Businesstraveller.com compiles stories from the lighter side of business travel. This week: Hilton, Korean Air, ANA Crowne Plaza, Virgin and Holiday Inn.
You’re having a giraffe
The Hilton Prague and Hilton Prague Old Town have launched a Weekend Zoo Package to celebrate their adoption of a baby giraffe called Velvet-Zoe. Named after the country’s Velvet Revolution, the mammal currently resides at Prague Zoo, where Hilton guests gain free access as part of the package. Sounds like a tall story, but we’re going to stick our necks out and predict this will be highly popular.
It’s in the jeans
Korean Air’s new short-haul subsidiary Jin Air launched this week, and passengers will be greeted by cabin staff wearing jeans, t-shirts and jackets. According to the carrier “jeans are comfortable yet attractive attire symbolizing Jin Air’s philosophy to provide practical travel services” – we wonder if passengers will cotton on to the whole concept?
Bedding in
ANA Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts has perched a bed half way up the outside of its property in Ginza, Tokyo, to celebrate the launch of its Sleep Advantage programme. The new offering includes eye masks, bath powder, green tea, aromatherapy oils and pillow menus for all guests at the brand’s hotels. There are currently no plans to rent the precariously-placed bed during the high season.
Fear-free flying
Virgin Atlantic has released a book aimed at combating passengers’ fear of flying. Compiled by the team behind the carrier’s Flying Without Fear course, the book gives answers to 101 questions about flying, with information from a cabin crew safety trainer and tips from aviation experts. Businesstraveller.com predicts sales will steadily take off, with copies of the book landing on customers’ doorsteps without incident.
Where in the world?
Research by Holiday Inn has revealed half of us are unable to pinpoint famous UK landmarks on a map. The majority (64 per cent) of those polled couldn’t locate Scotland’s Loch Ness, while 46 per cent were unaware that the Olympic Village will be built in East London. The poll also concludes that men are better at directions than women by some 12 per cent. Any female readers who disagree are welcome to come to our offices to argue the case – if you can find them of course.
By Mark Caswell
