TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 30th December 2025
Page 459

HK Express expands travel connections in the Greater Bay Area

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HK Express has expanded its Air + Ferry Pass service by adding Air-to-Sea connections, providing round-trip connecting travel with ferry services in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) for the first time.

In collaboration with Chu Kong Passenger Transport Company (CKS), the one-stop service gives HK Express customers access to 17 daily sailings from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to three ferry ports in Guangdong province.

HK Express expands travel connections in the Greater Bay Area

With these new connections, the Air + Ferry Pass offers 11 daily round-trip sailings from Shekou Cruise Homeport to HKIA; three from Zhongshan Ferry Terminal; and three from Humen Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Dongguan.

“By expanding our Air + Ferry Pass service, we can better integrate our network with the GBA, making it easier for our customers to enjoy HK Express’s affordable fares, unique destinations and quality service,” said Jeanette Mao, CEO of HK Express. “As we continue to broaden our presence in the GBA, we plan to add more ferry and air connections across the region.”

The HK Express Air + Ferry Pass offers a one-stop booking and check-in process with no additional baggage fees for ferry transfer – passengers will also be exempt from paying the Hong Kong Air Passenger Departure Tax.

To enjoy the benefits of the Air + Ferry Pass, customers travelling to or from the GBA must book a ferry service and HK Express flight with a minimum connection time of 90 minutes within the mandated timeframe.

Customers can check out the flight and ferry schedule and purchase the Air + Ferry Pass via the official HK Express website, app or WeChat MiniApp.

Island Shangri-La introduces new wellness programme

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Shangri-La Group has launched its brand-new wellness concept, Yun Wellness, at Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong.

Yun Wellness is a luxurious, nature-inspired urban oasis located on level eight of the newly-renovated Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong. It features a curated collection of holistic wellness treatments tailored to individual needs, such as body treatments, facials, pre- and postnatal care, physiotherapy, osteopathy, personal training and nutrition.

Yun Wellness offers a curated collection of holistic wellness treatments tailored to individual needs

Highlights include spa offerings featuring products and treatments from Switzerland’s acclaimed Dr. Burgener medi-spa line, osteopathic treatments for pregnancy, infants and children, and a daily class schedule which comprises resistance training, Pilates reformer classes, aerial yoga, singing bowls, meditation, and more.

Recreating the lush greenery surrounding the hotel, Yun Wellness boasts a community area, spa, outdoor swimming pool, gym, lounge, changing rooms, hair salon, far-infrared sauna, and kids’ water play area.

There is also a Yun Wellness membership programme which entitles members to personalised assessments, full access to all facilities, as well as complimentary benefits and privileges.

Yun Wellness will soon be available at other Shangri-La properties around the globe.

For more information, email Island Shangri-La.

BBTF 2023 zeros in on sustainable and responsible tourism

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The Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2023 will be themed Reconnecting to Quality & Sustainable Tourism to align with the growing need for cultural awareness, sustainable tourism, environmental considerations, and the increasing desire for responsible travel.

As such, the ninth edition of BBTF aims to showcase and promote sustainable tourism products that will contribute to a responsible future. The event will also emphasise the significance of health and well-being, community-based tourism, and reflect on the current growth of the wellness and medical tourism industry.

This year’s BBTF event will welcome new integrated industry participants from state-owned enterprises as well as Indonesian exhibitors; BBTF 2022, pictured

BBTF 2023’s committee head, I Putu Winastra, said: “Travellers are seeking quality and sustainability – the Indonesian government recognises this demand and has prioritised the development of such tourism.”

Expecting the event to go beyond mere rhetoric, Putu shared that sellers have been asked to register relevant products, such as health, wellness, or spiritual travel offerings, while buyers are encouraged to specify their desired products. This approach aims to ensure that the theme is reflected in the tangible offerings of the fair.

As part of the show, the BBTF committee will also organise seminars to discuss the opportunities and challenges of quality and sustainable tourism, as well as the development of health tourism businesses.

