The Bali government is seeking the approval of the central government in Jakarta to temporarily halt the construction of new hotels and villas in its southern region, in a move to curb overdevelopment ills.
Patung Titi Banda monument in Denpasar, Bali
The planned moratorium on such developments will target the Sarbagita region, encompassing Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan, the island’s acting governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya told local media.
However, Sang Made did not specify how long the suspension will be for.
The local press said tourism and creative economy minister Sandiaga Uno has acknowledged the proposal, which would be reviewed by both his ministry and president Joko Widodo.
Sandiaga emphasised that the moratorium has the support of academics and tourism stakeholders, and indicated that the central government might solely manage future building permits in Bali while local authorities play a consultative role.
Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) has partnered with experience provider Klook to launch the Jalan-Jalan Muslim-friendly NZ campaign, aimed at attracting Malaysian Muslim travellers to New Zealand.
Translated to English, the campaign reads as ‘explore Muslim-friendly New Zealand’, and is an initiative that marks a significant step in enhancing the travel experience for Malaysian Muslim travellers in New Zealand.
From left: Gregg Wafelbakker and Sarah Wan exchanging gifts at the campaign launch in Kuala Lumpur on September 4
Running from September 6 to 22, the campaign allows travellers to conveniently book experiences in New Zealand through Klook, which include halal and Muslim-friendly food options.
Gregg Wafelbakker, TNZ’s general manager for Asia, noted the importance of Malaysia as a visitor market for New Zealand: “Arrivals from Malaysia to New Zealand have been growing, with over 30,000 visitors for the year ending June 2024, a 31.6 per cent year-on-year increase.”
TNZ’s research shows that Malaysian visitors are drawn to New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, friendly locals, wildlife experiences, and self-drive holidays.
Speaking at the campaign’s launch in Kuala Lumpur, Wafelbakker stated: “We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where Muslim visitors can enjoy our beautiful landscapes and unique experiences with ease. This collaboration demonstrates our dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of this important market.”
TNZ hopes the campaign will drive traffic from Malaysia, particularly during off-peak seasons like spring, winter, and autumn, which align with key Malaysian travel periods such as Hari Raya in 2025 and school holidays in May, September, and October. Wafelbakker noted that while New Zealand is a year-round destination, the off-peak seasons offer fewer crowds and exceptional experiences like whale watching, stargazing, and outdoor adventures.
Klook’s general manager for Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Sarah Wan, said: “New Zealand is a destination rich in natural beauty and cultural experiences, and we’re excited to make it more accessible to Muslim travellers from Malaysia. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing seamless, enjoyable travel experiences that cater to the diverse needs of our customers.”
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and GD World Cruises, a brand under ICE Holidays, have joined forces to offer more convenient and diverse travel options for visitors from Malaysia through the latter’s exclusive packages and selected cruise routes.
The partnership aims to offer consumers attractive and competitive prices so as to curate an ideal fly-cruise-stay experience.
From left: STB’s Terrence Voon and ICE Holidays’ Mita Lim at the MoU signing ceremony
STB and GD World Cruises have launched a series of new travel products, including selected cruise itineraries departing from Singapore on Resorts World Cruises and Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, fly-cruise-stay packages, and customised cruise experiences that cater to key audience segments such as families.
Packages will include cruise cabins, flight tickets, hotel accommodation, and transfer services in Singapore.
“Singapore offers great value for both time and money, as families from Malaysia can maximise their precious moments together with peace of mind,” said Terrence Voon, STB’s executive director of Southeast Asia.
Before boarding the cruise, visitors can explore Singapore’s landmarks and attractions around Marina Bay – from the Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay to Marina Bay Sands’ SkyPark Observation Deck – and beyond.
ICE Holidays managing director, Mita Lim, added: “By joining forces with STB and GD World Cruises, we can now offer our customers a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience. The fly-cruise-stay packages perfectly cater to the needs of multigenerational families, providing them with the convenience, comfort, and rich experiences that modern travellers seek. We look forward to bringing these exclusive offerings to the Malaysian market.”
Cebu Pacific is celebrating the airline’s 10th anniversary of flying to/from Australia with prices from as low as A$199 (US$132) one-way all-in from Melbourne to Manila and from A$209 one-way all-in from Sydney to Manila.
The airline launched its Australian services in September 2014 and currently offers five flights a week to Sydney and three flights a week to Melbourne.
Cebu Pacific is offering special one-way all-in fares to Sydney and Melbourne
To boost capacity on the Australia-Philippines route, Cebu Pacific will move to daily services to Sydney from December 1, and increase to four services a week to Melbourne from November 23.
Travellers can take advantage of Cebu Pacific’s extensive domestic network to fly to 35 destinations once they arrive in Manila.
