The Lost World Adventure Land has opened at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, elevating the family holiday experience at the property.
Nestled against the jungle waterpark at the resort, the latest addition features new rides like the SkyRider aerial course and a choice of two obstacle courses in the air with SkyTrail.
The SkyRider aerial course is one of the attractions at The Lost World Adventure Land
There is also an outdoor play area boasting an expansive three-level playground complete with slides, trampolines, raft game with a moving raft, playground tower, and a digging pit for excavating dinosaur bones.
Parents have a designated area to observe as their children play. There are also dedicated playground supervisors to keep the children safe.
In the indoor zone, activities are aplenty to keep the little ones occupied: arts and crafts; a soft-play kids’ cinema; wooden toys and giant soft building blocks; and even baking classes at the cooking studio.
There is even a Kids’ Café that serves drinks, ice cream and snacks, and the Zulu Family Lounge for guests travelling with children under the age of 15.
“The addition of a new family themed attraction further amplifies our resort’s appeal to travellers of all ages,” said Wayne Duberly, area general manager, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.
Guests can purchase days passes for The Lost World Adventure Land on the resort’s website.
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts will be the first global hotel brand in the Gyeonggi Province city with the launch of InterContinental Pyeongtaek, slated to open in 2025.
In partnership with Seraphim Development, the 244-room InterContinental Pyeongtaek is part of the city’s future expansion plans, and will cater to tourists and business travellers, as well as guests of the nearby US military base, Camp Humphreys.
InterContinental Pyeongtaek will cater to both leisure and business travellers
Centrally situated on the Korean Peninsula near a major port, the hotel is easily accessible by sea, express train, and car, and will integrate with the mixed-use development International Market Place. It is also close to the Pyeongtaek Special Tourism Area and Naeri Cultural Park.
As the fourth InterContinental hotel in Korea, the new property will comprise restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool and event spaces.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the global innovator in cruise travel, breaks the mould with the launch of the first ship in its ground-breaking new Prima Class — the line’s first new class of ships in nearly 10 years.
Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships to be delivered through 2027. A ship full of firsts – from the first three-level racetrack at sea to the brand’s first upmarket open-air food hall – Norwegian Prima also boasts the most outdoor deck space of any new ship in her competitive set.
With capacity for 3,100 guests at double occupancy, her exhilarating itineraries and ground-breaking onboard experiences, such as show-stopping entertainment, global culinary experiences and indulgent relaxation, redefine what’s possible at sea.
As the first major cruise ship to be christened in Iceland, Norwegian Prima embarks on her inaugural voyage on 27 August from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, with world-class superstar Katy Perry serving as Godmother.
Discover why Norwegian Prima is hitting all the right notes for Asian travellers and has become NCL’s most in-demand ship yet.
STUNNING DESTINATIONS
Norwegian Prima in the Norwegian Fjords
It’s time to encourage clients to tick off their bucket-list. Iconic itineraries in Northern Europe aboard Norwegian Prima will showcase the ethereal beauty of Iceland – land of fire of ice – and the dramatic fjords of Norway, with departures from London (Southampton), UK; Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, The Netherlands or Reykjavik, Iceland.
Sailing in 2022 and 2023, each voyage will immerse travellers in a world of rich culture, vast natural beauty and cosmopolitan cities.
EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR LIVING
Infinity Beach on Ocean Boulevard
Norwegian Prima boasts the largest outdoor deck space of any comparable new ship, allowing guests to feel more connected with the great outdoors and the sea than ever before.
Travellers can take a stroll around the expansive Ocean Boulevard and discover a range of unique spaces, including The Concourse, an outdoor sculpture garden that features an art wall designed by famed artist David Harber and six installations designed by Alexander Krivosheiw. The seven sculptures, valued at over USD$2 million, offer stunning effects that change as the sun sets – the ultimate selfie-spot.
Infinity Beach features two infinity pools, one located on each side of the ship to take in the vastness of the ocean while soaking in the open air, while two Oceanwalk glass bridges allow guests to feel as if they are walking on air over the water.
DELECTABLE DINING
Onda by Scarpetta
Featuring nine brand-new dining and beverage concepts, from sushi to succulent steaks, fine French fare and traditional Italian, Norwegian Prima is elevating dining at sea.
Indulge Food Hall is the line’s first ever open-air gourmet food hall, where travellers can take their tastebuds on a global tour with 11 different casual dining options to choose from. Think authentic Indian, a tapas food truck, a seaside rotisserie and delectable desserts.
Also making its debut on Norwegian Prima is speciality restaurant Palomar, where guests can enjoy a taste of high-end Mediterranean cuisine, featuring mouth-watering dishes made with simple yet sophisticated ingredients. Meanwhile returning favourites include Onda by Scarpetta, showcasing rich and bold Italian flavours, as well as NCL’s signature steakhouse, Cagneys.
