On 2nd December, Australian cheap flights carrier Jetstar launched a new daily service connecting Perth and Singapore. The new route follows the launch of yet another flight service by the carrier linking Perth and the Indonesian capital Jakarta. In addition, the carrier has also stated that its route network will see one more addition offering a new connection between Perth and Bali scheduled to commence on 17th December.

Jetstar chief executive officer Bruce Buchanan said while commenting on the new routes that they are most likely to make a "significant contribution" to the carrier"s near-Asian growth strategy.

He stated, "Perth has excitingly become Jetstar"s seventh international market in Australia and will ably support our continued expansion of low fare services between Australia, Asia and beyond.”

In a recent statement, Qantas has confirmed its decision to commence flight services from Heathrow using its newly purchased Airbus A380 superjumbo. As per the announcement, flights would start on 17th January between Heathrow and Sydney via Singapore served by the giant plane, the third A380 purchased by the airline.

Deploying the double-decker aircraft, Qantas will offer three return flights a week. Commenting on the launch, Stephen Thompson, the regional manager remarked, "For our customers travelling to both Singapore and beyond to Australia, the A380 means extra space and comfort in every class. Qantas offers an all-new suite in first class and a fully flat Sky-bed sleeper seat in business class. The aircraft features a 32 seat Premium Economy cabin and an all new Economy Class seat featuring a sliding base that moves with the seat back to create a more comfortable, ergonomically tested position to aid sleep."

Listing some of the interesting highlights of this service, the airline said it would offer its passengers over 100 on demand films, 500 audio CDs and 350 television selections in addition to 30 PC-style games. The passengers can also enjoy a select range of audio books, destination information, language tutorials, business education and radio channels during their journey.

An annual survey of passengers featuring a major number of Asian and Gulf Arab carriers including Qantas of Australia selected Singapore Airlines as the best on the globe. Most notably, Singapore Airlines retains this coveted position for the second consecutive year.

The 2008 survey of Skytrax, the British-based consultancy, involved over 15 million questionnaires which were completed by passengers across an 11 month period, which also included categories like catering, airport lounges and in-flight entertainment. Singapore Airlines secured the top spot as the world's best airline on the whole in addition to grabbing the award for the best business class. Notably, the airline is also the first across the globe to fly the Airbus A380.

Cathay Pacific, the Hong-Kong based airline, secured the overall second place. Most notably, Cathay Pacific was also voted as the best first class airline in addition to the first in first class catering. Since Qantas had a number of safety scars recently in addition to introducing belt tightening due to high fuel costs, it could only get the third best place. However, the airline could secure the rating of the best first class lounge.

In a significant move, Singapore Airlines has recently announced that it shall double the number of its flight services operated from Bangalore and New Delhi to Singapore. With the soaring oil prices causing withdrawal of services and capacity cuts in several airlines, the move by the Singapore Airlines has come as a welcome gesture in furthering the transport interests between the two countries.

The Regional vice president for West Asia and Africa of Singapore Airlines, Lee Lik Hsin noted, "For the current year we hope to be able to increase our flights to New Delhi and Bangalore."

Entrusted with the operations of the Singapore Airlines in India, Lee, observed in this regard that to implement the move, the governments of India and Singapore will need to pass the regulatory approvals before the clearance is obtained for the carrier to increase its connections between Singapore and the two major cities in India.

On Wednesday Singapore Airlines (SIA) said that the carrier and its regional arm SilkAir would raise their fuel surcharge on their flights with effect from 24th of June in response to a continuous upward trend in the price of jet fuel.

This was for the third time within the period of three months that the company had announced increases in its fuel surcharge. No wonder that this clearly shows the impact of fuel cost rise on the airlines-it is also expected that the fuel cost prices are going to increase further and the aviation industry will soon be facing more problems of similar sort on this issue.

For its services on the routes between Singapore and Southeast Asian nations, the carrier would increase the fuel surcharge to USD$40 from the existing surcharge of USD$35 per sector, the company said in a statement.

London Heathrow airport is to get an added number of flights with the recently launched Airbus A380 aircraft. This is great news for passengers who would like to take flights from London Heathrow, as they would have more options to take the flights.

Singapore Airlines has said that its fleet of super-jumbos will be operating at Heathrow airport four more times per week, taking the total number of its flights to eleven. So, passengers can expect to have more choices of schedules and flights in the coming days at London Heathrow.

