News

<<Pause>>
  1. Amadeus Cruise Adds Disney for U.S. and Canadian Markets

    Amadeus has reached an agreement with Disney Cruise Line to distribute its products using the Amadeus System in the U.S. and Canadian markets. Other markets are currently being discussed and will be announced at a later date. This expansion permits a further diversification of the Amadeus Cruise Distribution Solutions portfolio that now offers 22 cruise lines through its Cruise Distribution Solutions, covering more than 95 percent of the world cruise inventory, the highest of all global distribution systems.


    Open AXIS Group said that the following organizations have joined ATPCO as Allied Members -- AOI Marketing, ARC, Datalex, eNett International, Farelogix, LUTE Technologies AG, Mobiata, PASS Consulting Group and Radixx International. As Allied Members, these organizations can provide feedback on and participate in the development of the Group’s XML standard. They can also voice their recommendations on future enhancements.


    Open AXIS Group’s primary goal is advocacy and promotion of XML as the optimal electronic messaging structure for airline system connectivity used in content distribution. The organization has already established a proven XML schema as the baseline for its standard and will work closely with its members to adopt, promote, enhance and maintain this schema to create a robust industry standard that addresses the needs of both the supply and demand sides of the travel supply chain.


    The current Open AXIS Group XML schema supports the full range of airline transactions, from straightforward booking and PNR management transactions, to more complex transactions involved with multiple passenger management, ticketing, exchange, refunds, voids and the various merchandising related transactions including optional services, bundling, EMD management and payment and settlement solutions. “With support from Open AXIS Group members, we will provide a robust, standardized XML schema that addresses both current and future needs of the travel industry,” said Jim Young, executive director of the Open AXIS Group.


    Open AXIS Group is open to any entity that operates in the travel industry, including the airlines (Full Members) and other third party developers, GDS, travel agencies, associations, and consultants (Allied Members). There is however no requirement to join Open AXIS Group to use its messaging standard, which can be downloaded at www.openaxisgroup.org.
     

    VAX VacationAccess has introduced Secure Agent Access, which allows agency owners and managers to control the reservation information their agents can view on VAX. It also reduces search time and protects data for agents.VAX Secure Agent Access provides agency managers with more control over the reservation information their agents see when booking on VAX.


    Secure Agent Access provides agency owners and managers the flexibility to set access on an individual agent basis. Agency owners have the flexibility to limit access to only each agent’s individual reservations while giving managers access to all reservations. In addition to protecting the privacy of individual agent reservations, agents will save time by searching only their reservations when retrieving them on VAX. Secure Agent Access is the latest of new enhancements and tools VAX is rolling out. For more information, visit www.vaxvacationaccess.com . 
     

    Travelport said that it has signed a new long-term marketing and distribution agreement with Avis Budget Group, Inc. The multi-year agreement secures access to Avis Budget Group’s rates and services for all Travelport-connected customers worldwide, including corporate customers and online agencies booking through Galileo and Worldspan. Avis Budget Group, Inc., has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.avisbudgetgroup.com.

    Hotels.com $99 or Less Sale is back this summer with more than 1,000 three- and four-star properties all around the world. Travelers need to book by Aug. 2 for travel by Aug. 23. Those who book by July 25 will earn free nights faster with an extra welcome rewards credit for every booking by entering coupon code WREXTRA. For more information, visit www.hotels.com.

    Orbitz has begun a new advertising campaign. The new campaign and branded tagline, "When You Orbitz, You Know," shows how Orbitz provides the information and resources consumers need to book hotel rooms. The campaign"s first advertisement has begun its run on television. The ad presents a traveler who sees future events before they occur as a metaphor for Orbitz customers who know what to expect from their hotel stays because they use Orbitz to help plan and book their trips. The ad is designed to show that Orbitz gives its customers tools and information to make smart decisions when they book a hotel on Orbitz.com. The new campaign highlights Orbitz"s hotel content and resources. For more information, visit www.orbitz.com.

