Best Western Hotels & Resorts has launched a new promotion to attract guests to stay at its property in Japan this August.
Throughout the month, Best Western Rewards members will earn triple points when they book and stay at any Best Western’s 18 hotels and resorts in Japan between August 1 to 31, 2019. To qualify for the bonus points, guests must stay for at least three consecutive nights.
Best Western Rewards entices guests to stay at its property in Japan with Triple Points Promotion offer
The Triple Points Promotion offer is open to all new and existing Best Western Rewards members.
Best Western Rewards members earn 10 points for every US dollar spent on their room rate, which they can then use to redeem a variety of rewards, including global free room nights with no blackout dates, dining, shopping and entertainment gift cards, and airline rewards.
Members in Thailand can redeem 4,000 points for 500 baht (US$16) of shopping at Central, The Mall, Siam Paragon, and a minimum of 8,000 points for a one-night stay at any Best Western hotel and resort.
Private jets, a tank chair and an AI-operated Roborace car are just some of the bizarre creations up for sale at The Most Insane Garage in the World, the Asian debut of TheArsenale showroom currently taking place in the City of Dreams, Macau.
TheArsenale is the first worldwide marketplace dedicated to the motion universe, connecting the world’s top niche vehicle-makers, brands and talented designers with petrolheads, collectors and art lovers.
The Most Insane Garage in the World
1 of 3
Centauri Valkyrie
Rezvani Tank
R.S. 2018
The meticulously curated store brings together an array of rare cars, private jets, submarines, custom motorcycles, exclusive branded boats, bicycles and graphic skateboards, timepieces, artworks, and more.
Following its launch in Paris, Miami and Dubai, TheArsenale showroom at City of Dreams features more than 40 extraordinary machines and other unique items. These include a Formula 1 and Formula E, two speed machines showcasing the ultimate racing technology from one of the fastest motorsports disciplines in the world, as well as Roborace, the first pilot-less car ever to compete in racing events, and Centauri’s pioneering Valkyrie.
With interior design mastered by Maserati, the Valkyrie is a luxurious lightweight aircraft offering ease of piloting with an engine that powers up to 461 km/h. By using the widest canopy in the world, the driver and passengers will have an incredible field of view as they fly through open skies.
The showroom retail space also features The Rezvani Tank, the Hellcat-Powered beast that stole the show in the action-packed movie Men in Black, as well as the luxurious BMX bikes created in collaboration with Dior and surfboards branded by Ferrari and Bentley.
TheArtpark – the art section of TheArsenale – also highlights The Tank designed by music legend Pharrell Williams, a striking artwork in the form of a pink chair with gleaming tank-treads.
An air departure tax that will soon be imposed in Malaysia has industry members questioning the timeliness of the new regulation, which comes at a time when the destination has just unveiled plans for Visit Malaysia 2020.
Travellers flying out of Malaysia will have to pay a departure tax ranging from RM8 (US$1.92) to RM150 from September 1, the government has announced. The amount will vary based on the destination and flight class, according to a ministerial order gazetted by the Federal Government on July 31.
Industry players fear that the newly-imposed departure taxes on outbound flights in Malaysia may affect tourism adversely
Economy class passengers travelling from Malaysia to other ASEAN states will have to pay a departure levy of RM8, while those travelling non-economy will be charged RM50. Those travelling on economy class outside of ASEAN will have to fork out RM20, while those in non-economy class will have to pay RM150.
The departure levy will not be imposed on children below 24 months old as well as passengers transiting via Malaysia to another destination abroad not exceeding 12 hours.
Adam Kamal, general manager, Tour East Malaysia, said: “The introduction of this levy coupled with the tourism tax which has been imposed since September 1, 2017, will directly affect the competitiveness of Malaysia. Our competition for groups and MICE movements are with other destinations within ASEAN.”
He suggested that the departure levy be postponed until after Visit Malaysia 2020 and that the government announce signature events for next year to attract more international tourists to Malaysia in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia campaign.
Arokia Das Anthony, director, Luxury Tours Malaysia, said: “The departure levy will affect arrivals to Malaysia. The destination is becoming more and more expensive, what with the tourism tax imposed two years ago, followed by an increase in the passenger service charge at klia2 from RM50 to RM73 for travel outside ASEAN imposed from January 1, 2018, and now the departure levy added on.”
