Author Archives: pushpitha

Corporate Travel Management Tips – For Travellers on The Go!

Posted on by

While global travel has become somewhat of a necessity in today’s world, managing ones corporate travel is an ever important aspect that more and more companies are looking into. One idea worth considering is making use of event management companies who will coordinate aspects including travel and logistics. Those in search of such event management Sri Lanka has to offer can consider Nkar MICE. It is one of the leading event planners in Sri Lanka and will even assist in pre-planning and on-site conference management.

When it comes to corporate travel management tips there are several aspects one can look into. It is important that there be a set travel policy which applies to all even the senior executives. One should look to try and avoid scheduling meetings at peak travel times, while it is advisable to join an airline loyalty scheme while will earn frequent flyer miles or other benefits. If booking accommodation independently look to book ahead of time since certain hotels offer early bird discounts that will help to reduce costs too.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Bangkok International Jazz Festival – The Best of the Jazz World

Posted on by

Thailand is one of the most festive holiday destinations in the world. With a rich and colourful culture combined with a vibrant modern taste, Thailand is a nation where the party never ends. Throughout the 12 months that make up the year there are events and festivals that will surely entice the eager tourist. Some are traditional and others are modern and each comes with its very own unique platter of delights. If you are around during the month of March, prepare to be treated with the best of Jazz music at the Bangkok International Jazz Festival.

Like every other event in Bangkok, the Jazz festival truly lives up to its name. A party that lasts all week long, the festival is colourful, loud and very lively. Whether you love jazz or not, one night at this festival and you will surely become another official fan of this genre. Offering you the best of local and International Jazz tunes, the event exposes you to the best of quality and variety.

The Bangkok International Jazz Festival was first held in the year 2003 and has been a huge hit ever since. Nearly each event enjoys a staggering thirty thousand fans and is one of the most soaring music festivals in the calendar. Spanning through a period of 5 days the festival immerses you into the world of Jazz by featuring some of the best names in the industry. Famous artists like Randy Brecker, Christian Mc Bride, Jazz Kamikaze, Blue Sappire and Mariko Edno have all graced this occasion at one time or the other.

This exciting extravaganza started out at the Dusit Palace in Sanam Sua Pa after which it was shifted to the more appealing and exciting Central World Square which also happens to be a leading shopping precinct in the city. While visiting the city and enjoying its many attractions, choose from the many Bangkok serviced apartments to stay at. Serviced apartments in general come with an array of unique perks quite necessary in a vibrant destination like Bangkok that demands ample time to be thoroughly explored. Out of all the Sathorn apartments, choose Ascott Sathorn Bangkok and prepare to be thoroughly delighted.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Google+

Chinese New Year – A time to witness a beautiful culture

Posted on by

Chinese New Year is a widely celebrated festival – celebrated either in the month of January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. All around the world, hundreds of communities celebrate this time by lighting beautiful lanterns, conducting parades and spending time as a community or family. The streets are lit up in beautiful lanterns, decorated with Chinese calligraphy. People adorn themselves with new clothes and give gifts to children. Shops offer special deals on all items. For nights on end, long dancing dragons fill the street in the traditional dragon parades, which also feature acrobats and dancers. Fireworks light up the night sky and the streets are filled with the colour red, which is said to be able to ward off beasts.
The Chinese New Year is a beautiful, fascinating and lively festival in hundreds of countries worldwide, from east to west. Bangkok does not miss out on this and the Chinese New Year celebrations in this city are just as amazing and spectacular as the celebrations in China. Although the Chinese New Year is not a national holiday in Thailand, thousands of people take time off to celebrate with their families. The streets are filled with red; in the form of lanterns, calligraphy and much, much more. Shops welcome their customers with discounts on goods, making the already great shopping experience in Bangkok even greater. Several hotels and restaurants all around Bangkok will hold feasts, where any local or tourist can indulge themselves while getting that communal feeling that the Chinese New Year is all about.
For anyone travelling in Bangkok during the Chinese New Year, the celebrations and festivities are not to be missed. One could start off by visiting the beautiful and sacred Leng Noei Yi Temple and pay respects. Later on in the day, when the moon lights up the sky, the festivals on the streets are a sight not to be missed. Traditional dancing, red dragons can be seen, along with beautifully decorated lanterns, all while the sky is alive with beautiful fireworks; all ways the locals ward off beasts and bring prosperity for the New Year.
For anyone travelling in Bangkok, it is important to make reservations at one of the comfortable hotels in asoke Bangkok or a beautiful hotel in petchburi, One such hotel, which is sure to provide guests with a home away from home, while catering to their every need is the Atrium Bangkok. With its comfortable rooms, exquisite dining and many other beautiful features, this hotel will not disappoint.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Google+

