Travel News

What better way to enjoy the cooler months than by embarking on a unique autumn journey, with over half of Americans declaring October to be their favourite season?  These six can’t-miss fall vacations are perfect for all types of travellers, whether they want a lengthy getaway to take in the breathtaking fall foliage or a short journey to take part in local activities. American States Halekulani, Hawaii’s capital city The renowned luxury beachside resort is presenting two exceptional experiences this autumn that are perfect for foodies and wellness tourists. On September 13 and 14, Halekulani will collaborate with Imperial Hotel Tokyo’s Chef du Cuisine Les Saisons and Executive Chef of La Mer Alexandre Trancher to organise an extraordinary French culinary experience, which will include a five-course gourmet meal with special wine pairings, at La Mer. One of LA’s most in-demand hairdressers, Michael Solis, will host “Hair Care Beyond Beauty” at the hotel in October as part of the Art of Wellbeing Visiting Masters Series from Oct. 12–18. Hawaii’s Royal Hawaiian Centre, Honolulu The 77th Annual Aloha Festivals, the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the United States, will kick off autumn on September 9 at the Royal Grove of the Royal Hawaiian Centre, Waikiki’s top dining, shopping, and entertainment destination. On the sacred grounds of Kamehameha Schools, hula and musical performances will take place that evening. This setting is ideal for this year’s theme of Piliina, which is to feel kinship with the land. In addition, on October 29, Royal Hawaiian Centre will conduct their annual Halloween Keiki Costume Contest, which is free and open to the public. Honolulu, Hawaii’s Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani The Aloha Festival festivities take place throughout September, and this gorgeous Waikiki resort is the perfect spot to stay. Enjoy events like The Waikk Ho’olaule’a, Hawai’i’s largest annual block party with local fare, music, and entertainment, on September 23. The Bishop Museum, Honolulu Museum of Art, and Manoa Heritage Centre are three of Oahu’s top cultural attractions, and Halepuna visitors are welcome to visit them for free (simply present your hotel key!). New York, New York, The Knickerbocker According to U.S. News & World Report, the city that never sleeps has some of the best fall foliage in 2023. Stay at The Knickerbocker hotel to plan an urban leaf-peeping excursion. It is conveniently situated between Bryant Park, Central Park, and the Hudson River Parkway, as well as being halfway between Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and the Bronx’s New York Botanical Garden. In the months leading up to the ultimate New Year’s Eve party, guests can enhance their autumnal experience at the hotel’s crown gem, the St. Cloud rooftop, where they can take in legendary views of Times Square and the New Year’s Ball. JAPAN THE MITSUI KYOTO HOTEL Kyoto, Japan The annual Otsukimi festival, often known as the “moon-viewing” festival, is set for September 29 in Japan, and HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO has planned an exceptional experience for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the long-standing custom. In September, visitors can take part in the short-lived Otsukimi Art Tour, a lantern-guided twilight tour of the hotel’s ancient artwork and architecture that is followed by a traditional tea ceremony. One more motivation to go to Kyoto in the autumn? During the peak foliage season, which lasts from mid-November to early December, magical hues begin to show. Japan’s Okinawa island of Halekulani This October, Halekulani Okinawa is offering special celebrations for two significant cultural holidays. Visitors can celebrate Okinawa Soba Day (October 17) all month long at House Without A Key, where Japanese Head Chef Yuichi Mitsui prepares healthy Okinawa Soba with Pork Ribs with real Okinawan flour soba noodles in a unique umami-flavored broth. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, therefore visitors looking for a more physical experience can participate in the hotel’s Discover the Island’s Mabui (Soul) programme, which includes instruction from a traditional Okinawan karate master, on October 25, Okinawa Karate Day. Participants gain historical perspective on how the martial art improves the bond between the body and mind, and they even get a personalised karate costume! Source- Travel daily

