This Valentine’s Day, Sofitel Singapore City Centre extends a beary warm welcome to all singles to celebrate the season of romance even if they are celebrating the special day alone with limited-time cocktails, a special dinner, or a luxurious overnight retreat package.
Available only on February 14, A Table for One is a five-course Valentine’s Day dinner where individuals can choose to share the evening with one of the hotel’s iconic lobby Ambearssadors. This dining experience is priced a S$98 (US$73) per person, inclusive of a welcome glass of prosecco.
Singles can indulge in a Valentine’s dinner with one of the hotel’s Ambearssadors
The Fun & Flirty Cocktails at 1864 will serve up a limited-time menu from February 1 to 14, featuring two cocktails (S$19++) and two mocktails (S$12++).
For couples, the Celebrate Love the French Way room package is priced from S$530 and includes a bottle of Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne, in-room breakfast for two, welcome amenities, and access to the hotel’s swimming pool and fitness centre. Bookings are open now for stays till December 31.
Thailand has announced the launch of a new visa for foreigners looking to train in the country’s famous indigenous martial art, Muay Thai.
The development comes as the country pulls out all the stops to encourage increased arrivals to support a creaky economy heavily reliant on tourism.
Thailand hopes to attract more inbound visitors by launching a new Muay Thai visa
Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin announced in his X (formerly Twitter) post that the new 90-day Muay Thai education visa is ready to be rolled out to tourists interested in studying the sport in its home country. The announcement follows a move to promote Thailand’s soft power as lawmakers decided to go all in on a drive for cultural tourism in the Kingdom under five main interests: film, food, festivals, fashion and fighting.
There has been some pushback in the travel community in Thailand, with several professionals citing an existing Muay Thai visa as a reason why the new credential is superfluous and that the government is becoming desperate in its tourism strategy. However, the current Muay Thai visa only runs for 60 days and is notoriously hard to obtain.
Lek Nawat, a freelance travel agent operating in Bangkok, is keen for the Muay Thai visa and the push towards putting cultural experiences front and centre as reasons to visit.
“I am glad to see this kind of campaign from the new government. The culture of Thailand is often overlooked (beyond food) as a reason to come here. Tourists sometimes just see Thailand as a place to party, but there is so much to discover here beyond the nightlife and beaches – though they are wonderful, too,” she remarked.
“There are no hard dates for when the Muay Thai visa begins, but once they do, I am sure I’ll be able to create exciting packages to entice tourists who want to dig more into Thai traditions and learn about our way of life.”
Answering accusations of governmental desperation, Lek believes they should be desperate and welcomes any ideas they have. “Tourism is so important to Thailand, and a sense of urgency to get back to previous levels is exactly what I want to see in our leaders.”
At the other end of the scale, one tour manager in Chiang Mai and a veteran of the hospitality industry in the region is concerned about how easily the visa can be misused. “I wonder if it will be like the Thai language visa, where people come to study but then spend more time having a good time and hanging about in bars than studying.”
The government, however, has already declared that those who apply for the scheme must demonstrate they have already begun Muay Thai training and will have to live and stay at gymnasiums and training camps certified by the Sports Authority of Thailand for the full duration of the stay.
A new government website, Now Muay Thai, has already gone live, providing information on the best places to train in Thailand to support the campaign.
The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer reveals that international tourism is expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024.
International tourism was at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1.3 billion international arrivals at the end of 2023, according to the report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the sector’s performance in 2023, tracking recovery by global region, sub-region and destination.
UNWTO is expecting international tourism to fully recover by end-2024
The Middle East led recovery in relative terms as the only region to overcome pre-pandemic levels with arrivals 22% above 2019, while Europe reached 94% of 2019 levels, supported by intra-regional demand and travel from the US. As for Africa and the Americas, they recovered 96% and 90% of pre-pandemic visitors, respectively.
Asia and the Pacific reached 65% of pre-pandemic levels following the reopening of several markets and destinations. However, performance is mixed, with South Asia already recovering 87% of 2019 levels and North-east Asia around 55%.
