Travel-deprived Singaporeans can now take a virtual trip to the scenic Shizuoka prefecture to soak in breathtaking views of the magnificent Mount Fuji – by flying a drone remotely.
During the current pandemic downtime, the Shizuoka Prefectural Singapore Rep. Office worked with companies in Singapore and Shizuoka to introduce innovative hybrid travel products as a new form of travel mode to spark wanderlust and stimulate inbound travel demand.
One such new virtual exploration deploys the creative use of cross-border self-piloted drone flights, which the media and travel industry personnel got to experience first-hand at a recent Mount Fuji Drone Challenge in Asagiri event.
The location was chosen as a symbolic icon to connect Singapore to Japan, in celebration of 55 years of Singapore-Japan relations.
Generally, a drone operator needs to be on-site to fly it, with an operational range between 2-3 km from the user. This new drone remote control technology over the internet enables the operator to fly a drone remotely, even thousands of kilometres away.
During the session held in Singapore, participants were also given a virtual tour of the Asagiri Food Park, located at the foot of Mount Fuji in Shizuoka prefecture. They also tried their hand at creating their personalised blend using Shizuoka’s famous green tea via a livestream demo, and even visited a sake store virtually.
Apart from drone flying at the certified airfield, Asagiri Food Park also offers various unique hands-on activities for visitors.
Wataru Fukuda, chief representative of the Shizuoka Prefectural Government Representative Office in Singapore, told TTG Asia that the session to demonstrate the possibility of remote drone flights as a new virtual travel experience is part of the organisation’s efforts to continue engaging travel agents in Singapore to ensure the destination remains top-of-mind once tours to Japan is possible in the future.
He also proposed to travel agents who attended the session about staging such hybrid events at a future NATAS Travel Fair for Singapore travellers to not only experience Shizuoka prefecture but also the whole of Japan.
Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore has launched the Bike & Chill stay package targeting both experienced and leisure cyclists keen on indulging in a day of cycling revelry, complete with bike privileges to boot.
The hotel’s close proximity to the Marina Bay and Coastal Park Connector bike trails makes it the perfect pit stop for guests’ cycling adventures around the city-state.
Partnering with active lifestyle tenants located within the same mixed-use development of Downtown Gallery with cycling concept stores aplenty, the Bike and Chill bundle pack that comes alongside every stay package booked will feature vouchers from tenants including cycling wear shop A-Cycle as well as active lifestyle concept store The Big Country.
Guests who book the package will be able to choose their preferred apartment category. Other inclusions are bicycle parking in an allocated bicycle shed within the hotel property, uncapped utilities, as well as a choice between a S$70 (US$52) dining credit for use at SE7ENTH or by the pool deck terrace or one-way bike transfer (up to two bikes only).
Rounding up the perks are round-the-clock concierge and technician services, and access to outdoor infinity pool and fitness centre.
The Bike & Chill package is valid for reservations and stays until December 31, 2021, with rates starting from S$270++ per night for Studio apartments.