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Hong Kong presents recovery plan

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 9 May 2022: The Hong Kong Tourism Board held its annual Tourism Update event online last week and announced a revival plan to make the city a top-of-mind destination for worldwide travellers when travel resumes.

With the theme “Together Towards New Horizons”, Tourism Update 2022 attracted 3,200 trade representatives from travel agencies, attractions, hotels, airlines, retailers, restaurants, and meeting and exhibition organizers from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas markets. The HKTB shared insights into the latest tourism trends and its work plan for the coming year.

Hong Kong Tourism Board Chairman Y K Pang (left) and Executive Director Dane Cheng (right) shared the revival plan of HKTB with 3,200 trade representatives, highlighting Hong Kong’s vibrant developments and new experiences.

In his opening remarks, HKTB Chairman  Y K Pang focused on Hong Kong’s path to normality.

“The fifth wave of the pandemic is subsiding,” he said. “Hong Kong’s daily life and economic activities are now gradually returning to normal, allowing us to stage large-scale events and prepare to welcome back visitors.

“Throughout the pandemic, Hong Kong never stopped building and upgrading its tourism infrastructure. We will see the grand opening of the Hong Kong Palace Museum this summer, while the third runway at Hong Kong International Airport is expected to go into service within the next couple of years. With these new infrastructure elements and the support of the Central and Hong Kong SAR Governments, Hong Kong’s competitive edge has held firm, and we can head towards new horizons with confidence.”

In his presentation of the work plan for the coming year, HKTB executive director Dane Cheng described how the HKTB will focus on Hong Kong’s profile globally by launching “Hong Kong Summer Treats.” The campaign will provide a wide range of discounts and promotional offerings and will begin with “Arts in Hong Kong” – a campaign that supports international art and cultural events, such as Art Basel, which will return in a physical format.

When social distancing measures are further relaxed, the HKTB will arrange more world-class events in phases, including the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival and Hong Kong WinterFest, and give its support to other high-profile events such as the Hong Kong Sevens.

Cheng stressed the importance of ensuring a recovery at home in the run-up to the return of worldwide visitors.

“These promotions will generate a positive ambience in Hong Kong and demonstrate how we have returned to normal. The HKTB will then launch extensive promotions, including the tactical ‘Open House Hong Kong’ campaign, to welcome back visitors when the time is right.”

Guest speakers from major organizations also outlined new developments to enhance Hong Kong’s world-class tourism infrastructure further.

The West Kowloon Cultural District is one of Hong Kong’s major arts and cultural projects. Its contemporary art museum M+ opened last year, and the Hong Kong Palace Museum will welcome its first visitors this summer. Speaking at the event, West Kowloon Cultural District chief executive officer Betty Fung said: “As a unique cultural hub with unrivalled connectivity in Hong Kong and Asia, WKCD presents the best of the eastern and western culture to visitors, from Chinese arts and antiquities to contemporary visual culture, and offers visitors a holistic experience blending arts and culture with retail, dining and entertainment.”

Hong Kong International Airport plays a pivotal role in maintaining the city’s status as a leading international aviation hub. Airport Authority Hong Kong executive director (airport operations) Vivian Cheung said: “In addition to maintaining our aviation hub status, our strategy is to transform Hong Kong International Airport from a city airport into an Airport City, developing ourselves into a destination in itself for visitors. The Airport City aims to attract global visitors through its wide range of offerings in retail, dining, entertainment and leisure while providing a business platform through its convention and exhibition facilities. In parallel, we are further enhancing the airport’s sea and land connectivity with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to facilitate a seamless journey for the 70 million people in the region to visit the Airport City.”

The integration of culture, sports, and tourism is a key development direction. Kai Tak Sports Park general director (commercial)  James Irvine, said: “As one of the most significant sports infrastructures in Hong Kong, Kai Tak Sports Park will add vibrancy to the city’s dynamic tourism landscape with its world-class sports, leisure and entertainment experiences. A first-of-its-kind destination set in the city’s heart will bring the global community to Hong Kong.”

