TOURTHAILAND HOT NEWS FLASH HOT NEWS World Travel Mart 06 08 November 2017 Staged annually, WTM London is a vibrant must attend B2B event. Nick Critelli and June Bindi Bidin, Business Development Managers, will be representing Tour East Thailand at the world s leading global trade show and look forward to seeing you there. DESTINATION NEWS SPECIAL AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS King Bhumipol Day Friday 13 October 2017 Commemorates the passing of King Bhumipol in 2016. King Chulalongkorn Day Monday 23 October 2017 Commemorates the passing of King Chulalongkorn in 1910. Royal Cremation Thursday 26 October 2017 A Public Holiday has been declared for the cremation of King Bhumipol, who passed away on 26 October 2017. Commemorates the Late King Bhumipol s day of birth & is also Father s Day Tuesday 05 December 2017 Constitution Day Monday 11 December 2017 Commemorates the promulgation of the first permanent constitution in 1932 New Year s Eve Monday 02 January 2018 2017 As holiday has been declared on this date in lieu of 31 December which is a Saturday. BE THE FIRST TO KNOW! NEW PRODUCT Banana Beach Koh Hey (Coral Island) from Phuket With white sand between your toes, gentle blue seas swishing beside you and green jungle rising in the other direction you will find yourself speechless trying to tell your friends back home how perfect this place is. Banana Beach is the best corner of Koh Hey (Coral Island) and one of the most beautiful islands in Phuket. And it is only a quick boat ride away! In fact, the speedboat ride from Chalong Pier is already a fun adventure. This is a day trip that is largely up to you to design. Departing the pier at about 10.00am you can spend the day relaxing on the beach (Clear Kayaks-20minutes, snorkeling equipment and beach chairs provided) or partake in other sea-activities (at an additional cost) like banana-boat riding, parasailing, etc. Of course, in the middle of all this a Set Menu lunch with seasonal fruits is included at the Hornbill Restaurant overlooking the water. SET MENU LUNCH GREEN PAPAYA SALAD CORAL REEF FRIED CHICKEN TOM YAM SEAFOOD SWEET & SOUR SAUCE FISH STIR FRIED PRAWN WITH CURRY STEAMED RICE SEASONAL FRUIT Operates daily Tour departs pier approx. 10.00am, hotel pick ups approx. 30-90 minutes before departure. Duration approx. 7 hours *Includes return shared van transfers from/ to Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai, Kalim, Panwa, Chalong, Koh Siray, Naiharn only (Surcharge for other areas). *Participation of senior citizens over 70years, children under 4 years and pregnant ladies is not permitted. Khao Sok 2 Day/1 Night Khao Sok Jungle Discovery (with Canoeing) from Phuket or Khao Lak The activities are very similar to those in the one day (previously mentioned), except this also includes visits to the Tsunami Memorial Site, Wat Rat-Uppatum (temple) and the Monkey Cave Temple. Accommodation is at Khao Sok Boutique Camps (Air-con room)
Operates daily (Minimum 2 persons required for this activity to operate. Includes return shared van transfers from/to most Phuket and Khao Lak hotels. All mentioned activities depend on weather and local conditions and may be subject to change. Includes National Park Admission Fee Four Thai Set Menu meals included in this package (drinks not included) Phijittra Dragon Boat Dinner - Phuket Phijittra Dragon Boat Dinner - Phuket 2 Day/1 Night Khao Sok Jungle Discovery (with Canoeing) from Phuket or Khao Lak Enjoy a seafood buffet dinner while watching the spectacular