GlobalTix, Go City join forces to digitise travel services

March 2, 2023

GlobalTix and Go City have come together to provide convenience and integrated experiences for Go City customers, agents and operators in South-east Asia destinations including Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul and Sydney.

The collaboration will include a GlobalTix-powered customised solution offering direct connectivity to Go City’s platform, allowing Go City customers to reserve an attraction for their preferred date and time, modify and redeem experiences through a single portal.

The partnership will offer convenience and integrated experiences for travellers to the Asia-Pacific region

Using GlobalTix’s proprietary scanners and kiosks, Go City customers will no longer need to queue at the ticketing booths and instead enter attractions seamlessly.

In addition, Go City Explorer and All-Inclusive Passes are now available on GlobalTix’s platform, featuring over 2,500 agents and resellers, which allows agents to purchase passes in real-time.

“This collaboration marks a significant step towards solving the challenges faced by agents, operators in the tourism industry by connecting everyone in one unified ecosystem. We are thrilled to be partnering with Go City to open up new opportunities for agents and operators looking to boost their visibility and sales across the Asia-Pacific region,” said Chan Chee Chong, CEO of GlobalTix.

Baidi Li, senior vice president, commercial APAC, Go City added: “This new alliance will streamline the booking process for agents and operators to work more easily with us, while also helping travellers access the best attractions, tours and experiences across the region with greater flexibility, certainty and convenience.”

Reservation capabilities will be available by the end of March across all of Go City’s destinations in Asia.

Robinsons Hotels rolls out new booking strategies

By Rosa Ocampo

March 2, 2023

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Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR) has unveiled new, convenient booking packages that break away from tradition.

The GO24/7 package lets guests check in any time of the day and stay within a 24-hour period, breaking the boundaries of the traditional hotel stay period of checking in from 14.00 to 16.00, said RHR group director of sales and marketing, Joy de Mesa.

GO24/7 will soon be available at all 24 Go Hotels, Go Plus Hotels and Summit and Grand Summit hotels and resorts across the country; Grand Summit Hotel General Santos pictured

This package can be booked via direct emails and calls, as well as the booking engine, starting from today in seven essential service value Go Hotels across the country.

By summer, GO24/7 can be booked at all 24 Go Hotels, Go Plus Hotels and mid-market boutique and city Summit and Grand Summit hotels and resorts across the country.

Also available in all the 24 homegrown brands of RHR is GO365 which lets guests book in advance from at least 15 days prior to their chosen dates up to a maximum of 365 days on the website. This allows travellers to secure the rate from the day of booking plus a 10 per cent discount off the best available rate.

Nonito Cuizon, RHR marketing director, said GO365 can be paired with RHR sister company Cebu Pacific’s “periodic seat sale flights, paid leaves and planned events, ensuring peace of mind knowing that your comfortable and safe stay is secured in advance”.

Coming soon is GO Buy Online which, with the ease of mobile messaging apps, will allow guests to book and purchase vouchers via a unique chat box and online boutique.

All three RHR offerings complement Cebu Pacific’s seat sale, flight arrivals, and domestic destinations where the homegrown hotels and resorts are also located.

RHR has also announced the opening of The Westin Manila Sonata Place, a hotel and serviced residences in Ortigas, on March 16, its fourth internationally-managed property, in addition to Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, and Holiday Inn Manila Galleria.

Kurt Ekert takes the helm as Sabre’s new CEO

By TTG Asia

March 2, 2023

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Current president of Sabre Corporation, Kurt Ekert, Sabre, will take on the role of CEO from April 27.

He will replace Sean Menke, currently chair of the board and CEO, who will transition to be solely Sabre’s executive chair of the board. Menke joined Sabre in 2015 serving as president of its largest business division, before being promoted to CEO in late 2016.

Ekert joined Sabre in January 2022 as president and oversees all aspects of the company’s business and technology operations.

New hotels: Momentus Hotel Alexandra, Radisson Resort & Spa Hua Hin and more

By TTG Asia

March 2, 2023

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Momentus Hotel Alexandra, Singapore
Momentus Hotel Alexandra is a 442-key property situated near Singapore’s city area and in proximity to the comforts of the heartlands.

The hotel features reflect its commitment to sustainability, such as in-room smart digital thermostats, recycling bins in every guest room, the elimination of single-use plastics, and a rooftop hydroponic corner for cultivating ingredients for use at the restaurant and bar.

On-site facilities include F&B outlets, an infinity pool, lounge, and event venues.

Radisson Resort & Spa Hua Hin, Thailand
Radisson Resort & Spa Hua Hin is a beachside retreat situated in the town which was once the summer retreat of the Thai royal family.

Nestled directly along Cha-am Beach, the resort offers 243 rooms and suites as well as dining options, outdoor pool with water slide, water sports activity hub, fitness centre, spa, skate park, kids club, and direct beachfront access. Function spaces are also available.