    PhoCusWright’s European Consumer Travel Report explores key trends and indicators impacting consumer travel in Europe. According to the report, French travelers show a strong ratio of consumers who plan to travel more versus travel less. The German outlook is also positive, though more moderate. U.K. travelers, in contrast, show a very slight growth trajectory for the upcoming year. Among those with Internet access, just 6 percent of French travelers, 9 percent of German travelers and 5 percent of U.K. travelers plan and book their trips completely offline. When shopping for leisure travel, the majority of French, German and U.K. travelers typically use general search engines, which rank first among website categories.


    Even in today"s price sensitive environment, travelers most commonly cited prior positive experience as a reason to visit a website -- 38 percent in France, 50 percent in Germany and 51 percent in the U.K. Only 38 percent of French travelers enjoy staying in hotels, compared to 72 percent of German travelers and 82 percent of U.K. travelers. Over a third of travelers now carry mobile phones with web browsing capabilities -- 38 percent in France, 37 percent in Germany and 47 percent in the U.K. Fewer than 10 percent of travelers have performed travel-related activities on their mobile phone in the past year. Yet intentions show that the mobile travel audience will likely double in the next 12 months. For more information, call 860 350-4084 or visit www.phocuswright.com.

     

    Amadeus has reached an agreement with Disney Cruise Line to distribute its products using the Amadeus System in the U.S. and Canadian markets. Other markets are currently being discussed and will be announced at a later date. This expansion permits a further diversification of the Amadeus Cruise Distribution Solutions portfolio that now offers 22 cruise lines through its Cruise Distribution Solutions, covering more than 95 percent of the world cruise inventory, the highest of all global distribution systems.


    For the 2010 European season, each itinerary offers Port Adventures that include distinctly Disney touches, storytelling and some Disney characters. Disney Cruise Line recently began construction of two new ships, the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, respectively, these new ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand for family cruise vacations. For more information, visit www.amadeus.com.
     



    read more >>>
  2. Travelport Signs Long-Term Agreement With Avis Budget Group

    Travelport said that it has signed a new long-term marketing and distribution agreement with Avis Budget Group, Inc. The multi-year agreement secures access to Avis Budget Group’s rates and services for all Travelport-connected customers worldwide, including corporate customers and online agencies booking through Galileo and Worldspan. Avis Budget Group, Inc., has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.avisbudgetgroup.com.


    Open AXIS Group said that the following organizations have joined ATPCO as Allied Members -- AOI Marketing, ARC, Datalex, eNett International, Farelogix, LUTE Technologies AG, Mobiata, PASS Consulting Group and Radixx International. As Allied Members, these organizations can provide feedback on and participate in the development of the Group’s XML standard. They can also voice their recommendations on future enhancements.


    Open AXIS Group’s primary goal is advocacy and promotion of XML as the optimal electronic messaging structure for airline system connectivity used in content distribution. The organization has already established a proven XML schema as the baseline for its standard and will work closely with its members to adopt, promote, enhance and maintain this schema to create a robust industry standard that addresses the needs of both the supply and demand sides of the travel supply chain.


    The current Open AXIS Group XML schema supports the full range of airline transactions, from straightforward booking and PNR management transactions, to more complex transactions involved with multiple passenger management, ticketing, exchange, refunds, voids and the various merchandising related transactions including optional services, bundling, EMD management and payment and settlement solutions. “With support from Open AXIS Group members, we will provide a robust, standardized XML schema that addresses both current and future needs of the travel industry,” said Jim Young, executive director of the Open AXIS Group.


    Open AXIS Group is open to any entity that operates in the travel industry, including the airlines (Full Members) and other third party developers, GDS, travel agencies, associations, and consultants (Allied Members). There is however no requirement to join Open AXIS Group to use its messaging standard, which can be downloaded at www.openaxisgroup.org.
     

    VAX VacationAccess has introduced Secure Agent Access, which allows agency owners and managers to control the reservation information their agents can view on VAX. It also reduces search time and protects data for agents.VAX Secure Agent Access provides agency managers with more control over the reservation information their agents see when booking on VAX.


    Secure Agent Access provides agency owners and managers the flexibility to set access on an individual agent basis. Agency owners have the flexibility to limit access to only each agent’s individual reservations while giving managers access to all reservations. In addition to protecting the privacy of individual agent reservations, agents will save time by searching only their reservations when retrieving them on VAX. Secure Agent Access is the latest of new enhancements and tools VAX is rolling out. For more information, visit www.vaxvacationaccess.com . 
     