Contributors are solely responsible for their own thoughts and statements; they are not employed by, paid by, or otherwise controlled by TD.  Share When the Belgium team was named the 2023 winners of the “Switzerland Meeting Trophy,” they exclaimed with joy. The announcement was made at the “Halle Shipyard,” the largest event space at “8008 See Lounge,” which is located next to Lake Zurich. Boats that were being repaired were pushed to the side to create a unique urban city space where guests could enjoy the DJ, bars, buffet, and decking area while the sun set on three eventful days. Teams of about 70 meetings and event planners from the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Holland, the Nordic countries, and North America competed in a series of tasks and experiences that the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB) carefully selected between St. Moritz and Zurich. I hear you asking, “Why mention the winners in the first sentence?” While the Belgian team deserves praise, it’s time to use some tired cliches like “it’s all about the journey, not the outcome” and “it’s not about the winning but the participating.” And what a “Journey” it turned out to be, helping participants see two different regions of this interesting and visually stunning country with the help of trains, boats, e-bikes, e-vehicles, and cable cars. “The Meeting Trophy was a fantastic way for me to experience Zurich and St. Moritz and sample activities that I could provide my corporate incentive groups,” the participant said. Instead of sitting across a table in a conference room, spending time with the local CVBs at each site allowed us to converse and learn more about the destination in a much more casual setting, according to Rhian Morgan, MICE Manager, Abercrombie & Kent. The “Switzerland Meeting Trophy,” now in its 17th year, captures why Switzerland Tourism, which includes SCIB, continues to be a trend-setter, innovator, and even disruptor within the tourism industry. This is especially important in relation to “Sustainability” and its “Swisstainable” plan, which is now Switzerland’s long-term travel future’s architectural blueprint. The phrase “I need Swisstainable, I need Switzerland” was plastered all around Zurich Airport upon arrival, reminding visitors of their duties as well as the nation’s investment in protecting environment, their greatest asset for future generations. Boarding the Train Our journey started on the rail lines that departed from Zurich’s main station and circled a portion of Lake Zurich before passing into Chur. The Swiss travel by train more than any other country in the world, and the Jungfraujoch in the Canton of Bern, which is 3,454 metres above sea level, is the highest railway station in all of Europe. It is also known for the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express; however, we were not passengers on the ‘Bernina Express’ and instead, thanks to our Swiss Rail Pass, boarded two private cars, one of which was called ‘Stiva Rustica’ (Rhaetian Living Room), to travel on the same ‘Albula’ route between Chur and St. Moritz. This rail line has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason—trains wind through stunning mountain scenery, passing through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, the most famous of which is the “Landwasser Viaduct,” which crosses the Landwasser Valley and provided the inspiration for the first of our many memorable Instagram moments. The train’s distinctive red carriages disappeared into the mountain tunnel before reappearing in the light, just in time to see the 65-meter high stone pillars recede into the verdant flora and fauna. Our group lowered carriage windows to capture the train gracefully curving across the 142-meter-long, six-arched viaduct. Before we reached St. Moritz, our train had climbed over a thousand metres in elevation, with each carriage window capturing the pristine nature, only sporadically broken by chocolate-box settlements distinguished by church spires and alpine homes. Source-Travel daily

With a 170% rise in bookings year over year, TUI River Cruises has claimed its greatest day ever for sales across its portfolio. The river cruise service reported a huge increase on Wednesday, August 2, for all four of the currently available seasons, from summer 2023 through winter 2024. The two seasons that had the biggest increase were summer 2024 and winter 2024, with Legends of the Nile, TUI River Cruises’ newest addition, proving to be the most well-liked itinerary. aboard July 20, the cruise line announced that starting in the winter of 2024, seven-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor will be offered aboard a newly renovated, five-star ship to be known as TUI Al Horeya. The desire for some of Europe’s most popular waterways can be seen in the popularity of the Magical Danube and Rhine Explorer itineraries, which came in second and third, respectively. We’re incredibly happy to see such great demand for TUI River Cruises, said Chris Hackney, managing director of TUI River Cruises.  We knew before we launched that our clients would adore our newest offering in Egypt, but it’s wonderful to see that there is definitely a market for Nile cruises. As a result, we are experiencing a positive halo effect over our entire product line. To give consumers the finest cruise experience possible, our employees have worked incredibly hard to make sure we have the best product, destinations, and courteous service on board our ships. Source- Travel daily

