SINGAPORE 1 December 2023: BWH Hotels, a global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, has announced the signing of The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in Qyat Nhon on Vietnam’s central coast
Located in the centre of Quy Nhon, a seafront city in Vietnam’s Binh Dinh province, the upscale hotel will comprise one high-rise tower (Tower A) of a new mixed-use development overlooking the ocean.
Photo credit: BWH.
The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection is set to become a new landmark in Quy Nhon on the doorstep of the city’s downtown offices, attractions and beaches. Binh Dinh’s natural and cultural sights are also within easy reach, including Hon Kho Island, Ky Co Beach, Ong Nui Temple and Thap Doi Towers. Phu Cat Airport, which is just 30 km away, is served by scheduled flights to and from major cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection joins BWH Hotel’s expanding portfolio of hotels and resorts in Vietnam, which currently comprises five operating properties – Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long, Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang, and Caravelle Saigon, a member of the WorldHotels Elite.
SINGAPORE, 1 December 2023: Malaga has been experiencing a cultural upheaval in the past few years. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, it has some of the most interesting ‘last-decade museums’. Daring street art has sprung up in neighbourhoods like the Barrio de las Artes. You’ll probably wish you had more time to really explore the capital of the Costa del Sol, but it’s the perfect excuse to go back another time.
DAY 1 For your first day in Malaga, explore the old town centre, with stops at the most important museums and sights.
A walk around the historic centre
Kick off the morning on the city’s most iconic street, Calle Larios, a lively and bustling pedestrianised shopping area to give you a taste of Malaga’s great atmosphere. If you’re here at Christmas, be sure to see the amazing light and music show on this street.
A 5-minute walk brings you to the Cathedral or Basílica de la Encarnación, called “La Manquita” (the one-armed lady) because construction stopped before the southern tower could be finished, leaving it asymmetrical. A visit to the cathedral roof, nearly 50 metres up, is a must. Back at street level, you can enjoy the charming Calle de San Agustín, a street bringing you to the Picasso Museum Malaga, with over 230 works by the city’s most famous son.
Local dishes and centuries of history
Your next stop might be La Alcazaba, the fortress-palace the Muslim governors built on Mount Gibralfaro in the 11th century. At its feet, there is a Roman theatre, which was in use until the 3rd century CE.
This is a great place for lunch, with unspoiled traditional eating houses nearby, such as El Pimpi. You can have the traditional post-lunch coffee in the sunshine at one of the pavement cafés in Plaza de la Merced. Just off this square is a very special location, the Picasso Foundation and Birthplace Museum. This is the house where Picasso was born and spent his childhood. Very close by is the church of Santiago, where Picasso was baptised.
Sunset from a castle
Do you remember La Alcazaba, which we suggested seeing before lunch? You probably noticed that the palace is connected to a castle, the Castillo de Gibralfaro. There is one entrance for both buildings.
If you don’t have a car, the best way to get up the hill to the castle is to catch a number 35 bus on Paseo del Parque. Once you arrive, there is a visitors’ centre where you can learn about the castle’s history. But the best thing it offers is the fabulous views over the city, the Bay of Malaga and La Malagueta bullring.
DAY 2 We’re right on the Mediterranean, so today you can get to know the seaside city. Before you hit the beach, we suggest exploring Malaga’s more modern and rebellious side. This neighbourhood is known as Barrio de las Artes, the city’s street art centre. The area between Avenida de la Alameda Principal and the dock at Muelle Heredia is where you’ll find CAC Málaga – the Malaga Contemporary Art Centre. A former wholesale market display works by Juan Muñoz, Tony Cragg and Sigmar Polke. While you’re here, you could have breakfast in one of the cosy local cafés.
On the seafront
One of Malaga’s most popular areas to visit is the Pedragalejo Esplanade. It’s a little way out of the city, but you can get there on a number 11 or 34 bus. This area is famous for its snack bars on the beach and restaurants next to the sea. This is the time to try boquerones (fresh anchovies), fritura malagueña (mixed fried fish) and especially espetos de sardinas (sardines on a skewer), a classic local dish. As you walk around, you’ll notice little boats full of sand, where the fires are made for charcoal-grilling the sardines.
