Discover Paradise: Unveiling Amari Raaya Maldives with Exclusive Pre-Opening Offer

July 17, 2023

Brought to you by Amari Raaya Maldives

Situated on a lush private island just 45 minutes from the airport, Amari Raaya Maldives is the newest luxury destination resort that celebrates life’s best moments. Offering warm and friendly service, well-appointed rooms, an indulgent spa, and a variety of delectable dining options, it’s the perfect backdrop for an island getaway.

Scheduled to open its doors on August 1st, 2023, the resort is delighted to unveil an exclusive pre-opening offer tailored for discerning travelers. Guests who book their stay during the pre-opening period will enjoy an incredible 40% discount on accommodations, along with a 20% discount on rejuvenating spa treatments. Additionally, as a special bonus, guests will have the opportunity to experience a complimentary photoshoot experience.

The island boasts 187 villas, nestled amidst pristine reefs and lush tropical palms, offering unique and unforgettable experiences. With direct beach access, guests can choose from an array of options, including the Beach Villa, Beach Pool Villa, or interconnecting Family Beach Villas with a shared private outdoor space for quality bonding time. For those seeking a closer connection to the mesmerizing marine life, the Ocean Villas and Ocean Pool Villas, set above the turquoise waters, provide a captivating experience. Moreover, for those yearning to witness the breathtaking sunset hues from the comfort of their villas, the Sunset Ocean Villas and Sunset Ocean Pool Villas offer the perfect choice.

Offering an unrivalled range of dining options, the resort boasts a new culinary adventure for each day of the week with eight restaurants. Guests will feel a burst of flavour at any one of the food and beverage outlets – each one finding the perfect balance between Thai, Asian, Maldivian, and International flavours, ingredients, techniques, and experiences. The perfect meal can be paired with a cocktail or creative drink concoction, whilst welcoming sundown from atop a canopy of palms or spent with a loved one on a private corner of the beach, with a romantic dinner for two, whilst feeling sand between your toes.

Interwoven into the resort experience is the story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist who made the island his home. This castaway story frames the resort’s experience, showcasing the remnants of Seb’s life including his art studio, ship and watch towers converted to private dining and star-gazing venues.

In the evening, guests can enjoy live entertainment, traditional Bodu Beru, and regular cultural events.

Activities like diving, water sports, and excursions take the fun out onto the open ocean, while the island offers a vast range of amazing food, relaxing spa treatments at Maai Spa, and a myriad of outdoor adventures including archery, kids’ play areas, mini golf, paddle tennis and more. The island is also home to natural mangroves with walking path ideal for exploring.

The resort is located on Raa Atoll and is accessible from Velana International Airport directly by a 45-minute seaplane to the resort or a fixed-wing domestic flight and speed boat via Ifuru Domestic Airport.

Don’t miss out on our exclusive pre-opening offer, valid for stays between August 1 and December 23, 2023. Secure your preferred dates and accommodations by booking early. With the grand opening of our resort approaching, this limited-time opportunity is perfect for travelers in search of an enchanting paradise experience.

Amari Raaya Maldives is the newest luxury destination resort found on a lush private island in Raa Atoll, inspired by surrounding natural fauna and flora, open ocean and a sense of castaway adventure. Book now and enjoy a 40% discount on stays and special benefits. More information on the Pre-Opening can be found at https://www.amari.com/raaya-maldives/special-offers or contact the resort directly at reservations.raaya@amari.com

More travellers turn to ChatGPT to plan their travels: Euromonitor International

By TTG Asia

July 14, 2023

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Travellers using artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT to plan their travel itineraries is set to boom, according to market research company Euromonitor International.

The massive increase can be narrowed down to convenience and 24/7 accessibility, as travellers can access AI tools from various devices, including smartphones and computers, at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection.

The survey showed that AI would have an impact on the travel industry over the next five years

A resounding 97.8% of travel executives in the Euromonitor International’s Voice of the Industry: Travel Survey stated that AI would have an impact over the next five years.

AI could disrupt travel bookings industry
Caroline Bremner, head of travel and tourism research, Euromonitor International, said: “ChatGPT is taking travel and the world by storm. With travel highly digitalised where 66% of all bookings are conducted online in 2023 and mobile accounts for 35% of all online sales, disruption from generative AI is already rife.”

The travel industry is already adapting. Expedia announced in April 2023 its collaboration with OpenAI, offering in-app trip planning powered by ChatGPT for iOS, as well as offering a plug-in to ChatGPT Plus users. The Expedia ChatGPT experience provides personalised recommendations, acting like a virtual travel assistant, delivering relevant results for hotels and what to do in the destination.

