay at the hotel since the tsunami and so we were responsible for so many of the staff getting their jobs back.”

But while this hotel had been barely saved from serious damage by the tsunami, neighbouring hotels were just abandoned shells.

Asked if he would return, Kevin said that he would love to return on a holiday, as Sri Lanka has always relied heavily on its tourism industry and tourists is exactly what they need now to recover.

If you are interested in joining the house building scheme, contact Charity Challenge who organise the logistics, or contact Habitat for Humanity directly. Individuals can pay themselves, or raise ST£1,100 in sponsorship for the eight day trip which includes travel, accommodation and food. Donations can still be made through various charities.http://www.limerick.com.

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Limerick man joins house-building effort in Sri Lanka.

Patients Beyond Borders Cited in Deloittes Medical Tourism Update and Implications Report

Chapel Hill, NC (PRWEB) December 15, 2009

Patients Beyond Borders, the first comprehensive consumer reference guide for medical tourism, was recently cited in a report, Medical Tourism: Update and Implications, released by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. Utilizing information on international medical sites culled by Patients Beyond Borders, the report cites Patients Beyond Borders, alongside the Joint Commission International (JCI), as neutral overseers with important oversight.

Despite current economic conditions, or perhaps because of them, Deloitte is forecasting an annual growth rate of 35%, with an estimated 1.6 million patients crossing borders for medical procedures, commented Josef Woodman, author of Patients Beyond Borders. With the number of JCI-accredited hospitals now approaching 300, top international facilities are poised to receive a growing number of global healthcare consumers.

Patients Beyond Borders is the worlds best-read source of consumer information on medical tourism. Data was culled over a two-year period from hundreds of interviews with international hospitals, clinics, universities, and government agencies, as well as patients, prospective patients, and medical travel facilitators. Woodman has spent more than four years touring 120 medical travel facilities in 14 countries, researching contemporary medical tourism. While we dont always agree with research organizations on the numbers, we do agree the drivers are in place for extraordinary growth in the coming years, says Woodman.

About Healthy Travel Media

Healthy Travel Media, an independent imprint based in Chapel Hill, NC, publishes books on medical, health, and wellness travel. Its flagship international title, Patients Beyond Borders, now in its Second Edition, is the leading consumer reference guide for medical tourism and is filled with authoritative and accessible advice. Specialized editions have been published for Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Thailand, with an edition now in production for Turkey. The Patients Beyond Borders series is available through booksellers everywhere and is distributed to the retail trade by Publishers Group West (http://www.pgw.com).

For more information or media queries, please contact:

Judy Orchard

Tel: +1 919 545.0668

Email: jorchard(at)healthtraveler(dot)net

Web: http://www.patientsbeyondborders.com

Qualified members of the media are invited to request a review copy; please contact jorchard@healthtraveler.net.

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Patients Beyond Borders Cited in Deloittes Medical Tourism Update and Implications Report

Prince Court Medical Center in Malaysia to Release First Patients Beyond Borders FOCUS ON:

Chapel Hill, NC (Vocus) February 17, 2010

Patients Beyond Borders, the first consumer reference guide for medical tourism, is pleased to announce the release of FOCUS ON: Prince Court Medical Center (PCMC), profiling one of Malaysias leading private healthcare facilities. FOCUS ON: PCMC addresses Prince Courts myriad signature and concierge services, including its top four specialties: heart and lung, oncology, cosmetology, and urology.

One of the newcomers and rising stars in Asian healthcare, the 300-bed, Petronas-owned PCMC is one of only five full service JCI-accredited hospitals in Malaysia. While principally serving citizens of Malaysia, Prince Court also serves the medical traveler, and has welcomed more than 7,000 international patients since opening its doors in 2009.

Healthy Travel Medias new FOCUS ON: series features a 30-page, full-color, digital brochure and eBook, highlighting the worlds leading, internationally accredited hospitals and specialty centers in a fully searchable and dynamic consumer-friendly format. Published under the Patients Beyond Borders brand, the series offers health consumers detailed information on specialties, procedures, costs, and travel planning from the most recognized, trusted information source in international medical travel.

FOCUS ON: PCMC will be accessible from a variety of sources, including the Patients Beyond Borders Web site, Prince Courts Web site, third-party Web sites, Kindle and other eBook readers, iPhone and other mobile devices, medical, business, and reference libraries worldwide, and all popular social networks.

We are excited to be participating in this dynamic new program, says Stuart Rowley, CEO of PCMC. This format will allow us to creatively promote our facility to the international traveler with up-to-date, interactive information on our medical specialties, pricing, and signature services.”

With clear, current information on specific procedures, providers, packages, and pricing, healthcare consumers will have worldwide access to detailed information at their fingertips, says Kate Johnson, Focus On Project Manager for Patients Beyond Borders. Our new series is designed to assist the international patient at or near the decision stage of health procedure planning, and we are pleased to have Prince Court Medical Center as our first participant.

About Prince Court Medical Center

Prince Court Medical Center is a private healthcare facility located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Owned by Petronas, the giant Fortune 500 oil company, this revolutionary, modern facility is JCI-accredited and licensed by the Malaysian Ministry of Health. Their Centers of Excellence offer a wide range of services, solutions, and technology in every specialty ranging from diagnostics to rehabilitation in five-star surroundings.

Prince Court Medical Center

39, Jalan Kia Peng

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50450

Email: ibl(at)princecourt(dot)com

Tel: +603 2160 0000

About Healthy Travel Media

Healthy Travel Media, an independent imprint based in Chapel Hill, NC, publishes books, eBooks, and online information on medical, health, and wellness travel. Its flagship international title, Patients Beyond Borders, now in its Second Edition, is the leading consumer reference guide for medical tourism and is filled with authoritative, accessible advice. Specialized editions have been published for Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Turkey. The Patients Beyond Borders series is available through booksellers everywhere and is distributed to the retail trade by Publishers Group West (http://www.pgw.com).

