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South Korea makes e-visa mandatory for visitors
The South Korean government has from September 1 made it mandatory for visitors from 112 visa-free countries to obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) prior to their journey to the country.
The K-ETA, priced at 10,000 won (US$8.63) per traveller and valid for multiple entries over two years, is required before a flight ticket will be issued.
However, due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, only travellers from 49 countries are currently eligible for this programme. Countries that qualify include the US, the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Switzerland and more. No Asian countries have made it to the list, but the government is permitting Priority Entry (Business) applicants from the remaining 63 visa-free countries to apply for K-ETA.
Travellers can register their personal and travel information on the K-ETA website, available in Korean and English, or via the mobile app to find out if they are allowed entry beforehand. By registering, they are exempt from filing out an entry form and can shorten the entry process.
Tour groups are allowed to register up to 30 people at once.
Universal Beijing Resort trials operations ahead of September 20 opening
After more than three months of pre-opening stress tests, Universal Beijing Resort kicked off trial operations on September 1 with invite-only guests.
According to a Xinhua News Agency report, the trial operations involved testing out the theme park, the Universal CityWalk and two hotels – The Universal Studios Grand Hotel and NUO Resort Hotel. Another round of trial is expected, this time involving Universal Beijing Resort’s sponsors, partners and select customers.
These trials are expected to perfect operations before the attraction officially opens on September 20, which coincides with China’s Mid-Autumn Festival holiday from September 19 to 21.
Located in Beijing’s Tongzhou District, Universal Beijing Resort is Asia’s third and China’s first. It is also said to be the largest worldwide, spanning four square kilometres. On site are seven themed zones and 37 recreational facilities and themed attractions.
Tom Mehrmann, president and general manager of Universal Studios Beijing Park and Resort, expects the attraction to “increase the length of stay in Beijing and give people from all over China another reason to come to the city”.
Universal Beijing Resort has also been credited for its contribution to job creation, having created more than 10,000 jobs and established cooperative relations with over 30 academic institutions to provide opportunities for local talent.
We Can’t Wait To Welcome You
With 7,641 islands, there’s more to the Philippines than just some of the world’s best islands and beaches with the likes of Boracay, Palawan and Siargao consistently topping lists of major travel publications. Its tropical climate, for one, makes it a top destination to visit all year-round.
Add to that the many incredible diving spots, budget-friendly tourist sites, unique cuisine, interesting mix of different cultures and friendly locals, it’s no wonder visitors keep exploring this tropical Southeast Asian getaway.
When travel safely resumes, seeking new adventures in the Philippines is definitely going to be more fun with you. In the meantime, plan your itinerary with this guide to all the best places the country has to offer.
From spin-cations to man-cations, Singapore hotels innovate to drive staycation demand
While waiting for border restrictions to ease, hotels in Singapore are putting a creative spin on room packages to attract staycationers seeking more than a change of scenery.
From fitness classes that cater to active holidaymakers to eco-centric stays big on sustainability, local hotels have something for every kind of staycationer.
Villa Samadhi Singapore launched in May the Green Fingers Experience staycation package, where eco-warrior guests can enjoy a first-hand gardening experience by planting a baby fruit tree within the grounds of the villa, and naming the tree.
“The initiative follows our ethos of conservation and it’s aimed at families to educate parents and children on the importance of preserving the environment,” said June Rashid, group director revenue & strategy at Samadhi Retreats.
“Our approach is steeped in the belief that we can create a sustained value for our guests and our communities, while creating a positive impact and giving back to the environment that we live in.”
Local families make up the majority of the 35 bookings to date, with the rest being expat couples, Rashid said, adding that bookings took a hit during Singapore’s Phase 2 Heightened Alert restrictions.
She added that it’s the first time the hotel has launched a package like this as the management wanted to do something “different and unique”, and launching a green staycation package seemed natural and fitting as the property is nestled in the greenery of Labrador Nature Reserve.
