New Anantara-Verita partnership to bring health centres into hotels, starting first with Bangkok

October 1, 2019

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has entered into its first-ever joint venture with Verita Healthcare Group to collaborate on a global network of integrated, property-based health centres, which will cater to the increasing demand for personalised innovative travel and wellness offerings that go beyond traditional fitness and spa services.

William Heinecke, chairman and founder of Minor International, owning company of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, said that the joint venture is “a global first” and timely “with the increasing demand for luxury tailored travel and wellness offerings, added to the fact that international wellness tourism on its own is expected to grow to US$1 trillion by 2022”.

With a handshake, Minor International’s William Heinecke (left) and Verita Healthcare Group’s Julian Andriesz seals the deal between both companies to collaborate on a global network of integrated, property-based health centres

The partnership with Singapore-based MNC Verita is “a vote of confidence for medical tourism industry”, said Thomas Meier, senior vice president of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Asia.

Following the initial collaboration in Bangkok, joint projects will be launched in Thailand and throughout Asia-Pacific.

Slated to open in 1Q2020, the Verita health facility is currently in development at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort and represents Anantara’s first foray into healthcare. The 677m2 centre will feature dark IV infusion rooms with sleep-promoting light therapy, streamlined VIP suites, a meditative garden and private consultations pods.

Owing to aging populations and increasing levels of chronic diseases due to modern lifestyle habits, there has been a rise in the demand for more sophisticated, scientifically-based therapies and services focused on smart early prevention and life extension, said Anantara in a statement.

Verita Healthcare Group founder and CEO Julian Andriesz said that the Anantara-Verita joint venture “will allow people to take proactive, personalised steps towards extending their healthy lifespans, reversing the effects associated with aging, and enhancing their overall human performance”.

The health facility’s treatment menu will combine diagnostics and a digital health platform. Technology provides advanced health analytics and reports in real-time for immediate consultation and recommendation of personalised programmes. The latest innovations such as the recovery XR cryotherapy chamber and cardio-synchronised vascular physiotherapy specifically target issues such as biological age reduction and performance improvement.

The facility will also help clients in customising diet and fitness plans to suit their genetics, aid them in issues concerning their weight, sleep, libido or immune system, or offer them a fast detox or energy boost.

Manila readies plans for tourism push as it undergoes major clean-up

By Rosa Ocampo

October 1, 2019

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As it undergoes a thorough makeover under new mayor Francisco Domagoso over the last three months, the city of Manila is concurrently developing a tourism circuit that will link its major heritage sites in a bid to revive its lost glory.

Solfia Arborador, director, Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau, said that the city, once the Philippines’ political and financial centre during the Spanish and American colonial period and in the early decades of its independence, has six political districts that will be classified into eight tourism hubs.

Manila is developing a tourism circuit that will link its major heritage sites to enhance its attractiveness as a tourist destination (Pictured: Manila Cathedral)

Initially, a tourism circuit will link the most popular attractions: the Spanish-era walled city of Intramuros to the National Museum, Rizal Park, Binondo Chinatown and other heritage areas, Arborador shared during a recent Travel Talk presentation organised by Rajah Travel at the San Beda College Alabang.

An underpass is also being reconstructed to improve access from other parts of Manila to the City Hall, National Museum and Binondo.

Arborador added that Escolta, Manila’s old commercial street, as well as the historic site of Quiapo, will be revived. Also set for a rejuvenation is the district of Santa Ana which has some protected heritage sites and Tondo which is home to many neglected historical monuments.

Though “Manila has been stagnant for so many years,” Arborador said, the country will ride the momentum set forth by mayor Domagoso in his commitment to develop tourism, which includes cleaning the city’s main thoroughfares and shopping districts of garbage and illegal peddlers.

Acknowledging that the plan entails hard work, Arborador stressed on the importance of involving the community, sharing that they have already started a seminar gathering all tourism stakeholders, from the leaders of different districts and the academe to transport system and tricycle drivers.

She highlighted that a challenge is to have a master plan for Manila, which has more than 3,000 historical sites and objects but “only a few have been identified”.

