Jaipur Literature Festival heads to the Maldives
An arts and literary festival will debut at the luxury Soneva Fushi resort in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve from May 13 to 22, 2022.
The event is a collaboration between Teamwork Arts, producer of the annual India-based Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), and resorts operator Soneva.
JLF Soneva Fushi will feature a line-up of world-renowned authors, workshops, and music and art activities. At press time, 30 speakers and authors are confirmed, such as British-Turkish novelist Elif Shafak and diplomat and author Vikas Swarup.
A spectrum of topics will be tackled, from nation-building and scientific discovery to poetry and filmmaking.
The Maldives edition is one of many international extensions of the iconic festival, which has yearly events in London, Belfast, New York, Colorado, Houston, Adelaide, Toronto and Doha.
Soneva is offering an exclusive package to guests attending JLF Soneva Fushi. Priced from US$2,310 nett per night, per villa, it includes full access to festival activities, daily full board at selected restaurants, return shared seaplane transfers between Malé and Soneva Fushi, and complimentary full board stays for up to two children under seven when staying with two paying adults.
Victoria wins big on sporting events
Australia’s Victoria state has earned hosting rights to 2026 Commonwealth Games (Victoria 2026) as well as the 2028 and 2040 Presidents Cup, all of which will bring hefty local economic benefits and positive legacy for its people.
Victoria 2026 is estimated to contribute more than A$3 billion (US$2.2 billion) to the state’s economy, and create more than 600 full-time-equivalent jobs before the games, 3,900 jobs during the games, and 3,000 jobs beyond the Closing Ceremony.
To be held across multiple regions, Victoria 2026 will create a new multi-city model for the Commonwealth Games, with four regional hubs to be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland – each with its own athletes’ village and sport programme. The opening ceremony will be hosted at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The games will also see significant investment in community infrastructure, including housing and world-class sports facilities. These will leave a legacy of affordable housing for the regions and modern sports infrastructure to encourage Victorians to get active and attract future major events.
Premier Daniel Andrews shared: “It’s a great honour to have Victoria chosen as the host venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games – we can’t wait to welcome the world to all of our state. The Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria is great for jobs, hospitality and our economy.”
“Hosting the Commonwealth Games in four years’ time will deliver major benefits, particularly the regions, and leave a lasting legacy for the growth and development of sport throughout Victoria,” said Martin Pakula, minister for tourism, sport and major events.
Meanwhile, Melbourne’s iconic Sandbelt will play host to the Presidents Cup in 2028 and 2040, bringing the prestigious global golf event back to Victoria.
Previous Presidents Cups were held in Melbourne in 1998, 2011 and 2019. The biennial event generated a combined economic impact of more than A$121 million, thousands of hours in broadcasts globally, and more than 315,000 spectators, including 47,000 visitors to Victoria.
The 2028 Presidents Cup will also help deliver on Victoria’s Golf Tourism Strategy 2018-23, as the state vies to be recognised as one of the top five golf destinations in the world.
Pakula said: “Securing two more Presidents Cups is a real coup for Melbourne, promoting our city to the world and providing a boost for tourism and jobs. The PGA TOUR joins the likes of the Australian Open, Formula One, T20 Cricket World Cup and Super Rugby in choosing our world-class facilities for their international events.”
TTG Asia takes Good Friday break
TTG Asia’s online news bulletin will take a break on April 15, in observance of Good Friday.
To our Christian readers, have a good Holy Friday and Easter Sunday.
The online news bulletin will resume on Monday, April 18.
New hotels: Radisson Resort Phan Thiet, Māua Nusa Penida, and more
Radisson Resort Phan Thiet, Vietnam
On Vietnam’s serene south-east coast stands Radisson Resort Phan Thiet. A short drive from Ho Chi Minh City and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, this 76-key Mediterranean-style resort is nestled on a secluded stretch of sandy beach close to the coastal town of Phan Thiet.
Accommodation choices range from contemporary rooms, suites and bungalows, to family units for larger groups – all integrated with modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi.
Savour fresh seafood and indulge in global and local flavours at ULIVO, the elegant all-day dining restaurant with indoor and alfresco seating. Or simply chill by the pool bar Citrino where there are poolside loungers, seafront seats and cabañas.
Guests can work out at the fitness centre, restore balance to the body and mind at the yoga pavilion, or relax at The Spa at Radisson which offers soothing Asian-inspired therapies.
Bicycle hire is available for exploring the local countryside, coasts and fishing communities. Attractions like the ancient Po Sah Inu Cham Tower, Ta Cu Mountain cable bar, and the iconic Red and White Sand Dunes are just a short drive away.
Māua Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Swiss-Belhotel International’s Māua Nusa Penida is located on a small island south-east of Bali and features 25 villas with sitting rooms, large windows and direct access to the private swimming pool. All villas boast a view of the Gamat Bay.
The eco-friendly resort contains recycled ironwood furniture and rooftop gardens that provide a habitat for birds and insects.
Kōwhai Restaurant and Aroha Bar serves organic food and drinks. Guest recreational options include snorkelling and diving, cooking class, yoga and spa.
Hyatt Centric Janakpuri New Delhi, India
Located adjacent to the Janakpuri West Metro and the District Center, Hyatt Centric Janakpuri New Delhi provides a launchpad for leisure and business guests to explore popular hotspots, with direct metro connectivity to the airport.
Featuring 224 newly refurbished rooms, Hyatt Centric Janakpuri New Delhi features designs and collaborations based on a shared vision of sustainable living and the advancement of local artisans. Each guestroom includes The Maati care products which are locally-made and organic.
The all-day dining restaurant, Kitchen District, serves gourmet dishes with a unique twist on cuisines from the Indian subcontinent. Guests can also relax in the café with a book, snack, or enjoy a cup of chai. The hotel has flexible meeting spaces for any event.
