Golden Autumn in Switzerland

September 1, 2022

Easily many people’s favourite season, autumn takes us into a golden (pun intended) transitional time with the colour-changing leaves and cool weather. Switzerland boasts its distinct four seasons which can give you a totally different experience when visiting one same spot in different seasons. In autumn, Switzerland “lights up” with its beautiful autumn colours – perfect time to unwind after a busy and active summer.

Swiss Travel System
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland merges the most beautiful panoramic lines into one unique route. From glaciers to lakes and from mountains to cities: each section of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland has a unique character and allows you to witness Swiss autumn in its different landscapes. 11 large lakes, 4 official languages, 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 1,280 kilometres of magnificent view are all packed into the tour where you can hop on and off wherever you like. Experience the entire tour with only one single ticket – the Swiss Travel Pass.

▸ Swiss Travel Pass | Switzerland Tourism

Lake Lucerne Region
Cruising on Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne is the lake with the greatest scenic variety in Switzerland. A boat trip during the autumn mist period gives off a mystical mood and is wonderfully unforgettable. The cruise operates the necessary routes to reach many of the most important excursion destinations and mountain cableways of the region, such as the Rigi, Pilatus, Bürgenstock and Klewenalp. Special musical and culinary events are also offered on numerous scheduled and additional trips. The rich offering of delicious foods from the onboard galley provides added enjoyment and pleasure to any cruise.

▸ Lake Lucerne | Switzerland Tourism

Jungfrau – Interlaken
Get pampered at Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof

Simply enchanting, Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, Swiss Alp Resort & Spa is built in traditional chalet style near the centre of Grindelwald. The backdrop of the hotel is the world-famous Eiger and Lauberhorn, a mountain scenery like of which you have never seen which thrills guests from all over the world. The ambience here is luxurious and comfortable. Connoisseurs of traditional perfection also appreciate the hotel’s exceptional service and culinary delights. The hotel is a perfect destination for a romantic escape or a wellness trip.

▸ Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof | Switzerland Tourism

Schilthorn
Enjoying the 360-degree panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau

The 2,970-metre Schilthorn offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and more than 200 other peaks. A cable car runs every half hour from Stechelberg in the Lauterbrunnen valley in four stages up to the summit, spoiling your eyes with the romantic autumn foliage colours before reaching the top to see the majestic views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau that await you. Dine in the revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, for an ultimate dining with a view experience.

▸ Schilthorn – Piz Gloria | Switzerland Tourism

Vaud – Lake Geneva Region
Discover Lavaux

The terraced vineyards of the UNESCO region Lavaux are some of the most spectacular natural sights in Switzerland, especially in autumn. Extending over 800 hectares along the Lake Geneva shores, they can be enjoyed by hikes, bikes and walks. Of course, the trip to Lavaux isn’t complete without tasting locally produced wines in an authentic wine cellar and learning the centuries-old winegrowing traditions that testify to the synergy between man and nature.

▸ Lavaux vineyards | Switzerland Tourism

Zurich
Thermal Baths & Spa Zurich

Treat yourself with a hot bath during a cooler weather for a city break. Relax in soothing warm water in giant wooden vats – reminiscent of the barrels used in this former brewery – under an impressive barrel-vaulted ceiling. Thermal attractions here range from massage jets to bubble seats and loungers, a sequence of water massages, whirlpool baths and relaxation area with shallow-water zone. The top attraction here – literally – is the open-air pool on the roof of the former brew house, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the whole city of Zurich and the mountain beyond.

▸ Thermal Baths & Spa Zurich | Switzerland Tourism

Japan to permit non-guided group tours, raises daily entry cap

By TTG Asia

August 31, 2022

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Travellers will be allowed to enter Japan on non-guided package tours from September 7, as the country further eases border restrictions. The daily entry cap will also expand from the current 20,000 to 50,000 people.

In making the announcement on August 31, prime minister Fumio Kishida said the intention is to encourage travellers to visit Japan.

Travellers to Japan can enter without a guided tour restriction from September 7

In June, the government began to allow limited numbers to return, subject to strict rules such as being part of a package tour with a guide.

Japan had only 353,119 foreign visitors last year compared to the record 31.9 million in 2019.

