This award was announced by Facebook, based on the amount of people that “check-in” via Facebook, or a third-party location app.

According to an article on MSNBC.com, “Travel is inherently a social thing,” said Travis Katz, founder and CEO of the social-travel site Gogobot.com. “People check in at airports because they want to let people know they’re leaving home or landing somewhere new.”

Rounding out the world’s top 10 social airports are: Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, San Francisco, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Sydney (Australia), Phoenix and Las Vegas.

To read the full article, visit

http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/13/9413235

The guide complements other guides, but offers a different angle. Each country profile focuses on cultural and natural heritage sites. The site also includes sections on what to do, where to stay, where to shop, and where to eat.

Visitors to the site will find many cultural and environmental tips that are unique to the people and cultures of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam and the Yunnan and Guangxi provinces of southwest China.

Google Maps allow tourists to browse a town or province for responsible activities so they know where to go. The map icons show exact locations for active tours, homestays, nature discoveries, art and culture venues, body and mind healing services, as well as places to stay, eat and shop.

“This is an outstanding guide to a fascinating region,” says Professor Geoffrey Lipman, Director, www.greenearth.travel. “It’s an easy read, full of valuable insights and guidance. Readers will find this site an invaluable resource on what to do, as well as how to do it in a way that lets visitors and hosts reap the benefits in a mutually enjoyable way.”

The e-guide helps both tourists and Mekong region suppliers foster more responsible tourism practices, with many cultural and environmental tips that are unique to the people and cultures of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam and the Yunnan and Guangxi provinces of southern China.

Profiles of 20 responsible tour operators are included. “We are confident the e-guide will provide travellers with information to help them make informed decisions on how they can contribute towards poverty alleviation, the cultural revival of skills and traditions, the protection of unique ecosystems, and the conservation of cultural heritage,” says Louise Nathan, a senior manager at Exotissimo Travel in Bangkok. “It’s a fantastic tool for the overall promotion of the Mekong region,” she says.

The selection process for inclusion is described on the site. An internal scoring system rated how each applicant complied with social, cultural and environmental sustainability. The business’s efforts to increase guests’ awareness of how they could best contribute to local communities and minimise any negative impacts were part of the rating process.

Each activity has been screened so that it is consistent with the 2002 Cape Town Declaration on responsible tourism.

While activities cannot be booked on www.mekongresponsibletourism.org, the site does list full contact information for each activity. Each entry has a comment zone where tourists can share their opinions and questions before, during or after the experience.

PDF icons make it easy to print out specific activities and sections. A downloadable PDF version is currently being developed. Booklets for each country will also be designed in PDF that can be printed out as a book. There are also plans to create a version of the website for mobile devices and also a French language version.

“The e-guide profiles a wide range of operators and suppliers who are committed to making the Mekong region a better place for inhabitants to live in and for tourists to visit,” says Christine Jacquemin, Project Coordinator for the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, which produced the guide with French government support.

About the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office

The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), located in Bangkok, Thailand, was set up with seed funding from the GMS Tourism Working Group which represents the six national governments in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. The MTCO has two primary functions: 1) Development – to coordinate sustainable pro-poor tourism development projects in the Mekong in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, and 2) Marketing – to promote the Mekong region as a single travel and tourism destination.

www.mekongtourism.org

www.mekongresponsibletourism.org

The island’s top five tourism source markets (in order) to date for 2011 are China, Russia, Australia, South Korea and Sweden.

A leading indicator in the cyclical development was shown in 2010 when charter flights hit their highest ever level. This equated to a 153% increase in year-on-year growth.

As guest demographics evolve, the Patong area which accounts for 35% of the 43,571 accommodation rooms on the island, produced an occupancy rate of 82% in H1 2011, with China and Russia now taking a quarter share of the market.

“First half trading by volume markets saw a surge in Phuket’s average occupancy across all hotel tiers to 73%. Key market metric RevPAR (revenue per available room) moved up to its highest level since the global financial crises in 2008,” C9 Hotelwork’s Managing Director Bill Barnett said.

Banyan Tree Phuket’s Double Pool Villas – a resort that is increasingly popular with the Chinese market given the chain’s presence in China.

“As long as the infrastructure keeps pace with the increased numbers of tourists and expansion of

hotels and faculties are well planned and implemented, hotels will be able to properly manage their room rates in line with the supply and demand dynamics.”

The report shows investment into Phuket’s hospitality sector has strong positive business sentiment with a supply pipeline for the island of 6,968 rooms. This will see an increase of 16% by the end of 2014.

