TTG Asia
Asia/Singapore Saturday, 20th December 2025
Page 484

Go on a travel adventure with Resplendent Ceylon

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Resplendent Ceylon, a collection of luxury resorts in Sri Lanka, invites guests to experience a summer of adventure at its three boutique resorts on the teardrop isle.

Seaside resort Cape Weligama offers an array of experiences connected to the island’s rich heritage and community. Guests can learn about heritage arts and create their own; participate in the gardening and harvesting activity; and upcycle waste materials into crafts and jewellery. For the little ones, there are scavenger adventures, kids’ yoga, and the resort’s Ice Cream for the Soul activity.

Cape Weligama has curated guest experiences connected to the island’s rich heritage and community

Wild Coast Tented Lodge offers bush painting, guided wildlife tours, animal tracks plaster cast workshops, coastal geology exploration and education, as well as storytelling and presentations about its current projects and learnings. There is also a Survival Gastronomia experience which teaches guests how to mix spices, season ingredients, and cook their own authentic Sri Lankan meal.

Nestled in the heart of the Central Highlands, guests at Ceylon Tea Trails can join in with gardening and harvesting fresh produce, learn the art of growing their own food, participate in upcycling craft workshops, or explore the lush biodiversity of the plantation and forest patches with the help of an expert naturalist and gain insights into bird behaviour and calls while sketching the sights of the day.

Ceylon Tea Trails also has artistic experiences for those who wish to capture the resort’s stunning surroundings on canvas; a tracking activity which allows the entire family to explore the wilderness of the Central Highlands and learn about leopards that roam the land; and a fishing excursion where guests create their own bamboo fishing rods and learn sustainable fishing practices from expert naturalists.

For more information, visit Resplendent Ceylon.

The Singapore HeritageFest returns for its 20th year

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The 20th edition of Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) returns from May 1 to 28. Presented by the National Heritage Board (NHB), SHF 2023 invites everyone to uncover the lesser-known stories about Singapore’s unique history and heritage.

Celebrating Singapore’s vibrant sporting and public transportation history, this year’s line-up comprises over 80 programmes including heritage and cultural trails, hands-on workshops, tours, talks, exhibitions and film screenings that illuminate the evolution of sports and public transport in Singapore.

Learn about horses and heritage, and how horse-racing has evolved over the years in Singapore (Photo: Bukit Timah Saddle Club)

Festival-goers can look forward to returning festival favourites, such as the Homeground installation, artworks featuring elements of the 10 heritage trails set in an immersive, vibrant shophouse, uncover the untold stories of everyday Singaporeans at A Showcase of Public Transport Memorabilia, learn more about how horse-racing and football have evolved over the years in Singapore, and watch a play inspired by real stories revolving around the experiences of transport workers.

Embark on a journey to discover uncommon sights in Singapore’s urban cityscape through a variety of trails and tours to sites that showcases the rich history of public transport, or take a closer look at the stories behind iconic sports-related landmarks in Singapore such as Katong Pool and Jalan Besar Stadium.

There will also be experiences and workshops where participants can experience hands-on training from experienced practitioners, witness demonstrations, and immerse themselves in the artistic and physical aspects of Silat; Silambam, a popular Indian martial art; and even a half-day interactive session that ends with a try-out session of parasports like Goalball, Para Canoe and more.

SHF 2023 programmes are now open for registration.

For more information, visit Singapore HeritageFest 2023.

China outbound seat capacity improves with Asia-Pacific holding majority of seats: ForwardKeys

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A study by ForwardKeys and Dragon Trail International has identified a pick up in outbound China travel in 2Q2023, as more seats connect Chinese travellers to the world, and that the Asia-Pacific region currently holds the largest share at 81%, with a recovery rate of 43% in 2Q2023.

The best-connected destinations with China include Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan.

China outbound travel is gradually recovering with the Asia-Pacific region holding the largest share of seats

According to the latest consumer survey data, destinations like Japan and South Korea remain highly popular among Chinese travellers despite travel restrictions imposed on them by these two countries.

Polling 1,012 mainland China travellers about their plans and preferences for outbound travel, the responses showed Hong Kong remaining as the top choice, followed by Macau. Internationally, Thailand is the number one country that Chinese travellers plan to visit this year, followed by Japan and South Korea; for longhaul destinations, France and Australia were top of the list.

The latest air ticketing data from ForwardKeys shows the same destinations with the highest travel demand.

Seat capacity from China has been enhanced
Ever since the airline industry commenced its summer season on March 26, the seat capacity for Chinese outbound travel has been enhanced.

Africa and the Middle East are set to increase the most at 75% in 2Q2023, with 6% of total international capacity from China, while the UAE is the most well-connected destination at 44%. The number of seats between China and Kenya has doubled since 2019, and Egypt has also experienced a 10% growth. These three countries are included in the destination list of approved group tours and have a close relationship with China through the One Belt, One Road initiative.

