Collinson sees increased use of airport lounges in Asia-Pacific

August 31, 2023

Collinson, which manages a network of airport lounges and travel experiences, has seen a 44 per cent increase in airport lounge visits across Asia-Pacific, with the strongest performing markets located within South and South-east Asia.

Additionally, a 32 per cent increase can be seen when pre-pandemic July 2019 lounge visit figures are contrasted with July 2023.

Collinson has added more airport lounges to its Asia-Pacific network through partnerships; Plaza Premium Lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, pictured

To support the growing demand for airport lounge access among travellers, the company has recently renewed its partnership with Plaza Premium, resulting in 27 lounges added across key Asia-Pacific travel destinations including Cambodia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and the Philippines.

Collinson also expanded its network of airport lounges in Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia through direct agreements with Blue Sky Group, Noi Bai Aviation Joint Stock Company and SSP Malaysia, and brought on board seven premium airport lounges in China through a direct partnership with Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Business Travel Service Co.

It continues to expand its network of airport lounges and travel experiences, providing its Priority Pass Members access to an additional 88 new airport lounges and travel experiences in Asia-Pacific. Some of the new experiences include co-working spaces in Singapore Changi Airport and Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, and an in-airport Japanese-style public bath at Kutsurogi Dokoro located at Chubu Centrair International Airport.

To date, Priority Pass Members have access to more than 550 airport lounges and travel experiences in the region, and over 1,400 globally across the world’s major travel zones.

Brisbane readies for major cultural event

By TTG Asia

August 31, 2023

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Brisbane Festival will kick off on September 1 with a 23-day line-up of over 1,000 music, theatre, and art performances in arts venues, cathedrals, warehouses, suburban parks, and iconic city locations.

Performances range from world-premiere theatre and dance, family fun and community gatherings to late night cabaret and live music.

Brisbane Festival 2023 will feature music, theatre, and art performances, such as Lightscape, pictured

Riverfire will mark the opening of the festival with a spectacular fireworks show on September 2.

Other events that make up Brisbane Festival include Lightscape from August 31 to October 8, Brisbane Serenades from September 2 to 23, Moorooka Block Party on September 9, Lord Mayor’s City Hall Concerts from September 5 to 19, and the closing concert All Together Now on September 23.

Brisbane Festival 2023 is a mix of free and ticketed events.

For more information, visit Brisbane Festival 2023.

New hotels: W Macau – Studio City, Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection and more

By TTG Asia

August 31, 2023

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W Macau – Studio City, Macau
As part of the integrated resort of Studio City, W Macau – Studio City offers travellers a stay at a property inspired from the nostalgia of the golden age of cinema in the 1950s.

With 557 rooms that feature city or Cotai views, the hotel has four distinctive beverage and food concepts that celebrate the best of Macau. Guests can also enjoy the use of the indoor pool, fitness centre and spa.

For those there on business, there is a fully-equipped meeting and events space as well.

Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection, Nepal
The 29-suite Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection luxury resort provides a 360-degree, luxury experience in the Himalayas. The resort situated in the Lower Mustang area, Jomsom and is a perfect base for trekking and adventures in the surrounding area, exploring Buddhist monasteries and culture, and more.

Suite accommodations include all meals and beverages, even during outdoor excursions

On the property are F&B venues, wellness centre, and an activity room which can be used for meetings, presentations or yoga and exercise classes.

Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan
Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, Tokyo boasts 1,557 rooms in 12 room categories.

Connected directly to the airport, the hotel comprises spaces for events and conferences, as well as restaurants and a lounge. There is also an onsen for guests to relax in while enjoying the view.

It also provides convenient access to the Tokyo monorail, which can take passengers directly to Tokyo in 15 minutes, and a bus terminal that connects to regional cities and tourist destinations throughout Japan.

Ying’nFlo, Wesley Admiralty, Hong Kong, China
The 251-key Ying’nFlo, Wesley Admiralty, Hong Kong towers over the city’s famous trams and cityscape in the district of Wanchai. It is just a two minutes’ walk from the commercial and shopping hub of Pacific Place, Admiralty, and the MTR station.

The hotel’s innovative all-in-one mobile app allows guests to seamlessly check in and check out, as well as use their phone as a digital key card. The app also facilitates messaging, connecting guests to available in-house services, enabling them to make requests, and allowing them to communicate with staff prior to their arrival.