Last week, Kishida said Japan would scrap the pre-arrival Covid-19 testing requirement for travellers who have received three vaccine doses.

However, travellers to Japan still require entry visas. Japan’s border is currently open to Japanese nationals and those with long-term and pre-issued tourism visas. It ceased visa waivers for applicable passports during the pandemic.

Hokkaido welcomes back tourists with winter sports and gastronomy

By Kathryn Wortley

August 31, 2022

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Hokkaido’s tourism industry is preparing for somewhat of a rebound this winter with bookings picking up at resorts and snow sports companies preparing for Japan’s new requirements for inbound travellers.

At the northern prefecture’s most popular ski and snow resorts, Niseko and Kutchan, 89 per cent of reservations are from abroad, predominantly Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and the US, according to a survey by the Kutchan Tourism Association.

Bookings at Hokkaido’s resorts and snow sports companies are picking up with Japan’s new requirements for inbound travellers

Hokkaido Ski Club has teamed up with a Tokyo-based travel agency to offer private ski holiday guided tour packages for the 2022–23 season, which runs from December to April. These packages meet the government guidelines introduced on June 10, which require inbound tourists to have a sightseeing visa and be part of a tour group.

Hokkaido-based Japan Ski Experience, meanwhile, is optimistic that Japan’s scrapping of pre-arrival Covid tests for vaccinated tourists from September 7 indicates further loosening of rules will occur soon.

The snow sports market is important to Japan, with average spend of a winter sports tourist totalling 225,000 yen (US$1,636) in 2018, compared to 153,000 yen for an inbound tourist not doing winter sports, according to the Japan Tourism Agency. It is also a growing market. Japan attracted 80,000 inbound skiers in 2018, up from 300,000 in 2013.

And, with swathes of Japan competing for skiers and snowboarders, efforts are underway to boost Hokkaido’s gastro-tourism to add to the prefecture’s international appeal.

The Japan National Tourism Organization is promoting Hokkaido’s iconic foods, including king crab; soup curry, sea urchin and jingisukan (lamb and vegetables).

In Sapporo, Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery offers a tasting room geared to international visitors following research of gastro-tourism experiences in the US and France. Staff introduce various kinds of sake made from Hokkaido-grown rice and provide information on the history of the prefecture and its sake-brewing roots.

And, in April, the southwestern city of Hakodate set up a green tea tourism council, to promote the drink as well as food items made using green tea.

MBS, Las Vegas Sands pledge US$1m for bond-free hospitality scholarships

By TTG Asia

August 31, 2022

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From 2023, more than 100 Singaporean students pursuing hospitality or tourism-related courses can tap a new US$1 million bond-free scholarship programme launched by Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and parent company Las Vegas Sands.

The Sands Hospitality Scholarship programme will run for at least three years, and is open to second-year students studying related courses at the six higher institutes of learning – Nanyang Polytechnic; Ngee Ann Polytechnic; Republic Polytechnic; Singapore Polytechnic; Temasek Polytechnic; and the Singapore Institute of Technology.

The Sands Hospitality Scholarship programme is open to students studying related courses at the six higher institutes of learning in Singapore

Over the three years of the programme, approximately 19 students per polytechnic and 14 students from SIT can apply for the scholarship. Recipients can use the funds for expenses such as tuition fees, course materials and overseas immersion programmes.

They can also apply for internship and full-time roles in the hospitality and tourism sectors such as housekeeping, food and beverage as well as events management.

With a currently employment of close to 10,000 people, of which two-thirds are local, MBS said the scholarship programme is part of its efforts to support the hospitality industry’s workforce development.

MBS’ chief operating officer Paul Town explained that making the programme bond-free will “stimulate interest” in the hospitality industry, rather than specifically to MBS, and will help bring out more emerging talent after the pandemic.

Ron Reese, Las Vegas Sands’ senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, noted that Singapore’s “resilient tourism industry” is expected to grow robustly with international travel resuming.

“By investing in education to help youth establish careers in hospitality, we are supporting the future of our industry and Singapore’s continued leadership as a top global travel destination,” he said.

Housekeeping and F&B jobs are in high demand, he noted, simply because “they really are the engine room of a property”.

