The Standard, Singapore, Singapore The Standard, Singapore is situated just steps away from both the 150-year-old UNESCO Botanic Gardens and the Orchard Road shopping district.
Situated on Orange Grove Road, the property features 143 rooms across eight floors each with floor-to-ceiling windows, boasting views of the pool, and the lush greenery of the district.
For F&B, the hotel offers an Izakaya experience and an inventive cocktail programme, as well as a café serving an all-day menu.
Soul Boutique Hotel
Soul Boutique Hotel, Vietnam
Located just 15 minutes from Phu Quoc International Airport within the Marina Phu Quoc complex, Soul Boutique Hotel provides guests a choice of 58 beachfront rooms.
The hotel offers shared access to amenities with Sailing Club Phu Quoc, where guests can indulge in an array of activities or unwind by the beachfront.
Mandarin Bay Resort and Spa
Mandarin Bay Resort and Spa, the Philippines Mandarin Bay Resort and Spa at Station 2 in Boracay has soft opened, featuring 365 guestrooms ranging from 38m² to 55m².
Most of its nine F&B outlets are already serving a variety of cuisines, and guests can enjoy a dip at the resort’s 220m² long pool.
Its Spa Village will soon open, followed by the convention centre.
Hotel Nikko Kaohsiung
Hotel Nikko Kaohsiung, Taiwan The 260-key Hotel Nikko Kaohsiung is the first Nikko-branded hotel in southern Taiwan, and is located in the Asia New Bay Area of Kaohsiung City.
The hotel is easily accessible with the nearby MRT and Light Rail stations, and is just a 25-minute drive from Kaohsiung International Airport and a 1.5- hour journey from Taipei via high-speed rail.
Onsite are five restaurants, a swimming pool, gym, sauna, club lounge, and event venues.
The PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024 (PDMF 2024), held from November 12 to 14 at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin in Phetchaburi Province, Thailand, has showcased the province as an ideal international conference destination, highlighted its status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and strengthened collaboration between local stakeholders and major tourism organisations.
Under the theme Authentic Prosperous Journeys: Nurturing Culture, Culinary Delights, and Community Wisdom, PDMF 2024 explored the impact of tourism beyond economic growth. The forum spotlighted community-based tourism and examined its positive effects on local communities, job creation, cultural preservation, and the collaboration between national and provincial authorities to promote tourism.
From left: Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, PATA’s Peter Semone, Phetchaburi Province’s Wanpen Mungsri, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau’s Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, and DASTA’s Athikun Kongmee
The event was organised by PATA in partnership with Phetchaburi Province, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
On November 13, delegates joined one of three different tour routes arranged by DASTA and its partners, which showcased Phetchaburi’s community-driven tourism. Highlights of the tours included hands-on experiences in cooking local dishes, seasonal salt-making, traditional Thai shadow puppet-making, and visits to iconic landmarks. Delegates were encouraged to post about their experiences on social media as part of the Phetchaburi in Focus: Social Media Contest, with winners announced during the conference.
On the following day, attendees participated in conference sessions led by tourism professionals, community leaders, and specialists from diverse fields, including digital marketing, marine biology, culinary arts, and renewable energy. Representing the public sector were organisations such as the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, the National Food Institute, the Nepal Tourism Board, the Palau Visitors Authority, the Sabah Tourism Board, the Sarawak Tourism Board, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. Representatives from the private sector included e-Tourism Frontiers, Intrepid Travel, and OAG, to name a few.
The event welcomed over 370 delegates from 26 destinations across Asia-Pacific and beyond, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Taipei, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lao, Macau, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Palau, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, the UK and the US.
PATA chair Peter Semone remarked during his opening speech: “Tourism today must extend beyond mere economic growth to embrace the environmental and sociocultural aspects of tourism, creating a positive ripple effect in the communities that host us. The value of tourism lies not only in the revenue it generates but in its power to create jobs, protect culture, support environmental preservation, and foster a shared economy that lifts all members of a community.”