Meanwhile, local pet owners looking for an island escape with their fur-kid has the choice of a luxury option in Capella Singapore. For S$1,450 (US$1,080) per night, pet owners can treat their fur babies to the ultimate pampering experience with the hotel’s Pet Spa-cation package that includes a spa session for feline and canine pals at upscale pet grooming salon Petpawroni.
The package also comes with a welcome basket containing premium treats and toys from Addiction Pet Foods, alongside amenities such as a pet bed and drinking water.
The hotel decided to launch the Pet Spa-cation package as it “saw overwhelming interest in (its) pet-related packages, with up to 30 per cent in products mix attributed to locals who want their pets to join them for staycations”, said Fernando Gibaja, general manager. Since its July launch, the hotel receives on average four to five bookings per month for its Pet Spa-cation package, favoured by couples and families.
According to Gibaja, the pet package has encouraged longer stays at the property. “On average, our guests would stay for a minimum of two nights for ample time to enjoy their island getaway and spa session for their fur-kid,” he said.
When it comes to capturing staycation demand, Millennium Hotels and Resorts leaves no stone unturned, with a diverse collection of curated offerings at its M Social Singapore property.
Guests can learn how to be mixologists with the Mix & Stay package or create their own aromas with the Bottled Up Happiness deal. The Art Jamming offer brings out the artistic side of guests with an art jamming class at MySpace, the hotel’s event space overlooking the Singapore River.
In July, the hotel soft launched the Spin-cation package, the first-of-its-kind in Singapore, where fitness enthusiasts can partake in an intense, full-body cardio workout on a bike. Despite “good interest” in the spin session, it has since been put on hold due to tightened measures around indoor sports and exercise activities, said Paul Er, vice president (sales, Asia).
Since the launch of these unique staycation options, M Social Singapore has seen an approximately 20 per cent increase in bookings, which has also helped generated spend at the hotel’s F&B outlet Beast & Butterflies, according to Er.
“We have also received more long-stay enquiries coming from returning foreign students pursuing their studies and corporate guests working on projects in Singapore,” he added.
Similarly, Fairmont Singapore has released different packages targeting diverse segments of staycationers. For instance, mothers looking for a respite can recharge with an aromatherapy massage at the Willow Stream Spa and afternoon tea at Anti:dote when they book the Mumcation package.
“When staycations opened up again in Phase 2 (in July 2020), we expected competition will be stiff. We knew we had to create a compelling difference and to sell experiences rather than just bed and breakfast,” shared Vivian Tung, spokesperson for Fairmont Singapore.
Starting with its Mumcation package launched last September, the hotel stepped up “to create product differentiation through strategic segmentation and targeted profiling by customer groups”, said Tung.
She added that the Mumcation package “fast became a competitive edge for us (to differentiate ourselves) from run-of-the-mill hotel staycations that were already flooding our small domestic market” and “continues to be one of our best-selling packages to date”.
Since then, Fairmont Singapore has rolled out other tailored packages such as Spa-cation, Glamp-cation, Paw-cation, Miffy Staycation, and Sustainable Staycation which comes with eco-friendly bathroom amenities and a guided tour of the hotel’s rooftop Aquaponics Farm.
The newest addition to the hotel’s staycation offers is the Mancation, where men and their mates can bond over a bespoke whisky tasting session courtesy of Glenmorangie and Ardbeg at Anti:dote, a shave or haircut at Truefitt & Hill, and a four-course dinner with craft beer pairings at SKAI.
Philippine Airlines deploys Amadeus’ multi-currency pricing
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has made it easier for travellers to pay in their preferred currency when shopping on the airline’s website by deploying Amadeus technology.
The Philippine national carrier is the first airline to deploy multi-currency pricing through Amadeus’ FX Box platform. International passengers shopping on the airline’s website can now choose to have the offer presented in their preferred currency, enhancing the shopping experience.
