Vietnam’s Pearl Island uplifts with new attractions and experiences

January 19, 2024

Phu Quoc, Vietnam invites the world’s travellers to discover a series of new tourism experiences, including an iconic bridge, multimedia shows, cultural attractions and a brand-new internationally-branded five-star resort.

Previously a sleepy fishing island with idyllic beaches, Phu Quoc has been transformed into a vibrant destination with lots to offer, such as new tourism experiences, five-star resorts managed by the world’s leading hotel brands, as well as major events and music festivals hosted at the destination.

Nestled on Phu Quoc’s south-west coast, Sunset Town will stage the VUI-Fest Bazaar in 2024

One new attraction is the Kiss Bridge, nestled on the coast in Sunset Town, close to Phu Quoc’s southern tip. The bridge is an architectural creation featuring two 400-metre-long pathways that stretch out over the water and meet in the middle, just 30cm apart – so two lovers can lean over for a kiss.

With the newly-created VUI-Fest Bazaar, the first night market by the sea concept in Vietnam, visitors can explore the rich heritage of Phu Quoc as the sun sets over Sunset Town. The bazaar comes alive with more than 40 stalls, theatrical performances, interactive art shows, street food and more, featuring a wide range of locally produced goods such as clothing, artworks, handcrafted gifts, and other original souvenirs. VUI-Fest Bazaar is also an eco-friendly event with no single-use plastic bags or drinking straws.

In addition, a new multimedia show, Kiss of the Sea, is held every evening at Sunset Town – a 25-minute performance comprising darkness and light, fire and water, culminating with a fireworks display.

Those who wish to view the island from above can take a ride on the Hon Thom Cable Car, which travels almost 7.9km through the sky from the south of the island over the sea to Hon Thom Island, where visitors can find more beaches as well as a nature park and water park with fun rides for people of all ages.

Phu Quoc also has new luxury accommodations available, including the 197-key La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, New World Phu Quoc Resort, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, and Premier Village Phu Quoc. It has also been reported that Marriott International will be the next hotelier to follow with plans underway to develop Vietnam’s first ever Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Luxury Collection branded resort on the island.

P&O Cruises Australia encourages people to connect with new campaign

By TTG Asia

January 19, 2024

0

P&O Cruises Australia has introduced its new brand platform, Brings Us All Together, appealing to those seeking genuine connections on their next holiday experience.

Having pioneered cruising in Australia more than 90 years ago, this is a significant milestone for P&O as it embarks on an ambitious 2024 season of sailings taking a record half a million guests on over 179 sailings visiting 46 destinations around Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

The new campaign appeals to travellers seeking genuine connections on their next holiday experience

Taking influence from the cruise line’s original motto ‘quis nos separabit’ which means ‘who shall separate us’, the new brand platform celebrates P&O’s distinctive ability to help foster deeper connections among families, friends and loved ones, as well as their fellow sailors when onboard a P&O cruise.

To unveil the new platform, P&O Cruises Australia engaged Cameron Bruce, musical supervisor on Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, to create a new choral arrangement of Fleetwood Mac’s Everywhere, which was sung by a 300-strong choir comprised of local singing groups, past guests, and brand fans while onboard the Pacific Encounter in November off the Queensland coast. This track will be available on streaming platforms and integrated into all future Sail Away parties, which brings all guests together to celebrate the start of their voyage.

The cruise line’s chief commercial officer, Kathryn Robertson, said: “Brings Us All Together‘ presents an exciting opportunity to further differentiate P&O across the cruise and travel landscape by welcoming new guests onboard our cruise ships who are searching for an authentic and connected holiday experience.

“Our 2024 programme, which features more sailings, diverse itineraries, and expanded locations, underscores our dedication to the principles of our new brand platform – to bring more people together than ever before.”

