KUALA LUMPUR, 28 January 2022: Covid-19 and harsh border
restrictions continued to decimate international air passenger demand for the
region’s airlines throughout 2021, dashing hopes of recovery in air travel
markets, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines.
AAPA’s preliminary 2021 traffic results showed that the 16.7
million international passengers carried in the year 2021 represented just 4.4%
of the volumes recorded in pre-pandemic 2019, whilst offered seat capacity
averaged 13.8% of the levels registered in 2019.
For the full year, the international passenger load factor
was a paltry 32%, underscoring the ongoing challenging conditions faced by the
region’s airlines in the passenger sector.
On the other hand, international air cargo markets saw
encouraging growth over the course of the year. With major manufacturing hubs
located in the region, Asia Pacific airlines benefitted from buoyant export
demand for consumer and intermediate goods. In addition, supply chain
bottlenecks at container shipping ports boosted demand for shipments by air.
For the full year 2021, international air cargo demand as
measured in freight tonne-kilometres (FTK) registered a robust 20.1%
year-on-year increase, after posting a 15.4% annual decline in the year 2020
when the widening spread of the Covid-19 pandemic severely curbed economic
growth across the world.
Compared to the growth in demand, offered freight capacity
expanded at a markedly slower pace of 8.1% in 2021, as the drastically reduced
international passenger operations adversely affected belly-hold cargo
capacity, although this was partly mitigated by the deployment of cargo-only
passenger flights and increased freighter operations. As a result, the
international freight load factor climbed 7.4 percentage points to 74.3%, the
highest annual average on record.
Commenting on the results, AAPA Director-General Subhas
Menon said: “For a second year running, international passenger travel
remained severely suppressed, as a result of strict border measures imposed
throughout the region and elsewhere. It is the worst crisis the region’s
airlines have ever faced in terms of duration and depth.”
“As vaccination programmes got underway, some governments
began to ease travel restrictions in the latter part of the year, supporting
some improvement in the number of international passengers carried in December
to 7.6% of 2019 volumes. However, the emergence of the Omicron variant has put
the brakes on recovery.”
He added: “The air cargo business segment has been a
silver lining for the aviation industry, with strong demand helping to mitigate
the loss in passenger revenue partially. In FTK terms, international air cargo
demand for the year 2021 has recovered to just above pre-crisis levels.”
Menon concluded: “Overall, whilst 2021 will be remembered as one of the most challenging years for the region’s airlines, it has also demonstrated the industry’s extraordinary resilience as airlines continue to play a vital role in connecting people and transporting essential goods across the world. For meaningful recovery to take place, border restrictions would need to be eased on a consistent basis, and the current multi-layered travel requirements streamlined and simplified for travellers. Collaboration among aviation stakeholders and governments is key to the safe and sustained resumption of air travel.”
HANOI, 28 January 2022: Vietnam Airlines has resumed flights
to Europe this week before reintroducing flights to Russia on 29 January.
The airline resumed flights to Paris France, London UK and Frankfurt, Germany, starting 25 January after close to a two-year gap in air services, Vietnam News Agency reported.
Flights to the European cities from Hanoi will depart every Tuesday to London with a stop in Frankfurt. A second weekly flight will depart every Thursday from Hanoi to Paris also with a stop in Frankfurt.
According to VNA’s report, about 140,000 overseas Vietnamese
plan to travel home during the annual Tet. The holiday season typically runs
for almost a month, starting from the weekend on the eve of the official
holiday from 1 to 3 February.
Travel remains limited to Vietnamese citizens returning
home, foreigners invited on official business and officials working for foreign
diplomatic missions.
Vietnam Airlines confirmed it had resumed flights to 12 countries such as the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Taiwan (China), Australia, Russia, the UK, France and Germany.
SINGAPORE, 28 January 2022: Singapore Airlines’ latest
travel alert confirms the airline has moved the launch date of its VTL flights
from Perth to Singapore to 5 February 2022 instead of 1 March 2022,
Based on the latest guidance from authorities, all VTL flights from Perth that were scheduled between 5 February 2022 and 28 February 2022 will retain their VTL flight status.
