Arrival and Departure :
The 2009 Asia-Pacific ACR conference kicks off formally with an evening reception at 6.00 p.m. on January 2, 2009. Participants should note that many direct International flights from departure points in Europe and the US arrive in Hyderabad either late night or early morning. We therefore urge colleagues travelling from international destinations to plan to reach Hyderabad either late evening on January 1 or early morning on January 2, so as to allow yourself time to recoup from the long trip and the time difference. You will be able to participate in the exciting set of activities that we have planned for the conference. The hotels will honor the conference rates for the extra night. Please plan your departure for check out on Monday 5th Jan 2009 morning since the gala dinner event on Sunday 4th Jan 2009 will continue until the late evening.
Hotel Accomodation and Booking :
We expect very high attendance, so please book your room early. Due to the generosity of our hosts at the Indian School of Business and the prompt action by our travel partners at Thomas Cook, India Ltd., we have been able to obtain hotel accommodations at unusually low rates, starting as low as $80 per night. There are accommodations available to suit every taste, but you must act quickly to receive the benefits of our room block pricing.
All ACR endorsed booking of hotel rooms will be done by Thomas Cook, India Ltd. Following the 2009 North American ACR conference, we have taken an aggressive strategy this year of guaranteeing a larger number of rooms for our members, with the risk that ACR may have to pay for unsold rooms. Therefore we request that you please reserve your hotel room through Thomas Cook and one of our room blocks. Indeed, even if you normally reserve a room outside of the ACR negotiated prices, you (and ACR) will benefit greatly by booking with us this time.
The conference is being held at the height of the tourist season in India. Hyderabad, one of India major high tech hubs, sees very high international business traffic year round, but particularly at this time. There are a limited number of rooms available on the ISB campus at exceptionally good rates. In addition, we have a block of rooms at the Hyderabad Novotel, the Ellaa Compass suites, and the ISTA Hyderabad, each of which offers quality accommodations at different price points. We have arranged for convenient shuttle transportation to and from these hotels to the ISB campus (the primary conference venue).
Please note that the applicable room quotes are at the Rupee rates and the conversion provided is at the current rate (USD $1 = INR 42 Indian Rupees). Please also note that hotel payment conventions in India are that rooms be paid for by credit card when they are booked. Applicable refund policies are explained in detail on the Thomas Cook website where you will be making your bookings.
Travel / Tourism in India :
Many of you are interested in using this opportunity to tour India and experience the diversity of this great nation. Thomas Cook is a 125-year old global company and an icon in the Indian travel and tourism industry. Apart from booking your conference accommodations, they also will be delighted to assist you with your pre- and post-conference travel plans in India with tours and budgets that will fit your needs. See their website for further details.