Cathay Pacific elevates in-flight dining experience

By TTG Asia

January 19, 2024

0

Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific has collaborated with renowned local and international culinary experts to create a curated menu that elevates in-flight dining offerings for passengers travelling in the South Asia, Middle East, and Africa region.

Partners include Rosewood Hong Kong, Mak’s Noodles, Veda, and many others, offering a variety of choices and options that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets as well.

Cathay will serve up new menu options, such as Hong Kong noodle chain Mak’s Noodle’s signature wonton soup noodles, pictured

As for beverages, passengers can enjoy specialty-crafted cocktails when they fly with Cathay Pacific. Partnerships with DarkSide (ranked ninth in Asia’s top 50 bars of 2023), JING Tea and The Coffee Academics has allowed the airline’s passengers to indulge in a variety of thirst-quenching options.

Passengers flying with Cathay Pacific can look forward to experiencing the new flavours and culinary excellence, be it a regional speciality, an international favourite, or a carefully-curated beverage selection.

Universal Studios Singapore ushers in the Year of the Dragon

By TTG Asia

January 19, 2024

0

Soar into fun this Chinese New Year (CNY) as Universal Studios Singapore (USS) at Resorts World Sentosa gears up the festivities to welcome the Year of the Dragon.

From January 27 to February 25, guests of all ages can look forward to a series of experiences, including all-new live shows featuring DreamWorks Animation’s Po and Master Tigress from Kung Fu Panda, lantern display, as well as meet and greets with beloved characters.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with favourite DreamWorks Animation’s characters at Universal Studios Singapore (Photo: Resorts World Sentosa)

Guests can journey into the world of Kung Fu Panda with a brand-new show featuring their favourite characters, followed by a meet and greet with Po and Master Tigress.

DreamWorks characters come alive in Visitors can also take snapshots with a display of lanterns at Soundstage 28, inspired by films such as the new Kung Fu Panda 4, How to Train Your Dragon and Madagascar.

Other highlights include the evening dragon dance show at the New York Public Library, more meet and greets with other favourite characters in CNY costumes, festive food at select restaurants and carts, and exclusive merchandise.

Included with regular admission to USS, tickets are priced at S$98 (US$73) per adult and S$78 per child and come with a S$5 shopping voucher as well as a CNY Combo Meal or Kid’s Combo Meal with a souvenir.

For more information, visit Universal Studios Singapore.

Marina Bay Sands launches second phase of hotel transformation

By TTG Asia

January 18, 2024

0

Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands (MBS) has invested an additional US$750 million for the next phase of its reinvestment programme in its efforts to ensure the integrated resort (IR) continues to elevate unique experiences for local and international visitors.

The second phase of transformation will focus on Tower 3, the Hotel Lobby and Sands SkyPark, and will include a reimagined VIP arrival experience, new premium dining and retail offerings, a lobby transformation as well as a renewed focus on wellness experiences for guests. More than 550 redesigned rooms, including around 380 suites, will be introduced in this phase.

The next phase of Marina Bay Sands’ transformation will focus on Tower 3, the Hotel Lobby and Sands SkyPark

Works are expected to be completed in phases through 2025.

This announcement comes as MBS enters the final stage of its US$1 billion first-phase reinvestment, announced in February 2022, and focused on the complete refurbishment of Hotel Towers 1 and 2, in addition to new dining offerings and luxury lifestyle amenities for high-value travellers.

“Marina Bay Sands has made significant progress in delivering new world-leading luxury travel experiences over the past two years. This second phase of reinvestment will be critical as it propels the property to new heights and places us in a strong position to capture future growth opportunities,” said Paul Town, chief operating officer, MBS.

The first phase of transformation saw the extensive upgrading of a total of around 1,280 rooms across Towers 1 and 2, of which about 390 are new suites. These rooms are housed under two main categories – The Paiza Collection and The Sands Collection.

In February, the Paiza Sky Club will also open its doors on the 55th floor of Tower 2. The new multi-concept executive club lounge will feature a tea vault, bespoke whisky bar, private liquor locker, garden conservatory and buffet spreads served from open kitchens helmed by top chefs.

