Travel Updates

Executive summary by Darmansjah

TOMTOM UPDATES NAVIGATION APP TomTom has launched a new version (v1.11) of its Navigation app for iPhone and iPad. Customers with an older version of the app can download it for free. They’ll then be able to navigate to addresses found on the internet, search with foursquare, and get the very latest TomTom maps. Drivers can now quickly and easily navigate to places they’ve found on websites and other apps by copying an address and pasting it into their TomTom Navigation app. There’s no need to type as the app will automatically work out the destination and direct them straight there.

WEGO DEALS GIVEN PINTEREST INSPIRED REVAMP Wego.com has unveiled a completely redesigned version of its popular Deals feature that always lists the hottest travel deals available in a market at any given time. Consumers who want to receive advance notice of new travel deals can sign up for a free newsletter delivered weekly as part of a priority service to Wego users in selected countries.

Deals are sourced from all markets and for all destinations globally. Deals are categorized by product type, (eg, flight, hotel, package, cruise, etc), budget, destination as well as themes such as beach, escape, weekend, romantic and boutique.

KTO UPGRADES SMARTPHONE APP KTO has upgraded its ‘Visit Korea’ app, optimizing content and increasing user-friendliness. Available for free download on iPhone and Android, the most notable feature of visit Korea 2.0 is the mobile optimization of database entries containing detailed information on travel destinations (tourist attractions, restaurant, accommodations, shops, festivals, events, performances, etc.). furthermore, “Visit Korea 2.0” allows users to share individual contents on their personal Social Networking Sites including Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare, further expanding opportunities to promote Korea travel content.

WELLINGTON CELEBRATES PREMIERE OF THE HOBBIT Wellington will be in the worldwide spotlight when it hosts the 28 November world premiere of the Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Wellington will be calling itself The Middle of Middle-earth during the week of the premiere. The film’s director Sir Peter Jackson will be joined by members of the film’s cast, as well as Hollywood stars and executives on the red carpet for the VIP invitation-only world premiere on the evening of 28 November. Stars and VIPs will walk more than 500 metres of red carpet from Reading Cinema to The Embassy Theatre, both of which will be screening the film for invited guests on premiere night.

The event will be covered by press from around the world.

ROOMORAMA & TRIPBUTLER PAIR UP Roomora.com has paired up with US-based TripButler – world’s first rentable and portable Wi-Fi device for travelers on the go, to provide travelers the easy convenience of always being connected, even overseas. Wherever you travel to, TripButler provides a personal Wi-Fi hotspot that allows internet access for up to five devices. Simply rent the device online before your trip, and easily return it when you get back. The service currently doesn’t allow for delivery to Singapore, but the device can be sent to your accommodation at the destination instead.

AIRASIA’S NEW ROUTE AirAsia unveiled a new international route from Singapore to Clark (Philipines), marking another enhancement to the airline’s already extensive route network. This route will be available daily, with flight PQ 7492 departing Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 10:10am and arriving Clark international Airport at 1;40pm. AirAsia will operate the Singapore-Clark route with the brand new Airbus A32o.

THE ENTERTAINER Scheduled to be launched in Singapore in the middle of December, The Entertainer is a book filled with ‘buy one get one free’ vouchers for some of the best restaurants, cafes, nightspots, attractions, spas and hotel accommodation in the country. Vouchers range from dining experiences at Fat Cow, Il Lido, and The Knolls at Capella Singapore, to leisure activities such as clay pigeon shooting at Sentosa and relaxing day at the Spa.