For more information or media queries, please contact:

Judy Orchard

Tel: +1 919 545.0668

Email: jorchard(at)patientsbeyondborders(dot)com

Web: http://www.patientsbeyondborders.com

Qualified members of the media are invited to request a review copy; please contact jorchard(at)patientsbeyondborders(dot)com.

###

Related Malaysia Medical Tourism Press Releases

Prince Court Medical Center in Malaysia to Release First Patients Beyond Borders FOCUS ON:

Asian Leadership in Trade and Associated Risks

(PRWEB) January 20, 2006

Asia’s journey from the 1997-98 financial crisis to being one of the world’s most dynamic regions in terms of trade, development and investment activity, can best be termed as a ‘Renaissance’. The world’s centre of economic gravity is shifting towards Asia, as it currently accounts for 27 percent of international trade. This growth is mainly driven by the exemplary performance of the emerging Asian countries, including China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. The share of these emerging Asian countries in world trade increased from 13 percent in 1990 to 20 percent in 2004.

The Asian region is gaining significance in merchandise as well as commercial services trade. Asia’s share in world merchandise exports and imports stands at 26.8 percent and 24 percent, respectively. The value of Asia’s merchandise exports and imports shot up by 25 percent and 27 percent, respectively, in 2004. The growth in exports from the region can be attributed to strong demand from the US, and intra-Asian trade, stoked by a recovery in electronics trade.

Exports of commercial services increased at a fast rate of 27 percent in 2004, while imports were up 25 percent during the same period. Asian countries, such as India, China and the Philippines, are the most preferred destination today for outsourcing of business services, such as transaction processing, customer care centers, medical transcription, IT services and application development, high-end analytical services, R&D services, etc. Other commercial services, such as transportation services were strong in 2004, while travel receipts recovered by 31 percent during the year from exceptionally low levels in 2003 (due to the spread of SARS).

Intra-regional trade as a share of total trade went up sharply to 41 percent in 2004, primarily due to intra-industry trade as a result of greater vertical specialisation and relocation of production processes. This is evident in the electronics sector, where capital intensive processes (like production of microchips) are carried out in high-income economies like Singapore and Korea, and labour intensive processes (like assembly of personal computers) are located in low income countries, such as China. Asia has integrated into a global production chain with some cities like Hong Kong and Singapore becoming the hub of manufacturing and trade.

The dynamics of growth and development in Asia is a perfect illustration of how countries have used trade as a means of achieving greater degree of integration with the international economy. Region-specific factors have provided the stimulus for this growth.

The report covers issues like:

-Growth in Central Asia driven by energy sector

-Structural reforms and booming manufacturing and services sectors drive South Asian economies

-Consumption growth and business investment drives growth in Southeast Asia

-China fuels growth in East Asia

-Risks to Trade in Asia

-Asian economies being net importers of energy, will be hard hit by a rise in global oil prices

-Infrastructure gaps exist in growing nations in Asia

-Inflation and interest rate rise would aggravate debt servicing burden and discourage investments

-Exchange Rates volatility hinders private capital inflows

-Outsourcing business prone to information security risk

-Logistics bottleneck might inhibit outsourcing of manufacturing to Asia

-Epidemics can curtail the GDP growth of the region

-Cultural differences can prove to be detrimental to growth

-Terrorism can lead to decreased FDI, decline in tourism, fiscal imbalances and unemployment

-Asia is prone to various kinds of natural disasters

The full report is available at

http://www.clubofamsterdam.com/content.asp?contentid=560

Evalueserve

Evalueserve is a global knowledge services firm that provides high value-added research services to leading edge clients worldwide. Our clients include global consulting and market research firms, investment banks, Fortune 500 corporations, as well as SMEs in financial services, telecom and technology, pharmaceuticals and biotech, and various other sectors such as automotive, oil and gas, FMCG, Retail, etc. Evalueserves client executives are located in the North and South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The client executives are supported by its multi-lingual research team of 750 professionals, based in Gurgaon India.

http://www.evalueserve.com

Club of Amsterdam

The Club of Amsterdam is a non-profit Foundation and an independent, international think-tank that organises regular high-level discussions on preferred futures. It involves those who dare to think out of the box and those who don’t just talk about the future but actively participate in shaping outcomes.

So far the Club of Amsterdam has organised more than 28 specialised events, each tackling a different sector within industry and society. The Club of Amsterdam currently has 2.900 members globally.

http://www.clubofamsterdam.com


http://www.clubofamsterdam.com/summit2006.htm

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Asian Leadership in Trade and Associated Risks

Azamara Club Cruises Announces 2012 Voyages Season

Miami, FL (Vocus/PRWEB) February 07, 2011

Azamara Club Cruises has unveiled 54 itineraries ranging from 5 to 16 nights, between March 2012 and February 2013, aboard Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. The new voyages total the cruise lines 2012 deployments, which total 64 sailings that pay a visit to distinctive destinations about the globe, calling at 181 ports in 57 nations all through the Mediterranean Sea, Northern Europe, South America, India and the West Indies. Additionally, 51 percent of all port calls in 2012 function late night and overnight stays in port, delivering time for guests to appreciate a a lot more immersive expertise and take benefit of night tourism in destinations where the nightlife is even more vibrant than the days.

Azamara is delighted to present up-marketplace travelers our 2012 line-up of voyages to exclusive destinations around the globe, mentioned Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. On board, guests will get pleasure from Azamaras trademark extraordinary service, fine dining and boutique wine collection, and a lot more inclusive amenities. We created our itineraries to coincide with some of the worlds most exciting events, such as Rios Carnaval, the Floriade in the Netherlands, the 52nd Annual Moldejazz Festival in Norway, and others, to offer guests the chance to attend these cultural celebrations on some of the Azamara voyages. Guests on these voyages will have the exclusive opportunity to acquire prime-seating ticket and transportation packages from Azamara, eliminating the hassle and guesswork for a truly remarkable travel experience.