(Source: Globe Newswire)

Emirates lands in Bali

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TTR WEEKLY
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BALI, Indonesia, 9 May 2022: Emirates landed in Bali last week for the first time since the suspension of flights in 2020.

Emirates flight EK398 landed at Denpasar International Airport (DPS) at 2220 and was welcomed by a water cannon salute to mark the airline’s return.

The operating cabin crew of the flight and the passengers were welcomed at the airport with the traditional ‘joged bumbung’ dance performance, reflecting Bali’s unique culture and rich heritage, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony in attendance of representatives from DPS Airport.

 The resumption of Emirates’ services to Bali comes with easing international travel restrictions and ramping up of global operations as Covid-19 pandemic infections begin to wane.

Emirates flight EK398 departs Dubai at 0910, landing in Bali at 2129. The return flight EK399 departs Bali at 0005, arriving in Dubai at 0500. The airline is currently operating five-weekly services and will scale up its operations to the island with a daily service starting from 1 July 2022.

Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates sales offices, via travel agents, and online travel agents.

SQ and UA add codeshares

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 9 May 2022: Star Alliance members United Airlines and Singapore Airlines are expanding their codeshare agreement to give travellers more convenient connections and better fare options for travel to more cities in the US and Southeast Asia. 

The deal gives passengers codeshare flight options to 19 new destinations for business and leisure travellers. United’s customers can now connect to nine new codeshare destinations in the SIA Group network. Of these, seven points are in Southeast Asia. They are Brunei’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan, Siem Reap in Cambodia, Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia, and Denpasar (Bali), Jakarta and Surabaya in Indonesia. They may also connect to Perth in Australia and Male in the Maldives with SIA.

SIA customers can now connect with United’s flights out of Los Angeles to 10 new codeshare destinations in the US. They are Austin, Baltimore, Boise, Cleveland, Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Reno, and Sacramento. This complements the existing connections available on United’s network from Houston to Atlanta, Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, and Tampa.

Three Princess Cruises ships resume sailings

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 9 May 2022: Three additional Princess Cruises ships are returning to service, welcoming guests back onboard – Crown Princess, Island Princess and Royal Princess.

This milestone marks the return of 12 ships, or 80% of the fleet that will have resumed cruising since July 2021 for the world’s leading international cruise line.

Island Princess departed Ft Lauderdale on 27 April on a Panama Canal cruise; Royal Princess sailed from Vancouver on 2 May for the popular “Voyage of the Glaciers” Alaska season, and Crown Princess departed Seattle on 7 May for a summer programme of Inside Passage Alaska cruises.

“We’re so excited to have three more Princess MedallionClass ships return to service, and our shipboard teams are ready to help our guests create a lifetime of vacation memories,” said Princess Cruises president John Padgett. “It’s so gratifying to see tens of thousands of guests enjoying their vacations with us each week and the friendly and attentive service that is a Princess Cruises hallmark.”

Island Princess – Panama Canal sailing

Celebrating the 55th anniversary of the cruise line sailing to the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, Island Princess departed on a 14-day Ocean-to-Ocean Panama Canal voyage from Ft Lauderdale to Los Angeles on 27 April. She will return on a subsequent voyage from Los Angeles to Ft Lauderdale on 11 May. Princess first sailed to the Panama Canal in 1967 aboard Princess Italia. Island Princess will then depart Ft. Lauderdale for Europe, sailing the various British Isles, Northern Europe (including Iceland and the Arctic Circle) and Mediterranean voyages.