He added: “Agents are selling the same old products, but we keep adding additional charges into the total package cost. It is also not the right time to impose the departure levy as it will make it harder to reach the targeted volume of 30 million tourists that the government is targeting for Visit Malaysia 2020.”
However, Musa Yusof, director-general, Tourism Malaysia, is optimistic that Malaysia’s destination attractiveness remains intact. He said: “I believe that Malaysia has attractive tourism products and offerings that strongly appeal to a wide market. It would be unlikely for tourists to discount Malaysia solely due to the imposing of these extra charges, some of which are considered minimal.”
Hundreds of Hong Kong flights have been cancelled or delayed on Monday as a pro-democracy movement called for a general strike.
More than 2,300 aviation workers partook in the massive protests and strikes, including 1,200 Cathay Pacific cabin crew and pilots, according to the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.
Protests at Hong Kong International Airport have disrupted hundreds of flights and left many travellers stranded
Hong Kong’s Airport Authority reported that 224 flights were cancelled on Monday after a sit-in protest at the Hong Kong International Airport, said a CNN report.
According to another CNN report, Hong Kong’s flagship carrier Cathay Pacific cancelled more than 150 flights on Monday and urged passengers to postpone non-essential travel.
The same report also stated that the airline urged customers not to fly Monday and Tuesday, and said it would waive fees for rebooking. Hong Kong Airlines, a smaller carrier, has cancelled 32 flights; while United Airlines said its flights were unaffected, said the report.
Monday marked the fifth consecutive day of mass protests within the country, with strikes and demonstrations in seven districts planned for the day, said the report. It also added that “other protests and organised transit blocks were expected throughout the day, including at the airport and at the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, a vital traffic artery connecting Hong Kong island with Kowloon”.
Meanwhile, HK Express has issued a travel advisory, confirming that five scheduled flights have been cancelled while some flights were delayed on Monday.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will spend 48.8 million baht (US$1.6 million) to revamp a 400m stretch of Khao San Road, with the aim of turning the “popular backpacking hub into an international walking street”, according to a recent Bangkok Post report.
Construction works is slated to start in October and end next February. During construction, businesses along the road will operate as usual.
A facelift is expected to turn Bangkok’s Khao San Road from a backpacking haven to an “international walking street”
According to the same report, residents had complained of vendors who misused the footpaths and road space to hawk their wares, and said that the facelift would resolve these problems as “it will readjust pavements for more ease of walking and allocate more space to vendors”.
The report also quoted Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Business Association, as saying that the refurbished street would foster friendlier ties between street vendors and shopkeepers, who have long shared an antagonistic relationship.
However, he expressed concerns that the timeline of the revamp would adversely affect inbound tourism, as the launch of BMA’s Khao San project in October will coincide with the peak season, and coupled with recent fall in tourism numbers, “will only rub salt into the wound”.
Top Global, a lifestyle developer in the region, is expanding its smart solutions business and developing next generation products and services for the hospitality, healthcare and security industries.
The company announced that it will expand its R&D capabilities with the acquisition of an aggregate 75 per cent stake in I Industries (IIPL) for an aggregate consideration of S$1.9 million (US$1.4 million).
Top Global acquires IIPL to develop smart solution products using technology
IIPL, which is a Singapore-owned IT consultancy co-founded by Victor Tan and David Kho, designs and develops machinery and equipment for sale, specialising in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), miniaturisation and Internet of things (IOT).
As Top Global is focused on expanding its smart solutions business, the acquisition will enable the company to exploit natural synergies, improve technological capabilities and provide immediate access to new customers.
Top Global envisages that IIPL, along with its other subsidiary, Ultron Techniques, will be able to co-develop next generation smart solution products and services for the hospitality, healthcare, security and agriculture industries.
In the hospitality industry, for example, there are opportunities for the use of AI and robotics in housekeeping and backroom operations traditionally performed by human beings, so as to increase productivity and enhance the customer experience.
Hano Maeloa, Top Global CEO and executive director, said: “We are looking at industries with a tight labour market and a high cost of business, where there are opportunities for one-stop smart solutions using technologies like AI, IOT and robotics, for example, to address their challenges in a practical and affordable manner.”
Tan and Kho co-developed the fully autonomous traffic enforcement robot that is currently undergoing trials at Jewel Changi Airport. The robot detects cars waiting in unauthorised areas and flashes a “No Parking” sign that encourages the cars to move off, thereby smoothening traffic flow. This particular robot helps to take some of the traffic management load off security personnel, allowing them to be deployed on other duties.