Booking Holding’s Kayak and OpenTable also announced ChatGPT plug-ins, with other travel brands like TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide and Klook soon following suit.

Trip.com integrated ChatGPT into TripGen, its newly-released AI chatbot that provides real-time assistance, itinerary planning and booking tips in the pre-trip stage. Hotels and airlines meanwhile are turning to generative AI for customer service, while automating menial tasks.

More integration will inevitably follow so that ultimately the trip planning to booking stages will blend seamlessly, dependent on access to real-time booking functionality. Generative AI is only at the beginning of its journey, giving consumers what Airbnb called “the ultimate concierge”.

AI access to ‘real time data’ can be a game-changer
“The path of AI adoption will not run entirely smoothly as there are major concerns over consumer privacy with countries like Italy temporarily banning ChatGPT. There are also concerns over large language models being reliant on out-of-date internet knowledge, with a lag of two years in the case of ChatGPT with no access to current events or real-time information. However, access to real time data has been enabled thanks to a new plug-in with Microsoft Bing,” said Bremner.

“The risks of amplifying misinformation, bias and inequality are all too real. Safety and security of consumers must be of paramount importance. Tech leaders like Elon Musk recently demanded a pause on AI development to avoid risks to humanity including possible extinction from superintelligence, stating that the AI race was out of control and time was needed to enable government policy to play catch up.”

She continued: “Travel agents faced mass disruption due to the rise of online travel three decades ago, that led to mass store closures and job losses. Now, the sector is ripe for more disruption as generative AI accelerates automation of tasks across every stage of the customer journey, before, during and after the trip. With Microsoft planning to integrate generative AI into its Microsoft 365 Copilot software, it will become ever more prevalent in consumers’ daily lives and work whether we like it or not.

“As before, travel brands will take the rough with the smooth to navigate this new phase of digital transformation with a test-and-learn approach. However, only those that ultimately celebrate the human touch of travel and hospitality will thrive.”

Capital Alliance, TFE Hotels gets green light for dual hotel project

By TTG Asia

July 14, 2023

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Melbourne property developer, Capital Alliance, has secured approval for the planning permit for an A$340 million (US$234 million) dual hotel project in the Australian city, and construction is now set to commence in 1H2024.

The project, run in partnership with Australia’s International Hotel Group, TFE Hotels, is a mixed-use lifestyle development in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct. It will house a conference centre for up to 1,000 people, a 200-room hotel carrying the Collection by TFE Hotels brand, a 105-room A by Adina hotel, and Australia’s largest rooftop infinity pool.

Artist’s impression of the longest escalator ride in Australia

Mohan Du, founder and chief executive, Capital Alliance, said: “Pearl River is our last blank canvas for Docklands and as such represents a significant milestone, so we wanted to create something truly remarkable and, in collaboration with TFE Hotels, a precinct that fosters a work, rest, play lifestyle.

“Importantly, this project also prioritises sustainability, world-class lifestyle amenities and provides a premium setting for large scale Melbourne events.”

Melbourne lord mayor, Sally Capp, shared that “the precinct’s popularity continues to grow” and that the Docklands has much to offer with its modern commercial and residential developments, shopping and dining options, and accessibility to the city.

In addition, the project will showcase the longest escalator in Australia, transporting visitors on an immersive ride using the latest in visual projection technology.

“Just like the Pompidou Centre in Paris, this enormous escalator runs up the side of the building and leads to a fabulous bar and function centre – and just like at the Pompidou, I am sure this new escalator will be renowned as one of the best rides in Melbourne,” said deputy lord mayor Nicholas Reece.

Desaru’s Anantara deepens sustainability reach

By TTG Asia

July 14, 2023

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Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Malaysia has expanded its CSR programme with new initiatives to protect the land and water ecosystems on Desaru Coast.

The resort rolled out the brand-wide CSR programme Dollar for Deeds in June, which matches guests’ donations ringgit for ringgit, with money raised going to ReWild Desaru, a not-for-profit organisation focused on resident wildlife protection.

The resort’s on-site bottling plant helped in removing 154,000 plastic bottles from circulation in 2022

This effort joins the resort’s on-site water bottling initiative, achieved through its own bottling plant established in 2022, as well as its food sustainability commitment that sees it sourcing from its own hydroponic farm, run by a local vendor. The resort also partners with Rainforest Alliance, a certified fair-trade supplier, which supplies coffee beans for the restaurants. Coffee pods used in guestroom coffee machines are sent back to the manufacturer to be recycled, while food waste is turned into fertiliser for crops.