Afternoon on Paseo de la Farola and Muelle 1
Back in the city, you can stick with the seaside theme with a visit to Malagueta Beach. Next to it is Muelle 1, a shopping and leisure area where you can take the opportunity to buy a souvenir. It’s also home to one of the city’s new landmarks, a giant coloured cube, the Centre Pompidou Malaga, with works by Francis Bacon, Alexander Calder, and Marc Chagall.
Alternatively, go back towards Muelle 2 and stroll along El Palmeral de las Sorpresas to get back to the old town centre. In this harbour area, there is an enormous Ferris wheel, 70 metres tall, which makes for a great viewing point.
(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand)
MALDIVES, 1 December 2023: OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has unveiled its version of barefoot luxury travel, allowing its guests to bask in their secluded haven – the exquisite Lonubo private island.
Situated just 200 metres from OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, Lonubo boasts lush palm-covered landscapes and promises an exclusive retreat with unparalleled tranquillity and privacy for an unforgettable experience.
“With a private island at their disposal, OUTRIGGER guests can elevate the castaway beach experience to unprecedented heights,” affirms the resort’s general manager, John Allanson. “Our commitment to privacy and exclusivity, coupled with luxurious touches, ensures an experience beyond compare.”
Upon arrival at Lonubo via a private boat transfer, couples are welcomed to their private paradise equipped with sun loungers, plush beanbags, sunshades, towels and light refreshments for a four-hour escape into unparalleled bliss.
For those seeking to elevate their experience, an optional gourmet picnic awaits, complete with a curated setup and a selection of delectable food and beverages tailored to their preferences. Romantic evenings can be further enhanced with a starlit barbecue beach dinner featuring a private chef and waiter, ensuring an indulgent barefoot wining and dining experience.
As the sun sets, guests can choose optional enhancements such as an open log fire, tantalising canapés paired with Taittinger Brut Reserve champagne and a private movie screening featuring the film of their choice.
For culinary connoisseurs, the resort’s chef recommends the ultimate surf and turf dinner – a lavish feast featuring a one-kilo Maldivian lobster and 500g of black Angus tenderloin steak, expertly grilled to perfection by the dedicated chef on Lonubo.
A detailed brochure outlining the exquisite Lonubo Island private experience is available for interested guests.
To make this dream-like experience a reality, OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is pleased to offer exclusive savings and value-added promotions until 4 December 2023 as part of the resort’s CYBER Sale promotions.
Visit OUTRIGGER.com to seize this exceptional opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime escape.
SINGAPORE, 1 December 2023: The Lufthansa Group is extending its Green Fares with this sustainable product offered for the first time on 12 long-haul routes.
As a first step, the fare is being tested on 12 selected routes, starting with the Bangkok-Vienna route on 30 November.
The selection of routes includes connections between the Lufthansa Group hubs and various destinations worldwide. The Lufthansa Group also offers Green Fares for routes with connecting flights.
This broad selection addresses different target groups. For example, Frankfurt – Bengaluru, Brussels – Kinshasa, or Zurich – Los Angeles are offered from the Lufthansa Group hubs. Anyone booking flights with Lufthansa Group airlines, for example, from London to Hong Kong or Paris to Bangkok via the airlines’ hubs, will also automatically be shown the Green Fares tariff.
In February, the Lufthansa Group successfully introduced Green Fares for routes within Europe and to North Africa, and more and more customers are booking the offer. Since the launch, 500,000+ passengers have opted for a Green Fares flight.
CO2 compensation portfolio
The fare includes full offsetting of individual, flight-related CO2 emissions with just one click through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and a contribution to high-quality climate protection projects.
With SAF, a reduction of 10% of CO2 emissions is achieved, while the remaining 90% is offset through climate protection projects. The Lufthansa Group ensures that the amount of SAF required for offsetting is fed into the airport infrastructure within six months of purchase. As a so-called “drop-in” fuel, SAF is mixed with fossil fuel before being transported to the airport. There is no refuelling of individual flights with SAF. The Lufthansa Group’s compensation portfolio is constantly being further developed and now comprises 15 projects, including, most recently, technology-based projects for the long-term binding of CO2. In this way, the Lufthansa Group wants to promote the development of the CO2 compensation market towards new technologies and offers. The providers are myclimate, Climate Austria, SQUAKE and ClimatePartner. All projects in the Lufthansa Group climate project portfolio are certified according to the highest available standards.
