Cruises return to Hong Kong
As the first global cruise line visiting and sailing out of Hong Kong since 2020, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Spirit’s sailing on January 19 sent a strong signal of recovery and a sense of normalcy for cruise business.
In fact, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has secured 82 ship calls from at least 16 cruise lines for 2023, including brands such as Azamara Club Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Windstar Cruises.
Throughout 2023, Silversea will also offer another seven voyages to Hong Kong on Silver Spirit, Silver Muse and Silver Whisper, ranging from 10 to 16 days in duration.
Silversea’s managing director for Asia-Pacific, Adam Radwanski, told TTG Asia: “We contribute to the tourism sector by buying high-end hotel accommodation for our guests (and) buying experiences, tours, and transfers from local operators as well as (flights) from Cathay Pacific.”
With seven calls in town next year, including the latest Silver Moon as well as Silver Nova, Radwanski said its first cruise will call on Shanghai in April 2024 as part of the line’s Pacific World Cruise “spanning 133 days around key Pacific Rim destinations”.
While Royal Caribbean Cruises has no update or plan on resumption of ‘cruises to nowhere’ at press time, Resort World Cruises’ (RWC) Resort World One will be deployed to the homeport at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal from March 10 onward.
Michael Goh, president, RWC, said: “We are delighted that cruises are gradually resuming in Hong Kong. The homeport deployment will further create employment opportunities from ship to shore and across the various network chain.
“It will also further open up the cruise tourism industry via cross-border travel and the Fly-Cruise sector, as well as rejuvenate and create business opportunities across the related suppliers from the cruise terminal, bunkering, provisioning, etc.”
Goh added that RWC will soon be expanding its two- and three-night high seas cruises with the re-introduction of new itineraries for the Greater Bay, as well as “explore new B2B and B2C platforms to reach a wider market segment”.
According to Worldwide Cruise Terminals (WCT) which operates Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, 2023 will mark the beginning of the cruise market’s recovery in Hong Kong, with full recovery anticipated in 2026.
WCT’s managing director, Jeff Bent, contended that Hong Kong’s reopening provides visiting cruise lines an international air hub with great “longhaul connectivity to the Americas, Europe, and the antipodes”; while homeporting lines can tap into the world’s highest per-capita tourism spending market (pre-pandemic) Hong Kong, and connectivity into the Greater Bay Area.
This year’s line-up includes TUI Cruises, Fred.Olsen, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Viking Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises.
Meanwhile, Azamara, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Vantage Travel, AIDA Cruises, Nicko Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, Ponant, Phoenix Reisen, The World, and Peace Boat will be calling on Hong Kong in the next two years; with inaugural calls by several ships include Mein Schiff 5, MSC Poesia, MSC Bellissima, Viking Orion, and Celebrity Solstice.
Platform restores heritage homes for impactful stays
An innovative platform that helps restore privately-owned heritage homes to preen them for heritage stays is extending its reach across Asia.
Heritage Homes by Doh Eain currently operates in Myanmar, the Philippines and Georgia, overseeing about 800 rooms across about 400 properties. By the end of March, it plans to offer heritage home stays in Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
“The idea came from the observation that there are so many privately-owned heritage properties across Asia, where owners are struggling to restore and maintain them,” said founder and CEO, Emilie Röell.
Yangon-headquartered Heritage Homes by Doh Eain works with home owners to provide support on restoration and maintenance, while offering rooms and entire homes for rent via its online platform, akin to the Airbnb concept.
“We’ve seen a real increase in interest in authentic and meaningful travel, and impactful stays – people who want to immerse themselves deeper in local communities and leave behind some sort of positive impact,” said Röell. “This ticks all those boxes.”
Launched in 2015, the company is now preparing to start operations in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, with future plans to grow a regional network by establishing properties in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
She shared: “These are all countries with a lot of heritage. There’s sentiment at the moment in Sri Lanka and anything that can help kickstart tourism after all the disasters has been warmly welcomed.
“We chose Thailand because it’s central and connects other markets. We’re ready now to build this into a platform that is relevant regionally, so we can build a more loyal community of travellers and partners who travel to these different markets.”
In addition, Heritage Homes has started engaging with DMCs and tour operators with a focus on sustainability and culture.
“We’re looking to link our heritage homeowners with them,” added Röell. “We’re seeing a number of DMCs interested to expand their heritage and social impact offerings while contributing to preservation. We’re helping (to) connect them to an inventory of heritage homeowners and their properties.”
The business is also starting to work with digital nomad platforms and is exploring using some of the cluster properties on the platform to create ‘workation’ (work+vacation) destinations.
“This is the perfect platform for different travel actors to offer something that is heritage and impactful, while giving back by helping to conserve and preserve heritage,” said Röell.
