Conrad Centennial Singapore has launched a new Family Escape package that promises a series of activities and amenities for parents and children alike to enjoy a fun weekend together.
The package includes an in-room tent, colouring books and crayons for the young ones to display their artistic side, and a cozy set of bathrobe and slippers for junior guests.
Conrad Centennial Singapore
Daily breakfast is also included at the all-day dining restaurant Oscar’s, which offers a sumptuous spread of international delights and local specialities.
Guests are also entitled to a 25 per cent discount at the hotel’s other restaurants, including Michelin-listed Cantonese restaurant Golden Peony and Lobby Lounge, during the duration of their stay.
Apart from the on-site hotel facilities, the Family Escape package includes admission tickets for two adults and two children to indoor playground Kiztopia, at the nearby Marina Square mall. Enjoy two hours of adventure among the 18 different play areas with slides, ball pits and interactive play zones.
Take advantage of the late check-out time of 4pm to fully enjoy what the package has to offer.
The Family Escape package requires a minimum of two nights’ stay, and includes breakfast and Kiztopia tickets for two adults and two children under 12 years old.
Father’s Day promotions are also available at Lobby Lounge, Oscar’s and Golden Peony. For more information, visit Conrad Centennial Singapore.
In a surprising turn of events, Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) has decided to suspend its scheduled daily service between Hong Kong and Singapore starting 1 June 2024 until further notice, due to commercial reasons.
The service recently commenced on April 26, with the airline pitting against low cost competitors Scoot and AirAsia and full-service rivals Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
Greater Bay Airlines will suspend its new Hong Kong-Singapore flights from June 1, 2024
To mark the occasion, the airline hosted a fam trip to Hong Kong for representatives of some of Singapore’s largest travel agencies.
In response to TTG Asia’s query, an airline spokesperson expressed regret for “the inconvenience caused to our passengers”, and said direct contact with affected passengers is being established to help them “make flight protection, rebooking or refund arrangements”.
“All associated fees will be waived,” the spokesperson added.
The spokesperson also stated: “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all our passengers and stakeholders for their continued support for GBA. We will learn from the experience and strive to explore new potential destinations, enhance the service of existing routes, and collaborate with travel agencies on charter business.”
GBA’s other services in the network are not affected.
Saudi Arabia’s aggressive development of sites like AlUla, Neom, Diriyah Gate and more for tourism activities has attracted the attention of hospitality brands with roots in Asia, with several openings coming right up.
Minor Hotels, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, and Banyan Group are among those viewing the destination with optimism.
Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate will soon welcome a new Anantara while other parts of the kingdom will see a boom in new hotel openings
Minor Hotels has signed deals to open two hotels in Saudi Arabia under its luxury hospitality brand Anantara. The two properties coming up in Neom’s Trojena and Diriyah Gate are expected to be operational by 2027.
Speaking to TTG Asia at Arabian Travel Market 2024 happening this week, Ian Di Tullio, chief commercial officer, Minor Hotels, said: “Saudi Arabia has incredible resources be it in terms of heritage, culture or nature. It offers tourism experiences that are unmatched. I think Saudi Arabia is going to be among the top 10 tourism (destinations) globally, if not top five, in the next decade or so. We have a number of hospitality projects that we are working on with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF). Over the next 10 years, we plan to expand our presence in Saudi Arabia by adding 30 hotels across various brands in our portfolio.”
Dusit Hotels & Resorts signed its first hotel in Saudi Arabia – Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh – which is expected to be operational by the end of this year or early 2024.
“Saudi Arabian tourism market is growing at a different level. We are excited to open our first hotel in the country. We are currently holding discussions with many interested parties to expand our presence in Saudi Arabia. What holds us in good stead is the fact that as a Thai hospitality brand, there is a good awareness about our hotels in Saudi Arabia as well as the Middle East in general,” said Nichlas Maratos, vice president – commercial, Dusit Hotels & Resorts.
Asian hospitality firms expect the domestic market to drive demand first and foremost.
“We will create tourism destinations within Saudi Arabia for locals to explore. A lot of demand is expected to be generated by the other GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, followed by India and other Asian markets like China and Thailand. Europe will also contribute to the overall demand,” added Tullio.
