Trip.com’s global March 3.3. promotional campaign saw a record success, attracting over 700 million impressions across multiple product lines, including flights, hotels, and attractions from markets spanning Asia-Pacific, Europe and the US.
The popular Trip.com Double Date promotions are expected to expand, providing consumers with exclusive discounts and special offers that can help them save money and enjoy unique travel experiences throughout the year, including other dates such as 7.7, 9.9 and 11.11.
Trip.com plans to expand its Double Date promotions to attract more consumers
These double-date promotions follow the footsteps of widely recognised e-commerce events like Black Friday and Double 11, which have gained significant traction across Asia where consumers are inclined to maximise savings through lower prices and promotions.
The success of Trip.com’s Double Date initiative across various product categories drove total gross merchandise value up compared to the 3.3 sale period last year. There was significant growth across destinations, with markets such as Japan experiencing standout results in particular.
Downloads of the Trip.com app hit a new high during the campaign, with Trip.com trending as the number one app in the free travel app rankings on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Hong Kong SAR, South Korea and Singapore.
Trip.com’s COO, Schubert Lou, said: “We are confident that our double-date promotions will continue to attract global customers who seek to travel in style and comfort with the best possible deals.”
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor invites guests to experience the region’s rich culture and history with the launch of its exclusive Curated Journeys.
First is the Bespoke Temple Dinner within the ancient temple complex of Angkor. Dine among the ancient relics of the Khmer Empire with surrounding torches to light up the night, and watch a performance of traditional Cambodian Apsara dance. The meal is inspired by the hotel’s original 1936 menu first served in this historic setting.
The Bespoke Temple Dinner lets guests dine within the ancient temple complex of Angkor
Next, the Lost Civilisations of Angkor by Vespa features an off-the-beaten-track chauffeured ride on the back of a motorbike through the Angkor Archeological Park, with highlights like Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bayon, Angkor Thom and other lesser-known architecture marvels. The journey begins at dawn to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by a Raffles breakfast picnic at the edge of the temple complex.
In Meet the Elephants of Angkor, guests travel to the elephant sanctuary at Kulen National Park for a hands-on experience with the majestic creatures. After the encounter, guests are served a picnic in the jungle. The cost of the experience is donated to the elephant sanctuary for the conservation and protection of the area’s community forest and endangered wildlife.
The Khmer Culinary Discovery involves a night-time tour of Siem Reap’s best-loved restaurants, and includes a welcome drink, art gallery tour, three-course meal at three destinations, transportation by tuk tuk (a traditional rickshaw) and a souvenir to bring home.
Lastly, the Siem Reap Art Tour offers an insider’s look into the talented community of artists and ateliers in Siem Reap, while the Reflections of Angkor lets guests enhance their photography skills while discovering hidden gems at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor with a veteran photographer.
In addition, the new onsite Raffles Resort programme features seven memorable experiences within the resort grounds such as a historical tour around the hotel, an intimate class with the hotel’s resident sommelier, a hand-folding lotus session, a masterclass on the iconic Raffles cocktail, the Singapore Sling, and a Royal Residence Tour by the hotel’s resident curator.
Those seeking wellness can join the morning Yoga Asana session, as well as a spiritual ceremony to receive a monk’s blessing performed under a pagoda bell that was unearthed after the war and gifted to the hotel as a sign of peace.
Look up! It’s a bird, it’s a plane… it’s a cable car!
Well, not just any cable car, but a string of 67 modern, and rather fancy cable cars operated by Singapore Cable Car, one of the very first tourist attractions presented by the city-state.
Singapore Cable Car through the years
1 of 4
The first generation cable car
Sky Dining takes off
The new SkyOrb Cabin
From left: MFLG's Buhdy Bok and Michael Syn; Minister Grace Fu; SDC's Bob Tan and Thien Kwee Eng
Launched in 1974, Singapore Cable Car is now part of the larger Mount Faber Leisure Group, which also manages and promotes other hot attractions today, like Mount Faber Peak, SkyHelix Sentosa and Wings of Time.
