Singapore Airlines (SIA) has opened its all-new flagship SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, following a S$50 million (US$36m) redesign, upgrade, and expansion project.
SilverKris Lounge comprises the business class section and the first-class The Private Room. Together with the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge, both can accommodate around 1,150 customers within 6,100m² of space, doubling the capacity that was available during the pandemic while the upgrading works were going on.
Singapore Airlines unveils new lounges at Changi Airport
Designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of diverse groups of travellers, the new facilities offer world-class products and services, as well as enticing F&B options available round the clock.
Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, said: “Extensive customer engagement and research have gone into the design of the new SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges. Customers will enjoy thoughtfully curated product offerings and experience the signature Singapore Airlines hospitality, all within a comfortable and restful environment, ensuring that they are refreshed and ready for their journey.
“Opening these lounges at this time signals our commitment to SIA’s premium brand and growth strategy. It reinforces our position as Changi Airport’s anchor airline, and reflects our confidence in Singapore’s future as a pre-eminent global air hub.”
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, New Zealand
The second Holiday Inn Express Hotel in New Zealand, the Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre offers affordable accommodation in Auckland’s CBD.
The hotel is part of a dual-hotel development that also houses voco Auckland City Centre.
The hotel features 294 rooms with walk-in showers, black-out blinds, and work stations. There is also access to a 24-hour reception, fitness room and a self-service laundry.
Guests enjoy a complimentary Express Start Breakfast that includes hot and cold options, or the Express Start Breakfast Grab & Go option for fuss-free mornings.
Business travellers will appreciate the fast check-in and unlimited Wi-Fi as well as the three flexible meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 40 people.
Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur
Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The 527-room Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur opens in a mixed-use complex that also houses Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which will open in the second half of 2022.
The hotel is located in the heart of Bukit Bintang and features environmentally conscious operations including sustainable bathroom amenities, biodegradable packaging, filtered drinking water solution in every guestroom, and a food-waste management system.
The all-day-dining restaurant Thyme serves up authentic Asian and international cuisines using sustainably sourced local seasonal ingredients. Guests can relax in The Botanist Lounge & Bar, or unwind under the stars at Skye Chill pool bar.
Other facilities include a spa, gym, fitness studio, and an outdoor swimming pool.
OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi by Hoshino Resorts
OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi by Hoshino Resorts, Japan
OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi by Hoshino Resorts in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture is located in the former castle town famed for its artistic pursuits from tea culture to porcelain, lacquerware, and textile traditions.
Approximately 10 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station, the 101-key hotel sits in Katamachi, recognised as the best gourmet town in the Hokuriku region. Here, guests can enjoy a wide variety of Italian, Chinese, and French cuisine. A guided tour that showcases the roots of Katamachi’s food culture and the link between food and traditional crafts is offered to hotel guests.
Those with a sweet tooth can register for the Japanese confectionery workshop and make their own rakugan, a type of Japanese confectionery; or experience tea-tasting at the Nodaya Tea store, a nearby long-established tea house.
Guests can relax at the OMO Base, a public space that comprises the front desk, OMO Café, and library. Here, guests can reference the Go-KINJO Map, which recommends numerous fun possibilities and options within the area.
Citadines Sudirman Jakarta
Citadines Sudirman Jakarta, Indonesia
Located within The Newton 1 Tower, Citadines Sudirman Jakarta offers service apartments in options of studios, one- and two-bedroom units, and family suites.
Each apartment has a private balcony and is furnished with amenities such as LED TVs, a microwave oven, an induction stove, a refrigerator and air conditioning.
Guests can enjoy a curated programme featuring key places to explore within the neighbourhood.
The property includes an outdoor swimming pool, kids pool, an outdoor jogging track and fitness corner, launderette and meeting rooms.
Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas will now sail beyond the shores of Singapore, beginning with Penang and Kuala Lumpur, from June 30, 2022.
International sailings from the Singapore port was initially scheduled to begin in October.
Spectrum of the Seas will offer new three- and four-night itineraries to Penang and Kuala Lumpur
“We are thrilled to be the first cruise line in Singapore to reconnect holidaymakers with Asia’s beautiful destinations once again. The vibrant and culture-rich cities of Penang and Kuala Lumpur have so much to offer, and that is only the beginning,” said Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific.