And after a long day of adventure, Norwegian Prima serves up sustainably focused libations at Metropolitan Bar. Sip and savour the bar’s signature cocktail, the Primadonna, crafted using surplus banana peels and Flor De Cana rum produced with 100% renewable energy. NCL’s first sustainably-focused bar boasts zero-waste cocktails, sustainably sourced spirits and over 20 biodynamic wines produced using organic farming methods.
ELEVATED EXPERIENCES
With a myriad of thrilling activities, Norwegian Prima promises fun for the young and young-at-heart. Adrenaline junkies will love Prima Speedway, the first three-level go-kart race track at sea, featuring 14 nail-biting turns and allowing 15 drivers to race at speeds of more than 50km/h.
Prima Speedway
But for the ultimate rush, guests can take their pick of plunging 10-storey slides – The Drop, hailed as the “world’s first free-fall dry slide” and The Rush, a duelling duo of slides for those with a competitive streak.
Go high-tech at The Galaxy Pavillion, a virtual wonderland and indoor gaming complex offering guests 14 different attractions. The first-at-sea TopGolf Swing Suite is powered by Full Swing golf simulator technology used by PGA Tour pros, allowing guests to join the big leagues with world-renowned golf courses and multiplayer games.
If you are looking to beat the heat, look no further than Norwegian Prima’s Aqua Park or Main Pool to have a splashing good time. Keep an eye out for NCL’s first Tidal Wave water slide, where guests can ride an innertube with gushing waves.
When it’s time to get away, Vibe Beach Club is the place to be, serving up hip and healthy cocktails in an adults-only oasis that features two infinity hot tubs.
A SPA FOR ALL THE SENSES
Mandara Spa
Get set for an indulgent pampering experience at the Mandara Spa. With eight thermal spa offerings available, Norwegian Prima boasts the first-ever charcoal sauna on a cruise ship. Inspired by Japanese and Korean wellness practices, the sauna utilises a rejuvenating heat system with a charcoal layer to effectively boost circulation, metabolism, toxin removal and treat muscle tension.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? NCL’s travel agent portal Norwegian Central Asia features an extensive toolbox of Prima Class information and marketing materials to support agent partners. Email NCL to register for access.
For more information on NCL, visit www.ncl.com or call Hong Kong +852 2165 6000 | Southeast Asia: +65 3165 1680.
Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed two new hotel management agreements in Thailand with Evergreen Hospitality.
The 78-key Away Bangkok Sukhumvit and the 70-room Cross Vibe South Pattaya will join the Cross portfolio, which presently comprises more than 26 hotels under five distinct brands – Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen and Cross Collection – in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan.
Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed two new hotel management agreements in Thailand with Evergreen Hospitality
Away Bangkok Sukhumvit sits close to leading business, entertainment and shopping centres, and is a short walk to Phrom Phong BTS station. Cross Vibe South Pattaya is just minutes from Pattaya’s famed beach, providing guests with easy access to the city’s dining, entertainment and retail zones.
Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts said the company shares similar values of sustainability, responsibility and eco-awareness with Evergreen Hospitality.
Although Japan has not set a date for its border reopening, its cities of Tokyo, Osako, and Hokkaido are trending in searches for the year-end holidays, especially among Singapore travellers.
Aside from Japan, Expedia reported that in 1H2022, destinations like Bangkok, Bali and Singapore trended month-on-month.
Trends shaping travel for the Asia-Pacific region were shared during Expedia’s media dialogue on Aug 17
The online travel company observed a 470 per cent spike in inbound travel demand for South-east Asia between 1H2021 and 1H2022.
Expedia also noted that six out of the top 10 source markets for South-east Asian destinations were from Asia – Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan, and Indonesia – underscoring strong intra-Asia travel intentions.
These data points, as well as current travel trends, were shared at Expedia’s Wednesday media dialogue on trends shaping travel for the Asia-Pacific region.
Expedia’s vice president of market management, Asia Pacific, Michael Dykes, said: “When Japan opens, it will really help (Asia-Pacific). We saw it from Australia when it first reopened. Domestic travel was tops, but when South-east Asia opened up, suddenly all the Australians were travelling throughout the region. When Japan reopens, it is going to help all of Asia, because there’s going to be another big wave of travel in and out.”
For example, according to Expedia data, Indonesia and Thailand took first and second spot in the top five destination ranking for Australians in 1H2022. When compared to 1H2019, demand for the two South-east Asian countries was 10 times short.
Dykes added that the “attractiveness of Japan has not dimmed”, with travellers from Singapore particularly enjoying the cuisine, varied destinations from Hokkaido’s ski destinations to Okinawa’s beach resorts, and ease of getting around.
