Silversea expands expedition programmes in 2025
Adventurous travellers will have more options to discover wildlife and cultures next year, as Silversea resumes its West Africa sailings and expands its fly-cruise operations to Antarctica.
Conrad Combrink, senior vice president, expeditions, destination & itinerary management at the luxury cruise company, told TTG Asia that the marketplace has been waiting for the return of the West Africa programme since it was put on hold as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The itinerary was first developed in 2011/2012 and took off to great success, Combrink recalled.
The 40-day Cape Town to Lisbon journey on Silver Wind will sail off on April 3 and conclude on May 13. It will call at 23 ports in 14 countries, with stops in Walvis Bay, Bom Bom Island, Pointe Noire and enjoy overnights in Lomé and Tema.
Combrink described the itinerary as “unique”, granting guests access to places that are “almost impossible to get to on their own”.
“In a single trip, we will visit Namibia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and more,” he said, adding that guests will not only discover African wildlife, but also uncover fascinating facets of African culture and way of life.
For those looking to explore the South Pole, Silversea will offer Antarctica Bridge expeditions on two ships next year. Currently, Silver Endeavour is the only expedition ship to sail six-night fly-cruise voyages that skip the Drake Passage. Come December 2025, Silver Cloud will also be deployed to the Antarctica Bridge. Altogether, Silversea will offer 18 Antarctica Bridge sailings in 2025/2026.
Combrink said these short expeditions have been a hit, as guests could experience the beauty of Antarctica in a very short time.
“By flying across the Drake Passage, we allow our guests six full nights of immersive experiences in the Antarctica Bridge,” he explained.
These 2025 expeditions are expected to charm Asia-Pacific travellers, who “look for quality both onboard and within the destination”.
“Silversea has such a wonderful reputation around the world, and customers in Asia-Pacific know that Silversea is really a unique opportunity to get both (quality cruise and shore experiences),” he remarked.
He said Silversea’s Best Ocean Cruise Line award at the recent 36th annual Virtuoso Travel Week is proof of the product.
“Our ships are all about understated luxury. We combine (the hardware) with very true, very unique destination experiences led by expedition staff who are extremely well trained. Most of our expedition staff work permanently or exclusively for Silversea, which means that their commitment to the destination, our company, and our guest is unique in many ways,” he added.
To ensure Asian guests feel at home and get the most out of their experiences, Silversea expeditions will bring onboard Mandarin-speaking staff when guests from Hong Kong and China are onboard, for example.
Silversea takes pride in its “industry-leading” crew-to-guest ratio on its expeditions. While the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators require a ratio of one crew to every 20 guests onboard, Silversea offers one expedition staff member to every 10 guests.
Extensive crew support is complemented by a large fleet of nimble Zodiac boats, allowing Silversea to get all guests off the ship for adventure at the same time and quickly.
Wonderfruit 2024 names Klook as official travel platform
Klook has been chosen as the official travel platform for Wonderfruit 2024, Thailand’s annual celebration of art, culture, music, and nature, which returns for its ninth edition this year.
As part of the collaboration, Klook will offer flexible booking and bundled packages at a range of hotels in Pattaya and Jomtien. After a day of exploration and immersive experiences in The Fields, travellers can look forward to unwinding in the comfort of their accommodation of choice from budget-friendly stays to luxury resorts.
This year, Wonderfruit anticipates an increase in attendees with the majority expected to be inbound tourists keen to experience the iconic festival and discover more of Thailand as a destination.
The Klook bundled packages will include festival tickets and local hotel stays, with sales commencing in September 2024.
“We’re proud to support one of South-east Asia’s top festivals to bring comprehensive bundles and seamless booking experiences to travellers all over the world,” said Michelle Ho, general manager of Klook Philippines and Thailand. “There is a unique opportunity for Thailand to cultivate itself as a destination for major festivals on the global stage. Our global audience and extensive in-destination capabilities across accommodation, mobility and attractions allows us to curate an enhanced traveller experience and showcase the destination’s distinctive charm.”
“Finding opportunities that enhance the Wonderer experience is at the core of how we approach partnerships. In response to requests from our community regarding off-site accommodation, we have worked with Klook to curate Wonderfruit Preferred Hotels as well as Premium Hotels and Hotels near The Fields. As the official travel platform for Wonderfruit 2024, Klook also offers options to help Wonderers travel to the area which we feel will help our international community plan their journey to The Fields seamlessly,” shared Donna Mei-Ling Dienel, partnership director of Wonderfruit.
Onyx leads collaborative effort with partners to cut carbon emissions in travel
Onyx Hospitality Group (Onyx) is joining forces between its flagship Amari property, Amari Bangkok and GB Limousine Co. – along with industry leaders such as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) – to promote sustainable tourism.
