BANGKOK, 23 March 2022: Dusit International
targets Singaporean buyers for the landmark Dusit Central Park residency
projects that are under construction on the site of the former Dusit Thani in
downtown Bangkok.
In a media statement released Tuesday, the group said the 160-unit Dusit Residences and the 246-unit Dusit Parkside “would attract a premium group of investors,” claiming it has already exceeded sale targets in 2021 as “savvy investors snap up 40% of available residences”.
Photo Credit: Delivering Asia Communications. Central Park will occupy 3.7 hectares of real estate at the Silom and Rama IV road junction.
Dusit Residences will be located on the
upper 30th to 69th floors of the main tower, while the Dusit Parkside will be
located on the lower 9th to 29th floors.
Roadshows to sell residences to overseas
buyers start in Singapore in early April.
Scheduled to open in 2025, the real estate
project includes the two residences, a new
Dusit Thani Hotel with 259 rooms, Central Park lifestyle Centre and
Central Park Offices. The project covers
3.7 hectares at the intersection of Silom and Rama IV roads next to both
the MRT and Skytrain stations.
Developed through a joint venture
partnership involving two high profile public listed companies, Central Pattana
PCL and Dusit Thani PCL, the mammoth Dusit Central Park complex comes with a
hefty price tag of THB46 billion (SGD1.91 billion, USD1.42 billion).
SINGAPORE, 23 March 2022: Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading independent hospitality groups, launched a new wellbeing brand Banyan Tree Veya, earlier this week.
The flagshipBanyan Tree Veya Phuket is a wellbeing-centred resort that offers bespoke programmes emphasising what the brand calls ’embodiment therapies’, built on Banyan Tree’s proprietary eight pillars of wellbeing.
Veya means ‘to weave’ and provides the safe space to
integrate your own path to wellbeing. The Veya experience is led by certified
multidisciplinary wellbeing hosts around a 3-step protocol of Awareness,
Discovery, and Sustenance. Created in direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic,
Banyan Tree Veya aims to address a world with an urgent need for reconnecting
mind and body on a daily basis.
“With our hyper-stimulated modern life, our nervous
systems cannot truly relax and, therefore, rest; chronic stress erodes our
natural immunity and regenerative capacity. Our ethos #OwnYourPresence guides
our mission of inspiring individuals’ to travel inwards and become conscious of
how their daily actions, thoughts, and emotions interact with their physical
being,” says Ms Ho Ren Yung, Senior Vice President, Brand and Commercial
of Banyan Tree Group.
THE VEYA EXPERIENCE
The Veya journey begins with a private consultation with the
wellbeing hosts, who are certified and trained in eastern medicine, naturopathy
and coaching. After an assessment against the brand’s codified wellbeing
approach, a personalised itinerary is created aligned to each guest’s needs and
priorities, centred on embodiment therapies and somatic practices.
Mindfulness practices: Classes such as Ocean Breath and
Conscious Grounding raise sensory awareness through breathwork, sound therapy
and guided imagery meditation techniques in natural environments.
Somatic movement: Intuitive forms of dance, yoga and
classes such as balance and stability release chronic tension patterns and calm
the nervous system.
Weightless: A new range of signature therapies
unique to Veya – combining rehabilitative floatation with body stretch massage
techniques and meditational sound therapy into a restorative sensory
experience.
Lifestyle learning: Workshops introducing wellbeing
rituals into daily life, such as creative therapies, integrative nutrition, and
classes such as Positive Resilience help guests bring the retreat experience
home.
RESTFUL LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS
Designed for optimal rest, the villas feature organic cotton
bed linen, a choice of pillows, black-out curtains, nightly aromatherapy, sleep
light and music. Each villa comes fully equipped to enable wellbeing practices
in the privacy of the own room, with amenities including a wellbeing minibar,
yoga mats, sound therapy bowls, exercise stretch bands and more.
NOURISH WITH VEYA CUISINE
Veya showcases plant-forward cuisine that weaves together
Asian and Mediterranean influences in a creative, flexitarian approach that respects
ingredient provenance. Menu signatures include bowls broths and reinterpreted
iconic local dishes around a Fuel-Balance-Repair daily sequence. Resident
‘Nutrition Sommeliers’ assist guests in curating a tailored menu during their
stay to fulfil dietary needs and preferences.
