Vietjet will reopen frequent return flights between Vietnam and South Korea from October 7, 2020.
The carrier will operate one flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Seoul’s Incheon every Wednesday from September 30, 2020. The frequent flight from Seoul to Ho Chi Minh City will be in service from October 7, 2020 every Wednesday.
Vietjet poised to restart frequent return flights between Seoul and Ho Chi Minh City from next month
On September 29, 2020, Vietjet will also operate an extra flight from Hanoi to Seoul with its return flight to land in Ho Chi Minh City on the same day.
All passengers flying between Vietnam and South Korea must submit their proof of a negative Covid-19 test obtained within three days prior to boarding their flights as well as abide by compulsory quarantine requirements by local authorities.
In addition, Vietjet has also launched a Deluxe ticket class and upgraded SkyBoss services on its entire flight network. The new services will offer passengers premium incentives such as flight insurance, luggage packages, priority check-in/boarding, diverse choices of food and beverages, as well as seat selection options.
The former managing director of Lotus Travel Singapore, Allen Tsang, has passed away on September 21, at age 70, leaving behind his wife Nancy Tsang, and a son.
Tsang was sent off in an intimate ceremony attended by 30 of his closest friends and immediate family.
Allen Tsang (second from left) was loved for his contributions to Singapore’s tourism industry development; he is pictured here with colleagues at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2012
He was regarded as one of the few pioneers of Singapore’s inbound tourism industry. He was an active member of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), contributing his time often to association activities and discussions to steer the development of the city-state’s tourism business.
Industry colleagues remember Tsang fondly.
Robert Khoo, who was the group CEO of NATAS, described Tsang as “a great friend of the industry”.
“People who knew him would have appreciated the gentlemanliness in which he conducted himself. He also served as the treasurer of NATAS for many years. He was very sharp in the way he conducted business, especially in the area of finance. NATAS benefited greatly from his wisdom and decisive actions. His sudden departure is a great lost to all in the industry, past and present,” said Khoo.
Michael Chow, former group publisher of TTG Asia Media, said:”Allen was energetic, passionate and full of ideas. He contributed positively and immensely to the travel and tourism industry in Singapore and regionally. Besides running Lotus Travel successfully, Allen was able to spend quality time with family and friends. He mastered an excellent work-life balance. Allen’s passing is a great loss to his family, friends and the travel industry.”
Caroline Boey, present senior correspondent and former group editor of TTG Asia Media from 1999 to 2007, said: “Amiable and friendly, Allen was always ready to talk about and share ideas on how to do things better and improve the travel agent’s lot.”
Raini Hamdi, current Asia editor-at-large of Skift and former group editor of TTG Asia Media from 2007 to 2012, recalled: “Allen was so passionate about golf, about the industry, about Nancy. When he spoke, it’s always forthright, no-nonsense, with that Hong Kong accent, trying to make people understand what nonsense is. I am deeply saddened. Allen was a friend of the industry first, of his own business second. He loved life, and life loved him back. I miss him already.”
From left: PPHG’s Cinn Tan, Choe Peng Sum and Wee Wei Ling; alongside SingHealth’s Fong Kok Yong and Audrey Lau at the voucher presentation ceremony with SingHealth at Academia
Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) officially presented 25,000 complimentary stay vouchers to a trio of national healthcare groups on Thursday in honour of Singapore’s healthcare heroes’ dedication to the nation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a tribute to their sacrifices in combating the virus, healthcare workers are invited to enjoy a respite with their loved ones at any of the group’s six hotels in Singapore from December 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021.
From left: PPHG’s Cinn Tan, Choe Peng Sum and Wee Wei Ling; alongside SingHealth’s Fong Kok Yong and Audrey Lau at the voucher presentation ceremony with SingHealth at Academia
PPHG CEO Choe Peng Sum presented these complimentary stays vouchers to representatives from SingHealth, National Healthcare Group (NHG) and National University Health System (NUHS) at three separate ceremonial events.
Participating properties include Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Parkroyal Collection Pickering, Parkroyal on Beach Road, Parkroyal on Kitchener Road, Pan Pacific Singapore and Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road.
Each stay comes with a la carte buffet breakfasts, no additional charge for children under 12 years of age and discounted rates for dining at all hotel-operated restaurants and spa services at St. Gregory.