The partnership will focus on selecting low-carbon transportation systems and discussing innovations in eco-friendly tourism.
During the press conference held at Amari Bangkok, Sukamal Mondal, area general manager of Onyx Bangkok properties, emphasised that in an era where sustainable development and environmental and social care are critical issues for all sectors, adopting low-carbon transportation systems is essential.
He noted that this approach is crucial to promote sustainability, particularly for the tourism industry, which is inherently linked to travel and transportation.
“Amari Bangkok has various projects aimed at reducing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and promoting ethical governance. These efforts benefit not only the environment and society but also enhance Amari Bangkok’s reputation, attracting sustainable travellers and tourists to choose our services, which may lead to long-term financial success,” he said.
“The adoption of low-emission vehicles, implementation of environmentally-friendly practices, and participation in community-driven projects demonstrate our serious commitment to developing our business while genuinely working on environmental and social sustainability. This not only tangibly reduces carbon dioxide emissions but also enhances brand value and increases customer trust. This approach not only ensures long-term customer satisfaction and loyalty but also positions us as a responsible and visionary leader in the limousine industry,” added GB Limousine Co.’s chief marketing officer Satit Chivangkur.
Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur to launch in 4Q2024
Hyatt will open Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia later this year, which will be the first of Hyatt Centric brand in Peninsula Malaysia and the second in the country owned by Hap Seng Consolidated after Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu.
Located around the corner from the iconic KLCC Twin Towers and a stone’s throw away from KL Tower, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur connects guests to hiking spots like KL Eko-Rimba Park, the shopping district of the Golden Triangle, and a myriad of bars and restaurants that house cuisines from all over the world.
The 21-storey luxury hotel will feature a mix of 312 rooms, and three unique dining concepts: IL Forno, a true Italian trattoria featuring fresh, hand-made pastas and pizzas perfect for one or many; TanBuri, a casual dining concept that serves authentic Tandoori dishes in donburi style; and @21 – a scenic rooftop pool bar and lounge.
“We wanted to do something different and take what we love most in Kuala Lumpur and share them with our guests in a fun, more engaging way. We are your kawan (friend), your local bestie to co-create shareable moments through our diverse hotel offerings that capture the life of the community around us,” said Chikako Shimizu, general manager of Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur.
“Our hotel will offer our guests everything they need to relax and recharge before they head out to explore the city. We want them to feel comfortable to experience what it’s like to be a local in this city and ignite a sense of curiosity to visit places not usually listed on tourist maps.”
RateHawk launches in Vietnamese and Japanese
B2B online platform RateHawk has launched a fully localised version for its target markets in Asia, namely Vietnam and Japan, where the entire system – including search pages, hotel profiles, booking forms, booking confirmations, and transaction notifications – is now available in Vietnamese and Japanese.
The latest improvement ensures high-quality service for local partners in Asian countries in their native language, and supports local travel professionals in making bookings, carrying out payments, checking information, and making changes to orders without any language barrier.
The platform is already available in 27 languages, including Thai, Chinese, and Korean.
RateHawk’s localisation into local languages marks the next step in the company’s goal of penetrating the Asian market and equipping local travel professionals with advanced booking tools. In June 2024, RateHawk took a significant step in its Asian expansion by establishing its first regional headquarters in Singapore.
Jennifer Chua, head of business development for South-east Asia at RateHawk, commented: “We believe there is great potential for our B2B booking platform in Asia. With our product available in more Asian languages, we will be better positioned to fully deliver our innovative engine to local travel industry professionals.”
Experience Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ sustainable properties in Singapore
Brought to you by Millennium Hotels and Resorts
With a total of more than 2,600 rooms across its six properties in Singapore, Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) offers a variety of accommodation from upscale five-star to trendy, chic boutique hotels.
All six hotels — Copthorne King’s Hotel, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, M Hotel Singapore, M Social Singapore, Orchard Hotel Singapore and Studio M Singapore — have also achieved the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, a global industry standard for sustainability tourism.
“Achieving the GSTC certification affirms our commitment to sustainable practices across all our hotels. This accreditation reflects the dedication of our staff, who are at the forefront of embracing our eco-friendly practices. Sustainable tourism involves every stakeholder in our value chain, beginning with our workforce,” said Kwek Eik Sheng, executive director of MHR.
The GSTC Criteria are structured around four key pillars: Sustainable Management, Socioeconomic Impacts, Cultural Impacts, and Environmental Impacts. These criteria serve as a global standard for sustainable tourism, ensuring that certified entities adhere to best practices in sustainability.
Key features of MHR hotels that contributed to the certification include in-room technology where electricity is activated only when it detects an occupant and eliminating single use plastics by 2050. Already, its events and banquets use glassware and paper-stem pens.