A master plan is needed to identify all the sites and structures that have to be restored and conserved, she said, adding that incentives have to be given to owners of heritage buildings and structures so the private sector will protect and not sell or demolish them.

A joint research by WTTC and JLL assessing the readiness of 50 global cities to deal with future anticipated growth showed that Manila remains ill-prepared.

WTTC’s regional director for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Nigel David, said: “Manila has great opportunity to grow but has a lot of work to do to build for the future.”

Merlin to build world’s largest Legoland in China’s Sichuan

By TTG Asia

October 1, 2019

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Merlin Entertainments has entered into a partnership agreement with Global Zhongjun Cultural Tourism Development to build and operate a Legoland Resort in Sichuan Province in Western China.

Under the terms of the agreement, Global Zhongjun will fund the construction of Legoland Sichuan, as well as the required infrastructure and adjacent commercial developments, while Merlin will partner in the resort development and operate it under a management contract arrangement.

An artist’s impression of Legoland Sichuan Resort, slated to open by end 2023

Scheduled to open by end 2023, Legoland Sichuan will be located within the Tianfu New Area in the city of Meishan, approximately 60km south of Chengdu city centre.

The resort will open with two fully-themed Legoland Hotels, with an estimated capacity of 500 rooms. It will also have scope to incorporate further attractions in the future.

Merlin Entertainments’ CEO Nick Varney said: “There’s no doubt that China represents a great opportunity for strong global brands. Having been active in China for over a decade, Merlin has gained critical insights into Chinese consumers and built a broad portfolio of midway attractions within key cities.” He added that the opening of Legoland Sichuan presents “a significant milestone in the expansion of the Legoland estate in China”.

Global Zhongjun is a joint venture between development companies Zhongjun Beijing and The Chengdu Global Century – Exhibition & Travel Group (ETG). The majority shareholder ETG focuses on investing in and operating exhibition centres, tourism resorts, branded hotels, urban commercial complexes, and healthcare facilities throughout China.

Upon completion, Legoland Sichuan Resort will be the world’s largest Legoland, pending planning approvals, said ETG in a statement.

Legoland Sichuan will be Merlin’s eleventh Legoland Park, following the announcement of Legoland New York, scheduled for a 2020 opening, and Legoland Korea, slated to open in 2022. There are ongoing discussions regarding opening more Legoland Resorts in China, said the company.

Asia accounts for six out of top 10 most visited cities in 2018: GlobalData

By TTG Asia

October 1, 2019

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Six out of the top 10 cities in terms of international visitor arrivals in 2018 were from Asia, with tourism friendly policies, low cost connectivity and weak currencies playing a vital role in attracting international visitors to the region, according to a new study by GlobalData.

Research from the data and analytics company found that Asian countries, namely, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Shenzhen, were among the top 10 destinations by international visitors in 2018.

Asia accounts for six out of top 10 most visited cities in 2018, with Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Shenzhen making it to the list: GlobalData (Pictured: Shibuya neighbourhood in Tokyo)

Greater London and Greater Paris from Europe, Dubai from Middle East and New York City from the US were the other cities that featured in the top 10 list.

GlobalData’s economic research analyst Aditi Dutta Chowdhury said: “Visitors from China and European countries are driving the growth of international arrivals to Asian cities. Tourism friendly visa policies of Thailand, strong promotional efforts and low cost connectivity have made Bangkok the top international destination. In addition, weak Asian currencies along with diversity of visitor interests in Asian cities played a vital role in attracting international visitors.”

Greater London was the second most preferred destination in terms of international visitor arrivals. The city being the key financial hub of the world and home to leisure tourist attractions were the main reasons for the high influx of international visitors last year.

Depreciation in the value of British pound since the Brexit referendum in 2016 has further fuelled the growth of international visitors to Greater London. Nearly 50 per cent of international visits to London in 2018 were for leisure purposes.

A total of 13.2 million foreign visitors visited Greater Paris in 2018. Cultural heritage, art, monuments and café culture were some of the main visitor attractions in the Greater Paris region.