Upcoming Festivals in Indonesia – a unique blend of culture and colour

Posted on by

Indonesia is undoubtedly a top-notch destination in terms of culture, outdoor activities and holiday retreats that one would always want to be a part of. The festivals and events play a major role in showcasing the country’s rich cultural influences of which some go back in time. If one is searching for luxury hotels, Indonesia affords plenty of opportunities to select one that will suit your budget. Starwood Indonesia which features amongst Indonesia 5 star hotels will entice you with a truly memorable experience that will give you the time and space to discover a host of all the upcoming festivals in the country.
October sees the ever popular and engaging Kuta Karnival Bali Food Festival which sees foodies the world over commune in Bali for a true taste of local delicacies. Be sure to head over in time so that you might exhibit your culinary skills too. This mega food event will witness lines of food stalls selling mouth-watering cuisine, a children’s playground, DJ music and a variety of other entertainment just to keep you going. The 3rd Indonesia Halal Expo 2013 is scheduled to be held at the Jakarta International Exhibition Centre from the 30th of October to the 2nd of November and showcase all the latest trends and innovations that have arisen in the Halal industry. The areas of culture and development will see the inaugural World Culture in Development Forum being held from 24th – 29th November 2013 in Bali. In addition to the conference that will see global leaders from over 40 countries in attendance, an Art Olympiad, Festival of Cultural Films and a People’s Carnival that is hoped to attract those from all countries of the world.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Dongzhi Festival – arrival of winter

Posted on by

Referred to as the Winter Solstice Festival, the Donghzi Festival is one the most spectacular events celebrated amidst pomp and pageantry by the Chinese. This year’s festival is scheduled to take place on the 21st of December 2013 and choosing the luxury of a Hong Kong hotel would be a good way of planning your holiday during this time. Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong which is a Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong has to offer would be a good option to consider.

The festival which is believed to have originated from the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony is a classic example of local culture and tradition. Observers in southern China would be able to witness families engaged in the making and eating of tangyuan or which are balls of glutinous rice, an act which symbolises reunion. However dumplings are favoured by those Chinese who live in northern China which is a practice that originated during the times of the Hang Dynasty. Tradition requires people to commune at their respective ancestral temples to offer prayers for the rich harvest and in the hope that the New Year would be more prosperous and joyous. Feast your eyes on the traditions and beliefs of the Chinese during the Dongzhi Festival.

Mubadala Tennis Championship – a spectacle of Tennis

Posted on by

The soaring nation of the United Arab Emirates is indeed taking the limelight in so many areas. It boasts architecture that is simply out of this world and hosts an array of exhibitions, performances and even sporting events. There is not a single quiet month in the UAE. Every month bustles with some sort of activity and every month enjoys planeloads of visitors. Tourism is a flourishing industry in the UAE. With all the perks that await anyone stepping into this land of luxury, this fact really comes as no surprise.

The locals are huge sports fans. Soccer is the primary game that they have loved over decades but of late this list is expanding. Since the year 2009 Abu Dhabi has played host to the World Tennis Championship that is also referred to as the Mubadala World Tennis Championship . This event is a singles tennis exhibition tournament that has enhanced the sport of Tennis in UAE in a big way. The tournament is a major event in the Abu Dhabi calendar and this in itself is quite a huge crowd puller. The event is scheduled to take place between the 26th and 28th December and the World’s number one player Novak Djokovic will be back in Abu Dhabi to defend his Mubadala Championship that he has proudly held for a good 3 years.

