Royal Jordanian introduces duty free sales in-flight

Royal Jordanian (RJ) has launched in-flight duty- free sales, enabling passengers to shop from prestigious brands on most RJ aircraft, particularly those on long- and medium-haul routes. The service is offered in partnership with DFASS Group, the world’s largest global in-flight duty-free specialty retailer.

DFASS will use its large network of product resources to formulate a unique programme for Royal Jordanian that appeals to the needs and desires of the airline's passengers. The onboard duty-free sales items include fragrances and cosmetics, watches, jewellery, tobacco, sunglasses, and RJ-branded items, among others. 

Customers can pay cash for their purchases in Jordanian dinars, euros, US dollars or the British pound, or by using various credit cards.

RJ’s President/CEO Captain Suleiman Obeidat said: “Royal Jordanian’s objective to sell duty-free goods on board is an added value to the customer service it offers its passengers. This time-saving shopping experience will enable our passengers to buy their needs during their journey time.”

He added that the duty-free onboard sales will support Royal Jordanian with ancillary revenues, creating an additional opportunity to generate revenues.

DFASS VP Operations-EMEA Mario Mouarbes said: “DFASS is excited to commence operations in Jordan, and will leverage its global reach to ensure that Royal Jordanian is bringing first-class services to its passengers through state-of-the-art systems.”

Royal Jordanian restarts Amman to Jakarta flights

Royal Jordanian (RJ) has inaugurated a new direct route from Amman to Jakarta. Jakarta is the fourth new RJ destination in 2015, after Ankara in Turkey on December 8, and to Tabuk in KSA and Najaf in Iraq earlier this year.

RJ had operated flights to Jakarta between 1992 and 2002; they were suspended for commercial reasons. RJ President/CEO Captain Suleiman Obeidat said that reopening the Amman-Jakarta route comes at a time when Indonesia witnesses growing air traffic, which reflects Indonesia's position as the 17th largest economy worldwide. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, with an estimated 255 million population, 10 million of which live in Jakarta.

Captain Obeidat said that this route is ideal for tourists travelling from Jordan and the Levant to Indonesia and to transport Indonesian students studying in Jordan. The route will also serve the Indonesian labour force, cargo and business traffic.

Captain Obeidat added that the feasibility studies conducted by Royal Jordanian showed that this route is important for transit passengers who come to Amman in order to connect to the cities served by RJ network and that of oneworld carriers.

RJ will fly to Jakarta, via Kuala Lumpur, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The wide body Airbus 330 aircraft, which will fly on this route, takes off from Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, at 0130 and reaches Jakarta at 1825; it departs Jakarta at 1955 and lands in Amman at 0415 the following day.

Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways launch codeshare agreement

Royal Jordanian (RJ) has further enhanced its ties with oneworld partner Qatar Airways by launching a new codeshare agreement that is set to further expand travel opportunities for the customers of both airlines.

Through the new agreement, which began August 6, 2015, RJ passengers travelling between Amman and Doha on both Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways will benefit from the same airline code and a streamlined level of services from the oneworld partners.

Members of the airlines’ frequent flyer programmes will also be able to collect points on each other’s flights, with this initial route paving the way for additional codeshare expansions in the near future between the airlines across destinations in the US and Asia.

RJ President/CEO Captain Haitham Misto said: “Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways enjoy a strong relationship, and they are both keen on providing superb on-board and on-ground services. This agreement will further enhance the cooperation between our two companies, thus offering our passengers more travel options and frequencies to cities around the world.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “Becoming a member of oneworld has enabled Qatar Airways to strengthen its competitive offering, while expanding travel options to passengers around the world within this leading global alliance network. The launch of this new code share agreement with our fellow oneworld member airline Royal Jordanian demonstrates this and will allow passengers to benefit from seamless journeys around the globe.”

New Mercure Hoi An Royal has introductory offer

Source: Accor.

AccorHotels, the largest operator of international hotels in Vietnam and Asia Pacific, has opened the Mercure Hoi An Royal, its sixth hotel in Central Vietnam and second hotel in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An.

Just 45 minutes from Danang International Airport, the hotel is near Hoi An Ancient Town and Cua Dai beach, and walking distance to Thu Bon River, the historic Japanese Bridge, and local markets and tailors.

The Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port, dating from the 15th to the 19th century. The city is popular with tourists for its historic streetscapes, architecture, river and thriving arts and dining scene.

The newly refurbished 96-room boutique hotel combines cultural authenticity with a full range of facilities and high-standard services designed to appeal to the growing MICE market.

Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer for AccorHotels Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines says, “Hoi An has always been a must-go destination for both local and international travellers. Cultural enthusiasts are unable to resist its nostalgic old streets and heritage as a 600-year old trading port and now as a haven for artists and galleries. The opening of Mercure Hoi An in this historic town adds to the growing network of AccorHotels’ mid-scale brand that embodies high service standards and warmth.”

The hotel offers 42 standard rooms, 40 superior rooms, and 14 junior suites. The suites have private terraces with direct access to the hotel’s swimming pool and garden. Each room features tea and coffee making facilities, a safe, a bathroom, a balcony, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Cluster General Manager Tangi Le Grand says “Mercure Hoi An Royal was designed in a boutique style that blends in perfectly with the local ambiance. Following its refurbishment, the hotel looks forward to welcoming corporate and leisure travellers seeking the high comfort, service and quality offerings of the Mercure brand.”

The Royal Restaurant offers all-day buffet-style and àla carte dining with international cuisine, while the Pool Bar has a selection of beverages and snacks.

To meet the demand for meetings and conferences, the hotel's has meeting facilities that can accommodate up to 25 guests.

To celebrate its grand opening, Mercure Hoi An Royal has an introductory offer with rates starting from VND1,290,000 per room, per night with daily breakfast for two and complimentary Wi-Fi access. This offer is valid from now until 31st October 2015.

Interested?

Email reservations@mercurehoianroyal.com

posted from Bloggeroid

Real estate professionals upbeat about Asian economies

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and professional recruiters Macdonald & Company have announced that average salaries for real estate professionals have shrunk over 2013 as part of the findings of the annual Asia Rewards & Attitudes Survey 2014. 

The report found average salaries fell 3.4% for real estate professions in Asia, at around US$96,087 (HK$749,479), chiefly due to a significant 21.4% decrease at the Executive Director/ MD/ CFO/ COO levels.

This occurred despite 55.8% of respondents receiving an average of 10% increment in base salary. Malaysia leads Asia region with a salary growth of 11%. Salary increases in Hong Kong and Singapore have averaged 9.2% and 9% respectively, while mainland China salary growth grew 7%.
 
Professionals in mainland China enjoy the highest average salary per annum at around US$138,400 (approximately HK$1,079,520) when compared to Singapore at around US$125,580 (approximately HK$979,524), Hong Kong (US$98,929, approximately HK$771,646), and Malaysia (US$71,804, approximately HK$560,071).
 
Respondents with the RICS qualification working in the Asian real estate markets continued to secure 42% more salary against those who were not professionally qualified (US$73,861, approximately HK$575,765) though their average salary dropped 13% year on year to US$105,159 (approximately HK$820,240).

More than six in ten (62%) of respondents say they are fairly likely or very likely to change jobs in the next 12 months, which is slightly up from 60% last year. Salary remains the primary factor when it comes to job satisfaction as voted by 75% of respondents.

Overall, the Asian region is demonstrating an improvement in economic activity or business sentiment. More respondents (48%) across the region are predicting a growing economy in their respective markets compared to the previous 12 months (40%). Those in Singapore are generally the most optimistic with 55% anticipating an increase in economic activity, while 40% of those in China anticipate an increase.

The survey also showed that the construction industry in Hong Kong and Singapore is buoyant and developers in both locations have continued their plans in mainland China.

Dr Daniel Ho, RICS Governing Council member cum Chairman, RICS Hong Kong commented: "It is the 8th year that RICS commissioned this survey in Asia. The results give property professionals and clients valuable guidance on the industry trend on work attitude and level of rewards which helps career and business plans. I am glad to see that respondents expect an optimistic economic growth in the region and hiring intention is on the rise. 

"The property sector faces a shortage of surveying professionals in different areas. We urge for more investment of resources into education and training to meet this need. RICS is committed to setting and upholding the highest standards of the industry and its members. We are happy to know that our qualification enables members to secure significantly higher rewards."

William Glover, International Director, Macdonald & Company said: "Macdonald & Company is delighted to extend its work with RICS in Asia into its eighth year. This year's results are revealing in that over 60% of staff consider it likely that they will move jobs over the next year. It is, therefore, imperative that managers take care to plan ahead and provide the right environment for their staff to thrive in their businesses."

The full survey report is available at: http://www.macdonaldandcompany.com/Salary-Survey

*The RICS and Macdonald & Company Asia Rewards & Attitudes Survey is an annual survey done by RICS and Macdonald & Company. It is the most comprehensive survey undertaken for the property sector. 1,525 Asian real estate professionals participated online between November 2013 and January 2014, representing an increase of 16.6% respondents compared with last year.