Wanpen Mungsri, deputy governor, acting governor of Phetchaburi Province, said: “The theme aligns with global tourism trends that prioritise community involvement, sustainable growth, and eco-friendly practices, as well as addressing climate change. Most importantly, Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region will strive toward stable, prosperous, and sustainable growth, leaving no one behind.”
Ayana Hospitality has launched Ayana Bali’s newly redesigned website that provides an immersive and intuitive experience for its guests.
Ayana Bali’s new digital presence features the four properties – Ayana Resort, Ayana Segara, Ayana Villas, and Rimba by Ayana Bali – seamlessly connected within the 90-hectare estate, and showcases Ayana Bali’s facilities, experiences, landscapes, and guest offerings.
With a reimagined digital presence, guests can now explore Ayana Bali’s four integrated resorts with ease; Rimba by Ayana Bali, pictured
Through the new website, users can explore dining options and activities available throughout the destination, such as its 14 pools, secluded beach picnics, farm-to-bar workshops, peaceful walks in the six-hectare Tevana Garden, and much more.
The redesigned website introduces interactive features and a convenient direct booking experience that guarantees the best rates, exclusive offers, and added benefits. Highlights include activity showcases that allow guests to visualise and personalise their stay by combining an array of spa, dining, cultural, and leisure experiences across the four resorts.
An interactive property map invites visitors to explore Ayana Bali in detail, zooming in on dining outlets, facilities, photo spots, and hidden corners. Additionally, eight detailed itinerary ideas offer solutions for holiday planning, ranging from Romantic Getaways and Family Fun Adventures to Rejuvenation Retreats and Creative Family Escapes, ensuring a curated itinerary across the resorts for every type of traveller.
Giordano Faggioli, general manager of Ayana Bali, commented: “Our goal was to create a digital experience that reflects the elegance and beauty of Ayana’s world-class offerings while expressing our unique integrated resort concept. We’re excited to invite visitors to explore a website that showcases the beauty of our four connected properties and the freedom guests have to envision and plan every aspect of their stay.”
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and EVA Air have renewed their strategic partnership with a four-year Letter of Intent (LOI) to further boost tourism to Thailand from key international markets.
The LOI was signed by TAT deputy governor for international marketing – Asia and South Pacific Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, and EVA Air vice president Tang Tseng, and witnessed by TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, and EVA Air executive vice president Albert Liao along with senior executives from both organisations.
The four-year extension builds on past success to enhance Thailand tourism via EVA Air’s global network
The renewed partnership focuses on joint marketing campaigns, familiarisation trips for media and travel agents, attractive travel deals with tour operators, and participation in tradeshows and roadshows to maximise visibility.
These efforts build on past collaborative initiatives, such as the 2023 tram campaign in Amsterdam promoting Thailand and EVA Air’s Bangkok-Amsterdam flights, which ran earlier in September and reached 21 million impressions. Other successful activities include Thai tourism promotions at the 2024 Bookizcon in South Korea and a networking event in Sendai, Japan, involving 11 tourism partners.
Headquartered in Taipei, EVA Air is a Star Alliance member and operates 28 weekly flights between Bangkok and Taipei and daily flights between Taipei and Chiang Mai. Its Bangkok-Taipei route will increase to 32 weekly flights from January 15 to March 29, 2025.
In addition to regional connectivity, the airline links Bangkok with Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Macau via Taipei. It also offers direct flights from Bangkok to key European cities such as London, Vienna, and Amsterdam, with connections via Taipei to Paris, Milan, and Munich. For longhaul routes, EVA Air operates 87 weekly flights connecting Thailand to major North American cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Toronto.
Liao stated: “Our partnership with TAT strengthens Thailand’s appeal as a premier destination. Through joint marketing and tailored packages, we aim to introduce Thailand’s attractions to more travellers across our network.”
“This renewed alliance will inspire more travellers and reinforce Thailand’s position as a must-visit destination,” added Thapanee.
Universal Studios Japan is expanding Super Nintendo World with the world’s first Donkey Kong Country area, following its popular opening in March 2021.