The tourism sector accounted for approximately nine per cent of the total employment in the Greater Paris region in 2018.

Dubai led the Middle East and North Africa region in terms of visitor arrivals. Visa-on-arrival as well as 30-day and 90-day free visa policy offered to countries, including China, India, Russia, the US and the UK, have significantly contributed to the growth of visitor arrivals to Dubai city.

Among the top 10 cities, Tokyo exhibited the sharpest growth of 60.5 per cent in international visitor arrivals during the period of 2014 to 2018. The growth of international visitor arrivals in Tokyo was aided by initiatives by the public and private sector to promote Tokyo’s tourism and create a welcoming environment for visitors, along with measures taken to relax visa requirements for foreign visitors from Asia and other regions.

Global destinations witnessed a huge influx of Chinese visitors while countries such as South Korea and Japan are also named as the key source markets.

Demand for China outbound tourism grew continuously in line with rise in personal disposable income. According to the China National Tourism Administration, outbound travel grew by 262 per cent since 2008 and is expected to reach 166 million departures by 2019.

India, which has a large and increasingly affluent middle class, has huge potential as a key source market to the global destinations.

The Indian outbound visitor numbers has been growing at an average annual rate of 9.2 per cent since 2008. According to UNWTO’s estimates, 50 million Indian tourists will visit global destinations by 2020.

Four Seasons Bangkok opens for reservations ahead of 2020 opening

By TTG Asia

October 1, 2019

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With its grand opening just a few months away, the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River is now accepting reservations for arrivals beginning February 1, 2020.

Set along 200m of uncluttered riverfront, the 299-key new hotel designed by architect Jean-Michel Gathy spans across 3.6ha of land along Charoenkrung Road.

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River is now accepting reservations for February 2020 arrivals onwards

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River will feature an urban spa, two infinity pools, a kids’ club, a private boat dock, as well as 3,823m² of event spaces encompassing a waterfront ballroom and terrace.

The BKK Social Club, which is located in the hotel’s central courtyard, offers innovative cocktails featuring fresh Thai produce, bar dishes that unify local and Latin flavours, rare spirits and shared punch bowls.

Additional F&B establishments at the hotel include Cantonese restaurant Yu Ting Yuan; Riva del Fiume; Brasserie Palmier which serves tropical French cuisine; The Lounge which offers casual dining and drinks; as well as pastry shop Café Madeleine. Poolside refreshments between the hotel’s two infinity pools and 24/7 in-room dining are also available.

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River currently has an introductory offer that includes US$100 credit toward dining or spa with a minimum two nights booked.

Best Western plans Japan debut of BW Signature Collection in Kyoto

By TTG Asia

October 1, 2019

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Best Western Hotels & Resorts has signed a deal with Landowner Japan for a new hotel in Kyoto, which will also mark the Japanese launch of the BW Signature Collection.

Set to open in 4Q2020, The Hotel Kyoto Palace, BW Signature Collection by Best Western will be nestled in the city’s central Nakagyo Ward.

The Hotel Kyoto Palace, BW Signature Collection by Best Western (above) is slated to open in 4Q2020

The 57 guest rooms will include double, twin, deluxe twin and premier twin options, ranging in size from 23 to 40m². Hotel facilities include a spa with gender-segregated sections, a library, a bar and a restaurant serving Japanese and international cuisines.

The signing of The Hotel Kyoto Palace, BW Signature Collection by Best Western marks the latest step in the Japanese expansion strategy of the hotel group, which now operates 18 properties across Japan.

60 seconds with….. Senior Director of WTM London, Simon Press

By TTG

October 1, 2019

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Brought to you by WTM London

What is the theme for WTM London 2019?

Ideas Arrive Here is going to be a recurring theme from 2018. For WTM London 2019, we’re expanding our notion of this concept through Innovative Perspectives, New Possibilities and Inspiring Fresh Thinking.

The event is known for being a key hub for creation in the travel industry, in addition to the business deals and ideas that fuel the industry.

What is new for WTM London 2019?

This year WTM London 2019 is extending its reach throughout the travel industry our newest launches.