James Marshall, vice president, global air account management, Expedia Group, said: “There is a lot of speculation that by the end of the year, Japan will be open – although there’s nothing official. Yet, carriers like Singapore Airlines (Scoot) continue to add capacity and flights.”
To give travellers more flexibility in the event of Covid-related issues, Dykes pointed out that the OTA has worked with suppliers and made 70 per cent of Expedia’s rates fully-refundable within conditions.
When asked what the travel forecast is for 2023, Marshall told TTG Asia he is optimistic that the sector will continue on its upwards recovery trajectory.
Aside from helping to accelerate technology in the travel space, Covid has also resulted in pent-up travel demand and catalysed purchase intent – something that Marshall believes will allow demand for travel and experiences to take precedence over material goods at least for the next six months.
However, Marshall cautioned that there will continue to be travel hiccups due to resource shortage, surging fuel prices, and a looming recession.
Cebu Pacific will ramp up its direct flights to Seoul (Incheon) from September 9, increasing from the current twice-a-week service to daily.
The daily Cebu-Seoul service will depart Mactan Cebu International Airport at 12.25 and arrive at 18.10, while the Seoul-Cebu service is scheduled to depart Seoul at 18.55 and arrive in Cebu at 22:50.
Cebu Pacific now flies direct to Seoul daily
Fully vaccinated travellers flying to Seoul need to have their negative Covid-19 test result taken within 48 hours before departure, with a valid vaccination certificate, and a filled-out foreigner registration card.
Cathay members can now enjoy the best of Marco Polo Club and Asia Miles under one Cathay membership programme, with more options to earn and redeem Asia Miles and Status Points – formerly known as Marco Polo Club Points – to unlock even more exclusive privileges when travelling or spending with Cathay.
Director of customer lifestyle, Paul Smitton, said: “We wanted to make it easier for members to get the most out of Cathay. That’s why we have simplified the programmes and evolved our membership to provide more benefits and choices that elevate our members’ lives, both on the ground and in the air, keeping everything they know and love about Cathay while innovating for the future.”
Cathay members can now enjoy the best of Marco Polo Club and Asia Miles under one membership programme
Cathay is enhancing its digital experience, from its website to the Cathay mobile app, enabling members to access their membership card, earn and redeem Asia Miles, accrue Status Points, and more.
Current Marco Polo Club Diamond, Gold and Silver members will directly transition into the corresponding Cathay status – Diamond, Gold, Silver and Green – with automatic status renewal through 2022. Silver members and above will be able to earn more miles when they shop, dine or travel with Cathay.
In addition, members in Hong Kong can renew and upgrade their status by spending with the co-branded credit cards, while earning Asia Miles. Special rates on miles will also be offered to eligible members when they use Miles Plus Cash, providing more flexibility to spend miles.
More exclusive travel and lifestyle offers and experiences will be rolled out over the next few months.
Marriott Hotels has teamed up with idea engine TED through its award-winning educational arm TED-Ed, to debut a one-of-a kind immersive experience outside of a TED conference.
Aimed at sparking curiosity and enriching the experience of global travellers, The Curiosity Room by TED features interactive activities integrated into the Marriott Hotels guest room design, such as puzzles, hidden messages and more. There is a Curiosity Journal that serves as a guide to the in-room riddles, with hints available in case guests need a helping hand.
The Curiosity Room by TED features interactive activities integrated into the Marriott Hotels guest room design
Once completed, guests receive a certificate and can celebrate with a complimentary dessert at the hotel’s restaurant.
First launched in San Francisco, California, this experiential interactive room experience will soon be available in Bangkok and London.
Guests can now book their stay in The Curiosity Room by TED at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park from August 15 to November 15. Priced from 16,100 baht (US$452), it includes a two-night stay for up to four guests, one dinner at Goji Kitchen + Bar, and a treat from the Siam Tea Room’s bakery.
Japan’s rate of inbound tourism is yet to experience significant improvement despite the country’s relaxation of border controls on June 10 to allow entry of tourists for the first time in more than two years.
Due to high interest in Japan among international travellers, the industry was optimistic about the reopening, but a rebound remains elusive. According to Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA), 252 foreign tourists entered Japan between June 10 and June 30, while 7,900 arrived in July.
Tedious paperwork and restrictions to group tours only have disrupted Japan’s inbound recovery potential
Meanwhile, around 8, 500 pax have applied to arrive in Japan between August 12 and August 31, according to the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA).
The extremely low number of tourist arrivals is due to the “time-consuming process needed to travel to Japan,” according to the ISA and JTA. Keen travellers are required to secure a sightseeing visa and private health insurance, show a negative PCR test result, and be part of a tour group.
Japanese agencies also cite China’s strict restrictions on overseas travel for its citizens as another reason for the slow return of arrivals. According to the JTA, 9.6 million Chinese visited Japan in 2019, making China the top source market for Japan’s tourism industry pre-pandemic.
