Sustainability at the heart of Sentosa’s latest multi-sensorial attraction
Latest island attraction Sentosa Sensoryscape is not only an immersive multi-sensory experience incorporating augmented reality, design, nature and music, but embodies sustainability as a key development tenet.
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) worked closely with the project team of architects, engineers, and contractors to build Sentosa Sensoryscape, an experiential connector for travellers who wish to explore the island on foot in all weather conditions, with strategic ventilation and shade.
Lee Cheh Hsien, SDC assistant CEO, corporate and sustainability, said Sentosa Sensoryscape, which opened in mid-March, is also designed to capture rainwater runoff to a water harvesting tank that provides for non-potable water use such as in irrigation systems.
He added: “During the construction, ecological-valuable tree clusters were further enhanced with proposed tree planting for canopy connectivity required for birds and butterflies’ movements along the east-west axis.
“Approximately 220 species of trees and plants, including over 100 different native fauna-attracting tree and shrub species were also introduced to ensure biodiversity and contribute positively to the environment, such as enhancing air quality, reducing glare and combatting heat.”
Lee stressed it was “imperative for new island partners and attractions to be onboard with our Sustainable Sentosa ambition and sustainability goals to become a globally recognised sustainable destination by 2030”.
“When attractions are being conceptualised, we encourage the operators to develop their plans with the natural environment in mind so as to lessen the disturbance to the biodiversity within the vicinity.”
“A few good examples include setting a wellness resort next to a serene, forested area, or experiencing a zipline above the treetop canopies onto the beach.”
He commented: “Beachfront areas are zoned as active and vibrant areas suitable for crowd events like music concerts, while protecting other quieter beaches and intertidal areas with rich biodiversity by limiting activity and visitorship through guided tours.”
The design of energy consumption, Lee told TTG Asia, is also kept in mind to ensure that the carbon footprint is kept low and, where possible, powered by renewable energy.
“One such example of a newly-launched attraction which has already achieved carbon neutrality is the SkyHelix, a carbon neutral attraction which boasts a panoramic experience at the peak of Mount Imbiah,” he shared.
Smaller yet better
Aviation hubs are building bigger airports and adding more terminals. Yet, you say the airport of the future is small?
Current thinking in airport design is misguided in believing that larger and larger airports can simply evolve by scaling up the existing methodology of how airports operate.
Unfortunately, the individual customer does not respond to scale in a positive manner; the size and complexity of large airports can be overwhelming, especially for infrequent travellers.
Our belief is that by creating a series of self-contained smaller airports within the footprint of a single, large airport, we are able to overcome the daunting nature of scale and maintain the service intimacy of a smaller airport with minimal walking distances while providing the breadth of destinations and convenient frequencies of a larger airport.
Additionally, it allows us to cater for differing demand during the day by tailoring the operating hours of certain parts of the facility around customer demand, thus lowering the percentage of the operating cost and carbon footprint.
This disruptive thinking stems from the recognition that traditional airport expansion models may not be sustainable in the long term.
Describe the dream passenger-centric small airport of the future.
It is an “airport-within-an airport” concept that stems from a radical rethink of the essence of why an airport exists. It is a means of providing a modal change between ground and air, and in this respect, too much focus is given to the air element of the interchange.
By rethinking the relationship between surface transportation and the airport, we can eliminate bottlenecks and deliver customers to and from their aircraft in a far more convenient and personalised way.
The design of existing airport operations is conceived for the convenience of the operator, not the customer, and this juxtaposition deepens with scale.
The larger the airport, the more challenging the common pinch points of check-in, immigration and security become for resourcing and customer service as too many people are forced down the same common channels.
Why not create multiple points of arrival closer to the aircraft gates? Each point could feature its own streamlined check-in, immigration and security processes (which should all be either eliminated completely or minimised into a single process), so that queues are eliminated, and the passenger journey between surface transport and the aircraft is drastically shortened.
We don’t need to wait for new technology; everything required is within reach.
