In an effort to encourage tourism, Beijing will offer 700,000 free entrance tickets to scenic spots by the end of 2010 and publish specific measures for the ticket allocation before May 1, said Zhang Huiguang, head of the Beijing Tourism Administration (BTA), on March 29.

The new ticket allocation measures will help tourists apply for tickets and prolong the validity period of the tickets.

"In the future, special ticket gates for electronic entrance tickets are likely to be established in order to make travel services more convenient, individualized and intellectualized, as well as to develop a low-carbon environmentally-friendly tourist industry," Zhang added. Earlier, the BTA allocated 300,000 electronic entrance tickets during the Spring Festival holiday.

Zhang said that the city has already had 66 tourist service stations that have serviced over 6.3 million tourists and distributed over 5.1 million tourist brochures. To offer tourists individualized consulting services by providing comprehensive, detailed and real information, Beijing will build a world-class travel consulting Web site that covers tourist resources in Beijing's various areas.

Tourists just need to click a destination area on the Web site, and they can access relevant travel information such as hotels, scenic spots, food and beverage. In addition, several hundred thousand "Tourist Brochures on Travel around Beijing City" will be handed out to local residents through community committees and "Tips on Independent Travel in Beijing" brochures will be allocated to foreigners at airports and some hotels.

The local municipal government is seeking public bids in an attempt to stage one or two large culture-themed shows aimed at tourists in the second half of 2010.

By People's Daily Online

Over the next three years visitors to Korea will be able to take advantage of free hotel nights and discounts on touring, shopping and entertainment.  For those who have been waiting for a good reason to visit Korea, then Visit Korea Year 2010-12 (VKY2010-12) will offer great incentives.

This year marks the beginning of the VKY2010-12 campaign aimed at generating $10 billion in annual tourism revenue and advancing Korea’s stature as a major tourism player.  Last year almost 100,000 Australians visited Korea and this year has seen a 23 percent increase in January and February.

During 2010 selected hotels are offering a long stay incentive program offering one night’s free accommodation when you book four nights accommodation. For example in Seoul you can book five star hotels like the Renaissance Seoul, JW Marriott Seoul, Ritz Carlton Seoul and four star good quality hotels like the Seoul Palace Hotel and get one night absolutely free.

A great way to take in the sights of Seoul city is via the Seoul City Tourbus, the hop on hop off bus service that will take you to all the main sights and attractions in Seoul.  Discount coupons are available with up to 10-20% discount.  Discount coupons are available online at the official travel website.

If it’s shopping that makes you excited then Korea is certainly a shopper’s paradise and the annual Korea Grand Sale will offer great opportunities to snap up a bargain.  Various discount benefits will be provided by more than 15,000 participating companies in Seoul and Incheon areas.  There will also be concerts by Korean Wave stars and many colourful events held throughout the country during the sale period which usually runs from late September to late November.
Many major festivals and events will be held throughout the three years giving foreign visitors a great chance to enjoy the best of Korea’s lifestyle and attractions. 

What can you get for a penny? It doesn't buy much, but for nearly two weeks it can buy an overnight stay at one of the 350 Red Roof properties nationwide.
On April 1, April Fool's Day, the “No Foolin'” 1 Cent Sale will kick off. Participating Red Roof properties will offer 1% of rooms per property(one room per property, per day) for only one penny per night on stays from April 1-15.
Reservations will be accepted starting at 12:00 p.m. on March 31, for stays on April 1 and 2.
The last day guests can book the one cent rate will be on April 13, for April 14 and 15 stays.
Guests can book this special only online at http://www.redroof.com
During the months of April and May, Red Roof will offer free phones to its hotel guests. When booking a stay online, click on the "Free Phone Offer" link and then sign up for new service or upgrade current service to receive the free phone from either AT&T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile (phone is shipped directly to the guest from the cell phone provider).
Also in April, Red Roof is gearing up for the summer travel season, by partnering with the popular Budget Travel magazine to sponsor a summer travel sweepstakes, giving away 1,000 free room nights for summer travel. To enter to win, visit http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/redroofinn/index.html . No purchase is necessary.
The Red Roof brand of hotels has recently completed a nationwide renovation of properties. These NextGen hotels feature sleek exteriors and upscale interiors.

Meydan will have its soft launch on March 4, concurring with the Dubai International Racing Carnival’s (DIRC) Super Thursday racemeeting.
With a total of 285 rooms and suites, The Meydan Hotel will start receiving guests from Thursday, March 4, which also coincides with the post-race concert by international artiste Sting. Nearly 95 percent of all rooms having clear views of the action.