Beyond their stay, healthcare workers will also be given preferential room rates and a complimentary fast-track to the next elite tier in the Pan Pacific Discovery loyalty programme, to enjoy more privileges during future stays and dining at the group’s 50 properties across 29 cities.
Called HERO (Healthcare Employees Recognition & Ovation), the initiative also pays tribute to all healthcare workers in Singapore, who will be given preferential rates when they stay at any of the group’s hotels or serviced suites in Singapore, along with 50 per cent savings for dining and 30 per cent on spa treatments during their stay from December 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. Healthcare workers can also enjoy 30 per cent savings when they dine at any of the group-operated 20 restaurants and bars in Singapore.
Travel bubbles that facilitate cross-border travel is essential to restoring air connectivity, but a globally-accepted risk assessment methodology and suitable Covid testing must be in place as well, according to a high-ranking official of the IATA.
Speaking at a networking break during Virtual PATA Travel Mart on Aviation’s Response to Covid-19 and the Safe Reopening of Air Travel, Vinoop Goel, regional director – airport & external relations of IATA, noted that countries have varying risk levels, which requires assurance that passengers travelling from a higher-risk country to a lower-risk destination are “equalised” through testing.
Covid testing vital to equalise risks of cross-border travel between countries with travel bubble arrangements: IATA
To determine a suitable extent of testing, countries need to be evaluated for their risk of transmissions. Travel between countries with a similar low risk level may eliminate quarantine and testing, according to Goel, while travel between countries with “significant differential risk” may require Covid tests to equalise travellers’ risks.
“Unfortunately, there is no globally accepted methodology for risk assessment,” he said.
Goel continued: ”Our goal is to restore air connectivity and to do it in an internationally consistent, mutually accepted and harmonised way. We don’t want a chaotic situation where passengers are stuck (at the airport or destination) because internationally accepted rules have not been followed.”
IATA has come up with A Covid Risk Assessment Framework Paper, and recommends for ICAO to also formulate a framework on common risk assessment that will facilitate cross-border travel between countries.
As part of its contribution to ICAO’s Take off: Guidance for Air Travel through the Covid-19 Public Health Crisis, a global standard framework of risk-based temporary measures for air transport operations amid the pandemic, IATA has introduced a roadmap of biosafety for air transport to ensure that air travel is not a meaningful vector for the spread of Covid-19.
On the demand side, Goel opined there was a need to restore travel confidence among governments and the flying public, through direct communications with not just passengers, but also within the aviation supply chain.
One of the key factors putting a dent on air travel demand is the lack of insurance coverage to fly abroad at present. “We are working with insurance companies and governments worldwide… to ensure there is an industry-wide solution,” Goel said.
In the base case scenario, IATA has forecasted that global passenger traffic will not return to pre-Covid-19 levels until 2024, with the short-haul sector predicted to bounce back faster than the longhaul market.
Klook has launched an interactive livestream mobile feature across five Asia-Pacific markets, allowing users to experience the travel booking platform’s offerings through video content on mobile devices.
Klook Live! incorporates what the brand has dubbed “traveltainment”, a new form of immersive content that elevates users’ ways of discovering and booking both local and overseas tours, activities and experiences, and even staycations at a destination. Featured content include live videos from product and activity reviews, to itinerary tips for future travel planning.
Klook Live! blends travel and entertainment to help customers discover and book experiences
Earlier in August, Klook piloted a series of hyper-localised content on Klook Live! featuring offerings from F&B to hotel staycation packages. The results signal that Klook Live! coupled with traveltainment, lead to stronger purchase intent. Pilot markets observed a four times average uplift in conversion rates compared to in-app conversion rates on an average day.
Riding the growth momentum, Klook said that more content and products will be rolled out on Klook Live! in the coming weeks and months. These include episodic programmes to unveil a new local carnival in Taiwan and indoor recreational parks in Malaysia, among others.
With international travel restrictions in place, Klook Live! also provides a platform for local businesses that depend on tourism to showcase their offerings to domestic audiences, boosting brand awareness and sales.
Klook Live! is now available in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, and can be accessed by downloading the Klook app on Google Play or the App Store.
A partnership between Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok and Bangkok Hospital will allow inbound travellers to the Thai capital to enjoy an extended stay in one of the hotel’s suites, while having access to medical services through the Alternative State Quarantine programme.
