Update from the Desk - September 2013

Dear Colleague    We are delighted to advise that our client, Past and Present Journeys of Albania will be exhibiting at World Travel Market on Stand EM1160.    Past and Present is an innovative and creative Destination Management Company and the market leader in Albania, a country which is being discovered by those in the know. With daily BA flights from Gatwick to Tirana and the arrival of a new Hilton hotel later this year, to join the Sheraton already there, Albania is on the brink of becoming Europe's newest hotspot. Tirana is now beginning to feature as a city break destination with its excellent range of boutique hotels, outdoor cafés, bars and restaurants. Foodies will be surprised by the cuisine which is really coming into its own because it is fresh, organic and locally grown - 'we feast on fresh oysters caught hours before, in the Ionian Sea, washed down with white wine as crisp and clean as a green apple, from Albania's biggest vineyeard, Cobo, in Berat' - to quote a recent article. The coastline is only developed in parts with long sandy beaches and tiny Caribbean-style coves; some of the smaller beach resorts have friendly 3* and 4* family owned hotels, perfect for a good-value holiday. Visitors interested in a cultural programme can spend a week or more discovering the highlights of this emerging destination - the archaeological treasures at Butrint and Apollonia, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Gjirokaster with its Ottoman-style houses, Tirana's National Art Gallery stuffed with Socialist-Realist art and the frescoes in the 13th century monastery at Ardenice. But there is so much more - the north of the country is dominated by the dramatic, brooding Albanian Alps where trekking and horse riding are popular ways to explore the region. And if your clients want to understand the politics of this intriguing country, Past and Present can introduce them to former ministers and Balkan political analysts.    Dritan Xhengo, the MD would be pleased to have a meeting with you to tell you about his company and what they can do to enhance your programme, if you already operate in Albania, or to introduce you to this intriguing destination.  Don't get left behind - be a market leader. Please contact Dritan by email on dritan.xhengo@pastandpresent.al or get in touch with us at RP Marketing on rpmarketg@aol.com or Tel 01726 816400. We will be happy to talk to you. We look forward to seeing you in London. Richard Find us on Facebook: RP Marketing and 'click' the LIKE button to receive our fresh postings and news. On Twitter we are @RichardParks47 And LinkedIn: Richard Parks In the next few months we will be developing more ways of promoting and raising the awareness of our client businesses, so do please join us on this adventure. If you would like to speak to me on Skype, my contact is Richard J Parks. Please do contact us to discuss your requirements. Best regards RICHARD PARKS rpmarketg@aol.com

RP Marketing Associates This newsletter is written by Anita Sach of Travel Projects:anita@travelprojects.co.uk; www.travelprojects.co.uk. Travel Projects offer newsletter copywriting services, product development support for Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Albania and the writing, editing and proofreading of websites and travel brochures. If you wish to unsubscribe to this enewsletter please contact RP Marketing at rpmarketg@aol.com. Sincerely,    Richard Parks RP Marketing Something to make you think again about Albania 'Warm, toasted bread is served with a fresh tomato salsa (think bruschetta), and a mild, white cheese and yogurt spread with hints of mint that's so local we're unable to satisfy future cravings for it. Small fillets of tender white fish are delicately laced with lemon peel, and octopus carpaccio is drizzled in Albanian olive oil.  We could be anywhere in the Med, except we'd be paying at least twice as much.'   (courtesy of Lunch magazine)

Update from the Desk

Dear Colleagues    We hope you enjoy our new-look newsletter and the latest news from RP Marketing's clients. We are very proud to introduce our new client, Past and Present Journeys of Albania. Dritan Xhengo and his team have asked us to promote their business in the UK and having spoken to two of their clients here they only have good things to say about them. We are very excited to be working with such a professional and innovative team in Tirana. Read more about them below. Keeping up to date with news and information is an ever- daunting prospect these days and we are attempting to keep you informed with trends and data as quickly as we can. In this vein we are giving you the opportunity to join us on our social media sites where we are developing further opportunities to learn about and promote your business opportunities. Find us on Facebook: RP Marketing and 'click' the LIKE button to receive our fresh postings and news. On Twitter we are @RichardParks47 And LinkedIn: Richard Parks In the next few months we will be developing more ways of promoting and raising the awareness of our client businesses, so do please join us on this adventure.   If you would like to speak to me on Skype, my contact is Richard J Parks. Please do contact us to discuss your requirements. Best regards RICHARD PARKS rpmarketg@aol.com Richard    Anita of Travel Projects (anita@travelprojects.co.uk)