South America Celebration

Azamara Quest sails to electrifying South American destinations during the height of austral summer season, beginning with a 13-evening Brazil voyage that departs Barbados on December five, 2012 and concludes with an overnight at Rio De Janeiro. The Christmas in South America voyage, departing December 18, offers guests daily port calls as properly as an overnight in Punta Del Esta, Uruguay, with its miles of lovely beaches, luxury hotels and restaurants, and glittery nightlife and the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Guests on the December 27 New Years in Rio, nine-night voyage are in for a real treat, when after a get in touch with at Rio De Janeiro on New Years eve, Azamara Quest positions itself off of Copacabana Beach to offer guests an unforgettable view of the midnight fireworks over the seas.

The January five, 2013, Argentina &amp Uruguay voyage combines charming Brazilian destinations with an overnight at Punta Del Este and two nights in Buenos Aires. On the January 31, 2013, 12-night Carnaval voyage, guests can take pleasure in overnights in both Buenos Aires and Punta Del Esta ahead of arriving in time for two nights in Rio De Janeiro for the citys annual Carnaval festival. Guests will have the chance to purchase Land Discoveries packages that supply up-close seating to catch all the pageantry. Azamara Quest then sails an 18-night Colonial Brazil and West Indies voyage, beginning with an overnight in Rio De Janeiro on February 12, 2013 to Miami.

East Asia Discoveries

Azamara Journey follows ancient spice trade routes and colonial heritages about the Indian subcontinent to East Asia, beginning with a 13-night Spice Coast &amp Ceylon voyage from Bombay (Mumbai) to Madras (Chennai), India, departing November 29, 2012. Guests can take in the diverse cultures of Western, Southern and Eastern India with overnights in Goa (Mormugao), Cochin and Madras, and throughout maiden calls to the Maldives, in the Indian Ocean, and Colombo and Galle, Sri Lanka. The ship then continues on December 12 for an 11-night Burma &amp Andaman Sea Isles voyage, featuring a two-evening remain and maiden call at Yangon (Rangoon), Burma the former British colonial capital that characteristics a single of the regions highest quantity of period buildings and concluding with an overnight in the city-state of Singapore. On December 23, Azamara Journey embarks on fascinating 14-night Southeast Asia voyage to Hong Kong, supplying two-night calls at Bangkok (Klong Toey), Thailand and Ho-Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and an overnight at Hanoi in the UNESCO Planet Heritage Internet site of Halong Bay.

Mediterranean Odysseys

Azamara Club Cruises also provides up-market travelers 27 voyages for immersive adventures throughout the Mediterranean, Black and Red seas. Departing Could eight, Azamara Quest returns to the Mediterranean from Suez (Sokhna), Egypt, by means of the Holy Lands and Egypt to Athens (Piraeus), Greece. The only quick cruise presented by Azamara, a five-night, roundtrip voyage from Good, France, departs on Could 24 and provides an overnight at and midnight departure from St. Tropez, France, and two late-night departures from Monte Carlo, Monaco, and Portofino, Italy. Guests sailing for this voyage will have the selection to acquire tickets to the Monaco Grand Prix.

Azamara Quest then proceeds to the Eastern Mediterranean, offering eight voyages to the Greek Isles, Adriatic Coast, and Italy. These seven- to 12-night voyages feature overnights and late night departures in a range of exciting ports, such as Kotor, Montenegro Venice, Amalfi, and Capri, Italy Athens and Mykonos, Greece and Istanbul, Turkey. On the Black Sea &amp Transylvania voyage, departing July 22, Azamara Quest gives guests an opportunity to pay a visit to Draculas castle on a Land Discovery choice in the course of the contact at Constanta, Romania. Azamara Journey also gives an 11-night Very best of Italy &amp Greece voyage, departing October 4.

From August through October, each Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest will sail 10 voyages, ranging from seven- to 11-nights, through the Spanish, French and Italian Rivieras, with departures from Athens, Barcelona, Lisbon, Monaco, and Rome. On the October 16 sailing, Azamara Quest features Northern African destinations, and will make maiden calls at Al Khums and Tripoli in Libya.

Northern Europe Explorations

Azamara Journey makes the most maiden calls for the cruise line in the North and Baltic seas in 2012, going to new destinations with nearly daily port calls on nine voyages that celebrate the vibrant cultures of Northern Europe. On the seven-evening round-trip Belgium and South England voyage from Paris (Rouen), departing April 29, the ship will make maiden calls at and midnight departures from Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium, a UNESCO Planet Heritage Web site Dover, England and Portland, Dorset in the U.K. and conclude with an overnight in port. The 11-evening Mothers Day sailing, departing Could six, consists of a maiden call at the Isles of Scilly in the U.K., a midnight departure from the medieval walled city of St. Malo, France, and overnights in culture-rich Antwerp, Belgium and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Guests can totally immerse themselves in a number of North Sea cultural capitals on the 12-evening Chelsea Flower Show voyage, departing May possibly 17, which begins with an overnight in Amsterdam features very first-time calls at Flushing (Vlissingen), the Netherlands, and Southampton, England and stays for two nights in Antwerp, Paris, and London (Greenwich), providing guests the chance to attend the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The May possibly 29, 12-night British Isles in Bloom voyage overnights in Dublin, Ireland, and Edinburgh (Leith), Scotland, and involves maiden calls at Isle of Skye (Portree) and Invergordon, Scotland. On a later July 28 Castles, Distilleries &amp Pubs voyage from Edinburgh (Leith), guests enjoy two-evening stays at and post-midnight departures from Dublin, Ireland, and Paris (Rouen).

Azamara Journey continues eastward for three voyages that discover the vibrant Nordic cultures and Baltic jewel cities. A 10-evening voyage from Amsterdam on June 10 delivers guests overnights in Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden a maiden get in touch with at and late departure from the charming Danish-island Ronne, Bornholm and an overnight at and late departure from St. Petersburg, Russia, for guests to join in the citys annual White Nights Festival. The nine-evening Scandinavia Russia

Azamara Club Cruises Announces 2012 Voyages Season

World Fashion Week-World Fashion Awards to Host World Premiere in Hollywood

Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) September 3, 2006

The United States has officially been selected to host the first ever World Fashion Week – World Fashion Awards in 2007. Los Angeles will act as inaugural city, with 38 countries participating and anticipation abounding.

