Plaza Premium Group unveils premium VIP lounge at HKIA
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 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 debuts new superyacht
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 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.
Reservations for Ilma are now open.
For more information, visit The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
BWH Hotels unveils a selection of enticing accommodation across Asia
Brought to you by BWH Hotels
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
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
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
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
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 takes measures to curb mpox import
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.
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.
Xiaohongshu platform earns favour among Chinese travel sellers
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.
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.
Accor celebrates 100th hotel in Australia to achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification
Accor has reached a major milestone on its sustainability journey with the Sustainable Tourism Certification of its 100th hotel in Australia by Ecotourism Australia, bringing the company closer to its goal of having 100 per cent of its network across the Pacific region being certified by the end of 2025.
The 100 hotels, resorts and apartments from all states and territories across Australia have each demonstrated commitment to environmental, socio-economic, cultural and responsible management principles, implementing global best-practice sustainable tourism standards to achieve certification.
Of the 100 certified hotels, 30 per cent are strategically located in the central business districts of Sydney and Melbourne, making them particularly well-suited to meet the sustainability and business needs of Accor’s corporate clientele.
Achieving certification is a rigorous process, involving over 200 key indicators across the four pillars of sustainability and strong business practices, shared Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan. She explained: “The process can take up to 12 months and includes an independent third-party audit before certification is awarded. Hotels must demonstrate ongoing commitment, with periodic independent audits required to maintain certification.”
Accor Pacific COO PM&E, Adrian Williams commented: “Sustainable Tourism Certification not only enhances the competitiveness and attractiveness of our hotels but also boosts operational excellence and revenue generation. This achievement aligns perfectly with the expectations of today’s travellers and our corporate clients, who increasingly seek responsible options and prefer hotels with third-party sustainable certifications.”
Resorts World One to homeport in Dubai from November 1
Resorts World Cruises (RWC) will debut its Resorts World One in the Gulf in the Middle East from November 1, where the vessel will homeport in Dubai via DP World’s Mina Port Rashid to offer three weekly departures.
Itineraries include the two-night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise (Friday departures); the three-night Oman (Khasab-Muscat) Cruise (Sunday departures); and the two-night Doha Cruise (Wednesday departures). For a longer cruise vacation, passengers can combine any of the itineraries to make a 4, 5 or 7 Night Cruise.
The commencement of Resorts World One on November 1 also coincides with Diwali, one of India and Asia’s major festivals, which will also attract a wider expat demographic in the region and the inbound Fly-Cruise segment to Dubai. Diwali themed performances and F&B will be offered on board during the entire week of celebration.
Muslim guests can cruise with peace of mind as the Resorts World One will receive the official halal certification upon commencing her sailing from Dubai. In addition, certified vegetarian and Jain cuisine are also available.
Onboard public announcements will be made in English and Arabic languages for the convenience of the onboard guests. Shisha will also be available onboard.
“The response from the Gulf and from various markets in Asia, including from our travel partners have been very encouraging and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard soon”, said Michael Goh, president, RWC. “Our deployment in the Gulf will unlock new opportunities for Dubai and the Gulf as a premiere cruise region. We look forward to this journey together, as we boost inbound and outbound travel for the cruise tourism sector.”
Saud Mohammed Saeed Hareb, cruise tourism & yachting lead, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, added: “Cruise tourism continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of Dubai’s tourism industry, aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. This strategic partnership with Resorts World Cruises is a testament to our commitment to bring increasingly diverse cruise experiences to our city, underlining Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region.
“We look forward to welcoming the first passengers onboard Resorts World One and providing them the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable experience, particularly in Dubai itself where they will begin and end their cruise journeys and be able to take advantage of the wide range of offerings across the city.”
Celebrate the mid-autumn season with The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas
The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali (Mulia Bali) has unveiled a special festival dining experience that marries two rich traditions: the cultural celebration of Ajengan and the Mulia’s Mid-Autumn Mooncake collection.
Derived from the Balinese word for food, Ajengan is more than just a dining experience. It is a cultural night that immerses guests in the richness of Balinese culture, art, and culinary traditions. Held at the exquisite Eden Garden, this all-you-can-eat dinner invites both guests and visitors to discover the finest elements of Balinese heritage every other Thursday from 19.00 onwards. There will also be dance performances by a local dance troupe from a nearby village.
In addition, guests can try some of this year’s mooncakes, which comes in an elegant packaging reflecting the beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
For more information, visit Mulia Bali.
Destinations set up mpox precaution at border controls
Authorities in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, among others in the region, have established precautionary measures at borders against the import of mpox from abroad, following the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration of mpox a global public health emergency on August 14.
A WHO statement cited a surge in cases of the new mpox clade 1b strain in Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
Singapore started from August 23 temperature and visual screening at both air and sea checkpoints. The city-state does not have direct flights between Singapore and any country with an mpox outbreak, stated the health ministry. National Centre for Infectious Diseases, National University Hospital, and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital are prepared to handle infected patients.
In Johor, the Malaysian state bordering Singapore, health authorities have stepped up public health screening activities at all international checkpoints – Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ), Sultan Abu Bakar Complex CIQ, Senai International Airport, and international ferry terminals.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 has also tightened screening procedures. While most travellers and crew will pass through thermal scanners, those arriving from high-risk country – or those showing symptoms of illness – will undergo more thorough screening at a centre near gate C22.
Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said symptoms to watch for include high temperature, blistered skin, or swollen glands. People with these symptoms would be given a health alert card and referred to the nearest healthcare facility.
In Thailand, authorities now require people travelling from high-risk areas to register in the Thai Health Pass system, which will collect entry and exit dates and times to aid contact tracing where necessary.
International arrivals at Indonesia’s major ports of entry such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali will pass through thermal scanners and are required to fill out an online health declaration form. Symptomatic passengers will undergo checks in a private facility upon arrival.
During a press conference earlier this week, Singapore health minister Ong Ye Kung emphasised that “Mpox is a troublesome virus which we can manage”.
He noted that the new mpox strain was less transmissible than respiratory viruses such as influenza and Covid-19. An mpox infected person can spread it to an average of 1.3 persons, while the rate of infection is five for Covid-19 (Omicron) and 10 for measles.
As such, Ong said the state of disruption resulting from Covid-19 would unlikely occur with mpox.
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.
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.”