In This Issue

Meet RP Marketing's new client, Past and Present Journeys of Albania

Learn more about the spa at The Elysian Bali

Bali Adventure Tours opens its state-of-the art Adventure Centre

New developments at Kamandalu Resort, Bali

News from Bali Tours, Bali

News from Bidy Tours, Lombok

New lodge at Lake Murray, Papua New Guinea, taking shape

Meet Luxury Travel at Taste of ILTM at WTM

News from World Express Malaysia

News from World Express Singapore

News from Hi Tours India

World Travel Market

Past and Present Journeys, Albania

Dritan    One of the most dynamic travel companies in Albania, Past and Present Journeys are putting the country on the map by providing an extremely professional service to travel companies which are looking to expand their programme to include this emerging destination.    Whatever your needs, Past and Present can assist you to develop a programme to suit your style and at very competitive prices: escorted group tours, tailor-made itineraries, beach holidays, city breaks, shore excursions, special interest tours, off-the-beaten-track itineraries and event planning.    Past and Present also offer a concierge service assisting clients with restaurant recommendations and bookings, buying tickets for events, personal shopping and much more.    If you would like a preliminary chat about Past and Present Journeys and/or Albania please contact Anita at RP Marketing who has extensive knowledge of this intriguing country and the services that Past and Present Journeys can provide.    For further information contact the Managing Director, Dritan Xhengo on dritan.xhengo@pastandpresent.al; www.pastandpresent.al

The Elysian, Bali

Many clients now require their hotel of choice to have a spa so that they can indulge when not sightseeing or sunbathing. The Elysian has introduced a new range of completely natural spa treatments based around fresh fruit and other organic ingredients. The treatments are packed full of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants to help eliminate toxins and improve skin tone. Spa Therapists mix up a perfect treatment for clients' particular skin type.  For marketing information contact Director of Sales and Marketing, Mr Dimas on dimas@theelysian.com;www.theelysian.com

Elephant Safari Park Lodge & Bali Adventure Tours

Bali Adventure Tours has opened its exciting world-class Ubud Adventure Centre overlooking the gorge of the Ayung River. The 4-storey, split level complex will be the check in and finishing point for whitewater rafting operations. The centre is also home to  restaurants, bars, coffee shop, deli, bakery, art gallery, gift shop and Japanese-inspired spa. There are also two decadent Adventure Suites for guests who want to overnight there with a private outdoor dining pavillion and pool. Bali Adventure Tours will be exhibiting at ITB Asia in Singapore from 23-25 October, so if you are attending do make an appointment.  For further information on the Adventure Centre and the lodge, please contact Arifin Tirta Wijata, the Director of Sales and Marketing on arifin@baliadventuretours.co.id.www.baliadventuretours.com; www.elephantsafariparklodge.com

Kamandalu Resort & Spa, Bali

Kamandalu Yoga House Many new developments have taken place at Kamandalu Resort and Spa. The 56 villas at this enchanting Balinese Villa have been refurbished and there are exciting new developments in the public area. The new Presidential Villa is the newest addition to the choices of accommodation at Kamandalu. This two-storey villa consists of three bedrooms with separate bathrooms, a dining room that sits 6 people, a living room with 180-degree view of the tropical garden and valley and an outdoor Jacuzzi. Located near the Presidential Villa is the Plaza with a design that is inspired by lotus flowers - a perfect place to hold special events, from a wedding ceremony to a romantic dinner. The traditional wooden Javanese Yoga House is a cosy venue for events - as well as yoga! Just show your clients the website photos of this gorgeous resort overlooking the river in Ubud and they will need no convincing to book. To help them with their decision the Kamandalu is offering a 35% per night discount until the end of August and 40% per night discount for bookings made at least 40 days in advance up until the end of March 2014.  For further information about the resort and spa contact Francisca Widjaja, Director of Sales & Marketing on dosm@kamandaluresort.com. Ade Krishna Wardhani has now moved on to pastures new. www.kamandaluresort.com

