On the road
THE Hong-Kong based Shangri-La hotel group is the first Asian hotel group to join the United Airlines Mileage Plus frequent traveller scheme.
Mileage Plus members can earn mileage by staying at any one of the Shangri-La's 27 hotels and resorts in Canada, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan or Thailand.
The Shangri-La Bangkok has also launched a new transfer service by river to and from the international airport. Guests can make the journey in one hour, eliminating the city's traffic congestion.
They are met at the airport and transferred by coach to Rama 7 pier for a connection to the hotel's own pier. The service can be booked directly through the hotel, Bangkok telephone: 236-7777, fax 236-8579, and the cost is US$28 one-way, including luggage. APPLICATION forms are still available for the Pattaya Marathon to be held on Sunday, July 24. There will also be a 10-kilometre race on the same day.
The entrance fee is HK$125 for the marathon and $6 for the shorter race. Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Hong Kong, on 868-0732. MALAYSIA is planning a festival in Kuala Lumpur between September 10 and 24, showcasing its arts, handicrafts, culture and cuisine. This is the festival's eighth year, and it is being held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year.
LA TAVERNA Bali hotel on the private Sanur Beach is offering 30 per cent discount on rooms. The hotel is built in traditional style. Contact Macchetti Ltd in Hong Kong on 522-4286 for details.
BRITISH Airways and Qantas have opened a joint venture lounge for first and business-class passengers at Kai Tak. It is double the size of the original BA and Qantas lounges.
The two airlines are also planning to open joint lounges at other international airports.
SINGAPORE Airlines has made its flight from Hong Kong to San Francisco non-smoking. All Singapore Airlines' non-stop services in and out of Hong Kong are now smoke-free.