Annie Chang, director of cruise, Singapore Tourism Board, shared: “We have been working closely with various governments in South-east Asia to align on cruise protocols and policies, and are excited to bring back port calls in Malaysia for sailings as a start.
“Port calls will provide more vacation options and we look forward to seeing more first-time and repeat cruisers in the coming year as more ports in the region open up.”
Spectrum of the Seas will offer new three- and four-night itineraries to Penang and Kuala Lumpur, with bookings open from June 2 on Royal Caribbean International’s website.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, headlined the first Wonderful Indonesia sales mission in Singapore on May 31, 2022, highlighting the important update that no RT-PCR test result is required for international travellers with effect from May 30, 2022.
The minister also told the 85 attendees at the half-day event, that curated programmes in places like Bali and Lake Toba now offer “green” options and more “serenity, spirituality and sustainability” products can be found to cater to changing traveller preferences.
Indonesia returns to Singapore with first Wonderful Indonesia sales mission
This, he added, would add depth to the “sun, sea and city” activities in nearby Riau islands, Bali and Jakarta – the top choices among Singaporeans.
Sandiaga, who was making his second official visit to Singapore, reiterated the ministry’s plans to help the country’s pandemic-hit tourism industry back on its feet by focusing on the five super-priority tourist destinations.
They are Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, and Likupang in North Sulawesi.
Meanwhile, Wiku Adisasmito, coordinator of the expert team on the national Covid-19 task force, in his presentation, noted that the highest vaccination coverage is in Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, Riau Islands and East Kalimantan.
In Bali, the three districts or cities with the highest number of people vaccinated with the third dose are Denpasar, Badung Regency and Klungkung Regency.
He also clarified that travel insurance would be required for travellers to Batam and Bintan. If tested Covid-19 positive, they have to be treated in Singapore – travellers to other destinations “cannot be treated” in Indonesia.
Wiku noted: “The Covid-19 pandemic indicators in Indonesia are improving with the downtrend of confirmed cases number at 99.6 per cent and the number of deaths down 98.3 per cent from the peak in February 2022.”
Princess Cruises introduces Princess Premier, a new premium add-on package, to South-east Asian markets.
For just US$75 (S$102) per person per day, the inclusive package builds on the popular Princess Plus add-on to offer a more comprehensive bundle and savings of more than 50 per cent when the amenities of Princess Premier are purchased separately.
Princess Cruises presents new premium package that includes beverages and specialty dining meals, and more
On sale from June 1, 2022 in South-east Asia for voyages globally departing on June 25 and beyond, Princess Premier includes a new beverage package, two specialty dining meals per person, digital downloads of all photos (and three prints) taken by professional staff onboard, unlimited Wi-Fi for up to four devices, and daily crew appreciation (previously known as gratuities).
Besides the Princess Premier, other packages available are the Princess Standard (included with cruise fare) and the Princess Plus (US$50 per day) cruise packages.
Australia has long been a bucket list destination for longhaul travellers from the US, the UK and Europe, but intention to visit has risen dramatically throughout the pandemic, with travel agents at Australia Tourism Exchange 2022 saying their clients are eager to convert thoughts to action.
Germany-based TravelEssence’s group content manager Alexandra Anger, shared with TTG Asia that the country is relatively easy to sell.
Noubani: we are very optimistic and excited about (sending travellers) to Australia
“Many Europeans have Australia on their bucket list – it’s a dream destination to them. Pre-pandemic, there was already demand to travel to Australia, but post-lockdown, we find that people are realising that life is short, and that they better visit Australia now before another pandemic locks borders down again,” she said.
After two years of no travel, Europeans have saved a sum of money as well as accumulated a chunk of leave days, making them more willing than ever to check the box.
Florida-based Mo Noubani, president of The Travel Box International, has also noticed that the “mindset of the traveller has changed”, and his clients “who have put off (longer and more expensive) trips are now pulling the trigger to do them”.
Australia, he indicates, is one such destination.
Tom Farnworth, commercial manager of London-based Trailfinders, concurred that Australia is an “easy to sell product” to UK travellers, and his bookings are looking healthy through to 1Q/2Q2023.
Amid this optimism, airlift to Australia remains a concern, as costs are significantly higher than they were pre-pandemic.