Bali Tours & Travel

Please be aware that if you have booked clients to arrive or leave from Bali between 5 and 9 October there will be a series of airport closures because of the APEC summit being held on the island. On 5 and 9 October the airport will be closed between 10am and 4pm and from 10am to 8pm on 6 and 8 October.  Air Niugini have launched a weekly flight between Bali and Port Moresby (for further information go to report from Trans Niugini Tours, Papua New Guinea). From August 11, there will be a weekly Sunday market on Sanur beach, in front of the Sand Beach Club and Restaurant, from 9am to 3pm selling traditional crafts and farmers' produce. The transport authorities have introduced a public bus service between Denpasar and the international airport.   For full details of all programmes and rates for trips to Bali please contact the Managing Director, Mr I B Nada;nada@indo.net.id; www.balitours-travel.com

Bidy Tour, Lombok

Jetstar Australia will commence flights between Perth and Lombok on September 24, subject to government and regulatory approval. The four-times-weekly service will be the first non-stop service from Australia to Lombok, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays by an Airbus A320. "Indonesia has always been an important part of the group's international network and we're committed to enabling new travel opportunities for visitors to Indonesia as well as Indonesians keen to explore the region" said the CEO of Jetstar Australia. Gili Trawangan, one of the small islands off Lombok, may find itself thrown into the limelight shortly as 'the Hoff', David Hasselhof, is planning to open a bar on the island. Watch this space for more celebrity news....   For information on travel to Lombok and neighbouring islands contact the Managing Director, Mr Yan Hamidy onyanhamidy@bidytour-lombok.com; www.bidytour-lombok.com

Trans Niugini Tours, Papua New Guinea

Trans Niugini Tours is in the process of building a new lodge at Lake Murray. Situated on a small island in the lake, this lodge will accommodate guests in 12 individual units overlooking beautiful Lake Murray, an area which has its own unique culture, tropical climate and rainforest. A comfortable main lodge building will serve as a lounge, bar and dining area, with a spectacular wrap-around veranda for pleasant views of the lake including its beautiful sunsets. The lodge, which will open in 2014, will be powered by a solar system and will feature birding, cultural visits and Black Bass fishing around the lake and on the small island. For clients who fancy some beach time after their adventure in PNG, Air Niugini have launched a weekly (Monday) service between Port Moresby and Bali using a Boeing 737. For further information and programme details please contact the Sales Manager, Shirley Johnson on service@pngtours.com; www.pngtours.com

Luxury Travel, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand

Pham Ha   Luxury Travel will be on stand AS587 at WTM in November as well as at a Taste of ILTM at WTM on the Monday and Tuesday. If you are a luxury buyer go to www.wtmlondon.com/luxury and register.     Once a real adventure for visitors because of the poor quality of the accommodation throughout Indochina, standards have increased dramatically in the region and Luxury Travel has been at the forefront of this development. Luxury Travel recognises that a truly memorable holiday is more than deluxe hotels and smart restaurants and what sets them apart is that they ensure that your clients' experience is inspirational. Talk to us at RP Marketing or contact Pham Ha to discuss your requirements.    VIETNAM Phu Bai airport, Hue, is scheduled to reopen ahead of schedule in September.    Etihad has announced a direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Saigon starting in October; Finnair has started its first scheduled service to Vietnam.       CAMBODIA Dragonair is introducing a seasonal flight from Hong Kong to Siem Reap three times a week from the end of October. Qatar's daily Saigon flight will continue on to Phnom Penh.    MYANMAR Bangkok Airways are starting a new service between Bangkok and Mandalay four times a week from 15 September.    This is just a taste of what is included in the tours so for full details of these programmes and details of costs for FITs and groups, please contact the CEO, Pham Ha, uk@luxurytravelvietnam.com; www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

World Express Malaysia

Asia's first Legoland water park will open in Malaysia in October which will feature the usual water slides as well as a 'Build a Raft River', where kids can build their own raft from Lego bricks and sail it down the river.    Etihad has added a new daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur making it a double daily service with better connecting times.      Johor Bahru has added two quality hotels with the arrival of the Marriott's 345-room Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel and Shangri-La's Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour.  Johor is located less than half an hour from Singapore.    Malaysia Airlines has increased the weight of its hand luggage allowance to 7kg for economy passengers and two pieces of hand luggage up to 7kg each for business and first-class passengers plus a handbag, briefcase or laptop.  For further information contact the Executive Director, Ms Cherry Lee on cherry.lee@worldexpress.travel; www.worldexpress.travel