International tourism hit US$1.4 trillion in 2023 The latest UNWTO data also highlights the economic impact of recovery.
International tourism receipts reached US$1.4 trillion in 2023 according to preliminary estimates, about 93% of the US$1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.
Total export revenues from tourism (including passenger transport) are estimated at U$1.6 trillion in 2023, almost 95% of the US$1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.
Preliminary estimates on the economic contribution of tourism, measured in tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) point to US$3.3 trillion in 2023, or 3% of global GDP. This indicates a recovery of pre-pandemic TDGDP driven by strong domestic and international tourism.
Several destinations reported strong growth in international tourism receipts during the first 10 to 12 months of 2023, exceeding in some cases growth in arrivals. Strong demand for outbound travel was also reported by several large source markets this period, with many exceeding 2019 levels.
The sustained recovery is also reflected in the performance of industry indicators. According to the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker, both international air capacity and passenger demand recovered about 90% of pre-pandemic levels through October 2023 (according to IATA). Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 64% in November, slightly above 62% in September 2022 (based on STR data).
Looking ahead to 2024 International tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels. This central forecast by UNWTO remains subject to the pace of recovery in Asia and to the evolution of existing economic and geopolitical downside risks.
The positive outlook is reflected in the latest UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index survey, with 67% of tourism professionals indicating better or much better prospects for 2024 compared to 2023. Some 28% expect similar performance, while only 6% expect tourism performance in 2024 to be worse than last year.
There is still significant room for recovery across Asia. The reopening of several source markets and destinations will boost recovery in the region and globally.
Chinese outbound and inbound tourism is expected to accelerate in 2024, due to visa facilitation and improved air capacity. China is applying visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia for a year to November 30.
Visa and travel facilitation measures will promote travel to and around the Middle East and Africa with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to implement a unified tourist visa, similar to the Schengen visa, and measures to facilitate intra-African travel in Kenya and Rwanda.
Europe is expected to drive results again in 2024, with Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen area of free movement from March, and Paris hosting the Summer Olympics in July and August.
Strong travel from the US, backed by a strong US dollar, will continue to benefit destinations in the Americas and beyond. As in 2023, robust source markets in Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, will continue to fuel tourism flows and spending around the world.
Economic and geopolitical headwinds continue to pose significant challenges to the sustained recovery of international tourism and confidence levels. Persisting inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices and disruptions to trade can continue to impact transport and accommodations costs in 2024.
Against this backdrop, tourists are expected to increasingly seek value for money and travel closer to home. Sustainable practices and adaptability will also play an increasing role in consumer choice.
Staff shortages remain a critical issue, as tourism businesses face a shortfall in labour to cope with high demand.
In addition, the evolution of the Hamas-Israel conflict may disrupt travel in the Middle East and impact traveller confidence. Uncertainty derived from the Russian aggression against Ukraine as well as other mounting geopolitical tensions, continue to weigh on confidence.
The Rig has launched its ambitious masterplan that will redefine adventure tourism in Saudi Arabia.
Catering to extreme sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers, The Rig is inspired by the design of offshore oil platforms and will span over 300,000m². It is located 40km from the coastline, near Al Juraid Island and Berri Oil Field in the Arabian Gulf.
The Rig will host a wider variety of attractions once opened
Developed by the Oil Park Development Company, The Rig aims to attract over 900,000 annual visitors by 2032, appealing to a wide range of domestic, regional and international audiences, including adrenaline seekers, explorers, balanced holiday makers, and relaxation seekers. The attraction will comprise three hotels totalling 800 rooms, 11 restaurants, an extreme sports and adventure park, a marina, and helipads.
Aside from offering a wide variety of water activities, including a diving centre, The Rid will also feature an amusement park, splash park, an E-sports centre, an immersive theatre and multi-purpose arena.
The Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) entertainment project is in line with the company’s strategy and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives of contributing to the growth of the tourism sector, directly and indirectly contributing to employment opportunities, and diversifying the economy.