sea views of Phuket in the early evening. Whilst on the cruise the sun will set as you reach Promthep Cape. The Dragon Boat is a large and legendary three-storey boat. Decked with golden Chinese dragons on the exterior and exquisite Chinese art on the inside, this Chinese style vessel is truly magnificent. The Phijittra Dragon Boat has the pleasure to take you to enjoy the splendid views of Phuket s coast, the Andaman Sea in the evening with a fresh seafood BBQ buffet and a vast array of food and beverages provided for you to feast on. Operates: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Departs from Chalong Pier at 5.00pm Duration: approx. 3 hours Transfers from/to most areas in Phuket, although extras charge applies for Naithon, Nai Yang, Maikao, Kamala, Surin and Bangtao areas. Transfer from pier to Dragon Boat is by a smaller boat (5-10minutes). Includes snacks, dinner meal, BBQ, soft drinks tea/coffee (alcoholic drinks not included) Minimum 15 passengers required for this cruise to operate. Child price is 6-11years. Child under 6 years is free of charge. Schedule may change due to weather/ sea conditions. Half-day Elephant Seaside Retreat Khao Lak Our commitment to the ethical treatment of Thailand s elephants is clearly represented in our Seaside Retreat. It is the only Elephant Camp in Khao Lak that guarantees a NO riding policy so that our guests are able to experience the majestic giants in peace and harmony. The Seaside Retreat is a relaxing place nestled not far from the Khao Lak National Park with a splendid view over the Andaman Sea. This is the place to be when you want to spend some time with these wonderful creatures. (Today s elephants enjoy a much long life, and a much better quality of life, than those of just two generations ago, many of whom worked long, hard days in the logging industry and did not have the medical facilities or the strict government laws of today to protect them.). At a beautiful lagoon, you will get the experience of bathing and showering an elephant. Afterwards, you will love feeding them and simply getting to know them. Last but not least, you can enjoy a Thai coffee break and have a chance to make DIY Thai dessert Ka-Nom-Croke. Operates daily in English (Minimum 2 persons required for this activity to operate.). Tour duration approx. 3.5 to 4 hours. Tours on Tuesdays operate with German speaking guide (Chinese, Thai and other languages must request prior to booking. Child price is 4-11 years. Child under 4 years free of charge. Child 12 years and over charged as adult. The Supplier of this tour has a small group, more time policy. Full-day Elephant Seaside Retreat Khao Lak Very similar program as the half-day one, but the extra time permits a relaxing Bamboo Raft trip down the Jungle River in the afternoon after a Thai Set Lunch (drinks not included in tour cost). Operates daily in English (Minimum 2 persons required for this activity to operate.). Tours on Tuesdays operate with German speaking guide (Chinese, Thai and other languages must request prior to booking. Child price is 4-11 years. Child under 4 years free of charge. Child 12 years and over charged as adult. Jungle Discovery Tour : Program B Koh Samui Phi Phi @ 10am by Speedboat - Phuket Enjoy a day out to Phi Phi Island, but giving you a later rise than most other tours. Visit the Monkey Beach. Respect that all monkeys here are wild animals so we must behave in a safe and appropriate manner, which will ensure all goes well, as you watch them in their natural habitat.