In celebration of its Golden Jubilee this year, Singapore Cable Car unveiled a collection of seven futuristic SkyOrb Cabins – chrome-finished spherical cabins with glass bottoms and enhanced ventilation. These are said to be the first of its kind globally, and specially designed and built in Switzerland for Singapore Cable Car.
The creation of the SkyOrb Cabins was five years in the making, at a time when the attraction was celebrating its 45th anniversary, revealed Buhdy Bok, managing director of Mount Faber Leisure Group.
This forward-thinking culture is a hallmark of Singapore Cable Car, which has led several innovative products and ideas through the years.
In 1979, it earned its first international exposure through American action drama, Hawaii Five-O, which featured an action scene at Mount Faber Peak and on first-generation yellow cable cars.
Demonstrating that cable cars can be more than just a scenic way to commute between the mainland and resort island Sentosa, Singapore Cable Car launched in 1998 the world’s first Sky Dining concept, a private dining experience for guests as they take in sights of the city skyline.
In 1999, Singapore Cable Car showed off its collection of the world’s first glass bottom cabins. Six years later, as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, it gained even more fame with Singapore’s and Asia’s first reality challenge in a cable car – the Surviving the Sky 7 Days Challenge required teams of one female and one male to endure living in a cable car for 168 hours. It drew 36 teams from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and South Korea.
The iconic cable cars that dot the southern coast skyline have also embarked on thematic campaigns that reflect major current trends, like Angry Birds and Pokémon.
Bok: ability to adapt and innovate
Bok, who took his first ride when he was just six years old and in a first generation red cabin with his family and relatives, said the ongoing Pokémon experience was initiated in May 2023, as part of pre-celebrations leading up to the Golden Jubilee. The campaign features Poké Ball cabins and photo opportunities with a life-sized Pikachu, a 2m-tall life-sized Snorlax sculpture, and various photo points around Mount Faber Peak.
“By bringing Pokémon to Mount Faber Peak, we aimed to create an immersive experience that appeals to both local enthusiasts and international tourists, further enhancing Mount Faber Peak’s allure,” said Bok.
Since the commencement of operations on February 15, 1974, Singapore Cable Car has welcomed over 60 million guests. Love from locals is strong, with domestic visitorship on the Singapore Cable Car–Mount Faber Line rising 57 per cent over 2019’s numbers.
Looking back, Bok said Singapore Cable Car’s “half a century of success is a remarkable achievement”, and credited the attraction’s commitment to safety, reliability, and guest satisfaction as key reasons for this accomplishment.
He elaborated: “Our ability to adapt and innovate has also played a significant role in our success. Over the years, we have introduced new partnerships and experiences to stay relevant in an ever-changing tourism landscape.
“Having a strong technical operations team with a wealth of experience operating the Singapore Cable Car is also vital to our success. Many of them have been working here for decades or even since 1974. Their knowledge and expertise, as well as their ability to ideate and introduce innovative features for the Singapore Cable Car, have helped us achieve many product breakthroughs.”
Bok believes that these same reasons will take the attraction forward in the next 50 years, as its teams continue to embrace change and delight visitors for generations to come.
Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, a member of WorldHotels Distinctive
Japan is a destination that attracts travellers all year round with a wealth of natural and cultural wonders.
With an extensive collection of 21 hotels and resorts nationwide, across six innovative and intuitive brands, BWH℠ Hotels can set the stage for inspiring adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Best Western Plus Nagoya Sakae
The Best Western Plus Nagoya Sakae reopens with a modern look
The relaunch of Best Western Plus Nagoya Sakae in the commercial heart of Nagoya and the collection of properties throughout Japan, have created even more options for travellers who want to explore this captivating country this spring or summer.
Newly-renovated and rebranded, Best Western Plus Nagoya Sakae is a stylish downtown hotel, surrounded by corporate offices, world-class attractions, shopping malls, restaurants and bars. Guests can stay in a choice of contemporary rooms with comfy beds, free Wi-Fi and a selection of activities in close proximity.