Meanwhile, capacity to the Americas in 2Q2023 is set to recover only 10% of pre-pandemic seats, as the US is a major destination, and many airlines have yet to restore their capacity in the China-US market.

Connecting Chinese travellers with the world
Due to the current absence of direct flights between China and the US, Hong Kong and Seoul are becoming even more popular for connecting traffic. Seoul’s hub has gained popularity by achieving a 375% increase in connecting travellers compared to 2019 levels.

On the other hand, with most Chinese passengers using Seoul as a connecting hub when travelling to France and the UK in Europe, direct capacity from China to these two destinations has decreased by 85% and 58% respectively.

Detailed findings will be presented in a webinar on April 26, jointly hosted by ForwardKeys and Dragon Trail International.

Arival’s study tracks strong growth for travel experiences sector

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Travel experiences in Asia-Pacific have returned to rapid growth as the region reopens to regional and longhaul travel, finds new Arival research.

Tours, activities and attractions – travel’s third-largest and fastest growing sector – will reach US$67 billion in 2024 and surpass the pre-pandemic peak to reach US$75 billion in 2025, according to its The Outlook for Experiences 2019-2025 research.

Travel experiences in Asia-Pacific will soon surpass the pre-pandemic peak according to Arival’s research

The findings are released ahead of the Arival Activate event in Bangkok, scheduled for June 12 to 14 this year.

Arival CEO Douglas Quinby said in a statement: “The Asia-Pacific region has borne the worst of the pandemic, with a broad regional shutdown in cross-border travel well beyond other parts of the world. But demand for travel in the region is now accelerating as many borders have reopened, encouraging travellers to return. As we saw when other regions reopened, travellers put experiences first in travel planning and spend. The challenge now will be for the global industry to get ready for the rapid influx of demand from across Asia-Pacific.”

The study predicts a surge in online bookings, with this channel bringing in 30 per cent of all tours, activities and attractions bookings worldwide in 2025, up from 17 per cent in 2019. Furthermore, online booking volume across Asia-Pacific will more than triple during the same period as younger travellers shape travel’s rebound. As such, the study expects online marketplaces and mobile-ready operators across the region to benefit the most.

“The large, experience-hungry cohort of Gen-Z and millennial travelers in Asia are putting experiences first and they are willing to pay for it,” added Quinby.

“But operators must be ready. This means more small-group, immersive experiences that get travellers off the beaten (track). And it must all be discoverable and bookable on mobile, with plenty of Instagram- and TikTok-worthy moments.”

Return of HK direct flights to catalyse Koh Samui’s recovery: players

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Business confidence among Koh Samui’s hospitality players is boosted with the resumption of Bangkok Airways’ popular direct Koh Samui and Hong Kong service.

The direct air link will commence on July 1, just in time for the summer holidays.

The recovery of Asian source markets to Koh Samui still lags behind that of Europe

While tourism to the Thai resort island has “rebounded well since the reopening of international borders last year”, S Hotels and Resorts, vice president of global commerce, Ludovic Gallerne, said the recovery of Asian source markets still lags behind that of Europe.

He hopes that the return of direct air services from Hong Kong, regarded one of the destination’s key Asian markets, will help to accelerate Koh Samui’s recovery.

Lynn Grebstad, co-owner of luxury villas Suralai, said the connection presents great convenience for tourists and tourism industry stakeholders.

“Taking into account the one-hour time difference, a quick three-hour flight from Hong Kong gets travellers into their villa or resort in time for dinner – a huge bonus for those looking for a short break from hectic Hong Kong. Hong Kong is an important source of bookings for us, and we are delighted with the news from Bangkok Airways,” said Grebstad.

Paul Linder, corporate director of operations at Centara Reserve, told TTG Asia that the service would be particularly important during off-peak travel periods.

“The launch of regular, year-round direct flights from Hong Kong has the power to significantly boost the local economy and accelerate the recovery of tourism in Koh Samui,” he remarked.

With Koh Samui now connected with both Singapore and Hong Kong air hubs, Jane Soergel, president of SKAL International Koh Samui and general manager of U Samui, said access would greatly improve with more international flight connection possibilities.

Soergel hopes a connection with Kuala Lumpur’s air hub “is next”.

Looking ahead, Jirapha Krataithong, general manager of W Koh Samui, said: “With more international flights coming through Thailand and Koh Samui, we could see an increase in revenue by 4Q2023, and the Samui market stabilising from 2024 onwards.”

Jirapha suggests that pent-up demand for Thailand and Koh Samui may eventually surpass 2019 levels.

GHM to operate new hotel within the Hegra UNESCO World Heritage Site

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The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has selected General Hotel Management (GHM) to operate The Chedi Hegra, the first hotel located in the ancient Nabataean site in north-west Saudi Arabia.