THE WIDER EXPERIENCE
Banyan Tree Veya Phuket offers a lush enclave within Laguna
Phuket, a distinct and tranquil location within the Banyan Tree Phuket resort
and a few minutes’ walk from Bangtao Beach. Veya guests will enjoy exclusive
access to a Wellbeing Center featuring Thailand’s first-ever White Room for
sensory detox and meditative practice and a traditional herb farm-pharmacy
workshop opening soon. Flexible Veya credits allow further customisation of
guest wellbeing journeys with options to use for spa, private classes, dining
and retail products. A journey reflection consultation is offered before
departure, followed by personalised programs and lifestyle practices to
continue their wellbeing journey in their daily lives.
“The pandemic has brought unprecedented
stress and trauma to our generation, the full impact of which remains to be
fully assessed. However, many of us are reassessing our purpose and approach in
life. The Banyan Tree Veya team of resident wellbeing specialists and external
experts aim to guide, encourage and celebrate with our guests in discovering
this new conscious way of living,” says Wellbeing Senior Assistant Vice
President, Executive Director Lee Woon Hoe.
OPENING OFFER
For a limited time only, travellers can enjoy Banyan Tree
Veya Phuket’s opening offer for a three-night package at THB38,400 with
THB20,000 Veya exclusive credit per villa for two persons.
Veya Experience inclusions
Accommodation in a Veya Pool Villa well-designed for rest and restoration.
Private wellbeing assessment, mapping and consultation.
Bespoke wellbeing itinerary from curated group wellbeing activity calendar.
Daily rituals and mindful practices to centre the mind and body.
25% discount on private sessions, spa treatments, retail purchases and outlet dining.
End of stay experience reflection and consultation.
Personalised take-home guide to support home practice.
BANGKOK, 23 March 2022: Dusit International named Nichlas Maratos as vice president – commercial to drive sales and marketing efforts across Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.
Before joining the Dusit team, he worked for Shangri-La
Hotels and Resorts as the group’s executive vice president of sales.
“In line with our mission to sustainably grow and expand our
business, we are delighted to welcome Mr Maratos to our global team,” said Dusit International Chief Operating Officer,
Lim Boon Kwee.
DENPASAR, 23 March 2022: Billed as Indonesia’s biggest
travel trade show, the Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) will convene 13 to 18
June after a two-year absence.
The eighth edition of the annual show will be held at the
Bali International Convention Centre (BICC) in Nusa Dua, South Bali.
Visitors to BBTF-2022 in June will still need to follow health protocols regularly updated by airlines and government agencies. They will need to wear face masks within the exhibition hall and show proof of vaccination and physical distancing.
Details of the virtual or in-person components of the fair can be checked at https://www.bbtf.co.id/.
Fully vaccinated arrivals from Singapore to Thailand, both
Thai nationals and foreign travellers, may enter the country without quarantine
by presenting a negative Covid-19 test result, registering on the Thailand Pass
system (at least seven days prior to departure) and uploading required travel
documentation to tp.consular.go.th.
As of 1 April, Thailand will end the requirement to present
a negative PCR test result valid for not more than 72 hours before they board
flights to Thailand.
Timetable shows VTL flights from Samui to Singapore
JAKARTA, 23 March 2022: Indonesia has expanded its
visa-on-arrival list to 42 countries and is phasing in easier Covid-19 rules,
including quarantine-free stays in a process that will continue in April the
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said during a weekly
press briefing earlier this week.
The country started this week to lift all quarantine
requirements for overseas visitors, but foreign tourists still need to supply
negative PCR test results before entering the country.
“In the next few months, we will carry out this life normalization, and we need all support. If the upcoming Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan fasting month 1 to 30 April) and homecoming goes smoothly, then the process will continue, and we will further expand economic activities in the community,” Anantara news quoted the minister saying.
He confirmed the decision to broaden the no-quarantine
policy throughout Indonesia based on the success of pilot schemes in Bali,
Batam and Bintan. They will serve as
benchmarks to implement the same policy throughout Indonesia. Covid 19
infection rates are noticeably low in all three destinations.
