[SPONSORED POST] Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Budget

August 24, 2017

For an enriching road trip experience, why not stop off for an encounter with some of the world’s most diverse World Heritage Sites? Drive through the rolling hills of The Lake District in England or stop over at the poignant Robben Island in South Africa; UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer a mix of both cultural and natural legacies for travellers to enjoy.

Choose Budget for a great range of cars to suit your requirements combined with its detailed local knowledge, flexibility and great value for money. With approximately 3,500 locations in more than 120 countries, visiting the world’s UNESCO sites with Budget comes easy. Budget shares five of the many UNESCO sites from around the world

Los Alerces National Park, Argentina

If it’s the great outdoors that ticks the boxes, stop off at Los Alerces National Park in Argentina, which is only accessible by car on the eastern side. The park lies in the shadows of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes and Budget road-trippers can take a boat trip on the four lakes to enjoy the views of The Torrecillas Glacier. With limited transport to reach the national park, hiring a car is the best way to access this untouched natural beauty.

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, Canada

For a world-class journey, experience a drive along the Icefields Parkway, which stretches over 200km through the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Pull over to explore the unspoiled mountain lakes and ancient glaciers of Banff and Jasper National Parks, home to diverse wildlife and majestic viewpoints. This is a winning combination for Budget drivers – a vast UNESCO world heritage site paired with one of the world’s most epic road trips.

The Lake District, England

The Lake District is the perfect spot if your idea of heaven is shimmering lakes and picturesque villages and renting a car means you can explore this beautiful region at your own pace. Home to England’s largest natural lake and highest mountain, the national park is packed with outdoor opportunities. Stretch your legs by exploring on foot, or simply relax in the beautiful surroundings of England’s first national park to gain World Heritage status.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, Japan

Budget drivers can soak up the views of Mount Fuji while following the old road which links the new capital of Japan to the old. Worlds apart from the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, Kyoto is punctuated by cherry-blossom trees. But what makes this city special is the tranquil temples that line the city’s waterways, which make the perfect pit-stop for culture vultures.

Robben Island, South Africa

Beneath the imposing Table Mountain lies Cape Town – a city of contrasts located on the Atlantic Coast. History buffs will be fascinated during a visit to the haunting prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years, which gained UNESCO status in 1999. From here, Cape Town offers the ideal starting point for Budget drivers to begin their journey along the world-famous Garden Route.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites – there are 1,000+ of them, all of which are recognised for their exceptional natural beauty or outstanding cultural importance that are worthy of protection for all humanity. These are only five of many. Be inspired to go and explore the big, beautiful world. Pick a car, take a drive and check out the world’s most intriguing sites to visit.

Get your Budget car now at www.budgetinternational.com/ttgasia!

(Photo Sources – Budget, Getty, Pixabay, UNESCO WHC)

The Sukhothai Shanghai names GM

By TTG Asia

August 24, 2017

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Marcel Holman has been appointed general manager for The Sukhothai Shanghai, slated to open in December this year.

Besides overseeing the operation of the 201-key Sukhothai Shanghai, Holman also holds a dual role as vice president mainland China for The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts, and is responsible for the brand development and expansion of the Sukhothai brand within mainland China.

ttThe Dutch national started his international hospitality career in Asia-Pacific 24 years ago as the assistant F&B manager in New Zealand, followed by several assignments with the InterContinental Hotels Group, Rotana Hotels, and Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts in Australia, China, the UAE and Taiwan.

In the mid-2000s, he was the resident manager at Shangri-La Fuzhou and Shangri-La Chengdu during their soft opening periods, followed by his first assignment as general manager with the China World Summit Wing, Convention Centre (A Shangri-La Hotel) Beijing in 2008.

Holman was then assigned to the Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Taipei to execute the hotel relaunch program, and in mid-2016 took on the position as general manager – projects for various Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts properties in Singapore, Shanghai and Jakarta.

Trishaw Uncle’s going places with GPS guides, young drivers

By Pamela Chow

August 23, 2017

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Singapore’s only licensed trishaw tour operator Trishaw Uncle has refreshed its services by curating and providing GPS-guided trishaw tours through iconic heritage districts such as Little India, Kampong Glam, Chinatown and the Civic District.

On these journeys, visitors will also get to step into the humble homes of Chinatown’s early residents, peek into the living cubicle of a trishaw driver, feast on a meal at Violet Oon’s Satay Bar and Grill and hear authentic personal stories.

Reinventing trishaw tours digital menus at kiosks, GPS navigation and younger ‘uncles’

In addition to planning its own tours, Trishaw Uncle has also reinvented its fleet by adding GPS systems to the vehicles and employing younger drivers, said its managing director, Png Yiow Beng.

“The younger generation of cyclists are more than just drivers,” said Png. “They are also very passionate about introducing Singapore’s history and landmarks.”

The GPS systems currently provide location-triggered commentaries in English, Japanese and Korean, explained Png. Trishaw Uncle has plans to target other tourist markets “depending on demand”.