The airline affirmed that customers with existing bookings
on these flights can continue with their travel plans.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced Vaccinated Travel
Lane (VTL) services to Singapore from the following countries: Australia,
Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Indonesia, India, Italy,
Malaysia, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland,
Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the US.
The SIA Group currently does not operate flights to Fiji,
Finland, Qatar, and Sweden, although they are listed under Singapore’s VTL
arrangements.
Currently, SIA Group operates VTL services from 34 cities in
its global network to Singapore. With the addition of Perth from 5 February
2022, this number will increase to 35 cities.
SIA Group suspended VTL Flights from Chiang Mai and Phuket in Thailand due to regulatory reasons.
BANGKOK, 27 January 2022: SiteMinder, a leading open hotel
commerce platform, unveiled Wednesday the lists of distribution channels that
over the past year brought the highest booking revenue to hotels in Asia and
more than 20 other of the world’s most popular tourism destinations.
In Asia, the top 12 hotel booking channels in 2021, based on
total gross revenue made for all users of SiteMinder’s platform, were:
1. Booking.com 2. Agoda 3. Hotel websites (direct bookings) 4. Expedia Group 5. Trip.com 6. Traveloka 7. Hotelbeds 8. ezTravel 9. Global distribution systems 10. Tiket.com 11. AsiaYo 12. Hotels Combined
Looking at the whole picture, the list for Asia indicates an online commerce strategy consisting of both new and established channels, resulting in a greater balance between direct and indirect revenue streams.
Direct bookings climbed one position to third in Asia. Globally, direct bookings now rank as one of the top two revenue drivers in more than half (12) of global markets – up from five markets last year and two in 2019 – driven by increased investments in booking engines, hotel websites, metasearch, frictionless payments, support from hotel consultants and specialist applications designed for conversion.
This year’s lists also feature 29 new distribution
channels—including ezTravel and AsiaYo in Asia—reflecting the current aptitude
among hotels to embrace new revenue streams in their pursuit of new customers.
Other major findings included:
● The maintained relevance of regional channels, particularly in locations with ongoing reduced international travel. Half of Asia’s Top 12 are Asian-headquartered businesses and, in Indonesia, Traveloka achieved a breakthrough performance to top the list of revenue-generating channels for local hotels after rising to second place in 2020.
● The ongoing importance of wholesalers for many accommodation providers, with leading bedbank Hotelbeds again among the Top 12 in Asia and each destination examined. Sunhotels by WebBeds was also a newcomer to SiteMinder’s Austrian and Thai lists.
● The consistent performance of global distribution systems, which rose two or more positions in Asia and six other markets – Thailand, Canada, Mexico, the Middle East, the Netherlands and the Philippines.
“We’re living in a new era of the hotel guests, dominated by
what we’ve identified as the ‘dynamic traveller’ who comes with evolved booking
behaviours and preferences. Our data highlights the willingness of hoteliers to
adopt both new and established methods to attract these customers, as they
pursue a more holistic hotel commerce strategy to sell, market, manage and grow
their business,” said SiteMinder’s senior director of global ecosystem, James
Bishop.
Click here to view the Top 12 lists of all travel destinations worldwide and insights into the 2022 traveller from top distribution channel providers.
PATTAYA, 27 January 2022: Royal Cliff Hotels Group has
announced the appointment of a new group general manager effective March 2022
and has opened applications for various mid-level manager posts at Pattaya’s
top resort and events venue.
In a post published on Linkedin earlier this week, the hotel
group confirmed Douglas Glen had been appointed as the group’s new general
manager.
Credit: Royal Cliff Hotels Group – Linkedin.
The announcement said he would join the hotel group this March 2022, when” we look forward to his contribution to taking Royal Cliff to the next level of hospitality.” He will replace the former general manager Prem Calais.
The group is preparing for a full opening in March following
the introduction of Pattaya as the latest sandbox scheme destination. It will
also benefit from the reintroduction of the Test & Go Thailand Pass that
allows travellers to fast-track entry with just two one-night stays over fives
days in a certified hotel while undergoing PCR testing.