Twelve selected test routes
The Green Fares long-haul fare iss available on the following routes effective 30 November. The Lufthansa Group airlines participating in the test are Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SWISS.
Bangkok – Vienna (BKK – VIE)
Brussels – Kinshasa (BRU – FIH)
Frankfurt – Bengaluru (FRA – BLR)
Frankfurt – Miami (FRA – MIA)
Hong Kong – London (HKG – LHR/LCY)
London – Hong Kong (LHR/LCY – HKG)
Munich- Seoul (MUC – ICN)
Nairobi – Frankfurt (NBO – FRA)
Paris – Bangkok (CDG/ORY – BKK)
Sao Paulo – Zurich (GRU – ZRH)
Singapore – London (SIN – LHR/LCY)
Zurich – Los Angeles (ZRH – LAX)
Sustainability goals
The Lufthansa Group has set ambitious climate protection goals and aims to achieve a neutral CO2 balance by 2050. By 2030, the Lufthansa Group wants to reduce its net CO2 emissions by half compared to 2019 through reduction and compensation measures.
SINGAPORE, 1 December 2023: Singapore Flyer introduces 165 Sky Dining – Singapore’s tallest revolving dining experience at 165 metres above ground – and other spectacular festive specials to ring in the holiday season.
Formerly known as Singapore Flyer Sky Dining, the iconic landmark attraction boasts three 30-minute rotations instead of two, a revamped menu and exclusive Singapore Flyer souvenirs. The four-course dinner is priced at SGD520 nett for two.
The product refresh reflects Singapore Flyer’s commitment to continuously reinventing itself and enhancing the guest experience, according to Singapore Flyer general manager Ringo Leung.
“With more dining establishments atop skyscrapers, there is a need to improve our products based on guests’ feedback and evolving preferences. We are delighted to introduce attractive value-adds such as an additional 30-minute rotation and complimentary souvenirs to elevate the overall experience.”
Situated at one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks, 165 Sky Dining emulates Singapore Flyer’s promotes local culture and products by featuring a curated selection of celebrated “Made with Passion” brands.
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 December 2023: Preliminary October 2023 traffic figures released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed strong growth in international passenger demand, in tandem with the ongoing recovery in traffic performance across major routes in the region and the rest of the world.
A combined 25.3 million international passengers flew on the region’s carriers in October, 102.8% more than the 12.5 million recorded in the same month last year. Demand averaged 80.5% of the corresponding month in 2019. In revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, demand climbed 85.6% higher, reflecting the relative strength of short-haul markets. After accounting for a 77.9% expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor rose by 3.4 percentage points to reach 80.4% for the month, slightly above pre-pandemic levels.
Despite some moderation in trade activity, October saw Asia Pacific airlines post a 3.2% increase in international air cargo demand as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) compared to the depressed volumes recorded in the same month last year.
Commenting on the results, AAPA director general Subhas Menon said: “Asia Pacific carriers continued to enjoy robust growth in business and leisure travel markets going into the fourth quarter, reflecting healthy travel appetite supported by resilient growth of the region’s economies. For the first ten months of the year, Asian airlines reported a solid 197.3% increase in the number of international passengers carried to an aggregate total of 225 million.”
Looking ahead, Menon concluded: “Prospects for further growth in air travel demand remain positive in the coming months. As for air cargo markets, the recent uptick in demand is welcome, although the outlook remains uncertain against continued declines in export orders. Overall, the region’s carriers remain focused on improving financial performance following three years of steep pandemic-led losses, delivering the highest customer service levels.”
SINGAPORE, 1 December 2023: Club Med East, South Asia, and Pacific Chief Executive Officer Rachael Harding has been named one of “Asia’s Most Inspiring Executives 2023” at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Award.