The airline's route from Singapore to London will have more departures on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays as of 16th July, said the carrier's spokesman Mr. Huang Cheng Eng-truly, a great news for passengers of Singapore Airlines.

In next to no time, more passengers travelling to and from London with Singapore Airlines will be able to enjoy the airline's world-famous A380 cabin products and flying experience.

The carrier is to introduce an additional A380 service on the route between Singapore and London, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The world's largest passenger plane will be used to operate the carrier's flights SQ 318 (from Singapore to London Heathrow), and the SQ 321 (returning flight). This is in addition to the airline's existing daily A380 service offered on flights SQ 322 (from Singapore to London) and SQ 317 (from London to Singapore).

Singapore Airlines has become the most recent in a sequence of leading airline companies to make their customers pay extra as part of an upward move in the fuel surcharge.

The increased fuel surcharge will be applicable from early next week and passengers flying from Singapore on long-haul routes to the United States or Canada will end up paying huge amount--$150 on top of the basic fare represents an increase of $20 each way.

However, passengers flying on short-haul or medium-haul routes within Southeast Asia will have to make an extra payment of only $5 each way-the fuel surcharge goes up from $30 to $35.

Don't miss the opportunity to save on a selection of South Africa escapes including a luxury Cape Town and Winelands holiday with key2holidays.

Enjoy 5 nights going through the wonders of Cape Town. And after that, spend 2 nights in the winelands of Stellenbosch.

You will be staying at Cape Town's Winchester Mansions-a fifty-one room retreat constructed in the 1920s representing the luxury and hospitality of the past. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and only 10 minutes away from the superb Clifton Beaches, the hotel is a calm oasis only 7 minutes from Cape Town.

Recently, Singapore Airlines got Airbus A380 superjumbo delivered to its fleet. Notably, this is the fourth of its kind obtained by the airline. Over and above, superjumbo is the largest airliner on the entire globe. The airline is to employ this massive aircraft in the Singapore - Tokyo route. Superjumbo is a double-decker jet aircraft that will begin operations from 20th May 2008 in the said route.

Singapore Airlines has already purchased three aircrafts of this type during last year. Commencing from last October, these airliners have been used in the Singapore to London and Singapore to Sydney routes. The new arrival of Airbus A380 superjumbo increases the number of superjumbo airliners with Singapore Airlines fleet to four now. Over and above, the airline is to receive 13 more aircrafts of this type delivered into its fleet before the end of this year. Two of these 13 aircrafts are on the final stages of their production line at present and are likely to get ready by this summer.

Most notably, Singapore Airlines is the only carrier on the planet that is presently operating superjumbo. This highly envied aircraft features several wonderful and amazing features incorporating the best in the industry and a sound futuristic technology. Superjumbo airliners have been designed to carry about 471 passengers. The aircraft features 12 suites furnished with beds. Superjumbo has been manufactured by EADS and the parent company says the maximum capacity of the all-economy class of the A380 aircraft is 853 passengers.

Enjoy the new Singapore Flyer-the world's largest observation wheel at a height of 165 m that sees from the top extend over the high skyline of Singapore into adjoining Indonesia and Malaysia.

Holidaymakers can enjoy the view during a fourteen-day break to Singapore and Bali with Trips Worldwide: travellers can avail daily departures from London Heathrow for this one-of-its-kind holiday.

After a non-stop flight to Singapore, travellers will be transferred to a wonderful hotel, the Meritus Mandarin Singapore, which is located in an superb location on prominent Orchard Road-the city's hub.

Qantas received its first flying machine equipped with the new Premium Economy cabin of the carrier.

Mr John Borghetti, Executive General Manager at the airline, said that the introduction of Premium Economy cabin presents passengers a fresh option in long haul international journey.

He said, "Qantas Premium Economy offers extra space and comfort and enhanced levels of service. We have invested significantly in developing this cabin, which is being progressively installed across our B747-400 fleet and will be available on every Qantas A380".

Qantas is presenting cut-priced tickets for its direct return flights from London Heathrow to Singapore, Hong Kong, Bali and Bangkok.

All the available fares include fees, taxes and all the airport related charges and are subject to availability of seat on the desired date of journey. Travel is allowed on the flights of Qantas and British Airways (BA).

For journeys to Singapore, fares begin from just £698. Flights must be between: 8th April and 15th June.

Visiting Singapore from UK this Christmas, you will not be missing out the Christmas celebrations, but you will have opportunities to celebrate it the Singapore traditional way. In addition, you can also bask in the balmy heat of the tropical Singapore climate.