    Travelport said that it has signed a new long-term marketing and distribution agreement with Avis Budget Group, Inc. The multi-year agreement secures access to Avis Budget Group’s rates and services for all Travelport-connected customers worldwide, including corporate customers and online agencies booking through Galileo and Worldspan. Avis Budget Group, Inc., has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.avisbudgetgroup.com.



    read more >>>
  3. Open AXIS Group Adds Nine New Allied Members

    Open AXIS Group said that the following organizations have joined ATPCO as Allied Members -- AOI Marketing, ARC, Datalex, eNett International, Farelogix, LUTE Technologies AG, Mobiata, PASS Consulting Group and Radixx International. As Allied Members, these organizations can provide feedback on and participate in the development of the Group’s XML standard. They can also voice their recommendations on future enhancements.


    Open AXIS Group said that the following organizations have joined ATPCO as Allied Members -- AOI Marketing, ARC, Datalex, eNett International, Farelogix, LUTE Technologies AG, Mobiata, PASS Consulting Group and Radixx International. As Allied Members, these organizations can provide feedback on and participate in the development of the Group’s XML standard. They can also voice their recommendations on future enhancements.


    Open AXIS Group’s primary goal is advocacy and promotion of XML as the optimal electronic messaging structure for airline system connectivity used in content distribution. The organization has already established a proven XML schema as the baseline for its standard and will work closely with its members to adopt, promote, enhance and maintain this schema to create a robust industry standard that addresses the needs of both the supply and demand sides of the travel supply chain.


    The current Open AXIS Group XML schema supports the full range of airline transactions, from straightforward booking and PNR management transactions, to more complex transactions involved with multiple passenger management, ticketing, exchange, refunds, voids and the various merchandising related transactions including optional services, bundling, EMD management and payment and settlement solutions. “With support from Open AXIS Group members, we will provide a robust, standardized XML schema that addresses both current and future needs of the travel industry,” said Jim Young, executive director of the Open AXIS Group.


    Open AXIS Group is open to any entity that operates in the travel industry, including the airlines (Full Members) and other third party developers, GDS, travel agencies, associations, and consultants (Allied Members). There is however no requirement to join Open AXIS Group to use its messaging standard, which can be downloaded at www.openaxisgroup.org.
     



    read more >>>
  4. VAX Sets Up New Way to Manage Agent Reservation Data

    VAX VacationAccess has introduced Secure Agent Access, which allows agency owners and managers to control the reservation information their agents can view on VAX. It also reduces search time and protects data for agents.VAX Secure Agent Access provides agency managers with more control over the reservation information their agents see when booking on VAX.


    Open AXIS Group said that the following organizations have joined ATPCO as Allied Members -- AOI Marketing, ARC, Datalex, eNett International, Farelogix, LUTE Technologies AG, Mobiata, PASS Consulting Group and Radixx International. As Allied Members, these organizations can provide feedback on and participate in the development of the Group’s XML standard. They can also voice their recommendations on future enhancements.


    Open AXIS Group’s primary goal is advocacy and promotion of XML as the optimal electronic messaging structure for airline system connectivity used in content distribution. The organization has already established a proven XML schema as the baseline for its standard and will work closely with its members to adopt, promote, enhance and maintain this schema to create a robust industry standard that addresses the needs of both the supply and demand sides of the travel supply chain.


    The current Open AXIS Group XML schema supports the full range of airline transactions, from straightforward booking and PNR management transactions, to more complex transactions involved with multiple passenger management, ticketing, exchange, refunds, voids and the various merchandising related transactions including optional services, bundling, EMD management and payment and settlement solutions. “With support from Open AXIS Group members, we will provide a robust, standardized XML schema that addresses both current and future needs of the travel industry,” said Jim Young, executive director of the Open AXIS Group.


    Open AXIS Group is open to any entity that operates in the travel industry, including the airlines (Full Members) and other third party developers, GDS, travel agencies, associations, and consultants (Allied Members). There is however no requirement to join Open AXIS Group to use its messaging standard, which can be downloaded at www.openaxisgroup.org.
     