A new report from Arival, The Affluent Experiences Traveler, showed that high-net-worth travellers – with an annual income of US$150,000 or more – are the driving force behind the tours, activities, and attractions market, generating 50% of total traveller spend on day tours, and more than 40% of all spend on activities and attraction tickets.
The report uncovers the unique preferences and behaviours of this high-value traveller segment, which is increasingly placing experiences first in their travel planning and priorities. It highlights how hotels, destinations, airlines and travel agencies, as well as travel experiences companies, must pay close attention to this critical and growing segment of traveller population.
High-net-worth travellers are increasingly placing experiences first in their travel planning and priorities
The report is part of the 2024 US Experiences Traveler study that surveyed travellers across various income levels to understand their behaviours and preferences when it comes to booking and experiencing tours, activities, and attractions.
The report unveiled the following key findings.
Affluent travellers account for a disproportionate share of bookings and spending in the experiences sector. While representing only 21% of all travellers, they are a third of bookings and 46% of total spending on tours and activities.
Young affluent travellers aged 18-44 are especially impactful, spending 50% more on activities than other travellers. Moreover, experiences play a crucial role in destination selection for the majority of affluent travellers across all age groups, with 77% of older affluent travellers and 74% of younger affluent travellers saying that available activities and experiences were a primary reason for choosing their holiday destination.
Affluent travellers are more likely to plan and book experiences in advance – often before booking other elements of their trips. 59% of younger affluent travellers and 27% of older affluent travellers plan and book experiences more than four weeks in advance, compared to 22% of middle-income travellers and 28% of lower-income travellers.
As for flights and accommodation, older affluent travellers (77%) prefer to plan and book these more than four weeks in advance, whereas younger affluent travellers (70%) wait to do this less than a week from the date.
Younger affluent travellers are particularly engaged in the experiences market and account for 67% of bookings and 70% of spending among affluent travellers. Furthermore, sustainability and personal values are key factors in experience selection for affluent travellers. 87% of younger affluent travellers prioritise brands and products that align with their values, compared with 56% in other income groups; 81% of young affluent travellers also say that sustainability influences their experience choices, compared with 44% of other travellers.
The Affluent Experiences Traveler report also highlights the growing importance of social media and online reviews in the decision-making process for affluent travellers. Younger affluent travellers, in particular, rely heavily on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for research and inspiration.
Douglas Quinby, CEO and co-founder of Arival, commented: “Creators and sellers of tours, activities and attractions must have a clear strategy to meet the expectations of an increasingly important affluent traveller, who is accounting for a greater share of overall travel and experiences demand. Every travel organisation – from accommodation and transportation to destinations and travel sellers of all shapes and sizes – must start thinking experiences first. Their most important customers already are.”
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has launched a new lounge concept within Plaza Premium First at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Named the Infinity Room, this brand-new premium VIP passenger lounge offers a sanctuary-like space for a selected class of elite travellers.
The recently reopened and renovated Infinity Room is nestled within Plaza Premium First, conveniently located adjacent to Gate 1 at HKIA. The secluded space serves as an extension to the personalised, all-inclusive lounge reserved for invited guests, such as airline partners’ First Class and Business Class travellers.
The Infinity Room features a round-the-clock dining experience where menu options rotate throughout the day
The lounge also welcomes walk-in guests, who can purchase full access to the first-class service.
Serving a round-the-clock dining experience, the all-day menu at Infinity Room spotlights local-inspired specialities blending Chinese and Western influences. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are available, as well as a wide beverage selection. Menu options rotate throughout the day.
Guests can expect round-the-clock personalised service, shower room facilities, complimentary 10-minute neck and shoulder massage, buggy service straight to boarding gate, and more.
PPG hopes to expand the Infinity Room concept in other global destinations.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s latest yacht, Ilma, is its second new-build luxury superyacht, offering suites with private ocean view terraces, dining curated by Michelin-starred restaurant chefs, a pool deck, new itineraries, and more.
Accommodating up to 448 guests and offering among the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-staff ratios at sea, Ilma boasts 224 suites, all with private terraces providing direct access to the sea. Stopping at signature and intimate ports of call, Ilma takes guests on itineraries to destinations such as Santorini, Porto Cervo, and the historic sites of Valletta, before departing for the Caribbean to Virgin Gorda, Gustavia, and St. John.
Ilma’s Marina and Marina Terrace features a hydraulic platform that connects guests directly with the sea
Ilma will additionally sail the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe – a first for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – during the 2025 summer season, featuring immersive itineraries in destinations like Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavík.