Emirates is looking to add 5,000 more to its global cabin crew with this year’s recruitment drive, designed primarily for fresh graduates, those with a year or so of hospitality or customer service experience, and individuals keen to embark on a globetrotting career.
The new cabin crew recruitment drive comes as Emirates begins to take delivery of its eagerly anticipated A350s from mid-year and the Boeing 777-Xs starting in 2025.
Emirates aims to hire 5,000 more cabin crew staff during its recruitment drive this year
In 2024, Emirates’ recruitment team will host open days and assessments in more than 460 cities across six continents. Last year’s recruitment drive saw the airline hiring 8,000 cabin crew at events in 353 cities, bringing its cabin crew numbers to 21,500.
New cabin crew recruits will undergo an intense eight weeks of training in delivering the highest standards of hospitality, safety and service. Trained in Emirates’ facility in Dubai, cabin crew will learn invaluable transferable skills like communications, initiative and leadership qualities, and develop the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team, the focus to stay mentally strong and calm under pressure.
With access to the latest training programmes and LinkedIn courses, cabin crew can progress in their career by completing exacting training and assessments – they also have the opportunity to apply for internal vacancies throughout the Emirates Group.
Benefits for Emirates’ cabin crew include a competitive, tax-free salary and flying pay, eligibility for profit share, hotel stays and layover expenses, concessional travel and cargo, annual leave, annual leave ticket, furnished accommodation, transportation to and from work, medical, life and dental insurance coverage, laundry services, discounted flight tickets for family and friends, and more.
More information can be found on Emirates’ website, including updates for open day schedules.
Vietjet now flies from Phu Quoc to Taipei, Taiwan daily, which brings the airline’s total number of routes between Vietnam and Taiwan to eight.
The inaugural flight took place on January 18, where the first passengers were warmly greeted and checked in at Vietjet’s photo booth in Taoyuan International Airport.
Passengers on the inaugural Phu Quoc-Taipei flight were welcomed at Taoyuan International Airport
Vietjet operates direct services linking Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung, together with the Can Tho-Taipei and Taipei-Phu Quoc services.
Amari Raaya Maldives on Raa Atoll of the Maldives has introduced a romantic new package, Just the Two of Us, tailor-made for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day celebration.
The package includes return seaplane transfers, daily breakfast, a 60-minute couple’s spa treatment, a private sunset cruise, a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, and even a complimentary 30-minute couples’ photo shoot, including 10 digital images on a USB to take home and treasure.
Amari Raaya Maldives brings romance to couples with offers such as a candlelit dinner on the beach
Beyond the curated experiences of the package, Amari Raaya Maldives offers a myriad of ways for guests to celebrate their love, from candlelit dinners on the beach, private picnics on secluded sandbanks, or couples’ yoga sessions at sunrise.
The package starts from US$828 per villa per night based on two adults sharing a Beach Pool Villa for stays till May 31. A minimum stay of four nights is required.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort situated on Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula has crafted a holistic wellness package, including sound therapies, guided by its fitness and wellbeing experts to help guests strengthen and stimulate their mind, body and soul in the year ahead.
The Good Vibrations 3-Day Reset includes a stay in the Spa Lagoon Villa, two 90-minute sound therapy massages per person in the villa’s own treatment room, roundtrip airport limousine transfers, complimentary access to the new InterContinental Club Lounge, and dedicated service from a Villa Host.
InterContinental Danang has introduced a new wellness package for guests
A 60-minute private coaching session will help guests to develop a full-year health and fitness plan, on top of complimentary 60-minute private yoga and personal training classes, and scheduled activities such as yoga, fitness, Pilates and meditation, plus steam room and sauna sessions – all included free-of-charge.
Guests can savour a healthy daily breakfast and a five-course vegan or vegetarian menu for two at the resort’s restaurant La Maison 1888.
Available throughout 2024, the Good Vibrations 3-Day Reset is priced from US$4,200++ for two guests.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thai Digital Platform Social Enterprise Co. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further raise awareness of TAGTHAi, the all-in-one Thailand app, for local and foreign tourists exploring Thailand.