Travel Week will be the seven day travel celebration over the week of WTM London. This is going to allow travel professionals and enthusiasts to come together to raise awareness on how big the travel sector really is.

We aim to show the impact of travel VIPs coming to London for the first week of November, due to them coming for WTM London. We want to extend our hand to the industry, without taking full ownership. More information about Travel Week is due to be launched shortly, so watch this space!

BorderlessLive is the brand-new event where content where creative thinkers, worldwide brands and destinations from across the globe will come together for a festival style exhibition and conference.

On Friday 6 and Saturday 7 September, WTM London will be launching this one-of-a-kind event, in partnership with influencer-marketing agency Traverse, where we will be presenting how the nature of the industry has changed and where it will be moving to next.

On the first day of the show (Monday 4^th), we will be increasing networking opportunities at senior level by introducing an invitation only Leaders Lunch.

What else can we look forward to at WTM London 2019?

The year ahead will see the return of the International Travel & Tourism Awards, Travel Forward and the dedicated regional Inspiration Zones.

The International Travel & Tourism Awards celebrate the success of national, regional and city tourist boards and recognise outstanding private sector companies and individuals. Showcasing the best in class of the global travel & tourism industry at the new London venue, Magazine London on Tuesday 5 November 2019. There are still some sponsorship opportunities available for our awards so do get in touch with the team if you’re interested.

Travel Forward is the travel technology event co-located with WTM London and will take place on 4–6 November 2019 at ExCeL London. The second Travel Forward conference, exhibition and buyer programme is due to once again inspire the travel and hospitality sectors with next-generation technology.

The Inspiration Zones within each region will continue to connect exhibitors through engaging new ideas whilst focusing on current and future concepts. We are continuing to reshape our conference programme to incorporate the expansion of the Ideas Arrive Here theme.

On the subject of inspiring stories, our new video concept, #WTMStories, will give viewers an insight into travel trends – as seen through the eyes of key industry figures and consumers.

Don’t miss out on…

£3.5billion in business deals
50,000 senior travel professionals
11,000 buyers
5,000 exhibitors
3,000 media
180+ countries and regions
FIVE stages hosting dedicated regional content

Register your interest at london.wtm.com

Show dates and location

Monday 4 November 2019: 10:00 – 19:00 (invite only)
Tuesday 5 November 2019: 10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday 6 November 2019: 10:00 – 18:00

ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL

Amari Pattaya – Following its spectacular transformation, this popular and sophisticated beachtown resort, close to the Thai capital, beckons first-time and repeat leisure and business travellers

By TTG

October 1, 2019

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Brought to you by Amari Pattaya

Located on the northern shore of Pattaya Bay, a short 90-minute drive east of Bangkok, Amari Pattaya has fantastic facilities in a garden setting, well suited to holidaymakers as well as meeting groups.

Young and young-at-heart pleasure seekers can relax and rejuvenate, families of all ages can enjoy quality bonding time and fun activities, while event delegates can work hard, then play hard.

Variety is the spice of life and easy access to family-friendly attractions, golf courses, museums, beaches and the new Terminal 21 shopping mall, a short walk away, offers something for everyone.

Accommodation

Guests have a choice between two distinct wings – the all-new Amari Suites, a great option for families, and a fully-rejuvenated Amari Tower, which houses the signature Amaya Food Gallery, Breeze Spa for refreshing treatments and a 24-hour fitness centre to cater to keep-fit enthusiasts.

Entry-level Tower rooms are spacious, measuring 49m² with oversized baths, separate showers, double vanities and a balcony.

The 297 stylishly refurbished rooms and suites range from Deluxe Rooms to Executive Club Ocean View Suites, and come with feature panels of subtle orchid motifs and local fabric accents to create a contemporary Thai ambience, complimenting the hotel’s garden setting and beachfront location.

Amari Suites, tucked away in a dedicated low-rise building surrounded by lush landscaping, comprises 49 two- and three-bedroom residential-style suites with a contemporary design. The suites are based on vintage architectural features from traditional Thai homes and offer ocean views.