The property is close to Hua Hin’s top cultural attractions, including historic royal palaces, golden temples, colonial-style architecture and lively night markets.

Vinpearl Landmark 81 – Autograph Collection, Vietnam
Vinpearl Landmark 81 – Autograph Collection is located from the 47th to 71st floors of the Landmark 81 tower on the west bank of the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City’s Binh Thanh district.

The 223-room hotel within Vietnam’s tallest skyscraper featurs restaurants, spa, salon, fitness centre, infinity pool and event spaces.

Landmark 81 also houses an upmarket lifestyle mall, ice skating rink, cinema, kids’ play centre and multiple dining venues.

NH Collection Dubai The Palm, the UAE
NH Collection Dubai The Palm is positioned in a new development on the Palm Jumeirah with direct access to West Palm Beach. Just 30 minutes away from Dubai International Airport, the hotel also provides easy access to Dubai’s many attractions and fine cuisine.

The hotel features 226 rooms and suites in addition to 306 studios and apartments across 11 room categories – it also houses five restaurants, two bars, an infinity pool, beach club, kids club, and event venues.

Designed to minimise environmental impact, the hotel has its own water plant and solar panels, as well as other initiatives such as an onsite apiary, a hydroponic farm and a community market.

Singapore’s Southern Islands get sustainable tourism transformation

By TTG Asia

March 1, 2023

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Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) will commence sustainable tourism activations on Singapore’s Southern Islands, with a collection of five low-impact accommodation units on Lazarus Island being the first of a series of initiatives to come.

Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island – the first short-term stay accommodation available on the island – will be operated by Big Tiny, said to be the first Singaporean company to integrate the concept of “tiny houses” with ecotourism.

Artist’s impression of a Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island unit that will launch this April

Measuring between 14m² and 15.8m², these units are both compact and functional, and designed to reduce holidaymakers’ carbon footprint through reliance on solar energy as the main source of power and the use of energy-efficient electrical appliances; deployment of high-tech food waste recycling systems in partnership with local start-up Westcom Solutions; and the use of sustainable composite building materials produced from recycled plastic and wood fibre, which can be repurposed into composite cladding for the construction of new “tiny houses” at the end of their lifespan.

Biodegradable shampoo and body wash will be provided complimentary to guests.

Guests of Tiny Away Escape @ Lazarus Island will have access to almost 128 hectares of natural landscape to explore on the connected islands of Seringat, Lazarus, St John’s and Kias.

The accommodation unit will launch in April this year, and will be joined by other infrastructure and activities in phases around June. Upcoming developments include a convenience store, overnight glamping experiences, and non-motorised water activities.

Existing amenities on the islands include bicycle rentals and the Glasshouse, an air-conditioned multipurpose space.

Thien Kwee Eng, CEO of SDC, said: “For the first time, we are extending the Sentosa getaway for guests through short-term stays on Lazarus Island where they can discover a new experience in the idyllic Southern Islands. Aligned with SDC’s sustainability goals, these unique accommodation units have utilised innovative, sustainable solutions and technologies to allow guests to lower their carbon footprint.”

The Southern Islands is accessible from the Sentosa Jetty@Cove via a 15-minute boat ride.

China eases Covid-19 test rules for some inbound travellers

By TTG Asia

March 1, 2023

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Travellers from several countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and New Zealand, will no longer need to take a PCR test prior to entry to China from today.

Eligible travellers flying directly to China will only need to take an ART 48 hours before boarding.

Travellers from select countries flying directly to China will no longer need to take a PCR test ahead of their flight

A positive test result would still hinder entry to China, and travellers are required to declare their negative test results on the China Customs website or through its app.

With the updated procedure, airlines will no longer check a passenger’s negative PCR or ART results.

PCR test results are still required for travellers from other countries like the US, South Korea and Japan.

Cebu Pacific beefs up regional operations

By TTG Asia

March 1, 2023

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Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific is expanding its route network with three new operations from Mactan Cebu International Airport, starting this month.

Starting March 26, Cebu Pacific will fly from Cebu to Naga in the province of Camarines Sur, the Philippines four times weekly, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. It is the only carrier to operate flights directly between the two destinations.

Cebu Pacific will commence a new service to domestic Naga Airport, and resume flights to Hong Kong and Japan’s Narita

The airline will also resume daily flights from Cebu to Hong Kong beginning March 26.

From May 1, Cebu Pacific will restart services to Narita, Japan seven times weekly.

With three additional routes, the airline will have direct flights to 23 domestic and four international destinations from Cebu.

It is set to restore 100 per cent of its pre-Covid network and capacity in March 2023. It now flies to 34 domestic destinations and will reinstate all its 25 international destinations in 1Q2023.

Genting Dream brings good vibes on board

By TTG Asia

March 1, 2023

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Resorts World Cruises has designed a thematic cruise on Genting Dream that features a variety of special performances, creative workshops, wellness activities and getaways with healthy dietary options.

