Among this year’s fun festival facts:

• 30 million blooms blanket the park throughout the festival, which runs 75 colorful days.
• The festival’s front-entrance Fantasiatopiary scene comprises 28 topiaries – more than have been used in any front-entrance display.  The 28 include Sorcerer Mickey, three ostriches, two hippos, two alligators, two elephants, nine stars, a spiral and eight mushrooms.
• 22,615 plant plugs of 15 plant varieties make up the Fantasia front-entrance topiary.  They include reindeer moss for Sorcerer Mickey’s face and red begonias for his hat; creeping fig for Mickey, hippos and gators; Sweet Ayssum, and three shades ofLobelia simulate water spilling over a large topiary rock made up of Black Scallop Ajuga upon which the Sorcerer stands.
• 4,000 Blushing Bride air plants from Guatemala color the two hippos’ tutus and 300 Cotton Candy air plants from Peru feather the wings and tails of the three ostrich topiaries.  Smaller air plants are used as ostrich slippers.
• 1,250 feet of quarter-inch irrigation tubing is woven into the Fantasia front-entrance topiaries.
• Dozens of additional Disney character topiaries represent the largest collection of Disney character topiary in the world and include classic film stars like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Cinderella and Tinker Bell.
• At least 25 different plants, grasses and mosses of various colors, including pink and red begonias, dusty miller, palm fiber, palm seeds, ficus and lichen, are used to create and define features of additional festival topiaries.  More color has been added to the topiaries than in any previous topiary presentation.
• 1,000 native butterflies represent up to 10 species at the expansive Bambi’s Butterfly House. Among the garden’s two dozen nectar plants are Cape Royal plumbago, passion flower, coral honeysuckle, blazing star, butterfly bush, scarlet milkweed and canna lily.
• More than 500,000 plants, trees and shrubs are planted for the festival; 250,000 of those are annual blossoms installed for the festival.
• Festival plants include 60 different species of trees, 47 types of palms, and 48 varieties of bedding plants.
• 150 hands-on gardening demonstrations and seminars will be presented.
• Thirty “flower towers” of impatiens line Innoventions Plaza.
• 240 floating mini-gardens, each three feet in diameter, of multi-hued impatiens provide splashes of color on two ponds that border the walkway between Future World and World Showcase.
• 700 container gardens of flowers, herbs, plants and vegetables in clay pots, barrels and urns enhance the landscape throughout Epcot.
• 400 Walt Disney World horticulturistsare needed to install the festival landscape, topiaries and many exhibits; 100 Epcot horticulturists maintain topiaries and other festival displays.
• It takes more thanone full year and about 24,000 cast member hours to prepare for the annual festival.
• The festival’s weekend Flower Power concert series includes 11 artists and groups known for more than 100 Top 40 hits. This year’s musical hit-makers from the 1960s and ’70s include Jose Feliciano, Starship starring Mickey Thomas, The Guess Who, The Spinners, Chubby Checker & The Wildcats, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night (NEW!), The Orchestra starring former members of ELO (NEW!), Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone and Davy Jones.

Guest information for the 19thannual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available at www.disneyworld.com/flower or at 407/W-DISNEY.

During the transition, it will be necessary for the airline to temporarily suspend certain customer facing technology.  This includes Cathay Pacific’s Web site, www.cathaypacific.com, and its mobile sites.

The airline’s flight schedule over the weekend, however, will be unaffected by the changeover.

Cathay Pacific Chief Operating Officer Ivan Chu said: “Our current system has served us well. However, just as we upgrade the products and services our customers can see and touch, we must also update our technology behind the scenes so that we can support the continued growth of our airline and the expanding expectations of our customers.”

The new Altéa reservation and inventory system is provided by Amadeus, the same reservations system used by the majority of oneworld alliance carriers.  Cathay Pacific is a founding member of oneworld.

Mr Chu continued: “Preparations for this change began several years back as it is quite a massive undertaking.  For example, as just one part of the process during the cutover, we will migrate more than 1 million passenger bookings between systems.  Unfortunately, as we modify the reservations system and more than 40 down line systems, we’re forced to temporarily suspend some of the conveniences that our customers appreciate and count on.  We appreciate their understanding and patience for these necessary measures.”