“If you don’t have capacity and housekeeping, you literally are potentially closing sections of your hotel and then limiting the tourism visitation into Singapore,” he added.

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh to nurture next generation of hospitality stars

By TTG Asia

August 31, 2022

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Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh has signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambodia’s National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (NIEI) on August 30 to provide resources, workshops, training, technical and curriculum consultation to NIEI in order to develop the next generation of Khmer hospitality personnel.

The hotel will also offer internships to NIEI students to help build their skills in key areas of hospitality.

From left: NIEI’s Tan Kosal and Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh’s Juan Mercadante at the MoU signing event

Juan Mercadante, general manager, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, said: “By refining skills through internships at our hotel, we can really maximise this human capital and offer these students invaluable experience and opportunities to grow their careers.”

The new arrangement between Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh and the NIEI is in line with the Hyatt RiseHY initiative, a new global programme designed to pair hospitality career opportunities with young people who need them. As part of the initiative, Hyatt hotels around the world will commit to hiring 10,000 Opportunity Youth – those aged 16 to 24 who are neither in school nor working – by 2025.

“We understand the challenges young people face, and Hyatt hotels are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution. Hospitality is one of the few industries where entry-level opportunities often lead to fulfilling, life-long careers that can change the trajectory of someone’s life,” said Malaika Myers, chief human resources officer, Hyatt.

“With the launch of RiseHY, Hyatt hotels will harness the power of technology in ways our industry has never done before, to scale career opportunities, bringing awareness to hospitality careers and setting up candidates for success from the start as it expands training programmes as a path for employment.”

Princess Cruises’ flight booking programme now available in South-east Asia

By TTG Asia

August 31, 2022

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Princess Cruises has expanded its EZair flight booking programme for guests from South-east Asia, mainly Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brunei.

This easy-to-use tool provides customised suggestions based on when and where passengers are sailing, low prices with flexible air fares. Guests who have to travel longhaul to board their cruise will benefit from using EZair as a one-stop vacation planner.

The programme was previously only available to guests in North America and Europe.

Farriek Tawfik, director, South-east Asia, Princess Cruises, said: “Princess Cruises’ EZair elevates the pre-cruising experience by making it easy and convenient to book the flight component for guests in South-east Asia who will be travelling overseas to cruise.

“The EZair programme will better serve guests in this region with access to competitive airfares compatible with their cruise.”

Available flights can be reviewed in real-time, and the desired air schedule and carrier can be chosen at the time of booking. Flights can only be booked with a confirmed cruise reservation (including deposit), however, flights can be searched when checking cruise availability.

Flights are available to book from four days before the cruise to 300 days before the end of the vacation. Guests can customise their flights at the time of booking, without paying any additional customisation fee. Flights can be booked through the cruise line’s website or with travel advisors, who can easily access EZair to check flights for guests.

Guests who book air travel through Princess Cruises will also be automatically enrolled in the Princess Late Arrival Protection programme.

If there is an airline delay or service disruption causing guests to miss their embarkation, or a missed return flight due to a delay by the cruise, Princess will work with the airlines to find a reasonable alternative to provide flights for guests at no additional air cost.

Royal Caribbean Group to implement high-speed Internet onboard fleetwide

By TTG Asia

August 31, 2022

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Royal Caribbean Group will be the first in the cruise industry to adopt SpaceX’s Starlink, an innovative broadband Internet service providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity for a better onboard experience for guests and crew fleetwide.

Starlink will be installed on all Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises ships, along with all new vessels for each of the brands.

The Starlink technology will be deployed across the fleet and is expected to be completed by 1Q2023

After receiving positive feedback from guests and crew for its trial onboard Freedom of the Seas, deployment of the Starlink technology across the fleet will begin immediately and is slated to be completed by 1Q2023.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said: “This technology will provide game-changing Internet connectivity onboard our ships, enhancing the cruise experience for guests and crew alike.

“It will improve and enable more high-bandwidth activities like video streaming as well as activities like video calls.”

Faster and more reliable Internet will also make it easier for guests and crew to remain connected to work, family and friends – no matter where they are in the world.

“Our work with SpaceX is another example of how Royal Caribbean Group continues to lead the cruise industry in innovation and adoption of cutting-edge technology,” he added.