The group’s HR Facebook page has posted job vacancies for
various mid-management posts and receptions leading up to the March
opening.
SINGAPORE, 27 January 2022: After being grounded for nearly two years, the opening of 24 Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) in the second half of 2021 was the light in the tunnel for travel-starved Singaporeans.
Travel behaviour was particularly evident during the
year-end holiday season, with YouTrip – Singapore’s leading multi-currency
wallet – registering a 400% year-on-year (YoY) increase in total overseas
spending among its local users in November and December 2021.
The company also revealed that total airline bookings in
both months spiked by 700% YoY. Similarly, hotel bookings in that period
increased by more than 500% YoY, while purchases on travel agencies and
attractions grew more than 1300% YoY during the holiday season.
Analysing Singaporeans’ year-end overseas spending, YouTrip
has uncovered three key insights.
Younger travellers spend more
Younger Singaporeans made up the majority of this first wave
of jet-setters, with one in two travellers aged between 20 and 35 years old.
This was followed by those in the 35 to 50 age range (30%), while those above
50 (20%) took a more cautious approach to flying.
Looking at their expenditure, the Gen Z and Millennials (20
to 35 years old) chalked up an average estimated SGD1,000 worth of in-store
spending in the countries they visited – a 50% increase from the average
spending in 2019 before the pandemic hit. This formed the biggest rise in
spending among the age groups, illustrating their willingness to loosen the
purse strings for a more desirable travel experience.
Expenditure did not include spending on air flights and
hotels.
Singaporeans above 50 years old emerged as the biggest
spenders, with each trip averaging SGD1,500 – a 20% increase on 2019 data.
Europe and US top destinations
Singaporeans flocked to Northern Europe, Western Europe and
North America as the top three regions. Singaporeans were also ready to go
further afield after staying home for so long, switching their preference for
Asian countries in 2019 to far-flung destinations in 2021.
Singaporeans splash out on luxury goods
‘Luxury shopping’ was a priority for most of their travel
agenda, which explains why high-end brands such as Chanel, Hermes and Prada
made up the bulk of locals’ overseas shopping spending. Interestingly, this was
a contrast to the spending behaviour in 2019 when users opted for more
affordable brands such as Uniqlo, Don Don Donki and Chemist Warehouse.
For dining, McDonald’s (#1) and Starbucks (#2) proved to be
the comfortable choice for Singaporeans when it comes to F&B options, while
some indulged in London’s Flat Iron (#3) steak. What stood out was also the
rise in UberEats (#4) – possibly indicative of some travellers taking the safer
option of dining in.
YouTrip Mastercard Flight Delay Pass
Despite the travel restrictions, YouTrip has also observed a
significant number of travellers continuing to fly for personal and business
needs. Singaporeans of the Mastercard Flight Delay Pass. With this Pass, each
YouTrip user and a travel companion will be able to access over 1,000 airport
lounges worldwide in the event their pre-registered flights are delayed for at
least two hours.
About YouTrip
YouTrip is a Southeast Asian neobank offering the region’s first and leading multi-currency wallet. As a regional financial technology startup, it is dedicated to creating the best mobile financial services by simplifying foreign currency payments and offering the best exchange rates. YouTrip was launched in Singapore in 2018 and subsequently in Thailand in partnership with Kasikornbank in 2019. To date, it has received over 1.5 million downloads and processed close to 20 million transactions.
SINGAPORE, 27 January 2022: Singapore’s international
visitor arrivals reached 330,000 and tourism receipts an estimated SGD1.9
billion in 2021.
While these numbers represent only a fraction of Singapore’s
tourism performance before the pandemic, there have been encouraging signs of
recovery in the tourism sector, with year-on-year growth in the last three
quarters of 2021.
The introduction of various travel arrangements, such as
Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs), has encouraged the gradual return of
international travellers. Domestic consumption has also been strong, as the
tourism sector pivoted to develop new and innovative experiences for locals.