Guests can enjoy an exclusive quarantine experience in the resort’s Presidential Suite or Royal Suite. All suites boast 164m2 of living space, separate bedrooms, a working area, dining room, en-suite bathroom with rainfall shower and bathtub, two 55-inch Smart TVs, and a balcony with views of the lush landscaped gardens. Guests also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and access to over 7,000 newspaper and magazine titles using the PressReader app.
Quarantine packages offered by Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok allows guests to enjoy stays in VIP suites alongside medical services by Bangkok Hospital
These suites are available under the resort’s Health Watch package, which includes a 15-night stay in a choice of accommodation, three daily meals and a VIP airport transfer. Arriving visitors will receive medical care courtesy of Bangkok Hospital, with daily health monitoring at the hotel under nurse supervision; two Covid-19 tests; immune system enhancing supplements; and access to the hospital’s doctors via TytoCare, the on-demand medical examination service, if needed.
Throughout their stay, guests will enjoy three daily meals from regularly rotating menus that feature over 150 dishes, alongside vegan and vegetarian options. Additional dishes can be ordered from the resort’s room service menu, and guests can also savour a selection of pastries and cakes from Rim Klong Café.
Guests can even indulge in retail therapy without leaving the resort, courtesy of Siam Paragon, the Bangkok mall. Accessing the Paragon Chat & Shop @ ASQ account via LINE or WeChat, shoppers can chat with the Siam Paragon team, search for a wide range of products online, and have them delivered to the hotel the same day.
Upon departure, every guest will be rewarded with a Health Watch membership card, which entitles them to a raft of benefits. These include 25 per cent discounts on F&B and future stays, a special rate of 4,000 baht (US$127) for the first night in a Wellness Suite, a second free night, and three 50 per cent discount vouchers at the resort’s F&B venues.
The Health Watch package is available for all qualifying guests from now until October 31, 2020. Rates start from 60,300 baht nett per person for a Deluxe Room, 68,700 baht nett for a Wellness Suite, and 180,000 baht nett for the Presidential Suite and the Royal Suite.
As more countries around the world start easing travel restrictions, the UNWTO has launched a new tourism recovery tracker to support the sector’s rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Touted as the “most comprehensive tourism dashboard to date”, the tracker is the result of a partnership between the private sector and international organisations, including the ICAO, ForwardKeys, STR, Sojern and AirDNA.
Available for free, it covers key tourism performance indicators by month, regions and sub-regions, allowing for a real-time comparison of the sector recovery across the world and industries.
The UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker compiles all the relevant data in one place, giving governments and the private businesses the ability to track the recovery of tourism at global and regional level, alongside information on the top destinations for international tourism.
The tracker includes data on international tourist arrivals, seat capacity in international and domestic air routes, air travel bookings, hotel searches and bookings, occupancy rates and demand for short-term rentals.
According to UNWTO latest World Tourism Barometer, the massive drop in international travel demand over the period from January to June 2020 translates into a loss of 440 million international arrivals and about US$460 billion in export revenues from international tourism. This is around five times the loss in international tourism receipts recorded in 2009 amid the global economic and financial crisis.
Decisive action and vigilance by the Macao government and local residents, with support from the central government, have kept Macao’s confirmed Covid-19 cases to 46 – with no fatalities – and no new infections since June 26.
Their concerted efforts have ensured control and containment measures such as social distancing, contact tracing, and the mandatory wearing of protective face coverings in casinos, government offices, schools, and on public transport remain effective.
To guard against imported cases, Macao’s border closure has remained largely in place, except to visitors from Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China. Entry requirements for Hong Kong and Taiwan visitors will involve a negative Covid-19 nucleic acid test result issued within the past 24 hours, and the past 7 days respectively; including a 14-day quarantine in designated facilities. For visitors from mainland China, they must possess a certificate of negative result or a certificate of specimen collection for Covid-19 nucleic acid test issued within the past 7 days.
The Hongkong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will be instrumental in tourism recovery, as China reinstates tourist visas to Macao from September 23, 2020
Home team first
With travel into and out of Macao likely to remain tightly regulated for some time, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has devised a programme to encourage domestic tourism.
Macao Ready Go! (MRG) is part of the government’s platform of economic revival measures. It encourages locals to rediscover their own home, through special offers such as markdowns in retail, leisure and entertainment venues, as well as themed packages are consolidated through an e-coupon programme.
