StarCite Destination Solutions Travel BLOG

Turkey

We've mentioned travel to Turkey here on the StarCite Destination Solutions Travel blog in the past, but we had to go back and drop another article due to this new online video.

Take a look at Turkey, be amazed by the beauty and gather more information for incentive or corporate travel at StarCite.

Chip Stockman
StarCite Destination Solutions Team

Dubai's new low cost airline to be called "Fly Dubai"

Set to launch in mid 2009, Dubai's new airline to concentrate on regional flights, moving to support corporate and vacation travel. The brand identity and livery for FlyDubai will be unveiled in the coming months.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the name FlyDubai from a shortlist presented by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of the new low-cost airline.

Sheikh Ahmed said "FlyDubai is a simple, yet powerful call to action. It makes an immediate link to our core business, which is providing no-frills flights to bring people to and from Dubai. The name also carries a strong association with the city of Dubai, itself a brand synonymous with excellence, reliability and an international, pro-business approach.

FlyDubai's operations will potentially cover an area of some two billion inhabitants. It will support Dubai's commercial and tourism sectors by serving a new set of travelers, and providing them with affordable air links to popular, high-demand destinations.

A lot of ground work has been done thus far, and I'm pleased to note that FlyDubai is on track to launch its first flights by mid-2009.

FlyDubai will initially focus on regional flights within the GCC area and surrounding countries.

Its operations will be entirely separate from Emirates Airline and Group.

Ghaith al Ghaith, Chief Executive, FlyDubai said 'Since the government announced the formation of Dubai's new low cost airline in March, it has been all systems go.

We are recruiting for key positions, evaluating aircraft options and routes, working out our pricing and distribution strategy, and putting in place the structure and operational resources for the business.

'Efficiency is the pillar of our business model. In terms of our customer proposition, we will focus on keeping things simple and flexible. We want to make it easy for our customers to interact with us, and to have more control in how they book, purchase and select value-added services to their basic flight experience.

'It has been a busy time, but everything is going to plan. The selection of a name for the airline is only the first of many milestones to come, and we look forward to announcing more details over the coming months.'

Beijing Olympics 2008 - Light The Passion, Share The Dream

With the Beijing Olympics just weeks away we thought you would like to watch a promotional (and inspirational) look at Beijing and the Olympic torch.

Of course all of us at StarCite, with offices around the world, wish our own regional competitors luck, safety and good friendship during these last few weeks and the games themselves.

Light The Passion, Share The Dream - and enjoy this small glimpse of Beijing and world and the route of this year's Olympic torch.

Chip Stockman
StarCite Destination Solutons Team

New Video from Korea Tourism Organization

Have you ever experienced Korea?

Please take a moment to view this online video from the Korea Tourism Organization to get a small glimpse of the many facets of Korea: Nature, Excitement, Culture, Cuisine, Theater and so much more.

Learn more about how Korea can host your corporate and incentive travel needs in the StarCite Marketplace and remember, Korea Sparkles like no other.

Learn more about StarCite Global Suppliers; hospitality and travel organizations from around the globe ready to host and support your next corporate meeting or travel need.

Keep Traveling,
Chip Stockman
StarCite Destination Solutions Team

StarCite Global Supplier Showcase - Happening Now in Toronto, Boston and Atlanta!

StarCite is again taking to the road to bring global representatives from Destination Management Companies, Hotels, Airlines and Cruise Ships for the East Coast StarCite Global Meeting Solutions Showcase June 16-18, 2008.

If you are a meeting planner near Toronto, Boston or Atlanta you'll want to plan on registering for one of these great events where you will be able to discuss actual travel needs with representatives from around the world. Regions already scheduled to appear include: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States.

Meet face-to-face with destination representatives.
Get information about emerging destinations for events.
Great food and beverage will be served.
Exciting trips and regional prizes will be awarded.

Register today for this amazing opportunity to meet a great deal of valuable resources in a convenient event format near you.

Thank You
Chip Stockman
StarCite Destination Solutions Team

There is always something exciting happening in Dubai!

Dubai Maritime City launches strategic Maritime Centre at premier international maritime industry event

Dubai Maritime City, the world’s first purpose-built maritime centre and a member of the Dubai World Group of companies, launched its Maritime Centre, the business capital of Dubai Maritime City, during the opening day of Posidonia, the world’s biggest maritime industry event, yesterday (June 02, Monday, 2008) in Athens, Greece. The global launch announcement of the Maritime Centre was made at a press conference that gathered around 300 Greek and international journalists, shipowners, senior executives, and several international investors.

The Maritime Centre, the heart of the Dubai Maritime City, comprises a cluster of five high-rise towers called the Creek Towers and Plaza; a landmark tower located at the head of the man-made peninsula; and seven plots reserved for potential developers planning to construct their own towers. The Centre will also feature a 5-star business hotel and premium service apartments, thus emerging as the first exclusive maritime cluster in the world.

“A study by renowned consulting firm DNV Maritime Solutions revealed that Dubai is set to emerge as one of the world’s most competitive maritime clusters. The Maritime City has been singled out as one of the important elements that will help mould Dubai into a maritime powerhouse within the next few years, and the Maritime Centre forms the core of this visionary development,” said Amer Ali, CEO of Dubai Maritime City.

Located at the tip of the 227-hectare man-made peninsula, the Maritime Centre is the focal point of Dubai Maritime City, serving as the universal capital for all maritime businesses. Designed as an urban corporate park, the Centre offers the choicest business amenities; it incorporates a series of multilevel facilities aimed at diverse functions and purposes such as state-of-the-art international maritime conference facilities, retail outlets consisting of shops and restaurants, with walkways and promenades, attractive
landscaping, and recreational areas.

