Aviation roundup: AirAsia X, Vietjet and more
AirAsia X to debut flights to Nairobi
AirAsia X will connect travellers from Malaysia to Nairobi in Kenya’s capital from November 15 this year, following the airline’s introduction of new flights to Almaty in Kazakhstan.
The airline will also offer a seamless Fly-Thru connection, creating a link between Kenya and 130 destinations across South-east Asia, Northern and Central Asia, and Australia.
Vietjet launches new routes to Xi’an, Daegu
Vietjet has commenced two new services – from Ho Chi Minh City to Xi’an in China, and between Nha Trang and Daegu in South Korea.
Following the launch of its Shanghai and Chengdu services earlier this year, the airline’s non-stop direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Xi’an operates four round trips per week.
Hong Kong Airlines commences Hong Kong-Xining service
Hong Kong Airlines will launch a new route to Xining in Qinghai Province, offering two flights weekly from July 9.
Xining is situated on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and serves as a key gateway linking China’s eastern and western regions, including Tibet.
This new direct flight service will further strengthen connectivity between Hong Kong and mainland China.
Emirates’ new Boeing aircraft destinations
Emirates has unveiled the first cities on its network to be served with its newest Boeing 777 cabin interiors – Geneva, Tokyo Haneda and Brussels.
The airline will offer customers more opportunities to experience its signature Premium Economy on this aircraft and, for the first time, Emirates’ next-generation Business Class seats, set in a new 1-2-1 configuration.
The first upgraded Emirates Boeing 777 products will operate on the following services: EK 83/84 to and from Geneva from August 11, EK 312/313 to and from Tokyo Haneda from September 1, and EK 183/184 to and from Brussels from September 11.
A total of 81 Boeing 777s will be refurbished as part of Emirates’ investment in its retrofit programme, and more destinations to be served with the airline’s latest products will be announced over the course of the next few months.
Singapore Flyer celebrates the nation’s birthday with first overnight Moonlight Flight
To celebrate Singapore’s 59th Birthday, Singapore Flyer has unveiled an array of special events and promotions, including its first-ever overnight flight, complemented by a waterfront night market and a lucky draw for tickets to premium experiences and dining vouchers.
For the first time ever, the Singapore Flyer will operate non-stop overnight from 23.00 on August 9 to 08.00 on August 10. Guests can immerse themselves in the National Day celebrations after hours at only S$25 (US$18), which includes a 30-minute flight on the giant observation wheel and admission to Time Capsule, an immersive and multi-sensory attraction that spans across two levels, showcasing Singapore’s storied past, present and future.
Furthermore, Singapore citizens and permanent residents born in August can enjoy free entry to the Moonlight Flight with every paying guest.
From August 7 to 11, the Street Eats Under the Stars night market is set to light up the Singapore Flyer grounds with a full array of F&B offerings and casual seating facilities over the National Day long weekend. Located at the Waterfront Promenade beside the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix race track, guests can savour night market fare alongside views of iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. Street Eats Under the Stars is open from 17.00 to 23.00 on August 7, 8, 10 and 11, and from 17.00 on August 9 to 03.00 on August 10. Admission is free.
Additionally, guests get a chance to win prizes by scanning a QR code at Street Eats Under the Stars.
For more information, visit Singapore Flyer.
UN Tourism, Philippines to boost gastronomy tourism in Asia-Pacific
UN Tourism has issued the Cebu Call to Action for resilient food tourism in Asia-Pacific to attract more tourists and bring socio-economic benefits to the people while proposing an international tourism school based in Cebu.
These took place in Cebu where UN Tourism held its first-ever Regional Gastronomy Tourism for Asia-Pacific, back to back with the 36th Joint Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia.
Sandra Carvao, UN Tourism market intelligence, policies and competitiveness director, identified 12 points of action for member countries to implement, among them developing comprehensive strategies at national, regional and local levels to integrate gastronomy tourism into policy formulation and practice; promoting culinary identity; and supporting small businesses to enhance their market position.
Meanwhile, UN Tourism secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili shared that there are ongoing discussions with Philippine tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco to have a UN-backed international tourism institute or academy that will include gastronomy and culinary training in Cebu, where Asian students can attend instead of travelling to culinary and tourism institutes in distant destinations.
Pololikashvili noted that UN Tourism has formed the Tourism Online Academy in 2019, in partnership with Spain’s IE University, and has now over 50 different products and courses on offer with an existing 28,000 students.
Part of the talks with UN Tourism is coming up with a framework to help Asia-Pacific countries attract more foreign investments in tourism this year or next even as the Philippines is already crafting a gastronomy roadmap with funds already allotted for it, Frasco disclosed.
