COUNTRY Holidays, one of Singapore’s leading bespoke travel consultants, is literally taking Singaporeans out of this world.
As the only local exclusive seller of Bloon, a new space product targeted for launch in 2016, Chang Theng Hwee, founder and managing director of Country Holidays, said: “We are evolving with the ever-changing travel industry landscape. By being able to now send travellers into space, we show that we are constantly at the forefront of travel in Asia.”
Passengers aboard the Bloon “near-space ship” will spend five to six hours on their journey, including two hours at cruise altitude. This space ship, which can hold a maximum of four passengers, will soar to an altitude of over 118,000 feet (36km).
Chang said: “Travellers can enjoy dinner, sip on their favourite drink or simply relax in the cabin, enjoying the spectacular views and astonishing landscapes through panoramic windows.”
The bulk of the company’s customers comprise sophisticated, discerning and well-heeled consumers who are mostly not first-time travellers. “Most of them are aged 40-65, and are a mix of doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and professionals,” said Chang.
“Our customers are always asking us what’s next after having travelled almost every part of the world already, and (space travel) will be something different.”
Bookings are now available and these flights will begin from late 2016.
Travellers will be offered customisation options, including branding of the pod and launch dome. It will also be possible to fly with a professional retired astronaut who will provide commentary and training for high-altitude balloon piloting, among other available options.
For more extraterrestrial travel, Lynx Space Programme launched programmes inSingapore and Indonesia in 2013 while Space Expedition Corporation expanded into Asia with the opening a regional head office in Hong Kong that same year.