BBTF 2023 will feature 230 sellers from Indonesia, China, Italy, Malaysia, and the US, along with 335 buyers from 51 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Asia, and the US. Qatar Airways will also be present.

This year, BBTF will welcome several new integrated industry participants from state-owned enterprises, who will join Indonesian exhibitors representing Bali, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, East Kalimantan, Bangka Belitung Islands, Riau Islands, West Java, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and West Sumatra.

New gastronomy award for halal culinary excellence launches in Singapore

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To elevate halal culinary excellence in Singapore, the first-ever HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards 2024 was launched at last week’s Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023.

Starting in October, some 500 establishments will be shortlisted and evaluated by chefs and food critics. Award categories include Restaurant, Cuisine, Special (such as cafés and dessert/pastry shops), and Chef. The awards will be presented on May 31 next year at the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2024.

The first-ever HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards 2024 was launched at Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023

Inspired by the Michelin Guide, the event is the brainchild of CrescentRating and HalalTrip CEO Fazal Bahardeen, who reached out to the Singapore Halal Culinary Federation (SHCF) to work together to identify, recognise and promote the best halal restaurants across various categories in the city-state.

Fazal remarked it was time to elevate halal cuisine and fill a gap as the food scene had developed beyond just halal certification to embody a complete culinary experience.

“Today’s Muslim diners are not only looking for halal-certified establishments but are also seeking out destinations that offer a diverse range of quality halal cuisines. This trend reflects a broader shift in halal dining, with a focus on quality, creativity, and a wide array of culinary options,” he noted.

Fazal further emphasised the need to recognise and promote the best halal culinary experiences in destinations.

According to a 2021 study, a Singapore Muslim consumer’s 2019 expenditure on halal dining and delivery was S$700 million (USS$518.9 million) and 60 per cent of respondents dined with a non-Muslim friend in a halal restaurant at least once a month.

Meanwhile, Fazal is exploring the possibility of expanding the inaugural 2024 event to cities in other destinations like Malaysia and Indonesia.

Hyatt to debut Caption By Hyatt hotel in Australia

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation has teamed up with LFG Property to launch the first Caption by Hyatt hotel in Sydney, Australia.

Slated to be completed in early 2025, this development will mark the debut of the Caption by Hyatt brand in the country.

The first Caption by Hyatt hotel in Sydney is slated to open early 2025

The 174-key hotel will be centrally located in Haymarket, a vibrant multicultural neighbourhood at the southern end of the Sydney Central Business District, home to the city’s Chinatown, Capitol Theatre, and nearby attractions like Darling Harbour, Sydney International Convention Centre, F&B, several universities and the new Tech Central innovation and technology precinct.

“We are excited to work with LFG Property to bring the Caption by Hyatt brand to Australia for the first time,” said David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt. “This new development will create an environment where guests and locals alike can feel at home, in a space that reflects the character of the community.”

Over the next two years, Hyatt has plans to expand the Caption by Hyatt hotel brand in Australia, as well as in China, Japan and Vietnam.

Singapore experiences the magic of Macau

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Sands China kicked off the first edition of The Macao Showcase at its sister property, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

The largest operator of integrated resorts in Macau led a delegation of about 200 from local SMEs, associations and media to the city-state to showcase Macau’s appeal as a world centre of tourism, as well as premier leisure and MICE destination.

The Macao Showcase features a gala dinner where guests were entertained with a bespoke show

The three-day extravaganza from June 7 to 9 celebrated the best of Macau with an opening ceremony, comprehensive trade show titled A Taste of Macao, MICE and luxury forum, as well as a gala dinner.

The trade show allowed visitors to experience the multi-faceted charms of Macau from its gastronomy, fashion, arts & culture to wellness offerings, while international thought leaders and industry experts discussed a wide range of current trends in five themed sessions at the forum.

The gala dinner spotlighted Sands China’s signature culinary excellence, with menu offerings crafted by its celebrated chefs. Guests were also entertained in a bespoke show curated for the evening, including a “front-row” fashion experience featuring Macau’s fashion talents and performances by UK-based The Overtones.