The Cathay Pacific Web site will be taken offline worldwide at approximately 3 pm Hong Kong time on Saturday, 11 February.  Functionality will be brought back online in stages throughout the day on Sunday, 12 February.  The majority of the site will be available by 8 pm on Sunday Hong Kong time.

Online check in and self-service kiosks at airports will also be unavailable throughout much of the weekend.  Additional information on which services will be unavailable along with potential alternatives is provided on the attached “appendix.”

Cathay Pacific will be unable to sell or modify Cathay Pacific tickets from approximately 3 pm Hong Kong time on Saturday, 11 February, until the system comes back online Sunday, 12 February.  Travel agents will be able to put new reservations on request, but those bookings will not be confirmed until the system resumes service.  Accordingly, passengers needing to buy or change tickets or make special requests for travel on 11 or 12 February are encouraged to do so prior to that weekend.

Cathay Pacific plans to operate its normal flight schedule on the 11 and 12 February as the upgrade does not impact aircraft systems.  As Cathay Pacific has always suggested, it will be necessary for passengers travelling on electronic tickets to bring a copy of their eTickets to the airport.  While no expanded queuing is expected, passengers may wish to arrive at the airport earlier than normal.

In the week following the transition, Cathay Pacific’s worldwide call centres may experience higher than normal call volumes.  Should that be the case, the airline will do all possible to minimise inconvenience and passengers’ patience is appreciated.

Leading up to the transition, passengers are encouraged to visit Cathay Pacific’s Web site at www.cathaypacific.com for more details.  During the cutover weekend, passengers may visit Cathay Pacific’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/cathaypacific) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/cathaypacific) pages for updated information including flight status.

Entrants were asked to nominate the three things they love most about Australia in a bid to win a share of $5,500 of Sunlover Holidays travel vouchers. While beaches and barbeques were highly prevalent amongst the 1800+ answers received, a significant number of respondents also highlighted Australia’s cultural diversity, laid back lifestyle and freedom as things they valued.

According to Travelworld’s Marketing Manager, Rashelle Toms, the results reaffirmed that we see Australia as a great place to live and visit.

“One entry proudly summed it up: ‘we live where everyone wants to holiday’,” said Ms Toms.

“We tend to take the ‘beaches’, ‘barbeques’ and ‘mateship’ for granted, but to see people nominating ‘freedom of speech’, ‘multiculturalism’, ‘equality’ and how we ‘rally together’ showed we value some of the more inclusive aspects of our national identity.

“We’re also equally proud of our adaptability, our Aussie humour and slang, our accepting attitudes, and in our ability to pitch in to help others in times of need.”

Not surprisingly, travel responses featured heavily in the reasons why we love our country, with clean sand, coastline and bush all being nominated, as well as iconic destinations like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the “big” tourist attractions.

These iconic attributes also highlight some of the reasons why our global neighbours love to visit and vacation amongst our natural attractions and people.

Australians also love our international identities, with Hugh Jackman, Keith Urban, Dame Edna and Jamie Durie getting a mention. Even Molly Meldrum and Julia Gillard made the list.

Voting is now open for the public to select their favourite answers amongst the daily winners of the Facebook competition. The grand prize winner will receive a further $2,000 worth of Sunlover Holidays vouchers, in addition to the $500 daily prizes.

Top Ten Reasons Why We Love Australia

Percentage of responses

1.    People, friendliness and mateship (13.1%)

2.    Australian beaches (11.8%)

3.    Landscape / scenery (10.1%)

4.    Food & wine, including BBQs (6.7%)

5.    Attitude / spirit (5.8%)

6.    Laid back lifestyle (5.4%)

7.    Freedom (4.3%)

8.    Diversity (3.6%)

9.    Humour / slang (2.7%)

10.  Culture / multiculturalism (1.8%)

The plan targets an annual financial improvement of more than $3 billion by 2017, including $2 billion in cost savings and $1 billion in revenue enhancements.

