Brij Hotels is set to launch Brij Gaj Kesri, Bikaner in Rajasthan, a modern-day manor house that spans 6.47 hectares, on October 1 this year.
The refurbished property will feature 41 rooms and suites, with dedicated private areas and event venues across its five levels.
Brij Gaj Kesri, Bikaner will open on October 1
The hotel is surrounded by gardens, with facilities such as drawing rooms, courtyard, spa, and rooftop pool. Dining options include a vegetarian restaurant and a café.
Brij Gaj Kesri is also home to an impressive permanent exhibition that features contemporary art and artefacts.
Udit Kumar, co-founder of Brij Hotels, said: “Our new hotel Brij Gaj Kesri Bikaner is another magnificent gem in Rajasthan. We look forward to welcoming travellers who desire a combination of old-world comforts in a luxurious contemporary setting and those who would like to explore & immerse themselves in the various dimensions of Bikaner with our trademark hospitality.”
Wellness company Core Collective has teamed up with Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa to launch Core Collective Sentosa within the resort.
Core Collective Sentosa will feature a fitness and wellness retreat comprising an outdoor boot camp and functional training area, and a collaboration with Chinois Spa to create an urban oasis for busy city dwellers.
Core Collective Sentosa will feature a fitness and wellness retreat
Michelle Yong, CEO of Aurum Land and CEO & founder of Core Collective, said: “Our focus has always been to build supportive environments that create change, advance communities and accelerate growth. We are excited to partner with Amara Sanctuary Resort and Chinois Spa, and continue the growth of Core Collective to achieve our shared vision of creating the best value and collaborative opportunities for our members and professionals.”
Dawn Teo, senior vice president of Amara Hotels & Resorts, regards the collaboration as coming at an “opportune moment”, as Singapore is sharpening her strength as a wellness destination. The Wellness Festival Singapore was launched in June.
HK Express is ramping up its Mobile First transformation strategy with a new and improved app, making the mobile booking experience easier than ever for customers.
“We are fast-tracking our digital transformation so the next generation of travellers has everything they need to plan, find and book flights in the palm of their hands,” said HK Express’ CEO Mandy Ng.
HK Express makes the mobile booking experience easier for customers with a new and improved app
“Our new app offers a dynamic experience that’s both efficient and enjoyable to use for our growing market of tech-savvy mobile nomads.”
The recently upgraded app features a refreshed look, intuitive performance, personalised and helpful content, faster loading speeds, as well as decreased launch and flight search response times, thanks to a new app infrastructure.
HK Express is working closely with Hong Kong International Airport to explore more Mobile First opportunities, including a contactless digital check-in and self-bag drop system using mobile devices, and will continue to implement digital transformation initiatives based on the evolving needs of its customers.
Centara Hotels & Resorts partners AirAsia rewards to offer members of the airline 40 per cent off all-inclusive packages at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives.
AirAsia members also enjoy 20 per cent discount on selected spa treatments at both resorts from now till December 20.
Centara Hotels & Resorts rewards AirAsia members with 40 per cent off all-inclusive packages at Maldives; Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives pictured
In addition, travellers can save 20 per cent on seaplane transfers to Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives or speedboat transfers to Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives for stays from now till October 31.
Complexities in post-lockdown travel are driving more Singaporeans to rely on travel agents to fulfil their near-term vacation dreams, found agency representatives.
Speaking to TTG Asia at the NATAS Holidays 2022 travel fair that opened this morning, Jeremiah Wong, spokesperson for Chan Brothers Travel, said the company is seeing a rise in millennial customers taking up group tours for the first time.
NATAS Holidays 2022 travel fair opens today
“Pre-Covid, this segment of travellers usually planned their holidays independently. With travel arrangements today more complex than before, they are hesitant about travelling free and easy, and have chosen to book with us for peace of mind. This is especially so for millennials looking to take their parents on holiday with them,” said Wong, adding that multi-generational travel is also on the rise, as customers turn to travel as a means of familial bonding after two years of social distancing.
The strong shift in independent travellers to group tours is also “because for certain destinations, like Japan, FIT is not an option”.