However, he did warn that it would be necessary to face various new Covid-19 variants that continue to emerge during the transition process. “The preparations toward the post-pandemic transition are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2022,” he added.
Asian Trails in Indonesia updated the visa-on-arrival list
changes in an email alert on Tuesday.
The visa-on-arrival costs IDR500,000 (USD 35). The passport needs to be valid for at least six months, and travellers may have to show a return ticket or onward flight from Indonesia.
Covid-19 related documents, as mentioned in my previous
newsletter, are still required. Other nationalities not on the list must still
apply for a B211A-visa.
Passport holders from the following countries no longer need to apply for a previously prepared visa when visiting Bali for tourism purposes. (*Latest additions).
LONDON, 22 March 2022: The World Travel & Tourism
Council (WTTC) addressed EU Tourism Ministers confirming the tourism private
sector’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine at a closed high-level meeting
in Dijon last week.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson praised European
Ministers for their resolve and solidarity with the people of Ukraine. WTTC was
present to highlight the importance of the recovery of tourism for Europe,
creating employment for 24 million in the EU.
Julia Simpson.
During this landmark event, Simpson said: “WTTC and its
members stand with the people of Ukraine. First and foremost, this is a
humanitarian disaster and an economic one. We have all witnessed the shocking
scenes on our TV screens, and our hearts go out to the innocent victims.”
“After almost two years without international travel,
the loss of businesses and millions of jobs, we can finally see the light at
the end of the tunnel.
“If restrictions continue to be removed, the sector could
employ almost 24 million people across the EU and contribute some EUR1.3
trillion to the region’s economy this year.
“As Presidency of the Council of the European Union, France
is in a unique position to make a real difference. Europe’s recovery is at a
critical juncture. We need to keep the economy open and restore unrestricted
travel.”
Simpson also highlighted the importance of a sustainable
recovery and addressed the role EU ministers can play in reducing carbon
emissions by 25 million tons of carbon a year.
“Aviation is making great strides in sustainability,
but it needs urgent support. For 20 years, airlines have been promised a Single
European Sky allowing planes to fly on the shortest routes. Today planes
zig-zag across Europe burning extra fuel. The time for talking is over. If the
EU is to meet its sustainability targets, it must act.”
KUCHING, 22 March 2022: Miri, Kuching and Sibu were honoured
recently as clean tourist cities after receiving the ASEAN Clean Tourist City
Standard 2022-2024 Award at the national level from the Ministry of Tourism,
Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
The winners showed outstanding ASEAN Tourism Standard
compliance that guides destinations to provide high-quality and excellent
service delivery for tourists.
The Miri City Council (MCC), Kuching South City Council
(MBKS), Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) were
among the seven local authorities in Malaysia which won the national award.
STB’s chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh
Askor said, “This award is a testament to the efforts taken by the various
stakeholders in Sarawak to transform and improve our cities, not only to
enhance the quality of tourism but also to ensure we become more sustainable,
responsible and cleaner. We believe this recognition further instils confidence
in travellers in choosing Sarawak as their destination.”
“Research also shows that a rising number of travellers want
to tread lightly. The modern tourist wants to give back to the countries and
communities they visit and reduce their impact on the environment. Our goal is
to continue driving campaigns and initiatives that underlines the role of the
traveller in amplifying the potential of tourism while avoiding damage on the
environment, traditions, culture, heritage and local communities.”
“On that front, we remain committed to the Responsible Tourism
pledge that was taken in November 2021 by STB and industry players, which
focuses on 3Es – Environmental Protection, Empowering Communities through
Education, and Economic Viability and Impact.”
Sarawak is not only a state that is recognised for its natural
wonders and ethnic diversity, but also for its culinary treasures and its
cleanliness which provides an authentic Sarawakian experience to those visiting
the state, making it a preferred destination for travellers worldwide.
“For Sarawakians and non-Sarawakians residing in
Sarawak with work permits, this is the right time to discover our state, for
double the deal, double the fun via Sia Sitok Sarawak (SSS) 3.0 and Sia Sitok
Sarawak Accommodation (SSSA) 2.0. There are over 88 exciting packages for tours
and activities throughout Sarawak, which includes day trips and multi-day
trips. Currently, all the packages are selling well, so book your once in a
lifetime adventure before it’s sold out!”