Titled Good Vibes Festival at Sea, this event will complement two- and three-night sailings onboard Genting Dream from March 12 to April 30, 2023.

Vacationers can embark Genting Dream from either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang) enjoy the festivities.

Activity highlights include Pound Fitness workout, which combines a full-body exercise with drums; beatbox and rapping workshops hosted by renowned Beatz Inc Music; and Açaí dishes created by The Açaí Collective.

Visit www.rwcruises.com for more information.

Domitys debuts in Malaysia with senior living residences

By S Puvaneswary

March 1, 2023

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Domitys, a leading brand of senior serviced residences founded in France, has expanded to Malaysia with the launch of Domitys Bangsar in the heart of Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, managed by The Ascott and owned by Plenitude.

Domitys’ “invigorating life in the golden age” philosophy aligns with the World Health Organization’s active-ageing model which comprises elements of autonomy, independence, good quality of life, and healthy life expectancy.

Domitys Bangsar residences sport senior-friendly features

As Ascott’s first senior living residence to open in Malaysia, with plans for further expansion in the country, Domitys Bangsar will support the personal needs and wellness requirements of independent and active seniors, making life easier and more comfortable, in a safe and secure environment. Units welcome long-term rentals.

Mondi Mecja, Ascott’s country general manager for Malaysia, shared at a recent media preview of Domitys Bangsar: “Domitys’ residences have been the home of choice for active and independent seniors in Europe. We are excited to introduce this concept of senior living to the Malaysian market, to meet the needs of seniors in this region with well-being being top of mind.”

“Following the launch of Domitys Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur, we look forward to expanding in other key locations such as Penang, Sabah, Kuching and Johor.”

Domitys Bangsar is targeting independent seniors who want to live in a safe and secure community. Its target group includes expats looking at the Malaysia My Second Home programme as well as young executives looking for suitable retirement homes for their parents.

The property’s 100 furnished serviced residences comprise studios and one- to three-bedroom units ranging from 55m2 to 158m2. Rooms are designed with senior-friendly features such as bathroom grab bars and shower chairs.

Resort-style facilities enable personal development, enrichment, and positive living – the Clubhouse includes a swimming pool, aqua-gym pool, yoga deck, restaurant, café, library, hair salon and massage services, as well as activity lounge and multimedia rooms.

Residents can develop their interests and passions with over 50 activities and programmes such as yoga, tai chi, aqua therapy, reflexology and karaoke, with classes available for swimming and music. Concierge services are also available.

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

By Karen Yue

March 1, 2023

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After successful runs in Europe and the US, the Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience has finally made its way to South-east Asia with a debut in Singapore.

Held at Resorts World Sentosa, this 360-degree digital immersive art experience harnesses a blend of artwork replicas, digital projections, Virtual Reality (VR), and atmospheric light and sound to take visitors deep into Vincent van Gogh’s world.

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

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Leading into the exhibition venue is an enormous façade of cobalt blue and stunning yellow blooms – an amalgamation of Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Sunflowers – that hints at the visual fest that is to come.

Passing through hallways of artwork replicas, including the Dutch artist’s many self-portraits (keep your eyes peeled for a surprise), visitors will soon find themselves in multiple galleries that convey stories of his growing up years and family, his move into art, his struggles, his inspirations and his dedication to perfection.

Art aficionados may appreciate the exhibition for its innovative showcase of more than 300 vivid artworks, but this is also an attraction that will engage and enchant even those unfamiliar with the artist and his creations.

There are many fun highlights here, including The Immersive Room, which presents a mesmerising 40-minute digital projection mapping showcase of Van Gogh’s most famous artworks; the Japonisme gallery, which provides insights into Japanese art influences to Van Gogh’s work and where matcha tea demonstrations are offered to visitors; and the A Day in the Life of the Artist in Arles VR Experience, where visitors don VR headsets and walk through stunning landscapes that replicate some of his iconic artworks.

Besides the visual awe, there are nuggets of Van Gogh fun facts to take home too, thanks to excellent storytelling.

Verdict
This educational and entertaining experience has the potential to cater to both the Van Gogh fanatic and the layman, as well as people across ages. Little ones will find joy rolling on fields of projected flowers in The Immersive Room and Japonisme gallery. Should visitors determine an attraction’s worth through its ‘Instagrammability’, then Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience would score well.

Rate: S$24 (US$17.80) for adults; S$15 for children
Website: http://www.vangoghexpo.com/singapore

GlobalTix, Go City join forces to digitise travel services

Robinsons Hotels rolls out new booking strategies

Kurt Ekert takes the helm as Sabre’s new CEO

New hotels: Momentus Hotel Alexandra, Radisson Resort & Spa Hua Hin and more

Singapore’s Southern Islands get sustainable tourism transformation

China eases Covid-19 test rules for some inbound travellers

Cebu Pacific beefs up regional operations

Genting Dream brings good vibes on board

Domitys debuts in Malaysia with senior living residences

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

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