Vietjet will operate the first and only direct service from Hanoi to Phuket with daily return flights from May 19.
This is in addition to its current daily Ho Chi Minh City-Phuket service.
Starting April 25, Vietjet will also link Can Tho in southwest Vietnam with Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh Province. It will fly three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Thailand-headquartered Dusit International has opened Dusit Suites Athens in Greece’s capital, marking Dusit brand’s first portfolio expansion into Europe.
Located in Glyfada, a picturesque suburb in the Athens Riviera renowned for its sandy shores, vibrant shopping and dining scene, trendy bars and cafés, the hotel puts guests in easy reach of Athens’ best draws, such as Piraeus Port and Acropolis Museum; the city centre (30 minutes by car); and Athens International Airport (20 minutes).
The luxury low-rise property features suites that are each outfitted with a private balcony, bedroom, living room or seating area with kitchenette; larger suites are designed for guests with children.
Guests have access to two restaurants, a spa, and a heated pool adjoined with the sauna and steam room. They will enjoy one complimentary massage treatment per stay.
“We are confident that Dusit Suites Athens will leave guests with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the community we serve,” said Gilles Cretallaz, chief operating officer, Dusit International.
“This is another significant milestone in our journey for global expansion, and we look forward to making this beautiful property a resounding success as we continue to open doors to new destinations in the months ahead.”
Dusit’s property portfolio spans 16 countries and comprises 48 hotels operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and more than 300 luxury villas under Elite Havens. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline worldwide.
Hong Kong has replaced Japan as Chinese travellers’ most considered destination between January to March this year, ever since China ended its quarantine requirement for inbound travellers earlier in January.
Research from YouGov, analysed by YouGov’s global sector head of travel & tourism, Eva Stewart and Asia-Pacific data journalist Samuel Tan, shows that the percentage of Chinese consumers who are planning to travel in the next 12 months has since grown steadily month-over-month.
At the same time, tourism boards and tour operators across Asia-Pacific – including Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore and Indonesia – have launched campaigns to attract Chinese travellers back to their shores, over the first quarter of 2023.
But has the list of destinations that Chinese travellers are most considering a visit to significantly changed over the past two months?
What destinations are Chinese travellers most hoping to visit?
Latest data from YouGov DestinationIndex, which tracks consumer perceptions toward travel destinations on a daily basis worldwide, shows that Hong Kong is the most considered travel destination among Chinese consumers who are planning to take one or more trips in the next 12 months, as of March.
The special administrative region off the southern coast of the Chinese mainland, which was the fourth most considered travel destination in January 2023, saw its consideration score gain 6.1 percentage points between January 8 to March 8.
In early February, the Hong Kong tourism board announced plans to distribute 500,000 free flight tickets to the territory – from a range of carriers that include Hong Kong Airlines – as part of its Hello Hong Kong campaign to boost international travel to the city.
Other destinations that saw an improvement in their consideration ranking include Indonesia’s Bali, which climbed to the runner-up spot from fifth place, and Macau, which moved to fourth place from sixth. Meanwhile, New Zealand took the eighth spot up from 11th, while France was the sole European destination that made it to the top 10, up from 12th place.
On the other hand, Japan, which was the most considered travel destination as of January 8, fell to seventh place by March 8, after losing 2.6 percentage points in its consideration score. At the end of December, Japan introduced mandatory Covid-19 testing for all travellers from China, which it subsequently eased only in March.
Meanwhile, Singapore and Dubai retain their spots at seventh and ninth place, despite seeing improvements of 1.1 and 0.4 percentage points in their consideration scores respectively.
What distinguishes Chinese travellers considering a visit to Hong Kong from the average Chinese consumer?
Latest data from YouGov Global Travel Profiles, which tracks global consumer demand and attitudes towards travel on a daily basis, reveals that Chinese consumers who are planning one or more trips in the next 12 months and considering Hong Kong as a travel destination are significantly more likely to prefer atypical holidays that allow them to learn about new things.
More than two in three of such Chinese consumers said they “like to come back from a holiday learning something new”, while over three in five said they “like to go off the beaten track” on holidays.