Food & Beverage

Amaya Food Gallery is inspired by the local food markets of Asia with friendly chefs preparing regional and international culinary highlights and a collection of signature Thai favourites.

Breakfast is when Amaya comes to life with its extensive market-style spread complimented by a kids-only breakfast section supervised by members from the resort’s animation team.

Later on, guests spending time at the water park can enjoy a relaxing meal or cocktail at the poolside Aqua Eatery & Bar.

Meetings & Functions

With over 40 years of experience hosting large-scale events, coupled with a wide range of indoor meeting rooms, and outdoor options, Amari Pattaya is the perfect venue for corporate events and social gatherings.

The brand-new state-of-the-art pillar-free Grand Ballroom, for example, can accommodate up to 700 guests, and the extensive Beach Lawn is another excellent event space.

Fun & Recreation

The recently unveiled all-new outdoor free-form swimming pool, with a treehouse themed slide and aqua park, sits on the largest gardens of any resort in the area.

Amari Pattaya also treats the little ones as special guests with their own check-in desk and vacation surprises. Children are encouraged to join the resort’s specially curated daily activities with resident mascots, Sky and Rose, endless hours of fun at the supervised outdoor water slides and adjoining Treehouse Kids’ Club, and there is even a treatment room just for them at Breeze Spa.

Relaxation & Indulgence

Breeze Spa offers a number of spa treatments to soothe the skin, sore muscles and cluttered minds. Among the treatments is the Pattaya Refreshing Package, a signature treatment exclusive to Amari Pattaya. It starts with a jasmine and mint body scrub that naturally moistures and calms the skin, followed by a Thai aromatic massage to relieve strained muscles, and an uplifting crystal clear facial treatment with jade and rose quartz to freshen and rejuvenate.

To find out more about Amari Pattaya and where to go, shop, eat and play in Pattaya, explore Destination Amari at www.amari.com/pattaya.

The Future of the Asia’s Wellness Industry and Wellness Economy

By TTG

October 1, 2019

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Brought to you by The Fitness Summit

On 28 November, Asia’s business network for the wellness, fitness and hospitality industry, FIT Summit, will connect business leaders from across the region at the Bali Wellness Summit at Alila Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia.

The event shines a spotlight on Asia’s dynamic and fast-growing wellness industry, focussing on topics around the business of wellness including wellness trends, wellness and fitness facilities, wellness tourism, consumer demand and new product innovation.

The Bali Wellness Summit will gather 250 executives from 100 companies, including Asia’s leading hotels, resorts, spas, retreats, gyms, clinics, solution providers and investors.

Confirmed speakers include:

Amanda Teng, Director, Spa Operations (SE Asia & India), Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Benjaporn Karoonkornsakul, Founder and CEO, The Absolute Group
Ezekiel Vicente, Chief Human Resources Officer, Mindvalley
Jeremy McCarthy, Group Head, Spa & Wellness, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
JJ Sweeney, Founder and CEO, Paradigm Fitness (former Co-Founder, Celebrity Fitness)
Lindsay Madden-Nadeau, Global Director, Well-Being, AccorHotels
Meghan Pappenheim, Co-Founder, The Yoga Barn and The BaliSpirit Festival
Niamh O’Connell, Group Vice President, Guest Experience & Wellness, Rosewood Hotels
Peter Thew, Co-Founder, Yoga Movement
Tommy Lai, CEO, GHM (General Hotel Management)
Tony De Leede, Renowned Wellness and Fitness Entrepreneur
Zoe Wall, Group Director, Spa (Asia), Minor International

By attending you will gain access to unparalleled industry connectivity, insight, knowledge and business development. To learn more about the event, visit www.thefitsummit.com/events/bali/.

Quantum of the Seas – The Ultimate Bleisure Destination at Sea

By TTG

October 1, 2019

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Brought to you by Royal Caribbean Cruises

Aerial view with North Star on Quantum of the Seas

This 16-deck high, 4,905-guest smart ship that’s filled with revolutionary first-at-sea amenities and transformative venues, makes top choice for event organisers looking for a novel, unique, and aspiring getaway for their MICE groups.