This tour will include time to go snorkeling, and the captain will choose from such places as Viking Cove, Dragon Lagoon, Koh Somah Bay, Straight Rock or Par Dang depending on weather and tidal conditions. Next port of call is Phi Phi Leh and its beautiful lagoon, which is surrounded by high limestone cliffs. Then onto Maya Bay, made famous by the film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio in 2000, for swimming, photos and relaxing. Lunch will be taken on Bamboo Island before moving onto another spot for some snorkeling. Operates daily FULL DAY TOUR National Park Fee included in cost. Buffet lunch included. Minimum 8 adults required for this tour to operate. Participation of senior citizens over 70 years, children under 4 years and pregnant women not permitted. Program subject to change Phi Phi Sunrise by Speedboat - Phuket After being transferred from your hotel at about 5.00am to Royal Phuket Marina, enjoy a Continental Breakfast at the luxurious beach lounge. About 45 to 60 minutes boat ride away is Maya Bay, which was the filming location for the movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The lagoon is known as one of the most gorgeous natural swimming pools in the world. Then it is off to picture-postcard Phi Phi Leh, which has clear emerald coloured waters surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs. Following this stop it is off snorkeling at one of the many sites on offer, such as Viking Cave, Dragon Lagoon, etc. Your trip won t be complete without a stop at Monkey Beach, home to cute and adorable primates who are not afraid of a little visitor interaction. Bamboo Island will be where you enjoy a delicious buffet lunch right on the island s white powdery sands. You will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 3.30pm. Operates daily FULL DAY TOUR leaving your hotel at about 5.00am National Park Fee included in cost. Buffet lunch included. Minimum 8 adults required for this tour to operate. Offering a sunrise tour we must be on time! Therefore, cannot wait more than 10minutes if you are running late. Participation of senior citizens over 70 years, children under 4 years and pregnant women not permitted. Phang Nga Sunrise The Phang Nga Sunrise Tour starts at around 5:00 A.M., which is when you ll be picked up from your hotel. You will then be transferred to the Royal Phuket Marina, where we have our office and beach lounge. Enjoy a delicious Continental breakfast at our lounge before heading out on a 45-minute boat ride to James Bond Island. The island, locally known as Koh Phing Kan, got its name when it was featured in the 1974 James Bond movie titled The Man with the Golden Gun together with another islet called Ko Ta Pu. Since you ll visit the area early in the morning, you won t get caught up with large and noisy tourist crowds. You ll also have plenty of time to take pictures and simply marvel at Koh Phing Kan s steep shores and lush forests as well as Ko Ta Pu s steep limestone sides. After enjoying James Bond Island s beauty, you ll head off to Panak Island, where you can do some cave exploring. The island is filled with lagoons and hidden caves, and we ll select the best spots depending on the tide and weather to ensure you ll have a safe and exciting adventure. Get ready to explore the darkness and encounter prehistoric stalagmites and stalactites! You ll also have the chance to go sea canoeing in Tam Lod Nai, where you ll get to 2017 see unique geological wonders while enjoying a scenic and relaxing time on your canoe. Your guide will take you to some of the best caves and hongs and ensure you ll have the best experience. After your sea canoeing adventure, you ll be taken to Panyee Island, a 200-year-old village on stilts that was founded by nomadic Malay fishermen. Visit the school, interact with some of the locals, and learn more about this interesting community. You ll also get to visit Treasure Island, which features a hidden cave and a fabulous beach. Your morning adventures will surely leave you hungry and thirsty, but don t worry since a special lunch will be prepared for you on Koh Yao Yai. Enjoy a hearty meal in a local Thai restaurant on the island while admiring the unique location and its dedication to the traditional Thai way of life. Once you re full, you can spend the rest of the afternoon visiting a few local beaches. The locations depend on tide and weather conditions, but we ll make it a point to choose a secluded spot so you can swim and sunbathe in peace and quiet. Operates daily FULL DAY TOUR leaving your hotel at about 5.00am National Park Fee included in cost. Buffet lunch included. Minimum 8 adults required for this tour to operate. Offering a sunrise tour we must be on time! Therefore, cannot wait more than 10minutes if you are running late. Participation of senior citizens over 70 years, children under 4 years and pregnant women not permitted. TOURS NOT OPERATING ON Any tour which includes a visit to Hellfire Pass or Hellfire Pass Museum not operating 05 December, 24 December, 27 December, 31 December & 1 January
