Loy River Song takes maiden journey to Ayutthaya
Luxury cruise company Loy Pela Voyages’ newest ship, Loy River Song, officially launched on the Chao Phraya River, charting a route from modern day Bangkok to Siam’s ancient capital of Ayutthaya.
Guests can choose from a collection of itineraries ranging from two days/one night to four days/three nights for the river cruise expedition.
The four-cabin Loy River Song offers a mix of King and Queen cabins, ranging in size from 20 to 30m2. Comfortable sitting areas make for perfect reading nooks, while communal areas are designed to host sunrise yoga, Muay Thai demonstrations, traditional dance performances and other activities promoting cultural immersion. The open and airy main salon opens into the elegant dining room that seats up to eight people.
Guests on board Loy Pela are promised round-the-clock butler attention, exquisite meals prepared by a private chef and in-depth local knowledge courtesy of a resident tour guide.
Offshore itineraries include cycling excursions on Bang Kachao island and exploration of some of the region’s most spectacular temples. Guided excursions, some on foot, others by car or a traditional long-tail boat, place travellers in the very heart of old Siam.
The daily-changing menu features Royal Thai cuisine, European dishes, and Michelin-starred menu by Thai chef Thitid Tassanakajohn of Bangkok’s famed Le Du restaurant. Offerings include afternoon tea and sunset cocktails, as well as decadent brunch featuring Canadian lobsters, oyster bar and caviar paired with fine wines.
Loy River Song joins Loy Dream, a two-berth, century-old teak rice barge, as part of Loy Pela Voyages.
Prices for Loy River Song start at 208,250++ baht (US$6,690) per cabin for a three-day, two-night trip.
Malaysia’s first Kimpton to arrive in Kuala Lumpur
IHG has signed a management agreement with LQ Retail to open Malaysia’s first Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur come 2023.
The hotel will form part of The Exchange TRX, a 6.8ha mixed development comprising six residential towers, an office building, a retail mall, and a 4ha rooftop park.
LQ Retail is a joint venture between Australia-based property and infrastructure group Lendlease and Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance’s wholly-owned TRX City, the master developer of Malaysia’s upcoming international financial district, Tun Razak Exchange (TRX).
The 471-room Kimpton Kuala Lumpur will feature three F&B outlets including a rooftop bar and restaurant, as well as a deli-grocer café. Other amenities will include an outdoor rooftop swimming pool, a gym, as well as a range of meeting and event spaces.
San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants currently operates more than 70 hotels and 85 restaurants, bars and lounges across the US, Canada, Europe, Caribbean and Greater China. In January 2015, Kimpton became part of the IHG family of hotel brands.
Onyx unveils story-driven brand Saffron Collection
Bangkok-based Onyx Hospitality Group has launched a new hotel brand called Saffron Collection, which will offer a portfolio of “story-driven” boutique hotels and resorts.
Saffron Collection will initially be available in Hanoi, Penang, Bangkok and Aranyaprathet in Thailand, with plans for further expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.
Each Saffron Collection property will serve as “a timeless showcase of the continuous legacy of the landmarks, people or legends that made a lasting impact on the destination and neighbourhood”.
Oriental Residence Bangkok will be reintroduced as a Saffron Collection property by the end of 2020. Touted as a “modern-day interpretation” of the famed Oriental Hotel set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the property will feature 145 suites, a collection of function rooms and the French-inspired Cafe Claire.
As a new-build addition to the collection, The Five Residences Hanoi is slated to open in October 2020, and will feature design incorporating the five elements of nature as inspired by the Five Elements Mountains of Central Vietnam. Centrally located on Doi Can Street, the property will offer 116 rooms and suites, neo-Asian restaurant NAM and MAAI Spa.
This will be followed by the mid-2021 opening of The George in Penang, and the early 2022 opening of Indochina Hotel in Aranyaprathet, Thailand.
Located on Jalan Pinang, The George, Penang will be a new-build hotel offering 93 rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant and rooftop pool; while Indochina Hotel, Aranyaprathet will reopen as a 120-room property following an extension restoration of the historic institution.
Every Saffron Collection lobby will showcase a customised cocktail cabinet, offering a select list of mixology concoctions from the locality alongside one signature cocktail designed for each property.
“Saffron Collection is driven by our quest to create a distinctive portfolio of boutique hotels and resorts that appeal to guests who want to be immersed in the stories and legends of the places they visit,” said Douglas Martell, president and CEO, Onyx Hospitality Group.