The additional cash flow will enable American to renew its fleet and to invest several hundred million dollars per year in ongoing improvements in products and services to deliver a world-class travel experience for customers. The improved cash flow will also allow American to further reduce its debt and become financially stronger in the years after its emergence from the restructuring process.

Tom Horton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “American Airlines is moving forward decisively. The plan we are outlining today provides the framework for a new American Airlines, positioned to succeed in an intensely competitive industry that has been transformed by our competitors’ recent restructurings. Just as other airlines have done and will continue to do, we must invest restructuring-related cost savings in ongoing innovation and customer service improvements that drive revenue. The airlines that have failed to adapt to these changes are no longer in business. Change will be difficult, particularly as we will be ending this process with fewer people, but it is a necessity. American is ready to compete and win.”

Horton further noted that in connection with the implementation of American’s business plan, the company intends to engage in appropriate negotiations with its economic stakeholders and union representatives and seek necessary Bankruptcy Court approvals.

Restructuring – Non-Employee Cost Reductions
American’s plans build on initiatives already in place that reduced costs significantly over the past several years, including major changes to its route structure, network, capacity and fleet. Utilizing the benefits of the restructuring process, American intends to realize additional savings over the next six years by restructuring debt and leases, grounding older planes, improving supplier contracts, and undertaking other initiatives.

A central element of American’s transformation is the overhaul of its fleet, which will reduce fuel, maintenance, and financing costs, and provide improved profitability and growth over time, by enabling American to better match the right equipment to the right routes.

Necessary Reduction of Employee Costs
A fundamental element of American’s plan, which is designed to allow it to exit restructuring and vigorously compete and win, includes employee cost reductions across all work groups. American informed employees earlier today that all groups, including management, must reduce their total costs by 20 percent. While the savings from each work group will be achieved somewhat differently, the plan provides that each will experience the same percentage reduction. These reductions would result in average annual employee-related savings of $1.25 billion from 2012 through 2017.

As described in its internal announcements today, American’s business plan and proposals encompass a total reduction of approximately 13,000 employees. Included in the total employee impact is the expected result of a previously launched redesign of American’s management and support staff structure that will reduce 15 percent of management positions. Consistent with the approach taken by other major airlines in their restructurings, American’s plan also includes:

• Outsourcing a portion of American’s aircraft maintenance work, including seeking closure of the Fort Worth Alliance Airport (AFW) maintenance base, and certain airport fleet service clerk work;
• Removing major structural barriers to operational flexibility, such as restrictions on codesharing and regional flying
• Introducing work rule changes to increase productivity.

American also said it will seek Bankruptcy Court approval to terminate its defined benefit pension plans. If the plans are terminated, American will contribute matching payments in a 401(k) plan. American also will seek to discontinue subsidizing future retiree medical coverage for current employees, but will offer access to these plans if employees choose to pay for them. American also proposes to implement common medical plans and contribution structures across all active employee groups.

“These are painful decisions,” Horton continued, “but they are essential to American’s future. We will emerge from our restructuring process as a leaner organization with fewer people, but we will also preserve tens of thousands of jobs that would have been lost if we had not embarked on this path – and that’s a goal worth fighting for. By reinvesting savings back into our business, we will support job growth, including growth at our suppliers and partners over the long run. Only a successful, profitable and growing American Airlines can provide stability and opportunity for our people.”

Revenue Improvements and Profit Sharing
With financial and operational flexibility and an improved cost and capital structure, American also plans to drive revenue growth by:

• Renewing and optimizing its fleet by investing an average of about $2 billion per year in new aircraft, so that by 2017 American’s mainline jet fleet will be the youngest in North America, with the versatility to better match aircraft size to its markets. This step is central to American’s transformation, as it means more profitable flying due to markedly improved fuel and maintenance costs and higher revenue generation.
• Building network scale and alliances by increasing departures across American’s five key markets – Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and New York – by 20 percent over the next five years, and by increasing international flying.
• Modernizing its brand, products and services by investing several hundred million dollars per year in enhancements to the customer experience that will, once again, make American the premier airline of high-value customers.