Situated within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and built directly into several existing structures, including an old railway station and surrounding buildings, the hotel will offer 35 guestrooms, three fine-dining restaurants, a café, spa and pool when open by 4Q2023.

Slated to open by 4Q2023, The Chedi Hegra will be built within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site

The vast majority of the UNESCO World Heritage Site will remain untouched by construction and be carefully preserved by RCU to maintain the integrity of Hegra’s natural heritage. RCU will also incorporate sustainable features including a light-touch tourism approach, imaginative infrastructure, planting of native flora, and an all-electric mobility system.

John Northen, vice president of hotels & resorts, RCU, said: “Sitting at the nexus of AlUla’s living museum, The Chedi Hegra embodies the fulfilment of our Journey Through Time master plan with its deep respect for heritage, sustainable design features, and an authentic luxury experience that celebrates what makes AlUla a special destination for travellers seeking both comfort and adventure.”

“As the first hotel within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site… I am certain that guests will recognise and appreciate the value we place in minimising our environmental impact, through the sustainable efforts of the hotel, in addition to our dedication in conserving the legacy of Hegra,” added GHM’s CEO Tommy Lai.

Mira Hotel Collection, YMCA College of Careers to launch career development programme

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Mira Hotel Collection and YMCA College of Careers have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to offer a career development programme for young talents.

The Miracle Young Star Program is a fast-tracked career development initiative designed by the human resources team of The Mira Hong Kong. The fully-sponsored education programme aims to attract and train young, local talents with little to no experience, providing them with all-rounded training and employment opportunities at one of the Miramar Group hotels from this autumn.

The programme provides talents with training and employment opportunities at Miramar Group hotels

The programme gives fresh graduates as well as mature students who wish to begin their career in the world of hospitality the opportunity to secure a two-plus-one-year training and fast-tracked career development at The Mira Hong Kong or Mira Moon. The two years of education will be conducted in English at YMCA College of Careers, where participants will receive a part-time diploma in Hospitality Studies (QF Level 3).

The college education will comprise four distinctive phases – from onboarding and discovery, to deepening and specialisation. A one-year employment contract will be offered to each participant who successfully completes the programme.

Applicants must meet admission requirements, such as having completed secondary six or possessing a complete certificate or other equivalent qualifications with a one-year minimum full-time study load; or being aged 21 or above. They will also need to pass an admission interview.

Alexander Wassermann, head of hotels & serviced apartments, Miramar Group, commented: “With the launch of this innovative programme, we hope to attract local talents with a promise of solid training and exciting career development opportunity, and as a result strengthen our position in the competitive landscape of hospitality industry.”

“We are excited to kickstart this crucial initiative and look forward to enrolments from Hong Kong’s youth who wish to launch their professional journey at one of our award-winning design hotels combined with an education diploma from a recognized institution,” added Yvonne Wai, assistant director of learning & development, hotel human resources, The Mira Hong Kong.

Gotta catch ’em all in the skies

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In celebration of Singapore Cable Car’s 50th anniversary, the attraction has placed Pokémon’s recognisable red and white Poké Balls across the exteriors of all its cabins on the Mount Faber Line.

From May 1 to September 30, visitors to Mount Faber Peak, Harbourfront and Sentosa can marvel at the 67 Poké Ball cabins soaring 100m above sea level.

Singapore Cable Car celebrates 50 years with 67 Poké Ball cabins soaring 100m above sea level

The Pokémon theme extends inside the cabins too, with five different designs, each themed around first-generation characters like Pikachu and Eevee, as well as Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly from the latest Pokémon video games.

Atop Mount Faber Peak, visitors will be able to snap pictures at various photo points – including vintage cable car cabins – with a variety of Pokémon like Pikachu, Pichu, Snorlax and Psyduck.

Complimentary collectible Pokémon-themed sun visor are also given out with over-the-counter purchases of Mount Faber Line cable car tickets and bundles.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announces new appointments

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Mark Willis has been named chief executive officer of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. He will be responsible for the brand’s portfolio of more than 100 hotels in operation and under development globally.

He brings to the role more than three decades of experience and was previously the chief executive officer for India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey at Accor.

From left: Mark Willis and Yigit Sezgin

Meanwhile, Yigit Sezgin is the new chief brand & commercial officer of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts worldwide. He will lead the entire brand and commercial strategy.

Before joining the team at Fairmont, he was chief commercial officer for India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey at Accor.

IHG names new cluster GM of two Bali properties

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IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Matthew Everson as cluster general manager of Intercontinental Bali Sanur Resort and Holiday Inn Bali Sanur.

In his new position, he will oversee the refurbishment and relaunch of InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort, while leading the team in delivering operational excellence and innovative guest experiences in both properties.

Everson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry and has previously held various leadership in roles in Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Vietnam.