When it comes to planning their travels, such Chinese consumers are more likely than average to turn to social media platforms and seek out information from family and friends. They are also more likely than the general Chinese consumer to book their holiday lodgings via online accommodation websites – such as Airbnb, Agoda, Hotels.com and Trivago.
Methodology:
YouGov DestinationIndex tracks consumer perceptions toward travel destinations on a daily basis in 30 countries worldwide. A destination’s Consideration score is based on the question: “Thinking about your next vacation by air alone or with friends, family, a partner or spouse, which of the following destinations would you consider?” (% Yes).
Data referenced in this article from surveys of adults aged 16 years and above residing in China between December 8 2022 and January 8, 2023, and between February 8 and March 8, 2023.
YouGov Global Travel Profiles tracks global consumer demand and attitudes towards travel on a daily basis. Global Travel Profiles data for China is representative of the online population and weighted by age and gender.
Changi Airport Group (CAG), Singapore Airlines (SIA) and the Singapore Tourism Board have relaunched the Free Singapore Tour for transit and transfer passengers to the garden city.
Run by Monster Day Tours, each tour is 2.5 hours long and will be available daily, with plans to progressively increase to nine tours a day.
A brand-new Changi Precinct tour will introduce travellers to the sights and sounds of the eastern region surrounding Singapore Changi Airport, such as the rustic charms of Changi Village and Changi Beach and offers visitors a glimpse of how local residents live.
The three tours available before the Covid-19 pandemic – City Sights Tour, Heritage Tour and Jewel Tour – have been refreshed to include new points of interest.
The Jewel Tour will take participants to popular attractions like the Shiseido Forest Valley and the HSBC Rain Vortex, let them sample and learn about the city-state’s food heritage through local brands such as Bee Cheng Hiang and Tong Garden, as well as provide a free guided walkthrough of Changi Experience Studio, a digital attraction to experience some of its airport-themed games and interactive exhibits.
New pit stops in the City Sights Tour include the Civic District, where travellers will get an introduction to Singapore’s urban development through visits to various national monuments, while the Heritage Tour, available from June, will feature places of interest for a more in-depth understanding of Singapore’s unique and diverse multi-cultural heritage.
Transit and transfer passengers who wish to join the Free Singapore Tour must have a layover period of at least 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours, and will need to have a valid entry visa for Singapore to take part in the tours.
Advanced booking is required.
Banyan Tree Group’s addition of eight newly-built or converted hotels in 2022 puts the Singapore-based group well on track to double its footprint by 2025, consolidating and expanding its presence in 23 countries.
Among the five new brands launched last year, Garrya is poised to overtake Banyan Tree as the group’s fastest-growing brand.
At the end of the 2022 fiscal year, Banyan Tree Group had a total of 63 properties across its global portfolio of 10 hospitality brands.
Eddy See, president and CEO, Banyan Tree Group, said: “Our development pipeline to 2025 will deliver 50 new hotel openings or conversions, bringing the group’s global portfolio to 113 hotels.”
The flagship Banyan Tree brand, which currently constitutes half of the group’s portfolio, debuted in Saudi Arabia with the opening of a luxury resort in the ancient oasis city of AlUla.
The brand is looking to add 12 more properties in the next three years, including a host of new Banyan Tree resorts in China where the expansion will continue into Quzhou, Emeishan, Dongguan’s Songshan Lake, Zhuhai, Chongqing, Suzhou, Yangcheng Lake and Xianju, as well as entering the market in Busan, South Korea; Manila Bay in the Philippines; and Tuwaiq in Saudi Arabia.
Making its debut in Singapore, the group will launch an eco-friendly Banyan Tree property as part of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, while in Japan, a hilltop urban resort, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, is set to become the first and only hotel in Kyoto city to have a Noh stage. Additionally, a second Banyan Tree Escape is set to arrive in Lampung on the Indonesian island of Sumatra within the next two years.
The group will also open its fourth property in Mexico, Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe Resort, Spa and Winery, just 90 minutes from the US border.
Angsana will add three resorts in Vietnam – in Ho Tram and Quan Lan – both slated to open in 2023, followed by the recently-signed resort in Mui Dinh. Angsana Chengdu welcomed its first guests in February 2023, with properties in Quzhou, Suzhou, Zhoushan and Foshan set to open by 2025, and resorts in Siem Reap, Cambodia and Anping, Taiwan also in the development pipeline to 2025.