The travel app is set as a platform for local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to promote their products and services.
TAT and TAGTHAi team up to bolster tourism in Thailand
Under the MoU, TAT will promote TAGTHAi via its marketing activities and publicity channels as well as share insightful information on popular and upcoming tourist attractions and tour routes.
In exchange, TAGTHAi will provide data intelligence on tourist’s travel preferences in Thailand, through analysation of user’s activity, enabling effective data-driven connections between TAT’s online platforms and the app.
The MoU places emphasis on Thailand’s national development plan, Thailand 4.0, which seeks to enhance the access of technology and the public-private data to drive the country’s competitiveness and tourism industry.
TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool shared: “TAT recognises the potential of TAGTHAi as a Super Aggregator Platform that caters to various types of travellers and makes travel in Thailand simple and convenient. TAGTHAi reflects our promotions of the Thai soft-power elements and a multitude of meaningful travel experiences in Thailand.”
“Digital technology plays a pivotal role in the tourism industry, and as the must-have Thailand travel application, TAGTHAi wants to be a part in helping to maintain Thailand’s position as a world-class tourism destination,” said Kalin Sarasin, chairman of the management committee of Thai Digital Platform Social Enterprise Co.
“Through the partnership with TAT, the TAGTHAi app will be further developed to become the most comprehensive Super Aggregator Platform for tourists to use for traveling in Thailand.”
Following its strategic acquisition of Oakwood Worldwide in 2H2022, The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has grown the Oakwood portfolio by more than 20 per cent with over 20 new signings to date.
With almost 18,000 units, Ascott has expanded Oakwood’s presence to 48 cities, entering new destinations including Busan in South Korea, Batam and Bali in Indonesia, Penang and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Navi Mumbai in India, as well as Halong in Vietnam.
Oakwood will tap on the rising trend of blended travel and be refreshed to prepare for its next stage of growth; Oakwood Suites Yokohama, pictured
Oakwood properties have since been onboarded to Ascott’s loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards; global sales and marketing platforms; revenue and distribution network; digital and technology systems, as well as integrated with functions including operations, finance, human resource, and procurement.
By enhancing its conversion-friendly value proposition, Ascott won over new contracts of properties and transitioned them to operate under its Oakwood brand. For example, in 2023, Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Taman Mini Jakarta and Oakwood Makati Avenue were swiftly converted and went into operations within months of signing.
Kevin Goh, CEO of Ascott, said: “Ascott will continue to pursue transformative deals which can accelerate our expansion and provide us with immediate access to new markets, diverse customer bases, and valuable synergies.
“Ascott is on the cusp of a transformative journey as we mark our 40th anniversary this year. We look forward to gaining strong growth momentum, to owning the upswing with the rebound of global travel and tourism in the year ahead.”
Since pioneering the serviced apartment concept in 1962, the Oakwood brand will tap on the rising trend of blended travel as guest preferences evolve, and will be refreshed to prepare for its next stage of growth. Beyond serviced apartments, Ascott is extending the coverage of the refreshed Oakwood brand to more city hotels and full-service resorts.
For example, Oakwood Ha Long opened recently in Vietnam, while Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Benoa Bali in Indonesia, as well as Oakwood Suites Chongli in China, are expected to follow suit in popular resort locations in 1H2024.
The Oakwood brand refresh comes on the back of the refreshed Citadines, Somerset, and Ascott brands, which were unveiled over the last two years.
Tan Bee Leng, Ascott’s managing director for brand & marketing, said: “Against the backdrop of the surge in bleisure travel… the refreshed Oakwood brand seeks to balance our guests’ work commitments with their desire for personal wellness and enrichment when travelling, prioritising comfort above all else.”
She added: “As more business travellers become more inclined to explore unique locations and cultural offerings, turning business trips into multifaceted experiences, our pipeline of Oakwood properties will be opening not just as serviced apartments catering to longer stay residents, but also as city hotels and in resort locations, targeting guests going on brief sojourns and weekend getaways.”