Further catering to eco-conscious travellers, MHR has launched a global campaign #MillenniumGreenStay, which encourages guests to participate in eco-friendly practices during their stay such as waste sorting, reusing towels, and conserving water, and share them on social media.
Apart from its sustainability initiatives, MHR also prides itself on offering a blend of Asian hospitality and western comfort throughout its hotels.
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel
Fresh off a US$30 million (S$40 million) facelift in its 25-year history, the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore reopened in February 2024 with a focus on wellness and sustainability.
Offering serene waterfront views thanks to its location along the Singapore River in the upscale Robertson Quay district, the 573-key hotel has revamped its design of guestrooms and suites, expanded conference facilities and upgraded public spaces.
Energy-saving measures have also been introduced in rooms, including smart thermostats that allow guests to regulate room temperature according to their preference. Rooms are also fitted with a water filtration system, which reduces single-use plastic waste.
Orchard Hotel Singapore
Known for its blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort, the enduring Orchard Hotel in the premier heart of Singapore’s shopping district offers convenience at the doorstep. Its 656 rooms include 20 well-appointed suites. The hotel is also equipped with the Aiello Voice Assistant (AVA), an AI-powered device that connects guests with hotel staff.
Dining options include Orchard Cafe, which serves international fare, and Cantonese restaurant Hua Ting, an award-winning restaurant that is on the Michelin Guide.
M Hotel Singapore
Located in Singapore’s Central Business District, M Hotel Singapore offers 413 rooms, including 10 suites, perfect for business travellers seeking convenience. Dining options range from halal steamboat at The Buffet Restaurant to international cuisine at Café 2000 and the stylish J Bar.
Meanwhile, the hotel’s sustainable practices include minimising single-use amenities, efficient water management, and using energy-saving lighting, making it an eco-conscious choice for travellers.
Studio M Hotel Singapore
A trendy property designed in avant-garde styles located at Robertson Quay, Studio M offers 360 loft-inspired rooms. Rooms are designed by Italian architect Piero Lissoni, offering contemporary living spaces for work, rest and play, with 3m high ceilings, a mezzanine, high bay windows and separate work-rest areas.
It targets a younger, design-conscious audience and is recognised for its commitment to sustainability, incorporating green technology, eco-friendly amenities, and energy-efficient systems throughout the property.
M Social Singapore
The versatility of M Social’s 293 rooms creates different spaces for guests to work, play, read and sleep. Designed by Philippe Starck, the lifestyle boutique hotel has won several design and digital transformation awards. It features communal spaces that encourage gathering and mingling embellished by fully customised art and design elements.
At the hotel’s restaurant Beast & Butterflies, the communal dining space offers Mediterranean and modern Asian cuisine, as well as a menu of unique signature cocktails.
Sustainability efforts include active recycling, waste segregation, usage of food digester machines, and biodegradable cutlery and takeaway boxes.
Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore
With a coveted site along the historic and picturesque Singapore River, Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore enjoys a central location in the city. Its 310 elegantly appointed rooms, including five suites, come with modern amenities that provide all the comforts of a four-star business hotel.
For dining options, the long-standing Princess Terrace Cafe offers authentic Peranakan fare, whereas Tien Court offers contemporary Teochew cuisine.
To book a stay, visit Millennium Hotels and Resorts.
North Bali establishes travel programmes to build a stronger tourism share
Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE) recently led a media fam trip to North Bali as part of a new initiative to drive tourists deeper into hidden gems of the resort island.
The media fam trip traced components of the Buleleng-Banyuwangi package, which is part of the wider 3B travel programme that highlights Buleleng (North Bali), Bali Barat (West Bali), and Banyuwangi (the gateway to East Java).
Local and international media representatives in attendance were shown North Bali’s tourism potential. While it may be a little off the beaten path, the region has many natural attractions. Buleleng Regency, within North Bali, is home to Lovina Beach and Munduk, which is becoming increasingly popular for its waterfalls.
Pemuteran Bay is another highlight, where visitors can enjoy tranquil beaches and explore a unique underwater temple garden that is also a site for ongoing coral restoration.
For accommodation, travellers have the Handara Golf & Resort Bali, an eco-friendly resort surrounded by mountains and meadows.
Gede Dody Sukma Aktiva Askara, head of Buleleng Regency Tourism Office, said North Bali is an eco-tourism destination, where numerous conservation activities are undertaken. Current projects include coral reef and turtle habitat preservation as well as tree planting.
“Here tourism development greatly involves the community. Tourists can feel the life of the local people in North Bali and see that the local culture is preserved,” Gede Dody stated.
The Buleleng-Banyuwangi package was also recently marketed at the Tourism Destination Sales Mission activity in Jembrana, Bali.
Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy, pledged to offer more 3B packages to firmly establish new travel patterns.