He added: “We have always been considering digital enhancements, but only recently added them because the technology became more stable. It’s necessary to be alert to new trends, so we’re always on the lookout for new software and hardware.”

Trishaw Uncle has also updated its kiosk at Albert Mall Trishaw Park with interactive digital menus and videos of its tour routes.

Its tours will be available for walk-in customers at Albert Mall Trishaw Park, and customers have the choice of selecting single zone or multi-zone trishaw experiences.

In addition to the current Albert Mall Trishaw Park, Trishaw Uncle is adding a new embarkation point at Chinatown Heritage Centre to make its trishaw tours more accessible and convenient for locals and visitors.

Princess sets epic S’pore-Alaska cruise, with 11 Asia calls in between

By TTG Asia

August 23, 2017

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Princess-Cruises-Alaska-cruise — Guests can combine the 29-day sail from Singapore with an existing seven-day Alaska itinerary

Princess Cruises is debuting the Epic Adventure Cruise from Singapore to Alaska on the 2,600-guest Golden Princess, offering 29- or 36-day itinerary options.

Sailing from Singapore on April 14, 2018, Golden Princess’ 29-day Southeast Asia, Japan and North Pacific Crossing will bring guests to 11 ports in Asia – namely Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hong Kong, Taipei, Busan (South Korea) and Japan’s Osaka, Shimizu, Yokohama, Sakaiminato, Hakodate and Muroran – before crossing the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean on the way to Anchorage, Alaska.

Guests can combine the 29-day sail from Singapore with an existing seven-day Alaska itinerary

Guests have the option to continue on the seven-day Alaska Grand Adventure from Anchorage visiting the Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau before arriving in Vancouver.

“We have created (the cruise) from Singapore to Alaska due to popular demand from guests in this region who wish to embark the ship closer from home to sail to Alaska instead of just booking (our) seven-night Alaskan cruise,” said Farriek Tawfik, director of Southeast Asia, Princess Cruises.

On top of the chance to observe Alaskan wildlife including humpback whales, dolphins, bears and bald eagles, guests on the seven-day journey can also enjoy on-shore activities such as dog sledding and visits to the national and wildlife parks.

Princess Cruises and Discovery Communications are also teaming up to create new vacation experiences with activities featuring Discovery hit shows such as MythBusters, Deadliest Catch and Shark Week; as well as Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions.

While on board guests will be offered a range of inclusive dining options with signature dishes designed by celebrity chef Curtis Stone featured in the main dining room. Guests can also enjoy an Alaska-themed dinner and a variety of fresh Alaska seafood options.

The 29-day itinerary is priced from S$4,520 (US$3,318.70) per pax, while the seven-day Alaska Grand Adventure would cost an additional S$1,160 per pax.

In Thailand, strongest waves of interest seen for Krabi, Phuket’s Kathu

By TTG Asia

August 23, 2017

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railay-beach-krabi-province — Searches for Thailand's beaches and islands surge; view from Phra Nang cave in Railay, Krabi province

Beaches and islands prove to be Thailand’s most powerful attractions for international travellers, with Krabi enteringTripAdvisor’s top five Thai destinations in terms of search traffic growth for the first time this year, after registering the highest increase at 41 per cent.

Krabi is followed by Kathu and Nai Yang in Phuket, at 37 and 31 per cent respectively. Tied in fourth place with a 10 per cent increase in searches are the cultural city Chiang Mai in the north and border city Hat Yai in the south.

Searches for Thailand’s beaches and islands surge; view from Phra Nang cave in Railay, Krabi province

As for visitor origin markets, China continues to contribute the highest percentage increase in search traffic on TripAdvisor, with a year-on-year increase of 30 per cent, outpacing the overall international average of four per cent. India and Indonesia followed in second and third place, with year-on-year search increases of 16 and 12 per cent respectively.

The largest sources of search traffic for Thailand are China, the US, UK, Australia and Russia. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), China and Russia were also two of the largest contributors to Thailand’s inbound tourism and inbound expenditure in 1H2017.

Out of the top five inbound markets, Chinese travellers have the shortest planning lead-time of approximately 51 days and stay for nearly four nights. Russian travellers take around 60 days to plan a trip but stay the longest with approximately 11 nights per stay.

Travellers from US, UK and Australia stay for an average of six nights and take the longest to plan, with lead-times of 108, 102 and 82 days respectively.

On average, international travellers visiting Thailand start planning their trip 65 days in advance, and stay for almost five nights.

Among Chinese travellers searching Thailand, there was continued interest from second-tier cities of Hangzhou, Dalian and Qingdao. The surge in interest comes amid increasing disposable income in these cities and improved flight connectivity to South-east Asia.

Avani to make Maldives debut come 2019

By TTG Asia

August 23, 2017

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Avani Fares Maldives Resort, a US$70 million joint venture partnership between Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group and Cyprea Group, is scheduled to open on the private 12.4ha Fares Island in the Baa Atoll in 4Q2019.