Looking towards the future Mr Barnett added: “Increasingly the number of existing hotels will face the necessity to upgrade, rebrand or downgrade market position. While transaction activity is expected to remain active.

“In this business, either you move forward or go backward, there is no standing still.”

Writers and editors can download the following graphs from the report here:

Occupancy – Patong vs. Island

Charter Flight Passenger Arrivals – Russia vs. Europe

Island Wide Occupancy

About C9 Hotelworks

C9 Hotelworks is hospitality consulting firm based in Phuket, Thailand and led by Managing Director Bill Barnett. With 26 years of experience in Asia Pacific, he is a leading specialist on hotel and property development issues. He is a columnist with a number of leading newspapers, including the Phuket Gazette and The Nation and has appeared on CNBC, the BBC and CNN. His popular blog www.thephuketinsider.com is the authoritative source of all Phuket hotel tourism and real estate issues and trends. More information on the company can be found at www.c9hotelworks.com

This water-borne procession is reserved only for the most significant cultural and religious events and has been held only 16 times during His Majesty’s reign. The October 22 procession will be organized by the Royal Thai Navy and will mark the the visit of HM King Bhumibol and members of the royal family to a royal temple to present offerings of saffron kathin robes, food and other necessities to the monks.

Officially known as the Praratcha Phithi Phra Yuha Yatra Cholamak (Royal Waterway Procession), the water-borne procession involves barges carrying the deeply revered Buddha image (Phra Buddha Sihing) and the royal family to present robes to the monks at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) to mark Awk Phansa, the end of the three-month Buddhist rains’ retreat in October. During the rainy season, Buddhist monks traditionally return to their temples for what is often called Buddhist lent. This annual pilgrimage, which usually takes place during the full moon in October and November, is known as Tawt Kathin Luang or the Royal Kathin Ceremony. The religious ceremony is performed in accordance with ancient sacred rituals.

The water-borne royal kathin procession on October 22 will consist of a fleet of 52 traditional-style barges arranged in five columns, based on a battle formation from ancient times. This is made up of four major royal barges including Suphannahongse, Narai Song Suban H.M. King Rama IX, Anantanagaraj and Anekchatbhuchongse as well as 10 additional barges with animal figureheads and 38 smaller vessels. The five-column fleet stretches 1,280 meters in length and 110 meters in width. A total of 2,200 sailors from various units within the Royal Thai Navy will serve as oarsmen.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will preside over the Royal Barge Procession and Royal Kathin ceremony at Wat Arun on behalf of His Majesty the King. The Crown Prince will board the royal barge Suphannahongse at Vasukri Pier at 3.30 pm. The Royal barge procession will take approximately 55 minutes to make the 4.5 kilometer journey down the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, passing along the Thonburi Bridge and Phra Phutta Yodfa Bridge. The official ceremony is expected to end at approximately 5.30 pm.

For more information on the Royal Barge Procession, visit www.tourismthailand.org/us

Two-bedroom suite living room

Outrigger Laguna Phuket’s hallmark theme of spaciousness is continued with the opening of the suites. The first-floor one-bedroom suites offer 90 square meters. The two-bedroom duplex suites provide 150 square meters. The rooftop three-bedroom penthouse apartments with their own roof-top pool total 550 square meters.

Each suite allows guests to relax in style with separate living room, open plan fully-equipped kitchens and private balconies. The three-bedroom penthouse has en-suite bathroom for each guest room. The rooftop pool and barbecue deck offers spectacular views of the Phuket countryside and mountains.

“We’ve designed the new suites to satisfy couples, families and groups of between two and nine people who value convenience, peace and five-star service,” said Darren Shaw, General Manager of the property. “But just say the word and our guests can enjoy free and immediate five-minute transfers to white sand Layan beach or to all the food, beverage, spa and golf services of adjacent Laguna Phuket destination resort.”

All suites have pool views

Guests staying at Outrigger’s new suite complex have on their doorstep a full range of buffet, a la carte, and poolside al fresco dining at Outrigger’s new Panache restaurant. Chef Robert Czeschka, an Austrian with six years’ executive chef experience in Thailand, China, Vietnam and Malaysia has prepared menu options to satisfy a variety of Asian and Western dining needs – from Hokkien noodles, to Australian steaks, Mediterranean salads and Thai spice.

Within the suite complex guests can work out at the fully equipped pool-view gym. The reception desk for the resort is also in the suite zone, making it extra easy for guests to use the Yiam Siam guest services such as arranging nanny services, tours and golf outings.