At the same time, group tours tend to draw weaker interest, particularly among Western travellers.
Many prospective customers are choosing to wait until Japan relaxes its tourism rules further to allow FIT travel, according to Derek Yamashita, creative director of The Hidden Japan.
The additional cost of joining a group tour is “pricing out a lot of markets,” warned Simon Gilbert, co-owner and customer relations representative of Kyushu Journeys.
Meanwhile, Pankaj Pradhan, CEO and founder of destination management company B Japan Tours, remains positive for future arrivals. He said there is a lot of “pent-up demand” for travel to Japan, thanks to the country’s “unique combination” of safety, social discipline, design, culture and culinary arts.
Tripadvisor’s Fall Travel Index shows that while the busy summer travel season is coming to an end, over three-quarters of Singaporeans (81%) are planning to travel this autumn despite ongoing inflation and rising fuel costs.
Inflation will impact how Singaporeans travel
Nearly 73% said that inflation will impact the way in which they travel – 38% said that they will likely travel for shorter lengths of time and 35% said that they will likely travel somewhere closer to home than previously planned.
Milan is one of the top ten trending destinations for Singaporeans this autumn
For the majority of Singaporeans, continued rising costs are prompting consumers to alter their spending habits and adjust their travel plans.
Singaporeans would rather cut back on expenses elsewhere in order to travel. In fact, 67% of respondents said that they plan to travel more this autumn than they did during the same period last year and 65% plan to spend more. This is also reflected in traveller behaviour, with Tripadvisor site data revealing that the average value of a trip booked by Singaporean travellers this autumn is 41% higher than the same period in 2021.
Singaporeans bucking global domestic travel trend to jet off abroad
The Tripadvisor Travel Index indicates that globally, domestic trips are still the number one choice, with almost 60% of global travellers opting for this. However, 88% of Singaporeans are planning to travel abroad this autumn, versus 12% choosing the staycation route.
Whether going abroad or not, 70% of Singaporeans plan to travel between one and six hours from home, while 30% are heading somewhere seven or more hours away. The majority (51%) of Singaporeans are planning to take a trip of at least four nights this Fall and Tripadvisor search data underlines the first and second weeks of September as the most popular travel dates thus far.
Top destinations for Singaporeans
The top ten trending destinations for Singaporeans are, in order of preference: Genting Highlands, Malaysia; Milan, Italy; Busan, South Korea; Perth, Australia; Barcelona, Spain; Seogwipo, South Korea; Zurich, Switzerland; Florence, Italy; Munich, Germany; and Penang, Malaysia.
This is based on destinations which have seen the biggest year-on-year increase in searches on Tripadvisor by Singaporeans for trips this autumn.
Food is a highlight for Singaporeans
When it comes to the most exciting components of a trip, the Tripadvisor Fall Travel Index revealed that the top five picks for Singaporeans are: food (74%), scenery (63%), shopping (48%), culture (48%) and activities (46%).
One in three (34%) said that the purpose of their trip is to experience something new and unique and 46% have booked an on-trip activity ahead of their trip to help them do so.
Japan’s rate of inbound tourism is yet to experience significant improvement despite the country’s relaxation of border controls on June 10 to allow entry of tourists for the first time in more than two years.
Due to high interest in Japan among international travellers, the industry was optimistic about the reopening, but a rebound remains elusive. According to Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA), 252 foreign tourists entered Japan between June 10 and June 30, while 7,900 arrived in July.
Meanwhile, around 8, 500 pax have applied to arrive in Japan between August 12 and August 31, according to the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA).
The extremely low number of tourist arrivals is due to the “time-consuming process needed to travel to Japan,” according to the ISA and JTA. Keen travellers are required to secure a sightseeing visa and private health insurance, show a negative PCR test result, and be part of a tour group.
Japanese agencies also cite China’s strict restrictions on overseas travel for its citizens as another reason for the slow return of arrivals. According to the JTA, 9.6 million Chinese visited Japan in 2019, making China the top source market for Japan’s tourism industry pre-pandemic.
At the same time, group tours tend to draw weaker interest, particularly among Western travellers.
Many prospective customers are choosing to wait until Japan relaxes its tourism rules further to allow FIT travel, according to Derek Yamashita, creative director of The Hidden Japan.
The additional cost of joining a group tour is “pricing out a lot of markets,” warned Simon Gilbert, co-owner and customer relations representative of Kyushu Journeys.
Meanwhile, Pankaj Pradhan, CEO and founder of destination management company B Japan Tours, remains positive for future arrivals. He said there is a lot of “pent-up demand” for travel to Japan, thanks to the country’s “unique combination” of safety, social discipline, design, culture and culinary arts.