Super Travels Group has also seen a rise in new customers taking up group tours, shared marketing manager William Huang, particularly for Japan which currently restricts inbound tourism to approved tour groups.
To cater to this once-independent traveller segment, Super Travels Group works more free time into programmes in Japan. Travellers are able to explore an attraction or area on their own while still under the guidance of a tour manager, and regroup at a set time and location with other fellow travellers.
“More customers are realising that there is greater comfort when booking with a travel agency now. If anything were to happen before or during their trip, they have an agent to rely on. Travel continues to be complex now,” remarked Kelly Toh, head of department (marketing) with CTC Travel.
Addressing an industry audience at the opening ceremony of NATAS Holidays 2022, Singapore’s minister of state Alvin Tan said travel agents are the “lubricants of global travel today”, underscoring the important role these specialist advisors play in rebuilding travellers’ confidence and facilitating smoother travel.
Chan Brothers’ Wong believes that customers who have never experienced a group tour pre-pandemic may be surprised by the advantages of hassle-free arrangements.
“Group tours are no longer just one stop after another in quick succession. We have made changes to our group tour programmes – they are longer in duration to include more free time and opportunities for deeper immersion in the featured destinations,” he said.
He added: “This is an opportunity for consumers to experience what a group tour is like, if they’ve never considered it before, and be converted.”
Nova Maldives, Maldives
Nova Maldives is located in the heart of the South Ari Atoll, just 25 minutes away by seaplane from Velana International Airport.
Known for its spectacular diving sites with regular sightings of whale sharks, Manta rays, shark points and shipwrecks, Nova Maldives is perfect for diving and snorkelling, with a wide variety of sea activities such as water-skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding and more.
Boasting 76 spacious overwater and beach villas, Nova also features an all-day dining buffet Soul Kitchen, and two à la carte restaurants: Flames, Nova’s Grill House; and a teppanyaki experience at Mizu.
The island offers fun activities like pool parties, evening gatherings and party nights. Facilities include a spa, yoga pavilion, and fitness centre.
Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh
Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Centrally located in the Cambodian capital’s business and entertainment district, Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh features 207 rooms and serviced apartments, with a mix of deluxe rooms, studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, and a 547m² penthouse that offers panoramic views of the city skyline.
F&B venues include an all-day restaurant, bakery and café, whiskey and cigar bar, with the signature Oakwood Premier Mobile Bar set to launch in November this year.
There are also an outdoor pool, fitness centre and meeting rooms.
ST Residences Balestier
ST Residences Balestier, Singapore
ST Residences offers long- and short-term accommodation with 20 fully-serviced condominium rental units, ranging from executive and studio serviced units to single rooms.
The property is a short drive to the CBD, with access to major expressways in Singapore. Nearby are several medical institutions – an ideal location for health professionals and medical tourists.
Requiring a minimum stay of three months, ST Residences Balestier’s three-room units are fully furnished and equipped, with living area, kitchenette, wardrobe, ensuite bathroom, and essentials such as refrigerator, washing machine and weekly housekeeping. Wi-Fi is also included. Guests enjoy complimentary access to ST Residences Novena’s swimming pool and indoor gym, located 12 minutes away.
Tribe Phnom Penh Post Office Square
Tribe Phnom Penh Post Office Square, Cambodia
Tribe Phnom Penh Post Office Square is a creative hub for modern travellers and locals, and is located 10km from Phnom Penh International Airport.
Surrounded by heritage buildings, the Mekong riverfront promenade, and the historic temple of Wat Phnom, the 260-key property offers F&B options like a restaurant and bar, with amenities comprising a fitness centre, saltwater pool overlooking the Mekong River, and multi-functional space for events.
Those on business trips will appreciate Tribe’s flexible co-working space, with the 24-hour Tribe Express nearby to grab some healthy bites while working.
A strong rebound in international travel demand in India is choking up Schengen visa application facilities across a number of European missions in New Delhi, forcing travellers to look for other more accessible holiday destinations.
TTG Asia learns from industry sources that appointments for Schengen visa applications are fully booked till August.
Appointments for Schengen visa applications in New Delhi are fully booked till August
“We are still unable to avail appointments for European visas,” lamented Aditya Tyagi, founder, Luxe Escape.
“We have a family from Hyderabad that is looking to travel to France around September 20, but we don’t have available slots for visa appointments before September 10. So, this family is now considering either Australia or New Zealand,” he added.
Tyagi recalled a similar situation in July, when a client had to move his five-night birthday trip from Europe to Mauritius due to visa challenges.
“Our clients are now considering alternative destinations in South-east Asia, Australia and Africa,” he said.
Visa processes at some European missions are now taking four to 10 weeks, up from the previous three weeks.
Describing Indian travel sentiment as being “at an all-time high” today, Daniel D’Souza, president & country head – holidays, SOTC Travel, said visa challenges for Europe are pushing customers to destinations closer to home and which have an easy visa requirement.
Key travel trade associations, including the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), have recently met with senior officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs to highlight the predicament.
“Some missions keep the passports for an indefinite period, resulting in uncertainty and cancellations which incur a huge cost for the traveller given that confirmed air tickets and hotel vouchers are a requirement for visa applications,” said Jyoti Mayal, president, TAAI.
Compared to visa issues, chaos at some European airports have had a lesser impact on Indian travellers’ plans, noted agents.
The tills at travel agencies in Malaysia are ringing with cruise holiday transactions, following Resorts World Cruises’s establishment of a Kuala Lumpur homeport, via Port Klang, for its Genting Dream cruise on July 18.
Malaysian agents told TTG Asia that bookings for Genting Dream is selling well due to its affordability. Two-night cruises from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore are priced from RM688 (US$154) while three-night programmes to Penang and Singapore are priced from RM988.
Malaysian agents attribute rising cruise sales to ease of booking and boarding; Genting Dream pictured
Koh Yock Heng, Apple Vacations and Conventions’ group managing director, expects sales to pick up further in the coming months as customers continue to be charmed by the ease of booking. Getting onboard is also easy, as cruise passengers only need to show a negative ART result prior to boarding.
In comparison, Koh said popular holiday destinations with Malaysians, such as Japan, require a visa. China, also a favourite, remains closed to holidaymakers.
Genting Dream’s homeport in Port Klang is also an advantage, opined Adam Kamal, director, Suka Travel, as the cruise holiday is accessible for Malaysians living in the northern, central and southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia.
Adam found sales to perform better than expected, and attributed that to the lack of competition at the moment. While Suka Travel also sells Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas, the ship is homeported in Singapore, which requires Malaysian travellers to make their way to Singapore for boarding.
The return of homeport cruises in Malaysia also presents an opportunity for local agents to expand their itineraries for international visitors. Destination Explore has been fielding enquiries from its Indian partners for year-end programmes that include two- and three-night cruises for both leisure and corporate travellers, shared vice president Ganneesh Ramaa.
Ennismore has signed four new hotels in New Zealand with CP Group and will see the opening of four new hotels including a Jo&Joe in Auckland, two Tribe hotels in Auckland, and a Hyde in Queenstown. The hotels will open across 2023 to 2024.
The new properties are part of Ennismore’s expanding collective in the Pacific region.
Ennismore is expanding in the Pacific region with four new hotel signings in New Zealand; 25hours Hotel Sydney pictured
Gaurav Bhushan, co-chief executive officer, Ennismore, said: “Globally, the lifestyle segment is bouncing back from the impacts of the pandemic quicker than traditional hotels, driven mostly by strong F&B demand.
“This is generating robust interest and has a strong growth trajectory as we strengthen our position in this segment, with concepts that integrate the notion of entertainment and feature restaurants and bars. Our lifestyle brands, with their unique and authentic F&B offering, make each a destination for both local communities and international travellers.”
This partnership will help create 170 new career opportunities, and a CP Group spokesperson has affirmed the company’s commitment “to rebuilding tourism in New Zealand and making a mindful and positive impact on our local communities through investment and job creation”.