Hyatt Hotels has entered into a management agreement with CES Pirie Hotel, an entity wholly owned by Chip Eng Seng, to develop a new Hyatt Regency in Adelaide.
The new 295-room hotel will mark the return of a Hyatt branded hotel to Adelaide, continuing the group’s expansion in Australia after Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Canberra. With construction set to commence in early 2020, the hotel is expected to open in early 2023.
An artist’s rendering of Hyatt Regency Adelaide
The 27-storey Hyatt Regency Adelaide, which will be located on Pirie Street in the city’s CBD, will include facilities of more than 750m2 of event space, a Market Café, a Regency Club, swimming pool, fitness facilities and a rooftop bar.
Hyatt left the city back in 2009 when its North Terrace hotel was turned into an InterContinental hotel.
Alex Willats has been appointed as general manager of China World Summit Wing, Beijing, operated by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.
Prior to joining China World Summit Wing, Beijing, he was general manager of Shangri-La at The Shard, London.
Willats is originally from the UK and has more than 25 years of experience in the hotel industry. During his career, Willats has also managed The Ritz London, Claridge’s; and Dusit Thani Bangkok.
Willats first joined Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts in 2015 and has since worked at Shangri-La properties in Qatar, Oman, India and The Philippines.
What
Once the SuperStar Virgo of sister brand Star Cruises, Explorer Dream has entered the Dream Cruises fleet after an overhaul that spans its on-board facilities and cabin interiors.
The vessel brings to the seas 928 staterooms, including Dream Cruises’ signature ship-within-a-ship luxury commune, The Palace.
Explorer Dream will sail out of its homeport in Shanghai and Tianjin to Japan, Hong Kong and Vietnam. This October, the ship will cruise from Sydney and Auckland.
A US$56 million makeover has transformed SuperStar Virgo into Explorer Dream
Why
Having once sailed on the original SuperStar Virgo, I was impressed by the vessel’s transformation. Common spaces from walkways to the pool deck had been rejuvenated, and the cabins brightened with homely yet modern murals.
It’s not just a feast for the eyes, but also the tastebuds as available on board is a bevy of F&B options, such as Asian restaurant Blue Lagoon, Seafood Grill by celebrity chef Mark Best, Mozzarella Ristorante & Pizzeria, as well as Umi Uma Sushi & Teppanyaki.
Blue Lagoon treated this writer to a taste of signature Szechuan spices – a must-eat when visiting China – while Umi Uma Sushi & Teppanyaki served up a delectable menu of fresh seafood and sake.
The pièce de résistance of Explorer Dream is perhaps its exclusive enclave aptly named The Palace. This cluster of opulent suites are royally decked with plush furnishings, with majestic Grecian art adorning the walls of select cabins. Arguably the most luxe of the lot, The Palace Villa even boasts a balcony fitted with an outdoor jacuzzi overlooking The Palace’s private pool deck.
How
Recreational spaces onboard the Explorer Dream include an arcade, games and virtual reality (VR) lounge ESC Experience Lab, the Zodiac Theatre, the Palm Court bar and an observatory.
At the ESC Experience Lab, I tried my hand at a few rounds of invigorating VR gaming with other guests. Available on both solo and team mode, the Dead Prison station “locks” players within a cage, where they can choose from a variety of shooting games.
I relished the concept and setting of this experience, as well as its interactivity – participants simply have to stand in one spot and “shoot”. As such, the setup offers high potential for Dream Cruises to explore other types of immersive VR games.
Verdict Explorer Dream marks a notable departure from cruise stereotypes with its greater emphasis on gastronomic experiences and family-friendly fun. Its entertainment offerings are varied and interesting, boding well for Dream Cruises’ upcoming plans with its Global Class fleet.
Rates
Fly-cruise packages start from S$690 (US$499) per person, based on double occupancy, and excluding gratuities, port charges and visas.
Boutique hotel Zagame’s House in Melbourne has appointed Adam Taloni as its new general manager.
Taloni brings with him over 20 years of managerial experience within the Australian hotel sector for both boutique, and large sector businesses.
Before joining Zagame’s House, Taloni launched Sydney’s Ovolo Wooloomooloo, and Peppers Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, where he was general manager at both properties.
Prior to Ovolo, Taloni worked as group general manager for Vanity Group, as well as area manager for the Mantra Group.
