Starting December 18, the Silk Road Express, operated by Train of Glamour, will launch its exclusive four-month Train Cruise of China. This luxurious international tourist train will depart from Xining, taking passengers on a journey to some of China’s most iconic destinations, including Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Huangshan, Wuyishan, Kunming, Chongzuo, Xingyi, and Chengdu.
The highly anticipated route offers a unique opportunity for train enthusiasts and travellers alike to explore the rich cultural and natural wonders of China in comfort and style.
Embark on a four-month scenic adventure to iconic destinations across China
The Train Cruise of China offers two experiences: a two-day, one-night micro-vacation and a four-day, three-night shorthaul series. With the slogan The Train Is The Destination, the micro-vacation lets travellers stay onboard for the duration, enjoying a gourmet dinner, private cabins, and special activities like afternoon tea, cabaret shows, cocktail parties, and spa treatments. Onboard amenities include karaoke and mahjong rooms, with dedicated train butlers providing 24/7 service.
Special holiday-themed menus are already planned for the Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners.
The four-day, three-night shorthaul offers immersive tours, including the Double Cultural Heritage journey from Shanghai to Wuyishan and Huangshan, and the Scenic Spots tour from Shenzhen or Guangzhou to Chongzuo, Xingyi, and Kunming.
Dive right into thrilling action at Marvel Landing with rides such as Ironcycle Test Run, Disney’s first and longest rollercoaster at sea
With its maiden voyage set for March 10, 2026, the Disney Adventure from Disney Cruise Line is all geared up to take passengers on a magical Disney experience out at sea.
From first-of-its-kind Disney attractions and entertainment, to seven unique Disney-themed areas, artfully designed staterooms, and casual to extravagant dining experiences, the ship’s offerings have been conceptualised to bring to life Disney’s fantastical worlds and beloved characters with personalised luxury, service and convenience for guests throughout their journey.
Here is a sample four-day itinerary for a family with children to get the best experience on board:
Pre-trip planning
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Concierge family stateroom with verandah and ocean view
Concierge Oceanview Suite
Stateroom with verandah
Deluxe stateroom bedroom
Concierge Royal Suite
Concierge Lounge
The journey begins with selecting from 2,111 staterooms: 543 inside, 85 with ocean views, 1,326 with verandahs, and 157 concierge rooms, all featuring Disney, Pixar, or Marvel-inspired artwork. All rooms offer convenience with separate shower and toilet areas, elevated beds with space for luggage storage beneath, and 24-hour complimentary room service.
Concierge guests enjoy personalised pre-boarding services, exclusive lounges, and private spa rooms. On board, staff can assist with crafting personal itineraries, celebrating special occasions, in-suite dining and more.
For ultimate luxury, two Frozen-inspired royal suites feature spacious living and dining areas, kids’ rooms, private verandahs with whirlpools, and two ensuite bathrooms.
Those eagerly awaiting their trip can download the Navigator App to plan and add the experiences they want to have onboard ahead of their sail date.
Day 1: Step into a whole new world
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Disney Imagination Garden at the heart of the ship welcomes guests into the fantastical world of Disney
Dine and meet your favourite characters at the Hollywood Spotlight Club
With excitement high on the first day, dive right into three brand new Disney attractions at Marvel Landing: Ironcycle Test Run, the longest rollercoaster at sea inspired by Tony Stark’s Ironcycle prototype; Pym Quantum Racers, where guests zip around a track inspired by the car chase scene in Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp, and Groot Galaxy Spin, a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed adventure.
Guests can also explore Disney Imagination Garden, an open-air space with landscapes inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Marvel characters, and its storybook castle showpiece. Nearby, the Garden Stage boasts three-deck-high LED screens and ample viewing options for performances throughout the day.
After expending all that energy, it’s time to refuel. The Disney Adventure offers rotational dining, the cruise line’s signature dining concept where guests experience one distinct dining experience each day over three days, following a schedule included with their booking. Each family will be accompanied by one service team, who will learn their preferences and be able to make recommendations, throughout their voyage.
