SingaPour Drink Tour
Think a pub crawl, but a sober one, whereby at the end of it, you will still be able to walk steadily, and not wake up with a raging hangover the next day.
That is what the SingaPour Drink Tour offers. Organised by tour operator VegThisCity Singapore, it is currently the first-of-its-kind in the country to focus exclusively on zero-alcohol cocktails and alternative beverages.
That is not to say the drinks were any less potent or tasty. As Eiktha Khemlani, the founder of the company puts it, the tour aims to highlight the sustainable and health-forward culture at Singapore bars.
On this three-hour walking tour, participants will visit three very different bars, speakeasies or hidden hotspots, and have at least one drink and a bar snack at each venue.
The bars on each tour will be different and participants will not know where they are going until the actual day, to keep the element of surprise.
My tour began at The Coup, a cosy bar in the basement of historic Ann Siang Hill. Here, my group had the opportunity to try a curated selection of kombucha-based concoctions by a local brewer, Boujee Botanicals. With names like Relax Ribena Kombucha, Cognitive Elixir, Jamu Immunity Shot, it is clear that each drink was carefully selected to nourish the body.
Hydrated and feeling marginally healthier, we moved on to the next stop, Spectre, a mental wellness-themed bar with a vintage apothecary-inspired interior. The drinks crafted are inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and the three non-alcoholic drinks were conceived in the same vein, one designed to aid digestion, another to sleep better.
The last stop was 28 HongKong Street, which has consistently been on the list of Asia’s best bars for years. Here, the ingredients used in some drinks are sourced locally or from the region, while the spirits used contain naturally sourced ingredients.
What stood out was getting the chance to interact with the bartenders, which was not something that you would get to experience on a regular visit to a bar. Throughout the tour as well, participants will also get to learn little nuggets of history and culture of the bars and the area they are at, great for those new to Singapore.
Each tour will be led by an expert guide familiar with the local nightlife scene. The group size is also kept small, not more than 10, to maximise interaction among participants. They also get to skip any queues and special access into bars and hotspots.
Private tours can also be customised to participants’ preferences and suitable for corporate groups too.
Verdict
It was impressive to hear from the bartenders and brewers themselves about the thought process and well-intentioned meaning that went into the creation of each drink. As someone who has been teetotal for a few months, I left well-hydrated, with a greater appreciation for Singapore’s bar scene and glad that I still had my wits about me.
Rate
S$129 (US$99) per person
Contact details
Website: https://vegthiscity.com/product/singapour-drink-tour-copy/
New hotels: Dusit Thani Bangkok, Best Western Adelaide Airport and more
Dusit Thani Bangkok, Thailand
At the Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, a singular corridor floor plan ensures that every room faces the verdant expanse of Lumpini Park, providing guests with uninterrupted scenic views through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.
The hotel has been reconstructed to offer an opulent accommodation experience, with fewer rooms (257 versus the original’s 517), banqueting and meeting facilities spanning over 5,000m², dining outlets, spa, and even a multi-level rooftop bar.
Best Western Adelaide Airport, Australia
Best Western Adelaide Airport has been transformed, featuring guestrooms with double-glazed windows and soundproof doors to ensure a restful night’s sleep, a restaurant and bar, EV charging facilities, airport shuttle service and other amenities.
Situated directly across from Adelaide Airport, and a short drive from Adelaide city centre, the newly-renovated hotel is also nearby some of South Australia’s prime attractions and beaches like West Beach, Henley Beach, and Glenelg.
Wafaifo Resort Hoi An, Vietnam
Wafaifo Resort Hoi An will give visitors to Hoi An and the greater Danang area access to a range of wellness and spa services at the new 134-room and suite lifestyle resort.
The facility comprises a detailed health diagnostic report using epigenetic testing, hair follicle analysis, AirPod hyperbaric chamber sessions, infrared saunas, and ice baths will also reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, flush toxins and reduce inflammation and swelling. Guests can also benefit from a Nu Calm sleep and restoration experience in their room.
The resort also has an advanced gym with personal fitness consultants, and will roll out more health and wellness services in the later phases.
Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Australia
Lanson Place Parliament Gardens is housed within the historic walls of the former Salvation Army printing press, located opposite the picturesque Parliament Gardens in Melbourne. The property features 137 rooms, studio apartments, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and two penthouses with panoramic views over the city.