The resort will comprise 200 guestrooms – including standard rooms and a selection of villas – with complimentary Wi-Fi, media hub docking station and 40-inch flat-screen TV.

Fares Island, the build site of the upcoming Avani property

Looking out to the ocean, the resort’s open plan lobby follows a communal living space concept blending reception, lounge, meeting spaces, all-day dining restaurant and The Pantry, which serves comfort food and deli snacks around the clock. The resort will also feature a speciality restaurant, spa, kids’ club as well as a swimming pool and pool bar.

Avani Fares Maldives Resort is 45 minutes by sea plane from Malé and 30 minutes by speedboat from the newly opened domestic airport on Baa Atoll.

Avani Hotels & Resorts was launched in 2011 as a sister brand to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, which currently has three resorts in the Maldives including Anantara Kihavah, also located in the Baa Atoll.

Dusit seals deal for two Huizhou hotels in China

By TTG Asia

August 23, 2017

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Dusit International, represented in China by Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, has signed a management agreement with Huizhou Yuetai Investment Company to operate two new properties in Huizhou in China’s Guangdong Province.

The Dusit Devarana Resort, Huizhou Shuangyue Bay will comprise 84 guest rooms and 64 villas. F&B outlets will include an all-day-dining restaurant, a Chinese restaurant and a lobby lounge, while a 900m² pillarless ballroom and three meeting rooms will cater for meetings and events. Also on offer are facilities such as a gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool, kids’ club and a Devarana Spa.

The Dusit Devarana Resort, Huizhou Shuangyue Bay

Overlooking the South China Sea in a 29-storey tower, the dusitD2 Serviced Residence, Huizhou Shuangyue Bay will offer 550 apartments, an all-day-dining restaurant, and a lobby lounge with a focus on appealing to millennial travellers.

Set to open in 2020, both hotels will be located in Huizhou’s Shuangyue Bay, which is approximately 90 minutes by car from Huizhou’s Pingtan Airport and 45 minutes from the high-speed train station. Huizhou city centre and Shenzhen are two hours away by car, while Guangzhou is a three-hour drive away.

London’s Big Ben to stand silent until 2021

By TTG Asia

August 23, 2017

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At noon on Monday, London’s iconic Big Ben made its final chime until the tower’s scheduled restoration work completes in 2021, according to the Parliament.uk website.

Tours of the icon have been ceased since the £29 million (US$37.3 million) restoration project got underway early this year. The last time significant work was carried out on the tower was in 1983-85.

Big Ben falls silent as restoration begins

A notice on the Parliament.uk website stated that there will be clock mechanics on hand to ensure that the Big Ben can still bong for important national events such as New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Sunday.

A new Aura takes over M Social Singapore

By TTG Asia

August 23, 2017

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Meet Aura, South-east Asia’s first front-of-house autonomous service delivery robot which is now making its rounds at M Social Singapore to send items like bottled water, towels and toiletries to guestrooms.

The robotic solution was introduced by Millennium Hotels and Resorts to optimise operations, boost productivity and lift guest experiences to a new level.

Aura delivers newspapers to Lee Richards, vice president of operations Singapore, Millennium Hotels and Resorts

Developed by robot builders Savioke and the first of her kind to be deployed outside the US, Aura can operate and ride in elevators, navigate her way to a guest’s door, let them know that a delivery has arrived (guest phone rings), and then open her lid for guests when they answer the door. Once the item is delivered, she will return to the docking station by herself.

More Auras are set to be launched in the near future in Millennium Hotels and Resorts properties in Singapore, namely the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, M Hotel Singapore, Orchard Hotel Singapore and Studio M Hotel.

Aura also has a brother, who is yet to be named, with the ability to cook different types of eggs. He is likely to be introduced to the hotel industry in 2018.

Khong heads Singapore’s first Courtyard by Marriott as GM

By TTG Asia

August 23, 2017

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Peter Khong has joined Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena’s pre-opening team as general manager.

In this role, Khong will be responsible for launching the first Courtyard by Marriott in Singapore, as well as overseeing all aspects of the hotel’s operations. The hotel is slated to open in 4Q2017.

The hospitality veteran has nearly three decades of industry experience, having first started his career in operations with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 1989, before joining other brands such as Hyatt and Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Prior to his return to Singapore, Khong spent 20 years in China, where he was general manager of Sheraton Shanghai Hongqiao and Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Daning.

[SPONSORED POST] Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Budget

The Sukhothai Shanghai names GM

Trishaw Uncle’s going places with GPS guides, young drivers

Princess sets epic S’pore-Alaska cruise, with 11 Asia calls in between

In Thailand, strongest waves of interest seen for Krabi, Phuket’s Kathu

Avani to make Maldives debut come 2019

Dusit seals deal for two Huizhou hotels in China

London’s Big Ben to stand silent until 2021

A new Aura takes over M Social Singapore

Khong heads Singapore’s first Courtyard by Marriott as GM

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