List of tours placed on StopSell, due to Royal Funeral, unless otherwise mentioned. Stop Sale 30 Sep - 30 Oct 17 -HD GRAND PALACE SIV (AM & PM) -GRAND PALACE PRIVATE (AM & PM) -GRAND PALACE WITH 2 TEMPLES SIC -GRAND PALACE WITH 2 TEMPLES PRIVATE -ALMS GIVING WITH GRAND PALACE PRIVATE -THONBURI KLONG AND GRAND PALACE -BANGKOK DISCOVERY CITY PRIVATE -FD GRAND PALACE WITH SHOPPING PRIVATE -GRAND PALACE WITH 3 TEMPLES PRIVATE Stop Sale 23-29 Oct 17 -SITES BY FOOT,TUK TUK AND RIVER BOAT Stop Sale 25-26 Oct 17 -BANGKOK BEST SEEN BY NIGHT WITH DINNER -BANGKOK BEST SEEN BY NIGHT NO DINNER -BANGKOK STREET FOOD WALKING EVENING -BANKOK WATER WAYS -RICE BARGE CRUISE -THAI DINNER AND DANCE -RIVER BY NIGHT BY CHAO PHAYA CRUISE. Stop Sale 26 Oct 17 -DAMNERN FLOATING MARKET AND THAI CULTRUAL SHOW SIC & PRIVATE -SIAM NIRAMIT SHOW WITH DINNER GOLD SEAT AND TRANSFER -SIAM NIRAMIT SHOW WITH DINNER STANDARD INCL TRANSFER -SIAM NIRAMIT SHOW WITH TRANSFER GOLD -SIAM NIRAMIT SHOW WITH TRANSFER STANDARD -CALYPSO CABARET SHOW -RIVER BY NIGHT BY WHITE ORCHID -FD AYUTHAYA ANCIENT CAPITAL by White Orchid -THAI BOXING SHOW PREMIUM SEAT -THAI BOXING SHOW STANDARD SEAT -THAI BOXING SHOW DINNER PREMIUM SEAT -THAI BOXING SHOW DINNER STAND SEAT -HIMMAPAN AVATAR LIVE SHOW TICKET -ONG BAK LIVE SHOW AT SHOW DC GRAND CIRCLE SEAT -HD SAMPRAN ELEPHANT SHOW SIC -HD THAI VILLAGE AND CULTURAL SHOW SIC & PRIVATE -DREAM WORLD -WONDERFUL PEARL DINNER CRUISE -RIVER BY NIGHT BY GRAND PEARL -SIMON CABARET SHOW VIP SEAT Phuket -SIAM NIRAMIT SHOW ONLY SILVER Phuket -SIAM NIRAMIT SHOW ONLY GOLD Phuket -SIAM NIRAMIT SHOW ONLY PLATINUM Phuket -SIAM NIRAMIT SHOW WITH DINNER SILVER SEAT Phuket -SIAM NIRAMIT SHOW WITH DINNER PLATINUM SEAT Phuket -SIAM NIRAMIT SHOW WITH DINNER GOLD SEAT Phuket -KHANTOKE DINNER Chiang Mai -CHIANG MAI NIGHT SAFARI Chiang Mai -ALCAZAR SHOW PATTAYA Pattaya -DOLPHIN SHOW Phuket -TIFFANY CABARET SHOW Pattaya Stop Sale 25-27 Oct 17 -FD AYUTHAYDAY ANCIENT CAPITAL by Grand Pearl Stop Sale 19-20 Nov17 -KOH LAN PATTAYA Tour not operated 06-30 November 2017 -BRUNCH CRUISE Koh Samui -SUNSET CRUISE BY RED BARON Koh Samui Tour not operated 01 Nov 17-15 Dec 17 Stop sale due to annual maintenance -SEA KAYAKING AT ANGTHONG Koh Samui -ANGTHONG ADVENTURE -RED BARON FD CRUISE AT ANGTHONG NATIONAL MARINE PARK Koh Samui Stop sale due to Park is closed in Monsoon Season HOTEL NEWS HOTEL RENOVATIONS Hotels throughout Thailand seem to be constantly renovating in order to provide their guests with the best possible. Should you be making a hotel booking, Tour East Reservations staff will gladly advise if any renovations works are being carried out at that time (provided hotel has advised Tour East). However, one hotel in Phuket has gone through a very extensive beautification to be upgraded to pass as a Kata Group Beyond resort. As of 01 November, Kata Beach Resort & Spa will be renamed as Beyond Resort Kata and will now be part of the Beyond Collection of Kata Group May to July 2017 - completed Details as follows 2017 **Please note that this is only a selection of properties currently undergoing renovations or construction. Tour East always suggests that you check for such information prior to your travel to ensure that your holiday will not be unduly affected. WHAT S HAPPENING? NEWS Phuket Vegetarian Festival Phuket 20 28 October 2017 Phuket Vegetarian Festival is one of the most important events in Phuket each year. Held on the ninth moon of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, it allows you to witness outof-the-ordinary events and gathers Phuket s Chinese community during nine exhilarating days of activities, including the opening and closing ceremonies, street processions, fire walking, razor blade ladder climbing, fireworks and much more. The festival itself is about celebrating the Chinese community s belief that by abstaining from meat and various stimulants during this period will help in obtaining good health and peace of mind. Over time it has grown and developed into a spectacular yearly event that is attended by thousands with participants flying in from China and other Asian destinations. Should you be in Phuket during this time, make sure you attend at least one of these exciting activities. But don t forget, it is very important that you wear white, have protection for your eyes and ears and carry a face mask (as those little red firecrackers are wild and loud and create a lot of smoke!)