The new suites complement the property’s existing inventory of 68 two-, three- and four-bedroom villas which have won acclaim from groups and families on TripAdvisor.

The addition of the new suites is part of Outrigger’s continued growth in Asia Pacific. Outrigger currently has properties open in Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand, Bali in Indonesia, Fiji in the Pacific and three in Queensland, Australia. It has confirmed additional projects in Bali, Vietnam and Hainan, China.

Opening Promotion: Stay 3, Pay 2

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas is offering an opening “Stay 3 Nights, Pay 2″ promotion on Best Available Rates for its new suite complex. The rate is THB 3,800 (US$127) per night for the one-bedroom suite and THB 4,600 (US$153) for two-bedroom suite. Rates are subject to 18.7% service charge and government charge. The promotion is valid for stays until 31 October 2011. Email: laguna@outrigger.co.th

# # #

Editors can download images of the new suites at Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas at http://www.scottasia.net/outrigger/laguna/press/

About Outrigger Enterprises Group

Outrigger Enterprises Group is one of the largest and fastest growing privately-held leisure lodging and hospitality companies in the Asia Pacific and Oceania regions and continues to expand its presence throughout the area. A family-owned company with more than 60 years of hospitality experience, Outrigger runs a highly-successful, multi-branded line of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties, including Outrigger® Hotels & Resorts, OHANA® Hotels & Resorts, Outrigger Condominium Collection®, Embassy Suites®, Best Western® and Wyndham Vacation Ownership®. Currently, Outrigger operates and/or has under development 42 properties with close to 11,000 rooms located in Hawaii, Australia, Guam, Fiji, Bali, Phuket, Thailand, Vietnam and China. Outrigger Enterprises Group also operates and develops hotel properties and hospitality-related retail and real estate opportunities for partners in Hawaii, the Pacific, the mainland USA and Asia. For on-line information, log on at www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com and www.outrigger.com

The winner of this contest will report on the week-long event, as well as enjoy an all-expense paid seven-night stay at Anantra Hua Hin Resort & Spa, with an accompanying adult, including return airfares. The winner will also have the chance to do exclusive interviews with Cherry the Elephant Vet and Director of Elephants, John Roberts, will allow the Roving Elephant Reporter to investigate behind the scenes with Anantara’s most experienced elephant gurus.

Beyond reporting from the tournament, the Roving Elephant Reporter will also have a chance to explore the Hua Hin area to report on local findings and discoveries. In a series of signature excursions, Anantara’s presenter will visit the exquisite teak wood palace of love and hope – Maruekhathaiyawan – one of the oldest and most treasured royal palaces in Thailand. An elephant trek through a local vineyard will also invite the reporter’s parent to refresh their own adventurous spirit with an expert tasting session. A specially devised kid’s cooking class will see the correspondent master the art of one of the world’s most popular cuisines as they recreate simple Thai dishes that appeal to their tender palate. While a day spent playing in the gentle waves of Hua Hin’s long golden shore will round off the privileged press trip in Thailand’s royal seaside town.

To enter this competition, submit/upload a short video lasting between one and two minutes to www.facebook.com/anantara

· Press “Like”

· Go to ‘Share’ on the main wall

· Click ‘Video’ – where you have a choice of recording a video with your webcam or uploading a pre-prepared video on why you should be chosen as Anantara’s Roving Elephant Reporter

· Alternatively, mail the CD to I Want To Be An Elephant Reporter, Anantara Hotels, 18th Floor Berli Jucker House, 99 Soi Rubia, Sukhumvit Soi 42, Bangkok 10110, Thailand.

The contestant with the best video entry, as voted by elephant experts, will be invited to spend seven fun filled nights on a full board basis with an accompanying adult at Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa, including return flights, accommodation, daily activities and transport.

Terms & conditions:

Contestants must be aged between seven and 15 years

Videos must be between one – two minutes long

Contestants may be of any nationality, but present their video in English

Entries must be submitted by August 1st

The competition winner will be announced on August 4th, 2011

Must be available to participate in the tournament from Sept 4 – 11, 2011

Contact organizers for full terms & conditions

For more information, visit www.anantara.com

BANGKOK, Thailand (eTN) – It was an exceptional result for Thailand’s opposition party Pheu Thai on July 3. By winning an overwhelming majority of the vote – almost 53% of all votes and 262 of the 536 seats in the parliament, this election might finally put in brackets 5 years of political turmoil in the kingdom. The ousting of ex-prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra through a military coup in September 2006 opened the doors to turbulences: 2 governments from Mr. Shinawatra collapsed while Bangkok airports were seized by a group of extreme conservative individuals called “Yellow Shirts” in December 2008.

