NAVJOT SINGH - WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER

I am still in Shenzhen, China. Busy as ever. And I know it's been a while now, but I have been very busy (no excuses!) and did not have the chance to put these photos up. In actual fact only 7 of the best photos were published in the Telegraph and other magazines around the world. There are some photos' of the surrounding area too (famous for Niagara Grape Wine!). So, here are photos' for everyone to enjoy.

Again another story I would like to share, I wrote this for in-flight magazines, however it may be worthwhile these two awesome experiences online as well.

Dubai is growing (really? I hear you say)...yep, this city has money and the people who live and work here have a vision to create a awesome city. To enjoy a true overall view of the city, it is strongly recommended that one takes a Sky Tour with Seawings. With Seawings (www.seawings.ae) you take off from the harbour in the seaplane from Jebel Ali terminal, on the border with Abu Dhabi, and go over all the main sights including Jebel Ali Palm, Jebel Ali Port, Dubai Marina, the world famous Palm Jumeirah and the “World Islands”. Unlike any other flying experience, this one is sure to give Dubai that “Wow!” factor. Nothing beats taking off from the beautiful turquoise waters of the Jebel Ali harbour, located in one of the most beautiful and expensive areas of the city.  Guests are treated to a refreshing glass of fresh Orange Juice prior to take off, which is always a welcomed in the sheer heat. The views are stunning- there is absolutely no other word to describe the experience. Seawings is just about taking a simple flight over Dubai- this is about class, about luxury, about experiencing the true enjoyment of flying in a pre-historic seaplane (something which is of a rarity these days). This is what flying should be life and this is how Dubai should be enjoyed. So, sit back, relax and enjoy! Prices start from 995 AED for a 30 minute flight.

If Helicopters are more of your thing then take a 45 minute “HELIPLATNIUM” tour with Aerogulf Services (www.aerogulfservices.com). The flight, operated using a Bell 206 Helicopter, ride makes the flight experience a bit more thrilling because Helicopters are fast and dashing ways to fly. The scenic views from the helicopter will just blow your mind away! There is nothing quite like it. Don’t forget to take your Camera otherwise it would be a wasted opportunity. Helicopter tours depart from Dubai International Airport and people need to book at least 3 days in advance to complete the security checks.

Wow...times flies. I have been very busy here in Shenzhen and Guangzhou preparing for what will hopefully become my second edition of the “Newcomers Handbook to China”. China has changed a lot and indeed the culture of this country has changed a lot too. What else I have realised is that people (especially the Young People) are experimenting with some unknown styles of fashion.

Anyways, it has been a while since I have written on my blog, but I thought I would start off by mentioning about the upcoming IT&CMA MICE in Bangkok from the 5th to the 7th of October. I still fondly miss the event that happened in Shanghai- time has gone so quick that it still feels like yesterday (it really does!).

Anyways the great efforts from the buyers and CTW corporate travel managers, association executives and media at the Shanghai IT&CMA event have paid off handsomely. More than 900 registrations from interested participants around the world have been received so far. This year’s Doublebill MICE and Corporate Travel event is slated to boast one of the most diverse and sought-after target audience profiles which exhibitors and sponsors are looking to meet and network with.

“Our exhibitors tell us that in addition to wooing the MICE sector, corporate travel and association networks are pivotal for business going forward. Thus, our focus this year is to ensure that we deliver more of these delegates to the event.” observes Mr Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, organizer of IT&CMA and CTW 2010.

In addition to the investment of delivering a diverse profile of quality international buyers and corporate travel managers, the organisers have also enhanced the IT&CMA and CTW 2010 programme. This successfully contributed to attracting procurement managers, planners, influencers and decision makers from some of the world’s biggest corporate names across multiple industries including Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Symantec, Societe Generale Bank, The Body Shop, Robert Bosch and Mazda. “Delegates are also looking forward to the return of the popular ‘You Say, I Say’ interactive panel discussion that invites audiences to voice their opinions and engage with six dynamic industry experts on some of the community’s most pressing issues. This year’s keynote presentation on ‘The Future of Delivering and Creating Value In Service’ by Ms Irene Ng will offer fresh perspectives and insights on achieving optimal results in this area.” describes Mr Ooi Peng Ee, General Manager of TTG Asia Media’s events and exhibitions division.

This year’s programme will also welcome a variety of top association executives from International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (AACVB) who are co-locating their meetings in conjunction with IT&CMA and CTW 2010. The specially designed starter accreditation Association Professional Competencies Certification Course (PAE102) offered during CTW 2010 by the Australian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) and Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), is expected to bring more association executives to the show. CTW’s second accreditation programme, the Corporate Travel Expert (CTE) Designation Course by National Business Travel Association (NBTA), is tailored exclusively for Corporate Travel Managers.

The event’s strategic partner Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is also intensifying its efforts to promote Thailand as a MICE and Corporate Travel destination through IT&CMA and CTW 2010. Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureaucommented, “To encourage an increased Thai presence at this exhibition, TCEB has funded a total of 57 local travel agents and destination management companies to be at the event. These companies will occupy over 300 sqm of the IT&CMA exhibition hall.  This supportive and optimistic response demonstrates Thailand’s determination and dedication as the host country of IT&CMA and CTW, in moving towards fulfilling our intention of being the centre of MICE development for the Asia Pacific.”

I am very much looking forward to going to this event in Bangkok, not just for the coverage but because it will be my first ever trip to the city of Bangkok. Previously I have only been through the (now old) International Airport in 2004 when I was on a business trip to Chiang Mai with Thai Airways. So this time around I should bring back some reports from the city as well- along with airline reviews, especially as I will be flying from Hong Kong (There are a myraid of exotic airlines that fly this sector and I want to try them!). Watch this space…Bangkok here I come!