Local tours comprising of 25 itineraries have also been launched, including a behind-the scenes visit to Macau International Airport for insights into flight procedures at Air Macau, coupled with a private jet experience at Macau Jet. The most popular option is the “Helicopter Ride Experience”, and this offering will be extended to cope with resounding demand. Tours have been grouped under “Community-based” or “Leisure”, with prices ranging from MOP$18 (US$2) to MOP$398 (US$50) and participants are entitled to a subsidy. Fees will cover sightseeing, catering, tour guide services and insurances, which will give the industry a much-needed boost.
Take a leisurely stroll down Rua da Felicidade, popular for its delicious local delicacies and heritage shuttered terraces
Full recovery on the horizon
Arrivals from mainland China have seen a slow but steady increase since the gradual reopening of individual and group permits to Macao began in August.
Indeed, MGTO spared no effort in exciting potential mainland visitors with a spate of promotional campaigns. In tandem with Macao Economic Bureau (DSE), the Greater Bay Area Mega Rewards Festival was unveiled. It is a joint effort to support the digital platform Alipay in organising multiple online and offline discounts and promotional activities targeting Guangdong province. So far, over 20,000 retail brands and specialty shops such as cosmetics, pharmacies, catering, supermarkets and chain stores in Macao have signed up, and over 10 million e-coupons have been sold to date.
Meanwhile, the Macao SAR government is gearing up for a nationwide campaign through collective promotional efforts together with local and mainland partners of major platforms such as Alipay, UnionPay, Alibaba, Tencent to inspire visitors from the mainland to come visit Macao. Under the MRG umbrella, MGTO launched an e-platform featuring Macao’s SMEs, travel trade, Air Macau and other partners in promoting Macao as a destination to lure more visitors and stimulate spending.
A major Macao tourism promotion is coming up later this month in Beijing, ahead of China’s National Day “golden week” to further signal that Macao is ready to safely welcome visitors. More details on the event will be announced shortly.
MGTO plans to launch promotions in other destinations similar to those that are planned for launch in Beijing and other mainland cities once travel restrictions are removed. For now, MGTO continues to sustain travel aspirations among potential visitors through online promotional activities. Going forward, the concept of travel bubbles will most likely play a pivotal role in boosting tourism, and with quarantine requirements lifted for all inbound mainland Chinese citizens effective July 15, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge is highly anticipated to play a key role in facilitating travel between these regions.
Rebuilding confidence
Key tourism players have demonstrated commitment to uphold health and safety protocols to guests and staff members, in a bid to reassure domestic and future overseas visitors.
The health and safety of casino employees and patrons are also of utmost importance, in maintaining Macao’s reputation for being a gaming mecca. To gain entry, visitors must adhere to guidelines which operators have developed in conjunction with Macao’s gaming regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ). Casino staff are also being progressively slated for Covid-19 tests since mid July.
In rebuilding traveller confidence, Macau Explorer Cultural Travel has rolled out a host of health measures, from proactive distribution of face masks and advocating social distancing, to adapting technology in its bid to enhance health measures that are relevant for the current climate.
Sands Resorts Macao is the first hospitality group in Macao to receive certification from global certification organisation Bureau Veritas for exceeding all relevant local anti-epidemic regulations and requirements. Sands SafeStay, a comprehensive programme on cleanliness and disinfection measures, ensure the safety of staff and guests by focusing on sanitatisation, prevention and the promotion of contactless services. Paving the way are the Eiffel Tower and teamLab SuperNature, which are equipped with e-ticketing capabilities. Guests are now able to purchase tickets through through Wechat and other mobile apps, and gain access by scanning a QR code.
A kaleidoscope of entertainment options await visitors at City of Dreams
At Melco Resorts & Entertainment, the “Play Safe” initiative sees a dedicated team to oversee and perform additional room inspections in ensuring that rooms are cleaned according to existing procedures, with corrective coaching applied to rectify any shortfalls.
Ticking all the right boxes – to even exceeding mandated standards in health and safety protocols – Macao has illustrated, it is only through solidarity and cooperation between the private sectors, NTO and the government that the tourism recovery is possible, and its multiplier effect, harnessed.
A province’s location can be rather telling, when sea grapes, otherwise known as “green caviar”, are regarded as a local delicacy. Neighbouring beach mecca Hua Hin (widely hailed as a summer retreat for Thai royals) to the east, and bordering Myanmar to the west; Phetchaburi province is also a haven for hiking and extreme sport enthusiasts for its abundant jungle trails peppering the Thai-Myanmar border.