Despite conciliatory efforts by outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to solve social tensions and unite the country, the political crisis reached its peak with the occupation of Bangkok’s business district by the so-called “Red Shirts” during 6 weeks in April/May 2010. Thasin Shinawatra built up its political success through populist measures aimed to help Thailand’s farmers and urban poors. But at the same time, Mr. Shinawatra alienated Thailand’s military and business elites who felt threatened by his own ambitions.

The election hopefully opens then a new era for Thailand. It shows first that despite all political maneuvers to distort democratic results, the majority of people still felt unfazed and confirmed once more their previous political choice. Second, big change is the likely choice of Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin’s sister, as Thailand’s Prime Minister. It will be the first time that a woman will hold this function in the kingdom, a sign of an opening society. And if military and other factions in the society play fair with the rules of the democratic game, it could also herald a new era of stability and prosperity. The big majority won by the Pheu Thai party could, in fact, help the future administration to be less prone to permanent compromises among various parties forming the governing coalition.

It could then be just a blessing for tourism, which was the sector suffering the most of turmoil over the recent years. Despite a remarkable resilience and quick recovery following all political crises, the kingdom’s instable image probably alienated some travelers – especially first-time visitors. As the Tourism Authority of Thailand recently announced its ambitious target to welcome 19 million foreign travelers by 2012 – up from 16 million last year – peace and stability in the kingdom and a clear long-term vision on tourism development are welcomed.

Another positive issue is the changes which will likely take place at the top of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Transports. The two outgoing Ministers in Mr. Vejjajiva’s administration were disastrous at best. Chumpon Silpa-Archa, Minister of Tourism, a retired teacher and chairman of Chart Thai Pattana Party, had tourism competences close to zero and did not even speak proper English. This showed, in fact, little interest for his function. Transport Minister Sophon Zarum, from the Bumjaithai Party, showed mostly his corruption skills, notably at purchasing city busses for Bangkok and in Thai Tiger Airways’case. Hopefully, Yingluck Shinawatra might this time choose people with real skills and some passion for their job. Let’s wish to Thailand and the new government good luck then.

Incoming Prime Minister Yingluck iconic t-shirt motive in Chiang Mai.

BANGKOK/UBON RATCHATHANI (eTN) – On the way from Ubon Ratchathani (Eastern Isan province in Thailand) to the Laotian border, farmers and shop owners along the way do not wonder anymore at caravans of Western bikers passing along paddy fields, villages as well as the Mekong River. Riding from Ubon Ratchathani Province to Champassak city, in Southern Laos, is less than a two days’ ride with a few stops on the way and an overnight in a first-class resort. “There is a growing interest to discover Asia and Thailand, in particular by bike, as more people are looking at practicing sustainable tourism,” described Patricia Weismantel, Product Manager for SpiceRoads, Asia’s largest tour operator specialized in cycle tours. Created a decade ago, SpiceRoads is based in Bangkok and has been in many ways pioneering cycle tourism.

“Thailand is an ideal country to start with a biking tour. It benefits from excellent road infrastructure and superb tourist facilities with tours targeting all categories of bike riders, from family to mountain bike specialists,” she added. SpiceRoads offers, for example, very popular day-tours in Bangkok to discover traditional floating markets or life of the locals along some of the city’s remaining canals. Kanchanaburi is a great destination for a family to bike, while circuits such as a bike trail linking Nakhon Si Thammarat on the Southeastern Coast to Khao Lak on the Southwestern Coast or a circuit in mountainous areas of Chiang Rai would appeal to a more experienced cyclist.

SpiceRoads propose tours to 15 countries in Asia, including more challenging destinations such as Mongolia, Tibet, and Myanmar. “Myanmar is one of the strongest emerging destinations. I believe tourism is due for booming in the country over the next five years. The Greater Mekong Sub-region is indeed turning into a big hit for bike lovers. It is an ideal destination as it has some of the most hospitable people in the region, combined with stunning landscapes and great historical vestiges,” she added.

SpiceRoads’ most popular circuit is a 17-day tour from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, which passes through three different countries – Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Packages offered by SpiceRoads are not among the cheapest. “But we look for high-quality tourism and provide a complete package including biking materials, food, and, of course, accompanying experienced guides,” told Patricia Weismantel.