The only designer retailer in Northern Ireland has partnered with the region’s busiest tourist destination, the local council, and other businesses to draw in local residents who take day trips across the border as well as tourists from other parts of the world. With the tagline “where dragons, drama, and designer outlet meet,” The Boulevard, Game of Thrones Studio Tour, and Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council have combined forces to launch “One Epic Adventure,” a summer tourism campaign. The itinerary includes leisure, retail, and heritage attractions. The collaborative campaign, a first for all three companies, will run from June to September across Out-of-Home, Radio, Paid Social, and PR platforms to engage consumers and encourage visits. It will feature custom artwork by artist Danni Simpson. There has never been a more exciting time to explore the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council region, according to Chris Nelmes, Centre Director at The Boulevard. Game of Thrones’ debut last year has produced a unique attraction that appeals to both domestic and foreign tourists.  The Boulevard is the only designer outlet in Northern Ireland, making it the ideal location for shoppers. There is truly something for everyone in the council area, which is renowned for its apple orchards, museums, galleries, living history tours, heritage, and green places to explore.  We came up with the novel idea of working in collaboration to pool resources, creativity, skillsets, network and go out with a strong tourism campaign of our own that equally supports and reinforces the excellent work being done. With the Park n Ride facility for Game of Thrones stationed at The Boulevard, we’ve been seeing and hearing good things from visitors in terms of the variety on offer – there really is something for the whole family to do here locally. Source- Travel daily

VietJet, the top low-cost airline in Vietnam, recently unveiled a campaign called “Vietjet Pampers you, Summer Chill” to promote its deeply reduced offers for the summer of 2023. All travellers will receive an 88% discount from the airline on August 8, 2023, exclusively. All routes are eligible for the promotion. When making a reservation on www.vietjetair.com or the VietJet Air mobile app on August 8, 2023, from 0:00 to 23:59 (GMT+7), passengers must enter the promo code “SUMMER88” to enjoy the discount. On August 12, 2023, the airline will also start operating direct flights between Kochi, India, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as part of its strategic objective to increase connectivity between India and Vietnam. There will be four flights per week between Kochi and Ho Chi Minh City, departing on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The flights will leave Kochi at 23:50 and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 06:40 (local time). The outbound flights leave Ho Chi Minh City at 19:20 and land in Kochi at 22:50 (local time). Additionally, Vietjet offers flights from Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for Indians who want to travel to Vietnam. The airline has also announced an international route that will link Jakarta, Indonesia, with Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. On August 5, 2023, the route connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Jakarta will go into service. The airline connects the majority of flights between India and Vietnam, bridging the distance and travel time between the two countries, with up to 32 direct flights every week. Additionally, Vietjet offers affordable flights to Hong Kong, Australia, and destinations around Asia including Bali, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Kazakhstan. Vietjet is providing unique in-flight hot meals with a range of foods, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, served by a committed and welcoming cabin crew, as well as additional amenities, to further meet the needs of its Indian customers. Source- Travel daily

The opening date of the hotel, which was confirmed by W Sydney, is Thursday, October 12, 2023. When it opens, W Sydney will revitalise the city by fusing the luxury liberated W Hotels DNA with Sydney and Australia’s cultural touchstones to create an all-encompassing day-to-night dining and social destination as well as a chic retreat. W Sydney has already left its mark on Darling Harbour with its iconic curved architecture. Every touchpoint at W Sydney has been carefully selected with a keen design eye, and Bowler James Brindley created the ultra-modern interiors. Visitors enter a W immersive universe as soon as they cross the threshold of the seductive copper-clad Welcome. Meetings at W Sydney are intended to be remarkable, whether they take place during the day in the Living Room’s vibrant blue decor or at night in BTWN, the hotel’s dynamic restaurant, which is located amid the hotel’s raw urban settings. The striking double-level bar in the hotel, 29/30, is located at the peak of Darling Harbour and the W Sydney’s dramatic curves. With full circle views of Sydney’s harbour and a 30-meter mosaic-inlaid infinity pool, 29/30 is destined to become one of the city’s most sought-after locations. Here, you can celebrate at a higher level while indulging in wine, cocktails, and a tapas menu with Basque influences. On level 30, the bar’s upper tier kicks things up a notch with stylish yacht-inspired décor, a menu of sophisticated cocktails and vintage Champagnes by the glass, including Dom Pérignon, Ruinart, Krug and Armand de Brignac. W Sydney has worked with regional artists, designers, and creatives to implement the W concept throughout all of its locations. Celebrity stylist Jess Pecoraro, whose clients include fashion heavyweights like Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Fendi, collaborated with the hotel’s talent to design the wardrobes worn by the staff. For the hallways leading to the hotel’s guestrooms, Australian-Ukrainian tattoo artist Stanislava Pinchuk also created a tattoo of stars, while BTWN’s walls are covered in murals by Sophi Oldling that express her aware, vivacious art. Even the driveway has been designed with a fleet of automobiles driven by Genesis Motors, W’s regional automotive partner.  “W Hotels is a brand that was born in New York, but destined for Sydney,” claims general manager Craig Seaward. The city’s energy is perfectly in line with the W spirit: creativity, curiosity, a distinct perspective on luxury, and a daring attitude. This new hotel, which is eclectic and unusual, will serve as a beacon for the harbour and be a centre for experiences that are always changing and fascinating places that are closely related to city life. When we open our doors on October 12th, we can’t wait to introduce our guests to W Sydney. Bookings for events and guestrooms at W Sydney will be accepted starting on October 12, 2023. Source- Travel daily