Based in Singapore, she heads Club Med’s Asia Pacific commercial markets (excluding mainland China). Harding joined Club Med in 2018 as the general manager for Club Med Pacific (Australia and New Zealand). Over just three years, her leadership has led to the successful growth of the Pacific market by 26%. Before joining Club Med, Rachael spent 15 years with The Travel Corporation, leading the brand sales team in generating national sales growth. She was awarded Saleswoman of the Year 2018 and recognised as among the top 10 most influential women in the 2019 Travel Awards.
Inaugurated in 2014, the ACES is among Asia’s most prestigious accolades that recognise inspiring leaders and sustainability advocates.
SINGAPORE, 1 December 2023: SalamAir has confirmed flight details for its comeback to five Indian destinations due to launch from its Muscat, Oman, home base starting mid-December.
The airline’s announcement earlier this week confirms the resumption of flights on the Muscat to Hyderabad route starting 16 December, deploying a 186-seat A320 aircraft four times weekly – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Flight time is three hours and 25 minutes.
“Introducing this route enhances our network, offering seamless connections to major GCC destinations such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha, Dubai, and Fujairah (from the Hyderabad service),” the airline announced.
Flights to four other Indian cities from Muscat will return in December and January.
Muscat-Calicut: Daily service starts 16 December, connecting Middle East markets to the coastal city in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
Muscat-Jaipur: Six flights weekly (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) start on 16 December.
Muscat-Lucknow: Five weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday start on 17 December. The flights connect with services to and from Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha, Dubai, and Fujairah.
Muscat-Trivandrum: Effective 3 January 2024, the airline resumes flights to the Indian city twice weekly on Wednesday and Sunday. Thiruvananthapuram (or Trivandrum) is the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala.
In a recent interview with the Times of Oman, SalamAir’s acting chief executive officer, Captain Ahmed Al Shidhani, confirmed the “airline plans to resume and broaden its operations in India, a decision that has been met with enthusiasm from the expatriate community in Oman.”
He highlighted India as a pivotal market for SalamAir, emphasising the substantial Indian expatriate presence in Oman and the GCC region.
SINGAPORE, 30 November 2023: Royal Caribbean International welcomed the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas to its fleet in a celebration at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, this week.
The cruise line’s representatives signed transfer of ownership documents just two months before the new ship’s January 2024 debut in Miami in a celebration led by Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley and shipbuilder Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer.
Icon of the Seas: Off to Spain for finishing touches.
Construction took more than two years, including installing the AquaDome, the single largest glass and steel structure to be lifted onto a cruise ship, and engineering more water on board than ever before across seven pools and six record-breaking waterslides.
Following the handover ceremony, Icon of the Seas sailed from Turku to Cadiz, Spain, where the cruise line will add the finishing touches before it heads to Miami for its maiden voyage in January 2024
Icon is also the cruise line’s first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a transitional fuel. The dual-fuel engines will work alongside a lineup of energy efficiency initiatives. Royal Caribbean Group plans to introduce a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.
SINGAPORE, 30 November 2023: LIV Golf* is set to return to Singapore from 3 to 5 May 2024, the Singapore Tourism Board confirmed in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
The professional golf league will gather some of the world’s best golfers to compete on the award-winning Serapong course at Sentosa Golf Club.
Serapong course at Sentosa Golf Club.
STB notes Singapore is shaping up to become a dynamic international sporting hub as the board intensives efforts to draw more world-class sports events that will attract a strong following of sports fans.
LIV Golf announced its 2024 tournament schedule at a press conference held last week In London, confirming its first full season that starts in February and will feature 12 regular season events in eight different countries.
The LIV Golf League competition will kick off again at El Camaleón Golf Course in Mayakoba, Mexico, the site of last season’s opener. Also returning as host venues: The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, Australia – winner of the World Golf Awards’ Best Golf Event of 2023; the legendary Real Club Valderrama in Andalucía, Spain; the Serapong course at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, recently named World’s Best Golf Course; and The Old White course at The Greenbrier, site of Bryson DeChambeau’s historic title-winning 58.
LIV Golf 2024 Schedule
*LIV Golf is a professional golf tour. The name “LIV” refers to the Roman numerals for 54, the score if every hole on a par-72 course was birdied and the number of holes to be played at LIV events. (Wikipedia). (Source: https://www.facebook.com/STBsingapore).