In order to ensure that employee performance is rewarded and aligned with American’s future success, the company envisions putting in place a profit sharing plan which, beginning with the first dollar of pre-tax income, would pay awards totaling 15 percent of all pre-tax income.

“We have an extraordinary opportunity to create a new world-class airline, with a leaner, customer-focused culture of accountability and high performance. The best way for us to achieve this – and ensure that we are in control of our own future – is to make the necessary changes, complete our restructuring quickly, and continue working hard to put American Airlines back in a position of industry leadership,” Horton concluded.

Forward Looking Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” These statements are based on AMR management’s current expectations and assumptions, and as such involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that the company now anticipates — both in connection with the Chapter 11 filings and AMR’s business and financial prospects. Statements of management’s expectations, including its desire to successfully restructure in order to return the company to long term viability and financial strength, to compete effectively in the marketplace, to cut costs and to restore profitability, are based on current assumptions and expectations. No assurance can be made that these events will come to fruition. Readers are referred to the documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which further identify the important risk factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this release. Those risks include, without limitation, the potential impact of volatile and rising fuel prices. The company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

He also welcomed the Financial Secretary’s assurance of the government intention to seek an early decision on the Hong Kong Airport Authority’s recommendation for the construction of a third runway at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

“I absolutely agree with Mr Tsang that the future development of the airport and the overall economic development of Hong Kong are inextricably intertwined. We strongly believe this can be best achieved with a third runway to meet future growth and the need to maintain HKIA as Asia’s premier aviation hub.”

“We will warmly welcome a decision to proceed with the next stage of work, including an environmental impact assessment and preparing the associated detailed design and financing proposals. Given the importance of this project to the long term well-being and sustainability of the Hong Kong economy, we believe this is a decision that should be given the highest priority by the government.”

Mr Slosar added that the provision of more hotel rooms and more international school places are forward-looking investment that would bring immense benefit as Hong Kong continues to attract business, visitors, investment, and talents from all over the world.

“As Hong Kong’s home carrier, Cathay Pacific is committed to enhancing the status of Hong Kong as a leading international aviation hub and the premier gateway into Mainland China for both passenger and cargo services.

“This is why, despite the economic uncertainties, we are making a huge investment in acquiring 97 new aircraft at a listed price of HK$190 billion and building a new air cargo terminal that will become operational next year at HK$5.7 billion,” said Mr Slosar.

This year’s event will be held in the Thai royal seaside town of Hua Hin from September 12-16 and promises to have more nail-biting action both on and off the field.

The event has gone from a small two-day event in 2001 to one of Thailand’s major and internationally best loved events. Last year’s tournament featured 12 teams encompassing over 40 players, including German royals, Prince Carl-Eugen Oettingen-Wallerstein, his wife Princess Anna and daughter Princess Joanna along with members of the New Zealand All-Blacks rugby team.  A celebrity auction was also held with international celebrities including Olympic 100 metre Gold Medalist Linford Christie, Grammy Award winners Lady Antebellum, UK fashion designer Amy Hindmarsh and Korean Pop Star Park Jung Min.

Fundraising from last year’s event has been donated to three projects in Thailand. The first is to continue to support research and clinics using elephants in therapy sessions for children in Thailand living with autism.  In addition, the money raised has also been used to launch the first and only elephant hospital in southern Thailand, as well as a human-elephant conflict project between the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) and the Elephant Conservation Network (ECN) charity who works in a wildlife reserve in Kanchanaburi.

“The eleventh year of the tournament promises to be bigger and better in terms of teams, fun and activities,” said Mr. Bill Heinecke, CEO Minor International and owner of Anantara. “But we must never forget the true meaning of holding the event and that is to make a considerable donation to the conservation and welfare of the Thailand elephant population and this year we are determined to raise more money than ever.”

For more information on King’s Cup Elephant Polo, please visit www.anantaraelephantpolo.com.

The company was recognised as Australia’s Best Mid-Range Cruise Line for the second year running, with Pacific Dawn named as the best in her class, also for the second consecutive year.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said P&O Cruises was thrilled with the recognition, particularly as the awards were voted by passengers.