Contrary to the widespread belief that Saudi Arabia is solely concentrating on luxury travel, Tullio sees potential for mid-scale to luxury range of accommodation.
Banyan Group currently has one operational property – Banyan Tree AlUla. It is expected to open one more in the kingdom.
Overall, Saudi Arabia has plans to add 250,000 hotel rooms by 2030.
Strong booking performance in both Singapore and Malaysia source markets for Club Med resorts in 2023 has encouraged the hospitality firm to play a bigger hand in the marketing game, with a stronger emphasis on its leadership position in premium, all-inclusive holidays for families and active couples, sustainable experiences, and unique snow vacations.
Olivier Monceau, general manager of Club Med Singapore and Malaysia, told TTG Asia in an interview that the refreshed brand identity, That’s l’Esprit Libre, will set the tone for Club Med’s efforts in marketing and guest experience design.
Monceau expects two Club Med openings in South-east Asia to excite Singapore and Malaysia markets
“That’s l’Esprit Libre strategically repositions the brand within the luxury lifestyle domain. Elevating Club Med Kiroro Peak to an Exclusive Collection resort underscores our commitment to luxury and exclusivity,” he said.
Monceau emphasised Club Med’s long-established commitment to sustainability, which has been in place since 1978 through the company’s Happy to Care promise and initiatives by the Club Med Foundation, as well as determination to “accentuate snow holidays” through tailored approaches for different guest segments.
Digital and omnichannel strategies will be prioritised, “given the digital proficiency of our target markets”, he added.
Monceau, who oversees two attractive source markets for Club Med, highlighted the 72 per cent spike in total business volume out of Singapore in 2023 compared to 2022 as well as the 40 per cent increase in business volume out of Malaysia over the same period.
Singapore was also the leading source market for Club Med’s Japan resorts in December 2023. Its first snow report for the market, issued last year, showed “promising trends”, with 38 per cent of respondents having previously experienced snow holidays; seven in 10 possessing experience in skiing and/or snowboarding; and 50 per cent spending seven to 10 days on each snow holiday.
Monceau underlined strong repeat potential in the market – 97 per cent of Singaporeans intend to take another snow holiday.
He is certain that Club Med’s ski-in ski-out resorts, varied activities, quality services, and comprehensive range of activities for children and families will continue to attract the Singapore market.
To spur bookings, Club Med runs Early Bird Sales, which enable families to gain “remarkable savings” even for travel during peak school holiday seasons.
For the Singapore market, Club Med is expanding its tailored package offerings, particularly for short stays in the Alps, and stepping up promotions of Chinese destinations to capitalise on ongoing visa-free policies.
Meanwhile, he described Malaysia as a resilient source market with promising growth, adding that there was a 41 per cent surge in client numbers.
For the Malaysia market, marketing focus is on Japan’s snow resorts as well as properties across China, Thailand, Indonesia and the Maldives, which have all witnessed increased bookings from Malaysian holiday-seekers.
Looking ahead, Monceau expects two South-east Asian openings – Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu and the Family Oasis in Club Med Phuket – to herald greater excitement in both Singapore and Malaysia markets.
Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu, opening in 2025 in a protected area, will offer nature and cultural experiences for guests. The new Family Oasis concept at the existing Club Med Phuket resort features renovated rooms, family-friendly amenities, and relevant activities.
WebBeds and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have created a new series of inspiring videos that highlight new draws in Bangkok with the aim of stimulating inbound visitation.
The 10 videos follow eight distinct themes – Eat, Nourish, Play, See, Shop, Explore, Relive and Indulge.
The new destination videos follow eight distinct themes to highlight Bangkok’s tourism appeal
Eat, for example, highlights the best places to savour Thailand’s world-famous cuisine, from street food to fine dining, while Nourish focuses on organic wellness, spa treatments, singing bowl therapies and yoga classes.
The new set of destination content made its first appearance at the Arabian Travel Mart 2024 on May 6, and can be viewed on WebBeds’ Bangkok Unboxed YouTube playlist.
WebBeds will be providing all its partners with exclusive access to the content.
Daryl Lee, CEO, WebBeds, said: “We are delighted to be working with the TAT once again to provide a boost to Thailand’s tourism sector. With our ability to monitor global booking data, WebBeds is in a unique position to identify trends even before they occur.