1st Chiang Mai Sky Lantern Festival - Northern Study Center, Mae Rim Chiang Mai 03 November 2017 Chiang Mai Sky Lantern Festival is the lantern festival that takes place in the Mae Rim District of Chiang Mai, to show respect for the Lord Buddha and to wish for luck and fortune. The program, which starts in the evening, will allow you to savor the sight of warm smiles and hospitality of northern Lanna people, and a chance to dine on delicious northern cuisine known as Kantoke while enjoying traditional Thai dance performances. Then you will find yourself captivated by the picturesque scene of thousands of floating lanterns glittering the evening sky. Just before the release of the floating lanterns, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in total peace and serenity from a short practical lesson on meditation to be given by Buddhist monks. Afterwards, they will recite traditional prayers and give blessings to wish everyone regardless of nationality, race and faith happiness, great health and prosperity. 1Loy Krathong Nationwide 04 November 2017 Whilst Loy Krathong is celebrated on one day all over Thailand, it is actually held over a two day period in Chiang Mai, being 13-15 November. An amazing procession of hanging lanterns, Krathong design contest, Miss Yi Peng beauty contest, light and sound presentation in Ping River, the ancient Thai Lanna Krathong activities, local cultural performances and local handicrafts market in Lanna style await you. Nimmanhemin Art and Design Promenade - Chiang Mai 5 to 11 December 2017 Nimmanhaemin Soi 1 has been the centre of the Chiang Mai art scene for years, a fact that this glamorous, funky annual festival helps reinforce. With regular musical performances, interactive art demonstrations for both adults and kids, booths selling fabulous artistic creations, and Chiang Mai s most celebrated aesthetes in attendance, it s one of this traditionally-oriented town s most unique and contemporary events. Leepeng Lanna International - Chiang Mai 14 November 2017 Yeepeng Lanna International is the lantern festival that takes place in the Sansai District of Chiang Mai. It happens every year to show respect for the Lord Buddha and to wish for luck and fortune. New Year s Eve at CentralWorld Square in. The program, which starts in the evening, will allow you to savor the sight of warm smiles and hospitality of northern Lanna people, and a chance to dine on delicious northern cuisine known as Kantok while enjoying traditional Thai dance performances. Then you will find yourself captivated by the picturesque scene of thousands of floating lanterns glittering the evening sky. Just before the release of the floating lanterns, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in total peace and serenity from a short practical lesson on meditation to be given by Buddhist monks. Afterwards, they will recite traditional prayers and give blessings to wish everyone regardless of nationality, race and faith happiness, great health and prosperity. This is truly a festival that you will want to experience. Tour East will be happy to assist in your accommodation and transfers requirements in Chiang Mai during this period. Christmas Day 25 December 2017 Although the majority of the population in Thailand are Buddhists, the Thai people keenly take part in Christmas celebrations in Thailand. Christmas celebrations can be mainly experienced in the capital and culture center of Thailand -. The attractive decorations and various light displays across the city add to the festivities leaving onlookers spellbound and mesmerized. Shops and malls, decorated specially for the occasion, sell Christmas goodies and accessories. That said, Christmas Day is not a Public Holiday in Thailand. New Year s Eve 31 December New Year s Eve is one of the largest global celebrations because it marks the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, December 31, before the New Year. Thais love their partying so much that although this is not part of the Thai Year they still mark this occasion by having two Public Holidays! Count down to the New Year no matter where you are in Thailand. has many popular places but the place which gets the maximum highlight is the CentralWorld shopping plaza. It is one of the biggest shopping places of the world and the biggest countdown event of occurs in front of the CentralWorld Square. Thousands of people gather in CentralWorld