With a theme, "Christmas In The Tropics" the festival has already begun showing its colours with a big hit among British tourists. Last year, one in five visitors planned their trip to Singapore coinciding with Christmas celebrations.

The Christmas celebrations for this year commenced on 17th November and extend till 2nd January. The celebrations at Singapore are fully packed with festival shows, shopping, entertainment events, concerts, dance parties and popular and traditional display of Christmas lights at Marina Bay and Orchard Road.

Singapore Airlines has decided to use an A380 super jumbo for its midday flight between Heathrow and Singapore. According to the general manager of the airline for UK and Ireland, Marvin Tan, the airline was in fact waiting for BAA to complete the changes necessary at Terminal 2 as the airline is about to deliver its second plane.

Last month, the airline introduced its first A380 on the Singapore - Sydney route, taking delivery of the second super jumbo towards the end of the year, to be used on the Heathrow route. Once the third plane is taken in by the middle of next year, two among three daily flights operated from Heathrow will be served by the A380.

It was the first plane to be labelled as green; however, there were wide questioning and debate about its claims. It still remains to be seen how the passengers of Heathrow would greet this new development. Though at the same time, it provides a very good option for travel between Singapore and UK.

Through the Singapore Motor Sports Council, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has given green light for the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix to conduct the night-race – the first of its kind in the history of the sport.

"The in-principle approval by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for Singapore to host a night race is yet another positive step in our preparations to present to the world a truly unique Formula One race", said Mr. Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board.

Chian further said, "Subject to final safety approval, Formula One fans worldwide will be able to enjoy a race experience like no other in Singapore from next year-a dramatic night street race set against our beautiful city skyline".

Representing a new path to promote the presence of Singapore in international destinations, a new Singapore Centre has been formally inaugurated in London. With the opening of the new center, the nation's agencies can now respond fast to new business opportunities.

The new opening is a one-stop shop that unites Singapore's Tourism Board, Economic Development Board and Maritime and Port Authority under one roof. It is expected that this new centre would increase a whole lot of influence of Singapore in London, and people there would be able to get closer look about Singapore's business items.

Integrating the overseas economic agencies of Singapore is designed to attain greater mutual effort, helping them to respond fast to new business breaks, while projecting the interests of the country around the world.

Singapore is making itself ready for its famous Fall Festival Season, as visitors from the region occupy the island-nation to enjoy the magic of a unique trio of awaited festivals set to offer original cultural experiences.

Three major ethnic festivals-Hari Raya, Mid-Autumn and Deepavali, are being celebrated in Singapore from September to November. This is the time when travellers from the Middle East can plan for a traditional cultural offering with the help of a host of activities specially planned for them. 

The celebrations perfectly showcase the multi-cultural heritage of Singapore. The celebrations also offer a rare opportunity for Arab families to come across the Lion City and experience its diverse and distinctive mix of cultures.

A new promotion programme called Uniquely Singapore Weekends has been launched in Hong Kong by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The main aim of the programme is to attract more Hong Kongers to enjoy the weekends in Singapore.

In the weekends ahead in the months of September and October, there will be several activities and events that visitors can catch and enjoy.

Ellen Wong, Area Director Hong Kong and Macao from STB said, "Visitors can enjoy various local dishes in historical building in Singapore. Singapore has the world famous Night Safari, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve".

The victor of the Best Spa Experience award by Singapore Tourism Board, Spa Botanica is the Singapore's chief spa garden destination. Situated on the earth of The Sentosa Resort & Spa on the idyllic island of Sentosa, it is popular among the local as well as international visitors. It provides with the facilities of shopping and entertainment.

Made on the theme of a botanical garden, Spa Botanica's 15 indoor rooms are given the names of local spices and its six outdoor treatment pavilions with the names of popular local floral blooms.

An option of a variety of trips is given to the visitors at the resort. Spa Botanica provides a proportion of modern as well as traditional services of beauty and health.

Singapore is preparing its new street circuit as the inaugural Grand Prix just over a year away. The Asian city is to host the event on 28th September, 2008. The design of the paddock complex in the city is being finalized and the constructions are to begin in the next month, once the design is approved by the FIA.

Chairing the event's working committee, Mr Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board remarked, "I am pleased that the planning for the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix is progressing well. We have refined the proposed street circuit and submitted the plans to the FIA for its assessment and endorsement. It is heartening to note the commitment and professionalism demonstrated by every member of the team in delivering a Grand Prix that all Singaporeans will be proud of."