Royal Princess – Alaska – Departed Vancouver on 2 May

Sailing on the cruise line’s top-rated “Voyage of the Glaciers” itinerary, Royal Princess departs on back-to-back northbound and southbound cruises from Vancouver and Whittier (Anchorage). Every sailing includes two days of glacier viewing featuring Glacier Bay National Park, plus Hubbard Glacier (southbound) or College Fjord (northbound). Port visits include Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. These cruises can also be combined with one of the cruise line’s 20 cruise tour options featuring an unforgettable land tour visiting the magnificent Denali National Park and Princess Wilderness Lodges.

Crown Princess – Alaska – sailed from Seattle 7 May

Departing on Saturdays from Seattle, Crown Princess offers 19 seven-day Inside Passage voyages to Alaska through to 10 September 2022. She will then move to Los Angeles for a season of California Coast and Hawaii sailings.

Return to Service Schedule – All 15 Princess Ships

The cruise line’s fleet of 15 ships will return to service by September 2022 to worldwide destinations, including Alaska, Australia, the California Coast, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

Cruise ships, return dates, and 2022 itineraries in chronological order 

Majestic Princess
Sailing since 25 July 2021
Alaska, California Coast, Mexico

Regal Princess
Sailing since 31 July 2021
Caribbean, Europe

Sky Princess
Sailing since 30 August 2021
Caribbean, Europe

Grand Princess
Sailing since 25 September  2021
California Coast, Hawaii, Mexico

Emerald Princess
Sailing since 15 October 2021
Panama Canal, Europe

Ruby Princess
Sailing since 31 October  2021
California Coast, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal

Enchanted Princess – new ship 
The inaugural season began on 10 November 2021
Caribbean, Europe

Caribbean Princess
Sailing since 28 November  2021
Caribbean, Panama Canal

Discovery Princess – new ship
The inaugural season began on 27 March  2022
California Coast, Mexico, Alaska

Island Princess
Sailing since 27 April  2022
Panama Canal, Europe

Royal Princess
Sailing since 2 May  2022
Alaska

Crown Princess
Sailing since 7 May 2022
Alaska

Coral Princess
Returning 16 June 2022
Australia

Diamond Princess
Returning 1 September  2022
California Coast, Mexico

Sapphire Princess
Returning 24 September 2022
California Coast, Hawaii, Mexico

https://www.princess.com/

(Your Stories: Princess)

Passenger traffic recovery continues in March

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TTR WEEKLY
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GENEVA, 9 May 2022: There are limited impacts on air travel demand from the Ukraine war, while Omicron-related effects are mainly confined to Asian domestic markets, according to International Air Transport Association’s latest passenger data for March 2022*.

“With barriers to travel coming down in most places, we are seeing the long-expected surge in pent-up demand finally being realized. Unfortunately, we also see long delays at many airports with insufficient resources to handle the growing numbers. This must be addressed urgently to avoid frustrating consumer enthusiasm for air travel,” said IATA’s director-general Willie Walsh.

● Total traffic in March 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) was up 76.0% compared to March 2021. Although that was lower than the 115.9% rise in February year-over-year demand, volumes in March were the closest to 2019 pre-pandemic levels, at 41% below.
● March 2022 domestic traffic was up 11.7% compared to the year-ago period, far below the 59.4% year-over-year improvement recorded in February. This is largely a result of the Omicron-related lockdowns in China. March domestic RPKs were down 23.2% versus March 2019.
● International RPKs rose 285.3% versus March 2021, exceeding the 259.2% gain experienced in February versus the year-earlier period. Compared to the prior month, most regions boosted their performance, led by carriers in Europe. March 2022, international RPKs were down 51.9% compared to the same month in 2019.