This Championship Tennis tournament draws in participants from all nations around the world and takes place in the highest of standards. The location of the event is the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex found in the Zayed Sports City. Every year the tournament is a ravenous battle where players fight for the US $250,000 ‘winner takes all’ grand prize. In addition to the nail biting tournament, there is ample activity behind the scenes as well. You can watch plenty of off-court Tennis action in the Village, see player’s coach tennis clinics, get autographs signed and the kids will surely love the question time.

After all the exciting matches, come home to the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. These UAE hotels with its many perks and unmatched luxury, is one of the finest Middle East hotels there is.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Google+

Abu Dhabi Corporate Games 2013 – The Olympics of the Corporate World

Posted on by

The Abu Dhabi Corporate Games can without a doubt be called the Olympics of the Corporate World. Several companies take part in an array of different sports showing their sportsmanship and team effort. This in turn strengthens the bond of staff members within the company and serves as a platform to get to know the other companies and their staff members at a more casual level. Lasting friendships are created through this fun and entertaining weekend.

The Abu Dhabi Corporate Games is certainly an event waited for in the calendar. Companies create their best teams by training and gearing staff members to do their best and bring the cup back home – in this case to the company. The spirit at these games is unbeatable and adds a sense of excitement and expectation in the working group altogether. There are 21 sports to choose from such as Badminton, Basket Ball, Volleyball, Chess, Cricket, Dragon Boat, Golf, Go Karting, Paintball, Running, Shooting, Tennis, Soccer and Table Tennis. With such a huge choice each company is bound to have a substantial team for a couple of events. The Corporate Games for the year 2013 is scheduled to take place between the 12th and the 14th of December at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi. Throughout the past the Corporate Games have always proven to be a huge success and this year the event is expecting around 3500 participants representing more than a hundred different organisations. Without a doubt this is the World’s Largest Multi Sport Festival for the Corporate World. Be a part of the excitement, entertainment and cheer this December and get a taste of the unique corporate culture in the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE is one amazing destination to explore. It boasts rich Arabian culture, unmatched entertainment and one of the most exotic and modern cityscapes. One just cannot tire holidaying in UAE. While exploring and enjoying yourself in this part of the world, stay at the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. These UAE Hotels with its many perks and facilities happen to be the finest of all the Middle East Hotels.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Google+

Spring Lantern Festival – a joyous occasion

Posted on by

The Spring Lantern Festival is enthusiastically celebrated in China, neighbouring nations and by the Chinese diaspora around the world. In Hong Kong it is an occasion of joy and relaxation, when all sections of society unite to celebrate the event as one. The festival which occurs on the15th day of the earliest month of the lunar calendar falls on the final day of the New Year festivities.

The event is also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day as couples take the opportunity to spend cherished moments together on this occasion. In times past single people would try their hand at matchmaking pursuits on this special day.

As you might expect on this night a myriad of lanterns are constructed, with innumerable colourful lanterns adorning storefronts, markets, hotels, restaurants and other places. In Hong Kong each year a spectacular lantern exhibition is held at the Cultural Centre. The beautiful creations are illuminated each evening and members of the public have the opportunity to examine these wondrous creations.

Unlike the ubiquitous simple red Chinese lanterns these painstakingly crafted masterworks are constructed in many different colours, shapes and forms. Many correspond to the current Chinese year; for example in the Year of the Tiger one may expect to find numerous tiger shaped lanterns. Additionally the central themes vary from one year to the next, with the various Chinese auspicious symbols also being highlighted. One of these is the pomegranate which signifies fertility and many offspring; another is the goldfish which symbolises wealth and prosperity.

At the same venue you will also find the Spring Lantern Carnival, another festive highlight which will enthral the visitor. This event features a number of performances and displays presented by different troupes, such as folk songs and dance, instrumental performances and acrobatic displays. You will also find a diverse selection of folk handicrafts displays which demonstrate arts such as lantern making, dragon making, paper cutting, traditional paintings and so on.

With all these festivities to look forward to the Spring Lantern Festival in Hong Kong is sure to be a delightful occasion for visitors to the city.

Visitors who desire convenient Hong Kong serviced apartments will be pleased by the Citadines Ashley Hong Kong. This appealing serviced accommodation Hong Kong offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities.

Part of the Crowd – New Year in Hong Kong

Posted on by

In Hong Kong Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration of the year but New Year’s Eve, December 31st, is not far behind and is celebrated with countdowns, fireworks displays and much partying.