Putting the spotlight on gastronomy tourism is a significant boon for halal tourism, which is proving to be in demand from the destination’s new source markets like the Middle East, Indonesia and Malaysia, among others, said Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, Philippine tourism undersecretary for Muslim affairs and Mindanao promotions.
Tourism Australia participates in ILTM APAC for the first time
According to a new report from Marriott International Luxury Group, Australia is at the top of the list of hottest destinations among luxury travellers in Asia-Pacific, ahead of Japan and Hong Kong.
Thus, it is only fitting that Tourism Australia decided to join ILTM Asia Pacific for the first time this year.
Robin Mack, executive general manager, commercial & business events Australia, told TTG Asia: “The Asia-Pacific region is a highly valuable market for Australia’s luxury travel industry. ILTM Asia Pacific enables us to connect with the luxury travel trade in Asia, introduce Australia’s newest premium tourism offerings, and showcase Australia’s unique style of luxury – where the brilliance of nature, culture, hospitality and exclusivity meet.”
In the same Marriott report, 91 per cent of respondents also cited safety as important for a luxury experience, and fine dining is a major travel draw, with 88 per cent planning trips around food.
“What luxury travellers are looking for aligns with the experiences that Australia prides itself on offering – safe travel and gastronomic experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the world,” Mack pointed out.
One of the growth areas post-lockdown for high-net-worth individuals is the appeal of “secluded luxury”, which Australia “offers in spades”, said Mack.
For example, the exclusive 40-key Lizard Island Resort off the coast of Queensland on the Great Barrier Reef recently unveiled The House, a private three-storey three-bedroom holiday home. A 45-minute plane ride from Cairns, the resort is located in a 1,013-hectare National Park boasting 24 sandy beaches and a lagoon.
Mark Leslie, Lizard Island’s general manager, told TTG Asia: “It is also our first time at ILTM Asia Pacific, and it is our first time marketing to the Asia-Pacific market (to date, the resort mainly receives clients from the US and Europe). The Asia-Pacific market is at our doorstep, but is largely untapped by us.”
Leslie added that with flight connections twice weekly from Singapore to Cairns, and Cathay Pacific mounting flights from Hong Kong to Cairns in October, it presents a huge opportunity for luxury travellers in the region.
Earlier this year, Tourism Australia also hosted the first showcase event in Asia for the Signature Experiences of Australia to increase awareness among South-east Asian agents of the trade-friendly programme, and the diversity of exclusive and special interest experiences on offer across Australia, from Luxury Lodges of Australia to Discover Aboriginal Experiences.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong to undergo transformation
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is partaking in Landmark’s transformative project Tomorrow’s CENTRAL, which will set a new benchmark for ultra-luxury living in the heart of Hong Kong.
During the hotel’s refurbishment, which is scheduled to begin in November this year, the hotel will continue to operate its F&B offerings. Two new dining and bar concepts will be introduced, including an al fresco terrace in the heart of Central.
The project will also be extended to the guestrooms and suites, as well as the hotel’s spa.
In addition, the transformation will provide guests with access to 10 luxury Maison destinations – Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Saint Laurent, Sotheby’s, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels – which feature over 200 additional retail experiences and more than 100 gastronomic offerings.
Collinson expands partnership with China Eastern Airlines
Collinson has expanded its partnership with China Eastern Airlines, adding 24 airport lounges in China to Priority Pass’ network.
These new additions complement the current China Eastern Airlines operated lounge at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, which was made available to the Priority Pass network last year. Of the 24 newly-added airport lounges to the Priority Pass network, 20 are live as of today.
China Eastern Airlines’ portfolio of airport lounges offers a variety of unique experiences that reflects the local culture and tradition of the city that the airport lounge is present in. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural experiences such as local folk culture exhibits, traditional festival treats and tea art performances. They can also experience a taste of popular local delights such as the highly acclaimed MU Noodles as well as traditional Yunnan and Sichuan cuisine. For travellers visiting the China Eastern Airlines No 101 lounge at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, they can also enjoy a view of the sunset at the outdoor platform facing the tarmac.
“We’ve made significant strides in enhancing the travel experience via our partnership with China Eastern Airlines and we are delighted to continue elevating every journey into something special,” said Todd Handcock, global chief commercial officer and Asia-Pacific president, Collinson International.
New hotels: Ta’aktana Labuan Bajo, Hoshino Resorts 1955 Tokyo Bay and more
Ta’aktana Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo is Marriott International’s first property in this gateway to Komodo National Park and The Luxury Collection’s second property in Indonesia.