The first ever World Fashion Week – World Fashion Awards will provide worldwide exposure and recognition for participants, with a special interest in establishing cultural bridges and trade opportunities. This 7-day Olympic-Style event will close the international fashion calendar each year by featuring the top fashion designers from the strongest fashion nations around the world who will showcase highlights from current and future seasons. Participants are given recognition not only as individuals but also as representatives of their countries, cultures and national fashion industries.

As an opening act, the World Fashion Week World Fashion Awards will host its World Premiere and Welcoming Gala on December 7th, 2006 at the Kodak Theatre (Home of The Academy Awards

World Fashion Week-World Fashion Awards to Host World Premiere in Hollywood

Former Director General of Marketing and Communications, CNTA is Speaking at WTM-ChinaContact Conference on Bilateral Tourism Relations with China this November 6th

(PRWEB) October 4, 2006

The upcoming WTM-ChinaContact conference on bilateral tourism relations with China, Chinathe future of Travel is gearing up to be the most comprehensive collection of knowledge and expertise on Chinas tourism sector ever assembled outside China.

A keynote speaker and chairperson of the session on bilateral tourism, Mrs. Shen Hui Rong, has until recently held the position of Marketing & Communications Director General at China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) in Beijing. For over 27 years, Mrs. Shen played key roles in Chinas rapidly developing tourism industry. She implemented Chinas recovery program post-SARS and has negotiated tourism agreements, known as ADS, with overseas destinations. Her work in this area earned her the nickname Ms. ADS.

We have asked Mrs. Shen about Chinas approach to outbound tourism and the role they see it playing in overall economic growth and social benefit to China.

When asked about the future potential of outbound tourism from China, Shen Hui Rong has told us “As usual when something is big in China, the numbers mentioned are staggering. The World Tourism Organization forecasts that China will become the worlds fourth-largest source of outbound tourists by 2020 with more than 100 million departures each year. Outbound travel from China jumped 50-fold in 20 years. In 1997, when the first batch of ADS destinations were approved including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, only 5.32 million trips were made. The number became 16.6 million in 2002, 20.22 million in 2003 despite the SARS epidemic, 28.85 million in 2004 and 31 million in 2005. It is expected that 2006 will still see 34 million overseas trips (10% increase). China has already replaced Japan as Asias number one outbound travel market.”

According to the survey released in the Annual Report of China Outbound Tourism Development 2005, white collar and company managerial staff are the main source of outbound travel, making up half of the market. This is especially the case in Beijing and Shanghai. 80% outbound travellers are aged between 18-50 with high education. 45% of outbound travellers are from three-member families while couples or singles comprise 30%.

The cost of staying/eating in the UK and Europe is quite high. While this is a factor in people’s travel choices, at present the visa issue is still the major barrier for Chinese travellers to Europe. Since last July EU nations carried out a stricter visa policy for Chinese tourists and as a result the number of Chinese tourists to Europe has not increased by much.

At present, the most popular tours to Europe are:

14 days trip to Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy and Holland; 12 days trip to Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Vatican and Austria; 9 days trip to Switzerland, Finland and Belgium or Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

11 days trip to Spain and Portugal; 9 days trip to Nordic countries are the most aspirational products.

Most of the tours are city based if they travel to long-haul destinations but some Chinese golfers like to go to St. Andrews, which is included in tour packages.

Bilateral agreements and cooperation will enhance two-way traffic. The more people travel between two countries, the better understanding each other will attain. This will reduce the differences and cultural gap to further develop friendship between the two peoples.

World Travel Market is an important annual global travel trade exhibition organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, a leader in travel related fairs around the world. This is the first time that WTM is holding a full day conference on Chinas tourism industry. It is cooperating with ChinaContact to produce a high quality event with rich content, high quality speakers and fantastic networking opportunities. It is to be the first time that the theme of bilateral tourism development with China is discussed and analyzed at senior level in Europe. As Chinas tourism sector continues to overwhelm expectations to grow faster than its economy, this topic will remain a hot issue for many years to come. Chinathe future of Travel will continually update the international travel community on the dynamic pace of change in China and the ways that companies and destinations can benefit from this astounding destination / market.

ChinaContact is a dedicated market entry specialist for Chinas tourism sector, involved in consulting, investments, luxury destination marketing and public relations, events management and conference productions.

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Former Director General of Marketing and Communications, CNTA is Speaking at WTM-ChinaContact Conference on Bilateral Tourism Relations with China this November 6th

Patients Beyond Borders: Turkey Edition to be launched at Chicago Medical Tourism Conference

Chapel Hill, NC (Vocus) February 18, 2010

Healthy Travel Media, publishers of the Patients Beyond Borders series on medical tourism, is pleased to announce its participation in the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce (TACCI-Midwest) 2nd Annual Chicago Medical Tourism Conference to be held March 12 – 13, 2010, in Chicago. This years conference, entitled Globalization and Model Partnership in Healthcare: United States and Turkey, is sponsored by Turkish Airlines, the Turkish Accredited Hospitals Association, and GE Healthcare. The event will feature special presentations, exhibits and performances throughout the two-day event.

The venue will also serve as the official North American launch of the Patients Beyond Borders: Turkey Edition. “Turkey now has 36 JCI-accredited hospitals, more than any other country in the world, says Josef Woodman, author of Patients Beyond Borders. “Turkeys superior healthcare infrastructure, relatively short flying times, and breathtaking beauty are attracting an estimated 200,000 medical tourists each year from the US, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.

Woodman will also be a featured panelist at the conference and will join notable guests from Joint Commission International, Deloitte Consulting, and others to address Globalization of Healthcare and Medical Tourism Practices in Turkey.