“We really pride ourselves on offering a holiday that’s perfect for everyone, from the young to the young-at-heart and we’re seeing more multi-generational families on our cruises as a result. We can’t wait to welcome even more Australians onboard in 2012.”

Ms Sherry said Cruise Passenger readers’ recognition of Pacific Dawn was also fantastic.

“As the largest ship to be based in Brisbane full time, she’s been a huge hit with Queenslanders. This year she’ll undergo a major refit which will see her sailing with a new Big Screen beside the pool and interconnecting family cabins – so there’ll be even more reasons for readers to vote for her.”

The Indian outbound travel market, a mere 3.7 million in 1997, is estimated to touch between 11 and 13 million this year. In percentage terms, it is now the fastest growing outbound market in the world; in terms of numbers, the second fastest after China.

Buoyed by attractive airfares and affordable hotel room rates, more Indians have chosen to holiday abroad this season compared to last year. Travellers have opted for places such as UAE, Thailand and Malaysia as domestic airfares in India have shot through the roof. International travel is registering growth of as high as 30% and few of the top destinations are Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Hong Kong, Colombo and Kathmandu, according to travel industry experts.

In addition to airfares, hotel rates are much cheaper in Bangkok or Colombo, compared to Goa or Trivandrum. South-East Asia is the emerging holiday spot this season where hotel room rates are approximately half of what the peak season rates are at domestic party destinations like Goa, Kerala or Pondicherry.

Sajid Desai Project Director -UBM India for SATTE 2012 said “India’s middle classes are moving into the ‘cash rich/time poor’ bracket and are starting to demand improved quality on their trips in terms of packaged deals offered by travel & tour operators as well as the deals they get on popular travel portals online. And every year, millions more Indians move into an income bracket where they can afford to travel overseas with different priorities to keep in mind while choosing destinations. New segments that individuals are keen to explore are growing more quickly as travel moves up the list of household spending priorities.”

According to PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association), the Indian Outbound Travel Market is expected to increase at a compounded growth rate of over 25% over the five year period scanning from 2010 to 2015. So, what are the drivers of such an impressive growth?

Ajay Prakash, President, Travel Agents Federation of India said, “Tourism will grow responsibly only when destinations across the world are wake up to quality over quantity. With the Asia Pacific and the Middle East zone attracting more than two thirds of total Indian outbound trips, Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the established destinations. A lot of Indians still travel to Bangkok or Dubai, for example, there is prestige attached to going somewhere off the beaten track, such as beach resorts in Bali, Phuket or Maldives where quality is given more emphasis than quantity of people.”

Other reasons that are blowing in the winds of change in travel and tourism industry can be attributed to liberalization of air transport, fluency in English and comfort level with international travel, greater segmentation in the market and a strong demand for travel among families, young people, women and seniors. A specific trend that seem to be a well sought travel aspect are the options to have a great leisure time in South East Asian destinationations post wedding’s in romantic, undisturbed locations as these places are blessed with outstanding scenary & sights.

Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Delhi said, “The primary endeavor is to anticipate and keep up with important tourism trends, & support the travel trade industry in implementing marketing activities whenever possible. With much emphasis being laid on active engagement on various levels of the industry, there is a simultaneous effort to venture into new geographical territories to capture new segments. The core focus is on the future potential and thus we are investing in IT resources and following and aggressive networking to create a synergy with the industry.”

In recent years, destinations have become experts in accommodating particular tourism activities and events. For example, Indian weddings are held regularly in places like Chiang Mai, Phuket and even lesser-known Kanchanaburi. And these days honeymoon planners and tour and travel management companies provide several tailor made honeymoon packages related to destinations as chosen by the couples. These services are end-to-end in nanture comprising of hotels, air travel as well as some aspects of leisure and privacy for the newlyweds.

Apart from that, the well organised services, delicious delicacies, shopping facilities, throbbing nightlife, warm hospitality and the pleasant climatic conditions truly make Southeast the most sought after honeymoon destination. With a population of more than 1.1 billion and GDP growth of more than 8 per cent per annum, the country offers enormous potential for future growth in outbound travel and as it reveals clear opportunities for market segmentation and niches, the market is already showing signs of maturing in the past year alone.

As the premier travel trade fair in the country, SATTE 2012 has grown from strength to strength; year-on-year and provides an excellent opportunity to renew travel & torusim relations, make new contacts and discover new and exciting destinations, products and services within the country and overseas.

For more information log onto: SATTE (www.satte.org)

For this year’s Valentine’s Day, Le Méridien Taipei has launched the “Discover Love” theme event; during the dinner hours on February 14, 2012,  Latest Recipe will unveil the couple’s feast, at NT2,080+10% per person, where you will enjoy exquisite gourmet cuisine and champagne served by our attentive waiters. Four sets of Extravagant Valentine Feasts will also be offered for the first time, where lovers will be treated to their own private sofa area where they may enjoy a surf and turf dining experience, sumptuous desserts, sparkling champagne, and  bouquets in an evening of romance, extravagance and happiness.

Latest Recipe – Extravagant Valentine Feast

Latest Recipe constantly offers surprises for the palate and the eyes; during the evening hours on February 14, the food ingredients at various counters will be given an upgrade, so that you may enjoy an a la carte gourmet experience while dining at the buffet with your partner. The chef will also thoughtfully present a glass of Gremillet Brut Selection N.V. for you and your love, as well as  Garlic Prawns with Snail Vol au Ven puff (NT2,080+10% per person). The Garlic Prawns with Snail Vol au Vent puff has a choice of Australian steamed prawns drizzled with garlic butter sauce and complemented by brandy-drenched snails; together with aromatic, crispy puff pastries.

At the same time, Latest Recipe also unveils the exclusive, romantic “Extravagant Valentine Feast” for the first time at NT9,999 per set, with only four sets available. In addition to their own discreet, exclusive sofa area, lovers will also be treated to a bottle of Gremillet Brut Selection N.V., the chef’s special “Surf and Turf Garlic Lobster and Mini Beef Steak with Port Wine Sauce”, a special cocktail from Latitude 25, a limited edition Brandy Cherry Tart with Nyanbo Chocolate Cream Gift Box and a Kirsch Xocoline Gift Box from ChocoArt, as well as one bottle of Fuji mineral water (1,000ml). Furthermore, each couple will also be entitled to special services, such as Le Méridien Taipei’s exquisitely designed Valentine’s bouquet and table floral decoration, making you and your partner the most resplendent couple in the restaurant.

The rich, diverse buffet counters are also given a romantic upgrade and will serve specialty dishes, including a “Fresh Garden Salad Area” which offers a variety of pesticide-free vegetables delivered directly from Tainan, such as red romaine, lollo rossa, Mizuna leaves, yellow frisee, deer horn lettuce, Japanese snow vegetables, and more. The carvery service offers Roasted US Beef Rib with Condiments and Roasted Salmon in Rock Salt, where an entire Norwegian salmon is covered in spices and rock salt before it is roasted in the oven, so that the refreshing, succulent flavor can be infused into the fish. In addition, there are also close to 100 dishes available for you and your love to come and discover, including Teppanyaki, US Beef Rib, Japanese Style Shitake Mushroom Soup, Beef Shapu Shapu, Pacific Ocean Blue Crab Soup, Steamed Seasonal Crabs, Pork Terrine with Ginger Juliennes and Rice Vinaigrette, Seared Lamb Chop with Bell Pepper Chutney, Yoghurt Marinated Salmon fillet with Herbs Zucchini, Truffle Spaghetti with Mini Scallops and Mushrooms, and more.

Latitude 25 – Mellow Lovers’ Night

The enchanting Valentine’s night will start with a glass of superb champagne. Between 17:00 and 00:30 on February 14, Latitude 25 will extend an invitation to couples to enjoy the Gremillet Brut Selection N.V. at NT700 per glass; the alluring, fruity, and floral fragrance of the champagne together with its abundant sweet, smooth, and sophisticated charm, as well as the intricate, slowly rising bubbles, set the stage for an evening of romance and passion. Couple’s are entitled to the buy-two-get-two-free promotional offer.