World Express Singapore

Many visitors to Singapore use it as a stopover en route to Australasia but the country is now showcasing itself as a standalone destination.    World Express Singapore, one of the leading DMCs in the region, can put together a programme of experiences for your leisure or MICE clients including the east coast and Changi, in the footsteps of Raffles, horseracing at Singapore Turf Club, tour of World War II sites and a cookery school. If you would like further information please contact Candice Lim on candice@worldexpress.com.sg

Hi Tours India

The annual International Yoga Festival takes place from 1st to 7th of March every year in Rishikesh and Hi Tours can include this festival as part of a longer trip around India for your clients. During the one-week festival, clients will have the opportunity to participate in over 70 hours of yoga classes from world-class yoga teachers practicing multiple styles of yoga including Kundalini Yoga, Power Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Kriya Yoga.  Thinking of adding a programme to India and would like to experience the country and the services of Hi Tours? Check the offers on the Hi Tours website for Tour Operators and Travel agents - 7-night Treasures of Kerala for Euro 195 or 6-night Treasures of the North also Euro 195.   To find out about programmes and availability, contact the Managing Director, Mr Prem Syal on psyal@hi-tours.com; www.hi-tours.com; www.hitours.travel

RP Marketing Associates This newsletter is written by Anita Sach of Travel Projects:anita@travelprojects.co.uk; www.travelprojects.co.uk. Travel Projects offer newsletter copywriting services, product development support for Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Albania and the writing, editing and proofreading of websites and travel brochures. If you wish to unsubscribe to this enewsletter please contact RP Marketing at rpmarketg@aol.com. Sincerely,    Richard Parks RP Marketing World Travel Market A number of RP Marketing clients will be at WTM in November, in particular new clients Past and Present Journeys of Albania.    Luxury Travel of Indochina will not only have a stand at WTM but will also be at A Taste of ILTM at WTM.    If you would like appointments with either of these companies, please get in touch with us by phone or email and let us tell you a little more about them.

Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnels by Waterway

The Cu Chi Tunnels is a favorite tourist site for many international travelers. I have been few times, and each time, I return with a new story, discover a lesser known point of interest, and find a new way to experience the Saigon River and Cu Chi via its waterways.

One of Vietnam's most famous war memorials the, Cu Chi Tunnels is where visitors come to experience what life was like for revolutionary soldiers fighting in the jungle. The tunnels allowed the Vietnamese guerillas to control a large rural area only 30 to 40km from the former Sài gòn. At its height, the tunnel system stretched from the economic hub to the Cambodian border.

All travelers go by road to Cu Chi, we will take a half day excursion by waterway to the famous tunnels, which stretched for over 200 km and became legendary during the 1960s when they played a vital part in the American War.

My friend Nhan and I had trouble deciding between a morning and afternoon trip, but we opted finally to take the tour in the morning. At 8 am, we joined 8 people with our tour guide on the waterway journey from Bach Dang Pier in HCM City to the Cu Chi Tunnels on Sunday.

The new way to visit the tunnels is very convenient, taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes to get from Ho Chi Minh City, with NO traffic jams! You can admire the perspective of the HCMC skyline as you cruise upstream on the new yacht.
  
Binh Duong Province is on the right hand side and Ho Chi Minh City on the left as we cruise up the frontier and I am always amazed that just a few minutes from Bustling Saigon, there lies a peaceful countryside and amazing life in the world of water. That is why I understand why Vietnam is the country of “Dat Nuoc” (land and water).
 
The yacht cruise is a new development on Saigon River, as local business seeks to develop new products to attract travelers to HCMC and encourage them to stay longer. Our yacht was new and comfortable, and had an on board toilet. The uniformed captain welcomed us on board with a smile, and we had a safe feeling on our river adventure. Our guide Chung was a friendly young lady (like most Vietnamese women), and she served us fresh water and fruits. With her excellent English, she guided everyone through the safety regulations and overview of the trip.

We were also informed that the favorite trips are Saigon – My Tho and Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, and Saigon to the Can Gio biosphere and to Cu Chi Tunnels. Other tours include cruises from Saigon to Siem Reap, Cambodia or you may go the reverse way.

