The airasia Super App has introduced a new one-stop holidays platform: airasia holidays. It allows users to customise their entire holiday itinerary and even add on flights and hotel bookings across South-east Asia.
The all-in-one platform will first be made available for users in Malaysia and the Philippines, before rolling out to other markets.
The new airasia holidays platform allows users to customise their entire holiday itinerary and more
By leveraging the airline’s network, users will have access to an inventory of 700,000 hotels globally, a wide variety of holiday activity provider partners, and a diverse range of activities and holiday plans across the region. Users will also enjoy affordable rates when booking flights and hotels.
Amanda Woo, CEO of airasia Super App said: “airasia holidays offers our app users a more robust, holistic and convenient booking experience with our capabilities as an airline and in hotel inventory management. With over 50 million active users in our database, we have a unique capability to offer personalised suggestions of holiday activities, flights, and hotels suited for each traveller, all through one convenient platform.”
Woo said that there are plans to add features such as car rental and pre-order airport transfers in the future.
“Aside from offering bundles with AirAsia flights, we are also working on enabling airasia holiday customers to select flights from other airlines too, effectively pushing the limits of the holiday destinations they wish to explore,” added Woo.
Klook and Tiqets have teamed up to connect their supply channels, offering consumers a greater selection of museum and attraction-related experiences.
The partnership will give suppliers of both brands greater visibility and exposure in each company’s key markets, while customers can now use both platforms to seamlessly book an expanded range of experiences available. It also means that museums, attractions and tour operators working with Tiqets and Klook can significantly increase their reach.
The partnership will offer consumers a greater selection of museum and attraction-related experiences
Tiqets is recognised for its strong reach in Europe and North America, while Klook is big in Asia-Pacific.
Tiqets president & founder Luuc Elzinga said: “Through this partnership, our network of more than 4,000 of the best museums, attractions and tour operators that provide guided tours at these museums will benefit from greater visibility in the (Asia-Pacific) market, and Tiqets will benefit from new supply that Klook already has connected.”
Both companies have made a remarkable comeback after the two-year global pandemic, with Tiqets seeing a 220 per cent surge in bookings in Europe and the UK alone over summer. Similarly, Klook has seen outbound bookings grow eleven times in the same period compared to earlier in the year.
With the end-of-year holiday season on the horizon and the partnership underway, an increase in bookings is expected.
Wilfred Fan, chief commercial officer, Klook shared: “Klook has gone from strength to strength during the pandemic, and we’ve quadrupled the number of activities on our platform over the last two years in anticipation of travel recovery. We will continue to work closely with our merchants to accelerate their recovery and reach even more customers around the world.”
Capital Alliance and Australia’s TFE Hotels have partnered to develop a first-of-its-kind mixed-use development in Melbourne Docklands, set to open in 2026.
The A$340 million (US$229.7 million) project will feature the largest rooftop infinity pool in Australia and two hotels: the first purpose-built Collection by TFE Hotels with 200 rooms and has yet to be named; and the 105-key premium A by Adina hotel.
The Melbourne Docklands project will feature the largest rooftop infinity pool in Australia
The two accommodation towers, connected by a sky bridge, will boast a 1,000-pax capacity event conference centre, surrounded by 360-degree views of the city. There will also be a day spa, retail shopping, and restaurant offerings.
Project designer SJB’s founding director, Michael Bialek, shared that the designs were inspired by natural elements like the sculpted landscape forms and proximity to the Yarra River and that the project would become an architectural landmark on the Melbourne skyline.
“Our partnership with TFE was born and galvanised during the uncertainty of the pandemic. It may sound cliché to say, but there are two things we’re certain of, developing a hotel is incredibly challenging and we have unparalleled confidence in our ability to deliver a world class establishment alongside TFE,” said Capital Alliance, CEO, Mohan Du.