“BWH Hotels is one of the leading international hotel groups in Japan with a comprehensive portfolio of properties in many of the country’s most popular destinations, catering for a wide range of travellers. By delivering our timeless standards of global hospitality in prime locations, our hotels and resorts are becoming popular places to stay for Japanese and international visitors alike,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.
From now till May 4, Best Western Rewards members who book their stay at participating Best Western hotels in Asia earn double BWR® points. The offer is valid for up to three stays, with 10,000 points per stay, giving travellers a chance to earn up to 30,000 bonus points. Book now and start exploring Japan with BWH Hotels!
The golden age of the China cruise market, which boomed between 2013 and 2016 –“enjoying 70 per cent growth every year” – may be enjoying a renaissance as 2024 Lunar New Year (LNY) outbound trip themes point to family travel and cruising as the “dark horse”.
According to China-centric B2B digital marketing services specialist Dragon Trail International (DTI), the top international cruise route during LNY was Shanghai to Okinawa, and the newly launched Adora Magic City, the first-ever made-in-China large cruise ship, received a lot of attention.
Adora Magic City saw a huge demand from Chinese travellers during the Lunar New Year period
DTI observed that Adora Magic City features Chinese-style designs, strong Chinese catering and Chinese entertainment that include mahjong facilities and a Chinese comedy show.
Sienna Parulis-Cook, director of marketing and communications, commented that cruising appeals to multi-generational Chinese family travel because the safe and comfortable environment, as well as the catering and activities for everyone, make it easy to take both young children and elderly parents abroad.
When Royal Caribbean opened bookings for its 2024 sailings, family suites were the first rooms to sell out, she said, adding that 2024 Royal Caribbean booking data shows the May Labour Day holiday and summer holiday season as the most popular times of the year for outbound cruising.
She attributed the 2017 ban on Chinese cruises to South Korea, one of the most popular destinations, as the key factor causing the market’s slowdown.
Now, there is no longer any ban on cruises and group travel to South Korea.
As of 2017, Japan and South Korea accounted for over 85 per cent of all cruises departing from China.
Parulis-Cook noted: “These once again are the most popular destinations, and we don’t expect this to change dramatically, especially given the dominance of short trips.
“Looking ahead, there may be more development of longer cruise routes to South-east Asia. Beyond the mass market, however, it should be noted that China was the second-largest source market of visitors to Antarctica prior to the pandemic, and this past summer saw a surge of interest in Antarctic cruises, departing from Argentina.”
She continued: “In March 2023, (Chinese OTA) Fliggy reported that searches for Antarctica over the previous month had surpassed the same period in 2019. At the peak, Fliggy sold more than 100 Antarctic travel products in just one day.”
B2B is a particularly important sales channel for cruise lines to tap into the Chinese market, and DTI’s cruise-related work is focused on B2B resources for the travel industry.
Parulis-Cook shared: “We have a long-term partnership with the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal to co-publish a monthly digital magazine called Cruise Logbook, specifically aimed at updating Chinese travel agents, cruise company executives and academic researchers on developments in the cruise industry.
“We also work with Princess Cruises to manage their online travel agent training programme, Princess Academy, and with Hurtigruten (which distributes exclusively though B2B channels for the China market) on WeChat content marketing, including WeChat Channels videos and article content for Hurtigruten’s official account.”
From 2016 to 2017, DTI worked with Norwegian Cruise Line to promote its made-for-China cruise ship, Norwegian Joy, through a celebrity endorsement campaign featuring pop star and actor Wang Leehom, alongside social media marketing.
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) and Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) are collaborating to oversee the management of Somerset Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh.
The second Somerset property in Cambodia, and a first in partnership with OCIC through this agreement, Somerset Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh is located south-east of Phnom Penh, nestled within the Diamond Island project, Koh Pich.
Representatives of OCIC (left) and The Ascott Limited (right) at the signing ceremony
The property offers a comprehensive serviced residence experience, complemented by a range of nearby amenities such as international schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and a convention centre, making Somerset Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh an ideal choice for both short-term and long-term stays.