Gold Premium tickets for 2024 on The Ghan and Great Southern are already on sale, according to Journey Beyond. With premium amenities and modern Australian cabin and carriage designs, Gold Premium, which sits between Gold and Platinum, is more than just a cabin. To offer interior design that combines a true sense of location, a crucial component throughout Journey Beyond’s experiences, Journey Beyond hired international design firm Woods Bagot. Since they carried out an upgrade to the Platinum carriages across the train fleet in 2019, Woods Bagot has had a relationship with the trains. The design company has created best-in-class lodging with Gold Premium, whose colour scheme is inspired by the deep hues of Arrernte painter Albert Namatjira’s breathtaking landscapes. Consider upholstery with Indigenous designs that evoke the Australian bush together with walnut wood and polished brass accents. The Gold Premium Twin cabin has premium facilities in the en-suite bathroom, high-quality linen prepared for the comfy lounge seat to convert to a sleeper each evening, and a few unexpected treats to entertain passengers along the way. A Gold Premium Suite option is also available. With a bit more room to roam around in, this cabin class offers the same advantages as Gold Premium. A fold-down upper sleeper, a three-quarter-size double bed, and a sitting area are all included in the cabin. Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge, the ship’s social centre, is provided with both Gold Premium stateroom classes. The modern lounge has swivel chairs and luxurious leather banquettes, and mood lighting creates an elegant atmosphere that alludes to the romance of train travel. Here, visitors can relax while sipping on a variety of high-end drinks. Another option is Gold Premium Dining, which is a feast in many ways. The modern carriage design honours Art Deco and provides a backdrop for meals that have been thoughtfully chosen. The sumptuous four-course dinners and hearty four-course lunches served here use the finest products from regional producers, farmers, and suppliers. Naturally, there is a selection of fine wines and beverages on the accompanying wine list. Highlights of Gold Premium include: Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining in a freshly constructed, modern cabin that transforms from a lounge to sleeping berths at night Lunches of two courses with a regional theme and evenings of four courses Premium Australian wines, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks included in the price sumptuous extras, soft linens, and silk eye masks All-inclusive Experiences outside of trains and preferences for tours Per visitor, a weight limit of 75 kg (3 pieces of 25 kg each) Priority check-in for bags when departing Source- Travel daily

The flagship namesake brand, Ascott, has undergone a renovation, according to The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a lodging business unit that is entirely controlled by CapitaLand Investment (CLI). This relaunch of the brand highlights its flex-hybrid hotel idea, which has emerged as the preferred design in the lodging sector and has shown durable during and after the pandemic. With the added flexibility of this hotel-in-residence model, Ascott is able to accommodate guests with a variety of needs, including those who are travelling alone or in groups and who require varying lengths of stays from short to extended periods. The hotel-in-residence model allows flexibility to pivot as demand evolves across various market segments and geographies by adopting new room models, facilities, amenities, and features. This presents a value proposition that is exclusive to Ascott. What would otherwise be a standard stay in a serviced house is further elevated by adding a wider range of hospitality services to the experience. Similar to this, Ascott’s portfolio of hotels will be able to accommodate extended stays if necessary. “Operating on a “flex-hybrid” model helps Ascott to stay agile and adaptable in the face of volatile business cycles,” stated Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer for Ascott and CLI Lodging. Ascott can quickly adapt its operations to the needs of the market and maximise occupancy to support revenue growth by being sensitive to changes in demand. The strategy also reduces the dangers brought on by relying too much on a particular market segment. The business can concentrate on other areas that are functioning better while one sector undergoes a slump. Because of their versatility, they have a more steady income and are less vulnerable to market fluctuations. “There is definitely demand from our visitors looking for these types of hotel-in-residence facilities within a revamped hospitality market post-COVID. The integration of enlarged serviced residential space and intelligent hospitality services, amenities, and facilities will further enrich the stay experience, whether it be for business travellers seeking extended stays or relocations, families on vacation, or lone travellers on shorter pleasure visits. Even in the midst of the pandemic, additional property owners and developers are embracing this trend favourably and adding to the growing momentum of management contract signings. The hotel-in-residence concept boosts our hospitality portfolio’s effectiveness by adjusting to market movements, intensifying asset utilisation, diversifying income sources, increasing guest satisfaction, and minimising operating expenses. According to Mr. Goh, “Ascott’s agility enables it to proactively allocate its resources, resulting in improved returns for our investors and owners. Source-Travel daily

AlUla Ever, the newest publication from opulent publisher Assouline, immortalises the legendary city of AlUla in northwest Saudi Arabia. Assouline’s unrivalled unique style effectively captures and communicates the spirit of AlUla through aesthetically stunning storytelling and gripping storylines. The latest publication in Assouline’s Travel Series, which has been made available throughout the GCC, takes readers on a 288-page tour through AlUla’s remarkable geological landscapes, significant heritage sites, and thriving arts and cultural scene. AlUla Ever captures the genuine charm of this distinctive luxury heritage boutique resort and features a sizable collection of original images and graphics along with the lyrical language of French journalist Jérôme Garcin. The culture-focused travel book aptly illustrates how the destination welcomes innovation and advancement while remaining faithful to the integrity and authenticity of its culture, history, and tradition by providing fascinating insights into AlUla’s seamless fusion of old and new. The collectable weaves together the rich cultural tapestry that makes the AlUla experience truly extraordinary. It includes an eclectic mix of photographs showcasing the distinctive customs, traditions, and genuine hospitality of AlUla. AlUla, a masterwork that spans more than 200,000 years of human history, has just recently been made accessible to tourists from around the world. The ancient Nabataean civilization picked AlUla as their primary southern metropolis, second only to Petra, which is now found in modern-day Jordan. From there, the kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan controlled a significant portion of the peninsula. The impressively well-preserved monuments at Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO heritage site, and at Jabal Ikmah, the largest open-air library in the world that was recently added to the UNESCO Memory of the World register, are evidence that each progressive civilization has left its indelible mark on AlUla. The echoes of the generations who constantly lived in the area from about the 12th century to the more recent 1980s can still be felt in AlUla Old Town, which was named UNTWO Best Tourism Village in 2022. The area is a maze of small alleyways surrounded with more than 900 ancient mud brick buildings. Future development in AlUla will focus on sustainable, “light-touch” tourism and on responsible growth that benefits the local inhabitants and future generations. The debut of “AlUla Ever” coincides with the city’s full acceptance of its traditional arts and culture, which it shares with the world while also asking national and international artists to participate in the city’s contemporary art future. The third iteration of Desert X AlUla, a juxtaposition of contemporary land art set against ancient landscapes, showcasing the essence of AlUla’s creative spirit, will debut in 2024 in addition to programmes at art school Madrasat Addeera that offer the chance to revive skills in the ancient handicrafts and jewellery, textiles, and leatherwork. The first five pieces of art will be put in Wadi AlFann in 2025. This international art destination offers a profound cultural experience via enduring works of art that coexist in harmony with the breathtaking scenery. The potential of AlUla to take tourists on a transforming trip where the ancient and modern coexist harmoniously is a key component of its attraction. Travellers have the chance to forge a profound connection with this extraordinary destination, one that maintains strong roots in its history and heritage but is constantly evolving with its eyes firmly fixed on the future, by immersing themselves in the cultural richness, natural beauty, and authentic spirit embodied by AlUla. Source- Travel daily

The study by Bounce examined variables including the total volume of wine consumed by each nation and the average amount of wine consumed by a person to identify the top destinations for wine tourism. Portugal uses 600 million gallons of wine annually, which is the greatest when measured per person but less than countries like France and Italy altogether. Portugal is the top travel destination for wine enthusiasts since wine is an essential component of Portuguese culture and has been produced there for thousands of years.  With a vinicultural heritage dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations, Italy is renowned as the birthplace of some of the most celebrated wines in the world.It is not surprising that Italy consumes 2.3 billion litres of wine annually, ranking second in the world for wine consumption as the nation produces the most wine. France, a nation that also produces wine and is regarded as one of the most prestigious and significant wine-producing nations in the world, comes in third. Given that French wines are constantly ranked among the best in the world, there is no surprise that 2.5 billion litres of them are drank annually. Source- Travel daily