Dinner will be served at two assigned seatings, at either the Navigator’s Club or Hollywood Spotlight Club where they will get to interact with and see appearances by well-loved Disney characters.
Day 2: Splashing good time
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Watch your creations come to life in the creative Animator's Palate
Have a splashing good time on the slides at Toy Story Place
Start the day at Toy Story Place, a whimsical water park inspired by the Toy Story movies. Explore the Flying Saucer Splash Zone with green Aliens and ride Woody and Jessie’s Wild Slides. Little ones can play at the Toy Story Splash Pad!.
In the afternoon, relax at the Walt Disney Theater in Town Square with two Broadway-style productions, Remember, specially created for this ship, and Disney Seas the Adventure. Adults and kids can also enjoy shows at Royal Court with appearances by Disney characters or join interactive activities or karaoke at the family-friendly D Lounge.
At night, you will get to dine at an animation restaurant — Animator’s Palate or Animator’s Table. Each offers an interactive experience where guests can make sketches and watch them come to life amid animations of Disney and Pixar stories.
Day 3: From action-packed fun to entertaining afternoons
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Modelled after Big Hero 6, San Fransokyo Street will be a family entertainment area with interactive games, shops and cinema
Watch the enchanting musical, Moana Call of the Sea
Enjoy family fun at San Fransokyo Street, inspired by Big Hero 6. Play games at the Big Hero Arcade, test your skills at the Hiro Training Zone simulator, or compete in arcade games. Baymax Cinemas screens Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm movies, including same-day premieres on land.
After the indoor activities, unwind outdoors at Wayfinder Bay, inspired by Moana. Relax by the pool while enjoying live shows and interactive events, including the musical Moana: Call of the Sea.
For your third rotational dining experience, you will be placed at either the Enchanted Summer Restaurant, a cosy village dining hall inspired by Tangled and Frozen, or Pixar Market Restaurant, which celebrates Pixar films.
Day 4: Something for all ages
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Indulge in some self pampering at the adults-only spa
Teens can play and chat at Vibe
Disney's Oceaneer Club is an exclusive kids' club with activities and games
Adults and children have their own exclusive experiences to enjoy on board.
Parents can drop their children off at the various kids clubs — Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Vibe or Edge, staffed by trained counsellors for peace of mind before heading off to enjoy on their own. Meanwhile, it’s a small world nursery offers babysitting services for those aged six months to three years.
The spa is exclusive only to adults, so be sure to indulge in its beauty and wellness treatments to refresh and rejuvenate. For an upscale dining experience, head for Palo Trattoria, an adults-only Italian restaurant. For drinks, the Buccaneer Bar streams live sports events, while Tiana’s Bayou Lounge serves craft cocktails amid New Orleans-style hospitality.
The inaugural season of the Disney Adventure will offer three-night and four-night cruises, with limited dates for 5-night itineraries. Bookings open today, December 10. Visit Disney Cruise Line to secure your next adventure.
Sports and wellness events are making a post-lockdown comeback to Club Med resorts around the world, with some organised by a professional community or club and others led by friends sharing a wellness hobby.
Rachael Harding, chief executive officer of East, South Asia and Pacific, Club Med, said the group’s resorts have always benefitted from a “reputation for being all about sports and wellness”. Club Med resorts also typically boast vast spaces and a plethora of wellness facilities, which organisers of sporting events as well as guests seeking an active holiday appreciate.
Zico 10 Camp football camp for children will be hosted at Club Med Kiroro Grand in Japan next year
In an interview with TTG Asia, Harding said her resorts in Asia have hosted various sports and wellness events throughout the years, such as golf and tennis tournaments.
“We had many of these sports and wellness groups and events before the pandemic, including frequent Body & Soul wellness festivals at various resorts throughout the year. Our Body & Soul wellness retreats are special in that nutritionists and wellness specialists are brought in to conduct guest programmes,” she said.
At Club Med Bintan’s Body & Soul wellness retreat in May 2023, for example, guests had access to three weeks of curated programmes that included fitness classes, wellness workshops, and mindful culinary indulgence.