The property will feature one Royal Suite, two Presidential Suites, eight Meydan Suites, 19 Panoramic Suites and 255 Balcony Deluxe Rooms.
There will also be seven restaurants and bars including a rooftop pool with a swim-up bar, lobby lounge bar with a trackview terrace, spa, gym, and business centre facilities.
Promotional rates will be available for non-race days for the month of March, subject to availability. All room rates include an international buffet breakfast, complimentary mini bar with soft drinks and free WiFi internet access.
Mr Abdin Nasralla, vice president of Hospitality and Hotels at Meydan is confident of the inimitable experience that all guests of The Meydan Hotel will experience.
The hotelier said: “We are pleased to welcome our first guests here at The Meydan Hotel on March 4 as it not only coincides with the Dubai International Racing Carnival’s Super Thursday races and Sting’s concert, but also marks a pivotal moment as we launch our first hospitality brand offering to the world.”
He added: “The Meydan Hotel is the most distinctive destination at the heart of horseracing, and it is built for global travelers with discerning tastes and standards. Raising the bar for service, style and excellence, I am very proud to say that there is no other place in the world which can offer such a unique and incomparable experience, whether enjoying the races, or as a tourist or business traveller to Duba.”

http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/7523-the-meydan-hotel-soft-launches-on-march-4/

PHOENIX – A travel company is offering flights to or from Phoenix for as low as $59.99 each way, according to a Tuesday report.

Allegiant Air is providing the low-cost flights and is also offering those who purchase a three night hotel stay with one of Allegiant's preferred hotel partners to receive the fourth night free.

Offer is valid to/from Phoenix via Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to/from:

· Bellingham, Wash.- $88.88* one-way
· Billings, Mont.- $79.99* one-way
· Bismarck, N.D.- $109.99* one-way
· Cedar Rapids, Iowa- $109.99* one-way
· Eugene, Ore.- $69.99* one-way
· Fargo, N.D.- $109.99* one-way
· Great Falls, Mont.- $69.99* one-way
· Grand Forks, N.D.- $109.99* one-way
· Grand Island, Neb.- $69.99* one-way
· Grand Rapids, MI.- $99.99* one-way
· Medford, Ore.- $59.99* one-way
· Missoula, Mont.- $69.99* one-way
· Peoria, Ill.- $109.99* one-way
· Rapid City, S.D.-$69.99* one-way
· Redmond-Bend, Ore.- $59.99* one-way
· Rockford, Ill.- $99.99* one-way
· Sioux Falls, S.D.- $109.99* one-way
· Springfield, Mo.- $69.99* one-way
· Tri-Cities, TN.- $69.99* one-way
· Wichita, KS.- $69.99* one-way

Low-cost packages are available to include hotel and car for additional savings. The company provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car.

All airfare must be booked by March 3, 2010 with complete travel by Sept. 30, 2010.

http://www.abc15.com/content/living/travel/story/Get-a-Phoenix-flight-under-60-and-a-night-at-a/FJhPgLlUfkutgkhrMdI8Gw.cspx

The Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Montreal Centre-Ville is located in the heart of downtown Montreal on elegant Sherbrooke Street West. It is within walking distance to the gates of McGill University and steps away from the official street site of the Montreal Jazz Festival.The property offers amenities such as daily housekeeping service, elevators, laundry service, safety deposit box at the front desk, business center, Wi-Fi wireless Internet, and more. One can enjoy a swim in the roof top salt water pool offering a panoramic view.All rooms are equipped with dual high-speed Internet access, two telephone sets, large work desks, and Herman Mirra ergonomic chair for comfort. Other amenities include coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-refrigerators, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, cable TV, am/fm radios with MP3 players, and in room safes.

http://reservations.beststay.com/hotel/10007076-11382676O.html?ses=ddbd8d8adfe41f6e0ee21d52b4b179fb&unps=y&lrp=bda

HOTEL GAULT IS AN ISLAND OF BOLD ARCHI- TECTURAL INNOVATION AND MODERN STYLE IN MONTREALS MOST INTRIGUING HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD. EACH OF THE 30 ROOMS IS DESIGNED TO OFFER THE UTMOST IN COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE. A PERFECT HOME BASE WHETHER YOU TRAVEL FOR BUSINESS- TOURISM- FESTIVALS- CULTURAL EVENTS OR SHEER PLEASURE. BEHIND THE HISTORIC STONE FACADE YOU WILL FIND A HOTEL THAT OFFERS THE SERVICE YOU WOULD EXPECT IN A SMALL PRIVATE INN ALONG WITH ALL THE COMFORTS OF A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL HOTEL. BEYOND THE LIGHT FILLED LOBBY- 30 MODERN ROOMS MELD THE CLEAN LINES OF POLISHED CONCRETE AND STEEL WITH THE WARMTH OF WOOD AND THE HIGHEST QUALITY FITTINGS AND FINISHINGS. FROM THE ESSENTIAL CLASS ROOMS TO THE LOFTS- GUESTS ARE OFFERED A WIDE RANGE OF ACCOMMODATION POSSIBILITIES. NO MATTER WHAT THE CHOICE- REST ASSURED THAT A STAY AT THE GAULT WILL BE ONE OF EXCEPTIONAL COMFORT. THIS HOTEL IS NOW A NON-SMOKING HOTEL.