Square in order to attend the celebration and welcome the New Year. The prime spirit of the festival begins with NYE fireworks shows. From beach parties to exclusive all inclusive hotel gala balls there is something for everyone on this paradise island, and for NYE 2018 there s an additional extra special event. Surin Beach in particular has become something of a stop off on the celebrity circuit. The biggest party on Phuket in previous years has been the Surin Beach party. Although parties are celebrated all over Koh Samui, note that this year the famous Full Moon Party will be held on both 25 December and 31 December. Pattaya is a tourism town on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand, around 150 km southeast of capital. Universally well-known for its nightlife venues, Pattaya is also an amazing destination for 2016 New Years Eve celebration. Catering more than six million yearly guests, Pattaya offers fantastic travel opportunities and a wide mixed bag
of things to do for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Fireworks and parties and much more will also be held in Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Krabi and many more locations. Thailand is a great place to be during this time!! TOUR INFORMATION Island Eco Safari Tour Koh Samui Effective immediately, this tour no long operates. Dinner Cruises - Please note that on the following dates the costs for the Dinner Cruise with increase. Please contact Tour East for prices on these nights. 4 November, December 05, December 24, December 31, January 01 Temples & City Tour - During the period 23 29 October this tour will still be operating, but with a different itinerary. Temples replacing Wat Po (Reclining Buddha) and Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) will be Wat Hualumpong and Wat Yannawat. Horizon Dinner Cruise by Shangri La This tour will be operating on all days, but re-routing to avoid passing the Grand Palace during necessary evenings in late October. OTHER NEWS Buriram Airport Buriram, in eastern Thailand, is set to expand its commercial airport to accommodate growing visitor traffic after it was granted a budget of 140 million baht for the project. A source in the provincial office said the budget was approved by the Nakhon Chaiburin provincial administrative cluster comprising Buriram, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum and Surin provinces. Buriram has enjoyed brisk economic progress in recent years, thanks in large part to the success of the homegrown football team and its stadium as well as the FIAS Grade 1 motor racing circuit, which has drawn many tourists to the province. The province is also home to Khmer-influenced cultural attractions. A rapid increase in the number of visitors to Buriram has prompted a spike in demand for air travel to the area, making it necessary to expand the province s only commercial airport. Amongst other things, an additional taxiway and parking for another Boeing 737-400 aircraft will be built. Travel to Buriram must transit in. Be sure you stop over in for a few days Buriram Airport to enjoy all the city has to offer. Tour East will be more than delighted to assist with your travel and stopover arrangements.. GETTING TO KNOW US STAFF ACTIVITIES Staff Activities Recent additions into the Tour East family in Thailand include Pakonvat (Nummon) Chomjun, Ms. Suphannika (Milk) Harinsut, Ms. Paweena (Fah) Chaiwuth, Ms. Kanjana Pramualwanakit Phuket, Ms. Katherine Navio Phuket, Sarawut (Woody) Kraiwitee Phuket, Mrs. Phaengporn (Grace) Homchuen WELCOME TO ALL! HOT NEWS FLASH SPECIAL LAUNCH Tour East Thailand Partners with Expedia to Operate Expedia Local Expert in Thailand 01 October, 2017 -PRESS RELEASE- Tour East Thailand, the leading destination management company in Thailand, has signed an exclusive agreement with Expedia, the world s largest online travel company, to operate the Expedia Local Expert program throughout the country starting with Phuket and. The agreement has been effective from October 1, 2017. Making the announcement, Nick Critelli, Business Development Manager, stated, We are proud to partner with Expedia to launch Expedia Local Expert in Phuket and which are going to be the first destinations in the world outside North America to offer this hugely successful program. Expedia is an internationally trusted brand and Expedia Local Expert allows us to build the perfect