March 2022 (% year-on-year)

World share1

RPK

ASK

PLF (%-pt)2

PLF (level)3

Total Market

100.0%

76.0%

46.0%

12.7%

74.7%

Africa

1.9%

76.4%

46.8%

11.0%

65.7%

Asia Pacific

27.6%

-17.9%

-14.9%

-2.3%

64.2%

Europe

24.9%

246.9%

162.8%

17.9%

73.9%

Latin America

6.5%

119.8%

94.3%

9.4%

80.8%

Middle East

6.5%

221.1%

88.5%

29.6%

71.8%

North America

32.6%

96.5%

48.6%

20.5%

83.9%

1% of industry RPKs in 2021   2year-on-year change in load factor   3Load Factor Level

International Passenger Markets
● European carriers continued to lead the recovery, with March traffic rising 425.4% versus March 2021, improved over the 384.6% increase in February 2022 compared to the same month in 2021. The impact of the war in Ukraine has been relatively limited outside of traffic to/from Russia and countries neighbouring the conflict. Capacity rose 224.5%, and load factor climbed 27.8 percentage points to 72.7%.
● Asia-Pacific airlines had a 197.1% rise in March traffic compared to March 2021, up over the 146.5% gain registered in February 2022 versus February 2021. While China and Japan remain restrictive to foreign visitors, other countries are becoming more relaxed, including South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand. Capacity rose 70.7%, and the load factor was up 24.1 percentage points to 56.6%, the lowest among regions.
● Middle Eastern airlines’ traffic rose 245.8% in March compared to March 2021, an improvement compared to the 218.2% increase in February 2022 versus the same month in 2021. March capacity rose 96.6% versus the year-ago period, and load factor climbed 31.1 percentage points to 72.1%.
● North American carriers experienced a 227.8% traffic rise in March versus the 2021 period, slightly down on the 237.3% rise in February 2022 over February 2021. Capacity rose 91.9%, and load factor climbed 31.2 percentage points to 75.4%.
● Latin American airlines’ March traffic rose 239.9% compared to the same month in 2021, little changed from the 241.9% increase in February 2022 compared to February 2021. The region benefitted from the end of bankruptcy procedures for some of the main carriers. March capacity rose 173.2% and the load factor increased 15.8 percentage points to 80.3%, which was the highest load factor among the regions for the 18th consecutive month.
● African airlines had a 91.8% rise in March RPKs versus a year ago, improved compared to the 70.8% year-over-year increase recorded in February 2022 compared to the same month in 2021. Air travel demand is challenged by low vaccination rates on the continent as well as impacts from rising inflation. March 2022 capacity was up 49.9%, and load factor climbed 14.1 percentage points to 64.5%.


*Note: IATA returned to year-on-year traffic comparisons, instead of comparisons with the 2019 period, unless otherwise noted. Owing to the low traffic base in 2021, some markets will show very high year-on-year growth rates, even if the size of these markets is still significantly smaller than they were in 2019.

(Source: IATA)

Russians who can travel head east

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 9 May 2022: The latest air ticketing data from ForwardKeys reveals that Russian outbound tourism, already severely handicapped by pandemic travel restrictions, has fallen even further because of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.

But affluent travellers are still flying, just not to Europe.

Russian Outbound tickets fall

In the week before the outbreak of war (w/c 18 Feb), outbound international air tickets from Russia stood at 42% of pre-pandemic levels; but in the week immediately after the invasion (w/c 25 Feb), issued air tickets fell to just 19%. Since then, flight bookings have sunk deeper still and have been hovering at around 15%.

Due to war-related sanctions on civil aviation, Russians cannot book flights to many of their favourite destinations in the West; they are instead booking trips to Asia and the Middle East.

New alternative destinations for affluent Russians

An analysis of flight bookings by ForwardKeys made between 24 Feb, the start of the invasion, and 27 Apr, the latest data, reveals that the top five destinations for travel between May and August, in order of resilience, are Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and the UAE.

Bookings to Sri Lanka are currently 85% ahead of pre-pandemic levels, the Maldives 1% behind, Kyrgyzstan 11% behind, Turkey 36% behind and the UAE, 49% behind.

“Something to note, though, is that Sri Lanka’s position at the head of the list is not a true reflection of the island’s attractiveness as a destination. It’s more about safety. Rather, it is a consequence of terrorist bombings, which scared away visitors in 2019, the pre-pandemic benchmark year,” says ForwardKeys VP of Insights at Olivier Ponti.