    VAX VacationAccess has introduced Secure Agent Access, which allows agency owners and managers to control the reservation information their agents can view on VAX. It also reduces search time and protects data for agents.VAX Secure Agent Access provides agency managers with more control over the reservation information their agents see when booking on VAX.


    Secure Agent Access provides agency owners and managers the flexibility to set access on an individual agent basis. Agency owners have the flexibility to limit access to only each agent’s individual reservations while giving managers access to all reservations. In addition to protecting the privacy of individual agent reservations, agents will save time by searching only their reservations when retrieving them on VAX. Secure Agent Access is the latest of new enhancements and tools VAX is rolling out. For more information, visit www.vaxvacationaccess.com . 
     



    read more >>>
  5. PhoCusWright Studies Travel Trends in France, Germany, U.K.

    PhoCusWright’s European Consumer Travel Report explores key trends and indicators impacting consumer travel in Europe. According to the report, French travelers show a strong ratio of consumers who plan to travel more versus travel less. The German outlook is also positive, though more moderate. U.K. travelers, in contrast, show a very slight growth trajectory for the upcoming year. Among those with Internet access, just 6 percent of French travelers, 9 percent of German travelers and 5 percent of U.K. travelers plan and book their trips completely offline. When shopping for leisure travel, the majority of French, German and U.K. travelers typically use general search engines, which rank first among website categories.


    Open AXIS Group said that the following organizations have joined ATPCO as Allied Members -- AOI Marketing, ARC, Datalex, eNett International, Farelogix, LUTE Technologies AG, Mobiata, PASS Consulting Group and Radixx International. As Allied Members, these organizations can provide feedback on and participate in the development of the Group’s XML standard. They can also voice their recommendations on future enhancements.


    Open AXIS Group’s primary goal is advocacy and promotion of XML as the optimal electronic messaging structure for airline system connectivity used in content distribution. The organization has already established a proven XML schema as the baseline for its standard and will work closely with its members to adopt, promote, enhance and maintain this schema to create a robust industry standard that addresses the needs of both the supply and demand sides of the travel supply chain.


    The current Open AXIS Group XML schema supports the full range of airline transactions, from straightforward booking and PNR management transactions, to more complex transactions involved with multiple passenger management, ticketing, exchange, refunds, voids and the various merchandising related transactions including optional services, bundling, EMD management and payment and settlement solutions. “With support from Open AXIS Group members, we will provide a robust, standardized XML schema that addresses both current and future needs of the travel industry,” said Jim Young, executive director of the Open AXIS Group.


    Open AXIS Group is open to any entity that operates in the travel industry, including the airlines (Full Members) and other third party developers, GDS, travel agencies, associations, and consultants (Allied Members). There is however no requirement to join Open AXIS Group to use its messaging standard, which can be downloaded at www.openaxisgroup.org.
     

    VAX VacationAccess has introduced Secure Agent Access, which allows agency owners and managers to control the reservation information their agents can view on VAX. It also reduces search time and protects data for agents.VAX Secure Agent Access provides agency managers with more control over the reservation information their agents see when booking on VAX.


    Secure Agent Access provides agency owners and managers the flexibility to set access on an individual agent basis. Agency owners have the flexibility to limit access to only each agent’s individual reservations while giving managers access to all reservations. In addition to protecting the privacy of individual agent reservations, agents will save time by searching only their reservations when retrieving them on VAX. Secure Agent Access is the latest of new enhancements and tools VAX is rolling out. For more information, visit www.vaxvacationaccess.com . 
     

    Travelport said that it has signed a new long-term marketing and distribution agreement with Avis Budget Group, Inc. The multi-year agreement secures access to Avis Budget Group’s rates and services for all Travelport-connected customers worldwide, including corporate customers and online agencies booking through Galileo and Worldspan. Avis Budget Group, Inc., has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.avisbudgetgroup.com.

    Hotels.com $99 or Less Sale is back this summer with more than 1,000 three- and four-star properties all around the world. Travelers need to book by Aug. 2 for travel by Aug. 23. Those who book by July 25 will earn free nights faster with an extra welcome rewards credit for every booking by entering coupon code WREXTRA. For more information, visit www.hotels.com.