Thierry Tea, vice president of OCIC, stated: “As a legacy developer, OCIC Group is incorporating some touch of innovation through key partnerships, such as Ascott with the Somerset brand, to get closer to global standards.”
David Cumming, regional general manager of Vietnam, Cambodia & Myanmar, Ascott, shared: “This new agreement expands Ascott’s presence in Cambodia to six properties spanning more than 1,200 units. We hope that this collaboration will set a positive precedent for future endeavours between Ascott and OCIC.”
Airline chiefs of legacy, low-cost carriers (LCC) and new full-service start-ups, who spoke at the recent Aviation Festival Asia in Singapore, have one thing in common – the need for additional aircraft to meet growing passenger demand and expansion of their domestic and international networks.
Air India, under new Tata Group management since 2022, has 506 orders, 36 on lease and is accepting one aircraft delivery every six days. Air India CEO and managing director Campbell Wilson is expecting “some delays” on its orders 18 months into its five-year transformation, noting the airline is “undersized in relation to the market”.
The Keynote CEO Panel during the Aviation Festival Asia held in Singapore
IndiGo is the largest airline in India by passengers carried and fleet size, and the LCC has a 60 per cent share of the domestic market. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers reported growth of 20 per cent in the past year and its 2024 network will comprise 86 domestic and 33 international destinations, adding that the airline’s target is to grow from 300 to 1,000 aircraft to “double in size by the end of the decade”.
New player Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air was launched some 15 months ago and is in an alliance with Turkish Airlines. According to CEO Tony Douglas, the start-up is looking to fly to some 150 destinations, has an order for 72 aircraft, and expects to start operations by mid-2025.
On another panel, CEO of Really Cool Airlines Patel Sarasin said the new Thai full-service international player is scheduled to take off by the end of the year but shared he was facing challenges in finding aircraft.
Fellow panellist Mike Szucs, CEO of Cebu Pacific, said he was negotiating with Airbus and Boeing for 150 aircraft to tap domestic and international opportunities with major improvements in the country’s airport infrastructure under way.
However, airlines have little control over the delivery of their aircraft orders.
Douglas admitted Riyadh Air has “no Plan B” in the current situation of demand chasing supply; while Elbers acknowledged there were supply chain challenges and original equipment manufacturer issues.
On how Thai Airways is coping with passenger demand changes following China’s reopening, CEO Chai Eamsiri said Chinese state-owned enterprises were controlling the flow of outbound travel and the airline was managing its aircraft deployment by serving only 42 routes, less than 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
For Riyadh Air, Douglas noted that China, described as a giant market, is on its “list of top priorities”, adding “we have to go to China and will use social media” to promote its appeal to football-mad supporters – Cristiano Ronaldo captains Saudi Pro League Al Nasser – and adventure seekers as host of the Dakar Rally.
Airlines also have no clear answer on how to get to net zero carbon emissions, identified as one of the industry’s biggest challenges even though low-carbon and sustainable fuel are available.
Chai commented carbon neutrality was not just the responsibility of airlines and “everyone has to pay for it”.
While the airlines are ready, where there are mandates in Europe and where the Schengen region and the US have also introduced incentives, he said more guidelines are needed in Asia.
Chai referenced the February announcement that flights departing from Singapore will be required to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from 2026, in a move aimed at progressively decarbonising airline operations.
Singapore is aiming for a one per cent SAF uplift and passengers will have to pay more for their air tickets due to a levy imposed on the purchase of the fuel with fees paid based on factors such as distance travelled and class of travel.
The rest of South-east Asia, even the Thai government, Chai pointed out, have no comprehensive policy on SAF and the national carrier is pushing for clearer concrete solutions on its availability in the market.
While no mention was made during the panels on recent incidents of missing aircraft door plugs or tricky pilot seat switches having a knock-on effect on delivery and capacity rebuilding, passengers will have to brace themselves for higher ticket prices as airlines wait for orders and what else is to come as governments and the industry work out the route to net zero carbon emissions.