A deeper analysis of the recently issued tickets to Turkey and the UAE suggests that a substantial proportion are affluent Russians going on holiday. Premium cabin travel is making a comeback. The number of seats sold in premium cabins has tripled compared to 2019.

Moreover, the average trip duration for premium travellers is now 12 nights in Turkey and seven nights in the UAE.

Changes to schedules and flight paths

Changes to flight schedules following Russian hostilities in Ukraine have been as follows:

  • 24 Feb: Air space in southern Russia was closed, and Aeroflot was banned from flying to the UK
  • 25 Feb: Russia banned British airlines from its airspace
  • 27 Feb: The EU closed its airspace to Russian planes
  • 1 Mar: The US banned Russian flights from entering its airspace
  • 5 Mar: Russian airlines (Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, Azur Air and Nordwind Airlines and others) suspended international flights
  • 25 Mar: Rosaviatsiya, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, extended a ban on flight operations at 11 airports in southern and central parts of Russia
  • 25 Mar: Vietnam Airlines suspended regular flights to Russia
  • 14 Apr: AirBaltic stopped flights to Russia – but will return to Ukraine ASAP
  • 22 Apr: EgyptAir resumed daily direct flights between Cairo and Moscow. Interesting to observe ahead of the popular Red Sea summer season.

“The war with Ukraine, and the consequent sanctions on flying, have effectively caused Russia’s outbound tourism market to dry up. Those people who are still flying comprise an elite, affluent niche who are forced to holiday in Asia and the Middle East rather than in Europe. Let’s see how this plays out over the summer season,” concludes Ponti.

(Souce: ForwardKeys)

Cebu Pacific deploys A320 to Legazpi

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 5 May 2022: Cebu Pacific has upgraded flights to Legazpi’s Bicol International Airport (BIA) on 1 May, replacing an ATR with a 180-seat A320 jet to boost seat capacity in time for the summer peak travel period.

CEB flight 5J 321 departed Manila 0340 and landed at Bicol International Airport at 0439 on 1 May. A water cannon salute welcomed the A320.

“Since the new airport opened in October last year, we have been operating our 78-seat ATR or turbo propeller-type aircraft,” said Cebu Pacific chief commercial officer Xander Lao. The addition of jet flights will enable CEB to serve more passengers with our Airbus fleet while continuously contributing to tourism and economic growth of the Bicol region.”

CEB currently flies five times daily on the Manila – Legazpi – Manila route. It also operates four flights weekly between Cebu and Legazpi, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Cebu Pacific’s domestic network in the Philippines covers 34 destinations, on top of its 14 international destinations with a 76-strong fleet, including two dedicated ATR freighters.

Emirates boarding pass unlocks Dubai deals

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE, 5  May 2022: Your Emirates boarding pass is more than a travel document or travel keepsake; it is also the key to the coolest deals in Dubai this summer.

For five months until 30 September, Emirates is unlocking more offers for all its customers arriving in or stopping over in Dubai with its My Emirates Summer Pass.

Emirates’ customers can show their boarding pass and a valid form of identification to hundreds of retail, leisure and dining outlets to enjoy fantastic discounts throughout Dubai. In addition, during May, those landing in Dubai can enjoy a complimentary Dubai Marina Cruise, which gives unrivalled panoramic views of one of the city’s most iconic skylines from the Arabian Gulf.

Pre-booking is not required for the single-entry complimentary ticket to Tour Dubai’s one hour Marina Sightseeing Cruise. The Emirates customer just has to show a valid boarding pass, either digital or paper, at the ticketing counter on the day of use and proof of identity. The cruise is available until 31 May between 1000 and 1600.