STB launches virtual photo exhibition to showcase Singapore in new light
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has collaborated with National Geographic CreativeWorks for the UNSEEN/SINGAPORE campaign that showcases Singapore as a travel destination from the perspective of intrepid photographers from South-east Asia.
As part of STB’s efforts to boost travel recovery through the SingapoReimagine campaign that highlights new, innovative and unexpected experiences in Singapore to audiences worldwide, UNSEEN/SINGAPORE hopes to encourage travellers to explore the city-state’s cultural diversity and hidden spots, by taking a moment to observe the unseen beauty of destination Singapore.
Running from February 2, UNSEEN/SINGAPORE features a collection of photographic works through a virtual exhibition. The six photographers featured include Amani Azlin from Malaysia, Tino Renato from Indonesia, Chanipol Kusolcharttum, better known as “Rockkhound”, from Thailand, Phạm Gia Tùng from Vietnam, Gab Mejia from the Philippines, and Jayaprakash Bojan from Singapore.
In curating the collection, each photographer visited Singapore in mid-2022, covering areas in Singapore that showcase nature, heritage buildings, cultural sites, and art, venturing beyond its famous attractions and skyline to discover spots equally captivating – from charming neighbourhoods, offshore wetlands to a lighthouse at the island’s edge.
John Conceicao, executive director, South-east Asia, STB, shared: “We aim to inspire travellers to Singapore to rediscover the joy of travel once again. One way is to portray our destination in a different light, by helping visitors to see it afresh through another person’s eyes.
“UNSEEN/SINGAPORE set out to do this, through the lens of talented photographers from South-east Asia, who tell their journey of discovery through photography. We hope they will inspire a new wave of visitors to discover a Singapore reimagined.”
Indonesia looks to boost local businesses through tourism
The Indonesia Tourism, Culinary Festival & Creative Economy Industries Exhibition opened yesterday at the Jogja Expo Center, offering a four-day platform to showcase SMEs from Yogyakarta and its surroundings to international attendees of ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2023.
The opening ceremony was graced by Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hemas, Queen consort of Yogyakarta Sultanate and senator of the Indonesian Regional Representative Council.
The exhibition featured companies that specialise in a wide range of products, from tourism activities, foodstuff and fashion to home decor and handicraft.
It is part of ATF 2023 happening this week in Indonesia’s Yogyakarta, and is open to the general public too.
Free shipping for purchases made on site to all South-east Asian countries is offered to stimulate sales.
The spotlight on local industries is further extended to the souvenir bags for all ATF 2023 delegates. Every handwoven bag holds foodstuff, such as banana chips and spiced tea bags, produced by local companies, as well as a booklet introducing various SMEs supported by Bank Indonesia.
Oceania Cruises welcomes its eighth vessel Allura
Oceania Cruises introduced Allura on February 2, which will debut in 2025. Its eighth vessel will be the sister ship to Vista, which sets sail in May 2023.
Measuring approximately 67,000 tonnes, Allura will accommodate 1,200 guests and be staffed by 800 officers and crew. Highlights include personalised services, new dining experiences, larger standard staterooms and a new Chef’s Studio.
The ship is currently under construction by Fincantieri S.p.A. in Italy, and upon completion, will sail her maiden voyage in autumn 2025.
Details of Allura’s inaugural season featuring destinations across Europe and the Americas will be revealed later this year before going on sale.
Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises, said: “Allura’s inaugural journeys are designed to appeal to all global travellers, whether they revel in the joy that comes with reconnecting with favourite destinations or are excited to discover new places and sights for the very first time.”
Centara, Thai Airways present deals for Centara Grand Hotel Osaka’s debut
Centara Hotels & Resorts and Thai Airways are offering exclusive discounts and privileges to celebrate the grand opening of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka.
Thai Airways passengers get an introductory rate of 25 per cent off the lowest online rates for bookings made from now to June 30 for stays between July 1 and December 20.
The hotel is located in the shopping and entertainment district of Namba, where guests will discover an eclectic selection of world-class bars and restaurants, including a rooftop dining destination, Japan’s first-ever SPA Cenvaree, a rooftop Sky Event space and a ballroom.
CentaraThe1 members also enjoy privileges such as complimentary room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out, as well as dining discounts.
For more information, visit Centara Hotels & Resorts.
Indian travel trade lauds government’s plans to develop tourism
Around 50 new tourist destinations will be developed; a helpful tourist app; and Unity Malls selling local handicrafts are among the measures that were presented by India’s finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, as part of the Union Budget 2023-2024, on February 1.
In her budget speech, Sitharaman said that the promotion of tourism will be “taken up on mission mode”, with active participation from Indian states, as well as public-private partnerships.