    Orbitz has begun a new advertising campaign. The new campaign and branded tagline, "When You Orbitz, You Know," shows how Orbitz provides the information and resources consumers need to book hotel rooms. The campaign"s first advertisement has begun its run on television. The ad presents a traveler who sees future events before they occur as a metaphor for Orbitz customers who know what to expect from their hotel stays because they use Orbitz to help plan and book their trips. The ad is designed to show that Orbitz gives its customers tools and information to make smart decisions when they book a hotel on Orbitz.com. The new campaign highlights Orbitz"s hotel content and resources. For more information, visit www.orbitz.com.

    PhoCusWright’s European Consumer Travel Report explores key trends and indicators impacting consumer travel in Europe. According to the report, French travelers show a strong ratio of consumers who plan to travel more versus travel less. The German outlook is also positive, though more moderate. U.K. travelers, in contrast, show a very slight growth trajectory for the upcoming year. Among those with Internet access, just 6 percent of French travelers, 9 percent of German travelers and 5 percent of U.K. travelers plan and book their trips completely offline. When shopping for leisure travel, the majority of French, German and U.K. travelers typically use general search engines, which rank first among website categories.


    Even in today"s price sensitive environment, travelers most commonly cited prior positive experience as a reason to visit a website -- 38 percent in France, 50 percent in Germany and 51 percent in the U.K. Only 38 percent of French travelers enjoy staying in hotels, compared to 72 percent of German travelers and 82 percent of U.K. travelers. Over a third of travelers now carry mobile phones with web browsing capabilities -- 38 percent in France, 37 percent in Germany and 47 percent in the U.K. Fewer than 10 percent of travelers have performed travel-related activities on their mobile phone in the past year. Yet intentions show that the mobile travel audience will likely double in the next 12 months. For more information, call 860 350-4084 or visit www.phocuswright.com.

     



    read more >>>
  6. HostelBookers Launches Summer Sale on Worldwide Properties

    HostelBookers, a budget accommodation website, has launched a summer sale campaign, offering a vast range of properties across 28 top destinations worldwide at discounted prices many with over 20 percent off their normal rates. Bookings must be made by July 31. Rates are for budget accommodations such as Days Inn, just 10 to 15 minutes from mid-town Manhattan, in New York. In Europe, customers can benefit from 60 percent off beds at Lisbon Calling, a newly established hostel situated in the heart of Lisbon"s historic city center. The Brianza hotel in Italy, centrally located and only 10 minutes from the Duomo, Milan"s cathedral, is on sale for 50 percent off. For more information, visit www.hostelbookers.com/summer-accommodation-deals.


    Open AXIS Group said that the following organizations have joined ATPCO as Allied Members -- AOI Marketing, ARC, Datalex, eNett International, Farelogix, LUTE Technologies AG, Mobiata, PASS Consulting Group and Radixx International. As Allied Members, these organizations can provide feedback on and participate in the development of the Group’s XML standard. They can also voice their recommendations on future enhancements.


    Open AXIS Group’s primary goal is advocacy and promotion of XML as the optimal electronic messaging structure for airline system connectivity used in content distribution. The organization has already established a proven XML schema as the baseline for its standard and will work closely with its members to adopt, promote, enhance and maintain this schema to create a robust industry standard that addresses the needs of both the supply and demand sides of the travel supply chain.


    The current Open AXIS Group XML schema supports the full range of airline transactions, from straightforward booking and PNR management transactions, to more complex transactions involved with multiple passenger management, ticketing, exchange, refunds, voids and the various merchandising related transactions including optional services, bundling, EMD management and payment and settlement solutions. “With support from Open AXIS Group members, we will provide a robust, standardized XML schema that addresses both current and future needs of the travel industry,” said Jim Young, executive director of the Open AXIS Group.


    Open AXIS Group is open to any entity that operates in the travel industry, including the airlines (Full Members) and other third party developers, GDS, travel agencies, associations, and consultants (Allied Members). There is however no requirement to join Open AXIS Group to use its messaging standard, which can be downloaded at www.openaxisgroup.org.
     