Chung explained that many businessmen prefer the privacy of the cruise, as well as a sunset cocktail or dinner aboard ship.

After some conversations with the tour guide and tour members, we arrived at the Ben Dinh Pier near the Cu Chi Tunnels. Then we stepped into a jungle of banyan trees and took a short walk to the iron triangle of Cu Chi. We had plenty of time to explore the tunnel system and watch a video about them, which included commentary from former soldiers to help visitors better understand the history.

There are two sections of tunnels to open visitors, at Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh. The latter are in original condition, while the Ben Duoc tunnels have been recreated for tourists and visitors. The network, parts of which were several levels deep, included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens. Also, an impressive temple was built to honor martyrs at Ben Duoc.

Upon request, travelers can meet living Viet Cong veterans, many of whom are ready and willing to tell their stories to the world. Yet on the surface, Cu Chi is like every other rural district in Vietnam. Women chat over mounds of vegetables at the local market. Young men lounge in the dusty open fronted restaurant.

Today, it is hard to believe that this area, part of which is just 30 km far from downtown Ho Chi Minh city, occupies some of the most heavily bombed land in the history of warfare. This area was a “free bombing” zone, which allowed the US army to bomb at any time and anywhere they suspected enemy activity.

The secret of the Cu Chi lies underground. Beginning in the late 1940s, resistance fighters dug a series of tunnels into the rust colored earth of Cu Chi to allow them to evade French army patrols. The old tunnel network was renewed and enlarged when the National Liberation Front (NLF) insurgency began around 1960.

Within a few years, the tunnel system became the lifeline of NLF operations, snaking all the way from Saigon to the Cambodia border. The attacks that rocked the southern Vietnamese Capital during the Tet Offensive were launched from Cu Chi.

In a bid to break local community ties with NLF forces, the southern regime launched its strategic hamlets program in 1963. Government forces destroyed villages in suspected pro communist areas, and relocated the people to their controlled, fortified
encampments.

Instead of isolating the people from NLF influences, the program had the opposite effect, strengthening sympathy for the communists. Thanks to the tunnels, the NLF had access to the strategic hamlets anyway. To try to regain control of the Iron Triangle, as the region was known, the Americans built a larger base camp at Cu Chi.

Only after several months of unexplained sniper attacks did they discover that their camps lay directly on the top of an intricate network of NLF tunnels. Thousands of Americans, Australians and southern Vietnamese ground troops descended on the Iron Triangle to try and seize control of this strategic area.

Unable to find the tunnels, they decided instead to try and cut off the NLF supply routes. They eradicated and burned villages and destroyed paddy fields. This area was doused with chemicals and set ablaze with napalm. Yet despite the devastation above ground, many NFL fighters survived, tucked away deep inside their earth fortress.

“Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels was a memorable experience. In the pouring rain, we walked around the site where battles were fought and so many lives were lost.
Venturing into the claustrophobic dark tunnels was something I will never
forget.” a tour member told to me after the trip.

“It was the blind leading the blind into the darkness of those narrow tunnels, relying on the feel of the walls as we were hunched over double. Ten minutes underground
felt like much, much longer. It was a relief to come back to ground level, but
also gave me a huge sense of appreciation for the amazing survival techniques
that the Vietnamese used in this dark period of their history.”

Malcolm and Fran Surman, working for the UK Embassy in Bangkok said “Of all the wonderful places that we were taken to I think that Cu Chi tunnels made the greatest impact as we came to realize the awful conditions that were endured by those who want their freedom.”

Also as part of the tour, we arrived at Bach Dang, in time for lunch, and we walked to the impressive bonsai garden (Vuon Kieng) on the bank of Saigon River.

As all the tourists headed back to the city and their next adventure, they all agreed that a tour of this area is a “must do” for anyone visiting Vietnam. We are happy to help others experience this unique destination.


This article is copywrited and provided by Mr. Pham Ha who is an award-winning CEO and founder of Luxury Travel Ltd (www.luxurytravels.asia), the first luxury travel and tour operator in the Mekong region. He is also a travel guru, tourism speaker, travel writer, consultant and a leading designer of luxury tourism industry training programs.