“We are gratified to see so many important speakers, sponsors and other participants helping Americans better understand their healthcare choices in Turkey, says Dr. Sevil Kutay, President of TACCI-Midwest. We have received an even greater response to this years conference and are encouraging everyone to register early to assure their participation, as seating is limited.

Turkish Airlines will again be a major sponsor for this event and continues to support medical tourism by offering deep discounts to the region. “Turkish Airlines will be offering a 25 percent discount for any patient, and up to two companions, who travel to Turkey for medical treatment, says Dr. Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Airlines. “We believe Turkey offers high quality healthcare in world-class facilities at a fraction of the cost over the US and other popular destinations. We feel helping to reduce travel costs will bring even greater savings and incentive for the international patient traveling to Turkey.

About Turkish American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TACCI) – Midwest

TACCI-Midwest was founded in 2006 to provide its members with a wide range of services targeted at promoting bilateral trade, investments, commercial relations, and joint ventures between the United States and Turkey. To find out more about this years Medical Tourism Conference or to register, please visit: http://medicaltourisminturkey.org/

TACCI Midwest

333 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 932

Chicago, IL 60601

Tel: +1 312 276.5171

Fax: +1 312 276.5181

Email: info(at)tacci-midwest(dot)org

Web: http://tacci-midwest.org

About Healthy Travel Media

Healthy Travel Media, an independent imprint based in Chapel Hill, NC, publishes books, ebooks, and online information on medical, health, and wellness travel. Its flagship international title, Patients Beyond Borders, now in its Second Edition, is the leading consumer reference guide for medical tourism and is filled with authoritative, accessible advice. Specialized editions have been published for Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Turkey. The Patients Beyond Borders series is available through booksellers everywhere and is distributed to the retail trade by Publishers Group West.

For more information or media queries, please contact:

Judy Orchard

Tel: +1 919 545.0668

Email: jorchard(at)patientsbeyondborders(dot)com

Web: http://www.patientsbeyondborders.com

Qualified members of the media are invited to request a review copy; please contact jorchard(at)patientsbeyondborders(dot)com.

# # #

More Malaysia Medical Tourism Press Releases

Patients Beyond Borders: Turkey Edition to be launched at Chicago Medical Tourism Conference

UNIVAL Partners With MalaysiaHealthcare to Create Portable Records for Medical Tourism Patients

Ann Arbor, MI (Vocus) February 23, 2010

UNIVAL announced today that it has signed a contract with MalaysiaHealthcare (MHC), the leading facilitator of medical tourism to Malaysia, to create portable medical records for U.S. patients traveling to receive healthcare in Malaysia.

The number of U.S. persons traveling abroad for their healthcare is growing significantly. Some estimates are as high as 6 million U.S. persons will be participating in medical tourism in 2010. Many patients will be looking to Malaysia for their healthcare needs, where the medical practices are on par with the best in the world and treatments performed in state of the art facilities that have been furnished to meet international standards. After treatment, MHC offers the opportunity to recuperate in their beautiful country through personalized vacation packages.

When traveling outside the U.S. for healthcare, patients face the challenge of conveniently and securely transporting their medical records to their overseas medical providers. The services UNIVAL will provide for persons in the U.S. traveling to Malaysia solve this problem.

Prior to leaving for Malaysia, individuals forward their medical records to UNIVAL where expert nurses quickly and accurately convert them to an electronic format. Images of all their records are made as well as converting the information in their records to a Continuity of Care Record (CCR) that can be easily carried to Malaysia for use during their treatment. The converted records are also sent to the individuals Microsoft

UNIVAL Partners With MalaysiaHealthcare to Create Portable Records for Medical Tourism Patients

HealthTraveler is Worlds First Mobile App for Medical Tourism

Chapel Hill, NC (Vocus) February 24, 2010

Healthy Travel Media, publishers of the Patients Beyond Borders series, announces HealthTraveler, the first mobile application that allows patients and international travelers alike to quickly find the highest-quality, American-accredited hospitals and clinics in the worlds 50 most-traveled tourist destinations. Developed initially for the Apple iPhone, HealthTraveler provides important information for patients crossing borders for medical procedures, as well as for tourists who require medical attention while abroad.

This readily accessible application will provide users with vital information on international hospital locations, including current data on specialties, accreditation, procedures, and other medical services available, as well as detailed contact information that allows the user to instantly connect with the selected hospital or facility. HealthTraveler will also allow users immediate access to maps and GPS-generated driving directions to their desired locations, along with direct-connect call capabilities to alert hospital emergency personnel of their arrival and condition.

Every year, millions of leisure and business travelers either become sick or have accidents while traveling abroad; the ability to quickly and reliably obtain potentially life-saving information on the best available medical resources is a must, says Healthy Travel Media CEO Josef Woodman. HealthTraveler provides instant access to trusted, vetted medical information tourists and medical travelers require to make informed healthcare choices while abroad.

HealthTraveler provides information on more than 250 hospitals and clinicsmost of them American-accreditedaround the world. Patients seeking high-quality, affordable care abroad will also be able to search for the best hospitals and clinics in the worlds leading medical tourism destinations.

HealthTraveler is scheduled for release in fall 2010 on Apples iPhone and iTouch mobile devices, with plans underway for subsequent releases on BlackBerry and Android. The manufacturers list price is $ 3.99.

About Healthy Travel Media

Healthy Travel Media, an independent imprint based in Chapel Hill, NC, publishes books, eBooks, and online information on medical, health, and wellness travel. Its flagship international title, Patients Beyond Borders, now in its Second Edition, is the leading consumer reference guide for medical tourism and is filled with authoritative and accessible advice. Specialized editions have been published for Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Turkey. The Patients Beyond Borders series is available through booksellers everywhere and is distributed to the retail trade by Publishers Group West (http://www.pgw.com).