For travellers who have confirmed their trip to Australia, Sarah Johnson from US-based Paper, Ink & Passports Travel said durations are stretching from 10 days pre-pandemic to 2.5 to three weeks now. Her FITs and luxury travel clients are also more keen on creature comforts such as premium economy seats and larger hotel rooms with balconies. They are interested to go where the locals go, and immerse themselves in cultural experiences.
A similar observation has been made by Farnworth, with clients going for longer stays and higher room categories.
“More local interactions, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences are sought after, more so than before Covid,” he stated.
Overall, travel agents expressed excitement and optimism about outbound prospects to Australia.
Anger expects European travellers to return “heavily and in large numbers” in 2H2022 or 1Q2023, as travel momentum continues to build. Europe, she noted, opened earlier than most regions, which meant that some travellers have already spent their budgets on destinations closer to home.
Agreeing, Noubani told TTG Asia: “We are very optimistic and excited about (sending travellers) to Australia. This is part of the reason we are here at Australia Tourism Exchange, and it’s great to see everyone face-to-face.
“Interest is definitely picking up, and within the next six to eight months, numbers will surge.”
Out of the 550 buyers present at this year’s Australia Tourism Exchange, around 150 longhaul buyers hailed from countries such as Canada, Germany, Italy, the UK and the US.
Data by Amadeus Travel Pulse reveals that search volumes around the globe have been increasing, reaching near-2019 levels for 1Q2022.
Global search volumes in the last week of April 2022 were only 3% down versus the same period in 2019, confirming that traveller confidence and appetite to travel continue to strengthen. There were double-digit increases in many key markets during the whole month of April, with searches from Mexico up 69%, Canada up 29%, and the US up 7%.
Internationals and domestic search volumes around the globe have been increasing
Domestic searches in the last week of April saw a 4% increase versus 2019. Markets such as India (up 47%) and Italy (up 82%) are leading the charge.
While domestic has recovered the most, intra-regional searches in the last week of April were only 4% down versus 2019, with impressive growth coming from the UK up 35% and France up 38%.
For international, Argentina is seeing one of the best recoveries with 24% ahead of 2019 levels. India drives international travel recovery as searches to and from the country went up 5% as compared to the same period in 2019.
Search is significantly ahead on a global scale when comparing 2021 to 2022 to date. The first four months of 2022 are on average 69% ahead of the same period last year. Looking at the monthly figures, January was 37% ahead year-on-year; February 77% ahead; March 67% ahead; while April is ahead by 94% compared to the previous year’s searches.
Whereas domestic search saw a 73% increase, while intra-regional search is up 72%, and international search is up 61%.
The data also reveals other aspects of the airline industry returning to familiar territory. Of the 16 most popular routes, nine are seeing search volumes comparable to 2019 including Delhi-Toronto (up 32%), Tel Aviv-New York (up 90%); Seoul-New York (up 10%); Buenos Aires-Madrid (up 49%) and Montreal-Paris (up 60%) among others.
Regional leaders are emerging in EMEA and APAC, with searches to and from London and Seoul dominating, respectively. South Korea is leading with 6 out of 10 routes departing from Seoul as well as the domestic route between Seoul to Jeju surging by 141%. In addition, the route from Sydney to Singapore in April went up by 207%.
As Indonesia has removed pre-flight PCR and ART tests for inbound international visitors, the country is striving to reach its 1.8 to 3.6-million arrival target.
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE) is going all out to ensure seat capacity is available to anticipate the pent-up demand of travellers. MoTCE will also focus its marketing and promotions to Australia, Singapore, France, the UK and the US.
Sporting events will attract more travellers to return to Indonesia
Minister of tourism and creative economy, Sandiaga Uno, said that the increase in the number of arrivals would be more significant if the seat capacity and number of flights increased.
Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency, the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Indonesia in 1Q2022 was 74,380, an increase of more than 200 per cent compared to that of the same period in 2021, which was only 22,660.
He believed that the arrival figures would spike dramatically in line with the upcoming G20 Summit and other major events in 2022. For this reason, MoTCE is having intense discussions with several airlines on collaboration areas to increase the number of flights.
“We (will) also continue to coordinate with the Ministry of Transportation to increase airline slots,” he said in a weekly press briefing in Jakarta.
Pauline Suharno, president of Association of the Indonesian Travel Agents, considered it a positive move by the government.