Technology is a great enabler. What more do you want from developers to run Dubai Airports better?
A major issue with airport technology is the lack of process integration. Airports already have numerous individual stakeholders. If each implements its own technology strategy independently, we end up with disjointed solutions.
Technology can significantly aid by consolidating data for the entire end-to-end customer journey into a single transaction. This data can then be distributed to relevant stakeholders.
This approach accelerates the journey, allowing customers to proceed without queuing. They only need to stop if they choose to, such as for shopping, dining, or experiencing airport attractions that an innovative airport commercial strategy can offer.
Faster journeys mean more capacity for the same floor area and greater customer convenience. So, technology providers need to look horizontally at the customer journey holistically instead of trying to reengineer vertical segments of each process.
Dubai Airports is expected to reach 36 per cent of its zero-waste target by 2030. What did it take to get here and what can other airports learn from you?
We have implemented a range of initiatives, from waste reduction programmes to renewable energy projects, to move towards our zero-waste target.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our infrastructure, with solar-powered rooftops and incentives for electric vehicles.
There are plans to ramp up the installation of solar panels utilising all available space across our airports.
I believe there is a lot that all airports can learn from each other’s successes and experience, by prioritising sustainability in their operations, investing in renewable energy solutions, and engaging stakeholders in collaborative efforts to mitigate environmental impact.
You say almost half of the airline journey can be replaced by another form of transport. Why?
Forty-eight per cent of all commercial flights worldwide cover distances of less than 805km.
If we could make surface transport more efficient and faster without compromising safety, we could extract more capacity from existing infrastructure. This is especially feasible if autonomous vehicles form an automated network, operating both day and night.
These vehicles could even serve as hotel rooms on wheels, smoothly travelling to our destination while we sleep. A complete rethink of surface transport could extend the reach of regional airports to larger population centres.
This isn’t a pipe dream. Companies like Amazon and Uber have already shown how technology can completely reshape and disrupt conventional industries – it can fundamentally reshape how we think about travel in the future.
Driverless e-vehicles represent a significant leap forward. They promise safer, more efficient and cost-effective travel.
Imagine a future where transportation becomes a shared commodity, freeing up trillions of dollars currently tied up in individual vehicle ownership.
This shift could redefine global mobility. Short-distance flights might give way to sustainable land-based alternatives, bringing airports closer to home. It’s a future where travel is not just about reaching a destination, but enjoying the journey itself.
Turkish Airlines, Air China sign codeshare agreement
Turkish Airlines and Air China have signed a new freesale codeshare agreement, transitioning from their long-standing blocked space partnership.
The agreement between the flag carriers of Türkiye and China is expected to bolster tourism and economic exchange between both countries.
Initially covering flights between Istanbul and Beijing, this strategic collaboration lays the groundwork for future expansions in their partnership, and will allow both airlines to offer greater flexibility and more travel options to passengers, enhancing connectivity between Türkiye and China.
Discover Japan’s wonders with Rakuten Travel
Rakuten Travel is having a Super Sale, offering travellers savings of up to 50 per cent off travel bookings to Japan.
From now to June 20, the sale features high discount coupons and discounted hotel rates, including half off flash coupons – capped at 50,000 yen (US$321) – available for a limited time, with a limit of two coupons per customer.
Additionally, an exclusive 20 per cent off coupon (capped at 20,000 yen) for selected Japanese hotels will be available. Customers can apply either type of coupon on top of discounted hotel rates.
For more information, visit Rakuten Travel.
Rejuvenate at The Singapore Edition
The Singapore Edition has unveiled a series of exclusive wellness activations tailored to elevate the health and wellness journey of their guests and residents.
These sessions have been curated in collaboration with renowned wellness experts, designed to refresh and revitalise the mind, body, and spirit.
In celebration of International Yoga Day this June and the coinciding full moon, in-house guests and members of the public are invited to experience the transformative power of sound with the Full Moon Gong Puja Meditation from 14.30 to 18.30 on June 22.
