JEDDAH, 24 January 2004 — Singapore Airlines (SIA), which is organizing a Singapore food festival Kingdomwide all through January, has announced the launch of its service to Shenzhen. The airline will operate flights to the Chinese city thrice a week. “With the addition of the new route to our global network, we’ll be offering a total of 43 weekly flights to three cities — Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong — in the Pearl River Delta,” an SIA spokesman said. “Those traveling on SIA services to the Pearl River Delta will be allowed the flexibility to return to Singapore from any of these cities; they could travel on the outbound flight to Shenzhen and return from Hong Kong.” Shenzhen on the southern coast of Guangdong province has a long and rich history of 6,000 years. The city is now known for its phenomenal economic growth and modernity. SIA has also announced its code share agreement with Air Canada. “Passengers of SIA and Air Canada now have even more flight options to choose from. Both airlines promise passengers greater convenience and flexibility in travel arrangements.” The new code share services operating between Frankfurt and Toronto, Frankfurt and Montreal, Frankfurt and Singapore, San Francisco and Vancouver, and Singapore and Hong Kong bring the total number of code share flights between the two airlines to 14. The addition gives passengers a choice of up to 10 more daily flights.
More From Marriott
JEDDAH, 24 January 2004 — Marriott International is adding three hotels to its lodging portfolio in Doha under a management agreement reached with Al-Rayan Tourism Investment Company, a subsidiary of Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani & Sons Holding Co. The additions will include a 250-room Renaissance property, a 200-room Courtyard by Marriott, the 120-unit Marriott Executive Apartments. They will join the 350-room Doha Marriott Gulf Hotel, which opened in 1999, and the Ramada Doha, which opened in 1995. The new hotels, scheduled to open in 2007, are located adjacent to the Doha City Center mall development in the West Bay area. They are part of an 110,000 sq. ft. site on the western end of the mall, which will have two towers. A 24-story tower will house the Renaissance property, with some 100,000 sq. ft. of first-class office space on the lower floors, and a 29-story tower will house the Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments. A five-story podium that provides guests with direct access into the mall will connect both towers. Each hotel will also have a separate entrance. “This is an ambitious, visionary project,” said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International. “We’re pleased that local officials are working to expand the economy to include tourism by hosting such attractions as the 2006 Asian Games, a PGA European tour event and a number of tennis tournaments, including the Qatar Open.”
New Burger King Specialty
DUBAI, 24 January 2004 — Burger King Middle East, owned by Hana International Co., has announced the launch here of “the biggest chicken fillet” sandwich available in its quick service restaurant sector. The giant sandwich, which weighs 350 gm, consists of a 100 percent whole natural breast fillet. Four tantalizing spices have been mixed to create a crisp coating around the fillet, which is accompanied with BK’s renowned extra fresh toppings. “BK’s big addition to the menu will ensure great taste and mouth-watering value for money,” said Samer Khawashki, general manager, Burger King Middle East. Served in a purpose made Burger King bun and teamed with fresh crispy lettuce and mayonnaise for the perfect taste experience, the new sandwich provides consumers with the ultimate infusion of select ingredients, he said. “Consumers are always looking for the next big thing in our market, and BK has once again exceeded expectations,” said George Michel, managing director, Middle East and Asia, Burger King. “As our consumers’ taste buds evolve, so does our menu strategy to meet those demands,” he said.
Friday Brunch
ALKHOBAR, 24 January 2004 — Le Gulf Meridien has re-launched its fun filled Friday brunch at its Le Cafe de Paris restaurant located at the lobby level. “Our guests will find a wide selection of both local and international salads, cold platters and hot dishes prepared by master chef Lionel and his team,” Chakib Lahlou, director of business development at the hotel, said. “We’ve re-launched the weekend Friday brunch in response to popular demand,” said Prashant Sharma, revenue manager at the hotel. There is a separate buffet and a play area plus an exclusive dessert and ice-cream corner for kids.