TFE Hotels Group COO, Chris Sedgwick, said: “Each of our one-of-a-kind Collection hotels has a distinct story and, together with A by Adina’s brand premise around hotel living, offer guest experiences that are unique to their neighbourhood.
“We love that Mohan had a vision for Melbourne’s burgeoning Docklands area and that he and the Capital Alliance team have spent the last decade investing in and realising that vision.”
Hong Kong’s iconic Peak Tram now presents brand-new visitor experiences that begin right from the entrance, following the completion of its HK$799 million (US$101.8 million) revamp.
Five experience zones at the entrance keep visitors entertained while they are waiting to board. They include the Eye of Infinity sculpture erected in place of the attraction’s former water fountain, haulage display, a replica of the first generation tram, and a hyperreal immersive environment to inspire visitors to learn and protect biodiversity found at The Peak.
A new hyperreal immersive environment inspires visitors to learn about the biodiversity at The Peak
The upgraded Central and Peak terminals feature expanded air-controlled, covered queuing and waiting areas for up to 1,300 people.
The revamp includes an upgraded fleet of sixth generation tramcars manufactured in Switzerland. These vehicles are bigger, with 210 seats, reducing passenger waiting time by over 70 per cent. The new fleet adds 22 downhill-facing seats to capacity as well as ample space for wheelchairs or baby strollers.
Ceiling skylight allows more natural light into the cabins.
With these renewed experiences, a ride on the Peak Tram now costs a pricier HK$88 for an adult round-trip ticket.
For more information, visit the www.thepeak.com.hk
Longhual travel from Asia-Pacific may have improved in recent months, but faraway destinations expect recovery to take more time, especially with China’s travel restrictions still in place.
Switzerland Tourism has seen outbound demand returning strongly in source markets India, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. However, overall Asian demand is still “uneven”, while important China remains “out of reach”, shared Batiste Pilet, director for South-east Asia based in Singapore.
Switzerland Tourism has seen outbound demand returning strongly and anticipate full recovery in 2023 or 2024; Bern, Switzerland pictured
Despite the challenging travel situation in China, Switzerland Tourism maintains a team in China and digital events are still conducted regularly.
Tom Kiely, president & CEO, West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board, is also seeing a similar “jagged” recovery in Asian markets.
“South-east Asia, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan are all key international markets for Los Angeles and West Hollywood, but (in order to return to) full inbound normality from Asia-Pacific, China has to (allow outbound travel), and we don’t know when that’s going to be,” he told TTG Asia.
Both Pilet and Kiely are unanimous in their view that air connectivity must improve for longhaul travel recovery to take off more strongly.
While resumed flights between Singapore and Los Angeles and San Francisco have helped with inbound performance, Kiely hopes for even better air connectivity to make it more convenient to get to the US, as well as lower airfares.
Pilet also pointed to challenging visa processes for Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines as an obstacle hampering recovery.
For now, visions of a full recovery are clearer in 2023 or 2024.
Pilet shared that the focus on South-east Asian source markets remains strong, and Switzerland Tourism will soon open a representation office in the Philippines.
While Asia-Pacific is not a traditional source market for Portugal, the region is attractive for being able to contribute visitors throughout the year.
Ines Queiroz, Visit Portugal’s tourism director, Japan and South Korea, who is based in Tokyo, told TTG Asia: “We are looking for tourists that travel at different seasons throughout the year, and not just summertime, to help create more jobs for our tourism industry and help it become more sustainable.
“Asia-Pacific is important because the Australians, Japanese and Koreans, for instance, travel during October, November, and December (outside of European summer vacation times and during Portugal’s winter season).”
The destination’s traditional top markets are Spain, the UK, Germany, France and Italy, whose travellers favour summer holidays in Portugal.
In looking to lure more Asia-Pacific travellers to Portugal, Queiroz acknowledged that there is a lack of awareness of the destination here, and her team will have to do more to educate the trade and consumers.