Currently in its third and final phase of development, Dubai Maritime City comprises a community encompassed within a unique maritime-themed lifestyle and divided into six clusters: The Marina District; Industrial Precinct; Dubai Maritime City Campus; The Maritime Centre; Harbour Offices; and Harbour Residences. The project’s ‘green building’ policies, whereby all developers are required to obtain green building certification to ensure energy conservation and optimised living conditions,  make it the
first maritime centre to implement such strict environmental compliance and long-term sustainability initiatives.

“There is nothing quite like Dubai Maritime City in terms of size, and even environmental compatibility. Every conceivable issue that may affect the project has been thoroughly scrutinised and addressed. We have also maintained a high level of flexibility to be able to accommodate future trends and requirements as this has been one of the important aspects that ensure Dubai Maritime City’s long-term sustainability,” concluded Ali.

The five-day, biennial Posidonia provides broad international exposure to Dubai Maritime City and the Middle East’s rapidly-developing maritime sector. More than 80 countries and territories are represented this year, including 30 companies from seven Middle Eastern countries; with exhibitors focusing on ship building and repair, engineering, and port services

General Motors deliver hybrid vehicles to Dubai

General Motors has delivered its first hybrid vehicles in the Middle East to the government of Dubai and the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.

The vehicles, which include hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Chevrolet Malibu, are part of a project that involves a 12-month trial using the vehicles as public taxis.

The agreement between the government of Dubai and General Motors (GM) is a first step in the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority's comprehensive plan to make all taxis environmentally-friendly, and is in line with their vision to reduce vehicle pollution and ensure a clean environment for future generations.
Terry Johnsson, president of Middle East operations for GM, said: "When the Dubai government decided to investigate the feasibility of alternative propulsion systems in the Middle East, GM moved very quickly to support them. Naturally, we are very pleased to be part of such an historic and important project."

Korea brochure and travel programs mailing now

A brochure about Korea, from the Korea Tourism Organization is about to hit the mail to US meeting planners in the StarCite database.

This 12 page full-color brochure with information about this beautiful part of our world is accompanied by sample travel programs to Seoul, Busan and Jeju. Be sure you are on our Destination contact list by completing this form. If you miss the mailing it will also be pushed to the link below as a PDF soon after its mailing date.

Read more about Korea on the StarCite Destination Solutions - Korea web page

Our Destination Solution services are of FREE of charge to qualified meeting planners:
Destination Selection Assistance
Personal introductions to organizations around the globe
Online photos albums
Inspection trip arrangement
Information about emerging or more economical locations
and much more.

Keep Traveling
Chip Stockman

StarCite Global Meetings Showcase visits Toronto, Boston and Atlanta June, 2008 - Register Now

StarCite is again taking to the road to bring global representatives from Destination Management Companies, Hotels, Airlines and Cruise Ships for the East Coast StarCite Global Meeting Solutions Showcase June 16-18, 2008.

If you are a meeting planner near Toronto, Boston or Atlanta you'll want to plan on registering for one of these great events where you will be able to discuss actual travel needs with representatives from around the world. Regions already scheduled to appear include: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States.

Meet face-to-face with destination representatives.
Get information about emerging destinations for events.
Great food and beverage will be served.
Exciting trips and regional prizes will be awarded.

Register today for this amazing opportunity to meet a great deal of valuable resources in a convenient event format near you.

Thank You
Chip Stockman
StarCite Destination Solutions Team

Architectural Grandeur - The Great Palaces of Seoul Korea

StarCite is pleased to offer corporate travel resources in Korea. The Korea Tourism Organization is available to help you discuss, plan and implement any travel you might be considering in this culturally diverse part of our world.

We are pleased to include some information about the palaces of Seoul from the Korea Tourism Organization:

It has often been said that Seoul remains a virtual outdoor museum of treasured relics – a historical playground of monumental appeal to both visitors and natives alike. Yet, amidst all the cultural signposts dotting the city, none are more frequently visited or greatly admired than the ‘Five Grand Palaces’. Built by Joseon kings, they all remain remarkably well preserved, idyllically located and very easy to get to. And although spring is arguably the most ideal time to visit as all the palace grounds are festooned with cherry blossoms and azaleas, the premises regularly remain a great getaway from the distant drones of city life that emanate from beyond the elegant enclosing stone walls.

No visit to Seoul would be complete without a stroll through the royal walkways of Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung or Gyeonghuigung Palace. The chance to marvel at the magnificent architecture and beautiful framework, learning first-hand from a country so steeped in history, is an opportunity not to be missed.

Of particular interest are the secluded grounds of Changdeokgung, the large-scale grandeur of Gyeongbokgung and the architectural diversity of Deoksugung. Anyone wishing to get away from the hectic pace of urban living should consider a visit; it’s the perfect way to get out and enjoy the warm weather.

Find more about Korea, view our Korea Photo album, visit Korea Tourism Organization on the StarCite Marketplace or find a StarCite Destination Solutions expert in your area who can personally introduce meeting planners to global hospitality service companies at no cost to you. Learn more about StarCite's amazing set of online tools designed to help you plan, budget and manage every aspect of your meetings from invitation to attendee management to budget controls and reporting by filling out an online information form.

계속 여행 (Keep traveling)

Chip Stockman
StarCite Destination Solutions

StarCite Destination Blog now available in Chinese

We are excited to mention that the StarCite Destination Travel Blog is now available in Chinese thanks to the website www.Worldlingo.com. It looks amazing and can be viewed here.

Worldlingo offers language translation services for all kinds of materials including: documents, Multimedia, eLearning, Websites and even software. Look for this image to appear on more pages as this service becomes more popular.

Chip Stockman
StarCite Destination Solutions