http://reservations.beststay.com/hotel/10007076-11297150O.html?ses=ddbd8d8adfe41f6e0ee21d52b4b179fb&unps=y&lrp=b1a

Embassy Suites Montreal Quebec is located in the heart of the city's financial district on the perimeter of historic Old Montreal and just minutes from downtown shopping, nightlife, restaurants, and major attractions. Bell Centre is less than a mile away, Chinatown is a little over one mile away, Casino de Montreal is two miles away, and the Biodome is seven miles from the hotel. Trudeau International Airport Montreal is approximately 14 miles away.Hotel amenities include the complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and nightly manager's reception. ELLA restaurant is located in the lobby and entrance area of the hotel. Its specialty consists of a variety of Tapas dishes. A table d'hotes menu is available during lunch hours. Weather permitting, you can enjoy your meal outdoors. Valet parking is available for 26.00 CAD per night. The hotel also offers a business center, cellular phone rentals, complimentary printing Service, express mail, meeting rooms, office rental, coin-operated laundry facilities, valet laundry service, a concierge desk, newsstand, and room service.The Embassy Suites Montreal Quebec hotel features 210 spacious suites, each equipped with a work desk, three telephones (including one cordless), voicemail, dataports, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, floor-to-ceiling windows that open, HDTV with cable, wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, and hospitality center with a microwave, wet bar, full-size refrigerator with freezer, and coffeemaker. Most bathrooms feature an oversized Jacuzzi bath and separate shower.

http://reservations.beststay.com/hotel/10007076-11360851O.html?ses=ddbd8d8adfe41f6e0ee21d52b4b179fb&unps=y&lrp=2ca

Connected to Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, the brand new Montreal Airport Marriott Hotel boasts vibrant settings, luxurious guestrooms, and legendary service. Perfect for the business and leisure traveler, the U. Departures Terminal is located an escalator ride away. This Montreal Airport hotel is only 20 minutes from the excitement that downtown Montreal has to offer and close to top attractions including the Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Port of Montreal, Bell Center, Six Flags Amusement Park, Olympic Stadium and Botanical Gardens.Bijou, the hotel's trendy restaurant and bar features fresh cuisine in an innovative, upscale setting. The hotel also features an indoor pool, fitness and business centers. This hotel offers premier meeting facilities with over 14,000 square feet of flexible event space, perfect for engaging corporate meetings, successful group events, and exquisite weddings in Montreal. 24-hour room service is available with a diverse in-room dining menu for one?s pleasure. The hotel accommodations include 272 hotel rooms and seven spacious Montreal suites. The rooms feature ergonomic desks and chairs, high-speed Internet, and Marriott amenities. The rooms have refrigerators, Marriott's Plug-in panel, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and free movie channels. They also feature Marriott's luxury Revive Bedding with down duvets, and fluffy pillows. The Concierge Level rooms feature upgraded amenities and access to premium Concierge Lounge service.

http://reservations.beststay.com/hotel/10007076-11397698O.html?ses=ddbd8d8adfe41f6e0ee21d52b4b179fb&unps=y&lrp=e2a

The Hotel Le Crystal is an urban, residential and luxurious hotel located downtown Montreal at the corner of Rene Levesque and rue de la Montagne opposite the Bell Center. Hotel Le Crystal is centrally located in the vibrant heart of downtown Montreal and minutes from galleries, museums, and the best addresses for shopping, fine dining and enjoying the city's many charms The hotel offers 131 spacious and impeccably decorated suites with luxurious bathrooms and views of Montreal. The hotel amenities includes a gourmet restaurant, bar, full service spa, fitness center, valet parking, and 24hours room service. All suites are fully equipped and have a separate sitting area with a pull out sofa, work desk, flat screen TV, and Wi-Fi.

http://reservations.beststay.com/hotel/10007076-11375418O.html?ses=ddbd8d8adfe41f6e0ee21d52b4b179fb&unps=y&lrp=21b

Located in downtown Montreal, Opus Hotel Montreal is adjacent to both rue Sherbrooke and boulevard St-Laurent and approximately 13 miles from Pierre Trudeau International Airport. This location is also adjacent to the Just for Laughs Museum, half a mile from Chinatown, one mile from the Palais des Congres and Old Montreal, and five miles from Casino de Montreal. Hotel amenities include the massage treatments and spa services, fitness equipment, and 24-hour room service. The hotel also offers concierge assistance, dry cleaning service, a parking garage (fee applies), valet parking (fee applies), and 24-hour front desk service. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas and meeting rooms. All rooms feature city or garden views, at least 370 square feet of living space, premium bedding, complimentary newspapers and bottled water, minibars, bathrobes, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards (on request), high-speed Internet access, and 27-inch LCD TVs with integrated computers.