The extended-stay brand Cassia has four more long-stay properties in the pipeline – in the tourist hub of Sokcho and Saekdal beach in South Korea; two in Bangkok, Thailand; and one in Hokkaido, Japan, which will see its first-ever ski resort in Niseko.
Dhawa made its debut in the Maldives with Dhawa Ihuru, followed by Dhawa Xi’An Chanba and Dhawa Jinan Daming Lake in China early this year. The brand will soon open Dhawa Ho Tram in Vietnam, as well as Beihai Weizhou Island in China.
The group’s newly-launched brand Homm will also launch Homm Saranam Baturiti in Bali in April and Homm Tu Le in Vietnam’s Yen Bai Province in 2024.
By 2025, Garrya will launch properties in Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Mu Cang Chai, Danang, Hoi An and Hoa Binh in Vietnam; as well as Xianju and Yangcheng Lake in China.
AirAsia X took off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport for Australia’s Gold Coast on April 1, after freezing the service for more than two years due to the pandemic.
Three return flights will be offered each week.
In celebration of the newly resumed services to the coastal city, all guests on the inaugural flight were treated to a special send off ceremony before boarding, and a welcoming event on arrival.
The Gold Coast is the airline’s fourth destination in Australia. With the relaunch of this service, AirAsia X is set to strengthen its position as the leading low-cost airline connecting Australia to Asia’s key destinations and the only carrier flying direct between Malaysia and the state of Queensland.
Stirling Hinchliffe, Queensland minister for tourism, innovation and sport, said at a press conference that AirAsia X was predicted to generate A$45.6 million (US$30.4 million) for the Gold Coast’s visitor economy as well as create 450 Queensland jobs.
“We’re backing AirAsia X because of the airline’s commitment to increasing its Gold Coast flight schedule to five days a week by the end of the year,” Hinchliffe added.
AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail noted that the Gold Coast “will always hold a special place in our hearts”, as the Kuala Lumpur-Gold Coast route was the first operation for AirAsia X, launched in November 2007.
Benyamin said: “Our newest route now provides the most affordable and convenient air travel option for guests who want to explore one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations and for Australians seeking to visit Malaysia or continue on throughout Asia with our vast global network including to leisure favourites like Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, India and more.
“The resumption of this route today will not only attract a significant number of visitors from Malaysia and other Asian countries but also strengthen the ties between Malaysia and Australia. We look forward to working closely with all of our key airport and tourism stakeholders, especially Queensland Airports and Destination Gold Coast to make the Gold Coast a preferred tourism destination of choice for the many millions of leisure seekers across Asia.”
From April 1, Qatar Airways will restart weekly services to the city of Davao in the Philippines.
The airline will also increase its flights to Manila, bringing the total to 18 weekly flights.
Currently operating 28 weekly flights to Manila, Cebu and Clark, the addition of Davao and the additional flights to Manila will increase the number of Qatar Airways’ weekly flights to the Philippines to 30 weekly flights.
The expansion of flights will offer passengers more options for travel to over 150 destinations across Qatar Airways’ global network, including London and Paris in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the US, via Hamad International Airport.
Australian tour operator, Untamed Escapes, will launch a three-day Kangaroo Island Adventure Tour this September, with two departures scheduled every week.
The tour will introduce visitors to nature and wildlife on Australia’s third-largest island, providing a unique opportunity for them to participate in conservation work and citizen science projects as well as learn about recovery and regeneration after the bushfires.
Visitors can expect to explore Flinders Chase National Park, Seal Bay Conservation Park, and Stokes Bay, voted Australia’s best beach in 2023. The adventure includes various fun activities, such as hiking, snorkelling and sleeping in swags under the Milky Way. Accommodation is at Pelican Lagoon Lodge until Untamed Escapes’ new eco-campsite is completed in 2024.
Each scheduled Kangaroo Island Adventure Tour takes in no more than 20 people, but larger private departures can be arranged. Groups can also choose to upgrade their accommodation to a four-bed dorm with shared facilities.
For more information, visit Untamed Escapes.