Hong Kong Airlines steps up services in mainland China

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Hong Kong Airlines is ramping up its flight operations by increasing connections between Hong Kong and key destinations in mainland China.

Hong Kong Airlines ramps up flight operations between Hong Kong and mainland China

From June 15, daily flights to Chongqing will resume while flights to Hangzhou will increase to 10 times weekly. The daily Hong Kong-Sanya service will also resume from July 1.

ANA reveals its new Pikachu Jet NH

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The All Nippon Airways (ANA) Group has joined the Pokémon Air Adventure programme through its partnership with The Pokémon Company, introducing the new Pikachu Jet NH which flies between Tokyo and Bangkok.

The ANA Pikachu Jet displays a Pokémon livery on the exterior with Pikachu-themed designs throughout the interior, including themed cabin crew aprons and other in-flight amenities.

The new Pikachu Jet NH flies between Tokyo and Bangkok from now till October 28

In addition, exclusive commemorative gifts will be available for all Pikachu Jet passengers, including a Pikachu-adorned kifuda (Japanese wooden tags), Pokémon stickers, and special Pokémon-themed boarding certificates.

The Pikachu Jet NH made its inaugural flight on June 4, flying from Tokyo to Bangkok. This service will continue to operate till October 28.

Other destinations in the line-up include Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, Delhi, Sydney, Vancouver, and Honolulu.

New hotels: Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel, Best Western Ratchada Hotel and more

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Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel

Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel, Japan
On the upper floors of the 48-storey Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel featuring 97 rooms and suites that overlook the city skyline.

Penthouse guests will enjoy a 24/7 personal butler service upon request, private chef for in-room fine dining, and access to the Penthouse Lounge located on the 46th floor.

Onsite are three restaurants that serve up French dishes, Teppanyaki fare, and Edomae-style sushi, as well as the hotel’s Bar Bellustar. There is also a spa available for guests.

Best Western Ratchada Hotel

Best Western Ratchada Hotel, Thailand
Best Western Ratchada Hotel is located right in the heart of the Ratchada district, just a few minutes from the Embassy of PR China and the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The hotel offers 120 rooms including double, twin or family options, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and boardroom.

Both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports are just a 30-40-minutes’ drive away. The property is also nearby Phra Ram 9 MRT subway station and Thailand Cultural Centre MRT subway station.

Dorsett Melbourne

Dorsett Melbourne, Australia
Situated in Melbourne’s CBD area is the 316-key Dorsett Melbourne, a pet-friendly hotel with amenities such as a lobby lounge, restaurant, bar, indoor heated pool, spa, sauna, steam room, wellness room, gym and meeting rooms. New restaurants and cafés will be introduced later this year.

Dorsett Melbourne is accessible to Southern Cross Station, Marvel Stadium, Flagstaff Gardens, Spencer Street outlets and is a short walk or tram ride to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Queen Victoria Market.

Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel

Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel, Japan
Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel boasts 538 guestrooms and is located on the 18th to 38th floor of the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower.

Guests can choose to stay in one of the nine specially-created guestrooms (through a collaboration with renowned local artists) that depict the ancient art history and culture of Kabukicho and Shinjuku.

The property has a restaurant and bar on the 17th floor, as well as event venues such as a rooftop terrace for live entertainment, and an outdoor space.

ARTDO International World Conference 2023 to be held at Batam View Beach Resort

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Brought to you by Batam View Beach Resort

Held in Batam, Indonesia from 26th to 29th August 2023, the conference will showcase 20 international speakers, researchers, and thought leaders over 6 tracks, 10 panel sessions, and 2 concurrent sessions.

 

Anddy Fong, ARTDO President, shared that there will be 27 countries taking part in the conference which aims to promote the learning, sharing of experiences, and developing of talents internationally in today’s rapidly changing environment while concurrently sharing the wonders of Indonesian hospitality.

Further details of the conferece programme are available here while registration is available here. Secure your slot now.