Confirmed back in May, the Singapore event will take place on public roads around the city's Marina Bay area. The innovative designing of the 5.05 kilometre-long track provides ample chances for overtaking, technically-challenging sections and fast turns to test the Formula One drivers to their absolute limit. A new 1.2 kilometre road is to be constructed to form the eastern section of the circuit, besides widening the Raffles Boulevard. As more than 70 percent of the circuit is utilizing the existing Singaporean roads, the race promoter, Singapore GP Pte Ltd is working closely with the local government agencies.

A fresh 52-week campaign for promoting Singapore as the holiday weekend destination to holidaymakers in the area has been launched by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

If the travelers have less time to visit Singapore, they must choose to visit Clarke Quay, one of the hottest night spots in Singapore, and there is lot to do here.

The newly launched campaign by the STB is mainly targeting tourists from 7 cities: Bangkok, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Johor Baru, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Chennai, According to the STB, these cities are close to Singapore and it is not difficult for them to get to.

UAE will see its Singaporean community commemorating their 42nd anniversary of independence, on 9th August as their National Day.

Singapore's rising local presence is strengthened by the mutual relations, which have been shaped between the two countries in the ended decade. UAE has over 800 Singaporeans and 200 Singapore companies registered with it.

UAE has become Singapore's second largest trade associate in the Middle East, with the mounting of economic, trade and cultural links, thus accomplishing a turnover of more than $US7.5 billion in the year 2006.

As announced by the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Message on Wednesday, the growth of the Singapore economy is astoundingly 7.6 percent in the first half of the year. Since this was more than what was expected, the government has raised its full-year growth forecast to between 7.0 and 8.0 percent, whereas the earlier target was only between 5.0 to 7.0 percent. According to the opinion of the analysts, the new growth target seems to be feasible. The analysts observe that a half-year growth of 7.6 percent shows the GDP expanding by 8.7 percent in the second quarter, which was much higher than what was estimated. This has caught the surprise of the economists.

Commenting on the issue, the Economist of UOB group Mr. Alvin Liew remarked, "We thought that there would be a downward revision because manufacturing came in weaker than expected. But given the numbers that we see today, the 7.6 percent first-half growth, this means most likely that construction as well as services... growth rates will be significantly revised up. In particularly, construction would have done particularly well."

When the financial services and tourism-related services remain strong, the electronics manufacturing shows only a marginal growth. Though it is not certain whether the same momentum of growth can be sustained in the second and third quarters, it seems certain that the forecast of 7 to 8 percent is achievable. More details on the second quarter economic performance will be released on Friday.

Successfully beating a strong competition, Food & HotelAsia2006 (FHA2006) has won the "Exhibition of The Year". This is one of the Business Events Awards organised by the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

The judgment was made by an international panel of industry experts with top marks for FHA2006 for innovation, service, expertise and contribution to the profile of Singapore as a MICE destination. The purpose of the award was to profile Singapore as a leading destination for business events by way of projecting the professionalism and skills of the business events industry. As per the Tourism 2015 blueprint, STB has planned to raise the tourism receipts contribution of the BTMICE sector to S$10.5 billion, whereas it was S$4 billion in 2006.

Aloysius Arlando, assistant chief executive, Business Travel and MICE Group, Singapore Tourism Board said, "The winners of the Awards will serve as torch-bearers for the Singapore and regional MICE industry, setting the bar for future award recipients and inspiring excellence in the industry. Their contributions will help to raise Singapore's profile as a premier MICE destination."

One of Asia's leading travel distribution and marketing conferences, Wired In Travel (WIT), has entered into a strategic partnership with PhoCusWright Inc., a pioneer in the global tourism and hospitality research industry in which PhoCusWright shall provide its authoritative content and widely established network to WIT 2007. The conference will be held on November 29-30 in Singapore.

The organizer of WIT Yeoh Siew Hoon remarked, "PhoCusWright conferences have a strong reputation for content and credibility ­ which is also WIT¹s ethos ­ and their research, insights and intelligence are sought-after by travel and tourism companies around the world."
 
WIOT has announced its sterling speaker line-up comprising Michael Tchong and Claire Hatton in addition to a number of more high-level speakers who will be challenged to sketch their vision of "Wired To The Future Consumer". Notably, Michael Tchong is Ubercool's trend guru and Claire Hatton is the recently joined head for travel Australia/New Zealand for Google.