Facilities comprise a wellness centre, swimming pool, fitness centre, and a restaurant and bar.
Club Med Bintan empowers families with new planet conservation programme
Club Med has joined hands with Mandai X, the growth and impact venture-building arm of Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Group, to bring the Ranger Buddies programme to Club Med Bintan from November 16, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
The programme features a series of missions and activities that blend augmented reality with real-life exploration to nurture the next generation of conservation heroes.
Designed with children and families in mind, the Ranger Buddies Missions make learning about sustainability a fun and engaging part of their holiday experience while encouraging participants to care for the planet.
Families and children can embark on a mission to help Coco the tortoise save the threatened habitats of her ocean cousins. Guests can tackle various missions through the Mini Club Med+ programme, enjoy dedicated family activities, or explore the Magic Valley app, a digital storytelling app where children have fun with interactive and personalised stories.
The programme integrates the C.O.U.R.A.G.E. framework, a research-backed approach designed by pedagogical experts – the framework helps children thrive by fostering essential life skills such as creativity, courage, and cooperation.
Participants can also join Club Med’s Amazing Family programme, which offers curated family activities designed to strengthen bonds while learning about sustainability.
In addition, children can become Ranger Buddies certified by Mandai X, and families can take home a personalised digital story about sea turtles to preserve memories of their adventure.
For more information, visit Club Med Bintan.
Further East returns to Bali for fifth year
Further East, Asia-Pacific’s only region-specific industry networking event, returns this year on November 4 in Bali, Indonesia.
The fifth edition of Asia-Pacific’s definitive gathering of buyers, exhibitors and media sharing their thoughts on the future of high-end travel will be hosted by Desa Potato Head over four days where attendees can look forward to immersive meetings, show floor activations and informal connections, as well as two evening parties.
In August, Further East revealed the names of each stage and what attendees can expect there. The main stage, Amplify, will feature some of the region’s buyers, exhibitors and media leaders speaking about industry topics. The name reflects Further East’s tagline this year, Asia-Pacific amplified, which encapsulates the event’s mission to introduce more Asia-Pacific experiences to the global travel market.
Second stage Masterclass provides more intimate workshop-style sessions, while the third, titled The Circle, opens debate between delegates, speakers and moderators. Each space represents ‘business done differently’ – a thought leadership festival that is more casual, relaxed and Asia-Pacific-centric than any other in B2B networking.
“We’ve worked very closely with Desa Potato Head since Further East’s first event in 2018,” said Sophia Asghar, associate event director. “This year, we’re growing that partnership. Not only will they play host to Open House, but also our opening party, where our delegates will mingle and enjoy drinks, a DJ and a special theme we’re yet to reveal.”
As the region continues to draw more international travellers, Asghar and her team believe this is a pivotal time for Asia-Pacific brands to meet and collaborate with global buyers. “People want to widen their perception of luxury, and we know the Asia-Pacific region can lead the industry. That’s why we create the perfect environment to collect and inspire travel leaders… to break open their real potential here,” she added.
Tripseed pioneers initiative on tracking tours’ economic distribution
Thailand-based DMC Tripseed has launched the first phase of its Economic Distribution Disclosure Initiative, a project that aims to map and label the economic benefit distribution of its Thailand operations.
To date, over 80 day tours and half-day tours have been labelled on the Tripseed website, identifying where the economic benefit from each tour goes geographically.
This initiative is said to be the first in the touring industry.
Tripseed defines economic leakage as the phenomenon where money spent by tourists does not remain in the local economy, but instead flows out to other regions or countries. This often occurs when tourism-related businesses are owned by foreign entities and individuals, or when goods and services are imported rather than sourced locally.
Measuring and reporting on leakage transparently is crucial to creating a more sustainable and positively impactful tourism industry. By addressing these imbalances, the tourism sector can lead efforts to create fairer economic opportunities, ensuring that tourism benefits genuinely reach locals.
Reducing leakage benefits destinations by ensuring more revenue remains within destinations and local communities, and goes hand-in-hand with ethical tax conduct towards fostering sustainable development and providing funds for improving public services and infrastructure.
