New Pyrotechnics for Hong Kong’s New Year Countdown

This year’s Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations on 31 December 2010 will feature new visual effects in the stunning pyrotechnic display, including numeric patterns for the countdown.

The combination of colourful patterns and movements atop the buildings will symbolise a soaring dragon, which is set to light up the spectacular, world-famous Victoria Harbour.

Manila to Host PATA Travel Mart 2012

Manila has been chosen as the host city of the PATA Travel Mart 2012.

Manila hosted the very first PATA Travel Mart back in 1978, when over 300 delegates assembled to experience one of Asia Pacific’s first regional industry trade events. After more than three decades PATA Travel Mart still remains one of Asia Pacific’s leading travel trade shows.

Crowne Plaza Returns to Bangkok

IHG’s Crowne Plaza brand today returns to Bangkok following the rebranding of the popular Pan Pacific Hotel.

The 241-room Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park is located on the 21st to 32nd floors of the Ramaland complex in the Silom-Rama IV district.

Hotel DeBrett in Auckland Joins Design Hotels

Design Hotels has added another hotel to its Oceania portfolio – Hotel DeBrett in New Zealand.

Situated in a traditional Art Deco building in Auckland’s hip fashion district, the 25-room hotel is designed and run by Michelle Deery and John Courtney.

Aston Opens New Hotel in Bogor

Aston International has opened the group’s first hotel in Bogor – the 4-star Aston Bogor Hotel & Resort.

The Aston Bogor Hotel & Resort is part of the Nirwana Epicentrum commercial and entertainment area and features 123 rooms and suites in a variety of configurations ranging from studios to one and two bedroom serviced condominiums.

Marriott Signs Hotel in Hoi An, Vietnam

Marriott International has signed a long-term management agreement with Phat Dat Quang Ngai Hotel & Resort Corp. to operate the 250-room Hoi An Marriott Resort & Spa.

The resort, which is scheduled to open in 2015, will be the ninth Marriott International-flagged property and second Marriott-branded resort in Vietnam.

Lady Gaga Unveiled at Madame Tussauds

The new Lady Gaga figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong was unveiled this week wearing a black Marjan Pejoski body suit.

In the most ambitious figure launch in Madame Tussauds history, Hong Kong joins seven other attractions around the world revealing new Lady Gaga figures. Each has depicted the fashion icon in a totally different style and details about which city is getting which outfit were kept a closely guarded secret until the moment they were revealed.

Expedia Reports Strong Growth for Hotels in Indonesia

Expedia has reported that the number of international bookings made on its global sites for travel to Indonesia has grown nearly 70% over the past twelve months, with the majority of the travelers coming from Australia, the US, and the UK.