This immersive four-hour meditative journey, a sacred ceremony where the resonant vibrations of the gong will help release stress, will balance energies and connect with the cosmic rhythms of the full moon. A gong puja is said to be the truest form of honouring oneself as it allows for a holistic restoration of one’s being – physically, emotionally and spiritually. The sheer volume of vibration in the puja (Buddhism expression of honour and devotional attention) is believed to cleanse and unblock one’s energy, heal the body and take guests to a place of subconscious cleansing.
For wellness treatments, The Spa at The Singapore Edition features seven treatment rooms, and a full suite of amenities such as thermal pools, a cooling ice fountain, and a gym. A private Spa Suite is available, complete with a private sauna and steam room.
Treatment highlights include the Edition Signature Massage – priced at S$210 (US$155) for 60 minutes and S$300 for 90 minutes – and the Signature HydraFacial (S$180 for 30 minutes).
For more information, visit The Singapore Edition.
Maldives partners with India to revive tourism to the islands
In a move designed to revive Indian travel to the Maldives, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) to enhance tourism cooperation between the Maldives and India.
The move is expected to draw more outbound travellers from India, after a political fallout between the two countries in January this year saw a sharp drop in Indian visitors to the Maldives. Until then, India was the biggest source market for the tiny Indian Ocean nation that annually attracts big spenders to its 200-plus standalone resort islands.
In a statement, MATATO said the key objectives of the MoU include promoting bilateral tourism through joint marketing initiatives; sharing best practices to improve service standards and operational efficiencies; organising joint events, roadshows, and fairs to highlight travel opportunities; and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
As such, MATATO has planned to hold roadshows in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore, the major Indian cities with the best flight connectivity.
Earlier in April, MATATO president Abdulla Ghiyas told TTG Asia that the association has confirmed one roadshow in Bangalore, while the other two were to be finalised at meetings with Indian authorities attending Arabian Travel Mart 2024 in Dubai last month.
MATATO is the Maldives main tourism body dedicated to the development and promotion of the travel and tourism industry in the Maldives, while IATO is represents over 1,800 tour operators across India.
The Maldives’ economy depends largely on tourism, and has been caught in between political rivalry with its two main markets – India and China – after the recently-elected president Mohamed Muizzu won based on a pro-China stance compared to his predecessor favouring India.
Arrivals this year as of May 27 reached 879,885, a 10.8 per cent increase from the same period last year. This year’s target is 2.1 million arrivals, up from 1.9 million last year. China, once the largest source market for the Maldives but displaced due to Covid-19 travel bans, has regained its top position as Indian arrivals declined.
Trip.com shares future growth strategies, courts younger travellers
Trip.com Group’s international brand Trip.com will be adopting successful features on its Ctrip domestic platform, such as “badges for low carbon footprint hotels” to connect sales to environmental, social and governance (ESG), corporate sustainability and societal impact responsibility as part of its future growth strategies.
Live streaming will also be added to Trip.com next month.
Popular on Ctrip, the live streaming which was launched in 2020, has garnered more than one billion views, generating total live broadcast gross merchant value (GMV) of US$1.4 billion.
This year, there have been 14 live broadcasts so far with 500 international hotels participating, which Trip.com Group wants to expand into the “tens of thousands” over the next three years.
To create value for partners, artificial intelligence (AI) will be used to create compelling visuals from photographs supplied by hotel partners.
These were some of the future growth strategies announced by the company’s leaders during the May 30 Envision 2024 Global Partner Conference, held in Shanghai, and themed Charting the Next Chapter of Our Growth Together.
James Liang, co-founder and chairman, said the group recognised the importance of ESG among young customers and partners where the former can differentiate low carbon footprint hotels by their “badge”.
The group’s inventory comprises some 2,600 eco-friendly hotels attracting around 4.3 million paid guests, who also forked out four per cent more for their flights to offset their carbon footprint.
AI’s widespread impact on the travel industry, Liang added, was boosting productivity, enhancing customer service, and providing users with highly personalised travel recommendations.