Tripseed’s methodology for calculating leakage reveals insights into revenue distribution. This first phase introduces a labelling system that highlights the geographical beneficiaries of touring activities. Secondary and tertiary phases will disclose further details about the genuine economic beneficiaries of tours, while a complete company-wide disclosure will detail how much of Tripseed’s cost base goes toward local individuals and businesses versus leaks overseas to foreign-owned businesses and multinational corporations.
Ewan Cluckie, co-founder and director of growth at Tripseed, said: “We ensure that all our revenue and profits attributable to Thailand products and services are recorded in Thailand, where we also pay our taxes. Although this might appear minor, profit shifting to foreign countries is a significant issue in the DMC sector, diverting essential income away from local economies. This practice often prioritises maximising profitability over truly investing in the sustainable development of the destinations where they operate.”
“By refining our methodology, we strive to uncover genuine socio-economic contributions to local communities and foster a tourism model prioritising ethical practices over profits.”
Tourism Malaysia to skip WTM, focus on sales mission instead
Tourism Malaysia will not be participating at the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM) London in November due to budget constraints.
Instead, Tourism Malaysia will lead a focused B2B sales mission to Paris, Frankfurt, and London, commencing on September 30. This initiative will align with their efforts to promote the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
In a written response to a question raised by member of the National Assembly, Hisamudin Yahaya, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) confirmed the decision.
MOTAC elaborated that the sales mission would feature business-matching sessions and networking opportunities with prominent travel agencies from France, Germany, and the UK. Additionally, the roadshow will highlight Malaysian cuisine and cultural performances to engage with the public.
Despite these efforts, KL Tan, president, Malaysian Tourism Federation, expressed concern over Malaysia’s absence at WTM.
He told TTG Asia: “MOTAC should seriously reconsider its decision as the absence of the Malaysia Pavilion could potentially result in loss of visibility in the global tourism market.
“The Malaysian Tourism Federation is willing to take up the challenge to lead the private sector participation with a government grant of 400,000 ringgit (US$91,765) to save the day.
Tan urged MOTAC to adopt a revised strategy to offset Malaysia’s absence from the WTM, highlighting the UK’s importance as a high-yield market for Malaysia, while at the same time, developing the Chinese and Indian tourism markets.
He also praised the state tourism boards of Sabah and Sarawak for stepping up to represent their respective state tourism players.
However, other industry players appeared more supportive of Tourism Malaysia’s alternative approach.
Shah Azam Khan, senior vice president, hospitality Division, AnCasa Hotels & Resorts, explained that the roadshow would provide a more targeted experience.
He noted that the B2B networking events would allow Malaysian industry players to spend more time fostering relationships with European agents genuinely interested in promoting Malaysia.
Anthony Wong, managing director of The Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa, opined that if Tourism Malaysia is skipping WTM, it becomes essential for the organisation to ensure a significant presence at ITB Berlin, an even larger trade show. He noted that many European buyers attending WTM would also be present at ITB, making it a crucial event for maintaining Malaysia’s presence in the European tourism market.
DidaTravel hosts B2B events to boost Chinese outbound demand for Thailand, Malaysia
DidaTravel has revealed substantial growth in booking demand for Thailand and Malaysia, fuelled by a surge from the Chinese source market, and in response, hosted a series of B2B business matchmaking and networking events in China last week.
In 1H2024, hotel bookings from Chinese travellers visiting Thailand rose by 340 per cent compared to the same period the previous year. Likewise, hotel bookings from Chinese source market travellers visiting Malaysia surged by 780 per cent during the first six months of this year. These numbers underscore the rising interest and confidence among Chinese travellers in these South-east Asian destinations.
In Thailand, Chinese visitors are showing a strong preference for popular destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Karon, Patong, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Koh Samui, Bang Phli, and Hat Yai. In Malaysia, the most sought-after destinations include Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Johor Bahru, Semporna, Langkawi, Malacca, Petaling Jaya, Sepang, and Ipoh.
DidaTravel showed its support by organising B2B business matchmaking and networking events, held in Beijing on September 3 and in Shanghai on September 5. These events brought together major Chinese travel agencies experiencing outbound travel demand with hotel representatives from Thailand and Malaysia. The goal was to strengthen DidaTravel’s role as a bridge between Chinese travel agencies and South-east Asian hotel partners, actively addressing the rapid growth of China’s outbound travel market and further enhancing the influence of international hotel brands in the Chinese source market.