Onboard are five dining venues, a refreshed in-suite dining programme, bars, and a signature wine vault. Debuting on Ilma is the extensive Marina and Marina Terrace, featuring large glass windows that draw in natural light, side doors that open and float above the water, and a hydraulic platform that connects guests directly with the sea when the yacht is at anchor.
There is also an open-air space for live entertainment and sunbathing, complete with the main pool, pool bar, and an outdoor LED screen. Additional experiences include The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and three fitness spaces: a movement studio, cycle studio, and fitness studio.
The modern boutique Best Western Premier Agung Resort in Ubud has rooms that each come with their own balcony
A continent of diverse cultures and people, Asia is filled with a plethora of historical and cultural sites, a wide range of food from recipes handed down over generations, and modern attractions that show its remarkable innovation.
With an extensive collection of 4,300 hotels and resorts in over 100 countries and territories, BWH Hotels has properties across Asia for the perfect holiday experience.
The global hotel chain has three hospitality companies — WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels — under its umbrella, each catering to every type of traveller with a different type of travelling style and preference, be it travelling solo, as a couple, family, or groups.
Tranquil retreat in Bali, Indonesia
Ever popular among travellers, Bali, known as the Island of the Gods, offers cultural richness amidst natural treasures. In the cultural heart of Ubud, BWH Hotels offers upscale options such as Best Western Premier Agung Resort Ubud. The 76-key boutique hotel is furnished in a modern style with wooden accents and each room also comes with its own balcony.
Guests can unwind and immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings, with activities like morning walks, yoga, and hiking readily available. After a day of adventure, the resort’s two infinity pools, complete with poolside services, massage, and spa treatments, offer the perfect spot to relax.
Escape to bliss in Thailand
Tawa Ravadee Resort in the tranquil eastern Prachinburi region offers an escape into lush surroundings
In Thailand’s eastern city of Prachinburi, lies the Tawa Ravadee Resort, a member of WorldHotels Distinctive. Inspired by ancient Dvaravati art and culture, the tranquil resort is designed in modern Dvaravati style and surrounded by lush greenery and lotus ponds, offers spacious rooms filled with art of its local heritage.
Head for a beachside getaway in Vietnam
Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang occupies a scenic spot overlooking the ocean
Commanding a prime oceanfront location, the Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang invites travellers to unwind in its 335 rooms and suites that overlook the ocean. Just a 35 minute drive from Cam Ranh international airport, the hotel’s art deco inspired rooms are fully furnished, designed in sleek contemporary styles for the ultimate comfort.
Explore the cultural essence of Japan in its former capital of Kyoto
KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle puts travellers right in the of the cultural capital of Kyoto
Situated just by the city’s Nijo Castle, a cultural landmark, KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, a BW Signature Collection hotel, places visitors right in the heart of the ancient city. The boutique accommodation offers 57 rooms all furnished in the quintessential Japanese style with a small koagari area with slightly raised flooring, sliding Japanese doors, and tasteful sakura elements.
Scenic views in Hangzhou, China
At the 196-room Hangzhou Goethe Hotel, a member of WorldHotels Distinctive, the stylish business hotel offers a blend of sophisticated elegance. Situated near the scenic West Lake, guests who stay in the lake view room can look out onto the beautiful lake.
The hotel is close to Hangzhou Railway station and is conveniently located near business, culture and leisure centres.
Discover nature and cultural treasures in Islamabad, Pakistan
For those who want to discover the beauty of Pakistan’s raw nature, the Best Western Premier Hotel Islamabad in the capital offers the perfect base point for exploration. With 112 spacious rooms and suites featuring contemporary decor and modern amenities, the hotel also houses various event spaces, dining options, a fitness centre, and a rooftop pool with stunning views. Located near Ankara Park and close to key attractions and government offices, it is ideal for both leisure and business.
Stay in the bustling hub of Clark in the Philippines
Relax in modern comfort at the Best Western Plus Metro Clark, which is easily accessible to various areas of the city
Located next to the Saver’s Mall in downtown Angeles City, the modern midscale Best Western Plus Metro Clark offers comfortable rooms and suites furnished in a contemporary style. Relax in the dramatic infinity pool, work out in the fitness centre and indulge at the onsite restaurant.
Nearby, there are a number of dining and entertainment options from restaurants and casinos, to theme parks, spas, and golf courses.
From September 3 to November 18, 2024, BWR® members who book and stay at participating hotels and resorts worldwide will be rewarded with double points for every qualified stay. Visit www.bestwesternasia.com or www.worldhotels.com to make a booking now.
Indonesia now joins its Asian neighbours in putting in place mpox precautionary procedures – thermal scanners at major ports of entry and an online health declaration procedures have been implemented.