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Hainan Qianrui Industrial Development Co. to bring the W Hotels brand to China’s Sanya Bay, known as the “Hawaii of the East”.
Slated to open in 2Q2028, W Sanya is nestled on the southern coast of Hainan province, just four kilometres from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, and adjacent to landmarks and attractions such as Tianya Haijiao, Dadonghai Beach, and Phoenix Island.
Artist’s impression of W Sanya, which opens in 2Q2028
W Sanya is housed in a 15-storey building and is expected to offer 260 guestrooms and suites, with over half of the rooms featuring ocean views. Facilities include an outdoor infinity pool, four signature restaurants and bars, fitness centre, spa, and even venues.
Gavin Yu, chief development officer, Greater China, Marriott International, said: “We look forward to continuing to expand our luxury portfolio in Greater China in line with our Brand + Destination development strategy and align W Hotels with complementary destinations to cater to the ever-evolving luxury global traveller.”
“W Hotels is one of the world’s iconic hospitality lifestyle brands. This collaboration is set to breathe new life into Sanya, redefining the innovative luxury experience catering to both visitors and local residents alike,” added Hainan Qianrui Industrial Development Co.’s chairman, Liu Wenjun.
Following the success of its world premiere in Germany, Harry Potter: Visions of Magic will soon welcome guests in South-east Asia at Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa later this year.
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic is an evocative and interactive art experience exploring some of the most mysterious corners of the wizarding world where fans can discover a series of immersive environments inspired by enigmatic places in the magical community, like the Room of Requirement, Newt’s Menagerie, the Ministry of Magic, and more.
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic will make its way to Resorts World Sentosa in 4Q2024
Created by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and NEON, the Asia premiere of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic will comprise responsive video content, bold architecture, and original soundscapes create multi-sensory installations, while interactive technology invites guests to illuminate the invisible, revealing visions of magic that bring the entire experience to life.
The online news bulletin will resume on Monday, April 1, 2024.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor invites guests to experience the region’s rich culture and history with the launch of its exclusive Curated Journeys.
First is the Bespoke Temple Dinner within the ancient temple complex of Angkor. Dine among the ancient relics of the Khmer Empire with surrounding torches to light up the night, and watch a performance of traditional Cambodian Apsara dance. The meal is inspired by the hotel’s original 1936 menu first served in this historic setting.
Next, the Lost Civilisations of Angkor by Vespa features an off-the-beaten-track chauffeured ride on the back of a motorbike through the Angkor Archeological Park, with highlights like Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bayon, Angkor Thom and other lesser-known architecture marvels. The journey begins at dawn to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by a Raffles breakfast picnic at the edge of the temple complex.
In Meet the Elephants of Angkor, guests travel to the elephant sanctuary at Kulen National Park for a hands-on experience with the majestic creatures. After the encounter, guests are served a picnic in the jungle. The cost of the experience is donated to the elephant sanctuary for the conservation and protection of the area’s community forest and endangered wildlife.
The Khmer Culinary Discovery involves a night-time tour of Siem Reap’s best-loved restaurants, and includes a welcome drink, art gallery tour, three-course meal at three destinations, transportation by tuk tuk (a traditional rickshaw) and a souvenir to bring home.
Lastly, the Siem Reap Art Tour offers an insider’s look into the talented community of artists and ateliers in Siem Reap, while the Reflections of Angkor lets guests enhance their photography skills while discovering hidden gems at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor with a veteran photographer.
In addition, the new onsite Raffles Resort programme features seven memorable experiences within the resort grounds such as a historical tour around the hotel, an intimate class with the hotel’s resident sommelier, a hand-folding lotus session, a masterclass on the iconic Raffles cocktail, the Singapore Sling, and a Royal Residence Tour by the hotel’s resident curator.
Those seeking wellness can join the morning Yoga Asana session, as well as a spiritual ceremony to receive a monk’s blessing performed under a pagoda bell that was unearthed after the war and gifted to the hotel as a sign of peace.
For more information, visit Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor.