Plaza Premium Group, which has 250 facilities in over 70 international airports, has launched promotional offers that will benefit travellers on their spring break from now until April 17, 2022.
Perks include the convenience of booking online of walking in to pay-per-use Plaza Premium Lounges and Aerotels; ALLWAYS Meet & Greet airport service for guests on arrival, departure or transit; and free access for children under 12 years of age when accompanied by a full paying walk-in adult to any Plaza Premium Lounge.
Plaza Premium Lounge Passes are going at a discount for the spring holiday season
To guarantee Plaza Premium Lounge access at prices that are up to 50 per cent off standard walk-in rates, travellers can obtain the Plaza Premium Lounge (PPL) Pass. Valid for 12 months upon activation, the PPL Pass is available for purchase via Plaza Premium Lounge’s official website. Passes for two, four or six lounge visits are priced at US$75, US$150 and US$198 respectively.
From now until April 17, the PPL Pass can be purchased at a 10 per cent discount using a promo code at checkout.
Smart Traveller members can enjoy an extra 20 per cent off bookings for Plaza Premium Lounge, Aerotel or ALLWAYS Meet & Greet services.
Eager to revive travel interest among Indian residents, the South African Tourism has planned a a host of activities in the market, with a roadshow series kicking off in New Delhi on March 7.
South African Tourism will tour through major Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, taking 35 suppliers from the destination to meet with travel buyers and showcase the latest and hottest tourism experiences in South Africa.
(From left): South African Tourism’s Neliswa Nkani and South African High Commission’s Sibusiso Ndebele
The tourism board is engaging with airline partners such as Air Seychelles, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates Airline and Qatar Airways for joint promotions.
These trade engagements follow on from the NTO’s More & More campaign launch in India last month. Localised for the Indian audience, the campaign highlights South Africa’s abundant selection of more than 3,000 things to do and see, from bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge to retracing Nelson Mandela’s life journey.
More & More, activated through outdoor and social media advertising, will conclude end of March.
Speaking to TTG Asia on the sidelines of a press conference in New Delhi, Neliswa Nkani, hub head, MEISEA, South African Tourism, said: “We want to reignite, reengage and trigger the travel demand in India through our trade and consumer activities. We are talking to our airline partners at present to introduce special airfares for the Indian market. The importance of the Indian market for us can be gauged by the fact that the biggest consumers of our adventure activities are Indian travellers.”
Nkani said South African Tourism is training its marketing eye on millennial, FIT, family, honeymoon and business event segments for the next 18 months.
“There has been a growing demand from the corporate market. In fact, if it wasn’t for Covid, I believe that MICE would have taken over from the leisure segment in terms of tourist arrivals from India,” she added.
At present 28 per cent of Indian visitors to South Africa are business event travellers. The destination has a number of Indian corporate groups travelling to South Africa in the coming months, including an 800 pax movement from a pharmaceutical company.
The tourism board expects the upcoming e-visa facility and direct connectivity to be a game-changer for the Indian source market. India will be among 14 countries to benefit from a new e-visa facility soon, and the process is being tested at present.
With help from its High Commission in New Delhi, South African Tourism is in talks with airlines such as Air India, Vistara, IndiGo and South African Airways to launch direct flights between the two lands.
Sibusiso Ndebele, high commissioner of South Africa to India, revealed that New Delhi-Johannesburg and Mumbai-Johannesburg routes are attractive for direct connections.
“IndiGo is keen to fly to Africa and is leading in interest to operate direct flights between the two nations,” he said.
South Africa expects to see a 64 per cent improvement in Indian arrivals this year over 2021, when there were about 20,000 Indian travellers. Prior to the pandemic, India was the eighth largest international source market for South Africa.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled nine new F&B offerings for its Prima Class vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.
Guests can look forward to The Metropolitan Bar, NCL’s first sustainably focused bar, which will premiere under NCL’s Sail and Sustain programme. It will feature zero-waste cocktails prepared with surplus ingredients, a sustainable spirits menu, and biodynamic wines.
NCL’s revamped menus in restaurants offer greater variety of global dishes
Also new on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva are The Belvedere Bar, a contemporary cocktail lounge; the decanter-inspired Whiskey Bar; and The Penrose Bar featuring video poker machines.
For gourmands, Norwegian Prima‘s new Mediterranean seafood specialty restaurant Palomar, Hasuki restaurant which specialises in traditional “hibachi-style”, and contemporary sushi house Nama will impress.
Meanwhile, both Hudson’s and The Commodore Room will present revamped menus that promise a greater variety of global dishes. These will debut on Norwegian Prima before rolling out to the rest of NCL’s fleet through 2023.
NCL’s first three-level glass-walled atrium, the Penrose Atrium
Yet another unique offering in NCL’s newest epicurean upgrade is its first three-level glass-walled atrium, the Penrose Atrium. This is one of the focal points on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. The space features futuristic architecture and a three-deck-high light feature. Retail spaces and high-end luxury shops can be found here, along with the Prima Casino and NCL’s newest addition, Starbucks Coffee.
Usual favourites, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, Food Republic and Observation Lounge, will return with enhanced environments.
“We’ve been innovators in the food and beverage space for more than three decades, becoming the first cruise line to offer specialty dining and the first to introduce our Freestyle Cruising concept that allows our guests to vacation their way by giving them the choice to decide when and where they dine,” said Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer.
He added: “Our latest food and beverage offerings take our Norwegian Prima food and beverage experience to another level, one that travels well beyond the guest expectation to provide elevated gastronomical experiences featuring sophisticated design, masterful mixology and cuisine that delivers full-throttle flavour.”
A partnership between Singapore-based start-up utu and Singapore Airlines Group’s lifestyle membership programme KrisFlyer will offer travellers greater tax refunds that are converted into miles.
By registering for a virtual utu Tax Free Card and making their shopping tax refunds with their utu membership, users can enjoy 25 per cent more on their tax refunds in 50 countries where VAT and GST refunds are available. These countries include Singapore, France, Switzerland, Germany, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates.
The utu Tax Free Card offers travellers greater tax refunds that are converted into miles
For KrisFlyer members, tax refunds can be converted into KrisFlyer miles, with US$125 worth of KrisFlyer miles for every US$100 of tax refunds claimed abroad.
Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas will arrive in Singapore six months sooner than anticipated, all ready to whisk holidaymakers off to their ideal cruise vacation as early as April 2022.
Sailings are now open for bookings, with spectacular three- and four-night Ocean Getaways on offer.
Spectrum of the Seas promises an array of memorable experiences, from dining delights to unparalleled entertainment, alongside quality accommodation and abundant opportunities for family and friends to bond.
Rise up to endless fun
Recognised as Asia’s largest and most innovative ship, and one that is built to deliver great vacation experiences, Spectrum of the Seas is a recreation wonderland.
There are several signature experiences, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, the North Star glass observation capsule that ascends 300 feet above the ocean, and RipCord by iFly sky diving experience at sea, alongside many other attractions including three whirlpools, a rock-climbing wall, and an outdoor movie screen.
Sky Pad is Asia’s first virtual reality, bungee trampoline adventure onboard a cruise ship
Be sure to make time for a number of gems – Sky Pad, Asia’s first virtual reality, bungee trampoline adventure where guests can strap in, don a headset and transport themselves to another time and planet; and SeaPlex – the largest indoor active space at sea, featuring bumper cars, laser tag, fencing, archery and more.
Also not to be missed is Two70, a space that boasts 270-degree ocean views by day and transforms into a multidimensional theatre by night. This transformative space flaunts six agile Roboscreens, and is where breathtaking live performers and mind-bending aerialists create unimaginable visuals.
Rise up to impressive feasts
Get ready to dine well tonight and every night onboard Spectrum of the Seas. There are 19 distinct dining venues to choose from, all serving up flavours from around the world.
Signature classics include imaginative cuisine at Wonderland, American steakhouse Chops Grille, and authentic rustic fare and handmade pasta at Jamie’s Italian.
If familiar cuisine is what guests desire, then they are right at home with Spectrum of the Seas.
Teppanyaki takes guests on a gourmet journey through Japan
Sichuan Red weaves culinary magic using authentic Sichuan spices. Highlights here includes Kao Yu simmer pot, which spotlights deep-fried fish served on a bed of tofu, vegetables and potatoes in a spicy aromatic broth; and Royal Sea Cucumber, which comes impeccably plated alongside broccoli and tangy spring onions.
Teppanyaki is a treat for the eyes and palette, as delicious dishes come with impeccable presentation and dazzling displays over a hot plate by expert chefs who elevate cooking to a performance art form. Take a gourmet journey through Japan with jumbo crispy softshell crab, sea scallops and top-quality Wagyu A4 beef.
The Hotpot brings loved ones to the table, where they can cook and enjoy their meal together. Elevating the authentic hot pot experience are stunning views of the ocean.
Rise up to family-friendly stays
Reconnect with loved ones in the comfort of family-friendly accommodation, from exterior balcony staterooms to interconnected rooms. Large families will appreciate the two-level Ultimate Family Suite, an expansive, multi-room retreat complete with its own slide and cinema that also doubles as a karaoke stage.
Loved ones can stay and play together in the Ultimate Family Suite
Guests also have the option of the Suite Enclave, Royal Caribbean’s first and exclusive space for the exquisite Royal Suite Class Star, Sky and Sea accommodations. These are set in a private area, featuring exclusive floor access, an elevator, private restaurants and a dedicated lounge area.
Rise up to booking and sailing confidence
In line with its Royal Promise and regulations stipulated by the Singapore government, Royal Caribbean continues to implement health and safety measures for the well-being of its guests and crew members, and the destinations it visits.
The comprehensive, multilayered set of measures include pre-departure wellness screenings and testing, contactless embarkation and debarkation, enhanced ventilation and sanitisation on board, as well as sailing with fully vaccinated crew members and guests. The cruise line will continue to evaluate and update its measures as circumstances evolve with various government and health authorities.
Guests who book their vacation on Spectrum of the Seas on or before March 31, 2022, can be assured of flexibility in their plans with Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence programme, which allows for changes and cancellations up to 48 hours before their cruise sets sail. A Future Cruise Credit will be provided and remains valid for future bookings on or before September 30, 2022, for sailings departing before December 31, 2022, or one year from the original sailing date, whichever is later.
Keen to recapture the valuable Indian travel market as travel freedom returns, InterContinental Singapore has appointed India-based Avenir Research Marketing to strengthen its market presence in the country and rebuild demand through the Singapore-India Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL).
According to Andreas Kraemer, general manager of InterContinental Singapore, India was one of the hotel’s top tourism source markets pre-pandemic.
InterContinental Singapore hopes to strengthen its market presence in India
“The current two-way quarantine-free travel between India and Singapore via the VTL has been a booster for us,” he remarked.
Kraemer is confident that the partnership with Avenir as well as the agency CEO Ashish Bhandari’s global outlook, industry know-how and solid sales representation in the Indian market will boost inbound bookings and cement the hotel’s status as the preferred luxury accommodation in Singapore.
Bhandari said the agency would “drive the five-star hotel’s offerings to established industry influencers and over 4,000 travel agents across India”.
Malaysia’s Desaru Coast Destination Resort (Desaru Coast) has appointed Desaru Link Ferry Services to offer passenger ferry services connecting Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal with Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.
Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal will connect travellers from Singapore, and eventually the Riau Islands of Batam and Bintan, to the Malaysian destination.
Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal will connect travellers from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
Batam Fast Ferry, which owns Desaru Link Ferry Services, will operate two round trips from Singapore every Thursday to Sunday, and one round trip every Monday to Wednesday, based on market demand. For now, the capacity of the ferries serving this route will vary from 150 to 338 passengers.
Frequency of services and capacity of ferries will be adjusted as market conditions improve.
Roslina Arbak, managing director and chief executive officer of Desaru Development Holdings One said: “The appointment of the ferry operator is an important step in international connectivity for the destination. Establishing this connectivity is central to the long-term growth of Desaru Coast. More meaningfully, an international entry point such as this will bring multi-layered economic and social benefits to communities and businesses in the south-eastern region of Johor and we are privileged to enable and support this.”
Batam Fast Ferry’s chief executive officer Paul R Gannaway said: “Having established Batam Fast as a leading passenger ferry operator in the region, we are pleased to continue our connectivity expansion having earmarked south-eastern Johor as the desired expansion plan. And now, the development of Desaru Coast together with its strategic connectivity infrastructure of a brand new ferry terminal has presented us with the right opportunity to do so.”
Kimpton Margot Sydney, Australia
Australia’s first-ever Kimpton, Kimpton Margot Sydney, has opened its doors since February. Located in the heart of Sydney’s “south-side”, Kimpton Margot Sydney offers guests easy access to the city’s retail, art and cultural institutions.
The hotel features 172 spacious deco-inspired rooms and suites, most with bathtubs. Art is at the heart of Kimpton, with close to 600 pieces of art adorning the property.
Enjoy all day dining at Luke’s Kitchen, or sip a cocktail at the 1930’s-style The Wilmot Bar. Social Hour is a fun experience where guests can get daily complimentary drinks between 5 to 6pm with a surprise venue each day.
Those seeking a mindfulness and wellness experience are invited to join Yoga workouts with complimentary mats and accessories provided. Adventurous spirits can hop on a Lekker bike and explore the city streets with a mapped out route prepared by the hotel.
Hotel Indigo Karuizawa
Hotel Indigo Karuizawa, Japan
Hotel Indigo opened its second property, Hotel Indigo Karuizawa, this February.
Inspired by the town’s sophisticated sensibility and natural beauty, Hotel Indigo Karuizawa captures the spirt of a neighbourhood with its east meets west design across its three design-buildings boasting 155 rooms.
Guests can enjoy all-day dining at the wood-fired Italian restaurant Kagaribi, or soothe their muscles at The Spa by HARNN.
The hotel is just 2.6km from Karuiazawa station.
Swissôtel Clark
Swissôtel Clark, Philippines
The Philippines welcomed her first Swissôtel property with the opening of Swissôtel Clark in the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone of Pampanga, a two-hour drive from Manila.
During the hotel’s soft opening period, 270 premium and Swiss Advantage rooms will be available for booking from March 1, out of the 372 rooms in total.
Swissôtel Clark is the tallest hotel in the Northern Metro Manila region and overlooks the city and its surrounding rolling hills.
Dine at Swissôtel’s speciality restaurant, Markt, for European cuisine and grilled dishes, or have afternoon tea and cocktails at The Atrium. Satisfy sweet cravings at the dessert bar, Oma’s, or lounge at the playful poolside bar Swiss Tropic in the infinity pool. Pasta lovers can rejoice when Ristorante Di Verona opens later in the year, and look forward to homemade pasta and wood-fired oven pizza along with a fine selection of wines from around the world.
The Pürovel Spa & Sport will also open later in the year, offering high-quality gym equipment and a range of revitalising treatments. Other facilities include a kid’s pool, the Swiss Executive Lounge, and five meeting rooms.
Hilton Singapore Orchard
Hilton Singapore Orchard, Singapore
The 1,080-key Hilton Singapore Orchard has opened in the heart of Orchard Road.
Recognised as the brand’s largest hotel in Asia-Pacific, the hotel boasts innovative dining experiences, as well as 2,400m² of event facilities.
Surprising the marketplace with an opening five days ahead of schedule, Hilton Singapore Orchard marked a strong entry with its accommodation of all players and entourage attending the high profile HSBC Women’s World Championship LPGA Tour.
Speaking to TTG Asia, general manager Cedric Nubul said the hotel has opened on a “very optimistic” footing.
Nubul: the new Hilton Singapore Orchard will be a brand-defining property
“We are opening at a time when Singapore is expanding her Vaccinated Travel Lane agreement with more countries, when more countries are reopening, and with the March school holidays just round the corner,” said Nubul.
“Opening a hotel with 1,080 rooms now sends a very strong message about the confidence we have in Singapore’s tourism,” he added.
While Nubul has refrained from quantifying occupancy rates and forward bookings, he said the team has been “pleasantly surprised by how well the hotel has been received by different traveller segments”.
Domestic bookings are leading the way, he shared, especially during the March school holidays that run from March 14 to 18, but there are also overseas bookings streaming in, mostly from countries that have Vaccinated Travel Lanes with Singapore.
The team is fielding enquiries for social events, with the hotel set to host weddings “almost every weekend” for the next few weeks.
“Domestic demand, local meetings, weddings and other social events are and will continue to be a key focus for us. A positive output from international source markets will emerge in the months to come,” Nubul said, adding that the hotel’s sheer size and mix of leisure and meeting facilities will set it up as a magnet for international travellers.
“We are working very closely with the Singapore Tourism Board, all local industry associations as well as inbound agents to rebuild inbound travel to Singapore. Hilton’s global reputation in service and hospitality excellence as well as this amazing product that we have here, come together to create a significant demand generator for Singapore,” he stated.
Hilton Singapore Orchard, which occupies what was once Mandarin Orchard Singapore, has undergone a S$150 million (US$110.2 million) comprehensive renovation to give the property a new look and hardware. The hotel’s interior design pays homage to Singapore’s rich colonial history and the area’s agricultural heritage.
The hotel features five culinary concepts, two oversized gyms that are fitted with market-leading equipment, extensive meeting spaces, as well as energy-efficient technology such as in-room motion detectors and light sensors in every room and suite.
Comparing Hilton Singapore Orchard with the former Hilton Singapore, located in another part of the Orchard shopping district, Nubul said the new hotel was “bigger, better and stronger”.
“We are focusing heavily on culinary – seen through the five dining concepts. We want to be a dining destination for both locals and international guests. Our meeting spaces are very diverse and functional, and the design aspect has been pushed to the top-most quality. We want to be a brand-defining Hilton property. We are already known for service excellence, but my team here will push the boundaries of what people come to expect from a Hilton hotel,” he stated.
Hilton Singapore Orchard is the brand’s largest property in Asia-Pacific.
When asked if there were new experiences being trialled at Hilton Singapore Orchard, Nubul pointed to the unique concept offered at Estate, the 360-pax all-day dining restaurant that invokes a grand colonial era and where beautifully-furnished seating sections stretch across a large part of the lobby. Instead of a single kitchen providing food to multiple buffet stations, Estate utilises several open kitchens where guests can watch the culinary teams in action.
Plaza Premium Group, which has 250 facilities in over 70 international airports, has launched promotional offers that will benefit travellers on their spring break from now until April 17, 2022.
Perks include the convenience of booking online of walking in to pay-per-use Plaza Premium Lounges and Aerotels; ALLWAYS Meet & Greet airport service for guests on arrival, departure or transit; and free access for children under 12 years of age when accompanied by a full paying walk-in adult to any Plaza Premium Lounge.
To guarantee Plaza Premium Lounge access at prices that are up to 50 per cent off standard walk-in rates, travellers can obtain the Plaza Premium Lounge (PPL) Pass. Valid for 12 months upon activation, the PPL Pass is available for purchase via Plaza Premium Lounge’s official website. Passes for two, four or six lounge visits are priced at US$75, US$150 and US$198 respectively.
From now until April 17, the PPL Pass can be purchased at a 10 per cent discount using a promo code at checkout.
Smart Traveller members can enjoy an extra 20 per cent off bookings for Plaza Premium Lounge, Aerotel or ALLWAYS Meet & Greet services.