“Each Saffron Collection property aims to create memorable experiences through locally-relevant design and sensitive integration into the past and present of a destination. For owners and investors, Saffron Collection is also our way of preserving the compelling moments in a family, a corporation or a building and area’s history, and reinterpreting them towards memorable experiences for our present and future travellers.”
Qatar Airways returns to Adelaide
Qatar Airways will be resuming its services to Adelaide with twice-weekly flights, starting from August 16, 2020.
The South Australian capital will become the airline’s fifth destination in Australia to resume flights, bringing the total number of passenger flights operated by Qatar Airways per week to Australia to 23.
The Middle Eastern airline currently operates three weekly flights to Brisbane, four weekly flights to Perth, daily flights to Melbourne, and daily flights to Sydney.
The twice-weekly service to Adelaide will be operated by the airline’s fuel-efficient Airbus A350-900, offering 36 seats in business class and 247 seats in economy class.
The airline recently made the decision to ground its fleet of Airbus A380s, and instead operate its full fleet of Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft, as they are more environmentally and commercially sustainable.
Khiri Travel Myanmar restructuring underway
Khiri Travel Myanmar will be restructuring after its joint venture partner in Myanmar, Edwin Briels, decided to exit the partnership after nine years.
Since 2011, Khiri Travel Myanmar has been a joint venture between Briels, Aung Min Thein and Khiri Travel. Khiri Travel in Myanmar will now adjust internally, while continuing to provide a full range of DMC services in the country.
Briels said that Covid was the catalyst for the decision. “I want to continue telling unique stories of Myanmar and creating experiences with niche products such as Lalay Lodge, biking adventures and others,” he said.
Prior to Covid, Khiri Travel Myanmar had more than 30 staff and handled over 3,000 visitors in 2019.
Khiri Travel CEO Herman Hoven said that the company would ensure that any bookings tour operators and clients have with Khiri will be fulfilled, or postponed due to Covid without cost penalty, if needed.
“Khiri Travel Myanmar is very much open, ready and looking forward to once again delivering signature Myanmar experiences to travellers when international travel returns,” said Hoven, adding that the DMC will continue to work with Briels on ad-hoc projects.
Any queries can be sent to Hoven or sales.myanmar@Khiri.com.
TAT deputy governor dashes hopes of 2020 reopening for Thailand’s international borders
Thailand is unlikely to reopen its borders to international leisure visitors this year, predicted a deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Speaking at a webinar hosted by Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and TravelMole, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, deputy governor for international marketing at TAT, said that there has been no talk of or timeline issued for reopening the country to inbound or outbound leisure travel during weekly Covid-19 national meetings.
He added that as part of the government’s “very, very cautious” approach to reopening borders, he does not expect Thailand to welcome leisure visitors until 2021.
Noted Ayudhya: “I see no signal from the government that the country will open this year. That’s putting lot of pressure on the tourism industry. The Christmas period, usually the high season, is in jeopardy and I’m looking horribly even to Chinese New Year in February, which is an iffy proposition at best now. Unfortunately, this is not a rosy picture.”
He added that discussions over creating travel bubbles have also been halted. Said Ayudhya: “Last month, there was talk about forming travel bubbles. That talk has not continued so far because of outbreaks in many of the countries we were hoping to get tourists from, unfortunately, including Vietnam.”
However, the list of groups allowed into Thailand under strict measures has been expanded from diplomats, UN officials, as well as business people and investors who have an agreement with the government to include film crews and exhibition personnel.
This is only applicable to visitors from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China and Hong Kong. Every arrival must spend 14 days in quarantine.
Thailand will also open up to select countries for medical tourism.
Ayudhya added plans are being mooted for when safe bubbles can be formed for leisure travel, with a proposal that all visitors spend a minimum of 30 days in the country. This would be in designated areas – probably islands, such as Koh Samui or Phuket.
“Currently, this is not moving forward as the government is taking a wait-and-see attitude. They want to see how the current groups of foreigners, such as film crews and diplomats, do first. There is still a lot of nervousness,” he said.
With uncertainties surrounding the reopening of borders to international travel, Thai tourism operators are proposing a new inbound tourism plan, called Safe and Sealed, to replace travel bubbles, reported the Bangkok Post.