Lined up among the distinguished speakers are reputed people like Don Birch, President and CEO, Abacus International; John Davis, Chairman and CEO of Pegasus Solutions; James Murray, Executive VP ­ South and Southeast Asia, Visa International; Tony Davis, CEO, Tiger Airways; Henrik Kjellberg, President-Asia Pacific, Expedia; Chong Phit Lian, CEO, Jetstar Asia; and Scott Blume, CEO, Zuji/Travelocity Asia Pacific.

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) offers opportunities for Indians to host marriages at the famous Jurong Bird Park, Orchid Garden, Sentosa Island or quietly at a luxury hotel.

The STB Area Director (Northern and Eastern India), Kenneth Lim, said, "Families have been our biggest customers from India but now we are targeting the youth by offering Singapore as a wedding destination".

"A lot of Indian couples come to our country for honeymoon and now they have an opportunity to get married in a natural environment amid birds, flowers and beaches", Lim said.

Singapore attracts healthcare travelers for better medical services and high standard of healthcare. The medical community provides its best services to attract patients particularly from Middle East. A new medical travel handbook has been launched this week to raise the profile of Singapore.

Patients destines to Singapore as there are 11 Joint commission International (JCI) accredited hospitals and treatment centres with high quality of facilities in Asia. 
The total number of patients including persons accompanying them reached to 555,000 in 2006, their aspect relates somehow to medical facilities.

Medical tourism has released a new edition of the travel handbook, Patients beyond Borders to educate its patients about the availability of options within Singapore. The guidebook provides a comprehensive knowledge to serve its international patients that includes: the overview of the hospitals and clinics, coverage of specialized surgical procedures and patient services, accommodation options and even recommended travel activities.

The boom of 5% over the last year is seen in the tourists coming from the United Kingdom to Singapore from January to June 2007. Achieving 48% of the target, with 4.9 million tourists in the early six months against the annual goal of 10.2 million, it seems to go up to 17.9 million. It is assumed that US $4.2 billion (S$6.4 billion) will be received from the tourism in this six months period with the hike of 9% over the same period the previous year. This will cover 47% of the set annual target.

"The sustained year on year growth in UK visitors to Singapore shows that it continues to be a destination which is high on UK traveler's must visit list as well as successfully attracting repeat visitors who feel they have a lot more to discover and experience," Divya Panickar, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) area director for Northern and Western Europe, says.

"We look forward to welcoming more visitors to Singapore in the second half of this year to experience our colorful cultural festivals, exotic flora and fauna, luxurious garden spas as well as Singapore's vibrant and exciting restaurant and nightlife scene", she further adds.

The Singapore Tourism Board delights in and declares the target of visitors achieved. In a statement on Tuesday, the tourism board claimed that the arrival of visitors is encouraging in the first six months of the year than ever before.

The board declares that the city-state had received 4.9 million visitors from January to June this year. The increase is 5.2 percent higher from the same period a year earlier.

It said, "This is the highest visitor arrivals recorded over the January to June period for the Singapore tourism sector".

The 660,000 square foot marked mall is aimed at the turn of Orchard Road in Singapore and Paterson Road to be accomplished in the coming year end.

It is assumed by the Joint developers CapitaLand and Sun Hung Kai Properties that the fare will begin from S$20 per square foot, and will go beyond S$60 per square foot. It will easily beat the originally aimed average fare for the mall that sits on the top of Orchard MRT station of S$18 to S$19 per square foot.

Pua Seck Guan, CEO, CapitaLand Retail, says: "Well I think on the prime ground floor shops of a smaller size, certainly you know it will be anywhere from S$40 to S$60 over".

As Singapore advances towards its future as a tourism hub, buying into a lump of the city-state's hotel business might be an intelligent move.

Two grand resorts built around casinos will be opened in 2009 and 2010. These will compete primarily with Macau for regional gambling and recreation dollars. Singapore will start hosting a Formula One Grand Prix from next year.

The attractions in Singapore are already drawing a good number of tourists. The countryÂ's 4.5 million people received 9.7 million visitors last year. But it is expected that in a few years ahead, the arrivals will increase significantly—around 17.7 million by 2015, according to a report by Merrill Lynch. The report also said that hoteliers are ramping up construction to serve their customers better. On an average, the industry is set to add 3,300 rooms every year.

