agoda.com Host Media Trip with Bangkok Air and the North Phuket Resorts Association

agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of the Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), recently co-hosted a media familiarization trip to Phuket's Mai Khao Beach.

The representatives from several high profile media outlets attended the junket to meet wine makers and chefs as part of the Grapes and Grazing Festival. Highlighting fine dining in Phuket, the four-day Grapes and Grazing Festival featured creative Italian gastronomy and fines wines at the JW Marriott's Cucina restaurant.

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agoda.com Offers Last-Chance Rates For the Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2011

agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), has secured some hard-to-find rates for the Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2011.

Each year, Thailand's coolest jazz bands join some choice international acts on the Thai Gulf shorefront for the Hua Hin Jazz Festival. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the festival will kick off on the evening of Friday August 26 in the picturesque gardens of the Sofitel Centara.

The grand opening of the festival will take place at 6pm on Friday, with live music until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Highlights include performances by Thai favorites Ganesha and Koh Mr. Saxman, plus Japan's bossa-styled Orange Pekoe and the Grammy-nominated contemporary band Fourplay. The USA's Grammy Award-winning Norman Brown will also headline the event.

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agoda.com Presents Red-carpet Rates For the 68th Venice Film Festival

agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of the Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), is rolling out the red carpet for the Venice Film Festival 2011 with a selection of hotel specials in this romantic Italian city.

Held on Venice-Lido, an 11 kilometer-long resort island facing the Adriatic Sea, this annual cinematic celebration is one of the biggest events on the movie calendar. This year’s festival runs from August 31 to September 10 and, as always, will debut a selection of the best contemporary films from around the world.

Twenty-two movies have been nominated for this year’s top prize – the Golden Lion. Contenders for the award include some big names in cinema, including George Clooney, who directed The Ides of March, A Dangerous Method by David Cronenberg and Shame directed by Steve McQueen. A film adaptation of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights by Andrea Arnold is also in the running for the Golden Lion.

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agoda.com Amazing Airlie Beach and Whitsundays Deals – From USD 20 Per Night

agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), is offering limited-time deals for the Whitsundays.

Located just off Australia's north eastern coastline the Whitsundays are a collection of pristine sun-kissed islands positioned between the Great Barrier Reef and the mainland. With native rainforest, coral reefs, stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters, the Whitsunday Islands offer an idyllic tropical experience with plenty of opportunity for both relaxation and adventure.

The Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach on the mainland serve as popular launch points for tours of the Great Barrier Reef. Day cruises and diving trips are easily booked from either point, with a vast array of water sports, leisure activities and adventure tours offered throughout the region.

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agoda.com Launches Deals for Berlin's IFA

agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of the Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), has launched special deals for attendees at Berlin's IFA.

IFA Berlin is one of the world's largest consumer electronics and appliances trade shows. Held since 1926, the event draws visitors from more than 100 countries each year and is one of the key global forums for retailers, buyers and industry pundits to see the latest in consumer technology.

Taking place from September 2 to 7 in the Messe-Berlin fairgrounds, IFA showcases new developments in home entertainment, telecommunications, public media, household appliances and more. Exhibitors create high-tech installations to display their latest products – last year's highlights included new HD flatscreens, 3D and Internet TVs and Samsung's Galaxy Tab.

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agoda.com Lines Up Great Deals in Taipei For Semicon 2011

agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline.com Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), is delighted to announce a host of great hotel deals for visitors to Taiwan for the Semicon 2011 event.

Held at the Taipei World Trade Center from September 7 to 9, this is the premier international expo and conference for the semiconductor equipment, materials and services industry.

Staged in every major manufacturing region worldwide, Semicon provides an unrivalled opportunity for producers, suppliers and buyers to see the latest in the fields of semiconductors, nano-electronics and other advanced electronics sectors. In addition to 600 exhibiting companies, the three-day show will feature more than 80 symposium sessions, plus free technical presentations at the Innovation Technology Center.

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agoda.com Universiade 2011 Shenzhen Hotel Specials

agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of the Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), has secured great hotel deals for students and spectators attending the XXVI Summer Universiade in Shenzhen.

From August 12 to 23, Universiade – also known as the World University Games – will take place in the southern Chinese border city of Shenzhen. Students from 45 different countries will compete in sports spanning both traditional Olympiad games and modern events, such as BMX, beach volleyball, and aerobics.

Held every two years, Universiade brings together some of the world's most promising young athletes. Preceded by a torch relay and bookended by action-packed opening and closing ceremonies, the games will take place in some of Shenzhen's newest sports venues.

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agoda.com Last-Minute Rates For the Budapest F1 From USD 75 Per Night

agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of the Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group. (Nasdaq: PCLN), is giving travelers a last-minute chance to nab pole position at the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix 2011 in Budapest.

Kicking off on Thursday July 28, race enthusiasts who haven't yet booked their Budapest hotel can take advantage of these last-minute rates, secured by agoda.com especially for race weekend. Transforming the peaceful Hungarian countryside into a hive of activity and noise, the F1 promises three days of adrenalin, with qualifiers, practice races, and pit walks building up to the big event on Sunday July 31.

With its narrow track and tight corners, the race circuit – dubbed the Hungaroring – is considered by many drivers to be a difficult track. For spectators, on the other hand, the venue is one of the world's best. Set in a valley, the Hungaroring allows visitors to get a clear view of the circuit from the surrounding hills.

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agoda.com Spotlights Chic Parisian Hotels

agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of the Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), unveils a stylish new collection of chic hotels in Paris.

The French capital has always been a fashionable destination. While some world cities fall in and out of favor, Paris's blend of history, art, architecture, and bohemian culture keeps it eternally in style.

Accommodation in Paris reflects centuries of changing trends. Beyond the old-fashioned opulence of the Ritz and the George V, there's a new generation of hotels bringing fun and modernity to a Parisian trip. Historic Haussmann-era buildings sports designer refits complete with high-tech gadgets and sleek new furnishings, at a fraction the price of their elite counterparts.

In time for Paris Fashion Week 2011, agoda.com rounds up the chicest urban hotels in Paris.

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agoda.com Maldives Super Summer Deals from USD 119 Per Night!

Agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), has secured some unbelievable rates for the Maldives.

Located in the Indian Ocean just south of Sri Lanka, the Maldives are about as idyllic as islands get. With crystalline seas, white sand beaches, swaying palms, and colorful coral reefs, the Maldives are also home to some of the world's most beautiful and luxurious resorts.

What many travelers don't realize is that a Maldives holiday can be done affordably. Luxury overwater villas that command a premium rate in the high season can be booked during the low period for a fraction of their usual price. Some three- and four-star properties offer all-inclusive promotions for less than USD 150 per night.

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