For more information or media queries, please contact:

Judy Orchard

Tel: +1 919 545.0668

Web: http://www.patientsbeyondborders.com

Qualified members of the media are invited to request a review copy of Patients Beyond Borders or any of our specialized editions; please contact jorchard(at)patientsbeyondborders(dot)com.

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More Malaysia Medical Tourism Press Releases

HealthTraveler is Worlds First Mobile App for Medical Tourism

Felicia Tan Joins Healthy Travel Media

Chapel Hill, NC (Vocus) February 25, 2010

Healthy Travel Media (HTM), publishers of the Patients Beyond Borders series and other international health travel properties, has named Felicia Tan as Research and Editorial Program Manager.

Ms. Tan will work with HTMs editorial and production teams, researching and implementing existing and planned editorial products as well as HTMs new digital offerings.

Ms. Tan comes to HTM from Parkway Hospitals in Singapore, where she recently served as the marketing manager in charge of marketing and corporate communications for Parkway Cancer Centre. She previously served as the Manager for International Healthcare Marketing for the SingaporeMedicine division of the Singapore Tourism Board, where she developed and implemented healthcare marketing strategies, branding, and communications for North America, ASEAN, the Middle East, China, and Mongolia.

Felicias considerable experience in the international healthcare arena, combined with the tremendous expansion of international healthcare services throughout Asia, makes her the ideal candidate for the position, said Josef Woodman, CEO of Healthy Travel Media. Felicia will be working with public and private providers, government institutions, and industry leaders to help drive new awareness and offerings into the region. We are pleased to have her on board.

Ms. Tan holds a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and is a certified public accountant.

Ms. Tan resides in Singapore, where her office will be based.

About Healthy Travel Media:

Healthy Travel Media, an independent imprint based in Chapel Hill, NC, publishes books, eBooks, and online information on medical, health, and wellness travel. Its flagship international title, Patients Beyond Borders, now in its Second Edition, is the leading consumer reference guide for medical tourism. Specialized editions have been published for Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey.

For more information or media queries, please contact:

Judy Orchard

Tel: +1 919 545.0668

Email: jorchard(at)patientsbeyondborders(dot)com

Web: http://www.patientsbeyondborders.com

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Find More Malaysia Medical Tourism Press Releases

Felicia Tan Joins Healthy Travel Media

50% Increase of Russians Rushing to Malaysia

(PRWEB) May 23, 2008

The growth in Russian tourist arrivals has been steady since the beginning of 2008 with 7.8% growth recorded in Jan 08 (compared to Jan 07), 32.6% in Feb 08 (compared to Feb 07) and 50.8% in Mar 08 (compared to Mar 07).

In total over 1.7 million tourists visited the Southeast Asian country in April 2008 and a 0.8% increase for the period Jan – Apr 08 was recorded compared to the same period last year. Overall Singapore remained the biggest tourist generating market for Malaysia with 867,067 Singaporean nationals visiting the country in April 08; the UK came in at 9th place with 31,952 visitors, 24.5% growth compared to April 07.

These increases in arrivals certainly confirm Malaysia’s worldwide appeal as a top tourism destination and is increasing the amount of people purchasing property in Malaysia. The soaring Malaysian property market is fuelled by ongoing economic growth; a naturally-growing population averaging 1.8% long-term; increasing migration from country to city; the growth of the state-sponsored pension fund; expansion of economic activity by nearby Singapore; and the 10-year-old “Malaysia- My Second Home” programme.

Steve Worboys, MD of Malaysia property agent Experience International, comments, “The increase in tourist arrivals both overall and in the Russian sector spells good news for the Malaysian economy.

We are seeing more and more people visiting this beautiful nation on holiday, falling in love with the people, the culture and the investment opportunities available and taking advantage of the Malaysia My Second Home Programme to purchase a property in Malaysia. The coastal region of Sepang in particular is receiving great interest. Here buyers can purchase a 1 bedroom apartment from just

50% Increase of Russians Rushing to Malaysia

GolfAsian, Named As Official Golf Tour Operator For Vietnam"s Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail

Saigon, Vietnam (PRWEB) October 8, 2008

Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail, just a year old but already Asia’s most talked about golfing itinerary, has retained Indochina’s largest golf tour operator Golfasian, as the Trail’s official tour operator partner.

Starting October 1, the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail visitors to the can book their entire itineraries through Golfasian, which last year enabled more than 3,000 golfer visits (some 860 separate parties) to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

“Handling ‘travelers’ and handling ‘golfers who travel’ are two very different things,” said Jim Sullivan, director of Mandarin Media/Asia-Pacific, which created the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail in 2007 and continues its administration. “By directing all booking inquires to Golfasian, we are putting golfers in the hands of people who know this part of the world intimately, who understand the logistics involved, and who have created thousands of these itineraries — not just last year, but over the course of 15 years in this business.”

Over the last 10 years, Golfasian has facilitated the visit of 11,979 golfers to Thailand; for the 2007-2008 season alone, which ended in September, this amounted to 10,500 room nights at hotels and 16,500 rounds of golf, according to Golfasian Managing Director Mark Siegel. “In our most recent year of operation in Thailand,” Siegel said, “we generated more than 16,500 rounds of golf. In Vietnam, we expect to build up to this level within 5 years.”

“Golfasian will be a boon for the member and lodging links of the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail, and for golf tourism in Vietnam in general,” added Sullivan. “We’re committed to improving the attraction and practicality of playing the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail. We’re improving the product — the new Montgomerie Links Vietnam in Danang is scheduled to join the Trail in early 2009, along with other branded sponsors — and our partnership with Golfasian enables golfers to better access that product.”

The Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail doesn’t merely assemble Vietnam’s best golfing venues in a North-South fashion, like its namesake trail. It pairs these first-class clubs and resorts with some of the most remarkable, luxury accommodations in world golf, while connecting golfers themselves to all the Trail’s cultural offerings and transport options through its partnership with Golfasian.

