Singapore focuses on Middle East for medical tourism

A new medical travel handbook launched this week aims to raise the profile of Singapore as a destination for healthcare travellers, with a particular focus on attracting Middle East patients. In 2006, over 410,000 international patients travelled to Singapore for its high standard of healthcare.

Accompanying them on their visits were a further 89,000 persons. Another 56,000 people received healthcare incidentally on visits for other purposes. In total, some 555,000 international visitors to Singapore in 2006 were involved in some aspect of medical travel.

Singapore boasts 11 Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospitals and treatment centres – one-third of all JCI-accredited facilities in Asia.

To help educate patients about the options within Singapore, a new edition of the travel handbook Patients Beyond Borders, has been launched.

The comprehensive guidebook, which features an in-depth overview of the hospitals and clinics that serve international patients, also includes coverage of specialized surgical procedures and patient services, accommodation options, and even recommended travel activities.

With a growing number of patients from the Middle East heading to Singapore for its health and medical services, Singapore aims to build on its strong reputation as a preferred medical tourism destination through a targeted international awareness campaign.

Dr. Jason Yap, Director of Healthcare Services at Singapore Tourism Board also outlined the benefits of Singapore’s medical offering in an orientation seminar built around the theme: ‘Singapore, the World’s Choice Healthcare Destination’.

“With its unparalleled medical infrastructure and outstanding healthcare resources, more and more patients from the Middle East are heading to Singapore to gain access to our leading physicians and world-class medical facilities,” said Ke-Wei Peh, Area Director for the Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.
Michael Verikios - Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Brits should take caution when hiring a car abroad

With high-season upon the travel industry, holiday-makers should take caution when collecting a car at their destination and only book with certified companies according to CarDelMar (the online car rental broker) warning to all British tourists planning on hiring a car abroad to stay clear of local car operators.Many car rental firms are experiencing high-demand with over 90 per cent of stock booked out to tourists. Hiring a car from a local car rental company could be too much risk for a tourist expecting a relaxing vacation.Rumours suggest that there are large discounts available locally, however this will only be the case in low-season or if the car rental company has incorrectly calculated its inventory.In high-season it will be impossible to rent a car, especially in the large coastal cities and destinations of Spain; Alicante and Mallorca.CarDelMar asks tourists to be wary of local rental companies that may offer cheaper rates; this could be a gamble and ruin the vacation:
Choices of cars are limited and are often older models that may not be well maintained
Small local car rental firms have limited legal terms and require trust from both parties – only advised for the experienced
It’s unlikely that there will be a helpline if anything goes wrong
If there is a legal problem there will be limited support or advice
If the car fails then a replacement is unlikely It is also important for holiday-makers to be aware that local dealers will often drive customers to collect the car from their personal garage; this can disorientate inexperienced tourists in a foreign country, and could be dangerous for women.“People do not necessitate the risks of hiring cars while at the local destination,” said Carsten Greiner, managing director, CarDelMar. “It may seem easier than booking ahead, in hope of getting the best deal, however it could lead to a disastrous holiday if the car breaks down or is involved in an accident. We recommend that all tourists pre-book cars to be sure that the service is being delivered by a certified company.”
Michael Verikios - Friday, August 03, 2007

Emirates to test A380 in Dubai

Marking its first step in the gradual build-up towards becoming the world’s largest operator of the A380 super-jumbo, Emirates Airline, customer of 55 of the 173 aircraft ordered and committed thus far, is gearing up to jointly conduct hot weather operability tests with Airbus on the aircraft in Dubai, starting 15th August.

The tests, beginning with hot weather trials and followed by technical training later in the year, are part of an extensive campaign by Emirates to prepare for the A380’s smooth entry into the airline’s fleet in 2008; and add to the extreme weather testing conducted by Airbus in the Middle East and Africa last year.

The aircraft, MSN007, will undergo airport compatibility checks, on-ground and in-flight service checks, and ground handling and maintenance procedure tests during its seven-day Dubai stay.

Flown by Airbus test pilots, and experienced and trained Emirates pilots, two flights each will take to the Dubai skies on 17th and 18th August, operating on back-to-back schedules with a two-hour turnaround period.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Engineering and Operations said: “Having worked closely with Airbus in the design and development of the A380, we are delighted to be collaborating with them once again to test the ground handling aspects of the aircraft and its operational performance in normal and extreme conditions.

”“Between now and the final date of delivery, there will be more opportunities to test the aircraft’s systems including the unique cabin interiors. It is our aim to continue working on perfecting the operational procedures - on the ground and in the air – to ensure 100 percent readiness when Emirates’ first A380 enters service next year.”

To simulate normal operating conditions, 517 passengers, representing Emirates staff from across the network, selected randomly from over 11,000 applications to fly on the test flights, will undergo all pre-flight formalities. These include check-in through self-service kiosks and boarding via double-decker bridges at fixed gates - already in place to ensure A380-comptability. To test tarmac boarding, passengers will board through remote gates that require up to ten buses carrying 50 passengers each to reach the aircraft.

Emirates has strengthened its pre-flight operations to handle the larger volumes - on an average 40 percent more passengers per flight. When in the skies, the passengers will be attended to by 22 cabin crew and served a complete refreshment service.

During the tight turnaround interval, cleaning crew will test their operations, Emirates Flight Catering will load food trolleys using a special A380 hi-loader, cargo and baggage loading will be simulated, and ground support equipment will be deployed – all in addition to the deplaning of the existing passengers and boarding of the subsequent batch.

The campaign will also afford opportunities to Emirates Engineering to familiarise itself - literally – with the nuts and bolts of the aircraft. Engineering staff together with Airbus personnel will conduct routine maintenance of the aircraft, including main wheel and nose wheel changes, engine cowling opening, and cabin systems checks.

A critical component of the testing programme is the full-docking trials in the new Dhs1.3-billion Emirates Engineering Centre. The A380-compatible facility can house eighteen A380 aircraft; one in each of the eight hangars, nine in the dedicated parking bays outside the hangars, and one in the engine run up facility. The hangars’ dimensions are aligned to the A380 facilities constructed by Airbus at its headquarters in Toulouse.

Expedia signs new global partnership agreements

A new multi-year strategic partnership has been signed among Expedia, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, under which all of the carriers` published fares, schedules and inventory will be available through Expedia.com and Expedia.ca."We`re pleased to continue our strong relationship with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, supporting our promise to deliver our travelers the best selection of travel options at the best prices," said Lloyd Johnson, Senior Vice President, Expedia, Inc. Partner Services Group Americas. "This agreement is a prime example of the fruits of Expedia`s commitment to establishing long term, strategic and mutually beneficial relationships with our partners.""Expedia has worked with us to understand our business needs, resulting in a beneficial ongoing partnership that aligns with our objectives," said Steve Jarvis, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Customer Experience, Alaska Airlines.