“The surge in bookings to Thailand and Malaysia highlights the growing enthusiasm of Chinese source market travellers in these destinations. Our events in Beijing and Shanghai reflected our commitment to fostering strong, lasting relationships between travel agencies and hoteliers. By enabling direct communication and collaboration, we aim to help our partners deliver exceptional, customised experiences that meet the evolving needs of today’s travellers,” commented Snow Xiao, senior director – hotel direct contracting, global at DidaTravel.
Virgin Australia, Amadeus enhance partnership
Amadeus has renewed and expanded its distribution agreement with Virgin Australia, which will see the airline make its offering available to connected travel sellers around the world through EDIFACT and in the future, NDC channels.
The expanded partnership will see the Australian airline collaborating with Amadeus across a suite of solutions for airlines and airports as well as loyalty and distribution.
Content from Virgin Australia will be fully integrated into travel sellers’ preferred booking environments which can include Amadeus Selling Platform Connect, Amadeus Travel API, or the Amadeus self-booking tool for corporations, Cytric Easy.
Sandra Da Cruz-Brits, general manager distribution, Virgin Australia, said: “Over the past decade, we have expanded our partnership and now look forward to deepening it further as Virgin Australia accelerates its transition to the world of modern airline retailing.”
Lance Batty, regional director airlines, South Pacific, Amadeus, added: “We welcome the opportunity to work with the airline to improve its travel retailing offering, with a relationship that now encompasses IT solutions, loyalty, distribution and more.”
Hilton leads as Asia’s top hospitality workplace for eighth year running
Hilton has once again been recognised as the highest-ranking hospitality company on Great Place to Work’s Best Workplaces in Asia list for the eighth consecutive year, placing at number two among the top 100 companies across all industries in the multinational category.
This latest recognition validates Hilton’s commitment to offering a best-in-class employee experience reflective of its signature hospitality – driven by humanity and focused on inclusion, wellness, growth and purpose. Through its programme and global employer proposition, Thrive@Hilton, the company empowers its team members across Asia-Pacific to thrive, regardless of their background, role, or location.
This latest win reinforces the steps that Hilton has taken to transform the hotel work experience and better align with the changing priorities of today’s workforce, such as streamlining its recruitment and on-boarding processes, adopting new approaches to hotel staffing that prioritise flexibility and efficiency, and reducing time spent on transactional tasks. For instance, Hilton successfully rolled out a GIG model in China and Japan, becoming the first international hotel company to offer flexible employment to over 17,000 gig workers across over 100 cities in these markets, resulting in over 240,000 shifts completed to date.
Globally, Hilton was named #1 World’s Best Workplace by Fortune and Great Place to Work in 2023, the first and only hospitality company to ever receive this accolade.
“The hospitality landscape is rapidly evolving, and it remains Hilton’s priority to distinguish itself as an employer of choice, and strengthen a culture that values inclusion, growth and innovation. As we write our next growth chapter, this presents a huge engine of opportunity for our 62,000 team members, the driving force behind Hilton’s success,” said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
Patsy Ng, vice president, human resources, Asia Pacific, Hilton, added: “A best-in-class culture attracts the best talents, and the best work experience brings out the very best in our team members to deliver the best stays for our guests. As we celebrate our eighth consecutive year as Asia’s leading hospitality workplace, we are more committed than ever to fostering a future-ready workplace that delivers a truly human experience for all.”
Agora Hospitalities Co. and Dorsett Hospitality International are introducing a new brand, Dorsett by Agora, and will launch the first property in Osaka, Japan.
Scheduled to open in Spring 2025, Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai will offer 321 rooms and suites, with facilities such as a restaurant, seaside terrace, lobby lounge, and conference rooms.
Located just a 10-minute train ride from the heart of Osaka’s Minami district, Namba, the hotel is surrounded by Osaka’s only World Heritage site, the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, as well as areas rich in the history and culture of Sakai. Within Sakai City, visitors can explore traditional townscapes from the Edo period, historic commercial districts, and ancient shrines, offering a close encounter with Japan’s deep history and culture.
The hotel also provides access to Osaka City, with popular areas like Minami and Kita easily reachable. A five-minute walk from Sakai Station on the Nankai Main Line, guests can also get to Kansai Airport in just about 37 minutes by train.