“We also get private groups organised by yoga or Pilates teachers, designed for 10 or 20 people who would come for classes in the day and enjoy our facilities afterwards,” Harding added.
Soon to come in 2025, Club Med Kiroro Grand in Japan will kick off the popular Zico 10 Camp from July 17 to August 31. This is a collaboration with soccer icon, Arthur Antunes Coimbra, better known as Zico, and follows on from successful editions at Club Med Lake Paradise and Rio das Pedras in Brazil.
This summer soccer training programme will be offered as part of the all-inclusive Club Med experience, and is available to young football enthusiasts aged six to 17. The camp will run weekly from Thursday to Sunday, combining morning and afternoon sessions, and feature expert coaching and friendly matches. Coaches trained by Zico himself will lead the sessions.
Harding said the Zico 10 Camp was a “natural partnership addition to our existing sports activities and family-friendly offerings”.
China has given one extra day of public holiday to Chinese New Year (January 28 to February 4) and one day to Labour Day (May 1 to 5), a move that is expected to result in a spike in family travel.
Sienna Parulis-Cook, director of marketing and communications, Dragon Trail International (DTI), described family travel as a “significant and high-value segment, while co-webinar presenter Liu Hongshi, general manager, International Culture and Educational Exchange Department, CTG Travel, noted those dates are “peak time for family travel”.
Chinese family travellers make up nearly half of the outbound market at Chinese New Year
DTI research shows travellers with children under the age of 18 start planning outbound trips earlier, with 36 per cent starting two months in advance, and Chinese family travellers – who make up nearly half of the outbound market at Chinese New Year – will be organising those travel plans now.
According to Ctrip, the average consumption of family travellers during the 2024 National Day holiday was two times higher than overall travel market, Parulis-Cook shared.
“In terms of the impact of the extra days off, the Chinese New Year holiday offers a particularly good opportunity for an extended trip, including visiting destinations that are further away, and adding more destinations to an itinerary.”
Workers can take two days of annual leave to extend the eight-day holiday to 11 consecutive days off, five days to go on a 14-day trip and six days to be away for 16 days.
She noted most schools will be on holiday from sometime in mid-January until February 17, giving parents the opportunity to use their annual leave to have a really long trip together with their children.
“The May holiday won’t be so flexible since it’s a shorter public holiday and it doesn’t fall during an extended school holiday either. But the extra day off could make travellers more likely to consider an outbound trip,” added Parulis-Cook.
Liu named safety and health as the most important factor in family travel decisions, adding weather, culture, food, first-hand learning experiences, activities, good hotel facilities and a welcoming destination as other considerations.
China has restarted its visa-free arrangement for short-term visitors from Japan and eight other nations, including Bulgaria and Romania, in a bid to boost tourism, trade and investment.
Japanese travellers can now enjoy visa exemption on stays of up to 30 days until the end of calendar year 2025, marking an extension to the previous waiver, which was on stays of up to 15 days and had been suspended since March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Japanese travellers can now enjoy visa exemption in China on stays of up to 30 days until the end of calendar year 2025; Beijing’s Forbidden City pictured
The extension is designed to make tourism and business travel from Japan “more convenient” than before, according to the Chinese government.
Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi welcomed the move, stating that the government hopes the resumption of visa-free entry into China for Japanese travellers will help “promote more people-to-people exchanges”.
China is one of 24 countries and regions in Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific that is receiving priority promotion as tourist destinations in a bid to boost outbound travel from Japan. Launched in May 2023, the campaign is run by the Japan Tourism Agency and the Japan Association of Travel Agents, with the cooperation of overseas tourism bureaus.
It is unclear, though, how effective such campaigns and the new visa waiver, might be in increasing Japan outbound travel to China.
Overseas travellers from Japan totalled only 1.2 million in September 2024, 30.8 per cent less than in the same month in 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Furthermore, Japan-China relations have been strained this year, most recently by the fatal stabbing of a Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen in September.
TTG Asia news bulletin will be taking a break from December 9.