Healthy growth after recovery
In 2023, Trip.com Group’s CEO Jane Sun reported unprecedented growth with US$160 billion in GMV, the highest of all OTA platforms; 100 per cent international growth; and 300 per cent growth in outbound hotel and flight bookings and revenue.
To empower global B2B transactions, the group enhanced global insurance for flights, hotels and rentals via global partnerships; offered TripLink an international UnionPay issuer providing US cards and exchange services; and global shopping with partners from 6,000 luxury groups, department stores and duty-free operators in 800 cities.
Sun further shared that 1Q2024 was also off to a strong start, with GMV increasing 56 per cent vs 1Q2023; more than 100 per cent growth in international hotel and air bookings, 80 per cent growth in Asia-Pacific, and 900 per cent in Europe “with a much smaller base”.
The group’s ecosystem comprises some 1.7 million global accommodation listings, flights from over 600 airlines, and a network of over 90,000 partners, including group tours, attractions, and car rental providers.
Boon Sian Chai, managing director and vice president international markets, said the Group has fully recovered on flight bookings and named Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore as top destinations.
Among western markets, Chai noted Australia and the UK were “less sceptical about visa and safety issues and these travellers were booking earlier”, which was helping revenue and yield management.
To help boost its vacation packages, Chai urged hotels partners to offer “transparent rates” to complement efforts by the Group to expand ticketing services globally this year with 16 new sites and eight new service languages. There are also plans to expand car rental services to Thailand, Japan and other markets.
Chai said its data showed business was being generated by “higher-tier members and the younger generation”.
Its Black Diamond Members who spend more than US$71,000 were booking “70 room nights at US$300”, he noted.
The group is targeting and acclimatising to younger travellers by using AI to train and address questions in a scalable manner to provide an effortless and sustainable technology ecosystem.
He pointed out that TripGenie, a customised app which integrates agent and partner content to boost customer experience, will continue, now supports voice and text conversations in nine languages, with new support for Italian, Dutch and Malay available by end-June.
Chai pointed out that agent calls are answered in 30 seconds, AI is improving user “self-service” functions, and its Trustpilot customer service rating has improved to 4.2 stars.
He continued: “Younger travellers are sharing via social media on how to get from point A to point B, what food to eat, etc on the Trip Moments homepage, and we are adapting our tools to consumer behaviour and trends.”
On the Ctrip app for example, information alerts include the aircraft take-off queue number on the tarmac, and upon arrival, the baggage carousel number, which Chai said will be available on the Trip.com app by year end.
JTB Corporation encourages more outbound travel with new campaign
Japan’s largest travel agent is aiming to stimulate more outbound travel this summer with a range of financial incentives and advertising promotions.
JTB Corporation’s campaign will target Japanese consumers who travelled overseas pre-pandemic as well as newcomers to international travel, in a bid to support the outbound market, which is proving slow to recover from the impacts of Covid.
Japanese overseas travellers totalled 888,800 in April 2024, up from 560,200 the year before but 46.7 per cent less than in April 2019, according to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization.
The first quarter of 2024 also indicates a sluggish rebound, with 3.01 million travellers compared to 4.92 million over the same period in 2019.
Under JTB’s summer travel campaign, eligible travellers who depart on JTB overseas tours between July 1 and September 30 can apply for financial support to acquire a passport, a free breakfast at a hotel of their choice in Hawaii and free overseas Wi-Fi rental with unlimited data in Hawaii, Guam, Australia, Singapore, Bali and Taiwan.
The company has also launched a series of live broadcasts to provide seasonal travel information and tips about various travel destinations. Viewers can post comments and ask questions in real time or watch archived programmes.
“The broadcasts will convey the joys and attractions of travelling overseas,” said JTB in a company note.
New television commercials will also introduce popular actress and singer Nao Matsushita appreciating the scenery and cuisine in Singapore, Hawaii and parts of Europe to inspire consumers, according to JTB.