http://reservations.beststay.com/hotel/10007076-11327515O.html?ses=ddbd8d8adfe41f6e0ee21d52b4b179fb&unps=y&lrp=22a

Ritz Carlton Montreal is located approximately one mile from the Place des Arts, three miles from Old Montreal, and 14 miles from Pierre-elliott Trudeau International Airport. This location is also one mile from the Fine Arts Museum, two miles from Notre Dame Basilica and three miles from Victoria Square and the Old Port. Hotel amenities include the massage therapist (upon request), barber and manicurist, 24-hour fitness facility, 24-hour room service, complimentary overnight shoeshine, same-day laundry service, babysitting, and free weekday newspapers. For dining and refreshments, the hotel houses Le Cafe de Paris (European and American breakfast), Le Jardin du Ritz (al fresco dining (seasonal), water fountain and duck pond, sophisticated casual attire and reservations recommended), and Le Ritz Bar. All rooms feature marble baths, minibars, bathrobes, safes, high-speed Internet access, three phones, two telephone lines, voicemail, dataports, European toiletries, irons and ironing boards, and video games.Please note that this hotel operates independently and is not part of the Ritz-Carlton chain.

http://reservations.beststay.com/hotel/10007076-10210842O.html?ses=ddbd8d8adfe41f6e0ee21d52b4b179fb&unps=y

Ritz Carlton Montreal is located approximately one mile from the Place des Arts, three miles from Old Montreal, and 14 miles from Pierre-elliott Trudeau International Airport. This location is also one mile from the Fine Arts Museum, two miles from Notre Dame Basilica and three miles from Victoria Square and the Old Port. Hotel amenities include the massage therapist (upon request), barber and manicurist, 24-hour fitness facility, 24-hour room service, complimentary overnight shoeshine, same-day laundry service, babysitting, and free weekday newspapers. For dining and refreshments, the hotel houses Le Cafe de Paris (European and American breakfast), Le Jardin du Ritz (al fresco dining (seasonal), water fountain and duck pond, sophisticated casual attire and reservations recommended), and Le Ritz Bar. All rooms feature marble baths, minibars, bathrobes, safes, high-speed Internet access, three phones, two telephone lines, voicemail, dataports, European toiletries, irons and ironing boards, and video games.Please note that this hotel operates independently and is not part of the Ritz-Carlton chain.

http://reservations.beststay.com/hotel/10007076-10210842O.html?ses=ddbd8d8adfe41f6e0ee21d52b4b179fb&unps=y

The Auberge du Vieux-Port is located within a historical building dating back to 1882. It has been converted into a charming inn with 27 magnificent rooms, furnished with modern decor from eras past. Rooms are enlightened with either brick or stone walls, with the majority of rooms being riverfront. Nestled in the depths of the Auberge, Les Remparts specializes in fine French cuisine and is a two-time winner of the Ulysses prize as the finest gastronomic restaurant in Montreal. The view from the rooftop terrace is unparralleled and is a perfect setting for all special occasions

http://reservations.beststay.com/hotel/10007076-11297562O.html?ses=ddbd8d8adfe41f6e0ee21d52b4b179fb&unps=y&lrp=2ea

Hotel St. Paul is Canadas first Design Hotel, nestled in Old Montreal and approximately 12 miles from Montreal-Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport. Local attractions include Montreal Museum of Archaeology, Convention Centre, Notre Dame Basilica, Chinatown, Places des Arts, Mont-Royal Park, Montreal Casino, Olympic Park, Bell Centre, Montreal Biodome, all within five miles.Hotel amenities include free continental breakfast, 24-hour front desk, wake-up calls, express check-in/out, concierge, room service, laptop and cellular phone rentals, dry cleaning, valet parking (fee), personal guest service guidance at front desk, 24-hour business center, and 24-hour fitness room. Onsite dining is presented at the Cube Restaurant, led by critically acclaimed chef Claude Pelletier, known for its innovative dishes and intricate details. Guest rooms feature CD players, stereos, coffeemakers, high-speed Internet access, dataports, hairdryers, two dual-line telephones, in-room safes, fax machines, individual climate controls, gourmet mini-bars, in-house movies, bathrobes, and luxury bath products.

http://reservations.beststay.com/hotel/10007076-11270673O.html?ses=ddbd8d8adfe41f6e0ee21d52b4b179fb&unps=y&lrp=20a