The scheme is designed to help tourism businesses tide through and avoid layoffs this year, should Thai borders remain shut to international visitors.
During a joint meeting of the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the private sector chaired by tourism minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, tourism-related groups proposed to allow tourists to enter Thailand in 4Q, said the report. As compared to the travel bubble scheme, the plan envisages safer, more flexible screening procedures for many countries, it added.
Under the plan, explained Vichit, only visitors from cities with a record of zero infections for at least a 30-day window will be selected, and they will be able to travel and stay in designated hotels and provinces. Other safety protocols will include a Covid-free certificate 72 hours before flights, as well as insurance and swab tests.
The report also quoted Vichit Prakobgosol, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, as saying that although Thailand has started allowing entry for certain group of foreigners, the tally will be below 100,000, which is inadequate to buoy the tourism industry.
The new inbound plan is expected to draw at least 500,000 tourists to Thailand and generate 50 billion baht in revenue, according to the report.
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said Phiphat will forward the proposal to related organisations, said the report. According to Yuthasak, the tourism sector employed four million workers pre-Covid, but with businesses having zero revenue over the past six months, unemployment in the sector could grow to 2.5 million.
Bintan Lagoon Resort shuts down for good
Bintan Lagoon Resort (BLR), the largest integrated resort in Bintan Regency, Riau Islands has decided to cease operations, after sustaining losses over the past two years.
The resort’s financial woes were worsened due to the impact from Covid-19, with CNBC Indonesia indicating that the property had filed for bankruptcy.
The written closure plan was submitted to the Bintan Regency Employment Agency on July 31, 2020.
Indra Hidayat, head of Bintan Employment Agency, was quoted by Indonesia’s Antara News Agency as saying that his party has dispatched a team to review BLR’s closure plan. “We also provide guidelines on matters that need to be fulfilled by BLR in order to close their business,” he added.
Some 500 staff will lose their jobs with the closure. Indra shared that he would oversee the process of layoffs for BLR employees, especially in ensuring the company fulfil its contractual obligations to employees in accordance with applicable labour laws.
TTG Asia did not receive a response from BLR by press time.
Edit: The original posting overlooked an attribution to CNBC Indonesia for the bankruptcy report.
Singapore takes top spot for post-pandemic travel among travellers from five Asian destinations
Singapore is at the top of the list of travel destinations for people living in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines when it comes to post-lockdown travel, according to a new global study.
These destinations also have considerable pent-up demand for travel. Out of the five, Indians are the most eager to travel internationally in the next 12 months (77 per cent), followed by Thais (70 per cent), Indonesians (60 per cent), Hong Kongers (47 per cent), and Filipinos (46 per cent).
Jointly conducted by social research agency Blackbox Research, data provider Dynata, and language partner Language Connect, Unravel Travel: Fear & Possibilities in a Post Coronavirus (Covid-19) World examined the sentiments, preferences, and expectations of more than 10,000 people across 17 countries regarding travel in a post-Covid-19 world.
The study also found that Singaporeans are keen for the local travel industry to find its footing again. An overwhelming 93 per cent of Singaporeans recognise that tourism is a major industry and contributor to the local economy, with more than half (67 per cent) believing that the country is well-prepared to reopen tourism and leisure activities. More than half (57 per cent) are also comfortable with tourism boards, including their own, promoting their countries amid a pandemic.
On a more global level, the study revealed that one in five will look to avoid business travel in the next 12 months, spelling a challenge for Singapore’s plans to progressively resume essential business travel for executives.
Saurabh Sardana, COO of Blackbox Research, said that both regional interest and citizen sentiment towards restarting local tourism have been encouraging, but establishing traveller’s trust in health and safety protocols is key.
He elaborated: “People across Asia have the most pent-up demand to travel, and Singapore is well-placed to tap into that opportunity given its strategic location as the region’s travel hub. As Asia’s business hub as well, Singapore’s immediate focus on appealing to business travellers by working to establish green lane arrangements with a number of countries will help kickstart the industry.
“However, with concerns on health and safety as well as the increasing prevalence of digital tools replacing in-person business meetings, our study found that a significant percentage of people globally are deterred from business travel.
“With the number of cases in control now, Singapore is well-placed to cut through the fear and noise around pandemic travel, and drive home the safety narrative for its local tourism assets. This includes assurances on health checks during key stages of their itinerary, as well as ensuring that the required safety standards and precautions are in place.”
