Albatros Expeditions to lead first-ever Halal-certified cruise to Antarctica
Muslim explorers to the Antarctica will soon be able to take comfort in the knowledge that their meals will come from a fully Halal-certified kitchen – made possible by Albatros Expeditions’ Halal project, which is said to be the first of its kind in the polar industry.
Albatros Expeditions’ Halal-certified kitchen will come into operation in 2026.
The initiative is spearheaded by the company’s South-east Asia business development manager Rashidah Lim, an industry veteran and the polar industry’s only female Muslim expedition leader. She is supported by her colleagues in marketing, business development, and product divisions.
Jens Rasmussen, COO and board member of the Albatros Travel Group, described the launch of the first Halal-certified cruise to Antarctica as “an exciting milestone” for the company.
While travellers with other religious identities are welcome onboard, the Muslim-friendly environment means no pork or alcohol will be served. Guests are also not allowed to bring outside F&B onto the cruise ship.
Apart from Halal-certified dining, accreditation by CrescentRating, there will also be ladies-only hours in the onboard sauna every day.
Driving the West Australian Dream
Tucked away to the south-east of Perth, Esperance is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. Its pristine beaches are poster-perfect with crystal-clear turquoise waters and sand so white, it squeaks when you shuffle your feet.
There are also no crowds for most of the year, almost guaranteeing a private beach experience worthy of social media envy. The coastal scenery is dramatic, with aerial views revealing mesmerising geometric salt lakes in various hues. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, diving, hiking, and surfing.
Despite its remote location, Esperance doesn’t compromise on the quality of culinary experiences with artisanal local craft beer, gin distilleries, excellent pub food, and Asian-influenced eateries on the rise.
Getting to Esperance requires an extra flight from Perth or an eight-hour drive, but the journey is well worth it for what visitors will discover.
“We’re a brand new tourism community and there’s a lot of home-grown initiative that’s quite unique. Tourism is also definitely needed here because farming is seasonal work,” said Anne O’Neill, owner of Yirri Grove olive oil farm which recently added dining and accommodation spaces. Her farm represents the entrepreneurial spirit found behind many producers and hospitality owners in the area.
Tourism is a growing economic driver in Esperance, complementing agriculture, the primary industry. It is microscopic of the wider West Australian (WA) tourism story, where the goal is to spread incoming tourist numbers beyond Perth and Margaret River into its more regional destinations with best-kept-secret statuses.
“It’s a new market for Asian visitors and appeals to the adventurous clientele,”said Tom Upson, director of markets and aviation, Tourism Western Australia (TWA).
“Consumers seeking adventure and exclusivity in their beach experiences will love Esperance. It’s perfect for a self-drive itinerary, forming a neat triangle from Perth down to Esperance, then following the magnificent coastline up through Albany and to Margaret River. We market it as the Great South West Edge journey.”
The South West Edge journey lies within Australia’s Golden Outback, one of five WA tourism regions. The others are Australia’s North West, Australia’s Coral Coast, Australia’s South West, and Destination Perth.
The offerings across these regions are as diverse as its locations – from camel rides on Cable Beach to exploring Karijini National Park’s stunning waterfalls, to swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth.
The state’s visitor economy hit a record A$16.8 billion (US$11.19 billion) in 2023, and has set itself a target of A$25 billion by 2033 under its global Walking On A Dream campaign, which currently features more than 20 sub-campaigns.
This includes a strategic plan to lure high-yield tourists from the Asian market with a barefoot luxury appeal, with the final leg of the campaign to launch in China on June 13.
The current Drive the Dream campaign, featuring TWA ambassador and Perth-born Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo, will also be introduced to the Indian market in the new financial year with a twist, headlining a West Australian cricket ambassador in the lead-up to the Test series in India.
“It’s a very focused strategy. We understand the travel constraints from Asia where there aren’t as many holidays. It’s the high-value traveller that probably has a little bit more time and leave, and also that discretionary money to pay for an extended trip,” Upson told TTG Asia.
TWA will also soon shift some of its focus to Broome, helped by a new seasonal direct flight from Singapore via Jetstar Asia from June 25.
Promoted as a perfect alternative during summer months when the weather in Perth can be uncomfortably hot, Broome offers iconic outback experiences not available anywhere else in WA.
These include pearl farm stays, witnessing the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon, and exploring distinctive Indigenous galleries featuring art from remote communities.
“The European market is already very strong in that area but with the new flight, we hope to attract more visitors from Singapore, our second-largest market. Then in the following year, we can encourage even more adventure with travel to the Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth, which is hands-down one of our most impressive areas,” said Upson.