One of the most crowded New Year’s Eve venues is the countdown at Times Square. If getting jostled by thousands of people is fun, then this is the venue for you. Live music makes the waiting bearable and taking along something to eat and drink will definitely enhance the experience. When the time is right everyone joins in the countdown after which a four minute multi coloured fireworks display bursts overhead and there is much hugging and celebratory handshakes around.

The fireworks display over Victoria Harbour is what the whole world associates with New Years’ Eve in Hong Kong. Viewers are offered great pyrotechnics, a combination of fireworks and laser wizardry that is set off from boats in front of Victoria Harbour’s high rises to the accompaniment of funky music. According to many it is best viewed from the water, while enjoying a dinner cruise. Views from the great open space on the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui are also said to be quite incredible.

Another way to celebrate the dawning of a New Year is to join the party at Lan Kwai Fong where some of the best restaurants and bars are. Most places will have big cover charges and others will have all inclusive deals. Again the place will be choked with people making movement impossible. Buying some drinks outside and enjoying it on the streets here may be a cheaper way of seeing in the New Year.

The city’s many luxury hotels also offer dinner and dance packages with free drinks. In this rarefied atmosphere there will be beautifully dressed people, fine meals, wonderful music, no crowds, Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight when champagne corks are popped and confetti and streamers fall down from the ceiling. The hotels will also offer some of the best views of the fireworks over the harbour. The events at the best known luxury hotels are the most in demand during this time.

Then there are other more cost effective and less raucous ways to see the New Year in. Climbing to the top of the 934 meter Lantau Peak, Hong Kong’s best look out to see the first rays of the sun on New Years’ day is a fantastic idea. Having a barbecue at one of the city’s 21 public barbecue sites in its parks is another.

When in Hong Kong for business or leisure a location that allows speedy access to destinations is an important factor. Cosmo Hotel in Wan Chai, a popular Hong Kong boutique hotel offers not only an ideal location but an impressive array of guest rooms in different configurations to accommodate individual guests and families in comfort. Take advantage of offers and promotions to stay at this 4 star hotel Hong Kong that offers a great location, much appreciated facilities and services for a great price.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Loy Krathong – The Glowing Festival

Posted on by

One of the most spectacular festivals in the Thai calendar is without a doubt the Loy Krathong Festival, Thailand’s very own “Festival of Lights”. Hundreds of glowing lanterns illuminate the sky, giving the entire nation a magical ambience. Enjoy the intriguing aspects of this beautiful Chinese festival, which goes all out in making this event memorable and truly special. During Loy Krathong, the locals perform a series of symbolic rituals, each quite interesting to watch and even more exciting to try out. The festival is believed to bless you with a fresh start as you wash away bad memories with the flames that sail away into the sea or up onto the magical night sky.

The Loy Krathong falls every year on the full moon day of the 12th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which corresponds to somewhere in the end of November. The festival is devoted to the Goddess of water, Mae Kongha, as a means to thank her for sustenance and as a prayer for good fortune in the year that follows. The celebrations during Loy Krathong are grand and pompous and are glorified by the loud concerts, beauty pageants, and the endless family celebrations. Everywhere you wander, you would be treated with an array of delicious Thai goodies. There is color, festivity, laughter and Thai flavors; the perfect combination for the perfect celebration.

Loy Krathong is symbolized by two primary ritualistic acts; the Krathong and the Khom. The Krathong is actually a miniature raft made from banana leaves and lotus flowers with a number of incense sticks and candles inserted at the top. It is a crafty little raft whose flame from the candle is believed to carry one’s bad memories away. With this in mind, the raft is set to sail along the Chayo Phraya River of Thailand, illuminating the waters with a magical glow. The Khom, which are the flying lanterns are also set up in the sky for the exact same reason. Here again, the fire is thought to carry away one’s bad memories of the past, giving believers a fresh start with the new season.

Experience a welcome dose of the enchanting festival of Loy Krathong and you will truly be rejuvenated. To experience this ultimate bliss, stay at the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket, as you will find that this Phuket Resort is known for its impeccable location and un-matched luxury, and is ranked an excellent Patong beach resort amongst tourists who visit the region.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+