activity itinerary for travelers with an insider s perspective and local know-how following a face-to-face conversation with a local on arrival at a destination. This includes organizing of a wide range of activities such as ground services, tours and excursions, restaurant bookings, attraction tickets and promotion of retail outlets. We are already selling dining packages with several hotels and now we have a greater opportunity to work with more hotels and local businesses to open Expedia branded desks throughout the country. During the first year, we will be serving over one million passengers and will eventually expand into other cities throughout the Kingdom. Phuket has already launched with a full service Expedia Local Expert centre in the heart of Patong Eric David, VP and General Manager, Expedia Local Expert at Expedia, said, Expedia Local Expert is a one-stop resource providing local activities, tours and transportation in over 40 destinations. We are extremely excited to introduce it in Thailand as we continue to expand our global footprint. We have been conducting business with Tour East Thailand, the market leader in the tourism sector in Asia for the past few years, and believe they are the right partner to run this program starting in Phuket and. We feel that their attention to detail, robust portfolio and level of service is very much aligned with
our standards of service that are necessary to provide our guests with the best possible experiences. As part of the agreement, Tour East Thailand will be providing hospitality hours and operating full service concierge desks throughout the hotels. While there may be several companies providing transfer and activity services to our guests, Tour East Thailand will remain our sole and exclusive in destination operator. About Tour East Thailand Founded in 1972, Tour East Thailand (part of the JTB Group) is a leading destination management company and a pioneer in the tourism sector in Thailand and throughout Asia. The company has established itself as one of the most credible and reputed brands not only in Thailand but also in the international tourism industry. Controlling a significant market share of the lucrative tourism sector, Tour East Thailand is a market leader in the region with a significant annual turnover and wide network of international partners offering the highest levels of service and innovative and exciting experiences. Our extensive global and local knowledge and network, outstanding expertise and sound reputation is the key to success for us and all our partners. For more information about Tour East Thailand visit Web: http:/// Email: ncritelli@toureast.net About Expedia, Inc. Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE) is the world s largest online travel company, with an extensive brand portfolio that includes leading online travel brands, such as: Expedia.com, a leading full-service online travel brand with localized sites in 33 countries Hotels.com, a leading global lodging expert operating 89 localized websites in 41 languages with its award winning Hotels.com Rewards loyalty program Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN), a global B2B brand that powers the hotel business of hundreds of leading airlines, travel agencies, loyalty and corporate travel companies plus several top consumer brands through its API and template solutions trivago, a leading online hotel search platform with sites in 55 countries worldwide HomeAway, a global online marketplace for the vacation rental industry, which also includes the VRBO, VacationRentals.com and BedandBreakfast.com brands, among others Egencia, a leading corporate travel management company Orbitz and CheapTickets, leading U.S. travel websites, as well as ebookers, a full-service travel brand with websites in seven European countries Travelocity, a leading online travel brand in the U.S. and Canada delivering customer service when and where our customers need it with the Customer First Guarantee Hotwire, inspiring spontaneous travel through Hot Rate deals Wotif Group, a leading portfolio of travel brands including Wotif.com, Wotif. co.nz, lastminute.com.au, lastminute. co.nz and travel.com.au Expedia Media Solutions, the advertising sales division of Expedia, Inc. that builds creative media partnerships and enables brand advertisers to target a highly-qualified audience of travel consumers Homchuen WELCOME TO ALL!