    VAX VacationAccess has introduced Secure Agent Access, which allows agency owners and managers to control the reservation information their agents can view on VAX. It also reduces search time and protects data for agents.VAX Secure Agent Access provides agency managers with more control over the reservation information their agents see when booking on VAX.


    Secure Agent Access provides agency owners and managers the flexibility to set access on an individual agent basis. Agency owners have the flexibility to limit access to only each agent’s individual reservations while giving managers access to all reservations. In addition to protecting the privacy of individual agent reservations, agents will save time by searching only their reservations when retrieving them on VAX. Secure Agent Access is the latest of new enhancements and tools VAX is rolling out. For more information, visit www.vaxvacationaccess.com . 
     

    Travelport said that it has signed a new long-term marketing and distribution agreement with Avis Budget Group, Inc. The multi-year agreement secures access to Avis Budget Group’s rates and services for all Travelport-connected customers worldwide, including corporate customers and online agencies booking through Galileo and Worldspan. Avis Budget Group, Inc., has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.avisbudgetgroup.com.

    Hotels.com $99 or Less Sale is back this summer with more than 1,000 three- and four-star properties all around the world. Travelers need to book by Aug. 2 for travel by Aug. 23. Those who book by July 25 will earn free nights faster with an extra welcome rewards credit for every booking by entering coupon code WREXTRA. For more information, visit www.hotels.com.

    Orbitz has begun a new advertising campaign. The new campaign and branded tagline, "When You Orbitz, You Know," shows how Orbitz provides the information and resources consumers need to book hotel rooms. The campaign"s first advertisement has begun its run on television. The ad presents a traveler who sees future events before they occur as a metaphor for Orbitz customers who know what to expect from their hotel stays because they use Orbitz to help plan and book their trips. The ad is designed to show that Orbitz gives its customers tools and information to make smart decisions when they book a hotel on Orbitz.com. The new campaign highlights Orbitz"s hotel content and resources. For more information, visit www.orbitz.com.

    PhoCusWright’s European Consumer Travel Report explores key trends and indicators impacting consumer travel in Europe. According to the report, French travelers show a strong ratio of consumers who plan to travel more versus travel less. The German outlook is also positive, though more moderate. U.K. travelers, in contrast, show a very slight growth trajectory for the upcoming year. Among those with Internet access, just 6 percent of French travelers, 9 percent of German travelers and 5 percent of U.K. travelers plan and book their trips completely offline. When shopping for leisure travel, the majority of French, German and U.K. travelers typically use general search engines, which rank first among website categories.


    Even in today"s price sensitive environment, travelers most commonly cited prior positive experience as a reason to visit a website -- 38 percent in France, 50 percent in Germany and 51 percent in the U.K. Only 38 percent of French travelers enjoy staying in hotels, compared to 72 percent of German travelers and 82 percent of U.K. travelers. Over a third of travelers now carry mobile phones with web browsing capabilities -- 38 percent in France, 37 percent in Germany and 47 percent in the U.K. Fewer than 10 percent of travelers have performed travel-related activities on their mobile phone in the past year. Yet intentions show that the mobile travel audience will likely double in the next 12 months. For more information, call 860 350-4084 or visit www.phocuswright.com.

     

    Amadeus has reached an agreement with Disney Cruise Line to distribute its products using the Amadeus System in the U.S. and Canadian markets. Other markets are currently being discussed and will be announced at a later date. This expansion permits a further diversification of the Amadeus Cruise Distribution Solutions portfolio that now offers 22 cruise lines through its Cruise Distribution Solutions, covering more than 95 percent of the world cruise inventory, the highest of all global distribution systems.


    For the 2010 European season, each itinerary offers Port Adventures that include distinctly Disney touches, storytelling and some Disney characters. Disney Cruise Line recently began construction of two new ships, the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, respectively, these new ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand for family cruise vacations. For more information, visit www.amadeus.com.
     