Intrepid makes its fourth acquisition with Jump Out Of Bed (JOOB), owning 60 per cent of the Perth-based travel company that runs trips throughout most of Australia, excluding Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
This is aligned with Intrepid’s aim to increase growth and bolster its global operational capability and DMC network in 26 countries.
From left: JOOB’s Simon Mendelawitz and Intrepid Travel’s James Thornton
Intrepid has grown its Australian range by 45 per cent since 2019 and offers 66 trips across the country (except ACT) with a strong focus on active and outdoor experiences and First Nations inclusions.
The company recently acquired majority stakes in Haka Tours and ANZ Nature Tours in New Zealand and US-based Wildland Trekking as well as investing in CABN, a sustainable accommodation business over the past 12 months.
The addition of JOOB and its three brands – Inspiration Outdoors, Waratah Adventure Tours and Perth’s Sea Kayak Rottnest Island – will inject more than 30 extra tours across Australia.
“We believe adventure, giving back to communities and having some fun along the way are all important and that’s why we’re such a perfect fit for Intrepid,” said JOOB’s CEO Simon Mendelawitz, who will join Intrepid as general manager of its Australian DMC.
Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton said that while the tour operator has built exceptional global operational capability, an Australian DMC was the missing piece from the strategy.
“JOOB completes the puzzle and I’m delighted to welcome Simon and the JOOB team to Intrepid,” he said.
“Together, we will develop even more exceptional trips for our own customers, taking more travellers to the most remarkable and rugged parts of Australia.”
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will take over the regulation of cruise terminal operators from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to ensure that terminals here are run in accordance with the country’s cruise hub ambition, reported local broadsheet The Straits Times.
Minister of state for trade and industry Alvin Tan said STB will be empowered to ensure high service standards and the optimal use of the limited number of berths at the Singapore Cruise Centre and Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore, and prevent excessive pricing.
The STB (Amendment) Bill will give STB regulatory control over Singapore Cruise Centre and Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (pictured)
When the STB (Amendment) Bill takes effect the tourism board will be able to directly manage the affairs, business and property of a cruise terminal licensee under extraordinary circumstances, such as if the operator becomes insolvent, to ensure business continuity.
The updated law will also require that cruise terminal licensees’ central management and control take place in Singapore, so that STB can take swift enforcement action if needed.
STB will be empowered to conduct surveys and obtain financial and operational data from the cruise terminal licensees.
MPA will continue to regulate other marine and port facilities.
Meanwhile, the amended law also expands STB’s administrative capabilities and enforcement powers over the broader tourism industry here. For instance, STB’s purview over tourism enterprises will be extended to providing grants and acting as a guarantor for selected strategic tourism enterprises.
Another clause grants STB the ability to collect and access tourism information, such as visitor numbers and tourism receipts from businesses.
Regent Hotels & Resorts will debut its new immersive dining offering, Regent Taste Studio, at Regent Phu Quoc this year, before taking it to Australia, the UK, France, Singapore and the US.
Set to be a Regent hallmark to provide on-property dining experiences, Regent Taste Studio brings together Regent chefs and artists from across creative disciplines – such as fashion designers, film producers and musicians – to collaborate and create true multi-sensory culinary moments.
Regent Taste Studio brings together Regent chefs and artists to create true multi-sensory culinary moments
The concept was premiered in Singapore during ILTM Asia Pacific, and the invitation-only event featured Regent Phu Quoc’s executive chef Bruno Anon and chef de cuisine Andy Huynh, as well as Spanish visual artist Mark Rios, better known as Mr Dripping.
Tom Rowntree, vice president, global luxury brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Our intention is to deliver unforgettable epicurean experiences, and we are delighted to introduce another aspect of the Regent guest journey with the launch of Regent Taste Studio.
“We created the Taste Studio to appeal to the most discerning guests – globetrotters and tastemakers who appreciate design and craftsmanship, and seek deeply sensorial, immersive experiences rooted in authenticity. Each edition of the Regent Taste Studio will be a unique, arresting curation to stimulate the senses while showcasing its signature blend of culinary expertise and cultural exploration to captivate guests’ imagination.”