To that end, TWA is reviving campaigns with travel agencies like Chan Brothers and Dynasty that have been dormant since Covid-19, promoting drives and farm stays.
The UK, Singapore, and China are identified as tier one markets, with more tourism growth potential seen from Asia than Western markets for proximity and time zone reasons.
Komodo National Park orders periodic closures as environmental safeguards
Indonesia’s Komodo National Park will implement periodic closures to protect its fragile ecosystem and ensure long-term sustainability, with these conservation cool-offs expected to start mid-2025.
The exact format of the closure has yet to be decided, stated officials.
Frans Teguh, CEO of Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Board, emphasised the need for the park to regenerate for sustainability, and the goal of the periodic closures is to minimise disruptions to both conservation efforts and the tourism industry.
Frans said efforts would be made to “manage the flow of tourists”.
Several factors have contributed to the decision for the periodic closures. Intense tourism activity has put significant pressure on the park’s natural resources, which need time for recovery.
Additionally, the government aims to diversify tourism within the region. It is promoting other attractions on Flores Island and creating economic opportunities for more local communities. Infrastructure and amenities in Labuan Bajo and Flores have been developing over the last few years, all to disperse travellers beyond the national park. Currently under development is the Parapuar Labuan Bajo, a 400-hectare green space that will comprise zones for culture, recreation, wildlife, and adventure.
Nia Niscaya, a senior advisor at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, acknowledged the challenges posed by the periodic closure, and stressed the importance of public education and communication to ensure understanding and support for the decision.
Nia said the initiative now would pave the way for something better in the future.
She is optimistic that the decision to close Komodo National Park periodically can maintain a healthier Komodo ecosystem in the future.
“This step is part of sustainable, inclusive, and quality development,” she remarked.
Uttar Pradesh eyes Asian investors for Buddhist tourism development
The northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is looking to collaborate with governments across South Asia and South-east Asia to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) towards the development of tourism infrastructure at its Buddhist sites.
Its lures are land banks at destinations including Kushinagar, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Sankisa, and Kaushambi, which will be used to develop monasteries and accommodation units. At press time, the Uttar Pradesh government has already allocated two acres of land in Varanasi to the Bhutan government for the construction of temples and guesthouses.
To bring attention to its initiatives, the state government recently organised the Bodhi Yatra conclave in New Delhi, showcasing its various Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. It was attended by envoys and representatives from various countries including Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
Mukesh Meshram, principal secretary of the department of tourism and culture, government of Uttar Pradesh, said: “Our goal is to strengthen spiritual and cultural connections with South Asian and South-east Asian countries. We invite these countries to invest in the hospitality and tourism sectors at our Buddhist sites.”
Industry stakeholders told TTG Asia that Uttar Pradesh, home also to the iconic Taj Mahal, needed to diversify its product offerings. They agreed that promoting Buddhist sites was a step in the right direction.
Sarbendra Sarkar, founder and managing director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said: “Promoting Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist sites in South-east Asia and South Asian markets will significantly boost international tourism and diversify the state’s tourism appeal. The development of country-specific monasteries and accommodation units at key Buddhist sites will create a sense of familiarity and comfort for international visitors, enhancing their overall experience and encouraging longer stays.”
Earlier this year, the tourism department of Uttar Pradesh hosted an event in Bangkok to promote Buddhist tourism.
Local tour operators would like to see more being done to attract Asian travellers.
Sushil Kumar Singh, managing director of Varanasi based Jatak Travels, suggested the establishment of a dedicated Buddhist tourism promotion committee to exclusively promote Buddhist tourism in overseas markets.
“Apart from government participation, the committee should include representatives from the private sector, such as hotels and inbound tour operators,” said Singh.
Sarkar also underlined the urgency to bring more “modern amenities and facilities” into Buddhist sites, so as to make them “more accessible and appealing to a global audience”.
Shanghai Pudong airport upgrades passenger processing capabilities with SITA technology
Shanghai Pudong International Airport, recognised as one of the busiest international hub in China, will install SITA’s common-use self-service bag drops (SBD) and kiosks for foreign airlines and their passengers to speed up passenger processing.
Half of the airport’s total passenger traffic is made up of international travellers, and numbers are set to rise as more international routes reopen post-pandemic. As such, there is a pressing need for faster and easier operations at the airport.
The contract will see the deployment of 52 kiosks and 14 SBDs across the airport, allowing international passengers to independently check in early before counters open.