Chill in high style at Centara Grand Mirage Pattaya’s new rooftop bar

By TTG Asia

August 31, 2022

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Rum Jungle, the newest bar at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, has officially opened.

Overlooking Pattaya beach, guests can socialise while indulging in BBQ delights, cocktails, and Latin American vibrations.

The new Rum Jungle bar overlooks Pattaya beach

To celebrate its opening, there are complimentary snacks and the buy-one-get-one-free promotion for any drink.

Rum Jungle is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 16.00 to 22.00. Reservations are required.

Email cmbr@chr.co.th.

Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park on final lap to closure

By TTG Asia

August 31, 2022

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Jurong Bird Park, long an iconic attraction in Singapore, will shut its doors after 52 years in operations on January 3, 2023.

The avian wildlife park will then begin a new journey as Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve in the northern section of Singapore.

Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park on final lap to closure

On its final lap of operations, Jurong Bird Park is inviting visitors to embark on A Flight to Remember from September 3, with a line-up of activities celebrating the park’s heritage. Visitors can join a self-guided Heritage Trail of Jurong Bird Park and make pit-stops at a series of heritage displays that illustrate key milestones.

Operating from 1992 to 2012, the park’s old Panorail was a monorail system which offered guests panoramic views as it traversed the park. To mark this iconic piece of the park’s history, the old Panorail Station has reopened to the public, complete with a recreation of the Panorail for nostalgic photo opportunities.

Visitors can also contribute their favourite memories of Jurong Bird Park to a ‘living’ Memory Wall at the Penguin Coast and watch their memories pop up on screen in real-time.

Limited-edition merchandise, such as Jurong Bird Park-themed terrariums and medallions, will be on sale.

Daisy Ling, the park’s vice president, who started working with the attraction in 1982 as an education officer, said: “I have seen Jurong Bird Park through many transformations in my 40-year-history here, from new amphitheatres to aviaries, but this will be the most significant yet. There are still many of us who joined the organisation in its early days and have been here over the decades.

“While we commemorate our fondest memories here in Jurong, we also look forward to new beginnings with the Bird Paradise in Mandai Wildlife Reserve and to be a part of another transformative phase of Singapore’s bird park. We hope the local community can join us in the coming months to make this a worthy closing chapter for the park before we turn the page.”

Jurong Bird Park will release new programming over the next few months, including the launch of a Nostalgic Signature Tour in November. Bookings for the tour will open on October 19.

Also launching in November is a nostalgic dining experience with traditional pushcarts selling local hawker fare and carnival activities to raise the festive spirit.

Blue Tree Phuket set to host multi-sport race this month

By TTG Asia

August 31, 2022

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Blue Tree Phuket will launch the inaugural Blue Tree Aquathlon on September 24 – a multi-sport race comprising run and swim elements.

Athletes are expected to come from all over Thailand to join races between 07.00 and 11.00.

The Blue Tree Aquathlon is a multi-sport race comprising run and swim elements

The event marks the start of Phuket’s “high season of destination sporting events”, said deputy managing director of Blue Tree Phuket, Paolo Randone.

Other international sports events, such as Pho3nix Kids Triathlons and Spartan APAC Championship 2022, are set for November this year.

The host venue is perfect for such multi-sport events, opined Randone.

“We have not only our huge crystal lagoon but also running tracks, fitness trails, a forest park, a pump track, beach area, a skate park, and amazing food and beverage options in a variety of restaurants and food trucks, all within 140 rai (224,000m²) of beautiful tropical landscaped land,” he said in a press statement.

Registration for the Blue Tree Aquathlon closes on September 22.

Golden Autumn in Switzerland

Japan to permit non-guided group tours, raises daily entry cap

Hokkaido welcomes back tourists with winter sports and gastronomy

MBS, Las Vegas Sands pledge US$1m for bond-free hospitality scholarships

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh to nurture next generation of hospitality stars

Princess Cruises’ flight booking programme now available in South-east Asia

Royal Caribbean Group to implement high-speed Internet onboard fleetwide

Chill in high style at Centara Grand Mirage Pattaya’s new rooftop bar

Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park on final lap to closure

Blue Tree Phuket set to host multi-sport race this month

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