Kaeng Krachan National Park – The largest national park in Thailand, it is contiguous with the Tanintharyi Nature Reserve bordering Myanmar. The national park is popular for its close proximity to Hua Hin.
Catch a vantage view of the city at Phra Nakhon Khiri
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park – This well known landmark located atop a 92m hill was the summer palace of King Mongkut (Rama IV) and showcases a blend of Thai, neoclassical Western, and Chinese architectural styles. Cable car options to the peak are available.
Samut Prakan
Exhibits at The Ancient City are arranged according to their original geographical locations in Thailand
Another coastal location, its proximity to Bangkok will make a day trip suffice. A rustic town big on its culinary heritage, don’t miss the opportunity to try the famed gourami fish (Pla Salit) that has been relished by Thais for many centuries. Its uniqueness lies in that it is not eaten fresh, but sun-dried, to reveal its distinct flavour.
The Ancient City – Pressed for time but would still like a sampler of Thai architecture and history? Look no further than the Ancient City – dubbed the world’s largest outdoor museum – featuring replicas of Thailand’s most famous monuments and architectural attractions.
Bang Phli floating market – A transportation and trading hub connecting the east coast to Bangkok for more than 150 years, it is the only surviving piece of architecture along the main watercourse of Samut Prakhan province. Be sure to try the varieties of cooked Pla Salit here, as Bang Phli is also noted as an origin of commercially reared gourami fish.
Chonburi
Watch how fishermen reel in their freshest catches of the day on the multiple coastlines along Chonburi province
Travellers tend to associate Chonburi with Pattaya, but the province offers so much more than a conventional beach getaway. The Si Racha municipality, known for being the provenance of the world famous Sriracha chilli sauce, is testament that visitors will lose themselves in a myriad of regional delicacies and fresh seafood.
Bang Saen Beach – An hour’s drive from Pattaya, Bang Saen Beach during the year-end is filled with bioluminescent plankton blooms, marking it an unforgettable nocturnal experience to behold. Those who are brave enough may consider a night swim, and bathe in the neon glow.
Silver Lake Vineyard – Who would have thought Thailand is a wine producing region too? The climate, rich soil and long growing season in this part of the hemisphere has given birth to New Latitude Wines, a definition accorded to wines produced in non-traditional climates. Aside from tasting and cellar tours, the vineyard also houses a wine and grill restaurant offering wine pairing menus.
Singburi
An annual festival is dedicated to the renowned Pla Chon Mae La, showcasing local farm produce and fish dishes
Having long flown under the tourism radar for being a rural agricultural province, Singburi province offer visitors bespoke encounters which they cannot find in bigger metropolitan cities. Famous for its snakehead fish sourced from the Mae La River, this local speciality featuring a soft and crumbly texture, and fresh taste, is found in many restaurants in the Mae La area of the Bang Rachan district. The province is also known for its annual longboat races held every October or November, with the Princess’s Cup Championship being the most coveted.
The archaeological site is also renowned for being a global ceramic study centre
Mae Nam Noi Kilns – Once part of the largest pottery-making sites in Thailand from the 14th to 17th century, visitors can marvel at the preserved ruins of several kilns, as well as remnants of pottery today. The kiln’s claim to fame came when fragments of ceramics were found aboard shipwrecks in far-flung continents, attesting to its former importance.
Nang Yai Museum – Located within Wat Sawang Arom, this museum is dubbed as Thailand’s biggest, and most complete collection of shadow puppets (Nang Yai). Depicting figures from Thai folklore and history, these shadow puppets made from intricately cut buffalo skins form the core exhibits, along with traditional masks used in performances and a collection of musical instruments.
Nakhon Pathom
Nakhon Pathom is credited for being the birthplace of Buddhism in Thailand, and its abundance of fruit orchards stemming from fertile lands. A food and fruits festival held every September offers visitors glimpses into its agricultural roots, with pomelos – especially those from Nakhon Chaisi district – in high demand.
Landmark of Nakhon Pathom city, the stupa of Phra Pathom Chedi is the biggest and highest in all of Thailand.
Phra Pathom Chedi – On the grounds of this royal temple is also a museum housing a collection of artefacts dating back to the Ban Chiang and Dvaravati periods – widely regarded as the first civilisations in Thailand.