Achmad Farchanny, director of health surveillance and quarantine at the Ministry of Health (MoH), told the media that thermal scanners have been installed at all international airports and ports. In addition, international passengers arriving at major ports such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali will have to declare their health condition on the Satu Sehat Health Pass (SSHP) website.
Indonesia has heightened its health declaration and screening at major ports of entry such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, pictured (Photo: ardiwebs)
The SSHP online form is available in Indonesian, English, French, Mandarin, and Hokkien, according to Achmad.
After submission, travellers will be issued colour-coded results, with red being symptomatic. Symptomatic travellers will be seen by a health quarantine doctor in a private room.
Achmad stated that the first case of mpox found in Indonesia was in October 2022; in 2023, there were 73 cases.
He added that 14 cases have been found this year, with the latest identified in May.
For now, news of mpox have not had an effect on inbound tourism.
Paul Tallo, chairman of the Indonesia Inbound Tour Operator Association, said there have been no cancellations, although travellers have enquired about health measures and if examinations similar to the Covid-19 period would be enforced.
Nia Niscaya, senior advisor at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, expects heightened communications on mpox prevention efforts between related authorities and the private sector during this period.
Popular Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu (XHS), which expanded into “cross-border e-commerce” in 2017, is gaining prominence among Chinese outbound travel sellers, according to the latest Dragon Trail International (DTI) webinar.
XHS started out as the Hong Kong Shopping Guide in 2013, and expanded into shopping destinations and became a luxury travel showcase for top-tier travellers before lockdown. Today, it is gaining traction as a sales channel among Chinese travel agents, according to Sienna Parulis-Cook, DTI’s director of marketing and communications.
Xiaohongshu has developed from a shopping guide to become a lifestyle encyclopaedia
In DTI’s January 2023 Chinese Traveller Sentiment Report on planning outbound travel, Parulis-Cook shared that XHS ranked third while airline and hotel websites placed second; domestic OTAs were at the top.
DTI’s Chinese Travel Agents’ Sales Channels: Summer 2024 findings showed XHS had a 25 per cent share, tying with telephone sales.
In addition, DTI’s April 2024 Chinese Traveller Sentiment Report showed XHS had a 52 per cent share of channels used for outbound destination information.
In working with travel brands, DTI’s XHS rankings include airlines, attractions, cruise lines, museums and hotels. DTI marketing specialist Emily Cao said brand exposure and enhancing follower loyalty were achieved by mounting engaging campaigns and exciting giveaways.
Successful NTO campaigns included Hong Kong Disneyland – Duffy and Friends, and VisitBritain x Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice, she added.
XHS’s head of outbound travel, commercialisation, Cathy Wu, noted the Singapore Tourism Board’s online and offline brand refresh campaign, In Shanghai, offered “fun interactive activities” that offered insight for young travellers interested in spending Chinese New Year in Singapore.
Wu described the platform’s milestone as developing from a shopping guide to becoming a lifestyle encyclopaedia and where travel brands can now create an official account.
Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) has partnered with experience provider Klook to launch the Jalan-Jalan Muslim-friendly NZ campaign, aimed at attracting Malaysian Muslim travellers to New Zealand.
Translated to English, the campaign reads as ‘explore Muslim-friendly New Zealand’, and is an initiative that marks a significant step in enhancing the travel experience for Malaysian Muslim travellers in New Zealand.
Running from September 6 to 22, the campaign allows travellers to conveniently book experiences in New Zealand through Klook, which include halal and Muslim-friendly food options.
Gregg Wafelbakker, TNZ’s general manager for Asia, noted the importance of Malaysia as a visitor market for New Zealand: “Arrivals from Malaysia to New Zealand have been growing, with over 30,000 visitors for the year ending June 2024, a 31.6 per cent year-on-year increase.”
TNZ’s research shows that Malaysian visitors are drawn to New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, friendly locals, wildlife experiences, and self-drive holidays.
Speaking at the campaign’s launch in Kuala Lumpur, Wafelbakker stated: “We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where Muslim visitors can enjoy our beautiful landscapes and unique experiences with ease. This collaboration demonstrates our dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of this important market.”
TNZ hopes the campaign will drive traffic from Malaysia, particularly during off-peak seasons like spring, winter, and autumn, which align with key Malaysian travel periods such as Hari Raya in 2025 and school holidays in May, September, and October. Wafelbakker noted that while New Zealand is a year-round destination, the off-peak seasons offer fewer crowds and exceptional experiences like whale watching, stargazing, and outdoor adventures.
Klook’s general manager for Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Sarah Wan, said: “New Zealand is a destination rich in natural beauty and cultural experiences, and we’re excited to make it more accessible to Muslim travellers from Malaysia. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing seamless, enjoyable travel experiences that cater to the diverse needs of our customers.”