She stated: “The current condition is that demand is high, but seat capacity is lacking, which ultimately makes the price of tour packages expensive (due to the high flight component).”
Simultaneously, MoTCE is intensifying promotions in five top destination markets and will focus on showing the trade partners that Indonesia is ready to welcome tourists back.
Sandiaga said: “These five countries are the biggest contributors of foreign tourists to Indonesia. Wonderful Indonesia promotions will be intensified there, starting from participating in tradeshows, sales missions, networking dinners, to holding events that showcase Indonesia’s tourism potential and creative economy.”
MoTCE will continue to develop and improve the quality of destinations based on sports tourism and eco-tourism to encourage more travellers to return to Indonesia.
“Lombok, Bintan and Batam, which already have sport events, will be developed as sustainable destinations. This is also part of an effort to provide a unique experience in Indonesia, as well as promote beyond Bali,” Sandiaga added.
Chroma Hospitality’s newest hotel concept and addition to its brands is Grafik Hotel, located in the heart of Camp John Hay, Baguio City.
Chroma is eager to bring its world-class service to the “City of Pines”. Together with its owner and developer, Filinvest Hospitality Corporation, this $1 billion investment will feature a world-class hotel with 240 rooms, as well as integrated spaces and communal areas.
The Grafik Hotel is slated for completion in Q4 of 2024
With the support and strong partnership with the local government, Bases Conversion and Development Authority and John Hay Management Corporation, this project aims to contribute to Baguio’s already steadfast tourism industry and provide more job prospects to the locals.
This important investment fortifies Chroma’s and Filinvest’s presence in the Northern Luzon market and signifies their continued confidence in the country’s tourism and hospitality market.
Slated for completion in 4Q2024, the new hotel will offer a unique stay and set a standard in the hospitality industry as a sustainable and environmentally-aware space. Integrated spaces merge style with practicality, offering communal areas to eat, play, and work.
A core element in building the hotel is sustainability, with the building footprint at 64 per cent. The remaining 36 per cent is dedicated to vegetated open space which will have natural landscaping and views of Camp John Hay. Designed to have minimal impact on its existing environment, the project makes the effort to be energy- and water-efficient.
Chroma Hospitality’s country manager, James Montenegro, said: “We are excited to finally open our newest hotel brand Grafik, which will offer a unique style of driven hospitality and will challenge traditional hotel offerings by pioneering in leading edge technologies while providing a service approach that is spontaneous and casual.
“It will be a living, breathing community where everyone belongs.”
Cruise lines looking to grow their Muslim customer segment should look into satisfying faith based needs and curating shore excursions that have a special cultural or historical appeal.
These suggestions came from industry experts speaking on a cruise-focused panel at the Halal in Travel Global Summit on May 31.
Cruises around Croatia feature experiences that capture the destination’s strong Islamic history
Travel industry veteran, Johnny Judianto, who is also the president director of Best Tour based in Indonesia, said that Muslim cruisers pay close attention to the availability of Halal or Muslim-friendly food. As such, cruise operators that dedicate a section of the buffet to such options are likely to have an advantage over the rest.
He added that Indonesian Muslim cruisers are also comfortable with vegetarian, seafood and vegan options.
Judianto noted a growing market for post-lockdown cruise holidays in Indonesia, and added that demand for cruises out of the Middle East looks strong for this year-end and early 2023.
To elevate the cruise experience for Muslim guests, Judianto suggested that cruise operators offer itineraries that delve into the history and culture of the destination – such experiences would appeal to everyone, not just Muslims.
Agreeing, Ivana Karanikic, owner, Croatia-based Prolingua Travel DMC, shared that Croatia has a strong Islamic history as it was once under the Ottoman Empire for 500 years and thus, has many interesting places to show the Muslim traveller.
However, Karanikic pointed out that Muslim travellers are not that different from other travellers, and they are just as keen on nature, gastronomy and the way of locals in destinations they visit.
Prolingua Travel DMC sells cruise packages that feature sailing on small ships with around 18 cabins for not more than 50 passengers, including crew.
Fellow panellist, Kenneth Yeo, regional director (sales) Asia Pacific, Royal Caribbean Group, said his ships are flexible and can address specific dietary needs with advance notice. Currently, Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer F&B that caters to the wider audience.
Yeo opined that a time may come when growing Muslim consumer demand would prompt the cruise liner to create a Halal menu.