Despite the slow recovery of Japan’s outbound market, an estimated 23 million Japanese (of a population of 125.7 million) could be expected to travel overseas in the short-term based on a recent study by Mitsubishi Research Institute, said Toshiya Miyazaki, a member of the institute’s policy team who was involved in the research.
Accor transforms Australian airport areas with new-era airport hotels
Accor is taking off with a new breed of hotels that are helping transform airport precincts into dynamic mini-cities, with two new properties opening at Melbourne Airport this July.
The Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotels will be Accor’s third and fourth in the precinct and the first new internationally branded hotels at the airport for almost 20 years.
The Novotel hotel will boast 248 rooms, while ibis Styles will offer 216 rooms. Nearby are tourist attractions such as UrbanSurf and iFLY just 15 minutes from the airport.
Both dual-branded hotels will offer a range of facilities to cater for business, conference and leisure guests, as well as workers and visitors to the airport district. These include three food and beverage outlets, function facilities for up to 330 guests, and The Aerofoil hotel-serviced co-working space, which is spread across two floors and available to guests and non-guests for short-term or long-term business.
Guests at both properties and transiting travellers will also have access to Higher State, Melbourne’s first airport health and well-being club, which features an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, massage, and fitness centre.
In addition to the new-build Novotel and ibis Styles hotels, Accor’s Mantra hotel at Tullamarine is about to undergo a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. The comprehensive project involves upgrading executive, premier, and deluxe studios and suites, with the hotel’s restaurant and bar also being refreshed.
Australia’s first airport ‘resort’ launched last December following the upgrading and integration of the Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport hotels. The reimagined resort property added a 61-metre swimming pool, new pool villas, additional food and beverage outlets, an integrated arrivals and welcome area, extensive Indigenous artwork and murals, and an Indigenous training academy.
Accor Pacific chief operating officer PM&E, Adrian Williams, remarked that the expansion of the group’s airport hotel network highlighted the evolution of airport precincts into major commercial and service centres.
He said: “Airport hotels are no longer necessarily just about transiting travellers; they are the engines of whole new integrated multi-use developments that have evolved to offer a complete mix of business, retail, industry and tourism activities.
“Airport precincts are transforming into mini-cities in their own right with their own demand drivers. The reasons to stay at an airport hotel are growing exponentially, and particularly in Melbourne, where the lack of integrated transport options to the terminals makes staying overnight at one of our hotels and relaxing and preparing for a major overseas trip one of the best investments a traveller can make. Starting a long international trip stress free is a massive plus for well-being.”
Japanese travellers are increasingly using social media input and smartphone apps to improve their travel experiences, according to a recent survey.
JTB Tourism Research and Consulting’s November 2023 poll on the smartphone use and travel consumption patterns of 10,000 people living in metropolitan areas in Japan indicates an uptick in seeking recommendations – either from direct messages on apps or social media feeds – and making bookings on apps, both before and during trips.
Video platforms saw the greatest rise in use as a travel information source, with YouTube visited by 71 per cent of respondents, up from 64 per cent in 2019, the previous year of the survey. TikTok consumption grew the most, reaching 18 per cent from four per cent in 2019.
More respondents are also using Instagram, for inspiration and for information via messaging, reposts and captions, with 51 per cent of respondents using the platform to support destination planning, up from 39 per cent in 2019.
Map apps continue to be the most popular smartphone tool after search engines, but the study shows their function is diversifying. In addition to getting directions, 31 per cent of respondents used map apps to look up information on shops, 23 per cent searched for restaurants and shops near their location/destination, and 23 per cent pinned places they wanted to go as a memo.
The number of respondents booking travel products on their smartphones increased from 50 per cent in 2019 to 60 per cent in 2023. The most commonly purchased item was accommodation (40 per cent), followed by flights (16 per cent), restaurant meals (16 per cent), domestic tours (15 per cent) events (12 per cent) and train/bus tickets (nine per cent).
The use of AI-related services, including interpretation/translation support and search services for captured images, reached 43 per cent, up from 31 per cent in 2019.