The booking period for both the campaigns deals ends on 30
April 2022, while the travelling period expires 31 May 2022.
HONG KONG, 22 March 2022: Hong Kong International Airport handled 86,000 passengers in February a year-on-year increase of 80.2%, but passenger volume remained significantly lower than the pre-pandemic level recorded in 2019.
Cargo volume and flight movements recorded 272,000 tonnes
and 8,330, respectively in February, representing decreases of 12.2% and 1.9%
compared to the same month in 2021.
Cargo throughput declined due to flight reductions following
the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. Exports and trans-shipments
were affected most significantly, declining by double digits compared to the
same month last year. Overall cargo to and from North America experienced the
most significant decrease during the month.
Departure passengers to Mainland China and Southeast Asia
experienced the most significant increases during the month, while
transfer/transit passenger volume underperformed due to tightened restrictions.
On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger and cargo volume increased by 2.6% and 8.5% to 1.4 million and 5 million tonnes, respectively. Flight movements rose by 12.4% to 145,285.
Meanwhile, AAHK received the Gold Award in the “Best Innovation for Future Enterprise” category at the Star Awards 2021 organised by the Communications Association of Hong Kong (CAHK).
AAHK was awarded for its innovative approach in providing a
shared infrastructure at HKIA that supports a private-enterprise 5G network and
infrastructure for mobile operators to provide public 5G service.
TUARAN, Sabah, 22 March 2022: Running enthusiasts flocked to
the picturesque Kiulu countryside to participate in the much-anticipated
two-day Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon (BUTM) last week.
The first day of the marathon race saw 345 people competing
in two categories over distances of 100 and 50 km. On the second day, the 30 km
and 9 km races covered routes through Kiulu villages, along the river, and
through forested terrain trails.
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai greets international participants at the Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon in Kiulu.
State Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister
cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai flagged off races.
This year’s BUTM attracted 700 Malaysian and international
runners between the ages of 10 and 65, with young marathoners permitted to
compete in the 9 km category race.
One of the first-time participants was Holly Anderson from
the US, who came with two friends from England and Sweden. Residents of Kuala
Lumpur, took part in the 50 km challenge.
“We have joined a couple of races, but this is our first
time joining BUTM and taking part in a race in Sabah.
“I visited the state in December last year and found Sabah
to be an interesting destination. I’m glad to be back, and this time, I have
the opportunity to explore Kiulu through this race. It’s a lovely rural area,
and the atmosphere is quite peaceful,” she said.
The ultra-trail marathon event also drew a group of 11
running buddies from Penang. They also signed up for the 50 km race.
For Felix Tan, a first-time marathon runner, it was the
encouragement of his friends that spurred him on to sign up.
“We are not just here to join a race. I’ve heard about the beautiful
scenery of Kiulu, and being here, I get to experience the fresh air and nature
myself,” said the Penangite.
Meanwhile, Joniston stated that Sabah has the potential to
be a venue for international sporting race events based on previous organizations
that drew a large number of foreign participants.
Certain sporting events, he added, can be held in the
countryside to benefit rural communities and boost rural tourism.
“For instance, Kiulu is a destination of choice for
adventure seekers because it serves as a hub for eco-adventure activities.
“Kiulu had previously hosted a variety of adventure
challenges, including running, mountain biking, and traditional sports. With
that said, we will look into reviving the Kiulu 4M Challenge,” he said.
The 4M Challenge focuses on the traditional Kadazandusun
sporting games, namely ‘manangkus’ (running), ‘mamangkar’ (bamboo rafting),
‘manampatau’ (swimming with the aid of bamboo pole), and ‘mamarampanau‘
(walking on bamboo stilt).
In the past, the event had attracted locals and foreign
tourists into Kiulu. It was last held 10 years ago.
Joniston said promoting traditional sporting games is one
way to encourage people to visit rural destinations, allowing them to
experience activities of the indigenous people and learn their culture up
close.
With the reopening of the international border soon and the revival of tourism activities, he added Sabah needs to offer unique products and events that pique the interest of foreign tourists.