Once the transformation of all three hotel towers is completed, there will be 1,850 refurbished rooms, including nearly 770 suites.

MBS will also launch several wellness activities at SkyPark Observation Deck and Infinity Pool next month, offering both hotel and non-hotel guests Muay Thai boxing, spin classes, sound bath meditation and more.

Beyond the redevelopment of the three hotel towers, MBS is also investing in staff training to elevate the property’s strong culture of service excellence, as well as issuing new staff uniforms to complement the luxury positioning of the property.

Resorts World Cruises announces Genting Dream’s new season

By TTG Asia

January 18, 2024

0

Resorts World Cruises (RWC) has launched the new season for Genting Dream with cruise itineraries from Singapore, starting May 5, 2024 to April 13, 2025.

The latest season will introduce a new schedule with convenient timing for embarkation from Singapore three times a week.

*Genting Dream’s new season will include* itineraries sailing from Singapore; Genting Dream at Port Klang Cruise Terminal, pictured

During this period, vacationers can choose different cruise itineraries from Singapore, including the two-night Weekend Getaway Cruises departing every Friday; two-night Kuala Lumpur Cruises every Sunday, and the three-night Phuket Cruises or Penang-Kuala Lumpur Cruises every alternate Tuesday. The arrival and departure at each port of destination are also better timed to provide guests with ample opportunity to enjoy local attractions and activities.

Cruises from Kuala Lumpur are also available every fortnight, which include the three-night Singapore-Penang Cruises departing Mondays and the four-night Singapore Cruises departing Thursdays.

“With strong demand for the Genting Dream in the region and from the Fly-Cruise segment, we are pleased to announce our latest season of itineraries that will have convenient boarding timing and destination port time, which will elevate our guests’ experience in Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Penang,” said RWC’s president Michael Goh.

Qantas introduces Darwin-Singapore service

By TTG Asia

January 18, 2024

0

Qantas will launch a second international route from Darwin, with direct flights from the Northern Territory to Singapore, this December.

The airline last operated direct flights between Darwin and Singapore in 2006.

Qantas will fly direct from Darwin to Singapore from December this year

From December 9, flights will initially operate five days per week, increasing to daily from March 2025.

The new service will add more than 60,000 seats on the route each year. It will provide those from the Northern Territory with a direct Qantas option to Singapore as well as a seamless connection to London and other destinations across Europe or Asia with partner airlines.

Vietjet Air, Trip.com Group join forces to improve global travellers’ experience

By TTG Asia

January 18, 2024

0

Vietjet Air and Trip.com Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to leverage the expertise and resources of both parties to make travel easier and more convenient for travellers around the world.

This will be achieved through various initiatives, such as offering Trip.com Group’s products – including hotels, airport transfers, attractions and activities – to Vietjet customers. The group will also provide Vietjet with innovative technologies, such as the Virtual Interline solution to widen Vietjet’s global network footprint, and also share valuable insights to empower Vietjet to make informed decisions to optimise customer experience.

From left: Trip.com Group’s Yudong Tan and Vietjet’s Dinh Viet Phuong

Furthermore, the data integration initiative will enable customers to enjoy numerous benefits from both parties’ loyalty programmes. Members of Vietjet SkyJoy and Trip.com Rewards can accumulate reward points to exchange for gifts, flight tickets, and other incentives from abundant third-party products and services.

Yudong Tan, CEO, flights, Trip.com Group, said: “We have worked with Vietjet before on successful campaigns to promote Vietnam as a destination of choice for travellers, and believe our mutual commitment to prioritising customer satisfaction is a testament to both companies’ customer centricity.”

New hotels: Muwa Niseko, Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre and more

By TTG Asia

January 18, 2024

0

Muwa Niseko, Japan
Muwa Niseko is a new resort in Hokkaido offering 113 guestrooms, including ski-in/ski-out guestrooms and suites with hot springs.