Singapore also has strong domestic appeal, with 78 per cent of Singaporeans keen to support local travel attractions in the next 12 months.
Sardana said: “Despite being a small island state that does not offer locals different states and regions to explore, our survey demonstrated that Singaporeans’ impression of domestic travel is still relatively robust. Singapore is committed to appeal to local consumers, as demonstrated by its S$45 million (US$32.5 million) SingapoRediscovers campaign, and its offerings are also well-placed to capture the domestic market.
“The next stage will be to further grow the way domestic tourism is perceived by locals, based on a greater understanding of local preferences, sentiments, and expectations.”
Trip.com, AirAsia.com partner to revitalise tourism in China and SE Asia
China-based Trip.com Group has entered into a strategic partnership with AirAsia’s travel and lifestyle e-commerce platform, AirAsia.com, that will allow users of both digital platforms access to a wider range of product and service offerings.
Under the partnership, both companies will collaborate on a range of popular products and services available on both digital platforms, including cooperation in the areas of transit information for connecting flights, as well as membership benefits and product marketing, so as to deliver an enhanced and streamlined experience for travellers.
The cooperation aims to spur greater demand for international travel by providing travellers with an end-to-end product offering, from flights to hotels, airport transfers, and activities. Trip.com Group’s premium members will also be able to enjoy upgraded privileges on AirAsia flights when they book on Trip.com Group platforms.
AirAsia Group CEO, Tony Fernandes, called the airline’s partnership with Trip.com Group “timely” and added that it “demonstrates our commitment and confidence in the China market, more so during this challenging Covid-19 environment, where we remain optimistic for borders to be reopened in the near future”.
Trip.com Group CEO, Jane Sun, said: “With the pandemic gradually being brought under control, we’re seeing a recovery in travel demand across the Asia-Pacific region. Already, we’ve seen accommodation volume in a number of key regional markets virtually recover to pre-pandemic volumes, while air ticketing volumes continue to make a strong recovery.
“With demand gradually increasing, and flight routes continuing to resume, we look forward to working with AirAsia to prepare the travel industry for a triumphant revival, and deliver a superior experience to travellers.”
River cruise company U by Uniworld will be sailing into 2021 with a ramped-up focus on Gen Z and foodie travellers.
Part of the company’s new offerings on its European river cruises next year is GenZ on U, a family programme offering six select sailings exclusively for teens and their parents. These cruises will feature a designated onboard lounge for teens to hang with others their own age.
Other fun offerings will include karaoke contests, foosball tournaments, camping on the rooftop, trivia nights, projector movie nights on the rooftop, onboard pretzel demonstrations, and more.
Featured offshore excursions include a culture and food tour by bike through Antwerp’s neighbourhoods, kayaking through the canals of Ghent, yoga in the Wachau Valley vineyards, and a Viennese cooking class.
From July 24, 2021, U will also launch its first foodie-themed cruise, in collaboration with top food influencer Salvatore DiBenedetto, known as The GrubFather (@thegrubfather) who has over 215,000 Instagram followers.
On this Rolling on the Rhine cruise, guests will experience a specially curated menu, excursions, and onboard activities that were created by DiBenedetto and the U team first-hand. The itinerary includes a cooking demonstration with a local chef, a food and travel photography and business workshop led by DiBenedetto, sunset champagne sailing with a local DJ & Sax player, as well as offshore excursions co-hosted by The Grubfather to showcase his favourite spots in the cities.
Next year, U will also roll out a roster of new inclusions, such as beer and wine included at lunch and dinner, and roundtrip airport transfers. Every U sailing will also include three daily meals, two dedicated U Hosts with in-depth knowledge of the destinations, local DJ performances on the rooftop lounge, daily offshore excursions, ship-wide Wi-Fi and all gratuities. Guests can choose from a lineup of daily activities and events like rooftop sunrise yoga, mixology classes, paint and wine, and more.
“Our mission for 2021 is to re-connect and remind our guests why they love to travel. We’re introducing these unconventional experiences that align with our traveller’s playful and adventurous energy and will bring even more value to our sailings than before with our new inclusions,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of U by Uniworld.
“We’ve seen a huge uptick in interest for travellers seeking smaller cruise ships next year. We know our ship’s high guest to staff ratio, close proximity to shore, enhanced health and safety protocols, and less people onboard, will keep our guest’s minds at ease as we go into this new era of travel.”