“Due to our long-standing relationship, we were able to advise Thailand’s tourism authorities of potential opportunities and take proactive steps to capitalise on them.”
Lanson Place Mall of Asia, the Philippines
Lanson Place Mall of Asia exudes a warm and contemporary ambiance in its 247 guestrooms, 142 serviced residences, five dining options, and event spaces for up to 412 pax.
The property boasts a one-floor event space with a lobby, expansive pre-function space for cocktail reception, pillarless ballroom and seven meeting spaces. Other facilities include the rooftop infinity pool, co-working space, fitness centre, and kids’ corner.
The four-star property is conveniently situated within the Manila Bay MICE, business, entertainment and shopping areas just six kilometres away from the international airport.
Hotel Central
Hotel Central, Macau
Hotel Central, a landmark of Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, offers a total of 114 rooms with six different room types ranging from the Superior Room to the Supreme room with balcony.
On the fourth floor is the high-end restaurant, Palace, which specialises in nostalgic Western dishes.
Nearby are attractions such as Ruins of St. Paul’s and The Senado Square.
Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park Shanghai
Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park Shanghai, China
Situated amid the iconic Zhongshan Park and the vibrant Yuyuan Road surroundings, Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park Shanghai is a lifestyle hotel combining Shanghai’s diverse cultural heritage with contemporary sophistication.
With its proximity to the landmarks with historical attractions, local residences, modern-day shops and restaurants, as well as skyscrapers, the 262-room hotel provides guests insider knowledge and resources to explore the city.
Onsite are F&B options, a fitness centre, large ballroom and six function rooms.
Four Points by Sheraton Sonmarg Resort
Four Points by Sheraton Sonmarg Resort, India
Set among the majestic Himalayan Ranges, Four Points by Sheraton Sonmarg Resort is conveniently accessible from the Srinagar International Airport.
The resort features 47 guestrooms, each with a private balcony offering valley and mountain views. Facilities include a multi-cuisine all-day dining venue, gym, lobby café, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
Following a successful first year, Auckland’s Destination Partnership Programme, developed by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited as an interim funding solution to attract leisure travellers and business events to the region, will be extended.
Businesses can now register for the second year of the programme, starting July 1, 2024.
Auckland’s Destination Partnership Programme will be expanded to support smaller and emerging tourism businesses
The first year of the programme generated NZ$1.9 million (US$1.1 million) from more than 140 businesses from across the visitor economy sector – including local tourism operators, accommodation providers, business event service providers, and venues. Platinum Partners in year one included Accor Hotel Group, Cordis Auckland, Hospitality Services, SkyCity Group, and Auckland Airport.
Annie Dundas, director of destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said that the programme has been critical to delivering important activity on behalf of Auckland’s visitor economy.
She said: “By joining forces with the industry, we can continue to position Auckland as a destination of choice for leisure travellers and business events in an incredibly competitive environment globally.
“Reflecting on our first year, we are thrilled with the support from industry, from major players such as Auckland Airport and the SkyCity Group, through to smaller operators like Time Unlimited Tours and Beyond the Blue. We want to build on this success and extend the offer and opportunity to the wider industry to share in and support Auckland’s success.”
Taking feedback into consideration, the extended programme will come with two new partnership levels to enable smaller or emerging businesses, such as restaurants, retail or business services, to be part of Auckland’s tourism success story.
There are seven levels of partnership on offer, starting at a free Partner Listing. The two new partnership levels are Love AKL, for small and emerging tourism businesses, and those businesses indirectly benefiting from tourism and events, such as retail and restaurants; and Destination Services Partner, for tourism marketing and support providers, including web design and accounting suppliers.
Partnership benefits vary by level, ranging from a basic business listing on Discover Auckland – Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s online platform which carries destination information, to opportunities across marketing, sales and promotion; tradeshows; education and insights; networking and events (local and international); and advocacy and governance.
The programme funds a robust itinerary of consumer and trade marketing activity in the domestic, Australia and North America markets especially, as well as the attraction of business events to the Auckland region.
Visitors to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore can now experience a new night programme at Supertree Grove with the artistic installation Borealis.
Conceptualised by Switzerland-based artist Dan Acher, Borealis is both a work of art and a technological performance, where the Northern Lights is recreated in the centre of Supertree Grove when beams of laser light travel through particle clouds.