The resort has two restaurants, Hito By Tacubo, and Sukiyaki Hiyama. There is also a spa, and the infinity onsen where guests can enjoy views of Mount Yotei.

Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Malaysia
The 320-room Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre is located in the heart of Malaysia’s capital city and within walking distance to the KLCC business and shopping districts.

The rooms and suites offer a versatile experience with distinct zones, ensuring a perfect balance between work and relaxation.

Facilities include a lobby lounge and bar, co-working lounge, rooftop infinity pool, fitness centre, F&B, and event venues.

lyf Ginza Tokyo, Japan
Just a one-minute walk from Kyobashi and Takaracho subway stations and a seven-minute walk from Tokyo station is the newly opened lyf Ginza Tokyo. The hotel’s location also provides easy access to Ginza, Asakusa and Tsukiji.

lyf Ginza Tokyo will offer 140 guestrooms in a variety of sizes, from compact studios to larger two-bedroom rooms.

The property includes a co-working space and communal lounge, social kitchen, launderette, gym, as well as a café and bar on the ground floor.

Nozo Hotel, Japan
Nozo Hotel is a winter ski resort situated near the powder snow and snowboarding slopes in Kitanomine, Furano. Aside from winter, the hotel also offers biking, hiking, and water rafting activities in the summer.

The 78-room hotel features Superior and Deluxe rooms for two, and larger Family Rooms and Junior Suites for families. It also has a restaurant onsite, as well as a bar lounge, bakery, communal hot water baths, sauna, gym, kids’ playroom, coin laundry, ski lockers, shop, and event venues.

The property is a two-hour drive from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport and a one-hour drive from the domestic airport at Asahikawa.

Celebrate CNY traditions at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong

By TTG Asia

January 18, 2024

0

Hong Kong’s Island Shangri-La invites guests to immerse themselves in a celebration to welcome the year of the Dragon this Chinese New Year (CNY) with two new room packages, both priced from HK$5,800 (US$741).

The Dragon in Full Swing package takes guests across Victoria Harbour in a traditional Chinese junk, and treats them to performances by the Khuan Loke Dragon & Lion Dance performers from Malaysia, and the Xi’an Acrobatic Troupe.

Island Shangri-La offers two stay packages and a host of CNY feasting and activities this Chinese New Year

On February 11, guests are also invited to enjoy the Chinese New Year Fireworks Display Party to revel in the fireworks display from Island Shangri-La’s Harbour Room – which has uninterrupted views of the skyline – while enjoying live entertainment and Hong Kong market-themed snacks, Moutai ice cream and champagne.

The Dragon in Full Swing package includes daily breakfast, dining credits, and exclusive access to all the CNY experiences across all three Shangri-La Hotels in Hong Kong.

Families staying at Island Shangri-La over CNY can also book the action-packed Family Getaway package for a stay in a Family Room with two adults and two kids. This package offers lots of fun experiences to keep the kids busy, such as a Family Workshop and a CNY-themed Treasure Hunt at Hong Kong Park, as well as access to the Aberdeen Marina Club Kid’s Club. Daily breakfast and dining credits are also included.

For more information, visit Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong.

Vietnam’s Pearl Island uplifts with new attractions and experiences

P&O Cruises Australia encourages people to connect with new campaign

Cathay Pacific elevates in-flight dining experience

Universal Studios Singapore ushers in the Year of the Dragon

Marina Bay Sands launches second phase of hotel transformation

Resorts World Cruises announces Genting Dream’s new season

Qantas introduces Darwin-Singapore service

Vietjet Air, Trip.com Group join forces to improve global travellers’ experience

New hotels: Muwa Niseko, Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre and more

Celebrate CNY traditions at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong

Tried and Tested

Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West

What to Buy Now

Star Navigator to sail to Okinawa from Kaohsiung in January 2026