Japan takes farm stay route to enliven rural areas, boost inbound tourism

By Kathryn Wortley

August 30, 2023

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Japan is aiming for international tourists to spend 700,000 guest nights on farm stays annually by 2025 as part of efforts to revitalise rural areas, which make up 65 per cent of the country’s land mass.

The Farm Stay Promotion Plan launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries plans to attract first-time travellers, encourage longer stays and welcome back repeat travellers in a bid to improve Japan’s inbound tourism strategy in the longer term.

Japan aims to promote farm stays by revitalising rural areas to attract more local and international visitors; Shojin ryori (Buddhist cuisine) in Tsuruoka, pictured

The plan stated that the “attraction of inbound and other diverse and highly motivated travellers to rural areas has the potential to resolve over-tourism in some popular tourism destinations” and that the initiative can also “meet the growing global interest in sustainable tourism and demand for nature and activities, which will also contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”.

An uptick in overnight stays is also expected to support improved employment opportunities and income security in the regions, including through accommodation, F&B and experience provision, according to the ministry.

In 2023 work will begin with overseas travel agents to target FITs in Europe, the US, Australia, Taiwan and Hong Kong for rural stays via greater promotion and dissemination of information online. Efforts will also be taken to offer more online reservation services and multilingual support.

Meanwhile, local tourism stakeholders are being encouraged to incorporate morning and evening experiences, such as museum visits or food and drink tastings, into stays to add value for visitors.

Locations certified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries under the brand Savor Japan – such as Tsuruoka (a UNESCO City of Gastronomy) in Tohoku’s Yamagata Prefecture and Nishi Awa on Shikoku’s Tokushima Prefecture – will also see greater promotion.

The new plan is expected to complement activities to stimulate greater use by inbound tourists of long trails and cycle paths, which pass through rural areas, and roadside stations.

Macau’s fireworks festival returns September

By TTG Asia

August 30, 2023

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The Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will return to the city from September 9 to October 7, after a three-year hiatus.

Organised by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the 31st edition of the contest will see fireworks companies from 10 countries around the world bringing their spectacular fireworks to life for residents and visitors.

The Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will showcase firework displays from 10 countries

At the press conference on August 28 where MGTO unveiled details about the contest and its outreach programmes, its director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes expressed that MGTO is committed to attaining the goal of deepening integration across “tourism +”. She hopes that the colourful experiences brought by the contest can immerse worldwide travellers in the fascination of “tourism + event” at different corners of the city.

Ten shows will be put up in the evening, each spanning about 18 minutes, on September 9, 16 and 23, as well as October 1 and 7.

Five vantage points – Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre to Leisure Area of Kun Iam Statue Waterfront on Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the waterfront at Macao Science Center, Anim’Arte NAM VAN, Avenida de Sagres and Avenida do Oceano in Taipa – are recommended.

Airlines cancel more flights due to technical issues in the UK

By TTG Asia

August 30, 2023

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A number of airlines have been forced to make more flight cancellations on August 29 following an air traffic control fault on August 28, as reported by TTG UK.

Customers were delayed across the UK on August 28 after NATS, the UK’s air traffic control provider, discovered an issue with its automatic system which provides controllers with details of every aircraft and its route.

Airlines in UK were forced to cancel flights on August 29 due to the technical malfunction; Heathrow pictured

According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, 790 flights departing the UK – which represents 27 per cent of all departures – were cancelled due to the technical glitch, as well as 785 inbound services. Despite the issue being resolved within hours, delays are expected to continue into the coming days.

NATS operations director Juliet Kennedy advised it will “take some time” for fights to return to normal. She said: “Our absolute priority is safety and we will be investigating very thoroughly what happened today. I would like to apologise for the impact on the travelling public and our team will continue to work to get you on your way as soon as we can.”

Rob Bishton, interim chief of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said: “Passengers who continue to be impacted can find information about what they are entitled to on our website. In the event of delays or cancellations, passengers will be expected to be provided with food and drink as well as accommodation if delayed overnight.”

As part of the CAA’s regulatory oversight of its activities, the authority will continue to engage with NATS and will churn out an incident report once its investigation is fully completed.