Based on the video game series created by Nintendo, Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Country will make its grand opening on December 11 and provide new experiences such as The Golden Temple, a shining structure located in the deepest part of the jungle that has actually appeared as a level in Donkey Kong games. Inside, guests will enter the world of Donkey Kong and feel the atmosphere of the mysterious ruins as well as discover the mural inside.
The new Donkey Kong Country area will officially launch on December 11
There will also be a new ride attraction, Mine Cart Madness, which utilises an innovative ride system and a unique coaster design, sending riders on an unpredictable adventure where they will experience jaw-dropping manoeuvres.
In addition, the theme park will offer new Play Wild! merchandise, including a ticket holder featuring designs of Donkey Kong’s trademark red tie and barrels as well as straps that match the tropical image of the area.
Information about the new area and the experiences that await guests will be announced prior to the grand opening.
Go City is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its inaugural product, The London Pass, by offering a limited number of passes at their original 1999 price.
The Back to ‘99 promotion features one-day passes start at 22 pounds (US$28) for adults and 14 pounds for children aged five to 15.
Travellers can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to purchase The London Pass from just 22 pounds
The silver jubilee of The London Pass by Go City will provide access to over 95 attractions, tours, and experiences in London, including the 25 longstanding partners that were on the pass’ original line-up in 1999: London Zoo; Kew Gardens; Cutty Sark; Florence Nightingale Museum; Guards Museum; London Transport Museum; Royal Air Force Museum, London; London Museum of Water & Steam; Fan Museum; London Canal Museum; Tower of London; Jewel Tower; Kensington Palace; Royal Mews; Southwark Cathedral; Westminster Abbey; Hampton Court Palace; Windsor Castle; Eltham Palace; London Bicycle Tour; Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art; St Paul’s Cathedral; Curzon Cinemas; and Queens Ice Skating.
The Back to ’99 sweepstakes runs from now to November 21. Winners will be selected at random and will be provided a single-use promo code valid for the purchase up to two passes at their price in 1999.
Six associations of Boracay stakeholders have proposed solutions to address “pressing infrastructure, regulatory, and marketing challenges” in an effort to restore tourism to what was once the Philippines’ crown jewel.
The joint resolution was signed by Boracay Foundation, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, MICE Alliance – Boracay, Boracay Island Travel Agency and Tour Operators Association (BITATOA), Malay Tour Guide Association (MALTOA), and Korean Residents Organization of Boracay (KROB).
Six Boracay groups have proposed solutions to boost tourism, including infrastructure upgrades and rebranding the island
The joint resolution was made as tourist numbers to Boracay have been dwindling, with foreigners now making up the minority of arrivals. Before the island’s rehabilitation and the pandemic, foreigners accounted for 75 to 85 per cent of total arrivals. As of October this year, Boracay welcomed a total of 145,021 visitors, of whom only 17 per cent were foreigners, while 83 per cent were domestic tourists.
Among the groups’ infrastructure proposals are to “ensure the efficient utilisation” of the budget allocated for renovating Caticlan Jetty Port – the main gateway for tourists travelling to and from the island – and to install PWD-friendly facilities to improve the arrival and departure experience for all visitors.
They support granting international airport status to Caticlan Airport, despite opposition from some quarters. Caticlan Airport, which is newer, smaller, and nearer to Caticlan Jetty Port than Kalibo Airport, is facing delays in facility upgrades and the introduction of direct international flights, limiting Boracay’s ability to attract high-value tourists.
They clamour for “a streamlined, standardised” business permit process across all businesses in Boracay, noting that “the current renewal process for business permits, including health cards and sanitation permits, is overly burdensome, expensive, and lacks consistency”.
“The perception of Boracay as an overly regulated destination is harming its appeal to potential tourists,” the groups said, adding that they are also seeking to “shift marketing efforts to portray Boracay as a fun, relaxing, and welcoming destination” while increasing the number of events and activities to attract more visitors.
MICE Alliance, BITATOA, MALTOA and KROB will continue to actively promote Boracay by joining local and international travel shows.
Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has partnered with Sleep Cycle, an AI-driven sleep analysis app, to provides members of the Brilliant by Langham loyalty and experiences platform with a 30 per cent discount on a one-year premium subscription to the Sleep Cycle app, which boasts a comprehensive suite of sleep analysis tools.
Part of Sleep Matters by Chuan, an in-room wellness programme LHG created in conjunction with the World Sleep Society, the app is one of a growing number of sleep-enhancing offerings available under the company’s four hotel brands.
The collaboration aims to help guests optimise their sleep for better stays with the use of the Sleep Cycle app
Developed by doctors, psychologists, machine learning engineers and sleep authorities, the Sleep Cycle app features a sleep tracker that analyses patterns and a smart alarm clock that wakes you up at your lightest sleep phase. The premium version additionally provides full access to sleep statistics, snore and sound detection, sleep programmes, weekly reports and an expansive range of alarm sounds.
Brilliant by Langham membership, which is required to access the discount, is free of charge. Members also receive special room rates and discounts at over 100 restaurants, together with the chance to earn status and award points for their stays and use of amenities.
Erik Jivmark, CEO of Sleep Cycle, shared: “This partnership will allow us to extend our reach and impact, helping more people understand the vital connection between sleep and well-being while also driving the growth of our business globally.”
“Sleep Cycle is the perfect addition to our collection of sleep-related services and amenities, which include white noise machines, speciality pillows, bath products, herbal teas and a whole lot more,” said Amy Chan, LHG’s assistant group director of spa & wellness. “The app’s ability to monitor sleep, provide insights, and recommend wake times enables our guests to start their days feeling refreshed and energised, ensuring they make the most of their stays with us.”
Onyx Hospitality Group is launching an exclusive activity under its Live Your Blended Life at Shamacampaign to elevate its guests’ stay experience this November.
The campaign will run continuously throughout the year, offering exclusive activities based on three core concepts of blending key life moments: Explorecation (Explore + Vacation), Workshopping (Work + Shopping), and Foodventure (Food + Adventure).
The Colour Your Life workshop helps guests enhance their style and confidence through colour psychology
Organised through the Shama Social Club, the Colour Your Life workshop – which falls under Workshopping – will focus on helping individuals discover the colours that suit them best. This workshop applies the concept of personal branding through the psychology of colour selection. The insights from this workshop can be applied to shopping for clothes, accessories, cosmetics, and selecting hair colours, helping participants feel confident and look their best in a new environment.
Onyx Hospitality Group CEO Yuthachai Charanachitta said: “The activities of the Shama Social Club go beyond merely taking guests to popular tourist attractions; they are designed to help guests seamlessly blend into their new location while simultaneously experiencing the essence of the local culture surrounding their accommodation.”
Agoda has unveiled a selection of five must-do road trips across Asia, which offers travellers a chance to explore the continent’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
From Thailand’s Mae Hong Son loop to other routes, these journeys promise unforgettable experiences for road trip enthusiasts, and are perfect for those looking to discover the hidden gems of the region.
Mae Hong Son is known for its picturesque mountain views and diverse local culture
Here are some suggested routes for those seeking inspiration for their next road trip:
Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Loop is known for its picturesque mountain views and diverse local culture. Travellers can explore charming towns and lush forests, providing a unique glimpse into the region’s heritage.
The Shimanami Kaido route in Japan connects the islands of Honshu and Shikoku, boasting stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Cyclists and drivers alike can enjoy the blend of natural beauty and modern infrastructure.
Encompassing the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, the Golden Triangle road trip allows travellers to explore iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and the Pink City, while experiencing the rich history and culture of the region.
The Hai Van Pass route in Vietnam offers a thrilling drive through mountains and along the sea, showcasing Vietnam’s natural splendour and coastal views.
Providing a refreshing escape into Malaysia’s cooler climates, travellers can enjoy tea plantations, strawberry farms, and colonial architecture along this scenic drive in Cameron Highlands.
Andrew Smith, senior vice president, supply at Agoda, said: “These road trips are perfect for those who love the open road and want to explore Asia’s diverse landscapes. Whether it’s the mountains of Thailand or the coastal roads of Vietnam, there’s so much to discover.”