Broome wants to sweep more Singaporeans off their feet
Broome, Western Australia, launched twice-weekly return services to Singapore in late March 2024, becoming Australia’s first new international gateway in 20 years.
Although the announcement at the end of March 2024 presented a “shorter time frame to optimally raise awareness” for the destination, Chan Brothers Travel continues to receive destination bookings from FITs, Jeremiah Wong, senior marketing communications manager, told TTG Asia.
He suggested that this budding interest is due to seasoned Singapore travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations like Broome. Attractions that Chan Brothers Travel would recommend travellers to visit include Staircase to the Moon, where travellers can see a full moon rise over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay from March to October; and walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at Gantheaume Point.
“Broome’s appeal is further enhanced by its proximity, with a flight time of approximately 4.5 hours, and its pleasant, cooler weather from June to August,” added Wong.
Tourism Western Australia’s acting managing director, Steph Underwood, agreed: “Singaporeans are well-travelled and constantly seeking out new adventure-based, exotic, and off-the-beaten-track destinations to explore.”
In addition to Wong’s recommendations, Underwood said that the new seasonal flight also gives travellers the opportunity to explore the Kimberley wilderness, and the world’s oldest continuous living culture with local Aboriginal tourism operators.
When asked if a smaller town like Broome will be able to handle the tourism influx, Underwood shared that the upgrading of Broome International Airport, and the Shire of Broome’s improvement in tourism amenities such as Chinatown and the Walmanyjun/Cable Beach Foreshore, “have all led to an enhanced visitor experience”. To ensure Broome’s continued success as a tourism destination, Tourism Western Australia is investing in the development of new attractions.
To ensure a smooth trip, Wong advised travellers to book their accommodation, dining, and tours well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best deals and availability.
Although this seasonal route will end in October 2024, both stakeholders believe that interest in Broome will continue to grow, which will benefit all parties in the long run when the service resumes in April 2025.
“The flights have already been popular with only a short lead time, with Jetstar Asia currently selling seats for the 2025 season. With plenty of time to plan for next years’ season, we anticipate stronger passenger numbers in 2025, particularly during the Singapore school holiday period when many families are travelling,” revealed Underwood.
To achieve this, cooperative marketing activities, delivered in partnership with Jetstar Asia and key distribution and trade partners, are well underway.
Singapore Sports Hub rolls out new events for 2H2024
The Singapore Sports Hub has lined up a calendar of events for the second half of the year, emphasising its dedication to providing a diverse array of programmes that resonate with patrons across the region.
These experiences, some of which are a first, comprise community and professional sporting events as well as performances by international artistes – from premier sporting events like the FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2024 (September 12-15) to the biggest Asian acts including the first Indian concert at the National Stadium by AR Rahman on August 31, K-pop idols Stray Kids on September 28, and multi-show concerts by Jay Chou and Andy Lau.
Dua Lipa will also kick off the Asia leg of her upcoming tour in Singapore, while Olivia Rodrigo will perform in Singapore as part of her first-ever run of shows in Asia.
When race fever hits Singapore, Singapore Sports Hub will house the inaugural Groovedriver Festival from September 13 to 22, an event that is part of Grand Prix Season Singapore.
Across both stadiums and from OCBC Arena to OCBC Square, there are sport, entertainment and community events not to be missed, such as a visit by Pope Francis, PedalFest Singapore 2024, Conan Gray on tour, LANY’s world tour-stop in Singapore, Imagine Dragons, and lots more.
Skyscanner recently partnered with OnePoll to conduct a survey targeting adults in Asia-Pacific who are planning or have already had their own weddings in order to identify key considerations for weddings, particularly destination weddings, as well as related activities such as honeymoons and pre-wedding events.
The survey sampled 2,000 respondents from Australia, 2,000 from India, 1,000 from Singapore, and 1,000 from South Korea, all aged 18 and over.
The key findings for the region showed a strong appetite for destination weddings in the region. Over 68% of adults aged 18 and older have either already had or are considering a destination wedding, with India leading this trend.
As for being a guest at a destination wedding, 74% from India and 52% from Singapore have responded having attended one before. On the other hand, 61% of South Koreans and 56% of Australian respondents have yet to attend a destination wedding.
When it comes to the budget, around 30% are willing to invest 26-50% more in a destination wedding compared to a traditional hometown ceremony.
In terms of planning, about one-third of respondents reported using social media to assist with their destination wedding plans, while over 20% of respondents from each market are considering the use of OTAs. However, a smaller percentage are turning to travel meta search engines and AI-powered search tools instead.
When it comes to selecting locations, Asia-Pacific adults are prioritising regions close to home, with respondents from India, Singapore, and South Korea favouring Asia, and those from Australia opting for Oceania as their top choice.