    HostelBookers, a budget accommodation website, has launched a summer sale campaign, offering a vast range of properties across 28 top destinations worldwide at discounted prices many with over 20 percent off their normal rates. Bookings must be made by July 31. Rates are for budget accommodations such as Days Inn, just 10 to 15 minutes from mid-town Manhattan, in New York. In Europe, customers can benefit from 60 percent off beds at Lisbon Calling, a newly established hostel situated in the heart of Lisbon"s historic city center. The Brianza hotel in Italy, centrally located and only 10 minutes from the Duomo, Milan"s cathedral, is on sale for 50 percent off. For more information, visit www.hostelbookers.com/summer-accommodation-deals.



    read more >>>

Vietnam Travel

ShoppingVietnam Shopping


Vietnam has some fantastic shopping opportunities so it is well worth setting aside half a day or more to properly peruse. Hotspots include Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, each of which has a tempting selection of everything from avant-garde art to sumptuous silk suits. Some of the best buys on the block include gorgeous glazed pottery, classic lanterns, 'almost' antiques, embroidered tablecloths, fine furnishings, and lavish silk and linen creations in designer boutiques.

Bargaining
Some bargaining is essential in most tourist transactions. Remember that in Asia 'saving face' is important, so bargaining should be good-natured. Smile and don't get angry or argue. In some cases you will be able to get a 50% discount or more, at other times this may only be 10%. And once the money is accepted. the deal is done. Don't waste time getting stressed if you find out someone else got it for less, it is about paying the price that is right for you, not always the 'right' price.
Do the follow :
* Bargaining to get to get a 50% discount with street shops
* Bargaining to get to get a 20% discount with paiting shops
* Bargaining to get to get a 40% discount with clothes shops
* Bargaining to get to get a 36% discount with other items

Art & Antiques
There are several good shops to hunt for art and antiques, but Vietnam has strict regulations on the export of real antiques, so be sure the items are allowed out of the country. Most reputable shops can provide the necessary paperwork. Both traditional and modern paintings are a popular item. Cheaper mass-produced stuff is touted in souvenir shops and by street vendors. More sophisticated works are displayed in art galleries, with paintings from US$50 to US$5000, but some of the hottest Vietnamese artiste now fetch up to 10 times that. It's important to know that there are forgeries around - just because you spot a painting by a 'famous Vietnamese artist' does not mean that it's an original. A Vietnamese speciality is the 'instant antique', such as a teapot or ceramic dinner plate, with a price tag of around US$10. Of course, it's OK to buy fake antiques as long as you aren't paying genuine prices.
 

Clothing
Forget the rubber sandals and pith helmets, Vietnam is emerging as a regional design centre and there are some extravagant creations in the boutiques of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Beautiful silk dresses cost a fraction of what they would at home, and men can get in on the action with some flamboyant shirts or sharp suits. Ao dai (ow-zai in the north, ow-yai in the south) is the national dress for Vietnamese women and is a popular item to take home. Ready-made ao dai cost from US$ 20 to US$30, but custom numbers can cost a lot more but may be required due to sizing differentiation. There are ao dai tailors nationwide, but those in the tourist centres are more familiar with foreigners. These days more and more hill-tribe gear is winding its way to shops in Hanoi and HCMC. It is brightly patterned stuff, but you may need to set the dyes yourself (try to soak the clothes in some salty water overnight) so those colours don't bleed all over the rest of your clothes. Alternatively, put it in a plastic bag and wait until you get home. Women all over the country wear conical hats to keep the sun off their faces, though they also function as umbrellas in the rain. The best-quality conical hats are produced in the Hue area. T-shirts are ever popular items with travellers. A printed shirt starts from US$ 4 while an embroidered design will cost about US$ 6.
 

Handicrafts
Hot items on the tourist market include lac-querware, boxes and wooden screens with mother-of-pearl inlay, colourful embroidery, silk greeting cards, wood-block prints, oil paintings, watercolours, blinds made of hanging bamboo beads, reed mats. carpets, jewellery and leatherwork.
 

War Souvenirs
In places frequented by tourists, it's easy to buy what looks like equipment left over from the American War. However, almost all of these items are reproductions and your chances of finding anything original are slim. The fake Zippo lighters engraved with platoon philosophy are still one of the hottest-selling items. You can pay extra to get one that's been beat up to look like a war relic, or just buy a brand-new shiny one for less


Download : Full of Vietnam Travel Document by Word File


You are here: