Travel News

Over 24 million queries from MENA to Egypt were logged by the site. In an effort to increase tourism in the area, Wego recently announced a new cooperation with the Egyptian Tourism Authority in DUBAI. Promoting Egypt’s rich history, culture, and tourist prospects is the goal of this cooperation. We will closely collaborate with the Egyptian Tourism Authority to promote this campaign on all of our marketing channels under the slogan “In Egypt, your expectations are history” in order to show visitors the best of Egypt’s summer and Eid Al Adha celebrations, including festivals, events, and attractions. “We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with the Egyptian Tourism Authority,” said Mamoun Hmedan, CCO and MD, MENA and India, at Wego. Travellers seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and history should head to Egypt. The best seasons to travel to Egypt are the summer and Eid Al Adha. Between 1 January and 27 April 2023, we tracked over 24 million searches from the MENA to Egypt, and we anticipate a spike during Eid Al Adha. Wego will offer its consumers a thorough travel guide that features the top destinations, activities, and attractions. An online social media contest will be held to reward travellers by offering the chance to travel to this must-see location. During the summer during Eid Al Adha, Egypt offers a wide range of experiences to offer tourists. The Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor and Aswan are just a few of the prominent ancient structures that may be explored by tourists in Egypt. “We are thrilled to partner with Wego for another year,” Egyptian Tourism Authority CEO Amr ElKady said. We are convinced that we can bring more tourists to Egypt and give them an outstanding experience given the country’s rich cultural history, unique terrain, and friendly people. The Egyptian Tourism Authority’s general director of tourism promotion, Suzan Mostafa, stated: “We are delighted to cooperate with Wego and showcase our nation through this collaborative effort. Wego’s substantial user base in the MENA area will be advantageous to us since it will help us increase traffic to Egypt and draw tourists throughout the summer. Egypt comes alive with music, dance, and customary celebrations throughout this time. You may also experience Egypt’s breathtaking beaches and desert landscapes, which together make Egypt a special and fascinating travel destination. Source: traveldailynews

Following a major refurbishment and extension that started in 2021 and takes the venerable resort’s guest experience to new heights, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples reopens on July 6th, 2023. The storied resort on Florida’s Gulf Coast will open the Vanderbilt Tower, which has three new dining options, a large new Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, and more than 70 club-level bedrooms. The newly redesigned resort has newly designed outside areas, such as new pools, bungalows, and cabanas, in addition to major renovations to each of the 474 guest rooms and suites. Ritz-Carlton Area General Manager Mark Ferland remarked, “We are thrilled to announce our opening date and look forward to welcoming back our Ladies and Gentlemen as we prepare for our first guests to check in this July at our new resort.” “We are confident that our new additions will surpass expectations,” says the company, “and our goal was to create an even more exceptional guest experience.” The Ritz-Carlton, Naples believes that more than 95% of the management team and 80% of its hourly Ladies and Gentlemen will return for the relaunch. More than 300 Ladies and Gentlemen are also being hired by the resort to assist both The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Tiburon. More details and advantages related to working at The Ritz-Carlton are available on the organization’s website at https://careers.marriott.com/the-ritz-carlton-careers/. The addition of the Vanderbilt Tower, the resort’s Club Level tower with enhanced amenities and spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the renovation’s standout features. The new Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, which has a dedicated full-service bar, a movie room, unique programming and five daily gourmet presentations, is the gem of the new tower. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples’ freshly renovated entrance experience includes an elaborate lobby bar that draws inspiration from decades of festivities. The bar offers a selection of more than fifty carefully chosen champagnes and sparkling wines, along with a Signature Champagne Tasting Experience created by Master Sommelier Elyse Lambert. The three new eating options accessible to visitors, including Sofra, a new restaurant that emphasises vegetables and is inspired by the shareable, savoury meals of the Eastern Mediterranean, will delight foodies. Additionally, Moka will make its debut with a broad selection of coffees crafted from carefully chosen beans chosen in collaboration with a third-generation roasting family. The resort’s popular restaurants, such as The Grill and Gumbo Limbo, will be further complemented by a third restaurant concept, which will be unveiled later this year. The resort’s family pool, adult pool, lap pool, and hot tub are all included in the renovated poolside experience that will be available to guests. The utmost in poolside relaxation and elegance is offered by ten fully enclosed, air-conditioned bungalows with cascading doors, each with its own private bath, television, entertainment system and service bar for refreshments. Ten new cabanas with plush seats, ceiling fans, and televisions will also be built to the pool area, providing an opulent foundation for outdoor enjoyment. The resort’s 474 guestrooms and suites have all been refurbished, and each one now emanates a timeless, informal elegance that pays homage to the resort’s history of coastal refinement. The premium resort can now accommodate groups and leisure travellers in more than 90 multi-room suites thanks to the installation of more than 60 suites, including Royal Suites with three bedrooms and bathrooms for families and prolonged stays. The iconic coastal luxury experience, sunsets at Gumbo Limbo, and the unmatched level of service and hospitality of the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton are just a few of the core experiences and traditions that guests can look forward to at the re-opening. Source: breakingtravelnews

Together with Azure Resorts & Hotels, Luxus Developments, and Four Seasons, a leader in premium hospitality and branded residential, they reveal a brand-new freestanding residential project in Las Vegas that will welcome residents home in 2026.The MacDonald Highlands neighbourhood, a private 11-acre (4.5 hectare) sanctuary in Henderson, Nevada, will be home to the Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas. This community is close to the world-class entertainment, excellent dining, and premium shopping of Las Vegas. With its 171 high-rise homes with panoramic views, six stand-alone family-style villas, resort-inspired facilities, and fully-serviced luxury living distinguished by Four Seasons attentive and genuine care, the new project will provide a global lifestyle. “We consider it a pleasure to be working with the storied Four Seasons brand, which is renowned for its highly individualised service and capacity to provide extraordinary lifestyle experiences for both residents and visitors. According to Jim Reilly, president of Azure Resorts & Hotels, “owners will be welcomed by elegant décor, unmatched hospitality, and world-class amenities from the moment of arrival, attracting buyers who desire a social and active yet private community with exclusively curated experiences at their fingertips. “Las Vegas has long been associated with fun and excitement, and right now, its product selection is fast developing and improving in terms of quality. According to Jonathan Lawrence, managing partner of Luxus Developments, “We are thrilled to introduce a one-of-a-kind offering to the city, bringing an elevated lifestyle experience like never before.” Since 1985, Four Seasons has led the way in branded residential and has continued to grow its worldwide inventory of opulent residences in the most sought-after locations. Along with the famous individualised care and professional property management that homeowners can anticipate when living with Four Seasons, the company’s expanding collection of independent Private Residences offers unrivalled solitude. In locations that appeal to luxury homeowners, outside the confines of our hotels and resorts, “our standalone residential offerings present a unique opportunity to live with Four Seasons while still delivering the exceptional care and service to residents that is core to our brand,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. With partners that share our objective for developing an unmatched luxury living experience in the market, our new project in Las Vegas is the ideal complement to our independent portfolio, catering to discriminating homeowners in this significant location. With regards to Four Seasons Private Residences Las VegasPrivate residences at Four Seasons The first residential skyscraper in Henderson will be called Las Vegas, and it will be created by the avant-garde architectural firm Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG). The modern apartments will offer both indoor and outdoor living space with panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and McCullough mountain range. Interior square footage will vary from 2,300 to 7,300 square feet (213 to 678 square metres) and 500 to 5,000 exterior square feet (46 to 464 square metres) for the houses. The thoughtful, turnkey touches included in the residences will include semi-private lifts, private garages and completely furnished interiors. Epicurean kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms are just a couple of the luxurious designer finishes and fixtures that Wimberly Interiors chose from a wide range of alternatives. Every home will include adaptable terraces with eating rooms, social gathering places, and outdoor kitchens, expanding the owners’ seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Noble Heights, a trademark restaurant and wine bar, will be located inside the new luxury apartments so that locals and residents may enjoy everyday eating, special events and much more just outside their door. In addition to unobstructed views, al fresco dining options, and a culinary experience featuring ranch, farm, and sea-centric cuisine along with an elevated selection of cocktails, Noble Heights will anchor the neighbourhood. It was created by hospitality industry veterans Elizabeth Blau and Chef Kim Canteenwalla of Blau + Associates (as well as Honey Salt and Buddy V’s Ristorante in Las Vegas and Crown Block Dallas). Residents will benefit from a service-rich environment with top amenities like private chef services, private wine cellars, multi-level resort-style pools, cabanas, an on-site event lawn, catering services, a pet spa, an auto spa, a community boardroom, a library, a screening room, and a variety of wellness amenities like a full-service gym and spa with a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, lap pool, multiple private tre Four Seasons will make sure that residents and their houses are taken care of with the same quality and service excellence for which the brand is recognised by managing the whole residential experience. In addition, residents will have easy access to the exclusive golf, pool, and tennis club, Dragon Ridge Country Club, two pickleball courts, and a virtual golf simulator located within the MacDonald Highlands neighbourhood. With properties beginning at USD $3 million, Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas is currently taking ownership enquiries. Visit www.lasvegasprivateresidences.com or call (702) 630-6000 to reach the Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas Real Estate Discovery Studio for more information. Source: breakingtravelnews

Ryanair, the top low-cost carrier in Europe, has placed an order for up to 300 737 MAX aircraft, choosing the biggest type to fuel its future expansion. The largest purchase agreement in Ryanair’s history involves a definite order for 150 737-10 aircraft and options for an additional 150.In order to fulfil the high demand for travel and hasten its post-pandemic recovery, Ryanair has deployed a growing fleet of 737-8-200 aircraft. Compared to the aircraft it is replacing, the 197-seat 737-8-200 type has helped the airline cut fuel usage and emissions by over 20%. The bigger 737-10 model, which provides Ryanair with 228 seats and the greatest unit economics of any single-aisle aircraft, is now included in the order. “Ryanair is thrilled to sign this record aircraft order with our aircraft partner Boeing for up to 300 MAX 10s. According to Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary, these new, fuel-efficient, greener technology aircraft have 21% more seats, consume 20% less fuel, and are 50% quieter than our B737-NGs. “We anticipate replacing ageing NGs with half of this order, and using the remaining 150 aircraft to support controlled, sustainable expansion to slightly over 300 million annual passengers by 2034. Over the next ten years, this order and the other Gamechanger deliveries will result in the creation of 10,000 new high-paying aviation jobs throughout all of Europe’s major markets, where Ryanair is now the No. 1 or No. 2 airline, according to O’Leary. “We anticipate that these new, larger, more efficient aircraft will lead to additional unit cost reductions, which will be passed on to customers in the form of cheaper air tickets, in addition to providing considerable revenue and market expansion prospects across Europe. The Boeing MAX 10 is the perfect growth aircraft order for Ryanair, our passengers, our employees, and our shareholders because the extra seats, lower fuel consumption, and more competitive aircraft pricing supported by our strong balance sheet will widen the cost gap between Ryanair and competitor EU airlines for many years to come. According to Dave Calhoun, president and chief executive officer of Boeing, “the Boeing-Ryanair partnership is one of the most fruitful in commercial aviation history, enabling both companies to succeed and expand accessible travel to hundreds of millions of people.” “This historic agreement will enhance our alliance, which was already strong when our firms inked their first direct aeroplane purchase over 25 years ago. We are devoted to providing for Ryanair and assisting the airline group in reaching its objectives. Once it is complete, this new order will be published on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website. Source: breakingtravelnews

A great group of gourmet experts created five MIRAlicious dining experiences as part of a celebration of 65 years. SAR OF HONG KONG – The Miramar Group was founded in 1957 with a foundation in hospitality. Since that time, it has expanded its range of services to include chic hotels and serviced apartments, real estate leasing, food and drink, and travel services in both Hong Kong and Mainland China. With its chic, well-designed hotels and eateries that many Hong Kong residents adore and visit, Miramar Group has grown to be a major player in the sector and a well-known brand in the city. The Miramar Group will begin a special campaign in May to mark its 65th anniversary, displaying the finest that Hong Kong’s F&B sector has to offer as the warmest welcome to diners from all over the world. Five of the group’s award-winning restaurants are together for Miramar’s Gourmet Month, a special F&B campaign where each offers a limited-time menu of its most renowned and outstanding dishes. The event, which will run from now through May 31, 2023, will bring together famous chefs from restaurants such as Cuisine Cuisine (at the ifc mall and The Mira Hong Kong), WHISK, Chinesology, and JAJA to create a gourmet experience that will feature first-rate cuisine, first-rate service, and cutting-edge interior design. This is the Miramar Group’s first ever group-focused F&B engagement, giving its chefs and service teams an opportunity to shine while allowing patrons to congregate, take in, and make every moment in Hong Kong MIRAlicious. The Mira Hong Kong’s Restaurant: Gourmet Month Special The finest Cantonese and Chinese cuisine is served at Cuisine at The Mira Hong Kong, an elegant restaurant with a modern touch. The restaurant, which has had a Michelin Guide recommendation since 2012, is commemorating Gourmet Month with a unique meal created by Chef de Cuisine Edwin Tang. Chef Tang, who is renowned for his inventive interpretations of traditional Cantonese food, will be showcasing reimagined versions of well-known classics like Typhoon Shelter-style lobster made with hot preserved vegetables and a hint of lemongrass, quick minute pasta and premium Japanese Ran Oh egg inspired by a Shanghainese stir-fried egg white dish called sai pang xie, and shrimp toast elevated with plum wine jelly, sea urchin, and caviar. The six-course tasting menu provides a remarkable and refined dining experience. Food 18th Anniversary Celebration Feast at Cuisine ifc Using only the finest seasonal ingredients and time-tested dishes that highlight the 36 Chinese culinary techniques, Cuisine Cuisine ifc, led by Head Chef Chau Kin-yan, provides a genuine Cantonese dining experience. This beautiful restaurant, which is located in the Central Business District and boasts spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, is hosting a special six-course feast to honour Gourmet Month and its 18th anniversary at ifc mall. The braised pomelo peel and Japanese Kanto sea cucumber with prawn roe, as well as the famed house specialty Sautéed Crystal King Prawn, are among the highlights of the feast. Chinese Studies: Hong Kong Flavours Chinesology, which takes its cue from the Tang Dynasty, strives to examine the depth and complexity of Chinese food through a modern lens. Chef Saito Chau, a native of Hong Kong, is in charge of the eatery at the ifc mall. Chef Saito Chau has a deep affection for the community and has long wished to highlight the cuisine and craftsmanship of the city on a larger scale. Chef Saito has created a 10-course themed meal called “Flavours of Hong Kong” in conjunction with well-known local businesses Ser Wong Fun, Lee Hoong Kee, Kam Hing Noodles, and Tiu Yuen Soy Company, each of which has a history spanning more than 70 years in the city. The unique and nostalgic delicacies, which drew inspiration from the tales told by each business, include fermented soybean paste ice cream, wild Ma Yau Fish cooked in lotus leaves, and abalone with pan-fried crispy noodles. May 2023: Sparkling Finesse at WHISK (The Mira Hong Kong) WHISK is a cutting-edge French-Japanese restaurant run by Chef William Lau that specialises in ingredient-driven meals made using quality food from all around the world and skilled French culinary skills. The award-winning restaurant is celebrating French GourMay with a tasting menu of up to 10 dishes paired with French sparkling wines, with the theme “Bubble Up” as a nod to the event. New dishes to sample include savoury ocean fish bouillabaisse paired with Premier Cru “Fleur de Champagne” from Duval-Leroy and kombu-cured hamachi with tart French sorrel served with crisp Crémant de Bourgogne from Domaine François Mikulski. Customers may select from three main courses, including Kagoshima wagyu ribeye with compressed Agria potato and char-grilled berries, French pigeon with berries and Japanese red cabbage, and lavish Mot & Chandon Rosé Grand Vintage 2006. The tasting menu, which offers a deluxe and exceptional dining experience, is priced at HK$980 per person for six dishes, HK$1,288 for 10 courses, and an extra HK$480 for four glasses of Sommelier’s Selection. Fashionable Party Set for 4 from JAJA Inside the Hong Kong Arts Centre in Wan Chai, JAJA is a place where positive energy is shared and celebrated while dishing out delicious and Instagrammable vegetarian delicacies in a quirky and colourful setting. During Gourmet Month, the always entertaining vegetarian restaurant welcomes patrons to celebrate in style with its Fashionable Party Set for 4, which includes a variety of appetisers, entrées, and sides. A delectable vegetarian margarita pizza, a live maki platter filled with superfoods, and locally grown smokey corn ribs are just a few of the restaurant’s signature dishes that go great with one of JAJA’s many creative milkshakes, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks. Whether for a chic celebration or a fun night out, JAJA offers a lively and happy eating experience. Source: traveldailynews

The Coral Executive Lounge offers a variety of high-end lounge amenities, such as food and refreshments, snacks and drinks, Wi-Fi, flight information, a private room, neck and shoulder massages, newspapers and magazines, television entertainment, and handicap accessibility. Thailand – With the addition of a new lounge service at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s Coral Executive Lounge, Thai Vietjet significantly improves the flying experience for its customers. The Coral Executive Lounge, Concourse D, Departure Terminal, Suvarnabhumi Airport, now offers premium and comfortable services to passengers flying on Thai Vietjet’s international flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Singapore, Fukuoka, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Taipei at an affordable price starting at THB 1,200. This offer is available on the airline’s website and call centre. The Coral Executive Lounge offers a variety of high-end lounge amenities, such as food and refreshments, snacks and drinks, Wi-Fi, flight information, a private room, neck and shoulder massages, newspapers and magazines, television entertainment, and handicap accessibility. In the time spent waiting for their trip to depart, passengers may easily take use of these services. “Our number one focus is giving clients the finest flying experience possible. In addition to focusing on cost control to offer the most advantageous travel option, Thai Vietjet also serves its passengers with the best possible service and a wider range of options from its partners to accommodate our passengers throughout the journeys, making their experience with us special, according to Mr. Pinyot Pibulsonggram, Head of Commercial at Thai Vietjet. By adding the lounge pass to their booking number when purchasing their air ticket on th.vietjetair.com, or by managing their booking at th.vietjetair.com or at Thai Vietjet call centre at (+66)-2-089-1909 at least 24 hours prior to departure time, passengers holding Thai Vietjet’s Eco and Deluxe tickets can take advantage of the premium lounge service. At the lounge reception desk, passengers must provide their boarding card and flight itinerary. Source: traveldailynews

Within the next month, ASAI Kyoto Shijo, ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, and DusitD2 Samyan Bangkok are all scheduled to open. Thailand’s Bangkok One of Thailand’s top hotel and real estate development enterprises, Dusit Hotels and Resorts under Dusit International, plans to increase both its domestic and international presence by establishing three hotels within the next 30 days, including its first hotel in Japan and two new properties in Bangkok. With the opening of the Dusit Suites Athens and Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi in March, respectively, Dusit opened its first hotel in Europe, in Greece. Now, Dusit is preparing to welcome its first dusitD2 branded hotel in Bangkok, the dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok, which will soft open on 12 May 2023. The new hotel, which has 179 well-appointed guest rooms and is situated on Si Phraya Road, a bustling boulevard next to Silom and Sathorn roads in Bangkok’s central business area, offers a sleek, modern design that respects Thai culture and embraces the upmarket essence of the dusitD2 brand. Among the many amenities offered by the hotel are a chic lobby, a fully stocked fitness centre, a flexible meeting room with cutting-edge audio-visual equipment, an outdoor pool with a panoramic city view, and a multi-level food and beverage concept with a gourmet grab-and-go outlet, an all-day dining restaurant with an open kitchen, and a rooftop bar with a Miami-inspired design called Mimi that serves burgers, shakes, craft beers, and cocktails. Next, on May 15, 2023, Dusit will inaugurate ASAI Bangkok Sathorn on Sathorn Soi 12, close to Bangkok’s central business area, about five minutes’ walk from Saint Louis BTS (Skytrain) Station, to commemorate the formal growth of its distinctive lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels. The new hotel will carry on the brand’s promise to connect guests with authentic local experiences in the world’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, including this one, which is renowned for its impressive cluster of hip bars and Thai and international restaurants. Building on the success of ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, one of the top-rated hotels in Bangkok on TripAdvisor, the new hotel will continue to deliver on this promise. The new hotel offers 106 thoughtfully designed, small rooms that concentrate on the necessities, like plush beds and strong showers. It also has a large, welcoming common area with a cosy neighbourhood bar, a relaxing coworking space, and a special dining experience prepared by award-winning chefs Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and Dylan Jones, who specialise in authentic Thai cuisine made from seasonal and sustainable ingredients. The ASAI Kyoto Shijo, Dusit’s first hotel in Japan, will open on June 1, 2023, placing visitors in the heart of the Shijo-Karasuma district, next to the famed Nishiki Market in the city’s renowned Downtown area. This will mark the expansion of the ASAI brand outside of Thailand. The hotel will have 114 smartly designed, compact rooms that are built to provide the highest comfort and convenience, as well as a sizable public centre for work, relaxation, and play, and a charming dining area inspired by Bangkok’s vibrant street-food culture. Regular partnerships with local chefs, craftsmen, and farmers as well as sustainable produce procurement will further distinguish the special lifestyle hotel. “We are delighted to welcome three new hotels to our portfolio, including our first dusitD2 branded hotel in Bangkok, our second ASAI hotel in Bangkok, and our first hotel in Japan,” said Mr. Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “As we continue to execute our plan for domestic and global expansion, we are excited to welcome these new hotels.” “These openings mark important turning points for our business, and we are convinced that tourists from all over the world will be drawn to their distinct positioning and lifestyle and food and beverage experiences. We are optimistic about the future and eager to establish ourselves in other important international markets as we prepare for these launches. By the end of the year, there will be 62 hotels (13,700 keys) operating across 18 countries, thanks to the opening of nine additional hotels around the world before the end of the year, including Dusit’s first hotel in Nepal, a second hotel in Japan, and a strategically important return to India. Source: traveldailynews

The new high-end stores in Terminal 1’s Central Piazza are just a few of the recent, exciting changes to Changi Airport’s travel retail landscape. Travel retail at Changi Airport is thriving, with increased sales and fresh shopping opportunities for passengers, in parallel with the airport’s robust rebound in both passenger and flight traffic. Here is a look at the most recent changes to Changi’s travel retail landscape and what consumers might expect later this year. Retail at Changi Airport: the numbers Since the previous year, total sales have risen rapidly, reaching a high of nearly 60% in January 2023 in comparison to 2019 levels. Strong sales growth has been observed at Changi Airport from countries including Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. The top three categories at Changi’s retailers are once again Perfumes & Cosmetics, Liquor & Tobacco, and Luxury. Partnering with companies to maintain Changi’s travel retail as interesting and innovative as possible for tourists Even at the height of the epidemic, Changi continued to draw tenants, demonstrating the brands’ strong faith in Changi Airport’s ability to rebound from the travel slump. When Terminal 4 (T4) and the southern wing of Terminal 2 (T2) reopened last year, the leasing activity for the airside concessions at Changi Airport significantly increased. 19 brand-new to Changi brands and ideas were successfully obtained, and over 140 airside concession leases were successfully completed. Particularly, the market responded overwhelmingly to a massive leasing effort for 20 F&B establishments in T2. at recent months, several significant stores have opened at the terminals of Changi Airport. The largest Bacha Coffee store in the world, a new duplex store at Terminal 3 (T3) Three luxury boutiques namely Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co at Terminal 1 (T1) New-to-Changi brands such as Korean streetwear label ADLV in T4 Popular athleisure brand Lululemon in T3. Transforming retail areas to improve the eating and shopping experience in Changi Changi Airport is able to provide experiences that go beyond simple shopping by transforming retail areas to be both attractive and practical. The most recent instance is the renovation of T1’s Departure Transit Hall’s Central Piazza, which was finished last year. The area was purposefully created to provide a cosy, peaceful atmosphere that is unlike the chilly functioning of an airport and more akin to a hotel lobby. Carefully chosen architectural features, such as hanging chandeliers, green columns sprouting from ponds, the sound of water among the lush greenery, earthy tones, and an artistic blown-glass suspension, help to create an oasis of serenity. Shilla Duty Free, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Lotte Duty Free are among the tenants in the Central Piazza that have been arranged for better exposure to customers from the time they enter the Departure Transit Hall. Additionally, the establishments have been created to blend in with the serene surroundings. To revitalise the area and improve the overall retail and dining experience, the west wing of the T1 Departure Transit Hall has also been reorganised. With a new F&B cluster anchored in the zone to stimulate foot traffic, the updated design includes more vegetation and a wider entry to the secondary street. With more seating and a snug layout, along with new landscaping and F&B concepts, the customer experience has been improved. The T1 Departure Transit Hall’s east wing will be refurbished next. A well-liked F&B cluster will be improved, and additional retail spaces will be added. The project will boost net leasable space, broaden passenger options, and improve the ambiance in the neighbourhood. Unique omnichannel experiences that pique customers’ interest Through Changi 1st pop-ups in the transit halls every month, Changi Airport collaborates with companies to pique travellers’ interest. These activations frequently include the world’s or Asia’s first limited edition product launches. From 5 April to 14 May, the Guerlain Parfumerie d’Art Pop-up at T3’s Departure Transit will celebrate the release of Jasmin Bonheur, the newest fragrance in the L’Art & La Matière line. Customers may look forward to personalised engraving services, unique scent consultations, and the ability to embellish your bottle in a number of ways. A further example of Changi Airport’s innovation to enhance airport shopping is the Changi Shopping Concierge service. Passengers who desire a customised shopping experience can take advantage of this gratis service available around-the-clock. Customers are attended to by Shopping Concierge Ambassadors (SCAs), who are educated and equipped with product expertise to inform visitors about the fascinating range of shopping options available across the airport, including Changi exclusives. To take the customers shopping before their boarding time, SCAs might meet them early in the airport. Additionally, they may assist in pre-purchasing the things, having them wrapped, and delivering them to the traveller at the boarding gate. The SCAs can assist in making product recommendations depending on the passenger’s tastes and budget and can assist in enquiring with the outlets about product availability if the customer does not have a specific item in mind. Additionally, cross-terminal shopping is possible with the service. For instance, travellers from Terminal 4 who are eager to buy at Terminals 1, 2, and 3 can use the SCAs to assist them make purchases and have the products delivered right to their T4 boarding gates. Passengers have two options for making payments: either they may do it online or the SCAs can arrange to meet and accompany them in person at the stores. The Shopping Concierge service does not have a minimum expenditure requirement. On the digital front, the iChangi app has been essential in enhancing our digital offer by making a range of goods and services readily accessible at the press of a button, in addition to bringing additional brands and items to our e-commerce site iShopChangi. For instance, our travellers can now do things like rent a Wi-Fi router, buy duty-free items on iShopChangi in advance, and have them available for pickup when they get to the airport. The app also allows users to redeem shopping GWPs (gift with purchase), PWPs (buy with purchase), and parking

Roadshows in important South Indian cities come to an end. Sri Lanka Tourism staged a number of Road Shows in significant South Indian towns as part of its ongoing bilateral and cultural connections with its Indian counterparts. The purpose of this series of roadshows was to advertise the tourist attractions and services of the tranquil island country. The first road show began on April 24 in Chennai, continued on April 26 in Cochin, and concluded on April 28 in Bangalore. At this event, a group of more than 30 hotels and travel agencies from Sri Lanka took part. The delegation was led by the Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism, and included Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Ms. Shirani Herth, Junior Manager of the SLTPB, and Ms. Malkanthi Welikla, Manager of Marketing for the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau. Sri Lanka is seeing a considerable increase in tourist arrivals, notably from India, which has taken over as the leading source of visitors, according to Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism. We welcomed 46,432 Indian tourists in the first quarter of 2023. With a comprehensive marketing effort under way, we want to bring in 2 million tourists from across the world this year. Due to the rise in tourists, Sri Lanka’s tourism revenue increased from $482.3 million in the first quarter of last year to over 530 million dollars in the first quarter of 2023. This year, we anticipate bringing in a total of $3 billion from tourists. “Sri Lanka values the Indian outbound market since it has played a crucial role in promoting tourism in our nation,” he continued. In addition to its significant history spanning back 2,500 years, the nation offers a wide range of sights and experiences, including yoga, beaches, shopping, dining, adventure, and wildlife. Additionally, the religious tourism programme known as the Ramayana circuit is quite popular in India. Therefore, this is a great moment to enjoy the warm hospitality of the Sri Lankan people. The Hon. Minister of Tourism met with a number of prominent business leaders, investors, tourism stake holders, and corporations during the Roadshows and participated in several media interviews with top Indian media outlets. Family vacations are a great idea in Sri Lanka, according to Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. To strengthen its status as a top tourism destination, the nation is presently interacting with the Indian travel sector. We want to establish a solid connection with our Indian travel industry partners and promote a cooperative partnership through our stakeholders and representatives from hotels, resorts, DMCs, and event management firms. The chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, stated: “Meetings, conferences, and incentives, or MICE, are increasingly popular worldwide. In March 2023, we held Sri Lanka’s first-ever MICE exhibition to highlight this attractive location. The arrival of 80 people, just from India, made us happy. Due to its close proximity and superior connectivity, Sri Lanka is a desirable and affordable alternative for MICE tourists. Those who could effectively convey the message that Sri Lanka is not only one of the most beautiful countries with an amazing range of destinations and products, but is also safe and secure, were the target audience at these roadshows, including tour operators, media, key influencers, corporations, trade associations, and important stakeholders in the Indian tourism industry. The event concentrated on highlighting the positive message that Sri Lanka is available for leisure, business, and MICE tourism while promoting a variety of travel experiences and encouraging potential visitors to make reservations. Indigo and Sri Lankan Airlines are just two of the many industry participants that have backed this effort. Each roadshow featured B2B Sessions that facilitated a variety of talks, followed by an evening networking event that also aided in strengthening business relationships. Celebrities like cricket icon Sanath Jayasuriya participated in these events, giving them an air of glitz. A dance group that had been particularly flown in for this occasion to highlight Sri Lanka’s rich performing arts legacy. Source: traveldailynews

More and more business travellers want to travel in comfort, safety, and efficiency. Data from the Trip.Biz poll indicates increased desire for expedited security lanes, adaptable change and cancellation procedures, and excellent hotel services. SINGAPORE – Trip.Biz, the corporate travel division of Trip.com Group, has published its Corporate Travel Management industry White Paper, examining the business travel industry and trends on the Chinese mainland in more detail. As border rules loosen and airline capacity progressively increases, businesses in China are excited about the return of corporate travel. 84.5% of businesses anticipate a rise in domestic business travel spending for 2023, while 74.5% anticipate an increase in foreign business travel spending, according to survey data from Trip.Biz. The market for international business travel shares this opinion. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) predicted in August 2022 that business travel overall would recover to 81% of its pre-pandemic level in 2023, while the Chinese market would do so at a rate of about 75% in 2022 and 89% in 2023, with an 18.9% increase in spending on business travel. More and more business travellers want to travel in comfort, safety, and efficiency. Data from the Trip.Biz poll indicates increased desire for expedited security lanes, adaptable change and cancellation procedures, and excellent hotel services. Over 90% of business travellers in a Trip.Biz poll said they may pay their own money to visit nearby tourist attractions or historical sites while on a business trip, demonstrating how many workers are embracing bleisure travel. 38.4% of business visitors anticipate spending more time relaxing in the region. When travelling for work, many people feel that established cities or beautiful locations provide the most. According to the white paper, more than 30% of businesses spent more than 10% of their budgets on business travel in 2022, an increase from 2021. As corporate travel expenditures rise, so does the share of spending on it, making it one of these firms’ biggest outlays. As a result, companies attempt to reduce costs through e-management while increasing revenues. Companies are pursuing digital transformation aggressively. According to study results from Trip.Biz, around 60% of businesses have started to digitise their business travel procedures. Digital travel management is more common in state-owned companies, Sino-foreign joint ventures, and totally foreign-owned businesses. Additionally, big and medium-sized businesses use digital business travel management more frequently. According to Steven Zhang, Chief Executive Officer of Trip.Biz, “this year’s strong demand for business travel and the pursuit of efficient management will be a major focus for companies, making the digital transformation of business travel management more urgent than before.” The white paper also examines current trends, such coupling low-carbon activities with business travel. Companies have increasingly started looking at low-carbon choices for business travel. A Trip.Biz poll found that almost 85% of business travellers choose hotels and airlines that have low-carbon certificates. The implementation of an online management system, in the opinion of individuals in charge of business travel, promotes sustainable and low-carbon development. Source: traveldailynews