Heathrow Airport confirmed the delays on August 29, adding that there may be some continuing disruption on some routes, including flight cancellations. Passengers are being advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport. Those who need to rebook should also contact their airline directly.

Disruptions have also affected other airports, such as Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool John Lennon.

Meanwhile, airlines that were forced to cancel flights due to the technical malfunction are offering passengers alternative flights or other compensations.

Batik Air flies to Auckland

By TTG Asia

August 30, 2023

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Batik Air has commenced flights between Kuala Lumpur and Auckland, New Zealand. The new service operates six-times weekly via Perth, Australia.

The flight is operated using the Boeing 737-8 aircraft, which is fitted with 12 Business and 150 Economy Class seats.

Batik Air now flies between Kuala Lumpur and Auckland

Travellers can benefit from seamless connectivity to numerous destinations beyond the Kuala Lumpur International hub including to the Indian Subcontinent, North Asia, and the ASEAN states, through the Batik Air and Lion Air Group network.

Tropical living at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

By TTG Asia

August 30, 2023

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Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas introduces its new Beach Residence Bliss package, where travellers can experience residential-style beachfront living at the resort’s collection of stand-alone residences and villas.

The 245m² Three-Bedroom Beach Residence can accommodate six adults and three children, while the 380m² Four-Bedroom Beach Residence provides expansive space coupled with privacy for eight adults and four children. All beach residences offer direct beachfront access alongside private infinity pools and wide sundecks, as well as kitchens and pantries stocked with luxury amenities, latest AV equipment and a wine fridge.

Travellers can experience residential-style beachfront with Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas’ new package

Guests can also outsource meal planning to their butler who will see to all the details – from floating breakfast to private barbecue on the deck. Restaurants onsite serve up breakfast spreads, steaks, brunch-style seafood extravaganza and Thai-Laysia nights that focus on Thai and Malaysia signature dishes.

Activities comprise kids’ and teen clubs, cinema under the stars, Johor Baru Old Town foodie tours, eco excursions into the mangrove forest, and wellness journeys at Anantara Spa.

The package starts from 24,140 ringgit (US$5,191) onwards and includes accommodation, daily breakfast, complimentary daily refill of minibar, 500 ringgit resort credit, 60-minute Anantara Signature Massage for two persons, complimentary non-motorised water sports, and more.

Children below 12 stay for free (based on sharing an existing bed).

The package available for stays till December 31.

For more information, email Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.

Save now when flying from Thailand to Japan

By TTG Asia

August 30, 2023

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Thai Vietjet has teamed up with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) to offer a special discount code valued at 500 baht (US$14) for passengers travelling on Thai Vietjet’s flight between Thailand and Japan.

Passengers can book Thai Vietjet tickets until October 31 for flights between Bangkok and Fukuoka, and from Chiang Mai to Osaka, with a travel period from now to December 31 – they can apply the code ‘JPN500’ on Thai Vietjet’s website to enjoy the discount.

Thai Vietjet is offering a special discount code for passengers travelling on flights between Thailand and Japan

Thai Vietjet’s Bangkok-Fukuoka service flies daily, while the Chiang Mai-Osaka route operates four flights weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

For more information, visit Thai Vietjet.

China withdraws Covid-19 antigen test requirement for inbound travellers

By TTG Asia

August 29, 2023

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China’s foreign ministry said on August 28 that inbound travellers to the country will no longer need to perform a pre-departure antigen test for Covid-19 from August 30.

The move is expected to considerably ease entry procedures for travellers entering China, and support the government’s efforts to revive its travel and tourism industry.

Travellers to China will no longer need to perform a pre-departure antigen test for Covid-19 from August 30; Shanghai, pictured

China has been reopening its borders at a careful pace, with visa issuance to foreigners resuming in March 2023 and visa-free procedures returning to a limited set of nationalities, including Singaporeans and Bruneians in July.

Collinson sees increased use of airport lounges in Asia-Pacific

Brisbane readies for major cultural event

New hotels: W Macau – Studio City, Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection and more

Japan takes farm stay route to enliven rural areas, boost inbound tourism

Macau’s fireworks festival returns September

Airlines cancel more flights due to technical issues in the UK

Batik Air flies to Auckland

Tropical living at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

Save now when flying from Thailand to Japan

China withdraws Covid-19 antigen test requirement for inbound travellers

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