The golfing world has taken notice. Hundreds of stories have been written about the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail since its launch July 1, 2007, including recent feature coverage in publications like the New York Times (March 9, 2008), Outside’s Go (May 2008) and the Asian Wall Street Journal (April 2008). In December 2007, the International Golf Travel Writers Association pegged Vietnam as its “Undiscovered Destination of the Year”, based on the country’s allure, course quality, and standard of accommodation. The award was a crowning moment in a pivotal year for Vietnam golf — the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail launched on July 1, and two months later came formation of the Vietnam Golf Association.

“Vietnam has really come of age as a tourist destination during the last two years,” said Golfasian’s Siegel, noting another larger milestone: Vietnam’s admission to the World Trade Organization in late 2006. “We’ve seen a huge spike in interest regarding golf in Vietnam, thanks in large part to the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail. But there’s a difference between reading a story about how wonderful a golf destination is and actually having that experience. That’s what we deliver: the first-class experience and dependability traveling golfers expect.”

Golfing stops on the Trail include:

Chi Linh Star Golf Club, a dazzling 18 outside Hanoi and recent host to the Asian PGA Tour’s Carlsberg Masters, with 9 new holes and another 9 on the way.
Dalat Palace Golf Club, a mile-high gem, the only wall-to-wall bentgrass course in Southeast Asia, laid out in the 1920s for Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam.
Ocean Dunes Golf Club, a wind-swept Nick Faldo design, a “tropical links” lapped by the warm waters of the South China Sea.
Dong Nai Golf Resort, a breathtaking, 27-hole track laid out by American Ward Northrup, whose design skirts a scenic chain of natural lakes.
Vietnam Golf & Country Club, home to 36 pristine, otherwise private holes just 20 minutes from downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
King’s Island Country Club, Hanoi’s oldest club and home to two 18s that play over some of the finest, most diverse golfing terrain in Southeast Asia.
For more information on the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail, or to make travel plans for a tour of the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail, visit http://www.hochiminhgolftrail.com.

Golfasian can be reached directly at http://www.golfasian.com or info @ golfasian.com.

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GolfAsian, Named As Official Golf Tour Operator For Vietnam"s Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail

HPL Hotels & Resorts launches redesigned website for Hard Rock Hotels

HPL Hotels & Resorts (PRWEB) October 31, 2002 -

based hospitality management company and a wholly owned subsidiary of main-board listed Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), launches the new, improved Hard Rock Hotels, Bali and Pattaya’s website at http://www.hardrockhotels.net.

The new website includes a fresh design to achieve a uniform look and style for the two Hard Rock Hotels in Asia. The site also incorporates new features such as a secured site for credit card reservations, which allows instant confirmation on the availability of rooms, thus reduces the waiting time for our customers.

Since the Hard Rock Hotels, Bali and Pattaya came under the folds of HPL Hotels & Resorts, the corporate office wants a web presence that is reflective of the Hard Rock brand, current, hip, fun, and yet functional. “We believe we have achieved this goal with our new site. Besides highlighting and providing concise information of the facilities and packages we offer, the new site has an eye-catching design that parallels the image of Hard Rock brand, as well as provide better, faster and simpler navigation and ease of use,” said Edmund Nicholas, vice president of marketing for HPL Hotels & Resorts.

Added Edmund, “At the same time, we wanted to update the look and feel of the website, to ensure that the web design complements with the hotels’ other collateral materials.”

The new site is much more comprehensive than the previous site, with new features and functionality that provide users a convenient online experience. Users are able to submit queries, reviews on the hotels, make room reservations and join the mailing list online, without the hassle of calling or waiting. Links are also provided for the other properties managed by HPL Hotels & Resorts.

“We recognise the increasing effectiveness of Internet marketing as well as database marketing. We intend to leverage on this new website and its new features to increase our database and to aggressively use this platform as one of our marketing tools,” said Edmund.

The new site allows both HPL Hotels & Resorts and the Hard Rock Hotels the flexibility to modify and update the site on an on-going basis, to communicate with the users, as well as provide a platform for any addition of Hard Rock Hotels in the region. This regional website is the first step for HPL Hotels & Resorts in aiming to harmonise its communication of the Hard Rock brand in the region.

About HPL Hotels & Resorts

Headquartered in Singapore, HPL Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality management company, operated and wholly owned by Singapore main-board listed, Hotel Properties Limited (HPL). Associated with some of the most prominent brands, HPL operates luxury resorts, business hotels, theme hotels and hotel apartments worldwide, offering distinct experiences ranging from lifestyle hotels to adventure and eco-tourism.

Today, HPL Hotels & Resorts manages the activities of seven hotels and two boutique resorts in the Asia-Pacific region, with a total of 2,870 rooms. These include, Concorde Hotel Singapore, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Concorde Hotel Shah Alam, Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Concorde Hotel Gold Coast – Australia, The Lakehouse in Cameron Highlands – Malaysia, Casa del Mar in Langkawi – Malaysia; as well as the Hard Rock Hotels in Bali – Indonesia and Pattaya – Thailand. For more information, visit http://www.hplhotels.com.

HPL Hotels & Resorts launches redesigned website for Hard Rock Hotels

Award-Winning Filmmakers To Shoot Big Screen Feature in Indonesia

(PRWEB) July 9, 2004

Golden Globe Award Winner LeBrocquy-Fraser Productions (Osama) and Director U-Wei Bin HajiSaari (Kaki Bakar aka The Arsonist – un Certain Regard Cannes 1995) are collaborating on a film based on Joseph Conrad’s first novel, Almayer’s Folly.

Adapted for the big screen by U-Wei, the story is set in 1850′s Borneo (Kalimantan, Indonesia) and offers adventure, romance and drama as it depicts the colorful characters that lived and traded along the rivers of Borneo during that visually rich period.

Accompanied by the Bali Film Commission (BFC), the team completed an extensive week-long trip sponsored by Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Garuda Indonesia Airlines and Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel that encompassed parts of southern and eastern Kalimantan.