UAE residents and nationals returning home to Dubai on Emirates during the promotional period can also benefit from the fantastic offers under My Emirates Summer Pass. Visiting friends and family can also avail of offers at top designer brand outlets like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger or splash out at Bath & Body Works. Families can save and beat the summer heat at Atlantis Aquaventure or break a sweat on some of the adrenaline-pumping attractions at IMG World of Adventure.

Couples who appreciate a quiet afternoon at a spa can indulge themselves at the Sofitel Spa with L’Occitane or spot Arabian oryx at sunset while taking a private desert safari with Arabian Adventures.

A holiday to Dubai is not complete without a city sightseeing bus tour that is eligible for a discount or capturing the historic Dubai Creek on a cruise before saving up to 20 per cent on food and beverages at any Rove Hotels. Accor Hotels also offers 20% off food and drink when presenting the My Emirates Pass. 

Details of the offers can be found on www.emirates.com/myemiratespass.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Thai Vietjet adds flights to Singapore

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 May 2022: Singapore Changi International Airport rolled out the red carpet for Thai Vietjet’s inaugural flight (VZ620) on the Bangkok – Singapore route last week.

 “We are excited to welcome Thai Vietjet Air to the Changi family, joining its sister airline Vietjet Air. Passengers on the new services will benefit from the airline’s strong domestic network, with more travel options between Singapore and Thailand, via Bangkok and Phuket,” said, Changi Airport Group, managing director of air hub development, Lim Ching Kiat.

Changi and Thai Vietjet celebrate the new flight with a cake.

“Thailand was Changi Airport’s fifth-largest passenger market pre-Covid and has consistently been within our top 10 markets even during the pandemic. As of April 2022, we have seen a 36% recovery in seat capacity between the two countries, and we look forward to welcoming back more passengers at Changi Airport as travel in the region resumes”.

Commenting on the launch, Thai Vietjet chief executive officer Woranate Laprabang added: “ We are thrilled to connect Thailand and Singapore through direct flights that will provide more leisure and business accessibility and opportunities for travellers from both countries.”

Initially, the airline will operate three flights per week, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The airline plans to increase flights to five by June and daily within two to three months. Roundtrip fares start at THB4,337 in the lowest booking category, according to the airline’s website.

Meanwhile, the airline plans twice-weekly flights from Phuket to Singapore on Thursday and Sunday starting on 21 October.

Banyan Tree in Bali minus walls and doors

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE 5 May 2022: Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, is set to open in an off-the-beaten-track, natural part of northern Ubud on 14 June.

The brand extension symbolises the Banyan Tree’s commitment to creating immersive experiences combining deep nature and sustainable design that pioneers a “no walls, no doors” concept throughout the property and in its 16 villas.

The Open Kitchen and Living Room are at the resort’s heart, both open dining and lounge spaces created to evoke a sense of community. Here, guests are invited to learn how the resort reinvents food and drink basics through its zero-waste farm to table concept, local sourcing philosophy, and heritage techniques. The menu concept, 70% of which is plant-based, is sourced locally within a one-hour drive from the property.

This concept was developed by collaborating with Agency X, a local consultant group that houses the acclaimed restaurant Locavore, Nusantara Restaurant, and The Night Rooster Cocktail Bar, creatively enhancing a sense of place.

The Botanist Bar is centred around using local-grown natural ingredients and botanicals infused into its beverages. At the same time, Toja Spa celebrates the well-being traditions of Buahan village and its surrounding areas with a unique “open” garden experience – certified by the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Academy.

The property is located in a quiet enclave surrounded by rice paddies and jungle, next to the Ayung River and waterfall. The resort’s villas are designed to blend spacious indoor-outdoor living areas with 180-degree panoramic views.

Banyan Tree VP of Brand HQ, Ho Ren Yung commented: “We have owned this piece of land for over 20 years, and the conceptualisation of Banyan Tree Escape started almost five years ago. It is a true labour of love and a bold experience proposition we are excited to see become real.”

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