At the same time, the service allows the airline to control the exchange rates used. With the newly launched FX Box Platform, Philippine Airlines’ offers are repriced in the passenger’s currency based on direct access to highly competitive exchange rates.
Bart Tompkins, managing director, payments, Amadeus, commented: “Displaying the offer in the traveller’s currency drastically improves the shopping experience and boosts conversion rates. Imagine a US citizen who’s travelled to Japan and then needs to book a flight to the Philippines. It’s hard for that US traveller to compare the airline’s offer and make a decision when it’s priced in Japanese yen or Philippine pesos.”
Wilson H. Go, chief information officer, PAL, explained: “By working with Amadeus, we’ve made it easier for international travellers to book our flights in currencies they understand. Enhancing the traveller’s payment options with FX Box provides transparency and improves the experience of our travellers.
“Making travel simpler and easier through digital innovations is a key priority for PAL as we prepare to add more flights and welcome an increased number of international travellers on our nonstop flights within Asia, to North America, the UK, and the Middle East.”
Adyen, Shiji partner to streamline hospitality payments
Global payments provider Adyen has completed an integration with Shiji Payments, providing hospitality businesses the ability to utilise the Adyen platform together with Shiji, a network solutions provider for the hospitality industry.
The integration simplifies the payment process for hospitality businesses by removing the need for a list of platforms and suppliers which usually includes separate processes for property management systems, F&B point of sale, and guest experience platforms.
Hotels can consolidate all of these front-end business systems and payment needs, including having the same point of sale setups across regions and easier reconciliation across all channels, to ultimately deliver a seamless customer experience.
Michael Balzer, vice president Shiji Payments, Shiji, said: “Our partnership with Adyen allows us to further improve the operational efficiency of our customers by providing a platform that guarantees a truly seamless and personalised experience for their hotel guests.”
New hotels: Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Mercure Auckland Queen Street, and more
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, the Maldives
Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts has opened the Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, marking the Paris-born brand’s debut in the island country. Located on Thilamaafushi, the southern pocket of Lhaviyani Atoll, the resort presents 141 one, two and three-bedroom villas, each featuring views across the beaches, the Indian Ocean or turquoise lagoon. Facilities include a spa and two infinity pools. The resort also features six restaurants and bars, including Japanese restaurant Tabemasu, adults-only bar Riviera, farm-to-table concept Waves Café, the poolside Velaa Bar + Grill, and all-day beachside marketplace Turquoise. The Le Méridien Hub, a social gathering place, serves barista-crafted coffee beverages as part of the brand’s collaboration with illy coffee. The resort is accessible by a 35-minute seaplane journey north of Velana (MLE) International Airport, Malé.
Mercure Auckland Queen Street, Australia
Located in the heart of Queen Street, the 96-room Mercure Auckland Queen Street boasts contemporary design and boutique interiors. Each of the hotel’s guestrooms feature unlimited free Wi-Fi, 50-inch smart TV and a work desk. Deluxe rooms are also fitted with an outdoor balcony. For families, the hotel has inter or outer-connecting rooms. Other services and amenities include 24-hour reception, fitness centre, boardroom and reduced mobility rooms. Set at the centre of the hotel with street access and a coffee window is The Basement Restaurant and Bar, an all-day dining restaurant offering Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi; India
Tata Group’s Taj Mahal in New Delhi has launched one and two bedroom Luxury Residences with contemporary facilities and personalised services. All 14 residences feature living and dining spaces, interconnected suites, walk-in rain showers, wardrobes, as well as fully equipped kitchens. Guests benefit from the hotel’s services including concierge and butler services, personalised and flexible gastronomic offerings and culinary consultants, dedicated housekeeping, and access to the Taj Club Lounge. Taj Mahal, New Delhi has been undergoing an extensive renovation, and has unveiled an all-new avatar of Machan, Emperor Lounge, a refreshed lobby, transformed suites and rooms, and reimagined offerings at The Chambers.