Borealis is a brand new, free night programme that joins the Garden Rhapsody light and music show at Supertree Grove
Since 2016, Borealis has travelled to more than 40 cities across Europe, Australia, Asia and the US, including Hong Kong, Sydney and London. Borealis at Gardens by the Bay is its first permanent installation and kicks off in the rare bumper year for Northern Lights sightings.
Borealis can be experienced every Saturday and Sunday at 21.00, and Monday at 20.00. The installation will last for 30 minutes each time.
Variations in wind, humidity and temperature make Borealis an ever-changing experience, where each encounter is unique due to the changes in movements, colour and density of the light beams. Accompanying the installation is a custom atmospheric soundtrack by French composer Guillaume Desbois, which contributes to the installation’s dreamy and contemplative mood.
Borealis joins the night repertoire at Supertree Grove, which includes the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show, where the lights on the Supertrees dance to a changing musical soundtrack, that takes place daily at 19.45 and 20.45.
Accor has signed a hotel management agreement with Red Panda Property to manage a five-star Pullman hotel in the heart of Launceston city in Tasmania, Australia.
Pullman Launceston will be Accor’s first Pullman property in Tasmania, and sixth hotel in Launceston overall.
Pullman Launceston is expected to be completed in 1H2027
Designed by DKO, Pullman Launceston will regenerate a heritage-listed educational building into a 139-room hotel with restaurants, bars, and event venues.
The project is expected to be completed in 1H2027.
Located on a hillside on Wellington Street, the hotel tower will be the second tallest building in Launceston, with views of the city and adjacent Tamar River. The top of the hotel will feature a rooftop bar showcasing local produce and wines from the Tamar Valley.
In 2021, Launceston was named as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, one of only 36 cities worldwide. Within easy proximity to Royal Park and Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, there are also plans to build a natural linkage to other recent developments and the Seaport precinct where guests can take river cruises.
Red Panda Property owner and director, Andrew McCullagh, said the project would significantly elevate Launceston’s tourism infrastructure while delivering economic and cultural benefits to the local community.
He shared: “Preserving Launceston’s heritage was our foremost consideration, and our plans to regenerate the area will enable visitors to enjoy a rich combination of history and modernity in the one precinct.”
“With nature and food-based tourism being such powerful drivers of travel, Launceston and Tasmania have so much to offer domestic and international travellers… and with Launceston attracting new direct air services, we believe the arrival of the Pullman can further energise the State’s tourism sector,” said Adrian Williams, COO, PM&E, Accor Pacific.
Capella Hotel Group has named Ivy Kwan as senior vice president of sales and marketing.
In her new role, Kwan will champion the strategic positioning of the company, and oversee the development and implementation of innovative commercial strategies, and consolidate the unique positioning of Capella Hotels & Resorts and Patina Hotels & Resorts within the competitive luxury market.
With a career spanning over 30 years, she joins Capella Hotel Group from Urban Resort Concepts where she served as senior vice president of commercial strategy and business development since 2021.
With a career spanning over 30 years, she joins Capella Hotel Group from Urban Resort Concepts where she served as senior vice president of commercial strategy and business development since 2021.
WebBeds and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have created a new series of inspiring videos that highlight new draws in Bangkok with the aim of stimulating inbound visitation.
The 10 videos follow eight distinct themes – Eat, Nourish, Play, See, Shop, Explore, Relive and Indulge.
Eat, for example, highlights the best places to savour Thailand’s world-famous cuisine, from street food to fine dining, while Nourish focuses on organic wellness, spa treatments, singing bowl therapies and yoga classes.
The new set of destination content made its first appearance at the Arabian Travel Mart 2024 on May 6, and can be viewed on WebBeds’ Bangkok Unboxed YouTube playlist.
WebBeds will be providing all its partners with exclusive access to the content.
Daryl Lee, CEO, WebBeds, said: “We are delighted to be working with the TAT once again to provide a boost to Thailand’s tourism sector. With our ability to monitor global booking data, WebBeds is in a unique position to identify trends even before they occur.
“Due to our long-standing relationship, we were able to advise Thailand’s tourism authorities of potential opportunities and take proactive steps to capitalise on them.”