Sawat Canal – Why not consider an agrotourism cruise, having arrived at the home of the fruit orchards? The boat trip ranges from two to four hours, and has capacity for up to six persons. Enroute sights and encounters include visits and agricultural experiences to orchid gardens, pomelo and jack fruit orchards, and lotus fields. Rounding up the cruise, visitors will have the opportunity to sample these processed agricultural products, such as salted egges and jasmine rice crisps.
Catch the first episode of “Chef Chats”, featuring the journeys of French chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier and Thai chef Napol “Joe” Jantraget as they explore a sea grape farm in the Phetchaburi province.
More episodes will be progressively released on Facebook at MICHELIN Guide Thailand and YouTube at MICHELIN Guide Asia.
Fairmont Sanya Haitang Bay, China
Accor has unveiled its first flagship Fairmont Resort in Greater China, in partnership with Hainan Keenwin Holdings. The newly refurbished Fairmont Sanya Haitang Bay is situated along the coastline of Haitang Bay. Slated to open in December 2020, the resort will offer 523 guestrooms and suites as well as residential apartments, with some of these accommodations set within a new Fairmont Gold Tower. The resort will be complemented by a villa area and will feature a 9-hole golf course.
The resort is home to a number of dining destinations, including all-day restaurant Veranda, Chinese restaurant Yuen Court, and Ocean Lounge. Conference and banquet facilities include a 1,500m2 pillarless ballroom, nine meeting rooms, and a VIP function room. There is also a Chinese-inspired wedding pavilion set within a lush tropical garden. Leisure amenities include a spa, a gym, three outdoor swimming pools, kids’ club with indoor and outdoor play area, and a Fairmont Gold Lounge.
Best Western Plus Nexen, Thailand
Slated to open on October 1, 2020, Best Western Plus Nexen is a midscale hotel nestled in the Naklua district of Pattaya. The hotel’s 164 rooms and suites are equipped with flat-screen smart TVs, mini-bars, working desks with universal power sockets and USB ports. Onsite F&B options are XSO Kitchen, serving Thai and international cuisine; and Exe Bar, offering drinks and snacks throughout the day, and cool libations after dark. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, children’s pool and fitness centre.
Ozo George Town Penang, Malaysia
Located right on the fringe of the UNESCO World Heritage zone, Ozo George Town Penang offers 141 guestrooms and suites across five different categories in a 22-storey city-centre tower. On-site amenities include a sky bar with infinity pool, a penthouse sky lobby, infinity pool, gym, ON22 sky bar, Eat restaurant, lounge and library.
Shanghai Marriott Hotel Pudong South, China
Marriott International has opened the Shanghai Marriott Hotel Pudong South, marking the seventh Marriott Hotels property in the city of Shanghai. All 241 guestrooms feature a round office desk, sitting areas complete with a chaise longue and coffee table, as well as separate walk-in closets. The 33 Premier Rooms and six Executive Rooms offer expansive views of the city landscape with large windows on two sides. Facilities include three dining venues, a lobby lounge, an indoor heated swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna room, and 24-hour fitness centre. For events and meetings, there are two pillarless ballrooms – a 800m2 grand ballroom and 400m2 junior ballroom – alongside six different function rooms.
Klook has launched an interactive livestream mobile feature across five Asia-Pacific markets, allowing users to experience the travel booking platform’s offerings through video content on mobile devices.
Klook Live! incorporates what the brand has dubbed “traveltainment”, a new form of immersive content that elevates users’ ways of discovering and booking both local and overseas tours, activities and experiences, and even staycations at a destination. Featured content include live videos from product and activity reviews, to itinerary tips for future travel planning.
Earlier in August, Klook piloted a series of hyper-localised content on Klook Live! featuring offerings from F&B to hotel staycation packages. The results signal that Klook Live! coupled with traveltainment, lead to stronger purchase intent. Pilot markets observed a four times average uplift in conversion rates compared to in-app conversion rates on an average day.
Riding the growth momentum, Klook said that more content and products will be rolled out on Klook Live! in the coming weeks and months. These include episodic programmes to unveil a new local carnival in Taiwan and indoor recreational parks in Malaysia, among others.
With international travel restrictions in place, Klook Live! also provides a platform for local businesses that depend on tourism to showcase their offerings to domestic audiences, boosting brand awareness and sales.
Klook Live! is now available in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, and can be accessed by downloading the Klook app on Google Play or the App Store.