Unlike previous films adapted from Conrad novels, U-Wei feels strongly that Almayer’s Folly stay true to the locations in the original story. “For me, authentic locations are critical to the success of this film,” says the sirector, who returns next month to explore other Kalimantan locations.

A native of Pahang, Malaysia, U-Wei is the first Malaysian director invited to show his work at the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes (’95).

Award winning American actor Harvey Keitel (The Piano, Pulp Fiction, Red Dragon) has signed on as lead character Almayer. “Everyone is passionate about this project,” says Julia Fraser (Partner, LeBrocquy-Fraser Productions). “We sent Harvey the script and within three days he was committed to the film.”

Reflecting the different ethnic cultures characterized in the script, U-Wei brings onboard strong regional talent from Malaysia (Eman Manan, Khalled Salleh) and Indonesia (Christine Hakim, El Manik). Producers also are in discussions with world-renowned actor Omar Sharif to play in the film and look to cast the key role of Almayer’s 20-year-old daughter Nina in Indonesia

The US$ 5 million film will bring together a well-crafted international ensemble of talent including; production designer Desmond Crowe (UK) (Band of Brothers) and director of photography Alain Choquart (France) (Boesman, Lena and Captain Conan).

Established in 2002, BFC is the first internationally sanctioned body of its kind in Indonesia working to present the advantages of filming in the country. According to BFC founder Deborah Gabinetti, “Almayer’s Folly has the potential to contribute millions of dollars to the local economies while providing a fantastic showcase for Kalimantan and an excellent opportunity to work with one of Southeast Asia’s best directors.”

Last month BFC met with Director Marc Esposito and Producer Pierre Javaux of the 2003 box office success ‘Le Coeur des Hommes’ (Frenchmen) to discuss their upcoming feature film. Starring French heartthrob Marc Lavoine, the film entitled ‘Toute la Beaute’ du Monde’ (All the Beauty of the World) will commence shooting on Bali and Lombok late 2004.

Award-Winning Filmmakers To Shoot Big Screen Feature in Indonesia

Kameda Medical Center to Release Patients Beyond Borders Focus On

Chapel Hill, NC (Vocus) June 22, 2010

Patients Beyond Borders, the first consumer reference guide for medical tourism, is pleased to announce the July 2010 release of FOCUS ON: Kameda Medical Center (KMC), profiling one of Japans leading private healthcare facilities. FOCUS ON: KMC addresses Kamedas implementation of global trends, its Say Yes concierge services, and its top specialties: oncology, Breast Center, sports medicine, cardiology, interventional neuroradiology, spine surgery, and second-opinion services.

Japans first and only JCI-accredited hospital, Kameda boasts a 350-year history through eleven generations of the Kameda family. The 925-bed medical center is one of the largest private hospitals in Japan and is nationally accredited as well as ISO certified. While principally serving citizens of Japan and the immediate region, KMC also serves the medical traveler, welcoming more than 200 international patients in 2009. More than 10% of its 450 fulltime physicians have had postgraduate training abroad, mostly in the United States.

Healthy Travel Media’s new FOCUS ON: series features 32-page, full-color digital brochures and eBooks highlighting the world’s leading, internationally accredited hospitals and specialty centers in a fully searchable, consumer-friendly format. Published under the Patients Beyond Borders brand, the series offers healthcare consumers detailed information on specialties, procedures, costs, and travel planning from the most recognized, trusted information source in international medical travel.

“We look forward to participating in this dynamic new program,” says John Wocher, executive vice president and director of International Patient Services at KMC. “This effort will allow us to proactively promote our facility to the international traveler with up-to-date, interactive information on our medical specialties, pricing, and the quality and safety of our medical services.”

FOCUS ON: KMC will be accessible from a variety of sources, including the Patients Beyond Borders Web site, Kamedas Web site, third-party Web sites, Kindle and other eBook readers, iPhone and other mobile devices, medical, business, and reference libraries worldwide, and all popular social networks.

“Healthcare consumers worldwide will now have access to clear, current information on Kamedas impressive array of specialties, procedures, international services, and signature programs at their fingertips,” says Kate Johnson, FOCUS ON: project manager for Patients Beyond Borders. “Our new series is designed to assist the international patient at the planning stage, and Kameda Medical Center has much to offer the medical traveler.”

About Kameda Medical Center:

KMC is a 925-bed private healthcare facility located approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Tokyo, on the Boso Peninsula. Family owned, this fully modern medical center has an ocean-view restaurant, delicatessen, 24/7 convenience store, coffee shop, and more. Kamedas electronic medical information system has been totally paperless and filmless since 1994. KMCs Centers of Excellence offer a wide range of services, solutions, and technologies in a healing environment with hotel-like surroundings; 370 of the inpatient rooms are private and boast Pacific Ocean views (suites are also available).

For more information on Kameda Medical Center, please contact:

Kameda Medical Center

929 Higashi-Cho, Kamogawa City

Chiba Prefecture, JAPAN 296-8602

Tel: 81 470 92.2211 ext. 3005

Email: Ms. Harumi Isobe

Web: http://www.kameda.com/us/

About Healthy Travel Media:

Healthy Travel Media, an independent imprint based in Chapel Hill, NC, publishes books, eBooks, videography, and online information on medical, health, and wellness travel. Its flagship international title, Patients Beyond Borders, now in its Second Edition, is the worlds leading consumer reference guide for medical tourism and is filled with authoritative, accessible advice. Specialized Country-specific editions have been published for Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Turkey. The Patients Beyond Borders series is available through booksellers everywhere and is distributed to the retail trade through Publisher’s Group West.

For more information or media queries, please contact:

Judy Orchard, Communications Manager

Tel: +1 919 545.0668

Web: http://www.patientsbeyondborders.com/

Note: Qualified members of the media are invited to request a review copy. Please contact jorchard (at) patientsbeyondborders (dot) com.

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Kameda Medical Center to Release Patients Beyond Borders Focus On