Christian Gerart, general manager at Anantara Desaru Coast, said team members were mindful of conservation, and would regularly recycle aluminium cans and paper products as well as switch off the lights when leaving the room.

The resort also promotes a love for nature among guests with activities such as birdwatching and daily nature walks.

Radisson Hotel Group signs second Radisson Blu hotel in Fiji

By TTG Asia

July 14, 2023

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Radisson Hotel Group is expanding in Fiji with the signing of the new Radisson Blu Mirage Resort, Fiji Naisoso Island, slated to open 1Q2026.

The 250-key resort is set against the backdrop of Naisoso Island, and will offer guests direct beachfront access from apartments that overlook the South Pacific Ocean.

Radisson Blu Mirage Resort, Fiji Naisoso Island is set to open 1Q2026

Accommodation comprises guestrooms along with one- to three-bedroom apartments and expansive villas that will be equipped with modern kitchen amenities.

Facilities will include three beachfront swimming pools, a gym, and a kids’ club, as well as F&B options and event spaces.

Located just five minutes from Nadi International Airport, Radisson Blu Mirage Resort, Fiji Naisoso Island provides easy access to various attractions, such as the popular Port Denarau which is 15-minutes away via a water taxi ride.

Agoda serves up insights on breakfast preference among travellers

By TTG Asia

July 14, 2023

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A study focused on travellers’ preference for hotel breakfast has led Agoda to discover that those from Taiwan were most in favour of a hearty way to start the day.

The two-month-long study draws on hotel booking data taken between May and June of travellers from Taiwan, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia.

Travellers from Taiwan were most in favour of including breakfast for their hotel stay

Forty-six per cent of travellers from Taiwan opted for inclusive breakfast, followed closely by those from Vietnam (43 per cent), and Indian (42 per cent).

On the other end, South Korea (29 per cent), Japan (27 per cent) and Malaysia (23 per cent) markets ranked eighth, ninth and 10th respectively on the breakfast requirement popularity table.

When comparing domestic with overseas travel, Agoda noticed that travellers taking an international trip were more likely to opt for comfort and peace of mind – 37 per cent of international travellers would select the ‘breakfast included’ option on Agoda, compared to 31 per cent of those who stay within country borders.

Agoda data also identified destinations where customers were most likely to opt in for breakfast – Vietnam took pole position, followed by Taiwan and the Philippines. Appetite for inclusive breakfast buffets was smaller in Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, with South Korea at the bottom end of the ranking.

“There are lots of factors at play to determine the popularity of including breakfast when booking accommodation,” said Enric Casals, regional vice-president South-east Asia and Oceania at Agoda.

“It’s often the flexibility to decide last-minute depending on your plans during the trip, but it’s well worth noting that if you do plan to start the day with a meal, it’s often most economical to include it during the booking.”

He added that customers holding VIP Platinum status automatically qualifies for complimentary breakfast at many accommodation suppliers.

Singapore Night Festival returns this August

By TTG Asia

July 14, 2023

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The Singapore Night Festival 2023 will light up the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) precinct again from August 18 to 26.

This year’s theme, Singapore, the Great Port City, will connect the city-state’s rich history of trade and exchange with contemporary experiences, and showcase Singapore’s evolution and growth beyond its early role as a port city into a dynamic modern metropolis where worlds meet.

Visitors can explore the museums and heritage buildings and a line-up of multicultural festival offerings at the Singapore Night Festival 2023 from August 18 to 26

Festival-goers can look forward to exploring the museums and heritage buildings around BBB with a line-up of multicultural festival offerings featuring works by local artists – from dynamic projection mappings and Night Lights installations, to unique, experiential programmes and food and retail experiences.

The Singapore Night Festival 2023 website will go live on July 18.

For more information, visit Singapore Night Festival 2023.

Get a taste of Hong Kong at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon

By TTG Asia

July 14, 2023

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The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is offering a new Make Room for Mott 32 package that includes an overnight stay, breakfast and lunch at Mott 32 Bangkok, one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated Cantonese restaurants.

The set menu will feature Mott 32’s hallmark Cantonese dishes prepared with a modern flair along with nods to other regional cuisines of China.

Enjoy Mott 32’s hallmark Cantonese dishes at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon

Dishes include starters such as pan-fried turnip cake with conpoy, and King prawn Ha Gow; soup of the day; mains like sweet and sour pork with dragon fruit and aged black vinegar, and tossed Shanghainese noodles with dried shrimp and scallion oil; and sweetened guava soup with sago and pomelo as dessert to round off the meal.