Brij Hotels has named Sandeep Singh as vice president sales, who brings with him over 25 years of extensive experience in leisure travel sales for luxury hospitality segment.
He will lead the sales efforts for seven operational hotels and develop strategies for upcoming properties in his new position, and will work closely with all unit heads and the frontline sales team to ensure the delivery of exceptional experiences to guests and stakeholders.
Prior to joining Brij Hotels, he served as the director of sales and marketing for the Gujarat region at The Leela Palace Hotels and Resorts.
Brought to you by PARKROYAL on Beach Road
For business and leisure travellers keen to experience the unique cultures and authentic local culinary flavours of Singapore up close, they can stay at the refreshed PARKROYAL on Beach Road, strategically located in the culturally rich precinct of Kampong Gelam.
Beyond being the financial hub of South-east Asia, the city-state provides captivating sights and sounds at every turn, from iconic spots to hidden gems, for the curious to discover.
Immerse in local cultural & heritage
At check-in, hotel guests are greeted with a sense of kampong spirit and community as they enter the revamped social lobby of PARKROYAL on Beach Road.
Evoking rustic charm with natural textures and vibrant hues of woven materials, granite tiles and brushed gold accents, the remodelled space now serves multiple purposes – as a concierge, check-in area and working corner.
Guests are also encouraged to socialise with fellow travellers at the chic couches placed amid the lush selection of palms and tropical plants.
Within close proximity to the hotel, the eclectic mix of cultural, heritage and lifestyle offerings at Kampong Gelam awaits.
Over there, travellers can visit a religious mosque, enjoy coffee at a hipster cafe, and buy an exquisite Persian rug from a speciality store, all in the same locale.
Venturing into the back alleys of Haji Lane and Arab Street, retail therapy comes in the form of quirky boutiques, offering independent Asian fashion labels, delightful homewares and one-of-a-kind furniture.
Business travellers will be heartened to know two of Singapore’s state-of-the-art convention venues, Sands Expo & Convention Centre and Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, are also nearby for easy access and convenience.
Neighbouring horticulture attraction, Gardens by the Bay, and performing arts centre, Esplanade – Theatres by the Bay, provide more refreshing options for nature lovers and culture vultures respectively.
Savour authentic flavours
Hotel guests can explore Singapore’s foodscape with the best of local delicacies served at the hotel’s delectable mix of F&B options.
The all-day halal-certified kitchen, Ginger, helmed by executive chef Vincent Aw, celebrates the rich flavours and heritage of the city-state’s culinary fare from chilli crabs to prawn mee.
Designed by Singapore-based Australian designer, Emma Maxwell, the award-winning stunning interiors are a reminder of Singapore’s bountiful flora and fauna – the ginger flower, Simpoh Lak, and Freycinetia Javanica – are artfully woven into the wallpaper and soft furnishings.
The hotel also houses Singapore’s pioneering Sichuan restaurant, Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant, famed for its exquisite Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. The connecting Tian Fu Tea Room, which carries a selection of over 30 types of premium Chinese teas, provides the ideal prelude or end note to a hearty meal.
The 1920s-inspired cocktail bar, Club 5, introduces an interesting variety of concoctions, drawing inspiration from the unique flavours and spices of South-east Asia.
Thoughtful hotel amenities
The property’s 346 refreshed rooms are elegantly furnished with warm, soothing tones, with the corridor walls on the Club floors, decorated with artwork by local artists, with creative pieces also displayed in the PARKROYAL Club Deluxe and PARKROYAL Club Premier Rooms.
Well suited to host corporate events and weddings alike, the hotel also boasts seven stylish meeting and events spaces, including two pillarless ballrooms with high ceilings – the Sky Ballroom and the Grand Ballroom.
Level 4 is home to the hotel’s Wellness Floor where the award-winning St. Gregory spa, gymnasium and fitness studio, as well as the property’s half-Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool and Poolside Café and Bar.
Kung Teong Wah, general manager, said: “Following a tasteful refresh, PARKROYAL on Beach Road is ready to welcome travellers from around the world to discover the property and its vibrant surroundings. We hope that all our guests, whether here for business or pleasure, will connect with their inner explorer during their time with us.”
Find out why PARKROYAL on Beach Road appeals to both leisure and business travellers alike here.