Singapore Tourism Board chief executive Keith Tan said:
“While it will take time for tourism numbers to return to pre-pandemic
levels, we are encouraged by the resilience of our tourism businesses and their
commitment to preserving good jobs, transforming their businesses, and
investing in new products and experiences. These efforts will strengthen
Singapore’s appeal as we prepare to welcome more international visitors.
“We must anticipate setbacks and challenges even as the
tourism industry recovers slowly. But I am confident that the tourism industry
has learnt from its experiences and is poised to recapture demand when it
returns.”
2021 Tourism Performance
Singapore’s tourism sector recorded overall year-on-year
declines in IVA and TR, largely due to the effect of strong tourism performance
in the first two months of 2020. International visitor arrivals increased 221%
in the last three quarters of 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. TR for
the second and third quarters of 2021 is 92% higher than the same period in
2020.
Between January and December 2021, 330,000 international
visitors arrived in Singapore. China (88,000), India (54,000) and Indonesia
(33,000) were the top three visitor source markets in 2021.
Between January and September 202, tourism receipts reached
SGD1.2 billion. Visitors from China, Indonesia and India, contributed SGD432
million, SGD127 million and SGD58 million in tourism receipts (excluding
sightseeing, entertainment and gaming).
Stimulating Domestic Consumption
During this period, the tourism sector adapted to focus on
domestic tourism, supported by STB initiatives such as the SingapoRediscovers campaign
and the SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (SRV) scheme, which were both launched in
2020, as well as a range of new partnerships.
By the end of the SRV scheme on 31 December 2021, about 1.9
million Singaporeans had used their vouchers at least once, making about 2.6
million transactions. Close to SGD300 million in SRV transactions were
recorded, comprising close to SGD180 million in vouchers and about SGD120
million in out-of-pocket payments for SRV bookings.
Hotels Industry Performance
In 2021, several new hotels with unique lifestyle concepts
opened in Singapore, such as The Clan, Maxwell Reserve and Oasia Resort
Sentosa. These additions complement existing hotels that used this period to
refresh or rebrand their properties, such as Hilton Singapore (reopening as
voco Orchard Singapore in 2022) and Mandarin Orchard (reopening as Hilton
Singapore Orchard in 2022).
From January to December 2021, Singapore’s hotel industry
registered an Average Occupancy Rate (AOR) of 56.2% t. This is a slight decrease
of 1.1 percentage points compared to the previous year when AOR was reinforced
by strong tourism performance in the first two months of 2020. Average Room
Rate increased slightly by 2.7% to SGD158, while Revenue per Available Room
held steady at SGD89.
Cruise Industry Performance
The cruise industry rebounded strongly following the start
of “cruises-to-nowhere” in late 2020. Since then, Singapore’s cruise
industry has seen over 400,000 domestic passengers set sail on close to 300
cruise sailings.
With the implementation of STB’s CruiseSafe certification
programme and strong support from both Dream Cruises and Royal Caribbean
International, there have been no COVID-19 clusters on board the two cruise
ships to date.
Looking Ahead
STB will continue to ramp up efforts in our key source
markets and deepen engagements with our tourism partners to capture growth and
inspire travel to Singapore.
For example, STB will work with Singapore Airlines and the
Changi Airport Group on the “Welcome Back to Singapore” campaign to
instil travel confidence among international travellers. The campaign was
launched in Germany and India after VTLs were established with these two
markets. It will be progressively launched in more markets, including
Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Korea.
KATHMANDU, 27 January 2022: Himalaya Airlines, a
Nepal-China-Joint Venture, has become the first airline in Nepal to
successfully achieve ISO 9001-2015 QMS certification.
The airline received the certificate last month in
recognition of the organisation’s Quality Management System (QMS), which
complies with ISO 9001-2015.
The airlines earned the ISO certificate for “Providing Air
Transport for Traveling Passengers and Freight, including Aviation Related
Training Services”.
Himalaya Airlines president Zhou Enyong said: “It is a
proud moment for Himalaya to receive ISO 9001-2015 certification and a
noteworthy achievement of the team effort. It is a continuing process for the
company, and we shall continue to optimise the standardisation of work with due
compliance at all levels.”