The Make Room for Mott 32 package can be booked for stays until the end of December 2023, with rates starting from 8,700 baht (US$249) per room per night which includes breakfast, and lunch set at Mott 32 Bangkok for two persons.

For more information, visit The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon.

Khiri Campus takes over Ground Asia to reinvent educational travel

By TTG Asia

July 13, 2023

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Khiri Campus, a new specialist ground handler and programme creator for young people around the world travelling with educational institutions, has launched in Asia, taking over from Ground Asia, which ceased operations in 2021 due to the pandemic.

Through the rebranding and relaunch, Khiri Campus will leverage on the expertise, knowledge, itineraries, reputation and contacts of its predecessor, Ground Asia. Both have been responsible for implementing 237 projects for 4,036 students in six Asian countries over the last five years.

Khiri Campus offers programmes for schools where students experience service learning, outdoor adventures, cultural explorations and environmental work

According to Future Market Insights (FMI), 73 per cent of the global educational tourism sector was generated by the 19-25 age group pre-Covid, with an estimated worth of US$400 billion a year. FMI also estimated a growth rate of over 17 per cent leading to 2031.

With the educational travel sector for young people growing strongly again, Khiri Group’s director, Simon Drayton, said the timing for the rebrand and relaunch was right.

“The new Khiri Campus starts with fully enhanced and updated itineraries and field learning options,” he said. “Post-Covid Khiri Campus journeys have been designed for global students seeking to strengthen leadership skills and learn first-hand about different cultural, educational training experiences and MBA study tours.”

Khiri Campus offers programmes in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Laos.

Just last month, Khiri Campus took 12 students from Australia on a 15-day culture-focused trip to Sri Lanka. They also facilitated and led a visit of 19 Australian college students on a 15-day trip to Java, Indonesia, where the focus was on biotech, pharmacy and public healthcare.

For universities and colleges, Khiri Campus now offers business, health care, social science and natural science learning trips. For schools there are programmes for service learning, outdoor adventures, cultural explorations and environmental work.

Drayton shared: “Due to pricing and the quality of cultural and field experiences, Khiri Campus expects Asia to be at the forefront of a renewed demand for educational travel for young people.”

VNTravel Group expands partnership with Yanolja Group

By TTG Asia

July 13, 2023

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Vietnamese travel tech company VNTravel has extended and expanded its partnership with Yanolja Group to boost innovation and collaboration in the travel and technology sectors in Vietnam.

Both companies will collectively revolutionise the travel landscape through digital solutions in both B2C and B2B verticals, and drive technological advancements to deliver unparalleled experiences to travellers in both Vietnam and South Korea.

From left: VNTravel’s Giang Binh Tran and Yanolja Cloud’s Andrew Kim

VNTravel and Yanolja will work together to develop and deploy innovative travel technology solutions, including enhancing VNTravel’s OTA and SaaS Hospitality Management Solution offerings.

Through this collaboration, VNTravel and Yanolja will share with each other their extensive network of accommodations and hospitality solutions, enabling both companies to enhance their portfolio of offerings, providing international customers with an even wider range of options and ensuring exceptional travel experiences across Vietnam as well as South Korea.

Both companies will also foster collaborations with local and international industry partners, including airlines, tour operators, and other travel service providers. By creating synergistic relationships, the companies aim to elevate the travel ecosystem, drive economic growth, and position Vietnam as a prominent player in the global travel industry.

Giang Tran Binh, CEO at VNTravel Group, said: “This partnership signifies our shared vision to transform the travel landscape in Vietnam, fuelled by technological innovation and collaboration. Together with Yanolja, we are poised to revolutionise the way people travel, unlocking new opportunities and delivering exceptional value to our customers.”

“By strengthening the partnership between Yanolja Cloud and VNTravel, we will continue to create innovations and additional value for all travellers coming to and travelling between South Korea and Vietnam,” added Andrew Kim, senior director of global partnerships at Yanolja Cloud.

Discover Paradise: Unveiling Amari Raaya Maldives with Exclusive Pre-Opening Offer

More travellers turn to ChatGPT to plan their travels: Euromonitor International

Capital Alliance, TFE Hotels gets green light for dual hotel project

Desaru’s Anantara deepens sustainability reach

Radisson Hotel Group signs second Radisson Blu hotel in Fiji

Agoda serves up insights on breakfast preference among travellers

Singapore Night Festival returns this August

Get a taste of Hong Kong at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon

Khiri Campus takes over Ground Asia to reinvent educational travel

VNTravel Group expands partnership with Yanolja Group

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