We will be back on January 6, 2025, when we will resume delivering the latest headlines straight to your inbox. The site will continue to be updated with articles during the month, so do check back regularly.
In the meantime, TTG Asia Media wishes all readers Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
In the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, the meetings and events sector in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is showing robust growth and optimism as we look ahead to 2025. According to the latest Cvent/NorthStar Meetings Industry Pulse Report, APAC planners are gearing up for a busy future with more meetings and increased attendance.
Navodit Srivastava, senior regional director, sales, Cvent, discusses the report’s key findings and what they mean for hospitality professionals in the region.
Optimism and confidence on the rise
The report highlights a significant surge in optimism among APAC planners. An impressive 63 per cent of planners reported feeling more optimistic than they did six months ago, the highest rate of optimism compared to their counterparts in North America and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). In fact, 43 per cent of APAC planners are currently involved in sourcing new events and 26 per cent are booking new business.
Anticipating growth in meetings and attendance A noteworthy 56 per cent of APAC planners anticipate producing more meetings in 2025, while an additional 35 per cent expect to maintain the same volume. This level of confidence is unmatched globally, underscoring the strength of the meetings industry in APAC. Furthermore, nearly 45 per cent of planners foresee stronger attendance at next year’s events compared to 2024, indicating a robust demand for in-person gatherings.
Popular destinations and trends
South-east Asia came across as the top regional destination as cited by 85 per cent of APAC planners, with Singapore and Thailand leading as the most popular intra-regional destinations. Interestingly, there is also a growing interest in Europe, with 52 per cent of APAC planners planning events on the continent, surpassing the interest in Northeast Asia at 43 per cent.
Challenges and concerns
Despite the optimism, APAC planners face several challenges. Higher costs for goods and services, budget constraints, and rising airline prices are primary concerns. Accommodation rates have been cited as the biggest hotel-related challenge, putting pressure on planners to find cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
Key decision factors
When choosing a site for their meetings, APAC planners are prioritising costs and quality over other factors such as sustainability or corporate social responsibility. This shift underscores the importance of providing value-driven solutions that meet planners’ budgetary constraints while ensuring high standards of service and facilities.
What does it mean for hospitality professionals
These findings present both opportunities and challenges for hospitality professionals. The anticipated growth in meetings and events demands a proactive approach in enhancing service offerings, managing costs effectively, and ensuring competitive pricing.
While rising costs are a concern for planners, they prioritise the services offered by their preferred venues. They prefer hotels and venues that are easy to work with, collaboration is key between planners and hoteliers throughout the event planning journey to ensure a successful event, contributing to delivering a seamless and memorable experience for attendees.
Investing in a platform that facilitates this collaboration is crucial, for example, Cvent Passkey bridges the gap between registration and room blocks for planners and simplifies group bookings by automating rooming lists for hoteliers.
By collaborating closely, planners and hoteliers can overcome challenges and optimiseresources to meet event objectives. Clear and timely communication throughout and well-coordinated event management will lead to a more successful event. This puts the venue in a great position to win repeat business from their planner partners.
Conclusion
The state of the meetings industry in APAC is strong, with a promising outlook for 2025. As planners prepare for more meetings and larger attendee numbers, hospitality professionals must rise to the occasion by delivering value-driven solutions and maintaining high service standards. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities, the hospitality industry in APAC can continue to thrive and lead on the global stage. For a deeper dive into the findings and to stay updated with the latest trends in the meetings industry, download the latest Cvent/NorthStar Meetings Industry Pulse Report – APAC Edition.
Navodit Srivastava, senior regional sales director, Cvent, is a transformational entrepreneur and senior commercial leader with over 20 years of experience driving revenue growth in SaaS, hospitality, travel, AI and software industries. With a proven track record of building high-performing teams, creating strategic partnerships, and delivering measurable results, he is passionate about harnessing AI, software and innovation to drive business growth and unforgettable MICE experiences.
Visitors to Kyoto are still waiting to enjoy the city’s peak autumn leaves season, which has been delayed this year due to rising temperatures caused by climate change.