Hilton Garden Inn is set to triple its portfolio in Greater China, and offer travellers an upcoming expanded network of 135 properties. Focusing on top-tier cities, the brand has 98 hotels in the pipeline, with one in three future openings in this region.
The brand debuted in Shenzhen in 2014 and has since opened 38 hotels across Greater China.
Opened this year, Hilton Garden Inn Zhengzhou provides convenient access to the city’s key attractions
“Every Hilton Garden Inn hotel is powered by Hilton’s solid in-market expertise, robust supply chain and powerful commercial engine including its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors,” said Jerry Huang, president, development, Greater China & Mongolia, Hilton.
“Its rapid growth is testament to an owner-friendly operating model that delivers robust performance and long-term investment returns.”
Jenny Milos, vice president, focused service & all suites brand management, APAC, Hilton said: “When it comes to their choice of hotel, Chinese travellers today have more exacting demands for quality, design, comfort, and value.”
She added that Hilton Garden Inn has tailored offerings for the Greater China market with features like soundproofed rooms, double-layer curtains for a restful environment, and multifunctional furniture.
Hilton properties that opened this year include Hilton Garden Inn Xiamen Tong’an, Hilton Garden in Shijiazhuang Chang’an, Hilton Garden Inn Zhoukou Huaiyang, and Hilton Garden Inn Zhengzhou. Hilton Garden Inn Shenzhen Guangming marked Hilton’s 450th hotel in Greater China & Mongolia.
Upcoming new hotels set to open are Hilton Garden Inn Zhuhai Jinan University, Hilton Garden Inn Hangzhou Xixi Zijingan, and Hilton Garden Inn Chengdu Kuanzhai Alley.
Having missed an opportunity to charm international travellers with its opening in November 2020, when most global travel restrictions were in place, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is now ready to present itself to overseas buyers as Japan progressively reopens its borders.
General manager Manabu Kusui, who represented Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto at ILTM Asia Pacific last week, said the hotel has been a hit with domestic guests, while its strong service culture and excellent infrastructure have earned it the highest rating of five stars in the 2022 edition of the Forbes Travel Guide.
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto offers curated experiences to provide guests with a complete Kyoto experience
“We are the first hotel in Japan to achieve this recognition within the opening year,” remarked Kusui.
The luxury property occupies a site that was once the residence of the aristocratic Mitsui family. The family’s 300-year-old Kajiimiya Gate has been repaired and conserved to provide a regal welcome to all hotel guests.
Strong Japanese flavours continue across the interiors, through the retention of traditional relics, a serene courtyard garden, and 161 guestrooms that are reimagined traditional Japanese tearooms. Some suites feature access to a natural onsen, with water piped in from an on-site spring.
Reflecting Kyoto’s rich food culture, the hotel presents five dining concepts – Toki, Yui, Forni, The Garden Bar and Shiki-no-ma – all located around a garden, gifting diners splendid views of the season.
The hotel also boasts an enviable address, sitting adjacent to Nijo-jo Castle.
Kusui said the hotel is focused on providing guests with a complete Kyoto experience, not only through its facilities but also bespoke experiences. For example, the hotel organises a complimentary 45-minute Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto Ambassador Curated Art Tour that takes hotel guests around the property to see and learn about its extensive artistic and historical features. The tour includes a visit to the Shiki-no-ma rooms, which contain many items significant to the Mitsui family.
“There has been good international interest in our hotel, and we have some overseas reservations. But until there is more clarity about the rules of entry, I suppose our guests will continue to hold (onto their travel plans). The good news at this point is the removal of pre-departure PCR tests for all travellers coming into Japan – this is such a relief,” he said, adding that further easing of travel restrictions would allow international guests to carry out their long-awaited plans to visit Kyoto.