This includes the development of 50 destinations for tourism activities with a focus on physical connectivity, trained tourist guides, enhancing food streets and tourist security.
An online application will also be developed to provide relevant information to travellers visiting these destinations.
Tourism stakeholders were largely positive about the possibilities.
Michael Jain, director of Belair Travel – The Global Travel Company, said: “Regional connectivity is key for helping India to showcase its diverse tourism experiences. With the government’s plans to renew 50 additional airports, helipads and advanced landing grounds, regional connectivity will improve strongly.”
Agreed, Sabina Chopra, co-founder & chief operating officer, corporate travel & head – industry relations, Yatra Online, added that the development will provide a “boost to niche segments like religious, spiritual and wellness tourism by easing passenger commute”.
The government will also encourage Indian states to set up a Unity Mall in their capital city or most prominent tourism area, and these will promote and sell handicrafts and products from the respective state.
“The government’s impetus on ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ (explore your country) will provide a further boost to the growth of domestic tourism in the country. The focus on setting up Unity Malls will help promote local handicrafts among both domestic and international tourists,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, founder & managing director, Cygnett Hotels and Resorts.
Under another scheme, the Vibrant Villages Programme, tourism infrastructure and amenities will also be facilitated in border villages as the government is looking to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country.
Luxury Gold rebrands to meet increased luxury travel demand
Luxury Gold, part of The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands, is rebranding to reflect more intimate, personalised, and luxurious travel for affluent holidaymakers.
The high-end tour company will offer 30 extraordinary small group journeys to the world’s most sought-after places with end-to-end travel experiences.
Mae Cheah, managing director Asia, TTC Tour Brands and TCA, said: “With the rebrand of Luxury Gold, travellers will be able to have an even more intimate and elegant travel experience with magnificent stays, exceptional dining and curated experiences.”
The brand offers a refined and immersive travel experience in a small group setting, enabling travellers to create memories through a collection of experiences while staying in five-star accommodations, such as Belmond, Red Carnation, JW Marriott hotels, and boutique places like Ashford Castle in Ireland and the Lion Sands Game Reserve in Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Travellers can also check off their bucket list with curated experiences, such as exclusive after-hours visits to Jaipur City Palace for afternoon tea and the Doge’s Palace in Venice for a private tour. They will get to meet a variety of local business owners too – from a gelato shop owner in Italy to a sound engineer at a music studio in Nashville.
In addition, Luxury Gold’s rebranded Founder’s Collection includes exclusive meet-and-greets (on selected departures) specially curated by TTC’s founder, the late Stanley Tollman, as a result of friendships he made throughout his lifetime – from European nobility, legendary locals to celebrated icons.
Myanmar to host its first virtual tourism mart
The Myanmar Tourism Mart will be held virtually from February 15 to 17 this year, and is organised by the Myanmar Tourism Marketing (MTM) association with the support of sponsors and exhibitors from the tourism industry.
This is the first time Myanmar is hosting the event virtually. It will feature exhibiting companies from every sector of the travel industry, including destinations, airlines, hotels, travel agencies and cruises in Myanmar.
Registration is free for buyers, trade visitors and the media. Exhibitors and buyers will have the opportunity to meet with current and potential business partners while increasing destination awareness.
“Recent years have been challenging for Myanmar’s tourism industry but there is still great hope and positivity and this mart is an expression of that,” said Myo Thwin, chairman of MTM.
Travel restrictions between Hong Kong and China will be further eased come February 6, as the daily quota for land crossings (50,000 per day) into Hong Kong will be dropped along with PCR tests on arrival.
Three border checkpoints in Hong Kong – the Lo Wu Control Point, the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Control Point, and the Lok Ma Chau Control Point – will reopen on Monday.
However, travellers who had been outside of China seven days prior to their visit to Hong Kong would have to present a negative PCR test result within 48 hour of border crossing.
Morning Star Travel’s managing director, Johnny So, welcomes the progressive relaxation of border controls since China reopened to visitors on January 8.
For now, his concerns lie with limited air capacity and high airfares.
“We are also worried if airlines would allocate group airfares to agents in view of tight ticket supply. We hope for more flights to fuel potential growth,” remarked So.
For Travel Industry Council, executive director, Fanny Yeung, the latest announcements signalled the “full resumption of travel to and from China”.
Hong Kong Tourism Board, chairman, Pang Yiu Kai, said the eased measures were timely, as they followed hot on the heels of the launch of Hello Hong Kong destination campaign on February 2.
“This is now the best time to step up our efforts for tourism recovery, by emphasising the key message that Hong Kong (is ready to) welcome visitors from around the world. We are confident that the new arrangements will attract both the Chinese and overseas visitors to Hong Kong to enjoy a wide range of new experiences,” he added.