One of Japan’s most popular destinations during fall due to the vast expanses of colourful foliage, the city typically sees most seasonal visitors by the end of November, the prime viewing time.
Arashiyama is expected to see its autumn leaves fall in mid-December
This year, however, the ideal date to view the momiji (maple) leaves in central Kyoto is expected to be December 16 due to “unusually high temperatures well into October this year”, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Arashiyama, one of the city’s most popular sightseeing districts and home to Tenryu-ji Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, is also predicted to be at its best for autumn leaves in mid-December.
As a result, guides and tour companies report a scramble as tourists seek to change their itineraries by visiting other parts of Japan before returning to Kyoto for the peak period. Many are heading north to Kanazawa, where both yellow and red leaves are already visible.
Still, chasing autumn leaves does not guarantee successful viewing as higher temperatures and other unseasonal weather phenomena has made Japan-wide forecasting more challenging.
The Japan Weather Association noted that vibrant autumn leaves require several conditions that have not been met this year. They include “moderate heat, sunlight, and rainfall during summer, no damage to the leaves from strong typhoon winds, and in autumn, adequate sunlight and rainfall along with significant temperature differences between day and night”.
Agoda, through its strategic partnerships arm Rocket Travel by Agoda, has teamed up with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) to drive inbound travel and encourage longer stays in the Emirate.
This marks the first collaboration of its kind between DCT Abu Dhabi and a digital travel platform, with the partnership enabling DCT Abu Dhabi to drive demand through advertising solutions while Agoda expands its hotel network to boost supply and increase demand.
The partnership aims to boost tourism with exclusive deals and targeted marketing
Agoda’s supply team will collaborate with hotels in Abu Dhabi to offer the best rates to travellers during the campaign, while DCT Abu Dhabi will leverage Agoda Media Solutions to target active travellers through a cross-channel marketing campaign, maximising outreach and boosting tourism to the region.
The year-long campaign will see DCT Abu Dhabi utilise Agoda’s online presence for various marketing efforts, including onsite banners, social media amplification, and additional discounts on bookings to Abu Dhabi.
Abdullah Yousuf, director of international operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, remarked: “Rocket Travel by Agoda’s industry insights and Agoda’s strong Asian traveller base align perfectly with our vision to position Abu Dhabi as a top travel destination. This collaboration is a strategic move to enhance our tourism outreach and bring more visitors to the Emirate.”
“With this first of a kind collaboration for Agoda in the UAE, we are excited to support DCT Abu Dhabi in its goal of introducing the best of cultural, historical, and natural wonders to a global audience and boost tourist visits to the Emirate,” added Tarik Fadil, vice president of supply at Agoda.
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, in collaboration with JungleWalla Adventures and Wildlife Tours, reports success in its Dollar for Deeds initiative, raising funds for worthy causes through the brand’s CSR programme.
With the introduction of Dollar for Deeds at Anantara Desaru Coast last year, guests were given the option to add five ringgit (US$1.10) per night to their bill, with the property matching the donation ringgit for ringgit. From January to October 2024, guests contributed 74,847 ringgit, an amount matched by the hotel, bringing the total donation to 149,694 ringgit.
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas’ Dollar for Deeds initiative has seen great success
The funds raised supported Project Rewild Desaru, an ambitious environmental restoration initiative focused on revitalising the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Desaru Coast. In response to habitat degradation caused by urbanisation, deforestation, and other human activities, the project runs several key programmes, including bird censuses to track local avian species, tree planting to restore damaged landscapes, camera trap installations to monitor the health and diversity of ecosystems, and seed collecting to preserve local flora. Anantara guests have the opportunity to participate in the latter two activities.
Torsten Richter, area general manager, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, said: “We couldn’t have achieved this without the incredible support of our partners from JungleWalla and our wonderful guests. Thanks to their generous donations, Project Rewild Desaru was able to launch hornbill nesting boxes, helping to conserve their populations in areas where tree destruction has made natural nesting impossible.
He added that the remaining funds were used for planting trees, camera trapping, seed collection and building green bridges for wildlife.
In the meantime, TTG Asia Media wishes all readers Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