A global strategic marketing partnership has been made between Costa Cruises—the cruise company in Europe and South America--and Singapore Tourism Board, to take on joint marketing actions in the Asia Pacific and European markets for above and below the line cruise promotional drives.

To increase awareness of cruising as a right travel option, collective mass-market advertising, and product awareness sessions for travel industry associates and product brochures for end users have been chalked out.

These marketing drives will be fired in Australia first and in Europe afterwards in July 2007. The launch of these campaigns in Indonesia and India markets will take place in 2008.

In May 2007, Singapore received 820,000 tourists—a 7.1% annual growth—according to the figures of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) released on Friday.

The top fiver tourist generating markets for Singapore in May this year were: Indonesia—155,000 tourists, India—98,000, China—85,000, Australia—59,000 and Malaysia—51,000 tourists. In total, these markets accounted for 55% of the tourist flow during the month.

A new record has also been set with 98,000 tourists from India, as the country received the largest number of Indian tourists. In May 2006, there were 81,000 tourists from India.

The Dempsey Road area is witnessing more excitement, as one more historical area has been revamped into Singapore's latest wining and dining location.

Dempsey Hill, measuring 100 square feet of lush greenery, used to be the former British Army barracks and subsequently became Singapore's Central Manpower Base.

Major improvements are going on for the grand old colonial buildings as the area is set to become the latest "place to see and be seen" in Singapore.

Market watchers view the increase of more than S$ 1 billion worth in hotel investments this year as their policy achievement in SingaporeÂ's long-term tourism targets. It is eight% higher than the previous year.

Analysts claim to draw more than 17 million visitors by 2015. Though they need to build 4,000 hotel rooms every year until then, yet shortage of hotel rooms will remain hanging. The prosperous increase of visitors has made hotel room rates to be enhanced between 10 and 20 percent.

Â"If you look at the ten sites that the government has released for this year, they will only translate into 6,500 rooms. That will not be sufficient to cater for any impending flow of tourists coming in from now until 2015, which is the reason why if you look into the recent trend of investments coming from hoteliers….they are very supportive and know where the opportunities are, because thereÂ's simply a shortage of hotels in SingaporeÂ", Donald Han, Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield, says.

Costa Allegra, a cruise company, has entered into an alliance with Singapore Tourism Board to sails into Asia with a new 14 nights full cruise itinerary and highlights Singapore as new destination for Asian & European markets.

Both companies will engage in joint marketing initiatives in the Asia Pacific and European markets for above the line and below the line cruise promotional campaigns.

In order to make product awareness as a desired travel option, joint mass-market advertising, product awareness seminars for travel industry partners and product brochures to consumers have been planned.

Nature Trekker Singapore, the local non-profit group is launching the Park Policing Programme (PPP) in association with the National Parks Board (NParks).

The main aim of the programme is to get Singaporeans report any illegal activity they notice, For example, bird-trapping, poaching, plucking of flowers, the releasing of wildlife into the reservoirs and parks and fishing in Â'not permittedÂ' areas—including netting tiny fish in canals and rivers.

Mr. Ben Lee, the founder and head of Nature Trekker said, Â"Those who sign up will be the official eyes and ears of the forestÂ".

Toa Payoh Town Park, an old park surrounded by a cluster of high-rise developments in central Singapore, has taken on an even greener feel. The improvement works were started last year.

The newly added environmentally friendly features make it into an ultimate attraction for park lovers and green enthusiasts as well. Many visitors describe it as almost magical.

Eileen Martinus, a retiree visitor said, "Now I feel that it is a very good place, a very good idea actually because Toa Payoh is very busy, with a lot of traffic and a lot of people, and this is... sort of a haven".

JetQuay"s stand-alone CIP terminal in Singapore entitles passengers to in-house customs, immigration, quarantine and security services according to an announcement by JetQuay.

Facilities at the terminal also include a fully equipped boardroom, private meeting rooms, wireless internet access in the lounge area, a business centre, a gym, spa, showers and smoking areas. Nap rooms are available on a first come-first serve basis. Executive managers traveling from London to Sydney can meet their Singapore teams in transit, without the need for either party to clear immigration.

JetQuay"s services are three tiered. The premium "Quayside" and "Jetside" services are conducted through the CIP terminal with its private drive-in entrance and five star facilities. Arrivals are met off the air-bridge at the gate and taken to the JetQuay gateway, where they clear in-house immigration and customs, and relax in the lounge. When ready, the passenger along with baggage is escorted to a waiting limousine outside the CIP terminal and transported to their destination.