Hotel guests can tour the city with Unzip Delhi – the hotel’s guided walking vendor. Walks with Unzip Delhi will allow guests to discover the beauty of the city while providing a deeper insight into life in Delhi.
voco Doha West Bay Suites, Qatar
Qatar’s first voco hotel is situated in Doha’s most popular spot, West Bay.
The rebranded voco Doha West Bay Suites has 396 spacious rooms and suites, with popular restaurants and lounges like The Social, Serenitea, Sky Lounge on the 35th floor. There’s even an exclusive helipad.
Onsite facilities include a pool deck, a 24-hour gym with steam, sauna and jacuzzi, a spa and a kids’ wading pool and five meeting rooms.
There is a selection of studios, one, two, and three-bedroom fully serviced suites spread over 46 floors. All suites come with complimentary Wi-Fi, 24/7 reception, and concierge services.
voco Doha West Bay Suites is minutes away from Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, as well as luxury malls and cultural attractions.
Go City appoints new SVP to lead commercial growth in APAC
Go City is planning a strategic expansion into new Asia-Pacific markets and has appointed Baidi Li as its new senior vice president of commercial, APAC.
She will focus on expanding Go City’s product footprint, building regional customer acquisition capabilities, and deepening localisation efforts.
Bringing deep industry experience to the Go City team, Li plans to build upon the existing success of Sydney, Singapore and Bangkok products, and grow the product offering in other key destinations, including Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Prior to joining Go City, Li held leadership positions with Viator, Tripadvisor, Magpie Travel and Intrepid Travel.
Grand Prix Museum debuts 360-degree panoramic view feature
The Macao Grand Prix Museum has launched a 360-degree panoramic view feature for residents and visitors to enjoy an online virtual tour in the bid to spark greater interest for real-life visits to the venue.
Through professional photography and software, the technology brings the zones, installations and exhibits in the museum to life three dimensions.
Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) continues to optimise what the museum has to offer with new elements incorporated. Through a blend of diverse and interactive experiences, visitors can delve into the history and world of the Macau Grand Prix, which promotes integration across the fields of “tourism + sports”.
Also on display at the museum is the stamp series themed “Museums and their Collections VI – Macao Grand Prix Museum” by Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau which manifests the captivating scene of the Macau Grand Prix.
For more information, visit mgpm.macaotourism.gov.mo/en.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport gets new luggage carousel system
Renovation of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport’s luggage carousel system is now complete, enabling the facility in capital city Taipei to handle 25 per cent more baggage.
According to airport officials, the system is able to process 600 items per hour, up from 400 previously.
Improvement works have also benefitted back-end staff, with carousel areas lowered and given more space in between to facilitate ease of movement among service personnel. At the same time, the central control room is now equipped with large screens, allowing swifter and clearer identification of items during the luggage handling process.
According to local news reports, the NT$316 million (US$10.9 million) project is expected to improve processes as Taiwan deals with a spike in post-lockdown inbound travel.
Oceania Cruises gets a new culinary director
Oceania Cruises has appointed chef Alexis Quaretti as director of culinary programmes and development. Previously senior executive chef for Oceania Cruises, Quaretti will now oversee all aspects of the development, introduction, and implementation of new concepts across the line’s seven ships and 12 restaurant brands.
Quaretti first joined Oceania Cruises in 2004 and was soon promoted to executive chef at the young age of 27.
“We welcome Chef Alexis, one of the most influential chefs in hospitality, back to the Oceania Cruises family with open arms,” said Howard Sherman, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “He brings a unique perspective to the role, having been an integral part of our growth and prowess over the last 20 years helping build our reputation for serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea.
Celebrity Cruises cancels sailings in Asia
Celebrity Cruises has cancelled Celebrity Solstice sailings in Asia, which previously included destinations like Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines.
In an email sent to travel partners and booked guests, the cruise line said the decision was necessitated by “ongoing uncertainty regarding the restart of international operations in the Asia region”.
All Celebrity Solstice Asia sailings scheduled to depart September 16, 2022 through April 21, 2023 are affected.
Celebrity Cruises has assured affected guests that they have the option to “Lift and Shift”, that is to rebook similar Asia sailings on Celebrity Solstice or Celebrity Millennium for the 2023-2024 season for select sailings. Any promotions associated with the original, now cancelled, cruises will be protected and transferred to the new booking, only when re-booking latest by May 12, 2022.
Guests can also choose to receive a full refund of their cruise fare, with no penalties assessed. This includes pre-booked shore excursions and onboard packages, including specialty dining, as well as hotel accommodations and flight arrangements made through Flights by Celebrity.
In a bid to rebuild its global network to meet growing travel demand, Emirates will restart operations to Bali, London Stansted, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires progressively from May 1, as well as boost the frequency of flights to Nigeria, Mauritius and Singapore.
Starting from May 1, Emirates will operate five weekly flights to Bali, utilising a two-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, and further scale that up to a weekly service.
From August 1, the airline will resume operations to London Stansted with five weekly flights, utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft that will come with First Class cabins. The route will be served daily from September 1.
Emirates will serve the UK with 110 weekly flights by October this year, to hubs such as London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow.
Come November 2, Emirates will operate four weekly flights to Buenos Aires via Rio de Janeiro on the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and scale that up to a daily service.
Meanwhile, to cater to rising demand, services to Nigeria’s Lagos will be ramped up to 11 weekly flights from July 1 and double daily from September 1. Services to Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, will be operated five times weekly from May 1 and then daily from September 1.
Services to Mauritius will go from daily to nine weekly flights between April 9 and end-June, and then scaled up further to double daily from July.
The airline will also increase passenger services to Singapore from seven weekly flights, to 14 weekly flights, starting from June 23.