Featuring 70 rooms, including 25 villas and 45 suites, the resort boasts seven overwater villas, three restaurants, a lounge and bar, fitness centre and spa.
Located about 10-minute drive from the airport, the waterfront property is nestled between a canopy of surrounding wild forests and the Flores Sea.
Hoshino Resorts 1955 Tokyo Bay, Japan
Hoshino Resorts 1955 Tokyo Bay is located in the Maihama and Shin-Urayasu area of Chiba Prefecture in Japan, and provides a convenient stay for guests visiting Tokyo Disney Resort.
It offers 638 retro-themed rooms with facilities such as a cafeteria, restaurant, and social space.
Guests staying here can access a 24-hour Food & Drink Station, as well as enjoy a free shuttle bus that runs between the hotel and the theme park – no reservation required.
Grand Hyatt Singapore, Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore has unveiled the first phase of its multi-year transformation with the reopening of its Terrace Wing, refreshed dining concepts and lush public spaces.
Facilities such as the fitness centre and pool have also been revamped, along with an outdoor lawn area, where guests can partake in guided meditation, yoga, and Pilates.
When the Grand Wing reopens in early 2025, the hotel will complete its evolution into a Grand Living Room and Wellness Haven with 699 guestrooms and suites.
Park Hyatt Changsha, China
This new 230-key hotel occupies the uppermost floors of the Tower Two skyscraper, the capital’s tallest building, allowing guests access to one of China’s largest luxury malls, and just a short stroll away from the lively Wuyi Square.
Park Hyatt Changsha is also a quick drive to Changsha’s leading attractions, including Orange Isle Park, Hunan Museum, Hunan Art Museum, and Yuelu Mountain.
The hotel offers restaurants and a bar, wellness and fitness centres, and event venues.
Accor highlights Cambodian culture with month-long campaign
Accor hotels in Cambodia, including Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, have launched the Discover Cambodia campaign spotlighting Khmer culture, heritage and hospitality.
The month-long campaign will run throughout August and will feature an array of activities, meals, discounts and more.
Some highlights include Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, which will host an exclusive Khmer dinner and dance performance at Le Phnom 1929 at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, in addition to a special cocktail menu inspired by famous Cambodian singers at the hotel’s iconic Elephant Bar.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap will offer a Golden Age Tasting Menu from August 1-10 at the Khmer fine dining restaurant 1932, as well as an exclusive Sunday Champagne Brunch on August 4 celebrating 1960s Cambodian pop music with the Khmer Magic Music Bus.
TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office Square will offer a traditional Khmer-themed dinner at Hemisphere Sky Bar, with a concert by Sok Visal on August 15.
For younger guests, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra will host a kids’ camp with tennis, badminton, tae kwon do, football and more, along with cooking classes, treasure hunts and creative challenges. The hotel will also host a special Sunday Brunch at Do Forni on August 11, plus other activities.
Other participating Accor hotels include ibis Styles Siem Reap, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1, Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort, and more.
For more information, visit Accor.
Dusit Thani Bangkok adds to leadership team
Dusit Hotels and Resorts has appointed key leadership talent to spearhead the return of its flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, which is set to officially reopen its doors on September 27.
Somruedee Getwansopon joins as executive assistant manager of rooms and will oversee several departments at the property. Nuengruethai Sa-nguansakpakdee is the director of sales and distribution and will oversee all aspects of sales, revenue management, and distribution for Dusit Thani Bangkok.
Peeradej Charoendireksup, will drive Dusit Thani Bangkok’s strategic marketing and communication initiatives as director of marketing, while new director of food & beverage Jonathan Forestier brings over 10 years of experience working in Thailand for luxury brands such as Sofitel and Anantara, most recently leading the food and beverage team at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
Kuala Lumpur-based Pacific World Travel (PWT) has been appointed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board to provide trade representation services for the Malaysian market effective July 1.
PWT will be responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of trade marketing strategies and campaigns to encourage visitor arrivals from Malaysia to Hong Kong.
Tunku Iskandar Tunku Abdullah, group president of Melewar Group’s tourism-related companies which includes PWT, shared: “We are committed to fostering strong partnerships and delivering innovative campaigns that will highlight the unique and vibrant experiences Hong Kong has to offer.
“Our team at PWT is excited to embark on this journey and work closely with the travel trade and media organisations to make Hong Kong a preferred choice for Malaysian travellers.
“With your continued support and collaboration, we can achieve great success in promoting Hong Kong as a leading international city in Asia and a world-class tourist destination.”