Luxury Travel Ltd. has won numerous travel awards including the most recent The Guide Awards 2013: “ The Leading Specialist in The Art of Travel With Luxurious and Private Service”

The uber-luxurious Aman Resort in Vietnam

The beach town of Nha Trang is popular beach heaven for holidaymakers, and now you head north (1.5hour from Cam Ranh Airport) to Vinh Hy Bay for the new Amanoi, the latest property by the uber-luxurious Aman Resorts.

Tucked away in a national park, Amanoi--opened in September 2013 --sprawls within 100 acres of the lush and vibrant landscape, comprising hilltops, coastlines and a very private beach. In this tranquil oasis, the air is fresh, breathtaking views abound and the feeling of being far from home is ever present.

The resort's design feels more like a gracious, private residence rather than a hotel. Staff is personable (and treats you like a house guest), centuries-old antiques and contemporary furnishings adorn public spaces and the 31 individual guest pavilions and five villas are strategically set throughout the forest, ensuring plenty of privacy and space.

All pavilions are equipped with king-size bed, sofa, writing desk, LCD TV, wireless Internet and sound-docking systems.

Bathrooms feature stand-alone bathtubs with separate rain showers and priceless views of the bay or forestry through floor-to-ceiling windows. Most pavilions also include a large, private timber deck with pool and sun beds.

The 20,000-square-foot spa is situated next to a calming, lotus-filled lake anchored by a yoga pavilion, and the fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, in addition to a Pilates studio.

Some guests, however, just want to unwind, and the perfect setting is the Beach Club, comprising an outdoor restaurant, an infinity pool and a stretch of white-sand beach flanked by million-year-old rock formations.

The turquoise water shimmers, and guests have the option to snorkel, kayak or take out a Hobie Cat.

There's also an outdoor pool by the Main Pavilion, with a restaurant serving Vietnamese and Western fare.

http://www.amanresorts.com/amanoi/resort.aspx

05 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: +84.4.3927 4120, 6273 3071 or 6273 3087 Ext 108 

Fax: +84.4.3927 4118  Cellphone : +84.912303096

Skype: phamhaluxurytravel  YM: phamhaluxurytravel

Email: phamha@luxurytravelvietnam.com    

Websites: www.luxurytravels.asia   

International Trading Name in English: LUXURY TRAVEL CO., LTD.

Company Name in Vietnamese: CTy TNHH Du Lịch Sang Trọng Việt Nam

A Member of VECOM, VITA, VNAT, ASTA, PATA

Luxury Travel Ltd. has won numerous travel awards including the most recent The Guide Awards 2013: “ The Leading Specialist in The Art of Travel With Luxurious and Private Service”

Jet Airways signs codeshare agreement with Garuda Indonesia

SINGAPORE - Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, and Garuda Indonesia, the national carrier of Indonesia, announced the signing of a codeshare agreement, open for sale for travel effective 4th October 2013.

Under the codeshare arrangement Jet Airways will place its marketing code on Garuda Indonesia’s flights between Singapore and Jakarta. In turn, Garuda will place its marketing code on Jet Airways’ operations between Singapore and Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. The codeshare will provide more choice for customers between India and Indonesia, by offering seamless and convenient connections over the international gateway of Singapore.

Furthermore, both carriers announced the launch of a full-fledged frequent flyer partnership. With this, Jet Airways’ JetPrivilege and Garuda Indonesia’s Frequent Flyer members will enjoy the benefit of frequent flyer mileage accrual and redemption on not only the codeshare routes but the entire network of Garuda Indonesia across Indonesia and beyond as well as Jet Airways' unmatched pan-India domestic and international networks.

According to Mr. Sudheer Raghavan, Chief Commercial Officer, Jet Airways, “We are delighted to announce a code share partnership with Garuda. Indonesia is a popular tourist destination for Indian travellers and a strategic trade and investment partner for India. With the seamless connections offered by this arrangement, we are confident that this codeshare will see a further increase in demand for business and leisure travel between India and Indonesia.”

Erik Meijer, Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales of Garuda Indonesia, said, "We are pleased to have the codeshare partnership with Jet Airways as it will further strengthen the global network of both airlines and provide increased benefits to all our passengers. Through this agreement, Garuda Indonesia will be able to extend its service to India, and further enhance the SkyTeam alliance network globally -in which we will be a full member in March 2014-, while Jet Airways will provide more convenient connections for their passengers to Indonesia."