SAMUI, Thailand, 27 January 2022: A new benchmark in destination dining launches recentlywith the opening of Centara Reserve Samui, the latest addition to Centara’s curated collection of refined, experiential hotels.
Situated at the tranquil end of Koh Samui’s idyllic
Chaweng Beach, this stylish tropical sanctuary caters to those seeking a
meaningful escape. In addition to luxury rooms, pool suites, and beachfront
pool villas, Centara Reserve Samui also offers six distinctive dining venues
and bars, each with its own unique style and ambience.
“From ultra-fresh,
sustainable seafood to the artisanal salts we make in-house, our emphasis is on
utilising all the extraordinary local produce Thailand has to offer, as well as
the highest quality imported ingredients,” said Christopher
John Patzold, Executive Chef.
A native of Australia, Chris’s own globe-spanning career includes time spent at
illustrious properties such as Amanyara Turks & Caicos, Four Seasons Resort
Koh Samui, Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali, and KU DE TA Bali. Now, he brings his
vast wealth of culinary knowledge and expertise to oversee the creation of some
truly out-of-the-ordinary dining experiences.
“I see the Centara Reserve
Samui as a whole new dining destination,” said Patrick Moukarzel, General Manager. “There is a unique concept for each venue,
and it will always be evolving, so no two visits will be the same. Whether our
guests wish to indulge in high-end contemporary cuisine at Act 5 or prefer
savouring creative elixirs at The Gin Run, there is definitely something for
everyone.”
ACT 5
Contemporary, high-end seasonal cuisine, served with
theatrical flair, takes centre stage at Act 5, Centara Reserve Samui’s
sophisticated yet unpretentious showpiece dining venue. Here, Executive Chef
Christopher John Patzold creates multilayered culinary masterpieces crafted
with precision and passion, using only top-quality local and imported products
as well as fresh herbs handpicked straight from the resort’s own organic
garden. Signature dishes include beef short ribs slow-cooked for 12 hours; foie
gras with balsamic and berry; truffle risotto served with a fiery paper
flourish; and ‘Crunch’, a complex and colourful dessert finale.
The captivating design and decor of this 116-seat
restaurant draws inspiration from traditional Thai musical instruments, complementing
the overall sense of theatrics. Ceilings and overhead fans give a welcoming
sense of space, while the green and white tiled floor, and the seats
upholstered in orange leather, provide bold accents of colour. Each dish is
carefully prepared by talented chefs who add a final touch with theatrical
flair. In addition to the restaurant’s main dining area, groups of friends and
families can also reserve the exclusive 12-seat Private Dining Room, which
boasts a sleek, built-in wine cellar containing over 100 wine and champagne
labels, and a dedicated sommelier on hand to suggest the best curated wine
parings.
Wednesday to Sunday Dinner: 6.00 pm – 10.30 pm
SA-NGA
The word Sa-Nga translates as “elegant” in Thai
translating into the look and feel this contemporary Thai tapas restaurant
exudes. With seating for 18 guests, this intimate, dinner-only venue takes the
concept of Spanish tapas and fuses it with age-old Thai recipes. This
juxtaposition of Eastern and Western cultures can also be seen in the imaginative
design and décor, where a wall mosaic of classic Thai Benjarong patterns blends
seamlessly with the fluid architectural shapes of Catalan modernism.
The impressive menu takes inspiration from
Thailand’s most iconic flavours, with the master chefs in the interactive, open
kitchen adding their own modern twists. These personalised, gourmet selections
are served up as light bites that are ideal for sharing. Menu highlights
include prawn salad with watermelon, pineapple, green apple, and cucumber; lamb
loin with burrata cheese, yellow curry spice, crispy yellow noodles, and
pickled cabbage; Wagyu beef salad with nam jim jeaw, cucumber, and spring
onion; mango sticky rice served with a custard mousse; and banana poached in
coconut milk with white chocolate.
Culinary connoisseurs with a passion for Thai
cuisine, whether local, expatriates or travellers, will appreciate the
imaginative approach that has turned these familiar restaurant staples into
delightfully unique small plate delicacies.