SpiceRoads sees further opportunities to offer more biking tours to more countries. “One of the most promising countries is the Philippines. The country is largely undiscovered by foreign travelers, and there are fantastic bike trails along volcanoes or in the north to discover old baroque churches. Biking in Borneo jungle in East Malaysia is also becoming popular,” she added. Indonesia seems, however, to have troubles enticing bike travelers. “We propose a fantastic tour around the Celebes islands, but we fail so far to attract interest. It is probably due to a lack of promotion of the destination and then a lack of awareness from cycle tourists,” she analyzed.

More also should be done to convince Asians that cycle tourism is not an activity only reserved for travelers with limited financial resources. According to SpiceRoads management, its top customers are the USA, the UK, Australia, and then continental Europe. “We see some demands from Singaporeans, but most Asians do not want to do an activity in the sun. This is probably our biggest problem to attract them.

Known for its water-splashing street parties that symbolize cleansing and purification, Songkran stems from ancient Thai traditions and expressed through culture-rich ceremonies and rituals that reflect both the essence of “Thainess” as well as local beliefs and practices. During Songkran, community spirit is reflected with activities, such as the spring-cleaning of temples, rituals involving Buddha statues that offer respect and admiration, and decorating the temple grounds. Another charming Songkran tradition involves showing gratitude to elders and respected individuals by pouring scented lustral water over their hands.

“Songkran is the largest and most important festival of the year in Thailand,” said Srisuda Wanapinyosak, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, New York. “We invite any US travelers heading to Thailand in April to join us for the festivities, as this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and expresses a great sense of the Thai culture and historic celebration.”

Highlighted celebrations in some of Thailand’s major cities include:

· Bangkok – From April 9-17, visitors can visit the Royal Temples such as Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Pho, Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Wat Ratchaorasaram and Wat Ratchaphradit, just to name a few, or experience tasty dishes and cultural performances at Nagaraphirom Park and the pouring of scented water onto the Buddha Image.

· Chiang Mai – Travelers can participate in the Opening Ceremony of the Songkran Festival 2011 with a procession around the city on April 12.

· Sukhothai – From April 11-15, visitors can ride elephants, enjoy various forms of entertainment and food fair and experience the old-fashioned Songkran Festival, buying native hand-made products and offering alms to monks and bathing the Buddha.

TAT’s new U.S. website, www.tourismthailand.org/us, offers a great source for travelers heading to Thailand for the festivities including information on accommodations, transportation, culinary scene, information on “What’s New,” travel deals and more. For information on additional cities celebrating the Songkran Festival this April, please visit www.songkran.net

Bangkok (eTN) – With sport activities and especially sport events becoming increasingly important market segments to the development of tourism, Thailand has stepped up into the sports tourism arena. The kingdom will play host for the world’s latest travel fair and exhibition, World Sport Destination Expo (WSDE), which will be the only global exhibition and business forum dedicated to showcasing the booming sports tourism sector.

It is estimated that revenues from this niche market grew last year by 14%, generating already some US$600 billion a year. Sports tourism is turning into tourism’s fastest-growing sector. Now in its second year, WSDE 2011 will be hosted in Bangkok from September 27 to September 29, 2011.

The show presents countries, regions, and cities offering either sports activities or sporting events. In Asia, Japan and Korea have long been leading destinations for sports events thanks to the hosting of prestigious events such as the Olympics. But over the last 15 years, more countries in the region have gained a profile as host countries for prestigious sports events. Big car race events now take place in Macau, Kuala Lumpur (Sepang), and Singapore. Indonesia is a top destination for surf competitions in Sumatra or Bali, while the Tour de Singkarang in West Sumatra is turning into a major sports event for cyclists worldwide. Over the last years, China emerged as a mature sports destination following the hosting of the Summer Olympics 2008 in Beijing followed by Guangzhou Asia Games.

Thailand has long been recognized as a sports paradise. The PTT Thailand Open, created in 2003, is attracting world-class tennis men every year, and golf competition has firmly put Thailand on the sports tourism map. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has earmarked golf as a priority in its 2011 marketing strategy. TAT will not only highlight the country’s world-class golf courses but also welcome this year six golf industry conferences and exhibitions with the highlight being WSDE 2011 next September. The kingdom will also promote the brand-new Phuket International Academy Sports and Leisure Club (PIASLC), a leading-edge development poised to become one of Asia’s most sophisticated training complexes for sports.

WSDE Sport Tourism Expo is supported by TAT, the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and the Sports Authority of Thailand and will take place at the Bangkok Convention Centre.