Coming up next, SITA will work with Shanghai Pudong airport to enhance end-to-end self-services through a low-touch, safe environment, which is also in line with the airport’s digital transformation strategy.
Sumesh Patel, president, SITA APAC, said: “As air travel booms globally, and airports see a massive surge in travellers, there is an increased need for technology that can speed up the boarding process, reducing delays and traffic for passengers.”
Mega stars to descend on Singapore F1 races this September
Race promoter Singapore GP has unveiled a stunning entertainment line-up for the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 this September, with big names such as OneRepublic, Kylie Minogue, Lenny Kravitz, Disclosure (DJ), The Corrs, Kool & the Gang, Tones & I, and BabyMonster set to fire up trackside action.
Visitors to the races can expect over 100 hours of entertainment across 12 stages.
These global big names will take to the stage across the three-day races. OneRepublic will perform on September 20 at Zone 4 Padang Stage, while The Corrs will take over Zone 1 Wharf Stage on September 21.
The entertainment line-up also features other international acts such as Dean Lewis (Australia), MOS (Japan), Rangga Jones (Indonesia), and The Astronauts (Singapore),
The full entertainment schedule is available on the event website.
Additional tickets have been released with single-day walkabout tickets now available.
The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 will take place from September 20 to 22.
Mbappé, Accor join forces for youth empowerment
Accor has come together with Kylian Mbappé, French professional footballer and catalyst for youth empowerment, to take the latter’s Inspired by KM community support activities further through its extensive hospitality network.
The partnership is a long-term commitment that will see Accor provide accommodation support and logistical assistance to Inspired by KM activities.
At the same time, Mbappé will leverage Accor’s expansive reach through awareness activations across the company’s group channels, notably via its ALL-Accor Live Limitless loyalty and distribution platform.
The strategic collaboration will enrich ALL-Accor Live Limitless’s appeal, harnessing Mbappé’s notable influence to attract members and guests while staying true to Accor’s core values.
Mbappé, president of Inspired by KM, said: “Together, we can make a meaningful difference and foster opportunities for a promising future. Our partnership embodies sharing and transmission, making us ambassadors for the younger generation worldwide.”
Sébastien Bazin, chairman & CEO, Accor, underlined the “transformative power of hospitality to create positive change”.
“Our partnership with Kylian Mbappé aligns perfectly with our commitment to making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Bazin.
The Hari Hong Kong kicks off summer with in-depth destination programmes
Guests staying at The Hari Hong Kong this summer can enjoy two new offerings that delve into the Wan Chai district: the Live Like a Local summer package and the Neighbourhood Guide Audio Tour.
The Live Like a Local summer package features a one-night stay, daily breakfast for two, complimentary access to The Hari Neighbourhood Guide Audio Tour, custom gallery tours arranged by PHD Group, a welcome amenity pack, and early check-in at 14.00 and late check-out until 14.00 (subject to availability).
The audio tour offers guests a chance to venture off the beaten path to see a more authentic side of Wan Chai. Expect stops at Foo Tak Building, Villain Hitting, Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, and a local cooked food centre, among many others. All stop are within a two- to 10-minute walk from the hotel, ensuring an effortless and enjoyable adventure.
For more information, email The Hari Hong Kong.
Langham Hospitality Group appoints new China SVP
Langham Hospitality Group has named Jack Xiao as its new senior vice president – operations, China.
Based at the Shanghai office, Xiao will oversee the group’s mainland China portfolio of hotels and resorts while also supervising the functional teams for the market, including sales, revenue, F&B, HR, finance, marketing, and design and technical services.
He brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked with Accor, Wanda Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Yongle Huazhu.
Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific is conducting the fourth edition of its annual 1 Ticket, 1 Tree initiative across South-east Asia, where one mangrove tree is planted in the region for every flight ticket purchased from Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia during the activation period.
The initiative takes place this week, from July 25 to 31.
The airline will take into account tickets purchased on its own website and mobile app, as well as those booked by corporate clients through Cathay’s agents.
The initiative was first launched in 2021, and has resulted in the planting of 30,000 mangrove trees. It is supported by 13 partners including corporations, non-profit organisations, and local environment and community groups.
For the 2024 edition, the initiative is expanded to cover cargo shipments across the region, where a tonne of cargo booked results in one planted tree.
Cathay regional general manager for South-east Asia, Dominic Perret, said: “Given the vital role of mangrove forests in supporting local communities and protecting their livelihoods, doing our part to ensure they grow and thrive deeply resonates with us. We are therefore very encouraged by the strong support 1 Ticket, 1 Tree has received across South-east Asia since we started this initiative four years ago.”