Friday to Tuesday Dinner: 6.00 pm – 10.30 pm
SALT SOCIETY
Salt Society Beach Bar & Kitchen is a design-led
blend of sea, socialising, and sophistication, tailor-made for sharing good
times with friends and loved ones. The stunning open plan layout offers beachfront
luxury dining for up to 118 persons, including four private dining rooms, or
‘cubes’, each with its own unique character – perfect for intimate gatherings
and events.
The colour palette embraces a seaside theme, with
shades of blue and sandy brown representing the waters and the beaches, and
hues of white and pale blue inspired by crystallised sea salt. Even the
movement of the waves is artistically represented, with over 1,750 bamboo rods
hanging from the low roof in an undulating Art Deco-style pattern. The tropical
alfresco vibes, inviting day beds, and curated playlists all combine to set the
mood and tempo for relaxing afternoons, fun-filled starry nights, special DJ
events, and what is sure to become the island’s most talked-about Sunday Brunch
– Vitamin Sea.
Signature menu items include burrata salad with
balsamic, pistachio, kalamata olives, and peppers; raw zucchini with confit
cherry tomatoes, grilled halloumi, and olive paste; tuna compote in a chilled
cucumber ginger soup; whole baked red snapper with house-made pickled cucumber
and chimichurri; and carbonara-filled tortellini with smoked parmesan gelato.
Each dish is served with a matching house flavoured salt including beetroot
salt, parsley salt, pink salt. To keep things lively, the drinks menu features
more than 50 concoctions created by the mixology served with or without
alcohol, many served in one-of-a-kind glassware inspired by aquatic animals.
Open daily Lunch and Dinner: 12.00 pm – 10.30 pm
THE GIN RUN
Featuring over 35 housemade gin-based concoctions,
The Gin Run is the place to go for a distinctive drink in a sophisticated
setting. This gorgeously designed lobby level lounge is where all the treasures
and best-kept secrets of gin are waiting to be discovered, including the
pleasures of Magic Reserve Gin, a clear spirit specially created by the bar’s
innovative mixology team.
Enjoy soothing tropical breezes, with views looking
out over the pool and the ocean, and choose from a list of intricately
handcrafted, botanical-infused gin cocktails with names like Gin Fizz Rose, and
the Carrotini – a mix of gin, triple sec, orange, and carrot. A wide selection
of other premium spirits is available as well, in addition to beer, fine wines,
champagnes, mocktails, and more. For light bites and nibbles, the menu offers
specialities like tempura soft shell crab and housemade Mexican chorizo, as
well as sweet treats from the dessert menu.
Open daily Elixirs and Nibbles: 12.00 pm – 11.00 pm
THE TERRACE
The relaxed, piazza-style ambience at The Terrace
perfectly encapsulates Samui’s laidback island feel. Here guests can treat
themselves to fresh homemade bread, yoghurt, and other organic items, as well
as a diverse all-day dining menu showcasing comfort food from around the world.
Menu highlights include beetroot salad with goat cheese, and raw baby kale;
truffle French onion soup; slow-cooked Wagyu beef cheek served with sticky jus,
sweet chilli, caramelised pineapple, and mashed potato; and a tiramisu dessert
made with espresso, vanilla vodka, and milk. As with every restaurant at the
resort there is also a kids’ menu available here, consisting of healthy,
freshly made-to-order dishes with no sugar or salt added.
The contemporary, colonial estate design style of
this 96-seat restaurant offers diners the choice of comfortable indoor seating
or breezy outdoor terrace seating overlooking the ocean waves. The playful
colour scheme incorporates the bright, welcoming hues of sunny orange and light
pandan green, with glazed tiles, rattan weaves, Thai silks, and earthenware and
terracotta pottery by local artist Doi Din Daeng adding accents to the
interior.
Open daily All day: 6.00 am – 6.00 pm
POOL BAR
The Pool Bar is adjacent to the main pool and
provides the perfect place to kick back, relax, and soak up the island vibes.