ChocoArt – Blossoming Romance

Between February 1 and 14, the chef at ChocoArt will launch two exclusive gift boxes for lovers. The gift boxes are available daily in limited quantities and only when ordering in advance. The gift boxes available are: Brandy Cherry Tart with Nyanbo Chocolate Cream Gift Box (contains two tarts, price: NT520) and the Kirsch Xocoline Gift Box, which presents alluring, lipstick-shaped chocolate of gold, silver, violet and red that will lead you to embark on a romantic adventure of the palate (contains four chocolates, price: NT520).

The Brandy Cherry Tart with Nyanbo Chocolate Cream has a filling mainly composed of cherry custard, with a sweet and sour fragrance complemented by the refreshing flavor of yellow lemon zest. The vibrant flower is produced using ganache made from 68% Nyanbo chocolate and fresh cream; this is the most labor-intensive aspect of the dessert, as the whipping and pastry decoration time must be precisely controlled to create the magnificent and stereoscopic flower shape. The pure, bitter-sweet flavor of the Nyanbo chocolate and the charcoal baked aroma permeate the mouth to complement the cherry filling flawlessly.  The bottom is made from an almond crème brûlée crust and topped with a layer of almond custard prepared according to the golden ratio.

The other gift box is the Kirsch Xocoline Gift Box, each priced at NT520 (four chocolates). The chef especially ordered lipstick-shaped chocolate molds from Belgium for a surprising visual experience. The surface is sprayed with silver, gold, violet and red-colored chocolates to create the opulent and fashionable appearance, while the filling consists of irresistible sweet and sour cherries. The top layer is prepared from cherry pulp imported from France, and the bottom layer is especially made from Xocoline65% sugar-free chocolate. It is complemented by a chocolate filling produced using vanilla sticks and cherry brandy.

For more information, please contact (02) 6622-8000 or visit http://www.lemeridien-taipei.com

For the ultimate Salt grill experience, the restaurant is offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner on Tuesday 14 February. Guests will enjoy a 3-course Luke Mangan set menu with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne on arrival. Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

According to a representative from the Australian Good Food Guide, Salt grill is a very welcome addition to the Gold Coast dining scene.

“It is very rare for a restaurant that has only been trading for a few short months to achieve success in these awards. It really goes to show the calibre of restaurant that Salt grill is,” says the representative.

The restaurant itself has a large open plan kitchen allowing guests to interact with the Chefs and see their meals being prepared right in front of their eyes, a spectacular wine room and three separate dining zones that each has their own unique feel and distinguishing features.

“Choosing the Gold Coast to open my new restaurant made perfect sense to me as Hilton Surfers Paradise is an ideal location, and it has been very exciting to show the Gold Coast my own rendition of contemporary Australian food,” says Mangan.

“Salt grill is an ambient space where locals, foodies and visitors can feel relaxed and comfortable, yet indulgent at the same time,” he says.

“There are already some really great restaurants on the Gold Coast, and it has been terrific to be able to be able to give locals another option serving simple and uncomplicated food, that is full of flavour. I would like to personally thank all of the Gold Coast locals who have been in to Salt grill for their support”

With dishes that reflect Luke’s classical French training and Asian influences, restaurant patrons have come to know a unique combination of delicious unpretentious fine dining cuisine, affordable prices and an atmosphere that is chic, playful and creative.

For the ultimate Salt grill experience, the restaurant is offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner on Tuesday 14 February. Guests will enjoy a 3-course Luke Mangan set menu with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne on arrival for $125 per person. Reservations are essential and can be made by phone +61 7 5680 8111 or email saltgrill@hilton.com.

Salt grill is open for breakfast and dinner 7 days, and lunch Wednesday to Friday.

Rates at the Hilton Surfers Paradise start from $259 for a one bedroom residence and from $279 for a hotel room. For bookings visit www.hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au or phone 1300 445 866.