Bali to get third Anantara resort
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will be opening its third resort on the Indonesian island of Bali with the signing of Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, scheduled to open in mid-2022.
Located in the traditional hillside village of Payangan, a 1.5-hour drive from Bali’s international airport and 35 minutes from the centre of Ubud by car, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort will feature 85 guestrooms and one and two-bedroom pool villas. Those who would like to stay longer have the opportunity to own their own slice of paradise with a choice of 15 Anantara residences, with a starting price of US$650,000++.
Guests and residents can choose from several restaurants offering sustainable local and international cuisine. Locally sourced organic produce from the lush hills surrounding the resort will be served directly from farm to table. Nutritionally healthy menus will also be on offer, alongside Romantic Dining by Design experiences with a private chef.
Facilities will include an infinity swimming pool, a gym and fitness facility, dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, as well as meeting spaces. There will also be a spa equipped with single and couple’s treatment rooms, foot massage pods and a hair salon.
IHG expands footprint in Nepal with Holiday Inn Express and Suites signing in Kathmandu
IHG Hotels & Resorts has inked an agreement with DMR APA Joint Venture to develop a new 100-key hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital.
Expected to open by 1Q2024, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Kathmandu Rabi Bhawan will be located in Rabi Bhawan Kathmandu, near Soaltee Mode or Tahachal. The hotel will feature modern guestrooms, a ‘Great Room’, a bar and lounge, a fitness facility, as well as meeting rooms.
With the signing of Holiday Inn Express and Suites Kathmandu Rabi Bhawan, IHG will have six hotels in the pipeline in the country, across its mainstream brands – Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express.
Travelport has launched the Travelport Accelerator in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to bring bright minds together to address the travel industry’s retailing challenges.
Explaining the move, Tom Kershaw, chief product & technology officer at Travelport, said: “No single person or business has the solution to all of travel’s retailing challenges. The most effective way to drive innovation, especially at pace, is to unite bright minds from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations and focus their energy on solving a specific problem.
“That’s precisely what Travelport Accelerator will do. We look forward to working with companies across the world, both large and small, to drive the modernisation of travel retailing for the benefit of the entire travel ecosystem.”
Travelport Accelerator will see tech startups and innovators looking to enter the travel space take aim at a series of different travel retailing challenges, such as data protection, hyper-personalisation, and customer acquisition. Once the challenge has been set, companies with existing technology and products that are relevant to the challenge and use cases outlined on the accelerator webpage are invited to apply.
A cohort of up to 10 companies will be selected to proceed to the next stage, which involves pitching solutions to a panel of judges from some of the world’s most renowned travel companies, including American Express Global Business Travel and Priceline. A group of up to three participants will ultimately be selected to move to the final round, solving the challenge in collaboration with Travelport and AWS. Each will be given access to Travelport+, Travelport’s next-generation travel marketplace.
Selected start-ups may receive up to US$100,000 in AWS Activate credit and each participant will receive mentoring from travel domain and technical subject matter experts with deep experience working on AWS.
The programme also offers collaboration opportunities with AWS travel customers and members of the AWS Partner Network (APN) looking for technology solutions to their most challenging problems.
David Peller, managing director, AWS Travel and Hospitality, said the programme gives travel innovators the potential to pitch their technology to some of the most influential leaders in the global travel industry and to influence the future of travel retailing.
The first challenge has been set, and it calls on participants to introduce cutting-edge digital marketing technology for travel companies, utilising behavioural and demographic traveller data to deliver highly targeted and personalised, real-time offers to customers. The solution must complement the advanced capabilities of Travelport+, which in a normal year will process hundreds of millions of travel transactions, and reduce the cost of customer acquisition and retention for Travelport’s customers.
Entry forms are available at www.travelport.com/accelerator. The deadline for submission is midnight Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) on September 22, 2021.
Travelport Accelerator is now part of Travelport Focus, a Travelport innovation hub supported by AWS.