The sleek, contemporary design scheme and panoramic ocean views create an
atmosphere of undisturbed calm, whether you are basking in the sun’s rays or
enjoying a mellow moment after sunset when the space is illuminated by outdoor
lanterns.
The dining area can accommodate 24 persons seated,
but there are also 7 barstools in the pool for “swim-up” dining and
drinking. The menu offers a refined mix of delicious light bites, made with
fresh ingredients and handpicked herbs straight from the on-site organic
garden. Highlights include crêpe Croque Monsieur with gruyère and smoked ham;
snapper ceviche with raw papaya, cashew nut, avocado and cherry tomato; and
delicious ice cream desserts like the ‘coconut bowl’. Refreshing fruit shakes,
juices, and other beverages are also available, including jugs of Sangria and
cool mixtures served in blue-hued glassware. Guests at the swim-up bar are even
provided with their own floating ring should they wish to rest their cocktails
in the water.
Open daily All day: 10.00 am – 7.00 pm
PERSONALISED DINING EXPERIENCES
The Centara Reserve Samui’s “dine anywhere, anytime” philosophy offers valued guests a number of personally tailored, one-of-a-kind moments to indulge – ranging from family-friendly barbecues under a gazebo, to gourmet castaway beach picnics, to a glamping-style romantic candlelit dinner in the gardens.
Bespoke dining experiences also include interactive
meals at the Kitchen Table, where expert chefs prepare artfully plated
degustation menus. Watch as these talented culinary experts share their skills
and secrets, right in the heart of the resort’s main kitchen.
All these Special Dining Experiences are an integral
part of the resort’s unique ‘Reserve Gastronome’ concept, which celebrates the
sheer enjoyment of expertly prepared food and beverages. Guests can also enjoy
their in-room cocktail station stocked with destination-inspired recipes and
ingredients for intimate drinks in their suite or private cocktail reception on
the villa terrace. The resort also caters to different dietary requirements
with gluten-free and lactose-free menu options available in all dining venues.
BANGKOK, Thailand, 27 January 2022: Remote and hybrid work
have untethered many people from the need to be in an office every day, driving
the biggest change to travel since the advent of commercial flying Airbnb reports
in its recent market observations.
For the first time, millions of people can now live
anywhere, and the Airbnb’s platform’s data points to one out of every five
gross nights booked in Q3 2021 were for stays of 28 days or longer.
Airbnb CEO and Co-Founder Brian Chesky.
Nearly half of the nights booked in Q3 were for stays of at
least seven days, up from 44% n 2019.
In the 12 months through September, more than 100,000 guests
booked stays of 90 days or longer.
More than 300,000 people applied for 12 openings to live
anywhere on Airbnb for a year and are providing insights to help inform the
company’s product development and upgrades.
Airbnb CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky announced recently that he too will live on Airbnb. Starting this week in Atlanta, Chesky will stay in people’s homes in new towns or cities every few weeks and return to San Francisco in the same way that many remote workers are returning regularly to the cities where they work in order to collaborate with colleagues.
This Live Anywhere trend is like decentralization of living,
and it’s changing the identity of travel. Among the trends Airbnb expects to
see grow:
People will continue to spread out to thousands of towns and cities, and they will stay for weeks, months, or even longer.
Over 100,000 towns and cities around the world have had an Airbnb booking during the pandemic. long-term stays on Airbnb make up at least 50% of recent bookings.
More people will start living abroad, others will travel for the entire summer, and some will even give up their leases and become digital nomads.
People want to explore new countries: Before the pandemic, international arrivals exploded from 25 million in 1950 to more than 1.4 billion in 2019, according to UNWTO.
On Airbnb, long-term stay nights booked by families grew 75% from summer 2019 to summer 2021. The share of Airbnb long-term stay bookers who used their stays to lead a nomadic lifestyle grew from 2020 to 2021 — from 9% to 12%.
Cities and countries will compete to attract these remote
workers, leading to a redistribution of where people travel and live.
More countries are changing their visa and tax rules, and
more than three dozen countries currently offer some digital nomad visa
schemes.