The Unique and Awe-Inspiring

Quantum of the Seas’ next generation features and entertainment offer excitement, relaxation and everything in between from day to night for team and individual activities, particularly:

North Star: This elevated glass capsule lifts you to 92 metres above sea level for a stunning 360-degree view of the ocean and the ports.

Ripcord by iFly: Spread your wings (arms in this case) and soar in the skydiving simulator and experience the thrill of flying at sea!

FlowRider: Put your surfing skills to the test on the crowd-favorite surf simulator while gazing out into the horizon.

Two70°: In the day, relax in the lounge and enjoy a 270-degree panoramic sea views with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls spanning almost three decks high. At night, the venue transforms into a vibrant performance venue, which fuses entertainment and technology combined with live performers, aerialists, as well as projections of breathtaking video and digital scenery on the sky-high glass walls.

SeaPlex: The largest indoor active space at sea, this is a distinctive and flexible sporting and entertainment venue with exhilarating features like the bumper cars and roller-skating. At night, guests can dance to music orchestrated from a floating DJ booth which hovers above the activity below.

Bionic Bar: Step into the future where dancing robotic bartenders entertain you while shaking and mixing up delish cocktails or mocktails.

Gastronomic Delights

There are as many as 18 dining venues onboard to satisfy everyone’s taste buds, ranging from the complimentary Main Dining Rooms and Windjammer Café buffet restaurant to specialty restaurants such as Jamie’s Italian, Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, Izumi Japanese Cuisine and Chops Grille Steakhouse.

Wonderland: An intimate restaurant within an edgy and surreal dining environment, where our chefs twist their culinary kaleidoscopes to invent an elaborate dreamscape of never-before-seen fare. Flash-frozen ice cream tops tender pork belly. Wasabi caviar mingles with spicy tuna cones. Sriracha eggs appear in a plume of smoke.

Jamie’s Italian: A casual and comfortable family-style restaurant by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver featuring a relaxed laid-back atmosphere and rustic Italian dishes handmade using seasonal ingredients, and authentic recipes.

Comprehensive MICE Facilities and Customised Packages

Being one of the largest business centres at sea, Quantum of the Seas offers a variety of meeting venues and event spaces to suit every group size and occasion, from the lounges and bars for an intimate, casual ambience, to the 500-plus-seater Two70 and 1,300-seater theatre for more formal functions. This ship also provides comprehensive conference facilities including complimentary AV equipment and dedicated conference rooms.

Royal Caribbean’s all-inclusive cruise package offers comprehensive conference facilities, luxurious accommodation, non-stop entertainment and world class cuisine. The ship also has a group of dedicated onboard convention services coordinators to provide personal assistance. What’s more, you can even tailor your meeting package to suit your groups’ needs.

With 34 cruises starting from 4 nights from Singapore till April 2020, Quantum of the Seas will be sailing to popular destinations such as Penang, Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Phuket, Bangkok (Laem Chabang) and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My).

To find out more on how to plan your MICE event on Quantum of the Seas, visit www.royalcaribbeanincentives.com. You can also contact our Corporate Sales team at rcclgroupsales@rcclapac.com.

New Anantara-Verita partnership to bring health centres into hotels, starting first with Bangkok

Manila readies plans for tourism push as it undergoes major clean-up

Merlin to build world’s largest Legoland in China’s Sichuan

Asia accounts for six out of top 10 most visited cities in 2018: GlobalData

Four Seasons Bangkok opens for reservations ahead of 2020 opening

Best Western plans Japan debut of BW Signature Collection in Kyoto

60 seconds with….. Senior Director of WTM London, Simon Press

Amari Pattaya – Following its spectacular transformation, this popular and sophisticated beachtown resort, close to the Thai capital, beckons first-time and repeat leisure and business travellers

The Future of the Asia’s Wellness Industry and Wellness Economy

Quantum of the Seas – The Ultimate Bleisure Destination at Sea

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Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West

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Star Navigator to sail to Okinawa from Kaohsiung in January 2026